Responses of intestinal morphology, immunity, antioxidant status and cecal microbiota to the mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde in laying hens

This study was to determine the effects of the mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde (GCM) supplementation on the intestinal morphology, immunity, antioxidant status and cecal microbiota of laying hens. A total of 1,120 healthy laying hens (Jingfen-1 strain) at the age of 14 wk were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 replicates of 28 layers in each and layers were fed diets containing 0 (control group), or 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg GCM for 12 wk. The results showed that dietary supplementation with GCM significantly increased intestinal villus height and villus height/crypt depth, duodenal villus area, total superoxide disumutase activities in the liver and jejunum, jejunal glutathione peroxidase activities while decreased duodenal and jejunal crypt depth, hydrogen peroxide content in the liver and jejunal malondialdehyde content of laying hens aging 28 wk (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, GCM addition significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M concentration of layers at the age of 20, 24, and 28 wk (P < 0.05). Moreover, it was observed in the 16S rRNA sequencing that the addition of GCM elevated the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in laying hens. The predominant bacteria from each group were Bacteroidota and Firmicutes at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were the dominant genera. The composition and structure of cecal microflora were changed by the addition of GCM to the diet of laying hens. In conclusion, the addition of GCM (500-1,000 mg/kg diet) can improve intestinal morphology, immune function, intestinal and liver antioxidant status and intestinal flora of laying hens, thereby improving intestinal digestion and absorption capacity. These findings provide a new way to further explore the mechanism of GCM improving intestinal health.

Rendering protein structures inside cells at the atomic level with Unreal Engine

While the recent development of cryogenic electron tomography (CryoET) makes it possible to identify various macromolecules inside cells and determine their structure at near-atomic resolution, it remains challenging to visualize the complex cellular environment at the atomic level. One of the main hurdles in cell visualization is to render the millions of molecules in real time computationally. Here, using a video game engine, we demonstrate the capability of rendering massive biological macromolecules at the atomic level within their native environment. To facilitate the visualization, we also provide tools that help the interactive navigation inside the cells, as well as software that converts protein structures identified using CryoET to a scene that can be explored with the game engine.

Correction: Jiménez-Ortigosa et al. Cryo-Electron Tomography of Candida glabrata Plasma Membrane Proteins. J. Fungi 2021, 7, 120

The authors wish to update the article title to "Cryo-Electron Tomography of Candida glabrata Plasma Membrane Proteins" [...].

Cryogenic electron microscopy and tomography reveal imperfect icosahedral symmetry in alphaviruses

Alphaviruses are spherical, enveloped RNA viruses with two-layered icosahedral architecture. The structures of many alphaviruses have been studied using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reconstructions, which impose icosahedral symmetry on the viral particles. Using cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET), we revealed a polarized symmetry defect in the icosahedral lattice of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in situ, similar to the late budding particles, suggesting the inherent imperfect symmetry originates from the final pinch-off of assembled virions. We further demonstrated this imperfect symmetry is also present in in vitro purified CHIKV and Mayaro virus, another arthritogenic alphavirus. We employed a subparticle-based single-particle analysis protocol to circumvent the icosahedral imperfection and boosted the resolution of the structure of the CHIKV to ∼3 Å resolution, which revealed detailed molecular interactions between glycoprotein E1-E2 heterodimers in the transmembrane region and multiple lipid-like pocket factors located in a highly conserved hydrophobic pocket. This complementary use of in situ cryo-ET and single-particle cryo-EM approaches provides a more precise structural description of near-icosahedral viruses and valuable insights to guide the development of structure-based antiviral therapies against alphaviruses.

Centriole and transition zone structures in photoreceptor cilia revealed by cryo-electron tomography

Primary cilia mediate sensory signaling in multiple organisms and cell types but have structures adapted for specific roles. Structural defects in them lead to devastating diseases known as ciliopathies in humans. Key to their functions are structures at their base: the basal body, the transition zone, the "Y-shaped links," and the "ciliary necklace." We have used cryo-electron tomography with subtomogram averaging and conventional transmission electron microscopy to elucidate the structures associated with the basal region of the "connecting cilia" of rod outer segments in mouse retina. The longitudinal variations in microtubule (MT) structures and the lumenal scaffold complexes connecting them have been determined, as well as membrane-associated transition zone structures: Y-shaped links connecting MT to the membrane, and ciliary beads connected to them that protrude from the cell surface and form a necklace-like structure. These results represent a clearer structural scaffold onto which molecules identified by genetics, proteomics, and superresolution fluorescence can be placed in our emerging model of photoreceptor sensory cilia.

Surgical treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer - a consensus recommendation from two Chinese associations

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment is playing an increasingly important role in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This consensus focuses on the indications for optimal surgery, and surgical methods in the whole process of treatment for NPC to provide a useful reference to assist these difficult clinical decisions.

METHODOLOGY

A thorough review of available literature on NPC and surgery was conducted by the Association for the prevention and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China, international exchange and promotion Association for medicine and healthcare, and the Committee on nasopharyngeal cancer of Guangdong provincial anticancer association. A set of questions and a preliminary draft guideline was circulated to a panel of 1096 experienced specialists on this disease for voting on controversial areas and comments. A refined second proposal, based on a summary of the initial voting and different opinions expressed, was recirculated to the experts in two authoritative medical science and technology academic groups in the prevention and treatment of NPC in China for review and reconsideration.

RESULTS

The initial round of questions showed variations in clinical practice even among similar specialists, reflecting the lack of high-quality supporting data and resulting difficulties in formulating clinical decisions. Through exchange of comments and iterative revisions, recommendations with high-to-moderate agreement were formulated on general treatment strategies and details of surgery, including indications and surgical approaches.

CONCLUSION

By standardizing the surgical indications and practice, we hope not only to improve the surgical outcomes, but also to highlight the key directions of future clinical research in the surgical management of NPC.

Improving resolution and resolvability of single-particle cryoEM structures using Gaussian mixture models

Cryogenic electron microscopy is widely used in structural biology, but its resolution is often limited by the dynamics of the macromolecule. Here we developed a refinement protocol based on Gaussian mixture models that integrates particle orientation and conformation estimation and improves the alignment for flexible domains of protein structures. We demonstrated this protocol on multiple datasets, resulting in improved resolution and resolvability, locally and globally, by visual and quantitative measures.

Genome organization in double-stranded DNA viruses observed by cryoET

Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses package their genetic material into protein cages with diameters usually a few hundred times smaller than the length of their genome. Compressing the relatively stiff and highly negatively charged dsDNA into a small volume is energetically costly and mechanistically enigmatic. Multiple models of dsDNA packaging have been proposed based on various experimental evidence and simulation methods, but direct observation of any viral genome organization is lacking. Here, using cryoET and an improved data processing scheme that utilizes information from the encaging protein shell, we present 3D views of dsDNA genome inside individual viral particles at resolution that densities of neighboring DNA duplexes are readily separable. These cryoET observations reveal a "rod-and-coil" fold of the dsDNA that is conserved among herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) with a spherical capsid, bacteriophage T4 with a prolate capsid, and bacteriophage T7 with a proteinaceous core inside the capsid. Finally, inspired by the genome arrangement in partially packaged T4 particles, we propose a mechanism for the genome packaging process in dsDNA viruses.

[Analysis of the influencing factors of short-term and long-term facial nerve function after vestibular schwannoma resection via suboccipital retrosigmoid approach]

Objective: To summarize the experience of facial nerve(FN) preservation in microsurgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection via suboccipital retrosigmoid approach and to analyze the influencing factors of facial function prognosis in short-term and long-term period. Methods: Patients with VS who underwent microsurgery via suboccipital retrosigmoid approach by the skull base surgery team in Huashan Hospital from January 2013 to February 2018 were enrolled. A total of 308 patients were included in this study, including 132 males and 176 females. The average age was 47.9 year-old (Range: 17-79 year-old). The patient's clinical data and FN function prognosis were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis by SPSS 23.0 statistical software were performed to evaluate the factors affecting facial function prognosis and its recovery. Results: Gross total resection was achieved in 304 cases, and subtotal resection was in 4 cases. The facial nerve preservation rate anatomically was 99.4%. The facial nerve of 2 cases was thin due to large tumor compression and severed, and a one-stage reconstruction was performed during surgery.Of the 308 patients, 300 cases were successfully followed up, and 8 cases were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 52 months. In short-term (2 weeks after surgery), satisfactory facial nerve function (House-Brackmann (H-B) grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ) was achieved in 96 cases, and 212 cases were unsatisfactory function (H-B grade Ⅲ-Ⅵ). After 1 year, 198 were satisfactory function and 97 were unsatisfactory. After 3 years, 219 were satisfactory function and 75 were unsatisfactory. Five years later, 155 were satisfactory function and 34 were unsatisfactory. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the impact factors of FN function in short-term were tumor size (P=0.011) and stimulation threshold (ST) of EMG monitoring (P<0.001). The impact factors in long-term were tumor size (P=0.005), ST of EMG monitoring (P=0.005) and FN rehabilitation training. Conclusions: Tumor diameter is an independent factor related to FN function, and the larger the tumor, the worse the postoperative FN function. The ST of EMG (ST≤0.05 mA) can predict short-term and long-term FN function. The systematic facial rehabilitation training can effectively promote the recovery of FN after surgery.

Targeted mutagenesis of the herpesvirus fusogen central helix captures transition states

Herpesviruses remain a burden for animal and human health, including the medically important varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Membrane fusion mediated by conserved core glycoproteins, the fusogen gB and the heterodimer gH-gL, enables herpesvirus cell entry. The ectodomain of gB orthologs has five domains and is proposed to transition from a prefusion to postfusion conformation but the functional relevance of the domains for this transition remains poorly defined. Here we describe structure-function studies of the VZV gB DIII central helix targeting residues 526EHV528. Critically, a H527P mutation captures gB in a prefusion conformation as determined by cryo-EM, a loss of membrane fusion in a virus free assay, and failure of recombinant VZV to spread in cell monolayers. Importantly, two predominant cryo-EM structures of gB[H527P] are identified by 3D classification and focused refinement, suggesting they represented gB conformations in transition. These studies reveal gB DIII as a critical element for herpesvirus gB fusion function.

Structural insights into the modulation of coronavirus spike tilting and infectivity by hinge glycans

Coronavirus spike glycoproteins presented on the virion surface mediate receptor binding, and membrane fusion during virus entry and constitute the primary target for vaccine and drug development. How the structure dynamics of the full-length spikes incorporated in viral lipid envelope correlates with the virus infectivity remains poorly understood. Here we present structures and distributions of native spike conformations on vitrified human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) virions without chemical fixation by cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) and subtomogram averaging, along with site-specific glycan composition and occupancy determined by mass spectrometry. The higher oligomannose glycan shield on HCoV-NL63 spikes than on SARS-CoV-2 spikes correlates with stronger immune evasion of HCoV-NL63. Incorporation of cryoET-derived native spike conformations into all-atom molecular dynamic simulations elucidate the conformational landscape of the glycosylated, full-length spike that reveals a role of hinge glycans in modulating spike bending. We show that glycosylation at N1242 at the upper portion of the stalk is responsible for the extensive orientational freedom of the spike crown. Subsequent infectivity assays implicated involvement of N1242-glyan in virus entry. Our results suggest a potential therapeutic target site for HCoV-NL63.

Improving Resolution and Resolvability of Single Particle CryoEM using Gaussian Mixture Models

Cryogenic electron microscopy is widely used in structural biology, but its resolution is often limited by the dynamics of the macromolecule. Here, we developed a refinement protocol based on Gaussian mixture models that integrates particle orientation and conformation estimation, and improves the alignment for flexible domains of protein structures. We demonstrated this protocol on multiple datasets, resulting in improved resolution and resolvability, locally and globally, by visual and quantitative measures.

[Study on the occupational exposure limit of glyphosate in the air of workplace]

Objective: To establish occupational exposure limits for glyphosate in workplace air. Methods: In November 2014, by searching the documents of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on glyphosate toxicity, the toxicity data and clinical symptoms of glyphosate toxicity were collected through various literature databases, and the target organs of glyphosate toxicity were determined. A total of 5 representative production enterprises in Jiangsu Province and Shandong Province were selected for field investigation. A total of 968 people were selected as the study subjects, including 526 workers exposed to glyphosate as the contact group, and 442 off-site (such as financial, administrative, etc.) workers with enterprises as the control group. Health examination was carried out in the exposure group and the control group to observe the damage of target organs of workers with different exposure concentrations and determine the occupational exposure limit. Results: The main target organs of glyphosate are liver and kidney and its effect on cholinesterase activity. The time-weighted average concentration (TWA) of glyphosate exposure in the exposure group was <0.03~48.91 mg/m(3), and there were statistically significant differences in liver and renal function between the exposure group and the control group (P<0.05). When the concentration of glyphosate in the air was higher than 5 mg/m3, there was a statistically significant difference in the abnormal rate of renal function between the exposure group and the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The study sets the occupational exposure limit of glyphosate as 5 mg/m(3). The safety of this standard conforms to the relevant requirements of toxicology and occupational disease epidemiology, and also conforms to the existing economic and technological level in my country, and is highly feasible.

Membrane translocation process revealed by in situ structures of type II secretion system secretins

The GspD secretin is the outer membrane channel of the bacterial type II secretion system (T2SS) which secrets diverse toxins that cause severe diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. GspD needs to translocate from the inner to the outer membrane to exert its function, and this process is an essential step for T2SS to assemble. Here, we investigate two types of secretins discovered so far in Escherichia coli, GspDα, and GspDβ. By electron cryotomography subtomogram averaging, we determine in situ structures of key intermediate states of GspDα and GspDβ in the translocation process, with resolution ranging from 9 Å to 19 Å. In our results, GspDα and GspDβ present entirely different membrane interaction patterns and ways of transitioning the peptidoglycan layer. From this, we hypothesize two distinct models for the membrane translocation of GspDα and GspDβ, providing a comprehensive perspective on the inner to outer membrane biogenesis of T2SS secretins.

Integrating Molecular Models Into CryoEM Heterogeneity Analysis Using Scalable High-resolution Deep Gaussian Mixture Models

Resolving the structural variability of proteins is often key to understanding the structure-function relationship of those macromolecular machines. Single particle analysis using Cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM), combined with machine learning algorithms, provides a way to reveal the dynamics within the protein system from noisy micrographs. Here, we introduce an improved computational method that uses Gaussian mixture models for protein structure representation and deep neural networks for conformation space embedding. By integrating information from molecular models into the heterogeneity analysis, we can analyze continuous protein conformational changes using structural information at the frequency of 1/3 Å-1, and present the results in a more interpretable form.

[Oncologic outcomes of surgical treatments of advanced sinonasal malignancies]

Objective: To investigate the prognoses of advanced (T3-T4) sinonasal malignancies (SNM). Methods: The clinical data of 229 patients with advanced (T3-4) SNM who underwent surgical treatments in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2000 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 162 males and 67 females, aged (46.8±18.5) years old. Among them, 167 cases received endoscopic surgery alone, 30 cases received assisted incision endoscopic surgery, and 32 cases received open surgery. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to explore significant prognostic factors. Results: The 3-year and 5-year OS were respectively 69.7% and 64.0%. The median OS time was 43 months. The 3-year and 5-year EFS were respectively 57.8% and 47.4%. The median EFS time was 34 months. The 5-year OS of the patients with epithelial-derived tumors was better than that of the patients with mesenchymal-derived tumors and malignant melanoma (5-year OS was respectively 72.3%, 47.8% and 30.0%, χ²=36.01, P<0.001). Patients with microscopically margin-negative resection (R0 resection) had the best prognosis, followed by macroscopically margin-negative resection (R1 resection), and debulking surgery was the worst (5-year OS was respectively 78.4%, 55.1% and 37.4%, χ²=24.63, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in 5-year OS between the endoscopic surgery group and the open surgery group (65.8% vs. 53.4%, χ²=2.66, P=0.102). Older patients had worse OS (HR=1.02, P=0.011) and EFS (HR=1.01, P=0.027). Patients receiving adjuvant therapy had a lower risk of death (HR=0.62, P=0.038). Patients with a history of nasal radiotherapy had a higher risk of recurrence (HR=2.48, P=0.002) and a higher risk of death (HR=2.03, P=0.020). Conclusion: For patients with advanced SNM, the efficacy of endoscopic surgery can be comparable to that of open surgery when presence of safe surgical margins, and a treatment plan based on transnasal endoscopic surgery as the main comprehensive treatment is recommended.

Integrated analyses reveal a hinge glycan regulates coronavirus spike tilting and virus infectivity

Coronavirus spike glycoproteins presented on the virion surface mediate receptor binding, and membrane fusion during virus entry and constitute the primary target for vaccine and drug development. How the structure dynamics of the full-length spikes incorporated in viral lipid envelope correlates with the virus infectivity remains poorly understood. Here we present structures and distributions of native spike conformations on vitrified human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) virions without chemical fixation by cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) and subtomogram averaging, along with site-specific glycan composition and occupancy determined by mass spectroscopy. The higher oligomannose glycan shield on HCoV-NL63 spikes than on SARS-CoV-2 spikes correlates with stronger immune evasion of HCoV-NL63. Incorporation of cryoET-derived native spike conformations into all-atom molecular dynamic simulations elucidate the conformational landscape of the glycosylated, full-length spike that reveals a novel role of stalk glycans in modulating spike bending. We show that glycosylation at N1242 at the upper portion of the stalk is responsible for the extensive orientational freedom of the spike crown. Subsequent infectivity assays support the hypothesis that this glycan-dependent motion impacts virus entry. Our results suggest a potential therapeutic target site for HCoV-NL63.

In situ structures of secretins from bacterial type II secretion system reveal their membrane interactions and translocation process

The GspD secretin is the outer membrane channel of the bacterial type II secretion system (T2SS) which secrets diverse effector proteins or toxins that cause severe diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. GspD needs to translocate from the inner to the outer membrane to exert its function, and this process is an essential step for T2SS to assemble. Here, we investigate two types of secretins discovered so far in Escherichia coli , GspD _α and GspD _β , respectively. By electron cryotomography subtomogram averaging, we determine in situ structures of all the key intermediate states of GspD _α and GspD _β in the translocation process, with resolution ranging from 9 Å to 19 Å. In our results, GspD _α and GspD _β present entirely different membrane interaction patterns and ways of going across the peptidoglycan layer. We propose two distinct models for the membrane translocation of GspD _α and GspD _β , providing a comprehensive perspective on the inner to outer membrane biogenesis of T2SS secretins.

Molecular architecture of the Chikungunya virus replication complex

To better understand how positive-strand (+) RNA viruses assemble membrane-associated replication complexes (RCs) to synthesize, process, and transport viral RNA in virus-infected cells, we determined both the high-resolution structure of the core RNA replicase of chikungunya virus and the native RC architecture in its cellular context at subnanometer resolution, using in vitro reconstitution and in situ electron cryotomography, respectively. Within the core RNA replicase, the viral polymerase nsP4, which is in complex with nsP2 helicase-protease, sits in the central pore of the membrane-anchored nsP1 RNA-capping ring. The addition of a large cytoplasmic ring next to the C terminus of nsP1 forms the holo-RNA-RC as observed at the neck of spherules formed in virus-infected cells. These results represent a major conceptual advance in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of RNA virus replication and the principles underlying the molecular architecture of RCs, likely to be shared with many pathogenic (+) RNA viruses.

Conformational motions and ligand-binding underlying gating and regulation in IP3R channel

Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are activated by IP3 and Ca2+ and their gating is regulated by various intracellular messengers that finely tune the channel activity. Here, using single particle cryo-EM analysis we determined 3D structures of the nanodisc-reconstituted IP3R1 channel in two ligand-bound states. These structures provide unprecedented details governing binding of IP3, Ca2+ and ATP, revealing conformational changes that couple ligand-binding to channel opening. Using a deep-learning approach and 3D variability analysis we extracted molecular motions of the key protein domains from cryo-EM density data. We find that IP3 binding relies upon intrinsic flexibility of the ARM2 domain in the tetrameric channel. Our results highlight a key role of dynamic side chains in regulating gating behavior of IP3R channels. This work represents a stepping-stone to developing mechanistic understanding of conformational pathways underlying ligand-binding, activation and regulation of the channel.

[HIV/AIDS surveillance in men who have sex with men aged 15-24 based on internet in Fuzhou,2016-2021]

Objective: To analyze HIV/AIDS surveillance data in men who have sex with men (MSM) aged from 15 to 24 years in Fuzhou and understand the HIV infection status in MSM and related factors. Methods: From 2016 to 2021, MSM aged 15-24 years who had oral or anal sex with men in the past 6 months were recruited through internet, and their demographic and behavioral characteristics, HIV antibody positive rate and risk factors were analyzed. Results: From 2016 to 2021, a total of 4 234 MSM aged 15-24 years were surveyed. The proportion of MSM from other provinces increased from 13.00% (85/654) to 23.42% (163/696) (trend χ²=60.23, P<0.001); and the proportion of MSM seeking male partners through internet increased from 93.27% (610/654) to 99.71% (694/696) (trend χ²=65.20, P<0.001); In the last anal sex in the past 6 months, the proportion of MSM using condom decreased from 88.16% (484/549) to 74.11% (415/560) (trend χ²=32.32, P<0.001); and in the past 6 months, the proportion of MSM using condom at each anal sex decreased from 65.76% (361/549) to 55.54% (311/560) (trend χ² =6.82, P<0.001); The proportion of MSM with HIV antibody testing increased from 5.66% (37/654) to 25.29% (176/696) (trend χ²=98.51, P<0.001). The cumulative HIV antibody positive rate in the MSM was 3.64% (154/4 234), and there was no significant difference in annual HIV antibody positive rate in the MSM (trend χ²=0.50, P=0.453). The HIV antibody positive rate in the MSM with education level of junior high school or below and the MSM living in Fuzhou for 1-2 years showed an upward trend (P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk for HIV infection in the MSM with education level of high school or technical secondary school was 0.54 times higher than that in those with education level of junior high school or below (95%CI: 0.30-0.99), and the risk for HIV infection in the MSM with education level of junior college or below was 0.29 times higher than that in those with education level of junior high school or below (95%CI: 0.17-0.51). The risk for HIV infection in the MSM who lived in Fuzhou for 1-2 years was 0.35 times higher than that in those who lived in Fuzhou for less than 1 year (95%CI: 0.16-0.74), the risk for HIV infection in the MSM who lived in Fuzhou for more than two years was 0.58 times higher than that in those who lived in Fuzhou for less than 1 year (95%CI: 0.37-0.91). The number of MSM using condoms at each anal sex was 0.18 times higher than that in the those never using condoms (95%CI: 0.08-0.42), and the number of the MSM who didn't suffered from sexually transmitted diseases was 0.25 times higher than that in those who suffered from sexually transmitted diseases (95%CI: 0.13-0.50). Conclusions: The MSM aged 15-24 years in Fuzhou have higher risk for HIV infection, and internet based intervention should be strengthened in adolescent MSM without permanent residence and with low education level.

[Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic nasopharyngectomy in locally recurrent rT1-rT3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a study based on Markov model]

Objective: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic surgery versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the treatment of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) from a health-economic perspective. Methods: From September 30, 2011 to January 16, 2017, a total of 200 patients were enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. These patients were diagnosed as locally rT1-rT3 stage rNPC and were randomly assigned 1︰1 to the endoscopic surgery group (ENPG) and the intensity-modulated radiotherapy group (IMRT). There were 69 males and 31 females in ENPG, aging from 38 to 55 years. There were 72 males and 28 females in IMRT aging from 41 to 54 years. A retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis of the cohort was conducted using a Markov model. For each modality, data on survival and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) were sourced from relevant articles, and cost prices were included regarding treatment. Weibull distribution was used to estimate time-dependent transition probability. Beta-regression was used to convert the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) to utility. Results: The total cost of ENPG was 29 611.88 yuan, and the total cost of IMRT was 110 082.51 yuan. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ENPG versus radiotherapy for locally rNPC was -85 555.88 yuan/QALY, which was less than 3 times of Chinese gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of IMRT had the greatest impact on ICER. ICER was stable within 10% fluctuation of all the parameters. Conclusion: It is economical cost-effective to treat locally rNPC with ENGP versus IMRT.

Application of machine learning to identify top determinants of fibrofatty plaque burden by CCTA in humans with psoriasis

Introduction

Fibrofatty plaque burden (FFB) is a high-risk, vulnerable plaque feature comprised of an atheromatous core and fibrous cap with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) [1]. Psoriasis (PSO) is a chronic inflammatory disease linked with atherosclerotic risk and premature cardiovascular disease, driven in part by vulnerable plaque rupture [2,3]. Machine learning (ML) previously showed the prognostic value of FFB in predicting 5-year risk of cardiac-related mortality in patients with CAD [4]. Whether ML can predict FFB in psoriasis is understudied.

Purpose

To use ML to identify top determinants of FFB by CCTA in PSO.

Methods

320 consecutive participants with psoriasis were recruited as part of an ongoing cohort study, of whom 307 had FFB analyzed with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and quantified by QAngio CT (Medis, The Netherlands). 140 out of 182 potential determinants were subjected to ML algorithms analyzed by random forest and validated by 5-fold cross validation to select the top determinants based on R-square criteria. Lipid concentration and size were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and sdLDL-C was calculated by Sampson's formula.

Results

The top 21 determinants of FFB at baseline were grouped into 3 categories: cardiometabolic risk factors (BMI, sex, DBP, mean arterial pressure, exercise, heart rate, glucose, anxiety, psoriasis disease duration), clinical measurements (basophils, platelets, hemoglobin, RBC, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, creatinine, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and lipoproteins (LDL particle size, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B-to-A1 ratio, calculated sdLDL-C).

Conclusion

ML confirmed that FFB strongly correlates with cardiometabolic risk factors, clinical measurements, and lipoproteins. Further investigations into these top determinants of FFB over time may provide insight into potential therapeutic interventions that decrease cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases and should be validated in larger studies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This study was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) IntramuralResearch Program (ZIA-HL-06193). This research was made possible through the NIH MedicalResearch Scholars Program, a public-private partnership supported jointly by the NIH andcontributions to the Foundation for the NIH from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation,Genentech, the American Association for Dental Research, the Colgate-Palmolive Company, andother private donors.

[Value of high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization in grading of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia]

Objective: To investigate the value of high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization in the grading of cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: A total of 261 cases with diagnosis of CIN and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at west China University Second Hospital, Sichuan University from July 2019 to June 2020 were collected, including 60 cases of CIN1, 41 cases of CIN2, 51 cases of CIN3, 72 cases of SCC, and 37 cases of normal cervical control tissue (10 HPV negative and 27 HPV positive). All pathologic tissues were made into tissue microarrays, and HE staining, HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and p16 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed respectively. The staining was assessed by light microscopy, and the positive rate and positive pattern were analyzed statistically. Results: HPV mRNA ISH in CIN1 mainly showed spot staining in predominantly basal to mid-epithelial layers (≤BME) with a diffuse nuclear signals in the superficial layer (supD), that is, the pattern of ≤BME+supD; in CIN2, it mainly showed spot staining in predominantly basal to above mid-epithelial but not the full layer (>BME) and some cases with supD staining, that is, the pattern of>BME+supD; In CIN3, the mainly pattern was >BME, and the spot staining was distributed throughout the epithelium. In CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3, there were significantly statistical differences among the above three staining patterns (P<0.05). Conclusions: HPV mRNA ISH contributes to the accurate diagnosis and grading of CIN, and has better specificity than p16 IHC staining.

[Meta analysis of hearing loss caused by the combined effect of noise and heat in the working population]

Objective: To explore the effect of the combined effect of noise and heat on occupational hearing loss of workers by using Meta-analysis method. Methods: In August 2020, the Chinese and English literature on the relationship between exposure to noise and heat and occupational hearing loss published from January 2005 to August 2020 by CNKI, China Biomedical Literature Service System, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Official Database, Medline and PubMed Databases were searched, using noise, heat or hyperthermia, hearing as keywords. The selected data were analyzed by Stata 12.0 software, and the combined OR (95% CI) value included in the literature was calculated. Sensitivity analysis was used to explore the source of heterogeneity and analyze publication bias. Results: A total of 14 literatures (14 in Chinese, 0 in English) were included in the analysis, and 38654 subjects were included, including 6411 workers in the noise and heat combined effect group and 32243 workers in the noise alone group. The probability of hearing loss in the noise and heat combined effect group was 1.39 times higher than that in the noise alone group (95%CI: 1.14-1.69). The effect size OR was stable after sensitivity analysis, and there was no publication bias in the included literatures tested by Egger's and Begg's Method (z=0.38, P=0.702, t=-0.74, P=0.476) . Conclusion: Simultaneous exposure to noise and heat may increase the risk of hearing loss for workers in noisy workplaces.

[Determination of acetochlor and its metabolites in urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]

Objective: A method for the determination of acetochlor and its metabolites in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was established. Methods: After cleaned-up by a HLB extraction cartridges, the urine was eluted with 1% acetic acid acetonitrile solution. The target compounds were separated by ACQUITY UPLC®HSS T3 Column (2.1 mm×100 mm×1.8 μm) by using 1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile as mobile phase with gradient elution program, and analyzed in positive electrospray ionization mode by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: All the target compounds showed good linear relationships in the range of 1-50 μg/L, and the correlation coefficients (r) were higher than 0.997. The recoveries rates at three different spiked levels for all target compounds in blank matrices were 107.6%-129.1%, and the relative standard deviations (RSD) were 1.5%-9.9% (n=6) . The limits of detection and quantitation of the method were 0.04-0.11 μg/L and 0.15-0.42 μg/L, respectively, and target substances were detected in all urine samples from occupational exposure workers to acetochlor. Conclusion: This method is suitable for rapid screening and analysis of acetochlor and metabolites in urine with the advantages of accuracy, rapidity, simplicity, high sensitivity and good specificity.

[The role and mechanism of lncRNA C9ORF139 targeting miR-24-3P/TAOK1 in regulating the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells]

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) C9ORF139 targeting micro RNA(miR)-24-3P/TAOK1 in regulating the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Methods: AML cells HL-60 and THP-1 were purchased from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and divided into 4 groups:group A was negative control group (siNC group), group B was interference C9ORF139 group (siC9ORF139 group), group C was siC9ORF139+miR-24-3p inhibitor group, and group D was miR-24-3P+TAOK1 overexpression group (oe-TAOK1 group). Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to detect the expression levels of AML cell lines of HL-60 and THP-1 in four groups. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to measure cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to analyze cell apoptosis. Transwell test was applied to detect cell migration and invasion ability. Western blot was used to detect p-serine/threonine kinase (p-raf) and p-mitogen activation proteinkinase (p-MEK), p-extracellular regulatory protein kinase (p-ERK) expression. The luciferase reporter gene plasmid was constructed to verify the binding ability of C9ORF139,miR-24-3P and TAOK1.Nude mice were inoculated with subcutaneous tumor cells of HL-60 (group A) and HL-60 (group B). Results: After the C9ORF139 gene was knocked down and cultured for 120 h, The cell proliferation ability (0.62±0.02, 0.82±0.02), migration ability (0.22±0.03, 0.05±0.01), invasion ability (0.20±0.02, 0.13±0.03) of group B were all lower than that of group A (1.30±0.02, 1.83±0.07; 0.99±0.02, 0.99±0.02; 1.00±0.01, 1.00±0.01) (all P<0.05). When co-transfected with miR-24-3 inhibitor, cell proliferation ability, migration ability and invasion ability were all higher in group B (all P<0.05). When co-transfected with miR-24-3P and oe-TAOK1 plasmid, cell proliferation ability, migration ability and invasion ability were all higher than group B (all P<0.05).When the C9ORF139 gene in the cells was knocked down, the apoptosis level of group B (28.56±8.07, 17.74±1.91) were higher than those of group A (0.31±0.27, 2.49±0.33)(all P<0.05); when co-transfected with miR-24-3P inhibitor, the apoptosis level (2.34±0.09, 3.06±0.06) were lower than those in group B (all P<0.05); when co-transfected with miR-24-3P and oe-TAOK1 in the plasmid group, the apoptosis level (2.16±1.29, 4.80±0.37) were also lower than those of group B (all P<0.05). In HL-60 and THP-1 cells, when C9ORF139 was not mutated, the luciferase activity of miR-24-3P group was lower than that of the miR-NC group (P<0.05). When the binding site with miR-24-3p in C9ORF139 sequence was mutated, the luciferase activity in miR-24-3p group was equivalent to that in miR-NC group (P>0.05).When TAOK1 was not mutated; the luciferase activity of miR-24-3P group was lower than that of group A (P<0.05). When the binding site with miR-24-3p in TAOK1 sequence was mutated, the luciferase activity in miR-24-3p group was equivalent to that in miR-NC group (P>0.05).When the C9ORF139 gene in HL-60 cells was knocked down and cultured for 72 h, the phosphorylation expression levels of Raf, MEK and ERK molecules in group B were significantly lower than those in group A (all P<0.05). By day 14, the tumor volume in the group A was greater than the tumor cell volume in the group B [(284.49±57.61) vs (125.70±18.64) mm³, P=0.017]. The tumor weight of HL-60 in group A was heavier than that of group B [(847.80±159.36) vs (408.40±113.16) mg, P=0.001]. Conclusions: LncRNA C9ORF139 regulates TAOK1 by sponging miR-24-3P to promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of acute myeloid leukemiacell.In vivo experiments have confirmed that the expression of C9ORF139 can promote the growth of subcutaneous tumors in AML nude mice.

[Establishment of morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear, as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear]

Objective: To establish the morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear. Methods: From April 2012 to June 2020, 4 221 healthy donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital were selected. The median age was 36 (3-72) years old, including 2 520 males and 1 701 females. They were divided into four groups according to age: children group, with age≤14 years old [n=334, 11 (3-14) years old], youth group, with age >14 years old and <45 years old [n=2 855, 33 (15-44) years old], middle-aged adult group, with age ≥45 years old and < 60 years old [n=929, 49 (45-59) years old], and older adult group, with age ≥60 years old [n=103, 62 (60-72) years old]. Gender subgroups were established in each age group. According to different hematopoietic characteristics, the children group were divided into two subgroups: children group 1 [n=48, 6 (3-7) years old] and children group 2 [n=286, 11 (8-14) years old]. According to the clinical routine, 100 white blood cells in peripheral blood, 200 nucleated cells in bone marrow, and cell numbers/4.5 cm² for megakaryocytes were classified and counted. The results of cell count in different age and gender groups were compared, and the reference values of morphological classification were established for different groups with statistical or clinical significance. Results: Due to the existence of statistically significant differences between children and adult groups and different gender subgroups in adults (all P<0.05), the reference values were established for children group and adult gender subgroups. The counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were 46.65(43.97-49.32)% and 44.00(10.60-65.10)% in children group 1, 50.73(49.50-51.96)% and 39.55 (38.36-40.74)% in children group 2, and 57.00 (39.00-75.23) % and 33.00 (17.00-52.00) % in adult group, respectively. Bone marrow segmented neutrophils, orthochromatic erythroblasts, and mature lymphocytes were 11.54 (10.68-12.41)%, 14.20 (13.19-15.21)%, and 23.99 (22.06-25.92)% in children group 1, 12.50 (7.00-21.50)%, 15.00(9.50-25.50)%, and 21.02 (20.24-21.81)% in children group 2, 13.50 (7.50-21.00)%, 16.50 (10.50-26.00)%, and 15.50 (7.50-26.00)% in adult male group, and 14.50 (8.00-24.50)%, 14.50 (9.00-23.00)%, and 17.50 (8.50-29.00)% in adult female group, respectively. The myelopoiesis/erythropoiesis ratio in children group, adult male group and adult female group was 1.86∶1 (1.14∶1-3.23∶1), 1.96∶1 (1.12∶1-3.19∶1), 2.22∶1 (1.30∶1-3.69∶1), respectively. The numbers of granular megakaryocytes and thromocytogenic megakaryocytes were 138 (25-567) cells/4.5cm² and 86 (13-328) cells/4.5 cm² in children group, and 92 (13-338) cells/4.5 cm² and 38 (3-162) cells/4.5 cm² in adult group, respectively. Conclusion: The morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear are successfully established, which is helpful to improve the application of morphological examination in disease screening, diagnosis and monitoring.

In situ structure of the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump at subnanometer resolution

The tripartite AcrAB-TolC assembly, which spans both the inner and outer membranes in Gram-negative bacteria, is an efflux pump that contributes to multidrug resistance. Here, we present the in situ structure of full-length Escherichia coli AcrAB-TolC determined at 7 Å resolution by electron cryo-tomography. The TolC channel penetrates the outer membrane bilayer through to the outer leaflet and exhibits two different configurations that differ by a 60° rotation relative to the AcrB position in the pump assembly. AcrA protomers interact directly with the inner membrane and with AcrB via an interface located in proximity to the AcrB ligand-binding pocket. Our structural analysis suggests that these AcrA-bridged interactions underlie an allosteric mechanism for transmitting drug-evoked signals from AcrB to the TolC channel within the pump. Our study demonstrates the power of in situ electron cryo-tomography, which permits critical insights into the function of bacterial efflux pumps.

Pancreatic Metastasis from Breast Cancer: A Clinicopathological Study of Four Cases by Fine Needle Aspiration

Introduction/Objective

Pancreatic metastases are rare, and the most common neoplasms are carcinomas from the kidney, lung, and breast.

Methods/Case Report

We present four cases of breast ductal carcinoma in patients with metastases to the pancreas diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The four female patients ranged from 37 to 64 years in age. Three patients had breast cancer histories, ranging from 1 to 21 years. The patient without cancer history was found to have breast mass also. Two patients had triple negative breast ductal carcinoma. The breast cancer biomarkers on the other two patients showed ER+, PR-, Her2 3+, and ER-, PR-, Her2 3+, respectively. Two patients had histories of metastatic breast cancer involving bone, liver and brain. All patients presented with symptoms associated with pancreatic mass. By imaging, solitary pancreatic head masses were found in three patients, ranging from 2.4 to 3.7 cm. One patient had two pancreatic masses (head, 2.6 cm; body, 2.9 cm). EUS-FNAs targeting the pancreatic head masses were performed on the four patients. Cell blocks were available for all except one (due to limited cells), which had subsequent histology diagnosis.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

FNAs demonstrated loosely cohesive tumor cells with enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei, occasional prominent nucleoli, and occasional intracytoplasmic vacuoles, morphologically and immunohistochemically (CK7 +, GCDFP-15 focally +, CA19.9 -, biomarkers similar to primary tumors) consistent with breast primary. Follow-up revealed three patients expired one month, 2.5 years, and 5 years post-diagnosis, respectively. One patient without prior cancer history has been stable for 7 years.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the clinicopathological features of four cases of breast ductal carcinoma metastasized to the pancreas. We emphasize the important role of EUS-FNA for diagnoses of pancreas metastases. The finding of two of four cases with triple negative biomarkers may raise the importance of close follow-up in these patients for pancreatic metastasis.

Deep learning-based mixed-dimensional Gaussian mixture model for characterizing variability in cryo-EM

Structural flexibility and/or dynamic interactions with other molecules is a critical aspect of protein function. CryoEM provides direct visualization of individual macromolecules sampling different conformational and compositional states. While numerous methods are available for computational classification of discrete states, characterization of continuous conformational changes or large numbers of discrete state without human supervision remains challenging. Here we present e2gmm, a machine learning algorithm to determine a conformational landscape for proteins or complexes using a 3-D Gaussian mixture model mapped onto 2-D particle images in known orientations. Using a deep neural network architecture, e2gmm can automatically resolve the structural heterogeneity within the protein complex and map particles onto a small latent space describing conformational and compositional changes. This system presents a more intuitive and flexible representation than other manifold methods currently in use. We demonstrate this method on both simulated data as well as three biological systems, to explore compositional and conformational changes at a range of scales. The software is distributed as part of EMAN2.

[Diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: experiences of 8 cases]

Objective: In order to improve the understanding and clinical treatment of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia, we analyzed the clinical manifestations, laboratory test results and imaging features of 8 patients. Methods: We collected the clinical data of 8 patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation-sequencing (mNGS) from November 2018 to February 2020, including clinical features, chest CT scan, pathological features and antibiotic use. Results: A total of one male and 7 females, aged from 45 to 85 years(median 62 years), were included in this study. All the patients had high fever, cough and most had expectoration (6/8). The leukocyte count and PCT level were mostly normal (7/8). However, we observed decreased lymphocyte count(5/8), elevated C-reactive protein in all patients, and increased ESR in most patients (7/8). The chest CT of all the patients showed large patchy consolidation, with one case having pleural effusion. The pathological manifestations were nonspecific, showing infiltration of inflammatory cells and exudation. Moxifloxacin and/or doxycycline were administered after diagnosis, and the course of treatment lasted from 14 to 21 days.Chest CT showed absorption of lesions following treatment Conclusions: Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia showed certain characteristics, including high fever with pulmonary patchy consolidation, and normal white blood cell count. Molecular diagnostic methods such as mNGS could lead to rapid diagnosis and treatment which can shorten the course of hospitalization and thus improve prognosis.

The structure-function relationship of a signaling-competent, dimeric Reelin fragment

Reelin operates through canonical and non-canonical pathways that mediate several aspects of brain development and function. Reelin's dimeric central fragment (CF), generated through proteolytic cleavage, is required for the lipoprotein-receptor-dependent canonical pathway activation. Here, we analyze the signaling properties of a variety of Reelin fragments and measure the differential binding affinities of monomeric and dimeric CF fragments to lipoprotein receptors to investigate the mode of canonical signal activation. We also present the cryoelectron tomography-solved dimeric structure of Reelin CF and support it using several other biophysical techniques. Our findings suggest that Reelin CF forms a covalent parallel dimer with some degree of flexibility between the two protein chains. As a result of this conformation, Reelin binds to lipoprotein receptors in a manner inaccessible to its monomeric form and is capable of stimulating canonical pathway signaling.

[The prognostic value of myoglobin difference in sepsis related chronic critical illness]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of myoglobin (Mb) for the prognosis of sepsis related chronic critical illness (CCI). Methods: Retrospective study was conducted on septic patients with the length of ICU stay equal or greater than 14 days, and sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score equal or greater than 2 on the 14th day in ICU in the First Department of Critical Care Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2017 to March 2020. Patients' clinical and laboratory data were collected on the 1st and 14th day in ICU. The survival on day 28 in ICU was recorded. According to the myoglobin levels on day 1 and day 14, all subjects were divided into myoglobin elevation group and decline group. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative survival rate at day 28. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors of mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the prognostic value of myoglobin. Results: A total of 131 patients with sepsis related CCI were recruited, including 58 patients in the elevation group and 73 in the decline group. The Mb level in elevation group on day 1 was significantly lower than that in decline group [172.40(59.99, 430.53) μg/L vs. 413.60(184.40, 1 328.50) μg/L, Z=3.749, P=0.000], and the Mb level on day 14 was the opposite change in two groups [483.65(230.38, 1 471.75)μg/L in elevation group vs. 132.20(76.86, 274.35)μg/L in decline group, Z=5.595, P=0.000]. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the 28-day cumulative survival rate of the elevation group was significantly lower than that of decline group (χ²=7.051, P=0.008). Cox ratio regression analysis suggested that elevated myoglobin was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in septic patients with CCI (OR=2.534, 95%CI 1.212-5.295, P=0.013). ROC curve analysis suggested that the sensitivity of myoglobin elevation in predicting mortality related to CCI within 28 days was 64.5%, and the specificity was 32.0% with area under the curve(AUC) 0.661(95%CI 0.550-0.773,P=0.007) and Jorden Index was 0.325. Conclusion: Elevated myoglobin, an independent risk factor for mortality within 28 days in ICU, can predict the prognosis of sepsis related chronic critical illness.

Ethanol extract of Centella asiatica alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis: Restoration on mucosa barrier and gut microbiota homeostasis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing inflammatory disease that still demands for effective remedies due to various adverse effects of the current principal treatments. Centella asiatica is a traditional medical herb with long application history in anti-inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the anti-inflammatory effect and possible mechanism of C. asiatica ethanol extract (CA) in a murine colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CA was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). The colitis model was induced by free access to 3% DSS in distilled water for 7 days. CA (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, 400 mg/kg) were administrated by gavage during the 7-day DSS challenge. At the end of experiment, mice were sacrificed and the brain, colon and cecum contents were harvested for analysis. Colitis was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), colon length and colon lesion macroscopic score with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in colon and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain were determined by ELISA. Tight junction protein expressions (ZO-1, E-Cadherin, Claudin-1) and c-Kit in colon were assessed by western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Microbiota of cecum content was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Data showed that with recovery on the colon length and histological structure, CA prominently decreased DAI and macroscopic score for lesion in the suffering mice. CA relieved the colitis by suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration with decreased MPO activity in the colon, and up-regulated the expression of tight junction protein (ZO-1, E-cadherin) to enhance the permeability of intestinal mucosa. Moreover, CA restored intestinal motility by promoting c-Kit expression in the colon and 5-HT in the brain. Moreover, CA was able to reshape the gut microbiota in the suffering mice. It increased the α-diversity and shifted the community by depleting the colitis-associated genera, Helicobacter, Jeotgalicoccus and Staphylococcus, with impact on several metabolism signaling pathways, which possibly contributes to the renovation on the impaired intestinal mucosal barrier.

CONCLUSIONS

CA displayed the anti-inflammatory activity against the DSS-induced colitis, which would possibly rely on the restoration on mucosa barrier and gut microbiota homeostasis, highlights a promising application of C. asiatica in the clinical treatment of UC.

Cryo-Electron Tomography of Candida glabrata Plasma Membrane Proteins

Fungal plasma membrane proteins have long been recognized as targets for the development of antifungal agents. Despite recent progress in experimental approaches and computational structural predictions, our knowledge of the structural dynamics and spatial distribution of these membrane proteins in the context of their native lipid environment remains limited. By applying cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) and subtomogram analysis, we aim to characterize the structural characteristics and spatial distribution of membrane proteins present in Candida glabrata plasma membranes. This study has resulted in the identification of the membrane-embedded structure of the fungal H+-ATPase, Pma1. Tomograms of the plasma membrane revealed that Pma1 complexes are heterogeneously distributed as hexamers that cluster into distinct membrane microdomains. This study characterizes fungal membrane proteins in the native cellular landscape and highlights the unique potential of cryoET to advance our understanding of cellular biology and biological systems.

Carcinogenesis of Male Oral Submucous Fibrosis Alters Salivary Microbiomes

Most oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors arise from oral premalignant lesions. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), usually occurring in male chewers of betel quid, is a premalignant stromal disease characterized by a high malignant transformation rate and high prevalence. Although a relationship between the inhabited microbiome and carcinogenesis has been proposed, no detailed information regarding the oral microbiome of patients with OSF exists; the changes of the salivary microbiome during cancer formation remain unclear. This study compared the salivary microbiomes of male patients with OSCC and a predisposing OSF background (OSCC-OSF group) and those with OSF only (OSF group). The results of high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene indicated that OSF-related carcinogenesis and smoking status significantly contributed to phylogenetic composition variations in the salivary microbiome, leading to considerable reductions in species richness and phylogenetic diversity. The microbiome profile of OSF-related malignancy was associated with increased microbial stochastic fluctuation, which dominated the salivary microbiome assembly and caused species co-occurrence network collapse. Artificial intelligence selection algorithms consistently identified 5 key species in the OSCC-OSF group: Porphyromonas catoniae, Prevotella multisaccharivorax, Prevotella sp. HMT-300, Mitsuokella sp. HMT-131, and Treponema sp. HMT-927. Robust accuracy in predicting oral carcinogenesis was obtained with our exploratory and validation data sets. In functional analysis, the microbiome of the OSCC-OSF group had greater potential for S-adenosyl-l-methionine and norspermidine synthesis but lower potential for l-ornithine and pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotide synthesis and formaldehyde metabolism. These findings indicated that the salivary microbiome plays important roles in modulating microbial metabolites during oral carcinogenesis. In conclusion, our results provided new insights into salivary microbiome alterations during the malignant transformation of OSF.

Structural Insights of Transcriptionally Active, Full-Length Androgen Receptor Coactivator Complexes

Steroid receptors activate gene transcription by recruiting coactivators to initiate transcription of their target genes. For most nuclear receptors, the ligand-dependent activation function domain-2 (AF-2) is a primary contributor to the nuclear receptor (NR) transcriptional activity. In contrast to other steroid receptors, such as ERα, the activation function of androgen receptor (AR) is largely dependent on its ligand-independent AF-1 located in its N-terminal domain (NTD). It remains unclear why AR utilizes a different AF domain from other receptors despite that NRs share similar domain organizations. Here, we present cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of DNA-bound full-length AR and its complex structure with key coactivators, SRC-3 and p300. AR dimerization follows a unique head-to-head and tail-to-tail manner. Unlike ERα, AR directly contacts a single SRC-3 and p300. The AR NTD is the primary site for coactivator recruitment. The structures provide a basis for understanding assembly of the AR:coactivator complex and its domain contributions for coactivator assembly and transcriptional regulation.

[A comparison of the clinical diagnosis and outcome in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia under two different diagnostic criteria]

Objective: To compare the clinical diagnosis and outcomes of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) under two different diagnostic criteria. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 157 preterm infants who were admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2015 to December 2018. Enrolled infants, with gestational age <32 weeks and survived >14 days, met the 2001 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development(NICHD) definition of moderate and severe BPD or died between 14 days of postnatal age and 36 weeks owing to persistent parenchymal lung disease and respiratory failure. The severities of BPD were revaluated according to the 2018 revised definition of BPD proposed by NICHD. Characteristics and outcomes of these infants were compared with the two different diagnostic criteria with t-test, nonparametric test or Chi-square test. Results: In the 157 enrolled infants (100 males), severities of BPD were classified as moderate in 62, severe in 84 and unclassifiable in 11 according to the 2001 NICHD criteria, while grade Ⅰ in 51, Ⅱ in 29, Ⅲ in 66 and ⅢA in 11 infants respectively according to the 2018 NICHD criteria. Duration of oxygen therapy, positive pressure ventilation and endotracheal intubation in grade Ⅱinfants of 2018 criteria were much longer than that in moderate infants of 2001 criteria (80 (65, 95) vs. 65 (59, 77) d, 52 (38, 58) vs.30 (19, 48) d, 10 (2, 17) vs.4 (0, 12) d, Z=-2.995, -3.750, -2.073, all P<0.05). Mortality of moderate and severe infants in 2001 criteria was 10.3% (15/146), while mortality of BPD in 2018 criteria was 16.6% (26/157). Mortality of grade Ⅲ and ⅢA BPD in 2018 criteria was much higher than mortality of severe BPD in 2001 criteria (33.8% (26/77) vs. 17.9%(15/84), χ(2)=5.357, P<0.05). Conclusion: Definition and classification of BPD based on 2001 NICHD criteria may cause missed or unclassified cases, resulting in the underestimation of the morbidity and mortality of infants with severe BPD.

Structural basis of amino acid surveillance by higher-order tRNA-mRNA interactions

Amino acid availability in Gram-positive bacteria is monitored by T-box riboswitches. T-boxes directly bind tRNAs, assess their aminoacylation state, and regulate the transcription or translation of downstream genes to maintain nutritional homeostasis. Here, we report cocrystal and cryo-EM structures of Geobacillus kaustophilus and Bacillus subtilis T-box-tRNA complexes, detailing their multivalent, exquisitely selective interactions. The T-box forms a U-shaped molecular vise that clamps the tRNA, captures its 3' end using an elaborate 'discriminator' structure, and interrogates its aminoacylation state using a steric filter fashioned from a wobble base pair. In the absence of aminoacylation, T-boxes clutch tRNAs and form a continuously stacked central spine, permitting transcriptional readthrough or translation initiation. A modeled aminoacyl disrupts tRNA-T-box stacking, severing the central spine and blocking gene expression. Our data establish a universal mechanism of amino acid sensing on tRNAs and gene regulation by T-box riboswitches and exemplify how higher-order RNA-RNA interactions achieve multivalency and specificity.

Efficacy and safety of bifid triple viable plus aminosalicylic acid for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Ulcerative colitis (UC), one of the most stubborn diseases, is mainly treated by aminosalicylic acid (ASA). However, the side effects of ASA include vomiting, nausea, rash, diarrhea, headache, etc, which seriously affect life-quality of UC patients. Probiotics such as bifid triple viable (BTV) could reduce drug-induced adverse reactions and has a good clinical effect on UC. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of BTV plus ASA in treating UC.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from the inception dates to October 12, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included by comparing BTV plus ASA programs with ASA alone in patients with UC. Methodological quality was assessed by 2 independent researchers according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed by using the Review Manager 5.3 Software. Risk ratios (RRs), 95% confidence interval (CI), and standardized mean difference were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixty RCTs involving 4954 participants were selected for final review. Compared with ASA, BTV plus ASA significantly improved the clinical effect rate [RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.20, 1.26), P < .00001]; reduced the relapse rate [RR = 0.34, 95% CI (0.18, 0.62), P = .0005]; and adverse effect rate [RR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.53, 0.82), P = .0002]. Compared with the controls, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP), hypersensitive CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and malondialdehyde were reduced; levels of IL-10, CD3+, CD4+, and superoxide dismutase were increased in BTV plus ASA group.

CONCLUSIONS

BTV plus ASA has positive therapeutic effects on UC, and it might be a safe way to treat UC. However, comprehensive clinical trials are needed to obtain high level of clinical evidence.

[Coexisting mutations in NPM1-mutated elderly adults with acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To explore the coexisting mutations in NPM1 mutated elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML). Methods: The clinical data of 152 elderly adults(aged≥60 years) and 49 young adults(aged 18-45 years) with AML between June 2013 and December 2018 in outpatient and hospitalized patients of Changzhou Second People's Hospital and Wuxi Second People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 51 gene mutations were detected using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and sanger sequencing. The general clinical characteristics, the occurrence of coexistence gene mutations, the correlation between coexistence gene mutations and some clinical parameters, and the initial induction remission rate between elderly and young adult AML patients with NPM1 mutations were analyzed and compared. Results: NPM1 mutations were detected in 46 of 152 elderly AML patients. Thirty eight patients (82.6%) with NPM1 mutations carried other gene mutations at the same time, among whom 8 patients (17.4%) carried NPM1 mutations alone, while 14(30.4%) carried 2, 16 (34.8%) carried 3, and 8 (17.4%) carried ≥ 4 mutations. NPM1 mutations frequently co-occurred with FLT3-ITD15 cases (32.6%) , DNMT3A10 (21.7%) , TET26 (13.4%) and FLT3-TKD5 (10.9%) . Compared with young adults with NPM1 mutations, elderly patients had higher TP53, FLT3-TKD rates, lower incidence of DNMT3A, RAS mutation (all P<0.05) and lower coexistence rate of 4 gene mutations (P=0.002).The presence of ≥ 4 mutations was found to be significantly associated with higher white blood level than those in patients with single, double and 3 mutations coexisted in elderly adults AML patients(all P<0.05). With the increase of the amount of mutations, the complete remission(CR) rate decreased gradually after the initial induction. Patients who carried 3 or more mutations showed a lower CR rate than those with single gene mutations (all P<0.05) . Patients who carried>4 genes also showed a significantly lower CR rate than those with double gene mutations (P=0.031). Patients with FLT3-ITD mutations exhibited higher white blood level and lower CR rate than that in nonmutant type group (all P<0.05). The CR rate of patients with DNMT3A mutation was also significantly lower than that with nonmutant type (P=0.033). However, patients with FLT3-TKD mutations showed a higher platelet level than that with nonmutant type (P=0.019). There was no significant difference in CR rate and peripheral blood cell level between TET2 mutated and nonmutant type. Conclusion: NPM1 mutated elderly patients with AML commonly show additional mutations, and the amount and type of coexisting mutations have an influence on the clinical features and CR rate of elderly patients with AML.