Mapping the risk factors, pathogens, and antibiotic of pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients after neck open surgery

PURPOSE

Current literature lacks consensus on risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), and empirical antibiotic guidelines for PCF are limited. The aim of this study was to reduce the incidence of PCF and improve antibiotic treatment efficacy for patients with PCF after open neck surgery by analyzing their clinical characteristics, pathogenic bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility.

METHODS

This study was a 13-year single-center retrospective cohort study, including 699 patients who underwent open neck surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of PCF after surgery. The microbial species causing PCF were analyzed, and the antibiotic sensitivity of the top three pathogens was assessed. Venn diagrams were used to illustrate the antibiotics that exhibited 100% sensitivity against all three identified pathogens.

RESULTS

The incidence of PCF after open neck surgery was 8%. Logistic univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that flap reconstruction (OR = 3.62, 95% CI [2.02-6.52]), history of preoperative radiotherapy (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.31-2.73]), significant postoperative bleeding (OR = 1.79, 95% CI [1.11-2.69]), and history of diabetes (OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.29-2.46]) were significantly associated with PCF occurrence. Among the 38 cases of PCF patients, the top three identified pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae. The antibiotics cefepime, meropenem, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, and cefoperazone/sulbactam showed 100% sensitivity against these top three pathogens.

CONCLUSION

Special attention should be given to patients undergoing open neck surgery, especially those with intraoperative flap reconstruction, a history of preoperative radiotherapy, postoperative bleeding, or diabetes. Strengthening monitoring and care is crucial in preventing the occurrence of PCF. According to antibiotic usage guidelines and considering the distribution of pathogens in PCF patients, empirical antibiotic treatment with cefoperazone/sulbactam or ticarcillin/clavulanic acid is recommended prior to obtaining susceptibility test results.

AZGP1 Aggravates Macrophage M1 Polarization and Pyroptosis in Periodontitis

Periodontal tissue destruction in periodontitis is a consequence of the host inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens, which could be aggravated in the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Accumulating evidence highlights the intricate involvement of macrophage-mediated inflammation in the pathogenesis of periodontitis under both normal and T2DM conditions. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (AZGP1), a glycoprotein featuring an MHC-I domain, has been implicated in both inflammation and metabolic disorders. In this study, we found that AZGP1 was primarily colocalized with macrophages in periodontitis tissues. AZGP1 was increased in periodontitis compared with controls, which was further elevated when accompanied by T2DM. Adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression of Azgp1 in the periodontium significantly enhanced periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss, accompanied by elevated M1 macrophages and pyroptosis in murine models of periodontitis and T2DM-associated periodontitis, while Azgp1-/- mice exhibited opposite effects. In primary bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS and palmitic acid (PA), overexpression or knockout of Azgp1 markedly upregulated or suppressed, respectively, the expression of macrophage M1 markers and key components of the NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1 signaling. Moreover, conditioned medium from Azgp1-overexpressed macrophages under LPS or LPS+PA stimulation induced higher inflammatory activation and lower osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Furthermore, elevated M1 polarization and pyroptosis in macrophages and associated detrimental effects on hPDLSCs induced by Azgp1 overexpression could be rescued by NLRP3 or caspase-1 inhibition. Collectively, our study elucidated that AZGP1 could aggravate periodontitis by promoting macrophage M1 polarization and pyroptosis through the NLRP3/casapse-1 pathway, which was accentuated in T2DM-associated periodontitis. This finding deepens the understanding of AZGP1 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and suggests AZGP1 as a crucial link mediating the adverse effects of diabetes on periodontal inflammation.

Composition analysis of Compound Shenhua Tablet, a seven-herb Chinese medicine for IgA nephropathy: evaluation of analyte-capacity of the assays

Compound Shenhua Tablet, a medicine comprising seven herbs, is employed in treating IgA nephropathy. This study aimed to meticulously analyze its chemical composition. Based on a list of candidate compounds, identified through extensive literature review pertinent to the tablet's herbal components, the composition analysis entailed the systematic identification, characterization, and quantification of the constituents. The analyte-capacity of LC/ESI-MS-based and GC/EI-MS-based assays was evaluated. The identified and characterized constituents were quantified to determine their content levels and were ranked based on the constituents' daily doses. A total of 283 constituents, classified into 12 distinct categories, were identified and characterized in the Compound Shenhua Tablet. These constituents exhibited content levels of 1-10 982 μg·g-1, with daily doses of 0.01-395 μmol·d-1. The predominant constituents, with daily doses of ≥ 10 μmol·d-1, include nine organic acids (citric acid, quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, isochlorogenic acid B, and linoleic acid), five iridoids (specnuezhenide, nuezhenoside G13, nuezhenidic acid, secoxyloganin, and secologanoside), two monoterpene glycosides (paeoniflorin and albiflorin), a sesquiterpenoid (curzerenone), a triterpenoid (oleanolic acid), and a phenylethanoid (salidroside). Additionally, there were 83, 126, and 55 constituents detected in the medicine with daily doses of 1-10, 0.1-1, and 0.01-0.1 μmol·d-1, respectively. The combination of the LC/ESI-MS-based and GC/EI-MS-based assays demonstrated a complementary relationship in their analyte-capacity for detecting the constituents present in the medicine. This comprehensive composition analysis establishes a solid foundation for further pharmacological research on Compound Shenhua Tablet and facilitates the quality evaluation of this complex herbal medicine.

The Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study enables generational genetic discoveries

Genomic research that targets large-scale, prospective birth cohorts constitutes an essential strategy for understanding the influence of genetics and environment on human health1. Nonetheless, such studies remain scarce, particularly in Asia. Here we present the phase I genome study of the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study2 (BIGCS), which encompasses the sequencing and analysis of 4,053 Chinese individuals, primarily composed of trios or mother-infant duos residing in South China. Our analysis reveals novel genetic variants, a high-quality reference panel, and fine-scale local genetic structure within BIGCS. Notably, we identify previously unreported East Asian-specific genetic associations with maternal total bile acid, gestational weight gain and infant cord blood traits. Additionally, we observe prevalent age-specific genetic effects on lipid levels in mothers and infants. In an exploratory intergenerational Mendelian randomization analysis, we estimate the maternal putatively causal and fetal genetic effects of seven adult phenotypes on seven fetal growth-related measurements. These findings illuminate the genetic links between maternal and early-life traits in an East Asian population and lay the groundwork for future research into the intricate interplay of genetics, intrauterine exposures and early-life experiences in shaping long-term health.

Positive relief of stroke patients with dysphagia under cluster nursing strategy

For exploring the positive relief effect and application value of cluster nursing strategies on stroke patients with dysphagia in rehabilitation medicine. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with stroke dysphagia admitted to the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of our hospital from June 2021 to November 2022; by comparison, patients were separated into intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) according to different degrees of swallowing difficulty, and nutritional nursing interventions were conducted on the selected research subjects. It was given routine care in the CG and a cluster nursing strategy in the IG, with a total intervention time of 5 months. Before intervention, general information of all patients was compared. Before and after intervention, the incidence of aspiration, nutritional biochemical indicators (hemoglobin, total serum protein, albumin, prealbumin, total cholesterol), grip strength, Swallowing Quality of Life score, etc were collected from the 2 groups of patients. Finally, the specific benefits were analyzed through statistical results to evaluate the intervention effect. After intervention, the explicit aspiration rate of the participants in this experiment significantly decreased, and the difference among the participants in this experiment was statistically significant (P < .05); the implicit aspiration rate was not statistically significant (P > .05). In the comparison of nursing expenses, the CG spent 5403.57 ± 815.51 yuan, while the IG spent 5237.10 ± 758.35 yuan. There was a statistically marked disparity among the participants in this experiment (t = 52.41, P < .001). In the comparison of hospitalization expenses, the cost of the CG was 9236.05 ± 3236.08 yuan; The cost of the IG was 9538.59 ± 4985.21 yuan, and there was a marked disparity among the participants in this experiment (P < .001). The significant statistical significance exists (P < .05) in the 5 indicators of hemoglobin, total protein, prealbumin, albumin, and total cholesterol, quality of life scores, and patient physical efficacy in both groups. The intervention study of cluster nursing strategy for stroke patients with dysphagia in rehabilitation medicine can effectively reduce the incidence of overt aspiration and ultimately improve their quality of life. It has high clinical application value.

[Application of bridging study design in preventive vaccine clinical trials]

Bridging study in vaccine clinical trials means a series of small-scale additional tests on the basis that the original safety and effectiveness of a vaccine have been confirmed in clinical trials, to prove that the characteristics of safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of a vaccine are similar or consistent after component, population and immunization procedure change to other types which can extrapolate data from existing clinical trials. Compared with traditional vaccine clinical trials, bridging trials can promote the approval of vaccines to the market, accelerate the expansion of vaccine application, and promote the use of vaccines across regions and populations. In recent years, the application of bridge study design in vaccine clinical research has become more and more common. In order to better guide and promote the application of bridging trial design in the field of vaccine clinical research, we reviewed the design characteristics and application examples of bridging study design in vaccine clinical trials, and systematically elaborated the design ideas, key points and statistical evaluation methods of bridging study.

Ginsenoside Rg3 improves microcystin-induced cardiotoxicity through the miR-128-3p/MDM4 axis

Microcystin (MC) is the byproduct of cyanobacteria metabolism that is associated with oxidative stress and heart damage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on MC-induced cardiotoxicity. A mouse model of myocardial infarction was constructed by oral MC administration. H9C2 cells were used for in vitro analysis. Cellular oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the relationship between miR-128-3p and double minute 4 protein (MDM4) were analyzed. MiR-128-3p expression was upregulated in vitro and in vivo after MC treatment, which was downregulated after Rg3 treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) were increased and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was decreased after Rg3 treatment. Moreover, Rg3 alleviated MC-induced pathological changes and apoptosis in myocardial tissues. Meanwhile, Rg3 treatment decreased the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and inhabited cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in MC-treated myocardial cells. MiR-128-3p overexpression attenuated the protective effect of Rg3 on MC-induced cardiotoxicity. MiR-128-3p negatively regulated MDM4 expression. This study revealed that Rg3 alleviated MC-induced cardiotoxicity through the miR-128-3p/MDM4 axis, which emphasized the potential of Rg3 as a therapeutic agent for MC-induced cardiotoxicity, and miR-128-3p as a target for the Rg3 therapy.

The role of mitochondrial fission in intervertebral disc degeneration

Low back pain (LBP) is an extremely common disorder and is a major cause of disability globally. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the main contributor to LBP. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IVDD remain unclear. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that continuously undergo fusion and fission, known as mitochondrial dynamics. Accumulating evidence has revealed that aberrantly activated mitochondrial fission leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction, which are involved in the development and progression of IVDD. To date, research into mitochondrial dynamics in IVDD is at an early stage. The present narrative review aims to summarize the most recent findings about the role of mitochondrial fission in the pathogenesis of IVDD.

DHAV 3CD targets IRF7 and RIG-I proteins to block the type I interferon upstream signaling pathway

Duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) is an acute, highly lethal infectious agent that infects ducklings and causes up to 95% mortality in ducklings up to 1 week of age, posing a significant economic threat to the duck farming industry. Previous studies have found that the proteolytic enzyme 3 C encoded by DHAV-1 can inhibit the IRF7 protein from blocking the upstream signaling pathway of the type I interferon to promote viral replication. However, there are still few studies on the mechanism of DHAV-1 in immune evasion. Here, we demonstrate that the DHAV-1 3CD protein can interact with IRF7 protein and reduce IRF7 protein expression without directly affecting IRF7 protein nuclear translocation. Further studies showed that the 3CD protein could reduce the expression of RIG-I protein without affecting its transcription level. Furthermore, we found that the 3CD protein interacted with the N-terminal structural domain of RIG-I protein, interfered with the interaction between RIG-I and MAVS, and degraded RIG-I protein through the proteasomal degradation pathway, thereby inhibiting its mediated antiviral innate immunity to promote DHAV-1 replication. These data suggest a novel immune evasion mechanism of DHAV-1 mediated by the 3CD protein, and the results of this experiment are expected to improve the understanding of the biological functions of the viral precursor protein and provide scientific data to elucidate the mechanism of DHAV-1 infection and pathogenesis.

Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus by Subtypes Among Rural Women Aged 35-64 Years - Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, 2019-2021

What is already known about this topic?

Little is known about the infection pattern for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) subtypes in rural areas in southern China.

What is added by this report?

The prevalence of HPV-16, 18, and the other 12 hrHPV subtypes were 0.71%, 0.34%, and 4.50%, respectively, among rural women in Guangzhou. The prevalence of HPV-16 and the other 12 hrHPV subtypes increased with age, but there was no evident age trend for HPV-18 prevalence.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Epidemiological characteristics of hrHPV prevalence in rural Guangzhou should be considered to identify high-risk populations of hrHPV infection and determine follow-up strategies.

Testing alternative hypotheses on the origin and speciation of Hawaiian katydids

Background

Hawaiian Islands offer a unique and dynamic evolutionary theatre for studying origin and speciation as the islands themselves sequentially formed by erupting undersea volcanos, which would subsequently become dormant and extinct. Such dynamics have not been used to resolve the controversy surrounding the origin and speciation of Hawaiian katydids in the genus Banza, whose ancestor could be from either the Old-World genera Ruspolia and Euconocephalus, or the New World Neoconocephalus. To address this question, we performed a chronophylogeographic analysis of Banza species together with close relatives from the Old and New Worlds.

Results

Based on extensive dated phylogeographic analyses of two mitochondrial genes (COX1 and CYTB), we show that our data are consistent with the interpretation that extant Banza species resulted from two colonization events, both by katydids from the Old World rather than from the New World. The first event was by an ancestral lineage of Euconocephalus about 6 million years ago (mya) after the formation of Nihoa about 7.3 mya, giving rise to B. nihoa. The second colonization event was by a sister lineage of Ruspolia dubia. The dating result suggests that this ancestral lineage first colonized an older island in the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain before the emergence of Hawaii Islands, but colonized Kauai after its emergence in 5.8 mya. This second colonization gave rise to the rest of the Banza species in two major lineages, one on the older northwestern islands, and the other on the newer southwestern islands.

Conclusion

Chronophylogeographic analyses with well-sampled taxa proved crucial for resolving phylogeographic controversies on the origin and evolution of species colonizing a new environment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-022-02037-2.

The role and mechanisms of long non-coding RNA LINC00662 in promoting the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells and the subsequent effect on the progression of gastric cancer

A large body of evidence indicates that long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) is widely involved in various cellular processes and tumor progression. LINC00662, an lncRNA, has been reported to play a role in lung cancer. However, the biological function of LINC00662 in gastric cancer (GC) has not yet been explored. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of LINC00662 in promoting the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells and the subsequent effect on the progression of GC. The expression level of LINC00662 in GC tissues and cells was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Small interfering RNA was used to silence LINC00662 in BGC-823 and HGC-27 GC cells in vitro for an MTT assay, a colony formation assay, and a transwell assay to determine cell proliferation and invasion ability. LINC00662-silenced BGC-823 and HGC-27 cells were also injected into zebrafish to detect the proliferation and invasion ability of the cells. Co-cultures in vitro of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with silenced LINC00662 and in vivo experiments were also performed. The upregulation of LINC00662 was observed in GC tissues and cell lines. Functional studies in vitro showed that knocking down LINC00662 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of GC cells. In vivo experiments in zebrafish also confirmed that knocked-down LINC00662 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of GC cells, and in vitro angiogenesis experiments showed that the supernatant of GC with knocked-down LINC00662 inhibited the angiogenesis of HUVECs. LINC00662 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GC cells and promoted angiogenesis. These findings suggest that LINC00662 may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.

[Suppression of HMGB1 inhibits neuronal autophagy and apoptosis to improve neurological deficits in rats following intracerebral hemorrhage]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of suppressing high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on neuronal autophagy and apoptosis in rats after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats.

METHODS

Rat models of ICH induced by intracerebral striatum injection of 0.2 U/mL collagenase Ⅳ were treated with 1 mg/kg anti-HMGB1 mAb or a control anti-IgG mAb injected via the tail immediately and at 6 h after the operation (n=5). The rats in the sham-operated group (with intracranial injection of 2 μL normal saline) and ICH model group (n=5) were treated with PBS in the same manner after the operation. The neurological deficits of the rats were evaluated using modified neurological severity score (mNSS). TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis of the striatal neurons, and the expressions of HMGB1, autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ and LC3-Ⅰ) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3) in the brain tissues surrounding the hematoma were detected using Western blotting. The expression of HMGB1 in the striatum was detected by immunohistochemistry, and serum level of HMGB1 was detected with ELISA.

RESULTS

The rat models of ICH showed significantly increased mNSS (P < 0.05), which was markedly lowered after treatment with anti- HMGB1 mAb (P < 0.05). ICH caused a significant increase of apoptosis of the striatal neurons (P < 0.05), enhanced the expressions of beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.05), lowered the expressions of LC3-Ⅰ and Bcl-2 (P < 0.05), and increased the content of HMGB1 (P < 0.05). Treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb obviously lowered the apoptosis rate of the striatal neurons (P < 0.05), decreased the expressions of Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.05), increased the expressions of LC3-Ⅰ and Bcl-2 (P < 0.05), and reduced the content of HMGB1 in ICH rats (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Down- regulation of HMGB1 by anti-HMGB1 improves neurological functions of rats after ICH possibly by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis of the neurons.

P-380 Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveales that expression changes of the endometrium in repeated implantation failure are altered by HPV-mediated CXCL chemokine secretion

Study question

What are the mechanisms and molecular expression patterns of reduced endometrial receptivity in repeated implantation failure (RIF) after human papillomavirus (HPV) infection?

Summary answer

The single-cell transcriptomic analysis identifies the expression changes of endometrium in RIF via HPV-mediated CXCL chemokines secretion in single-cell resolution.

What is known already

Regardless of the advance of in vitro fertilization (IVF), RIF is still a formidable challenge for couples and physicians in clinical treatment. In infertile couples, a reduction in natural and assisted cumulative pregnancy rate and an increase in miscarriage rate are related to the HPV infection.

Study design, size, duration

Cross-sectional clinical studies with 322 infertile couples undergoing IVF were integrated to demonstrate the associations between HPV infection and reproductive outcomes (pregnancy rate and miscarriage). Descriptive analysis of single-cell transcriptome data of uteruses, and transcriptome profiles of mid-secretory endometrium from 16 healthy fertile women and 38 repeated IVF failure women were analyzed to identify the expression patterns of endometrium in RIF. In vitro assays were used to validate the expression patterns in endometrium.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

322 infertile couples, single-cell transcriptome data of uteruses (human and mouse), and transcriptome profiles of endometrium (16 normal vs. 38 RIF) were used to analyze the association between HPV infection and reduced endometrial receptivity. HPV genes (E1, E2, E4, and E5) were transfected into a human normal endometrial epithelial cell line (hEM3), and immunohistochemistry, Westerns, quantitative PCR were used to validate the changes of CXCL chemokines in the endometrium in vitro.

Main results and the role of chance

Integrated cross-sectional studies demonstrate that HPV+ women exhibit a decreased pregnancy rate (83.09%) as compared with HPV- women (55.17%, P &lt;0.001), and a higher miscarriage rate (62.5% vs. 16.7%, P &lt;0.001) and the relative risk of spontaneous abortion (odd ratio=2.84, P &lt;0.0001) were observed in HPV+ women. Transcriptome profiling analysis identified the enrichment of the processes related to viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, especially in the CXCL chemokine family. Further analysis of single-cell transcriptome demonstrated that the changed expression patterns were associated with endometrial epithelial cells and immune cells, including macrophage dendritic cells, monocytes, and granulocytes. Moreover, in vitro assays validated the HPV-mediated CXCL chemokines secretion, which played the role in recruiting immune cells.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The current findings are based on the single-cell profiling analysis in normal endometrium. In addition, the in vivo response of the HPV infection may differ from the in vitro assay, which should be validated in the HPV infection couples.

Wider implications of the findings

Our study demonstrated the expression changes of endometrium in RIF via HPV-mediated CXCL chemokines secretion, which provided insight into the mechanisms of HPV-induced reduced endometrial receptivity in single-cell resolution.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Functions of Viroporins in the Viral Life Cycle and Their Regulation of Host Cell Responses

Viroporins are virally encoded transmembrane proteins that are essential for viral pathogenicity and can participate in various stages of the viral life cycle, thereby promoting viral proliferation. Viroporins have multifaceted effects on host cell biological functions, including altering cell membrane permeability, triggering inflammasome formation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and evading immune responses, thereby ensuring that the virus completes its life cycle. Viroporins are also virulence factors, and their complete or partial deletion often reduces virion release and reduces viral pathogenicity, highlighting the important role of these proteins in the viral life cycle. Thus, viroporins represent a common drug-protein target for inhibiting drugs and the development of antiviral therapies. This article reviews current studies on the functions of viroporins in the viral life cycle and their regulation of host cell responses, with the aim of improving the understanding of this growing family of viral proteins.

Blood pressure trajectories during pregnancy and preterm delivery: A prospective cohort study in China

Women's blood pressure (BP) changes throughout pregnancy. The effect of BP trajectories on preterm delivery is not clear. The authors aim to evaluate the association between maternal BP trajectories during pregnancy and preterm delivery. The authors studied pregnant women included in the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study in China between February 2012 and June 2016. Maternal BP was measured at antenatal visits between 13 and 40 gestational weeks, and gestational age of delivery data was collected. The authors used linear mixed models to capture the BP trajectories of women with term, and spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm delivery. BP trajectories of women with various gestational lengths (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 weeks) were compared. Of the 17 426 women included in the analysis, 618 (3.55%) had spontaneous preterm delivery; 158 (.91%) had iatrogenic preterm delivery; and 16 650 (95.55%) women delivered at term. The BP trajectories were all J‐shaped curves for different delivery types. Women with iatrogenic preterm delivery had the highest mean BP from 13 weeks till delivery, followed by those with spontaneous preterm delivery and term delivery (p < .001). Trajectory analysis stratified by maternal parity showed similar results for nulliparous and multiparous women. Excluding women with pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension (GH) significantly attenuated the aforementioned association. Also, women with shorter gestational length tend to have higher BP trajectories during pregnancy. In conclusion, Women with spontaneous preterm delivery have a higher BP from 13 weeks till delivery than women with term delivery, while women with iatrogenic preterm delivery have the highest BP.

Part 2: Stabilization/Containment of Radiological Particle Contamination to Enhance First Responder, Early Phase Worker, and Public Safety

The application of stabilization technologies to a radiologically contaminated surface has the potential for reducing the spread of contamination and, as a result, decreasing worker exposure to radiation. Three stabilization technologies, calcium chloride (CaCl2), flame retardant Phos-Chek® MVP-Fx, and Soil2O™ were investigated to evaluate their ability to reduce the resuspension and tracking of radiological contamination during response activities such as vehicle and foot traffic. Concrete pavers, asphalt pavers, and sandy soil walking paths were used as test surfaces, along with simulated fallout material (SFM) tagged with radiostrontium (Sr-85) applied as the contaminant. Radiological activities were measured using gamma spectrometry before and after simulated vehicle operation and foot traffic experiments, conducted with each stabilization technology and without application as a nonstabilized control. These measurements were acquired separately for each combination of surface and vehicle/foot traffic experiment. The resulting data describes the extent of SFM removed from each surface onto the tires or boots, the extent of SFM transferred to adjacent surfaces, and the residual SFM remaining on the tires or boots after each experiment. The type of surface and response worker actions influenced the stabilization results. For instance, when walked over, less than 2% of particles were removed from nonstabilized concrete, 4% from asphalt, and 40% of the particles were removed from the sand surface. By contrast, for vehicle experiments, ~40% of particles were again removed from the sand, but 7% and 15% from concrete and asphalt, respectively. In most cases, the stabilization technologies did provide improved stabilization. The improvement was related to the type of surface, worker actions, and stabilizer; a statistical analysis of these variables is presented. Overall, the results suggest an ability to utilize these technologies during the planning and implementation of response activities involving foot and vehicle traffic. In addition, resuspension of aerosolizable range SFM was monitored during walking path foot traffic experiments, and all stabilizing agents decreased the measured radioactivity, with the Soil2O™ decrease being 3 fold, whereas the CaCl2 and Phos-Chek MVP-Fx surfaces generated no detectable radioactivity. Overall, these results suggest that the stabilization technologies decrease the availability of particles respirable by response workers under these conditions.

Concentration profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in major sources to the environment

A review of published literature was conducted to present the concentrations and composition profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from significant sources to the environment. The major sources of PFAS to the environment are categorized under direct and indirect sources. The characteristic compounds and concentrations are summarized as found from direct sources such as manufacturing facilities, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) applications, metal coating operations, and textile and paper coating operations; and from indirect sources such as landfills and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The major findings are: 1) among the aqueous matrices for which data were reviewed, groundwater impacted by AFFF contamination showed the highest median concentrations for both perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), while the second-highest median concentrations were associated with landfill leachates for PFOA and metal-plating sources for PFOS; 2) many of the unknown polyfluorinated precursors present in AFFF-impacted sites could potentially convert to persistent PFAS by abiotic or biotic transformation, and therefore could act as the long-term source of contamination to the environment; 3) part per billion (ppb) concentrations of PFAS were detected in water bodies surrounding fluorochemical manufacturing plants; 4) in consumer products such as textile, paper, and personal care products, PFOA concentrations were an order of magnitude higher compared to other PFAS; 5) biotransformation products such as fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are detected in landfill leachates and WWTP effluents; and 6) many studies have shown increased PFAA concentrations in WWTP effluents compared to influents. This work provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the PFAS concentration and composition trends of select non-polymeric PFAS in different sources.

LncRNA XIST promotes carboplatin resistance of ovarian cancer through activating autophagy via targeting miR-506-3p/FOXP1 axis

Objective

Resistance to chemotherapy drugs makes ovarian cancer (OC) difficult to treat and ultimately kills patients. Long non-coding RNAs are closely related to carboplatin resistance in OC. In present study, we explored the role of lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) on carboplatin resistance in OC.

Methods

Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed through 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence assay to analyze the cell autophagy. The interaction of XIST/miR-506-3p or miR-506-3p/forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) was analyzed using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferases reporter assays. The function of XIST/miR-506-3p/FOXP1 axis in vivo was further confirmed by tumor xenograft study and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The expression of XIST and FOXP1 increased while miR-506-3p decreased in OC and carboplatin resistance cells. XIST silencing repressed the proliferative and autophagic capacities of carboplatin resistance cells while promoted the apoptosis. XIST overexpression led to the opposite results. XIST targeted miR-506-3p and downregulated its expression. MiR-506-3p inhibition facilitated the proliferative and autophagic capacities while suppressed the apoptosis of cells, XIST knockdown reversed these effects. MiR-506-3p bound to FOXP1. XIST knockdown or miR-506-3p overexpression reversed the increase of cell proliferative and autophagic abilities and the decrease of apoptosis rate induced by FOXP1 overexpression. XIST affected autophagy and carboplatin resistance in vivo via regulating the miR-506-3p/FOXP1 axis.

Conclusion

XIST knockdown inhibited autophagy and carboplatin resistance of OC through FOXP1/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway by targeting miR-506-3p.

Knockdown of XIST inhibited autophagy induced by carboplatin and resistance to carboplatin in ovarian cells. XIST targeted miR-506-3p and reduced its expression. FOXP1 could be a target gene of miR-506-3p. XIST facilitated the autophagy and carboplatin resistance through miR-506-3p/FOXP1 axis in ovarian cancer.

DHAV-1 Blocks the Signaling Pathway Upstream of Type I Interferon by Inhibiting the Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Protein

Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV), which mainly infects 1- to 4-week-old ducklings, has a fatality rate of 95% and poses a huge economic threat to the duck industry. However, the mechanism by which DHAV-1 regulates the immune response of host cells is rarely reported. This study examined whether DHAV-1 contains a viral protein that can regulate the innate immunity of host cells and its specific regulatory mechanism, further exploring the mechanism by which DHAV-1 resists the host immune response. In the study, the dual-luciferase reporter gene system was used to screen the viral protein that regulates the host innate immunity and the target of this viral protein. The results indicate that the DHAV-1 3C protein inhibits the pathway upstream of interferon (IFN)-β by targeting the interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) protein. In addition, we found that the 3C protein inhibits the nuclear translocation of the IRF7 protein. Further experiments showed that the 3C protein interacts with the IRF7 protein through its N-terminus and that the 3C protein degrades the IRF7 protein in a caspase 3-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting the IFN-β-mediated antiviral response to promote the replication of DHAV-1. The results of this study are expected to serve as a reference for elucidating the mechanisms of DHAV-1 infection and pathogenicity.

Platelet Parameters and Risk of Hypertension disorders of Pregnancy: a Propensity Score Adjusted Analysis

While the role of platelets in cardiovascular diseases among the general population has been widely reported, evidence is inconsistent regarding the association between platelet indices with hypertension in pregnant women. In this study, we explored the associations between platelet parameters before 20 gestational weeks, an understudied period, with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia/eclampsia (PEEC) and gestational hypertension (GH). Based on the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study, 12053 singleton pregnant women with platelet parameters, including platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW) measured at 14-19 gestational weeks were included. Conventional multivariable adjustment and propensity score analysis were used to control for confounders. The restricted cubic spline showed that the risk of PEEC increased linearly for PC, and non-linearly for PCT. For GH, the risk increased linearly for PC, MPV, and PCT, and non-linearly for PDW. When these indices were categorized into quintiles, women with higher PC and PCT were associated with increased risk of both PEEC and GH. Women with MPV exceeding the second quintile (≥ 8.8 fL) had a greater risk for GH, but not for PEEC. When HDP was classified into two groups (early- vs late-onset) based on the occurrence time, significant associations persisted for early-onset PEEC, early-onset GH, and late-onset GH. In conclusion, increased PC and PCT before 20 weeks of gestation were both associated with higher risk of PEEC and GH, while elevated MPV was only linked to GH.

Ameliorative effect of white tea from 50-year-old tree of Camellia sinensis L. (Theaceae) on kidney damage in diabetic mice via SIRT1/AMPK pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic kidney damage (DKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, which is known as a chronic inflammatory kidney disease caused by persistent hyperglycemia. White tea was originally used as a folk medicine to treat measles in ancient China. What arouses our interest is that there is a traditional method to treat diabetes with white tea taken from over 30-year-old tree of Camellia sinensis L. However, there are few reports on the renal protection of white tea.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This present study was designed to study the potential protective effects of white tea (WT) and old tree white tea (OTWT) on high-fat-diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice to explore the possible mechanism of WT/OTWT against DKD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: NC, T2D, WT (400 mg/kg·b.w, p.o.), OTWT (400 mg/kg·b.w, p.o.). Diabetes was established in all groups except NC group, by six weeks of HFD feeding combined with STZ (50 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 times, treatments were administered for six weeks and then all the animals were decapitated; kidney tissues and blood samples were collected for the further analysis, including: levels of insulin, lipid metabolism (TG, TC, HDL, LDL, FFA), antioxidative enzymes (catalase (CAT), super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS, MCP-1), advanced glycation end products (AGE), receptor of AGE (RAGE), Nrf2, AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC-1α. H&E, PAS and Masson staining were performed to examine the histopathological alterations of the kidneys.

RESULTS

Our data showed that WT and OTWT reversed the abnormal serum lipids (TG, TC, HDL, LDL, FFA) in T2D mice, upregulated antioxidative enzymes levels (CAT, SOD, GPx) and inhibit the excessive production of proinflammatory mediators (including MCP-1, TNF-α, IL1β, COX-2 and iNOS) by varying degrees, and OTWT was more effective. In histopathology, OTWT could significantly alleviate the accumulation of renal AGE in T2D mice, thereby improving the structural changes of the kidneys, such as glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular basement membrane thickening and kidney FIbrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both WT and OTWT could alleviate the diabetic changes in T2D mice via hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, while OTWT was more evident. OTWT could prominently alleviate the accumulation of AGE in the kidneys of T2D mice, thereby ameliorating the renal oxidative stress and inflammatory damage, which was associated with the activation of SIRT1/AMPK pathway.

Hyaluronic acid-decorated carborane-TAT conjugation nanomicelles: A potential boron agent with enhanced selectivity of tumor cellular uptake

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has received widespread attention as a new type of radiation therapy. The main problem encountered in BNCT is insufficient tumor cellular uptake of boron agents. In this study, cell-penetrating peptide TAT-conjugated o-carborane was synthesized. The conjugation can self-assemble to form positively charged carborane-TAT micelles, and then adsorb negatively charged hyaluronic acid (HA) to give core-shell structured carborane-TAT@HA micelles. Carborane-TAT@HA micelles exhibits a large amount of boron uptake at the tumor tissue through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and the ability of HA to bind to CD44 receptors. Carborane-TAT@HA was wrapped by the HA shell during systemic circulation to avoid non-specific uptake of TAT with normal cells, while tumor microenvironment-responsive shedding of HA shell could expose Carborane-TAT to penetrate the cell membrane into tumor cells. Experiments have proved the enhanced selectivity of tumor cellular uptake of the boron drug, displayed excellent drug delivery potential, and can meet the basic requirements of BNCT.

Combination of white tea and peppermint demonstrated synergistic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities

BACKGROUND

White tea, considered to be the oldest form of tea, is becoming a popular beverage for its organoleptic characteristics. Peppermint tea, used as a herbal remedy for centuries, is now also very popular throughout the world as herbal tea. What interested us was that in ancient China, peppermint was used in combination with tea as a detoxification or anti-inflammatory agent. However, there are few reports on the combined use of white tea and peppermint. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of white tea in combination with peppermint.

RESULTS

A synergistic inhibitory effect against four bacterial strains, especially against Staphylococcus argenteus, was observed in the combination of white tea and peppermint in vitro. In addition, the combined formula demonstrated a stronger anti-inflammatory effect in vivo than either of the two used alone, which was associated with the decrease of the pro-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In a further mechanism study, it was found that white tea and peppermint inhibited the phosphorylation of p-IκB-α and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) at different degrees. While the enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of the combined formula was associated with the combination of NF-κB down-regulation and p-MAPK inhibition.

CONCLUSION

In our study, it was for the first time shown that when white tea was combined with peppermint, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were enhanced. The results suggested an effective application of white tea in combination with peppermint as a potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functional food. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Therapeutic efficacy of zoledronic acid combined with calcitriol in elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty for osteoporotic femoral neck fracture

Zoledronic acid could improve the clinical outcome in elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty for osteoporotic femoral neck fracture in the 1-year prospective study.

INTRODUCTION

To validate the therapeutic efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture who received total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA).

METHODS

Included in this study were 95 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures who received THA/HA between August 2015 and June 2018. They were randomized into a ZOL group and a control group. Patients in ZOL group received a yearly single dose of 5 mg ZOL intravenous injection plus 0.5 μg/day calcitriol and 1000 mg/day calcium carbonate 2 days before THA or HA. Patients in the control group were treated with the same dose of calcitriol and calcium carbonate only without ZOL. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone metabolism markers including the total extension of the peptide type I collagen amino end (P1NP) and beta collagen degradation product (β-CTX) were obtained by serum examination. The postoperative functional outcome was assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS).

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, BMD in the ZOL group was improved and significantly higher than that in the control group at 6 and 12 months post-operation. Bone metabolism markers P1NP and β-CTX in ZOL group remained at a relatively low level as compared with that in the control group at 6 months after treatment. No significant difference in the mean HHS and the excellent/good rate of joint function was observed during the follow-up period between the two groups. The occurrence of adverse events in the ZOL group was significantly higher than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

A single infusion of ZOL shows promise in improving BMD of the healthy side of the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total hip and decreasing the level of bone markers, which may improve the clinical outcome of patients with osteoporotic femoral neck fractures receiving THA/HA.