Interface engineering in a nitrogen-rich COF/BiOBr S-scheme heterojunction triggering efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotics

Tetracycline (TC) antibiotics, extensively utilized in livestock farming and aquaculture, pose significant environmental challenges. Photocatalysis, leveraging renewable sunlight and reusable photocatalysts, offers a promising avenue for mitigating TC pollution. However, identifying robust photocatalysts remains a formidable challenge. This study introduces a novel hollow-flower-ball-like nanoheterojunction composed of a nitrogen-rich covalent organic framework (N-COF) coupled with BiOBr (BOB), a semiconductor with a higher Fermi level. The synthesized N-COF/BOB S-scheme nanoheterojunction features an expanded contact interface, strengthened chemical bonding, and unique band topologies. The N-COF/BOB composites showcased exceptional TC degradation performance, achieving an 81.2% removal of 60 mg/L TC within 2 h, markedly surpassing the individual efficiencies of N-COF and BOB by factors of 3.80 and 5.96, respectively. Furthermore, the total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency highlights a superior mineralization capacity in the N-COF/BOB composite compared to the individual components, N-COF and BOB. The toxicity assessment revealed that the degradation intermediates possess diminished environmental toxicity. This enhanced performance is ascribed to the robust S-scheme nanoheterojunction structure, which promotes efficient photoinduced electron transfer from BOB to N-COF. This process also augments the separation of photogenerated charge carriers, resulting in an increased yield of superoxide radicals (∙O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (∙OH). These reactive species significantly contribute to the degradation and mineralization of TC. Consequently, this study introduces a sustainable approach for addressing emerging antibiotic contaminants, employing COF-based photocatalysts.

Discovery of N-(1,4-Benzoxazin-3-one) urea analogs as Mode-Selective TRPV1 antagonists

A series of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-one analogs were investigated to discover mode-selective TRPV1 antagonists, since such antagonists are predicted to minimize target-based adverse effects. Using the high-affinity antagonist 2 as the lead structure, the structure activity relationship was studied by modifying the A-region through incorporation of a polar side chain on the benzoxazine and then by changing the C-region with a variety of substituted pyridine, pyrazole and thiazole moieties. The t-butyl pyrazole and thiazole C-region analogs provided high potency as well as mode-selectivity. Among them, antagonist 36 displayed potent and capsaicin-selective antagonism with IC50 = 2.31 nM for blocking capsaicin activation and only 47.5 % inhibition at 3 µM concentration toward proton activation, indicating that more than a 1000-fold higher concentration of 36 was required to inhibit proton activation than was required to inhibit capsaicin activation. The molecular modeling study of 36 with our homology model indicated that two π-π interactions with the Tyr511 and Phe591 residues by the A- and C-region and hydrogen bonding with the Thr550 residue by the B-region were critical for maintaining balanced and stable binding. Systemic optimization of antagonist 2, which has high-affinity but full antagonism for activators of all modes, led to the mode-selective antagonist 36 which represents a promising step in the development of clinical TRPV1 antagonists minimizing side effects such as hyperthermia and impaired heat sensation.

Multiparameter spectral CT-based radiomics in predicting the expression of programmed death ligand 1 in non-small-cell lung cancer

AIM

To explore the value of radiomics for predicting the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on multiparameter spectral computed tomography (CT) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 220 patients with NSCLC were enrolled retrospectively and divided into the training (n=176) and testing (n=44) cohorts. The radiomics features were extracted from the conventional CT images, mono-energy 40 keV images, iodine density (ID) maps, Z-effective maps, and electron density maps. The logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were employed to build models based on radiomics signatures. The prediction abilities were qualified by the area under the curve (AUC) obtained from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Internal validation was performed on the independent testing dataset.

RESULTS

The combined model for PD-L1 ≥1%, which consisted of the radiomics score (rad-score; p<0.0001), white blood cell (WBC; p=0.027) counts, and air bronchogram (p=0.003), reached the highest performance with the AUCs of 0.873 and 0.917 in the training and testing dataset, respectively, which was better than the radiomics model with the AUCs of 0.842 and 0.886. The combined model for PD-L1 ≥50%, which consisted of rad-score (p<0.0001) and WBC counts (p=0.027), achieved the highest performance in the training and testing dataset with AUCs of 0.932 and 0.903, respectively, which was better than the radiomics model with AUCs of 0.920 and 0.892, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The radiomics model based on the multiparameter images of spectral CT can predict the expression level of PD-L1 in NSCLC. The combined model can obtain higher prediction efficiency and serves as a promising method for immunotherapy selection.

Effect of SIRT1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms on susceptibility to type 1 diabetes in a Han Chinese population

AIMS

SIRT1 deficiency has been associated with diabetes, and a variant of the SIRT1 gene has been found to be involved in human autoimmune diabetes; however, it is unclear whether this genetic variation exists in Han Chinese with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and whether it contributes to development of T1D. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association of the SIRT1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10997866 and rs3818292 in a Han Chinese population with T1D.

METHODS

This study recruited 2653 unrelated Han Chinese individuals, of whom 1289 had T1D and 1364 were healthy controls. Allelic and genotypic distributions of SIRT1 polymorphisms (rs10997866 and rs3818292) were determined by MassARRAY. Basic characteristics, genotype and allele frequencies of selected SNPs were compared between the T1D patients and healthy controls. Further genotype-phenotype association analysis of the SNPs was performed on the T1D patients divided into three groups according to genotype. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, Mann‒Whitney U test, Kruskal‒Wallis H test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The allelic (G vs. A) and genotypic (GA vs. AA) distributions of SIRT1 rs10997866 were significantly different in T1D patients and healthy controls (P = 0.039, P = 0.027), and rs10997866 was associated with T1D susceptibility under dominant, overdominant and additive models (P = 0.026, P = 0.030 and P = 0.027, respectively). Moreover, genotype-phenotype association analysis showed the GG genotype of rs10997866 and the GG genotype of rs3818292 to be associated with higher titers of IA-2A (P = 0.013 and P = 0.038, respectively).

CONCLUSION

SIRT1 rs10997866 is significantly associated with T1D susceptibility, with the minor allele G conferring a higher risk of T1D. Moreover, SIRT1 gene rs10997866 and rs3818292 correlate with the titer of IA-2A in Han Chinese individuals with T1D.

Discovery of N-(1-(2-hydroxyethyl)quinolin-2-one)-N'-(1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)methyl) urea as Mode-Selective TRPV1 antagonist

To discover mode-selective TRPV1 antagonists as thermoneutral drug candidates, the previous potent antagonist benzopyridone 2 was optimized based on the pharmacophore A- and C-regions. The structure activity relationship was investigated systematically by modifying the A-region by incorporating a polar side chain on the pyridone and then by changing the C-region with a variety of substituted pyridine and pyrazole moieties. The 3-t-butyl and 3-(1-methylcyclopropyl) pyrazole C-region analogs provided high potency as well as mode-selectivity. Among them, 51 and 54 displayed potent and capsaicin-selective antagonism with IC50 = 2.85 and 3.27 nM to capsaicin activation and 28.5 and 31.5 % inhibition at 3 µM concentration toward proton activation, respectively. The molecular modeling study of 51 with our homology model indicated that the hydroxyethyl side chain in the A-region interacted with Arg557 and Glu570, the urea B-region engaged in hydrogen bonding with Tyr511 and Thr550, respectively, and the pyrazole C-region made two hydrophobic interactions with the receptor. Optimization of antagonist 2, which has full antagonism for activators of all modes, lead to mode-selective antagonists 51 and 54. These observations will provide insight into the future development of clinical TRPV1 antagonists without target-based side effects.

Profiling of Serum miRNAs Constructs a Diagnostic 3-miRNA Panel for Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) carries significant morbidity and mortality globally with an increasing incidence per year predominantly represented by clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) which accounts for 70-80% of all RCC cases. MicroRNAs(miRNAs) implicate tumor development and progression in epigenetic mechanisms and available profiling of serum miRNAs potentiate them as diagnostic markers for various cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 108 ccRCC patients and 112 normal controls were enrolled. A 3-stage experiment was conducted to identify differentially expressed serum miRNAs in ccRCC and establish a diagnostic miRNAs panel. Additionally, bioinformatic analysis was employed to predict selected miRNAs' target genes, preform functional annotation and explore the roles in ccRCC.

RESULTS

MiR-429, miR-10a-5p, miR-154-5p were found to be up-regulated miRNAs. Inversely, miR-27a-3p and miR-221-3p were found to be down-regulated miRNAs. These 5 miRNAs were selected to construct diagnostic panel by backward stepwise logistic regression analysis and ultimately a 3-miRNA panel (miR-429, miR-10a-5p and miR-27a-3p) was established [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.897, sensitivity = 85.0%, specificity = 83.3%].

CONCLUSION

The panel of 3-miRNA holds promise as a novel, convenient, and noninvasive diagnostic method for early detection of ccRCC.

[Evaluating the efficiency of endoscope-assisted septo-rhinoplasty via intranasal approach]

Objective: To observe the functional and esthetic results of endoscope-assisted septo-rhinoplasty via intranasal approach. Methods: The clinical data of 12 patients with septal deviation and nasal deformity in the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were analyzed, including 8 males and 4 females, aging 28 to 58 years. All patients were operated under general anesthesia. The septal deviation was corrected by hemitransfixion incision, combined with intercartilaginous incision and other intranasal or extranasal incisions to perform osteotomy, hump resection and saddle nose correction. Patient satisfaction with postoperative functional and aesthetic improvements was assessed through Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).SPSS 25 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The correction of nasal septum deviation was satisfactory in all 12 patients. Nasal obstruction was relieved, with NOSE score and VAS score of nasal ventilation decreased [(21.67±10.30) vs (70.83±14.12), (1.83±1.03) vs (8.33±0.89), t value was 9.49 and 16.30, respectively, both P<0.05]. The nasal appearance of 10 patients with crooked nose deformity was improved, with ROE score and VAS score of nasal appearance increased [(21.30±2.31) vs (8.10±3.31), (8.90±0.99) vs (3.80±1.62), t value was -11.85 and -9.33, respectively, both P<0.05];The nasal vestibule morphology of 2 patients with abnormal nasal vestibule was improved. During the follow-up of 12 to 24 months, no postoperative complication such as nasal septum perforation, nasal cavity adhesion or nasal dorsal collapse occurred in all patients. Conclusion: Endoscope-assisted septo-rhinoplasty via intranasal approach can resolve both functional and esthetic problems at the same time, improving outcomes while reducing surgical trauma.

[Effect of information-knowledge-attitude-practice theory-based health education on clonorchiasis control among community residents and primary school students in Zhongshan City]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of information-knowledge-attitude-practice (IKAP) theory-based health education interventions on clonorchiasis control among community residents and primary school students in Torch High-tech Development Zone of Zhongshan City, so as to provide insights into formulation of clonorchiasis control strategies among different types of populations.

METHODS

Residents were randomly sampled from two communities and students from two primary schools using a random cluster sampling method in Torch High-tech Development Zone, Zhongshan City from 2019 to 2021, and health education pertaining to clonorchiasis control was performed based on the IKAP theory. The changes in the awareness of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge and belief, self-reported risk of Clonorchis sinensis infections and dietary behaviors were compared among community residents and primary school students before and after health education interventions.

RESULTS

The participants included 146 male and 151 female community residents and 158 male and 153 female primary school students, with no significant difference detected in gender distribution (χ2 = 0.16, P > 0.05). The mean awareness of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge increased by 44.71% and 43.28% among primary school students and community residents 6 months following health education, and there were significant differences in the awareness of each item of basic clonorchiasis control knowledge before and after health education (χ2 = 41.53 to 284.44, all P values < 0.05). The proportions of primary school students and community residents thinking very high and high risks of C. sinensis infections increased from 9.35% and 6.71% before health education to 22.15% and 37.75% after health education, but only the difference of the attitudes in community residents achieve statistical significance (χ2 = 92.18, P < 0.05). The frequency of separation of raw and cooked foods with chopping board and knife significantly increased among community residents and primary school students following health education (χ2 = 16.04 to 62.65, all P values < 0.05). The frequency of eating raw freshwater fish (χ2 = 32.85, P < 0.05), fish congee (χ2 = 7.02, P < 0.05) and fish fillet hot pot (χ2 = 4.88, P < 0.05) significantly reduced among primary school students following health education, while only the frequency and proportions of eating raw freshwater fish have significantly reduced in community residents (χ2 = 11.77, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Health education interventions based on the IKAP theory are effective to increase the awareness of clonorchiasis control knowledge and improve dietary behaviors associated with C. sinensis infections among community residents and primary school students in Zhongshan City.

Changes and Relationship in Nutrition Impact Symptoms, Malnutrition during Esophageal Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The aim of this study was to assess the changes and relationship between nutritional impact symptoms (NIS) and malnutrition incidence during radiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A prospective observational study recruited hospitalized patients with esophageal cancer who received radiotherapy or did not receive chemotherapy. 283 patients with esophageal carcinoma were followed up before and during the fourth week of radiotherapy. Nutritional parameters were collected during radiotherapy.

RESULTS

According to the patient 's assessment of NIS and subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), at the mid-term of radiotherapy, the proportion of patients with NIS≥3 increased from 20.8% to 61.13%. Inappetence (37.1%) and abdominal distension (28.6%) were the most common nutritional symptoms. Severe malnutrition increased from 39% to 58.1%.NIS (odds ratio (OR) 30.93, 95% CI 15.92, 60.10, p <0.001) and weight loss of ≥5% (odds ratio (OR) 24.1, 95% CI 11.98, 48.47, p <0.001) were independently associated with severe malnutrition during radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Strengthen the nutritional support therapy during mid-radiotherapy for esophageal cancer patient, and NIS can directly predict malnutrition.PG-SGA and NIS can be used for nutritional monitoring in esophageal cancer patients.

Disparities in prostate cancer screening, diagnoses, management, and outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous men in a universal health care system

BACKGROUND

Indigenous Peoples have higher morbidity rates and lower life expectancies than non-Indigenous Canadians. Identification of disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous men regarding prostate cancer (PCa) screening, diagnoses, management, and outcomes was sought.

METHODS

An observational cohort of men diagnosed with PCa between June 2014 and October 2022 was studied. Men were prospectively enrolled in the province-wide Alberta Prostate Cancer Research Initiative. The primary outcomes were tumor characteristics (stage, grade, and prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were PSA testing rates, time from diagnosis to treatment, treatment modality, and metastasis-free, cancer-specific, and overall survivals.

RESULTS

Examination of 1,444,974 men for whom aggregate PSA testing data were available was performed. Men in Indigenous communities were less likely to have PSA testing performed than men outside of Indigenous communities (32 vs. 46 PSA tests per 100 men [aged 50-70 years] within 1 year; p < .001). Among 6049 men diagnosed with PCa, Indigenous men had higher risk disease characteristics: a higher proportion of Indigenous men had PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL (48% vs. 30%; p < .01), TNM stage ≥ T2 (65% vs. 47%; p < .01), and Gleason grade group ≥ 2 (79% vs. 64%; p < .01) compared to non-Indigenous men. With a median follow-up of 40 months (interquartile range, 25-65 months), Indigenous men were at higher risk of developing PCa metastases (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.2; p < .01) than non-Indigenous men.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite receiving care in a universal health care system, Indigenous men were less likely to receive PSA testing and more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive tumors and develop PCa metastases than non-Indigenous men.

Syntheses and antitumor activities of neorautenol and shinpterocarpin analogs

The natural products neorautenol and shinpterocarpin and their structural analogs were investigated as novel anticancer agents. Twenty-four analogs, including analogs containing a polar chain and simplified analogs, were synthesized efficiently by a modified method from previous reports. The antitumor screening of synthesized compounds toward six cancer cell lines indicated that compounds 37, 42 and 43 with a dialkylaminoethyl-type side chain exhibited more promising activity than neorautenol and shinpterocarpin against lung and colon cancer lines with a range of 4-9 μM. They showed selective toxicity in normal cells.

Build-in electric field in CuWO4/covalent organic frameworks S-scheme photocatalysts steer boosting charge transfer for photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous materials with enormous potential for realizing solar-driven CO₂-to-fuel conversion, yet the sluggish transfer/separation of photoinduced electrons and holes remains a compelling challenge. Herein, a step (S)-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst (CuWO₄-COF) was rationally fabricated by a thermal annealing method for boosting CO₂ conversion to CO. The optimal CuWO₄/COF composite sample, integrating 10 wt% CuWO₄ with an olefin (C═C) linked COF (TTCOF), achieved a remarkable gas-solid phase CO yield as high as 7.17 ± 0.35 μmol g^-1h^-1 under visible light irradiation, which was significantly higher than the pure COF (1.6 ± 0.29 μmol g^-1h^-1). The enhanced CO₂ conversion rate could be attributable to the interface engineering effect and the formation of internal electric field (IEF) directing from TTCOF to CuWO₄ according to the theoretical calculation and experimental results, which also proves the electrons transfer from TTCOF to CuWO₄ upon hybridization. In addition, driven by the IEF, the photoinduced electrons can be steered from CuWO₄ to TTCOF under visible light irradiation as well-elucidated by in-situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, verifying the S-scheme charge transfer pathway over CuWO₄/COF composite heterojunctions, which greatly foster the photoreduction activity of CO₂. The preparation technique of the S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst in this study provides a paradigmatic protocol for photocatalytic solar fuel generation.

Ultrasound Fusion-Guided Core Needle Biopsy for Deep Head and Neck Space Lesions: Technical Feasibility, Histopathologic Yield, and Safety

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ultrasound is generally considered to have a minor role in guiding biopsies for deep head and neck space lesions. However, the ultrasound fusion technique may have the potential to change this opinion. This study evaluated the feasibility, histopathologic yield, and safety of ultrasound fusion-guided core needle biopsies for deep head and neck space lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2021 to April 2022, patients with primary deep head and neck space lesions were prospectively included in this study. Ultrasound fusion was performed with contemporaneous CT, MR imaging, or PET/CT studies, and ultrasound fusion-guided core needle biopsy was performed by using a Micro-Convex probe via 4 different needle approaches. Feasibility, histopathologic results, and biopsy-related complications were observed. Descriptive statistics were applied.

RESULTS

Ultrasound-guided biopsy was feasible in all 16 patients (11 women and 5 men; mean age 46 [SD, 16] years; range, 16-76 years). The lesions were located in the parapharyngeal space, infratemporal fossa, and skull base, with a median diameter of 3.8 cm (range, 2.2-6.5 cm). An adequate and definite histopathologic yield was obtained in 15/16 (93.8%) patients; among them, 4/15 lesions (26.7%) were malignant, and 11/15 (73.6%) were benign. No major complications occurred. Minor complications were noted in 2 of the 16 (12.5%) patients (self-limiting inflammation in 1 and bleeding in 1).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy of deep head and neck space lesions is feasible and safe, with a high histopathologic yield.

Interspersed Bi Promoting Hot Electron Transfer of Covalent Organic Frameworks Boosts Nitrogen Reduction to ammonia

Seeking highly-efficient, non-pollutant, and chemically robust photocatalysts for visible-light-driven ammonia production still remained challenging, especially in pure water. The key bottle-necks closely correlate to the nitrogen activation, water oxidization, and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) processes. In this study, a novel Bi decorated imine-linked COF-TaTp (Bi/COF-TaTp) through N-Bi-O coordination is reasonably designed to achieve a boosting solar-to-ammonia conversion of 61 µmol^-1  g^-1  h^-1 in the sacrificial-free system. On basis of serial characterizations and DFT calculations, the incorporated Bi is conducive to the acceleration of charge carriers transfer and N₂ activation through the donation and back-donation mode. The N₂ adsorption energy of 5% Bi/COF-TaTp is calculated to be -0.19 eV in comparison with -0.09 eV of the pure COF-TaTp and the electron exchange between N₂ and the modified catalyst is much more intensive. Moreover, the accompanied hydrogen production process is effectively inhibited by Bi modification, demonstrated by the higher energy barrier for HER over Bi/COF-TaTp (2.62 eV) than the pure COF-TaTp (2.31 eV) when using H binding free energy (ΔG_H* ) as a descriptor. This work supplies novel insights for the design of photocatalysts for N₂ reduction and intensifies the understanding of N₂ adsorption and activation over covalent organic frameworks-based materials.

Correlation study between apparent diffusion coefficients and the prognostic factors in breast cancer

AIM

To analyse the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) derived from intratumoural and peritumoural regions with prognostic factors and immune-inflammatory markers in breast cancer (BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 89 patients (age range, 28-66 years; median, 45 years) with a diagnosis of invasive BC who underwent routine blood tests and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. The study cohort was stratified according to tumour maximum cross-section ≥20 mm, lymph node metastasis (LNM), time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type, and receptor status. Minimum, maximum, mean, and heterogeneity values of tumour ADC (ADC_tmin, ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_heter), maximum values of peritumoural ADC (ADC_pmax), and the ratio of peritumoural-tumour ADC (ADC_ratio) were obtained on the ADC maps. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between immune-inflammatory markers, prognostic factors and ADC values.

RESULTS

HER-2 was positively associated with ADC_tmax, ADC_tmean, and ADC_pmax values (β = 0.306, p=0.004; β = 0.283, p=0.007; β = 0.262, p=0.007, respectively), while platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was positively associated with ADC_pmax and ADC_ratio values (β = 0.227, p=0.020; β = 0.231, p=0.020, respectively). Among ADC parameters, ADC_pmax showed the highest predictive values for evaluating the presence of LNM (AUC, 0.751; sensitivity, 70.4%; specificity, 77.1%).

CONCLUSION

The ADC_pmax value could provide additional assistance in predicting prognostic factors of BC.

Interfacial engineering of novel inorganic-organic β-Ga2O3/COF heterojunction for accelerated charge transfer towards artificial photosynthesis

Semiconductor-based solar-driven CO₂ to fuels has been widely reckoned as an ingenious approach to tackle energy crisis and climate change simultaneously. However, the high carrier recombination rate of the photocatalyst severely dampens their photocatalytic uses. Herein, an inorganic-organic heterojunction was constructed by in-situ growing a dioxin-linked covalent organic framework (COF) on the surface of rod-shaped β-Ga₂O₃ for solar-driven CO₂ to fuel. This novel heterojunction is featured with an ultra-narrow bandgap COF-318 (absorption edge = 760 nm), which is beneficial for fully utilizing the visible light spectrum, and a wide bandgap β-Ga₂O₃ (absorption edge = 280 nm) to directional conduct electrons from COF to reduce CO₂ without electron-hole recombination occurred. Results showed that the solar to fuels performance over β-Ga₂O₃/COF was much superb than that of COF. The optimized Ga₂O₃/COF achieved an outstanding CO evolution rate of 85.8 μmol h^-1·g^-1 without the need of any sacrificial agent or cocatalyst, which was 15.6 times more efficient than COF. Moreover, the analyses of photoluminescence electrochemical characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the fascinate construction of β-Ga₂O₃/COF heterojunction significantly favored charge separation and the directional transfer of photogenerated electrons from COF to β-Ga₂O₃ followed by CO₂. This study paves the way for developing effective COF-based semiconductor photocatalysts for solar-to-fuel conversion.

Genetic influences of the effect of circulating inflammatory cytokines on osteoarthritis in humans

OBJECTIVE

The causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and Osteoarthritis (OA) has not been well investigated. This study investigated the causal role of inflammatory cytokines in the risk of OA and total joint arthroplasty using the Mendelian randomization (MR) method.

METHOD

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) robustly associated with inflammatory cytokines were used as instrumental variables. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method with false discovery rate (FDR) adjusted P-value (q-value) for multiple comparisons were used as the main MR method to estimate causal effects based on the summary-level data for OA (knee and hip OA, respectively) and total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of the results and ensured the absence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

RESULTS

After FDR adjustment, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were identified as causally associated with knee OA (MCSF, odds ratio [OR]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.23, q = 5.05 × 10^-5; VEGF, OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15, q = 0.011). We also observed that genetically predicted MCSF and VEGF were positively associated with the risk of TJA, and MCP3 was negatively associated with for the risk of TJA, although the effects seem fairly modest. Sensitivity analysis further excluded the influence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory cytokines, namely MCSF and VEGF, were causally associated with knee OA, which could enhance our understanding of inflammation in OA pathology.

Interlayer Charge Transfer Over Graphitized Carbon Nitride Enabling Highly-Efficient Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

Exploiting cost-effective, high-efficiency, and contamination-free semiconductors for photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (N₂ RR) is still a great challenge, especially in sacrificial-free system. On basis of the electron "acceptance-donation" concept, a boron-doped and carbon-deficient g-C₃ N₄ (B_x CvN) is herein developed through precise dopant and defect engineering. The optimized B₁₅ CvN exhibisted an NH₃ production rate of 135.3 µmol h^-1  g^-1 in pure water with nine-fold enhancement to the pristine graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃ N₄ ), on account of the markedly elevated visible-light harvesting, N₂ activation, and multi-directional photoinduced carriers transfer. The decorated B atoms with coexistent occupied and empty sp³ hybridized orbitals are theoretically proved to be in charge of the increase of N₂ adsorption energy from -0.08 to -0.26 eV and the change in N₂ adsorption model from one-way to two-way end-on pattern. Noticeably, the elaborate coordination of doped B atoms and carbon vacancies greatly facilitated the interlayer interaction and vertical charge migration of B_x CvN, which is distinctly revealed through the charge density difference calculations. The current study provides an alternative groundbreaking perspective for advancing photocatalytic N₂ RR through the targeted configuration of the defect and dopant sites.

Insights into Photocatalytic Degradation Pathways and Mechanism of Tetracycline by an Efficient Z-Scheme NiFe-LDH/CTF-1 Heterojunction

Photocatalysis offers a sustainable approach for recalcitrant organic pollutants degradation, yet it is still challenging to seek robust photocatalysts for application purposes. Herein, a novel NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH)/covalent triazine framework (CTF-1) Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was rationally designed for antibiotics degradation under visible light irradiation. The NiFe-LDH/CTF-1 nanocomposites were readily obtained via in situ loading of NiFe-LDH on CTF-1 through covalent linking. The abundant coupling interfaces between two semiconductor counterparts lay the foundation for the formation of Z-scheme heterostructure, thereby effectively promoting the transfer of photogenerated electrons, inhibiting the recombination of carriers, as well as conferring the nanocomposites with stronger redox ability. Consequently, the optimal photocatalytic activity of the LDH/CTF heterojunction was significantly boosted for the degradation of a typical antibiotic, tetracycline (TC). Additionally, the photodegradation process and the mineralization of TC were further elucidated. These results envision that the LDH/CTF-1 can be a viable photocatalyst for long-term and sustainable wastewater treatment.

An Artificial Photosystem of Metal-Insulator-CTF Nanoarchitectures for Highly Efficient and Selective CO2 Conversion to CO

It is of pivotal significance to explore robust photocatalysts to promote the photoreduction of CO₂ into solar fuels. Herein, an intelligent metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) nano-architectural photosystem was constructed by electrostatic self-assembly between cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) insulator-capped metal Ni nanoparticles (NPs) and covalent triazine-based frameworks (CTF-1). The metal-insulator-CTF composites unveiled a substantially higher CO evolution rate (1254.15 μmol g^-1  h^-1 ) compared with primitive CTF-1 (1.08 μmol g^-1  h^-1 ) and reached considerable selectivity (98.9 %) under visible-light irradiation. The superior photocatalytic CO₂ conversion activity over Ni-CTAB-CTF nanoarchitecture could be attributed to the larger surface area, reinforced visible-light response, and CO₂ capture capacity. More importantly, the Ni-CTAB-CTF nanoarchitecture endowed the photoexcited electrons on CTF-1 with the ability to tunnel across the thin CTAB insulating layer, directionally migrating to Ni NPs and thereby leading to the efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes in the photosystem. In addition, isotope-labeled (¹³ CO₂ ) tracer results verified that the reduction products come from CO₂ rather than the decomposition of the photocatalysts. This study opens a new avenue for establishing a highly efficient and selective artificial photosystem for CO₂ conversion.

Bladder cancer diagnosis with a four-miRNA panel in serum

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies. Due to the disadvantage of existing bladder cancer diagnostic tools, miRNAs hold promise as new diagnostic markers. Materials & methods: A total of 224 participants were involved in this three-cohort trial. A total of 15 candidate miRNAs were selected, and miRNAs with diagnostic ability were screened out with quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Diagnostic capability was ascertained by the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve. Bioinformatics analysis was constructed for target gene prediction and functional annotation. Results: Six candidate miRNAs showed significantly different expression between bladder cancer patients and normal controls, and the final diagnostic panel comprised miR-181b-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-199-5p and miR-221-3p. Conclusion: This four-miRNA panel could represent a stable biomarker for bladder cancer diagnosis.

Challenges in quantifying and characterizing dissolved organic carbon: Sampling, isolation, storage, and analysis

Despite the advancements in analytical techniques, there are still great challenges and difficulties in accurately and effectively quantifying and characterizing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in environmental samples. The objectives of this review paper are (a) to understand the roles and variability of DOC along the water continuum; (b) to identify the constraints, inconsistences, limitations, and artifacts in DOC characterization; and (c) to provide recommendations and remarks to improve the analytical accuracy. For the first objective, we summarize the four ecological and engineering roles of DOC along the water continuum from source water to municipal utility, including nutrients and energy sources, controlling the fates of micropollutants, buffering capacity, and treatability and precursors of disinfection byproducts. We also discuss three major challenges in DOC analysis, including spatial and temporal variations, degradability and stability, and unknown structures and formulas. For the second objective, we review the procedures and steps in DOC analysis, including sampling in diverse environmental matrices, isolation of DOC fraction, storage and preservation techniques, and analyses on bulk chemical characteristics. We list and discuss the available options and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. Last, we provide recommendations and remarks for each stage: sampling, isolation, storage, and analysis.

Purifying water with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-incorporated membranes: Recent advancements and critical challenges

In the face of the growing global water crisis, membrane technology is a promising means of purifying water and wastewater. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used to improve membrane performance, for antibiofouling, and to aid in photocatalytic degradation, thermal response, and electro-conductivity. However, several critical issues such as short antimicrobial periods, trade-off effects and silver inactivation seriously restrict the engineering application of AgNPs-incorporated membranes. In addition, there is controversy around the use of AgNPs given the toxic preparation process and environmental/biological risks. Hence, it is of great significance to summarize and analyze the recent developments and critical challenges in the use of AgNPs-incorporated membranes in water and wastewater treatment, and to propose potential solutions. We reviewed the different properties and functions of AgNPs and their corresponding applications in AgNPs-incorporated membranes. Recently, multifunctional, novel AgNP-incorporated membranes combined with other functional materials have been developed with high-performance. We further clarified the synergistic mechanisms between AgNPs and these novel nanomaterials and/or polymers, and elucidated their functions and roles in membrane separation. Finally, the critical challenges of AgNPs-incorporated membranes and the proposed solutions were outlined: i) Prolonging the antimicrobial cycle through long-term and controlled AgNPs release; ii) Overcoming the trade-off effect and organic fouling of the AgNPs-incorporated membranes; iii) Preparation of sustainable AgNPs-incorporated membranes; iv) Addressing biotoxicity induced by AgNPs; and v) Deactivation of AgNPs-incorporated membrane. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive discussion of the advancements and challenges of AgNPs-incorporated membranes and guides the development of more robust, multi-functional and sustainable AgNPs-incorporated membranes.

Cobalt quantum dots as electron collectors in ultra-narrow bandgap dioxin linked covalent organic frameworks for boosting photocatalytic solar-to-fuel conversion

Photocatalysis offers a sustainable paradigm for solar-to-fuel conversion because it conflates the merits of renewable solar energy and reusable catalysts. However, the seek for robust photocatalysts that can utilize the full visible light spectrum remains challenging. Herein, cobalt quantum dots (Co QDs) were integrated into ultra-narrow bandgap dioxin linked covalent organic frameworks (COF-318) for photocatalytic solar-to-fuel conversion under full spectrum of visible light irradiation. The optimal Co₁₀-COF exhibited superior photocatalytic CO₂ reduction performance, affording a CO yield of 4232 µmol∙g^-1∙h^-1 and H₂ evolution of 6611 µmol∙g^-1∙h^-1. Specifically, Co QDs played a crucial role in boosting the photocatalytic performance, which acted as electron collectors to capture the photoinduced electrons and then conveyed them to CO₂ molecules. Moreover, the Co QDs modification significantly improved the CO₂ adsorption and activation capacity, as well as prolonging the lifetime of photogenerated carriers. This work reveals an operable pathway for fabricating promising photocatalyst for visible-light-driven solar-to-fuel generation and provides insight into the impact of the integration of Co QDs on COF-based photocatalysts.

P-154 growth hormone supplementation decline quality of maternally aged oocytes via reducing aneuploidy

Study question

Does growth hormone (GH) supplementation ameliorate the quality of oocytes in aged mice via reducing aneuploidy?

Summary answer

Daily injections of growth hormone for 2 months improve the age-related decline in ovarian reserve, and promote oocyte quality by reducing the aneuploidy rate.

What is known already

Women of advanced maternal age, particular over 35 years, could consequently bear poor quality oocytes, which are mainly caused by chromosomal aneuploidy. Age-related decline in GH levels may be related to the insufficient reproductive potential in women of advanced maternal age. To date, the role of GH in in vitro fertilization remains controversial. GH has been reported to affect oocyte quality, and studies in vivo have shown that intraperitoneal administration of GH reduces the occurrence rate of spindle/chromosome defects.

Study design, size, duration

The young (6-week-old) and aged (8-month-old) C57BL/6J mice were used in the study. In the in vivo experiment, aged mice were intraperitoneally injected daily with GH (1.6 mg/kg body weight, n = 85) or the equivalent volume of NS (n = 81) for consecutive for two months. In the in vitro experiment, GV oocytes from aged mice were treated with GH (Gene Science Pharmaceuticals, Changchun, China) (200ng/ml) in M16 medium for 14∼16 hours.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We analyzed the number of oocytes and hormone levels to assess ovarian reserve, by immunohistochemistry and ELISA methods. The expression of GHR was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Time–lapse incubator was utilized to record the developmental potential of oocytes and embryos. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess parameters of oocyte quality (mitochondrial functions, ROS level, spindle/chromosome defects, and DNA damage). Chromosome spread and single-cell DNA sequencing were used to analyze chromosome aneuploidy rate.

Main results and the role of chance

The expression of GHR decreased in aged oocyte (21.68±1.08) and increased after GH treatment(30.64±0.70, P &lt; 0.001). GH ameliorated decline in ovarian reserve of aged mice, with increased ovarian index (0.040%±0.0031 vs 0.023%±0.0019, P &lt; 0.01), number of preantral follicles (7.33±0.89 vs 4.12±0.58, P &lt; 0.05) and antral follicles (8.67±1.2 vs 3.33±0.88, P &lt; 0.05) compared to the aged controls, but no other hormonal differences were detected. After GH supplementation, aged oocyte showed better quality and developmental potential, including restored mitochondrial functions (P &lt; 0.05) and decreased ROS level (19.83±1.50 vs 23.6±1.72, P &lt; 0.05). As expected, GH effectively promoted the fertilization rate (39.9%±1.10 vs 14.4%±0.62, P &lt; 0.001) and early embryo development (P &lt; 0.01). In addition, the spindle/chromosome defects (31.6%±2.12 vs 48.9%±1.83, P &lt; 0.01), DNA damage (16.37±1.76 vs 49.35±2.52, P &lt; 0.001) and aneuploidy rate (21.5%±1.61 vs 34.6%±1.84, P &lt; 0.01) were lower in GH group than that in control group. Overall, GH treatment restored age-related decline in ovarian reserve, and decreased the occurrence rate of aneuploidy caused by spindle/chromosome defects, inducing a better oocyte quality in aged mice.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The molecular and mechanism of GH to regulate spindle/chromosome function remains to be determined. Besides, future work should be extended to human oocyte to determine whether this mechanism is conserved between mice and humans.

Wider implications of the findings

Our work expounds a theoretical basis for application of GH to improve the fertility of aged women. Besides, the results also feed new ideas for the prevention and treatment of oocyte quality decline in assisted reproductive technology.

Trial registration number

not applicable

P-759 Comparison of DNA methylation profiles of human embryo cultured in either uninterrupted or interrupted incubators

Study question

Are there are differences in the DNA methylation profiles of human embryos cultured in Time-lapse imaging (TLI) and standard incubators (SI)?

Summary answer

The genome-wide DNA methylation landscape was globally similar between the SI and TLI groups.

What is known already

Early embryonic development is a special biological process, along with dynamic changes of DNA methylation. In vitro culturing ensured the successful development of human embryo, and is the most important step of ART cycle. TLI is one type of newly developed ART embryo culture systems, which allows for continuous assessment of embryonic development. Our previous study performed transcriptome analysis to compare SI and TLI and found that the global transcriptomic profiles were similar between the two groups. However, whether there are differences in the DNA methylation profiles of human embryos cultured in TLI and SI still unknown.

Study design, size, duration

This study was designed to explore the influence of SI and TLI incubator culturing on genome-wide DNA methylation of human eight-cell embryos. A total of 9 women who received IVF treatment, ≤ 30 years old (range: 20–30 years), without a history of genetic diseases or smoking were included in this study.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Transvaginal oocyte retrieval was performed 36 h after HCG injection. Cumulus-enclosed oocytes were collected in 2.5 mL IVF medium and incubated in 5% O2, 6% CO2, and 37 °C incubators for insemination. The fertilized oocytes were transferred into pre-equilibrated Embryoslides. Then the embryoslides were cultured in either TLI or SI at 37 °C with 5% O2 and 6% CO2 until embryo transfer on Day 3. Samples were sequenced by the Illumina HiSeq 4000 with a 150-bp paired-end.

Main results and the role of chance

The genome-wide methylation patterns and CpG methylation levels in transposable elements and imprinting control regions of TLI-cultured embryos were similar to those of the SI-cultured embryos. However, a small number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected, and these DMRs mainly occurred in exons other than promoters. Functional annotation revealed that the genes in DMRs tended to execute functions such as cell cycle, DNA damage stimulus, histone modification, mitochondrial, glucose import, and MAPK signaling pathway.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Small sample size.

Wider implications of the findings

Evaluated the safety of TLI culture system from the perspective of DNA methylation at single-cell level, and provided an important reference for understanding the association between embryo culture condition and epigenetic regulation.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Panel containing four serum microRNAs has potential to diagnose bladder cancer.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1700224/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the ten most common cancers in the world with late detection and low age of onset. There is abundant evidence that for the management of BC, the earlier detection and timely intervention, the better the prognosis. Substantial evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are specific to different tumor types and have remarkable stability, so serum miRNAs can serve as potential cancer diagnostic markers. Methods The serum samples including 112 BC patients and 112 non-cancer controls (NCs) were gathered as research objects and detected with quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) for verifying the discrepant miRNAs. A panel containing multi-miRNAs was established with superior diagnostic performance. Database of TCGA and KEGG was exerted for survival analysis and bioinformatics analysis, respectively. Results Six serum miRNAs (miR-221-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-98-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-222-3p and miR-197-3p) were significantly aberrant in BC patients, among which four miRNAs (miR-221-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-222-3p) were assembled into a panel with high diagnostic value (AUC = 0.875) based on logistic regression analysis. Survival analysis showed that miR-181a-5p was closely related to BC prognosis. Conclusion The four-miRNAs combination (miR-221-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-15a-5p and miR-222-3p) may become a novel non-invasive serological biomarker for BC screening.

Rational Design of Novel COF/MOF S-Scheme Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Boosting CO2 Reduction at Gas-Solid Interface

Solar-driven photoreduction of CO₂ into valuable fuels offers a sustainable technology to relieve the energy crisis as well as the greenhouse effect. Yet the exploration of highly efficient, selective, stable, and environmental benign photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction remains a major issue and challenge. The interfacial engineering of heterojunction photocatalysts could be a valid approach to boost the efficiency of the catalytic process. Herein, we propose a novel covalent organic framework/metal organic framework (COF/MOF) heterojunction photocatalyst, using olefin (C═C) linked covalent organic framework (TTCOF) and NH₂-UiO-66 (Zr) (NUZ) as representative building blocks, for enhanced CO₂ reduction to CO. The optimized TTCOF/NUZ exhibited a superior CO yield (6.56 μmol g^-1 h^-1) in gas-solid system when irradiated by visible light and only with H₂O (g) as weak reductant, and it was 4.4 and 5 times higher than pristine TTCOF and NUZ, respectively. The photogenerated electrons transfer route was proposed to follow the typical step-scheme (S-scheme), which was affirmed by XPS, in situ XPS and EPR characterizations. The boosting CO₂ photoreduction activity could be credited to the special charge carrier separation in S-scheme heterojunction, which can accelerate photogenerated electrons transportation and improve the redox ability at the interface. This work paves the way for the design and preparation of novel COF/MOF S-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts for CO₂ reduction.

A multimodality intervention to improve musculoskeletal health, function, metabolism, and well-being in spinal cord injury: study protocol for the FIT-SCI randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating, life-changing event that has profoundly deleterious effects on an individual's health and well-being. Dysregulation of neuromuscular, cardiometabolic, and endocrine organ systems following an SCI contribute to excess morbidity, mortality and a poor quality of life. As no effective treatments currently exist for SCI, the development of novel strategies to improve the functional and health status of individuals living with SCI are much needed. To address this knowledge gap, the current study will determine whether a Home-Based Multimodality Functional Recovery and Metabolic Health Enhancement Program that consists of functional electrical stimulation of the lower extremity during leg cycling (FES-LC) plus arm ergometry (AE) administered using behavioral motivational strategies, and testosterone therapy, is more efficacious than FES-LC plus AE and placebo in improving aerobic capacity, musculoskeletal health, function, metabolism, and wellbeing in SCI.

METHODS

This single-site, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial will enroll 88 community-dwelling men and women, 19 to 70 years of age, with cervical and thoracic level of SCI, ASIA Impairment Scale grade: A, B, C, or D, 6 months or later after an SCI. Participants randomized to the multimodality intervention will undergo 16 weeks of home-based FES-LC and AE training plus testosterone undecanoate. Testosterone undecanoate injections will be administered by study staff in clinic or by a visiting nurse in the participant's home. The control group will receive 16 weeks of home-based FES-LC and AE exercise plus placebo injections. The primary outcome of this trial is peak aerobic capacity, measured during an incremental exercise testing protocol. Secondary outcomes include whole body and regional lean and adipose tissue mass; muscle strength and power; insulin sensitivity, lipids, and inflammatory markers; SCI functional index and wellbeing (mood, anxiety, pain, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms); and safety.

DISCUSSION

We anticipate that a multimodality intervention that simultaneously addresses multiple physiological impairments in SCI will result in increased aerobic capacity and greater improvements in other musculoskeletal, metabolic, functional and patient-reported outcomes compared to the control intervention. The findings of this study will have important implications for improving the care of people living with an SCI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov :  ( NCT03576001 ). Prospectively registered: July 3, 2018.

[Interference of P2X4 receptor expression in tumor-associated macrophages suppresses migration and invasion of glioma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of interference of P2X4 receptor expression in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) on invasion and migration of glioma cells.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mouse models bearing gliomas in the caudate nucleus were examined for glioma pathology with HE staining and expressions of Iba-1 and P2X4 receptor with immunofluorescence assay. RAW264.7 cells were induced into TAMs using conditioned medium from GL261 cells, and the changes in mRNA expressions of macrophage polarization-related markers and the mRNA and protein expressions of P2X4 receptor were detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The effect of siRNA-mediated P2X4 interference on IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA and protein expressions in the TAMs was detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. GL261 cells were cultured in the conditioned medium from the transfected TAMs, and the invasion and migration abilities of the cells were assessed with Transwell invasion and migration experiment.

RESULTS

The glioma tissues from the tumor-bearing mice showed a significantly greater number of Iba-1-positive cells, where an obviously increased P2X4 receptor expression was detected (P=0.001), than the brain tissues of the control mice (P < 0.001). The M2 macrophage markers (Arg-1 and IL-10) and M1 macrophage markers (iNOS and TNF-α) were both significantly up-regulated in the TAMs derived from RAW264.7 cells (all P < 0.01), but the up-regulation of the M2 macrophage markers was more prominent; the expression levels of P2X4 receptor protein and mRNA were both increased in the TAMs (P < 0.05). Interference of P2X4 receptor expression significantly lowered the mRNA(P < 0.01)and protein (P < 0.01, P < 0.05)expression levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the TAMs and obviously inhibited the ability of the TAMs to promote invasion and migration of the glioma cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Interference of P2X4 receptor in the TAMs suppresses the migration and invasion of glioma cells possibly by lowering the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18.

Diagnostic panel of serum miR-125b-5p, miR-182-5p, and miR-200c-3p as non-invasive biomarkers for urothelial bladder cancer

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify a diagnostic panel of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) for the early detection of bladder cancer (BC).

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 112 BC patients and 112 normal controls (NCs). A three-stage selection was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs as candidates to construct the diagnostic panel. Further, to explore their potential roles in urothelial BC, bioinformatics analyses, including target genes prediction and functional annotation, were used.

RESULTS

Six downregulated miRNAs (miR-1-3p, miR-30a-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-143-3p, and miR-200c-3p) and one upregulated, miR-182-5p, in BC patients' serum were detected compared to NCs and were selected to establish the diagnostic panel. Based on a backward stepwise logistic regression analysis, miR-125b-5p, miR-182-5p, and miR-200c-3p comprehended the diagnostic panel [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.959, sensitivity = 91.67%, specificity = 92.5%].

CONCLUSION

The panel of three miRNAs had an excellent diagnostic capability, representing a potential non-invasive method for early BC detection.

Identification of a three-miRNA panel in serum for bladder cancer diagnosis by a diagnostic test

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is the tenth most common cancer in the world. Serum microRNA (miRNA) profiles previously have been reported as non-invasive biomarkers in cancer screening. The non-invasive and reliable diagnostic biomarkers are urgently needed for detecting BC, while cystoscopy is invasive. Our study aimed to identify candidate miRNAs in serum as potential diagnostic biomarkers for BC detection.

METHODS

This study was including the screening stage, training stage, and validation stage with 137 BC patients and 127 healthy controls (HCs). We identified the expression of 28 serum miRNAs from 5 BC pools and 3 HC pools in the initial screening stage. The other 112 BC patients and 112 HCs were randomly divided into training stage with 30 BC patients and 30 HCs and validation stages with 82 BC patients and 82 HCs. These HCs matched BC patients based on age and gender with P value >0.05. Identified dysregulated miRNAs were further confirmed in the training stage, and validation stages by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The diagnostic value of miRNAs was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Target genes of 3 candidate miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatic analysis.

RESULTS

Five miRNAs (miR-106a-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-7-5p and miR-148b-3p) in serum were obviously dysregulated in BC patients compared to HCs. The ability to diagnose BC of 3 candidate miRNAs was estimated by AUC, with miR-132-3p (AUC =0.781; sensitivity =68.29%, specificity =81.71%), miR-7-5p (AUC =0.778; sensitivity =59.76%, specificity =84.15%) and miR-148b-3p (AUC =0.837; sensitivity =81.71%, specificity =71.95%). Combined application of these candidate miRNAs with parallel test could improve the diagnostic value (AUC =0.922; sensitivity =90.24%, specificity =81.71%). BNC2, GAS7, and NTRK2, considered as target genes of the three-miRNA panel, may play an important role in the process of BC development.

CONCLUSIONS

A three-miRNA panel in serum was identified for BC diagnosis in our study, which HCs were used for differential diagnosis. The three-miRNA panel (miR-132-3p, miR-7-5p, and miR-148b-3p) might be performed as a non-invasive and convenient diagnostic tool for BC screening and diagnosis.

[Identification of rare variants in exons of NLRC4 gene in patients with type 1 diabetes and their impact on gene function]

Objective: To identify rare variants in exon and exon-intron boundary of containing NLR family CARD domain protein 4 (NLRC4) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients, and to explore their effects on gene function. Methods: A total of 508 T1DM patients and 527 healthy controls in the Department of Metabolic Endocrinology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from August 2017 to September 2020 were selected. The case group included 264 males and 244 females, and the age [M (Q₁, Q₃)] was [27 (11, 43)] years. The control group included 290 males and 237 females, and their age［M（Q₁，Q₃）］was [47 (36, 60)] years old. Identification of rare variants in exons of NLRC4 gene in T1DM patients and healthy controls was performed and verified by next-generation sequencing and sanger sequencing. The NLRC4 gene wild-type and mutant plasmids were constructed and transfected into 293T cells. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression of NLRC4 protein and cleavage products of pro-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase(procaspase-1). Cycloheximide (CHX) was added to 293T cells transfected with wild-type or mutant NLRC4 plasmid to detect the degradation of NLRC4 protein. The localization of NLRC4 protein was detected by immunofluorescence, and the concentration of IL-1β in the cell supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The sequencing results showed that 4 patients and 2 healthy controls had a heterozygous variant c.208C>T in exon 3 of the NLRC4 gene. Two patient had a heterozygous variant c.1564T>C in exon 4, and 1 patients had c.1219G>C in exon 4. These three variants might be pathogenic variants in T1DM. In 293T cells transfected with NLRC4 wild-type and c.208C>T、c.1564T>Cc.1219G>C mutant plasmids, the expression level, degradation rate, localization of NLRC4 protein and the content of cleavage products of procaspase-1 did not change significantly. However, the concentration of IL-1β secreted by 293T cells transfected with c.1219G>C and c.208C>T plasmid [M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 15.25 (12.98, 17.52) and 15.44 (13.81, 17.07) ng/L, respectively, which was lower than 18.70 (16.59, 20.81) ng/L of 293T cells transfected wild-type plasmid (P=0.020, 0.010). Conclusions: NLRC4 gene rare variants c.208C>T, c.1564T>C and c.1219G>C may not change the protein expression, degradation and localization, but c.208C>T and c.1219G>C may inhibit the secretion of IL-1β. This result suggests that NLRC4 rare variants may have an impact on gene function.

A Panel of Three Serum MicroRNAs as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Urothelial Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Urothelial carcinoma (UCa) is one of the most common malignancies of the genitourinary system, and its early diagnosis is vital to improve the survival of UCa patients. Therefore, novel noninvasive markers are urgently needed to improve the diagnosis of UCa. The present study aims to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) relevant for the diagnosis of UCa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled a total of 152 UCa patients and 135 healthy controls at a single institution, between 2012 and 2020. The expression levels of candidate miRNAs were calculated from serum samples based on quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. miRNAs with a good diagnostic value were selected and confirmed step by step in a four-phase test. The area under the curve (AUC) of each miRNA was obtained by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which was used to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and corresponding cutoff values of miRNAs. Backward stepwise logistic regression was used to identify a panel of miRNAs that could distinguish UCa from healthy controls.

RESULTS

Four miRNAs were relevant for diagnosis: miR17-5p (AUC = 0.786, p < 0.001), miR-125a-5p (AUC = 0.681, p < 0.01), miR145-5p (AUC = 0.737, p < 0.001), and miR-224-5p (AUC = 0.872, p < 0.001). These miRNAs were used to construct a diagnostic panel. The final optimal combination to diagnose UCa included three miRNAs, namely, miR17-5p, miR145-5p, and miR-224-5p. The ROC curve of the panel was constructed, and its AUC was 0.961 (95% CI: 0.931-0.991; sensitivity = 93.8%, and specificity = 87.5%).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we discovered four miRNAs (miR17-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR145-5p, and miR-224-5p) that were relevant for UCa diagnosis, and successfully developed a panel using three of these miRNAs. This panel may serve as a new biomarker tool with high sensitivity and specificity to diagnose UCa in patients.

A panel of three serum microRNA can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is cancer with unique epidemiological characteristics, showing obvious ethnicity, gender, and geographical prevalence. More and more evidence shows that microRNAs are stable in serum and are specific to different tumor types. Therefore, miRNA is a new non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection.

METHODS

The experiment is divided into three stages, namely, the screening stage, the training stage, and the verification stage. We took 54 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 108 healthy controls as the research objects. We use the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) to evaluate the diagnostic value of miRNA. Finally, a three-miRNA panel with high diagnostic efficiency was constructed. In addition, we conducted biological information analysis of these miRNAs to explore their functions.

RESULTS

In NPC patients, the expression of five serum miRNAs (miR-29c-3p, miR-143-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-145-3p, and miR-205-5p) is significantly dysregulated. Among them, the diagnostic value of these three miRNAs (miR-29c-3p, AUC = 0.702; miR-143-5p, AUC = 0.733; and miR-205-5p, AUC = 787) is more prominent. The diagnostic panel constructed by them has a higher diagnostic value (AUC = 0.902). Through the analysis of the TCGA data set, the target gene of the three-miRNA panel may be KLF7, NRG1, SH3BGRL2, and SYNPO2.

CONCLUSION

The three-miRNA panel (miR-29c-3p, miR-143-5p, and miR-205-5p) may become a novel non-invasive biological marker for nasopharyngeal cancer screening.

The influence of CYP2R1 polymorphisms and gene-obesity interaction with hypertension risk in a Chinese rural population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Several studies have reported that variants in CYP2R1 have been linked with an increased risk of hypertension. However, the interaction between CYP2R1 variants and environmental factors on the susceptibility of hypertension remained unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of CYP2R1 polymorphisms on hypertension susceptibility, and explored the interaction effect of CYP2R1 variations and obesity on the disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 766 incident hypertension cases matched with non-hypertension controls in a 1:1 ratio by sex, age (within 3 years). Two loci in CYP2R1 gene (rs10766197 and rs12794714) were genotyped by TaqMan probe assays. The concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D was determined by human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The associations of CYP2R1 polymorphisms and risks of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) were analyzed by logistic regression. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to analyze the gene-environment interaction. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the effect of CYP2R1 gene variations, and the interaction between CYP2R1 variation and obesity on hypertension susceptibility. The results showed that rs10766197 (GG vs. AA) and rs12794714 (GG vs. AA) polymorphisms were both associated with an increased risk of VDD (OR = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-2.05 and OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.19-2.25, respectively), after adjustment for potential risk factors. We also found that rs12794714 polymorphism was significantly associated with elevated risk of hypertension under the dominant model (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01-1.56). In addition, the interactions between rs12794714 with both general obesity (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 2.72-5.68) and central obesity (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 2.29-4.52) have significant effects on hypertension susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provided further evidence that CYP2R1 variation was associated with a higher risk of hypertension in Chinese rural population. The interaction between CYP2R1 rs12794714 and obesity may increase the risk of hypertension.

A Four-MicroRNA Panel in Serum as a Potential Biomarker for Screening Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been a major health problem and is one of the most malignant tumors around the world. Serum microRNA (miRNA) profiles previously have been reported as non-invasive biomarkers in cancer screening. The aim of this study was to explore serum miRNAs as potential biomarkers for screening RCC. Methods: A three-phase study was conducted to explore serum miRNAs as potential biomarkers for screening RCC. In the screening phase, 12 candidate miRNAs related to RCC were selected for further study by the ENCORI database with 517 RCC patients and 71 NCs. A total of 220 participants [108 RCC patients and 112 normal controls (NCs)] were enrolled for training and validation. The dysregulated candidate miRNAs were further confirmed with 30 RCC patients and 30 NCs in the training phase and with 78 RCC patients and 82 NCs in the validation phase. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used for assessing the diagnostic value of miRNAs. Bioinformatic analysis and survival analysis were also included in our study. Results: Compared to NCs, six miRNAs (miR-18a-5p, miR-138-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-200a-3p, and miR-363-3p) in serum were significantly dysregulated in RCC patients. A four-miRNA panel was built by combining these candidate miRNAs to improve the diagnostic value with AUC = 0.908. ABCG1 and RNASET2, considered potential target genes of the four-miRNA panel, may play a significant role in the development of RCC. Conclusion: A four-miRNA panel in serum was identified for RCC screening in our study. The four--miRNA panel has a great potential to be a non-invasive biomarker for RCC screening.

A four-miRNA signature in serum as a biomarker for bladder cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Urinary bladder cancer (BCa) is globally the 10th most frequent cancer. As a novel diagnostic tool, miRNA in serum screening is non-invasive. This project aimed to determine particular serum miRNAs as novel biomarkers for diagnosing urinary BCa.

METHODS

We designed a three-phase study with 122 healthy controls (HCs) and 132 BCa patients. The 30 miRNAs' expressions in serum from HCs and BCa patients were detected during the screening phase. The miRNAs with the most dysregulation were tested in the training (HCs vs. BCa, 30 each) and validation (80 HCs vs. 82 BCa) phase further. The diagnostic ability of these candidate miRNAs was estimated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves as well as the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The miRNAs' target genes and their annotations to functions were predicted utilizing bioinformatic assays.

RESULTS

Six serum miRNAs (miR-124-3p, miR-182-5p, miR-1-3p, miR-196a-5p, miR-23b-3p and miR-34a-5p) had significantly different expression between BCa patients and HCs in the training and validation phase. The four-microRNA panel improved the diagnostic value, with AUC =0.985. The result of bioinformatic analysis showed that these miRNAs' target genes in the panel may be related to the MAPK signaling pathway in bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified a four-miRNA panel that is a non-invasive new biomarker for diagnosing BCa.

A four-microRNA panel in serum may serve as potential biomarker for renal cell carcinoma diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one out of the most universal malignant tumors globally, and its incidence is increasing annually. MicroRNA (miRNA) in serum could be considered as a non-invasive detecting biomarker for RCC diagnosis.

METHOD

A total of 224 participants (112 RCC patients (RCCs) and 112 normal controls (NCs)) were enrolled in the three-phrase study. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to reveal the miRNA expression levels in RCCs and NCs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were utilized to predict the diagnostic ability of serum miRNAs for RCC. Bioinformatic analysis and survival analysis were also included in our study.

RESULTS

Compared to NCs, the expression degree of miR-155-5p, miR-224-5p in serum was significantly upregulated in RCC patients, and miR-1-3p, miR-124-3p, miR-129-5p, and miR-200b-3p were downregulated. A four-miRNA panel was construed, and the AUC of the panel was 0.903 (95% CI: 0.847-0.944; p < 0.001; sensitivity = 75.61%, specificity = 93.67%). Results from GEPIA database indicated that CHL1, MPP5, and SORT1 could be seen as promising target genes of the four-miRNA panel. Survival analysis of candidate miRNAs manifested that miR-155-5p was associated with the survival rate of RCC significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The four-miRNA panel in serum has a great potential to be non-invasive biomarkers for RCC sift to check.

MRI characterization of hemodynamic patterns of human fetuses with cyanotic congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVES

To characterize, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the distribution of blood flow and oxygen transport in human fetuses with subtypes of congenital heart disease (CHD) that present with neonatal cyanosis.

METHODS

Blood flow was measured in the major vessels of 152 late-gestation human fetuses with CHD and 40 gestational-age-matched normal fetuses, using cine phase-contrast MRI. Oxygen saturation (SaO₂ ) was measured in the major vessels of 57 fetuses with CHD and 40 controls.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, we found lower combined ventricular output in fetuses with single-ventricle physiology, with the lowest being observed in fetuses with severe forms of Ebstein's anomaly. Obstructive lesions of the left or right heart were associated with increased flow across the contralateral side. Pulmonary blood flow was reduced in fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly, while those with Ebstein's anomaly and tricuspid atresia had reduced umbilical flow. Flow in the superior vena cava was elevated in fetuses with transposition of the great arteries, normal in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart, tetralogy of Fallot or tricuspid atresia and reduced in fetuses with Ebstein's anomaly. Umbilical vein SaO₂ was reduced in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart or tetralogy of Fallot. Ascending aorta and superior vena cava SaO₂ were reduced in nearly all CHD subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses with cyanotic CHD exhibit profound changes in the distribution of blood flow and oxygen transport, which result in changes in cerebral, pulmonary and placental blood flow and oxygenation. These alterations of fetal circulatory physiology may influence the neonatal course and help account for abnormalities of prenatal growth and development that have been described in newborns with cyanotic CHD. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Intervention effects of four exercise modalities on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four exercise modalities on patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase were searched for relevant studies. The literature search was restricted to those published between January 2010 and June 2021. Randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions on NAFLD were collected. Data were presented as statistical graphics using ADDIS 1.16.5 and R-Studio 4.1.

RESULTS

Seventeen controlled studies analyzing 1627 patients with NAFLD were included. Patients were divided into the control group (n=688), aerobic training group (AT, n=554), resistance training group (RT, n=232), high-intensity interval training group (HIIT, n=53), and aerobic training with resistance training group (AT+RT, n=100). Results of the statistical analysis showed that the combined exercise intervention had the most significant effect on the total serum cholesterol of patients' mean difference [MD=0.47(0.23, 0.73), p<0.05]. Levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were improved, but no significant difference was found in their levels in the four groups of exercise intervention. The intervention effect of the four exercises on blood lipid and liver enzymes in patients with NAFLD was in the order of AT+RT > HIIT > RT > AT > control.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise interventions are recommended as stand-alone or adjunctive therapy. For patients with NAFLD who can tolerate various exercises, priority should be given to AT+RT exercise 4-5 times per week. The exercise intensity should be 50%-70% of the maximum heart rate and performed for >3 months to improve the effectiveness of the exercise supervision intervention.

Identification of a four-microRNA panel in serum for screening renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to identify serum microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for screening renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

The study was divided into three stages, including screening stage, training stage, and validation stage. In the screening stage, we examined the expression of 30 serum miRNAs from healthy controls (HCs) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. We further studied the dysregulated miRNAs in training (30 RCC and 26 HCs) and validation (73 RCC and 80 HCs) stages. We estimated the diagnostic value of miRNAs by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Finally, bioinformatics analysis were performed towards target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs.

RESULTS

Six serum miRNAs (miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-145-5p and miR-146a-5p) in RCC patients were obviously differentially expressed compared to those in HCs in training stage and validation stage. To increase diagnostic value, we combined these six serum miRNAs and made a four-microRNA (miR-21-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-145-5p and miR-146a-5p) panel, and AUC of the panel was 0.938 (95% CI: 0.889-0.971; sensitivity=90.79%, specificity=93.75%). The genes targeted by these miRNAs were suggested that they may be involved in the process of cancers by the bioinformatics analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study was performing a four-microRNA panel in serum for screening enal cell carcinoma. The four-miRNA panel (miR-21-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-145-5p and miR-146a-5p) may be perform as a biomarker without invasiveness for RCC screening.

Design of Broadband Flat Optical Frequency Comb Based on Cascaded Sign-Alternated Dispersion Tellurite Microstructure Fiber

We designed a tellurite microstructure fiber (TMF) and proposed a broadband optical frequency comb generation scheme that was based on electro-optical modulation and cascaded sign-alternated dispersion TMF (CSAD-TMF). In addition, the influence of different nonlinear effects, the ultrashort pulse evolution in the CSAD-TMF with the anomalous dispersion (AD) zones and the normal dispersion (ND) zones were analyzed based on the generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equations (GNLSE) modelling. According to the simulations, when the input seed comb had a repetition rate of 20 GHz and had an input pulse peak power of 30 W, the generation scheme could generate optical frequency combs with a 6 dB spectral bandwidth spanning over 170 nm centered at 1550 nm. Furthermore, the generated combs showed good coherence in performance over the whole 6 dB spectral bandwidth. The highly coherent optical frequency combs can be used as high-repetition-rate, multi-wavelength light sources for various integrated microwave photonics and ultrafast optical signal processing applications.

Band Gap Tuning of Covalent Triazine-Based Frameworks through Iron Doping for Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Photocatalytic hydrogen energy production through water splitting paves a promising pathway for alleviating the increasingly severe energy crisis. Seeking affordable, highly active, and stable photocatalysts is crucial to access the technology in a sustainable manner. Herein, a trivalent iron-doped covalent triazine-based framework (CTF-1) was elaborately designed in this study to finely tune the band structure and photocatalytic activity of CTF-1 for H₂ production. With optimal doping amount, Fe₁₀ /CTF-1 exhibited a satisfying H₂ production activity of 1460 μmol h^-1  g^-1 , corresponding to 28-fold enhancement compared with pure CTF-1. The Fe³⁺ doping is responsible for a remarkedly broadened visible-light adsorption range, improved reduction ability and inhibited electron-hole recombination of CTF-1. Specifically, the doped Fe³⁺ could serve as photocatalytically active center and "electron relay" to accelerate charge separation and transformation. This study offers a feasible strategy to validly design and synthesize CTF-based photocatalytic materials to efficiently utilize solar energy.

[Mechanism of high expression of high mobility group protein 1 in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the molecular mechanism triggering pyroptosis of synovial fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)and the release of high mobility group protein 1(HMGB1)in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).

METHODS

Twelve SD rats were randomized equally into blank control group without any treatment and KOA group with anterior cruciate ligament amputation (ACLT) to induce KOA.HE staining and Mankin score were used to evaluate the damage of knee cartilage.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 in the synovial tissue.In the cell experiment, rat FLSs were treated with PBS (control group), LPS+ATP (to induce cell pyroptosis), or LPS+ATP+siRNAs (to inhibit pyroptosis of the FLSs), and the cellular expressions of apoptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 were detected using Western blotting; the level of HMGB1 in the culture supernatant was detected with ELISA.

RESULTS

In the rat models of KOA, the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins and HMGB1 in the synovial tissue and Mankin score were significantly increased as compared with those in the control group(P < 0.05).In cultured rat FLSs, the expressions of apoptosis related proteins and HMGB1 were significantly higher in the pyroptosis group than in the control group and in cells transfected with the siRNAs targeting NLRP1, NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1(P < 0.05).The protein level of HMGB1 in the culture supernatant was significantly higher in pyroptosis group than in the control and siRNA groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the pathological process of KOA, NLRPs inflammasome-mediated FLS pyroptosis causes massive release of HMGB1, which is associated with the activation of the downstream molecule caspase-1.