Moisture content of tea dhool for the scenting process affects the aroma quality and volatile compounds of osmanthus black tea

To improve the quality of osmanthus black tea, samples produced with different scenting methods were prepared. The sensory quality was assessed and the characteristic aromatic components were explored using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. According to the results, osmanthus black tea obtained by adding osmanthus scenting in the fermentation process had the strongest floral aroma. The major contributors to the aroma of osmanthus black tea were identified as β-ionone, dihydro-β-ionone, benzeneacetaldehyde, citral, geraniol, and linalool by calculating their relative odor activity values. An analysis of the causes revealed that the moisture content of tea dhool significantly affected the adsorption of fresh flower aroma by tea. The experimental results showed that osmanthus black tea produced using tea dhool containing 30% moisture content had the highest content of crucial aroma components, suggesting the tea dhool under this condition had the strongest adsorption capacity for osmanthus aroma.

Structural characterization and high-efficiency prebiotic activity of the polysaccharide from Tremella aurantialba endophytic bacteria

Herein, the low-molecular-weight heteropolysaccharide (designated as TABP), with a weight-average Mw of 5408 Da, was produced by the endophytic bacterium Bacillus sp. TAB, which was initially isolated from the fruiting bodies of the wild Tremella aurantialba. A relatively high TABP accumulation was obtained and enhanced to 6.94 g/L in 5 L fed-batch fermentation by high-density cultivation. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that the TABP comprised arabinose, glucosamine, galactose, glucose, and mannose with a molar ratio of 0.073: 0.145: 0.406: 0.182: 0.195, respectively. Methylation and NMR analyses indicated that TABP contained 1,4-linked β-d-Galp and 1,4-linked β-d-Manp pyranosyl backbone, extensively substituted at the side chains to form a complex structure. Prebiotic potential analysis exhibited significant growth-promoting effects for various lactic acid bacteria by more than 90 %. Overall, this study initially provides valuable insights into the endophytic exopolysaccharides from T. aurantialba and their biological activity, which provides prospective sources of prebiotics for functional foods and aids in understanding the endophytes symbiosis mechanism in edible mushrooms.

[Clinicopathological features of SMARCA4-deficient lung adenocarcinoma: a study of 42 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and genetic mutations of SMARCA4-deficient lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: From January 2021 to April 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 42 cases of SMARCA4-deficienct lung adenocarcinoma were diagnosed and now analyzed. All cases were retrospectively studied using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. The clinicopathological features were reviewed. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to investigate the mutations of related genes. Results: Among the 42 cases, there were 35 biopsy and 7 surgical specimens. There were 38 males and 4 females. The male to female ratio was 9.5∶1.0, with an age range from 42 to 78 years. Thirty-three patients were smokers. Overall, 4 cases (9.5%), 2 cases (4.7%), 18 cases (42.9%) and 18 cases (42.9%) were at stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ, respectively. Microscopically, all the cases were non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, without lepidic pattern. The morphology was diverse. Rhabdomyoid cells, tumor giant cells and tumor necrosis were present. Most of the tumor cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm and occasionally clear cytoplasm. Defined cell borders and variable cytoplasmic hyaline secretory globules could be found. Inflammatory cells infiltrated the tumor stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed 29 cases (69.0%, 29/42) expressed TTF1, 10 cases (40.0%, 10/25) expressed Napsin A, and 20 cases (100.0%, 20/20) expressed INI1. Forty cases (95.2%, 40/42) showed BRG1 loss in all tumor cells, while 2 cases (4.8%, 2/42) had partial BRG1 loss. PD-L1 (22C3) was positive in 59.2% of the cases (16/27). NGS revealed mutations in EGFR, ROS1, MET, RET and KRAS. Six cases (6/8) showed SMARCA4 mutation, while some cases were accompanied by mutations of TP53 (7/15), STK11 (4/8), and KEAP1 (1/8). Driver gene mutations were more common in women (P<0.05). Patients were followed up for 1-25 months. Four patients died and 20 patients' diseases progressed. Conclusions: SMARCA4-deficient lung adenocarcinoma lacks characteristic morphology. Most of them express TTF1 and harbor driver gene mutations. It is necessary to identify this subset of lung adenocarcinoma by carrying out BRG1 stain routinely on lung adenocarcinoma. These patients can then be identified and benefit from targeted therapies.

[Analysis of clinical epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus in children in a hospital of pediatric in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2023]

Objective: To explore the clinical epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus in children in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2023. Method: A single-center and cross-sectional study was used to analyze the clinical data of 3 271 children with respiratory syncytial virus infection in Wuhan Children's Hospital affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. Nonparametric rank sum test and χ2 test were used for comparative analysis. Results: From July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023, a total of 25 583 children were included in the analysis, of which 3 271(12.8%) children infected RSV. The detection rate was 16.3% in 2020-2021, 14.7% in 2021-2022 and 9.1% in 2022-2023. The detection rate decreased year by year (χ2=222.054, P<0.05). From 2020 to 2023, there was an anti-seasonal epidemic of RSV in spring and autumn. The detection rate of RSV in infants under 1 year old was the highest, but the median ages of RSV positive children increased (H=140.575, P<0.05). Pneumonia was the main clinical manifestation of RSV respiratory tract infection. Conclusion: The epidemiological characteristics of RSV in children in Hubei Province were different from those before. From 2020 to 2023, the detection rate of RSV decreased year by year. Besides winter, the prevalence of RSV could also be seen in spring and autumn. The median age of children infected with RSV increased after the epidemic. Pneumonia was the main clinical manifestation after RSV infection.

Improving Bond Strength of Translucent Zirconia Through Surface Treatment With SiO2-ZrO2 Coatings

BACKGROUND

Translucent monolithic zirconia ceramics have been applied in dental clinics due to their esthetic translucent formulations and mechanical properties. Considering inherent ceramic brittleness, adhesive bonding with resin composite increases the fracture resistance of ceramic restorations. However, zirconia is a chemically stable material that is difficult to adhesively bond with resin.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influences of SiO2-ZrO2 coatings on adhesive bonding of zirconia and the surface characterization of those coatings.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Translucent zirconia discs were classified into groups based on surface treatments: CT (control), SB (sandblasting), C21(SiO2:ZrO2=2:1), C11(SiO2:ZrO2=1:1), and C12 (SiO2:ZrO2=1:2) (n=10). Surface characterization of coatings on zirconia were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), surface roughness assessment (Ra), X-ray diffraction (XRD), water contact angle (WCA), translucency parameter (TP), and shear bond strength (SBS). Two-way ANOVA for shear bond strength results and ANOVA for Ra and WCA were performed.

RESULTS

SEM images revealed SiO2 islands on zirconia disks coated with SiO2-ZrO2. Surface roughness of C12, C11, and C21 groups was significantly larger than those of groups SB and CT (p<0.05). XRD results showed that phase transformation of zirconia disks was detected only in the SB group. In addition, SiO2-ZrO2 coatings reduced WCA. The translucency decreased only in group C21. Group C11 showed the highest shear bond strength under both aging conditions.

CONCLUSION

SiO2-ZrO2 coating is a promising method to enhance the adhesive resin bonding of translucent zirconia without causing phase transformation of translucent zirconia.

Childhood-Onset Lupus Nephritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry: Short-Term Kidney Status and Variation in Care

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to characterize short-term kidney status and describe variation in early care utilization in a multicenter cohort of patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and nephritis.

METHODS

We analyzed previously collected prospective data from North American patients with cSLE with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry from March 2017 through December 2019. We determined the proportion of patients with abnormal kidney status at the most recent registry visit and applied generalized linear mixed models to identify associated factors. We also calculated frequency of medication use, both during induction and ever recorded.

RESULTS

We identified 222 patients with kidney biopsy-proven nephritis, with 64% class III/IV nephritis on initial biopsy. At the most recent registry visit at median (interquartile range) of 17 (8-29) months from initial kidney biopsy, 58 of 106 patients (55%) with available data had abnormal kidney status. This finding was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.21-12.46) and age at cSLE diagnosis (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.49). Patients with class IV nephritis were more likely than class III to receive cyclophosphamide and rituximab during induction. There was substantial variation in mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab ever use patterns across rheumatology centers.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort with predominately class III/IV nephritis, male sex and older age at cSLE diagnosis were associated with abnormal short-term kidney status. We also observed substantial variation in contemporary medication use for pediatric lupus nephritis between pediatric rheumatology centers. Additional studies are needed to better understand the impact of this variation on long-term kidney outcomes.

The Effect of Guisangyou Tea on Abnormal Lipid Metabolism in Mice Induced by High-Fat Diet

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of Guisangyou tea (GSY tea) in improving abnormal lipid metabolism in mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that intervention of the water extract of GSY tea (WE) decreased serum levels of lipids, and positively regulated the related antioxidant enzyme activities and the inflammatory factors in the serum and liver. In the liver, the mRNA and protein expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) related to lipid synthesis were downregulated, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) related to bile acid production were upregulated. The results demonstrate that GSY tea can improve abnormal lipid metabolism in obese mice by improving the body's antioxidant capacity, regulating the inflammatory state, and reducing the synthesis of lipids and increasing the production of bile acids. GSY tea can be processed and utilized as a safe and effective resource for improving abnormal lipid metabolism.

HTR2A agonists play a therapeutic role by restricting ILC2 activation in papain-induced lung inflammation

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are a category of heterogeneous cells that produce the cytokines IL-5 and IL-13, which mediate the type 2 immune response. However, specific drug targets on lung ILC2s have rarely been reported. Previous studies have shown that type 2 cytokines, such as IL-5 and IL-13, are related to depression. Here, we demonstrated the negative correlation between the depression-associated monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin and secretion of the cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 by ILC2s in individuals with depression. Interestingly, serotonin ameliorates papain-induced lung inflammation by suppressing ILC2 activation. Our data showed that the serotonin receptor HTR2A was highly expressed on ILC2s from mouse lungs and human PBMCs. Furthermore, an HTR2A selective agonist (DOI) impaired ILC2 activation and alleviated the type 2 immune response in vivo and in vitro. Mice with ILC2-specific depletion of HTR2A (Il5cre/+·Htr2aflox/flox mice) abolished the DOI-mediated inhibition of ILC2s in a papain-induced mouse model of inflammation. In conclusion, serotonin and DOI could restrict the type 2 lung immune response, indicating a potential treatment strategy for type 2 lung inflammation by targeting HTR2A on ST2+ ILC2s.

Improved Stability and In Vitro Anti-Arthritis Bioactivity of Curcumin-Casein Nanoparticles by Ultrasound-Driven Encapsulation

Curcumin possesses beneficial biological functions, namely anti-inflammation and anti-diabetic functions. However, due to its low solubility and crystallinity, its applications are limited. In this work, curcumin was encapsulated in casein micelles in order to form curcumin-casein nanoparticles by ultrasound treatment (5 min). The ultrasound treatment induced the entry of the hydrophobic groups to the inner micelles and the polar sulfydryl groups to the surface of the micelles in order to form compact curcumin-casein nanoparticles of an appropriate size (100-120 nm) for cellular endocytosis. The product exhibited excellent stability during 8 months of cold storage, 6 days at room temperature, and 2 days at body temperature. Advanced in vitro experiments demonstrated that curcumin-casein nanoparticles displayed significantly greater inhibitory activity against the proliferation and proinflammatory cytokines of human fibroblast-like synoviocyte-osteo arthritis (HFLS-OA) cells and HFLS-rheumatoid (RA) cells than native curcumin due to better cellular uptake as a result of the low crystallinity and the appropriate nano-size of the nano-form. The results provide a reference for the use of ultrasound treatment to encapsulate other drug molecules and curcumin-casein nanoparticles as potential treatment for arthritis.

Intraarticular steroids as DMARD-sparing agents for juvenile idiopathic arthritis flares: Analysis of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry

BACKGROUND

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who achieve a drug free remission often experience a flare of their disease requiring either intraarticular steroids (IAS) or systemic treatment with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). IAS offer an opportunity to recapture disease control and avoid exposure to side effects from systemic immunosuppression. We examined a cohort of patients treated with IAS after drug free remission and report the probability of restarting systemic treatment within 12 months.

METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of patients from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry who received IAS for a flare after a period of drug free remission. Historical factors and clinical characteristics and of the patients including data obtained at the time of treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of those with follow up data available 49% had restarted systemic treatment 6 months after IAS injection and 70% had restarted systemic treatment at 12 months. The proportion of patients with prior use of a biologic DMARD was the only factor that differed between patients who restarted systemic treatment those who did not, both at 6 months (79% vs 35%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (81% vs 33%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

While IAS are an option for all patients who flare after drug free remission, it may not prevent the need to restart systemic treatment. Prior use of a biologic DMARD may predict lack of success for IAS. Those who previously received methotrexate only, on the other hand, are excellent candidates for IAS.

[Effect of SiO2-ZrO2 slurry coating on shear bond strength of zirconia to resin cement]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of shear bond strength between resin cement and zirconia using SiO2-ZrO2 slurry coating. Methods: One hundred and forty pre-sintered zirconia discs were randomly divided into seven groups (n=20) according to the surface treatments: AS (as-sintered), SB (sand blasting with Al2O3), 2SiO2-1ZrO2 (2∶1 mole ratio SiO2-ZrO2 coating), 1SiO2-1ZrO2 (mole ratio 1∶1 SiO2-ZrO2 coating), 1SiO2-2ZrO2 (mole ratio 1∶2 SiO2-ZrO2 coating), 1SiO2-3ZrO2 (mole ratio 1∶3 SiO2-ZrO2 coating), 1SiO2-4ZrO2 (mole ratio 1∶4 SiO2-ZrO2 coating). Each zirconia disc was bonded to composite resin cylinder using resin cement. All specimens were stored in distilled water (37 ℃, 24 h). Each group was divided into two subgroups in which half specimens were tested using universal testing machine and another half specimens accepted artificial aging of 5 000 times thermocycling then tested. Scaning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the micro-morphology of coating surface etched by hydrofluoric acid,then the coating thickness was measured. Results: Before artificial aging, 1SiO2-1ZrO2 showed a higher shear bond strength [(41.69±6.28) MPa] than all the other group (P<0.05). 1SiO2-2ZrO2 gained a higher strength than AS, SB, 1SiO2-3ZrO2 and 1SiO2-4ZrO2 (P<0.05). However, 1SiO2-2ZrO2 did not get a significant higher shear bond strength than 2SiO2-1ZrO2 (P>0.05). No significant differences were found among SB, 2SiO2-1ZrO2 and 1SiO2-3ZrO2 (P>0.05). After artificial aging, shear bond strength of all groups were decreased significantly besides 2SiO2-1ZrO2. 2SiO2-1ZrO2, 1SiO2-1ZrO2 and 1SiO2-2ZrO2 [(24.13±5.50), (22.28±4.40), (23.11±4.80) MPa] showed higher shear bond strength than SB and 1SiO2-3ZrO2 (P<0.05),no intergroup differences were observed (P>0.05). Shear bond strength of AS and 1SiO2-4ZrO2 fell to 0 MPa approximately. The SEM images of etched coating surface showed contraction fissure due to different thermal expansion coefficient between SiO2 and ZrO2 and intercrystal pores of zirconia. The thickness of coating was measured to be less than 30 μm. Conclusions: Mole ratio 1∶1 SiO2-1ZrO2 slurry coating showed the highest shear bond strength of resin cement to zirconia.

The Effect of Microwave Radiation on the Green Color Loss of Green Tea Powder

Microwave radiation is one of the main heating methods for food processing, especially affecting the color quality of colorful foods. This work presents the effect of microwave radiation on the green color loss of green tea powder (GTP) by the color description (L*, a*, b*, and H_a of green tea powder, L*:whiteness/darkness, a*: redness/greenness, and b*: yellowness/blueness; H_a derived from Hunter a and b could visually describe the color space) of the Hunter color system. First, the L*, a*, and b* were determined from the GTP samples treated with various microwave powers with the change of time to investigate the kinetic of color loss. Then, the L*, a*, and b*and temperature of GTP samples with serious thickness treated with constant microwave power (700 W) for a different time were determined to study the effect of sample thickness on the color loss. Finally, the chemicals that contributed to color change in the GTP samples treated with mild, moderate, and severe radiation were analyzed. The results showed that L*, |a*| (|a*|was the absolute value of a*), b*, and H_a decreased with the power increase in microwave radiation, and their changes conformed to the first-order kinetics. The activation energies (E_a) of different thickness GTP for change of L*, a*, b*, and H_a values could be predicted with the fitting models, and E_a for 20 mm-thick GTP were approximately 1/5, 1/8, 1/8, and 1/13 of those for 4 mm-thick GTP. The color loss was mainly caused by the Mg²⁺ loss of chlorophylls and the formation of derivates under mild radiation, the degradation of chlorophylls and the formation of theaflavin from catechins under moderate radiation, and the degradation of chlorophylls and their derivates accompanied by Maillard reaction between reducing sugar and amino acids under severe radiation. The results indicate that sample thickness and radiation time are two key parameters to keeping the color of GTP in food processing and microwave pasteurization.

Sensitive and high-accuracy detection of Salmonella based on CRISPR/Cas12a combined with recombinase polymerase amplification

Salmonella is a crucial food-borne pathogen causing food poisoning, leading to severe public health events. Here, we developed a technique by integrating recombinase polymerase amplification with CRISPR-LbCas12a and employing two targets with engineered crRNA for detection of Salmonella (RPA-LbCas12a-TTECDS). Our findings revealed that this novel method rapidly detects trace Salmonella in food through fluorescence intensity and provides a template for other food-borne pathogen detection methods. Further, crRNA was optimized to increase detection sensitivity. Double targets were used to enhance the detection accuracy, reaching the level of qPCR, which was superior to fluorescent RPA. The RPA-LbCas12a-TTECDS system specifically detected Salmonella levels as low as 50 CFU per ml at 37°C in 1 h. In summary, a simple, rapid, sensitive and high accuracy detection technique based on CRISPR-Cas12a was created for Salmonella detection without complicated equipment.

Social determinants of health influence disease activity and functional disability in Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Social determinants of health (SDH) greatly influence outcomes during the first year of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, a disease similar to polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA). We investigated the correlation of community poverty level and other SDH with the persistence of moderate to severe disease activity and functional disability over the first year of treatment in pJIA patients enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry.

METHODS

In this cohort study, unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear mixed effects models analyzed the effect of community poverty and other SDH on disease activity, using the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-10, and disability, using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire, measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred eighty-four patients were identified. High community poverty (≥20% living below the federal poverty level) was associated with increased odds of functional disability (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.28-2.60) but was not statistically significant after adjustment (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 0.81-1.86) and was not associated with increased disease activity. Non-white race/ethnicity was associated with higher disease activity (aOR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.41-4.36). Lower self-reported household income was associated with higher disease activity and persistent functional disability. Public insurance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.29) and low family education (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14-3.12) was associated with persistent functional disability.

CONCLUSION

High community poverty level was associated with persistent functional disability in unadjusted analysis but not with persistent moderate to high disease activity. Race/ethnicity and other SDH were associated with persistent disease activity and functional disability.

Excess serum Na level in rats administered with high doses of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate-casein nanoparticles prepared with sodium caseinate

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-incorporated casein nanoparticles benefit from excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities due to their synergistic efficiency, but few studies have evaluated their safety. In this study, the EGCG-casein nanoparticles (EGCG-NPs) formulated using caseinate by ultrasonic treatment were evaluated for their subacute toxicity. The subacute toxicity test of EGCG-NPs through 28-day oral administration in rats did not exhibit adverse effect, with a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of at least 5.0 g per kg body weight (BW) per day, which was equivalent to 500 mg per kg BW EGCG per day. However, the serum Na level in females and males treated with 10.0 g per kg BW EGCG-NPs increased significantly as compared to the control rats (P < 0.05). Similar indications appeared in rats treated with 10.0 g per kg BW pure casein nanoparticles without EGCG, which indicated that high doses of caseinate nanoparticles result in an excess serum Na level. Therefore, we should consider the safety of the nanoparticle formulation of caseinate when it is used as a loading nutrient and a functional substance in foods.

[Clinicopathological features and prognostic impact of MELF pattern in 512 endometrioid adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of microcystic elongated fragmented (MELF) and clinicopathological features of patients with low grade endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, and to analyze its impact on prognosis. Methods: The clinical pathological data of 512 cases with low grade endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma were collected. The MELF invasive pattern in all of the sections were reappraised. The correlations between MELF pattern and clinicopathological features were analyzed by chi-square test, and the independent risk factor of lymph node metastasis were evaluated by Logistic multivariate regression analysis. Survival curves was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method, and Log-rank test was used to compare progression free survival (PFS) between patients with or without MELF pattern. Disease progression-related multivariate analysis was carried out by Cox proportional hazards model. Results: MELF pattern was observed in 12.9% (66/512) low grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma. It was significantly associated with cervical stroma invasion, more than half of the depth of myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis and vessel invasion (P<0.05). In addition, MELF pattern was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The 5-year PFS of patients with and without MELF pattern were 95.0% and 96.0% respectively (P>0.05). Conclusions: The patients with MELF pattern are more likely accompany with cervical stroma and deeper myometrium invasion, vessel invasion, and lymph node metastasis, and it is an independent risk factor of lymph node metastasis. However, MELF pattern has no significant impact on prognosis of patients with endometrioid carcinoma.

[A multicenter randomized controlled study of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by Jing-Hua-Wei-Kang in the treatment of patients newly diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspepsia]

Objective: To investigate the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rate and improvement of dyspepsia in patients who were newly diagnosed with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia and treated by bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by Jing-Hua-Wei-Kang(JHWK). Methods: Patients who were newly diagnosed with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection and treated in 16 medical centers in China between December 1, 2017 and September 30, 2019 were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole+amoxicillin+furazolidone+colloidal bismuth pectin capsule, 14 days), followed by JHWK (30 days), and the course of treatment was 44 days in total. In the control group, the administration regimen was bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (esomeprazole+amoxicillin+furazolidone+colloidal bismuth pectin capsule, 14 days). The main outcome measure was H. pylori eradication rate, while the secondary outcome measures were dyspepsia symptom changes and adverse events during the treatment and the 1st month after treatment. Results: A total of 1 054 patients were included in the study. There were 522 cases enrolled in the experimental group, including 224(42.91%) men and 298(57.09%) women, and the age was 53(26, 73) years old; 532 cases enrolled in the control group, including 221(41.54%) men and 311(58.46%) women, and the age was 46(22, 71) years old. Based on PP analysis, it was found that the H. pylori eradication rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group (93.85% vs 87.88%, P=0.001). In the group of all enrolled patients, the symptom dyspepsia after H. pylori eradication was significantly improved compared with that before treatment [4(4, 7) vs 15(10, 22), P<0.001], so was the superior and middle abdominal pain [1(1, 4) vs 4(1, 8), P<0.001], the postprandial fullness [1(1, 4) vs 4(4, 9), P<0.001], the early satiety [1(1, 1) vs 4(1, 4), P<0.001], and the heartburn [1(1, 1) vs 1(1, 4), P<0.001]. The symptom dyspepsia after treatment was significantly improved compared with that before treatment in the experimental, the control groups, the successful and the unsuccessful H. pylori eradication groups. The superior and middle abdominal pain after treatment was signifcantly improved than that before treatment [1(1, 2) vs 1(1, 4), P<0.001], so were the postprandial fullness [1(1, 3) vs 1(1, 4), P=0.002] and the dyspepsia[4(4, 7) VS 7(4, 10), P<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the experimental group and the control group (1.34% vs 0.38%, P=0.09). Conclusions: Compared with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, bismuth-containing quadruple therapy followed by JHWK significantly improves the H. pylori eradication rate without increasing the incidence of adverse events. H. pylori eradication therapy can improve symptoms of patients with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of eugenol-entrapped casein nanoparticles amended with lysozyme against gram-positive pathogens

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficiency and synergistic mechanisms of novel formulated eugenol-casein-lysozyme nanoparticles (ECL-NPs) against gram-positive bacteria. We obtained optimized ECL-NPs 151.9 nm in size and with an entrapment efficiency of 92.2%. ECL-NPs exhibited a satisfactory slow-release pattern, excellent storage stability (for 180 days at 4 °C), and freeze-drying stability. The synergy of low-dose lysozyme significantly enhanced the inhibitory efficiency of eugenol-casein nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp. by 5.83-fold and 5.53-fold, respectively; this resulted in a much lower minimum inhibitory concentration (3.75-fold and 4.16-fold) and minimum bacterial concentration (2.92-fold and 1.70-fold) values. Scanning electron microscopy clearly demonstrated that the entire cell morphological structure was broken into pieces after exposure to ECL-NPs. Furthermore, 100% microbial inhibition was observed in fresh fruits treated with ECL-NPs for 15 days. These findings suggest that ECL-NPs have an excellent potential for use in food industry against gram-positive bacteria.

Analysis of the relationship between microRNA-31 and interferon regulatory factor-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was designed to elucidate the role of microRNA-31 (miR-31) in HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HuH7 cell lines were transfected with miR-31 mimic or miR-31 inhibitor to investigate the role of miR-31 in regulating interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1). The mRNA and protein expression levels of IRF-1 were quantitatively detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Subsequently, Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was also performed.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-31 was significantly up-regulated in HuH7 cells when compared with that in primary human hepatocytes (hHC). Dual-Luciferase reporter assay indicated that IRF-1 was the direct target of miR-31. The expression levels of IRF-1 were decreased in HuH7 and HepG2 cell lines. IRF-1 was negatively correlated with miR-31 in HCC tissues and paired adjacent tissues. The expression level of miR-31 was inversely correlated with IRF-1. MiR-31 inhibitor up-regulated the expression levels of IRF-1 in HuH7 cells, whereas miR-31 mimic down-regulated the expression levels of IRF-1. Furthermore, the miR-31 mimic repressed IRF-1-3'UTR reporter activity, whereas the miR-31 inhibitor enhanced IRF-1-3'UTR reporter activity depending on the concentration of miR-31 mimic and miR-31 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that miR-31 can regulate the expression level of IRF-1 in HCC, which probably provided novel theoretical evidence for the application of target miR-31 treatment of HCC.

LncRNA FOXC2-AS1 regulated proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cell through targeting miR-1253/FOXF1 axis in atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the most dangerous factor for human death, which is responsible for coronary heart disease. Growing evidence has showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the development of AS. In this study, we mainly aimed at investigating the roles of FOXC2-AS1 in AS patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of FOXC2-AS1 and miR-1253 in serum samples of AS patients (n=35) and healthy volunteer (n=35). The correlation between FOXC2-AS1 and miR-1253 was further analyzed. Human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were respectively treated with ox-LDL, IL-6, CRP, TNF-α and IL-8 to explore the affecting factors. P-FOXC2-AS1 was constructed and transfected into VSMCs. Cell proliferation abilities were measured by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptotic rates were measured by flow cytometry (FACS) analysis. Western blot (WB) was performed to detect protein levels of FOXF1, Bcl-2, Bax and Cleaved Caspase3. Finally, luciferase gene reporter assay was performed to prove the relationships between FOXC2-AS1 and miR-1253, miR-1253 and FOXF1.

RESULTS

We found that FOXC2-AS1 was significantly upregulated in AS patients, which could be induced by ox-LDL and IL-6 in VSMCs. MiR-1253 was decreased in AS patients, which was negatively correlated with FOXC2-AS1. Furthermore, FOXC2-AS1 overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in VSMCs. Luciferase gene reporter assay showed that FOXC2-AS1 could bind to miR-1253 in VSMCs and 293 cells. Moreover, miR-1253 overexpression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of VSMCs. Luciferase reporter assay proved that miR-1253 could target at FOXF1 in VSMCs and 293 cells, which was reported to be associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis in some cancers. Additionally, miR-1253 mimic or GSK343, a FOXF1 inhibitor, was respectively transfected into VSMCs with p-FOXC2-AS1. Results showed that the promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis were reversed as well, confirming that FOXC2-AS1 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis via miR-1253/FOXF1 signaling axis in AS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, we found that FOXC2-AS1 was upregulated in AS patients; furthermore, FOXC2-AS1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis via targeting miR-1253/FOXF1 signaling axis. Our results elucidated a potential mechanism underlying the role of FOXC2-AS1, which might be used as a promising marker and a potential target for AS patients.

Superior anti-infective potential of eugenol-casein nanoparticles combined with polyethylene glycol against Colletotrichum musae infections

The aim of this study was to improve the stability of eugenol-casein nanoparticles (EL-CS-NPs) through polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. The results show that modifying the EL-CS-NPs with PEG after loading with eugenol (EL) gives PEG-EL-CS-NPs, with increased stability. The NPs modified with higher-molecular-weight PEG showed better stability. A CS/PEG ratio of 200 : 1 (w/w) yielded the NPs with the best stability. A PEG20 K-EL-CS-NP dispersion remained stable in cold storage for over one year, and also exhibited stronger inhibitory effects against Colletotrichum musae inoculated on bananas than an EL-CS-NP dispersion, since it showed more prolonged sustained release of EL than the EL-CS-NP dispersion. Lyophilized PEG20 K-EL-CS-NP powder showed better effectiveness against mold on bread than lyophilized EL-CS-NPs powder. Using PEG to modify CS-NPs shows potential for improving the stability of CS-NPs loaded with hydrophobic substances for delivery in the fields of food and agriculture.

Efficient bioconversion of high-concentration d-fructose into d-mannose by a novel N-acyl-d-glucosamine 2-epimerase from Thermobifida halotolerans

A novel N-acyl-d-glucosamine 2-epimerase ThMI exhibits high mannose isomerase activity with a maximum bioconversion ratio of 35.8% in 500 g L⁻¹d-fructose. Whole-cell biocatalyst produced 157 g L⁻¹d-mannose from 500 g L⁻¹d-fructose in 60 min.

Biosynthesis of low-molecular-weight mannan using metabolically engineered Bacillus subtilis 168

Mannans are functional polysaccharides with unique biological activities that have been employed widely in food, medicine and pharmaceutics. Recent breakthroughs in plant polysaccharide metabolism identified numerous genes involved in the biosynthesis of mannans. However, constructing highly efficient low-cost microbial cell factories to produce low-molecular-weight (LMW) mannans remains challenging. In this work, we designed a de novo mannan synthetic pathway in food-grade Bacillus subtilis, resulting in mannan accumulation of 0.97 g/L. By co-expressing the identified committed genes (manC, manB, manA and pgi), mannan production was significantly increased to 2.5 g/L. Furthermore, by redirecting the carbon flux using a glucose-repressed promoter to control pfkA expression, mannan production was substantially increased to 4.1 g/L. Production was further enhanced to 12.6 g/L (average MW 6370 Da) in 3-L fed-batch fermentation. This work provides alternative synthetic pathways for metabolic engineering of LMW mannans in B. subtilis, and a useful, optimisable approach to enhance mannans production.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00152 is up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and regulates proliferation and cell cycle of SKOV3 cells

OBJECTIVE

To characterize functions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Epithelial ovarian cancer tissues and matching normal tissues were collected from two individual patients for RNA microarray analysis. Besides, twenty-two ovarian cancer samples and ten healthy ovarian epithelial tissues were collected for Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Microarray assay suggested that a list of cancer relating mRNAs and lncRNAs were upregulated. The identified lncRNAs were validated via RT-qPCR, which led to the identification of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 152 (LINC00152). To determine the function of LINC00152 in ovarian cancer, we knocked down the expression of LINC00152 in epithelial ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 with small interference RNAs (siRNAs). The effects of LIN00152 on the proliferation and cell cycle were determined by comparing the cell viability of SKOV3 cells with LIN00152 knockdown and the control cells with negative siRNA. The cell viability was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assay. RNA microarray assay was used again in control and LINC00152 knockdown SKOV3 cells to identify downstream signaling pathways.

RESULTS

Fourteen ovarian cancer relating lncRNAs were identified by RNA microarray assay. Up-regulation of LINC00152 was validated via RT-qPCR. A higher expression of LINC00152 in late cancer stage (III-IV) compared to the early stage tumors was also demonstrated. Inhibition of LINC00152 in SKOV3 cells inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest that involved prolonged G1 phase and shortened S phase. The microarray assay data of SKOV3 cells suggested that Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C) was a potential downstream target of LINC00152.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC00152 is upregulated in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues comparing to normal tissues. Knockdown of LINC00152 expression inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest. LINC00152 possibly interacts with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) signaling pathway. CDKN1C is a potential downstream target of LINC00152.

Clinical characteristics of very late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

The typical age at onset of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is between 30 and 40 years. A growing awareness about the disease and advances in diagnostic techniques have led to an increase in the number of patients being diagnosed with very late-onset (VLO) NMOSD. This study compared the clinical characteristics, treatments, and prognoses between patients with VLO-NMOSD or late-onset (LO) NMOSD.

METHODS

Patients in our study were assigned to two groups based on age at onset of the disease: LO-NMOSD (50-70 years old at onset) and VLO-NMOSD (> 70 years old at onset). We compared clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging of lesions, prognosis, and treatments between the two groups.

RESULTS

We collected data from 12 VLO-NMOSD patients with a median age at onset of 74.0 years (interquartile range, 72.6-75.9 years) and 104 LO-NMOSD patients with a median age at onset of 56.0 years (55.8-57.9 years). There were a high proportion of female patients in both the VLO-NMOSD group (9, 75.0%) and the LO-NMOSD group (91, 87.5%). Our study indicated that VLO-NMOSD patients had significantly higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores (8.5 vs 4.0, p = 0.01), higher motor disability rates (41.7% vs 9.6%, p = 0.002), and higher mortality rates (25.0 vs 4.8%, p = 0.044) at last follow-up. However, patients with VLO-NMOSD had lower rates of immunosuppressant usage (50.0% vs 76.9%, p = 0.044). Age at onset was positively correlated with EDSS score at remission (r = 0.49, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

VLO-NMOSD was associated with higher EDSS score at remission, higher rates of mortality and motor disability, but lower rates of immunosuppressive treatment usage than LO-NMOSD. Future studies are needed to understand the effects of NMOSD on older patients, and to seek suitable treatment to improve their prognosis.

[MicroRNA-140-5p suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting Glut1]

Objective: To investigate the expression of microRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its role in cell proliferation and invasion of ESCC. Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-140-5p in ESCC tissues and cells. Negative control and miR-140-5p mimic were transfected into Eca109 and KYSE70 cells. CCK-8 kit and Transwell assay were employed to examine the changes of cell proliferation and invasion ability after transfection, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to assess the interaction of miR-140-5p with Glut1. Western blot was utilized to detect the Glut1 protein expression after transfection. Results: Analysis of the related GEO datasets revealed that the expression of miR-140-5p in ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues (P<0.01). The qPCR testing demonstrated that the expression of miR-140-5p in ESCC tissues and cells was markedly lower than that in normal tissues and normal esophageal epithelial cell Het-1A (P<0.01). The miR-140-5p expression was closely associated with tumor differentiation, TNM staging and lymph node metastasis in ESCC patients. The survival rate of ESCC patients with high miR-140-5p level was higher than those with low miR-140-5p level (P<0.05). Besides, addition of miR-140-5p mimic significantly upregulated the expression of miR-140-5p in Eca109 and KYSE70 cells, and suppressed cell proliferation and invasion in Eca109 and KYSE70 cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that Glut1 was a direct target of miR-140-5p in ESCC cells, and its expression was upregulated in ESCC tissues. Glut1 expression was inversely associated with miR-140-5p expression in ESCC tissues. MiR-140-5p mimic dramatically inhibited the expression of Glut1 in Eca109 and KYSE70 cells. Conclusions: MiR-140-5p plays an essential role in ESCC development and progression. Targeting at miR-140-5p/Glut1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for ESCC patients.

Low-dose vardenafil potentiates the protective effect of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate on cardiomyocytes

The major polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) of green tea shows well-known health benefits such as potential anti-cancer, anti-oxidation and ameliorating cardiovascular disease. This work aims to improve the bioactivity of EGCG on H9C2 cardiomyocytes by combination regimen of vardenafil and EGCG. The proliferative rates were significantly improved by 18.74%, 10.77% and 29.17% after 48 h with EGCG, vardenafil, and the combination of EGCG and low-dose vardenafil treatments, respectively. The treatments also increased the expression of the nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and acutely stimulate production of vasodilators nitric oxide (NO) from 17.33μmol/L to 19.75, 20.87 and 24.47μmol/L in H9C2 cells. We further demonstrated that vardenafil also remarkably promoted EGCG to counteract H₂O₂-induced apoptotic damage in H9C2 by strengthening antioxidant defense systems and suppressing myocardial apoptosis. These results suggest that EGCG and low-dose vardenafil in combination may be a promising regimen to help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

New Imaging Findings of Incomplete Partition Type III Inner Ear Malformation and Literature Review

Incomplete partition type III, also referred to as X-linked deafness, is a rare genetic inner ear malformation. Its characteristic CT findings, including bulbous dilation of the internal auditory canal and absence of the modiolus with the interscalar septa present, have been well-recognized. In this series of 19 cases, we report the abnormalities of the vestibule and semicircular canals and provide a comprehensive description of their CT and MR imaging findings. The inner ear malformations in incomplete partition type III were bilateral and basically symmetric, with involvement of the internal auditory canal, nerve canals in the fundus, cochlea, vestibule, semicircular canals, vestibular aqueduct, otic capsule, round window, oval window, and stapes. An irregular vestibule with a cystic appearance is also a distinctive imaging feature, which could be seen in about 90% of our patients, with a cystic appearance of the semicircular canals present in nearly half of the cases.

Spin-Canting-Induced Band Reconstruction in the Dirac Material Ca_{1-x}Na_{x}MnBi_{2}

The ternary AMnBi_{2} (A is alkaline as well as rare-earth atom) materials provide an arena for investigating the interplay between low-dimensional magnetism of the antiferromagnetic MnBi layers and the electronic states in the intercalated Bi layers, which harbor relativistic fermions. Here, we report on a comprehensive study of the optical properties and magnetic torque response of Ca_{1-x}Na_{x}MnBi_{2}. Our findings give evidence for a spin canting occurring at T_{s}∼50-100  K. With the support of first-principles calculations we establish a direct link between the spin canting and the reconstruction of the electronic band structure, having immediate implications for the spectral weight reshuffling in the optical response, signaling a partial gapping of the Fermi surface, and the dc transport properties below T_{s}.

Structural Modification of Nanomicelles through Phosphatidylcholine: The Enhanced Drug-Loading Capacity and Anticancer Activity of Celecoxib-Casein Nanoparticles for the Intravenous Delivery of Celecoxib

This study aims to stabilize loaded celecoxib (CX) by modifying the structure of casein nanoparticles through phosphatidylcholine. The results show that Egg yolk phosphatidylcholine PC_98T (PC) significantly increased the stability of CX-PC-casein nanoparticles (NPs) (192.6 nm) from 5 min (CX-β-casein-NPs) to 2.5 h at 37 °C. In addition, the resuspended freeze-dried NPs (202.4 nm) remained stable for 2.5 h. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that PC may block the micropore structures in nanoparticles by ultrasonic treatment and hence improve the physicochemical stability of CX-PC-casein-NPs. The stability of the NPs was positively correlated with their inhibiting ability for human malignant melanoma A375 cells. The structural modification of CX-PC-casein-NPs resulted in an increased intracellular uptake of CX by 2.4 times than that of the unmodified ones. The pharmacokinetic study showed that the Area Under Curve (AUC) of the CX-PC-casein-NPs was 2.9-fold higher in rats than that of the original casein nanoparticles. When CX-PC-casein-NPs were intravenously administrated to mice implanted with A375 tumors (CX dose = 16 mg/kg bodyweight), the tumor inhibition rate reached 56.2%, which was comparable to that of paclitaxel (57.3%) at a dose of 4 mg/kg bodyweight. Our results confirm that the structural modification of CX-PC-casein-NPs can effectively prolong the remaining time of specific drugs, and may provide a potential strategy for cancer treatment.

Performance of IOTA ADNEX model in evaluating adnexal masses in a gynecological oncology center in China

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model in the preoperative diagnosis of adnexal masses using data from a gynecological oncology center in China.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective diagnostic accuracy study based on ultrasound data collected prospectively, between May and December 2017, from 278 patients with at least one adnexal (ovarian, paraovarian or tubal) mass. Clinical and pathologic information, serum CA 125 level and ultrasonographic findings were collected. All patients underwent surgery and the histopathological diagnosis was used as reference standard. The final diagnosis was classified into five tumor types according to the ADNEX model: benign ovarian tumor, borderline ovarian tumor (BOT), Stage-I ovarian cancer (OC), Stages-II-IV OC and ovarian metastasis. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the ADNEX model, with and without inclusion of CA 125 level in the model.

RESULTS

Of the 278 women included, 203 (73.0%) had a benign ovarian tumor and 75 (27.0%) had a malignant ovarian tumor, including 18 (6.5%) with BOT, 17 (6.1%) with Stage-I OC, 32 (11.5%) with Stages-II-IV OC and eight (2.9%) with ovarian metastasis. The performance of the IOTA ADNEX model was good for discriminating between benign and malignant tumors, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91-0.97) when CA 125 was included in the model and AUC of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.90-0.96) without CA 125. The AUC values of the model including CA 125 ranged between 0.61 and 0.99 for distinguishing between the different types of tumor, and it showed excellent performance in discriminating between a benign ovarian tumor and Stages-II-IV OC, with an AUC of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-1.00). The performance of the model was less effective at distinguishing between BOT and Stage-I OC and between Stages-II-IV OC and ovarian metastasis, with AUC values of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43-0.77) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.62-0.90), respectively. Although inclusion of CA 125 did not alter the performance of the ADNEX model in discriminating between benign and malignant lesions (AUC of 0.94 and 0.93 with and without CA 125 level, respectively; P = 0.54), the inclusion of CA 125 in the model improved its performance in discriminating between Stage-I OC and Stages-II-IV OC (AUC increased from 0.81 to 0.92; P = 0.04) and between Stages-II-IV OC and metastatic cancer (AUC increased from 0.58 to 0.78; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The IOTA ADNEX model showed good to excellent performance in distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal masses and between the different types of ovarian tumor in a Chinese setting. Based on our findings, the ADNEX model has high value in clinical practice and can aid in the preoperative diagnosis of patients with an adnexal mass. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

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

Orange Fragrance with Sustained-Release Properties Prepared by Nanoethosomal Encapsulation of Natural Orange Essential Oil

There is an upsurge of interest in improving the stability and prolong the scent holding time of fragrances in cosmetic industry. In this study, to encapsulate the orange essential oils (OEO), nanoethosomes were constructed with optimized proportions of ethanol, water, soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), Tween 80, and palm oil sucrose esters (PSE). The controlled-release behavior of nanoethosomes was then studied concerning physicochemical stability, microstructure, and olfactory sensation. The sustained-release effectiveness of the nanoethosomal fragrances was influenced by particle size and OEO amount of specific formula. Herein, there was a positive correlation between particle size and sustained-release effectiveness. In particular, the mean diameter of nanoethosomal orange fragrances (nano-OFs)-prepared by EO-ethanol-water-SPC-Tween 80-PSE (3-7:25:72-68:2:1.0:0.1) and 3%, 5%, and 7% OEO-was 68.6±3.6, 79.5±4.5 and 87.3±6.9 nm, respectively. The results of olfactory sensation and GC-MS analysis showed that these fragrances could sustainedly release the aromatic compounds to yield satisfactory smell longer than that of the conventional orange fragrance. Furthermore, the nano-OF made of 5% EO yield a satisfactory smell more than 3 h, which was 3 times of that of the conventional orange fragrance. This fragrance was stable when stored at 4 °C (>1 year) and 25 °C (>10 months). The knowledge gained from this study will be helpful to develop nanoethosomal fragrances or perfumes for commercial use.

Relationship of platelet microparticle CD62P and activated GP IIb/IIIa with hypercoagulable state after atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation

OBJECTIVE

The morbidity of atrial fibrillation (AF) is 1%-2% in clinic. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a type of radical interventional therapy for AF, whereas it may lead to a hypercoagulable state. This study evaluated platelet particle CD62P and platelet activation biomarker GP IIb/IIIa expressions in AF patients treated by RFCA, and aimed to analyze their relationships with the hypercoagulable state after RFCA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 60 AF patients received RFCA in our hospital were enrolled. The patients were divided into group A as hypercoagulable state group and group B as non-hypercoagulable group. Healthy volunteers were selected as normal control. Serum D-Dimer, parathyroid activity index 1 (PAI-1), and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) content were tested by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while peripheral CD62P and GP IIb/IIIa expressions were detected by using flow cytometry before, after, and seven days after RFCA.

RESULTS

D-Dimer and PAI-1 levels increased, while t-PA reduced in group A compared with that in group B and control (p<0.05). D-Dimer and t-PA contents gradually elevated, whereas t-PA level gradually declined in group A before, after, and seven days after RFCA (p<0.05). Serum CD62P and GP IIb/IIIa expressions in group A were significantly higher compared to that in group B and control (p<0.05). CD62P and GP IIb/IIIa levels were significantly higher seven days after RFCA compared with immediate after RFCA in group A (p<0.05). CD62P showed a positive correlation with GP IIb/IIIa in hypercoagulable state patients after RFCA (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AF patient may appear in hypercoagulable state after RFCA. CD62P and GP IIb/IIIa significantly increased and exhibited a positive correlation.

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

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

Enhanced Antiarthritic Efficacy by Nanoparticles of (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate-Glucosamine-Casein

This work aims to improve the antiarthritic activity of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and glucosamine (GA) through fabrication and optimization of casein protein nanoparticles (EGC-NPs). Optimized EGC-NPs were obtained with a EGCG/GA/casein ratio of 1:2:8 (w/w/w). The EGC-NPs gave a mean size of 186 ± 3.5 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 86.8 ± 2.7%, and they exhibited a greater inhibitory activity against human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-osteoarthritis cells and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-rheumatoid arthritis cells compared with that of the EGCG-GA mixture by 33.5% and 20.8%, respectively. Freeze-dried EGC-NPs stored at 25 °C during 12 months showed high dispersion stability. Moreover, the redispersion of the freeze-dried EGC-NPs produced almost no significant changes in their physicochemical properties and bioactivity. Rat experiments demonstrated that the antiarthritis effect of the EGC-NPs was significantly higher than that of EGCG-GA mixture, as assessed through an analysis of anti-inflammatory efficacy, radiographic images and histopathological assessments of paw joints, and immunohistochemical changes in serum cytokines. The enchanced antiarthritic activity in vivo was consistent with that in vitro. The EGC-NPs demonstrate potential as a food supplement for the treatment of arthritis.

New insight into the nitrogen metabolism of simultaneous heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacterium in mRNA expression

Here, the draft genome of simultaneous nitrification-denitrification strain (SND) Klebsiella sp. KSND revealed possible existence of genes involved in N-assimilation and -dissimilation pathways. The change levels of genes under defined N-sources were analyzed by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. It suggested that NH₄⁺-assimilation via NADP-glutamate dehydrogenase pathway would occur preferentially. NirBD genes were tightly regulated in a lower level, so that nitrite was rapidly consumed for detoxication by denitrification. Three types of nitrate reductase homologues are surprisingly present in KSND, whereas the dominant nitrate reduction for assimilation and denitrification processes mediates by NapA-type nitrate reductase. Nitric oxide reductase homologues FlRd and FlRd-red provide an adequate capacity for NO detoxification. The recombinant hydroxylamine reductase showed high activity in hydroxylamine to generate ammonium, which might contribute to detoxification mechanism in nitrogen cycling. Overall, this study firstly provides valuable insights into the genes expression and enzyme action, which helps understanding the mechanism of SND processes.

Tumor suppressor miR-145-5p sensitizes prolactinoma to bromocriptine by downregulating TPT1

PURPOSE

Prolactinoma is the most commonly seen secretory tumor of pituitary glands, which accounts for approximately up to 40% of total pituitary adenomas. Due to its high drug resistance, dopamine agonist, such as bromocriptine, has limited effect on the treatment of patients with prolactinoma. Recent discoveries have revealed that multiple miRNAs were involved in regulating drug resistance. In this research, we explored the relationship between miR-145-5p expression as well as bromocriptine sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

To study the role of miR-145-5p in drug resistance of prolactinoma, the expression levels of miR-145-5p in bromocriptine-resistant prolactinoma cell line MMQ/BRC and its parental cell line MMQ cells, 24 bromocriptine-resistant as well as eight sensitive clinical samples were measured by qRT-PCR. Moreover, CCK8, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were performed to identify the biological characteristics of MMQ/BRC and MMQ. TPT1 was predicted as a direct target gene of miR-145-5p by bioinformatic methods. In addition, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression level of TPT1 in clinical specimens and cell lines. Xenograft mouse model was constructed to analyze whether miR-145-5p could reverse bromocriptine resistance in prolactinoma in vivo.

RESULTS

In our study, bromocriptine-resistant prolactinoma clinical samples and cell line had decreased miR-145-5p levels and expressed high levels of TPT1 compared with their sensitive counterparts. Bioinformatic methods and our preliminary dual luciferase reporter assay were utilized to elucidate that TPT1 was a direct target gene of miR-145-5p. Furthermore, introducing miR-145-5p mimic into MMQ cells led to a decrease of IC50 along with upregulation of TPT1; nevertheless, transfecting the corresponding inhibitor into MMQ cells resulted in an upregulation of IC50 as well as reduction of TPT1.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our findings elucidated the role of miR-145-5p as an important regulator of drug resistance in prolactinoma by controlling TPT1, and implicated the potential application of miR-145-5p in cancer therapy as well.