Differences in intracranial atherosclerosis plaque between posterior circulation and anterior circulation on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The clinical characteristics and mechanisms of stroke caused by anterior circulation atherosclerotic plaques (ACAPs) and posterior circulation atherosclerotic plaques (PCAPs) are distinct. We aimed to compare the differences in vulnerability, morphology, and distribution between ACAPs and PCAPs based on hign-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang database were retrieved from inception through May 2023. Meta-analysis was performed by R 4.2.1 software. The quality of the literature was assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the heterogeneity of the pooled results.

RESULTS

There were a total of 13 articles, including 1194 ACAPs and 1037 PCAPs. The pooled estimates demonstrated that the incidence of intraplaque hemorrhage in the PCAPs was higher (OR 1.72, 95%CI 1.35-2.18). The plaque length (SMD 0.23, 95%CI 0.06-0.39) and remodeling index (SMD 0.29, 95%CI 0.14-0.44) of PCAPs were larger than those in ACAPs. However, there were no evident differences in significant enhancement or stenosis degree between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

There were more unstable features in PCAPs, highlighting an elevated risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in the posterior circulation. Furthermore, PCAPs were prone to developing penetrating artery disease due to their wider distribution. Nevertheless, posterior circulation arteries exhibited a greater propensity for outward remodeling, which may lead treatment team to miss the optimal intervention stage by being overlooked on angiographic detection.

The alanyl-tRNA synthetase AARS1 moonlights as a lactyl-transferase to promote YAP signaling in gastric cancer

Lactylation has been recently identified as a new type of posttranslational modification widely occurring on lysine residues of both histone and non-histone proteins. The acetyl transferase p300 is thought to mediate protein lactylation, yet the cellular concentration of the proposed lactyl-donor, lactyl-coenzyme A is about 1,000 times lower than that of acetyl-CoA, raising the question whether p300 is a genuine lactyl-transferase. Here, we report the Alanyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (AARS1) moonlights as a bona fide lactyl-transferase that directly uses lactate and ATP to catalyze protein lactylation. Among the candidate substrates, we focused on the Hippo pathway that has a well-established role in tumorigenesis. Specifically, AARS1 was found to sense intracellular lactate and translocate into the nucleus to lactylate and activate YAP-TEAD complex; and AARS1 itself was identified as a Hippo target gene that forms a positive feedback loop with YAP-TEAD to promote gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation. Consistently, the expression of AARS1 was found to be upregulated in GC, and elevated AARS1 expression was found to be associated with poor prognosis for GC patients. Collectively, this work discovered AARS1 with lactyl-transferase activity in vitro and in vivo and revealed how the metabolite lactate is translated into a signal of cell proliferation.

Characterization of parotid gland tumors using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging: a preliminary study

AIM

To assess the performance of diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) in the characterization of parotid gland tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five pleomorphic adenomas (PA) patients, 9 Warthin's tumors (WT) patients and 7 malignant tumors (MT) patients were prospectively recruited. DR-CSI (7 b-values combined with 5 TEs, totally 35 diffusion-weighted images) was scanned for pre-treatment assessment. Diffusion (D)-T2 signal spectrum summating all voxels were built for each patient, characterized by D-axis with range 0∼5 × 10-3 mm2/s, and T2-axis with range 0∼300ms. With boundaries of 0.5 and 2.5 × 10-3 mm2/s for D, all spectra were divided into three compartments labeled A (low D), B (mediate D) and C (high D). Volume fractions acquired from each compartment (VA, VB, VC) were compared among PA, WT and MT. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis and area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Each subtype of parotid tumors had their specific D-T2 spectrum. PA showed significantly lower VA (8.85 ± 4.77% vs 20.68 ± 10.85%), higher VB (63.40 ± 8.18% vs 43.05 ± 7.16%), and lower VC (27.75 ± 8.51% vs 36.27 ± 11.09) than WT (all p<0.05). VB showed optimal diagnostic performance (AUC 0.969, sensitivity 92.00%, specificity 100.00%). MT showed significantly higher VA (21.23 ± 12.36%), lower VB (37.09 ± 6.43%), and higher VC (41.68 ± 13.72%) than PA (all p<0.05). Similarly, VB showed optimal diagnostic performance (AUC 0.994, sensitivity 96.00%, specificity 100.00%). No significant difference of VA, VB and VC was found between WT and MT.

CONCLUSIONS

DR-CSI might be a promising and non-invasive way for characterizing parotid gland tumors.

Association between Oxidative Balance Score and Severe Headache or Migraine among American Adults A Cross-Section Study

BACKGROUND

Migraine is implicated in oxidative stress. The oxidative balance score (OBS) assesses the combined impact of diet and lifestyle on oxidative and antioxidant balance in diseases. However, the association between OBS and migraine remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the relationship between OBS and severe headaches or migraines among American adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004, defining severe headaches or migraine via self-reports and calculating OBS from 16 diaries and 4 lifestyle factors. Multivariable weighted logistic regression models were used to explore the OBS-migraine relationship, with stratified analysis for result validation.

RESULTS

The study included 6,653 participants (average age 45.6, 52.1% male), and 19.1% reported severe headaches or migraines. There was a significant inverse association between OBS and severe headache or migraine, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.97 (95% [confidence interval] CI: 0.96, 0.98, p < 0.001). The highest OBS tertile had an adjusted OR of 0.58 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.73) compared to the lowest. This pattern was consistent across sexes, with an adjusted OR of 0.98 (0.95, 1.00) in males and 0.97 (0.95, 1.00) in females. The adjusted OR for migraine was 0.61 (0.44, 0.87) and 0.54 (0.37, 0.79) in the highest tertile for males and females, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights a significant association between OBS and severe headaches or migraines, suggesting the potential role of oxidative stress in these conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle in managing severe headaches or migraine.

KAN0438757, a novel PFKFB3 inhibitor, prevent the progression of severe acute pancreatitis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in infiltrated macrophage

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a non-infectious pancreatic enzyme-induced disorder, a life-threatening inflammatory condition that can cause multi-organ dysfunction, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Several therapies have been employed to target this disorder; however, few happen to be effectively employable even in the early phase. PFKFB3(6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase-3) is a critical regulator of glycolysis and is upregulated under inflammatory, mitogenic, and hypoxia conditions. Essential information on the targeting of the inflammatory pathway will present the termination of the disorder and recovery. Herein we investigated the protective function of KAN0438757, a potent inhibitor of PFKFB3, and its mechanism of impeding AP induced in mice. KAN0438757 was confirmed to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 inflammatory signaling pathways in response to caerulein induced acute pancreatitis (CAE-AP) and fatty acid ethyl ester induced severe acute pancreatitis (FAEE-SAP). Additionally, KAN0438757 alleviated the inflammatory process in infiltrated macrophage via the Nrf2/HO-1 inflammatory signaling pathway and demonstrated a significant effect on the growth of mice with induced AP. And more importantly, KAN0438757 displayed negligible toxicity in vivo. Taken together our data suggest KAN0438757 directly suppresses the inflammatory role of PFKFB3 and induces a protective role via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which could prove as an excellent therapeutic platform for SAP amelioration.

Targeted therapy for multiple gene mutations in multiple metastases of advanced gastric cancer: a case report

In China, gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death, after lung cancer. At present, the morbidity and mortality rates of gastric cancer are increasing, and targeted therapy for gastric cancer has become a research hotspot. Herein, we report a patient with multiple metastases from advanced gastric cancer. After identifying MET gene amplification, initial treatment induced regression of the tumor. However, in later stages, due to the overexpression or mutation of HER-2, KRAS, TP53, and other genes, the targeted drug therapy became ineffective, and the disease progressed rapidly, leading to the death of the patient.

Preparation and in vivo evaluation of an intravenous emulsion loaded with an aprepitant-phospholipid complex

In present, there was no detailed report on the formulation optimization and quality evaluation of aprepitant (APT) injectable lipid emulsion (APT-IE). The aim of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate its properties of APT-IE loaded with an APT phospholipid complex (APT-PC) in vitro and in vivo. APT-PC was obtained by solvent evaporation with APT and phospholipids, then analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Lipid emulsions are a new formulation that can reduce side effects and improve drug loading.APT-IE prepared by High-pressure homogenization and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The proportion of sodium oleate, poloxamer 188 and soybean oil were selected as variables for the optimization. The optimal formulation of ATP-IE had the following characteristics: particle size, 82.83 ± 1.89 nm; polydispersity index, 0.243 ± 0.008; zeta potential, -59.0 ± 2.54 mV; encapsulation efficiency, 98.84%±1.43%; drug loading, 7.08 ± 0.16 mg/mL; and osmotic pressure, 301 ± 2.15 mOsmol/kg. Transmission electron microscopy images indicated that the particle diameter of APT-IE was approximately 100 nm, with a morphology of spheroidal or spherical. APT-IE exhibited sufficient stability after storage at 4 ± 2 °C for more than 6 months. The results of the pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that APT-IE had the advantages of better safety, higher bioavailability, and obvious liver targeting than APT solution (APT-SL). The area under the curve (AUC) of APT-IE was 3-fold enhanced compared with APT-SL. The targeted enhancement multiple of APT-IE to liver tissue was greater than that of APT-SL. These results suggested that APT-IE has broad clinical application and industrial production potential.

High total bilirubin-to-uric acid ratio predicts poor sleep quality after acute ischemic stroke: a prospective nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders are prevalent after stroke, resulting in high recurrence rates and mortality. But the biomarkers of sleep disorders in stroke patients remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the relationship between total bilirubin-to-uric acid ratio (TUR) and sleep quality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

Three hundred twenty-six AIS patients were recruited and followed up 1 month after stroke in our study. Serum total bilirubin and uric acid levels were obtained within 24 h after admission. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality 1 month after stroke. We conducted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and screened the optimal biomarker to differentiate sleep disorders after stroke. Then the TUR was stratified according to the best cut-off value (0.036) of the ROC and further analysed by binary logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the interaction was used to explore the difference in its effect on post-stroke sleep quality in different subgroups.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-one patients (40.2%) were considered as having poor sleep quality during the one-month follow-up. Compared to patients with good sleep, patients with poor sleep were more likely to have higher TUR (IQR), 0.05 (0.03-0.06) versus 0.03 (0.02-0.04), P < 0.001. After adjusting for confounding factors, binary regression analysis demonstrated that a high TUR (≥0.036) was independently related to post-stroke poor sleep quality (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 2.02-6.96, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

High TUR is associated with an increased risk of poor sleep quality in AIS patients, especially in females, diabetics, and patients with hyperlipidaemia.

Incidence and risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing each year and has become one of the most prominent health concerns worldwide. Patients with T2DM are prone to infectious diseases, and urinary tract infections are also widespread. Despite a comprehensive understanding of urinary tract infection (UTI), there is a lack of research regarding primary prevention strategies for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB).

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the incidence and risk factors of asymptomatic urinary tract infection in patients with T2DM by meta-analysis to provide evidence for preventing UTI. Help patients, their families, and caregivers to identify the risk factors of patients in time and intervene to reduce the incidence of ASB in patients with T2DM. Fill in the gaps in existing research.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analyses were conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines.

METHODS

Eleven databases were systematically searched for articles about ASB in T2DM, and the retrieval time was selected from the establishment of the database to February 5, 2023. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and meta-analysis were independently performed by two researchers according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0.

RESULTS

Fourteen articles were included, including cohort and case-control studies. A meta-analysis of 4044 patients with T2DM was included. The incidence of ASB in patients with T2DM was 23.7%(95% CI (0.183, 0.291); P < 0.001). After controlling for confounding variables, the following risk factors were associated with ASB in patients with T2DM: age (WMD = 3.18, 95% CI (1.91, 4.45), I2 = 75.5%, P < 0.001), female sex (OR = 1.07, 95% CI(1.02, 1.12), I2 = 79.3%, P = 0.002), duration of type 2 diabetes (WMD = 2.54, 95% CI (1.53, 5.43), I2 = 80.7%, P < 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = 0.63, 95% CI (0.43, 0.84), I2 = 62.6,%. P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.24, 2.04), I2 = 0%, <0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.66, 95% CI (1.27, 2.18), I2 = 0%, P < 0.001), Neuropathy (OR = 1.81, 95% CI (1.38, 2.37), I2 = 0%, P < 0.001), proteinuria (OR = 3.00, 95% CI (1.82, 4.95), I2 = 62.7%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The overall prevalence of ASB in T2DM is 23.7%. Age, female sex, course of T2DM, HbA1C, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, neuropathy, and proteinuria were identified as related risk factors for ASB in T2DM. These findings can provide a robust theoretical basis for preventing and managing ASB in T2DM.

Growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables of small-sized meat ducks with different feed efficiency phenotypes

The study investigated the effects of feed efficiency (residual feed intake, RFI and residual intake and gain, RIG) on the production performance of small-sized meat ducks. Ninety ducks with intermediate and extreme (high and low) RFI values were selected from 1,083 male ducks of similar body weight, and the 3 groups were then redivided according to RIG. For both efficiency measures, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of efficient ducks were significantly lower than those of inefficient ducks (P < 0.05), while the residual body weight gain (RG) was significantly higher in efficient ducks (P < 0.05). Inefficient-RFI animals showed greater skin fat yield (P < 0.05), but no other differences in carcass traits were observed (P > 0.05). RIG had positive effects on the pH1 value of the breast muscle (P < 0.05), but feed efficiency did not affect the other meat quality traits (P > 0.05). With regard to blood biochemical parameters, efficient ducks had significantly lower triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated that RFI was positively correlated with average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), while RIG exhibited a strong negative correlation with both (P < 0.05). The average daily body weight gain was positively correlated with RIG (P < 0.05). RIG had a positive effect on the pH1 value of the breast muscle (P < 0.05). Furthermore, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels correlated with both efficiency classifications (P < 0.05). Overall, the efficiency measures did not affect the carcass and meat quality of small-sized meat ducks but could identify ducks with lower feed consumption and fast growth.

Morphine poisoning in a patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: A case report

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Therefore, analgesia serves an indispensable role in the treatment of this condition. Morphine is a representative opioid, which is widely used in clinical practice; however, excessive or unreasonable application can cause poisoning. Few cases of morphine poisoning have been reported, and cases of morphine poisoning in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are even more rare. Here, we present a case of morphine poisoning in a patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The patient had a high abdominal tumor load, hepatorenal insufficiency, and was treated with a combination of morphine and the sedative benzodiazepine, eventually leading to morphine poisoning. Therefore, for cancer pain, omni-directional and whole-process management should be emphasized. In patients with hepatorenal insufficiency, those treated with morphine combined with benzodiazepines, or those with a high abdominal tumor load, attention should be paid to drug absorption, excretion and interaction, and the drug dose during administration should be reduced to avoid drug poisoning. If poisoning symptoms occur, timely measures should be taken to reduce poison absorption and increase poison excretion, and antagonists should be used to reverse the poisoning and reduce the damage caused.

Metagenomic insights into the relationship between gut microbiota and residual feed intake of small-sized meat ducks

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the regulatory effects of gut microbiota on the feed efficiency (FE) of small-sized meat ducks by evaluating correlations between gut microbiota and residual feed intake (RFI).

Methods

A total of 500 21-day-old healthy male ducks with similar initial body weights (645 ± 15.0 g) were raised contemporaneously in the same experimental facility until slaughter at 56 days of age. In total, nine low-RFI (LR) and nine high-RFI (HR) birds were selected for further gut microbiota composition and functional analyses based on the production performance, and the RFI was calculated from 22 to 56 days of age.

Results

Growth performance results indicated a significantly lower RFI, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, and average daily feed intake in the LR ducks (P < 0.05). Taxonomy results of gut microbiota showed the identification of 19 kinds of phyla and more than 250 kinds of genera in all samples. No significant discrepancies in cecal bacterial α-diversity were discovered between the LR and HR groups, which indicated that the microbial modulatory effects on RFI may be attributed to the bacterial composition, rather than the species diversity. Differential analysis of bacterial communities between the LR and HR groups showed a significant increment of Firmicutes and a significant decline of Bacteroidetes in the LR group (P < 0.05). Specifically, genera of Erysipelatoclostridium, Parasutterella, Fournierella, and Lactococcus significantly proliferated, while Bacteroides significantly decreased in the LR group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the RFI was significantly correlated with carbohydrate metabolism-related bacteria including Bacteroides, Alistipes, Bifidobacterium, Ruminiclostridium_9, Sellimonas, Oscillibacter, Escherichia-Shigella, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the communities related to carbohydrate metabolism had positive regulatory effects on the FE of small-sized meat ducks, promoting it by improving the relative abundance and utilization of these communities. The present study provides valuable insight into the dynamics of gut microbiota underlying the variations in the FE of small-sized meat ducks.

Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on the rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure: A meta-analysis

Background

With the development of rehabilitation medicine, exercise therapy has gradually become one of the methods to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. It is widely used in clinic because it can further reduce the mortality rate, improve clinical symptoms, restore the activity ability of the body, improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the hospitalization rate. Traditional Chinese exercises have developed rapidly in recent years, which mainly include Baduanjin, Tai Ji, etc. However, meta-analyses of all types of exercises are not well characterized.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) on the rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) using a meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TCEs for patients with CHF in 13 databases (PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, etc.). Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3) after two investigators independently screened the studies, assessed the quality of the studies, and extracted the data.

Results

Meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials which involved 1,665 patients with chronic heart failure showed that practicing TCEs was effective in improving patients' physiological outcomes such as VO₂max [MD = 2.14, 95% CI (1.02, 3.26), P < 0.001], AT [MD = 1.61, 95% CI (1.06, 2.16), P < 0.001], and left ventricular ejection fraction [MD = 2.60, 95% CI (1.17, 4.02), P < 0.001]. Non-physiological outcomes benefited from the application of TCEs: 6-min walking distance [MD = 38.55, 95% CI (36.67, 40.42), P < 0.001], quality of life [MD = 5.52, 95% CI (3.17, 7.88), P < 0.001], and single-item TCM symptom scores in CHF patients: tiredness and fatigue [MD = 0.78, 95% CI (0.03, 1.53), P = 0.04], shortness of breath [MD = 0.44,95% CI (0.26, 0.62), P < 0.0001], facial puffiness and limb swelling [MD = 0.44,95% CI (0.12, 0.76), P = 0.007], palpitations [MD = 0.68,95% CI (0.14, 1.21), P = 0.01] were improved.

Conclusions

TCEs improved several recovery indicators, heart failure-related clinical symptoms, quality of life, and physiological indicators in patients with CHF. It is worthwhile to expand the participants for practical application in clinical practice, but the existing evidence is insufficient and the heterogeneity of outcome is large. Therefore, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to support these results.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42022383246].

Circ-Vps41 positively modulates Syp and its overexpression improves memory ability in aging mice

INTRODUCTION

Age is an established risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders. Aging-related cognitive decline is a common cause of memory impairment in aging individuals, in which hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory formation are damaged. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported in many cognitive disorders, but their role in aging-related memory impairment is unclear.Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of circ-Vps41 on aging-related hippocampus-dependent memory impairment and explore the potential mechanisms. Here, D-galactose was used to produce a conventional aging model resulting in memory dysfunction.

RESULTS

Circ-Vps41 was significantly downregulated in D-galactose-induced aging in vitro and in vivo. The overexpression of circ-Vps41 could upregulate synaptophysin (Syp), thereby promoting the synaptic plasticity and alleviating cognitive impairment in aging mice. Mechanistically, we found that circ-Vps41 upregulated Syp expression by physically binding to miR-24-3p. Moreover, the miR-24-3p mimics reversed the circ-Vps41 overexpression-induced increase in Syp expression.

DISCUSSION

Overexpression of circ-Vps41 alleviated the synaptic plasticity and memory dysfunction via the miR-24-3p/Syp axis. These findings revealed circ-Vps41 regulatory network and provided new insights into its potential mechanisms for improving aging-related learning and memory impairment.

Clinical course and management of insidious adrenal crisis manifested initially as hyperpyrexia secondary to pembrolizumab: Case reports and literature review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are novel drugs with a dramatic survival benefit in patients with advanced malignancies. With the widespread use, several immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have emerged, which may be life-threatening. Herein we report two patients with adrenal crisis who received anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) (pembrolizumab) therapy. Several reports of secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by pembrolizumab exist, including during treatment or late onset. Severe adrenal insufficiency according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) has rarely been described in the literature, since it initially manifests as high-grade fever. The two male patients developed adrenal crisis that was first characterized by hyperpyrexia accompanied by abdominal symptoms. These initial manifestations confused the clinicians who misdiagnosed them as infection. Timely identification, hydrocortisone pulse therapy, and fluid resuscitation improved the patients’ condition. Compliance with the standardized treatment approach and course can prevent or relieve the crisis as soon as possible. Assessment of relevant laboratory test results and patient education, including when to use stress-dose hydrocortisone and guidance on route of administration, can reduce the incidence of adrenal crisis. We report these two cases and have evaluated the literature on previously reported cases to improve our understanding of this condition and offer a more scientific approach to diagnosis and treatment options.

Effect of radiation processing on phenolic antioxidants in cereal and legume seeds: A review

Phenolic compounds in cereal and legume seeds show numerous benefits to human health mainly because of their good antioxidant capacity. However, long-term storage and some improper preservation may reduce their antioxidant potential. It is necessary to retain or modify the phenolic antioxidants with improved technology before consumption. Radiation processing is usually applied as a physical method to extend the shelf life and retain the quality of plant produce. However, the effect of radiation processing on phenolic antioxidants in cereal and legume seeds is still not well understood. This review summarizes recent research on the effect of radiation, including ionizing and nonionizing radiation on the content and profile of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities in cereal and legume seeds, the influencing factors and possible mechanisms are also discussed. The article will improve the understanding of radiation effect on phenolic antioxidants, and promote the radiation modification of natural phenolic compounds in cereal and legume seeds and other sources.

Differential Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mechanical Thrombectomy and Bridging Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a dramatic impact on acute stroke care. Its effects may accompany stroke care for a long time. We compared the treatment, short-term and long-term functional outcomes of patients with AIS from 2019 to 2020. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 epidemic on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients in our hospital.

Methods

We collected information on subjects treated with MT in 2019–2020, including age, sex, time from the onset to arterial sheath insertion, time from the onset to recanalization, the rate of lung infection and hemorrhagic transformation, modified Rankin scale (mRS), NHISS, and ASPECTS.

Results

The number of patients with MT decreased significantly by 26.6% in 2020 (p = 0.025). The pretreatment ASPECTS score for 2020 was significantly higher than 2019 (p = 0.004). Besides, the patients were more likely to develop lung infection (65 vs. 54.1%, p = 0.042) and had a higher risk of hemorrhagic transformation (47.4% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.005) in 2019. The discharged mRS reflected the worse short-term functional prognosis of patients with MT in 2019 (66 vs. 44.9%, p = 0.046). In the subgroup analysis of bridging thrombolysis (BT), more patients with BT are expected to have a poor short-term functional prognosis in 2020, according to the discharged mRS (62.5 vs. 37.5%, p = 0.024). However, there was no difference in mRS at 180 days between the two groups (p = 0.094).

Conclusion

For patients with MT, both short- and long-term functional outcomes were not significantly affected due to the mild condition of patients admitted to hospital in 2020. For patients with BT, the COVID-19 pandemic has prolonged the green channel time of stroke, leading to a poor short-term functional prognosis of patients with stroke in the pandemic period. There was no difference in the effectiveness of direct MT and BT during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nrf2 improves hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning and memory through the circ-Vps41/miR-26a-5p/CaMKIV regulatory network

Antioxidant response transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2/Nfe2l2) is a neuroprotective agent in learning and memory impairment. This study provides a new perspective to explore the regulatory mechanisms of Nrf2. Here, we found that Nrf2 regulated circular RNA circ-Vps41 to increase hippocampal synaptic plasticity; Nrf2 bound the Vps41 promoter to activate transcription of the Vps41 gene and promote expression of circ-Vps41; circ-Vps41 positively correlated with Nrf2, synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory but negatively correlated with reactive oxygen species; and Nrf2 promoted CaMKIV expression by increasing levels of circ-Vps41, which can absorb miR-26a-5p that targets CaMKIV. Our findings revealed a new circRNA-based regulatory network regulated by Nrf2 and provided novel insights into the potential mechanism involved in the improvement of learning and memory impairment.

High Fibrinogen to Albumin Ratio: A Novel Marker for Risk of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia?

Background: Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is associated with poor prognosis after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the parameters of coagulation function and evaluate the association between the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and SAP in patients with AIS.

Patients and methods: A total of 932 consecutive patients with AIS were included. Coagulation parameters were measured at admission. All patients were classified into two groups according to the optimal cutoff FAR point at which the sum of the specificity and sensitivity was highest. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance potential confounding factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of SAP.

Results: A total of 100 (10.7%) patients were diagnosed with SAP. The data showed that fibrinogen, FAR, and D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were higher in patients with SAP, while albumin was much lower. Patients with SAP showed a significantly increased FAR when compared with non-SAP (P < 0.001). Patients were assigned to groups of high FAR (≥0.0977) and low FAR (<0.0977) based on the optimal cut-off value. Propensity score matching analysis further confirmed the association between FAR and SAP. After adjusting for confounding and risk factors, multivariate regression analysis showed that the high FAR (≥0.0977) was an independent variable predicting the occurrence of SAP (odds ratio =2.830, 95% CI = 1.654–4.840, P < 0.001). In addition, the FAR was higher in the severe pneumonia group when it was assessed by pneumonia severity index (P = 0.008).

Conclusions: High FAR is an independent potential risk factor of SAP, which can help clinicians identify high-risk patients with SAP after AIS.

Xiaoyao powder improves endometrial receptivity via VEGFR-2-mediated angiogenesis through the activation of the JNK and P38 signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaoyao powder (XYP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula which has wide scope of indications related to liver stagnation, reconcile qi and blood in TCM syndrome. Infertility can induce similar symptoms and signs to the clinical features of liver stagnation syndrome, the treatment of infertility by soothing the liver is obvious. XYP can increase the clinical pregnancy rate, follicle development, oocyte quality and improve endometrial receptivity. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanism of improving endometrial receptivity is unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of XYP on pregnancy rates and endometrial angiogenesis, to determine the potent mechanism in association with the pro-angiogenic behavior which closely related to improving endometrial receptivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established an animal model exhibiting decreasing endometrial receptivity by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and a human endometrial microvascular endothelial cell (HEMEC) model. Endometrial morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Scanning electron microscopy. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis were used to detect expression of PCNA, Cyclin D1, MMP9 and MAPK signaling pathway. Scratch-wound assay and tube formation assay were used to observe HEMEC migration and tubulogenesis.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that XYP pretreatment could improve endometrial receptivity, which leads to high pregnancy rates. In the endometrium, XYP facilitated angiogenesis by promoting tube formation. XYP could enhance HEMEC proliferation and migration induced by VEGF, which were observed by the microscope and Scratch-wound assays. XYP promoted HEMEC proliferation and migration via the p38 and JNK MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

XYP promotes HEMEC proliferation and migration via the P38 and the JNK MAPK signaling pathways, which contribute to the endometrial angiogenesis mediated by VEGFR-2 that is favorable for endometrial receptivity. We firstly elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which XYP improved endometrial receptivity by promoting angiogenesis.

A brain-to-spinal sensorimotor loop for repetitive self-grooming

Self-grooming is a complex behavior with important biological functions and pathological relevance. How the brain coordinates with the spinal cord to generate the repetitive movements of self-grooming remains largely unknown. Here, we report that in the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5C), neurons that express Cerebellin-2 (Cbln2⁺) form a neural circuit to the cervical spinal cord to maintain repetitive orofacial self-grooming. Inactivation of Cbln2⁺ Sp5C neurons blocked both sensory-evoked and stress-induced repetitive orofacial self-grooming. Activation of these neurons triggered short-latency repetitive forelimb movements that resembled orofacial self-grooming. The Cbln2⁺ Sp5C neurons were monosynaptically innervated by both somatosensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglion and paraventricular hypothalamic neurons. Among the divergent projections of Cbln2⁺ Sp5C neurons, a descending pathway that innervated motor neurons and interneurons in the cervical spinal cord was necessary and sufficient for repetitive orofacial self-grooming. These data reveal a brain-to-spinal sensorimotor loop for repetitive self-grooming in mice.

Corrigendum: Age-Dependent Association Between Elevated Homocysteine and Cognitive Impairment in a Post-stroke Population: A Prospective Study

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.691837.].

Age-Dependent Association Between Elevated Homocysteine and Cognitive Impairment in a Post-stroke Population: A Prospective Study

Background and Purpose: The results regarding the independent association between homocysteine (Hcy) levels and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) were inconsistent. The effect of age on this association has yet to be explored. This study aims to determine the relationship between Hcy levels, age, and cognitive impairment in a post-stroke population.

Methods: A total of 592 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) completed follow-up. Serum Hcy levels were measured enzymatically by spectrophotometry within 24 h of admission. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 1 month after stroke, and the scores ≤ 24 were considered as cognitive impairment. Our study was dichotomized into two groups by a cut-off of 65 years. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between baseline Hcy levels and cognitive impairment.

Results: According to the MMSE score, 317 (53.5%) patients had cognitive impairment. Patients with higher levels of Hcy were more prone to have cognitive impairment 1 month after stroke than patients with lower levels of Hcy (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off points of Hcy level (μmol/L) were (T1) ≤ 8, (T2) 8–12, and (T3) ≥ 12. After adjusting for confounding factors, the multivariate regression analysis showed that the third Hcy tertile was independently associated with cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) = 2.057, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.133–3.735, p = 0.018). A stronger association [T2 (OR = 2.266, 95% CI = 1.042–4.926, p = 0.039); T3 (OR =3.583, 95% CI = 1.456–8.818, p = 0.005)] was found in the younger group. However, the independent association was not confirmed in the older group.

Conclusions: Elevated Hcy levels in the acute phase of ischemic stroke were independently associated with cognitive impairment in a post-stroke population. Furthermore, the association was age-dependent and more meaningful in a younger population aged below 65. So, Hcy levels in patients with stroke should be well-monitored, especially in younger patients.

Optimization, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of etomidate intravenous lipid emulsion

The aim of this investigation was to develop an etomidate intravenous lipid emulsion (ETM-ILE) and evaluate its properties in vitro and in vivo. Etomidate (ETM) is a hydrophobic drug, and organic solvents must be added to an etomidate injectable solution (ETM-SOL) to aid dissolution, that causes various adverse reactions on injection. Lipid emulsions are a novel drug formulation that can improve drug loading and reduce adverse reactions. ETM-ILE was prepared using high-pressure homogenization. Univariate experiments were performed to select key conditions and variables. The proportion of oil, egg lecithin, and poloxamer 188 (F68) served as variables for the optimization of the ETM-ILE formulation by central composite design response surface methodology. The optimized formulation had the following characteristics: particle size, 168.0 ± 0.3 nm; polydispersity index, 0.108 ± 0.028; zeta potential, −36.4 ± 0.2 mV; drug loading, 2.00 ± 0.01 mg/mL; encapsulation efficiency, 97.65% ± 0.16%; osmotic pressure, 292 ± 2 mOsmol/kg and pH value, 7.63 ± 0.07. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the particles were spherical or spheroidal, with a diameter of approximately 200 nm. The stability study suggested that ETM-ILE could store at 4 ± 2 °C or 25 ± 2 °C for 12 months. Safety tests showed that ETM-ILE did not cause hemolysis or serious vascular irritation. The results of the pharmacokinetic study found that ETM-ILE was bioequivalent to ETM-SOL. However, a higher concentration of ETM was attained in the liver, spleen, and lungs after administration of ETM-ILE than after administration of ETM-SOL. This study found that ETM-ILE had great potential for clinical applications.

Chiral 4-O-acylterpineol as transdermal permeation enhancers: insights of the enhancement mechanisms of a transdermal enantioselective delivery system for flurbiprofen

In order to devise more effective penetration enhancers, 4-O-acylterpineol derivatives which were expected to be hydrolyzed into nontoxic metabolites by esterase in the living epidermis, were synthesized from 4-terpineol (4-TER) enantiomers and straight chain fatty acids. Their promoting activities on the SR-flurbiprofen and its enantiomers were tested across full-thickness rabbit skin, as well as to correlate under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The permeation studies indicated that both d-4-O-acylterpineol and l-4-O-acylterpineol had significant enhancing effects, interestingly, d-4-O-aclyterpineol had higher enhancing effects than l-4-O-aclyterpineol with the exception of d-4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexen-1-yl octadec-9-enoate (d-4-T-dC18). The mechanism of 4-O-acylterpineol facilitating the drug penetration across the skin was confirmed by Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and molecular simulation. The mechanism of penetration enhancers promoting drug release was explored by the in vitro release experiment. Finally, a relative safety skin irritation of enhancers was also investigated by in vivo histological evaluation. The present research suggested that d-4-O-aclyterpineol and l-4-O-aclyterpineol could significantly promote the penetration of SR-flurbiprofen and its enantiomers both in vitro and in vivo, with the superiorities of high flux and low dermal toxicity.

Correlations between microbiota and metabolites after faecal microbiota transfer in irritable bowel syndrome

Faecal microbiota transfer (FMT) consists of the infusion of donor faecal material into the intestine of a patient with the aim to restore a disturbed gut microbiota. In this study, it was investigated whether FMT has an effect on faecal microbial composition, its functional capacity, faecal metabolite profiles and their interactions in 16 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Faecal samples from eight different time points before and until six months after allogenic FMT (faecal material from a healthy donor) as well as autologous FMT (own faecal material) were analysed by 16S RNA gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GS-MS). The results showed that the allogenic FMT resulted in alterations in the microbial composition that were detectable up to six months, whereas after autologous FMT this was not the case. Similar results were found for the functional profiles, which were predicted from the phylogenetic sequencing data. While both allogenic FMT as well as autologous FMT did not have an effect on the faecal metabolites measured in this study, correlations between the microbial composition and the metabolites showed that the microbe-metabolite interactions seemed to be disrupted after allogenic FMT compared to autologous FMT. This shows that FMT can lead to altered interactions between the gut microbiota and its metabolites in IBS patients. Further research should investigate if and how this affects efficacy of FMT treatments.

The Spontaneous Imbibition of Micro/Nano Structures in Tight Matrix and the Influence on Imbibition Potential

Tight matrix has relatively low permeability and porosity, with abundant micro/nano pores. The capillary force in these pores are relatively strong, making the wetting liquid easier to be imbibed in the matrix. This process is called spontaneous imbibition. The complexity of pore structure is identified as one of the key factors influencing the imbibition process, but the detailed mechanism is not clear. Thus, in this work, a method is proposed to evaluate the influence of pore structure on imbibition process. Pore structure has fractal properties in a specific scale. By using the fractal theory, an imbibition model is provided to analyze the influence of microscopic structures on spontaneous imbibition, considering the pore size distribution and pore connectivity. Also, based on this model, the influencing factors on dimensionless imbibition and diffusion rate are discussed. Results show that the pore structure has more branches, larger and shorter sub-throats has higher chance to gain a high imbibition rate. Finally, a 3D imbibition parameter cube is constructed to determine the parameter combinations in favor of strong water diffusion potential. By utilizing the analysis method based on the fractal theory, we can effectively evaluate the imbibition potential. It is helpful to provide a guidance to evaluate the water imbibition to gas production.

Testosterone modulates structural synaptic plasticity of primary cultured hippocampal neurons through ERK - CREB signalling pathways

Although hippocampus-derived androgens play an important role in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, studies at the cellular level have received relatively less attention. Furthermore, the underlying signalling pathways associated with synaptic plasticity remain unclear. Results of the present study demonstrated that testosterone treatment of primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons resulted in a rapid increase in spine density, accompanied by the elevation of protein and messenger RNA levels of synaptophysin, developmentally regulated brain protein (Drebrin), and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit. Testosterone treatment also increased the phosphorylation levels of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 and cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), rather than p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). U0126 significantly reversed the testosterone-mediated phosphorylation of CREB. Importantly, the increase in spine density was not induced by testosterone under U0126 treatment. These findings suggest that the ERK1/2-CREB signalling pathway plays an important role in testosterone-mediated rapid spinogenesis of cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Results of this study will be helpful in further clarifying the physiological function of testosterone and related signalling pathways in vitro.

Bu Shen Zhu Yun Decoction Improves Endometrial Receptivity via VEGFR-2-Mediated Angiogenesis

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) regulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and plays an important role in angiogenesis. Bu Shen Zhu Yun decoction (BSZYD) can improve endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation rates in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. However, whether BSZYD improves endometrial receptivity via angiogenesis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of BSZYD on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMECs) and found that BSZYD upregulated the expression of cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in HEMECs. Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, scratch-wound assay, and Tube Formation Assay results showed that BSZYD promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HEMECs. Western blot analysis results revealed the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway by BSZYD through the upregulation of VEGF and VEGFR-2 expression. Together, these findings highlight the novel mechanism underlying BSZYD-mediated improvement in endometrial receptivity through the MAPK signaling pathway.

The study on pathological mechanism and solution method for spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at investigating the pathological mechanism changing of injury during reperfusion injury, reperfusion time correlation and compliance, finding the blood supply and improving the secondary damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 180 patients who underwent a surgical procedure and that received normal saline intraperitoneally immediately after the patients' aortic occlusions were investigated. Patients were divided in three groups. Experimental conditions and programs were designed for various approaches.

RESULTS

Thirty min after the onset of ischemia, we found a decrease in the local blood flow in the lumbar spinal cord, almost -77.48% of the baseline, which was reversed partially by initial reperfusion, even exceeding the baseline level. However, 1 hour after reperfusion, the blood flow was again decreased to the level below the baseline, followed by a decline to 207.13% ± 38.25 PU for 3 h without any recovery. Attenuating this secondary damage with neuroprotective strategies requires an understanding of these pathophysiologic processes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the pathological mechanism changes during reperfusion injury and reperfusion time correlation and compliance, and analyzed some of the important pathophysiologic processes involved in secondary damage after spinal cord injury. Moreover, our research discusses a number of pharmacologic therapies that have either been studied or have future potential for this devastating injury.

Effects of zoledronic acid on bone mineral density around prostheses and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the effect of zoledronic acid on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

METHODS

From November 2015 to April 2016, 40 female patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups: a control group (calcium + calcitriol) and a zoledronic acid group (calcium + calcitriol + zoledronic acid). At 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, BMD was obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). At pre-operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, levels of bone metabolism markers were obtained by serum examination.

RESULTS

Loss of BMD was significantly more pronounced in the control group than in the ZOL group in zones 1, 4, 6, and 7 at 6 months and in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 at 12 months after the operation. The levels of bone-resorption marker (β-CTX) were significantly lower in the ZOL group than in the control group at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. The levels of bone-formation marker (TP1NP) performed statistically differences only at 12 months after the operation in these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Receiving an intravenous infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid after THA can effectively reduce periprosthetic BMD loss and improve bone remodeling in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid significantly inhibited bone mass loss in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 after THA and inhibited bone-resorption marker (β-CTX) to improve bone remodeling. Zoledronic acid treatment is potentially important for patients with osteoporosis after THA.

Association of serum galectin-3 with risks of death and vascular events in acute ischaemic stroke patients: the role of hyperglycemia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whether the association between galectin-3 and stroke outcome is modified by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is unknown. The aim was to evaluate the prognostic effect of galectin-3 amongst ischaemic stroke patients stratified by FPG.

METHODS

In all, 3082 ischaemic stroke patients were included in this study and serum galectin-3 was tested at baseline. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of death and vascular events, and secondary outcomes were death, stroke recurrence and vascular events within 1 year after stroke.

RESULTS

Increased galectin-3 was significantly associated with the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events in the patients with hyperglycemia but not in those with normoglycemia (P for interaction < 0.05 for all). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.72 (1.05-2.84), 2.64 (1.14-6.12) and 2.68 (1.33-5.38) for the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events, respectively. A linear association between galectin-3 and the primary outcome was observed in hyperglycemic patients (P for linearity = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Increased galectin-3 was associated with the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events within 1 year after stroke in the patients with hyperglycemia, suggesting that galectin-3 may be an important prognostic factor for ischaemic stroke patients with hyperglycemia.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency predicts poor outcome amongst acute ischaemic stroke patients with low high density lipoprotein cholesterol

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current observational studies indicate that a lower vitamin D level is associated with a higher risk of poor ischaemic stroke prognosis. Whether this association is affected by lipid levels is unclear. Our aim was to examine the effect of serum vitamin D especially its deficiency on the global outcome of ischaemic stroke stratified by individual lipid component level.

METHODS

A total of 3181 ischaemic patients from China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischaemic Stroke were included in this study and their baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were tested. They were prospectively followed up for death, major disability and vascular events for 3 months after acute ischaemic stroke. A multivariable logistic model was used to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and clinical outcomes of ischaemic stroke in the 3-month period of follow-up in all patients and in different lipid-level subgroups.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency was associated with poor clinical outcomes only in ischaemic stroke patients with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) <1.04 mmol/l rather than all patients. The multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of major disability and composite adverse events were 1.98 (1.08-3.63) and 2.24 (1.22-4.12), respectively. There was a significant interaction effect between vitamin D and HDLC levels on major disability and the composite outcome (P for interaction < 0.05 for both). A significant linear trend existed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of poor prognosis (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D deficiency may be merely an independent risk factor of poor prognosis in ischaemic stroke patients with low HDLC level.

Identification of favorable SNP alleles and candidate genes for traits related to early maturity via GWAS in upland cotton

Background

Early maturity is one of the most important and complex agronomic traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L). To dissect the genetic architecture of this agronomically important trait, a population consisting of 355 upland cotton germplasm accessions was genotyped using the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) approach, of which a subset of 185 lines representative of the diversity among the accessions was phenotypically characterized for six early maturity traits in four environments. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using the generalized linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM).

Results

A total of 81,675 SNPs in 355 upland cotton accessions were discovered using SLAF-seq and were subsequently used in GWAS. Thirteen significant associations between eight SNP loci and five early maturity traits were successfully identified using the GLM and MLM; two of the 13 associations were common between the models. By computing phenotypic effect values for the associations detected at each locus, 11 highly favorable SNP alleles were identified for five early maturity traits. Moreover, dosage pyramiding effects of the highly favorable SNP alleles and significant linear correlations between the numbers of highly favorable alleles and the phenotypic values of the target traits were identified. Most importantly, a major locus (rs13562854) on chromosome D_t3 and a potential candidate gene (CotAD_01947) for early maturity were detected.

Conclusions

This study identified highly favorable SNP alleles and candidate genes associated with early maturity traits in upland cotton. The results demonstrate that GWAS is a powerful tool for dissecting complex traits and identifying candidate genes. The highly favorable SNP alleles and candidate genes for early maturity traits identified in this study should be show high potential for improvement of early maturity in future cotton breeding programs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2875-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Investigating Evolutionary Dynamics of RHA1 Operons

Grouping genes as operons is an important genomic feature of prokaryotic organisms. The comprehensive understanding of the operon organizations would be helpful to decipher transcriptional mechanisms, cellular pathways, and the evolutionary landscape of prokaryotic genomes. Although thousands of prokaryotes have been sequenced, genome-wide investigation of the evolutionary dynamics (division and recombination) of operons among these genomes remains unexplored. Here, we systematically analyzed the operon dynamics of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 (RHA1), an oleaginous bacterium with high potential applications in biofuel, by comparing 340 prokaryotic genomes that were carefully selected from different genera. Interestingly, 99% of RHA1 operons were observed to exhibit evolutionary events of division and recombination among the 340 compared genomes. An operon that encodes all enzymes related to histidine biosynthesis in RHA1 (His-operon) was found to be segmented into smaller gene groups (sub-operons) in diverse genomes. These sub-operons were further reorganized with different functional genes as novel operons that are related to different biochemical processes. Comparatively, the operons involved in the functional categories of lipid transport and metabolism are relatively conserved among the 340 compared genomes. At the pathway level, RHA1 operons found to be significantly conserved were involved in ribosome synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid synthesis. These analyses provide evolutionary insights of operon organization and the dynamic associations of various biochemical pathways in different prokaryotes.

Effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ATP-binding cassette B1 gene on the clinical outcome of traumatic brain injury

The critical role of ATP-binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) in the function of the blood-brain barrier led us to conducted this prospective study in order to investigate the clinical outcome of patients suffering from severe traumatic brain injury. A total of 182 patients with traumatic brain injury were included in our study. Genotyping of ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Using multivariate-logistic regression analysis, we found that patients carrying the CT+CC genotype of ABCB1 C3435T were more likely to have a better neurological outcome when compared with the TT genotype (odds ratio = 2.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-6.86). However, no significant association was found between the G2677T/A polymorphism and outcome of traumatic brain injury patients. Our study provides important information regarding the prognostic value of ABCB1 C3435T, and the ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism may be used as a predictive marker for the outcome of traumatic brain injury patients.

Clinical significance of fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 mutations in bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR3) gene are frequently found in bladder cancer, but their prognostic value remains controversial. To globally summarize the association between FGFR3 mutations and the grade and stage of bladder cancer, and to analyze the predictive role of FGFR3 mutations with respect to survival, eligible studies were identified and assessed for quality through multiple search strategies. Risk ratio (RR) data were collected from studies comparing the number of FGFR3 mutants among low-grade and early-stage bladder cancer patients to the number among high-grade and late-stage patients. Hazard ratio (HR) data were collected from studies comparing survival in patients with mutant FGFR3 genes to those with wild-type genes. Studies were pooled, and the RRs of grade and stage and the HRs of survival were calculated. Thirty studies were included in the present meta-analysis. FGFR3 mutations were found to be closely associated with low-grade and early-stage bladder cancer, showing pooled RRs = 2.948 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.357-3.688] and 2.845 (95%CI = 2.145- 3.773), respectively. Notably, patients with FGFR3 mutations tended to show better disease-, progress-, and recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.561, 95%CI = 0.405-0.779), and better disease-specific survival (HR = 0.363, 95%CI = 0.266-0.496). This study demonstrated that FGFR3 mutations are closely related to low grade, early stage, and better survival among bladder cancer patients.

Amelioratory effects of testosterone treatment on cognitive performance deficits induced by soluble Aβ1-42 oligomers injected into the hippocampus

This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanism of testosterone (T) on cognitive performance in adult male rats given bilateral intrahippocampal injections of beta amyloid 1-42 oligomers (Aβ1-42) combined with gonadectomy (Aβ+GDX). A series of experiments were designed to verify the optimal administration time and dose of T and to explore its potential protective mechanisms on spatial ability in Aβ+GDX rats in the Morris water maze test. Aβ1-42 was injected only once two weeks before testing, while T and the androgen receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide (F) were administered daily beginning 2 days before and throughout the 6 days of testing. The Aβ1-42 injection and GDX individually impaired cognitive performance, and the combination of these treatments was additive, leading to even greater impairment. The serum T level peaked at 48 h after administration. T doses ranging from 0.25 to 1.00 mg corresponding to serum T levels of 4.5-21.35 ng/ml improved the spatial ability. Animals administered 0.75 mg of T corresponding to the serum T level of 15.2 ng/ml had the most significantly improved behavioral performances. However, higher T doses of 1.50 and 2.00 mg resulting in serum T levels of 34.8 and 45 ng/ml, respectively, impaired the behavioral performances. F had no effect on the serum T level and spatial ability, but it blocked the activational effect of T. These findings indicate that the effect of T on behavioral performances is partly mediated through ARs.

Protective effects of EphB2 on Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced neurotoxicity and synaptic NMDA receptor signaling in hippocampal neurons

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized pathologically by the abnormal deposition of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers. However, the nature and precise mechanism of the toxicity of Aβ oligomers are not clearly understood. Aβ oligomers have been previously shown to cause a major loss of EphB2, a member of the EphB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. To determine the effect of EphB2 on Aβ oligomer-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms, we examined the EphB2 gene in cultured hippocampal neurons. Using a cellular model of AD, Aβ1-42 oligomers were confirmed to induce neurotoxicity in a time-dependent manner and result in a major decrease of EphB2. EphB2 overexpression could prevent the neurotoxicity of hippocampal neurons from exposure to Aβ1-42 oligomers for 1h. Further analysis revealed that EphB2 overexpression increased synaptic NR1 and NR2B expression in Aβ1-42 oligomer-treated neurons. Moreover, EphB2 overexpression prevented Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced downregulation of dephosphorylated p38 MAPK and phosphorylated CREB. Together, these results suggest that EphB2 is a factor which protects hippocampal neurons against the toxicity of Aβ1-42 oligomers, and we infer that the protection of EphB2 is achieved by increasing the synaptic NMDA receptor level and downstream p38 MAPK and CREB signaling in hippocampal neurons. This study provides new molecular insights into the neuroprotective effect of EphB2 and highlights its potential therapeutic role in the management of AD.

Effects of a Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Selective Antagonist on the Inflammatory Reaction to Titanium Particles In Vivo and In Vitro

Wear particle-induced inflammation is a major factor contributing to aseptic loosening in peri-prosthetic tissue. The effects of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) on wear particle-induced inflammation remain unclear. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to assess the effects of a CB2-selective antagonist, AM630, on regulation of the inflammatory reaction and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to in vitro and in vivo stimulation with titanium particles. In vitro studies, in a model for pre-osteoclast-like cells, demonstrated that AM630 inactivation of CB2 profoundly inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production by RAW264.7 cells stimulated with titanium particles. In vivo findings in a murine air-pouch model of titanium-induced inflammatory osteolysis indicated that AM630 reduced titanium-induced tissue inflammation, seen as a reduction in pouch membrane thickness, inflammatory infiltration and levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Thus, inactivation of CB2 by AM630 inhibited the titanium particle-induced inflammatory reaction by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo.

Hypothalamus syndrome in opticospinal multiple sclerosis

This study describes a case of a patient with OSMS who presented with somnolence, periodic fever, memory impairment, and amenorrhea. Serum prolactin levels were found to be higher than normal. MR imaging showed a bilateral involvement of the hypothalamus. The clinical presentation, laboratory examination, and MR imaging findings suggested a diagnosis of hypothalamus syndrome in this patient.

Effect of combined treatment with methylprednisolone and Nogo-A monoclonal antibody after rat spinal cord injury

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combination therapy with methylprednisolone (MP) and Nogo-66 antagonistic peptide (NEP1-40) on morphological and functional recovery in adult rats subjected to thoracic compression spinal cord injury (SCI). Animals were randomized into four groups: a trauma control group, an MP group, an NEP1-40 group, and a combined treatment group. The inflammatory reaction, neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival, and ultrastructure were assessed at the injury site. Functional analysis was also performed using Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring. Rat behaviour was evaluated regularly up to week 4. NEP1-40 did not alter the beneficial effect of MP on haematogenous inflammatory cell infiltration, while combined treatment resulted in greater neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival compared with monotherapy or control. Combination therapy resulted in better locomotor scores. These results in a clinically-relevant SCI model showed that significant neuroprotection can be obtained by combining an initial acute IV injection of MP with continuously infused NEP1-40.

Isolation of human anti-idiotypic antibodies by phage display for clinical immune response assays

The clinical development of therapeutic proteins requires assays that measure the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of, and the potential immune response (IR) to, the protein agent. Each assay requires reagents that are highly specific for the therapeutic protein. For therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, anti-CDR-specific, or anti-idiotypic (anti-id), antibodies are an ideal class of reagents suitable for these assays because of their high specificity and affinity to the drug antibody. We generated anti-ids to two human antibodies by antibody phage display using the MorphoSys HuCAL GOLD Fab library. To selectively target the CDR regions, serum and a framework-matched mAb were included as competitors during the phage selection process. Panels of CDR-specific Fabs, with low to sub-nM affinities, were isolated against both targets. The CDR specificity of these Fabs was shown by their lack of binding to a framework-matched control mAb and by competition of this binding with the soluble antigens of the respective therapeutic mAb targets. The candidate anti-id Fabs were able to detect both immobilized and soluble target Ab without being affected by serum, a requirement for both PK assay and the IR bridging assay format. Combinations of the Fabs for PK detection assays were identified by pairwise binding studies, although the pair for one target mAb lacks the desired sensitivity for PK assays. To evaluate their potential as anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), the best Fabs for one of the targets were converted and produced as the required bivalent human mAbs. In comparison to rodent mAbs and primate polyclonal serum, the phage display derived human mAbs were equally effective as reference standards. Our results demonstrate that competition-based phage selection can be an effective method for the isolation of anti-idiotypic antibodies for PK and IR assay development, and in this latter case, overcome limitations of current methods using rodent derived anti-ids.