Platelet-derived growth factor subunit-B mediating the effect of dickkopf-1 on acute myocardial infarction risk: a two-step Mendelian randomization study

Previous studies have indicated a potential connection between plasma levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and platelet-derived growth factor subunit-B (PDGF-B) with the development of atherosclerosis. However, the causal relationship between DKK1, PDGF-B, and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is yet to be established. To address this research gap, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) and mediation analyses to investigate the potential mediating role of PDGF-B in the association between DKK1 and AMI risk. Summary statistics for DKK1 (n = 3,301) and PDGF-B (n = 21,758) were obtained from the GWAS meta-analyses conducted by Sun et al. and Folkersen et al., respectively. Data on AMI cases (n = 3,927) and controls (n = 333,272) were retrieved from the UK Biobank study. Our findings revealed that genetic predisposition to DKK1 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.00208; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00056-1.00361; P = 0.0072) and PDGF-B (OR: 1.00358; 95% CI: 1.00136-1.00581; P = 0.0015) was associated with an increased risk of AMI. Additionally, genetic predisposition to DKK1 (OR: 1.38389; 95% CI: 1.07066-1.78875; P = 0.0131) was linked to higher PDGF-B levels. Furthermore, our MR mediation analysis revealed that PDGF-B partially mediated the association between DKK1 and AMI risk, with 55.8% of the effect of genetically predicted DKK1 being mediated through genetically predicted PDGF-B. These findings suggest that genetic predisposition to DKK1 is positively correlated with the risk of AMI, and that PDGF-B partially mediates this association. Therefore, DKK1 and PDGF-B may serve as promising targets for the prevention and treatment of AMI.

Investigating the causal effect of Dickkopf-1 on coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke: a Mendelian randomization study

Epidemiological investigations have indicated a correlation between elevated plasma levels of Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and the presence of atherosclerosis. However, the exact causal relationship of DKK1 with the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS) remains unclear. To address this gap, our study aimed to explore their causal association using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. We obtained summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analyses conducted by Folkersen et al. and Nikpay et al., which included data from 21,758 individuals for DKK1 and 42,096 cases of CAD. Additionally, we obtained data from the FinnGen biobank analysis round 5, which included 10,551 cases of IS. Eight MR methods were employed to estimate causal effects and detect directional pleiotropy. Our findings demonstrated that genetic liability to DKK1 was associated with increased risks of CAD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.087; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.024-1.154; P = 0.006) and IS (OR: 1.096; 95% CI: 1.004-1.195; P = 0.039). These results establish a causal link between genetic liability to DKK1 and elevated risks of CAD and IS. Consequently, DKK1 may represent a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of CAD and IS.

m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns are involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy

The role of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) remains largely unclear. This study first identified differential m6A regulators between ICM and healthy samples, and then systematically evaluated the effects of m6A modification on the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in ICM, including the infiltration of immune cells, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, and HALLMARKS pathways. A total of seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15 and YTHDF3, were identified using a random forest classifier. A diagnostic nomogram based on these seven key m6A regulators could effectively distinguish patients with ICM from healthy subjects. We further identified two distinct m6A modification patterns (m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B) that are mediated by these seven regulators. Meanwhile, we also noted that one m6A regulator, WTAP, was gradually upregulated, while the others were gradually downregulated in the m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. In addition, we observed that the degree of infiltration of the activated dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) T cells, and type-17 T helper (Th17) cells gradually increased in m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. Furthermore, m6A regulators, including FTO, YTHDC1, YTHDF3, FMR1, ZC3H13, and RBM15 were significantly negatively correlated with the above-mentioned immune cells. Additionally, several differential HLA genes and HALLMARKS signalling pathways between the m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B groups were also identified. These results suggest that m6A modification plays a key role in the complexity and diversity of the immune microenvironment in ICM, and seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15, and YTHDF3, may be novel biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of ICM. Immunotyping of patients with ICM will help to develop immunotherapy strategies with a higher level of accuracy for patients with a significant immune response.

Development of sertraline analogues as potential anti-ischemic stroke agents

Ischemic stroke (IS) is harmful to human health and social development, and there is no medicine available at present. To find the hit compound for treating ischemic stroke, we screened 28 FDA approved nervous system drugs by using an in vitro OGD-induced stroke model. Notably, our in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that low-dose sertraline had good neuroprotective activities, while high-dose sertraline showed significant toxicity. Interestingly, the same high-dose sertraline in the control group did not exhibit any obvious toxic effect. Therefore, it is important to modify the structure of sertraline to improve the activity and reduce the toxicity. Stereoisomers of sertraline were first investigated to analyze the influence of stereochemistry on the neuroprotective activities, which showed no obvious difference. Then we evaluated the activity of our previously reported sertraline analogues and found that introducing amide or alkane groups to the amino moiety might be beneficial to enhance the activity and reduce the toxicity. Thus, 10 new analogues were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Among them, compound OY-201 showed the best safety and neuroprotective activity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, it exhibited good blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, indicating its potential for the development of anti-ischemic stroke drugs.

Identification MNS1, FRZB, OGN, LUM, SERP1NA3 and FCN3 as the potential immune-related key genes involved in ischaemic cardiomyopathy by random forest and nomogram

The immune molecular mechanisms involved in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) have not been fully elucidated. The current study aimed to elucidate the immune cell infiltration pattern of the ICM and identify key immune-related genes that participate in the pathologic process of the ICM. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from two datasets (GSE42955 combined with GSE57338) and the top 8 key DEGs related to ICM were screened using random forest and used to construct the nomogram model. Moreover, the "CIBERSORT" software package was used to determine the proportion of infiltrating immune cells in the ICM. A total of 39 DEGs (18 upregulated and 21 downregulated) were identified in the current study. Four upregulated DEGs, including MNS1, FRZB, OGN, and LUM, and four downregulated DEGs, SERP1NA3, RNASE2, FCN3 and SLCO4A1, were identified by the random forest model. The nomogram constructed based on the above 8 key genes suggested a diagnostic value of up to 99% to distinguish the ICM from healthy participants. Meanwhile, most of the key DEGs presented prominent interactions with immune cell infiltrates. The RT-qPCR results suggested that the expression levels of MNS1, FRZB, OGN, LUM, SERP1NA3 and FCN3 between the ICM and control groups were consistent with the bioinformatic analysis results. These results suggested that immune cell infiltration plays a critical role in the occurrence and progression of ICM. Several key immune-related genes, including the MNS1, FRZB, OGN, LUM, SERP1NA3 and FCN3 genes, are expected to be reliable serum markers for the diagnosis of ICM and potential molecular targets for ICM immunotherapy.

ACSL1, CH25H, GPCPD1, and PLA2G12A as the potential lipid-related diagnostic biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction

Lipid metabolism plays an essential role in the genesis and progress of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Herein, we identified and verified latent lipid-related genes involved in AMI by bioinformatic analysis. Lipid-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in AMI were identified using the GSE66360 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and R software packages. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to analyze lipid-related DEGs. Lipid-related genes were identified by two machine learning techniques: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to descript diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, blood samples were collected from AMI patients and healthy individuals, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the RNA levels of four lipid-related DEGs. Fifty lipid-related DEGs were identified, 28 upregulated and 22 downregulated. Several enrichment terms related to lipid metabolism were found by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. After LASSO and SVM-RFE screening, four genes (ACSL1, CH25H, GPCPD1, and PLA2G12A) were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for AMI. Moreover, the RT-qPCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of four DEGs in AMI patients and healthy individuals were consistent with bioinformatics analysis results. The validation of clinical samples suggested that 4 lipid-related DEGs are expected to be diagnostic markers for AMI and provide new targets for lipid therapy of AMI.

Identification of m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns and key immune-related genes involved in atrial fibrillation

The role of m6A in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. This study systematically evaluated the RNA modification patterns mediated by differential m6A regulators in 62 AF samples, identified the pattern of immune cell infiltration in AF and identified several immune-related genes associated with AF. A total of six key differential m6A regulators between healthy subjects and AF patients were identified by the random forest classifier. Three distinct RNA modification patterns (m6A cluster-A, -B and -C) among AF samples were identified based on the expression of 6 key m6A regulators. Differential infiltrating immune cells and HALLMARKS signaling pathways between normal and AF samples as well as among samples with three distinct m6A modification patterns were identified. A total of 16 overlapping key genes were identified by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) combined with two machine learning methods. The expression levels of the NCF2 and HCST genes were different between controls and AF patient samples as well as among samples with the distinct m6A modification patterns. RT-qPCR also proved that the expression of NCF2 and HCST was significantly increased in AF patients compared with control participants. These results suggested that m6A modification plays a key role in the complexity and diversity of the immune microenvironment of AF. Immunotyping of patients with AF will help to develop more accurate immunotherapy strategies for those with a significant immune response. The NCF2 and HCST genes may be novel biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis and immunotherapy of AF.

Functional characterization of MdERF113 in apple

The AP2/ERF family is an important class of transcription factors involved in plant growth and various biological processes. One of the AP2/ERF transcription factors, RAP2.6L, participates in various stresses responses. However, the function of RAP2.6L is largely unknown in apples (Malus domestica). In this study, an apple gene homologous to Arabidopsis AtRAP2.6L, MdERF113, was analyzed by bioinformatic characterization, gene expression analysis and subcellular localization assessment. MdERF113 was highly expressed in the sarcocarp and was responsive to hormonal signals and abiotic stresses. MdERF113-overexpression apple calli were less sensitive to low temperature, drought, salinity, and abscisic acid than wild-type. Subcellular localization revealed that MdERF113 was a nuclear-localized transcription factor, and yeast experiments confirmed that MdERF113 has no autonomous activation activity. Overall, this study indicated that MdERF113 plays a role in regulating plant growth under abiotic conditions.

The relation between radiographic manifestation and clinical characteristics of congenital radioulnar synostosis in children: A retrospective study from multiple centers

Objective

To review the radiographic manifestation and clinical appearance of children with congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) retrospectively.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study of children with CRUS from multiple medical centers.

Results

A total of 329 patients (male 259, female 70) with an average age of 5.4 years (0.5-16 years old), were included in this study. In particular, 145 patients (145/329, 44.1%) demonstrated bilateral involvement, and 184 patients (left 123, right 61) demonstrated unilateral involvement. As for Clear and Omery (C&O) classification, most patients belonged to Type III, and then followed by Type IV. As for Chinese Multi-center Pediatric Orthopedic Study Group (CMPOS) classification, most patients belonged to Type III, and then followed by Type II and Type I. In C&O Type III, 92.03% patients demonstrated severe pronation. According to CMPOS classification, 92.98% Type I patients demonstrated neutral to mild pronation, 72.17% Type II patients demonstrated moderate pronation, and 92.03% Type III patients demonstrated severe pronation. The age distribution showed no significant difference between C&O Type II and IV (P = 0.96); the pronation ankylosis severity showed no significant difference between C&O Type II and IV (P = 0.387).

Conclusion

Although CRUS is a rare forearm deformity, there are certain relation between radiographic manifestation and clinical forearm functional restriction. CRUS patients of C&O or CMPOS Type III classification might suffer severe pronation deformity and warrant early intervention.

Discovery of a pyrano[2,3-b]pyridine derivative YX-2102 as a cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist for alleviating lung fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) is a promising therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Thus, to develop CB2R selective ligands with new chemical space has attracted much research interests. This work aims to discover a novel CB2R agonist from an in-house library, and to evaluate its therapeutic effects on PF model, as well as to disclose the pharmacological mechanism.

METHODS

Virtual screening was used to identify the candidate ligand for CB2R from a newly established in-house library. Both in vivo experiments on PF rat model and in vitro experiments on cells were performed to investigate the therapeutic effects of the lead compound and underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

A "natural product-like" pyrano[2,3-b]pyridine derivative, YX-2102 was identified that bound to CB2R with high affinity. Intraperitoneal YX-2102 injections significantly ameliorated lung injury, inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of PF induced by bleomycin (BLM). On one hand, YX-2102 inhibited inflammatory response at least partially through modulating macrophages polarization thereby exerting protective effects. Whereas, on the other hand, YX-2102 significantly upregulated CB2R expression in alveolar epithelial cells in vivo. Its pretreatment inhibited lung alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and PF model induced by transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) via a CB2 receptor-dependent pathway. Further studies suggested that the Nrf2-Smad7 pathway might be involved in.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that CB2R is a potential target for PF treatment and YX-2102 is a promising CB2R agonist with new chemical space.

Identification of immune-related key genes in the peripheral blood of ischaemic stroke patients using a weighted gene coexpression network analysis and machine learning

Background

The immune system plays a vital role in the pathological process of ischaemic stroke. However, the exact immune-related mechanism remains unclear. The current research aimed to identify immune-related key genes associated with ischaemic stroke.

Methods

CIBERSORT was utilized to reveal the immune cell infiltration pattern in ischaemic stroke patients. Meanwhile, a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify meaningful modules significantly correlated with ischaemic stroke. The characteristic genes correlated with ischaemic stroke were identified by the following two machine learning methods: the support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithm and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression.

Results

The CIBERSORT results suggested that there was a decreased infiltration of naive CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, resting mast cells and eosinophils and an increased infiltration of neutrophils, M0 macrophages and activated memory CD4 T cells in ischaemic stroke patients. Then, three significant modules (pink, brown and cyan) were identified to be significantly associated with ischaemic stroke. The gene enrichment analysis indicated that 519 genes in the above three modules were mainly involved in several inflammatory or immune-related signalling pathways and biological processes. Eight hub genes (ADM, ANXA3, CARD6, CPQ, SLC22A4, UBE2S, VIM and ZFP36) were revealed to be significantly correlated with ischaemic stroke by the LASSO logistic regression and SVM-RFE algorithm. The external validation combined with a RT‒qPCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of ADM, ANXA3, SLC22A4 and VIM were significantly increased in ischaemic stroke patients and that these key genes were positively associated with neutrophils and M0 macrophages and negatively correlated with CD8 T cells. The mean AUC value of ADM, ANXA3, SLC22A4 and VIM was 0.80, 0.87, 0.91 and 0.88 in the training set, 0.85, 0.77, 0.86 and 0.72 in the testing set and 0.87, 0.83, 0.88 and 0.91 in the validation samples, respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the ADM, ANXA3, SLC22A4 and VIM genes are reliable serum markers for the diagnosis of ischaemic stroke and that immune cell infiltration plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of ischaemic stroke.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03562-w.

Integrative identification of immune-related key genes in atrial fibrillation using weighted gene coexpression network analysis and machine learning

Background

The immune system significantly participates in the pathologic process of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this participation are not completely explained. The current research aimed to identify critical genes and immune cells that participate in the pathologic process of AF.

Methods

CIBERSORT was utilized to reveal the immune cell infiltration pattern in AF patients. Meanwhile, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify meaningful modules that were significantly correlated with AF. The characteristic genes correlated with AF were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithm.

Results

In comparison to sinus rhythm (SR) individuals, we observed that fewer activated mast cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), as well as more gamma delta T cells, resting mast cells, and M2 macrophages, were infiltrated in AF patients. Three significant modules (pink, red, and magenta) were identified to be significantly associated with AF. Gene enrichment analysis showed that all 717 genes were associated with immunity- or inflammation-related pathways and biological processes. Four hub genes (GALNT16, HTR2B, BEX2, and RAB8A) were revealed to be significantly correlated with AF by the SVM-RFE algorithm and LASSO logistic regression. qRT–PCR results suggested that compared to the SR subjects, AF patients exhibited significantly reduced BEX2 and GALNT16 expression, as well as dramatically elevated HTR2B expression. The AUC measurement showed that the diagnostic efficiency of BEX2, HTR2B, and GALNT16 in the training set was 0.836, 0.883, and 0.893, respectively, and 0.858, 0.861, and 0.915, respectively, in the validation set.

Conclusions

Three novel genes, BEX2, HTR2B, and GALNT16, were identified by WGCNA combined with machine learning, which provides potential new therapeutic targets for the early diagnosis and prevention of AF.

Performance of Tönnis triple osteotomy in older children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) assisted by a 3D printing navigation template

Background

The objective of this study is to investigate the preparation of a navigation template via a computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing (3DP) in order to improve the effectiveness of Tönnis triple osteotomy in older children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Method

Thirty-eight older children who received Tönnis triple osteotomy were included in this study. Among them, 20 were categorized as the 3DP navigation template group (3DP group), and the remaining 18 were categorized as the conventional surgery group (CS group). Data, including preoperative and postoperative pelvic sharp angle (SA), lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), acetabular roof angle (ARA), acetabular head index (AHI), crossover sign (COS), ischial spine sign (ISS), operation time (OT), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), and number of radiation exposures (NORE) were recorded for both groups. In addition, the therapeutic effect was evaluated at the last follow-up, according to the McKay criteria and Severin’s criteria.

Results

In the 3DP and CS groups, the mean OT was 126.6 ± 17.6 min and 156.0 ± 18.6 min, respectively; the mean IBL was 115.0 ± 16.9 ml and 135.7 ± 26.5 ml, respectively; the NORE were 3.3 ± 0.8 times and 8.6 ± 1.3 times, respectively. There were significant differences in the OT, IBL, and NORE between the two groups (P = 0.03, 0.05, < 0.001, respectively). At the last follow-up, the 3DP and CS groups displayed SA of 41.8 ± 2.3° and 42.6 ± 3.1°, respectively; LCEA of 35.6 ± 4.2° and 37.1 ± 2.8°, respectively; ARA of 6.9 ± 1.8° and 9.8 ± 2.6°, respectively; and AHI of 86.6 ± 4.1% and 84.3 ± 2.8%, respectively; COS(+) of 5 hips and 4 hips, respectively; ISS(+) of 6 hips and 7 hips. We observed no statistical differences in the SA, LCEA, ARA, AHI, COS and ISS between the two groups (P = 0.918, 0.846, 0.643, 0.891, 0.841, 0.564, respectively). According to the McKay criteria, the 3DP group had 10 excellent, 6 good, and 4 general hips, whereas, the CS group had 12 excellent, 4 good, and 2 general hip. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.698). In 3DP group the postoperative Severin’s grading included 13 hips in grade I, 4 in grade II, 3 in grade III. Alternately, in the CS group, the postoperative Severin’s grading included 11 hips in grade I, 5 in grade II, 2 in grade III. The Severin ‘s criteria also showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.945).

Conclusions

Base on our analysis, our CAD-3DP-fabricated navigation template assisted Tönnis triple osteotomy in older DDH children, it reduced operation time and number of radiation exposures. However, no significant differences in radiological assessment and functional outcomes were observed when an experienced surgeon performs the surgery. Therefore, Surgeons who have less experience in triple osteotomy profit more from the application of this technology.

Identifying patterns of immune related cells and genes in the peripheral blood of acute myocardial infarction patients using a small cohort

Background

The immune system plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the exact immune related mechanism is still unclear. This research study aimed to identify key immune-related genes involved in AMI.

Methods

CIBERSORT, a deconvolution algorithm, was used to determine the proportions of 22 subsets of immune cells in blood samples. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key modules that are significantly associated with AMI. Then, CIBERSORT combined with WGCNA were used to identify key immune-modules. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) combined with cytoHubba plugins were used to identify key immune-related genes that may play an important role in the occurrence and progression of AMI.

Results

The CIBERSORT results suggested that there was a decrease in the infiltration of CD8 + T cells, gamma delta (γδ) T cells, and resting mast cells, along with an increase in the infiltration of neutrophils and M0 macrophages in AMI patients. Then, two modules (midnightblue and lightyellow) that were significantly correlated with AMI were identified, and the salmon module was found to be significantly associated with memory B cells. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the 1,171 genes included in the salmon module are mainly involved in immune-related biological processes. MCODE analysis was used to identify four different MCODE complexes in the salmon module, while four hub genes (EEF1B2, RAC2, SPI1, and ITGAM) were found to be significantly correlated with AMI. The correlation analysis between the key genes and infiltrating immune cells showed that SPI1 and ITGAM were positively associated with neutrophils and M0 macrophages, while they were negatively associated with CD8 + T cells, γδ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and resting mast cells. The RT-qPCR validation results found that the expression of the ITGAM and SPI1 genes were significantly elevated in the AMI samples compared with the samples from healthy individuals, and the ROC curve analysis showed that ITGAM and SPI1 had a high diagnostic efficiency for the recognition of AMI.

Conclusions

Immune cell infiltration plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AMI. ITGAM and SPI1 are key immune-related genes that are potential novel targets for the prevention and treatment of AMI.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03517-1.

[Acetabular plasty assisted by 3D printing for the treatment of dislocation of hip joint in children with cerebral palsy]

OBJECTIVE

To identify types of acetabular dysplasia, select the most suitable acetabular plasty, and analyze indications and efficacy of three types of acetabular plasty in treating dislocation of hip joint in children with cerebral palsy by 3D printing technology.

METHODS

From July 2019 to December 2019, 7 children with cerebral palsy with hip dislocation were treated with acetabular plasty assisted by 3D printing technology, including 3 males and 4 females, aged from 3 from 8 years old;3 patients on the left side, 2 patients on the right side, and 2 patients on both sides. Subluxation of hip joint occurred in 2 patients and dislocation of hip joint occurred in 5 patients. Preoperative full-length CT scan of pelvis and femur was performed in all children. The types of acetabular dysplasia were determined by 3D printing reconstruction technology, and the results were presented as follows:2 anterior hips, 2 anterior outer hips, 1 outer upper hip, 2 posterior hips, 1 posterior outer hip, and 1 hip without dysplasia(with no acetabular plasty). Pemberton, Dega and San Diego surgery simulations were performed on the 8 hips respectively to find the most suitable and the suitable operations were then conducted. Migration percentage (MP), acetabular index (AI) and cenal-edge angle (CEA), Shenton line, and gross motor function classification system(GMFCS) between preoperative and last follow-up were compared and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The wound healed well after operation and no complication occurred. Seven patients were followed up for 18 to 24 months. The 8 hips were underwent soft tissue release for the first stage+proximal femoral varus and rotation reduction osteotomy+hip reduction+acetabular plasty;1 hip was underwent soft tissue release for the first stage+proximal femoral varus removal and rotation reduction osteotomy +hip reduction. MP decreased from 58% to 100% preoperatively to 0 to 17.9% at the latest follow-up. AI decreased from 25.0° to 47.6° preoperatively to 11.1° to 25.3° at the latest follow-up. CEA increased from 0° preoperatively to 21.1° to 48.5° at the latest follow-up. Shenton's lines changed from interrupted ones to continuous ones. The GMFCS grade of 5 cases decreased by 1 grade, and 2 cases showed no change.

CONCLUSION

There is diversity for the hip dislocation of hip in children with cerebral palsy of acetabular dysplasia present type. Accurate judgments could be made with the help of 3D printing reconstruction techniques. There are differences between scopes of applications for three kinds of acetabulum keratoplasty. 3D printing technology could be helpful to choose the most suitable operation method and estimate the treatment effect. Thus the individualized and accurate treatment for hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy can be gained with 3D printing technology.

Distribution pattern of floor plate neurons in zebrafish

The floor plate (FP) is a critical signaling center for the development of neural tube and body axis, and is localized at the ventral midline of the neural tube. Multiple types of neurons are present in the floor plate, while the distribution pattern of these neuronal cells remains unclear. By using transgenic zebrafish lines that specifically label different neuronal cells, we investigated the distribution pattern of these neurons in the floor plate region. Our results showed that foxj1a, sox2, clusterin and gfap genes were expressed in the medial floor plate (MFP), consisting of a single row of cells. The cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons (CSF-cNs), also named as Kolmer-Agduhr interneurons (KA' and KA" neurons), were located on the lateral sides of MFP. The foxj1a and pkd2l1 genes were expressed in the KA" neurons, which were located to the ventral terminal gap of wedge-shaped MFP cells. The neighboring KA" neurons were separated by neurons expressing Gfap, Olig2 or Sox2. In contrast, the KA' neurons were positive for Foxj1a ⁺/Pkd2l1⁺/Olig2⁺, and were localized to the dorsal side of KA" neurons. Similarly, the Sox2 or Olig2 expressing neurons were intermingled with KA' neurons along the anterior-posterior axis in these regions. Further pharmaceutical treatment demonstrated that interference of Notch signaling resulted in the abnormal distribution of floor plate neurons together with strong dorsal body curvature at 3 days post fertilization in the zebrafish larvae. Our data showed the gene expression patterns and relative positions of the floor plate neurons; and suggested a potential role of Notch signaling during floor plate development.

Effects of USF1 SNPs and SNP–Environment Interactions on Serum Lipid Profiles and the Risk of Early-Onset Coronary Artery Disease in the Chinese Population

Background

Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are significantly associated with serum lipid levels in several different ethnic groups or populations, but their association with lipid levels and the risk of early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD) has not been reported in Han populations of southern China.

Methods

Six USF1 SNPs (rs3737787, rs2774276, rs2516839, rs2516838, rs1556259, and rs2516837) were genotyped by next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques in 686 control subjects and 728 patients with EOCAD.

Results

The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the USF1 rs3737787 SNP were significantly different between the control and EOCAD groups. The subgroup analysis identified that the rs3737787T allele was related to a decreased risk of EOCAD, whereas the rs3737787C–rs2774276G–rs2516839A and rs3737787C–rs2774276G–rs2516839G haplotypes were related to an increased risk of EOCAD in men, and the rs3737787C–rs2774276G–rs2516839A and rs3737787T–rs2774276C–rs2516839A haplotypes were correlated with an increased risk of EOCAD in women (p &lt; 0.05–0.01). Male rs3737787T allele carriers had lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations than the rs3737787T allele non-carriers (p &lt; 0.01). The interactions of rs3737787 with alcohol consumption and rs2516839 with smoking affected serum TC and LDL-C levels in men, whereas the interaction of rs3737787 with alcohol consumption affected serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the rs2516839-smoking interaction affected serum TC levels in women (pI &lt; 0.001). The expression levels of the USF1 mRNA, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly lower in controls than in patients with EOCAD, and rs3737787T allele carriers displayed lower IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and USF1 mRNA expression levels than the rs3737787T allele non-carriers. In addition, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression levels were significantly positively correlated with USF1 mRNA levels (p &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion

Sex-specific correlations were identified between the USF1 rs3737787T allele with blood lipid levels and the risk of EOCAD. The USF1 rs3737787T allele affects the risk of EOCAD by modulating serum lipid levels and the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6.

Metagenomics Reveals Dominant Unusual Sulfur Oxidizers Inhabiting Active Hydrothermal Chimneys From the Southwest Indian Ridge

The deep-sea hydrothermal vents (DSHVs) in the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) are formed by specific geological settings. However, the community structure and ecological function of the microbial inhabitants on the sulfide chimneys of active hydrothermal vents remain largely unknown. In this study, our analyses of 16S rRNA gene amplicons and 16S rRNA metagenomic reads showed the dominance of sulfur-oxidizing Ectothiorhodospiraceae, Thiomicrorhabdus, Sulfurimonas, and Sulfurovum on the wall of two active hydrothermal chimneys. Compared with the inactive hydrothermal sediments of SWIR, the active hydrothermal chimneys lacked sulfur-reducing bacteria. The metabolic potentials of the retrieved 82 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) suggest that sulfur oxidation might be conducted by Thiohalomonadales (classified as Ectothiorhodospiraceae based on 16S rRNA gene amplicons), Sulfurovaceae, Hyphomicrobiaceae, Thiotrichaceae, Thiomicrospiraceae, and Rhodobacteraceae. For CO₂ fixation, the Calvin-Benson-Bassham and reductive TCA pathways were employed by these bacteria. In Thiohalomonadales MAGs, we revealed putative phytochrome, carotenoid precursor, and squalene synthesis pathways, indicating a possible capacity of Thiohalomonadales in adaptation to dynamics redox conditions and the utilization of red light from the hot hydrothermal chimneys for photolithotrophic growth. This study, therefore, reveals unique microbiomes and their genomic features in the active hydrothermal chimneys of SWIR, which casts light on ecosystem establishment and development in hydrothermal fields and the deep biosphere.

EHBP1, TUBB, and WWOX SNPs, Gene-Gene and Gene-Environment Interactions on Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemic Stroke

The associations among the EH domain-binding protein 1 (EHBP1), tubulin beta class I (TUBB), and WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS) are not yet understood. This study aimed to detect the associations of these SNPs, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions and CAD and IS in the Guangxi Han population. A total of 1853 unrelated subjects were recruited into normal control (n = 638), CAD (n = 622), and IS (n = 593) groups. Related genotypes were determined by high-throughput sequencing. The genotypic and minor allelic frequencies of rs2278075 were different between the CAD and control groups, and those of rs2710642, rs3130685, and rs2278075 were also different between the IS and control groups. The rs2278075T allele, rs3130685-rs2222896-rs2278075, rs3130685-rs2222896-diabetes, rs3130685-rs2222896-drinking, and haplotype rs2710642A-rs10496099C-diabetes interactions were associated with increased risk, while G-T-G-C-G-A and G-T-T-T-G-T-drinking were associated with reduced risk of CAD. The rs2278075T and rs2710642G alleles, rs2710642G-rs10496099C haplotype, rs3130685-rs2278075-rs2222896, and rs2710642-rs2278075-hypertension interactions aggravated the association with IS, whereas the rs3130685T allele, rs2710642A-rs10496099C haplotype and the interactions of H1 (s2710642A-rs10496099C)-H2 (rs2710642G-rs10496099C)-drinking and I1 (A-C-G-C-A-A)-I3 (A-C-G-T-A-A)-I4 (A-C-G-T-G-A)-I5 (G-T-G-C-G-A) diminished the association with IS. Carrying WWOX rs2278075T was strongly associated with CAD or IS, while EHBP1 rs2710642 and TUBB rs3130685 might alter the association of IS by modifying the serum lipid profile. This study demonstrates that the EHBP1, TUBB, and WWOX SNPs, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions are associated with the risk of CAD and IS in the Guangxi Han population.

A novel lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triple network identifies lncRNA XIST as a biomarker for acute myocardial infarction

Despite the well-established role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) across various biological processes, their mechanisms in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are not fully elucidated. The GSE34198 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which comprised 49 specimens from individuals with AMI and 47 specimens from controls, was extracted and analysed using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) package. Twenty-seven key genes were identified through a combination of the degree and gene significance (GS) values, and the CDC42 (degree = 64), JAK2 (degree = 41), and CHUK (degree = 30) genes were identified as having the top three-degree values among the 27 genes. Potential interactions between lncRNA, miRNAs and mRNAs were predicted using the starBase V3.0 database, and a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triple network containing the lncRNA XIST, twenty-one miRNAs and three hub genes (CDC42, JAK2 and CHUK) was identified. RT-qPCR validation showed that the expression of the JAK2 and CDC42 genes and the lncRNA XIST was noticeably increased in samples from patients with AMI compared to normal samples. Pearson's correlation analysis also proved that JAK2 and CDC42 expression levels correlated positively with lncRNA XIST expression levels. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of lncRNA XIST was 0.886, and the diagnostic efficacy of the lncRNA XIST was significantly better than that of JAK2 and CDC42. The results suggested that the lncRNA XIST appears to be a risk factor for AMI likely through its ability to regulate JAK2 and CDC42 gene expressions, and it is expected to be a novel and reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of AMI.

Phytochrome interacting factor MdPIF7 modulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and hypocotyl growth in apple

Light affects many physiological and developmental processes of plants by regulating the expression and activity of light-responsive proteins. Among them, phytochrome interacting factors (PIFs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation and hypocotyl growth. However, the molecular mechanism is not well understood, especially in woody plants, such as apple (Malus × domestica). In this study, we identified a light-responsive PIF protein, MdPIF7, in apple and investigated the molecular mechanism of its regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis and hypocotyl growth. We found that overexpression of MdPIF7 decreased anthocyanin accumulation in transgenic apple materials and promoted hypocotyl elongation in ectopically expressed Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Further investigation showed that MdPIF7 functioned by interacting with B-box 23 (MdBBX23), a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple and hypocotyl growth inhibition in ectopically expressed Arabidopsis, and attenuating the transcriptional activation of MdBBX23 on LONG HYPOCOTYL 5 (MdHY5). In addition, MdPIF7 interacted with basic region leucine zipper 44 (MdbZIP44) and ethylene response factor 38 (MdERF38), two positive regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and it negatively regulated MdbZIP44- and MdERF38-promoted anthocyanin accumulation by interfering with the interaction between MdbZIP44/MdERF38 and MdMYB1. Taken together, our results reveal that MdPIF7 regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple and hypocotyl growth in ectopically expressed Arabidopsis through MdPIF7-MdBBX23-MdHY5 and MdPIF7-MdbZIP44/MdERF38-MdMYB1 modules. Our findings enrich the functional studies of PIF proteins and provide insights into the molecular mechanism of PIF-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis and hypocotyl growth.

Apple receptor-like kinase FERONIA regulates salt tolerance and ABA sensitivity in Malus domestica

FERONIA (FER) is a membrane-localized receptor-like kinase that plays pivotal roles in male and female gametophyte recognition, hormone signaling crosstalk, and biotic and abiotic responses. Most reports focus on the functions of FER in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the functions of FER homologs have not been deeply investigated in apple (Malus domestica), an important economic fruit crop distributed worldwide, especially in China. In this study, we identified an apple homolog of Arabidopsis FER, named MdFER (MDP0000390677). The two proteins encoded by AtFER and MdFER share similar domains: an extracellular malectin-like domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular kinase domain. MdFER was further proven to localize to the plasma membrane in the epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana. MdFER was widely expressed in different apple tissues, but the highest expression was found in roots. In addition, expression of MdFER was significantly induced by treatment with abscisic acid (ABA) and salt (NaCl). Overexpressing MdFER dramatically improved the resistance to salt stress and reduced the sensitivity to ABA in apple callus, while suppressing MdFER expression showed contrary effects. Furthermore, ectopic expression of MdFER in Arabidopsis significantly increased the salt tolerance and reduced the sensitivity to ABA. In addition, under salt stress and ABA treatment, Arabidopsis with highly expressed MdFER accumulated less reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the enzymatic activity of two ROS scavengers, superoxide dismutase and catalase, was higher compared with that of wild type (WT). Our work proves that MdFER positively regulates salt tolerance and negatively regulates ABA sensitivity in apple, which enriched the functions of FER in different plant species.

CYP17A1-ATP2B1 SNPs and Gene-Gene and Gene-Environment Interactions on Essential Hypertension

Background: The association between the CYP17A1 and ATP2B1 SNPs and essential hypertension (referred to as hypertension) is far from being consistent. In addition to the heterogeneity of hypertension resulting in inconsistent results, gene–gene and gene–environment interactions may play a major role in the pathogenesis of hypertension rather than a single gene or environmental factor.

Methods: A case–control study consisting of 1,652 individuals (hypertension, 816; control, 836) was conducted in Maonan ethnic minority of China. Genotyping of the four SNPs was performed by the next-generation sequencing technology.

Results: The frequencies of minor alleles and genotypes of four SNPs were different between the two groups (p < 0.001). According to genetic dominance model analysis, three (rs1004467, rs11191548, and rs17249754) SNPs and two haplotypes (CYP17A1 rs1004467G-rs11191548C and ATP2B1 rs1401982G-rs17249754A) were negatively correlated, whereas rs1401982 SNP and the other two haplotypes (CYP17A1 rs1004467A-rs11191548T and ATP2B1 rs1401982A-rs17249754G) were positively associated with hypertension risk (p ≤ 0.002 for all). Two best significant two-locus models were screened out by GMDR software involving SNP–environment (rs11191548 and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m²) and haplotype–environment (CYP17A1 rs1004467G-rs11191548C and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m²) interactions (p ≤ 0.01). The subjects carrying some genotypes increased the hypertension risk.

Conclusions: Our outcomes implied that the rs1004467, rs11191548, and rs17249754 SNPs and CYP17A1 rs1004467G-rs11191548C and ATP2B1 rs1401982G-rs17249754A haplotypes have protective effects, whereas the rs1401982 SNP and CYP17A1 rs1004467A-rs11191548T and ATP2B1 rs1401982A-rs17249754G haplotypes showed adverse effect on the prevalence of hypertension. Several SNP–environment interactions were also detected.

Microbial ecology of sulfur cycling near the sulfate-methane transition of deep-sea cold seep sediments

Microbial sulfate reduction is largely associated with anaerobic methane oxidation and alkane degradation in sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ) of deep-sea cold seeps. How the sulfur cycling is mediated by microbes near SMTZ has not been fully understood. In this study, we detected a shallow SMTZ in three of eight sediment cores sampled from two cold seep areas in the South China Sea. One hundred ten genomes representing sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB) strains were identified from three SMTZ-bearing cores. In the layers above SMTZ, SOB were mostly constituted by Campylobacterota, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria that probably depended on nitrogen oxides and/or oxygen for oxidation of sulfide and thiosulfate in near-surface sediment layers. In the layers below the SMTZ, the deltaproteobacterial SRB genomes and metatranscriptomes revealed CO₂ fixation by Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, sulfate reduction and nitrogen fixation for syntrophic or fermentative lifestyle. A total of 68% of the metagenome assembled genomes were not adjacent to known species in a phylogenomic tree, indicating a high diversity of bacteria involved in sulfur cycling. With the large number of genomes for SOB and SRB, our study uncovers the microbial populations that potentially mediate sulfur metabolism and associated carbon and nitrogen cycles, which sheds light on complex biogeochemical processes in deep-sea environments.

In vitro and in silico studies of bis (indol-3-yl) methane derivatives as potential α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors

In this paper, bis (indol-3-yl) methanes (BIMs) were synthesised and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. All synthesised compounds showed potential α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Compounds 5 g (IC₅₀: 7.54 ± 1.10 μM), 5e (IC₅₀: 9.00 ± 0.97 μM), and 5 h (IC₅₀: 9.57 ± 0.62 μM) presented strongest inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, that were ∼ 30 times stronger than acarbose. Compounds 5 g (IC₅₀: 32.18 ± 1.66 µM), 5 h (IC₅₀: 31.47 ± 1.42 µM), and 5 s (IC₅₀: 30.91 ± 0.86 µM) showed strongest inhibitory activities towards α-amylase, ∼ 2.5 times stronger than acarbose. The mechanisms and docking simulation of the compounds were also studied. Compounds 5 g and 5 h exhibited bifunctional inhibitory activity against these two enzymes. Furthermore, compounds showed no toxicity against 3T3-L1 cells and HepG2 cells.

Highlights

A series of bis (indol-3-yl) methanes (BIMs) were synthesised and evaluated inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase.

Compound 5g exhibited promising activity (IC₅₀ = 7.54 ± 1.10 μM) against α-glucosidase.

Compound 5s exhibited promising activity (IC₅₀ = 30.91 ± 0.86 μM) against α-amylase.

In silico studies were performed to confirm the binding interactions of synthetic compounds with the enzyme active site.

Effect of SYTL3-SLC22A3 Variants, Their Haplotypes, and G × E Interactions on Serum Lipid Levels and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease and Ischaemic Stroke

Background: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of synaptotagmin-like 3 (SYTL3) and solute carrier family 22 member 3 (SLC22A3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene-environment (G × E) interactions on blood lipid levels as well as the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischaemic stroke (IS) in the Southern Chinese Han population.

Methods: The genetic makeup of 6 SYTL3-SLC22A3 SNPs in 2269 unrelated participants (controls, 755; CAD, 758 and IS, 756) of Chinese Han ethnicity was detected by the next-generation sequencing techniques.

Results: The allele and genotype frequencies of the SYTL3 rs2129209 and SLC22A3 rs539298 SNPs were significantly different between the case and control groups. The SLC22A3 rs539298 SNP was correlated with total cholesterol (TC) levels in controls, the rs539298G allele carriers maintained lower TC levels than the rs539298G allele non-carriers. At the same time, the SLC22A3 rs539298 SNP interacted with alcohol consumption reduced the risk of CAD and IS. The SYTL3-SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-A-A, G-T-C-G-C-A and A-T-A-A-C-A haplotypes increased and the A-C-A-A-C-G haplotype reduced the risk of CAD, whereas the SYTL3-SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-A-A, G-T-C-G-A-G and A-T-A-A-C-A haplotypes increased and the A-C-A-A-A-G and A-C-A-A-C-G haplotypes reduced the risk of IS. In addition, several SNPs interacted with alcohol consumption, body mass index ≥ 24 kg/m² and cigarette smoking to affect serum lipid parameters such as triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TC, and apolipoprotein A1 levels.

Conclusions: Several SYTL3-SLC22A3 variants, especially the rs539298 SNP, several haplotypes, and G × E interactions, were related to blood lipid parameters and the risk of CAD and IS in the Southern Chinese Han population.

SYTL3-SLC22A3 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Gene-Gene/Environment Interactions on the Risk of Hyperlipidemia

The current study aims to further delineate the associations between the synaptotagmin-like 3 (SYTL3) and solute carrier family 22 member 3 (SLC22A3) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes and gene–gene (G × G)/environment (G × E) interactions on the risk of hyperlipidemia (HLP) in the Maonan and Han ethnic groups. Genotype distribution among the SYTL3–SLC22A3 SNPs in 2,829 individual patients bearing no relationship to each other (Han, 1,436; Maonan, 1,393) was analyzed utilizing next-generation sequencing techniques. The genotype frequencies of the rs6455600, rs2129209, and rs446809 SNPs were varied between the two ethnic groups (P < 0.05–0.001). Various SNPs were correlated with serum levels of triglyceride (TG; rs446809), total cholesterol (TC; rs6455600, rs2129209, and rs539298), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; rs446809) among the Han population, whereas various SNPs were also correlated with TC (rs6455600 and rs539298), TG (rs446809), and LDL-C (rs446809) levels in the Maonan ethnic group (P < 0.008–0.001). One part of haplotypes resulted in worsened HLP-related morbidity in the Han (SYTL3 A-C-A-A; SLC22A3 A-A and A-G; and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-A-A and A-C-A-A-A-G) and Maonan (SYTL3 A-C-A-A; SLC22A3 A-A and A-G; and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-A-A, G-T-C-A-A-A, and G-T-C-A-C-A) ethnic groups, whereas another part of haplotypes lowered HLP-related health risks in the Han (SLC22A3 C-A and C-G and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-C-A, A-C-A-A-C-G, and G-T-C-A-C-A) and Maonan (SLC22A3 C-G and SYTL3–SLC22A3 A-C-A-A-C-G) ethnic groups. We discovered that the SYTL3–SLC22A3 SNPs and their haplotypes were associated with serum lipid levels and the risk of HLP in our studied populations.

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identifies specific modules and hub genes related to coronary artery disease

This investigation seeks to dissect coronary artery disease molecular target candidates along with its underlying molecular mechanisms. Data on patients with CAD across three separate array data sets, GSE66360, GSE19339 and GSE97320 were extracted. The gene expression profiles were obtained by normalizing and removing the differences between the three data sets, and important modules linked to coronary heart disease were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were applied in order to identify statistically significant genetic modules with the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tool (version 6.8; http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov ). The online STRING tool was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, followed by the use of Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-ins in Cytoscape software to identify hub genes. Two significant modules (green-yellow and magenta) were identified in the CAD samples. Genes in the magenta module were noted to be involved in inflammatory and immune-related pathways, based on GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. After the MCODE analysis, two different MCODE complexes were identified in the magenta module, and four hub genes (ITGAM, degree = 39; CAMP, degree = 37; TYROBP, degree = 28; ICAM1, degree = 18) were uncovered to be critical players in mediating CAD. Independent verification data as well as our RT-qPCR results were highly consistent with the above finding. ITGAM, CAMP, TYROBP and ICAM1 are potential targets in CAD. The underlying mechanism may be related to the transendothelial migration of leukocytes and the immune response.

Associations between TUBB-WWOX SNPs, their haplotypes, gene-gene, and gene-environment interactions and dyslipidemia

In this study, we investigated associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the tubulin beta class I (TUBB) and WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) genes, gene-gene interactions, and gene-environment interactions and dyslipidemia in the Chinese Maonan ethnic group. Four SNPs (rs3132584, rs3130685, rs2222896, and rs2548861) were genotyped in unrelated subjects with normal lipid levels (864) or dyslipidemia (1129). While 5.0% of Maonan subjects carried the rs3132584TT genotype, none of the Chinese Han in Beijing subjects did. Allele and genotype frequencies differed between the normal and dyslipidemia groups for three SNPs (rs3132584, rs3130685, and rs2222896). rs2222896G allele carriers in the normal group had higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The rs3132584GG, rs3130685CC+TT, and rs2222896GG genotypes as well as the rs2222896G-rs2548861G and rs2222896G-rs2548861T haplotypes were associated with an elevated risk of dyslipidemia; the rs2222896A-rs2548861T and rs2222896A-rs2548861G haplotypes were associated with a reduced risk of dyslipidemia. Among the thirteen TUBB-WWOX interaction types identified, rs3132584T-rs3130685T-rs2222896G-rs2548861T increased the risk of dyslipidemia 1.371-fold. Fourteen two- to four-locus optimal interactive models for SNP-SNP, haplotype-haplotype, gene-gene, and gene-environment interactions exhibited synergistic or contrasting effects on dyslipidemia. Finally, the interaction between rs3132584 and rs2222896 increased the risk of dyslipidemia 2.548-fold and predicted hypertension.

Apple MdSAT1 encodes a bHLHm1 transcription factor involved in salinity and drought responses

This study identified a new bHLHm1 transcription factor MdSAT1 which functioned in mediating tolerance to salt and drought resistance. Changes in the expression of stress-related genes play crucial roles in response to environmental stress. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are the largest superfamily of transcription factors and a large number of bHLH proteins function in plant responses to abiotic stresses. We identified a new bHLHm1 transcription factor from apple and named it MdSAT1. β-Glucuronidase (GUS) staining showed that MdSAT1 expressed in various tissues with highly expressed in leaves. Promoter analysis revealed that MdSAT1 contained multiple response elements and its transcription was induced by several environmental cues, particularly salt and drought stresses. Overexpression of MdSAT1 in apple calli and Arabidopsis resulted in a phenotype of increased tolerance to salt and drought. Altering abscisic acid (ABA) treatment increased the sensitivity of MdSAT1-OE Arabidopsis to ABA, and heavy metal stress, osmotic stress, and ethylene did not participate in MdSAT1 mediated plant development. These findings reveal the abiotic stress functions of MdSAT1 and pave the way for further functional investigation.

Association between SLC44A4-NOTCH4 SNPs and serum lipid levels in the Chinese Han and Maonan ethnic groups

BACKGROUND

The current research was to assess the relationship of the solute carrier family 44 member 4 (SLC44A4) rs577272, notch receptor 4 (NOTCH4) rs3134931 SNPs and serum lipid levels in the Han and Maonan ethnic groups.

METHODS

The genetic makeup of the SLC44A4 rs577272 and NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs in 2467 unrelated subjects (Han, 1254; Maonan,1213) was obtained by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism technique, combined with gel electrophoresis, and confirmed by direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The genotype frequencies of SLC44A4 rs577272 and NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs were different between Han and Maonan populations (P < 0.05); respectively. The SLC44A4 rs577272 SNP was associated with total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Maonan group. The NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNP was associated with triglyceride (TG) in Han; and TG and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in Maonan groups (P < 0.025-0.001). Stratified analysis according to gender showed that the SLC44A4 rs577272 SNP was associated with TC and HDL-C in Han and Maonan females; TC in Maonan males, meanwhile, the NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNP was associated with TG and HDL-C in Han males; TG in Han females; TG and LDL-C in Maonan males; and TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in Maonan females. Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that the most common haplotype was rs577272G-rs3134931A (> 50%) in both Han and Maonan groups. The haplotype of rs577272G-rs3134931A was associated with TG and HDL-C in Han; and TC, TG and HDL-C in Maonan ethnic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the relationship among SLC44A4 rs577272, NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs and serum lipid parameters may vary depending on the gender and/or ethnicity/race in some populations. Haplotypes could explain more changes in serum lipid parameters than any single SNP alone particularly for TC, TG and HDL-C.

Identification of Phytochrome-Interacting Factor Family Members and Functional Analysis of MdPIF4 in Malus domestica

Phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs), members of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family that have been extensively investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana, play essential roles in plant growth and development. However, PIF members have not been systematically investigated in apples, a worldwide perennial woody crop of economic importance. Here, seven PIF genes were identified from the Malus × domestica reference genome. Chromosomal locations, gene structures, and phylogenetic relationships of these members were analyzed. Analysis of cis-acting elements in promoter regions of MdPIF genes indicated that various elements were related to light, abiotic stress, and plant hormone responsiveness. Subsequently, subcellular localization and transcriptional activity analysis revealed that MdPIFs were typical nuclear transcription factors with transcriptional activation ability. Expression analysis demonstrated that MdPIF genes had different gene expression patterns for various abiotic factors. Moreover, overexpressed MdPIF4 reduced the sensitivity of apple calluses to abscisic acid (ABA). Our work lays foundations for further investigation of PIF functions in plant growth and development in apples.

The MC4R SNPs, their haplotypes and gene-environment interactions on the risk of obesity

Background

Little is known about the correlation between the melanocortin 4 receptor gene (MC4R) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of obesity. This research sought to test the MC4R rs17782313, rs476828 and rs12970134 SNPs, their haplotypes and gene-environment interactions on the risk of obesity in the Maonan ethnic group, an isolated minority in China.

Methods

A case-control study comprised of 1836 participants (obesity group, 858; and control group, 978) was conducted. Genotypes of the three SNPs were determined by the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology.

Results

The genotypic frequencies of the three SNPs were different between the obesity and control groups (P <  0.05 for all). The minor allelic frequency of the MC4R rs17782313C, rs476828C and rs12970134A was higher in obesity than in control groups (13.8% vs. 8.3%, P <  0.001, 17.1% vs. 10.9%, P <  0.001; and 15.5% vs. 11.5%, P <  0.001; respectively). Additionally, the dominant model of rs17782313 and rs476828 SNPs revealed an increased morbidity function on the risk of obesity (P <  0.05). A correlation between SNP-environment and the risk of obesity was also observed. The rs17782313C-rs476828C-rs12970134A haplotype was associated with high risk of obesity (OR = 1.796, 95% CI = 1.447–2.229), whereas the rs17782313T-rs476828T-rs12970134G and rs17782313T-rs476828T-rs12970134A haplotypes were associated with low risk of obesity (OR = 0.699, 95% CI = 0.586–0.834 and OR = 0.620, 95% CI = 0.416–0.925; respectively). The interactions between haplotype and waist circumference on the risk of obesity were also noted.

Conclusions

We discovered that the MC4R rs17782313, rs476828 and rs12970134 SNPs and their haplotypes were associated with the risk of obesity in the Chinese Maonan population.

Associations of PRKN-PACRG SNPs and G × G and G × E interactions with the risk of hyperlipidaemia

This research aimed to assess the associations of 7 parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (PRKN) and 4 parkin coregulated gene (PACRG) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), their haplotypes, gene-gene (G × G) and gene-environment (G × E) interactions with hyperlipidaemia in the Chinese Maonan minority. The genotypes of the 11 SNPs in 912 normal and 736 hyperlipidaemic subjects were detected with next-generation sequencing technology. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the rs1105056, rs10755582, rs2155510, rs9365344, rs11966842, rs6904305 and rs11966948 SNPs were different between the normal and hyperlipidaemic groups (P < 0.05-0.001). Correlations between the above 7 SNPs and blood lipid levels were also observed (P < 0.0045-0.001, P < 0.0045 was considered statistically significant after Bonferroni correction). Strong linkage disequilibrium was found among the 11 SNPs (r2 = 0.01-0.64). The most common haplotypes were PRKN C-G-T-G-T-T-C (> 15%) and PACRG A-T-A-T (> 40%). The PRKN C-G-C-A-T-T-C and PRKN-PACRG C-G-T-G-T-T-C-A-T-A-T haplotypes were associated with an increased risk of hyperlipidaemia, whereas the PRKN-PACRG C-G-T-G-C-T-C-A-T-C-T and C-G-T-G-T-T-C-A-T-C-T haplotypes provided a protective effect. Association analysis based on the haplotypes and G × G interaction could improve the power to detect the risk of hyperlipidaemia over the analysis of any one SNP alone. The differences in serum lipid parameters between the hyperlipidaemic and normal groups might partly be due to the effects of the PRKN-PACRG SNPs and their haplotypes.

Association of the NCAN-TM6SF2-CILP2-PBX4-SUGP1-MAU2 SNPs and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions with serum lipid levels

This study investigated the association of the NCAN-TM6SF2-CILP2-PBX4-SUGP1-MAU2 SNPs and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions with serum lipid levels in the population of Southwest China. Genotyping of 12 SNPs (i.e., rs2238675, rs2228603, rs58542926, rs735273, rs16996148, rs968525, rs17216525, rs12610185, rs10401969, rs8102280, rs73001065 and rs150268548) was performed in 1248 hyperlipidemia patients and 1248 normal subjects. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the detected SNPs differed substantially between the normal and hyperlipidemia groups (P < 0.05-0.001), and the association of the 12 SNPs and hyperlipidemia was also observed (P < 0.004-0.0001). Four haplotypes (i.e., NCAN C-C, CILP2 G-T, PBX4-SUGP1 G-C, and MAU2 C-A-G-T) and 5 gene-gene interaction haplotypes (i.e., rs2238675C-rs2228603C, rs16996148G-rs17216525T, rs12610185G-rs10401969C, rs73001065G-rs8102280A-rs150268548G-rs968525C and rs73001065C-rs8102280A-rs150268548G-rs96852）showed a protective effect, whereas four other haplotypes (i.e., TM6SF2 T-A, TM6SF2 C-A, MAU2 G-G-G-C and MAU2 C-G-A-T), as well as 4 gene-gene interaction haplotypes (i.e., rs58542926C-rs735273A, rs58542926T-rs735273A, rs73001065G-rs8102280G-rs150268548G-rs968525C, and rs73001065C-rs8102280G-rs150268548A-rs968525T), exhibited an inverse effect on hyperlipidemia (P < 0.05-0.0001). There were notable three-locus models comprising SNP-SNP, SNP-environment, and haplotype-haplotype interactions (P < 0.05-0.0001). The individuals with some genotypes and haplotypes reduced the prevalence of hyperlipidemia, whereas the individuals with some other genotypes and haplotypes augmented the prevalence of hyperlipidemia. The NCAN-TM6SF2-CILP2-PBX4-SUGP1-MAU2 SNPs and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions on hyperlipidemia were observed in the population of Southwest China.

[Effects of soil water stress and atmospheric CO2 concentration on photosynthetic and post-photosynthetic fractionation]

Analysis of plant photosynthesis and post-photosynthetic fractionation can improve our understanding of plant physiology and water management. By measuring δ¹³C in the atmosphere, and δ¹³C of soluble compounds in leaves and branch phloem of Platycladus orientalis, we examined discrimination pattern, including atmosphere-leaf discrimination during photosynthesis (ΔC_a-leaf) and leaf-twig discrimination during post-photosynthesis (ΔC_leaf-phlo), in response to changes of soil water content (SWC) and atmospheric CO₂ concentration (C_a). The results showed that ΔC_a-leaf reached a maximum of 13.06‰ at 95%-100% field water-holding capacity (FC) and C_a 400 μmol·mol^-1, and a minimum of 8.63‰ at 35%-45% FC and C_a 800 μmol·mol^-1. Both stomatal conductance and mesophyll cell conductance showed a significant linear positive correlation with ΔC_a-leaf, with a correlation coefficient of 0.43 and 0.44, respectively. ΔC_leaf-phlo was not affected by SWC and C_a. Our results provide mechanism of carbon isotopes fractionation and a theoretical basis for plant survival strategies in response to future climate change.

SYNE1-QK1 SNPs, G × G and G × E interactions on the risk of hyperlipidaemia

This study aimed to assess the relationship of 3 spectrin repeat containing nuclear envelope protein 1 (SYNE1) and 4 KH domain containing RNA binding (QK1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), their haplotypes, gene‐gene (G × G), gene‐environment (G × E) interactions and hypercholesterolaemia (HCH) and hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) in the Chinese Maonan minority. The genetic make‐up of the SYNE1‐QK1 SNPs in 1932 unrelated subjects (normal, 641; HCH, 649; and HTG, 642) was obtained by next‐generation sequencing technologies. The genotypic frequencies of following SNPs were suggestively distinctive between the control and HCH groups (rs2623963, rs7745725, rs9459317, rs16897566), or between the control and HTG groups (rs2623963, rs1358317, rs7745725, rs1923608, rs16897566 SNPs; P < .05, respectively). Multiple‐locus linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that the identified SNPs were not inherited independently. Several haplotypes and gene‐gene interaction haplotypes among the detected SNPs may be related with an increased morbidity of HCH (C‐G‐A, C‐G‐G and C‐G‐G‐T‐C‐A‐T) and HTG (C‐G‐G, G‐T‐G‐C, C‐G‐G‐G‐T‐G‐C and C‐G‐G‐T‐C‐A‐T), whereas others may be related with an decreased risk of HCH (G‐A‐A, G‐C‐A‐T, C‐A‐A‐T‐C‐A‐T and G‐A‐A‐G‐C‐A‐T) and HTG (G‐A‐A, G‐C‐A‐T, C‐A‐A‐T‐C‐A‐T and G‐A‐A‐G‐C‐A‐T). The association evaluation based on haplotypes and gene‐gene interactions could improve the power of detecting the risk of dyslipidaemia than anyone of SNP alone. There was significant three‐locus model involving SNP‐SNP, haplotype‐haplotype/environment and G × G interactions (P < .05‐0.001) that were detected by GMDR in HCH and HTG groups. Different interactions between genetic and environmental factors would produce different redundancy or synergy effects on the morbidity of HCH and/or HTG.

EHBP1 SNPs, Their Haplotypes, and Gene-Environment Interactive Effects on Serum Lipid Levels

The associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2710642 and rs10496099 and their effect on the EH domain-binding protein 1 (EHBP1) gene and serum lipid profiles remain uncertain. This study was performed to investigate the two EHBP1 SNPs in Han and Maonan populations, including their association, haplotypes, and effects on serum lipid levels. Two EHBP1 SNPs in 564 Han and 796 Maonan participants were genotyped by high-throughput sequencing, and then the genotype and haplotype distributions of two EHBP1 SNPs were analyzed. Moreover, risk factors and their effects on serum lipid levels were analyzed using multivariable linear regression and logistic regression analyses. In Han and Maonan populations, a significant difference was found in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the EHBP1 rs2710642 and rs10496099 SNPs and the alternate alleles of rs2710642A and rs10496099C might be potentially beneficial for healthy lipid levels. Medium linkage disequilibrium between the two SNPs was noted in each ethnic group, and four main haplotypes were detected. The rs2710642G-rs10496099C haplotype was associated with high triglycerides (TGs) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the rs2710642A-rs10496099C haplotype was associated with low TGs and high apolipoprotein A1. The rs2710642G-rs10496099C haplotype was a high-risk factor for hyperlipidemia, and it interacted with smoking, fasting blood glucose, and hypertension to increase but with the female factor to decrease the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Han individuals. The EHBP1 rs2710642 and rs10496099 SNPs and gene-environment interactions were associated with serum lipid profiles and hyperlipidemia, which is of ethnic specificity to our study populations.

Genes associated with inflammation may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and ischaemic stroke

Background

The current research aimed to expound the genes and pathways that are involved in coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischaemic stroke (IS) and the related mechanisms.

Methods

Two array CAD datasets of (GSE66360 and GSE97320) and an array IS dataset (GSE22255) were downloaded. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package. The online tool Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) (version 6.8; david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov) was used to annotate the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses of the DEGs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by Cytoscape software, and then Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) analysis was used to screen for hub genes. The hub genes were also confirmed by RT-qPCR and unconditional logistic regression analysis in our CAD and IS patients.

Results

A total of 20 common DEGs (all upregulated) were identified between the CAD/IS and control groups. Eleven molecular functions, 3 cellular components, and 49 biological processes were confirmed by GO enrichment analysis, and the 20 common upregulated DEGs were enriched in 21 KEGG pathways. A PPI network including 24 nodes and 68 edges was constructed with the STRING online tool. After MCODE analysis, the top 5 high degree genes, including Jun proto-oncogene (JUN, degree = 9), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8, degree = 9), tumour necrosis factor (TNF, degree = 9), suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3, degree = 8) and TNF alpha induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3, degree = 8) were noted. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of CXCL8 were increased in IS patients than in normal participants and the expression levels of SOCS3, TNF and TNFAIP were higher in CAD/IS patients than in normal participants. Meanwhile, unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that the incidence of CAD or IS was positively correlated with the CXCL8, SOCS3, TNF and TNFAIP3.

Conclusions

The CXCL8, TNF, SOCS3 and TNFAIP3 associated with inflammation may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of CAD or IS. The possible mechanisms may involve the Toll-like receptor, TNF, NF-kappa B, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and the NOD-like receptor signalling pathways.

2,3-Dicyano-5,6-dichlorobenzoquinone-Mediated and Selective C-O and C-C Cross-Couplings of Phenols and Porphyrins

A selective C-O cross-coupling reaction between porphyrins and phenols has been developed through 2,3-dicyano-5,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (DDQ)/Sc(OTf)₃ oxidation, efficiently delivering meso-etherified porphyrins in good yields (≤93%). The radical complex process was proposed and calculated as the rationalized mechanism to block the homocoupling process. In addition, the switchable selective C-C cross-coupling reaction was achieved by using bulky electron-rich phenols and naphthols under DDQ oxidation conditions.

Functional identification of apple MdMYB2 gene in phosphate-starvation response

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) starvation severely affects the normal growth and development of plants. Here, a Pi-responsive gene, named MdMYB2 (MDP0000823458), was cloned and functionally identified in apple. Overexpression of MdMYB2 regulated the expression of Pi starvation-induced (PSI) genes and then promoted phosphate assimilation and utilization. The ectopic expression of MdMYB2 in Arabidopsis influenced plant growth and flowering, which was partially rescued by application of exogenous gibberellin (GA). These results indicated that MdMYB2 may be an essential regulator in phosphate utilization and GA-regulated plant growth and development.

(3 + 1) Annulation/Rearrangement Cascade of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines and 3-Chlorooxindoles: Construction of Hexahydroindeno[2,1-c]pyrazole Spirooxindole Frameworks

The Brønsted base promoted (3 + 1) annulation reaction of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines and 3-chlorooxindoles was investigated, finally delivering complex hexahydroindeno[2,1-c] pyrazoles incorporating a spirocyclic oxindole motif after an unexpected rearrangement process. The asymmetric version of this new transformation could be accomplished, but slow racemization of the chiral product was observed at ambient temperature. Experiments and DFT calculations were further conducted to elucidate the reaction process and racemization mechanism.

Potential molecular mechanism of ACE gene at different time points in STEMI patients based on genome-wide microarray dataset

Background

This study aimed to investigate the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) co-expression genes and their pathways involved in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at different time points.

Methods

The array data set of GSE59867 was examined for the ACE co-expression genes in peripheral blood samples from 111 patients with STEMI at four time points (admission, discharge, and 1 and 6 months after MI). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) of the co-expression genes were determined using online analytical tools. The Cytoscape software was used to create modules and hub genes.

Results

The number of biological processes (BP), cellular components (CC) and molecular functions (MF) was 43, 22 and 24 at admission; 18, 19 and 11 at discharge; 30, 37 and 21 at 1 month after MI; and 12, 19 and 14 at 6 months after MI; respectively. There were 6 BP, 8 CC and 4 MF enriched at every time point. The co-expression genes were substantially enriched in 12, 5, 6 and 14 KEGG pathways at the four time points, respectively, but no KEGG pathway was found to be common in all time points. We identified 132 intersectional co-expression genes (90 positive and 42 negative) from the four time points and 17 BP, 13 CC, 11 MF and 7 KEGG pathways were enriched. In addition, the PPI network contained 129 nodes and 570 edges, and only 1 module was identified to be significantly enriched in just 1 BP (chromatin-mediated maintenance of transcription).

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that the ACE co-expression genes and their pathways involved in STEMI were significantly different at four different time points. These findings may be helpful for further understanding the functions and roles of ACE in different stages of STEMI, and providing reference for the treatment of STEMI.

Comprehension of the α-Arylation of Nitroalkanes

Background:

α-Aryl substituted nitroalkanes are important synthetic intermediates for the preparation of pharmaceutical molecules, natural products, and functional materials. Due to their scare existence in Nature, synthesis of these compounds has attracted the attention of synthetic and medicinal chemists, rendering α-arylation of nitroalkanes of an important research topic. This article summarizes the important advances of α- arylation of nitroalkanes since 1963.

Results:

After a brief introduction of the synthetic application and the reactions of nitroalkanes, this article reviewed the synthetic methods for the α-arylated aliphatic nitro compound. The amount of research on α-arylation of nitroalkanes using various arylation reagents and the discovery of elegant synthetic approaches towards such skeleton have been discussed. This review described these advances in two sections. One is the arylation of non-activated nitroalkanes, with an emphasis on the application of diverse arylation reagents; the other focuses on the arylation of activated nitroalkanes, including dinitroalkanes, trinitroalkanes, α-nitrosulfones, α-nitroesters, α-nitrotoluenes, and α-nitroketones. The synthetic application of these methods has also been presented in some cases.

Conclusion:

In this review, we described the progress of α-arylation of nitroalkanes. Although the immense amount of research on α-arylation of aliphatic nitro compounds has been achieved, many potential issues still need to be addressed, especially the asymmetric transformation and its wide application in organic synthesis.

Association between the XKR6 rs7819412 SNP and serum lipid levels and the risk of coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke

Background

The present study aimed to expound the association between the XK related 6 gene (XKR6) rs7819412 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid profiles and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke.

Methods

The genetic makeup of the XKR6 rs7819412 SNP in 1783 unrelated participants (controls, 643; CAD, 588 and ischemic stroke, 552) of Han Chinese was obtained by the Snapshot technology.

Results

The genotypic frequencies of the SNP were disparate between CAD (GG, 81.0%; GA/AA, 19.0%) or ischemic stroke (GG, 81.2%; GA/AA, 18.8%) patients and healthy controls (GG, 85.7%, GA/AA, 14.3%; P < 0.05 vs. CAD or ischemic stroke; respectively). The A allele frequency was also diverse between CAD (10.1%) or ischemic stroke (10.0%) and control groups (7.5%; P < 0.05 vs. CAD or ischemic stroke; respectively). The GA/AA genotypes and A allele were associated with high risk of CAD and ischemic stroke (CAD: P = 0.026 for GA/AA vs. GG, P = 0.024 for A vs. G; Ischemic stroke: P = 0.029 for GA/AA vs. GG, P = 0.036 for A vs. G). The GA/AA genotypes were also associated with increased serum triglyceride (TG) concentration in CAD and total cholesterol (TC) concentration in ischemic stroke patients.

Conclusions

These data revealed that the XKR6 rs7819412 A allele was related to increased serum TG levels in CAD, TC levels in ischemic stroke patients and high risk of CAD and ischemic stroke.

Functional identification of apple on MdHIR4 in biotic stress

In plants, hypersensitive-induced reaction (HIR) proteins are involved in stress responses, especially biotic stress. However, the potential molecular mechanisms of HIR-mediated biotic resistance in plants are rarely reported. We found that apple (Malus domestica) MdHIR4 was localized in the cell nucleus and membrane similar to AtHIR1 in Arabidopsis. Moreover, salicylic acid and the bacterial flagellin flg22 (a conserved, 22-amino acid motif), which are relevant to biotic stress, could induce MdHIR4 expression. Additionally, the transcription level of MdHIR4 was increased by Methyl jasmonate treatment. Ectopic expression of MdHIR4 in Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana reduced sensitivity to Methyl jasmonate and enhanced resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pst DC3000 (Pseudomonas syringae tomato DC3000). The interaction between MdHIR4 and AtJAZs proteins (AtJAZ3, AtJAZ4, and AtJAZ9) implied that MdHIR4 participated in the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. We found the expression of JA-related genes and PRs to change in transgenic plants, further demonstrating that MdHIR4 mediated biotic stress through the JA signaling pathway. Repressing the expression of MdHIR4 in apple leaves and calli increased resistance to Botryosphaeria dothidea by influencing the transcription of resistance-related genes. Our findings reveal the resistant function to biotic stress of MdHIR4 in transgenic plants, including Arabidopsis, tobacco, and apple, and identify the regulating mechanism of MdHIR4-related biotic resistance.

[Accurate osteotomy assisted by individualized navigation templates for the treatment of children cubitus varus]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of a new navigation template for osteotomy in cubitus varus based on computer assistant design and 3D printing technology.

METHODS

The preoperative CT images of 15 children with cubitus varus from June 2015 to June 2016 were collected. According to the above data, the individual osteotomy navigate template match the distal humerus was designed by the software and printed by the 3D printer. Accurate osteotomy was performed with the assistant of the navigate template in the operation. Internal fixation of the osteotomy site was performed with 2 Kirschner wires. After surgery, a long arm plaster was applied with 20° of elbow flexion. All the patients underwent radiographic and clinical evaluations before surgery and at the follow-up examination.

RESULTS

During the operation, the navigate template with the individual design of 3D printing technology matched the bony markers of distal humerus. Accurate and simple osteotomy were performed along the resected surface of the navigation template. None of the cases required any kinds of revision surgery or had any complaint of cosmetic appearance. Average union time was 6.7 weeks(ranged, 6 to 8 weeks). Twelve patients got an excellent result and 2 got a good result according to the criteria described by Bellemore. There were no cases with complications of infection or ulnar nerve palsy or joint stiffness.

CONCLUSIONS

With the help of 3D printing technology, the accurate osteotomy in cubitus varus assisted by individualized navigate template can be realized. This technology can restore normal anatomical structure of the elbow joint to the greatest extent. It is worthy of popularization and application.

Interplay between long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 and miR-101/ZEB1 axis regulates proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated in many diseases. MicroRNA-101 (miR-101) functions as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting ZEB1 in various cancers. However, the potential mechanism of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 and miR-101/ZEB1 axis in CRC remains unknown. In this study, we further investigated the potential interplay between miR-101/ZEB1 axis and lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Results showed that ZEB1-AS1 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. MiR-101 was downregulated in CRC tissues and negatively correlated with ZEB1-AS1 and ZEB1 expression levels in CRC. Functional experiments showed that, consistent with ZEB1-AS1 depletion, miR-101 overexpression and ZEB1 depletion inhibited the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. Overexpression of miR-101 partially abolished the effects of ZEB1-AS1 on the proliferation and migration of these cells. Moreover, combined ZEB1-AS1 depletion and miR-101 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration of the CRC cells. Hence, ZEB1-AS1 functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-101 and relieved the inhibition of ZEB1 caused by miR-101. This study revealed a novel regulatory mechanism between ZEB1-AS1 and miR-101/ZEB1 axis. The interplay between ZEB1-AS1 and miR-101/ZEB1 axis contributed to the proliferation and migration of CRC cells, and targeting this interplay could be a promising strategy for CRC treatment.