Development and external validation of a nomogram for the early prediction of acute kidney injury in septic patients: a multicenter retrospective clinical study

Background and purpose: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common serious complication in sepsis patients with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for sepsis associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI). Methods: In our study, we retrospectively constructed a development cohort comprising 733 septic patients admitted to eight Grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai from January 2021 to October 2022. Additionally, we established an external validation cohort consisting of 336 septic patients admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019. Risk predictors were selected by LASSO regression, and a corresponding nomogram was constructed. We evaluated the model's discrimination, precision and clinical benefit through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curves (CIC) in both internal and external validation. Results: AKI incidence was 53.2% in the development cohort and 48.2% in the external validation cohort. The model included five independent indicators: chronic kidney disease stages 1 to 3, blood urea nitrogen, procalcitonin, D-dimer and creatine kinase isoenzyme. The AUC of the model in the development and validation cohorts was 0.914 (95% CI, 0.894-0.934) and 0.923 (95% CI, 0.895-0.952), respectively. The calibration plot, DCA, and CIC demonstrated the model's favorable clinical applicability. Conclusion: We developed and validated a robust nomogram model, which might identify patients at risk of SA-AKI and promising for clinical applications.

Surgical counting interruptions in operating rooms

BACKGROUND

Operating rooms are complex working environments with high workloads and high levels of cognitive demand. The first surgical count which occurs during the chaotic preoperative stage and is considered a critical phase, is a routine task in ORs. Interruptions often occur during the first surgical count; however, little is known about the first surgical counting interruptions. This study aimed to observe and analyse the sources, outcomes, frequency of the first surgical counting interruptions and responses to interruptions.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was carried out to examine the occurrence of the first surgical counting interruptions between 1st August 2023 and 30th September 2023. The data were collected using the "Surgical Counting Interruption Event Form", which was developed by the researchers specifically for this study.

RESULTS

A total of 66 circulating nurses (CNs) and scrub nurses (SNs) were observed across 1015 surgeries, with 4927.8 min of surgical count. The mean duration of the first surgical count was 4.85 min, with a range of 1.03 min to 9.51 min. In addition, 697 interruptions were identified, with full-term interruptions occurring an average of 8.7 times per hour. The most frequent source of interruption during the first surgical counts was instruments (N = 144, 20.7%). The first surgical counting interruptions mostly affected the CN (336 times; 48.2%), followed by the ORNs (including CNs and SNs) (243 times; 34.9%) and the SN (118 times; 16.9%). Most of the outcomes of interruptions were negative, and the majority of the nurses responded immediately to interruptions.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of the first surgical counting interruption is high. Managers should develop interventions for interruptions based on different surgical specialties and different nursing roles.

Associations between abdominal obesity indices with hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Chinese visceral adiposity index

PURPOSE

This research was performed to evaluate the relationship between hypertension (HTN) and abdominal obesity index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

Totally 1657 participants with T2DM (mean age 54 ± 12 years; 38.02% female) were enrolled. They were divided into the groups of HTN (n = 775) and non-HTN (n = 882). Anthropometric and biochemical indicators were measured and collected. A bioelectrical impedance analyzer was used to measure visceral and subcutaneous fat areas.

RESULTS

Compared with the HTN group, the non-HTN group had a lower level of Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, among tertiles of CVAI, as CVAI increased, the proportion of patients with HTN increased, which was 33.51%, 44.30%, and 62.50%, respectively. CVAI was shown to have a significant positive correlation with HTN. (r = 0.258, p < 0.001). CVAI was independently related to an elevated risk of HTN by binary logistic regression analyses, and the OR was (95% CI) 1.013 (1.010-1.016, p < 0.001) after adjustment. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of CVAI predicted HTN in T2DM patients was greater than those of other abdominal obesity indices (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We found that CVAI was highly positively correlated with HTN in T2DM. Compared with other indices of abdominal obesity, such as WC, BMI, WHR, VAI, and LAP, the CVAI showed superior discriminative ability in T2DM complicated with HTN. Therefore, more attention should be paid to CVAI in T2DM.

Investigating the causal impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on gestational diabetes mellitus: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Introduction

Determining the causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) holds significant implications for GDM prevention and treatment. Despite numerous observational studies suggesting an association between PCOS and GDM, it remains unclear whether a definitive causal relationship exists between these two conditions and which specific features of PCOS contribute to increased incidence of GDM.

Methods

The causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), its characteristic indices, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was investigated using a two-sample Mendelian randomization study based on publicly available statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The inverse-variance weighted method was employed as the primary analytical approach to examine the association between PCOS, its characteristic indices, and GDM. MR Egger intercept was used to assess pleiotropy, while Q values and their corresponding P values were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity. It is important to note that this study adopts a two-sample MR design where PCOS and its characteristic indices are considered as exposures, while GDM is treated as an outcome.

Results

The study results indicate that there is no causal relationship between PCOS and GDM (all methods P > 0.05, 95% CI of OR values passed 1). The IVW OR value was 1.007 with a 95% CI of 0.906 to 1.119 and a P value of 0.904. Moreover, the MR Egger Q value was 8.141 with a P value of 0.701, while the IVW Q value was also 8.141 with a P value of 0.774, indicating no significant heterogeneity. Additionally, the MR Egger intercept was 0.0004, which was close to zero with a P value of 0.988, suggesting no pleiotropy. However, the study did find a causal relationship between several other factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, sex hormone-binding globulin, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, apolipoprotein A-I, number of children, diabetes illnesses of mother, father and siblings, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, years of schooling, and GDM based on the IVW method.

Conclusion

We observed no association between genetically predicted PCOS and the risk of GDM, implying that PCOS itself does not confer an increased susceptibility to GDM. The presence of other PCOS-related factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, and sex hormone-binding globulin may elucidate the link between PCOS and GDM. Based on these findings, efforts aimed at preventing GDM in individuals with PCOS should prioritize those exhibiting high-risk features rather than encompassing all women with PCOS.

BFGF attenuates aortic valvular interstitial cell calcification by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis

The potential protective effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) on the cardiovascular system has been proposed previously, however, its effect on calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. The valvular interstitial cell (VIC) were isolated from porcine aortic valve leaflets. To investigate the effect of BFGF on osteogenic differentiation of VIC, the osteogenic induced medium (OIM) and BFGF were added. The protein expression level was detected by Western blot, and apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The effect of BFGF on CAVD process in vivo was assessed by a rat CAVD model, which was identified by echocardiography and Alizarin red staining. The expression level of BFGF in the aortic valve and serum were significantly upregulated in CAVD patients compared to control group. In addition, exogenous BFGF injection attenuates CAVD process in vivo. The protein markers of osteogenic differentiation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and apoptosis were significantly upregulated by culture with OIM. On the contrary, the aforementioned proteins were suppressed after adding 100 ng/mL of BFGF. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways by specific inhibitors abolished the protective effect of BFGF. In conclusion, BFGF could alleviate the VIC calcification by inhibiting ERS-mediated apoptosis, which is partly regulated by activation of the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. BFGF may provide a potential avenue for CAVD therapy.

Progress of the application clinical prediction model in polycystic ovary syndrome

Clinical prediction models play an important role in the field of medicine. These can help predict the probability of an individual suffering from disease, complications, and treatment outcomes by applying specific methodologies. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease with a high incidence rate, huge heterogeneity, short- and long-term complications, and complex treatments. In this systematic review study, we reviewed the progress of clinical prediction models in PCOS patients, including diagnosis and prediction models for PCOS complications and treatment outcomes. We aimed to provide ideas for medical researchers and clues for the management of PCOS. In the future, models with poor accuracy can be greatly improved by adding well-known parameters and validations, which will further expand our understanding of PCOS in terms of precision medicine. By developing a series of predictive models, we can make the definition of PCOS more accurate, which can improve the diagnosis of PCOS and reduce the likelihood of false positives and false negatives. It will also help discover complications earlier and treatment outcomes being known earlier, which can result in better outcomes for women with PCOS.

Grassroots autonomous organizations embedding, non-agricultural employment and farmer homestead withdrawal behavior: based on the research data of Qionglai City, Sichuan Province, China

In the context of the rapid rise of the village revitalization in China, the study examines the impact of grassroots autonomous organizations embedding level and farmer non-agriculture employment on the farmer homestead exit behavior. Based on 421 household surveys in Qionglai, this study obtained three results through empirical analysis. (1) The system embedding level of grassroots autonomous organization and the interests embedding level of grassroots autonomous organization have a significant positive impact on the farmer homestead withdrawal behavior, but the emotion embedding level of grassroots autonomous organizations has a significant negative impact on the farmer homestead withdrawal behavior. (2) The farmer non-agriculture employment level is beneficial for the farmer homestead exit behavior. (3) Further mechanism analysis shows that the non-agricultural employment level plays an inhibitory role in the positive influence of grassroots organizations to mobilize farmers to exit homestead. Therefore, it is suggested that when mobilizing farmers to voluntarily withdraw from the homestead, grassroots organizations should actively improve their embedding level, improve the construction of farmers' social network, and accelerate the accumulation of farmers' material capital.

Mitochondrial diseases in Hong Kong: prevalence, clinical characteristics and genetic landscape

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of mitochondrial diseases (MD) in Hong Kong (HK) and to evaluate the clinical characteristics and genetic landscape of MD patients in the region.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of MD patients from participating public hospitals in HK between January 1985 to October 2020. Molecularly and/or enzymatically confirmed MD cases of any age were recruited via the Clinical Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) using relevant keywords and/or International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes under the HK Hospital Authority or through the personal recollection of treating clinicians among the investigators.

RESULTS

A total of 119 MD patients were recruited and analyzed in the study. The point prevalence of MD in HK was 1.02 in 100,000 people (95% confidence interval 0.81-1.28 in 100,000). 110 patients had molecularly proven MD and the other nine were diagnosed by OXPHOS enzymology analysis or mitochondrial DNA depletion analysis with unknown molecular basis. Pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial genome (72 patients) were more prevalent than those in the nuclear genome (38 patients) in our cohort. The most commonly involved organ system at disease onset was the neurological system, in which developmental delay, seizures or epilepsy, and stroke-like episodes were the most frequently reported presentations. The mortality rate in our cohort was 37%.

CONCLUSION

This study is a territory-wide overview of the clinical and genetic characteristics of MD patients in a Chinese population, providing the first available prevalence rate of MD in Hong Kong. The findings of this study aim to facilitate future in-depth evaluation of MD and lay the foundation to establish a local MD registry.

Increased oxidative stress caused by impaired mitophagy aggravated liver ischemia and reperfusion injury in diabetic mice

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Emerging evidence has suggested the detrimental role of oxidative stress in aggravating ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury in diabetic livers. Interplay between oxidative stress and mitophagy has been shown. However, the role and mechanism of mitophagy in regulating oxidative stress and IR injury in diabetic livers remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wild-type and db/db (DB) mice were subjected to a partial warm liver IR model. Liver injury, oxidative stress, mitophagy and related molecular pathways were analyzed.

RESULTS

Here, we found that increased liver IR injury was observed in DB mice, as evidenced by higher levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and serum aspartate, worsened liver architecture damage and more hepatocellular death. DB mice also showed increased mitochondrial oxidative stress. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenge alleviated liver IR injury in DB mice. Mechanistic analysis showed that 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-mediated mitophagy was suppressed in DB mice post-IR. Pharmacological activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase by its agonist effectively restored mitophagy activation, leading to decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress and attenuated liver IR injury in DB mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that diabetes increased oxidative stress to exacerbate liver IR injury by impairing 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-mediated mitophagy. Strategies targeting oxidative stress and mitophagy might provide a promising approach to ameliorate liver IR injury in diabetes patients.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated new-onset primary adrenal insufficiency: a retrospective analysis using the FAERS

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated primary adrenal insufficiency (ICI-PAI) and to explore the risk factors of its clinical outcome using data from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. All cases of new-onset or newly diagnosed primary adrenal insufficiency associated with FDA-approved ICIs from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2020 were identified and collected using FAERS. Data on age, sex category, body weight of the participating individuals, the reporting year and the prognosis of cases, and other accompanying endocrinopathies related to ICIs, were analysed.

RESULTS

The incidence of ICI-PAI was 1.03% (1180/114121). Of the 1180 cases of PAI, 46 were "confirmed PAI", and 1134 were "suspected PAI". Combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 was related to a higher risk of PAI compared with the anti-PD-1-only group (χ² = 92.88, p < 0.001). Male and elderly individuals showed a higher risk of ICI-PAI (male vs. female, 1.17% vs. 0.94%, χ² = 12.55, p < 0.001; age < 65 vs. ≥ 65, 1.20 vs. 1.41%, χ² = 6.89, p = 0.009). The co-occurrence rate of endocrinopathies other than PAI was 24.3%, which showed a higher trend in patients on nivolumab-ipilimumab treatment than in those on PD-1 inhibitors (χ² = 3.227, p = 0.072). Body weight was negatively associated with the risk of death in the study population [p = 0.033 for the regression model; B = - 0.017, OR 0.984, 95% CI (0.969-0.998), p = 0.029].

CONCLUSION

ICI-associated PAI is a rare but important irAE. Male and elderly patients have a higher risk of ICI-PAI. Awareness among clinicians is critical when patients with a lower body weight develop PAI, which indicates a higher risk of a poor clinical outcome.

Potential biomarkers in the fibrosis progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

PURPOSE

Fibrosis is the only histological feature reflecting the severity and prognosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We aim to explore novel genes associated with fibrosis progression in NASH.

METHODS

Two human RNA-seq datasets were downloaded from the public database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify their co-expressed modules and further bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify hub genes within the modules. Finally, based on two single-cell RNA-seq datasets from mice and one microarray dataset from human, we further observed the expression of hub genes in different cell clusters and liver tissues.

RESULTS

7 hub genes (SPP1, PROM1, SOX9, EPCAM, THY1, CD34 and MCAM) associated with fibrosis progression were identified. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed that those hub genes were expressed by different cell clusters such as cholangiocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We also found that SPP1 and CD34 serve as markers of different HSCs clusters, which are associated with inflammatory response and fibrogenesis, respectively. Further study suggested that SPP1, SOX9, MCAM and THY1 might be related to NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the high expression of these genes could well predict the occurrence of HCC. At the same time, there were significant differences in metabolism-related pathway changes between different HCC subtypes, and SOX9 may be involved in these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified novel genes associated with NASH fibrosis and explored their effects on fibrosis from a single-cell perspective that might provide new ideas for the early diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation, and prediction of fibrosis progression in NASH.

Dlx3 Ubiquitination by Nuclear Mdm2 Is Essential for Dentinogenesis in Mice

Dentin is a major mineralized component of teeth. Odontoblasts are responsible for synthesis and secretion of dentin matrix. Previously, it has been demonstrated in a cell culture system that the E3 ubiquitin ligase, murine double minute 2 (Mdm2), promotes odontoblast-like differentiation of mouse dental papilla cells (mDPCs) by ubiquitinating p53 and the odontoblast-specific substrate Dlx3. However, whether Mdm2 plays an essential role in vivo in odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the in vivo functions of Mdm2 using Dmp1-Cre;Mdm2 flox/flox mice combined with multiple histological and molecular biological methods. The results showed that Mdm2 deletion in the odontoblast layer led to defects in odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation. Unexpectedly, specific inhibition of the Mdm2-p53 axis in wild-type mice by injection of a small-molecule inhibitor Nutlin-3a indicated that the role of Mdm2 in dentinogenesis was p53 independent, which was inconsistent with the previous in vitro study. In situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) showed that Mdm2 interacted with and ubiquitinated Dlx3 in the odontoblast nucleus of mouse molars. Dlx3 promoted the translocation of Mdm2 to the nucleus, and in turn, the nuclear Mdm2 mediated ubiquitination of Dlx3 and promoted the odontoblast-like differentiation of mDPCs. Dlx3 interacted with Mdm2 through its C-terminal domain. Deletion of the C-terminal domain of Dlx3 reversed the enhanced odontoblast-like differentiation and the activation of Dspp promoter mediated by overexpression of wild-type or nuclear Mdm2. Our findings suggest that nuclear Mdm2 mediates ubiquitination of the transcription factor Dlx3, which is essential for Dlx3 transcriptional activity on Dspp as well as subsequent odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation.

RGS12 Drives Macrophage Activation and Osteoclastogenesis in Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of teeth and is associated with systemic inflammatory disorders. Regulator of G-protein signaling 12 (RGS12), the largest protein in the RGS protein family, plays a crucial role in the development of inflammation and bone remodeling. However, the role and mechanism(s) by which RGS12 may regulate periodontitis have not been elucidated. Here, we showed that ablation of RGS12 in Mx1⁺ hematopoietic cells blocked bone loss in the ligature-induced periodontitis model, as evidenced morphometrically and by micro-computed tomography analysis of the alveolar bone. Moreover, hematopoietic cell-specific deletion of RGS12 inhibited osteoclast formation and activity as well as the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL1β, IL6, and TNFα in the diseased periodontal tissue. In the in vitro experiments, we found that the overexpression of RGS12 promoted the reprogramming of macrophages to the proinflammatory M1 type, but not the anti-inflammatory M2 type, and enhanced the ability of macrophages for migration. Conversely, knockdown of RGS12 in macrophages inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines and migration of macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Our results demonstrate for the first time that inhibition of RGS12 in macrophages is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of periodontitis.

Enhanced Axial Tension-tension Fatigue Resistance of a 51CrV4 Spring Steel by Cryogenic Treatment

51CrV4 spring steel is widely used in heavy duty dump trucks ascribing to its superior mechanical properties. The fatigue life and strength of dump trucks are the main performance indicators that must be considered in the manufacturing process. Cryogenic treatment (CT) can improve the main performance of materials which has been proved by recently research. The effect of cryogenic treatment CT on the axial tensile fatigue strength of 51CrV4 spring steel was studied in this paper. The results showed that the axial tension-tension fatigue life of 51CrV4 spring steel after CT was significantly higher than conventional heat treatment (CHT) samples. The microstructure of 51CrV4 leaf spring material is mainly acicular bainite and thin strip martensite after CT. Compared with CHT, CT makes the microstructure of the material more compact. The introduction of cryogenic treatment (CT) before tempering makes the Ca element in the material aggregate, and the micro amount of Ca has the function of deoxidizing and desulphurizing and improving the morphology of sulfide, thus enhancing the fatigue life of the material.

The effect of two endodontic sealers and interval before post-preparation and cementation on the bond strength of fiber posts

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of different endodontic sealers (epoxy resin-based and bioceramic-based) and the time of post-cementation on the bond strength of a fiber post cemented with resin cement.

METHODS

Forty human premolars were instrumented and divided into 4 groups. According to the type of sealer and the time of post-cementation: AH-IM (AH Plus, post-cemented immediately after root canal treatment), SP-IM (iRoot SP, post-cemented immediately after root canal treatment), AH-OW (AH Plus, post-cementation after one week), and SP-OW (iRoot SP, post-cementation after one week). In each group, the samples were submitted to push-out test, and failure mode was assessed. Levene's test, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis analysis were applied for statistical analysis (α = 5%).

RESULTS

The highest mean push-out bond strength was obtained from the SP-IM group in the apical part (10.45 ± 5.15MPa), while the lowest was observed in samples from the AH-OW group in the middle part (2.63 ± 1.54 MPa). One-way ANOVA showed that within the same root region, the time of post-cementation had a negative influence on the bonding strength in the SP groups in the middle and apical portion (P<0.05), however, when comparing the effect of type of sealers on bonding strength between the OW groups or IM groups within the same root region, no significant difference was observed regardless of the post cementation time (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The bond strength of the fiber post was higher when the post was cemented immediately after root canal treatment when the bioceramic sealer was applied.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The correct choice of an endodontic sealer and the proper time of post-cementation may help to obtain the best quality of post-and-core restoration.

Exogenous SO2 donor treatment impairs reconsolidation of drug reward memory in mice

Substance-related and addictive disorders (SRADs) are characterized by compulsive drug use and recurrent relapse. The persistence of pathological drug-related memories indisputably contributes to a high propensity to relapse. Hence, strategies to disrupt reconsolidation of drug reward memory are currently being pursued as potential anti-relapse interventions. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), acting as a potential gaseous molecule, endogenously derives from sulfur amino acid and can exert significant neural regulatory effects. However, the role of SO2 in reconsolidation of drug memory has not been determined. In the present study, we used morphine- or cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) mouse models with retrieval to investigate the effects of exogenous SO2 donor treatment on reconsolidation of drug reward memory. We found that administration of SO2 donor immediately after the retrieval impaired the expression of morphine or cocaine CPP. Furthermore, the exogenous SO2 donor treatment 6 h post-retrieval or in the absence of retrieval had no effect on drug reward memory and the expression of CPP. SO2 itself did not produce aversive effects nor did it acutely block morphine CPP. Our results indicate that exogenous SO2 impairs reconsolidation of drug reward memory rather than inhibits the expression of drug reward memory. As such, SO2 holds potential for the treatment and prevention of SRADs and should be studied further.

MicroRNA-596 is epigenetically inactivated and suppresses prostatic cancer cell growth and migration via regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

OBJECTIVES

Although studies have reported that miR-596 extensively participates in multiple cancer progression, the biological mechanisms and effects of miR-596 in prostatic cancer remain unclear. The literature is aimed to reveal the function and possible molecular mechanisms of miR-596 in prostatic cancer carcinogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

qRT-PCR was applied to examine miR-596 expression in prostatic cancer cell lines and samples, also methylation-specific PCR was used to detect the methylation status of the promoter CpG islands in prostatic cancer samples. Meanwhile, the tumor-related effects of miR-596 were detected via cell viability, clone formation assay, migration assay, flow cytometric and AO/EB assay. qRT-PCR and Western blots were applied to investigate the function of miR-596 on malignant behavior in prostatic cancer cells.

RESULTS

We found that miR-596 mRNA was decreased in prostatic cancer samples and cell lines. miR-596 mRNA level was also correlated to cancer stage, Gleason scores, while miR-596 promoter methylation was related to cancer tumor stage, Gleason score and preoperative PSA levels. miR-596 inhibited the cell growth and activity by causing cell apoptosis, and also suppressed the migration of prostatic cancer cells by revealing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. In addition, Western blot indicates that miR-596 overexpression deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, by restraining phosphorylation levels of β-catenin and expression levels of downstream targets.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this research indicates that miR-596 overexpression could be potentially useful in the cell growth and migration of prostatic cancer and serves as a potential molecular marker in prostatic cancer.

The in vitro effects of melatonin and Cry gene on the secretion of estradiol from camel ovarian granulosa cells

Bactrian camel as endemic economic species to the Northwest of China, its seasonal reproduction severely limits litter rates. In addition to melatonin, seasonal reproduction of animals is also regulated by the biological clock, but the specific molecular mechanism is not clear. To investigate the effects of melatonin and Cryptochrome (Cry) genes on seasonal reproduction, they were placed in ovarian granulosa cells, and their effects on reproduction were determined by measuring the concentrations of estradiol. Immunohistochemistry revealed that melatonin receptor protein (MT) was expressed in the cytosol and membrane of the ovarian granulosa cells, and the highest levels of CRY were expressed in the nuclei. The concentrations of estradiol in the cell culture supernatant were increased after the addition of exogenous melatonin or overexpression of MT, but these were decreased after MT was over expressed, and exogenous melatonin was added to the cells. In addition, there was a significant increase in the concentrations of estradiol after the Cry genes were overexpressed; however, the estradiol concentrations were decreased after the Cry genes were silenced. Our findings demonstrate that the MT and Cry genes play important roles in ovarian granulosa cell production of estradiol in a seasonally breeding species.

RGS12 Represses Oral Cancer via the Phosphorylation and SUMOylation of PTEN

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer characterized by aggressive local invasion and metastasis. The pathogenesis of OSCC is mainly due to the accumulation of genetic alterations in epithelial cells, but the underlying mechanism for its development remains unclear. Here, we found that the expression level of regulator of G protein signaling 12 (RGS12) was significantly reduced in human OSCC. To understand the role and mechanism of RGS12 in OSCC, we generated a novel RGS12 global knockout (CMV^Cre/+; RGS12^fl/fl) mouse model by crossing RGS12^fl/fl mice with CMV-Cre transgenic mice and then further induced the mice to develop OSCC by using 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO). Deletion of RGS12 exhibited aggressive OSCC in the tongue compared with the control RGS12^fl/fl mice. Knockdown of RGS12 in OSCC cells significantly increased cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, we found that RGS12 associated with phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) via the PDZ domain to upregulate the phosphorylation and SUMOylation of PTEN and then correspondingly inactivated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. To test the potential therapeutic effect of RGS12 on OSCC, we overexpressed RGS12 in OSCC cells and found a significant inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, subcutaneous inoculation of RGS12-overexpressed OSCC cells in NOD scid mice showed a significant reduction in tumor formation. Our findings reveal that RGS12 is an essential tumor suppressor and highlights RGS12 as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker of OSCC.

WWP2 Promotes Odontoblastic Differentiation by Monoubiquitinating KLF5

WW domain-containing E3 Ub-protein ligase 2 (WWP2) belongs to the homologous to E6AP C-terminus (HECT) E3 ligase family. It has been explored to regulate osteogenic differentiation, chondrogenesis, and palatogenesis. Odontoblasts are terminally differentiated mesenchymal cells, which contribute to dentin formation in tooth development. However, it remained unknown whether WWP2 participated in odontoblast differentiation. In this study, WWP2 was found to be expressed in mouse dental papilla cells (mDPCs), odontoblasts, and odontoblastic-induced mDPCs by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Besides, WWP2 expression was decreased in the cytoplasm but increased in the nuclei of differentiation-induced mDPCs. When Wwp2 was knocked down, the elevated expression of odontoblast marker genes (Dmp1 and Dspp) in mDPCs induced by differentiation medium was suppressed. Meanwhile, a decrease of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was observed by ALP staining, and reduced formation of mineralized matrix nodules was demonstrated by Alizarin Red S staining. Overexpression of WWP2 presented opposite results to knockdown experiments, suggesting that WWP2 promoted odontoblastic differentiation of mDPCs. Further investigation found that WWP2 was coexpressed and interacted with KLF5 in the nuclei, leading to ubiquitination of KLF5. The PPPSY (PY2) motif of KLF5 was essential for its physical binding with WWP2. Also, cysteine 838 (Cys838) of WWP2 was the active site for ubiquitination of KLF5, which did not lead to proteolysis of KLF5. Then, KLF5 was confirmed to be monoubiquitinated and transactivated by WWP2, which promoted the expression of KLF5 downstream genes Dmp1 and Dspp. Deletion of the PY2 motif of KLF5 or mutation of Cys838 of WWP2 reduced the upregulation of Dmp1 and Dspp. Besides, lysine (K) residues K31, K52, K83, and K265 of KLF5 were verified to be crucial to WWP2-mediated KLF5 transactivation. Taken together, WWP2 promoted odontoblastic differentiation by monoubiquitinating KLF5.

Study on the velocity characteristics of spiral flow in pipeline with different numbers of guide bars installed on the surface of the piped vehicle body

The piped hydraulic transportation of tube-contained raw material is a new low-carbon and environmental protection technique for transporting materials. The velocity characteristics of the spiral flow in the pipe with different numbers of guide bars installed on the surface of the piped vehicle body during piped hydraulic transportation of tube-contained raw material were studied by the theoretical analysis and model test. In the test, the numbers of guide bars placed on the surface of the piped vehicle body was respectively 3, 4, 5, and 6, and the studied sections were the section of the piped vehicle body and its rear section, and the flow discharge was 40 m3/h. The results showed that as the number of guide bars increased, the axial velocity of the section of the piped vehicle body increased gradually, while the axial velocity of the rear section of the piped vehicle reduced first and then increased. The section circumferential and radial flow velocity of the piped vehicle body and its rear section both increased first and then reduced. When the number of guide bars installed on the surface of the piped vehicle body was 4, the section circumferential flow velocity of the piped vehicle body and its rear section reached the maximum value, and their distributions were relatively uniform. The results offer theoretical basis so that we can optimize the structure of the piped vehicle and further popularize the piped hydraulic transportation technique of tube-contained raw material.

CDC6 is up-regulated and a poor prognostic signature in glioblastoma multiforme

PURPOSE

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the most common and the most malignant type of brain tumor. Cell division cycle 6 (CDC6), a gene associated with DNA replication initiation, has been proven to be associated with the prognosis of multiple tumors. In this study, we aim to explore the association between CDC6 expression and GBM carcinogenesis and prognosis.

METHODS

CDC6 expression in normal cells and GBM cells was explored by analyzing TCGA dataset, as well as by RT-PCR and western blot methods. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis was adopted to estimate the independence of CDC6 as a GBM prognostic factor.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Elevated CDC6 levels in GBM tumor tissues compared with those in normal brain tissues were illustrated by analyzing the gene expression profiles from TCGA dataset, and confirmed by RT-PCR and western blot assays in GBM tumor and normal human astrocyte cell lines. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated the negative influence of high CDC6 expression on GBM overall survival (OS) probability and days to progression (D2P) after initial treatment, but not on days to recurrence (D2R) after initial treatment. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed CDC6 as an independent signature marker gene for GBM prognosis. In addition, the combination of CDC6 mRNA expression and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) could sensitively predict 3-year OS and D2P. In conclusion, our study uncovered the role of CDC6 in GBM carcinogenesis and prognosis for the first time, which could shed new light on GBM diagnosis and treatment.

Ultra-long high quality catalyst-free WO3 nanowires for fabricating high-performance visible photodetectors

This work presents a study on the controlled growth of WO₃ nanowires via chemical vapor deposition without catalyst, and their potential applications in visible photodetectors. The influence of growth conditions on the morphology of WO₃ nanowires is studied in order to understand the growth mechanism of WO₃ nanowires, and ultra-long (60 [Formula: see text], the longest one ever reported) WO₃ nanowires with a spindle shape are achieved by optimizing the growth conditions. It was found that the length of WO₃ nanowires increases from 15 [Formula: see text] to 60 [Formula: see text] with increasing the argon carrier gas flow rate from 30 sccm to 90 sccm, and then saturates with further increasing the argon carrier gas flow rate. However, the length of WO₃ nanowires reduces from 60 [Formula: see text] to 19 [Formula: see text] with increasing the tube inner pressure from 2.5 Torr to 3.5 Torr. The photoconductor detectors based on WO₃ single nanowires present excellent device performance with a responsivity as high as 19 A W^-1 at a bias of 0.1 V, a detectivity as high as 1.06 × 10¹¹ Jones, and a response (rising and decay) time as short as 8 ms under the illumination of a 404 nm laser. These results indicate the great potential of WO₃ nanowires for applications in fabricating high performance visible photodetectors.

Mdm2 Promotes Odontoblast-like Differentiation by Ubiquitinating Dlx3 and p53

Dentin is an important structural component of the tooth. Odontoblast differentiation is an essential biological process that guarantees normal dentin formation, which is precisely regulated by various proteins. Murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and it plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of different cell types, such as osteoblasts and myoblasts. However, whether Mdm2 plays a role in odontoblast differentiation remains unknown. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal expression of Mdm2 by immunostaining and found that Mdm2 was highly expressed in the odontoblasts and slightly in the dental papilla cells of mouse incisors and molars. Gene knockdown and overexpression experiments verified that Mdm2 promoted the odontoblast-like differentiation of mouse dental papilla cells (mDPCs). Intranuclear colocalization and physical interaction between Mdm2 and distal-less 3 (Dlx3), a transcription factor important for odontoblast differentiation, was found during the odontoblast-like differentiation of mDPCs by double immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation. Mdm2 was proved to monoubiquitinate Dlx3, which enhanced the expression of Dlx3 target gene Dspp. In addition, p53, the canonical substrate of Mdm2, was validated to be also ubiquitinated but degraded by Mdm2 during the odontoblast-like differentiation of mDPCs. Gene knockdown experiments confirmed that p53 inhibited the odontoblast-like differentiation of mDPCs. p53 and Mdm2 double knockdown partially rescued the reduced odontoblast-like differentiation by knockdown of Mdm2 alone. Taken together, our study revealed that Mdm2 promoted the odontoblast-like differentiation of mDPCs by ubiquitinating both Dlx3 and p53. On one hand, the monoubiquitination of Dlx3 by Mdm2 led to upregulation of Dspp, which is a marker of the odontoblast differentiation. On the other hand, ubiquitination of p53 by Mdm2 resulted in its degradation, which eliminated the inhibitory effect of p53 on the odontoblast-like differentiation of mDPCs.

Correlation between ER, PR, P53, Ki67 expression, and high-risk HPV infection in patients with different levels of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

This study was designed to investigate the correlation between high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the expression of IHC markers (ER, PR, p53, Ki67) in patients with different grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). It was a retrospective study, which was conducted from June 2016 to June 2018. 140 specimens of CIN were collected from the pathology department of a certain hospital that included 40 specimens of CIN1, 50 specimens of CIN2 and 50 specimens of CIN3. The expression of ER, PR, P53 and Ki67 were determined by immunohistochemistry. The high-risk HPV infections were detected by PCR fluorescence quantification and were given the correlation analysis. In the 140 specimens, the positive rates of HPV16 and HPV18 in CIN1 specimens were 27.5% and 25.0% respectively, and in CIN2 specimens were 64.0% and 60.0% respectively, and in CIN3 specimens were 90.0% and 92.0% respectively, the difference were statistically significant (p<0.05). There were no significant correlation (p<0.05) between HPV16 and HPV18 positive rate and patient age, tissue differentiation, and tumor size. With the increased of CIN grade, the positive rate of ER, PR, P53 and Ki67 expression in specimen were also increased significantly, and the difference were statistically significant (p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed there were positive correlation (p<0.05) between the positive rates of HPV16 and HPV18 and the positive rates of ER, PR, P53 and Ki67. With the increase of CIN level, the positive rates of high-risk HPV infection as well as ER, PR, P53 and Ki67 are increased, and they have positive correlation.

Expanding the morphologic spectrum of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: A study of 8 cases with papillary architecture

Although typically arranged in solid alveolar fashion, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may also show several other architectural growth patterns. We include in this series 8 chromophobe RCC cases with prominent papillary growth, a pattern very rarely reported or only mentioned as a feature of chromophobe RCC, which is lacking wider recognition The differential diagnosis of such cases significantly varies from the typical chromophobe RCC with its usual morphology, particularly its distinction from papillary RCC and other relevant and clinically important entities. Of 972 chromophobe RCCs in our files, we identified 8 chromophobe RCCs with papillary growth. We performed immunohistochemistry and array Comparative Genomic Hybridisation (aCGH) to investigate for possible chromosomal aberrations. Patients were 3 males and 5 females with age ranging from 30 to 84 years (mean 57.5, median 60 years). Tumor size was variable and ranged from 2 to 14 cm (mean 7.5, median 6.6 cm). Follow-up was available for 7 of 8 patients, ranging from 1 to 61 months (mean 20.1, median 12 months). Six patients were alive with no signs of aggressive behavior, and one died of the disease. Histologically, all cases were composed of dual cell population consisting of variable proportions of leaf-like cells with pale cytoplasm and eosinophilic cells. The extent of papillary component ranged from 15 to 100% of the tumor volume (mean 51%, median 50%). Sarcomatoid differentiation was identified only in the case with fatal outcome. Immunohistochemically, all tumors were positive for CK7, CD117 and Hale's Colloidal Iron. PAX8 was positive in 5 of 8 cases, TFE3 was focally positive 3 of 8 tumors, and Cathepsin K was focally positive in 2 of 8 tumors. All cases were negative for vimentin, AMACR and HMB45. Fumarate hydratase staining was retained in all tested cases. The proliferative activity was low (up to 1% in 7, up to 5% in one case). Three cases were successfully analyzed by aCGH and all showed a variable copy number variation profile with multiple chromosomal gains and losses. CONCLUSIONS: Chromophobe RCC demonstrating papillary architecture is an exceptionally rare carcinoma. The diagnosis can be challenging, although the cytologic features are consistent with the classic chromophobe RCC. Given the prognostic and therapeutic implications of accurately diagnosis other RCCs with papillary architecture (i.e., Xp11.2 translocation RCC, FH-deficient RCC), it is crucial to differentiate these cases from chromophobe RCC with papillary architecture. Based on this limited series, the presence of papillary architecture does not appear to have negative prognostic impact. However, its wider recognition may allow in depth studies on additional examples of this rare morphologic variant.

[Detection effect of an automatic identification system of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of an automatic identification system of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia, and compare it with the traditional eye detection method in the simulation field.

METHODS

A total of 260 fecal samples were collected from schistosomiasis non-endemic areas, and the test sample bottles containing schistosome miracidia were prepared according to different experimental needs. Thirty fecal samples for the sensitivity test were separately added with five fresh miracidia per sample, and then the mixed samples were detected by two experienced technicians (with more than 15 years' traditional test experience) or the automatic system. The positive detection rates were compared between the two methods. Thirty fecal samples for repetition test were separately added with ten fresh miracidia per sample, and then the mixed samples were detected separately with the automatic identification system by two experienced technicians. The results were compared between two persons. The two methods including the automatic identification system and the traditional eye detection method were carried out blindly with totally 200 samples in the simulation field. There were three groups (each with 30 samples) : Group 1 with more than 21 fresh miracidia, Group 2 with 6 to 20 fresh miracidia, and Group 3 with 1 to 5 fresh miracidia. The other 110 samples were as a negative group. The detection time, accuracy, missed detection rate, and false detection rate of the two methods were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The positive detection rates of the 30 positive samples were 43.33% and 33.33% by the two technicians with the traditional eye detection method, respectively, while the detection rate was 80.00% by the automatic identification system, and the difference was statistically significant (χ² = 7.05, χ² = 12.97, both P < 0.01). Thirty positive samples were detected by the two technicians using the same automatic identification system, and the positive detection rates of the two were 96.67% and 86.67%, respectively, with no significant difference (χ² = 0.27, P > 0.05). The experiments showed that the correct detection rate of the positive samples was 98.00% by the automatic identification system, which was higher than 79.75% by the traditional eye detection method. The detection time of the automatic identification system was shortened by half compared with that of the traditional eye detection method. The missed detection rate, and false detection rate of the automatic identification system were 2.22% and 1.82%, respectively, which were much lower than 35.56% and 7.73% of the traditional eye detection method.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the traditional eye detection method, the automatic identification system of S. japonicum miracidia has the advantages of high sensitivity, good repeatability, short detection time, high accuracy, low missed detection rate, and low false detection rate. It can be used in the field and clinical detection in replacement of the traditional eye detection method.

Human cleaving embryos enable robust homozygotic nucleotide substitutions by base editors

Base editing installs a precise nucleotide change in specific gene loci without causing a double-strand break. Its efficiency in human embryos is generally low, limiting its utility in functional genetic studies. Here, we report that injecting base editors into human cleaving two-cell and four-cell embryos results in much higher (up to 13-fold) homozygotic nucleotide substitution efficiency as opposed to MII oocytes or zygotes. Furthermore, as a proof-of-principle study, a point mutation can be efficiently corrected by our method. Our study indicates that human cleaving embryos provide an efficient base editing window for robust gene disruption and correction.

[Effectiveness evaluation of dynamic automatic identification system (device) of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a dynamic automatic identification system (device) of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia to achieve the automatic detection and improve the detection rate and efficiency of schistosome miracidia.

METHODS

The dynamic automatic identification system (device) of S.japonicum miracidia was composed of an optical stereoscope, a digital camera, dynamic automatic tracking recognition software, and a computer. Under different conditions, the detection rates and efficiency of the system were compared with those of five professional persons.

RESULTS

The basic function of the system was to identify, label and warn the miracidia of S. japonicum, and the records could be saved automatically. The laboratory tests showed that the missing rate of the system was 0. The total consistent rates of the manual detection were 74.67% and 66.67% in the condition with and without water bug, while the total consistent rates of the system were 100.00% and 96.67%, respectively (χ² = 9.634, 11.081, both P < 0.01) .

CONCLUSIONS

The system is much superior to manual detection in the accuracy and speed, and the system could completely replace the manual detection. Therefore, the system could be used in the field and basic research of schistosomiasis.

A cardioid oscillator with asymmetric time ratio for establishing CPG models

Nonlinear oscillators are usually utilized by bionic scientists for establishing central pattern generator models for imitating rhythmic motions by bionic scientists. In the natural word, many rhythmic motions possess asymmetric time ratios, which means that the forward and the backward motions of an oscillating process sustain different times within one period. In order to model rhythmic motions with asymmetric time ratios, nonlinear oscillators with asymmetric forward and backward trajectories within one period should be studied. In this paper, based on the property of the invariant set, a method to design the closed curve in the phase plane of a dynamic system as its limit cycle is proposed. Utilizing the proposed method and considering that a cardioid curve is a kind of asymmetrical closed curves, a cardioid oscillator with asymmetric time ratios is proposed and realized. Through making the derivation of the closed curve in the phase plane of a dynamic system equal to zero, the closed curve is designed as its limit cycle. Utilizing the proposed limit cycle design method and according to the global invariant set theory, a cardioid oscillator applying a cardioid curve as its limit cycle is achieved. On these bases, the numerical simulations are conducted for analyzing the behaviors of the cardioid oscillator. The example utilizing the established cardioid oscillator to simulate rhythmic motions of the hip joint of a human body in the sagittal plane is presented. The results of the numerical simulations indicate that, whatever the initial condition is and without any outside input, the proposed cardioid oscillator possesses the following properties: (1) The proposed cardioid oscillator is able to generate a series of periodic and anti-interference self-exciting trajectories, (2) the generated trajectories possess an asymmetric time ratio, and (3) the time ratio can be regulated by adjusting the oscillator's parameters. Furthermore, the comparison between the simulated trajectories by the established cardioid oscillator and the measured angle trajectories of the hip angle of a human body show that the proposed cardioid oscillator is fit for imitating the rhythmic motions of the hip of a human body with asymmetric time ratios.

ERAP1/ERAP2 and RUNX3 polymorphisms are not associated with ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility in Chinese Han

Previous studies show that endoplasmic reticulum‐associated aminopeptidase (ERAP1/ERAP2) and runt‐related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) gene polymorphisms are associated with AS (ankylosing spondylitis) in European Caucasians. However, contradictory results were reported in different Asian populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether eleven candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ERAP1/ERAP2 and six in RUNX3 genes confer susceptibility to AS with or without acute anterior uveitis (AAU) [AS⁺AAU⁺ or AS⁺AAU^–] in Chinese Han. Therefore, a case–control association study was performed in 882 AS⁺AAU^–, 884 AS⁺AAU⁺ and 1727 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using the iPLEXGold genotyping assay. A meta‐analysis was performed to assess the association of polymorphisms of ERAP1 with AS susceptibility in Asian populations. No association was found between SNPs of ERAP1/ERAP2/RUNX3 and susceptibility of AS with or without AAU. A case–control study between patients with human leucocyte antigen HLA‐B27‐positive and healthy controls also failed to demonstrate an association of the tested SNP with AS with or without AAU. Moreover, a meta‐analysis showed that there was no association of rs30187, rs27037, rs27980, rs27434 and rs27582 in ERAP1 with AS in Chinese Han. Taken together, 17 SNPs in ERAP1/ERAP2 and RUNX3 genes did not confer disease susceptibility to AS in Chinese Han.

Effects of Low-Intensity Exercise in Older Adults With Chronic Heart Failure During the Transitional Period From Hospital to Home in China: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The transitional period from hospital to home is critical to decreasing rates of preventable, poor post-discharge outcomes. Older adults with chronic heart failure (CHF) may be challenged to exercise during the transitional period. The purpose of the current study was to test the effects of low-intensity exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical function, and heart function in Chinese older adults with CHF during the transitional period. The study was randomized, single-blinded, and controlled. Seventy-eight older adults with stable CHF were evaluated. The intervention group (n = 41) participated in a regular low-intensity walking protocol and the control group (n = 38) did not. Measures included the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, resting heart rate (RHR), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). After 12 weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements in MLHFQ, 6MWD, and TUG scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and no significant improvements in RHR and LVEF (p > 0.05). Low-intensity exercise during the transitional period is an effective way to improve HRQoL and physical function in older adults. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(3):121-128.].

Insulin-like growth factor I reduces the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis by reducing inflammatory response and protecting intestinal mucosal barrier in neonatal rats model

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of enteral supplement of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) on dynamic changes of TLR4, NF-κB, IL-6, SIgA and MUC2 in intestinal tissues of neonatal rats, and to investigate the protective effects and possible mechanisms of IGF-1 on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specific pathogen free (SPF) neonatal Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 3 days old were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely, normal control group, NEC model group and IGF-1 intervention group. In NEC group, the neonatal NEC rat models were established using artificial feeding, hypoxia and cold stimulation. In IGF-1 intervention group, the models were established by means of artificial feeding plus hypoxia and cold stimulation, and IGF-1 (22 ug/L) at a physiological concentration similar to the breast milk was added to milk replacer for intervention. The rats in the three groups were killed after the blood was collected from the heart at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, following the establishment of models; then, 3 cm of the terminal ilea were dissected and used for histopathological examination, RT-PCR and ELISA studies after hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining.

RESULTS

Symptoms in IGF-1 intervention group were significantly relieved, and the incidence rate of NEC was lowered remarkably. In NEC model group, the peak expression of TLR4 mRNA occurred later than that of NF-κB mRNA and IL-6, and the expressions of TLR4 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA and IL-6 were decreased at 72 h after IGF-1 intervention. In NEC model group, the expression of MUC2 showed a transient decrease, the expression of SIgA was on the decline, but the expressions of MUC2 and SIgA were increased after IGF-1 intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The enteral administration of IGF-1 at a physiological concentration can ameliorate the clinical symptoms in neonatal NEC rat models and decrease the occurrence rate. The possible mechanism is that IGF-1 down-regulates the TLR4 mRNA expression to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, and it up-regulates the expressions of MUC2 and SIgA to protect the mechanical and immuno-barrier functions of the intestinal mucous.

Influences of RFA combined with TACE on the HIF-1α and EGR level of patients with primary hepatic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the influences of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with hepatic arterial chemoembolization on the expression level of immunity and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1a) and early growth response protein2 (EGR2) of patients with hepatocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with primary hepatic carcinoma treated in our hospital from 2011 to 2014 were divided into research group (RFA+TACE) and control group (TACE) according to different therapy methods, with 72 patients in each group. Then, the immunity functions were detected before treatment and 3 months after treatment, the expression level of HIF-1a, EGR-2, the alpha fetal protein (AFP), the therapeutic effect, and incidence of adverse reaction in near and specific future were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, the ratio of CD3+ and CD4+T cells, specific vale of CD4/CD8, and NK cell population in research group were more than those in control group, while the ratio of CD8+T cells was less than that in control group with statistical significance. Meanwhile, the expression levels of HIF-1a (F between-group*time point = 5.353, p = 0.043), EGR-2 (F between-group*time point = 4.385, p = 0.044), and AFP (F between-group*time point = 4.205, p = 0.045) had difference with statistical significance. Moreover, the recent therapy response rate in research group was 76.4%, which was higher than that in control group (50.0%), with significant difference (χ2 = 10.784, p = 0.029), while the difference of long-term therapeutic effect between two groups has statistical significance (χ2 = 7.439, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma by TACE combined with RAF therapeutic schedule was helpful in improving organic immunity, decreasing tumor angiogenesis and reducing tumor cell proliferation speed to improve the short- and long-term therapeutic effects.

Sex differences in the impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on cardiovascular risk factors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Information on sex differences in the association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is scarce. We examined whether men exhibit greater differences in established CVD risk factors between NAFLD and non-NAFLD than women.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using a cohort of 10761 apparently healthy Chinese adults who underwent comprehensive health checkups including abdominal ultrasonography. In the setting of NAFLD and non-NAFLD, although men had significantly higher levels of atherogenic lipids as indicated by higher levels of triglyceride, triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol, and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol and worsen renal function as indicated by higher levels of creatinine and lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than female counterparts, men with NAFLD showed greater relative differences in atherogenic lipids and deteriorated renal function than women with NAFLD when compared with their non-NAFLD counterparts. The interactions between sex and NAFLD on triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol, creatinine, and eGFR were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the multivariate Logistic regression analyses, we observed a stronger association of TG with NAFLD and comparable associations of eGFR or HDL-C with NAFLD in men compared with women.

CONCLUSION

There was greater adverse influence of NAFLD per se on triglyceride, and triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol in men compared with women. The greater adverse influence of NAFLD per se on HDL-C and eGFR in men compared with women probably related to the gender differences in TG levels.