Association between thiamine intake and depression: A national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen increasing attention to improving depressive symptoms through dietary intakes, yet the association between thiamine intake and depression remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore this association using data from an American cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We explored the association of covariates, exposure, and outcome with logistic regression equations. Multivariable regression models were performed to further exclude confounding factors. To investigate nonlinear relationships, we employed restricted cubic splines. Recursive algorithms were utilized to identify inflection points. Additionally, we conducted stratified analyses by age and sex to uncover differences among subgroups.

RESULTS

When all covariates were adjusted, the association between thiamine intake and depression was not statistically significant [0.93 (0.82, 1.07)]. In the linear trend test using Q1 as the reference, the ORs (95%CI) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 0.87 (0.73, 1.04), 0.83 (0.68, 1.00), and 0.92 (0.73, 1.16), which suggested that the association might be nonlinear. We then confirmed this nonlinear relationship with a restricted cubic spline, and the inflection point of 1.35 mg/day was calculated. Before the inflection point, the effect value of the relationship was 0.68 (0.53, 0.89). After the inflection point, no significant association was found [1.10 (0.92, 1.31)]. Stratified analyses revealed that this nonlinear relationship was consistent among women and individuals aged <60 years.

DISCUSSION

In this cross-sectional study among American general adults, we found a nonlinear association between thiamine intake and depression and further observed differences by age and sex.

Effect of Zusanli Acupoint Injection with Anisodamine on Postoperative Recovery Quality of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of anisodamine injection at the Zusanli (ST36) on early postoperative recovery quality in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

141 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly divided into the control group (group C), the normal saline group (group S) and the anisodamine group (group A). Acupuncture point injections were administered after induction of general anesthesia. The quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) scores were documented preoperatively (D0) and on the 1st (D1), 3rd (D3) and 7th (D7) days postoperatively. Additional metrics included: the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), assessment and analgesic consumption 24-h post-extubation and the initial postoperative times for ambulation and anal exhaust. Substance P (SP), β-endorphin (β-EP), motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) were quantified at 24-h post-surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with group C, group A demonstrated an elevation in QoR-40 scores and physical comfort dimensions during D1-3, and an increased pain scores during D1-7; group S exhibited an augmentation in QoR-40 scores and pain scores on D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with group S, group A improved QoR-40 scores on D1 and pain scores during D1-3 (p < 0.05). SP, β-EP, MTL and GAS presented significant variances among the groups 24-h post-surgery (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups in NRS pain scores and PONV scores at 24-h postoperatively, dosage of dizocin on the first postoperative day, and time to first anal defecation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The administration of anisodamine via ST36 acupoint injections has been demonstrated to facilitate the recuperation of gastrointestinal functionality, to alleviate postoperative pain and nausea, and substantially to enhance the quality of early postoperative recovery.

Shenyu ningshen tablet reduced neuronal damage in the hippocampus of chronic restraint stress model rat by inhibiting A1-reactive astrocytes

Context

Shenyu Ningshen (SYNS) tablet is the first pure Chinese medicinal small compound preparation approved for clinical trials for the treatment of depression in China. Clinical experiments confirmed that the formulation had a significant Improvement effect against depression due to the deficiency of both qi and yin. It has been shown to exhibit noticeable anti-inflammatory effect in an animal model of depression. Our previous study showed that SYNS could effectively inhibit the inflammatory response in a depression model.

Aim of the study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of SYNS on neurons and explore whether the underlying mechanism was associated with A1s.

Materials and methods

The depression model of solitary raising-chronic restraint stress (CRS) rats was established; body weight examination, sugar water preference test, open field test, and histological analysis were performed to preliminarily verify the efficacy of the formulation. Subsequently, neuronal nucleus (NeuN) and synaptic-associated proteins (MAP2 and PSD95) were labeled, and the protective effect of SYNS on hippocampal neurons was observed based on the fluorescence intensity of the above indicators. Western blotting, histological examination, and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the inhibitory effects of SYNS on neuroinflammation and activation of A1s in CRS depression model.

Results

SYNS improved behavioral indicators such as weight loss, pleasure loss, and reduced exercise volume in CRS rat model. SYNS restored the CRS-induced histopathological changes in the hippocampus. SYNS showed a certain degree of protective effect on synapses. Further, SYNS inhibited the activation of A1s by inhibiting neuroinflammatory factors in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Our results showed that SYNS had a certain degree of neuroprotective effect, which might be related to its inhibition of the inflammatory response and A1s.

CD70-specific CAR-NK cells expressing IL-15 for the treatment of CD19-negative B cell malignancy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells can eliminate tumors not only through the ability of the CAR molecule to recognize antigen expressed cancer cells but also through NK cell receptors themselves. This overcomes some of the limitations of CAR-T cells, paving CAR-NK cells for safer and more effective off-the-shelf cellular therapy. In this study, CD70, a pan-target of lymphoma, specific fourth-generation CAR with 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain and IL-15 was constructed and transduced into cord blood-derived NK cells by Baboon envelope pseudotyped lenti-vector. CD70-CAR NK cells displayed superior cytotoxic activity in vitro and in vivo against CD19 negative B-cell lymphoma when compared to non-transduced NK cells and CD19-specific CAR-NK cells. Importantly, mice received two doses of CD70-CAR NK cells showed effective eradication of tumors, accompanied by increased concentration of plasma IL-15 and enhanced CAR-NK cell proliferation and persistence. Our study suggests that repetitive administration-based CAR NK-cell therapy has clinical advantage compared to single dose of CAR-NK cells for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma.

Identification and functional activity of Nik related kinase (NRK) in benign hyperplastic prostate

OBJECTIVE

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in elder men. The current study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hyperplastic prostate and to explore the role of Nik related kinase (NRK) in BPH.

METHODS

Four datasets including three bulk and one single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) were obtained to perform integrated bioinformatics. Cell clusters and specific metabolism pathways were analyzed. The localization, expression and functional activity of NRK was investigated via RT-PCR, western-blot, immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, transwell assay and CCK-8 assay.

RESULTS

A total of 17 DEGs were identified by merging three bulk RNA-seq datasets. The findings of integrated single-cell analysis showed that NRK remarkably upregulated in fibroblasts and SM cells of hyperplasia prostate. Meanwhile, NRK was upregulated in BPH samples and localized almost in stroma. The expression level of NRK was significantly correlated with IPSS and Qmax of BPH patients. Silencing of NRK inhibited stromal cell proliferation, migration, fibrosis and EMT process, promoted apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest, while overexpression of NRK in prostate epithelial cells showed opposite results. Meanwhile, induced fibrosis and EMT process were rescued by knockdown of NRK. Furthermore, expression level of NRK was positively correlated with that of α-SMA, collagen-I and N-cadherin, negatively correlated with that of E-cadherin.

CONCLUSION

Our novel data identified NRK was upregulated in hyperplastic prostate and associated with prostatic stromal cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, fibrosis and EMT process. NRK may play important roles in the development of BPH and may be a promising therapeutic target for BPH/LUTS.

Efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Many meta-analyses have assessed the efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the strength and quality of evidence to date. Systematic reviews of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials, which evaluated the effect of preventive strategies on the incidence of VAP in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h, were included in this article. We identified a total of 34 interventions derived from 31 studies. Among these interventions, 19 resulted in a significantly reduced incidence of VAP. Among numerous strategies, only selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) was supported by highly suggestive (Class II) evidence (risk ratio (RR)=0.439, 95% CI: 0.362-0.532). Based on data from the sensitivity analysis, the evidence for the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation in weaning from mechanical ventilation (NIV) was upgraded from weak (Class IV) to highly suggestive (Class II) (RR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.22-0.46). All preventive interventions were not supported by robust evidence for reducing mortality. Early mobilization exhibited suggestive (Class III) evidence in shortening both intensive length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) (mean difference (MD)=-0.85, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.49) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MD=-1.02, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.63). In conclusion, SDD and NIV are supported by robust evidence for prevention against VAP, while early mobilization has been shown to significantly shorten the LOS in the ICU and the duration of mechanical ventilation. These three strategies are recommendable for inclusion in the ventilator bundle to lower the risk of VAP and improve the prognosis of critically ill patients.

Surgical treatment and outcome of haematomyelia with a traumatic cause in a dog and a cat

Two surgically treated haematomyelia cases were documented. One dog and one cat were presented for acute progressive paraplegia following a fall from height incident. Neurological examinations suggested a L4-S3 myelopathy in both cases. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging in both cases revealed no fracture or subluxation of the spine, but well-defined intramedullary mass lesions in lower lumbar regions compatible with haemorrhage and haematoma formation. Exploratory surgeries were performed over the lesions. Dark-red friable masses were removed via myelotomy. Histopathological examinations revealed organizing haematomas at the acute to subacute stage. Postoperatively, both cases improved and regained ambulation. The dog walked normally but remained urinary and faecal incontinent 9 months after the surgery. The cat was continent and ambulatory with a paraparetic gait 5 months after the surgery. In both cases, the outcomes and the patients' quality of life were considered satisfactory by the owners.

Effect of preoperative oral carbohydrates on insulin resistance in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The present research seeks to clarify the consequences of two specific preoperative oral carbohydrate (POC) amounts on insulin resistance (IR) and stomach evacuation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) patients.

METHODS

A total of 129 patients set for elective LC procedures were randomly assigned to a control group (C, n = 45), a 200 mL POC group (P1, n = 42), and a 400 mL POC group (P2, n = 42). The C group was fasted from midnight until surgery, whereas the P1 and P2 groups received their respective carbohydrate volumes 2-4 h before anesthesia. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, and glucagon concentrations were measured at three junctures. IR metrics were derived by employing the homeostasis model assessment. Gastric volume was measured before anesthesia using gastric ultrasound. Inter-group comparisons included IR indicators, subjective comfort scores, and hemodynamic data.

RESULTS

At T2, the C group exhibited reduced glucose concentrations compared to the P2 group (4.73 ± 0.64 vs. 5.26 ± 1.02 mmol/L, p < 0.05). The Perlas grading indicated that grade 1 was more prevalent in the P2 group than in the P1 and C groups (18 [42.9%] vs. 6 [14.3%] and 1 [2.2%], p < 0.05). Additionally, thirst and hunger metrics for the P2 group were notably reduced compared to the C group at both T2 and T3.

CONCLUSION

Administering either 200 mL or 400 mL of carbohydrates 2-4 h pre-surgery had no detectable impact on IR or gastric volume in LC patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2200065648. Registered January 13, 2023, http://www.chictr.org.cn .

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of Maxing Shigan decoction in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Maxing Shigan Decoction (MXSG) is a traditional Chinese Medicine effectively used in respiratory infections and bacterial pneumonia. However, the mechanism of MXSG treating acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) pneumonia is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of MXSG on acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia and explore its potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HPLC-MS analysis was performed to analyze the chemical composition. Antibacterial effects in vitro were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Forty-five male BALB/c mice were divided into control group, model group, levofloxacin group, MXSG-L (7.7 g/kg/d), and MXSG-H group (15.4 g/kg/d). Mice were intranasal instillation with P. aeruginosa to induce acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model. Levofloxacin and MXSG were administered by oral gavage once a day. After 3 days of treatment, the lung index measurement, micro-CT, arterial blood gas analysis, bacteria load determination, and HE staining were performed. Network pharmacological analysis and transcriptome sequencing were employed to predict the potential mechanisms of MXSG on bacterial pneumonia. The expressions of relating genes were detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

In vitro, MIC of P. aeruginosa is greater than 500 mg/mL. In the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model, MXSG significantly improved body weight loss, lung index, and pulmonary lesions. MXSG treatment also reduced the bacterial load and ameliorated oxygen saturation significantly. Transcriptomes, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR analysis showed MXSG treating acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia through the IL-17 signaling pathway and HIF-1α/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the efficacy and mechanism of MXSG in the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia, which provides a scientific basis for its clinical application.

China's prevention and control experience of echinococcosis: A 19-year retrospective

Echinococcosis poses a significant threat to public health. The Chinese government has implemented prevention and control measures to mitigate the impact of the disease. By analyzing data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Council of the People's Republic of China, we found that implementation of these measures has reduced the infection rate by nearly 50% between 2004 to 2022 (from 0.3975 to 0.1944 per 100,000 person-years). Nonetheless, some regions still bear a significant disease burden, and lack of detailed information limites further evaluation of the effects on both alveolar and cystic echinococcosis. Our analysis supports the continuing implementation of these measures and suggests that enhanced wildlife management, case-based strategies, and surveillance systems will facilitate disease control.

Tumor-derived exosomes induce initial activation by exosomal CD19 antigen but impair the function of CD19-specific CAR T-cells via TGF-β signaling

Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) enriched in immune suppressive molecules predominantly drive T-cell dysfunction and impair antitumor immunity. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for refractory and relapsed hematological malignancies, but whether lymphoma TEXs have the same impact on CAR T-cell remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that B-cell lymphoma-derived exosomes induce the initial activation of CD19-CAR T-cells upon stimulation with exosomal CD19. However, lymphoma TEXs might subsequently induce CAR T-cell apoptosis and impair the tumor cytotoxicity of the cells because of the upregulated expression of the inhibitory receptors PD-1, TIM3, and LAG3 upon prolonged exposure. Similar results were observed in the CAR T-cells exposed to plasma exosomes from patients with lymphoma. More importantly, single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that CAR T-cells typically showed differentiated phenotypes and regulatory T-cell (Treg) phenotype conversion. By blocking transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-Smad3 signaling with TGF-β inhibitor LY2109761, the negative effects of TEXs on Treg conversion, terminal differentiation, and immune checkpoint expression were rescued. Collectively, although TEXs lead to the initial activation of CAR T-cells, the effect of TEXs suppressed CAR T-cells, which can be rescued by LY2109761. A treatment regimen combining CAR T-cell therapy and TGF-β inhibitors might be a novel therapeutic strategy for refractory and relapsed B-cell lymphoma.

Adipose knockout of H-ferritin improves energy metabolism in mice

OBJECTIVE

Ferritin, the principal iron storage protein, is essential to iron homeostasis. How iron homeostasis affects the adipose tissue is not well understood. We investigated the role of ferritin heavy chain in adipocytes in energy metabolism.

METHODS

We generated adipocyte-specific ferritin heavy chain (Fth, also known as Fth1) knockout mice, herein referred to as FthAKO. These mice were analyzed for iron homeostasis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis and activity, adaptive thermogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic measurements. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts and primary mouse adipocytes were used for in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

In FthAKO mice, the adipose iron homeostasis was disrupted, accompanied by elevated expression of adipokines, dramatically induced heme oxygenase 1(Hmox1) expression, and a notable decrease in the mitochondrial ROS level. Cytosolic ROS elevation in the adipose tissue of FthAKO mice was very mild, and we only observed this in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) but not in the white adipose tissue (WAT). FthAKO mice presented an altered metabolic profile and showed increased insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and improved adaptive thermogenesis. Interestingly, loss of ferritin resulted in enhanced mitochondrial respiration capacity and a preference for lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that ferritin in adipocytes is indispensable to intracellular iron homeostasis and regulates systemic lipid and glucose metabolism.

Association between triglyceride glucose index and depression in hypertensive population

Growing evidence suggests that hypertensive individuals have a greater risk of developing depression, and depression can also increase the incidence of hypertension. In the hypertensive population, the association between triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and depression remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between TyG index and depression in hypertensive people through the cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018). To assess the relationship between TyG index and depression in hypertensive population, we conducted weighted multiple logistic regression models and used a generalized additive model to probe for nonlinear correlations. In addition, we employed a recursive algorithm to determine the inflection point and established a two-piece linear regression model. This study enrolled 5897 individuals. In the model adjusted for all covariates, the ORs (95% CI) for the relationship between TyG index and depression in hypertensive population were 1.32 (1.12-1.54). A nonlinear association was found between TyG index and depression, with an inflection point at 8.7. After the inflection point, the ORs (95% CI) were 1.44 (1.15-1.79). Only the interaction with the obese population was statistically significant. Our study highlighted a nonlinear association between TyG index and depression in American hypertensive adults.

Cut-off values of haemoglobin and clinical outcomes in incident peritoneal dialysis: the PDTAP study

BACKGROUND

To explore the cut-off values of haemoglobin (Hb) on adverse clinical outcomes in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients based on a national-level database.

METHODS

The observational cohort study was from the Peritoneal Dialysis Telemedicine-assisted Platform (PDTAP) dataset. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and modified MACE (MACE+). The secondary outcomes were the occurrences of hospitalization, first-episode peritonitis and permanent transfer to haemodialysis (HD).

RESULTS

A total of 2591 PD patients were enrolled between June 2016 and April 2019 and followed up until December 2020. Baseline and time-averaged Hb <100 g/l were associated with all-cause mortality, MACE, MACE+ and hospitalizations. After multivariable adjustments, only time-averaged Hb <100 g/l significantly predicted a higher risk for all-cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] 1.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-281], P = .006}, MACE [HR 1.99 (95% CI 1.16-3.40), P = .012] and MACE+ [HR 1.77 (95% CI 1.15-2.73), P = .010] in the total cohort. No associations between Hb and hospitalizations, transfer to HD and first-episode peritonitis were observed. Among patients with Hb ≥100 g/l at baseline, younger age, female, use of iron supplementation, lower values of serum albumin and renal Kt/V independently predicted the incidence of Hb <100 g/l during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study provided real-world evidence on the cut-off value of Hb for predicting poorer outcomes through a nation-level prospective PD cohort.

Impact of anesthesia on postoperative breast cancer prognosis: A narrative review

The incidence of breast cancer has exhibited an annually increasing trend, and the disease has become the most common malignant tumour worldwide. Currently, the primary treatment for breast cancer is surgical resection. However, metastatic recurrence is the main cause of cancer-related death in this patient population. Various factors are associated with breast cancer prognosis, and anaesthesia-induced changes in the tumour microenvironment have attracted increasing attention. To date, however, it remains unclear whether anaesthetic drugs have a positive or negative impact on cancer outcomes after surgery. The present article reviews the effects of different anaesthetics on the postoperative prognosis of breast cancer surgery to guide the choice of anaesthetic technique(s) and agents for such patients.

Safety and feasibility of anti-CD19 CAR T cells expressing inducible IL-7 and CCL19 in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma

Although CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are curative for patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL), disease relapse with tumor antigen-positive remains a challenge. Cytokine/chemokine-expressing CAR-T cells could overcome a suppressive milieu, but the clinical safety and efficacy of this CAR-T therapy remain unclear. Here we report the preclinical development of CD19-specific CAR-T cells capable of expressing interleukin (IL)-7 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)-19 upon CD19 engagement (referred to as 7 × 19 CAR-T cells) and results from a phase 1 and expansion phase trial of 7 × 19 CAR-T cell therapy in patients with R/R LBCL (NCT03258047). In dose-escalation phase, there were no dose-limiting toxicities observed. 39 patients with R/R LBCL received 7 × 19 CAR-T with doses ranged from 0.5 × 106-4.0 × 106 cells per kg body weight. Grade 3 cytokine release syndrome occurred in 5 (12.8%) patients and ≥ grade 3 neurotoxicity in 4 (10.3%) patients. The overall response rate at 3 months post-single infusion was 79.5% (complete remission, 56.4%; partial response, 23.1%). With a median follow-up of 32 months, the median progression-free survival was 13 months, and median overall survival was not reached, with an estimated rate of 53.8% (95% CI, 40.3% to 72.0%) at two years. Together, these long-term follow-up data from the multicenter clinical study suggest that 7 × 19 CAR-T cells can induce durable responses with a median overall survival of greater than 2 years, and have a manageable safety profile in patients with R/R LBCL.

The Effect of Characteristics of Patient Communication on Physician Feedback in Online Health Communities: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

With the rapid development of e-health and telemedicine, previous studies have explored the relationship between physician-patient communication and patient satisfaction; however, there is a paucity of research on the influence of the characteristics of patient communication on the characteristics of physician feedback. Based on the communication accommodation theory, as well as the computer-mediated communication theory and media richness theory, this study aimed to explore how characteristics of patient communication influence characteristics of physician feedback in online health communities. We employed a crawler software to download the communication data between 1652 physicians and 105,325 patients from the Good Doctor platform, the biggest online health community in China. We built an empirical model using this data and employed a multilevel model to test our hypotheses using Stata and Python software. The results indicate that the amount of patients' rendered information positively influences the physicians' text (α = 0.123, t = 33.147, P < .001) and voice feedback (β = 0.201, t = 40.011, P < .001). Patients' hope for help signals and the provision of their electronic health records weaken the effect of the amount of patients' rendered information on physicians' text feedback (α = -0.040, t = -24.857, P < .001; α = -0.048, t = -15.784, P < .001), whereas, it strengthened the effect of the amount of patients' rendered information on physicians' voice feedback (β = 0.033, t = 14.789, P < .001; β = 0.017, t = 4.208, P < .001). Moreover, the occurrence of high-privacy diseases strengthened the effect of the amount of patients' presented information on physicians' text and voice feedback (α = 0.023, t = 4.870, P < .001; β = 0.028, t = 4.282, P < .001). This research contributes to the development of computer-mediated communication theories and sheds light on service delivery in the online health community.

Mutational profiling of mitochondrial DNA reveals an epithelial ovarian cancer-specific evolutionary pattern contributing to high oxidative metabolism

BACKGROUND

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) heavily relies on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and exhibits distinct mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming. Up to now, the evolutionary pattern of somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in EOC tissues and their potential roles in metabolic remodelling have not been systematically elucidated.

METHODS

Based on a large somatic mtDNA mutation dataset from private and public EOC cohorts (239 and 118 patients, respectively), we most comprehensively characterised the EOC-specific evolutionary pattern of mtDNA mutations and investigated its biological implication.

RESULTS

Mutational profiling revealed that the mitochondrial genome of EOC tissues was highly unstable compared with non-cancerous ovary tissues. Furthermore, our data indicated the delayed heteroplasmy accumulation of mtDNA control region (mtCTR) mutations and near-complete absence of mtCTR non-hypervariable segment (non-HVS) mutations in EOC tissues, which is consistent with stringent negative selection against mtCTR mutation. Additionally, we observed a bidirectional and region-specific evolutionary pattern of mtDNA coding region mutations, manifested as significant negative selection against mutations in complex V (ATP6/ATP8) and tRNA loop regions, and potential positive selection on mutations in complex III (MT-CYB). Meanwhile, EOC tissues showed higher mitochondrial biogenesis compared with non-cancerous ovary tissues. Further analysis revealed the significant association between mtDNA mutations and both mitochondrial biogenesis and overall survival of EOC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study presents a comprehensive delineation of EOC-specific evolutionary patterns of mtDNA mutations that aligned well with the specific mitochondrial metabolic remodelling, conferring novel insights into the functional roles of mtDNA mutations in EOC tumourigenesis and progression.

Integrative analysis reveals the recurrent genetic etiologies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is increasingly recognized as a chronic, progressive and fatal lung disease with an unknown etiology. Current studies focus on revealing the genetic factors in the risk of IPF, making the integrative analysis of genetic variations and transcriptomic alterations of substantial value.

AIM

This study aimed to improve the understanding of the molecular basis of IPF through an integrative analysis of whole-exome sequencing (WES), bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.

METHODS

WES is a powerful tool for studying the genetic basis of IPF, allowing for the identification of genetic variants that may be associated with the development of the disease. RNA-seq data provide a comprehensive view of the transcriptional changes in IPF patients, while scRNA-seq data offer a more granule view of cell-type-specific alterations.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified a comprehensive mutational landscape of recurrent genomic and transcriptomic variations, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, CNVs and differentially expressed genes, in IPF populations, which may play a significant role in the development and progression of IPF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided valuable insights into the genetic and transcriptomic variations associated with IPF, revealing changes in gene expression that may contribute to disease development and progression. These findings highlight the importance of an integrative approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IPF and may pave the way for identifying potential therapeutic targets.

The positive efficacy of dexmedetomidine on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing renal transplantation: evidence from meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Whether dexmedetomidine (DEX), an anesthetic adjuvant, can improve renal transplant outcomes is not clear.

METHODS

We systematically identified clinical trials in which DEX was administered in renal transplantation (RT). On November 1, 2022, we searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/. The main outcomes were delayed graft function and acute rejection.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with the control, DEX significantly reduced the occurrence of delayed graft function (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.60-0.98), short-term serum creatinine [postoperative day (POD) 2: (MD -22.82; 95% CI -42.01 - -3.64)] and blood urea nitrogen [POD 2: (MD -2.90; 95% CI -5.10 - -0.70); POD 3: (MD 2.07; 95% CI -4.12 - -0.02)] levels, postoperative morphine consumption (MD -4.27; 95% CI -5.92 - -2.61) and the length of hospital stay (MD -0.85; 95% CI-1.47 - -0.23). However, DEX did not reduce the risk of postoperative acute rejection (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.45-1.23). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that country type, donor type, and average age had a certain impact on the role of DEX.

CONCLUSIONS

DEX may improve the short-term clinical outcome of RT and shorten the length of hospital stay of patients.

Circ-0000953 deficiency exacerbates podocyte injury and autophagy disorder by targeting Mir665-3p-Atg4b in diabetic nephropathy

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are special non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules that play a significant role in many diseases. However, the biogenesis and regulation of circRNAs in diabetic nephropathy (DN) are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the expression profile of circRNAs in kidney of DN mice through circular RNA sequencing (circRNA-seq). The renal biopsy samples of patients with DN had low circ -0,000,953 expression, which was significantly associated with renal function. Furthermore, loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments were carried out to prove the role of circ -0,000,953 in DN. Podocyte conditional knockin (cKI) or systemic overexpression of circ -0,000,953 alleviated albuminuria and restored macroautophagy/autophagy in kidney of diabetic mice. However, circ -0,000,953 knockdown exacerbated albuminuria and podocyte injury. Mechanistically, we found circ -0,000,953 directly binds to Mir665-3p-Atg4b to perform its function. Silencing of Mir665-3p or overexpression of Atg4b recovered podocyte autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. To examine the cause of circ -0,000,953 downregulation in DN, bioinformatics prediction found that circ -0,000,953 sequence has a high possibility of containing an m6A methylation site. Additionally, METTL3 was proved to regulate the expression and methylation level of circ -0,000,953 through YTHDF2 (YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2). In conclusion, this study revealed that circ -0,000,953 regulates podocyte autophagy by targeting Mir665-3p-Atg4b in DN. Therefore, circ -0,000,953 is a potential biomarker for prevention and cure of DN.Abbreviation: CCL2/MCP-1: C-C motif chemokine ligand 2; ceRNA: competing endogenous RNA; circRNA: circular RNA; cKI: conditional knockin; cKO: conditional knockout; CRE: creatinine; DM: diabetes mellitus; DN: diabetic nephropathy; ESRD: end-stage renal disease; HG: high glucose; IF: immunofluorescence; MAP1LC3/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MPC5: mouse podocyte clone 5; MTECs: mouse tubular epithelial cells; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NC: normal control; ncRNA: non-coding RNA; NPHS1: nephrosis 1, nephrin; NPHS2: nephrosis 2, podocin; PAS: periodic acid-Schiff; RELA/p65: v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (avian); SDs: slit diaphragm proteins; Seq: sequencing; STZ: streptozotocin; SV40: SV40-MES13-cells, mouse mesangial cell line; T1D: type 1 diabetes mellitus; T2D: type 2 diabetes mellitus; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TNF/TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor; VECs: vascular endothelial cells; WT1: WT1 transcription factor; YTHDF2: YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2.

[Molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in hilly regions]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a snail control approach for spraying chemicals with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in complex snail habitats in hilly regions, and to evaluate its molluscicidal effect.

METHODS

The protocol for evaluating the activity of spraying chemical molluscicides with drones against O. hupensis snails was formulated based on expert consultation and literature review. In August 2022, a pretest was conducted in a hillside field environment (12 000 m2) north of Dafengji Village, Dacang Township, Weishan County, Yunnan Province, which was assigned into four groups, of no less than 3 000 m2 in each group. In Group A, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group B, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, while in Group C, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group D, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2. Then, each group was equally divided into six sections according to land area, with Section 1 for baseline surveys and sections 2 to 6 for snail surveys after chemical treatment. Snail surveys were conducted prior to chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 days post-treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails, density of living snails and costs of molluscicidal treatment were calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 69.49%, 69.09%, 53.57% and 83.48%, and 68.58%, 68.17%, 52.19% and 82.99% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment, and the density of living snails reduced by 58.40%, 63.94%, 68.91% and 83.25% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in four groups, respectively. The median concentrations of chemical molluscicides were 37.08, 35.42, 42.50 g/m2 and 56.25 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, and the gross costs of chemical treatment were 0.93, 1.50, 0.46 Yuan per m2 and 1.03 Yuan per m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against O. hupensis snails is superior to manual chemical treatment without environmental cleaning, and chemical treatment with drones and manual chemical treatment show comparable molluscicidal effects following environmental cleaning in hilly regions. The cost of chemical treatment with drones is slightly higher than manual chemical treatment regardless of environmental cleaning. Spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones is recommended in complex settings with difficulty in environmental cleaning to improve the molluscicidal activity and efficiency against O. hupensis snails.

Relationship between composite dietary antioxidant index and depression among overweight and obese adults

BACKGROUND

The use of specific dietary patterns to alleviate depressive symptoms has gained increasing recognition. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) is a crucial criterion for assessing antioxidant diets. We examined the relationship between CDAI and depression among overweight and obese adults through a cross-sectional study conducted in the United States.

METHODS

We used weighted multivariate logistic regression models with subgroup analysis to study the relationship between CDAI and depression. Generalized additive models were used to determine whether there was a nonlinear association between them. We developed a two-piece linear regression model to calculate the inflection point utilizing a recursive strategy.

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounding variables, the odds ratios (ORs; 95 % CI) for the correlation between CDAI and depression were 0.75 (0.67, 0.84). A saturation effect emerged for the overweight group, following which we calculated the inflection point for the overweight population, which displayed ORs (95 % CI) of 0.62 (0.47, 0.80) before the inflection point of 0.83 and the ORs (95 % CI) of 1.01 (0.77, 1.31) after 0.83. The interaction was statistically significant in the sex stratification of the obese population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlighted a negative association between CDAI and depression among overweight and obese adults. Saturation effects and sex differences were observed in the overweight population.

Tralomethrin causes cardiovascular toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

Tralomethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used to control a wide range of pests in agriculture and public health, is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. However, data regarding the toxicity and underlying mechanisms of tralomethrin in aquatic organisms are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the toxicity of tralomethrin in zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to tralomethrin at different concentrations (16.63, 33.25, and 49.88 μg/L). Results showed that tralomethrin exposure caused cardiovascular dysplasia and dysfunction, including developmental abnormalities (pericardial edema, delayed yolk absorption, and uninflated swim bladder), elevated heart rate, and erythrogenesis disorders. Moreover, the expression patterns of crucial genes responsible for cardiovascular development (alas2, gata1a, hbbe2, nkx2.5, myl7, and myh6) also exhibited dysregulation in response to tralomethrin exposure. Oxidative stress occurred in embryos after exposure to tralomethrin. Collectively, our data suggest that exposure to tralomethrin induces cardiovascular and developmental toxicity in zebrafish. These findings are instrumental for evaluations of the environmental risk of tralomethrin in aquatic ecosystems in the future.

Insulin Glargine is More Suitable Than Exenatide in Preventing Muscle Loss in Non-Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients with NAFLD

AIM

This study investigated the effects of insulin glargine and exenatide on the muscle mass of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of our previously study, a 24-week randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02303730). Seventy-six patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive insulin glargine or exenatide treatment. The changes in psoas muscle area (PMA) (mm2) were obtained with the cross-sectional Dixonfat magnetic resonance images at the fourth lumber vertebra.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, BMI, gender, and PMA in insulin glargine and exenatide groups at baseline. After treatment, PMA tended to increase by 13.13 (-215.52, 280.80) mm2 in the insulin glargine group and decrease by 149.09 (322.90-56.39) mm2 in the exenatide group (both p>0.05). Subgroup analysis showed a 560.64 (77.88, 1043.40) (mm2) increase of PMA in the insulin group relative to the Exenatide group in patients with BMI<28 kg/m2 (p0.031) after adjusting for gender, age, and research center. Interaction analysis showed an interaction between BMI and treatment (p0.009). However, no interaction was observed among subgroups with a BMI≥28 kg/m2 or with different genders and ages.

CONCLUSION

Compared to exenatide, insulin glargine can relativity increase PMA in patients with T2DM having BMI<28 kg/m2 and NAFLD.

Association between niacin intake and depression: A nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The association between dietary intake and depression is receiving increasing attention. However, the relationship between depressive symptoms and niacin intake is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between niacin intake and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

We used univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression equations to explore the association between covariates or niacin intake and depression. Generalized additive models and smoothing fitted curves were used to examine the presence of nonlinear relationships. Upon finding a nonlinear relationship, a recursive algorithm was used to calculate the inflection point . Population differences were also explored through stratified analysis.

RESULTS

In the model adjusted for all covariates，the ORs (95 % CI) for the association between niacin intake and depression were 0.94 (0.87, 1.01), which was no statistical significance. However, the result of the linear trend test with quartiles of niacin intake indicated the association between niacin intake and depression may be U-shaped. The generalized additive model confirmed this U-shaped relationship, finding an inflection point (26.6 mg/d). An opposite relationship was observed before and after the inflection point, with ORs (95 % CI) of 0.77 (0.68, 0.87) before the inflection point and 1.13 (1.01, 1.28) after the inflection point. The association in men, Mexican American, White, adults aged<40, and BMI <30 was consistent with the overall tendency.

CONCLUSION

We found a U-shaped association between niacin intake and depression in the general American population, and the same association was observed in men, Mexican American, White, adults aged < 40, and BMI < 30.

Carnosine attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting GPX4-mediated ferroptosis

Increasing evidence and our preliminary work have revealed the significant role of ferroptosis in acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Carnosine (Car), a dipeptide consisting of β-alanine and L-histidine, has been shown to ameliorate HG-induced tubular epithelial cells inflammation. Whether Car exerts protective effects on AKI, and its molecular mechanism have not been clarified. Our in vivo and in vitro IR-AKI mouse models demonstrated that Car alleviates kidney injury, inflammation and ferroptosis. In hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) induced human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2), Car treatment reduced lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, suppressed oxidative stress, and inhibited ferroptosis. Through cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and molecular docking, we identified GPX4 as a potential target that binds with Car. Further study showed that overexpressed GPX4 had a comparable protective effect on HK2 cells under HR conditions, similar to Car. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that Car exhibited similar anti-ferroptosis effects in both folic acid (FA)-induced AKI mouse models and Erastin induced HK2 cells. In conclusion, our results highlight that Car alleviate renal IR injury by inhibiting GPX4-mediated ferroptosis. Car shows promise as a potential therapeutic drug for IR-AKI and other diseases associated with ferroptosis.

Expression of Angiopoietin-2 in Lung Tissue of Juvenile SD Rats with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury and the Role of Ulinastatin

This study aimed to observe the expression of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in the lung tissue of juvenile SD rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and to clarify the role of ulinastatin (UTI). Ninety 18-21-day-old juvenile SD male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 18). ALI rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (LPS 10 mg/kg), while the control group was given the same dose of normal saline. The UTI intervention group was given the injection of UTI (5000 U/mL) immediately after the injection of LPS, which was divided into UTI low-dose group (LPS + 5 ml/kg UTI), UTI medium-dose group (LPS + 10 ml/kg UTI), and UTI high-dose group (LPS + 20 ml/kg UTI).The respiratory status of each group of rats was observed, and six rats were randomly selected to be killed in each group at 6, 12, and 24 h, and the lung tissues were dissected and retained. The pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the expression levels and locations of Ang-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in lung tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining, and the expressions of genes and proteins of Ang-2 and VEGF were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Three hours after intraperitoneal injection, rats in the model group developed shortness of breath and the developed respiratory distress progressed over time. The lung pathological changes in the model group were obvious compared with those in the control group, and gradually worsened with time, and the pathological changes of lung in the rats in the UTI intervention group were reduced compared with those in the model group. At different time points, the expressions of Ang-2 and VEGF in the lung tissue of rats in the model group were higher than those in the control group, and were lower in the UTI intervention group than those in the model group. The expressions of Ang-2 and VEGF protein were lower in the low-dose group of UTI group than those in the high-dose group of UTI group at different time points (P < 0.05), and the expressions of Ang-2 and VEGF protein in the low-dose group of UTI were significantly lower than those in the medium-dose group at 12 h and 24 h (P < 0.05). The expression of Ang-2 was increased in the lung tissue of juvenile SD rats with LPS-induced ALI, and was associated with the degree of lung injury. UTI might attenuate LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the expression of Ang-2 in lung tissue, and the low dose was more obvious than the medium and high dose.

Research on the doctors' win in crowdsourcing competitions: perspectives on service content and competitive environment

Medical crowdsourcing competitions can help patients get more efficient and comprehensive treatment advice than "one-to-one" service, and doctors should be encouraged to actively participate. In the crowdsourcing competitions, winning the crowdsourcing competition is the driving force for doctors to continue to participate in the service. Therefore, how to improve the winning probability needs to be revealed. From the service content and competitive environment perspectives, this study introduces doctor competence indicators to investigate the key influence factors of doctors' wins on the online platform. The results show that the emotional interaction in doctors' service content positively influences doctors' wins. However, the influence of information interaction presents heterogeneity. Conclusive information helps doctors win, while suggestive information negatively affects them. For the competitive environment, the competitive environment negatively moderates the relationship between doctors' service content and doctors' wins. The results of this study provide important contributions to the research on crowdsourcing competitions and online healthcare services and guide the participants of the competition, including patients, doctors, and platforms.

Metabolic crosstalk between skeletal muscle cells and liver through IRF4-FSTL1 in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Inter-organ crosstalk has gained increasing attention in recent times; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we elucidate an endocrine pathway that is regulated by skeletal muscle interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 4, which manipulates liver pathology. Skeletal muscle specific IRF4 knockout (F4MKO) mice exhibited ameliorated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, without changes in body weight, when put on a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) diet. Proteomics analysis results suggested that follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) may constitute a link between muscles and the liver. Dual luciferase assays showed that IRF4 can transcriptionally regulate FSTL1. Further, inducing FSTL1 expression in the muscles of F4MKO mice is sufficient to restore liver pathology. In addition, co-culture experiments confirmed that FSTL1 plays a distinct role in various liver cell types via different receptors. Finally, we observed that the serum FSTL1 level is positively correlated with NASH progression in humans. These data indicate a signaling pathway involving IRF4-FSTL1-DIP2A/CD14, that links skeletal muscle cells to the liver in the pathogenesis of NASH.

Carnosine alleviates kidney tubular epithelial injury by targeting NRF2 mediated ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) can promote the occurrence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The injury of renal tubular epithelial cells is a significant reason for the occurrence of ESRD. A recent research demonstrated that ferroptosis was associated with renal tubular injury in DN. Ferroptosis is a kind of cell death brought on by the buildup of iron ions and lipid peroxidation brought on by ROS. Because carnosine (CAR) is a scavenger of iron ions and reactive oxygen species, we investigated whether CAR can improve DN by regulating ferroptosis. The results show that both CAR and Fer-1 significantly reduced kidney damage and inhibited ferroptosis in STZ mice. In addition, ferroptosis caused by HG or erastin (an inducer of ferroptosis) in human kidney tubular epithelial cell (HK2) was also rescued by CAR treatment. It was discovered that the protective effect of CAR against HG-induced ferroptosis was abolished when NRF2 was specifically knocked down in HK2 cells.

N-acetylcysteine in the Donor, Recipient, or Both Donor and Recipient in Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potentially effective drug for treating ischemia-reperfusion injury in transplanted livers, but its effect remains controversial.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant clinical trials published and registered in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrial.gov , WHO ICTRP, etc, before March 20, 2022 were conducted and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022315996). Data were pooled using a random effects model or a fixed effects model based on the amount of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies with 1121 participants, 550 of whom received NAC, were included. Compared with the control, NAC significantly reduced the incidence of primary graft nonfunction (relative risk [RR], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08-0.96), the incidence of postoperative complications (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.41-0.67), the peak postoperative aspartate transferase level (mean difference [MD], -267.52; 95% CI, -345.35 to -189.68), and the peak alanine transferase level (MD, -293.29; 95% CI, -370.39 to -216.20). NAC also improved 2-y (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01-1.38) graft survival rate. However, NAC increased the intraoperative cryoprecipitate (MD, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.42-1.46) and red blood cell (MD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.15-1.19) requirements. Moreover, NAC was administered in various modes in these studies, including to the donor, recipient, or both. Subgroup analysis and network meta-analysis showed that NAC administration to recipients could play a more significant role than the other 2 administration modes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the protective effect of NAC against LT-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury and shows better clinical outcomes of NAC administration to recipients.

N6-Methyladenosine methylase METTL3 contributes to neuropathic pain by epigenetic silencing of mu opioid receptor

We aimed at exploring the role and mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in neuropathic pain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham operation group (Sham group), chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve model group (NPP group), intrathecal injection of virus down-regulated METTL3 + CCI model group (M3 + NPP group) and intrathecal injection of negative control virus + CCI model group (Scr + NPP group). The M3 + NPP group and the Scr + NPP group were intrathecally injected with virus nineteen days before operation. The paw withdrawal mechanical thresholds and paw withdrawal latency were respectively recorded one day before operation, three days, five days and seven days after operation. The rats were sacrificed on the seventh day after operation, and their spinal cord tissues were taken. The frozen sections of rats were performed to observe the expression of green fluorescent protein of the virus. The methylation level of RNA, the protein expression of m6A-related enzyme (METTL3) and mu opioid receptor (MOR) in spinal cord tissues of the four groups were measured. Downregulation of METTL3 had no effect on the overall methylation level of the spinal cord, but it could regulate the methylation level of the OPRM1 gene RNA encoding MOR, partially restore the expression of MOR, and relieve pain in rats. In the process of NPP, METTL3 may inhibit the expression of MOR by regulating the methylation level of OPRM1 gene RNA encoding MOR, and ultimately promote the occurrence and development of NPP.

The role of the symbiotic microecosystem in cancer: gut microbiota, metabolome, and host immunome

The gut microbiota is not just a simple nutritional symbiosis that parasitizes the host; it is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that coevolves actively with the host and is involved in a variety of biological activities such as circadian rhythm regulation, energy metabolism, and immune response. The development of the immune system and immunological functions are significantly influenced by the interaction between the host and the microbiota. The interactions between gut microbiota and cancer are of a complex nature. The critical role that the gut microbiota plays in tumor occurrence, progression, and treatment is not clear despite the already done research. The development of precision medicine and cancer immunotherapy further emphasizes the importance and significance of the question of how the microbiota takes part in cancer development, progression, and treatment. This review summarizes recent literature on the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer immunology. The findings suggest the existence of a "symbiotic microecosystem" formed by gut microbiota, metabolome, and host immunome that is fundamental for the pathogenesis analysis and the development of therapeutic strategies for cancer.

[Research progress of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography in noninfectious uveitis: a review]

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a challenging type of intraocular inflammatory disease that tends to recur and can be resistant to treatment. It can cause both transient and permanent pathological changes in the retina and choroid. Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of these changes rely heavily on ophthalmic imaging methods. In recent years, the enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) have emerged as rapidly evolving ophthalmic imaging techniques that offer significant advantages in evaluating choroidal thickness, displaying the whole choroid, and monitoring choroidal blood flow. This review provides an overview of the current research status of EDI-OCT, SS-OCT, and SS-OCTA in evaluating intraocular inflammation and other choroid-related complications in noninfectious intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis, and also highlights their future prospects.

Effect of microbial communities on nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in rivers with different heavy metal pollution

Small urban and rural rivers usually face heavy metal pollution as a result of urbanization and industrial and agricultural activities. To elucidate the metabolic capacity of microbial communities on nitrogen and phosphorus cycle in river sediments under different heavy metal pollution backgrounds, this study collected samples in situ from two typical rivers, Tiquan River and Mianyuan River, with different heavy metal pollution levels. The microbial community structure and metabolic capacity of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles of sediment microorganisms were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the major heavy metals in the sediments of the Tiquan River were Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd with the contents of 103.80, 30.65, 25.95, and 0.44 mg/kg, respectively, while the major heavy metals in the sediments of the Mianyuan River were Cd and Cu with the contents of 0.60 and 27.81 mg/kg, respectively. The dominant bacteria Steroidobacter, Marmoricola, and Bacillus in the sediments of the Tiquan River had positive correlations with Cu, Zn, and Pb while are negatively correlated with Cd. Cd had a positive correlation with Rubrivivax, and Cu had a positive correlation with Gaiella in the sediments of the Mianyuan River. The dominant bacteria in the sediments of the Tiquan River showed strong phosphorus metabolic ability, and the dominant bacteria in the sediments of the Mianyuan River showed strong nitrogen metabolic ability, corresponding to the lower total phosphorus content in the Tiquan River and the higher total nitrogen content in the Mianyuan River. The results of this study showed that resistant bacteria became dominant bacteria due to the stress of heavy metals, and these bacteria showed strong nitrogen and phosphorus metabolic ability. It can provide theoretical support for the pollution prevention and control of small urban and rural rivers and have positive significance for maintaining the healthy development of rivers.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of Kaihoujian Throat Spray (children's type) in the treatment of pediatric acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis

Context

Kaihoujian Throat Spray children's type (KHJSC) is a Chinese medicine prescription for treating pediatric acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis (APT). However, its relevant mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

To investigate the pharmacological effects of KHJSC on APT in vitro and in vivo, and explore the possible mechanism and target proteins.

Materials and methods

The antiviral and antibacterial effects in vitro were evaluated by IC50 and MICs. Thirty-six Japanese white rabbits were averagely divided into control group, model group, amoxicillin group and 3 dose groups of KHJSC (720, 540 and 360 μL/kg/d). The model rabbits were injected with β-hemolytic Streptococcus solution into the tonsils for 2 consecutive days. KHJSC treatment started on the third day. The whole blood, serum, tonsil tissues and pharyngeal mucosa tissues were collected for routine blood tests, proteomic, ELISA and other tests on the sixth day.

Results

The IC50 of KHJSC on HCoV-229E, influenza PR8 and Ad3 were 1.99, 1.99 and 4.49 mg/mL, respectively; MICs of MDR-PA, MRSA and β-hemolytic Streptococcus were 350, 350, and 175 mg/mL. KHJSC markedly decreased the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and the level of IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α and MCP-1; increased the content of IL-2 and IFN-γ. Proteomic analysis and ELISA revealed that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway were the potential mechanisms of KHJSC against APT.

Discussion and conclusion

These results provided the reference and scientific basis for the application of KHJSC in clinic and further mechanisms study.

Analysis of the association between glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria and metabolic syndrome in chronic kidney patients based on longitudinal data

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a group of chronic diseases caused by kidney damage from multiple causes. Metabolic syndrome (MS) manifests as dysfunction of endothelial cells and chronic functional inflammatory states, and may be involved in pathological changes related to renal impairment. Based on longitudinal data analysis of the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria and MS in patients with CKD, this study aims to provide new ideas for the pathophysiological mechanism of CKD and a theoretical basis for the early prevention and effective intervention of MS-related kidney damage. A total of 126 patients with CKD were divided into non-MS group and MS group. According to the eGFR level, 126 patients with CKD were divided into G1 group, G2 group, G3a group, G3b group, G4 group and G5 group. Serum markers such as eGFR, urine protein, and triglycerides (TG) were collected. The correlation between eGFR, urine protein and MS-related indexes was analysed, and the risk factors affecting CKD complicated by MS were analysed. In patients with CKD, the levels of urine protein, abdominal circumference, TG, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting blood glucose (FPG) were increased with the course of the disease, but the levels of eGFR and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) were decreased (p < 0.05). Abdominal circumference, TG, SBP, DBP, FP were significantly negatively correlated with eGFR, but HDL-C was positively correlated with eGFR (p < 0.05). Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, UA, and SBP were independent risk factors affecting CKD complicated MS, and eGFR were independent protective factors (p < 0.05). The combination of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, UA, SBP, and eGFR exhibited higher prediction value for the CKD patients complicated by MS. There was a certain correlation between between MS components with eGFR and urinary protein in patients with CKD. The early intervention treatment of MS was helpful in delaying the development of CKD and reducing proteinuria.

Utilization of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in children and adolescents in China: a real-world study

Background

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been widely used in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity in adults, but scientific research about the indication in children and adolescents is scarce. The current study aims to explore the prescriptions of GLP-1RAs in children and adolescents in China and to evaluate its rationality.

Methods

GLP-1RA prescriptions of children and adolescents were retrospectively obtained from the Hospital Prescription Analysis Cooperative Project. The study extracted information on patient's demographic characteristics, monotherapy and combination therapy of GLP-1RAs, and trends in GLP-1RA usage from 2016 to 2021. The rationality of GLP-1RA prescriptions was comprehensively assessed based on the indications approved by China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), and published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

A total of 234 prescriptions from 46 hospitals were included, with a median age of 17 years old. The majority of patients were diagnosed with overweight/obesity or prediabetes/diabetes, accounting for 43.59% and 46.15%, respectively. There were 88 patients on GLP-1RA monotherapy. GLP-1RAs plus metformin was the most common combination therapy (38.89%). 12.39% of patients were found a co-administration with orlistat. The share of overweight/obesity prescriptions increased from 27% in 2016 to 54% in 2021, whereas prediabetes/diabetes prescriptions declined from 55% to 42%. The prescriptions were divided into appropriate and questionable groups according to the diagnosis, and the potentially questionable prescription was related to age (p = 0.017), department visited (p = 0.002), and any hospitalization (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study described the prescribing of GLP-1RAs in children and adolescents. Our findings indicated that the utilization of GLP-1RAs has increased from 2016 to 2021. There was a strong basis for administering GLP-1RAs in overweight/obesity and prediabetes/diabetes, whereas the evidence was insufficient in other conditions. It is crucial to demand robust and sustained efforts to enhance the awareness of the safety of utilization of GLP-1RAs in children and adolescents.

[Progress of schistosomiasis control in People's Republic of China in 2022]

This report presented the endemic status of schistosomiasis and analyzed the data collected from the national schistosomiasis prevention and control system and national schistosomiasis surveillance program in the People's Republic of China in 2022. Among the 12 provinces (municipality and autonomous region) endemic for schistosomiasis, Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region continued to maintain the achievements of schistosomiasis elimination, and Sichuan and Jiangsu provinces maintained the criteria of transmission interruption, while Yunnan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces maintained the criteria of transmission control by the end of 2022. A total of 452 counties (cites, districts) were found to be endemic for schistosomiasis in China in 2022, with 27 434 endemic villages covering 73 424 400 people at risk of infections. Among the 452 endemic counties (cities, districts), 75.89% (343/452), 23.45% (106/452) and 0.66% (3/452) achieved the criteria of elimination, transmission interruption and transmission control of schistosomiasis, respectively. In 2022, 4 317 356 individuals received serological tests for schistosomiasis, and 62 228 were sero-positive. A total of 208 646 individuals received stool examinations for schistosomiasis, with one positive and another two cases positive for urine microscopy, and these three 3 cases were imported schistosomiasis patients from Africa. There were 28 565 cases with advanced schistosomiasis documented in China by the end of 2022. Oncomelania hupensis snail survey was performed in 18 891 endemic villages in China in 2022 and O. hupensis snails were found in 6 917 villages (36.62% of all surveyed villages), with 8 villages identified with emerging snail habitats. Snail survey was performed at an area of 655 703.01 hm² and 183 888.60 hm² snail habitats were found, including 110.58 hm² emerging snail habitats and 844.35 hm² re-emerging snail habitats. There were 477 200 bovines raised in the schistosomiasis endemic areas of China in 2022, and 113 946 bovines received serological examinations for schistosomiasis, with 204 sero-positives detected. Among the 131 715 bovines received stool examinations, no positives were identified. In 2022, there were 19 726 schistosomiasis patients receiving praziquantel chemotherapy, and expanded chemotherapy was performed in 714 465 person-time for humans and 234 737 herd-time for bovines in China. In 2022, snail control with chemical treatment was performed at an area of 119 134.07 hm², and the actual area of chemical treatment was 65 825.27 hm², while environmental improvements were performed at an area of 1 163.96 hm². Data from the national schistosomiasis surveillance program of China showed that the mean prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections was both zero in humans and bovines in 2022, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in O. hupensis snails. These data demonstrated that the endemic status of schistosomiasis continued to decline in China in 2022, with 3 confirmed schistosomiasis patients that had a foreign nationality and all imported from Africa, and the areas of snail habitats remained high. Further improvements in the construction of the schistosomaisis surveillance and forecast system, and reinforcement of O. hupensis survey and control are required to prevent the re-emerging schistosomiasis.

A method for researching the eutrophication and N/P loads of plateau lakes: Lugu Lake as a case

Lugu Lake is one of the best plateau lakes in China in terms of water quality, but in recent years the eutrophication of Lugu Lake has accelerated due to high nitrogen and phosphorus loads. This study aimed to determine the eutrophication state of Lugu Lake. Specifically, the spatio-temporal variations of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution during the wet and dry seasons were investigated in Lianghai and Caohai, and the primary environmental effect factors were defined. Adopting the endogenous static release experiments and the exogenous improved export coefficient model, a novel approach (a combination of internal and external sources) was developed for the estimation of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution loads in Lugu Lake. It was indicated that the order of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in Lugu Lake was Caohai > Lianghai and dry season > wet season. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and chemical oxygen demand (COD_Mn) were the main environmental factors causing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Endogenous nitrogen and phosphorus release rates in Lugu Lake were 668.7 and 42.0 t/a, respectively, and exogenous nitrogen and phosphorus input rates were 372.7 and 30.8 t/a, respectively. The contributions of pollution sources, in descending order, were sediment > land-use categories > residents and livestock breeding > plant decay, of which sediment nitrogen and phosphorus loads accounted for 64.3 % and 57.4 %, respectively. Regulating the endogenous release of sediment and obstructing the exogenous input from shrubland and woodland are emphasized for the management of nitrogen and phosphorus contamination in Lugu Lake. Thus, this study can serve as a theoretical foundation and technical guide for eutrophication control in plateau lakes.

Occupancy of orbitals and the quadrupole collectivity in 45Sc nucleus

In the present work, the Doppler Shift Attenuation method (DSAM) was used to analyze the observed lineshapes of transitions from excited states in ⁴⁵Sc, populated in the reaction ³⁶Ar + ¹²C at a beam energy of 145 MeV. The interpretation and comparison of the experimental results have been performed with large-scale shell model calculations, involving different interactions like: GX1A, GX1J, FPD6, KB3 and ZBM2. KB3 and FPD6 (present work) interactions in the negative parity states, and in positive parity states ZBM2 are most pre-eminent in reproducing the results, due to the large configuration space describing strong collective effects. Furthermore, the present work also looks at the details of the shell model helping in improving the understanding for the occupancy of orbitals. The present investigation suggests the observation of stronger collectivity for positive parity states over negative parity states with predicted enhanced collectivity of states in ⁴⁵Sc nucleus.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on liver transplantation: a meta-analysis

Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX), an adjuvant anesthetic, may improve the clinical outcomes of liver transplantation (LT). Methods: We summarized the relevant clinical trials of DEX in patients undergoing LT. As of 30 January 2023, we searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Clinical Trial.gov and the WHO ICTRP. The main outcomes were postoperative liver and renal function. The random effect model or fixed effect model was used to summarize the outcomes across centers based on the differences in heterogeneity. Results: The meta-analysis included nine studies in total. Compared with the control group, the DEX group had a reduced warm ischemia time (MD-4.39; 95% CI-6.74--2.05), improved postoperative liver (peak aspartate transferase: MD-75.77, 95% CI-112.81--38.73; peak alanine transferase: MD-133.51, 95% CI-235.57--31.45) and renal function (peak creatinine: MD-8.35, 95% CI-14.89--1.80), and a reduced risk of moderate-to-extreme liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14-0.60). Finally, the hospital stay of these patients was decreased (MD-2.28, 95% CI-4.00--0.56). Subgroup analysis of prospective studies showed that DEX may have better efficacy in living donors and adult recipients. Conclusion: DEX can improve short-term clinical outcomes and shorten the hospital stay of patients. However, the long-term efficacy of DEX and its interfering factors deserves further study. Systematic Review: identifier CRD42022351664.

[Activation of GABAergic neurons in the zona incerta accelerates anesthesia induction with sevoflurane and propofol without affecting anesthesia maintenance or awakening in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the regulatory effects of GABAergic neurons in the zona incerta (ZI) on sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia.

METHODS

Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice divided into 8 groups (n=6) were used in this study. In the study of sevoflurane anesthesia, chemogenetic experiment was performed in 2 groups of mice with injection of either adeno-associated virus carrying hM3Dq (hM3Dq group) or a virus carrying only mCherry (mCherry group). The optogenetic experiment was performed in another two groups of mice injected with an adeno-associated virus carrying ChR2 (ChR2 group) or GFP only (GFP group). The same experiments were also performed in mice for studying propofol anesthesia. Chemogenetics or optogenetics were used to induce the activation of GABAergic neurons in the ZI, and their regulatory effects on anesthesia induction and arousal with sevoflurane and propofol were observed; EEG monitoring was used to observe the changes in sevoflurane anesthesia maintenance after activation of the GABAergic neurons.

RESULTS

In sevoflurane anesthesia, the induction time of anesthesia was significantly shorter in hM3Dq group than in mCherry group (P < 0.05), and also shorter in ChR2 group than in GFP group (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was found in the awakening time between the two groups in either chemogenetic or optogenetic tests. Similar results were observed in chemogenetic and optogenetic experiments with propofol (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Photogenetic activation of the GABAergic neurons in the ZI did not cause significant changes in EEG spectrum during sevoflurane anesthesia maintenance.

CONCLUSION

Activation of the GABAergic neurons in the ZI promotes anesthesia induction of sevoflurane and propofol but does not affect anesthesia maintenance or awakening.