Associations of sleep-related variables with reverse dipping patterns of blood pressure in α-synucleinopathies

INTRODUCTION

The reverse dipping blood pressure (BP) pattern is very common in α-synucleinopathies. We aimed to explore the associations of sleep-related variables with abnormal BP circadian rhythms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA).

METHODS

A total of 126 patients, 76 with PD and 50 with MSA, were included. All participants underwent ambulatory BP monitoring and full-night polysomnography (PSG). We analyzed abnormal dipping patterns and sleep-related parameters, including moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD), average oxygen saturation (SaO2%), lowest SaO2%, duration of SaO2% <90%, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Binary logistic regression was performed to explore the associations between paraclinical variables, sleep-related variables, and reverse dipping patterns.

RESULTS

Reverse dipping patterns were predominant in patients with PD (58.5 %) and MSA (68.0 %). Patients with MSA had higher AHI, RBD, and lower average SaO2% than those with PD. Taking both diseases together as a whole group of α-synucleinopathies, logistic regression analysis indicates the Hoehn-Yahr stage (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00 for reverse systolic and 2.34 for reverse diastolic dipping patterns), moderate to severe OSA (OR = 2.71 for reverse systolic and 2.53 for reverse diastolic dipping patterns), average SaO2% (OR = 1.35 for reverse systolic dipping patterns), and male sex (OR = 2.70 for reverse diastolic dipping patterns) were independently associated with reverse dipping patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Reverse dipping patterns were common in patients with PD and MSA. Hoehn-Yahr stage, moderate to severe OSA, average SaO2%, and male sex were associated with reverse dipping patterns in α-synucleinopathy.

Multiomics was used to clarify the mechanism by which air pollutants affect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A human cohort study

Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the precise underlying mechanism by which air pollution impacts COPD through remains insufficiently understood. To elucidated the molecular mechanism by which air pollutant exposure contributes to alterations in the gut microbiome and metabolism in AECOPD patients, we employed metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics to analyse the gut microbial, faecal, and serum metabolites. The correlations among air pollutants, gut microbes, serum metabolites, and blood biochemical markers were assessed using generalised additive mixed models and Spearman correlation analysis. The findings revealed that for every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration, the α-diversity of the gut flora decreased by 2.16% (95% CI: 1.80%-2.53%). We found seven microorganisms that were significantly associated with air pollutants, of which Enterococcus faecium, Bacteroides fragilis, Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans, and Subdoligranulum sp.4_3_54A2FAA were primarily associated with glycolysis. We identified 13 serum metabolites and 17 faecal metabolites significantly linked to air pollutants. Seven of these metabolites, which were strongly associated with air pollutants and blood biochemical indices, were found in both serum and faecal samples. Some of these metabolites, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, C-8C1P and melatonin, were closely associated with disturbances in lipid and fatty acid metabolism in AECOPD patients. These findings underscore the impact of air pollutants on overall metabolism based on influencing gut microbes and metabolites in AECOPD patients. Moreover, these altered biomarkers establish the biologic connection between air pollutant exposure and AECOPD outcomes.The identification of pertinent biomarkers provides valuable insights for the development of precision COPD prevention strategies.

An all-in-one portable colorimetric detection platform for sensitive detection of bisphenol A based on target-mediated CeO2@ZIF-8/Apt biocomposites

BPA aptamers functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (CeO2@ZIF-8/Apt) were developed to fabricate an all-in-one portable platform for on-site quantitative detection of BPA. By combining biocomposites with a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)-based sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel and smartphone-based RGB analysis, highly sensitive and convenient monitoring of BPA was achieved. CeO2@ZIF-8 composites were constructed using a novel surfactant-modified concentration-controlled synthesis strategy. After being functionalized with BPA aptamers, CeO2@ZIF-8/Apt biocomposites were used as target-response colorimetric probes for target recognition and signal transduction. The oxidase-like activity of CeO2@ZIF-8 was effectively sealed by BPA aptamers and controllably released in a concentration-dependent manner through aptamer-BPA reactions. Utilizing SA hydrogels containing TMB in the caps, a one-step sample addition and one-pot detection can be conveniently achieved and reliably quantified by smartphone-based RGB analysis in an instrument-free way. The detection range of this portable detection platform is 50 pg/mL to 500 ng/mL with limit of detection calculated as 34.88 pg/mL, comparable to that of conventional detection in the solution system (4.57 pg/mL). The recoveries in tap water, apple juice, and milk ranged from 91.02 % and 106.75 %. This work contributes new insights into the design of all-in-one detection platforms for contaminants monitoring in resource-constrained regions.

Application of machine learning algorithms to predict osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

The screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on bone mineral density remains challenging because of the limited availability and accessibility of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We aimed to develop and validate models to predict the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with T2DM based on machine learning (ML) algorithms.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 303 postmenopausal women with T2DM. To develop prediction models for osteoporosis, we applied nine ML algorithms combined with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to perform feature selection. We used the bootstrap resampling technique for model training and validation. To test the performance of the models, we calculated indices including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. Furthermore, we conducted fivefold cross-validation for parameter optimization and model validation. Feature importance was assessed using the SHapley additive explanation (SHAP).

RESULTS

We identified 10 independent predictors as the most valuable features. An AUROC of 0.616-1.000 was observed for nine ML algorithms. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model exhibited the best performance, outperforming conventional risk assessment tools and registering 0.993 in the training set, 0.798 in the validation set, and 0.786 in the test set for fivefold cross-validation. Using SHAP, we found that the explanatory variables contributed to the model and their relationship with osteoporosis occurrence. Furthermore, we developed a user-friendly tool for calculating the risk of osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

With the integration of demographic and clinical risk factors, ML algorithms can accurately predict osteoporosis. The XGBoost model showed ideal performance. With the incorporation of these models in the clinic, patients may benefit from early osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.

Develop adult extrapolation to pediatrics and pediatric dose optimization based on the physiological pharmacokinetic model of azithromycin

Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are more frequently used for supporting pediatric dose selection in small-molecule drugs. Through literature research, drug parameters of azithromycin and clinical data from different studies were obtained. Through parameter optimization of the absorption and dissolution process, the adult intravenous model was extended to the adult oral model. The adult intravenous and oral PBPK models are precise to meet the AAFE<2 standard, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of the predicted values of the model are all within the mean standard deviation of the clinical observations. The values of plasma protein unbound fraction, renal clearance, and gastric juice pH between adults and pediatrics were changed by using the age-dependent pediatric organ maturity formula, and the adult model was extrapolated to the pediatric model. The final developed pediatric PBPK model was used to evaluate optimal dosing for children of different developmental ages. The relationship between the frist dose and age was as follows: 8.8 mg/kg/day from 0.5 to 2 years old, 9.2 mg/kg/day from 3 to 6 years old, 9.4 mg/kg/day from 7 to 12 years old, and 8.2 mg/kg/day from 13 to 18 years old, taken in half for 2-5 days. Simultaneously, the simulated exposures achieved with the dosing regimen proposed were comparable to adult plasma exposures for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. A reasonable azithromycin pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for adults and pediatrics has been established, which can be demonstrated by the use of literature pediatric data to develop pediatric PBPK models, expanding the scope of this powerful modeling tool.

Ensemble learning-based gene signature and risk model for predicting prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer

Although medical science has been fully developed, due to the high heterogeneity of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), it is still difficult to use reasonable and precise treatment. In this study, based on local optimization-feature screening and genomics screening strategy, we screened 25 feature genes. In multiple machine learning algorithms, feature genes have excellent discriminative diagnostic performance among samples composed of multiple large datasets. After screening at the single-cell level, we identified genes expressed substantially in myeloid cells (MCGs) that have a potential association with TNBC. Based on MCGs, we distinguished two types of TNBC patients who showed considerable differences in survival status and immune-related characteristics. Immune-related gene risk scores (IRGRS) were established, and their validity was verified using validation cohorts. A total of 25 feature genes were obtained, among which CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL7, SPHK1, and TREM1 were identified as the result after single-cell level analysis and screening. According to these entries, the cohort was divided into MCA and MCB subtypes, and the two subtypes had significant differences in survival status and tumor-immune microenvironment. After Lasso-Cox screening, IDO1, GNLY, IRF1, CTLA4, and CXCR6 were selected for constructing IRGRS. There were significant differences in drug sensitivity and immunotherapy sensitivity among high-IRGRS and low-IRGRS groups. We revealed the dynamic relationship between TNBC and TIME, identified a potential biomarker called Granulysin (GNLY) related to immunity, and developed a multi-process machine learning package called "MPMLearning 1.0" in Python.

A bibliometric and visualized analysis of liver fibrosis from 2002 to 2022

Fibrosis of the liver is a degenerative alteration that occurs in the majority of chronic liver disorders. Further progression can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which can seriously affect the health and lives of patients. The field of liver fibrosis research has flourished in the last 20 years, with approximately 9000 articles retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database alone. In order to identify future research hotspots and potential paths in a thorough and scientifically reliable manner, it is important to organize and visualize the research on this topic from a holistic and very general perspective. This study used bibliometric analysis with CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to provide a quantitative analysis, hotspot mining, and commentary of articles published in the field of liver fibrosis over the last 20 years. This bibliometric analysis contains a total of 8994 articles with 45667 authors from 6872 institutions in 97 countries, published in 1371 journals and citing 156 309 references. The literature volume has steadily increased over the last 20 years. Research has focused on gastroenterology and hepatology, pharmacology and pharmacy, and medicine, research, and experimental areas. We found that the pathological mechanisms, diagnostic and quantitative methods, etiology, and antifibrotic strategies constitute the knowledge structure of liver fibrosis. Finding mechanisms for liver fibrosis regression, identifying precise noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and creating efficient liver fibrosis patient treatments are the main goals of current research.

Single-cell profiling identifies T cell subsets associated with control of tuberculosis dissemination

To identify T cell subsets associated with control of tuberculosis, single-cell transcriptome and T cell receptor sequencing were performed on total T cells from patients with tuberculosis and healthy controls. Fourteen distinct subsets of T cells were identified by unbiased UMAP clustering. A GZMK-expressing CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cell cluster and a SOX4-expressing CD4⁺ central memory T cell cluster were depleted, while a MKI67-expressing proliferating CD3⁺ T cell cluster was expanded in patients with tuberculosis compared with healthy controls. The ratio of Granzyme K-expressing CD8⁺CD161^-Ki-67^- and CD8⁺Ki-67⁺ T cell subsets was significantly reduced and inversely correlated with the extent of TB lesions in patients with TB. In contrast, ratio of Granzyme B-expressing CD8⁺Ki-67⁺ and CD4⁺CD161⁺Ki-67^- T cells and Granzyme A-expressing CD4⁺CD161⁺Ki-67^- T cells were correlated with the extent of TB lesions. It is concluded that granzyme K-expressing CD8⁺ T cell subsets might contribute to protection against tuberculosis dissemination.

Evaluation of IFIT3 and ORM1 as Biomarkers for Discriminating Active Tuberculosis from Latent Infection

OBJECTIVE

Current commercially available immunological tests cannot be used for discriminating active tuberculosis (TB) from latent TB infection. To evaluate the value of biomarker candidates in the diagnosis of active TB, this study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between patients with active TB and individuals with latent TB infection by transcriptome sequencing.

METHODS

The differentially expressed genes in unstimulated PBMCs and in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigen-stimulated PBMCs from patients with active TB and individuals with latent TB infection were identified by transcriptome sequencing. Selected candidate genes were evaluated in cohorts consisting of 110 patients with TB, 30 individuals with latent TB infections, and 50 healthy controls by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to calculate the diagnostic value of the biomarker candidates.

RESULTS

Among the differentially expressed genes in PBMCs without Mtb antigen stimulation, interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3) had the highest area under curve (AUC) value (0.918, 95% CI: 0.852-0.984, P<0.0001) in discriminating patients with active TB from individuals with latent TB infection, with a sensitivity of 91.86% and a specificity of 84.00%. In Mtb antigen-stimulated PBMCs, orosomucoid 1 (ORM1) had a high AUC value (0.833, 95% CI: 0.752-0.915, P<0.0001), with a sensitivity of 81.94% and a specificity of 70.00%.

CONCLUSION

IFIT3 and ORM1 might be potential biomarkers for discriminating active TB from latent TB infection.

Artificial intelligence-driven prediction of multiple drug interactions

When a drug is administered to exert its efficacy, it will encounter multiple barriers and go through multiple interactions. Predicting the drug-related multiple interactions is critical for drug development and safety monitoring because it provides foundations for practical, safe compatibility and rational use of multiple drugs. With the progress of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a variety of novel prediction methods for single interaction have emerged and shown great advantages compared to the traditional, expensive and time-consuming laboratory research. To promote the comprehensive and simultaneous predictions of multiple interactions, we systematically reviewed the application of AI in drug-drug, drug-food (excipients) and drug-microbiome interactions. We began by outlining the model methods, evaluation indicators, algorithms and databases commonly used to build models for three types of drug interactions. The models based on the metabolic enzyme P450, drug similarity and drug targets have empathized among the machine learning models of drug-drug interactions. In particular, we discussed the limitations of current approaches and identified potential areas for future research. It is anticipated the in-depth review will be helpful for the development of the next-generation of systematic prediction models for simultaneous multiple interactions.

An optimized herbal combination for the treatment of liver fibrosis: Hub genes, bioactive ingredients, and molecular mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it is associated with long-term adverse outcomes and mortality. As a primary resource for complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated a large number of effective formulas for the treatment of liver fibrosis in clinical practice. However, studies on how to systematically optimize TCM formulas are still lacking.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To provide a methodological reference for the systematic optimization of TCM formulae against liver fibrosis and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms; To provide an efficient method for searching for lead compounds from natural sources and developing from herbal medicines; To enable clinicians and patients to make more reasonable choices and promote the effective treatment toward those patients with liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TCM formulas related to treating liver fibrosis were collected from the Web of Science, PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and the Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP). Furthermore, the TCM compatibility patterns were mined using association analysis. The core TCM combinations were found by designing an optimized formulas algorithm. Finally, the hub target proteins, potential molecular mechanisms, and active compounds were explored through integrative pharmacology and docking-based inverse virtual screening (IVS) approaches.

RESULTS

We found that the herbs for reinforcing deficiency, activating blood, removing blood stasis, and clearing heat were the basis of TCM formulae patterns. Furthermore, the combination of Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge; Chinese salvia/Danshen), Astragali Radix (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge; Astragalus/Huangqi), and Radix Bupleuri (Bupleurum chinense DC.; Bupleurum/Chaihu) was identified as core groups. A total of six targets (TNF, STAT3, EGFR, IL2, ICAM1, PTGS2) play a pivotal role in TCM-mediated liver fibrosis inhibition. (-)-Cryptotanshinone, Tanshinaldehyde, Ononin, Thymol, Daidzein, and Formononetin were identified as active compounds in TCM. And mechanistically, TCM could affect the development of liver fibrosis by regulating inflammation, immunity, angiogenesis, antioxidants, and involvement in TNF, MicroRNAs, Jak-STAT, NF-kappa B, and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that key components had good potential to bind to the target genes.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study provides a methodological reference for the systematic optimization of TCM formulae and exploration of underlying molecular mechanisms.

[Expression of CD160 in natural killer (NK) cells from patients with active tuberculosis and its relationship with cell functions]

Objective To investigate the relationship between the CD160 expression and anti-tuberculosis immunity. Methods Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of CD160 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of CD160 on main subtypes of PBMCs, such as T cells, B cells, NK cells and monocytes. The relationship among CD160 and perforin, granzyme B, granulysin, CD69, CD107 and IFN-γ in NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results CD160 mRNAs in the PBMCs from patients with active tuberculosis was significantly down-regulated, and the levels of CD160 expression in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-positive patients was significantly lower than in MTB-negative patients. The expression of CD160 on B cells and monocytes was lower in patients with active tuberculosis as compared with normal controls, while no significant difference was observed on CD3⁺ T cells. NK cells from patients with active tuberculosis had significantly lower CD160 expression than those from normal controls. In vitro culture with MTB antigens led to down-regulated expression of CD160 on NK cells. The activation marker CD69 on NK in patients with active tuberculosis was significantly lower than that in normal controls. The expression of perforin, granzyme B, granulysin, CD69 and CD107 in CD160⁺ NK cells was significantly higher than that of CD160^- NK cells. However, the expression of IFN-γ in CD160⁺ NK cells was significantly lower than that of CD160^- NK cells. Conclusion The mRNA and protein expression of CD160 was significantly down-regulated in patients with active tuberculosis. CD160 promotes the activation and degranulation of NK cells associated with tuberculosis antigens, but suppresses the expression of IFN-γ of NK cells. CD160 may become a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.

Metallic-Ion Controlled Dynamic Bonds to Co-Harvest Isomerization Energy and Bond Enthalpy for High-Energy Output of Flexible Self-Heated Textile

Molecular light-harvesting capabilities and the production of low-temperature heat output are essential for flexible self-heated textiles. An effective strategy to achieve these characteristics is to introduce photoresponsive molecular interactions (photodynamic bonds) to increase the energy storage capacity and optimize the low-temperature photochromic kinetics. In this study, a series of sulfonic-grafted azobenzene-based polymers interacted with different metal ions (PAzo-M, M = Mg, Ca, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Fe) to optimize the energy level and isomerization kinetics of these polymers is designed and prepared. Photoinduced formation and dissociation of MO dynamic bonds enlarge the energy gap (∆E) between trans and cis isomers for high-energy storage and favor a high rate of isomerization for low-temperature heat release. The suitable binding energy and high ∆E enable PAzo-M to store and release isomerization energy and bond enthalpy even in a low-temperature (-5 °C) environment. PAzo-Mg possesses the highest energy storage density of 408.6 J g^-1 (113.5 Wh kg^-1 ). A flexible textile coated with PAzo-Mg can provide a high rise in temperature of 7.7-12.5 °C in a low-temperature (-5.0 to 5.0 °C) environment by selectively self-releasing heat indoors and outdoors. The flexible textile provides a new pathway for wearable thermal management devices.

Mesenchymal-epithelial Transition Factor Regulates Monocyte Function during Mycobacterial Infection via Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase

OBJECTIVE

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), causes an estimated 1.6 million human deaths annually, but the pathogenesis of TB remains unclear. Immunity plays a critical role in the onset and outcome of TB. This study aimed to uncover the roles of innate and adaptive immunity in TB.

METHODS

The gene expression profiles generated by RNA sequencing from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with or without Mtb strain H37Rv antigens were analyzed. A total of 973 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified.

RESULTS

The differentially expressed genes were enriched in innate immunity signaling functions. The mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) gene was significantly upregulated in CD14⁺ monocytes. A MET inhibitor improved the uptake of the BCG strain by monocytes and macrophages as well as inhibited the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). The expression of IDO was increased in PBMCs stimulated with Mtb antigens, and the IDO inhibitor promoted the expression of CD40, CD83, and CD86.

CONCLUSION

Our results might provide clues regarding the immunomodulatory mechanisms used by Mtb to evade the host defense system.

[Clinical characteristics, surgical treatment and prognosis of rolandic and perirolandic drug-resistant epilepsies]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies and prognosis of rolandic and perirolandic drug-resistant epilepsies (DREs). Methods: The clinical data of 53 patients diagnosed with rolandic or perirolandic DRE who were admitted to Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2008 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into resective therapy group and non-resective therapy group [bipolar electrocoagulation on cortex, stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation, and vagus nerve stimulation]. The outcomes of epilepsy and post-surgical limb function were compared and analyzed. Results: A total of 53 patients were included, aged from 3 to 45 years old [(19±11) years], with 33 males and 20 females. Thirty patients received resective therapy and 23 patients received non-resective therapy. The curative effect of the resective therapy group was significantly better than that of the non-resective therapy group. The rate of Engel Ⅰ in resective therapy group was higher than that of non-resective group [83.3% (25/30) vs 39.1% (9/23), P=0.011). Compared with the non-resective group, the incidence of muscle strength decline in the resective group was higher both at 1 week [73.3% (22/30) vs 21.7% (5/23), P=0.006] and 3 months [30% (9/30) vs 0, P=0.016] after surgery. Conclusions: During the diagnosis and treatment, the multimodal method is conducive to the qualitative and localized diagnosis of the rolandic or perirolandic epilepsy, while SEEG has important value in the diagnosis, functional localization and treatment of the disease. Resective therapy is still the most effective method to terminate epilepsy, but it has a higher risk of post-surgical dysfunction.

Novel label-free fluorescence aptasensor for chloramphenicol detection based on a DNA four-arm junction-assisted signal amplification strategy

A novel label-free fluorescence aptasensor was established for chloramphenicol (CAP) detection by DNA four-arm junction-assisted target recycling and SYBR Green I dye-aided fluorescence-signal amplification. The CAP aptamer was hybridized to its complementary strand (primer) to form a double-stranded primer/aptamer complex. In the presence of CAP, aptamers can specifically bind with CAP to dissociate primers, which can trigger the self-assembly of four hairpins to continuously generate DNA four-arm junctions. After digesting the excess hairpins using T7 exonuclease, SYBR Green I was inserted into the base pair-rich DNA four-arm junctions, which led to a significant increase in fluorescence intensity. Under optimal conditions, the developed aptasensor can detect CAP in a linear range of 1.0 pg mL^-1 to 10 ng mL^-1 with a detection limit of 0.72 pg mL^-1. The recovery rates in milk and honey ranged from 90.3% to 106.6%. Thus, the method shows substantial potential for CAP detection in food products.

Genomic characterization of IncpA1763-KPC: IncFIIK7 type plasmids p13294-KPC and pA1966-NR from Klebsiella pneumoniae

Aim: To characterize two plasmids p13294-KPC and pA1966-NR from clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Materials & methods: Plasmids p13294-KPC and pA1966-NR were fully sequenced and then detailed genomic analysis was performed in this work. The antimicrobial resistance phenotypes were determined. Results: p13294-KPC and pA1966-NR displayed Inc_pA1763-KPC:IncFII_K7 dual-replicon structures. The backbone of these two plasmids were closely related to each other. p13294-KPC contained two accessory modules, namely ΔISKpn25 and bla_KPC-2 region, and the bla_KPC-2 region carried a range of mobile elements and resistance gene bla_KPC-2. while pA1966-NR contained four individual IS elements in its backbone and carried no resistance genes. Conclusion: This study provided a deeper insight into the genomic characterization of Inc_pA1763-KPC: IncFII_K7 type plasmids p13294-KPC and pA1966-NR.

Thermal-assisted self-assembly: a self-adaptive strategy towards large-area uniaxial organic single-crystalline microribbon arrays

Uniaxial organic single-crystalline microribbon arrays (OSCMAs) are a class of highly desirable materials for a variety of optoelectronic applications due to their favorable molecular orientations along the long axes of the ribbons. Up to now, great endeavors have been made and several solution-processing techniques have been proposed to grow uniaxial OSCMAs. However, the crystal growth parameters are tuned non-synergistically in these techniques, resulting in challenging growth condition control. Herein, we report a self-adaptive thermal-assisted self-assembly (TASA) strategy to realize the synergistic control of key crystal growth parameters for the facile yet controllable production of centimeter-sized uniaxial OSCMAs from the solution. In the TASA strategy, key crystal growth parameters, such as solvent evaporation, nucleation and crystal growth, are controlled synergistically by the temperature gradient. As a result, the TASA strategy is self-adaptive, and it shows a large temperature and concentration tolerance. Organic phototransistors (OPTs) based on the uniaxial OSCMAs produced by the TASA strategy exhibit an unprecedented photosensitivity of 1.36 × 10⁸, a high responsivity of 845 A W^-1 and a high detectivity of 1.98 × 10¹⁵ Jones.

Utility of arterial spin labelling MRI for discriminating atypical high-grade glioma from primary central nervous system lymphoma

AIM

To evaluate the ability of arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) from atypical high-grade glioma (HGG), as well as exploring the underlying pathological mechanisms.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty-three patients with PCNSL and 17 patients with atypical HGG who underwent ASL-MRI were identified retrospectively. Absolute cerebral blood flow (aCBF) and normalised cerebral blood flow (nCBF) values were obtained, and were compared between PCNSL and atypical HGG using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The performance in discriminating between PCNSL and atypical HGG was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristics analysis and area-under-the-curve (AUC) values for aCBF and nCBF. The correlation between microvessel density (MVD) and aCBF was determined by Spearman's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Atypical HGG demonstrated significantly higher aCBF, nCBF, and MVD values than PCNSL (p<0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of discriminating PCNSL from atypical HGG showed AUC=0.877 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.735-0.959) for aCBF, and AUC=0.836 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.685-0.934) for nCBF. There was a moderate positive correlation between aCBF values of region of interest (ROI >30 mm²) in the enhanced area and MVD values (rho=0.579, p=0.0001), and a strong positive correlation between aCBF values MVD based on "point-to-point biopsy" (rho=0.83, p=0.0029). Interobserver agreements for aCBF and nCBF were excellent (ICC >0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

ASL perfusion MRI is a useful imaging technique for the discrimination between atypical HGG and PCNSL, which may be determined by the difference of MVD between them.

A subset of CD1c+ dendritic cells is increased in patients with tuberculosis and promotes Th17 cell polarization

The role of primary subsets of DCs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in humans is incompletely understood. In this study, we identified a CD1c DC subset with phenotype of CD1c⁺CD11c⁺CD19^-CD11b⁺ that was significantly increased in tuberculous pleural effusions and in peripheral blood from patients with TB compared with that from healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Sputum smear/culture-positive patients with tuberculosis had significantly higher frequency of CD1c⁺CD11b⁺ DC subset than sputum smear/culture-negative patients (p < 0.0001). After effective anti-TB chemotherapy, the frequency of CD1c⁺CD11b⁺ DC subset in peripheral blood and tuberculous pleural effusions was decreased. CD1c⁺CD11b⁺ DC subset from tuberculous pleural effusions expressed higher levels of TLR2, TLR4, CD172a, CD206 and FcεRⅠ, but lower levels of CD80, CD83 and CD86 compared with CD1c⁺CD11b^- DC subset. Expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-23, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TGF-β mRNA in CD1c⁺CD11b⁺ DCs was higher than in CD1c⁺CD11b^- DC subset. Co-culture of autologous naive CD4⁺ T cells with sorted CD1c⁺CD11b⁺ DCs expressed significantly increased levels of IL-17A and RORγt transcripts as compared with those co-cultured with CD11b^- subset. In conclusion, a CD1c⁺CD11b⁺ DC subset with elevated frequency in patients with tuberculosis was identified and it promoted Th17 cell differentiation.

[Neuropathologic findings in intractable epilepsy: a clinicopathologic analysis of 822 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of intractable epilepsy. Methods: Based on the classification criteria proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), a retrospective analysis of the pathological characteristics was done in 822 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery in Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, from June 2008 to December 2012. Results: The mean age of epilepsy onset was 9.9 years, mean duration of epilepsy was 11.9 years. Complex partial seizures were the main presenting features. Histopathological study showed 33 cases (4.01%) with mild forms of cortical malformations, 690 cases (83.94%) with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and 99 cases with others (including 39 pure hippocampal sclerosis, 20 cystosclerosis, 19 Sturge-Weber syndrome, 8 tuberous sclerosis complex, 6 without significant pathological changes, 5 gyral malformations and 2 hamartoma). Among the 690 FCD cases, 106 were FCD typeⅠ, 91 were FCD typeⅡ and 493 were FCDⅢ(Ⅲa: 160, Ⅲb: 106, Ⅲc: 26 and Ⅲd: 201). Conclusions: FCDⅢd is the most common histopathological subtype causing intractable epilepsy, mainly due to focal hypoxia/ischemia in the perinatal period, which results in scarring of local brain tissue; this is followed by other isolated forms of FCD (FCDⅠand FCDⅡ), and then FCD Ⅲa and FCD Ⅲb. The reason to distinguish isolated forms of FCD (types Ⅰ and Ⅱ) from FCD Ⅲ and to subclassify FCD Ⅲ is to allow better definition of cortical dyslamination. Therefore, the pathogenic factors of intractable epilepsy can be grouped in greater details, and facilitate the diagnosis and potential curative treatment of intractable epilepsy.

Evaluating the Significance of Viscoelasticity in Diagnosing Early-Stage Liver Fibrosis with Transient Elastography

Transient elastography quantifies the propagation of a mechanically generated shear wave within a soft tissue, which can be used to characterize the elasticity and viscosity parameters of the tissue. The aim of our study was to combine numerical simulation and clinical assessment to define a viscoelastic index of liver tissue to improve the quality of early diagnosis of liver fibrosis. This is clinically relevant, as early fibrosis is reversible. We developed an idealized two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model of the liver to evaluate the effects of different viscoelastic values on the propagation characteristics of the shear wave. The diagnostic value of the identified viscoelastic index was verified against the clinical data of 99 patients who had undergone biopsy and routine blood tests for staging of liver disease resulting from chronic hepatitis B infection. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and the shear wave attenuation fitting coefficient (AFC) were calculated from the ultrasound data obtained by performing transient elastography. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to evaluate the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of LSM and AFC. Compared to LSM, the AFC provided a higher diagnostic accuracy to differentiate early stages of liver fibrosis, namely F1 and F2 stages, with an overall specificity of 81.48%, sensitivity of 83.33% and diagnostic accuracy of 81.82%. AFC was influenced by the level of LSM, ALT. However, there are no correlation between AFC and Age, BMI, TBIL or DBIL. Quantification of the viscoelasticity of liver tissue provides reliable measurement to identify and differentiate early stages of liver fibrosis.

[The expression of T-bet is negatively correlated with the expressions of IFN-γ and TNF-α in CD4+ T cells of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis]

Objective To investigate the relationship between T box expressed in T cells (T-bet) and the production of interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) in CD4⁺T cells of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation. Individuals with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection were screened by enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT). The expressions of T-bet, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 in CD4⁺T cells were detected by flow cytometry. Results The expression of IFN-γ significantly increased in PBMCs from the individuals with latent tuberculosis infection when stimulated with MTB H37Rv strain lysates. T-bet expression in CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ cells from the patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis was significantly higher than that from the individuals with latent tuberculosis infection when stimulated with MTB H37Rv strain lysates. The expressions of IFN-γ and TNF-α in T-bet^- MTB antigen-specific CD4⁺T cells were obviously higher than those in T-bet⁺ cells; however, the expression of IL-2 showed no significant difference between T-bet^- cells and T-bet⁺ cells. Conclusion The expression of T-bet in MTB antigen-specific CD4⁺T cells from patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis is negatively correlated with IFN-γ and TNF-α.

[Digital Identification Based on Image Processing for Mountain Cultivated Ginseng]

OBJECTIVE

To identify mountain cultivated ginseng using a digital method.

METHODS

Image information of mountain cultivated ginseng was processed using the Matlab 2014 a software box. Based on the shape, color and texture features,18 image information from ginseng rhizome, body, grain, peel, fibrous root, were extracted and a digital mountain cultivated ginseng database model was established.

RESULTS

Digital identification based on image processing could be met by the features obtained from mountain cultivated ginseng. The recognition rate of ginseng was 96%.

CONCLUSION

A lot of information from ginseng were extracted based on image processing. A fast and accurate digital identification of mountain cultivated ginseng is achieved successfully undamaged.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells from patients with tuberculosis exhibit impaired immune response

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors which regulate MAIT cell response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens, and to investigate the role of MAIT cells in patients with active tuberculosis.

METHODS

Immune response of MAIT cells to M. tuberculosis antigens were compared between patients with active TB and healthy controls by flow cytometry and RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

IFN-γ response of MAIT cells to M. tuberculosis lysates was dramatically improved by signal 3 cytokine IL-15 (p = 0.0002). Patients with active TB exhibited highly reduced IFN-γ production in MAIT cells stimulated with M. tuberculosis lysates/IL-15 compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001) and individuals with latent TB infection (p = 0.0008). RNA sequencing of flow-sorted MAIT cells from patients with TB and healthy controls identified numerous differentially expressed genes, and the expression of genes that encode IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17F, granulysin and granzyme B were all down-regulated in patients with TB. MAIT cells from patients with TB has significantly lower expression of γc receptor than those from healthy controls under condition of Mtb lysates/IL-15 stimulation (p = 0.0028). Blockade of both γc and IL-2Rβ receptors resulted in highly reduced frequency of IFN-γ-producing MAIT cells (79.4%) (p = 0.0011).

CONCLUSIONS

MAIT cells from patients with active TB exhibited impaired cytokine and cytotoxic response to M. tuberculosis antigens.

The effects of fat layer on temperature distribution during microwave atrial fibrillation catheter ablation

To investigate the effects of fat layer on the temperature distribution during microwave atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in the conditions of different ablation time; 3D finite element models (fat layer and no fat layer) were built, and temperature distribution was obtained based on coupled electromagnetic-thermal analysis at 2.45 GHz and 30 W of microwave power. Results shown: in the endocardial ablation, the existence of the fat layer did not affect the shape of the 50 °C contour before 30 s. The increase speed of depth became quite slowly in the model with fat layer after 30 s. When ablation depth needed fixed, there are no significant effect on effectively ablation depth whether fat layer over or not. However, the existence of fat layer makes the temperature lower in the myocardium, and maximum temperature point closer to the myocardium surface. What is more, in the model with fat layer, effective ablation reach lower maximum temperature and the shallower depth of 50 °C contour. But there are larger ablation axial length and transverse width. In this case, doctor should ensure safety of normal cardiac tissue around the target tissue. In the epicardial ablation, the existence of fat layer seriously affects result of the microwave ablation. The epicardial ablation needs more heating time to create lesion. But epicardial ablation can be better controlled in the shape of effective ablation area because of the slowly increase of target variables after the appearing of 50 °C contour. Doctor can choose endocardial or epicardial ablation in different case of clinic requirement.

Elevated expression of T-bet in mycobacterial antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells from patients with tuberculosis

T-bet is a T-box transcriptional factor that controls the differentiation and effector functions of CD4 T cells. In this study, we studied the role of T-bet in regulating CD4(+) T cell immunity against tuberculosis (TB). T-bet expression in Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells was significantly higher in patients with active TB than in individuals with latent TB infection (p<0.0001). Comparison of T-bet expression in TCM and TEM subsets showed that CD4(+)T-bet(+)M. tuberculosis antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells had significantly lower frequency of TCM (p=0.003) and higher frequency of TEM (p=0.003) than CD4(+)T-bet(-) cells. The expression of PD-1 in antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells was significantly higher in patients with TB than in individuals with latent TB infection (p=0.006). CD4(+)CD154(+)T-bet(+) T cells had significantly higher expression of PD-1 than CD4(+)CD154(+)T-bet(-) T cells (p=0.0028). It is concluded that T-bet expression might be associated with differentiation into effector memory cells and PD-1 expression in mycobacterial antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells.

Effects of transport stress and rest before slaughter on blood parameters and meat quality of ducks

Zhu, Z., Chen, Y., Huang, Z., Zhang, Y., Xu, Q., Tong, Y., Zhai, F., Chang, G. and Chen, G. 2014. Effects of transport stress and rest before slaughter on blood parameters and meat quality of ducks. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 595–600. Ducks have been transported to be slaughtered at centralized locations since the 2013 avian influenza A (H7N9) epidemics in China. It is unavoidable that a certain amount of stress will occur during the transportation. We investigated the effects of transport stress and rest before slaughter on blood parameters and meat quality in ducks. Pekin ducks (42 d old) were randomly divided into six groups. Each group had five replicates, with four ducks in each replicate. The experimental design included the variables transport time and rest time before slaughter. Transport distance categories were short-distance (1 h transport; n=20), medium-distance (2 h transport; n=20) and long-distance (3 h transport; n=20) transport. Rest time was categorized as short (0.5 h; n=20) or long (2 h; n=20) periods of rest. Blood samples and meat samples were collected after transport or after the post-transport rest period. Blood indicators (triiodothyronine, thyroxine, insulin, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, and glutathione peroxidase) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Meat quality characteristics (meat component, pH, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl) were also measured. Triiodothyronine, thyroxine, aminotransferase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, creatine kinase, glutathione peroxidase, pH, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl values changed significantly in ducks exposed to the medium-distance transport treatment. Stress indicators improved and meat quality returned to normal by the end of a 2-h pre-slaughter rest. These results indicate that a 2-h transport causes serious stress in ducks. A 2-h rest before slaughter mitigates these adverse effects.

Mucosal-associated invariant T-cell function is modulated by programmed death-1 signaling in patients with active tuberculosis

RATIONALE

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have been proven to play an important role in host defense against mycobacterial infection in animal infection models; however, the functional role of MAIT cells in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) is still largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To understand the clinical features and functions of MAIT cells in patients with active TB.

METHODS

MAIT cells were analyzed in patients with pulmonary TB, tuberculous pleurisy, and tuberculous peritonitis by flow cytometry. The functions of MAIT cells were compared between patients with active TB and healthy control subjects.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The frequency of MAIT cells was significantly reduced both in peripheral blood from patients with active pulmonary TB (P < 0.0001) and in tuberculous pleural effusions compared with healthy control subjects but not in ascitic fluids from patients with tuberculous peritonitis. A comparison of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-stimulated cytokine production showed that patients with active TB had significantly higher production of IFN-γ (P = 0.0034) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (P = 0.0399) compared with healthy control subjects. In contrast, when MAIT cells were stimulated with Escherichia coli, patients with active TB had significantly lower production of IFN-γ (P = 0.0007) and TNF-α (P = 0.0032). MAIT cells in patients with active TB exhibited elevated expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) (P = 0.0015), and blockade of PD-1 signaling resulted in a significantly higher frequency of BCG-stimulated IFN-γ production in MAIT cells (P = 0.0178).

CONCLUSIONS

MAIT-cell immune response to antigen stimulation in patients with active TB is regulated by PD-1, which could be a potential target for TB immunotherapy.

Fatty and lean red meat consumption in China: differential association with Chinese abdominal obesity

AIM

We examined the longitudinal association between red meat (RM) consumption and the risk of abdominal obesity in Chinese adults.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our data are from 16,822 adults aged 18-75 in the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1993 to 2011. We assessed RM intake with three 24-h dietary recalls. We defined abdominal obesity as a waist circumference (WC) ≥85 centimeters (cm) for men and ≥80 cm for women. Multilevel mixed-effect regression models showed that men experienced WC increases of 0.74 cm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39-1.09) from a higher total intake of fresh RM and 0.59 cm (95% CI: 0.24-0. 95) from a higher intake of fatty fresh RM but 0.14 cm (95% CI: -0.39 to 0.66) from a higher intake of lean fresh RM in the top quartile versus non-consumers when adjusted for potential confounders. In contrast, after additional adjustment for baseline WC, the odds ratios of abdominal obesity in men were attenuated for total fresh RM (1.25 [95% CI: 1.06-1.47]) and fatty fresh RM (1.22 [95% CI: 1.03-1.44]) but were still not affected by lean fresh RM (0.95 [95% CI: 0.75-1.22]). Women also showed a positive association of fatty fresh RM intake with abdominal obesity.

CONCLUSION

Greater intake of fatty fresh RM was significantly associated with higher WC (men only) and abdominal obesity risk in Chinese adults. The gender-specific differential association of fatty versus lean fresh RM warrants further study.

Comparative experiments on phantom and ex vivo liver tissue in microwave ablation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal field distribution of phantom and ex vivo liver tissue in microwave ablation. We intent to verify if the phantom can be used in future studies in lieu of actual tissue.

METHODS

This experiment was divided into two groups of phantom and ex vivo porcine liver tissue. 2450 MHz is set. The tests last up to 240 s in 60 W. The velocity of the circulating water pumps were adjusted to 40 rounds/min. Twenty-five copper-constantan thermocouples (TCs) were inserted at the specified position to record temperature data.

RESULT

For the cooling water, the temperature field was non-symmetric distribution at the gap before (z > z < 0 mm) of two groups of experiments. At the part without cooling water (z > 0 mm), effective ablation areas were larger; near the microwave antenna, the temperature curves showed good consistency for both materials. Far away from the microwave antenna, the value difference increased between phantom and liver tissue. Moreover, the effect of cooling water in phantom is more obvious than it in liver tissue. The shapes of ablation areas from two groups are not same.

CONCLUSION

The result of the present work implied that heating patterns of liver tissue and phantom are comparable. But the difference of temperature field between two kinds of materials cannot be ignored. In cases of using phantom to verify temperature field in lieu of actual tissue, the researchers should pay full attention to these difference points.

Nutrition of elderly people in China

Cross-sectional data from the 1991 (n = 1657) and 1993 (n = 1773) China Health and Nutrition Surveys were used to describe patterns in the diets, activity levels and body mass index (BMI) of elderly Chinese (aged 60 or older). In 1991 and 1993, the prevalence of low BMI (BMI < 18.5 or BMI < 22.0) exceeded 15%, while the prevalence of high BMI (BMI > 25.0 or BMI > 27.0) ranged between 4% and 24%. The BMI was consistently, positively and significantly associated with urban residence. Urban residence and income were consistently and positively associated with energy from fat and protein intakes, and decreasing physical activity levels. The results suggest that under- and overnutrition coexist among Chinese elders and are differentially distributed across income and urban/rural strata.

Programme and policy options for preventing obesity in China

By 2002, China's prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults was 18.9 and 2.9%, respectively. The replacement of traditional Chinese diet with 'Western diet', major declines in all phases of activity and increased sedentary activity are cited as the main reasons explaining the rapid increase in overweight and obesity, which bring major economic and health costs. The Nutrition Improvement Work Management Approach was released in 2010. Overweight and obesity prevention-related policies were added to national planning for disease prevention and control. The Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity of Chinese Adults and the School-age Children and Teenagers Overweight and Obesity Prevention and Control Guidelines in China were promulgated in 2003 and 2007, respectively. Few education programmes have been implemented. Selected academic intervention research projects dominate with a focus on reducing child obesity and promoting healthier diets; increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time; and facilitating changes in family, school, social and cultural environments. Intervention samples are small and have not addressed the increasing rates of obesity throughout the entire population. Government provision of effective policy measures, multisectoral cooperation and increasing corporate social responsibility are keys to curbing the trend towards overweight and obesity in China.

Cloning of the quail PIWI gene and characterization of PIWI binding to small RNAs

The PIWI protein regulates gene expression at the epigenetic and post-transcriptional level with a variety of endogenous small non-coding RNAs. In poultry, the biological function of the PIWI protein and PIWI binding to small RNAs had not been determined. The present study cloned and analyzed the sequences of the PIWIL1 protein. We also characterized PIWIL1 binding to small RNAs from adult quail testis, where the PIWIL1 protein is specifically expressed. Small RNAs showed a strong peak at 24-27 nt in the testicular RNA library, mapped primarily to repeat sequences and were similar to rasiRNAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were abundant in the ovarian RNA library at a peak of 22 nt.