[Epidemiological investigation of iron deficiency among preschool children in 10 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities in China]

Objective: To understand the current status of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a multi-stage stratified sampling method to select 150 streets or townships from 10 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities (East: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Hainan; Central: Henan; West: Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Xinjiang; Northeast: Liaoning). From May 2022 to April 2023, a total of 21 470 children, including community-based children aged 0.5 to<3.0 years receiving child health care and kindergarten-based children aged 3.0 to<7.0 years, were surveyed. They were divided into 3 age groups: infants (0.5 to<1.0 year), toddlers (1.0 to<3.0 years), and preschoolers (3.0 to<7.0 years). Basic information such as sex and date of birth of the children was collected, and peripheral blood samples were obtained for routine blood tests and serum ferritin measurement. The prevalence rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were analyzed, and the prevalence rate differences were compared among different ages, sex, urban and rural areas, and regions using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 21 460 valid responses were collected, including 10 780 boys (50.2%). The number of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were 2 645 (12.3%), 6 244 (29.1%), and 12 571 (58.6%), respectively. The hemoglobin level was (126.7±14.8) g/L, and the serum ferritin level was 32.3 (18.5, 50.1) μg/L. The overall rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were 10.4% (2 230/21 460), 28.3% (6 070/21 460), and 3.9% (845/21 460), respectively. The prevalence rate of anemia was higher for boys than for girls (10.9% (1 173/10 780) vs. 9.9% (1 057/10 680), χ2=5.58, P=0.018), with statistically significant differences in the rates for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (18.0% (475/2 645), 10.6% (662/6 244), and 8.7% (1 093/12 571), respectively, χ2=201.81, P<0.01), and the rate was significantly higher for children in rural than that in urban area (11.8% (1 516/12 883) vs. 8.3% (714/8 577), χ2=65.54, P<0.01), with statistically significant differences in the rates by region (χ2=126.60, P<0.01), with the highest rate of 15.8% (343/2 173) for children in Central region, and the lowest rate of 5.3% (108/2 053) in Northeastern region. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency were 33.8% (895/2 645), 32.2% (2 011/6 244), and 25.2% (3 164/12 571) in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, respectively, and 30.0% (3 229/10 780) in boys vs. 26.6% (2 841/10 680) in girls, 21.7% (1 913/8 821), 40.0% (870/2 173), 27.1% (2 283/8 413), 48.9% (1 004/2 053) in Eastern, Central, Western, and Northeastern regions, respectively, and each between-group showed a significant statistical difference (χ2=147.71, 29.73, 773.02, all P<0.01). The prevalence rate of iron-deficiency anemia showed a significant statistical difference between urban and rural areas, 2.9% (251/8 577) vs. 4.6% (594/12 883) (χ2=38.62, P<0.01), while the difference in iron deficiency prevalence was not significant (χ2=0.51, P=0.476). Conclusions: There has been a notable improvement in iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China, but the situation remains concerning. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention and control of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia, especially among infants and children in the Central, Western, and Northeastern regions of China.

Intestinal Translocation of Live Porphyromonas gingivalis Drives Insulin Resistance

Periodontitis has been emphasized as a risk factor of insulin resistance-related systemic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested a possible "oral-gut axis" linking oral infection and extraoral diseases, but it remains unclear whether periodontal pathogens can survive the barriers of the digestive tract and how they play their pathogenic roles. The present study established a periodontitis mouse model through oral ligature plus Porphyromonas gingivalis inoculation and demonstrated that periodontitis aggravated diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, while also causing P. gingivalis enrichment in the intestine. Metabolic labeling strategy validated that P. gingivalis could translocate to the gastrointestinal tract in a viable state. Oral administration of living P. gingivalis elicited insulin resistance, while administration of pasteurized P. gingivalis had no such effect. Combination analysis of metagenome sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics suggested that the tryptophan metabolism pathway, specifically indole and its derivatives, was involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance caused by oral administration of living P. gingivalis. Moreover, liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, mainly indole acetic acid, tryptamine, and indole-3-aldehyde, were reduced in diet-induced obese mice with periodontitis, leading to inactivation of AhR signaling. Supplementation with Ficz (6-formylindolo (3,2-b) carbazole), an AhR agonist, alleviated periodontitis-associated insulin resistance, in which the restoration of gut barrier function might play an important role. Collectively, these findings reveal that the oral-gut translocation of viable P. gingivalis works as a fuel linking periodontitis and insulin resistance, in which reduction of AhR ligands and inactivation of AhR signaling are involved. This study provides novel insight into the role of the oral-gut axis in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-associated comorbidities.

Safety and Efficacy of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy Using Lattice Radiation for Metastatic and/or Bulky Disease

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Spatially fractionated radiation therapy (Lattice) delivers ablative doses to metastatic and/or unresectable tumors with a curative or palliative goal. Through different forms of three-dimensional focusing, lattice forms several spherical high-dose areas(vertices) within the tumor, to produce a more obvious peak-valley effect and limit exposure to surrounding normal tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of patients with metastatic and/or bulky tumors treated with Lattice radiation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Between April 2017 and February 2021, 76 patients with metastatic or bulky tumors treated with spatially-fractionated high-dose external beam radiation using the Lattice technique were included. A median dose of 15 Gy/1 fraction (range 10-45 Gy in 1/3 fractions) was delivered to the vertices in the gross tumor volumes (GTV). 46 patients were treated with Lattice radiation combined with conventional fractionated external irradiation, and 30 patients were treated with Lattice alone. Patients were evaluated for clinical response, survival, and toxicity.

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients with 85 sites were included in the analysis, 63 (82.9%) patients had metastatic diseases. Median GTV was 138.6cc (range 4.9-3784.1cc) in volume and 6.2 cm (range:2.3-21.4cm) in greatest axial diameter. 38 tumors were in the thorax, 13 abdomen/pelvis, 19 metastatic lymph nodes, 8 bone, 5 head and neck, and 2 extremities. The median follow-up was 11.6 months (range 1.27-57.37 months). At the time of analysis, 23 patients (29.9%) were alive, without the progression of disease. 90.7% of the deceased patients died of disease progression. Median overall survival (OS) was 11.4 months (95% CI: 8.4-17.6), the 1-year OS and cancer specific survival were 46.8% and 48.7% respectively. The disease control rate (DCR) was 91.8%, including 2.4% complete remission, 48.2% partial remission, and 41.2% stable disease. Symptomatic improvement was observed in 98.7% of patients. No mortality was associated with Lattice therapy. There was no treatment-associated acute or late grade 3+ toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Lattice radiation is feasible and well-tolerated in the treatment of metastatic and/or bulky diseases, and may provide a high DCR. In light of these preliminary results, it seems that this therapy may be a new paradigm for treating patients with advanced cancers.

[Evaluation of the efficacy of GnRH-a pretreatment before total hysterectomy for adenomyosis patients: a propensity score matching analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) pretreatment before total hysterectomy for adenomyosis patients with uterine volume ≥12 gestational weeks and moderate or severe anemia. Methods: From January 2018 to March 2023, 689 patients who underwent total hysterectomy for adenomyosis in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. According to the preoperative medication, they were divided into study group (127 cases) and control group (562 cases). Patients in the study group underwent GnRH-a pretreatment for 3 cycles before surgery, and the control group received operation directly. SPSS 26.0 software was used to perform 1∶1 matching for the two groups of patients through the propensity score matching method. Matching variables included age, body mass index, gravidity, parity, history of pelvic and abdominal surgery, menstrual cycle, menstrual period, dysmenorrhea score, initial diagnosis of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), uterine volume and hemoglobin value. The dysmenorrhea score, uterine volume, hemoglobin value and CA125 level before and after GnRH-a pretreatment in the study group were compared. And the duration of operation, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative white blood cell count, perioperative blood transfusion cases, postoperative disease rate, duration of hospitalization, total hospitalization cost between the two groups were compared. Results: With propensity score matching, 119 patients in the study group and 119 patients in the control group were finally enrolled in this study. In the study group, before and after the treatment with GnRH-a, the dysmenorrhea score (7.4±1.7 vs 5.6±1.8), uterine volume [(362±160) vs (233±126) cm3], hemoglobin value [(74.1±10.7) vs (102.5±13.5) g/L], and CA125 level [(104±76) vs (64±51) kU/L] were statistically different (all P<0.05). There were statistical differences of operation time [(86±18) vs (116±31) minutes], intraoperative blood loss [(24±9) vs (43±22) ml], white blood cell count after 1 day of operation [(9.80±0.10)×109/L vs (9.90±0.10)×109/L], number of perioperative blood transfusion case [5.9% (7/119) vs 61.3% (73/119)], postoperative disease rate [5.0% (6/119) vs 16.0% (19/119)], hospitalization duration [(7.1±1.6) vs (7.9±1.6) days], and total hospitalization cost [(35 323±5 275) vs (37 159±5 640) yuan] between the study group and the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The pretreatment of using GnRH-a before total hysterectomy for adenomyosis patients with uterine volume ≥12 gestational weeks and moderate or severe anemia is not only conducive to improving dysmenorrhea, signs of anemia, reducing uterine volume, but also conducive to the implementation of surgery, reducing intraoperative and postoperative complications, and reducing hospital costs.

Low-Grade Inflammatory Mediators and Metalloproteinases Yield Synchronous and Delayed Responses to Mechanical Joint Loading

OBJECTIVE

Mechanical loading is an essential factor for the maintenance of joint inflammatory homeostasis and the sensitive catabolic-anabolic signaling cascade involved in maintaining cartilage tissue health. However, abnormal mechanical loading of the joint structural tissues can propagate joint metabolic dysfunction in the form of low-grade inflammation. To date, few studies have attempted to delineate the early cascade responsible for the initiation and perpetuation of stress-mediated inflammation and cartilage breakdown in human joints.

DESIGN

Fifteen healthy human male participants performed a walking paradigm on a cross-tilting treadmill platform. Blood samples were collected before exercise, after 30 minutes of flat walking, after 30 minutes of tilted walking, and after an hour of rest. Serum concentrations of the following biomarkers were measured: interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, transforming growth factor beta (TGF)-β, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP)-1, and cartilage oligomeric protein (COMP).

RESULTS

Luminex Multiplex analysis of serum showed increased concentrations of COMP, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, and TGF-β from samples collected after flat and cross-tilted treadmill walking compared to baseline. Serum concentrations of MMP-1 and MMP-13 also increased, but primarily in samples collected after tilted walking. Pearson's correlation analysis showed positive correlations between the expression of COMP, TNF-α, IL-10, and MMP-13 at each study timepoint.

CONCLUSION

Stress-mediated increases in serum COMP during exercise are associated with acute changes in pro and anti-inflammatory molecular activity and subsequent changes in molecules linked to joint tissue remodeling and repair.

Exercise reprograms the inflammatory landscape of multiple stem cell compartments during mammalian aging

Exercise has the ability to rejuvenate stem cells and improve tissue regeneration in aging animals. However, the cellular and molecular changes elicited by exercise have not been systematically studied across a broad range of cell types in stem cell compartments. We subjected young and old mice to aerobic exercise and generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of muscle, neural, and hematopoietic stem cells with their niche cells and progeny, complemented by whole transcriptome analysis of single myofibers. We found that exercise ameliorated the upregulation of a number of inflammatory pathways associated with old age and restored aspects of intercellular communication mediated by immune cells within these stem cell compartments. Exercise has a profound impact on the composition and transcriptomic landscape of circulating and tissue-resident immune cells. Our study provides a comprehensive view of the coordinated responses of multiple aged stem cells and niche cells to exercise at the transcriptomic level.

The expression profile of miR-222b-5p/MAPK10 in spleens of SPF chickens infected with REV-SNV at 28-42 dpi

Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is an avian oncogenic retrovirus that causes atrophy of immune organs, such as the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius, leading to severe immunosuppression. However, there is limited information describing the genes or microRNAs (miRNAs) that play a role in replicating REV-spleen necrosis virus (SNV). Our previous miRNA and RNA sequencing data showed that the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p was significantly upregulated in REV-SNV-infected chicken spleens of 7, 14, and 21 dpi compared to non-infected chicken spleens, but mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10), which is related to innate immunity, had the opposite expression pattern. To understand chicken cellular miRNA function in the virus-host interactions during REV infection, we used quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to determine whether the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p and MAPK10 in the spleen of specific-pathogen-free chickens at 28, 35, and 42 dpi was consistent with the first 3 time points, and dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the targeting relationship between gga-miR-222b-5p and MAPK10. Results show that MAPK10 was downregulated at all 3 time points; however, significant difference (p⟨0.01) was noted only at 35 dpi. Moreover, the expression of gga-miR-222b-5p was upregulated; however, significant difference (p⟨0.01) was observed only at 28 and 35 dpi. A dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that MAPK10 is a direct target of gga-miR-222b-5p. This study suggests that gga-miR-222b-5p may target MAPK10 to promote the REV-SNV-induced tumorigenesis via the RLRs signaling pathway.

Up-regulated ONECUT2 and down-regulated SST promote gastric cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor growth in gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer is a common malignancy, with high metastasis and poor prognosis. Our purpose was to explore potential molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 10 pairs of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal gastric tissues were collected for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), followed by differential expression analysis. Combining qRT-PCR results, two novel genes were selected for in-depth analysis, including up-regulated ONECUT and down-regulated SST. To investigate the effects of ONECUT and SST on the biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells, gastric cancer cell lines were transfected by ONECUT2 knockdown and SST overexpression. Afterwards, cell migration and invasion were examined using transwell assays, and the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Finally, tumorigenicity in nude mice was performed.

RESULTS

Gastric cancer cell migration and invasion were inhibited in BGC823 cells transfected by shONECUT2. Similar results were observed in SST overexpression in MGC803 cells. Silencing ONECUT2 or overexpressing SST reduced the expressions of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and vimentin), STAT3, fibronectin, Wnt2, β-catenin and increased epithelial marker (E-cadherin), p-STAT3, smad2/3, α-catenin protein levels. In addition, inhibiting ONECUT2 or elevated SST suppressed tumor cell viability in vitro. Moreover, ONECUT2 silencing or elevated SST significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Up-regulated ONECUT2 and down-regulated SST promote gastric cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor growth in gastric cancer.

[Correlation analysis between type 2 diabetes and core gut microbiota]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the species, abundance and structure differences of intestinal flora between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and healthy individuals and explore the correlation between intestinal flora changes and T2D.

OBJECTIVE

We collected a total of 133 clinical fecal samples from 78 healthy individuals and 55 patients with T2D. Hiseq2500 was used for high-throughput sequencing of the V3+V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Usearch and QIIME were used for data splicing and filtering, classification and species annotation. The Alpha diversity index and Beta diversity index of the samples were analyzed using R language data packets to compare the richness and diversity of the sample flora. The flora differences were compared between the two groups and the disease marker flora was screened after correction of the relevant factors. PICRUST software was used to predict the function of different flora.

OBJECTIVE

There was significant difference in the intestinal flora diversity between the two groups. Cluster analysis showed that Fimicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant species at the phylum level. LefSe analysis showed that significant differences in the relative abundance between the two groups in 2 phyla, 3 classes, 3 orders, 4 families and 10 genera. After correction for the influence of related factors, the markers of T2Drelated bacteria groups were identified, including Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacteriales, Bifidobacteriaceae, Actinobacteria, Bacilli, Lactobacillales, Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus. On this basis, analysis of KEGG metabolic pathways of the differential flora revealed significant differences in 36 KEGG metabolic pathways between the two groups, and the citric acid cycle, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and other metabolic pathways were all up-regulated in T2D group.

OBJECTIVE

The composition and abundance of intestinal flora were different between T2D group and the normal group, and T2D group showed the characteristics of ecological imbalance.

MIR22HG inhibits cell growth, migration and invasion through regulating the miR-24-3p/p27kip1 axis in thyroid papillary carcinomas

OBJECTIVE

To explore the underlying mechanism of ncRNA (MIR22HG) in thyroid papillary carcinomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

40 pairs of thyroid papillary carcinomas tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from patients of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, who underwent oral surgery. qRT-PCR was applied to detect the expression of MIR22HG, miR-24-3p and p27kip1 in tissues and cells. Western blot was used to measure the protein level of p27kip1 in tissues and cells. Kaplan-Meier plot was used to analyze the overall survival rates in thyroid papillary carcinomas. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation relationship among MIR22HG, miR-24-3p and p27kip1 expression. Flow cytometric assay was applied to measure cell apoptosis. Transwell assay was used to assess cell migration and invasion abilities. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify the molecular relationships among MIR22HG, miR-24-3p and p27kip1 in thyroid papillary carcinomas.

RESULTS

LncRNA MIR22HG and p27kip expressed low while miR-24-3p expressed high in thyroid papillary carcinomas and cells. Overexpression of MIR22HG inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas promoted cell apoptosis in thyroid papillary carcinomas cells. However, these effects were reversed by upregulation of miR-24-3p. Further exploration showed that the promoted effects of miR-24-3p mimics on thyroid papillary carcinomas cells were suppressed by enhancing p27kip1 expression. Meanwhile, MIR22HG induced p27kip1 expression by binding miR-24-3p in thyroid papillary carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

MIR22HG inhibited cell growth through modulating p27kip1 by decreasing miR-24-3p expression in thyroid papillary carcinomas, providing a new modulate mechanism and therapeutic targets in thyroid papillary carcinomas.

Carbohydrate Metabolism Regulated by Antisense vicR RNA in Cariogenicity

Streptococcus mutans is a major cariogenic pathogen that resides in multispecies oral microbial biofilms. The VicRK 2-component system is crucial for bacterial adaptation, virulence, and biofilm organization and contains a global and vital response regulator, VicR. Notably, we identified an antisense vicR RNA (AS vicR) associated with an adjacent RNase III–encoding ( rnc) gene that was relevant to microRNA-size small RNAs (msRNAs). Here, we report that ASvicR overexpression significantly impeded bacterial growth, biofilm exopolysaccharide synthesis, and cariogenicity in vivo. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the AS vicR RNA mainly regulated carbohydrate metabolism. In particular, overproducing AS vicR demonstrated a reduction in galactose and glucose metabolism by monosaccharide composition analysis. The results of high-performance gel permeation chromatography revealed that the water-insoluble glucans isolated from AS vicR presented much lower molecular weights. Furthermore, direct evidence showed that total RNAs were disrupted by rnc-encoded RNase III. With the coexpression of T4 RNA ligase, putative msRNA1657, which is an rnc-related messenger RNA, was verified to bind to the 5′-UTR regions of the vicR gene. Furthermore, AS vicR regulation revealed a sponge regulatory-mediated network for msRNA associated with adjacent RNase III–encoding genes. There was an increase in AS vicR transcript levels in clinical S. mutans strains from caries-free children, while the expression of AS vicR was decreased in early childhood caries patients; this outcome may be explored as a potential strategy contributing to the management of dental caries. Taken together, our findings suggest an important role of AS vicR-mediated sponge regulation in S. mutans, indicating the characterization of lactose metabolism by a vital response regulator in cariogenicity. These findings have a number of implications and have reshaped our understanding of bacterial gene regulation from its transcriptional conception to the key roles of regulatory RNAs.

Mechanisms by Which Small RNAs Affect Bacterial Activity

The oral cavity contains a distinct habitat that supports diverse bacterial flora. Recent observations have provided additional evidence that sRNAs are key regulators of bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. These sRNAs have been divided into 5 functional groups: cis-encoded RNAs, trans-encoded RNAs, RNA regulators of protein activity, bacterial CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) RNAs, and a novel category of miRNA-size small RNAs (msRNAs). In this review, we discuss a critical group of key commensal and opportunistic oral pathogens. In general, supragingival bacterial sRNAs function synergistically to fine-tune the regulation of cellular processes and stress responses in adaptation to environmental changes. Particularly in the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans, both the antisense vicR RNA and msRNA1657 can impede the metabolism of bacterial exopolysaccharides, prevent biofilm formation, and suppress its cariogenicity. In Enterococcus faecalis, selected sRNAs control the expression of proteins involved in diverse cellular processes and stress responses. In subgingival plaques, sRNAs from periodontal pathogens can function as novel bacterial signaling molecules that mediate bacterial-human interactions in periodontal homeostasis. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, the expression profiles of putative sRNA101 and sRNA42 were found to respond to hemin availability after hemin starvation. Regarding Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), a major periodontal pathogen associated with aggressive periodontitis, the predicted sRNAs interact with several virulence genes, including those encoding leukotoxin and cytolethal distending toxin. Furthermore, in clinical isolates, these associated RNAs could be explored not only as potential biomarkers for oral disease monitoring but also as alternative types of regulators for drug design. Thus, this emerging subspecialty of bacterial regulatory RNAs could reshape our understanding of bacterial gene regulation from their key roles of endogenous regulatory RNAs to their activities in pathologic processes.

[The expression and prognostic significance of microRNA-34a in Uygur and Han patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China]

To investigate the expression of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in Xinjiang Uygur and Han nationalities and its prognostic significance. Our data showed that miR-34a expression in Uygur and Han CLL patients was significantly higher than that in their respective healthy controls, while miR-34a levels were similar between Uygur and Han patients. By comparing with known prognostic factors, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that miR-34a was a good predictive factor for the prognosis of CLL (demarcation value was 3.567 6). Survival analysis was further performed according to miR-34a expression level, that low expression of miR-34a translated into poor prognosis.

Minimizing Context Dependency of Gene Networks Using Artificial Cells

The functioning of synthetic gene circuits depends on their local chemical context defined by the types and concentrations of biomolecules in the surrounding milieu that influences gene transcription and translation. This chemical-context dependence of synthetic gene circuits arises from significant yet unknown cross talk between engineered components, host cells, and environmental factors and has been a persistent challenge for synthetic biology. Here, we show that the sensitivity of synthetic gene networks to their extracellular chemical contexts can be minimized, and their designed functions rendered robust using artificial cells, which are synthetic biomolecular compartments engineered from the bottom-up using liposomes that encapsulate the gene networks. Our artificial cells detect, interact with, and kill bacteria in simulated external environments with different chemical complexity. Our work enables the engineering of synthetic gene networks with minimal dependency on their extracellular chemical context and creates a new frontier in controlling robustness of synthetic biological systems using bioinspired mechanisms.

Screening for general anxiety disorders in postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of general anxiety disorder (GAD) among postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to identify its associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among postmenopausal women with symptomatic POP. Sociodemographic data and medical histories were obtained. Participants completed the POP Quantification (POP-Q), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), and the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) measures. Measures of GAD were obtained using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, the Mann-Whitney U-test, χ² tests, Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 177 participants interviewed, 19.2% had symptoms of GAD. There were no statistically significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics or the POP-Q stage between women with and without GAD (p > 0.05). GAD was significantly associated with higher PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 subscale scores (p < 0.05). After multiple logistic regression analyses, only the PFIQ-7 subscale UIQ-7 (odds ratio = 1.025, 95% confidence interval 1.007-1.043, p = 0.005) and the PFDI-20 subscale CRADI-8 (odds ratio = 1.025, 95% confidence interval 1.004-1.047, p = 0.021), which represented the impact on quality of life from lower urinary tract symptoms and the distress caused by bowel dysfunction, were risk factors that were independently associated with GAD.

CONCLUSIONS

GAD is prevalent in almost one-fifth of postmenopausal women with symptomatic POP. GAD is not associated with the severity of the POP-Q stage but is associated with higher scores for lower urinary tract and bowel dysfunction caused by POP.

Towards a global cancer knowledge network: dissecting the current international cancer genomic sequencing landscape

BACKGROUND

While next generation sequencing has enhanced our understanding of the biological basis of malignancy, current knowledge on global practices for sequencing cancer samples is limited. To address this deficiency, we developed a survey to provide a snapshot of current sequencing activities globally, identify barriers to data sharing and use this information to develop sustainable solutions for the cancer research community.

METHODS

A multi-item survey was conducted assessing demographics, clinical data collection, genomic platforms, privacy/ethics concerns, funding sources and data sharing barriers for sequencing initiatives globally. Additionally, respondents were asked as to provide the primary intent of their initiative (clinical diagnostic, research or combination).

RESULTS

Of 107 initiatives invited to participate, 59 responded (response rate = 55%). Whole exome sequencing (P = 0.03) and whole genome sequencing (P = 0.01) were utilized less frequently in clinical diagnostic than in research initiatives. Procedures to identify cancer-specific variants were heterogeneous, with bioinformatics pipelines employing different mutation calling/variant annotation algorithms. Measurement of treatment efficacy varied amongst initiatives, with time on treatment (57%) and RECIST (53%) being the most common; however, other parameters were also employed. Whilst 72% of initiatives indicated data sharing, its scope varied, with a number of restrictions in place (e.g. transfer of raw data). The largest perceived barriers to data harmonization were the lack of financial support (P < 0.01) and bioinformatics concerns (e.g. lack of interoperability) (P = 0.02). Capturing clinical data was more likely to be perceived as a barrier to data sharing by larger initiatives than by smaller initiatives (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results identify the main barriers, as perceived by the cancer sequencing community, to effective sharing of cancer genomic and clinical data. They highlight the need for greater harmonization of technical, ethical and data capture processes in cancer sample sequencing worldwide, in order to support effective and responsible data sharing for the benefit of patients.

Effect of the Insecticide Dinotefuran on the Ultrastructure of the Flight Muscle of Female Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Sogatella furcifera Horváth (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is a major migratory pest of rice crops in Asia. The ultrastructure of the flight muscle directly affects the flight ability of insects. The ultrastructure of the flight muscle of some insects can be affected by insecticides. However, the ultrastructure of the flight muscle of S. furcifera and the effect of insecticides on the flight muscle of S. furcifera are not well understood. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of the insecticide dinotefuran on the ultrastructure of the flight muscle of S. furcifera females. In this study, the cross-sectional area and the diameter of the myofibril cross-sections of dinotefuran-treated S. furcifera females increased with the number of days after emergence (DAE), and they were higher than in untreated females. The sarcomere length of myofibrils increased with the number of DAE, and it differed from that of the untreated females. On the first day after emergence, the higher the concentration of dinotefuran, the smaller was the extent of decrease. On the third day after emergence, the higher the concentration of dinotefuran, the larger was the extent of enhancement. For the percentage of mitochondria, those of LC10 and LC20 dinotefuran-treated S. furcifera females increased with the number of DAE and were higher than in untreated females. LC10 dinotefuran-treated S. furcifera females exhibited the largest increase. Thus, our results suggest that the flight ability of S. furcifera increased with time. Some concentrations of dinotefuran can enhance the flight capacity of S. furcifera.

[Clinical research of differences of volume of pharyngeal cavity between normal healthy subjects and patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the differences of volume of pharyngeal cavity between normal healthy subjects and patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)before and after surgery and its application value in assessment of surgical curative effect.Method:Forty-four healthy male adults were included in normal group.Thirty-eight patients with severe OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography were included in experimental group(OSAHS group). Volume of pharyngeal cavity, oropharynx and laryngopharynx measured by acoustic pharyngealmetry and AHI, obstructive apnea frequency and the lowest oxygen saturation recorded by PSG monitor were all obtained in normal groups and experimental groups before and 3 months after the surgery. All the data are statistically analyzed. Result:Volume of pharyngeal cavity,AHI,obstructive apnea frequency and lowest oxygen saturation of patients in experimental group were all improved after surgery compared with pre-operation(P<0.01). Conclusion: The measurement of pharyngeal cavity volume is helpful to the quantitative analysis of upper airway structure and determine the stenosis location, it is also useful to guide surgery and evaluate the curative effect of the surgery.

Prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic Chinese children: a prospective, cross-sectional, population-based study

BACKGROUND

Limited research has been published on current Helicobacter pylori infection rate in asymptomatic children in China.

AIM

To assess current Helicobacter pylori infection rate, distribution characteristics and risk factors in Chinese asymptomatic children.

METHODS

A prospective, cross-sectional, population-based study was performed from 2009 to 2011 in three cities of China. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by a stool antigen test. Multi-stage cluster random sampling was used to select asymptomatic children including neonates. Socioeconomic details were obtained through a standardised questionnaire.

RESULTS

Among total of 3491 children (0-18 years), the global infection rate was 6.8% and there were no significant differences between genders. Age specific infection rate between regions was significantly different (P < 0.05). The infection rate significantly increased with age (P for trend <0.01). It was low during the newborn (0.6%) to preschool period and was significantly increased in high school students (13.5%) (P < 0.01). Multivariable regression indicated that hand sanitisation, individually served meals, higher education level of mother, above average living space and residence in urban areas were significantly protective against infection (OR 0.749, 0.698, 0.720, 0.838 and 0.770 respectively). Conversely, consuming meals in unsanitised conditions, sharing towels, receiving pre-chewed food from the mother, artificial feeding and family history of gastrointestinal disease were significantly associated with the risk of infection (OR 1.200, 1.965, 2.002, 1.071 and 2.093 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori infection rate increases with age in Chinese asymptomatic children and is common after 10 years of age. The rate of infection is related to socioeconomic status.

Serum immunoglobulin E level and its impact on the pregnancy outcome associated with fetal growth restriction: a prospective cohort study

We evaluated the relationship between total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and pregnancy outcome in a prospective cohort study focusing on fetal growth restriction (FGR). Sixty women with FGR and twenty with normal singleton pregnancy were enrolled during their third trimester. Infants were followed up for 6 months. Blood samples were obtained from pregnant women during the third trimester; cord blood samples were also taken. Six months after birth, blood samples were obtained from infants. Demographic and baseline characteristics were compared between groups. Birth weight, length and head circumference of neonates in the FGR group were lower than those in the control group. Total serum IgE level was significantly increased in third-trimester pregnant women with FGR compared with normal group (P < 0.05). However, this trend was not observed in the cord blood at birth or peripheral blood of 6-month-old infants. The prevalence of atopic eczema between the 2 groups was similar. Linear regression analysis revealed that the IgE level in the third trimester was negatively correlated with birth weight (P < 0.05). Higher serum IgE level in the cord blood was significantly associated with an increased risk of being small for gestational age (P < 0.05). In conclusion, IgE levels in the third trimester of pregnancy and cord blood are strongly related to birth outcomes of FGR.

Separation, purification, and identification of flagellin, and preparation of its antisera

The aim of this study was to separate, purify, and identify Salmonella paratyphi A flagellin, and to prepare its antisera. Primary flagellin was isolated from S. paratyphi A using the acid lysis method. The flagellin was purified with weak anion exchange chromatography and the protein was identified with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blot, and negative staining with phosphotungstic acid with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The production of the obtained flagellin was then quantified. New Zealand white rabbits were then immunized with the isolated flagellin, the presence of serum anti-flagellin antibodies was assessed with the immunoblot test, and its potency was determined with the double immunodiffusion test. The results of SDS-PAGE showed that the molecular weight (m.w.) of the purified flagellin was 52 x 10(3). The immunoblot test also showed a band at 52 x 10(3) m.w. The SEM results showed that the flagellin was filamentous. These three results showed that the protein was homogeneous. The protein quantification analysis found that 4.8 ± 0.5 mg flagellin could be extracted per 1 g wet weight bacteria. The titer of the anti-flagellin antiserum was 1:64. Through this method, we obtained high productions of flagellin, which could be easily purified, identified, and prepared into high titer antiserum.

Electrically generated eddies at an eightfold stagnation point within a nanopore

Electrically generated flows around a thin dielectric plate pierced by a cylindrical hole are computed numerically. The geometry represents that of a single nanopore in a membrane. When the membrane is uncharged, flow is due solely to induced charge electroosmosis, and eddies are generated by the high fields at the corners of the nanopore. These eddies meet at stagnation points. If the geometry is chosen correctly, the stagnation points merge to form a single stagnation point at which four streamlines cross at a point and eight eddies meet.

Electroosmosis in a finite cylindrical pore: simple models of end effects

A theoretical model of electroosmosis through a circular pore of radius a that traverses a membrane of thickness h is investigated. Both the cylindrical surface of the pore and the outer surfaces of the membrane are charged. When h ≫ a, end effects are negligible, and the results of full numerical computations of electroosmosis in an infinite pore agree with theory. When h = 0, end effects dominate, and computations again agree with analysis. For intermediate values of h/a, an approximate analysis that combines these two limiting cases captures the main features of computational results when the Debye length κ(-1) is small compared with the pore radius a. However, the approximate analysis fails when κ(-1) ≫ a, when the charge cloud due to the charged cylindrical walls of the pore spills out of the ends of the pore, and the electroosmotic flow is reduced. When this spilling out is included in the analysis, agreement with computation is restored.

Huwe1 as a therapeutic target for neural injury

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) regulates many cellular processes, including protein stability, cell cycle control, DNA repair, transcription, signal transduction, and protein trafficking. In fact, UPS plays a key role in various stress conditions such as ischemia, glutamate toxicity, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Huwe1, a homologous to E6-AP carboxy terminus (HECT) domain ubiquitin ligase, is now being regarded as a vital protein involved in neural stem cell differentiation, adult neurogenesis, and the DNA damage response pathway. In response to DNA damage, Huwe1 may have a dual function in arresting DNA replication and in ending checkpoint signaling. The proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells regulated by Huwe1-mediated Notch signaling could also play an important role in neural protection following neural injury. Considering Huwe1 is required for neural precursor survival and the regulation of the DNA damage response pathway, there is growing evidence and considerable hope that Huwe1 might be a therapeutic target for neural injury.

Epidemiological investigation of physique situation for birth high-risk children aged 9-15 years in Chengdu, Southwest China

BACKGROUND

As the intrauterine environment can effect children's growth and development, this study aimed to explore the relationship between birth high-risk and physique situation of 9 to 15-year-old children by cross-sectional investigation, and to provide clues for the monitoring, prevention, and treatment of growth deviation in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study recruited 7,194 students aged 9 to 15 years in primary and junior schools. Their parents were asked to complete the birth situation questionnaire. Measurements included height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Birth high-risk infant was defined according to the gestational age and birth weight. Growth deviation was classified as underweight, short stature, overweight, and obesity.

RESULTS

The prevalence of all kinds of growth deviations in preterm, full-term, and post-term birth groups were similar, the same as the physique situation at school age among both sexes. The incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) was 6.23%, when at school age, part of SGA had catch-up growth. However, the prevalence of underweight and short stature for SGA was highest in three groups. The weight and height at school age in SGA group was less than that in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity for LGA and macrosomia were highest in three groups. At school age, the weight in macrosomia and LGA groups was higher than that in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinal height and weight development and growth of children with birth high-risk are different from normal children. In order to improve healthy situation, more attention should be paid to height and weight development of those children with birth high-risk at school age, even in pre-school age. Prevention may already begin during pregnancy.

Randomised controlled trial: sequential vs. standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese children-a multicentre, open-labelled study

BACKGROUND

Studies have showed that 10-day sequential treatment regimen achieved higher Helicobacter pylori eradication rate than standard triple therapies.

AIM

To compare a 10-day sequential therapy and standard triple therapy in Chinese children with H. pylori infection.

METHODS

A prospective, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial was conducted in four tertiary medical centres in China. Children with H. pylori gastritis were randomly assigned to a 10-day sequential therapy consisting of omeprazole and amoxicillin for 5 days followed by omeprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole for the remaining 5 days, or 7-day or 10-day standard triple therapy comprising of omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin. H. pylori eradication was assessed by H. pylori stool antigen test.

RESULTS

A total of 360 patients were included. The eradication rate achieved with the 10-day sequential therapy was significantly higher than either the 7-day or 10-day standard triple treatment, either by the intention-to-treat analysis (81.4% vs. 61.9% or 67.7%, P < 0.05) or per-protocol analysis (89.7% vs. 70.8% or 77.8%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 10-day sequential regimen was significantly more effective than standard 7-day or 10-day triple regimens in eradicating H. pylori infection in Chinese children.

A66G and C524T polymorphisms of the methionine synthase reductase gene are associated with congenital heart defects in the Chinese Han population

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects; genes involved in homocysteine/folate metabolism may play important roles in CHDs. Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is one of the key regulatory enzymes involved in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine. We investigated whether two polymorphisms (A66G and C524T) of the MTRR gene are associated with CHDs. A total of 599 children with CHDs and 672 healthy children were included; the polymorphisms were detected by PCR and RFLP analysis. Significant differences in the distributions of A66G and C524T alleles were observed between CHD cases and controls, and slightly increased risks of CHD were associated with 66GG and 524CT genotypes (odds ratios = 1.545 and 1.419, respectively). The genotype frequencies of 524CT in the VSD subgroup, 66GG and 524CT in the PDA subgroup were significantly different from those of controls. In addition, the combined 66AA/524CT, 66AG/524CT and 66GG/524CT in CHDs had odds ratios = 1.589, 1.422 and 1.934, respectively. Increased risks were also observed in 66AA/524CT and 66GG/524CT for ASD, 66AG/524CT for VSD, as well as 66GG/524CT for PDA. In conclusion, MTRR A66G and C524T polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of CHDs.

Common ABCB1 polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to infantile spasms in the Chinese Han population

Infantile spasms are a severe epileptic encephalopathy with a variety of etiologies that occur in infancy and early childhood. Subjects with infantile spasms are at a higher risk for evolving into intractable epileptic spasms, tending to be refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Genetic polymorphisms of the P-glycoprotein-encoding gene ABCB1 are suspected to be associated with pharmacoresistance phenotypes in epilepsy patients. Conflicting findings have been reported in different populations; few studies have explored whether this apparent association is affected by other host factors, such as specific epilepsy syndrome. We performed a case-control study to determine whether the risk of infantile spasms is influenced by common ABCB1 polymorphisms in a Han Chinese children's population consisting of 91 patients and 368 healthy individuals. DNA was isolated from whole blood, and three genetic polymorphisms (C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T) were assayed by PCR-RFLP. There were significant differences in the distributions of 3435TT [P = 0.001; odds ratio = 2.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44-4.27] and 3435CT [P < 0.001; odds ratio = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.15-0.54] genotypes between infantile spasm cases and controls. No significant differences were observed in allelic and haplotypic frequencies of ABCB1 polymorphisms between the two groups. This study demonstrated that variations in the C3435T gene play an important role in the pathogenesis of infantile spasms in the Han Chinese population; 3435TT is associated with increased risk of having this epilepsy syndrome.