Synergistic Activity and Mechanism of Sanguinarine with Polymyxin B against Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections

Compounds that potentiate the activity of clinically available antibiotics provide a complementary solution, except for developing novel antibiotics for the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). We sought to identify compounds potentiating polymyxin B (PMB), a traditional drug that has been revived as the last line for treating life-threatening GNB infections, thus reducing its nephrotoxicity and heterogeneous resistance in clinical use. In this study, we found a natural product, sanguinarine (SA), which potentiated the efficacy of PMB against GNB infections. The synergistic effect of SA with PMB was evaluated using a checkerboard assay and time-kill curves in vivo and the murine peritonitis model induced by Escherichia coli in female CD-1 mice in vivo. SA assisted PMB in accelerating the reduction in bacterial loads both in vitro and in vivo, improving the inflammatory responses and survival rate of infected animals. The subsequent detection of the intracellular ATP levels, membrane potential, and membrane integrity indicated that SA enhanced the bacterial-membrane-breaking capacity of PMB. A metabolomic analysis showed that the inhibition of energy metabolism, interference with nucleic acid biosynthesis, and the blocking of L-Ara4N-related PMB resistance may also contribute to the synergistic effect. This study is the first to reveal the synergistic activity and mechanism of SA with PMB, which highlights further insights into anti-GNB drug development.

Efficacy and safety of compassionate use for rare diseases: a scoping review from 1991 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Compassionate use is a system that provides patients with expedited access to drugs which has not yet been approved, but currently in clinical trials. The investigational drugs have been authorized for compassionate use in cases involving patients suffered from life-threatening diseases and with no alternative treatments. For instance, patients afflicted with highly heterogeneous rare diseases are eligible for treatment assistance through the compassionate use program. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of compassionate use in the context of rare diseases, evaluate the efficacy and safety of compassionate use for rare diseases, and analyze the marketing approval of investigational drugs.

METHODS

The case reports/case series of compassionate use were collected by conducting searches on Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and SinoMed, spanning from January 1991 to December 2022. Subsequently, two independent reviewers evaluated these reports. Case reports/case series that met the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Information extracted from these reports and series included patients' basic information, the investigational drug's name, its indication, adverse events, treatment outcomes, and other relevant data.

RESULTS

A total of forty-six studies were included, encompassing 2079 patients with an average age of 38.1 years. Thirty-nine different drugs were involved in 46 studies. Furthermore, neoplasms emerged as the most common therapeutic area for compassionate use in rare disease management (23/46, 50.0%). Regarding the treatment efficacy, four studies reported successful disease resolution, while 35 studies observed symptom improvement among patients. Conversely, four studies documented no significant effects on patients' diseases. Moreover, one study reported worsened results following compassionate use, while the efficacy was not described in 2 studies. Adverse events were reported in 31 studies (67.4%) because of the compassionate use, while no adverse events occurred in 13 studies (28.3%). In other 2 studies, there was no description about whether treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were happened. 136 patients (6.5%) had Grade 5 adverse events (death), of which 19 deaths (0.9%) were considered to be related to compassionate use. Furthermore, the investigational drugs in 33 studies (33/46, 71.7%) received new drug approval at the end of January 31, 2023.The time lag from the start of the compassionate use to the formal approval of the investigational drug was 790.5 (IQR 359-2199.3) days. We found that in 11 studies, encompassing 9 different drugs, some compassionate use indications had not received regulatory authorities at the end of January 31, 2023.

CONCLUSION

The current status of compassionate use for rare diseases was clarified systematically in this study. Compassionate use of investigational drug is a significant treatment option for rare disease. In general, compassionate use appears to demonstrate favorable efficacy in the context of rare diseases, with a significant proportion of compassionate use drugs subsequently receiving marketing approval. However, the safety of drugs for compassionate use cannot be fully evaluated due to the safety data were not covered in some enrolled studies. Therefore, the establishment of an adverse event reporting system specific to compassionate use is warranted.

Ceftazidime-Avibactam for Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Infections: A Real-World Experience in the ICU

Purpose

Ceftazidime-avibactam (C-A) is a treatment option for carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial (CR-GNB) infections, but little is known regarding its suitability for the intensive care unit (ICU). The current study aimed to analyze use of C-A for critically ill patients, determine independent predictors of clinical outcome and mortality and explore routine dosages for patients in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Patients and Methods

A single-center, retrospective and observational study was conducted in critically ill patients receiving different C-A-based therapies for CR-GNB infections in a tertiary teaching hospital in Beijing, China. Demographic data, severity of infection, clinical outcomes and mortality were assessed. The primary and secondary outcome of this study was 90-day all-cause mortality and 14-day clinical response, respectively.

Results

A total of 43 patients with CR-GNB infection were enrolled, including 14 (32.6%) patients received C-A monotherapy. C-A monotherapy and combination with other agents did not affect 14-day clinical response or 90-day survival. All-cause mortality at 90-days was 39.5% (17/43). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that concomitant with bloodstream infection was independent risk factors for 90-day mortality and that the time to initiation of C-A and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score was independent predictors of 14-day clinical response. Five CRRT patients who received high-dose C-A therapy (>3.75 g/d) had prolonged survival compared with 5 who received low-dose C-A (<3.75 g/d, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

C-A was an effective therapy for severe CR-GNB infections and clinical response correlated with the time of C-A initiation. A dosage >3.75g/d C-A was associated with prolonged survival of CRRT patients. Randomized controlled trials or multicenter studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Erratum to "Identification of anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis agents targeting the interaction of bacterial division proteins FtsZ and SepFe" [Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 13 (2023) 2056-2070]

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.022.].

Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Intravenous Polymyxin B-based Treatment in Critically Ill Patients with Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Nosocomial Pneumonia

OBJECTIVES

Polymyxin B (PMB)-based therapy is one of the most important treatments for patients with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanni (CRAB) caused nosocomial pneumonia. However, the optimal PMB-based combination regimen hasn't been well documented.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 111 critically ill patients in intensive care unit who experienced CRAB nosocomial pneumonia and received intravenous (IV) PMB-based therapy between January 1, 2018 and June 1, 2022 were included. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 28 days. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore risk factors for mortality in the enrolled patients treated with PMB-based regimens and the three most frequent combination regimens.

RESULTS

PMB + sulbactam (SB) regimen was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality (aHR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.03-0.39; P = 0.001). The proportion of low-dose PMB in PMB + SB regimen (79.2%) was higher than in PMB + carbapenem (CB) (61.9%) or tigecycline (TC) (50.0%). In contrast, PMB + CB regimen significantly increased mortality (aHR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.47-7.27; P = 0.004). Although the proportion of high-dose PMB in PMB + TC (17.9%) was higher than in other two regimens, the mortality remained highest (42.9%) and serum creatinine folds increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

PMB in combination with SB may be a promising treatment option for patients with CRAB-induced nosocomial pneumonia, as mortality was significantly reduced with low-dose PMB and no increased risk of nephrotoxicity was observed.

Association between bilirubin levels and risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between bilirubin levels and stroke risk.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis, reported in accordance with Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases were searched from inception up to 27 February 2022.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Cohort studies assessing the dose-response relationship between bilirubin levels and risk of stroke were eligible for inclusion. There were no language restrictions.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

All data from eligible studies were collected and assessed by two independent investigators. We generated pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs. We used a restricted cubic spline model for the dose-response analyses. Subsequent subgroup analyses were conducted according to stroke outcomes, follow-up duration, geographical area and size of the cohort.

RESULTS

Nine articles including results from 11 cohort studies with 7835 cases of stroke and 263 596 participants met the inclusion criteria. The summarised RR of stroke comparing the highest and lowest bilirubin level was 0.85 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.99). The dose-response analysis indicated that a 15 µmol/L increment of bilirubin level was associated with an 18% lower risk of stroke (RR=0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99). For ischaemic stroke, the RR was 0.76 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.99). Significant publication bias was not detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated bilirubin levels were associated with a decreased risk of stroke among adults.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017071497.

Identification of Potent Zika Virus NS5 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors Combining Virtual Screening and Biological Assays

The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic poses a significant threat to human health globally. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing effective anti-ZIKV agents. ZIKV non-structural protein 5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a viral enzyme for viral replication, has been considered an attractive drug target. In this work, we screened an anti-infection compound library and a natural product library by virtual screening to identify potential candidates targeting RdRp. Then, five selected candidates were further applied for RdRp enzymatic analysis, cytotoxicity, and binding examination by SPR. Finally, posaconazole (POS) was confirmed to effectively inhibit both RdRp activity with an IC₅₀ of 4.29 μM and the ZIKV replication with an EC₅₀ of 0.59 μM. Moreover, POS was shown to reduce RdRp activity by binding with the key amino acid D666 through molecular docking and site-directed mutation analysis. For the first time, our work found that POS could inhibit ZIKV replication with a stronger inhibitory activity than chloroquine. This work also demonstrated fast anti-ZIKV screening for inhibitors of RdRp and provided POS as a potential anti-ZIKV agent.

Association between loneliness and dementia risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Loneliness has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of dementia; however, the extent of this relationship remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the strength of the relationship between loneliness and dementia using a meta-analysis approach. PubMed, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Internet databases were systematically searched for potentially included studies from inception up to 17 February 2022. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to assess pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A literature search identified 16 cohort studies (published in 15 articles), among which 4,625 dementia cases and 62,345 individuals were selected for further meta-analysis. Loneliness was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.32-2.23; P < 0.001) and dementia (RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16-1.31; P < 0.00001). However, no significant association between loneliness and risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.97-1.87; P = 0.080) or vascular dementia (VaD) (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.51-1.99; P = 0.973) was observed. Results revealed that loneliness might increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Early interventions that limit loneliness may reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

[A cross-sectional survey and analysis of influencing factors of humanistic of the current status of humanistic care ability of burn specialist nurses]

Objective: To investigate the current status of humanistic care ability of burn specialist nurses and to analyze the influencing factors. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional research method was conducted. From May to August 2020, 63 burn specialist nurses who met the inclusion criteria in Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were selected. Self-made general data questionnaire was used to investigate 17 indexes, including gender, age, professional title, working years, whether received humanistic care training, academic qualification, and caring ability inventory (CAI) was used to evaluate their humanistic care ability. After the nurses were classified by the general data, independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variance were performed on the data to analyze the total score of CAI. The CAI total scores and scores of cognition, courage, and patience of the nurses were compared with the international norm. The factors with statistically significant differences in unvariate analysis were selected for multiple linear regression analysis to screen the independent influencing factors of humanistic care ability of burn specialist nurses. Results: A total of 63 questionnaires were collected in this survey, all of which were valid. Among the 63 nurses, there were 4 males and 59 females, with the age mainly ranging from 20 to 30 years (30 nurses, 47.62%), the professional titles mainly being nurse practitioner (36 nurses, 57.14%), the working years mainly being more than 10 years (28 nurses, 44.44%), 32 nurses not receiving humanistic care training, and academic qualifications mostly being junior college (37 nurses, 58.73%). There were significant differences in the total scores of CAI among nurses with different ages, professional titles, working years, whether received humanistic care training, and academic qualifications (with F values of 53.95, 49.14, and 75.42, t values of 6.08 and -2.82, respectively, P<0.01). The scores of cognition, courage, and patience and the total scores of CAI of nurses in this group were significantly lower than those of international norm (with t values of -2.02, -2.04, -6.19, and -3.89, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, working years, professional title, and whether received humanistic care training were the independent influencing factors of humanistic care ability of burn specialist nurses (with 95% confidence intervals of 1.91-23.23, 16.25-31.48, 1.05-19.09, and 6.72-31.82, unstandardized coefficient values of 12.57, 23.86, 10.07, and 19.27, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: The humanistic care ability of burn specialist nurses is relatively weak. Age, professional title, working years, and whether received humanistic care training are the independent influencing factors of humanistic care ability of burn specialist nurses.

Evaluating the national system for rare diseases in China from the point of drug access: progress and challenges

Background

There are about 7000 rare diseases worldwide, of which only 5% of the diseases can be treated with medicines, showing that it’s important to improve patient access to orphan drugs. Recently, China has actively worked to set up a national system for rare diseases to improve the diagnosis and treatment capabilities and ensure the accessibility of drugs. However, the benefits of the system have yet not to be measured. This study aimed to provide an overview of orphan drug access based on the Compendium of China’s First List of Rare Diseases and National Network to Collaborate on Diagnosis and Treatment of Rare Diseases, expecting to map a blueprint for orphan drug access in China.

Methods

Framework of China’s national system for rare diseases was summarized. We surveyed the availability and affordability of 79 approved orphan drugs based on the Compendium of China’s First List of Rare Diseases in 30 leading provincial institutions from 2017 to 2020. The availability was measured annually at 3 levels (market, hospital and drug), and affordability was reflected by comparing costs of daily defined dose with per capita income of urban and rural residents, with the National Basic Medical Insurance considered.

Results

The market availability of orphan drugs in China showed an upward trend. As of 2020, the median hospital-level availability was 41.1% (increased by 1.5 times), highly available drugs increased by 16.5%. There were 64/74 orphan drugs that were affordable to rural/urban residents with the National Basic Medical Insurance considered (an increase of 14.1%), and the urban–rural gap of affordability ratio was narrowed (down by 6.0%). Comprehensive analysis showed the proportions of drugs with better availability and affordability in urban and rural areas by 2020 were 39.4% and 32.3%, respectively, which had increased but were still at a low level.

Conclusions

China’s national system for rare diseases has made great progress in orphan drug access, indicating that it’s been functioning under the joint reformation of medical treatment, medical insurance and medicines supply. The list of rare diseases will be updated and collaboration in networks will be enhanced to further improve the system.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02507-2.

Calpain Inhibitor Calpeptin Improves Alzheimer's Disease-Like Cognitive Impairments and Pathologies in a Diabetes Mellitus Rat Model

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been considered an accelerator of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not fully understood. Here, we attempted to determine the role and regulatory mechanism of calpain in the AD-like cognitive decline and pathological changes in rats caused by DM. In the initial stages, our results verified that DM model rats showed cognitive impairment, as well as a loss of neurons, decreased pericyte marker (PDGFR-β and α-SMA), and calpain-2 expression and amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the hippocampal tissues. In high glucose-induced primary pericytes, the cell apoptotic rate was increased, and cell proliferation was inhibited in a time-dependent manner. The protein level of calpain-2 was also upregulated by HG induction, but the level of calpain-1 did not change with HG treatment, which was also observed in DM model rats. Subsequently, some DM model rats were administered calpeptin, an inhibitor of calpain. Our data revealed that calpeptin treatment significantly suppressed calpain-1 and calpain-2 expression in the hippocampal tissues and effectively improved the cognitive impairments of DM model rats. Neuronal loss, Aβ accumulation, pericyte loss, inflammation, and oxidative stress injury in the hippocampal tissues of DM model rats were also partly rescued by calpeptin administration. Our work demonstrated that the calpain inhibitor calpeptin could alleviate DM-induced AD-like cognitive impairments and pathological changes in rats, and this effect may be associated with pericytes. Calpeptin may become a promising drug to treat the AD-like complications of DM.

Screening and Identification of a Novel Anti-tuberculosis Compound That Targets Deoxyuridine 5'-Triphosphate Nucleotidohydrolase

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a threat to humans worldwide. The rise of drug-resistant TB strains has escalated the need for developing effective anti-TB agents. Deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) is essential for thymidylate biosynthesis to maintain the DNA integrity. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, dUTPase provides the sole source for thymidylate biosynthesis, which also has the specific five-residue loop and the binding pockets absent in human dUTPase. Therefore, dUTPase has been regarded as a promising anti-TB drug target. Herein, we used a luminescence-based dUTPase assay to search for the inhibitors target M. tuberculosis dUTPase (Mt-dUTPase) and identified compound F0414 as a potent Mt-dUTPase inhibitor with an IC₅₀ of 0.80 ± 0.09 μM. F0414 exhibited anti-TB activity with low cytotoxicity. Molecular docking model and site-directed mutation experiments revealed that P79 was the key residue in the interaction of Mt-dUTPase and F0414. Moreover, F0414 was shown to have stronger binding with Mt-dUTPase than with Mt-P79A-dUTPase by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection. Interestingly, F0414 exhibited insensitivity and weak directly binding on human dUTPase compared with that on Mt-dUTPase. All the results highlight that F0414 is the first compound reported to have anti-TB activity by inhibiting Mt-dUTPase, which indicates the potential application in anti-TB therapy.

CircRNA_0048211 protects postmenopausal osteoporosis through targeting miRNA-93-5p to regulate BMP2

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the potential influence of circular RNA (circRNA)_0048211/miRNA-93-5p/BMP2 regulatory loop in the progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Bone marrow samples were collected from PMOP patients (n=30) and healthy subjects (n=30) for isolating hBMSCs. Relative levels of circRNA_0048211, miRNA-93-5p, and BMP2 in hBMSCs isolated from PMOP patients and healthy controls were detected. In addition, their dynamic expressions in hBMSCs isolated from PMOP patients undergoing osteogenesis for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days were examined. Then, the interaction in the circRNA_0048211/miRNA-93-5p/BMP2 regulatory loop was verified by Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay. Next, the potential influences of circRNA_0048211/miRNA-93-5p/BMP2 regulatory loop on osteogenesis-associated gene expressions, ALP activity, and mineralization ability were assessed.

RESULTS

CircRNA_0048211 and BMP2 were downregulated, while miRNA-93-5p was upregulated in hBMSCs isolated from PMOP patients. In hBMSCs undergoing osteogenesis, circRNA_0048211, miRNA-93-5p and BMP2 were time-dependently changed. Overexpression of circRNA_0048211 upregulated RUNX2, OPN, and OCN, which also stimulated ALP activity and mineralization ability. CircRNA_0048211 could bind to miRNA-93-5p, and BMP2 was a direct target of miRNA-93-5p. In the meantime, circRNA_0048211 was negatively correlated with miRNA-93-5p, and positively correlated with BMP2. Besides, CircRNA_0048211/miRNA-93-5p/BMP2 regulatory loop was responsible for regulating osteogenesis-associated gene expressions, ALP activity, and mineralization ability in hBMSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

CircRNA_0048211 negatively targets miRNA-93-5p to upregulate BMP2, thus alleviating the progression of PMOP.

[The study of the association between lung cancer screening and smoking behavior change]

The smoking cessation rate of 1 314 people at high risk of lung cancer in the area of lung cancer screening and early diagnosis and early treatment in Sichuan Province increased from 22.37% at baseline to 41.78% after screening (χ²=227.97, P<0.001), and the smoking amount of persistent smokers decreased from 20 cigarettes per day to 15 cigarettes per day (t=11.76, P<0.001). Those with positive results in lung cancer screening were more likely to quit smoking or continue to quit smoking. Male, younger age or lower education level would increase the risk of continuous smoking or relapse (P<0.05).

14-kDa phosphohistidine phosphatase is a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, leads to liver damage, seriously threatening human health. In our previous study, we demonstrated that 14 kDa phosphohistidine phosphatase (PHP14) was upregulated in fibrotic liver tissue and involved in the migration and lamellipodia formation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study, we evaluated PHP14 as a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis and investigated the mechanism by which it mediates liver fibrosis. AAV-shPhpt1 administration significantly attenuates CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis in mice. In particular, fibrosis-associated inflammatory infiltration was significantly suppressed after PHP14 knockdown. Mechanistically, PHP14 regulated macrophage recruitment, infiltration, and migration by affecting podosome formation of macrophages. Inhibition of PHP14 decreased the expression of the fibrogenic signature at the early stage of liver fibrogenesis and the activation of HSCs in vivo. Thus, PHP14 can be considered a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY PHP14 inhibition via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene silencing could potently attenuate carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis. PHP14 could regulate the migration of macrophages to the site of injury in vivo. PHP14 knockdown in vivo influenced the environment of fibrogenesis and relevant signaling pathways, subsequently affecting myofibroblast activation.

MiR-33a inhibits the adipogenic differentiation of ovine adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells by targeting SIRT6

Adipose tissue is important for the regulation of energy balance through its metabolic, cellular, and endocrine functions. Furthermore, the excessive storage of subcutaneous fat can seriously affect the health and carcass traits of domestic animals. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell adipogenic differentiation increases the number of differentiated adipocytes and plays a role in lipid deposition. The adipogenic differentiation of SVF cells is regulated by various factors, including microRNAs and cytokines. Sirt6 and miR-33a are known to be involved in metabolism and adipogenesis, respectively; however, their effects on the adipogenic differentiation of ovine SVF cells were previously unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate this. The results showed that SIRT6 is a binding target for miR-33a. Moreover, overexpression or inhibition of miR-33a was found to change the expression of SIRT6 messenger RNA and protein. Furthermore, modulating SIRT6 altered the expression of adipogenic marker genes. In addition, miR-33a and SIRT6 were found to play opposing roles in adipogenesis. Specifically, we demonstrated that miR-33a is involved in the negative regulation of ovine SVF cell adipogenic differentiation by inhibiting the expression of SIRT6. These findings reveal a key role for miR-33a and SIRT6 in adipogenesis, which will enrich our understanding of the regulatory factors associated with SVF cell adipogenic differentiation and provide a basis for further study on this process.

Effects of stacking periodicity on the electronic and optical properties of GaAs/AlAs superlattice: a first-principles study

The effects of stacking periodicity on the electronic and optical properties of GaAs/AlAs superlattice have been explored by density functional theory calculations. Among the (GaAs)m/(AlAs)m, (GaAs)1/(AlAs)m and (GaAs)m/(AlAs)1 (m = 1 to 5) superlattices, the band gaps of (GaAs)m/(AlAs)1 superlattices decrease significantly as the layer of GaAs increases, and the cut-off wavelengths are found to locate in the near infrared region. For (GaAs)m/(AlAs)1 SLs, the conduction bands shift toward Fermi level, resulting in the smaller band gap, while conduction bands of (GaAs)1/(AlAs)n SLs slightly shift to higher energy, which lead to comparable band gaps. The layer number of GaAs shows negligible effects on the reflectivity spectra of superlattice structures, while the absorption coefficient shows a red-shift with the increasing layer of GaAs, which is beneficial for the application of GaAs/AlAs superlattice in the field of near infrared detector. These results demonstrate that controlling the number of GaAs layers is a good method to engineer the optoelectronic properties of GaAs/AlAs superlattice.

MiR-203 is essential for the shift from osteogenic differentiation to adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate how miR-203 promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) by regulating its target gene DKK1, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of osteoporosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 60 cases with postmenopausal osteoporosis and 40 cases of normal individuals were recruited. The expression of miR-203 in serum of all cases was detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The capacity of osteogenesis and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs was determined by alizarin red staining and oil red staining, respectively. Transfection of miR-203 mimics and miR-203 inhibitor were mediated by Liposomes, and then the MSCs were induced osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. MiR-203 mimic was co-transfected with wild-type or mutant DKK1 for luciferase reporter gene detection. In the osteoporosis model of rats, the tibia was taken for micro-CT examination of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume/structural parameters (BV/TV), while the femur was taken for the measurement of absorption parameters (Ob.S)./BS) and the number of osteoclasts per circumference of bone (N.Oc/B.Pm).

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-203 was significantly lower in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis than that in normal individuals. The osteogenic capacity of BMSCs in these patients was reduced, while their adipogenic capacity was enhanced. MiR-203 promoted the expression of osteogenic genes and inhibited that of adipogenic genes. Knockdown of miR-203 decreased the level of osteogenic related genes but increased that of adipogenic related genes, while overexpression of miR-203 led to the opposite results. Furthermore, miR-203 inhibited the protein expression of DKK1. In addition, bone density and bone volume/structural parameters were lower in ovariectomized rats than those in normal rats. Meanwhile, bone resorption parameters and the number of osteoclasts per bone circumference in ovariectomized rats were higher than those in normal rats.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-203 can promote osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by downregulating the gene expression of DKK1.

[Analysis of the level of the core knowledge and related factors of cancer prevention and treatment in the upper gastrointestinal cancer screening area of Sichuan Province in 2018]

Objective: To investigate the level of the core knowledge and related factors of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in the upper gastrointestinal cancer screening areas of Sichuan Province in 2018. Methods: From April to May 2018, a total of 1 386 residents from Chaotian District of Guangyuan, Enyang District of Bazhong, Nanjiang County of Bazhong, Cangxi County of Guangyuan, Shehong County of Suining, Yilong County of Nanchong, Xichong County of Nanchong and Xuanhan County of Dazhou were recruited in this study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect basic demographic characteristics and the knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment. The level of the core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment of different population was analyzed. A multivariate linear regression model was performed to analyze the related factors. Results: In total, 80.9% (1 120) of all subjects was 25-64 years old and 48.0% (665) were male. The total number of questions answered by the subjects was 18 018, of which 12 147 were known, and the overall awareness rate among the respondents was 67.42%. The female respondents, respondentsaged 65 years old and over, with junior college education or above, and worked in government institutions had a good performance of the core knowledge (P<0.05), about 70.11% (6 571/9 373), 69.23% (387/559), 76.05% (6 327/8 320), and 77.09% (5 602/7 267) respectively. The results of multivariate linear regression showed that the older the age [β=0.871 (95%CI: 0.623-1.119)], the higher the educational level [β=0.741 (95%CI: 0.540-0.943)], the more questions respondents could know; compared with the workers in government organization and institution, workers in enterprise [β=-2.913 (95%CI:-3.499--2.327)], farming workers [β=-0.635 (95%CI:-1.175--0.095)] and other occupation people [β=-1.126 (95%CI:-1.663--0.589)] could know fewer questions. Conclusion: In 2018, the level of the core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in upper gastrointestinal cancer screening areas of Sichuan Province was relatively high. Age, education level and occupation were relevant factors.

Comparison of total curative effect between total hip arthroplasty and hip arthrodesis in treating coxotuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hip arthrodesis (HA) in treating coxotuberculosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

40 patients with coxotuberculosis treated in the Orthopedic Department in our hospital from February 2011 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Comparison of total curative effect between THA and HA in treating coxotuberculosis was analyzed. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Harris hip function score (HHS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein, postoperative hip pain time (PHPT), postoperative start walking time(PSWT), postoperative start weight bearing time(PSWBT) and postoperative complications were observed and compared.

RESULTS

All patients successfully underwent successful THA or HA without major complications. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume in patients who underwent HA were better than those of patients who underwent THA (p<0.001, p=0.010, p<0.001, respectively). During the postoperative evaluation, VAS, HHS, ESR, CRP in patients who underwent THA were better than those of patients who underwent HA, and the differences were statistically significant. About the recovery, PHPT, PSWT, PSWBT in patients who underwent THA were shorter than those in patients who underwent HA (p=0.021, p=0.044, p<0.001, respectively). There was no fracture, infection, dislocation, neurological or vascular complications in THA group. No patient had subsidence, loosening or heterotopic ossification. 1 patient in HA group had a fracture of the steel plate, and 1 patient had delayed union in HA group.

CONCLUSIONS

THA is an effective treatment for advanced tuberculous arthritis. THA is superior to HA in the treatment of coxotuberculosis.

[Effect of hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A and its domains II on hepatocyte gluconeogenesis in mice]

Objective: To investigate the role of hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) and its domains I, II, and III in regulating gluconeogenesis in mice and the underlying mechanism. Methods: A total of 60 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups. Recombinant lentiviral particles with specific expression of full-length NS5A, NS5A domain I, NS5A domain II, or NS5A domain III were injected via the caudal vein to establish a mouse model, and the group without injection and the group with the injection of the lentiviral particles containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were established as negative control. The effect of full-length NS5A protein and its domains on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting serum insulin (FINS) were measured. Liver tissue was collected to prepare a paraffin section. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in hepatocytes, quantitative real-time PCR and/or Western blot were used to measure the expression of NS5A, phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), and PEPCK. Results: Compared with the group without injection and the group with the injection of the lentiviral particles containing EGFP, the groups with the injection of the lentiviral particles containing full-length NS5A and NS5A domain II had significant increases in FBG and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR showed a significant increase in the expression of PEPCK, a key enzyme involved in gluconeogenesis. Western blot showed that full-length NS5A protein and NS5A domain II inhibited the level of p-AMPK and increased the levels of SREBP-1 and PEPCK. Conclusion: NS5A protein and NS5A domain II may affect glucose metabolism in hepatocytes in mice by regulating AMPK/SREBP-1/PEPCK, and NS5A domain II may play an important role in insulin resistance in hepatocytes caused by HCV infection.

B-cell translocation gene 3 overexpression inhibits proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer SW480 cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Increasing evidences have shown that B-cell translocation gene 3 (BTG3) inhibits metastasis of multiple cancer cells. However, the role of BTG3 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its possible mechanism have not yet been reported. In our study, we evaluated BTG3 expression in several CRC cell lines. Then, pcDNA3.1-BTG3 was transfected into SW480 cells. We found that BTG3 was upregulated in SW480 cells after overexpression plasmid transfection. BTG3 overexpression significantly inhibited cell growth and decreased PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and Ki67 levels. BTG3 overexpression markedly downregulated Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1 levels, whereas elevated p27. Overexpression of BTG3 arrested the cell cycle at G1 phase, which was abrogated by p27 silencing. Furthermore, migration, invasion and EMT of SW480 cells were significantly suppressed by BTG3 overexpression. Further investigations showed the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We then used GSK3β specific inhibitor SB-216763 to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We found that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation reversed the effect of BTG3 overexpression on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion and EMT. In conclusion, BTG3 overexpression inhibited cell growth, induced cell cycle arrest and suppressed the metastasis of SW480 cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. BTG3 may be considered as a therapeutic target in CRC treatment.

200 Developing exosomes as a mediator for CRISPR/Cas-9 delivery

CRISPR/Cas systems present a powerful gene-editing tool with the potential for widespread therapeutic use; however, current methods of in vivo delivery such as adeno-associated viruses (AAV) may stimulate an immune response, creating the need for an alternative for delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. Exosomes are small vesicles that are released by cells and serve as a delivery system for RNA, proteins, and various molecules to other cells. The focus of this project was to use exosomes as a delivery system for Cas9, exploiting their high uptake by target cells and their ability to avoid the immune system in vivo. Porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFF) were grown to 80% confluency; after 48h, exosomes were isolated and concentrated from conditioned media by filtration with a 0.22-μm filter followed by 100-kDa molecular weight cutoff filter. Transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting for presence of CD81, and an uptake assay for exosomes stained with the lipophilic dye DiI (Invitrogen/Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) were used to characterise isolated exosomes, and average particle size was evaluated by NanoSight (Salisbury, United Kingdom). After characterisation, exosomes were loaded with Cas9 (PNA Bio, Newbury Park, CA, USA) using sonication, incubation with saponin, or extrusion. For each method of loading, 1.0×1011 exosomes and 500ng of Cas9 were used. For sonication, exosomes and Cas9 were sonicated 4 times: 4s on/2s off, left on ice for 2min, and then repeated for 4 more cycles. Loaded exosomes were then incubated at 37°C for 20min. For incubation with saponin, 100μL of 0.6% saponin solution was made in PBS, mixed with exosomes and Cas9, and then incubated on a shaker at 800 rpm for 20min. For extrusion, exosomes and Cas9 were extruded (Avanti Polar Lipids, Alabaster, AL, USA) 10, 15, or 20 times through a 0.22-μm filter. To evaluate efficiency of Cas9 loading into exosomes, loaded exosome samples were split in half, with one-half receiving a proteinase K digest (100μg mL−1) to remove free Cas9 and the other receiving no treatment. Proteinase K-treated and untreated samples were then compared side by side on Western blot staining for Cas9. ImageJ software (National Institutes for Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) was used to quantify band intensity and loading efficiency. With optimal conditions, our preliminary results show loading efficiency for sonication and saponin to be 16.7 and 19.2%, respectively, whereas loading by extrusion was undetectable. For CRISPR/Cas targeting, transgenic PFF carrying one copy of H2B-GFP were used to test delivery of ribonucleotide protein complex (RNP). To verify efficiency of the guide (g)RNA targeting green fluorescent protein (GFP), cells were nucleofected with Cas9 and gRNA. The DNA was extracted, PCR amplified, and sequenced (Eton Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA) and then evaluated for indels with TIDE, resulting in a 53.2% cleavage efficiency. Next, exosomes will be loaded with RNP to knockout GFP in H2B-GFP cells, and targeting efficiency will be evaluated by flow cytometry and TIDE. We hypothesise that based on loading efficiency and target cell uptake, exosomes will present a safe and efficient method for in vitro and in vivo delivery of Cas9. The financial support of the Comparative Medicine Institute is gratefully acknowledged.

MiRNA-seq reveals that miR-124-3p inhibits adipogenic differentiation of the stromal vascular fraction in sheep via targeting C/EBPα

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding 20-25 nt RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by posttranscriptional repression of messenger RNA. There have been few investigations on the profiles and functions of miRNAs in ovine subcutaneous fat; their roles in the metabolism and deposition of subcutaneous fat also remain unclear. In this study, small RNA libraries were constructed for 2 important Chinese local sheep breeds, Small-tailed Han Sheep, and Shanxi Meat Sheep Dam Line, and used for high-throughput sequencing. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, revealing the effect of miR-124-3p on adipogenic differentiation by targeting C/EBPα. Our results provide both a comprehensive understanding of miRNA expression patterns in sheep subcutaneous fat and an insight into the specific roles of miRNAs in adipogenesis.

Research on correlation between GALNT3 gene and osteoporosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between GALNT3 gene and osteoporosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, 184 cases of osteoporosis that were treated at our hospital from 2013 to 2014 were selected as research subjects in the observation group. In addition, 84 healthy people were selected as the control group from 2013 to 2014. The bone mineral density of the observation and control groups were detected by x-rays and the expression levels and differences of mRNA of the GALNT3 gene and protein in their body was detected using fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enzyme-linked immunoassay, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

X-ray results suggest that when compared to the healthy group, bone mineral density of patients in the observation group was significantly lower than that of research subjects in the control group, with significant differences. The fluorescence qPCR results suggest that the expression levels of mRNA of the GALNT3 gene in patients with osteoporosis were significantly lower than that in the healthy group (p<0.05). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results suggest that the expression levels of the GALNT3 gene in patients with osteoporosis (1.26±0.32) μg/L was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (12.41±0.28) μg/L, with significant differences (p<0.05). The Western blotting results agreed with the ELISA results. We also found in our research that the bone mineral density of patients with osteoporosis significantly correlated with the expression levels of the GALNT3 gene (r=0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the GALNT3 gene significantly correlated with osteoporosis and the low expression of GALNT3 gene can promote the occurrence and deterioration of osteoporosis.

Understanding Combustion of H2/O2 Gases inside Nanobubbles Generated by Water Electrolysis Using Reactive Molecular Dynamic Simulations

This work explored the mechanism of spontaneous combustion of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures inside nanobubbles (which were generated by water electrolysis) using reactive molecular dynamic simulations based on the first-principles derived reactive force field ReaxFF. The effects of surface-assisted dissociation of H₂ and O₂ gases that produced H and O radicals were examined. Additionally, the ignition outcome and species evolution as a function of the initial system pressure (or bubble size) were studied. A significant amount of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 6-140 times water (H₂O), was observed in the combustion products. This was attributed to the low-temperature (∼300 K) and high-pressure (2-80 atm) conditions at which the chemical reactions were taking place. In addition, the rate of consumption of H₂ and O₂ molecules was found to increase with an increase in added H and O radical concentrations and initial system pressure. The rate at which heat was being lost from the combustion chamber (nanobubbles) was also compared to the rate at which heat was being released from the chemical reactions. Only a slight rise in the reaction temperature was observed (∼68 K), signifying that, at such small scales, heat losses dominate. The resulting chemistry was quite different from macroscopic combustion, which usually takes place at a much higher temperatures of above 1000 K.

A serine protease homologue Bombyx mori scarface induces a short and fat body shape in silkworm

Body shape is one of the most prominent and basic characteristics of any organism. In insects, abundant variations in body shape can be observed both within and amongst species. However, the molecular mechanism underlying body shape fine-tuning is very complex and has been largely unknown until now. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, the tubby (tub) mutant has an abnormal short fat body shape and the abdomen of tub larvae expands to form a fusiform body shape. Morphological investigation revealed that the body length was shorter and the body width was wider than that of the Dazao strain. Thus, this mutant is a good model for studying the molecular mechanisms of body shape fine-tuning. Using positional cloning, we identified a gene encoding the serine protease homologue, B. mori scarface (Bmscarface), which is associated with the tub phenotype. Sequence analysis revealed a specific 312-bp deletion from an exon of Bmscarface in the tub strain. In addition, recombination was not observed between the tub and Bmscarface loci. Moreover, RNA interference of Bmscarface resulted in the tub-like phenotype. These results indicate that Bmscarface is responsible for the tub mutant phenotype. This is the first study to report that mutation of a serine protease homologue can induce an abnormal body shape in insects.

[Analysis of lymph node jump metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective:To summarize the metastatic feature of lateral neck lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.Method:Clinical and pathological data were collected from 301 patients who were first diagnosed as PTC in our hospital. These patients were divided into positive and negative status of lateral cervical lymph nodes and lymph node jump metastasis. Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between lateral cervical lymph node status and clinicopathology.Result:Tumor size over 2cm, Unilateral thyroid gland contains multiple foci,multiple foci, capsular invasion, ultrasound feature of PTC,the main foci located in the isthmus and the pole of gland, trachea/parathyroid lymph nodes positive were associated with the lymph node jump metastasis in papillary thyroid(P<0.05).Conclusion:Multiple foci in single gland, multifocal foci, calcification and the primary tumor involving the superior pole and middle of the thyroid gland are independent influencing factors for skip lateral lymph node metastasis in PTC(P<0.05).

[A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy combined with probiotic supplement for eradication of Helicobacter pylori]

Objective: The bismuth containing quadruple therapy (BCQT) acts as first-line therapy in China. Probiotics supplement also shows Helicobacter pylori eradication effects. Adding probiotics along with BCQT may improve eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori. Methods: Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Wanfang Database, etc. were searched by the established searching strategy. After that, a funnel plot was adopted to evaluate publication bias. The meta-analysis was supplemented in fixed effect model for low heterogeneity and randomized effect model for high heterogeneity conversely. Results: A total of 16 RCTs with 2 466 subjects finally met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant heterogeneity among the trials. Compared with control group (BCQT only), the probiotic group (combined supplement of probiotics and BCQT) underwent higher eradication rate[90.76%(1 130/1 245) vs 80.43%(982/1 221)]with statistical significance (P=0.000). The probiotics might improve the eradication rate in patients not receiving previous eradication therapy [89.00%(445/500) vs 84.73%(416/491), P=0.04]. Probiotics might also improve the eradication rate[91.06%(326/358) vs 73.83%(268/363)]in patients relapsed from triple therapy (P=0.000). The patients who underwent the combination of BCQT and single Lactobacillus genus showed higher eradiation rate than those with two or more genera. Moreover, fewer adverse reactions were reported in probiotics group than that in control group[13.59%(104/765) vs 28.90%(213/737), P=0.000]. Conclusions: The combination of BCQT and probiotics may improve the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori especially in patients receiving front-line eradication regimen or failed from triple therapy. Probiotics may reduce the adverse reactions when combined with other eradication agents.

The correlation analysis of primary liver cancer with Type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between Type 2 diabetes and primary liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the period from December 2008 to December 2014, all blood sugar data of patients in our hospital was collected, and the total number is 18213. Except for repeatedly hospitalized diabetic person, newborn stress status, or venous transfusion blood glucose, gestational diabetes, etc., By retrieving the medical record information of patients in the hospital, and using telephone or letter follow-up the patients, we collected 127 people with type 1 diabetes and found no liver cancer patients; Type 2 diabetes, 10,794 cases of patient information, 59 with primary liver cancer. For data analysis, Stata11.0 ratio was used as the main analysis indicators, using Chi-square test and statistical analysis.

RESULTS

About 10,794 Type 2 diabetes cases with 59 primary liver cancer, the incidence is 54.66/10,000, men liver cancer incidence (92.78/10,000) than women (27.13/10,000), with significant difference (χ2 = 26.621, P < 0.001). As the growth of the age, the possibility of liver cancer in patients with diabetes increased significantly (χ2 = 19.961, P = 0.001). The rate was highest for 50-60-year-old men, and the women at age 70, and older incidence is highest. Irrespective of men or women with diabetes as the growth of the age, the possibility of liver cancer had significantly increased (P = 0.001, P = 0.002). Hepatitis B or hepatitis C incidence was 2.94%, but diabetes incidence of hepatitis men (3.98%) and women (2.01%) did not find significant differences (χ2 = 0.3361, P = 0.562). Three hundred and seventeen cases of Type 2 diabetes with hepatitis, the incidence of primary liver cancer was 11.67%, the liver cancer incidence of diabetes patients with hepatitis men (17.78%) than women (3.97%), with significant difference (χ2 = 37.429, P < 0.001). With the growth of age, the overall risk of getting liver cancer (χ2 =15.023, P = 0.01) of diabetes and hepatitis patients is significantly increased, and with the growth of age, the risk of getting liver cancer of male patients showed significant (P < 0.05), but not the female patients. Without merge hepatitis, the morbility of primary liver cancer in 10477 cases of type2 diabetes incidence is 0.21%, the liver cancer incidence men (0.34%) than women (0.11%), with significant difference (χ2 = 6.471, P = 0.011).As the growth of age, the overall risk of getting liver cancer of diabetes patients without hepatits is significantly increased (χ2 =15.612, P = 0.008) ,and the risk of getting liver cancer of male patients showed significant (P < 0.05) as the growth of the age, but not the female patients. Diabetic persons according to the illness time can be divided into 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-20 years, and over 20 years of four stages, including 5-10 years and 10-20 years is liver cancer patients with diabetes incidence peak, male diabetic hepatitis in patients with liver cancer incidence than women, with significant difference (χ2 = 22.757, P < 0.001). The possibility of liver cancer in patients with diabetes increased significantly (χ2 = 15.023, P = 0.01) for longer duration of illness, but only the male patients with liver cancer incidence showed significant difference with longer duration of illness, women showed no significance.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes was associated with the primary liver cancer, most likely is one of the causes of primary liver cancer.

[Effects of transient exposure to high glucose on biological behaviors of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells]

Objective: To observe the effects of transient exposure to high glucose on biological behaviors of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells cultured in vitro. Methods: The dividing method and treatment of cells for the detection of all indexes in this study were as follows. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells of the 4th passage were divided into 3 groups according to the random number table, with 12 wells in each group. Cells in control group (C) were cultured with complete culture solution containing 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 7 d. Cells in transient high glucose group (THG) were cultured with complete culture solution containing 30 mmol/L D-glucose for 2 d and complete culture solution containing 5 mmol/L D-glucose for 5 d. Cells in prolonged high glucose group (PHG) were cultured with complete culture solution containing 30 mmol/L D-glucose for 7 d. (1) The cell morphology in groups C and PHG on culture day 7 and that in group THG on culture day 2 and 7 was observed by inverted optical microscope. (2) On culture day 0, 2, 4, and 7, cell proliferation rate was determined by cell viability analyzing counter. (3) After culture day 2, the scratch experiment was performed, and the cells were further cultured. At post scratch hour (PSH) 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120, the scratch area was measured, and the cell migration rates of the latter 5 time points were calculated. (4) On culture day 0, 2, 4, and 7, the cell apoptosis rate was determined by cell analyzer. (5) Cells were seeded into Matrigel to culture for 24 h after culture day 7. The formation of vessel-like structure was observed by inverted optical microscope. The length and number of branch point of vessel-like structure were calculated. (6) On culture day 2, 4, and 7, mRNA expression of vascularization-related gene tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) was determined with real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, and LSD test. Results: (1) Cells in group C exhibited ovary shape in cobble stone order on culture day 7. Cells in group THG exhibited long ovary shape and lost cobble stone order on culture day 2 and kept the same changes on culture day 7. Cells in group PHG exhibited long ovary shape and lost cobble stone order on culture day 7. (2) On culture day 0, there was no significant difference in cell proliferation rate among the 3 groups (F=0.23, P>0.05). On culture day 2, cell proliferation rates in groups THG and PHG were similar (P>0.05), which were significantly lower than the cell proliferation rate in group C (with P values below 0.01). On culture day 4 and 7, the cell proliferation rates in groups THG and C were similar (with P values above 0.05), which were significantly higher than those in group PHG (with P values below 0.01). (3) At PSH 24-120, the cell migration rates in groups THG and PHG were similar (with P values above 0.05), which were significantly lower than those in group C (with P values below 0.01). (4) On culture day 0, there was no statistically significant difference in cell apoptosis rate among the 3 groups (F=0.78, P>0.05). On culture day 2, cell apoptosis rates in groups THG and PHG were similar (P>0.05), which were significantly higher than the cell apoptosis rate in group C (with P values below 0.01). On culture day 4 and 7, the cell apoptosis rates in groups THG and C were similar (with P values above 0.05), which were significantly lower than those in group PHG (with P values below 0.01). (5) The length of vessel-like structure of cells in group THG was (1.84±0.10)×10(5) μm, close to (1.82±0.11)×10(5) μm in group PHG (P>0.05), both significantly shorter than (2.75±0.23)×10(5) μm in group C (with P values below 0.01). The numbers of branch point of vessel-like structure of cells in groups THG and PHG were 43±5 and 46±8 respectively, which were close to each other (P>0.05) and both significantly less than 103±21 in group C (with P values below 0.01). (6) On culture day 2, 4, and 7, mRNA expressions of TIMP-3 of cells in groups THG and PHG were similar (with P values above 0.05), which were significantly lower than those in group C (with P values below 0.05). Conclusions: Transient exposure to high glucose can cause metabolic memory of morphology, migration, and angiogenesis in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells cultured in vitro, resulting in sustained changes in biological behaviors. The mechanism may be related to the changes of vascularization-related genes.

Novel stent in the palliation of malignant esophageal strictures: a retrospective study

The placement of metal stents is often used as a palliative treatment for malignant esophageal stenosis. We designed a novel stent that has been used clinically since 2011, and we therefore performed a retrospective study to compare the therapeutic effects of this novel metal stent to a conventional partially covered metal stent in patients with malignant esophageal strictures. The records of 201 consecutive patients who underwent placement of either the conventional partially covered metal stents (Group A, n = 92) or the new metal stents (Group B, n = 109) in the Endoscopy Center of General Hospital of Chengdu Military Command from October 2008 to March 2013 were reviewed. The median dysphagia score significantly improved in both groups 1 week following stent placement (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in success rate (P = 0.910) or the complication rate (P = 0.426) between groups. Six months after stent placement, recurrent dysphagia due to stent migration, tissue ingrowth or overgrowth or food obstruction occurred in 45% and 29% of patients in the conventional stent and new stent groups, respectively. The results of this retrospective study indicate that the new modified self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) is at least as safe and effective as the conventional partially covered SEMS in treatment of malignant esophageal strictures.

[Efficacy of esophageal cancer screening in high risk population: results of 105 561 subjects in Sichuan province]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of endoscopic screening for esophageal cancer in high risk population from high risk areas in order to provide scientific basis for evaluation of the results of early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer. Methods: Ten high incidence cities and counties of esophageal cancer in Sichuan province were included in this study. Subjects aged 40-69 years were selected to participate in the endoscopic screening based on the cluster sampling, and the screening-positive subjects were further confirmed by pathological examination. Results: A total of 105 561 subjects were screened during 2006-2014 in 10 cities and counties in Sichuan Province. The detection rate of precancerous lesions was 5.53% (5 841/105 561), and the positive detection rate was 1.13% (1 193/105 561). The overall detection rates of low-grade hyperplasia, moderate hyperplasia, high-grade hyperplasia/carcinoma in situ, early esophageal cancer and invasive carcinoma were 3.87% (4 089/105 561), 1.66% (1 752/105 561), 0.77% (816/105 561), 0.08% (84/105 561) and 0.28% (293/105 561), respectively. The detection rates of all lesions in males were significantly higher than those in females (P<0.05), and were gradually increased with age (P<0.05). Conclusions: At these ten cities and counties in Sichuan Province with high incidence of esophageal cancer, the endoscopic screening has good effect. There are considerable numbers of patients aged 40-69 with precancerous lesions from the high risk areas. Improving the follow-up work of the population with precancerous lesions will achieve better results of early diagnosis and early treatment.

Selective-releasing-affected lubricant mechanism of a self-assembled MoS2/Mo–S–C nanoperiod multilayer film sliding in diverse atmospheres

A self-assembled MoS₂/Mo–S–C multilayer film prepared by r.f. co-sputtering of MoS₂ and graphite targets was tribotested in diverse sliding atmospheres, and the lubricant mechanism and its correlations to the selective releasing behavior of non-lubricant component were analyzed in detail.

[Cerebral infarction in a patient with primary Sjogren's syndrome: a case report and literature review]

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytes infiltration in the exocrine glands. Central nervous system complications of primary SS are not rare, but ischemic stroke has been rarely reported. Here we report a 43-year-old female with a two-year history of primary SS, presenting with sudden cerebral infarction. Her primary SS was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features, high levels of serum anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies, salivary gland secretion evaluation and positive sublingual gland biopsy results. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed infarct lesions in the parietal and occipital lobes, as well as in the left basal ganglia. Magnetic resonance angiography showed a remarkable stenosis in the left middle cerebral artery. Other differential diagnoses were ruled out. Corticosteroid and immunosuppressor, together with anti-platelet and statin were effective, and the patient recovered quickly without sequelae. Based on these findings, vasculitis due to primary SS should be considered among the causes of stroke. The literature was reviewed and the relationship between primary SS and cerebral infarction explored. The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke in primary SS is still unknown and warrants further studies.

Aluminium foil as a single-use substrate for MALDI-MS fingerprinting of different melanoma cell lines

Herein, we present the intact cell matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) for the fingerprinting of human melanoma cancer cell lines grown on aluminium foil.

Electronic and magnetic properties of epitaxial perovskite SrCrO₃(0 0 1)

We have investigated the intrinsic properties of SrCrO3 epitaxial thin films synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy. We find compelling evidence that SrCrO3 is a correlated metal. X-ray photoemission valence band and O K-edge x-ray absorption spectra indicate a strongly hybridized Cr3d-O2p state crossing the Fermi level, leading to metallic behavior. Comparison between valence band spectra near the Fermi level and the densities of states calculated using density functional theory (DFT) suggests the presence of coherent and incoherent states and points to strong electron correlation effects. The magnetic susceptibility can be described by Pauli paramagnetism at temperatures above 100 K, but reveals antiferromagnetic behavior at lower temperatures, possibly resulting from orbital ordering.

Effects of surface defects on two-dimensional electron gas at NdAlO3/SrTiO3 interface

Density functional theory calculations of NdAlO₃/SrTiO₃ heterostructure show that two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) is produced at the interface with a built-in potential of ~0.3 eV per unit cell. The effects of surface defects on the phase stability and electric field of 2-DEG have been investigated. It is found that oxygen vacancy is easily to form on the NdAlO₃(001) surface, with a low threshold displacement energy and a low formation energy. This point defect results in surface reconstruction and the formation of a zigzag -Al-O-Al- chain, which quenches the built-in potential and enhances the carrier density significantly. These results will provide fundamental insights into understanding how surface defects influence the electronic behavior of 2-DEG and tuning their electronic properties through surface modification.

Silencing of Jagged1 inhibits cell growth and invasion in colorectal cancer

Dysregulated Notch signaling has a critical role in the tumorigenesis. Jagged1, a Notch ligand, is overexpressed in various human cancers. Recent studies revealed the involvement of Jagged1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. These basic studies provide a promising potential for inhibition of the Notch pathway for the treatment of CRC. Herein, we aimed to investigate the consequences of targeting Jagged1 using shRNA on CRC both in vitro and in vivo to test their potential to inhibit this key element for CRC treatment. We found that downregulation of Jagged1 with lentiviral Jagged1-shRNA resulted in decreased colon cancer cell viability in vitro, most likely mediated through reduced cell proliferation. Importantly, Jagged1 knockdown induced G₀/G₁ phase cell cycle arrest, with reduced Cyclin D1, Cyclin E and c-Myc expression. Silencing of Jagged1 reduced the migration and invasive capacity of the colon cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, colon cancer cells with knockdown of Jagged1 had much slower growth rate than control cells in a xenograft mouse model in vivo, with a marked downregulation of cell proliferation markers (PCNA, Ki-67, and c-Myc) and metastasis markers (MMP-2 and MMP-9). These findings rationalize a mechanistic approach to CRC treatment based on Jagged1-targeted therapeutic development.

Water decoction of coptidis rhizoma prevents oxidative damage in erythrocytes of mice

Coptidis Rhizoma (Coptis chinensis) has been reported to have antioxidative effect on hemolysis of erythrocytes induced by acetylphenylhydrazine in mice and rats. However, the ability of Coptidis Rhizoma to protect structure and function of erythrocytes membrane and morphology of erythrocytes against oxidative damage remains unknown. In this study, we undertook a characterization of antioxidative activity in erythrocytes membrane of Coptidis Rhizoma using an in vivo model of acetylphenylhydrazine-induced mice together with in vitro studies with 2,2-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced erythrocytes for further morphology characterization. Acetylphenylhydrazine-induced mice were treated intragastrically with Coptidis Rhizoma at doses of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g/kg per day for 3 days and at the dose of 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg it showed that there was an increasing trend in membranes cytoskeletal proteins of band I-IV, especially a significant upregulation in band II. Significant increase in phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine content at the dose of 1.2 g/kg Coptidis Rhizoma was obsereved. At all doses of Coptidis Rhizoma, the declined membrane fluidity of acetylphenylhydrazine-induced mice was significantly increased. In addition, at the dose of 1.2 g/kg Coptidis Rhizoma treatment showed a significant increase in Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase activity and there was an increasing trend in the activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. In vitro, Coptidis Rhizoma protected erythrocytes from 2,2-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced hemolysis in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 0.25-1.5 mg/ml, and also significantly inhibited the 2,2-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced morphological alterations in mice erythrocytes. These results demonstrate that Coptidis Rhizoma is capable of protecting erythrocytes against oxidative damage probably by acting as an antioxidant and maintaining membrane integrity.