Exploration of the mechanism of Qi-Xian decoction in asthmatic mice using metabolomics combined with network pharmacology

Introduction: Qi-Xian Decoction (QXD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of eight herbs, has been clinically used to treat asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to combine metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of action of QXD in asthma treatment. Methods: An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model was constructed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of QXD. Serum metabolomics and network pharmacology were combined to study the mechanism of anti-asthma action as well as the potential target, and related biological functions were validated. Results: The QXD treatment has demonstrated significant protective effects in OVA-induced asthmatic mice, as evidenced by its ability to inhibit inflammation, IgE, mucus overproduction, and airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Metabolomic analysis has revealed a total of 140 differential metabolites associated with QXD treatment. In addition, network pharmacology has identified 126 genes that are linked to the effects of QXD, including TNF, IL-6, IL1β, STAT3, MMP9, EGFR, JUN, CCL2, TLR4, MAPK3 and MAPK8. Through comprehensive gene-metabolite interaction network analysis, seven key metabolites have been identified and associated with the potential anti-asthmatic effect of QXD, with palmitic acid (PA) being the most notable among them. In vitro validation studies have confirmed the gene-metabolite interaction involving PA, IL-6, and MAPK8. Furthermore, our research has demonstrated that QXD treatment can effectively inhibit PA-promoted IL-6 expression in MH-S cells and reduce PA concentration in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Conclusion: The regulation of metabolic pathways by QXD was found to be associated with its anti-asthmatic action, which provides insight into the mechanism of QXD in treating asthma.

The mechanism of Sanzi Yangqin decoction for asthma treatment based on network pharmacology and experimental verification

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease characterized by airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, airway hyper-reactivity. Sanzi Yangqin Decoction (SZYQD) is widely prescribed for asthma treatment. Its anti-asthma activities have been reported in animal model, but the exact mechanism and targets of SZYQD in asthma treatment have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

A network pharmacological approach was used to predict the active components, targets, and signalling pathways of SZYQD in asthma, including potential target prediction, protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network construction and analysis, and Gene Ont (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The active ingredients were identified from the SZYQD, and were molecular docked according to the results of network pharmacology. A mouse model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was constructed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SZYQD. Furthermore, the effects of SZYQD and its active ingredients were tested in vitro for regulating inflammation and MUC5AC expression (two main pathophysiologic abnormalities of asthma) in macrophages and airway epithelial cells by using Real-time PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

A total of 28 active ingredients and 111 HUB genes were screened in the relevant databases, including three key ingredients (luteolin, β-carotene, and Sinapine) and nine core target genes (JUN, CTNNB1, IL10, TP53, AKT1, STAT3, TNF, IL6 and EGFR). KEGG and GO analysis indicated that the potential anti-asthmatic mechanisms of SZYQD were related to PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and response to lipopolysaccharide, etc. In the in vivo asthmatic model, our findings demonstrated that SZYQD exerted a protective effect against asthmatic mice induced by OVA and LPS through the inhibition of inflammation and mucus overproduction. Consistently, cell experiments showed that the SZYQD extract or the key active ingredients luteolin significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-6 expression and activation of the NF-κB pathway in macrophages. In addition, SZYQD extract or luteolin inhibited activation of the AKT pathway and expression of MUC5AC induced by EGF in airway epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

The anti-asthmatic mechanism of SZYQD might be associated with inhibiting inflammation and airway mucus hypersecretion by regulating the NF-κB and AKT signalling pathways as predicted by network pharmacology, which provides more evidence for the application of SZYQD in asthma treatment.

Wogonin alleviates BaP-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in human airway epithelial cells by dual inhibiting CYP1A1 activity and expression

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a common air pollutant that has been reported to cause oxidative stress and carcinogenesis. Wogonin, a flavonoid compound extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, has been found to possess a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of wogonin to alleviate the cytotoxicity induced by BaP in human airway epithelial cells and explore the corresponding mechanism. Our study found that wogonin treatment inhibited DNA damage and reactive oxygen species overproduction induced by BaP in human airway epithelial cells. In vitro enzyme assays showed that wogonin significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of CYP1A1. In addition, wogonin decreased the basal level of CYP1A1 and inhibited the CYP1A1 overexpression induced by BaP, whereas overexpression of CYP1A1 partially reversed the effect of wogonin on BaP-induced DNA damage. Meanwhile, a CYP1A1 inhibitor and CYP1A1 knockdown also showed these same effects. Further studies showed that wogonin regulates CYP1A1 expression by inhibiting CDK7 and CDK9 activity. The use of CDK7 or CDK9 inhibitors decreased BaP-induced cytotoxicity and CYP1A1 expression. Finally, we found that the methoxy group of wogonin was crucial for its inhibitory activity. In conclusion, our data indicated that wogonin could effectively relieve BaP induced cytotoxicity, and its mechanism was related to the dual inhibition of CYP1A1 activity and expression.

[Fuzheng Huayu capsules reducing development of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B based on the ratio of neutrophils/lymphocytes]

Objective: To explore the advantage of Fuzheng Huayu capsule in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis based on neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) risk stratification in reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: 916 cases diagnosed with hepatitis B cirrhosis and followed up for five years from January 2011 to January 2016 at Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University were included, and clinical data were collected. Patients were divided into a combination group and an antiviral group according to whether they were treated with anti-fibrosis for≥6 months. The antiviral group was treated with entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil, while the combination group was treated with Fuzheng Huayu capsules based on the antiviral therapy. The incidence of HCC was compared between the two groups of patients within five years. The advantaged groups treated with Fuzheng Huayu capsule were explored based on NLR risk stratification. The independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare measurement data between two groups. Categorical variable data were compared using either the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact probability method. The incidence of HCC in the two groups of patients was analyzed through the Kalplan-Merier curve and compared using the log-rank method. Results: There were 299 (32.6%) and 617 (67.4%) cases in the combined group and the antiviral group, respectively. A total of 154 (16.8%) patients developed HCC during the follow-up period. The five-year cumulative incidence of HCC in the combination group was lower than that in the antiviral group (10.7% vs. 19.8%, χ(2) = 11.848, P = 0.000 4). Patients with baseline NLR>3 had an increased risk of HCC. According to NLR risk stratification, there were 191 cases in the low-risk group (NLR<1.4), 462 cases in the medium-risk group (NLR1.4 ~ 3.0), and 263 cases in the high-risk group (NLR>3). Among medium to high-risk patients, the incidence of HCC was significantly reduced in the combination group (11.5% vs. 19.4%, χ(2) = 4.519, P = 0.029; 13.2% vs. 26.2%, χ(2) = 5.258, P = 0.019), while there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of HCC among the low-risk group (P = 0.38). Conclusion: Compared with antiviral treatment alone, Fuzheng Huayu capsules combined with antiviral treatment can better reduce the five-year HCC incidence rate in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis. Medium-and high-risk patients with NLR stratification are the most advantageous population to be treated with Fuzheng Huayu capsules.

[Research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair]

How to promote high-quality wound healing is a common problem for plastic surgery and burn physicians. In recent years, numerous animal studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote wound repair through multiple mechanisms and are promising cell-free therapeutic agents with broad prospect of application. How to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes, optimize their drug delivery strategy, and improve their biological properties are the challenges to be overcome in order to move from basic research to clinical application of exosome therapy for wound repair. This article focuses on methods to improve the wound repair potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, and reviews the recent research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair from three aspects, including pretreatment of parental mesenchymal stem cells, hydrogel bio-scaffold loaded with exosomes, and engineered exosomes, to provide a reference for further clinical studies.

Therapeutic effects of natural polyphenols on colorectal adenomas: Focus on preclinical studies (Review)

Colorectal adenoma (CRA) is a premalignant lesion of colorectal cancer. The current treatment is surgical resection, but CRA is prone to recurrence, and there is no safe and effective drug to prevent adenoma recurrence and canceration. Recent studies have shown that natural compounds in plants have favorable antitumor effects. According to preclinical studies, natural polyphenols can regulate different signal pathways and targets to play a role in the treatment of CRA, which is closely related to its inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulation of intestinal flora. Natural polyphenols are potential candidates for CRA therapy due to their remarkable efficacy and safety. In the present review, attention was paid to the experimental research progress of natural polyphenols extracted from numerous plants in the treatment of CRA in the last 10 years. The present review provided new guidance for the study of CRA, clarified the therapeutic role of polyphenols in CRA, and evaluated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols to treat CRA by targeting multiple genes and signal pathways and epigenetic modification.

[Preliminary application effect of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique combined with drug chemotherapy in thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of debridement, decompression, interbody fusion and percutaneous screw internal fixation under the unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) combined with drug chemotherapy for thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. Methods: A follow-up study. The clinical data of 9 patients who underwent UBE debridement, decompression, interbody fusion and percutaneous screw internal fixation combined with drug chemotherapy for thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from September 2021 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 4 males and 5 females, aged (52.4±13.5) years (ranged 27-71 years). All patients were given quadruple (isoniazid+rifampicin+pyrazinamide+ethambutol) anti-tuberculosis drugs chemotherapy for 2 to 4 weeks before surgery. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, ambulation time, postoperative hospital stay and complications were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the patients were compared before and after the surgery. The degree and improvement of spinal cord injury before and after surgery were assessed according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) neurological classification; and the Cobb angle was measured before and after surgery to assess kyphotic deformity and correction. X-ray or CT was reviewed at 6 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up, and surgical segmental fusion was evaluated using Bridwell grading criteria. Results: All patients completed the surgery successfully and were followed up for (14.6±1.9) months. The operation time was (182.2±27.5) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (222.2±66.7) ml, postoperative drainage volume was (43.3±17.0) ml, the ambulation time was (1.9±0.8) days, postoperative hospital stay was (5.9±1.5) days. Complications occurred in 2 patients (2/9), including 1 case of procedure-related complication. ESR and CRP returned to normal level at the 6-month postoperative follow-up. The VAS score and ODI were significantly improved when compared with those before the operation at each postoperative follow-up time point, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). All patients were classified as ASIA grade E at the last follow-up. The postoperative Cobb angle decreased from 14.44°±2.07° to 9.00°±2.29°, and there was no significant loss of angle at the last follow-up. At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, 5 cases (5/9) were classified as Bridwell grade Ⅰ, 2 cases (2/9) as grade Ⅱ, and 1 case (1/9) as grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ, respectively; and all the patients were classified as grade Ⅰ at the last follow-up. Conclusion: Combined with drug chemotherapy, UBE debridement, decompression, interbody fusion and percutaneous screw internal fixation is a safe, feasible and effective therapy for thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis.

BMAL1 regulates MUC1 overexpression in ovalbumin-induced asthma

Asthma often presents with a daily rhythm; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Circadian rhythm genes have been proposed to regulate inflammation and mucin expression. Here, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice and serum shock human bronchial epidermal cells (16HBE) were used in in vivo and in vitro models, respectively. We constructed a brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) knockdown 16HBE cell line to analyze the effects of rhythmic fluctuations on mucin expression. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and circadian rhythm genes in asthmatic mice showed rhythmic fluctuation amplitude. Mucin (MUC) 1 and MUC5AC expression was increased in the lung tissue of the asthmatic mice. MUC1 expression was negatively correlated with that of the circadian rhythm genes, particularly BMAL1 (r = -0.546, P = 0.006). There was also a negative correlation between BMAL1 and MUC1 expression (r = -0.507, P = 0.002) in the serum shock 16HBE cells. BMAL1 knockdown negated the rhythmic fluctuation amplitude of MUC1 expression and upregulated MUC1 expression in the 16HBE cells. These results indicate that the key circadian rhythm gene, BMAL1, causes periodic changes in airway MUC1 expression in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Targeting BMAL1 to regulate periodic changes in MUC1 expression may, therefore, improve asthma treatments.

Biogenesis aberration: One of the mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in COVID-19

Background: The pathogenesis of COVID-19, including thrombocytopenia, has not been fully clarified. The lungs are a major organ of platelet production and thrombocytopenia induced by severe COVID-19 was proposed. Methods: the change of platelet level was analysed with clinical parameters in 95 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Wuhan Third Hospital. The production of platelets in the lungs was explored in an ARDS rat model. Results: The level of platelets was negatively correlated with disease severity and was recovered with disease improvement. The non-survivors were accompanied by lower levels of platelet. The odds ratio (OR) of the valley level of the platelet count (PLTlow) was greater than 1, suggesting that PLTlow could be a death exposure factor. The platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was positively associated with severity of COVID-19, and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio threshold of 248.5 was best correlated with death risk (sensitivity 0.641 and specificity 0.815). To demonstrate the possible biogenesis aberration of platelet in lungs, an LPS-induced ARDS rat model was applied. Lower level of platelet in peripheral and less production of platelet from lungs in ARDS were demonstrated. Though megakaryocyte (MK) number in ARDS lungs is higher than controls, the immature platelet fraction (IPF) in postpulmonary blood is still at the same level as prepulmonary in ARDS rat, indicating that ARDS rats generated fewer platelets in lungs. Conclusion: Our data suggested that COVID-19-induced severe lung inflammation may impair platelet production in the lung. Thrombocytopenia may be mainly caused by platelet consumption for multiorgan thrombosis; however, biogenesis aberration of platelet in the lung induced by diffuse interstitial pulmonary damage cannot be ruled out.

[Clinical observation of microsurgical removal of the hemilateral tuberculum sellae meningiomas through contralateral eyebrow arch approach]

The current study aimed to investigate the clinical feasibility of microscopic resection of hemilateral tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) via the contralateral eye brow arch approach. The clinical data of 34 patients with TSM who underwent microsurgery from January 2016 to June 2021 in the Neurosurgery Department of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University were collected and reviewed. The postoperative visual acuity improvement rate was 88.5% (23/26), and the total tumor resection rate was 88.2% (30/34); the postoperative visual acuity improvement in patients with total tumor resection was better than that of patients with partial resection [90.9% (20/22) vs 3/4]. Meanwhile, the postoperative visual acuity improvement in patients with the superior optic nerve and laterl-superior optic nerve was better than that of patients with the lateral optic nerve type (12/14, 8/8 vs 3/4). Supraorbital skin numbness occurred in 3 cases after operation, and the symptoms disappeared during follow-up; 2 cases had mild disturbance of hormone level, and urine output of 2 cases increased after operation, which returned to normal level after symptomatic treatment; 1 case had subcutaneous effusion which was absorbed after treatment. There were no complications such as olfactory disturbance and intracranial infection. During follow-up for 3-60 (33±6) months, recurrence occurred in 2 cases and reoperation was performed. For the hemilateral TSM, according to the preoperative evaluation of the origin of the TSM and the side with visual impairment, the contralateral eyebrow approach is selected to fully expose the tumor base below the optic nerve. It is beneficial to fully resect the tumor under direct vision, and the symptoms of postoperative visual impairment are significantly improved, indicating that the current surgical method can be used in the clinical setting.

Comprehensive landscape of the ST3GAL family reveals the significance of ST3GAL6-AS1/ST3GAL6 axis on EGFR signaling in lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion

Sialylation aberration has been implicated in lung cancer development by altering signaling pathways. Hence, it is urgent to identify key sialyltransferases in the development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is a common malignant subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. Herein, by systematically investigating the expression levels of ST3GAL family members in several public databases, we consistently found the frequent downregulation of ST3GAL6 in LUAD samples. Its downregulation is significantly negatively associated with stage, and significantly reduced in proximal-proliferative molecular subtype and predicts poor clinical outcomes. By protein–protein interaction network analysis and validation, we found that ST3GAL6 deficiency promotes LUAD cell invasiveness with the activated EGFR/MAPK signaling, accompanied by the elevated expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, which can be partially reversed by EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib. Additionally, the ST3GAL6 level was positively regulated by ST3GAL6-AS1, an antisense long non-coding RNA to its host gene. The downregulation of ST3GAL6-AS1 also heralds a worse prognosis in LUAD patients and promotes LUAD cell invasiveness, recapitulating the function of its host gene, ST3GAL6. Altogether, ST3GAL6-AS1-regulated ST3GAL6 is a frequently downregulated sialyltransferase in LUAD patients and negatively regulates EGFR signaling, which can serve as a promising independent prognostic marker in LUAD patients.

[Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of systemic sclerosis in China]

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that is characterized by skin fibrosis with multi-organ involvement. In China, the standardized diagnosis and treatment for SSc is still lacking. Based on the diagnosis criteria and guidelines from China and abroad, Chinese Rheumatology Association developed the current standardization of diagnosis and treatment for SSc. The purposes of this guideline are to standardize clinical management for SSc in China, to interpret the key evaluation tools for SSc, and to recommend therapeutic principle and strategies.

[Combined application of field epidemiology and laboratory etiology analysis in the investigation of a foodborne disease outbreak in Xinjiang uygur Autonomous Region, 2016]

Objectives: To analyze the causes of a foodborne outbreak in rural areas of Xinjiang between April 2 and April 5 in 2016. Methods: Cases and the relevant background information were obtained by consulting outpatient records of local health centers and regional people's hospitals and interviewing doctors and residents. All samples were collected by the laboratory test through epidemiological and food hygiene investigations. The χ² test (Fisher's exact probability method) was used to compare differences in incidence rates. Molecular typing, virulence genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) were analyzed by using Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Results: A total of 142 cases were found in this study, with incidence rate at 5.7‰ (142/24 979). Among all cases, the main symptoms were nausea (94%), vomiting (92%) and abdominal pain (67%), and the incubation period was about 2 h (1-7.5 h). There were 16 Staphylococcus aureus isolates identified and all of them could produce A+C+E mixed enterotoxin. PFGE showed 100% homology. WGS further revealed that there were 9 and 1 strains contained by Sequence Type 1 (ST1) and ST5405, respectively. All ST1 strains were in the same clade on the genome tree. Among these, 7 strains shared close proximity (74 SNPs) and 2 strains shared close relationships as well (127 SNPs). The S. aureus isolates that caused the outbreak were introduced by a mutant isolate from the milk supply station. Conclusions: This foodborne outbreak was mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus contamination.

Electroacupuncture treatment ameliorated the long-term cognitive impairment via activating eNOS/NO pathway and related Aβ downregulation in sepsis-survivor mice

OBJECTIVE

Sepsis is a major challenge in intensive care unit worldwide and the septic survivors are left with long-term cognitive deficits. This work aims to explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on long-term cognitive function and its underlying mechanism in sepsis-survivor mice.

METHODS

Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in C57BL/6 male mice. Seven days post-surgery, sepsis-survivor mice were treated with EA or nonacupoint EA for 17 days twice daily. Then, cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze task. The hippocampus tissue were collected from the mice at 30 days post-surgery. The level of nitric oxide and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS), phospho-eNOS (p-eNOS), and amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) were measured.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham-operated control, sepsis-survivors had significant cognitive deficits evidenced by the increased time of escape latency and reduced crossing number in Morris water maze task, as well as lower NO and p-eNOS level and higher Aβ level. EA treatment at GV20 and ST36 acupoints but not at a nonacupoint improved the cognitive function, increased the NO and p-eNOS level, and decreased Aβ generation; while eNOS inhibitor (l-NAME) undermined the efficacy of EA treatment.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, repeated EA treatment could ameliorate the long-term cognitive impairment via manipulating the expression of p-eNOS and related Aβ in sepsis-survivor mice.

[Analysis of screening results and risk factors of high-risk populations of lung cancer in Nanchang city from 2018 to 2019]

Objective: To collate and analyze the screening results of high-risk lung cancer populations in communities in Nanchang from 2018 to 2019, and to explore the lung-positive nodules and risk factors for lung cancer. Methods: Data of the screening subjects in 8 administrative districts and 15 street health service centers in Nanchang city, Jiangxi province from November 2018 to October 2019 were collected, people at high risk of lung cancer was assessed, clinical screening of high-risk groups of lung cancer was conducted by low-dose helical computed tomography (LDCT), and risk factors for suspected lung cancer and lung-positive nodules were analyzed. Results: Of the 25 871 people participated in screening, 5 220 were at high risk for lung cancer and 15 374 without other malignant tumors were at high risk. There were 2 417 cases participated in clinical LDCT screening, including 193 cases of lung-positive nodules, 67 cases of suspected lung cancer, 912 cases of other lung diseases, the positive rate of lung cancer or lung-positive nodules was 10.76% (260/2 417). Univariate analysis showed that age, coarse grain intake, oil intake, housing heating, passive smoking, alcohol consumption and mental trauma were associated with positive pulmonary nodules or lung cancer (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, housing heating, smoking and drinking were related to the occurrence of lung nodules or lung cancer (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Men are more likely to develop lung cancer or lung-positive nodules than women. The age is an independent risk factor for lung-positive nodules or lung cancer. In a certain range, age will increase the incidence of lung cancer, housing heating may be the protective factor for lung cancer, while smoking and drinking are risk factors.

[The mechanism of circ_0023990/miR-873-5p/ANXA2 axis regulating radiosensitivity and development of thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the effect and possible mechanism of circ_0023990 on the radiosensitivity of thyroid cancer cells. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of circ_0023990 in the cancer tissues of 55 patients with thyroid cancer and thyroid cancer cell lines (TPC-1, KTC-1, FTC-133 and CAL-62), and the relationship between the expression of circ_0023990 in cancer tissues and the clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Thyroid cancer cells TPC-1 and KTC-1 were divided into sh-circ_0023990 group, sh-NC group, sh-circ_0023990+anti-miR-873-5p group, sh-circ_0023990+anti-miR-NC group, miR-873-5p group, miR-NC group, miR-873-5p+pcDNA-ANXA2 group and miR-873-5p+pcDNA group, and then clone formation experiment was used to detect cell radiosensitivity. After each group of cells was irradiated with 4Gy radiation, the expression of γH2AX protein in the cells was detected by Western Blot. The dual luciferase reporter gene experiment verified the targeting relationship between circ_0023990 and miR-873-5p or miR-873-5p and ANXA2. Results: The expression of circ_0023990 in thyroid cancer tissues was higher than that in normal tissues (2.15±0.09 vs. 0.97±0.05, P<0.05), and its expression was closely related to tumor size, lymph node metastasis and TNM staging of patients with thyroid cancer (P<0.05). The expression of circ_0023990 in thyroid cancer cell lines (TPC-1, KTC-1, FTC-133 and CAL-62) were higher than that of normal thyroid cells HTori-3 (3.16±0.38, 2.63±0.28, 1.82±0.24, 1.71±0.22 vs. 1.00±0.10, all P<0.05). The survival scores of TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells in the sh-circ_0023990 group were significantly lower than those in the sh-NC group (P<0.05), and the sensitization ratios were 2.482, 1.643; The survival scores of TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells in the sh-circ_0023990+anti-miR-873-5p group were higher than those in the sh-circ_0023990+anti-miR-NC group (P<0.05), and the sensitization ratios were 0.305, 0.441, respectively. The survival scores of TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells in the miR-873-5p group were lower than those in the miR-NC group (P<0.05), and the sensitization ratios were 2.044, 1.653 respectively. The survival scores of TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells in the miR-873-5p+pcDNA-ANXA2 group was higher than that in the miR-873-5p+pcDNA group (P<0.05), and the sensitization ratios were 0.496, 0.686, respectively. The expression of γH2AX protein in TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells of the 4 Gy+sh-circ_0023990 group were higher than that in the 4 Gy+sh-NC group (2.68±0.27 vs. 1.87±0.25, 2.46±0.19 vs. 1.77±0.14; all P<0.05), but the expression of γH2AX protein in TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells of the 4 Gy+sh-circ_0023990+anti-miR-873-5p group were lower than that in the 4 Gy+sh-circ_0023990+anti-miR-NC group (1.13±0.09 vs. 1.69±0.09, 1.11±0.08 vs. 1.60±0.08; both P<0.05). The expression of γH2AX protein in TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells in the 4 Gy+miR-873-5p group were higher than that in the 4 Gy+miR-NC group (2.35±0.16 vs. 1.84±0.14, 2.26±0.12 vs. 1.77±0.13; both P<0.05), but the expression of γH2AX protein in TPC-1 and KTC-1 cells of the 4 Gy+miR-873-5p+pcDNA-ANXA2 group were lower than that in the 4 Gy+miR-873-5p+pcDNA group (1.96±0.12 vs. 2.41±0.12, 1.92±0.07 vs. 2.28±0.12; both P<0.05). circ_0023990 targeted the negative regulation of miR-873-5p, and ANXA2 was the target gene of miR-873-5p. Conclusion: circ_0023990 was highly expressed in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines, and it may promote the radiotherapy resistance of thyroid cancer cells in vivo through regulating miR-873-5p/ANXA2 axis.

Effect of urban air pollution on CRP and coagulation: a study on inpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PURPOSE

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is an important event in the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that negatively affects patients' quality of life and leads to higher socioeconomic costs. While previous studies have demonstrated a significant association between urban air pollution and hospitalization for AECOPD, there is a lack of research on the impact of particulate matter (PM) on inflammation and coagulation in AECOPD inpatients. Therefore, this study investigated the association of changes in coagulation function and C-reactive protein (CRP) with PM levels in the days preceding hospitalization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of AECOPD patients admitted to Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, between March 2017 and September 2019. We analyzed the association of coagulation function and CRP level in AECOPD patients with PM levels in the days before hospitalization. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association of CRP data with hospitalization day. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate mean aerodynamic diameter of ≥ 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) exposure on the day before hospitalization; we assessed its association with changes in prothrombin time (PT) in AECOPD inpatients with different Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classes.

RESULTS

The peripheral blood PT of AECOPD patients with PM_2.5 ≥ 25 mg/L on the day before hospitalization were lower than those of patients with PM_2.5 < 25 mg/L (t = 2.052, p = 0.041). Patients with severe GOLD class exposed to greater than 25 mg/L of PM_2.5on the day before hospitalization showed significant differences in PT (F = 9.683, p = 0.008). Peripheral blood CRP levels of AECOPD patients exposed to PM_2.5 ≥ 25 mg/L and PM₁₀ ≥ 50 mg/L on the day before hospitalization were higher than those of patients exposed to PM_2.5 < 25 mg/L and PM₁₀ < 50 mg/L (t = 2.008, p = 0.046; t = 2.637, p = 0.009). Exposure to < 25 mg/L of PM_2.5 on the day before hospitalization was significantly associated with CRP levels (adjusted OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.101, 3.315; p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Exposure of patients with AECOPD to high PM levels on the day before hospitalization was associated with an increased CRP level and shortened PT. Moreover, PM_2.5 had a greater effect on CRP level and PT than mean aerodynamic diameter of ≥ 10 μm (PM₁₀). AECOPD patients with severe GOLD class were more sensitive to PM_2.5-induced shortening of PT than those with other GOLD classes.

[Effects of anti-liver fibrosis treatment on the occurrence of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis]

Objective: To investigate the effect of anti-liver fibrosis treatment on the occurrence of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis within three years. Methods: 1,049 cases with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from October 2008 to August 2016 were enrolled. Clinical data were collected, and COX regression analysis was used to find the independent influencing factors for the occurrence of liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis within three years. According to whether the patients had received anti-liver fibrosis treatment for ≥ 6 months, they were divided into combination and antiviral group. There were 388 cases in combination group and 661 cases in antiviral group. In addition, the combination group received anti-liver fibrosis therapy with Chinese patent medicine on the basis of antivirus, and the antiviral group received antiviral treatment. The incidence of liver cancer within three years were compared between the two groups, and the incidence of liver cancer in patients with different Child-Pugh grades and mPAGE-B risks was further analyzed. The independent samples t-test, Mann Whitney U test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability method were used for data comparison. Results: Anti-liver fibrosis treatment was an independent protective factor to prevent liver cancer in patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis within 3 years (P < 0.05). The incidence of liver cancer in the combination group was lower than antiviral group within 3 years (10.3% vs. 15.4%, χ (2) = 5.480, P < 0.05). Child-Pugh stratified analysis showed that the risk of liver cancer was significantly reduced in Child-Pugh grade A patients (6.7% vs. 12.6%, χ (2) = 2.857, P = 0.040). Among high-risk patients with mPAGE-B, the incidence of liver cancer was significantly lower in combination group than control group (13.7% vs. 19.9%, χ (2) = 6.671, P = 0.031). Conclusion: Compared to antiviral therapy alone, combined anti-liver fibrosis and antiviral therapy can reduce the liver cancer occurrence risk in patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis for 3 years. Patients with Child-Pugh grade A and high-risk group by mPAGE-B scores are the dominant population to receive treatment.

A randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral sitafloxacin versus moxifloxacin in adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral sitafloxacin versus oral moxifloxacin in the treatment of Chinese adults with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, positive-controlled clinical trial (chinadrugtrials.org.cn identifier: CTR20130046). CAP patients received sitafloxacin tablets 100 mg once daily (qd) or 100 mg twice daily (bid) to compare with moxifloxacin tablets 400 mg qd, for 7-10 days. The primary outcome was non-inferiority of sitafloxacin to moxifloxacin in clinical cure rate at test of cure (TOC) visit in per-protocol set (PPS).

RESULTS

A total of 343 patients were randomized (sitafloxacin 100 mg qd, n = 117; sitafloxacin 100 mg bid, n = 116; moxifloxacin, n = 110), 291 patients were included in the PPS (sitafloxacin 100 mg qd, n = 96; sitafloxacin 100 mg bid, n = 94; moxifloxacin, n = 101). The clinical cure rate was 94.8% in the sitafloxacin 100 mg qd group, 96.8% in the sitafloxacin 100 mg bid group and 95.0% in the moxifloxacin group. At the TOC visit, the microbiological success rate was 97.0% (32/33) in the sitafloxacin 100 mg qd group, 97.1% (34/35) in the sitafloxacin 100 mg bid group and 94.9% (37/39) in the moxifloxacin group in the microbiological evaluable set (MES). The incidence of study-drug-related adverse events (AEs) was 23.3% (27/116) in the sitafloxacin 100 mg qd group, 29.8% (34/114) in the sitafloxacin 100 mg bid group and 28.2% (31/110) in the moxifloxacin group (p > .05). The common AEs related to study drug were dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, increased platelet count and alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation. All the AEs resolved completely after discontinuation of study drug.

CONCLUSION

Sitafloxacin 100 mg qd or 100 mg bid for 7-10 days is not inferior to moxifloxacin 400 mg qd for 7-10 days in clinical efficacy for adult CAP patients. Sitafloxacin provides a safety profile comparable to moxifloxacin.

Investigation of the Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Polygonum cuspidatum in Asthma Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Background

Polygonum cuspidatum is a Chinese medicine commonly used to treat phlegm-heat asthma. However, its anti-asthmatic active ingredients and mechanism are still unknown. The aim of this study was to predict the active ingredients and pathways of Polygonum cuspidatum and to further explore the potential molecular mechanism in asthma by using network pharmacology.

Methods

The active ingredients and their targets related to Polygonum cuspidatum were seeked out with the TCM systematic pharmacology analysis platform (TCMSP), and the ingredient-target network was constructed. The GeneCards, DrugBank and OMIM databases were used to collect and screen asthma targets, and then the drug-target-disease interaction network was constructed with Cytoscape software. A target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database to screen key targets. Finally, GO and KEGG analyses were used to identify biological processes and signaling pathways. The anti-asthmatic effects of Polygonum cuspidatum and its active ingredients were tested in vitro for regulating airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells proliferation and MUC5AC expression, two main symptoms of asthma, by using Real-time PCR, Western blotting, CCK-8 assays and annexin V-FITC staining.

Results

Twelve active ingredients in Polygonum cuspidatum and 479 related target proteins were screened in the relevant databases. Among these target proteins, 191 genes had been found to be differentially expressed in asthma. PPI network analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis predicted that the Polygonum cuspidatum could regulate the AKT, MAPK and apoptosis signaling pathways. Consistently, further in vitro experiments demonstrated that Polygonum cuspidatum and resveratrol (one active ingredient of Polygonum cuspidatum) were shown to inhibit ASM cells proliferation and promoted apoptosis of ASM cells. Furthermore, Polygonum cuspidatum and resveratrol inhibited PDGF-induced AKT/mTOR activation in ASM cells. In addition, Polygonum cuspidatum decreased H₂O₂ induced MUC5AC overexpression in airway epithelial NCI-H292 cells.

Conclusion

Polygonum cuspidatum could alleviate the symptoms of asthma including ASM cells proliferation and MUC5AC expression through the mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology, which provides a basis for further understanding of Polygonum cuspidatum in the treatment of asthma.

Benzo(a)pyrene induces MUC5AC expression through the AhR/mitochondrial ROS/ERK pathway in airway epithelial cells

OBJECTIVES

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a ubiquitous air pollutants, and BaP exposure leads to a risk of respiratory diseases. The oversecretion of airway mucus and high expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) are associated with common respiratory disorders caused by air pollution. We aimed to investigate the effect of BaP on MUC5AC expression, especially the mechanisms by which BaP induces MUC5AC gene expression.

METHODS

The human airway epithelial cell NCI-H292 was used to test the effects of BaP on the expression of MUC5AC in vitro. MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression were assessed with real-time quantitative PCR, immunochemistry, and western blotting. A luciferase assay was conducted to detect the activity of the promoter. The total cellular ROS and mitochondrial ROS were measured by corresponding probes. Small-interfering RNAs were used for gene silencing. AhR-overexpressing cell lines were constructed by transfection with AhR overexpression lentivirus.

RESULTS

We found that BaP stimulation upregulated the MUC5AC mRNA and protein levels and activated the ERK pathway. Suppressing ERK with U0126 (an ERK inhibitor) or knocking down ERK with siRNA decreased BaP-induced MUC5AC expression. The luciferase activity transfected with the MUC5AC promoter and cAMP-response element (CRE) was increased after BaP treatment, whereas CREB siRNA suppressed the BaP-induced overexpression of MUC5AC. In addition, BaP increased mitochondrial ROS production, and Mito-TEMP, a mitochondrial ROS inhibitor, inhibited BaP-induced MUC5AC expression and ERK activation. BaP increased the mRNA levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, while Alizarin, a CYP1s inhibitor, suppressed the effects of BaP, including the MUC5AC overexpression, ERK activation and mitochondrial ROS generation. BaP induced the translocation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. SiRNA-mediated knockdown or chemical inhibition of AhR decreased the BaP-induced expression of MUC5AC, while the overexpression of AhR significantly enhanced the BaP-induced expression of MUC5AC. ITE, an endogenous AhR ligand, also upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of MUC5AC. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment inhibited the BaP-induced MUC5AC overexpression, AhR translocation, mitochondrial ROS production and ERK pathway activation.

CONCLUSION

Here, we highlighted the crucial role of AhR/mitochondrial ROS/ERK pathway activation in BaP-induced MUC5AC overexpression and identified resveratrol as a promising drug to reduce BaP-induced MUC5AC overexpression.

WeChat as a Platform for Baduanjin Intervention in Patients With Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in China: Retrospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a crucial part of the nonpharmacological treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but management remains problematic. WeChat could serve as a useful tool in patient management. Baduanjin is a popular exercise in China that is usually applied in pulmonary rehabilitation, which has been confirmed to be effective in improving lung function and life quality.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the efficiency of WeChat in the management of Baduanjin exercise in COPD patients.

Methods

A total of 200 patients from the respiratory department of Putuo Hospital participated in the Baduanjin rehabilitation project from September 2018 to October 2019, and were randomly assigned to the WeChat and control groups and followed up using the WeChat platform or telephone for 12 weeks. The frequency of Baduanjin exercise, lung function (percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second predicted, FEV1% predicted), and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were collected and compared between the two groups. The number of message exchanges and a satisfaction survey on the WeChat platform were used to assess the feasibility of WeChat management outside the hospital.

Results

The Baduanjin exercise frequency significantly differed between the control group and WeChat group (F=33.82, P<.001) and across various time points (F=214.87, P<.001). After the follow-up on WeChat, there were fewer patients not performing Baduanjin exercise. The FEV1% predicted value significantly differed before and after Baduanjin exercise in the control group (Z=−3.686, P<.001) and the WeChat group (Z=−6.985, P<.001). A significant difference in the FEV1% predicted value was observed after Baduanjin exercise between the two groups (Z=−3.679, P<.001). The CAT score significantly differed before and after Baduanjin exercise in the control group (Z=−4.937, P<.001) and the WeChat group (Z=−5.246, P<.001). A significant difference in the CAT score was observed after Baduanjin exercise between the two groups (Z=−5.246, P<.001). The number of completed Baduanjin exercises, lung function, and CAT scores in active patients were higher than those in nonactive patients. All satisfaction survey items were scored with more than 4 points. Among the items, the highest score (mean 4.54, SD 0.77) was for continued WeChat management, followed by the effective management of Baduanjin exercise (mean 4.46, SD 0.87). The patients in the WeChat group showed much higher enthusiasm for and compliance with Baduanjin exercise, resulting in better life quality and lung function. The patients were very satisfied with the WeChat management because of the obvious curative effect and home feeling.

Conclusions

The WeChat platform provided a feasible, effective, and sustainable management plan for Baduanjin rehabilitation.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900028248; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=46995

Qi-Xian Decoction Upregulated E-cadherin Expression in Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Ovalbumin-Challenged Mice by Inhibiting Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Extracellular-Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Activation

Background

Loss of the epithelial barrier is characterized by a reduction in E-cadherin expression and is a hallmark of asthma. Qi-xian decoction (QXT) is a Chinese medicinal formula that has been used to effectively treat asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effect of QXT on E-cadherin expression in human lung epithelial 16HBE cells and ovalbumin-challenged mice and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism.

Material/Methods

Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice were used as a model of asthma. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were utilized to examine mRNA and protein levels. Lung tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated using dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based analyses. 16HBE cells were utilized to explore the effect of QXT or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on the expression of E-cadherin in vitro.

Results

We found that QXT treatment increased E-cadherin expression and decreased extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation levels in the lung tissues of OVA-challenged mice. QXT also downregulated ROS levels and increased serum SOD and TAOC levels in OVA-challenged mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that increased ROS generation induced by H₂O₂ resulted in decreased E-cadherin expression levels in 16HBE cells, which was attenuated by inhibition of ERK signaling. Moreover, the H₂O₂-induced downregulation of E-cadherin expression, increased ROS generation, and ERK activation in 16HBE cells were restored by treatment with QXT water or ethanol extract.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that one mechanism by which QXT protects against asthma is to restore E-cadherin expression in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting ROS-mediated ERK activation.

Hydroxychloroquine in patients with mainly mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019: open label, randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine plus standard of care compared with standard of care alone in adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19).

DESIGN

Multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

16 government designated covid-19 treatment centres in China, 11 to 29 February 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

150 patients admitted to hospital with laboratory confirmed covid-19 were included in the intention to treat analysis (75 patients assigned to hydroxychloroquine plus standard of care, 75 to standard of care alone).

INTERVENTIONS

Hydroxychloroquine administrated at a loading dose of 1200 mg daily for three days followed by a maintenance dose of 800 mg daily (total treatment duration: two or three weeks for patients with mild to moderate or severe disease, respectively).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Negative conversion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by 28 days, analysed according to the intention to treat principle. Adverse events were analysed in the safety population in which hydroxychloroquine recipients were participants who received at least one dose of hydroxychloroquine and hydroxychloroquine non-recipients were those managed with standard of care alone.

RESULTS

Of 150 patients, 148 had mild to moderate disease and two had severe disease. The mean duration from symptom onset to randomisation was 16.6 (SD 10.5; range 3-41) days. A total of 109 (73%) patients (56 standard of care; 53 standard of care plus hydroxychloroquine) had negative conversion well before 28 days, and the remaining 41 (27%) patients (19 standard of care; 22 standard of care plus hydroxychloroquine) were censored as they did not reach negative conversion of virus. The probability of negative conversion by 28 days in the standard of care plus hydroxychloroquine group was 85.4% (95% confidence interval 73.8% to 93.8%), similar to that in the standard of care group (81.3%, 71.2% to 89.6%). The difference between groups was 4.1% (95% confidence interval -10.3% to 18.5%). In the safety population, adverse events were recorded in 7/80 (9%) hydroxychloroquine non-recipients and in 21/70 (30%) hydroxychloroquine recipients. The most common adverse event in the hydroxychloroquine recipients was diarrhoea, reported in 7/70 (10%) patients. Two hydroxychloroquine recipients reported serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of hydroxychloroquine did not result in a significantly higher probability of negative conversion than standard of care alone in patients admitted to hospital with mainly persistent mild to moderate covid-19. Adverse events were higher in hydroxychloroquine recipients than in non-recipients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2000029868.

[Effect of NLRP3 mediated pyroptosis in myocardial cells undergoing hypoxia/deoxygenation injury]

Objective: To investigate the effect of NACHT-LRR-PYD- containing proteins 3 (NLRP3) mediated pyroptosis in myocardial cells undergoing hypoxia/deoxygenation (H/R) injury. Methods: In order to observe whether H/R-treatment could cause pyroptosis, H9c2 cells were divided into 2 groups randomly using the lottery method: control group(without H/R-treatment) and H/R group (in which the H9c2 cells were underwent H/R-treatment). In order to clarify the role of pyroptosis in H/R-injury, H9c2 cells were divided into 4 groups randomly using the lottery method: control group(in which the H9c2 cells were cultivated with normal medium); YVAD group(in which the H9c2 cells were pretreated with z-Val-Ala-Asp(Ome)-fluoromethylketone (Z-YVAD-FMK) 20 μm for 4 hours, then replaced with normal medium); H/R group(H9c2 cells underwent H/R-treatment); YVAD+H/R group (in which the H9c2 cells were pretreated with 20 μm Z-YVAD-FMK for 4 hours before H/R-treatment). To determine whether H/R-induced cell pyroptosis is associated with NLRP3, H9c2 cells were divided into 4 groups randomly using the lottery method: control group (in which cells were transfected with a control nonspecific siRNA); si-NLRP3 group (in which cells were transfected with NLRP3-targeting siRNA); H/R group(in which cells were transfected with a control nonspecific siRNA before H/R-treatment); si-NLRP3+H/R group(in which the H9c2 cells were transfected with NLRP3-targeting siRNA before H/R-treatment). Pore formation on cell membrane was detected by propidium iodide (PI) staining. Cell viability was detected by CCK8 reagent. The protein expression of Caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and NLRP3 was detected by Western blot. Results: (1) The positive rate of PI staining ((26.46±5.15)% vs. (1.69±0.73)%,P<0.01), expression of NLRP3 (0.57±0.16 vs. 0.23±0.06,P<0.01), expression of Caspase-1 (1.07±0.13 vs. 0.37±0.08,P<0.01), and expression of IL-1β (0.38±0.08 vs. 0.16±0.05,P<0.01) were significantly higher in H/R group than in control group. (2)The cell vitality was significantly higher in YVAD+H/R group than in H/R group ((87.31±9.05)% vs. (73.30±7.19)%, P<0.05).The positive rate of PI staining was significantly decreased in YVAD+H/R group than in H/R group ((18.12±4.36)% vs. (26.45±4.60)%, P<0.05). The expression of Caspase-1 (0.72±0.12 vs. 1.07±0.15, P<0.05) and IL-1β(0.29±0.07 vs. 0.39±0.06, P<0.05) were significantly lower in YVAD+H/R group than in H/R group. (3) The cell vitality was significantly increased in si-NLRP3+H/R group than in H/R group ((85.46±7.71)% vs. (72.41±5.53)%, P<0.05). The positive rate of PI staining was significantly lower in si-NLRP3+H/R group than in H/R group ((18.22±4.20)% vs. (26.73±3.26)%, P<0.05). The expression of Caspase-1(0.87±0.07 vs. 1.15±0.15, P<0.05) and IL-1β(0.41±0.07 vs. 0.58±0.10, P<0.05) were significantly decreased in si-NLRP3+H/R group than in H/R group. Conclusion: NLRP3 mediated pyroptosis is involved in H/R injury of myocardial cells.

Energy-induced mercury emissions in global supply chain networks: Structural characteristics and policy implications

Mercury emission flows in the global supply chains have evolved into an ever-increasing complex network. However, the underlying structural features remain unknown. Therefore, the global embodied mercury flow network was constructed to reveal the characteristics of energy-induced mercury emissions embodied in international trade at both national and sectoral scales. The small-world nature of the global mercury flows network was identified at both scales. Results showed that the global mercury flow network can be divided into 4 national communities, within which the spillover effects of the interventions in one region spread more easily. Detecting the mercury-intensive supply-chain clusters highlights the importance of monitoring these clusters that dominate mercury emissions in global supply chains, which could offer insights on where policy can be implemented effectively. Moreover, vital regions (e.g., mainland China, the USA, and Germany) and sectors (e.g., Petroleum, Chemical and Non-Metallic Mineral Products, Metal Products and Electrical and Machinery in mainland China) for global mercury control have been unveiled by using an integrated centrality measurement system. Our results highlight that, for the overall mercury reduction, regional and even global collaboration should be enhanced along with efforts in individual regions, and enterprises in these important sectors should invest more to green their cluster-wise supply chains.

[A preliminary study on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of brain after anterior cruciate ligament preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon]

Objective: To preliminarily study on the possible mechanism of cerebral cortical dysfunction pattern after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon through resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: From June 2015 to February 2019, 18 patients (10 males and 8 females with an average age of (36±10) years) with left anterior cruciate ligament rupture and treated with arthroscopic preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon were enrolled in this study, and 17 comparable healthy controls were included in Tongji Hospital of Tongji University. fMRI was performed after the postoperative period (2 to 12 weeks). The fMRI data were preprocessed by SPM8 software package and RESTplus software. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) in those two groups were calculated. Two-sample t-test was performed on ALFF and fALFF of the two groups, and multiple test corrections were performed by using AlphaSim. These methods were used for contrast studies on the characteristic activities of the brain dysfunction. Results: Compared with those in the control, ALFF in the central cingulate gyrus (cingulum_mid_bilateral), involving the auxiliary movement zone (supp_motor_ area) were significantly higher in the patients (P<0.01 before correction, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction). The fALFF in activation cluster 1 was significantly higher in the right central gyrus (postcentral_R), the right lower lobule (parietal_inf_R), and the right upper margin (supramarginal_R) in the patients than that in the normal control group, respectively (P<0.01 before correction, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction); the fALFF in activation cluster 2 in the right central cingulate gyrus (cingulum_mid_R), involving the right auxiliary movement zone (supp_motor_area_R) was significantly higher in the patients than that in the normal control group, respectively (P<0.01 before correction, P<0.05 after AlphaSim correction). Conclusion: The patients' cerebrum cortical function associated with the kinesthesis and their regulations are abnormally changed after anterior cruciate ligament preservation reconstruction with autologous tendon.

[Teleost Type 2 Interleukin-1 Receptor (IL-1R2) from the Spotted Halibut (Verasper variegatus): 3D Structure and a Role in Immune Response]

The type 2 interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R2) is one of natural IL-1β singling inhibitors in mammals. We cloned and sequenced the IL-1R2 gene in V. variegatus (VvIL-1R2). The phylogenetic analysis showed that the molecular structure VvIL-1R2 is similar to that of its orthologues in other vertebrates. The expression levels of VvIL-1R2 are relatively high in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), gill, and spleen. In addition, peculiar expression patterns for his molecule were detected at various developmental stages, implying that in flatfishes the IL-1R2 may have be important for embryonic development and metamorphosis. In PBLs, the treatment with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) induced a significant and rapid up-regulation of VvIL-1R2, pointing at its involvement in the immune responses against bacterial and viral pathogens.

[Efficacy and safety study of microsurgical varicocelectomy in the treatment of non-obstructive azoospermia with varicocele]

Objective: To discuss the efficacy and safety of subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy in the treatment of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) with varicocele. Methods: The clinical data of 141 patients with NOA and varicocele who underwent subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy from March 2015 to June 2017 in Shanghai General Hospital was collected.One hundred and ten patients suffered from varicocele on the left side, 1 on the right side, and the rest (30 cases) were bilateral varicocele. Grade Ⅰ varicocele were found on 7 sides (the right and left side was count respectively), grade Ⅱ on 121 sides, and grade Ⅲ on 43 sides. Sperm analysis, pregnancy rate and complications were recorded after at least 6 months since operation. Results: Eleven cases were lost during the follow-up. Eighteen of the remaining 130 NOA patients processed successful sperm retrieval in post-operative semen analysis (18/130, 13.8%). Six couples(6/130, 4.6%) succeeded in natural pregnancy. Five couples (5/130, 3.8%)underwent successful pregnancy following with intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI). Twenty-six out of the remaining 112 patients underwent the micro dissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE), and 4 patients got a successful sperm retrieval (4/26, 15.4%). Among them, 2 couples had successful pregnancy with ICSI. Totally 2 cases of postoperative infection of incision were found. Conclusions: Microsurgical varicocelectomy had a beneficial effect on sperm quality of patients suffered from NOA with varicocele to some extent, even leading to unassisted pregnancy or avoiding micro-TESE before ICSI. Microsurgical varicocelectomy could be applied in the treatment of NOA with varicocele.

[A study on the burden and causes of hospitalization and deaths in Shenzhen, between 1995 and 2014]

Objective: Data from the surveillance program was collected, to analyze the situation of hospitalization and cases of death with recorded causes, in Shenzhen, from 1995 to 2014. Situation of hospitalization and causes of deaths were studied in Shenzhen which had been a fast-developing city with growing number of immigrants so as to provide reference for decision-making on related prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data on hospitalizations and deaths collected from the surveillance program, were classified by both International Classification of Diseases (ICD)- 9 and ICD-10. A database was constructed with methods on related descriptive and trend analysis. Results: Around 6.3 million inpatients were seen in the past two decades in Shenzhen. The top five diseases for hospitalization were pregnancy childbirth and puerperium complications, respiratory diseases, injury and poisoning, digestive system diseases and circulatory system diseases, that accounting for 68.4% of all the hospitalization burden. The number of inpatients increased annually, with an 11 times increase during the past two decades. Proportions for pregnancy childbirth and puerperium complications, circulatory system diseases and urinary system diseases all showed increasing (χ(2)=53 806.94, 6 893.95 and 15 383.14, P<0.01), while proportions for injuries and poisoning, respiratory diseases, digestive system diseases showed a declining trend (χ(2)=131 480.09,1 711.84 and 11 367.66, P<0.01). Number of cumulative inpatient deaths exceeded 60 000, with the top five causes as malignant tumor, circulatory system diseases, injury and poisoning, respiratory system diseases and digestive system diseases, that accounting for 82.28% of all the inpatient deaths. Deaths due to circulatory system diseases, injury and poisoning increased and then decreased. Malignant tumor and respiratory diseases-induced deaths showed an increasing trend (χ(2)=1 546.48, 309.55, P<0.01), while induced deaths from disease of the other systems showed slight changes. The overall case fatality rate showed an annual decline (χ(2)=4 378.63, P<0.01), from 2.23% in 1995 to 0.74% in 2014, with mortality attribute to tumor, circulatory system disease decreased significantly. Conclusions: Shenzhen had been under an ageing transition, with relatively young population living in the city. Chronic diseases such as tumor gradually had become the major causes for heavy hospitalization burden on the population of Shenzhen.

[Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid with traditional Chinese medicine on biochemical response in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: a real-world cohort study]

Objective: To examine the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine on biochemical response in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Methods: According to the method of receiving treatment, 197 patients with primary biliary cholangitis were divided into Traditional Chinese Medicine plus Western medicine group (93 cases, 47.2%) and Western medicine group (104 cases, 52.8%). From the baseline date, the combined group was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid plus traditional Chinese medicine decoction or Chinese patent medicine for at least one month and the Western medicine group simply took ursodeoxycholic acid . Additionally, Traditional Chinese medicine decoction prescriptions were mainly Xiaoyaosan and Yinchenhao. Chinese patent medicine were restricted to Biejia Ruangan tablets, Fuzheng Huayu capsules, Jiuweigantai capsules and Yinzhihuang capsules, which were used to treat liver fibrosis and cholestasis. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as ALP level < 1.67 × ULN and ≥ 15% decrease in ALP with baseline level and TBIL≤ULN after 12 months of treatment. Results: The overall biochemical response rate of patients was 35.0% (69/197). The response rate of TCM+ Western medicine group was 43.0% (40/93), and that of Western medicine group was 27.9% (29/104). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ(2) = 4.936, P < 0.05). Further analysis showed that the Chinese and Western medicine group was superior to the Western medicine group alone in reducing γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and TBiL [the median decline were GGT: 160.1 U/L and 111.3 U/L (Z = -2.474, P < 0.05), TBiL: 5.2 umol/l and 3.1 umol/l (Z = -2.125, P < 0.05)]. Conclusion: UDCA combined with TCM therapy can remarkably improve the biochemical response rate in patients with PBC and distinctly decrease the TBIL and GGT levels than UDCA monotherapy.

The correlation between obstructive sleep apnea and diabetic neuropathy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetic neuropathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After working out searching strategy, literatures were screened from the electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library. R 3.12 was utilized to perform meta-analysis, and odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed by χ²-based Q test and I² statistics. Publication bias was estimated by Egger's test and sensitivity was evaluated by leave one out methods.

RESULTS

According to the criteria, a total of 11 studies with 1842 patients were enrolled in this study. With a significant heterogeneity (Q=31.83, I²=68.60%), the random effects model was utilized to assess the effect size of pooled data. A remarkable correlation was identified OSA and diabetic neuropathy (OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.18-2.87) without publication bias (t=1.68, P=0.13). Meanwhile, the result of leave one out performed a well sensitivity. Moreover, the subgroup analyses presented that OSA was significantly correlated with type 1 diabetic neuropathy (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.19-3.25), but no remarkable correlation was identified between OSA and type 1 (OR=1.84, 95% CI: 0.86-3.93) or 1+2 (OR=1.30, 95% CI: 0.43-3.92) diabetic neuropathy.

CONCLUSION

OSA was significantly correlated with neuropathy in type 1 diabetes, but not in type 2 and type 1+2 diabetes.

Serum hepatitis B surface antigen correlates with fibrosis and necroinflammation: A multicentre perspective in China

The kinetics of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been studied, but the factors affecting them remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the factors affecting HBsAg titres, using data from multicentre, large-sized clinical trials in China. The baseline data of 1795 patients in 3 multicentre trials were studied, and the patients were classified into 3 groups: hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic HBV infection (n = 588), HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (n = 596), and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (n = 611). HBsAg titres in the different phases were compared, and multiple linear progression analyses were performed to investigate the implicated factors. HBsAg titres varied significantly in different phases (P = .000), with the highest (4.60 log10 IU/mL [10%-90% confidence interval: 3.52 log10 IU/mL-4.99 log10 IU/mL]) in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection. In all phases, age and HBV DNA were correlated with serum HBsAg level. In HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients, a negative correlation between HBsAg titres and fibrosis stage was observed. Alanine amonitransferase or necroinflammatory activity was also correlated with HBsAg titres in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. In conclusion, decreased HBsAg titres may be associated with advancing fibrosis in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients or increased necroinflammation in those with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. Our findings may help clinicians better understand the kinetics of HBsAg and provide useful insights into the management of this disease.

[Follow-up study of 116 cases of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension]

Objective: To investigate the incidence rate of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) complications in the treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension, and analyze the cause of complication to management methods. Methods: Data of 116 patients obtained from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were retrospectively analyzed. Portal venous pressure, routine blood test, coagulation test, liver and kidney function test, ammonia blood test, imaging and endoscopy reports were collected before and after procedure. The incidence rate of hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites and shunt dysfunctions were observed. Data were expressed as mean ± Standard deviation and analyzed by t-test. A chi-squared test was used for comparison between categorical variables. Results: The success rate of TIPS operation was 97.41% (113/116). Two patients underwent prompt TIPS procedure due to active bleeding. Bleeding was successfully stopped. Portal venous pressure of 113 patients decreased from (42.73 ± 7.64) cmH(2)O to (24.92 ± 7.60) cmH(2)O, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Twenty cases were of hepatic encephalopathy. Preoperative level of Child-pugh class C patients was more susceptible to hepatic encephalopathy within 3 months after procedure than class A and B. After TIPS procedure, there were 22 cases of gastrointestinal bleeding, 18 cases of shunt dysfunctions and 26 cases of disease related death. Conclusion: Rational patient selection strategies can effectively reduce portal venous pressure, incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, improve mid-and long-term therapeutic effects, and provide opportunities for liver transplantation.

[Data mining of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas database]

Objective: To deeply investigate the gene expression profiles of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the relationship of gene expression levels with prognosis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Methods: RNA-seq V2 data of 11 normal samples and 81 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients, and their corresponding clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed genes between normal and tumor samples were identified by using edgeR package. Gene function enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes were conducted. A protein-protein interaction network based on differentially expressed genes was constructed by using STRING database and the hub genes were identified based on the created gene co-expression network. In addition, survival analysis was performed. Results: Totally, 2 788 genes were identified as differential expression. Among these, 1 168 genes were up-regulated and 1 620 genes were down-regulated in tumor cases compared with normal samples. Up-regulated genes were enriched in cell cycle, DNA replication and mismatch repair pathways, while down-regulated genes were enriched in metabolic pathways. 707 genes and their 3 428 interactions were identified by protein-protein interaction analysis. Genes with copy number amplifications were considered to interact with other crucial genes. 10 co-expression modules were identified based on the gene co-expression network analysis and the ribosomal protein genes were illustrated to be correlated with tumor locations of ESCC patients (P=0.003). The 3-years survival rates of high and low expression of TNFRSF10B groups were 82.5% and 15.1%, respectively. Similarly, the 3-years survival rates of high and low expression of DDX18 groups were 82.4% and 15.2%, respectively. The survival differences stratified by these two genes were statistically significant (both P<0.1). Conclusions: The analysis results of TCGA database showed that ribosomal protein genes are correlated with tumor locations of ESCC patients. Low expressions of TNFRSF10B and DDX18 are associated with poor prognose of ESCC patients. Consequently, TNFRSF10B and DDX18 may serve as predictive markers for ESCC patients.

Bioinformatics analysis to reveal the key genes related to obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is induced by obstruction of the upper airway, which can raise multiple health risks. This study is designed to reveal the key genes involved in OSA.

METHODS

GSE38792 was extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including ten visceral adipose tissues from OSA patients and eight visceral adipose tissues from normal controls. Differential expression analysis was conducted using limma package, and then the functions of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using DAVID database, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and integrated regulatory network analysis was performed using Cytoscape software.

RESULTS

A total of 368 DEGs (176 upregulated and 192 downregulated) were identified in OSA samples. Epstein-Barr virus infection (involving IL10RB, MAPK9, and MAPK10) and olfactory transduction were the main pathways separately enriched for the upregulated genes and the downregulated genes. After the PPI network was built, the top ten network nodes (such as TXN) were selected according to node degrees. Two significant PPI network modules were identified. Moreover, the integrated regulatory network was constructed.

CONCLUSION

IL10RB, MAPK9, MAPK10, and TXN might function in the pathogenesis of OSA.

Curcumin suppresses MUC5AC production via interfering with the EGFR signaling pathway

Excessive mucin production in the airway may contribute to airway inflammatory diseases. Curcumin has been reported to prevent mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) production in human airway epithelial cells; however, the molecular targets of curcumin involved in regulating MUC5AC expression have remained elusive. The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which curcumin regulates MUC5AC production, utilizing the NCI‑H292 human airway epithelial cell line featuring MUC5AC hypersecretion. Curcumin was able to counteract the endothelial growth factor (EGF)‑stimulated mRNA and protein expression of MUC5AC. In addition, curcumin treatment prevented EGF‑induced phosphorylation of EGF receptor (EGFR) as well as the downstream AKT and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), while inhibition of PI3K and STAT3 signaling significantly attenuated the expression of MUC5AC that was induced by EGF. Furthermore, EGF‑induced increases in the levels of phosphorylated STAT3 in the nuclear fraction were inhibited by curcumin and PI3K inhibitors. In addition, treatment with curcumin significantly decreased MUC5AC and EGFR expression in a time‑dependent manner under basal conditions. These results demonstrated that curcumin inhibited MUC5AC protein expression in NCI‑H292 cells under basal conditions as well under EGF stimulation. This inhibition was accompanied by decreased activation of the EGFR/AKT/STAT3 pathway and reduced EGFR expression, which indicated that curcumin may have a dual role in interfering with the EGFR signaling pathway and inhibiting mucin expression in human airway epithelial cells.

Properties of Nuclei up to A=16 using Local Chiral Interactions

We report accurate quantum Monte Carlo calculations of nuclei up to A=16 based on local chiral two- and three-nucleon interactions up to next-to-next-to-leading order. We examine the theoretical uncertainties associated with the chiral expansion and the cutoff in the theory, as well as the associated operator choices in the three-nucleon interactions. While in light nuclei the cutoff variation and systematic uncertainties are rather small, in ^{16}O these can be significant for large coordinate-space cutoffs. Overall, we show that chiral interactions constructed to reproduce properties of very light systems and nucleon-nucleon scattering give an excellent description of binding energies, charge radii, and form factors for all these nuclei, including open-shell systems in A=6 and 12.

Effects of gamma radiation on microbial, physicochemical, and structural properties of whey protein model system

Gamma radiation has been used in food processing for many years, though it has certain effects on food components. Whey protein solutions (10%/30%, wt/vol) were treated with gamma radiation at various dosages (10-25 kGy) and evaluated for microbial changes in the solutions and physicochemical and structural changes of whey proteins. Whey protein solutions after gamma radiation showed substantially lower populations of all viable microorganisms than those of controls. The 10% whey protein solution treated at radiation of 20 or 25 kGy remained sterile for up to 4 wk at room temperature. Gamma radiation increased viscosity and turbidity and decreased soluble nitrogen of whey protein solutions compared to nonradiated control samples regardless of radiation dosage. Nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE suggested that whey proteins under gamma radiation treatment formed aggregates with high molecular weights. Reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE showed that disulfide bonds played a role in gamma radiation-induced whey protein cross-linking. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy micrographs exhibited large aggregates of whey proteins after gamma radiation treatment. Results suggested that gamma radiation could be applied to whey protein solution for purposes of reducing microbial counts and cross-linking protein molecules.

The outcome and the influencing factors of the age of onset in post-mortem of chronic bronchitis patients: a retrospective study

Purpose

Chronic bronchitis is thought to occur in elderly patients, and smoking seems to be an important risk factor. The outcomes related to the age of onset in patients with chronic bronchitis are still unclear.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study was conducted on deceased patients whose diagnosis included bronchitis from 2010 to 2016. Patients were separated into two groups according to the age of onset (Group I, age ≤50 years old; Group II, age >50 years old). Information regarding disease course, smoking history, death age, number of admissions per year, Hugh Jones Index, and self-reported comorbidities of the patients was recorded.

Results

The courses of chronic cough and sputum were 33.38±7.73 years and 14.44±8.60 years in Group I and Group II, respectively (p<0.05). The death ages of Group I and Group II were 77.65±7.87 years and 84.69±6.67 years, respectively (p<0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between the number of hospital admissions per year and the age of onset. The age of onset was negatively associated with daily smoking count (r=−0.210) and total smoking count (r=−0.146). In Group I, there were fewer cases of coronary heart disease (OR =0.41 [0.24–0.71]), neurological diseases (OR =0.48 [0.24–0.97]), and total comorbidities (OR =0.67 [0.54–0.85]) than in Group II.

Conclusion

Patients with early onset chronic bronchitis had a longer history, younger death age, poorer health status, and lower incidence of comorbidities.

Curcumin Inhibits Growth of Human NCI-H292 Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Increasing FOXA2 Expression

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common histological lung cancer subtype, but unlike lung adenocarcinoma, limited therapeutic options are available for treatment. Curcumin, a natural compound, may have anticancer effects in various cancer cells, but how it may be used to treat LSCC has not been well studied. Here, we applied curcumin to a human NCI-H292 LSCC cell line to test anticancer effects and explored underlying potential mechanisms of action. Curcumin treatment inhibited NCI-H292 cell growth and increased FOXA2 expression in a time-dependent manner. FOXA2 expression was decreased in LSCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues and knockdown of FOXA2 increased NCI-H292 cells proliferation. Inhibition of cell proliferation by curcumin was attenuated by FOXA2 knockdown. Moreover inhibition of STAT3 pathways by curcumin increased FOXA2 expression in NCI-H292 cells whereas a STAT3 activator (IL-6) significantly inhibited curcumin-induced FOXA2 expression. Also, SOCS1 and SOCS3, negative regulators of STAT3 activity, were upregulated by curcumin treatment. Thus, curcumin inhibited human NCI-H292 cells growth by increasing FOXA2 expression via regulation of STAT3 signaling pathways.

Chyloptysis with chylopericardium, a rare case and mini-review

Background

Chyloptysis is reflux of chyle into the lungs and is a rare manifestation of primary chylous disorders.

Case presentation

Over 29 months, on the basis of x-rays, a 33-year-old female was repeatedly misdiagnosed with recurrent right-sided pneumonia; her symptoms included a recurrent cough, the appearance of cheese-like sputum, and diffuse pulmonary exudates. There was a history that abundant fluid in the pericardium was confirmed with echocardiography to have been present and asymptomatic for 4 years. Lymphangiography and surgery confirmed that the terminal portion of the thoracic duct was compressed by thick fibrous tissue and the vascular sheath of the internal jugular vein. Chyloptysis caused by high peribronchial lymphatic pressure was diagnosed and surgical intervention relieved the symptoms.

Conclusion

Chyloptysis is rare and easy to misdiagnose but is a typical symptom of chylous reflux syndrome.

Identification of the potential crucial genes in invasive ductal carcinoma using bioinformatics analysis

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is a common histological type of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to identify the potential crucial genes associated with IDC and to provide valid biological information for further investigations. The gene expression profiles of GSE10780 which contained 42 histologically normal breast tissues and 143 IDC tissues were downloaded from the GEO database. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was analyzed using Cytoscape. In total, 999 DEGs were identified, including 667 up-regulated and 332 down-regulated DEGs. Gene ontology analysis demonstrated that most DEGs were significantly enriched in mitotic cell cycle, adhesion and protein binding process. Through PPI network analysis, a significant module was screened out, and the top 10 hub genes, CDK1, CCNB1, CENPE, CENPA, PLK1, CDC20, MAD2L1, HIST1H2BK, KIF2C and CCNA2 were identified from the PPI network. The expression levels of the 10 genes were validated in Oncomine database. KIF2C, MAD2L1 and PLK1 were associated with the overall survival. And we used cBioPortal to explore the genetic alterations of hub genes and potential drugs. In conclusion, the present study identified DEGs between normal and IDC samples, which could improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the development of IDC, and these candidate genes might be used as therapeutic targets for IDC.

Analysis of the Daya Bay Reactor Antineutrino Flux Changes with Fuel Burnup

We investigate the recent Daya Bay results on the changes in the antineutrino flux and spectrum with the burnup of the reactor fuel. We find that the discrepancy between current model predictions and the Daya Bay results can be traced to the original measured ^{235}U/^{239}Pu ratio of the fission β spectra that were used as a base for the expected antineutrino fluxes. An analysis of the antineutrino spectra that is based on a summation over all fission fragment β decays, using nuclear database input, explains all of the features seen in the Daya Bay evolution data. However, this summation method still allows for an anomaly. We conclude that there is currently not enough information to use the antineutrino flux changes to rule out the possible existence of sterile neutrinos.

Upregulated TRIM11 Exerts its Oncogenic Effects in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Inhibition of P53

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The tripartite motif containing (TRIM) family plays crucial roles in tumor development and progression. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of TRIM11 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The expression levels of TRIM11 were examined by real-time PCR, Western blot and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. TRIM11 knockdown cells were produced by lentivirus infection, and functional assays, such as MTT, colony formation assay, migration and invasion assays and a xenograft tumor model were used to investigate the role of TRIM11 in HCC. We also determined the effect of TRIM11 on p53 signaling and its downstream molecules.

RESULTS

We found that TRIM11 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in HCC tissues as compared with normal tissues; increased levels correlated with poor patient survival. By loss- and gain-of-function investigations, knockdown of TRIM11 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, TRIM11 negatively regulated p53 expression. Knockdown of p53 abrogated the in vitro and in vivo biological functions of TRIM11 shRNA in HCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that TRIM11 exerts its oncogenic effect in HCC by downregulating p53 both in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HCC and indicate that TRIM11 may serve as a new therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Suppression of Sirtuin-1 Increases IL-6 Expression by Activation of the Akt Pathway During Allergic Asthma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A growing number of studies have demonstrated that the activity and expression level of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) are decreased in asthma patients; however, the mechanisms underlying decreased SIRT1 expression and function are still not completely understood. Interleukin (IL)-6 plays important roles in inflammation during allergic asthma. In this study, we examined whether loss of SIRT1 activity regulated the expression of IL-6 and further verified the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The human airway epithelial cell line 16HBE was used to test the effects of the SIRT1 inhibitor (salermide) on expression of IL-6. IL-6 mRNA and protein expression were assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunochemistry, and ELISA. OVA-challenged mice were used as an asthma model to investigate the effect of SIRT1 activation on IL-6 and relative Akt phosphorylation level.

RESULTS

We found that inhibition of SIRT1 increased IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in a time-dependent manner, which was accompanied by increased Akt pathway activation in 16HBE cells. Furthermore activation of Akt showed upregulated expression of the IL-6 protein whereas Akt inhibitor, LY294002 or Akt siRNA significantly inhibited SIRT1-regulated IL-6 expression. Conversely, activation of SIRT1 inhibited Akt activation and IL-6 expression in an asthmatic mice model and 16HBE cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate the potential role of SIRT1 in regulating inflammation by modulation of IL-6 expression in an Akt-dependent manner during allergic asthma.

Topological-insulator-based terahertz modulator

Three dimensional topological insulators, as a new phase of quantum matters, are characterized by an insulating gap in the bulk and a metallic state on the surface. Particularly, most of the topological insulators have narrow band gaps, and hence have promising applications in the area of terahertz optoelectronics. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an electronically-tunable terahertz intensity modulator based on Bi_1:5Sb_0:5Te_1:8Se_1:2 single crystal, one of the most insulating topological insulators. A relative frequency-independent modulation depth of ~62% over a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 1.4 THz has been achieved at room temperature, by applying a bias current of 100 mA. The modulation in the low current regime can be further enhanced at low temperature. We propose that the extraordinarily large modulation is a consequence of thermally-activated carrier absorption in the semiconducting bulk states. Our work provides a new application of topological insulators for terahertz technology.

[Application of three-dimensional visualization in pancreatic tumor: a pilot study]

Objective: To study the value of three-dimensional(3D) visualization in the diagnosis and surgical treatment for pancreatic tumor. Methods: From June to September 2016, 26 patients with pancreatic tumors in Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University were involved. The study included 26 patients(8 females and 18 males) with mean age of (57±12)years (ranging from 23 to 77 years). And there were 20 malignant tumors and 6 benign tumors. All of them were examined with abdominal thin slice CT scanning and the CT images were imported into 3D visualization system for 3D visualization. The main elements examined by 3D visualization included tumor shape, size, and location; distribution and morphology of the peripancreatic lymph node; the relationships among neoplasms, organs and blood vessels. Results: Among the 26 patients, there were 21 cases with pancreatic cancer, of which 15 cases successfully underwent standard pancreatectomy. All patients were operated underwent accurate assessment. The 3D model demonstrated the origination and bifurcations of blood vessels, and the relationships among neoplasms, organs and blood vessels efficiently. The 3D technique could facilitate to evaluate response of neiadjuvant chemotherapy in the pancreatic cancer patients (n=5).3D reconstruction could detect the lymph-node metastases accurately (n=12) in patients with pancreatic cancer. 3D reconstruction were applied to evaluate the the size and range of tumor on 5 cases. Conclusions: 3D reconstruction allows stereoscopic identification of the spatial relationships between physiologic and pathologic structures.The 3D technique could facilitate to evaluate distribution and morphology of the peripancreatic lymph node, and to evaluate the relationships among neoplasms, organs and blood vessels.