[Investigation on the treatment of empagliflozin in glycogen storage disease type Ib]

Objective: To investigate the safety, efficacy and effective dose of empagliflozin in the treatment of glycogen storage disease type Ⅰb (GSD Ⅰb). Method: This was a cross sectional study. A total of 28 children with GSDⅠb who started oral empagliflozin treatment from January 2021 to June 2023 in the WeChat group of patients with glycogen storage disease were selected as the study objects. Clinical data such as general situation, current situation of medication and adverse reactions of the children were collected through questionnaires from June 18 to 30, 2023. The differences of symptoms and laboratory tests before and after empagliflozin treatment were compared by using paired chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. Results: Totally 28 children with GSD Ⅰb were from 12 different provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China. There were 14 males and 14 females, Empagliflozin treatment was started at the age of 4.8(2.4, 10.8) years, the time of treatment was 14.5(11.3, 21.5) months, the initial dosage was (0.23±0.11) mg/(kg·d), and the maintenance dosage was (0.28±0.12) mg/(kg·d). Empagliflozin showed positive effects on neutropenia, severity of inflammatory bowel disease like symptoms(Z=-3.70, -2.65, both P<0.05), The proportion of recurrent oral ulcers, recurrent bacterial infections and anemia was significantly lower than that before medication 18% (5/28) vs. (46% (13/28), 14% (4/28) vs. 46% (13/28), 21% (6/28) vs. 46% (13/28), χ²=4.05, 5.26, 3.05, all P<0.05). GCSF was once used in 5 children with GSD Ⅰb, all of them had completely stopped GCSF after empagliflozin treatment. The most common adverse events during empagliflozin treatment were hypoglycemia (5 children) and urinary infection (3 children). All 28 patients had no serious adverse reactions. Conclusions: Empagliflozin can increase the neutrophil count of children with GSD Ⅰb, and had a favorable effect on symptoms such as recurrent oral ulcers, and recurrent infection. The common adverse events during empagliflozin treatment were hypoglycemia and urinary infection.

Effects of different stocking densities on the development of reproductive and immune functions in young breeder pigeons during the rearing period

1. Stocking density (SD) is closely related to animal performance. This experiment was designed to evaluate the development of reproductive and immune functions of young pigeons under different SDs.2. A total of 288 (half male and half female) 40-day-old pigeons (body weight 400 ± 15 g) were allocated into four groups: High stocking density (HSD; 0.308 m3/bird), standard stocking density (SD; 0.616 m3/bird), and low stocking density (LSD; 1.232 m3/bird) and a caged (control; 0.04125 m3/bird). Every group had six replicates of the same sex.3. The results showed that caged male pigeons had the highest testis index, testosterone content, and gene expression of the androgen receptor gene. LSD treatment induced the highest concentrations of oestradiol, progesterone and mRNA levels of reproductive hormone receptor genes in female pigeons. In male pigeons, the spleen index (organ weight calculated as a percentage of total body weight) showed a peak level (0.09 ± 0.020) in the LSD group, and the thymus index peaked (0.23 ± 0.039) in SD group. However, the index for ovary, spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius in female pigeons showed no significant changes among different groups.4. The IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, TGF-β and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) mRNA levels reached their maximum values in both male and female pigeon spleens in the LSD group.5. Young male pigeons housed in cages showed increased testicular development while low stocking density increased the development of reproductive function in young female pigeons. A larger activity space could help enhance the immune function of both male and female pigeons.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD-L1 and TIM-3 expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective immunohistochemistry study

PURPOSE

Expression of the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has been controversial and rarely reported.

METHODS

Surgical specimens of 190 MTC patients who had initial curative-intent surgery were collected. Immunohistochemistry of PD-L1 and TIM-3 was performed using 22C3 pharmDx (Dako, Carpinteria, CA) and anti-TIM-3 (1:500, ab241332, Abcam). Stained slides were scored using a combined positive score (CPS) with a cutoff of ≥ 1. We established correlations between PD-L1 expression, TIM-3 expression, clinicopathological, and survival data.

RESULTS

13 cases (13/190, 6.84%) were positive for PD-L1 expression, and 42 cases (42/154, 27.27%) for TIM-3 expression. PD-L1 expression was correlated to TIM-3 expression (P = 0.002), but was not related to overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS). TIM-3 expression was correlated to perineural invasion (P = 0.040). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was independently associated with OS. And tumor size, LVI, and lymph node metastases were significantly associated with PFS. Furthermore, the multivariate logistic analysis showed multifocal status, LVI, pathological T stage and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for biochemical recurrence/persistent disease.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that PD-L1 and TIM-3 expression were not frequent in MTC and were not associated with survival prognosis. Our results should be considered when clinical trials of PD-L1 or TIM-3 blockades are implemented.

Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life after intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched study

PURPOSE

Our aim was to perform a propensity score-matched study to compare the long-term functional outcomes and quality of life following intersphincteric resection vs. low anterior resection (LAR) with very low anastomosis.

METHODS

Patients who underwent intersphincteric resection or low anterior resection with low anastomosis (≤ 4 cm from the anal verge) for rectal cancer between January 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively included. A propensity score-matching process was performed. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed using the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L), EORC-QLQ C30, EORC-QLQ CR29, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), Wexner, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. The primary outcome was the presence of LARS at least 12 months after surgery. The second outcome was the postoperative quality of life of included patients.

RESULTS

After propensity matching, 128 patients were included, including 58 males and 70 females with a median age of 59.5. Patients in the intersphincteric resection group showed a higher incidence of incontinence to flatus (32.8% versus 14.0%, p = 0.043) and stools (42.2% versus 21.9%, p = 0.046), pain/discomfort (25.0% versus 7.8%, p = 0.001), and bowel dysfunction, while the LARS scores (15.0 versus 13.2, p = 0.461) and major LARS rates (26.6% versus 14.1%, p = 0.078) were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

ISR leads to increased bowel incontinence rate and increased anal pain, without affecting the grade of low anterior resection syndrome, fecal urgency, and clustering. LAR might be the preferred sphincteric-preserving approach when negative resection margins and a safe anastomosis are guaranteed. Patients should be fully informed about potential functional impairment after sphincter-preservation procedures.

[Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of six cases of CA-MRSA pneumonia after influenza]

Objective: To summarize and analyze the strains' molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 6 strains of post-influenza community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) pneumonia. Methods: Six cases of CA-MRSA pneumonia after influenza from 2014 to 2022 were retrospectively collected and CA-MRSA strains from each patient were cultured. Then, SCCmec typing, MLST typing, and spa typing were performed on the samples, which also included the procedures for the detection of virulence factors. Antibiotic susceptibility test was then performed on all 6 strains. Results: ST59-t437-Ⅳ was the predominant type in all the strains of CA-MRSA(2/6). Leukocidin (PVL) was detected in 5 cases, and hemolysin α (HLAα) and phenol soluble regulatory protein α (PSMα) were detected in 6 cases. Five of the cases included in this study were diagnosed with severe pneumonia. In terms of treatment, 4 cases received antiviral therapy, and 5 patients with severe pneumonia received anti-infection treatment with vancomycin as the first choice and were discharged after improvement of their condition. Conclusions: The molecular types and virulence factors of CA-MRSA after influenza infection could vary considerably. Our experiments also showed that secondary CA-MRSA infection after influenza was more common in young people with no underlying diseases and could cause severe pneumonia. Vancomycin and linezolid were the first-line drugs for treating CA-MRSA infection and were highly effective in improving the condition of diagnosed patients. We highlighted the importance of referring patients with severe pneumonia after influenza for etiological tests to determine whether they had CA-MRSA infection, so that they could be properly treated with anti-influenza agents and receive appropriate anti-CA-MRSA infection treatment.

[Analysis of factors related to systemic embolism in patients≥75 years old with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To explore the related risk factors for systemic embolism (SE) in patients aged≥75 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: A case-control study. NVAF patients aged≥75 years who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2018 to October 2020 were divided into no SE (n=1 127) and SE (n=433) groups according to the occurrence of SE after NVAF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze SE-related factors in patients with NVAF without anticoagulation treatment. Results: In the multivariate model, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of SE in patients with NVAF: history of AF≥5 years [odds ratio (OR)=2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-3.82, P<0.01], lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.50-2.84, P<0.01), apolipoprotein (Apo)B>1.2 g/L (OR=1.91, 95%CI 1.25-2.93, P=0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%-49% (OR=2.45, 95%CI 1.63-3.69, P<0.01), left atrial diameter>40 mm (OR=1.54, 95%CI 1.16-2.07, P=0.003), and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score≥3 (OR=15.14, 95%CI 2.05-112.13, P=0.01). ApoAI>1.6 g/L was negatively correlated with the occurrence of SE (OR=0.28, 95%CI 0.15-0.51, P<0.01). Conclusions: History of AF≥5 years, lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L, elevated ApoB, left atrial diameter>40 mm, LVEF of 30%-49%, and CHA₂DS₂-VASC score≥3 are independent risk factors for SE whereas ApoAI>1.6 g/L is a protective factor against SE in patients with NVAF.

[Intraocular invasion of bilateral primary ocular adnexal mantle cell lymphoma: a case report]

A male patient presented to department of ophthalmology for progressive left eye blurred vision with visual deformation for 1 month. Imaging findings were typical intraocular lymphoma infiltration, and head MRI and positron emission tomography-CT showed no mass in other parts of the body. After review of the medical history, the patient first presented with extrocular signs such as lacrimal gland enlargement, eyeball protrusion and extraocular myoedema, without any abnormal changes in the fundus. Combined with the history, the patient was diagnosed as a binocular primary accessory mantle cell lymphoma with intraocular infiltration. After 9 months of systemic treatment with rituximab combined with zbrutinib, the patient's binocular visual acuity was significantly improved and the intraocular and intraocular manifestations disappeared.

Hybrid Exercise Program Enhances Physical Fitness and Reverses Frailty in Older Adults: Insights and Predictions from Machine Learning

PURPOSE

The declining physical condition of the older adults is a pressing issue. Wu Qin Xi exercise, despite being low-intensity, is highly effective among older adults. Inspired by its characteristics, we designed a new exercise program for frail older adults, combining strength, endurance, and Wu Qin Xi. Furthermore, we employed machine learning to predict whether frailty can be reversed in older adults after the intervention.

METHODS

A total of 181 community-dwelling frail older adults aged 65 years or older participated in this single-center, randomized controlled study, with 54.7% (n=99) being female. The study assessed the effectiveness of several exercise modalities in reversing frailty. The Fried's frailty criterion was used to assess the degree of frailty of the subjects. Participants were assigned a three-digit code 001-163 and randomly assigned (1:1:1) by computer to three different groups based on the study participant number: the Wu Qin Xi group (WQX), the strength exercise mixed with endurance exercise training group (SE), and the WQXSE hybrid exercise group incorporated the above two. Body composition and frailty-related physical fitness factors were measured before and after a 24-week intervention. The measurements included Body height, Body mass, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), grip strength assessment (GS), 6min walk test (6 min WT), and 10 m maximum walk speed (10 m MWS). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to determine group and time interaction effects and machine learning models were used to predict program effectiveness.

RESULTS

A total of 163 participants completed the study, with 53.9% (n=88) of them being female. The two items, 10 m maximum walking speed (10 m MWS) and grip strength, were significantly affected by the interaction of group and time. Compared to the other two groups, the WQXSE group showed the most improvement in the item 10 m MWS. In addition, following 24 weeks of training, 68 (41.7%) of the initially frail older adults had reversed their frailty status. Among them, 19 (36.5%) were in the WQX group, 24 (44.4%) were in the WQXSE group, and 25 (43.9%) were in the SE group. The stacking model exhibited superior performance when compared to other algorithms.

CONCLUSION

A hybrid exercise regimen comprising the Wu Qin Xi routine and exercises focused on both strength and endurance holds the potential to yield greater improvements in the physical fitness of older adults, as well as reducing frailty. Leveraging a stacking model, it is possible to forecast the likelihood of older adults successfully reversing their frailty status following participation in a prevention exercise program.

Vibrationally-Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectra of Six Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from First-Principles Simulations

Vibrationally resolved C 1s X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of a series of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; phenanthrene, coronene, naphthalene, anthracene, tetracene, and pentacene) were computed by combining the full core hole density functional theory and the Franck-Condon simulations with the inclusion of the Duschinsky rotation effect. Simulated spectra of phenanthrene, coronene, and naphthalene agree well with experiments both in core binding energies (BEs) and profiles, which validate the accuracy of our predictions for the rest molecules with no high-resolution experiments. We found that three types of carbons i (inner C), p (peripheral C bonded to three C atoms), and h (peripheral C bonded to an H atom) show decreasing BEs. In linear PAHs (the latter four), h-type carbons further split into h1 or h2 (on inner or edge benzene ring) subtypes with chemical shifts of ca. 0.2-0.4 eV. All major Franck-Condon-active modes are characterized to be in-plane vibrations: low-frequency (<800 cm^-1) C-C ring deformation modes play an essential role in determining the peak asymmetries; and for each h-type carbon a high-frequency (ca. 3600 cm^-1) C*-H stretching mode is responsible for the high-energy tail. We found that core ionization leads to reduction of all C*-C and C*-H bond lengths and ring deformation with a definite direction. Based on theoretical spectra of four linear PAHs, we found asymptotic relations and anticipated possible spectral features for even larger linear PAHs. Our calculations provide accurate reference spectra for XPS characterizations of PAHs, which are useful in understanding the vibronic coupling effects in this family.

[Correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To investigate the association between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and the independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Methods: Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, who visited the Atrial Fibrillation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2021, were selected. According to left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV), they were divided into normal left atrial appendage function group (297 patients with LAAFV ≥ 40 cm/s) and abnormal left atrial appendage function group (85 patients with LAAFV<40 cm/s). Baseline data and transesophageal echocardiography images were collected from all the patients. The occurrence of thrombotic events was recorded. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Results: There were significant differences in gender, type of atrial fibrillation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, anticoagulant therapy, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, international normalized ratio (INR), left atrial diameter, proportion of patients with right atrial enlargement, left ventricular ejection fraction, inner diameter, sum of inner diameter, depth, and sum of depth of all angles of the left atrial appendage, and incidence of thrombotic events between the two groups (all P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses showed that abnormal left atrial appendage function was closely associated with thrombotic events (β=1.168 P=0.002), and left atrial diameter (OR=1.084, 95%CI 1.019-1.153, P=0.011) and persistent atrial fibrillation (OR=2.323, 95%CI 1.226-4.403, P=0.010) were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Conclusions: Abnormal left atrial appendage function is closely associated with thrombosis. The left atrial diameter and persistent atrial fibrillation were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function.

On the choice of shape and size for truncated cluster-based X-ray spectral simulations of 2D materials

Truncated cluster models represent an effective way for simulating X-ray spectra of 2D materials. Here we systematically assessed the influence of two key parameters, the cluster shape (honeycomb, rectangle, or parallelogram) and size, in X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and absorption (XAS) spectra simulations of three 2D materials at five K-edges (graphene, C 1s; C3N, C/N 1s; h-BN, B/N 1s) to pursue the accuracy limit of binding energy (BE) and spectral profile predictions. Several recent XPS experiments reported BEs with differences spanning 0.3, 1.5, 0.7, 0.3, and 0.3 eV, respectively. Our calculations favor the honeycomb model for stable accuracy and fast size convergence, and a honeycomb with ~10 nm side length (120 atoms) is enough to predict accurate 1s BEs for all 2D sheets. Compared to all these experiments, predicted BEs show absolute deviations as follows: 0.4-0.7, 0.0-1.0, 0.4-1.1, 0.6-0.9, and 0.1-0.4 eV. A mean absolute deviation of 0.3 eV was achieved if we compare only to the closest experiment. We found that the sensitivity of computed BEs to different model shapes depends on systems: graphene, sensitive; C3N, weak; h-BN, very weak. This can be attributed to their more or less delocalized π electrons in this series. For this reason, a larger cluster size is required for graphene than the other two to reproduce fine structures in XAS. The general profile of XAS shows weak dependence to model shape. Our calculations provide optimal parameters and accuracy estimations that are useful for X-ray spectral simulations of general graphene-like 2D materials.

[Effect and mechanism of glucocorticoids in preventing stenosis after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection]

Objective: To explore the role and specific mechanism of glucocorticoids in preventing stenosis after esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Methods: Data of 81 patients [51 cases were male and 30 cases were female, aged (62.09±7.95) years] undergoing early esophageal cancer or precancerous lesions with a stripping range ≥3/4 circle hospitalized from January 2019 to February 2021 in Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University. They were randomly divided into the control group (n=23), oral prednisone acetate group (n=28) and/or combined with local injection Triamcinolone acetonide group (n=30). Analysis the stenosis rates, endoscopic stent dilatation times, the scores of the Atkinson classification and QLQ-OES18 after 12 weeks. Also the expression of carbohydrate sulfotransferase15 (CHST15) mRNA, TGF-β1 and Collagen-Ⅰ protein were compared by real-time PCR or immunohistochemistry. Results: The stenosis rates of the control group, oral prednisone acetate group and/or combined with local injection Triamcinolone acetonide group were 82.6% (19/23), 46.4% (13/28) and 20.0% (6/30) (P<0.001); endoscopic stent dilatation times [M (Q₁,Q₃)] in these three groups were 2 (1, 3), 0 (0, 0) and 0 (0, 0) (P<0.001). After ESD, the scores of the Atkinson classification and QLQ-OES18 in the three groups were lower than before (P<0.001); and the expression of CHST15 mRNA in the three groups were 4.31±0.13, 3.44±0.07 and 2.84±0.21 respectively (P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the expression of CHST15 mRNA in oral prednisone acetate group was down-regulated (P<0.001), and was the lowest in oral prednisone acetate combined with local injection Triamcinolone acetonide group (P<0.001). As CHST15 mRNA was down-regulated, the expression of TGF-β1 and Collagen-I protein was also down-regulated (P<0.05). Conclusions: Oral prednisone alone or combined with local injection of triamcinolone acetonide both can prevent esophageal stenosis effectively. Oral combined with local injection of glucocorticoid is particularly more effective. Glucocorticoid can reduce the expression of CHST15 mRNA, thereby inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1 and Collagen-I protein.

Expression pattern of CRYAB and CTGF genes in two pig breeds at different altitudes

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C>T and g.39644132T>C) and CTGF (g.31671748A>G and g.31671773T>G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

A theoretical library of N1s core binding energies of polynitrogen molecules and ions in the gas phase

Polynitrogen molecules and ions are important building blocks of high energy density compounds(HEDCs). High energy bonds formed at the N sites can be effectively probed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy...

Effects of feeding solid-state fermented wheat bran on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

Solid-state fermentation has been used to improve the nutritive value of feed ingredients. In the present study, we investigated the effects of solid-state fermented wheat bran (FWB) on growth performance and apparent digestibility in broiler chickens. We measured the growth performance (ADFI, ADG, feed conversion, livability, and European performance efficiency factor) over 38 d in chicks fed a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) or CON plus wet FWB (25 g/kg [T₁]; 50 g/kg [T₂]); or T₁ plus 3 g/kg (T₃); or T₂ plus 6 g/kg (T₄) soybean oil). The same diets were used to determine nutrient availability in chicks aged 20 d. Regression equations for AME and AME_n were obtained using 20-day-old chicks fed either the corn-soybean meal basal diet only or basal diet partially substituted with 50, 150, or 300 g/kg DM FWB. Diets containing 25 or 50 g/kg wet FBW did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens, nor the apparent DM, energy, and nitrogen digestibility of the feeds, compared with the control diets (all P > 0.05). Further supplementation with oil did not improve the growth performance of broiler chickens compared with controls or chickens fed FBW. However, chickens fed diets containing soybean oil (T₃ or T₄) had lower (P = 0.005 and P = 0.040, respectively) apparent DM and energy digestibility than the control and FWB groups. The regression equations for AME and AME_n with the substitution of FWB produced values of 1,854.3 and 1,743.9 kcal/kg DM, respectively, and the equations were Y = 1854.3X + 52.7 (R² = 0.971, n = 24, P < 0.001), and Y = 1743.9X + 44.6 (R² = 0.978, n = 24, P < 0.001), respectively. Supplementation with wet FWB did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens. Therefore, FWB is a suitable feed component for broilers.

Shock Ignition Laser-Plasma Interactions in Ignition-Scale Plasmas

We use a subignition scale laser, the 30 kJ Omega, and a novel shallow-cone target to study laser-plasma interactions at the ablation-plasma density scale lengths and laser intensities anticipated for direct drive shock-ignition implosions at National Ignition Facility scale. Our results show that, under these conditions, the dominant instability is convective stimulated Raman scatter with experimental evidence of two plasmon decay (TPD) only when the density scale length is reduced. Particle-in-cell simulations indicate this is due to TPD being shifted to lower densities, removing the experimental back-scatter signature and reducing the hot-electron temperature. The experimental laser energy-coupling to hot electrons was found to be 1%-2.5%, with electron temperatures between 35 and 45 keV. Radiation-hydrodynamics simulations employing these hot-electron characteristics indicate that they should not preheat the fuel in MJ-scale shock ignition experiments.

Selective optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic, but not GABAergic, vestibular nuclei neurons induces immediate and reversible postural imbalance in mice

Glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons represent the neural components of the medial vestibular nuclei. We assessed the functional role of glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal pathways arising from the vestibular nuclei (VN) in the maintenance of gait and balance by optogenetically stimulating the VN in VGluT2-cre and GAD2-cre mice. We demonstrate that glutamatergic, but not GABAergic VN neuronal subpopulation is responsible for immediate and strong posturo-locomotor deficits, comparable to unilateral vestibular deafferentation models. During optogenetic stimulation, the support surface dramatically increased in VN^VGluT2+ mice, and rapidly fell back to baseline after stimulation, whilst it remained unchanged during similar stimulation of VN^GAD2+ mice. This effect persisted when vestibular tactilo kinesthesic plantar inputs were removed. Posturo-locomotor alterations evoked in VN^VGluT2+ animals were still present immediately after stimulation, while they disappeared 1 h later. Overall, these results indicate a fundamental role for VN^VGluT2+ neurons in balance and posturo-locomotor functions, but not for VN^GAD2+ neurons, in this specific context. This new optogenetic approach will be useful to characterize the role of the different VN neuronal populations involved in vestibular physiology and pathophysiology.

Increasing fasting glucose and fasting insulin associated with elevated bone mineral density-evidence from cross-sectional and MR studies

We performed a cross-sectional study using the National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) data and a Mendelian randomisation (MR) study using the GWAS summary statistics from European populations. The T2D-related indices (fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FI), and insulin resistance (IR)) were found to associate with elevated bone mineral density (BMD).

INTRODUCTION

The known associations amongst FPG, FI, IR, and BMD remain inconsistent. This study aims to explore the abovementioned associations by using cross-sectional and MR designs.

METHODS

Data from adults aged ≥ 20 years (n = 7170) in four rounds of the U.S. NHANES (2005-2010 and 2013-2014) were analysed in this cross-sectional study. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses. A two-sample MR study was performed using the genome-wide association study summary statistics obtained from the Meta-analyses of Glucose and Insulin-related traits Consortium (n = 108,557) and Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Consortium (n = 32,735) to examine the causality of the FI-BMD association.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression revealed that FPG was positively associated with the BMDs at the hip, femur neck, and 1st lumbar spine (L1). Multiple logistic regressions revealed that FPG levels were associated with elevated BMDs at the hip and L1, and FI and IR levels were associated with elevated BMD at the hip. Patients with type 2 diabetes had higher hip BMD than those without diabetes. In the MR study, the lumbar spine BMD increased by 0.49 g/cm² (95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.97) in response to per unit increase in log-transformed FI.

CONCLUSION

Findings from our cross-sectional and MR studies revealed the associations between the studied diabetic indices and BMD measurements in the US and European adults.

Short-term interaction between silent and devastating earthquakes in Mexico

Either the triggering of large earthquakes on a fault hosting aseismic slip or the triggering of slow slip events (SSE) by passing seismic waves involve seismological questions with important hazard implications. Just a few observations plausibly suggest that such interactions actually happen in nature. In this study we show that three recent devastating earthquakes in Mexico are likely related to SSEs, describing a cascade of events interacting with each other on a regional scale via quasi-static and/or dynamic perturbations across the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. Such interaction seems to be conditioned by the transient memory of Earth materials subject to the "traumatic" stress produced by seismic waves of the great 2017 (Mw8.2) Tehuantepec earthquake, which strongly disturbed the SSE cycles over a 650 km long segment of the subduction plate interface. Our results imply that seismic hazard in large populated areas is a short-term evolving function of seismotectonic processes that are often observable.

The protective effect of hesperidin against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury involves the TLR-4/NF-κB/iNOS pathway in rats

Renal injury is reported to have a high mortality rate. Additionally, there are several limitations to current conventional treatments that are used to manage it. This study evaluated the protective effect of hesperidin against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced kidney injury in rats. Renal injury was induced by generating I/R in kidney tissues. Rats were then treated with hesperidin at a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg intravenously 1 day after surgery for a period of 14 days. The effect of hesperidin on renal function, serum mediators of inflammation, and levels of oxidative stress in renal tissues were observed in rat kidney tissues after I/R-induced kidney injury. Moreover, protein expression and mRNA expression in kidney tissues were determined using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was done for histopathological observation of kidney tissues. The data suggest that the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in the serum of hesperidin-treated rats were lower than in the I/R group. Treatment with hesperidin also ameliorated the altered level of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in I/R-induced renal-injured rats. The expression of p-IκBα, caspase-3, NF-κB p65, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) protein, TLR-4 mRNA, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was significantly reduced in the renal tissues of hesperidin-treated rats. Histopathological findings also revealed that treatment with hesperidin attenuated the renal injury in I/R kidney-injured rats. In conclusion, our results suggest that hesperidin protects against renal injury induced by I/R by involving TLR-4/NF-κB/iNOS signaling.

Lipid status and linear relationship between total cholesterol and triglycerides in glycogen storage disease type I

OBJECTIVE

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) is a glucose metabolic disorder. GSDIa patients are characterized by hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, hyperlipidemia, and hyperlactacidemia. This retrospective study aimed to review the lipid status, explore lipid treatment targets, and assess preferable lipid-lowering drugs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data on GSDIa patients' characteristics were collected. Most patients were followed-up once a year. Diet control and raw cornstarch treatment were used to maintain normal blood glucose and lipid levels. Some patients were given lipid-lowering drugs. We compared the lipid levels before and after each treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 163 GSDIa patients were enrolled in this study. After treatment with raw cornstarch, the total triglycerides (TG) level has significantly decreased by 30±50% (8.37±7.23 to 5.39±5.29 mmol/L, p<0.001). There was no change in the total cholesterol (TC) level. Fifteen patients regularly took atorvastatin, and 15 took fibrates for more than one year. The therapeutic effect of atorvastatin was better than fibrates. The TC was positively correlated with TG after treatment, resulting in the following linear equation: TG=1.63×TC-2.86. Using this equation and Chinese children's normal TC level of 5.18 mmol/L, we aimed to maintain the patients at TG < 5.58 mmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GSDIa have significant abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Because the complications of hyperlipidemia are caused mainly by TC, thereby, by maintaining it at a normal level, we could set a TG target by the linear equation that allowed a certain degree of hypertriglyceridemia. This study found that the therapeutic effect of atorvastatin was better than fibrates.

[Identification and Characterization of circRNAs in the Developing Stem Cambium of Poplar Seedlings]

Non-coding RNAs are a class of RNAs with multiple roles in plant life. Covalently closed circular RNA molecules (circRNAs) have been recently shown to be a group of RNA isoforms that show widespread tissue-specific expression in plants, often cooperating with the corresponding linear mRNAs to regulate gene function. However, no previous study of poplar has identified circRNAs in the cambium and determined their potential roles in the cambium or xylem development. In the present study, we sequenced RNAs in the cambium of poplar seedlings at two developmental stages, and identified and characterized 4912 circRNAs. Alternative back-splicing circularization events for 87 genes were identified among the circRNAs derived from different chromosomes. A total of 1138 circRNAs originated from 928 host genes, which were classified among the three major functional categories by GO analysis. Thirty-nine circRNAs were differentially expressed between cambium samples of stems at two developmental stages. Twenty-four DEcircRNAs interacted with 98 miRNAs as targets, of which some were associated with cambium growth and development. The results suggest that circRNAs play important roles in the cambium in relation to the regulation of stem growth and development in poplar seedlings.

Heavy metal pollution improves allelopathic effects of Canada goldenrod on lettuce germination

Large amounts of heavy metals have been released into the environment. Thus, the allelopathic effects of invasive alien species on the germination performance of co-occurring indigenous species may be altered or even heightened with the rapid growth in heavy metal pollution. This study evaluated the impacts of Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) leaf extracts at concentrations of 0, 10 or 20 gl 1 on the germination of lettuce under different forms of heavy metal pollution (Cu2+ , Pb2+ or a combination of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ; 35 mgl 1) during incubation in Petri dishes for 10 days. Goldenrod leaf extracts (high concentration) reduced growth of aboveground and belowground parts of lettuce as well as competition for light and soil nutrients. However, low concentrations of goldenrod leaf extracts dramatically improved growth of lettuce roots, competition for light, soil nutrient availability, leaf photosynthetic area and growth competitiveness. The combination of goldenrod leaf extracts and heavy metal pollution was synergistic on most lettuce germination parameters, probably because high concentrations of goldenrod leaf extracts together with heavy metal pollution had a synergistic negative impact on lettuce germination. Consequently, increased levels of heavy metal pollution may favour invasion of invasive alien species while largely suppressing germination of indigenous species.

Activation of p38MAPK in spinal microglia contributes to autologous nucleus pulposus-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a modified rat model of lumbar disk herniation

Recent studies have implicated the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and glial cells contribute to hyperalgesia following nerve injury or nerve compression. In our work, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of autologous nucleus pulposus (NP)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a modified rat model of lumbar disk herniation (LDH). Firstly, our results showed that 50% mechanical withdrawal threshold (50% MWT) decreased on postoperative day (POD) 1 and significantly minimally reduced on POD 7 and lasted for day 28 after surgery (P < 0.05). Secondly, phosphorylation of p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) and glial cells were monitored on POD 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 using immunofluorescence staining. P38MAPK activation, observed in the spinal cord, began to increase on POD 1, peaked on POD 3, and significantly decreased on POD 14 and POD 28 (P < 0.05). Microglia activation was initiated at day 1, maximal at day 3, and maintained until day 14 after surgery (P < 0.05). Astrocytic activation was found in 7 to 14 days after modelling (P < 0.05). Then, double immunostaining method was applied to observe the co-expression of p-p38MAPK and glial cells, and it showed that p-p38MAPK was mainly expressed in activated microglia, rarely in neurons, and none in astrocytes. Lastly, we discovered that both SB203580 (50ug, p38MAPK inhibitor) and minocycline (0.5 mg, microglial inhibitor) would inhibit the p-p38MAPK protein expression tested by western blot analysis and reduce mechanical hyperalgesia. In conclusion, current study suggest that activation or phosphorylation of p38MAPK in spinal microglia contributes to autologous NP-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in our animal model.

AB1067 CASE OR FAMILY?FROM 2 CHINESE FCAS3 CHILDREN WITH PLCG2 MUTATION TO THEIR FAMILIES

Background:

Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome 3 (FCAS3) is an autoinflammatory disease (AID) caused by mutation of the PLCG2 gene, which has not been reported in China. We will report 2 cases of Chinese FCAS3 patients with no claimed family history, but we found the same mutations in a parent during their genetic analysis. After further inquiry of the parent’s medical history, we confirmed that actually, they were two FCAS3 families. Through a literature review, we found that the clinical features of Chinese patients are milder than foreign countries, and their symptoms are concealed and may be ignored, resulting in mistakes in family history collecting.

Objectives:

To summarize the genetic and clinical features of Chinese FCAS3 patients and to provide diagnostic recommendations for the disease.

Methods:

Two suspected AID children with recurrent fever and urticaria were enrolled in this study. Clinical data and family history were collected, and genetic analysis was performed by next-generation sequencing (PID panel or WES) and Sanger-based validation. Literature was reviewed from PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Database.

Results:

The two children were both diagnosed to be FCAS3 with PLCG2 mutation. The clinical manifestations of 2 children were recurrent fever, urticaria, and increased ESR and CRP. Case 1 has a paternal, and Case 2 has a maternal heterozygous mutation in the PLCG2 gene, while both had claimed without a family history. Further inquiry showed the two parents used to have a fever with urticaria. By comparing with foreign literature, we found our patients were milder than abroad patients. Large fragment deletions were relatively more common in foreign patients.

Conclusion:

We reported the case of FCAS3 in China for the first time. Their genotype and phenotype were different from foreign patients. Their symptoms are mild, and heterozygous mutations are more common than foreign patients, which are the main differences. The difference in mutation type may be the reason for different clinical manifestations. Besides, both two families showed a trend of more severe clinical features in the next generation. As the symptoms of the elders were not obvious and may be ignored, it caused trouble for the genetic diagnosis. Therefore, family history should be collected carefully. For rashes and fevers, which are not too severe in overall symptoms, care should be taken about the possibility of AIDs. Genetic testing can help to make a definite diagnosis.

Table 1.

Descriptive charecteristics of the patients with FMF, n=474

VariableCompliant(n=230)Noncompliant (n=244)P valueGender of patient (F)142(61.7)147(60.2)0.73Age, years*35(28-42.5)34(27-44.2)0.88Being Married152(66.1)146(59.8)0.15Disease duration, years*22(14-31)22(15-31)0.71Number of index flare*within last 12-month6.7(1-10)5(3-10)<0.001Family historyof parents54(23.5)39(16.0)0.04Family historyof sibling73(32.9)102(43.4)0.02Comorbid disease presence73(31.7)55(22.5)0.02Treatment<0.001Colchicine230 (94.1)180(78.6)Anakinra&Canakinumab134(5.3)49(21.4)Colchicine response presence127(55.2)126(52.3)0.52Drug using except FMF74(32.2)44(18.0)<0.001Presence of 2 attacks except fever90 (39.1)68(27.9)0.009Chronic peripheral arthritis16(7.0)7(2.9)0.03Amyloidosis18(7.8)9(3.7)0.05Proteinuria23(10.8)8(3.6)0.004Adequate medical care161(70.0)132(54.8)<0.001ISSF severity score*3(2-4)3(2-4)0.02ADDI index*1(0-1)1(0-1)0.05

References:

[1]Pathak S, Mcdermott M F, Savic S. Autoinflammatory diseases: update on classification diagnosis and management[J]. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 2017, 70(1):1-8.

[2]Broderick, L., Hereditary Autoinflammatory Disorders: Recognition and Treatment. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am, 2019. 39(1):13-29.

[3]Milner, Joshua D. PLAID: A Syndrome of Complex Patterns of Disease and Unique Phenotypes[J]. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2015, 35(6):527-530.

[4]Picard C, Gaspar H B, Al-Herz W, et al. International Union of Immunological Societies: 2017 Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Committee Report on Inborn Errors of Immunity[J]. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2017, 38(Suppl 1):96-128.

[5]Ombrello M J, Remmers E F, Sun G, et al. Cold Urticaria, Immunodeficiency, and Autoimmunity Related to PLCG2 Deletions[J]. New England Journal of Medicine, 2012, 366(4):330-8.

[6]Zhou Q, Lee GS, Brady J, et al. A Hypermorphic Missense Mutation in PLCG2, Encoding Phospholipase Cγ2, Causes a Dominantly Inherited Autoinflammatory Disease with Immunodeficiency[J]. American Journal of Human Genetics, 2012, 91(4).

[7]Neves, J.F., et al., Novel PLCG2 Mutation in a Patient with APLAID and Cutis Laxa. Front Immunol, 2018. 9: 2863.

[8]Mcdermott M F, Aksentijevich I, Galon J, et al. Germline mutations in the extracellular domains of the 55 kDa TNF receptor, TNFR1, define a family of dominantly inherited autoinflammatory syndromes[J]. Cell, 1999, 97(1):133-144.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

[Analysis of the pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 in Hubei Province]

Objective: To study the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes and neonatal prognosis in Hubei Province. Method: s A retrospective comparison of the pregnancy outcomes was done between 16 women with COVID-19 and 45 women without COVID-19. Also, the results of laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) nucleic acid test were performed in 10 cases of neonatal delivered from women with COVID-19. Result: s (1) Of the 16 pregnant women with COVID-19, 15 cases were ordinary type and 1 case was severe type. No one has progressed to critical pneumonia.The delivery method of the two groups was cesarean section, and the gestational age were (38.7±1.4) and (37.9±1.6) weeks,there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Also, there wee no significant differences in the intraoperative blood loss and birth weight of the newborn between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) Ten cases of neonates delivered from pregnant women with COVID-19 were collected. The 2019-nCoV nucleic acid test were all negative.There were no significant differences in fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, preterm birth, and neonatal asphyxia between the two groups (all P>0.05).(3) In the treatment of uterine contraction fatigue, carbetocin or carboprost tromethamine was used more in cesarean section for pregnant women with COVID-19 (1.3±0.6), compared with Non-COVID-19 group (0.5±0.7),the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusions: If there is an indication for obstetric surgery or critical illness of COVID-19 in pregnant women, timely termination of pregnancy will not increase the risk of premature birth and asphyxia of the newborn, but it is beneficial to the treatment and rehabilitation of maternal pneumonia. Preventive use of long-acting uterotonic agents could reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage during surgery. 2019-nCoV infection has not been found in neonates delivered from pregnant women with COVID-19.

A comparison of open, laparoscopic and robotic total mesorectal excision: trial sequential analysis and network meta-analysis

AIM

Total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer can be achieved by employing open (OpTME), laparoscopic (LaTME) and robotic (RoTME) approaches but which of these has the best outcome? The aim of present study is to identify the most effective technique for rectal cancer by comparing all outcomes.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared at least two TME strategies were identified by literature search of electronic databases of articles published to June 2018. Network meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis was performed using a frequentist approach with random-effects meta-analysis. Data collection and analysis We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EmBase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Web of Science. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved publications were independently and blindly assessed by two authors.

RESULTS

Twenty-two RCTs with 4882 rectal cancer patients were included in this analysis. The trial sequential analysis demonstrated that the cumulative Z-curve crossed either the traditional boundary or the trial sequential monitoring boundaries, suggesting that OpTME resulted in a more complete TME specimen than LaTME (relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.08). Network meta-analysis showed there was no significant difference in the other comparisons. Based on the P score of completeness of the TME specimen and circumferential resection margin positivity, the best technique was OpTME, followed by RoTME and then LaTME. However, this order was reversed when complications and mortality were considered. RoTME led to better lymph node harvest.

CONCLUSIONS

Although OpTME may give better pathological specimens, minimally invasive techniques may have advantages when considering lymph node harvest, complications and mortality. More RCTs are needed to determine which technique actually gives the best chance of survival.

[Investigation of human brucellosis cases in newly affected counties in Sichuan province, 2015-2017]

Objective: To understand the discovery of human brucellosis cases in new affected counties in Sichuan province, 2015-2017, and provide evidences for prevention and control of human brucellosis. Methods: The incidence data and outbreak data of human brucellosis in Sichuan were collected from Chinese Infectious Disease Surveillance Reporting System, and face to face interview, telephone interview and on-line survey were conducted to collect the case information, such as epidemiological characteristics, medical care seeking. Results: The incidence of human brucellosis in Sichuan has increased obviously since 2013, and 103 counties reported human brucellosis cases for the first time. A total of 23 cases of human brucellosis were investigated, and the common symptoms of the cases was fever, accounting for 91.30% (21/23). The cases mainly sought medical care in hospitals under county-level for the first time, accounting for 73.91% (17/23), and the misdiagnosis rate was 91.30% at the first diagnosis (21/23). The median interval between onset and diagnosis was 52 days, and the longest one was 142 days. Only 4.35% (1/23) cases knew human brucellosis, and when they contacted with suspected livestock, the use rate of protective clothing was 30.43% (7/23), the use rate of gloves was 8.70% (2/23), the use rate of mask was 4.35% (1/23), and the rate of washing hands with disinfectant after contact with livestock was 4.35% (1/23). Goat was suspected to be the infection source of all the cases, and 34.75% (8/23) of the cases were from Gansu, Qinghai and other provinces. The overall awareness rate of human brucellosis in the doctors was 34.58% (102/295), and the training rate was 58.31% (172/295). Only 33.33% (11/33) of the hospitals could perform laboratory diagnosis of human brucellosis and 34.78% (8/23) of county CDCs could carry out laboratory test of human brucellosis. Conclusions: The prevention and control of human brucellosis is facing challenge in Sichuan. The misdiagnosis rate was very high in newly affected counties, and the diagnosis were delayed obviously. The awareness of human brucellosis was low in the cases, and their awareness of self-protection was poor. The awareness rate about human brucellosis in doctors was low and they need more training; the capacity of brucellosis laboratory diagnosis in hospitals and CDCs at county-level should be improved.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 4A3 (PTP4A3/PRL-3) drives migration and progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vitro and in vivo

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive blood cancer. There are no immunotherapies and few molecularly targeted therapeutics available for treatment of this malignancy. The identification and characterization of genes and pathways that drive T-ALL progression are critical for the development of new therapies for T-ALL. Here, we determined that the protein tyrosine phosphatase 4A3 (PTP4A3 or PRL-3) plays a critical role in T-ALL initiation and progression by promoting leukemia cell migration. PRL-3 is highly expressed in patient T-ALL samples at both the mRNA and protein levels compared to normal lymphocytes. Knock-down of PRL-3 expression using short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) in human T-ALL cell lines significantly impeded T-ALL cell migration capacity in vitro and reduced their ability to engraft and proliferate in vivo in xenograft mouse models. Additionally, PRL-3 overexpression in a Myc-induced zebrafish T-ALL model significantly accelerated disease onset and shortened the time needed for cells to enter blood circulation. Reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that the SRC signaling pathway is affected by PRL-3. Immunoblot analyses validated that manipulation of PRL-3 expression in T-ALL cells affected the SRC signaling pathway, which is directly involved in cell migration, although Src was not a direct substrate of PRL-3. More importantly, T-ALL cell growth and migration were inhibited by small molecule inhibition of PRL-3, suggesting that PRL-3 has potential as a therapeutic target in T-ALL. Taken together, our study identifies PRL-3 as an oncogenic driver in T-ALL both in vitro and in vivo and provides a strong rationale for targeted therapies that interfere with PRL-3 function.

Phosphorylation of nucleopolyhedrovirus 39K is essential for the regulation of viral gene transcription in silkworm cells

39K protein was proven to be the most notable hyperphosphorylated protein of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), since its amino acid 136 has the highest phosphorylation ratio (16.683) among all of BmNPV phosphorylated proteins (Shobahah et al., 2017). Therefore, we inserted positive (mimicking phosphorylation) and negative (mimicking dephosphorylation) mutants of the highest phosphorylated site of 39K and the wild type 39k into the 39k-ko-Bacmid using the Bac-to-Bac system. These three kinds of recombinant Bacmids along with wild type and knocked-out Bacmid were then transfected into the Bombyx mori cells (BmN) and further investigated by qPCR analysis. The results of the qPCR showed that 39K phosphorylation had no significant effect on viral genome replication, unlike the positive mutation that reduced the viral gene transcription drastically compared to the wild type. Thus, phosphorylation of BmNPV 39K protein does not appear to be the essential mechanism for viral genome replication, even though it has an important role in the viral gene transcription. Keywords: BmNPV; 39K; phosphorylation; virus replication; virus transcription.

LncRNA-UCA1 promotes PD development by upregulating SNCA

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to investigate whether Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA)-UCA1 can regulate the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) by mediating a-synuclein (SNCA) expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PD mouse model was first constructed by intraperitoneal injection of MPTP. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with MPP+ for inducing in vitro PD model. Expression levels of lncRNA-UCA1 and SNCA in brain tissues extracted from PD mice and MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression of SNCA was accessed by Western blot. After transfection of pcDNA-NC+DMSO, pcDNA-UCA1+DMSO, pcDNA-NC+α-amantin or pcDNA-UCA1+α-amanitin in SH-SY5Y cells, SNCA expression was detected. Cell viability and SNCA expression were determined after UCA1 overexpression or knockdown in SH-SY5Y cells. Neuronal apoptosis in MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells was detected by flow cytometry after the UCA1 knockdown.

RESULTS

UCA1 and SNCA were highly expressed in brain tissues extracted from PD mice and MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells. UCA1 overexpression remarkably upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of SNCA in SH-SY5Y cells. Higher viability was seen after the UCA1 knockdown in MPP+-induced SH-SY5Y cells. UCA1 knockdown remarkably inhibited caspase-3 activity and decreased MPP+-induced neuronal apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA-UCA1 promotes the occurrence and progression of PD by upregulating SNCA expression.