Cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors directly involves in the neuroprotection of muscone by inducing Ca2+ antagonism and maintaining mitochondrial function

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Musk, a traditional Chinese medicine, is broadly used in inducing resuscitation and refreshing the mind, activating blood and alleviating pain. It is commonly used for the treatment of ischemic stroke, and muscone is its core medicinal component.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to explore whether muscone ameliorates neuronal damage through cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of muscone were tested in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) as well as injured neurons induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in PC12 cells. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay was used to measure the cell viability, and the production of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) were examined by kit. 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) and Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) staining were used to demonstrate effect of muscone on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular Ca2+ measurement in cells respectively, in which all of those staining was visualized by laser confocal microscope. For in vivo experiments, rats' cerebral blood flow was measured using laser Doppler blood flowmetry to evaluate the MCAO model, and a modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was used to assess the recovery of neurological function. Calculate infarct rate was measured by 2,3,5-Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining. Except DCFH-DA and Fluo-4 AM staining, 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl benzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining was used to observe intracellular Ca2+ measurement in brain cells. Protein levels in cells and tissues were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with muscone significantly improved the cell viability, lactic acid production, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and function, Ca2+ overload, ROS generation, and cell apoptosis in OGD PC12 cells. Muscone also regulated PI3K, ERK and AKT signal pathways by activating cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors in PC12 cells induced with OGD. More importantly, the blocking of cholinergic signaling of muscarinic receptors by atropine significantly reduces the neuroprotective effects of muscone, including the cell viability, Ca2+ efflux, and mitochondrial repair. Furthermore, muscone was found to effectively alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated levels of ROS induced by the MCAO in the brain tissue. Notably, this beneficial effect of muscone was attenuated by atropine but not by (+)-Sparteine.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that muscone exerts its neuroprotective effects by activating muscarinic receptors of cholinergic signaling, thus providing a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of OGD-induced nerve injury in stroke. The findings suggest that these treatments may hold potential benefits for stroke patients.

[Changes of uterine morphology and endometrial T2 signal intensity in the fibrotic repair secondary to endometrial injury]

Objective: To investigate the value of uterine morphological parameters and endometrial T2 signal intensity (T2-SI) in evaluating the degree of the fibrotic repair secondary to endometrial injury. Methods: From Sep. 2018 to Feb. 2023, this study prospectively enrolled 29 patients with fibrotic repair secondary to severe endometrial injury (severe group), 17 patients with fibrotic repair secondary to mild to moderate endometrial injury (mild to moderate group), and 40 healthy women of reproductive age (control group) in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The length of uterine cavity (LUC), length of cervix and isthmus (LCI), width of upper uterine cavity (WUUC) and width of lower uterine cavity (WLUC) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. T2-SI of endometrium and subcutaneous fat of buttocks were measured, and endometrial normalized T2-SI (nT2-SI; T2-SI of endometrium/T2-SI of subcutaneous fat of buttocks) was calculated. Statistical analyses of data were performed using one-way analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test, intraclass correlation coefficient, Spearman rho test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: LUC, WUUC, WLUC and endometrial nT2-SI of severe group [(19.7±3.5) mm, (26.9±6.4) mm, (7.9±1.4) mm, 0.73±0.11, respectively] were significantly lower than those of the control group (all P<0.01), while LCI and WUUC/LUC [(51.3±7.3) mm and 1.38±0.34] were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P<0.001). LUC and WLUC of severe group were significantly lower than those of mild to moderate group [(32.4±5.1) mm and (8.8±1.2) mm; all P<0.05], while LCI and WUUC/LUC were significantly higher than those of mild to moderate group [(41.8±8.6) mm and 0.94±0.16; all P<0.001]. LUC and endometrial nT2-SI of mild to moderate group were significantly lower than those of the control group [ (32.4±5.1) vs (35.3±3.5) mm, 0.68±0.13 vs 0.80±0.12; all P<0.01]. LUC, WUUC, WLUC and endometrial nT2-SI were significantly negatively correlated to the degree of the fibrotic repair secondary to endometrial injury (Spearman rho:-0.794, -0.441, -0.471 and -0.316, respectively; all P<0.05), while LCI and WUUC/LUC were significantly positively correlated to the degree of the fibrotic repair secondary to endometrial injury (Spearman rho: 0.481 and 0.674, respectively; all P<0.05). LUC and WUUC/LUC showed high value in distinguishing severe group from the control group or mild to moderate group (all AUC>0.9, all P<0.001). Conclusion: As noninvasive and quantitative biomarkers, uterine morphological parameters and endometrial nT2-SI could evaluate the degree of the fibrotic repair secondary to endometrial injury.

[Clinical and molecular biological characterization of patients with accelerated chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of patients with accelerated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (aCLL) . Methods: From January 2020 to October 2022, the data of 13 patients diagnosed with aCLL at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed to explore the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of aCLL. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 (35-72) years. Prior to aCLL, five patients received no treatment for CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), while the other patients received treatment, predominantly with BTK inhibitors. The patients were diagnosed with aCLL through pathological confirmation upon disease progression. Six patients exhibited bulky disease (lesions with a maximum diameter ≥5 cm). Positron emission tomography (PET) -computed tomography (CT) images revealed metabolic heterogeneity, both between and within lesions, and the median maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the lesion with the most elevated metabolic activity was 6.96 (2.51-11.90). Patients with unmutated IGHV CLL accounted for 76.9% (10/13), and the most frequent genetic and molecular aberrations included +12 [3/7 (42.9% ) ], ATM mutation [6/12 (50% ) ], and NOTCH1 mutation [6/12 (50% ) ]. Twelve patients received subsequent treatment. The overall response rate was 91.7%, and the complete response rate was 58.3%. Five patients experienced disease progression, among which two patients developed Richter transformation. Patients with aCLL with KRAS mutation had worse progression-free survival (7.0 month vs 26.3 months, P=0.015) . Conclusion: Patients with aCLL exhibited a clinically aggressive course, often accompanied by unfavorable prognostic factors, including unmutated IGHV, +12, ATM mutation, and NOTCH1 mutation. Patients with CLL/SLL with clinical suspicion of disease progression, especially those with bulky disease and PET-CT SUVmax ≥5, should undergo biopsy at the site of highest metabolic uptake to establish a definitive pathological diagnosis.

[The relationship between Zhu Kerou and the publication Medical History in the Past and Present]

Medical History in the Past and Present (Gu Jin Yi Shi), written by Wang Honghan, has been valued by historians since its discovery. Its publication was linked to Zhu Kerou but the relationship between the book and Zhu had been unclear for a long time. This paper examined medical books, medical notes, letters and local chronicles and other related materials. It was found that Zhu Kerou, also named Wengang and Yanyu, lived in Wu County, Jiangsu. He had studied under Miao Zunyi, a well-known doctor at that time, as his medical teacher for more than ten years. However, he did not maintain medicine as his career, but made a living with arts. He wrote Notes of Orchid (Di Yi Xiang Bi Ji) and had it published, collated and edited as part of the first seven volumes of Medical History in the Past and Present (Gu Jin Yi Shi). He also contributed to two additional volumes of this book.

[The prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral artery disease in Chinese communities]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) managed in primary health care in China. Methods: A total of 2 528 T2DM patients were selected using a two-stage cluster random sampling method based on the baseline survey of the "China Diabetic Foot Prevention Model Project." The study was conducted in 2015 among T2DM patients in 8 primary healthcare centers in Changshu county and Jiang'an district of Wuhan, China. Data collection methods included a questionnaire, body measurement, and blood glucose detection. The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is the most widely used noninvasive vascular test. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence factors. Results: The prevalence of PAD was 11.2% among the diabetic patients managed in primary health care in the two cities. The prevalence of PAD under 55 years old, 55- years old, 65- years old, and ≥75 years old were 7.8%, 6.0%, 12.9% and 22.5%, respectively. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression identified influence factors included older age, higher education level, smoking, drinking, postprandial glucose uncontrol, and prior myocardial infarction or angina. Compared to age <55 years, the odds ratio for PAD were 0.74 for 55- years (95%CI: 0.43-1.28), 1.72 for 65- years (95%CI: 1.05-2.81), 3.56 for 75 years and above (95%CI: 2.07-6.11), respectively. Compared to patients with education in primary school and below, the odds ratio was 1.37 (95%CI: 0.97-1.94), 2.48 (95%CI: 1.73-3.55), 1.99 (95%CI: 1.26-3.13) for those with education levels of junior high school, senior high school, and college, respectively. Current smoking (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.02-2.17), current drinking (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.28-0.71), postprandial glucose uncontrol (2 h postprandial plasma glucose >10.0 mmol/L: OR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.22-2.43), and prior myocardial infarction or angina (OR=2.32, 95%CI: 1.50-3.61) were influencing factors of PAD. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of PAD in diabetes managed in primary health care; multiple risk factors are not effectively aware of and under control. It is urgent to promote ABI screening and standardized management for diabetes, especially in primary health care.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

Discovery of diarylheptanoids that activate α7 nAchR-JAK2-STAT3 signaling in macrophages with anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo

Acute inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis, are life-threatening illnesses. Regulating the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAchR)-mediated signaling may be a promising strategy to treat sepsis. Diarylheptanoids have long been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. However, the possible mechanism of diarylheptanoids has rarely been investigated. In this study, we isolated and synthesized 49 diarylheptanoids and analogues and evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities. Among them, compounds 28 and 40 markedly blocked lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 in murine RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, compounds 28 and 40 also effectively attenuated LPS-induced sepsis, acute lung injury, and cytokines release in vivo. Mechanistically, compounds 28 and 40 significantly induced phosphorylation of janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling and suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Furthermore, blocking α7 nAchR could effectively abolish compounds 28 and 40-mediated activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling as well as inhibition of NF-κB activation and NO production in LPS-exposed RAW264.7 cells. Collectively, our findings have identified a new diarylheptanoid, compound 28, as an agonist of α7 nAchR-JAK2-STAT3 signaling, which can be potentially developed as a valuable candidate for the treatment of sepsis, and provide a new lead structure for the development of anti-inflammatory agents targeting α7 nAchR-JAK2-STAT3 signaling.

[Preconception reproductive health and birth outcome cohort in Chongqing: the cohort profile]

Birth cohort is an important platform to study the effect of early-life exposure on health outcome, but large cohorts to investigate the effect of preconception exposure, especially paternal exposure, on reproductive health and birth outcome are limited. The Preconception Reproductive Health and Birth Outcome Cohort (PREBIC) is a prospective birth cohort study which pays equal attention to the contribution of environmental, psychological, behavioral as well as other factors to reproductive health and adverse birth outcomes in both men and women in Chongqing, China. PREBIC started in 2019 and plans to recruit 20 800 reproductive-age couples with child-bearing willingness. Followed up was conducted to understand the conception status of the women within two years. Women in pregnancy would be visited at first, second, third trimesters and after delivery. The offspring would be monitored until 2 years old to understand the incidences of preterm birth, low birth weight, birth defects, neurodevelopmental disorders and other outcomes. Related information and biospecimen collections (including semen, peripheral blood, urine, placenta, umbilical cord, cord blood and oral swab) were scheduled in each period. By January 2022, PREBIC had recruited 8 698 participants from all 38 districts in Chongqing. The goal of PREBIC is to establish one of the largest prospective preconception birth cohorts covering both men and women, which might provide a unique insight to understand the effects of the full reproductive cycle on reproductive health and adverse outcomes, with especial emphasis on preconception exposures.

Discovery of a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor Disrupting TRBP-Dicer Interaction against Hepatocellular Carcinoma via the Modulation of microRNA Biogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis. Therefore, small molecules targeting components of miRNA biogenesis may provide new therapeutic means for HCC treatment. By a high-throughput screening and structural simplification, we identified a small molecule, CIB-3b, which suppresses the growth and metastasis of HCC in vitro and in vivo by modulating expression profiles of miRNAome and proteome in HCC cells. Mechanistically, CIB-3b physically binds to transactivation response (TAR) RNA-binding protein 2 (TRBP) and disrupts the TRBP-Dicer interaction, thereby altering the activity of Dicer and mature miRNA production. Structure-activity relationship study via the synthesis of 45 CIB-3b derivatives showed that some compounds exhibited a similar inhibitory effect on miRNA biogenesis to CIB-3b. These results support TRBP as a potential therapeutic target in HCC and warrant further development of CIB-3b along with its analogues as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Quasi-isentropic compression of LiH above 400 GPa using magnetocumulative generator

The knowledge of high-pressure behavior of LiH is significant for the validation of fundamental theoretical models and applications in thermonuclear materials and potential energy supplies. The compressibility of ⁷LiH under isentropic compression at high pressure was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The experimental technique for quasi-isentropic compression with low-density materials was developed using the magnetocumulative generator CJ-100 and x-ray flash radiography. The x-ray images and extracted interface of the sample target in dynamic flash radiography experiments were obtained. According to each interface size of the target both before and after compression, the compression ratio of ⁷LiH and reference material aluminum was obtained. The density of the reference and using its known isentropic curve provide the pressure in the reference. The pressure in ⁷LiH was deduced from the pressure in the reference and using the calculated gradient correction factor. The quasi-isentropic data point at 438 GPa was obtained experimentally. A semiempirical three-term complete equation of state was constructed and validated for ⁷LiH using the theory of Mie-Grüneisen-Debye with experimental data from the literature. The quasi-isentrope data point is reasonably consistent with the theoretical results. The quasi-isentropic experimental techniques and results broaden the existing research scope and are practical and helpful to further validate theoretical models in the future.

[The cervical microbiota characteristics in patients with human papillomavirus infection]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of cervical microbiota in patients with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, and to analyze the associations of cervical microbiota and HPV infection or cervicitis. Methods: 300 samples underwent HPV nucleic acid testing was collected in this case-control study from June 2019 to April 2020 in the Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, there were 150 cases allocated in HPV infection group (HPV+), and 150 cases of negative nucleic acid test were non-infectious Group (HPV-). Next-generation sequencing was used to sequence the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, and QIIME pipeline was used to analysis the microbiota composition of the two groups. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to statistically analysis the differences of the microbiota between groups; and the α diversity and β diversity of the flora between groups were statistically analyzed by Adonis multivariate analysis of variance and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: A total of 300 samples were analyzed in this study, of which 150 samples were HPV-positive and 150 samples were HPV-negative; among HPV-positive cases, 132 were infected by high-risk HPV (88.0%), and 18 were low-risk HPV infections (12.0%). The composition of the cervical microbiota were significantly different between the HPV+group and the HPV-group, which in the HPV+group, the α diversity of the cervical microbiota were significantly increased (Shannon index, W=8 174, P<0.000 1; PD whole tree, W=8 887, P=0.001 7). The β diversity of the two groups was significantly different (Binary Jaccard, F=2.325 4, P=0.042 0; Bray Curtis, F=2.136 44, P=0.044 0). The relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and L.iners in the HPV+group sample decreased significantly (W=7 730, P<0.000 1; W=8 979, P=0.002 5), accompanied by enriched Achromobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Methylobacterium, Sneathia and Dialister. There was no significant difference in the composition of the cervical microbiota between high-risk HPV infection and low-risk HPV infection (F=4.100 4, P>0.05). In addition, cervicitis is significantly related to HPV infection (χ²=19.78, P<0.000 1), the composition of cervical flora has similarity features in cervicitis and HPV infection samples. Compared with the normal group, the cervical microbiota of cervicitis with HPV infection is mainly enriched in Achromobacter, Aerococcaceae, Streptococcus, Fusobacteria, and Xanthomonadaceae. Conclusion: The cervical microbiota of patients with HPV infection has a significant dysbiosis, with increased diversity and significant depletion of lactobacillus, accompanied by an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Achromobacter.

[Grading of tumor budding in intestinal-type early gastric adenocarcinoma and its role in assessing the risk of lymph node metastasis]

Objective: To investigate the role of tumor budding (TB) in predicting lymph node metastasis of intestinal-type early gastric adenocarcinoma, and to determine the optimal cutoff value of TB number. Methods: A total of 202 patients with intestinal-type early gastric adenocarcinoma, who underwent surgical operation at the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China from 2008 to 2018 were included. According to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) criteria, the number of TB for each case was assessed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to determine the optimal cutoff value of TB number for predicting lymph node metastasis, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze whether a high TB number was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis. In addition, in the patients, who met the indications for endoscopic resection and developed lymph node metastasis, the association of a high number of TB with lymph node metastasis was examined. Results: TBs were observed in 63.4% (128/202) of intestinal-type early gastric adenocarcinomas. Using ROC curve, 4 TBs was found as the optimal cutoff value to predict lymph node metastasis (area under the curve 0.767; sensitivity 0.657; specificity 0.780). Therefore, the 202 cases were divided into two groups: the high-budding (≥4 TBs) group (n=60) and the low-budding (<4 TBs) group (n=142). The high-budding group exhibited a higher rate of lymph node metastasis than that of the low-budding group (41.7% vs 9.1%, P<0.01), and ≥4 TBs was associated with deeper invasion and lymph vessel invasion (P<0.01). The multivariate regression model showed that ≥4 TBs was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (Hazard ratio=8.760, 95%CI 2.648-28.987; P<0.01). Meanwhile, 4 TBs as the cutoff value could better predict lymph node metastasis than the cutoff value advised by the ITBCC. In addition, 3 cases were found to have developed lymph node metastasis even that they met the expanded indications for endoscopic resection, and 2 of these 3 cases exhibited a higher TB number (≥4 TBs). Conclusions: More than 4 TBs are a useful indicator for predicting lymph node metastasis in intestinal-type early gastric adenocarcinoma. It may be used to as an endoscopic resection criterion for patients with a high risk of lymph node metastasis.

Identification of a Novel TAR RNA-Binding Protein 2 Modulator with Potential Therapeutic Activity against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Imbalance miRNAs contribute to tumor formation; therefore, the development of small-molecule compounds that regulate miRNA biogenesis is an important strategy in oncotherapy. Here, (-)-Gomisin M1 (GM) was found to modulate miRNA biogenesis to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. GM modulated expression profiles of miRNA and protein in HCC cells and suppressed tumor growth in a mouse model. Mechanistically, GM affected miRNA maturation by targeting TAR RNA-binding protein 2 (TRBP), with an efficacy higher than that of enoxacin, and promoted the binding of TRBP with Dicer. Structural simplification and a preliminary structure-activity relationship study via the synthesis of 20 GM derivatives showed that compound 9 exhibited more potent inhibitory activity in HCC cell proliferation and affinity for TRBP than did GM. These results suggest that TRBP may be a novel potential therapeutic target in HCC and compound 9 may be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of HCC.

[The gender disparity and relevant factors of frailty in the elderly of communities in Beijing based on Fairlie decomposition analysis]

Objective: To analyze the gender disparity and relevant factors of frailty in the elderly of communities in Beijing. Methods: From November 2015 to January 2016, 1 557 participants aged 60 and older in four communities of Dongcheng district in Beijing were recruited by cluster sampling. The information of demographic characteristics, social support, economic status, health status, prevalence situation, cognitive function, emotion and comprehensive assessment of the elderly were collected by a self-made questionnaire. The frailty index (FI) model was used to evaluate the frailty of the elderly. Multivariate nonconditional logistic regression model and Fairlie decomposition method were applied to analyze the relevant factors and their contribution rate to the difference between males and females. Results: The age of subjects was (74.5±8.5) years old, ranging from 60-102 years old, among which 641 were males, accounting for 41.2%. The M (Q₁, Q₃) of FI was 0.09 (0.06, 0.14), among which the value in males was 0.08 (0.05, 0.13), lower than females [0.10 (0.06, 0.15)] (P<0.001).The frail proportion in female was 14.9% (137/916), higher than that of male [8.4% (54/641)] (P<0.001). Multivariate nonconditional logistic regression model analysis demonstrated that common relevant factors associated with frailty in older women and men include: age ≥80 years old, marital status as not married (unmarried, separated, divorced, or widowed), living alone increased the risk of frailty; participating in group activities ≥3 times/week and exercising regularly decreased the risk of frailty (all P<0.05). Fairlie decomposition method showed that the contribution rate of life style, family support, marital status and social support were 32.21%, 15.26%, 8.23% and 4.34%, respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The frailty degree and frailty proportion of elderly women in communities in Beijing were higher than those of men of the same age. The frailty gender difference was related to lifestyle, family support, marital status and social support.

Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 5 Promotes the Aromatase-Mediated Estrogen Biosynthesis in Osteoblastic Cells by Activation of cGMP/PKG/SHP2 Pathway

Mechanical stimulation induces bone growth and remodeling by the secondary messenger, cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP), in osteoblasts. However, the role of cGMP in the regulation of estrogen biosynthesis, whose deficiency is a major cause of osteoporosis, remains unclear. Here, we found that the prenylated flavonoids, 3-O-methoxymethyl-7-O-benzylicaritin (13), 7-O-benzylicaritin (14), and 4'-O-methyl-8-isopentylkaempferol (15), which were synthesized using icariin analogs, promoted estrogen biosynthesis in osteoblastic UMR106 cells, with calculated EC₅₀ values of 1.53, 3.45, and 10.57 µM, respectively. 14 and 15 increased the expression level of the bone specific promoter I.4-driven aromatase, the only enzyme that catalyzes estrogen formation by using androgens as substrates, in osteoblastic cells. 14 inhibited phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), stimulated intracellular cGMP level and promoted osteoblast cell differentiation. Inhibition of cGMP dependent-protein kinase G (PKG) abolished the stimulatory effect of 14 on estrogen biosynthesis and osteoblast cell differentiation. Further, PKG activation by 14 stimulated the activity of SHP2 (Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 2), thereby activating Src and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling and increasing ERK-dependent aromatase expression in osteoblasts. Our findings reveal a previously unknown role of cGMP in the regulation of estrogen biosynthesis in the bone. These results support the further development of 14 as a PKG-activating drug to mimic the anabolic effects of mechanical stimulation of bone in the treatment of osteoporosis.

[Efficacy and safety of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer located in the middle third of the stomach: a meta-analysis]

Objective: It is yet to be clarified whether pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) for early gastric cancer will bring the risk of radical tumor resection, whether it will increase the incidence of postoperative complications, and how much is the benefit of the quality of life for patients after surgery, these issues are not clear. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) for early middle gastric cancer. Methods: The Chinese and English literatures about PPG and distal gastrectomy (DG) for early gastric cancer were searched from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI net and Wanfang database. Literature inclusion criteria: (1) Prospective or retrospective cohort study of PPG and DG for early middle-third gastric cancer published publicly; (2) Patients with early middle-third gastric cancer; (3) The enrolled literatures include at least one of the following outcome indicators: the efficacy indicators include gallstone, residual gastritis, bile reflux, delayed gastric emptying, dumping syndrome, reflux esophagitis and overall complication; the long-term prognostic indicators include 5-year survival rate and 5-year tumor recurrence. Literature exclusion criteria: (1) Reviews, case reports, conference summaries and other non-control studies; (2) Repeated published studies, incomplete studies and unextractable studies; (3) The depth of tumor invasion exceeding submucosa. The search time ended in July 2020. The basic information and evaluation indicators included in the article were extracted. The retrospective study was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa literature quality evaluation scale. The prospective randomized controlled study was evaluated using Jadad modified scale. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. Publication bias was assessed using funnel map. Publication bias was tested using Egger tools. Results: A total of 717 literatures were retrieved, and 17 literatures were enrolled finally, including 2 randomized controlled trials and 15 retrospective studies. A total of 2427 patients were enrolled, including 948 in PPG group and 1479 in DG group. The meta-analysis of the efficacy indicators showed that there were significant differences in gallstones incidence (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.28-0.65, P<0.001), residual gastritis incidence (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.32-0.77,P=0.002), bile reflux incidence (OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.20-0.45, P<0.001), delayed gastric emptying incidence (OR=2.40, 95% CI:1.67-3.45, P<0.001), and postoperative dumping syndrome incidence (OR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.15-0.51, P<0.001), while there were no significant differences in postoperative overall complications (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.69-1.35, P=0.840), reflux esophagitis incidence (OR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.39-1.61, P=0.520) between the two groups. The meta-analysis of the long-term prognostic indicators showed that no significant differences of 5-year survival (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.61-1.71, P=0.940) or 5-year tumor recurrence (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.36-1.68, P=0.520) were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: The incidences of gallstone, residual gastritis, dumping syndrome, bile reflux are lower after PPG in early gastric cancer, while the postoperative overall complications and long-term survival are comparable between PPG and DG, indicating that PPG is quite safe and feasible.

[Relationship between frailty status and risk of death in the elderly based on frailty index analysis]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between frailty status and the risk of death in the elderly based on the frailty index (FI). Methods: Data from a prospective cohort study conducted between 2005 and 2015 in elderly people of an urban community in Beijing were analyzed. The variables related to health and frailty status based on the 2005 baseline survey and death as outcome variables collected in 2015 were used. A FI model was used to evaluate the correlation between FI and mortality in the elderly people in different age groups was analyzed. Cox regression was applied to evaluate the influence of FI on the risk of death, and Kaplan-Meier curves was used to show the survival rate of different frailty levels in the elderly adults. Results: Of the 1 301 elderly people included in the analysis, 403 died during 2005-2015, with the 10-year mortality rate of 31.0%(403/1 301). The mortality rate of the elderly increased with the increase of FI, but, with the increase of FI value, the rate of mortality increased slowly. The limit value of FI causing death was around 0.70, indicating any new health problem might cause death at this value. Cox regression analysis showed that higher FI was associated with higher risk for death (HR=1.143, 95%CI: 1.034-1.248, P=0.000), and FI was more significantly associated with death than age (HR=1.143 vs. HR=1.048, t=5.827, P=0.000). With the increase of age, the effect of frailty on the risk of death decreased (HR=1.179 to HR=1.120). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the survival rate of the elderly in all age groups decreased with the increase of frailty (Log-rank=317.812, 354.203, 247.258, all P=0.000). The survival time between different frailty levels in the elderly were significantly different, except for the elderly adults aged ≥80 years with severe frailty level (0.4≤FI<0.5, FI≥0.5, P=0.368). Conclusions: Compared with other evaluation tools of frailty, FI model can better reflect the frailty status of the elderly in communities in Beijing and has a high sensitivity in predicting adverse outcomes such as mortality. In the intervention of frailty in the elderly, focusing on relatively young elderly might be more effective in reducing the adverse outcomes caused by frailty.

[Risk assessment of occupational noise exposure in an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise]

Objective: To investigate the risk of occupational hearing loss caused by noise exposure in an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise. Methods: In June 2019, an automobile parts manufacturing enterprise in Huizhou City was selected to conduct occupational hygiene field investigation, and occupational health investigation and occupational hazards detection were carried out in the workplace. 395 workers with 8-hour working day equivalent sound level (L(ex·8 h)) ≥85 dB (a) were selected as the research objects. The occupational noise exposure risk assessment method was used to assess the noise exposure risk of L(ex·8 h)≥85 dB (a) , and the risk of high-frequency hearing loss and occupational noise deafness caused by noise exposure were evaluated when the working years were 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40. Results: When the exposure years were less than or equal to 30 years, the risk of high-frequency hearing loss of bearing pedestal final examiners was medium risk, and the risk of other positions was acceptable; the highest risk of noise deafness was the bearing pedestal final examiner, and the risk classification was higher, and the other types of work were negligible risk and acceptable risk. When the exposure years are more than 30 years, the risk classification of high-frequency hearing loss of bearing pedestal final inspection workers is high-risk, and the risk classification of other types of work is medium risk; the highest risk of noise deafness is the bearing pedestal final inspection workers, and the risk classification is higher risk, and the other types of work are medium risk. Conclusion: The enterprise should pay attention to the risk of occupational hearing loss caused by noise exposure, especially the bearing pedestal final inspection workers, and strengthen the hearing protection of noise exposed people.

Salinomycin promotes T-cell proliferation by inhibiting the expression and enzymatic activity of immunosuppressive indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in human breast cancer cells

Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) is upregulated in many tumor types, including breast cancer, and plays a reputable role in promoting tumor immune tolerance. The importance of the immunosuppressive mechanism of IDO by suppressing T-cell function has garnered profound interest in the development of clinical IDO inhibitors. Herein, we established a screening method with cervical HeLa cells to induce IDO expression using interferon-γ (IFN-γ). After screening our chemical library, we found that salinomycin potently inhibited IFN-γ-stimulated kynurenine synthesis with IC₅₀ values of 3.36-4.66 μM in both human cervical and breast cancer cells. Salinomycin lowered the IDO1 and IDO2 expression with no impact on the expression of tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase. Interestingly, salinomycin potently repressed the IDO1 enzymatic activity by directly targeting the proteins in cells. Molecular docking revealed an alignment that favors nucleophilic attack of salinomycin in the catalytic domain of IDO1. Activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway by IFN-γ was significantly suppressed by salinomycin, via inhibiting the Jak1, Jak2, and STAT1/3 phosphorylation. Moreover, it inhibited IFN-γ-induced activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway by inhibiting IκB degradation and NF-κB phosphorylation without affecting BIN1 expression. Furthermore, salinomycin significantly restored the proliferation of T cells co-cultured with IFN-γ-treated breast cancer cells and potentiated antitumor activity of cisplatin in vivo. These findings suggest that salinomycin suppresses kynurenine synthesis by inhibiting the catalytic activity of IDO1 and its expression by inhibiting the JAK/STAT and NF-κB pathways. Salinomycin warrants further investigation as a novel dual-functional IDO inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

[Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Chinese communities]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients under community management programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on T2DM patients in eight communities in Wuhan and Changshu cities. Data would included questionnaire, body measurement, blood testing and clinical examination. The criterion of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was under the combination of symptoms with five physical examinations. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influential factors. Results: The overall prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 71.2% among the diabetic patients who were managed in primary care health services in the two cities. The binary logistic regression method identified older age (≥60 years, OR=2.39, 95%CI:1.95-2.94), longer diabetic duration (≥10 years, OR=1.25, 95%CI: 1.02-1.54), and worse postprandial glucose control (2 h postprandial plasma glucose >10.0 mmol/L: OR=1.65, 95%CI:1.33-2.04) (all P<0.05) as risk factors for the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, while higher education level was protective factor (compared to patients with education levels of primary school or below, OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.41-0.66; OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.44-0.79; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.44-0.94 for those with education levels of junior high school, senior high school, and college, respectively). Conclusions: High rates of diabetic peripheral neuropathy among T2DM patients suggested the urgent need for early screening and standardized management at the community levels. It is necessary to promote appropriate screening techniques and methods to identify the peripheral neuropathy, in the primary health service institutions.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

Transcriptional activation of ENPP1 by osterix in osteoblasts and osteocytes

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is the main source of extracellular pyrophosphate. Along with tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), ENPP1 plays an important role in balancing bone mineralisation. Although well established in pre-osteoblasts, the regulating mechanisms of ENPP1 in osteoblasts and osteocytes remain largely unknown. Using bioinformatic methods, osterix (Osx), an essential transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation and osteocyte function, was found to have five predicted binding sites on the ENPP1 promoter. ENPP1 and Osx showed a similar expression profile both in vitro and in vivo. Over-expression of Osx in MC3T3-E1 and MLO-Y4 cells significantly up-regulated the expression of ENPP1 (p < 0.05). The consensus Sp1 sequences, located in the proximal ENPP1 promoter, were identified as Osx-regulating sites using promoter truncation experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway was demonstrated to be responsible for ENPP1 promoter activation by Osx. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was confirmed to have synergistic effects with Osx in activating ENPP1 promoter. Taken together, these results provided evidence of the regulating mechanisms of ENPP1 transcription in osteoblasts and osteocytes.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36}  cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5  GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2  GeV/c^{2}.

[Inhibition of G9a attenuates cell proliferation via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in lung adenocarcinoma]

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of G9a inhibitor BIX-01294 on attenuating cell proliferation in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: Treated with BIX-01294, the growth and proliferation of A549 cells were detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay, and its impact on cell apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. By Western blot, we explored the alterations in the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and the G9a catalysate, H3K9me and H3K9me2. In addition, in the pretreatment with caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, we detected the apoptotic dependence of BIX-01294 attenuating impact on A549 cell proliferation. Results: Compared with the control group, the histone methyltransferase G9a inhibitor BIX-01294 attenuated cell proliferation in A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. There were 42.5±8.7 colonies after BIX-01294 (10 μmol/L) treatment for 7 days, while 172.7±23.0 colonies in the control group, with a statistical significance (P<0.05). After treatment with BIX-01294 (10 μmol/L) for 24 hours, the cell apoptotic rate was(47.6±8.4)%, with a significant difference in comparison with the control group [(7.2±3.6)%, P<0.05]. The expression of G9a catalysate, H3K9me and H3K9me2 was downregulated, the same with anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, while the proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, Bax, Bak and cleaved caspase-9, were upregulated, so was the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, and there was no alteration in the expression of cleaved caspase-8, which is a protein related with death receptor apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, after Z-VAD-FMK pretreatment, the cell apoptotic rate was decreased significantly, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins were downregulated. Conclusions: Our results indicate that BIX-01294 can attenuate cell proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma, and it can be considered as one of the underlying mechanisms, the apoptosis may be induced by activating mitochondrial pathway.

[Study on the recent application of ear correction model in children with congenital auricular deformity]

Objective:To study the short-term effect of Earwell ear correction model on congenital auricular deformity in children. Method:Selected 38 children with ear malformation, a total of 42 ears, born at the age of 7 days to 176 days, and the average age was 62.40 days, and all of patients were used the U.S. Earwell correction model for correction. Result:Final auricular morphologic results were classified as excellent (normal shape), good (nearnormal shape), and poor (slight or no improvement). And the patients were divided into group 1 (neonatal period), group 2 (28-90 days) and group 3 (more than 90 days) according to age, after using the Earwell ear correction device, the result which evaluated excellent are 100.00%, 89.47% and 72.73% respectively, and the average correction times are 16.75 days, 26.26 days and 38.91 days respectively, the ratio of complications are 0, 73.68% and 100.00% respectively. Conclusion:The effection of Earwell ear correction model is significant for the correction of children with congenital auricular deformity , the earlier treatment cause the better result, the shorter of the correcting time , and the lower of the complication rate.

[Prevalence of hypertension and risk factors in Uygur population in Kashgar area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of hypertension and risk factors in Uygur adults in Kashgar of Xinjiang. Methods: A total of 4 748 Uygur adults aged ≥18 years selected through cluster random sampling in Shufu county of Kashgar prefecture were surveyed by means of questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory test. The prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension of different groups were calculated and risk factors of hypertension was analyzed by using non-conditional logistic regression model. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 15.73% (age-adjusted prevalence was 13.75%). The prevalence rates of hypertension in men and women were 16.36% (age-adjusted prevalence was 12.96%), 15.39% (age-adjusted prevalence was 14.34%), respectively. The rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 59.57%, 52.74%, 21.29%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age. Compared with age group 18-34 years, the age groups 55-64, ≥65 years had higher risk of hypertension and the OR values were 10.53, 20.96 for men and 16.27, 33.20 for women. The overweight (OR=1.47 for men, OR=1.82 for women, P<0.05) and obesity (OR=1.88 for men, OR=2.66 for women, P<0.05) also increased the risk of hypertension. The groups with family history of hypertension (OR=3.85 for men, OR=2.34 for women, P<0.05) also had higher risk of hypertension. Hypertriglyceridemia was positively correlated with the prevalence of hypertension in men (OR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.09-2.41). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in Uygur adults in Kashgar area of Xinjiang was at relatively low level. The related risk factors were age, overweight, obesity, family history and hypertriglyceridemia in men and the risk factors were similar in women except hypertriglyceridemia.

[Knowledge, attitude and practice to chronic diseases and associated influencing factors in Uygur population in Kashgar area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) to chronic diseases and associated influencing factors in Uygur adults in Kashgar of southern Xinjiang, and provide basic information for developing ethnic specific prevention and control strategies for chronic diseases. Methods: With stratified cluster random sampling, investigations, including questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory tests were performed among local residents who were aged ≥18 years and selected in Shufu county in southern Xinjiang. KAP scores were calculated and unconditional logistic regression models were used to analyze influencing factors. Results: A total of 4 772 Uygur adults were surveyed. The awareness rate of chronic disease related knowledge ranged from 4.32% to 56.04%, while the awareness rate of preventive measures were from 1.76% to 85.18% and the participation rate of prevention program varied from 4.00% to 97.99%. The average KAP score was 15.90±4.20 and the rate of total KAP was 47.86%. Multi-factor analysis suggested the pass rate of total KAP score increased with educational level. Other factors positively associated with 'KAP score pass rate' were commercial insurance investment, hypertension, family history of common chronic diseases, female and abdominal obesity, while overweight was negatively associated with the KAP score pass rate. Conclusions: The KAP level on chronic diseases was low in Uygur adults in Kashgar. It is necessary to continuously implement ethnic targeted health education and health promotion campaigns, especially in low education level, low income level, overweight and male groups.

[Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in Uygur population in Kashgar area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Uygur residents in Kashgar of Xinjiang. Methods: The survey was conducted among the Uygur residents aged ≥18 years selected through stratified cluster sampling in Kashgar by means of questionnaire survey, physical examination and basic laboratory test. The prevalence of different groups were calculated and risk factors of DM was analyzed by logistic vegression model. Results: A total of 4 608 adults were surveyed. The prevalence of DM was 11.31% (standardized prevalence: 10.59%) and the prevalence was 13.65% (standardized prevalence: 12.34%) in males and 10.04% (standardized prevalence: 9.83%) in females. The prevalence increased with age. The prevalence of DM was higher than the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in people aged >60 years, especially in females. The rates of awareness, treatment and control of DM were 28.02%, 21.31% and 5.57%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that people aged 45-55, 55-65 and >65 years had higher risk of DM and the odds ratio were 2.08 (95%CI: 1.24-3.48), 2.73 (95%CI: 1.63-4.56) and 3.90 (95%CI: 2.24-6.78) for men and 2.63 (95% CI: 1.71-4.02), 3.14 (95%CI: 2.00-4.94) and 5.56 (95%CI: 3.47-8.92) for woman, respectively. Family history of DM (OR=2.88 for men, 95% CI: 1.45-5.72; OR=2.52 for women, 95% CI: 1.49-4.26) and BMI≥28.0 kg/m(2) (OR=1.77 for men, 95% CI: 1.19-2.64, OR=1.80 for women, 95% CI: 1.30-2.50) were also risk factors for DM. Conclusion: The prevalence of DM was high in Uygur residents in Kashgar, but the rate of awareness, treatment and control of DM were low. It is necessary to improve the detection rate of DM and conduct targeted prevention and control of DM.

[The application value of two-dimensional image technology and three-dimensional visualization technology in hepatocellular carcinoma treated by associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy: a preliminary study]

OBJECTIVE

To preliminarily explore the application value of two-dimensional image technology and three-dimensional visualization technology in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) treated by associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy(ALPPS).

METHODS

Clinical data of nineteen HCC patients treated by ALPPS were retrospectively analyzed in Sun-Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from August 2013 to May 2015.Preoperative assessment, surgical planning and intraoperative guidance were assisted by traditional two-dimensional imaging technology(group 2D) in 15 cases, and the rest 4 cases were assisted by three-dimensional visualization technology(group 3D).

RESULTS

Three-dimensional visualization technology offered precise, visual, and distinct images, calculated the liver volume precisely, achieved virtual simulation operations, and assisted the formulation of intraoperative decisions.The mean operation time of the first stage were(331.3±61.7)minutes and (261.3±21.4)minutes in group 2D and group 3D, and the mean volume of intraoperative bleedings were (360.7±51.9)ml and (300.0±40.8)ml, respectively.The mean operation time of the second stage were (199.3±41.0)minutes and (170.0±29.4)minutes in group 2D and group 3D, and the mean volume of intraoperative bleedings were (285.3±132.6)ml and (257.5±99.5)ml, respectively.The mean interval time between two stages of operations were (15.3±6.5)d and (13.8±5.1)d in group 2D and group 3D, and the mean hospital stays were (39.3±5.8)d and (31.5±7.5)d, respectively.There were 4 cases and 12 cases who accepted the second stage operation in group 2D and group 3D respectively.There were 7 cases(4 with grade A, 2 with grade B, 1 with grade C) and 2 cases(1 with grade A, 1 with grade B) with post-hepatectomy liver failure and 9 cases(4 with grade Ⅰ, 2 with grade Ⅱ, 1 with grade Ⅲ, 2 with grade Ⅳ) and 3 cases (1 with grade Ⅰ, 1 with grade Ⅱ, 1 with grade Ⅲ)with postoperative complications in group 2D and group 3D respectively.There were 2 cases and 0 case died after operation in group 2D and group 3D respectively.There were 3 cases and 1 case who were recurrent and 4 cases and 1 case died 6 months after surgery in group 2D and group 3D respectively.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional visualization technology assisted the formulation of preoperative assessments and surgical planning individually and precisely, which displayed potential application value in HCC treated by ALPPS.

[Using (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics and gene ontology to establish pathological staging model for esophageal cancer patients]

OBJECTIVES

By combining the metabolomics and computational biology, to explore the relationship between metabolic phenotype and pathological stage in esophageal cancer patients, to find the mechanism of metabolic network disturbance and develop a new method for fast preoperative clinical staging.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study (from April 2013 to January 2016) was conducted. The preoperative patients from Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, who were diagnosed with esophageal cancer from May 2013 to April 2014 were included, and their serum samples were collected to detect (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics for the purpose of drawing the metabolic fingerprinting in different stages of patients with esophageal cancer. The data were processed with these methods-principal components analysis: partial least squares regression and support vector machine, for the exploration of the enzyme-gene network regulatory mechanism in abnormal esophageal cancer metabolic network regulation and to build the quantitative prediction model of esophageal cancer staging in the end. All data were processed on high-performance computing platforms Matalab. The comparison of data had used Wilcoxon test, variance analysis, χ(2) test and Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with different stages of esophageal cancer were included; and their serum metabolic fingerprinting could differentiate different tumor stages. There were no difference among the five teams in the age (F=1.086, P>0.05), the body mass index (F=1.035, P>0.05), the distance from the incisors to tumor (F=1.078, P>0.05). Among the patients with different TNM stages, there was a significant difference in plasma metabolome. Compared to ⅡB, ⅢA, Ⅳstage patients, increased levels of butanone, ethanol amine, homocysteine, hydroxy acids and estriol, together with decreased levels of glycoprotein, creatine, choline, isobutyricacid, alanine, leucine, valine, were observed inⅠB, ⅡA stage patients. Four metabolic markers (ethanol amine, hydroxy-propionic acid, homocysteine and estriol) were eventually selected. gene ontology analysis showed that 54 enzymes and genes regulated the 4 key metabolic markers. The quantitative prediction model of esophageal cancer staging based on esophageal cancer NMR spectrum were established. Cross-validation results showed that the predicted effect was good (root mean square error=5.3, R(2)=0.47, P=0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

The systems biology approaches based on metabolomics and enzyme-gene regulatory network analysis can be used to quantify the metabolic network disturbance of patients with advanced esophageal cancer, and to predict preoperative clinical staging of esophageal cancer patients by plasma NMR metabolomics.

Effect of MSTN propeptide protein on the growth and development of Altay lamb muscle

Prokaryotic expression technology was used to express maltose-binding protein binding myostatin (MSTN) propeptide fusion protein. Six disease-free Altay lambs were used in this study. The right leg gastrocnemii were injected with MSTN recombinant propeptide protein. The left leg gastrocnemii (the control group) were injected with the same dose of phosphate based saline. The lambs were fed during four months under the same conditions and then slaughtered. Gastrocnemius samples were hematoxylin-eosin stained and the size of the muscle fibers was measured. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that single gastrocnemius cells in the experimental group had an average area of 1163.01 µm(2), while it was 845.09 µm(2) in the control group (P < 0.05). This indicates that the MSTN propeptide biological agents had an inhibitory effect on MSTN. In order to reveal its mechanism, RT-PCR was conducted to detect the expression of the differentiation-associated genes MyoD, Myf5, Myogenin, p21, and Smad3. The results showed that, in the MSTN propeptide biological agent injected group, expression levels of MSTN, Smad3, and p21 were lower than the control group, while Myf5, MyoD, and Myogenin were higher compared to the control group. This indicates that, when expression of the MSTN gene was inhibited, muscle cell differentiation and growth can be promoted by Smad3 up-regulated expression of Myf5, MyoD, and Myogenin.

Molecular tracing of white muscardine in Asian corn borer using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis

Beauveria bassiana is a soil fungus that parasitizes arthropod species, and is used to control the Asian corn borer in Northeast China. In this study, B. bassiana was investigated in Xiaoxian County and Baicheng City, and the results were compared with those of Gongzhuling City, where the fungus was not applied. Using the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular marker technique, 198 isolates were extracted from Asian corn borer and other insect cadavers, and soil and air, and two released strains were analyzed to trace the infection source. In Xiaoxian and Baicheng populations, artificially released B. bassiana subpopulations were more abundant than indigenous fungi, and the released strains were the main cause of disease in those areas. Artificial B. bassiana displayed positive effect on overwintering of Asian corn borers in corn straw stacks in Xiaoxian County. Indigenous populations in Gongzhuling City showed higher genetic variation. In summary, we identified a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance (P < 0.01).

Expression of recombinant myostatin propeptide pPIC9K-Msp plasmid in Pichia pastoris

Myostatin propeptide can inhibit the biological activity of myostatin protein and promote muscle growth. To express myostatin propeptide in vitro with a higher biological activity, we performed codon optimization on the sheep myostatin propeptide gene sequence, and mutated aspartic acid-76 to alanine based on the codon usage bias of Pichia pastoris and the enhanced biological activity of myostatin propeptide mutant. Modified myostatin propeptide gene was cloned into the pPIC9K plasmid to form the recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-Msp. Recombinant plasmid pPIC9K-Msp was transformed into Pichia pastoris GS115 by electrotransformation. Transformed cells were screened, and methanol was used to induce expression. SDS-PAGE and western blotting were used to verify the successful expression of myostatin propeptide with biological activity in Pichia pastoris, providing the basis for characterization of this protein.

Efficacy of adjunctive laser in non-surgical periodontal treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the efficacy of the adjunctive laser therapy in conventional non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis, an electronic search was performed through the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Biology Medicine (CBM) Disc, for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs. All the 12 included studies (11 RCTs and 1 quasi-RCT) were qualified for descriptive and quantitative analysis. Outcomes were divided into two groups according to the length of follow-ups (long term and short term). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the mode of laser (inside and outside mode). Among all included researches, reduction in probing depth (PD) and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) were presented with the mean value and 95 % confidence interval, while bleeding on probing (BOP) was assessed descriptively. Meta-analysis suggested that adjunctive laser therapy reduced PD at 3 months [mean difference (MD) = -0.26, 95 % confidence interval (CI) range = -0.43 to -0.09, p = 0.003] but did not demonstrate significant effect on the CAL at either 3 months (MD = -0.03, 95 % CI range = -0.25 to 0.19, p = 0.79) or 6 months (MD = -0.11, 95 % CI range = -0.38 to 0.16, p = 0.43). Subgroup analyses indicated that laser therapy would be more effective when the probes were set up outside the periodontal pockets.

Efficacy of a novel prebiotic and a commercial probiotic in reducing mortality and production losses due to cold stress and Escherichia coli challenge of broiler chicks 1

Prebiotics consisting of resistant starch may alter intestinal ecology, thus modulating inflammation and increasing intestinal health through increased cecal production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Probiotics may directly alter the intestinal microbiome, resulting in the same effects. We hypothesize that adding prebiotics and probiotics to feed may protect the gut of young chicks under stress. Studies 1, 2, and 3 evaluated treatments in a cold stress (CS) and Escherichia coli (EC) oral challenge to 430 day-old broiler chicks for 3 wk. In study 1, prebiotics were administered as 15% of the diet during the first week only and consisted of the following: Hi-Maize resistant starch (HM), potato starch (PS), or raw potato (RP). In studies 2 and 3, the PS treatment was identical to study 1, and an additional probiotic treatment (PRO) was administered in feed and water. In study 1, PS protected BW during the first week and decreased the mortality of CS/EC-challenged birds during the first week and wk 3, while RP decreased the mortality of warm-brooded birds challenged with EC during the first week. In study 2, PS decreased and PRO increased the main effect mean (MEM) of the first week BW. PS and PRO numerically decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 23 and 29 points, respectively, in CS/EC-challenged birds with no effects on mortality. In study 3, PS decreased and PRO increased the first week and wk 3 MEM BW. PS numerically increased FCR by 16 points, while PRO decreased FCR by 2 points. Both PS and PRO tended to increase overall mortality, and PRO significantly increased mortality in the CS/EC challenge. These results suggest that the effects of PS may be too variable in this challenge model for further study; however, the PRO treatment improved production values and may have potential as an alternative to antibiotics during the first weeks after hatch.

Effect of miR-146a polymorphism on biochemical recurrence risk after radical prostatectomy in southern Chinese population

Evidence has shown that miR-146a is involved in carcinogenesis and a common G/C variant (rs2910164) in the pre-miR-146a gene has been found to be associated with various cancers. We investigated the potential prognostic role of miR-146a polymorphism in prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Seventy-two southern Chinese with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy were included in this study. miR-146a polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Its prognostic role in biochemical recurrence was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression model. We did not find a significant association between miR-146a polymorphism and prostrate-specific antigen failure in the Chinese population [HR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.30-2.32) for CC vs GG/GC]. However, high Gleason score (over 8) was associated with increased biochemical recurrence and poorer PSA-free survival. This study was limited by the length of follow-up. Future studies with longer follow-up would allow evaluation of more direct metrics, such as disease-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival.

Search for a light sterile neutrino at Daya Bay

A search for light sterile neutrino mixing was performed with the first 217 days of data from the Daya Bay Reactor Antineutrino Experiment. The experiment's unique configuration of multiple baselines from six 2.9 GW(th) nuclear reactors to six antineutrino detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 m and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls makes it possible to test for oscillations to a fourth (sterile) neutrino in the 10(-3) eV(2)<|Δm(41)(2) |< 0.3 eV(2) range. The relative spectral distortion due to the disappearance of electron antineutrinos was found to be consistent with that of the three-flavor oscillation model. The derived limits on sin(2) 2θ(14) cover the 10(-3) eV(2) ≲ |Δm(41)(2)| ≲ 0.1 eV(2) region, which was largely unexplored.

Effect of butyrate on immune response of a chicken macrophage cell line

Butyric acid is a major short chain fatty acid (SCFA), produced in the gastrointestinal tract by anaerobic bacterial fermentation, that has beneficial health effects in many species including poultry. To understand the immunomodulating effects of butyrate on avian macrophage, we treated a naturally transformed line of chicken macrophage cells named HTC with Na-butyrate in the absence or presence of Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), a metabolic activator, evaluating its various functional parameters. The results demonstrate that, butyrate by itself had no significant effect on variables such as nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of genes associated with various inflammatory cytokines but it inhibited NO production, and reduced the expression of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-10 in LPS-stimulated cells. Butyrate decreased the expression of TGF-β3 in the presence or absence of LPS, while it had no effect on IL-4, Tβ4, and MMP2 gene expression. In addition, butyrate augmented PMA induced oxidative burst indicated by DCF-DA oxidation and restored LPS induced attenuation of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. Although butyrate had no significant effect on phagocytosis or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities of resting macrophages, it significantly suppressed the effects induced by their respective stimulants such as LPS induced phagocytosis and PMA induced MMP expression. These results suggest that butyrate has immunomodulatory property in the presence of agents that incite the cells thus, has potential to control inflammation and restore immune homeostasis.

Physical activity and health outcomes in persons with haemophilia B

Regular participation in physical activity helps to prevent damage and maintain joint health in persons with haemophilia. This study describes self-reported physical activity participation among a sample of people with haemophilia B in the US and measures its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Data on 135 participants aged 5-64 years were abstracted from Hemophilia Utilization Group Study Part Vb. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed physical activity among participants aged 15-64 years, and the Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire abstracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey was used for participants aged 5-14 years. SF-12 was used to measure HRQoL and the EuroQol (EQ-5D-3L) was used to measure health status for participants older than 18 years of age. PedsQL was used to measure HRQoL in children aged 5-18 years. Sixty-two percent of participants in the 15-64 year-old age cohort reported a high level of physical activity, 29% reported moderate activity and 9% reported low activity. For children aged 5-14 years, 79% reported participating in physical activity for at least 4 days over a typical week. Based on the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 79% of adults achieved the recommended physical activity level. Multivariable regression models indicated that adults who engaged in a high level of physical activity reported EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores that were 11.7 (P = 0.0726) points greater than those who engaged in moderate/low activity, indicating better health outcomes. Among children, no statistically significant differences in health outcomes were found between high and moderate or low activity groups.

Spectral measurement of electron antineutrino oscillation amplitude and frequency at Daya Bay

A measurement of the energy dependence of antineutrino disappearance at the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment is reported. Electron antineutrinos (ν¯(e)) from six 2.9  GW(th) reactors were detected with six detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls. Using 217 days of data, 41 589 (203 809 and 92 912) antineutrino candidates were detected in the far hall (near halls). An improved measurement of the oscillation amplitude sin(2)2θ(13)=0.090(-0.009)(+0.008) and the first direct measurement of the ν¯(e) mass-squared difference |Δm(ee)2|=(2.59(-0.20)(+0.19))×10(-3)  eV2 is obtained using the observed ν¯(e) rates and energy spectra in a three-neutrino framework. This value of |Δm(ee)2| is consistent with |Δm(μμ)2| measured by muon neutrino disappearance, supporting the three-flavor oscillation model.

Evidence for inbreeding depression in the tree Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Fabaceae)

The magnitude of inbreeding depression within populations is important for the evolution and maintenance of mixed mating systems. However, data are sparse on the magnitude of inbreeding depression in Robinia pseudoacacia. In this study, we compared differences in the mature seed set per fruit, seed mass, germination success, and seedling growth between self- and cross-pollination treatments and estimated the inbreeding depression at 3 stages: seed maturation, seedling emergence, and seedling growth at 10 and 20 weeks. We found that progenies resulting from cross-pollination treatments showed significantly higher fitness than progenies resulting from self-pollination, causing high levels of inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression was not uniformly manifested, however, over the 3 stages. Inbreeding depression was the greatest between fertilization and seed maturation stage (δ = 0.5419), and the seedling emergence (0.3654) stage was second. No significant differences in seedling growth were observed between selfed and crossed progenies. The cumulative inbreeding depression (δ) across all 3 stages averaged 0.7452. Inbreeding depression may promote outcrossing in R. pseudoacacia by acting as a post-pollination barrier to selfing. The large difference in the seed set between self- and cross-pollination that we detected indicated that inbreeding depression would probably be a reasonable explanation for the high abortion and low seed set in R. pseudoacacia.

Pretreatment of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) producing wastewater using a combined zero-valent iron (ZVI) reduction and Fenton oxidation process

A combined zero-valent iron (ZVI) reduction and Fenton oxidation process was tested for the pretreatment of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) producing wastewater. Operating conditions were optimized and overall performance of the combined process was evaluated. For ZVI process, almost complete reduction of nitroaromatic compounds was observed at empty bed contact time (EBCT) of 8h. For Fenton process, the optimal pH, H₂O₂ to Fe(II) molar ratio, H₂O₂ dosage and hydraulic retention time (HRT) were found to be 3.0, 15, 0.216 mol/L and 5h, respectively. After pretreatment by the combined ZVI-Fenton process under the optimal conditions, aromatic organic compound removal was as high as 77.2%, while the majority of COD remained to be further treated by sequent biological process. The combined anaerobic-aerobic process consisted of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) was operated for 3 months, fed with ZVI-Fenton effluent. The results revealed that the coupled ZVI-Fenton-ABR-MBBR system was significantly efficient in terms of correcting the effluent's main parameters of relevance, mainly aromatic compounds concentration, COD concentration, color and acute toxicity. These results indicate that the combined ZVI-Fenton process offers bright prospects for the pretreatment of wastewater containing nitroaromatic compounds.