Bioinformatics-based dynamics of cuproptosis -related indicators in experimental silicosis

Pneumoconiosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases worldwide. Silicosis due to prolonged inhalation of free silica dust during occupational activities is one of the main types. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered mode of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of free copper in the cell, which ultimately leads to cell death. Increased copper in the serum of silicosis patients, suggests that the development of silicosis is accompanied by changes in copper metabolism, but whether cuproptosis is involved in the progression of silicosis is actually to be determined. To test this hypothesis, we screened the genetic changes in patients with idiopathic fibrosis by bioinformatics methods and predicted and functionally annotated the cuproptosis-related genes among them. Subsequently, we established a mouse silicosis model and detected the concentration of copper ions and the activity of ceruloplasmin (CP) in serum, as well as changes of the concentration of copper and cuproptosis related genes in mouse lung tissues. We identified 9 cuproptosis-related genes among the differential genes in patients with IPF at different times and the tissue-specific expression levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and Lipoyl synthase (LIAS) proteins. Furthermore, serum CP activity and copper ion levels in silicosis mice were elevated on days 7th and 56th after silica exposure. The expression of CP in mouse lung tissue elevated at all stages after silica exposure. The mRNA level of FDX1 decreased on days 7th and 56th, and the protein level remained in accordance with the mRNA level on day 56th. LIAS and Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) levels were downregulated at all times after silica exposure. In addition, Heatshockprotein70 (HSP70) expression was increased on day 56. In brief, our results demonstrate that there may be cellular cuproptosis during the development of experimental silicosis in mice and show synchronization with enhanced copper loading in mice.

Silica-exposed macrophages-secreted exosomal miR125a-5p induces Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 cell imbalance and promotes fibroblast transdifferentiation

Until now, the specific pathogenesis of silicosis is not clear. Exosomal miRNAs, as a newly discovered intercellular communication medium, play an important role in many diseases. Our previous research found that serum exosomal miR125a-5p was increased in silicosis patients by miRNAs high-throughput sequencing. TRAF6, is a target gene of miR125a-5p, which is involved in T-cell differentiation. Furthermore, results from animal study indicate that knockdown of miR-125a-5p can regulate T lymphocyte subsets and significantly reduce pulmonary fibrosis by targeting TRAF6. However, the level of serum exosomal miR125a-5p in silicosis patients has not been reported, the role of macrophages-secreted exosomal miR-125a-5p in regulating T cell differentiation to promote fibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) remains unknown. In this study, the levels of serum exosomal miR125a-5p and serum TGF-β1, IL-17A, IL-4 cytokines in silicosis patients were elevated, with the progression of silicosis, the level of serum exosomal miR125a-5p and serum IL-4 were increased; thus, the serum level of IFN-γ was negatively correlated with the progression of silicosis. In vitro, the levels of miR125a-5p in macrophages, exosomes, and T cells stimulated by silica were significantly increased. When the mimic was transfected into T cells, which directly suppressed TRAF6 and caused the imbalance of T cells differentiation, induced FMT. To sum up, these results indicate that exosomal miR-125a-5p may by targeting TRAF6 of T cells, induces the activation and apoptosis of T cells and the remodeling of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Tregs distribution, ultimately promotes FMT. Suggesting that exosomal miR-125a-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.

MALAT1-miR-30c-5p-CTGF/ATG5 axis regulates silica-induced experimental silicosis by mediating EMT in alveolar epithelial cells

Epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells is a vital source of pulmonary myofibroblasts, and myofibroblasts formation is recognized as an important phase in the pathological process of silicosis. miR-30c-5p has been determined to be relevant in the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in numerous disease processes. However, elucidating the role played by miR-30c-5p in the silicosis-associated EMT process remains a great challenge. In this work, based on the establishment of mouse silicosis and A549 cells EMT models, miR-30c-5p was interfered with in vivo and in vitro models to reveal its effects on EMT and autophagy. Moreover, metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5), and autophagy were further interfered with in the A549 cells models to uncover the possible molecular mechanism through which miR-30c-5p inhibits silicosis associated EMT. The results demonstrated the targeted binding of miR-30c-5p to CTGF, ATG5, and MALAT1, and showed that miR-30c-5p could prevent EMT in lung epithelial cells by acting on CTGF and ATG5-associated autophagy, thereby inhibiting the silicosis fibrosis process. Furthermore, we also found that lncRNA MALAT1 might competitively absorb miR-30c-5p and affect the EMT of lung epithelial cells. In a word, interfering with miR-30c-5p and its related molecules (MALAT1, CTGF, and ATG5-associated autophagy) may provide a reference point for the application of silicosis intervention-related targets.

Exosomal miR-125a-5p regulates T lymphocyte subsets to promote silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting TRAF6

Silicosis caused by long-term inhalation of crystalline silica during occupational activities seriously threatens the health of occupational populations. Imbalances in T helper 1(Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) promote the development of pulmonary silicosis. Exosomes and their contents, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), represent a new type of intercellular signal transmission mediator related to various diseases including pulmonary fibrosis. However, whether exosomal miRNAs can affect the progression of silicosis by regulating T cell differentiation remains to be determined. To test this hypothesis, we established a miR-125a-5p antagomir mouse model and examined changes in miR-125a-5p levels and T cell subtypes. We found that miR-125a-5p levels were increased in lung tissues and serum exosomes in the silica group at 7 days and 28 days. Downregulation of miR-125a-5p attenuated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin, p-p65, and p-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) kinase (IKK) protein expression, while tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and p-inhibitor of κBα (IKBα) expression were increased. MiR-125a-5p anta-miR treatment contributes to the maintenance of Th1/Th2 balance during the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Our findings indicated that knockdown miR-125a-5p could regulate T lymphocyte subsets and significantly reduce pulmonary fibrosis by targeting TRAF6.

Lactation time influences the composition of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus at species level in human breast milk

Human breast milk is a source of microorganisms for infants that play an important role in building infant gut health and immunity. The bacterial composition in human breast milk is influenced by lactation time. This study aimed to investigate the influence of lactation time on bacteria in breast milk at the genus level and the species levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on days 2-4, 8, 14, and 30. Eighteen individuals were recruited and 60 milk samples were collected. The 16S rRNA gene, and the bifidobacterial groEL and lactobacilli groEL genes were used for amplicon sequencing. The results revealed that the alpha diversities of colostrum and transition 1 (day 8) milk were lower than that of transition 2 (day 14) and mature milk. PCoA analysis showed that bacterial composition in colostrum and transition 1 milk differed from transition 2 and mature milk. A lower relative abundance of Blautia was found in colostrum and transition 1 milk compared with mature milk and lower abundances of Ruminococcus, Dorea, and Escherichia-Shigella were found in transition 1 compared with mature milk. Bifidobacterium ruminantium, Limosilactobacillus mucosae, and Ligilactobacillus ruminis were the predominant species across all four lactation stages, while Bifidobacterium bifidum was lower in transition 1, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum were higher in transition 1 milk. This study indicated that the bacterial composition in colostrum was more similar to that of transition 1 milk, whereas the bacterial community in transition 2 milk was similar to that of mature milk which suggests that bacterial composition in human breast milk shows stage-specific signatures even within a short period at both genus level and Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species levels, providing insights into probiotic supplementation for the nursing mother.

Portable fluid circuit device containing printed silicone microvessels as a training aid for arterial microanastomosis

Anastomosis of the microvessels requires high-level skills and extensive basic training. This study was performed to introduce and evaluate an inexpensive laboratory device as a training aid. Micro-tubes of 0.8 mm inner diameter and 0.5/0.8 mm wall thickness mimicking human vein/artery were printed from a silicon-containing hydrogel using three-dimensional printing technology. The hydrogel components are optimized to render the printed tubes biomechanical features resembling the blood vessels of a living organism. These artificial vessels were connected to a pump for fluid flow, simulating the blood circulation. Forty medical interns were assigned to two equal groups. The 20 interns in group A practiced anastomosis using the training aid for a total of 10 hours over 5 days. The 20 interns in group B practiced anastomosis using the traditional gum pieces and silicone tubes. Then, all interns performed anastomosis on rat carotid arteries, and their performance was scored by a team of five experienced maxillofacial surgeons. The average success score and time required for anastomosis were compared between the two groups. The mean success score of group A was significantly higher than that of group B (0.83 ± 0.12 vs 0.64 ± 0.10, P < 0.001). The mean anastomosis time of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B (10.2 ± 1.1 vs 17.2 ± 1.4 minutes, P < 0.001). This training device for vessel microanastomosis is an inexpensive, practical, and effective tool for use in laboratories and also reduces the use of animals.

[Research progress in the role and mechanism of polysaccharides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism]

Polysaccharides are a group of compounds composed of multiple monosaccharides of the same or different structures combined by glycosidic bonds, and are widely found in animals and plants and in the cell walls of microorganisms. Polysaccharides possess the advantages of high safety and low toxicity. Recent studies revealed that polysaccharides have a wide range of biological activities including immunoregulation, anti-tumor, antiviral, antioxidant activities, and blood glucose-and lipid- lowering effects. The effects of polysaccharides in improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose and lipid metabolism have drawn much attention from researchers. Many polysaccharides can reduce blood glucose and blood lipid by repairing pancreatic islet cells, improving insulin resistance, regulating intestinal flora, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and regulating the activities of key enzymes in glucose and lipid metabolism. This reviews examines the role and mechanism of polysaccharides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The mechanisms of polysaccharide in regulating glucose metabolism include repairing islet cells and increasing insulin content, increasing insulin sensitivity and improving insulin resistance, regulating the activity of key enzymes in glucose metabolism, increasing synthesis of liver glycogen, and regulating intestinal flora. Polysaccharides can also regulate glucose metabolism by improving immune regulation and antagonizing glucagon. Polysaccharide also regulate lipid metabolism by regulating lipid absorption, expression of the related genes such as PPAR-α, enzyme activities in lipid metabolism, improving antioxidant capacity, and modulating intestinal flora and signaling pathways.

Genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzyme genes associated with leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number in PAHs exposure workers

BACKGROUND

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure had been reported to be a risk factor of mtDNAcn in our early study. However, the effect of metabolic enzymes' genetic polymorphisms on mtDNAcn in PAHs-Exposure workers has not been fully evaluated.

AIM

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of metabolic enzymes' genetic polymorphisms on mtDNAcn in PAHs-Exposure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the effects of metabolic enzymes' genetic polymorphisms on mtDNAcn among 544 coke oven workers and 238 office staffs. The mtDNAcn of peripheral blood leukocytes was measured using the Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. PCR and restriction fragment length was used to detect five polymorphisms in GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 rs1695, CYP2E1 rs6413432, and CYP2E1 rs3813867. The mtDNAcn in peripheral blood leukocytes was significantly lower in the exposure group than that in the control group (p < .001). The 1-OHPYR had an increasing trend with the genotypes AA→AG → GG of GSTP1 rs1695 in the control group. Generalized linear model indicated that the influencing factors of mtDNAcn were PAHs-exposure [β (95% CI) = -0.420 (-0.469, -0.372), p < .001], male [β (95% CI) = -0.058 (-0.103, -0.012), p = .013], and AA genotype for GSTP1 rs1695 [β (95% CI) = -0.051 (-0.095, -0.008), p = .020].

CONCLUSION

The individuals carrying the AA genotype of GSTP1 rs1695 may have a lower mtDNAcn due to their weaker detoxification of PAHs.

Association between genetic polymorphisms of telomere pathway genes and hydrogen peroxide level in omethoate exposure workers

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the association between genetic variations in telomere pathway genes and the level of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in omethoate exposure workers.

METHODS

A total of 180 omethoate exposure workers and 115 healthy controls were recruited. The level of H₂O₂ in plasma was determined with molybdenic acid colorimetry. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length was used to detect polymorphisms in POT1 rs1034794, POT1 rs10250202, TERF1 rs3863242, and TERT rs2736098.

RESULTS

The level of H₂O₂ in exposure group (4.26 ± 0.71) was significantly higher than that in control group (3.29 ± 0.46). Generalized linear models indicated that risk factors for the increase H₂O₂ level were exposure [β(95 % CI) = 0.951 (0.806, 1.096), P < 0.001] and AA + AT genotype in POT1 rs034794 [β(95 % CI) = 0.397 (0.049, 0.745), P = 0.025].

CONCLUSION

The increase H₂O₂ level was associated with omethoate exposure and AA + AT genotypes in POT1 gene rs1034794. It provided a new idea that polymorphisms in telomere pathway genes may indirectly regulate telomere length by influencing oxidative stress.

Sarcopenia as a Risk Factor for Future Hip Fracture: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVE

Our study aims to determine whether sarcopenia is a predictive factor of future hip fractures.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Set: We searched for potentially suitable articles in PubMed, Cochrane library, Medline and EMBASE from inception to March 2020. The quality of the research was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted with the Stata software.

PARTICIPANTS

Older community-dwelling residents.

MEASUREMENTS

Hip fracture due to sarcopenia.

RESULTS

We retrieved 2129 studies through our search strategy, and five studies with 23,359 individuals were analyzed in our pooled analyses. Sarcopenia increases the risk of future hip fractures with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of 1.42 (95% CI: 1.18-1.71, P <0.001, I2 = 37.7%). In addition, in subgroup analyses based on different definitions of sarcopenia, sarcopenia was associated with the risk of future hip fractures with the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria with a pooled HR of 2.13(95% CI: 1.33-3.43). When subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, sarcopenia was associated with the risk for future hip fractures in females with pooled HRs of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.18-2.43). Sarcopenia was associated with the risk of future hip fractures in the group with a follow-up period of more than 5 years, with a pooled HR of 1.32 (95% CI: 1.08-1.61), and in the group with a follow-up period of less than 5 years, with a pooled HR of 2.13 (95% CI: 1.33-3.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia could significantly increase the risk of future hip fracture in old people; thus, it is necessary to prevent hip fractures in individuals with sarcopenia.

Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations on structures of high-density and low-density water: a comparison of the SCAN meta-GGA and PBE GGA functionals

Using Born–Oppenheimer ab initio molecular dynamics (BOAIMD) simulations, the high-density water (HDW) and low-density water (LDW) structures based on SCAN meta-GGA are compared with those based on PBE GGA.

Transcriptome analysis reveals a protective role of liver X receptor alpha against silica particle-induced experimental silicosis

Silicosis, a severe and irreversible form of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) caused by long-term exposure to dust particles in production environments, is the biggest occupational health concern in China and most low-income countries. The transdifferentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts is the terminal event in silicosis, and specific transcription factors (TFs) play a crucial role in this condition. However, the relationship between TF-mediated regulation and silicosis remains unknown. We performed a transcriptomic analysis to elucidate this relationship, and our results revealed that two TFs, EGR2 and BHLHE40, were upregulated and five, i.e., TBX2, NR1H3 (LXRα), NR2F1, PPARG (PPARγ), and EPAS1, were downregulated in activated fibroblasts. Notably, PPARγ and LXRα expression was also decreased in an experimental mouse model of silicosis. The mechanism underlying these changes may involve TGF-β1 secretion from silica-exposed alveolar macrophages, causing PPARγ and LXRα downregulation, which in turn would result in aberrant α-SMA transcription. Our results suggest that LXRα is a potential target for the prevention of silicosis and PF.

FULLEROL alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is myocardial tissue injury caused by blood supply returning to myocardial tissue after ischemia or hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of FULLEROL on myocardial tissue in MIRI rats and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We use rats and ligate their left anterior descending coronary artery to make a MIRI model, and we also subcutaneously injected some MIRI rats with FULLEROL daily for two weeks before modeling. We determined the effects of model building and the therapeutic effect of FULLEROL on MIRI by detecting the changes of myocardial tissue morphology, myocardial injury markers and cardiac function in rats. In addition, we detected the expression changes of inflammatory factors and antioxidative molecules in rat myocardial tissue and serum to determine the effect of FULLEROL on inflammation and oxidative stress in myocardial tissue. Finally, we detected the activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in rat cardiomyocytes to determine the mechanism of action of FULLEROL.

RESULTS

The structure of myocardial tissue in MIRI rats was remarkably damaged, and the range of myocardial infarction was increased. In addition, the concentrations of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were increased, and the heart function was reduced, while FULLEROL could reverse these conditions. In addition, FULLEROL was found to reduce the concentration of the inflammatory factors in rat myocardial tissue and serum, and to increase the expression of antioxidative molecules in myocardial tissue. The Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway was found to be related to MIRI and FULLEROL could increase the activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

FULLEROL can alleviate MIRI by promoting the activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in rats and increase the antioxidative capacity of cardiomyocytes.

Protective effects of melatonin on mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial structure and function in the HEK293-APPswe cell model of Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

The effects and mechanisms of melatonin on Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still not researched thoroughly. 20E2 cells (HEK293-APPswe cells) are a cellular model of AD. The modulation effects of melatonin on the structure and function of mitochondria in 20E2 cells need to be studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Alzheimer's disease (AD) cell model was assessed for cell viability, expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis factors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha [PGC-1α], nuclear respiratory factor 1 [NRF1], nuclear respiratory factor 2 [NRF2], mitochondrial transcription factor A [TFAM]), mitochondrial membrane potential, Na+-K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and cytochrome C oxidase activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, mitochondrial DNA/nuclear DNA (mtDNA/nDNA) ratio, and mitochondrial structure with and without melatonin.

RESULTS

Melatonin improved 20E2 cell viability, expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors (PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM), mitochondrial membrane potential, Na+-K+-ATPase, and cytochrome C oxidase activity, ATP level, mtDNA/nDNA ratio, mitochondrial structure, and decreased amyloidogenic amyloid precursor protein processing.

CONCLUSIONS

Mitochondrial biogenesis disorder is associated with the pathogenesis of AD through PGC-1α-NRF-TFAM pathway, and melatonin improves the mitochondrial structure and function by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and decreasing amyloidogenic APP processing in Alzheimer's disease.

Characterization of a P18 protein in the S1 segment of the novel duck reovirus genome

Novel duck reovirus (NDRV), the prototype strain of avian orthoreoviruses, continues to circulate among ducks. Analysis of its genome suggested that a putative second open reading frame in the S1 segment encodes a 162-amino acid nonstructural protein with size of 18 kDa, provisionally designated P18. This protein is different from the 17 kDa nonstructural protein encoded in the same open reading frame in other avian orthoreoviruses, which is designated P17 and consists of 146 amino acids. There is no corresponding protein in Muscovy duck reovirus. Antibodies raised to the purified recombinant protein reacted with viral P18 both in vitro and in vivo. In cells, P18 was located predominantly in the nucleus at 6-12 h post-infection, with negligible levels in the cytoplasm. However, the protein accumulated both in the nucleus and cytoplasm at 24 to 36 h post-infection. Immunohistochemistry indicated that P18 strongly accumulates in spleen tissues of infected ducklings. Collectively, the data provide the direct experimental evidence that P18 is expressed by novel duck reovirus both in vivo and in vitro. Keywords: duck reovirus; expression; characterization; novel P18 protein.

Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells as an in vitro alternative model cell to evaluate the immunotoxicity of 2, 4-Dinitrochlorobenzene

Improvements in science and technology have led to the increasing threats of new chemicals to the public health. It is crucial to evaluate the toxicity, especially immunotoxicology. Dendritic cells (DCs) are believed to be more favorable choices in immunotoxicity evaluations. To obtain and evaluate the value of human monocyte-derived immature DCs (imDCs) in vitro applications in immunotoxicology, compared the results in vitro. DCs were obtained from enriched leukocytes of peripheral blood by using magnetic cell sorting and cytokine (rhGM-CSF + rhIL-4) co-induction. imDCs function in vitro and the surface antigens changes both in imDCs and THP-1 after 24 h of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) exposure were determined. The results were compared with those of DNCB-induced rats. The feasibility of imDCs applications in immunotoxicology was evaluated. In vivo, the splenic nodules, lymphocytes, and CD103+DC surface antigen expression were altered in the spleen of DNCB-induced rats. Moreover, DNCB exposure increased CD8+ T cell numbers both in peripheral blood and in the spleen of DNCB-induced rats. In vitro, DNCB exposure reduced the antigen uptake capacity and enhanced the T cell proliferative capacity of imDCs. The results are consistent with in vivo, but superior to that of the THP-1. Our results suggest that human monocyte-derived DCs may have potential applications as an attractive in vitro alternative cell model to evaluate the sensitization of DNCB.

Dose-related telomere damage associated with the genetic polymorphisms of cGAS/STING signaling pathway in the workers exposed by PAHs

Telomeres are located at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes and vulnerable to exogenous chemical compounds. Exposure to coke oven emissions (COEs) leads to a dose-related telomere damage, and such chromosomal damage might trigger the cGAS/STING signaling pathway which plays an important role in immune surveillance. However, the relationship between the genetic variations in the cGAS/STING signaling pathway and telomere damage in the COEs-exposure workers has not been investigated. Therefore, we recruited 544 coke oven workers and 238 healthy control participants, and determined the level of COEs exposure, concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPYR), genetic polymorphisms and telomere length. The results showed that the telomere length significantly decreased from the control-to high-exposure groups as defined by the external exposure level (P < 0.05). The results also indicated that STING rs7447927 CC, cGAS rs34413328 AA, and cGAS rs610913 AA could inhibit telomere shortening in the exposure group (P < 0.05), and cGAS rs34413328, urine 1-OHPYR and cumulative exposure dose (CED) had a significant association with telomere length by generalized linear model. In conclusion, telomere shortening was a combined consequence of short-term exposure, long-term exposure, and genetic variations among the COEs-exposure workers.

PHTF2 regulates lipids metabolism in gastric cancer

Identification of hub genes and key pathways of gastric cancer was recognized to be essential to elucidate the tumorigenesis of GC. This study was aimed to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GC via bioinformatics methods and their related pathways involved in the pathological process of GC. Gene expression profile datasets acquired by microarray chips or RNA-seq were downloaded from GEO dataset and TCGA, and 298 differentially expressed genes was identified. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) pathways of DEGs were then analyzed by the DAVID database to elucidate the potential molecular functions of DEGs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was further analyzed with the STRING database and PHTF2 was identified as a hub gene in the PPI network. Subsequently, PHTF2 was found to be highly expressed in different subtypes of gastric cancer tissues obtained from TCGA database or clinical patients, resulting with a poor prognosis. By GSEA, PHTF2 was found to significantly enrich the fatty acid metabolism pathway in gastric cancer. Moreover, PHTF2-regulated lipids metabolism significantly affected the tumorigenesis of GC cells. In summary, this work identified a new mechanism by which PHTF2 precipitated in the pathological process of GC by regulating cellular lipid metabolism.

Silica particles disorganize the polarization of pulmonary macrophages in mice

Silicosis is a fatal fibrotic lung disease caused by long-term silica particle exposure, in which pulmonary macrophages play an important role. However, the relationship between macrophage polarization and silicosis remains unclear. We established an experimental silicosis mouse model to investigate macrophage polarization during silicosis development. C57BL/c mice were exposed to silica by intra-tracheal instillation and sacrificed at different time points. Lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected for flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, western blotting, and histology examinations. The polarization of pulmonary macrophages was dysregulated during silicosis development. In the early stage of silicosis, M1 macrophages were induced and played a leading role in eliciting inflammatory; in the late stage, M2 macrophages were induced to promote tissue repair. Levels of several cytokines in lung tissue microenvironment changed with macrophage polarization. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were upregulated in the inflammation stage, while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was upregulated in the fibrosis stage. Furthermore, we found that STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) and IRF (interferon regulatory factor) signaling pathway were involved in the regulation of macrophage polarization in silicosis. In summary, macrophage polarization is closely related to the occurrence and development of silicosis and may be a key point for further elucidating silicosis pathogenesis.

Effect of TRF1 rs3863242 polymorphism on telomere length in omethoate-exposed workers

Telomere length was found to be associated with omethoate exposure and polymorphisms in certain genes among occupational workers. However, whether the polymorphisms in telomere-binding protein genes influence telomere length remains unclear. To explore the correlation between telomere length and polymorphisms in telomere-binding protein genes, telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 180 omethoate-exposed workers and 115 healthy controls. Polymorphisms in 10 pairs of alleles were detected using flight mass spectrometry or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The results showed that individuals with GG genotype in TRF1 rs3863242 had longer telomere lengths than those with AG + AA genotype in the control group (p = 0.005). The multiple regression analysis suggested that both omethoate exposure (b = 0.526, p < 0.001) and TRF1 rs3863242 GG (b = 0.220, p = 0.002) were related to a longer telomere length. In conclusion, GG genotype in TRF1 rs3863242 is linked to prolongation of telomere length, and individuals with GG genotype are recommended to strengthen health protection in a Chinese occupational omethoate-exposed population.

Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and miRNA variations on peripheral blood leukocyte DNA telomere length: A cross-sectional study in Henan Province, China

Telomeres play a major role in human aging and disease, especially in most cancers. Telomere length was shortened in workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and influenced by individual genetic variations in telomere-binding proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can affect the progress of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription; however, whether polymorphisms in miRNA can act on the telomere length is still unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationships between telomere damage and genetic polymorphisms in miRNA or environmental exposure. A total of 544 coke oven workers and 238 healthy controls were recruited. After collecting peripheral blood and extracting the genomic DNA of the study subjects, the telomere length (TL) in their leucocytes was detected by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and polymorphisms in miRNAs were genotyped using the flight mass spectrometry technique. The concentrations of the four urine OH-PAHs were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the Soxhlet extraction method was used to detect the concentration of coke oven emissions (COEs) in the air. We found that the peripheral blood leucocyte DNA TL was significantly shorter in the exposure group (0.75; 0.51, 1.08) than that in the control group (1.05; 0.76, 1.44) (Z = 7.692, P < 0.001). The total cumulative exposure dose (CED), 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-hydroxynaphthalene, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene were significantly negatively correlated with TL (r = -0.307, P < 0.001; r = -0.212, P < 0.001; r = -0.110, P = 0.025; r = -0.251, P < 0.001, respectively). MiR-145 rs353291 GG, miR-30a rs2222722 CT/CC, and miR-197 rs1889470 AA could protect the telomere end in the exposed workers (P < 0.05). The interaction between miR-197 rs1889470 and the CED had an effect on TL (β = 0.066, P = 0.034). This is the first study to evaluate gene-environmental interactions for miRNA polymorphisms and PAH exposure in coke oven workers.

Identification of Three Differentially Expressed miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study areto screen MicroRNAs (miRNAs) related to the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and to explore the possible molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

The data for a total of 535 patients with LUAD data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The miRNAs for LUAD prognosis were screened by both Cox risk proportional regression model and Last Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model. The performances of the models were verified by time-dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The possible biological processes linked to the miRNAs' target genes were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto gene and genome encyclopedia (KEGG).

RESULTS

Among 127 differentially expressed miRNAs identified from the screening analysis, there are 111 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated miRNAs. Three of them, hsa-miR-1293, hsa-miR-490 and hsa-miR- 5571, were also significantly associated with the survival of the LUAD patients. The targets of the three miRNAs are significantly enriched in systemic lupus erythematosus pathways.

CONCLUSION

Hsa-miR-1293, hsa-miR-490 and hsa-miR-5571 can be potentially used as novel biomarkers for the prognosis prediction of LUAD.

Equation of state of water based on the SCAN meta-GGA density functional

By ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, the newly developed SCAN meta-GGA functional is proved better than the widely used PBE-GGA functional in describing the equation of state of water.

The association between polymorphisms in tankyrase gene and telomere length in omethoate-exposed workers

Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length in omethoate-exposed workers is related to environmental exposure and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes including p21, GSTM1, miR-145, etc. However, the roles of SNPs in tankyrase (TNKS) gene in telomere length are still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the association between SNPs in TNKS gene and telomere length in omethoate-exposed workers. Telomere length in peripheral blood leukocyte DNA from 180 omethoate-exposed workers and 115 healthy controls was measured using Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotyping of the selected functional and susceptible SNPs was performed by the flight mass spectrometry based on PCR and single-base extension. The analysis of covariance was performed to find effects of SNPs on telomere length. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the environment, gene, and interaction on telomere length. The results showed that telomere length in the CG + CC genotypes in rs1055328 in TNKS gene was significantly longer than that in the wild homozygous GG genotype both in exposure group (P = 0.017) and in control group (P = 0.038) after adjusting the covariates. The variables kept in the generalized linear models included omethoate-exposure (β = 0.580, P = 0.001) and rs1055328 (CG + CC) in TNKS gene (β = 0.339, P = 0.002). The study suggests that the prolongation of telomere length is associated with omethoate-exposure and the CG + CC genotypes in rs1055328 in TNKS gene.

Sequential treatment by polidocanol and radiofrequency ablation of large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules with solid components: Efficacy and safety

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a sequential treatment including percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in terms of volume reduction and complication rate in large, benign, partially cystic thyroid nodules with solid components.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

From April 2017 to April 2019, 46 patients with 47 large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules underwent sequential treatment. There were 14 men and 32 women with a mean age of 49.9±11.5 (SD) years (range: 18-75 years). The volume of initial nodules was 12.7±12.3 (SD) mL (range: 2.16-75.62mL). Volume reduction after percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy and further RFA was evaluated respectively. Patients had clinical and ultrasound evaluations at a follow-up time of 12.1±5.3 (SD) months (range: 1.5-23.9 months). Technical success and complications were accessed retrospectively.

RESULTS

After unsatisfying results with polidocanol sclerotherapy alone the 46 patients with 47 large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules had further RFA. Mean volume reduction of 47 nodules was 90.5±11.3 (SD) % (range: 43.9-99.3%) one month after RFA, 94.9±6.2 (SD) % (range: 66.9-99.5%) three months after RFA, and 95.8±5.5 (SD) % (range: 71.0-99.8%) six months after RFA. No recurrence or nodule enlargement after RFA was observed at the last follow-up. The complication rate of RFA was 12.5% (8/46 patients), with minor complications only.

CONCLUSIONS

The sequential treatment regimen, including percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy and RFA, is an appropriate and safe treatment strategy for large benign partially cystic thyroid nodules with solid components.

Discovery and identification of fatigue-related biomarkers in human saliva

OBJECTIVE

To identify stable and specific biomarkers/biomarker combinations for fatigue assessment and establish a discriminant model.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Saliva was collected and electroencephalogram analysis was performed for 47 emergency physicians while awake and after continuoutas duty for 18-24 h. Physicians were divided into the fatigue and non-fatigue groups. Protein spectra of completely quantified saliva specimens were identified before and after long working hours using mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed through Proteome Discoverer software combined with SEQUEST to search protein databases. Proteins were characterized by collision-induced dissociation spectra. A global internal standard (GIS) was added to each group of samples and labeled by tandem mass tags m/z 131.1. All data were compared with GIS, and data between groups were further compared. Qualitative and quantitative data on proteins were exported for fatigue-related proteomic analysis, and a fatigue assessment model was established.

RESULTS

We identified 767 salivary proteins in the fatigue group. The correct rates of the discriminant function of the non-fatigue and fatigue groups were 97.1% and 91.7%, respectively (the total correct rate was 95.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 30 fatigue-related protein markers from saliva. We also established a fatigue assessment model for emergency physicians using salivary biomarkers.

Genetic polymorphisms, mRNA expression levels of telomere-binding proteins, and associates with telomere damage in PAHs-Exposure workers

Coke oven emissions (COEs), confirmed human carcinogens, are mainly composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Telomere shortening in blood leukocytes has been associated with COEs, and polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes. However, the relationship between polymorphisms in telomere related genes and telomere shortening in COEs exposed workers has never been evaluated. Therefore, we measured telomere length and mRNA expression levels of telomere-binding proteins (TBPs) by qPCR method in leucocyte from 544 COEs exposed workers and 238 office staffs (referents). Flight mass spectrometry was used to perform the genotyping of selected functional and susceptible SNPs. The results showed that the telomere length in the exposure group 0.75(0.51,1.08) was significantly shorter than that in the control group 1.05(0.76,1.44) (P < 0.001). The mRNA expression levels of TPP1, TERF1 and TERF2 genes in the exposure group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), the mRNA expression level of POT1 in the exposure group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). We used the wild homozygous genotype as a reference, subjects carrying TERT rs2736109 AA, TERT rs3215401 CC and TERT rs2736100 GT + GG genotypes had significantly longer telomere length in the exposure group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the workers exposed to COEs had shorter telomere length, which was regulated by the TPP1, TERF1, TERF2 and POT1 genes expression levels, and the gene polymorphisms of TERT gene were associated with the telomere length among PAHs-exposure workers.

Measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 40 GeV to 100 TeV with the DAMPE satellite

The precise measurement of the spectrum of protons, the most abundant component of the cosmic radiation, is necessary to understand the source and acceleration of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. This work reports the measurement of the cosmic ray proton fluxes with kinetic energies from 40 GeV to 100 TeV, with 2 ¹/₂ years of data recorded by the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE). This is the first time that an experiment directly measures the cosmic ray protons up to ~100 TeV with high statistics. The measured spectrum confirms the spectral hardening at ~300 GeV found by previous experiments and reveals a softening at ~13.6 TeV, with the spectral index changing from ~2.60 to ~2.85. Our result suggests the existence of a new spectral feature of cosmic rays at energies lower than the so-called knee and sheds new light on the origin of Galactic cosmic rays.

Diagnostic Value of Plasma MicroRNAs for Lung Cancer Using Support Vector Machine Model

Aim: Small single-stranded non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in carcinogenesis through degrading target mRNAs. However, the diagnostic value of miRNAs was not explored in lung cancers. In this study, a support-vector-machine (SVM) model for diagnosis of lung cancer was established based on plasma miRNAs biomarkers, clinical symptoms and epidemiology material.

Methods: The expressions of plasma miRNA were examined with SYBR Green-based quantitative real-time PCR.

Results: We identified that the expressions of 10 plasma miRNAs (miR-21, miR-20a, miR-210, miR-145, miR-126, miR-223, miR-197, miR-30a, miR-30d, miR-25), smoking status, fever, cough, chest pain or tightness, bloody phlegm, haemoptysis, were significantly different between lung cancer and control groups (P<0.05). The accuracies of the combined SVM, miRNAs SVM, symptom SVM, combined Fisher, miRNAs Fisher and symptom Fisher were 96.34%, 80.49%, 84.15%, 84.15%, 75.61%, and 80.49%, respectively; AUC of these six model were 0.976, 0.841, 0.838, 0.865, 0.750, and 0.801, respectively. The accuracy and AUC of combined SVM were higher than the other 5 models (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that SVM model based on plasma miRNAs biomarkers may serve as a novel, accurate, noninvasive method for auxiliary diagnosis of lung cancer.

Telomere length in workers was effected by omethoate exposure and interaction between smoking and p21 polymorphisms

Omethoate is an organophosphorus pesticide that poses a major health hazard, especially DNA damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting telomere length in workers exposed to omethoate by analyzing the interaction between cell cycle gene polymorphism and environmental factors. The exposure group consisted of 118 workers exposed to omethoate for 8-10 years, the control group comprised 115 healthy people without occupational toxicant exposure history. The telomere length of genomic DNA from peripheral blood leucocyte was determined with real-time PCR. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect the polymorphisms in p53, p21 and MDM2 gene. The telomere length in the (CA + AA) genotypes for p21 rs1801270 polymorphism was longer than that in the CC genotype in control group (P = 0.015). The generalized linear model analysis indicated the interaction of the p21 rs1801270 polymorphic (CA + AA) genotypes and smoking has a significant effect on telomere length (β = -0.258, P = 0.085). The prolongation of telomere length in omethoate-exposed workers was associated with genotypes (CA + AA) of p21 rs1801270, and interactions of (CA + AA) genotypes and smoking factor.

The interaction effects of coke oven emissions exposure and metabolic enzyme Gene variants on total antioxidant capacity of workers

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between coke oven emissions (COEs) exposure and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and to explore whether genetic variations in metabolic enzyme genes GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1, and CYP2E1 can affect these associations in coke oven workers.

METHODS

536 coke oven workers and 238 healthy controls were recruited. T-AOC of plasma was determined with kit. Five polymorphic loci of GSTT1 (+/-), GSTM1 (+/-), GSTP1 rs1695, CYP2E1 rs6413432 and CYP2E1 rs3813867 were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

This study shows that the T-AOC in exposure group (12.02 ± 4.72) was significantly lower than that in control group (15.32 ± 7.19) (P < 0.01), and the COEs exposure could decrease the T-AOC of coke oven workers significantly [β(95% CI) = -2.663 (-4.538,-0.787), P < 0.001]. The T-AOC of female was lower than that of male in exposed and control groups (P < 0.001). The T-AOC was higher in GSTM1 (-) individuals than in GSTM1 (+) individuals in the control group (P = 0.037). The T-AOC with the AG genotype in GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism was higher than that of the GG genotype in the control group (P = 0.043). The generalized linear model results showed that the risk factors for the decrease of T-AOC include GSTT1 (+) (b = -0.999, P = 0.009), female (b = -2.875, P < 0.01), COEs-exposed (b = -2.712, P = 0.004), GSTM1 (+) (b = -1.814, P = 0.008), and interactions of GSTM1 (+) and COEs-exposed (b = 1.872, P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for the decrease of T-AOC include GSTT1 (+), female, COEs-exposed, GSTM1 (+), and interactions of GSTM1 (+) and COEs-exposed.

Integrating transcriptome-wide association study and mRNA expression profiling identifies novel genes associated with bone mineral density

To scan novel candidate genes associated with osteoporosis, a two-stage transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) of bone mineral density (BMD) was conducted. The BMD-associated genes identified by TWAS were then compared with the gene expression profiling of BMD in bone cells, B cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. We identified multiple candidate genes and gene ontology (GO) terms associated with BMD.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by decrease in BMD. Our objective is to scan novel candidate genes associated with OP.

METHODS

A transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was performed by integrating the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary of bone mineral density (BMD) with two pre-computed mRNA expression weights of peripheral blood and muscle skeleton. Then, another independent GWAS data of BMD was used to verify the discovery results. The BMD-associated genes identified between discovery and replicate TWAS were further subjected to gene ontology (GO) analysis implemented by DAVID. Finally, the BMD-associated genes and GO terms were further compared with the mRNA expression profiling results of BMD to detect the common genes and GO terms shared by both DNA-level TWAS and mRNA expression profile analysis.

RESULTS

TWAS identified 95 common genes with permutation P value < 0.05 for peripheral blood and muscle skeleton, such as TMTC4 in muscle skeleton and DDX17 in peripheral blood. Further comparing the genes detected by discovery-replicate TWAS with the differentially expressed genes identified by mRNA expression profiling of OP patients found 18 overlapped genes, such as MUL1 in muscle skeleton and SPTBN1 in peripheral blood. GO analysis of the genes identified by discovery-replicate TWAS detected 12 BMD-associated GO terms, such as negative regulation of cell growth and regulation of glycogen catabolic process. Further comparing the GO results of discovery-replicate TWAS and mRNA expression profiles found 6 overlapped GO terms, such as membrane and cell adhesion.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified multiple candidate genes and GO terms for BMD, providing novel clues for understanding the genetic mechanism of OP.

Clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

AIM

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 37 patients with 38 PTMC nodules underwent RFA at a power of 20 W between September 2014 and December 2017. The clinical data of these patients were reviewed retrospectively and analysed. Imaging studies of the nodules were conducted, and the patients' thyroid function was assessed before RFA; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA; and every 6 months thereafter. The volumes and volume reduction rate (VRR) of the nodules were also calculated.

RESULTS

RFA with a low power of 20 W was used in the treatment of 37 patients with 38 PTMC nodules. All nodules achieved complete ablation, no complications occurred, and thyroid function was not affected. During follow-up, the volume of the nodules gradually decreased. Twelve months after ablation, the mean volumes of the nodules significantly decreased to 0.01±0.03 ml with a VRR of 99.34±3.49%. At a median follow-up of 6 (range: 1-18) months, 37 of the 38 nodules were completely absorbed, and no recurrence was observed in all 37 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-power RFA showed good safety and promising efficacy outcomes for the treatment of PTMC. In addition to surgery and active surveillance, RFA may be an alternative treatment option for patients with PTMC.

Association of genetic polymorphisms of miR-145 gene with telomere length in omethoate-exposed workers

Omethoate, an organophosphorous pesticide, causes a variety of health effects, especially the damage of chromosome DNA. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between polymorphisms of encoding miRNA genes and telomere length in omethoate-exposure workers. 180 workers with more than 8 years omethoate-exposure and 115 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Genotyping for the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms loci were performed using the flight mass spectrometry. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method was applied to determine the relative telomere length(RTL) in human peripheral blood leukocytes DNA. After adjusting the covariate of affecting RTL, covariance analysis showed that the female was significantly longer than that of the male in control group(P < 0.046). For the miR-145 rs353291 locus, this study showed that RTL of mutation homozygous AG+GG individuals was longer than that of wild homozygous AA in the exposure group (P = 0.039). In the control group, RTL with wild homozygous TT genotype in miR-30a rs2222722 polymorphism locus was longer than that of the mutation homozygous CC genotype (P = 0.038). After multiple linear regression analysis, the independent variables of entering into the model were omethoate-exposure (b = 0.562, P < 0.001), miR-145 rs353291 (AG+GG) (b = 0.205, P = 0.010). The prolongation of relative telomere length in omethoate exposed workers was associated with AG+GG genotypes in rs353291 polymorphism of encoding miR-145 gene.

Urban blue: A global analysis of the factors shaping people's perceptions of the marine environment and ecological engineering in harbours

Marine harbours are the focus of a diverse range of activities and subject to multiple anthropogenically induced pressures. Support for environmental management options aimed at improving degraded harbours depends on understanding the factors which influence people's perceptions of harbour environments. We used an online survey, across 12 harbours, to assess sources of variation people's perceptions of harbour health and ecological engineering. We tested the hypotheses: 1) people living near impacted harbours would consider their environment to be more unhealthy and degraded, be more concerned about the environment and supportive of and willing to pay for ecological engineering relative to those living by less impacted harbours, and 2) people with greater connectedness to the harbour would be more concerned about and have greater perceived knowledge of the environment, and be more supportive of, knowledgeable about and willing to pay for ecological engineering, than those with less connectedness. Across twelve locations, the levels of degradation and modification by artificial structures were lower and the concern and knowledge about the environment and ecological engineering were greater in the six Australasian and American than the six European and Asian harbours surveyed. We found that people's perception of harbours as healthy or degraded, but not their concern for the environment, reflected the degree to which harbours were impacted. There was a positive relationship between the percentage of shoreline modified and the extent of support for and people's willingness to pay indirect costs for ecological engineering. At the individual level, measures of connectedness to the harbour environment were good predictors of concern for and perceived knowledge about the environment but not support for and perceived knowledge about ecological engineering. To make informed decisions, it is important that people are empowered with sufficient knowledge of the environmental issues facing their harbour and ecological engineering options.

Invasive fungal disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from Southern China: a retrospective study

Objective

To investigate the characteristics and associated factors of invasive fungal disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from Southern China.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed. Demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and radiographic manifestations were recorded.

Results

A total of 45 lupus patients with invasive fungal disease (incidence 1.1%) were included. Twenty-three cases (51.1%) were infected with mold and 22 cases (48.9%) with yeast. Aspergillus spp. (44.4%) and Cryptococcus spp. (33.3%) were common. Aspergillosis mainly occurred in the lung. Cryptococcosis developed in the lung (40.0%), meninges (46.7%) and bloodstream (13.3%). Compared with yeast infection, mold infection tended to develop in patients with active lupus nephritis (65.2% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.03) and the mortality rate was higher (20.0% vs. 0%, P = 0.001). Co-infection with bacteria, virus or superficial fungi occurred in 12 patients (26.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lymphopenia (odds ratio 2.65, 95% confidential interval 1.14–6.20, P = 0.02) and an accumulated dose of glucocorticoid (odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.10–2.25, P = 0.01) was associated with invasive fungal disease in lupus patients.

Conclusion

Mold infection tended to develop in patients with active lupus disease with high mortality. Co-infection is not rare. Lymphopenia and an accumulated dose of glucocorticoid are associated with invasive fungal disease in lupus patients.

Association of genetic polymorphisms of telomere binding proteins with cholinesterase activity in omethoate-exposed workers

Omethoate, an organophosphorous pesticide, can cause a variety of health effects, especially the decrease of cholinesterase activity. The aim of this study is to explore the association of genetic polymorphisms of telomere binding proteins with cholinesterase activity in omethoate-exposed population. Cholinesterase activities in whole blood, red blood cell and plasma were detected using acetylthiocholine and dithio-bis-(nitrobenzoic acid) method; Genetic Genotyping of POT1 rs1034794, POT1 rs10250202, TERF1 rs3863242 and TERT rs2736098 were performed with PCR-RFLP. The cholinesterase activities of whole blood, red blood cells and plasma in exposure group are significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicates that exposure group (b = - 1.016, P < 0.001), agender (b = 0.365, P < 0.001), drinking (b = 0.271, P = 0.004) and TERF1rs3863242 (b = - 0.368, P = 0.016) had an impact on cholinesterase activities. The results suggest that individual carrying AG+GG genotypes in TERF1 gene rs3863242 polymorphism were susceptible to damage in cholinesterase induced by omethoate.

Protective effect of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine on lung injury after cold ischemia-reperfusion in rats

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the protective effect of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine on lung injury after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 healthy and clean male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into the blank control group (group O), the model control group (group K), the ulinastatin and dexmedetomidine group (group F) according to random number table with 20 rats in each group.

RESULTS

The plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and malondialdehyde (MDA) at T1, T2 and T3 time points in rats of the three groups were significantly higher than those of the T0 time point (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the plasma of rats of the three groups was significantly lower at T1, T2 and T3 time point when compared with that of T0 (p<0.05). The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and MDA in group K at T1, T2 and T3 moments were significantly higher than those of group O (p<0.05). However, the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and MDA in group F at T1, T2, T3 were significantly lower than those of group K (p<0.05). The activities of SOD in group K at T1, T2, T3 were all significantly higher than those of group O (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the activities of SOD in group F at T1, T2, T3 were significantly higher than those of group K (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine can reduce the inflammatory response and inhibit lipid peroxidation, eventually alleviating acute lung injury after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

[Efficacy and safety of transbronchial cryobiopsy in the etiologic diagnosis of diffuse lung disease]

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) for the etiologic evaluation of diffuse lung disease (DLD). Methods: Between December 2015 to April 2017, a total of 38 patients with DLD met the inclusion criteria for TBCB in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, and 35 of them consented to undergo the procedure under rigid or flexible bronchoscopy. On the tissues obtained from the 35 patients, histopathologic and microbiological evaluations were performed, and together with clinical and radiological manifestations, diagnoses were made and the efficacy of TBCB in the diagnosis of DLD was confirmed, and then therapies were planned accordingly. Complications of the biopsy procedures were recorded. Results: Of the 35 patients who were enrolled, 24 underwent TBCB under rigid bronchoscopy and 11 under flexible bronchoscopy. Another 3 patients refused the procedure due to disinclination to invasive examinations. One single procedure of TBCB took (51.8±19.2) min on average, the median number of tissues obtained was 6 (5, 8), and the median area of tissues was 15 (9, 20) mm(2).Definite diagnoses were reached in 33 patients, including idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (n=8), connective tissue disease-interstitial lung disease (n=8), occupational lung disease (n=4), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n=3), interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (n=3), tuberculosis (n=2), cryptogenic organization pneumonia (n=1), acute interstitial pneumonia (n=1), pulmonary infection (n=1), hypersensitivity pneumonia (n=1) and sarcoidosis (n=1). Diagnostic yield was 94.3% (33 out of 35 cases diagnosed). Pneumothorax occurred in 3 patients (1 patients with mild pneumothorax , 1 moderate and 1 severe), and were resolved with thoracic puncture or pleural drainage. Bleeding occurred in all 24 patients who received TBCB under rigid bronchoscopy (11 patients with mild bleeding, 12 moderate and 1 severe) and was controlled after coagulation measures. After one month of treatment according to the diagnoses acquired with cryobiopsy, the condition was cured in 1 patient (3.0%), alleviated in 17 (51.5%), stable in 11 (33.3%), and deteriorated in 4 (12.1%). Conclusion: TBCB yields reliable diagnoses with a good safety profile.