Characterization of differences in physicochemical properties, volatile organic compounds and non-volatile metabolites of prune wine by inoculation of different lactic acid bacteria during malolactic fermentation

To investigate the effects of inoculating with three strains of lactic acid bacteria on prune wine quality during malolactic fermentation, this study determined its antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, organic acids, and volatile/non-volatile metabolites. The results showed that inoculation with Lactobacillus paracasei SMN-LBK improved the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of prune wine. 73 VOCs were detected in prune wine by HS-SPME-GC-MS, and VOC content increased by 4.3% and 9.1% in MLFS and MLFB, respectively. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus showed better potential for winemaking, and citral and 5-nonanol, were detected in the MLF samples. 39 shared differential metabolites were screened and their metabolic pathways were investigated based on nontargeted metabolomics. Differences in amino acid and flavonoid content between strains reflected their specificity in flavonoid biosynthesis and amino acid biosynthesis. These findings will provide useful information for the biochemical study and processing of prune wine.

Recent advances in small-angle scattering techniques for MOF colloidal materials

This paper reviews the recent progress of small angle scattering (SAS) techniques, mainly including X-ray small angle scattering technique (SAXS) and neutron small angle scattering (SANS) technique, in the study of metal-organic framework (MOF) colloidal materials (CMOFs). First, we introduce the application research of SAXS technique in pristine MOFs materials, and review the studies on synthesis mechanism of MOF materials, the pore structures and fractal characteristics, as well as the spatial distribution and morphological evolution of foreign molecules in MOF composites and MOF-derived materials. Then, the applications of SANS technique in MOFs are summarized, with emphasis on SANS data processing method, structure modeling and quantitative structural information extraction. Finally, the characteristics and developments of SAS techniques are commented and prospected. It can be found that most studies on MOF materials with SAS techniques focus mainly on nanoporous structure characterization and the evolution of pore structures, or the spatial distribution of other foreign molecules loaded in MOFs. Indeed, SAS techniques take an irreplaceable role in revealing the structure and evolution of nanopores in CMOFs. We expect that this paper will help to understand the research status of SAS techniques on MOF materials and better to apply SAS techniques to conduct further research on MOF and related materials.

A Study on the Nanostructural Evolution of Bi/C Anode Materials during Their First Charge/Discharge Processes

As a candidate anode material for Li-ion batteries, Bi-based materials have attracted extensive attention from researchers due to their high specific capacity, environmental friendliness, and simple synthesis methods. However, Bi-based anode materials are prone to causing large volume changes during charging and discharging processes, and the effect of these changes on lithium storage performance is still unclear. This work introduces that Bi/C nanocomposites are prepared by the Bi-based MOF precursor calcination method, and that the Bi/C nanocomposite maintains a high specific capacity (931.6 mAh g-1) with good multiplicative performance after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g-1. The structural evolution of Bi/C anode material during the first cycle of charging and discharging is investigated using in situ synchrotron radiation SAXS. The SAXS results indicate that the multistage scatterers of Bi/C composite, used as an anode material during the first lithiation, can be classified into mesopores, interspaces, and Bi nanoparticles. The different nanostructure evolutions of three types of Bi nanoparticles were observed. It is believed that this result will help to further understand the complex reaction mechanism of Bi-based anode materials in Li-ion batteries.

[Analysis of clinical and prognostic characteristics of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with myelofibrosis patients]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and prognostic characteristics of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients with myelofibrosis (MF). Methods: The clinical data of 160 NDMM patients admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2012 to July 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into MF group(n=74) and non-MF group(n=86) according to whether combined with MF. Patients in MF group were further splited into MF-1 group (n=47) and MF-2/3 group (n=27). All patients were treated with bortezomib and immunomodulatory-based combination therapy. The efficacy was evaluated after 4 courses, and the clinical features and prognosis between the two groups were compared. The deadline for follow-up was December 30, 2022 and the median follow-up period [M (Q1, Q3)] was 23.5 (14.4, 40.5) months. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and Cox regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of survival. Results: Among 160 patients with NDMM, 91 were males and 69 were females, with a median age [M (Q1, Q3)] of 59 (54, 69) years. In MF group, the bone marrow immature plasma cell percentage, total plasma cell percentage were 9.6% (3.2%, 28.5%) and 36.4% (18.5%, 51.1%), respectively, which were higher than 6.0% (1.2%, 17.2%) and 24.0% (12.0%, 46.0%) of the non-MF group (both P<0.05). Hb level was 84.0(74.5, 100.5)g/L and PLT was (151.99±90.68) ×109/L in the MF group, which were lower than 96.0 (81.0, 112.0)g/L and (180.38±85.32) ×109/L of non-MF group (both P<0.05). But there were no significant differences in ISS stage, karyotypic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) high-risk genetic abnormalities between the two groups (all P>0.05). Objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). The rate of 17p- was 25.9% (7/27) in MF-2/3 group, which was higher than 8.1% (7/86) of non-MF group (P=0.049). The median OS of the MF-2/3 group was 25.0 (95%CI: 23.6-26.4) months, which was shorter than that of the non-MF group (54.0 months, P=0.031). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that grade MF-2/3 was not a risk factor for OS in NDMM patients (HR=1.507, 95%CI: 0.624-3.993, P=0.425). Conclusions: The ratio of bone marrow immature plasma cells and total plasma cells in NDMM patients with MF are higher than that in patients without MF, and the Hb and PLT are lower than that in patients without MF. NDMM patients with grade 2/3 MF have shorter survival than those without MF.

Interim Analysis of DD3: A Phase IB/II Trial of Dose-Deescalated 3-Fraction SBRT for Centrally Located Lung Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Prior studies suggested excessive toxicity for central lung tumors treated with 3-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This may be related to the high biologically equivalent dose assuming alpha/beta of 10 (BED) of 54 Gy in 3 fractions (BED = 151.2), as 50-60 Gy in 5 fractions (BED = 100.0-132.0) was well-tolerated in RTOG 0813. We initiated a prospective phase IB/II trial to test the hypothesis that a dose-deescalated regimen of 45 Gy in 3 fractions (BED 112.5) would be safe and efficacious in central lung tumors.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We enrolled patients with primary or secondary lung tumors ≤5cm in a central but not ultra-central tumor location defined as within 2 cm of (but not abutting) tracheobronchial tree, esophagus, or heart. Patients were either medically inoperable or refused surgical intervention. Co-primary endpoints were safety and efficacy, defined as local control (LC). Secondary endpoints included lobar control, regional control (LRC), distant control (DC), progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Organ-at-risk dose constraints were consistent with those of RTOG 0236. The Bayesian predictive probability approach was utilized for continuous monitoring after 10 patients were treated and have mature assessment of toxicity, after which interim analysis was planned. We recommended terminating the trial for safety if there was sufficient evidence that the rate of grade ≥3 was greater than 0.25 (predictive probability >0.80).

RESULTS

As of the data cut-off date of 1/26/23, the trial was open for 34 months (including a nearly-immediate suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic). A total of 17 patients have been treated on protocol with a median follow-up of 12 months. No grade ≥3 adverse events attributable to SBRT have occurred to date, though one patient died of unrelated cardiac arrhythmias 1 month after SBRT completion (Table 1). Maximum CTCAE grade 2 adverse events attributable to SBRT occurred in 17.6% of patients. The predictive probability of concluding unacceptably high toxicity rate by the end of the trial based on toxicity data in the current stage is 0.62%. To date, there have been 0 local recurrences, 1 regional recurrence without local recurrence (8 months after SBRT completion, successfully salvaged with definitive chemoradiotherapy without additional toxicities), and 1 distant recurrence without local recurrence (6 months after SBRT in a patient with lung metastasis from colon adenocarcinoma).

CONCLUSION

Interim analysis of the DD3 trial suggests that for patients with central but not ultra-central lung tumors, an SBRT regimen of 45 Gy in 3 fractions warrants continued trial accrual and follow-up given no grade ≥3 toxicities or local recurrences in the early follow-up period among the first 17 patients enrolled.

[The Biography and Achievements of Japanese Psychiatrist Syuzo Kure]

Syuzo Kure (1865-1932) was the founder of modern psychiatry in Japan and one of the pioneers of the study on the Japanese medical history. He introduced the modern hospital system and psychiatric research, actively promoted the improvement of the treatment of the mental disorders.He was the founder of the Japanese Psychiatric Neurological Association and the Journal of Neurology, and also promoted the establishment of the Charity Treatment Association for the Mentally ill.At the same time, he excavated and sorted out the historical materials of psychiatry, and founded the Japanese Medical History Society.While the medical social history is heating up in China, it is of many significance to pay attention to the study of psychiatric history and a representative figure like Syuzo Kure.

Estradiol is a key candidate for treating Ankylosing Spondylolisthesis with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) treatment. Wan Bikang (WBK) and Wan Biqing (WBQ) are two traditional empirical formulas for AS. However, the mechanism of their effects on AS is largely unknown. This study deciphered the underlying common molecular mechanisms of these TCM treatments for AS. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) assays were employed to detect herbal ingredients. Target proteins of herbal ingredients were identified by ChEMBL Database. To infer the relationships between ingredients and AS-related proteins, network pharmacology was employed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core target analyses were carried out with tools Cytoscape and STRING. To find out the molecular basis and target of AS, molecular docking and an in vitro experiment were also conducted. It is found that estradiol may participate in the treatment of AS via the inhibition of inflammatory factors, and Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) appears to be a key target. This research offers insight into the therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulas for AS and furthers our understanding of TCM pharmacology.

Adjustment of impact phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and aroma profile in Cabernet Sauvignon wine by mixed fermentation of Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mixed fermentation using saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-saccharomyces cerevisiae has become one of the main research strategies to improve wine aroma. Hence, this study applied the mixed fermentation technique using Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to brew Cabernet Sauvignon wine and to investigate the effects of inoculation timing and inoculation ratio on the polyphenolics, antioxidant activity and aroma of the resulting wine. The results showed that mixed fermentation significantly improved the amounts of flavan-3-ols. In particular, S1:5 had the highest amounts of (-)-catechin and procyanidin B1 (73.23 mg/L and 46.59 mg/L), while S1:10 had the highest (-)-epicatechin content (57.95 mg/L). Meanwhile, S1:10 showed the strongest FRAP, CUPRAC and ABTS + activities (31.46 %, 25.38 % and 13.87 % higher than that of CK, respectively). In addition, mixed fermentation also increased the amounts of phenylethanol, isoamyl alcohol and ethyl esters, which enhanced the rose-like and fruity flavor of wine. This work used a friendly non-saccharomyces cerevisiae alongside appropriate inoculation strategies to provide an alternative approach for improved wine aroma and phenolic profile.

Salidroside alleviates cognitive impairment by inhibiting ferroptosis via activation of the Nrf2/GPX4 axis in SAMP8 mice

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurogenerative disease and remains no effective method for stopping its progress. Ferroptosis and adaptive immunity have been proven to contribute to AD pathogenesis. Salidroside exhibits neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. However, the underlying mechanisms linking salidroside, ferroptosis, and adaptive immunity in AD remain uncertain.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to explore the neuroprotective effects and the potential molecular mechanisms of salidroside against neuronal ferroptosis and CD8⁺ T cell infiltration in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

SAMP8 mice were employed as an AD model and were treated with salidroside for 12 weeks. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, HE and Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, quantitative proteomics, bioinformatic analysis, flow cytometry, iron staining, western blotting, and molecular docking were performed.

RESULTS

Treatment with salidroside dose-dependently attenuated cognitive impairment, reduced the accumulation of Aβ plaques and restored neuronal damage. Salidroside also suppressed the infiltration of CD8⁺T cells, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines, and improved mitochondrial metabolism, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and redox in the SAMP8 mice brain. The administration of salidroside decreased iron deposition, reduced TFR1, and ACSL4 protein expression, upregulated SLC7A11, and GPX4 protein expression, and promoted the Nrf2/GPX4 axis activation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, neuronal ferroptosis and CD8⁺T cells are involved in the process of cognitive impairment in SAMP8 mice. Salidroside alleviates cognitive impairment and inhibits neuronal ferroptosis. The underlying mechanisms may involve the Nrf2/GPX4 axis activation and reduction in CD8⁺T cells infiltration. This study provides some evidence for the roles of salidroside in adaptive immunity and neuronal ferroptosis in SAMP8 mice.

Impact of de-branched starch molecules and fatty acids complexes on the attenuation of ageing-induced cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND

Ageing and associated cognitive impairments are becoming serious issues around the world. In this study, the physiological property of three kinds of complexes of fatty acid (capric, stearic and oleic acid, respectively) and de-branched starch molecules was investigated via a D-galactose-induced ageing model. This study revealed the difference in the regulation of cognitive impairment and brain damage following different complexes intervention, which might highlight a potent approach for the prevention of this chronic disease.

RESULTS

Data indicated that three complexes improved response time and cognitive function and the bio-parameter markers associated with oxidative stress in ageing rats. Among them, the complexes prepared from de-branched starch-oleic acid showed a greater improvement compared to others. In addition, de-branched starch-capric acid complex showed a higher improvement in the morphology of colon cells and hippocampal neuronal cells. The consumption of de-branched starch-capric acid and -oleic acid complexes generated more short-chain fatty acids in the gut. More importantly, the complexation of de-branched starch with either caprate or stearate enhanced gut Akkermansia. Therefore, it was proposed that the richness in Akkermansia and gut metabolites might be associated with reduced the damage of the hippocampal neuronal cells induced by ageing progress. Moreover, AMPK pathway was activated in liver in de-branched starch-capric acid complex diet. In summary, de-branched starch-capric acid complex exhibited a greater effect on the attenuation of ageing-induced cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

This study might highlight a new approach for intervening the cognitive impairment during the ageing progress via a food supply. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

How do forms and characteristics of Asian public housing neighbourhoods affect dementia risk among senior population? A cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Public housing estate is a key determinant of community health risk in American/European cities. However, how forms/characteristics of compact/hilly public housing's neighbourhoods affect dementia among Asian seniors was underestimated.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 2,077 seniors living in Hong Kong's public housing estates were included. Dementia was measured by a Cantonese version of Montreal - Cognitive Assessment. Built environment was measured based on three dimensions (greenery, walkability, accessibility), including 11 metrics. Circular buffers (without walking paths) and service areas (considering walking paths) with two-dimensional/three-dimensional (terrain) adjustment were applied to quantify forms/characteristics of neighbourhoods. Two spatial buffers were applied: immediate distance (200 m) and walkable distance (500 m). Exposure-by-exposure regressions were applied to evaluate the associations between form/characteristics of neighbourhood and dementia.

RESULTS

Forms/characteristics without considering walking paths may overestimate health benefits from built environment. For circular buffers, higher percentage of building coverage, higher land use mix and more community/transportation/leisure facilities were negatively associated with dementia. All measures of greenery were positively associated with dementia. For service areas, measures of walkability and accessibility became insignificant except more community facilities at the immediate distance. Furthermore, terrain effect was insignificant when it was compared with the impacts of walking paths.

CONCLUSION

Dementia among seniors in hilly public housing estates was negatively associated with neighbourhood's walkability and accessibility and was influenced by walking paths. For healthy ageing, improved forms/characteristics of public housing neighbourhoods should include more accessible spaces and community facilities along walking paths for physical activities and basic daily needs.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics strategies to reveal the mechanism of diversity of maize kernel color and quality

BACKGROUND

Maize has many kernel colors, from white to dark black. However, research on the color and nutritional quality of the different varieties is limited. The color of the maize grain is an important characteristic. Colored maize is rich in nutrients, which have received attention for their role in diet-related chronic diseases and have different degrees of anti-stress protection for animal and human health.

METHODS

A comprehensive metabolome (LC-MS/MS) and transcriptome analysis was performed in this study to compare different colored maize varieties from the perspective of multiple recombination in order to study the nutritional value of maize with different colors and the molecular mechanism of color formation.

RESULTS

Maize kernels with diverse colors contain different types of health-promoting compounds, highlighting that different maize varieties can be used as functional foods according to human needs. Among them, red-purple and purple-black maize contain more flavonoids than white and yellow kernels. Purple-black kernels have a high content of amino acids and nucleotides, while red-purple kernels significantly accumulate sugar alcohols and lipids.

CONCLUSION

Our study can provide insights for improving people's diets and provide a theoretical basis for the study of food structure for chronic diseases.

Effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search up to November 2021 was done and 6 studies included 389 subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer at the start of the study; 197 of them were provided with intravesical-mitomycin and 192 with intravesical gemcitabine. The studies reported the relationships about the effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the effect of intravesical mitomycin compared with gemcitabine on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model.

RESULTS

Intravesical mitomycin had significantly higher recurrence rates (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.43-4.08, p=0.001) and chemical cystitis (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 2.27-8.51, p<0.001) compared to intravesical gemcitabine in subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, intravesical mitomycin had no significant difference in its effect on hematuria (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 0.68-4.33, p=0.26), skin reaction (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 0.59-7.07, p=0.26), and liver and kidney functions damage (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.35-10.96, p=0.44) compared to intravesical gemcitabine in subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical mitomycin had significantly higher recurrence rates and chemical cystitis and no significant difference in its effect on hematuria, skin reaction, and liver and kidney functions damage compared to intravesical gemcitabine in subjects with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

[Apolipoprotein E enhances migration of endometrial cancer cells byactivating the ERK/MMP9 signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) in regulating endometrial cancer metastasis and explore the signaling pathway in the regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

Human endometrial cancer cell line HEC-1B was transfected with a control siRNA (siCtrl) or a specific siRNA targeting APOE (siAPOE) or with either pEGFP-N1 plasmid or an APOEoverexpressing plasmid. The changes in migration, proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of the transfected cells were examined using wound healing assay, Transwell migration assay, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Hoechst staining. The activity of the ERK/MMP9 signaling pathway in the transfected cells was assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The expression level of APOE in clinical specimens of endometrial cancer tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry and its correlation with differentiation of endometrial cancer tissues was analyzed.

RESULTS

Wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay showed that compared with those in siCtrl group, HEC-1B cells transfected with siAPOE showed significantly reduced migration ability (P < 0.05), whereas APOE overexpression significantly promoted the migration of the cells (P < 0.05). Neither APOE knockdown nor overexpression produced significant effects on HEC-1B cell proliferation as shown by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Hoechst staining revealed that transfection with siAPOE did not significantly affect apoptosis of HEC-1B cells. APOE knockdown obviously reduced and APOE overexpression enhanced ERK phosphorylation and MMP9 expression in HEC-1B cells (P < 0.05). Treatment with U0126 partially reversed the effects of APOE overexpression on ERK phosphorylation, migration and MMP9 expression in HEC-1B cells (P < 0.05). APOE is highly expressed in clinical samples of endometrial cancer tissues as compared with the adjacent tissues.

CONCLUSION

APOE is highly expressed in endometrial cancer tissues to promote cancer cell migration by enhancing ERK phosphorylation and MMP9 expression.

Bearing multi-fault diagnosis with iterative generalized demodulation guided by enhanced rotational frequency matching under time-varying speed conditions

The rotational frequency (RF) is an important information for multi-fault features detection of rolling bearing under varying speed conditions. In the traditional methods, such as the computed order analysis (COA) and the time-frequency analysis (TFA), the RF should be measured using an encoder or extracted by a complex algorithm, which bring challenge to bearing fault diagnosis. In order to address this issue, a novel iterative generalized demodulation (IGD) based method guided by the instantaneous fault characteristic frequency (IFCF) extraction and enhanced instantaneous rotational frequency (IRF) matching is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the resonance frequency band excited by bearing fault is first obtained by the band-pass filter, and its envelope time-frequency​ representation (TFR) is calculated using the Hilbert transform and the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Second, the IFCF is extracted using the harmonic summation-based peak search algorithm from the envelope TFR. Third, the time-varying RF ridge is transformed into a line paralleling to the time axis using the IGD with the phase function (PF). The PF is calculated by the IFCF function and fault characteristic coefficient (FCC). Lastly, the iterative generalized demodulation spectrum (IGDS) is obtained using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for identifying fault type corresponding to the extracted IFCF. Based on obtained fault type and FCC ratios, new PFs and frequency points (FPs) are calculated for detecting other faults. Both simulated and experimental results validate that multi-fault features of rolling bearing under time-varying rotational speeds can be effectively identified without RF measurement and extraction.

Salidroside Alleviates Renal Fibrosis in SAMP8 Mice by Inhibiting Ferroptosis

Renal fibrosis progression is closely associated with aging, which ultimately leads to renal dysfunction. Salidroside (SAL) is considered to have broad anti-aging effects. However, the roles and mechanisms of SAL in aging-related renal fibrosis remain unclear. The study aimed to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of SAL in SAMP8 mice. SAMP8 mice were administered with SAL and Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) for 12 weeks. Renal function, renal fibrosis, and ferroptosis in renal tissue were detected. The results showed that elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels significantly decreased, serum albumin (ALB) levels increased, and mesangial hyperplasia significantly reduced in the SAL group. SAL significantly reduced transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-sma) levels in SAMP8 mice. SAL treatment significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in the kidneys, and regulated iron transport-related proteins and ferroptosis-related proteins. These results suggested that SAL delays renal aging and inhibits aging-related glomerular fibrosis by inhibiting ferroptosis in SAMP8 mice.

Author Correction: Nitrosative stress induces downregulation of ribosomal protein genes via MYCT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2021; 25 (18): 5653-5663-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202109_26784-PMID: 34604957, published online on 30 September, 2021. After publication, the authors applied to add another corresponding author. Therefore, both Dr. Xiaosun Guo and Dr. Fan Jiang are the corresponding authors of this article. There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/26784.

Volatile Compounds Analysis and Biomarkers Identification of Four Native Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Cultivars Grown in Xinjiang Region of China

Flavor (odor and taste) have a significant role in the consumer’s acceptance, and volatile compounds are responsible for the odor of apricots. In the present work, headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS) together with multivariate analysis, i.e., partial least square discrimination analysis (PLS-DA), were applied to construct the volatile fingerprints and biomarkers of apricots in Xinjiang, China. As a result, a total of 63 volatile substances were identified in the fruits of four apricot cultivars, seven of which were considered to serve as volatile biomarkers, which are damascenone for Dabaiyou apricots; acetophenone, myrcenol and 7-hexadecenal for Luopuhongdaike apricots; 2,4-dimethyl-cyclohexanol for You apricots; eucalyptol and salicylaldehyde for Xiaobai apricots. Moreover, Xiaobai apricots were richer in soluble sugars, organic acids and total phenolic and total flavonoid content than the other three apricot varieties. This work helps to characterize the volatile profiles and biomarkers of different apricot cultivars while providing theoretical guidance for developing apricot-flavored foods in practical production.

[Digitalization of perioperative traumatic stress in enhanced recovery after surgery program: current application and future prospect]

Perioperative traumatic stress is a systemic nonspecific response caused by stimuli such as anesthesia, surgery, pain and anxiety, which lasts throughout the perioperative period.The continuous excessive stress response is not conducive to the postoperative rehabilitation of patients. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), a research hotspot of modern surgery, can significantly reduce perioperative pain and stress, thus promoting the rehabilitation of patients. With the progress of artificial intelligence and information technology, wearable, non-invasive, real-time heart rate variability (HRV) dynamic monitoring can effectively realize the digitalization of stress monitoring with low price, which is worthy of clinical application. Therefore, the use of HRV for digital monitoring of perioperative stress has a significant research value. Moreover, the combination of HRV and ERAS has shown its advantages and the prospect of clinical application is worthy of anticipating.

[Characteristics and prognostic effects of NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients]

Objective: To explore the characteristics, clinical features and prognostic effects of NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients. Methods: The clinical data of 61 T-ALL patients who underwent second-generation gene sequencing in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from March 2016 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 46 males and 15 females, with a median age [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of 18 (11, 30) years. The relationship between NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutation characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters and their impact on event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: NOTCH1 gene mutations were found in 34 cases (55.7%, 34/61), including 22 cases of heterodimer domain (HD) mutations (64.7%), 7 cases of proline/glutamate/serine/threonine (PEST) mutations (20.6%), and 5 cases of both HD and PEST mutations (14.7%). FBXW7 gene mutations were detected in 9 cases (14.8%, 9/61), of which 5 cases had both NOTCH1 and FBXW7 gene mutations. Twenty-three (37.7%, 23/61) cases were wild type. The median white blood cell count of patients in NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group and wild-type group was 76.4×10⁹/L (8.3×10⁹/L, 149.2×10⁹/L), 54.1×10⁹/L (5.3×10⁹/L, 156.6×10⁹/L), respectively. Moreover, the hemoglobin was (89.1±27.1) g/L and (99.5±23.1) g/L, respectively, and the median proportion of bone marrow primordial cells was 84.5% (69.0%, 91.3%) and 60.0%(35.0%, 80.0%), respectively. The gene expression rate of SIL-TAL1, Hox11 and Hox11L2 was 7.9% (3/38) vs 17.4% (4/23), 18.4% (7/38) vs 4.3% (1/23), 5.3% (2/38) vs 13.0% (3/23), respectively (all P>0.05). However, the median platelet level in the NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group was 60.5×10⁹/L (36.8×10⁹/L, 100.3×10⁹/L), which was lower than that in the wild-type group [116.0×10⁹/L (63.0×10⁹/L, 178.0×10⁹/L)] (P=0.018). The median number of gene mutations in the group with NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group was 2.5 (1.8, 4.0), which was more than that in the group without NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group [0 (0, 1.0)] (P<0.001). The median EFS and OS of adult NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group were 28.0 (95%CI: 7.3-48.7) months and 30.0 (95%CI: 8.9-51.1) months, respectively, which were better than those of adult wild-type group [4.5 (95%CI: 0-11.6) months and 9.0 (95%CI: 0-19.1) months] (P=0.008 and 0.014).The median EFS and OS of children NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group were 12.0 (95%CI: 10.4-13.6) months and 19.0 (95%CI: 13.6-24.4) months, respectively, and those of wild-type group were 10.0 (95%CI: 8.9-11.1) months and 21.0 (95%CI: 0-51.4) months, respectively (P=0.673 and 0.434). Conclusions: The mutation rate of NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene is higher in T-ALL patients. Patients with NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutations group have lower platelet count and better EFS and OS. NOTCH1/FBXW7 gene mutation may be used as a hierarchical basis for individualized treatment of adult T-ALL patients.

Salidroside attenuates neuronal ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway in Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease mice and glutamate-injured HT22 cells

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease. Ferroptosis plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered an important factor in ferroptosis. Studies have demonstrated that salidroside has a potential therapeutic effect on AD. The intrinsic effect of salidroside on ferroptosis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects and pharmacological mechanisms of salidroside on alleviating neuronal ferroptosis in Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced AD mice and glutamate-injured HT22 cells.

Methods

HT22 cells were injured by glutamate (Glu), HT22 cells transfected with siRNA Nrf2, and Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced WT and Nrf2^−/−AD mice were treated with salidroside. The mitochondria ultrastructure, intracellular Fe²⁺, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation of HT22 cells were detected. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione disulfide, and superoxide dismutase were measured. The novel object recognition test, Y-maze, and open field test were used to investigate the protective effects of salidroside on Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced WT and Nrf2^−/−AD mice. The protein expressions of PTGS2, GPX4, Nrf2, and HO1 in the hippocampus were investigated by Western blot.

Results

Salidroside increased the cell viability and the level of MMP of Glu-injured HT22 cells, reduced the level of lipid peroxidation and ROS, and increased GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein expressions. These changes were not observed in siRNA Nrf2 transfected HT22 cells. Salidroside improved the ultrastructural changes in mitochondria of HT22 cells and Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced AD mice, but not in Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced Nrf2^−/−AD mice. Salidroside increased protein expression levels of GPX4, HO1, and NQO1 and decreased protein expression of PTGS2 in Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced AD mice but not in Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced Nrf2^−/−AD mice.

Conclusions

Salidroside plays a neuroprotective role by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis in Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced AD mice and Glu-injured HT22 cells, and its mechanism is related to activation of the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway.

Graphical Abstract

[Laparoscopic surgery in treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in liver: safety and efficacy]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery for perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). Methods: The clinical data of 42 patients with hepatic PEComa diagnosed by pathology in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2012 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the endoscopic group and the open group according to surgical methods. Statistical software was used to compare the differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pathological data and incidence of complications between the two groups. Results: There were 27 cases in the endoscopic group and 15 cases in the open group. In the endoscopic group, there were 5 males and 22 females, aged (40.0±10.4) years. In the open group, there were 5 males and 10 females, aged (44.5±12.6) years. The operative time of the endoscopic group and the open group was (239±156.2) min and (348±103.0) min, and the postoperative hospital stay was (8.2±2.4) d and (13.7±4.9) d, respectively, the endoscopic group was significantly better than the open group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, tumor benign and malignant, tumor site, tumor diameter, Ki67 index, postoperative complications such as biliary leakage, incision infection and pleural effusion (P>0.05). During the follow-up period of 2-103 months, one case was lost to follow-up, two cases died in the endoscopic group,one case died in the open group. The 5-year overall survival rate (OS) and disease-free survival rate (DFS) were 80.8% and 83.0%, respectively. Meanwhile,. The 5-year OS and DFS were both 92.3%, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Laparoscopic treatment of hepatic PEComa has the advantages of short operation time and short postoperative hospital stay, and the incidence of complications, 5-year OS and DFS are not significantly different from that of the open group.

[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Shangyu district, Shaoxing of Zhejiang province]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Shangyu district, Shaoxing of Zhejiang province in 2021, and provide evidence for the improvement of COVID-19 control and prevention measures. Methods: The incidence data of COVID-19 in Shangyu from December 7 to 21, 2021 was obtained from Shangyu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The epidemiological characteristics of the cases, i.e. the population, time and space distributions, were analyzed, and the incubation period and time-varying reproduction numbers (R_t) were calculated. Results: From December 7 to 21, 2021, a total of 380 COVID-19 cases caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant were detected in Shangyu, the median age of the cases was 52 years, M (Q₁，Q₃: 38, 61). The male to female ratio of the cases was 1∶1.25, and the cases were mainly workers (36.58%) and farmers (27.63%). The epidemic affected 9 townships (or community) of Shangyu, especially Caoe and Baiguan communities with the cases accounting for 57.10% and 31.53% respectively. The median incubation period of cases was 4.00 days, M (Q₁，Q₃: 3.00, 5.75). The basic reproduction number (R₀) was 4.06, and the R_t was 5.62 in early phase of the outbreak (the highest) and continuously decreased to less than 1.00 within 10 days after the detection of the outbreak. The number of COVID-19 cases decreased to 0 within 14 days after the outbreak (December 7-21), and the main detection methods were screening in centralized isolation (55.53%) and home isolation (40.00%). The infection rates of close contacts and secondary close contacts were 2.06% and 0.46% respectively. Conclusion: The epidemic of COVID-19 in Shangyu characterized by short incubation period, large number of infected people, and case clustering, suggesting the strong transmission of Delta variant (B.1.617.2). Comprehensive prevention and control measures, such as management of close contacts and secondary close contacts, and high-risk area, are essential for the rapid control of the epidemic.

[A multi-center, randomized controlled study on the effect of Saccharomyces boulardii combined with triple therapy for the initial eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection]

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in combination with triple therapy as a first-line regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients. Methods: A total of 497 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients who underwent gastroscopy and diagnosed with NUD were enrolled from June 2018 to January 2020 in 9 medical centers across China. Participants were segmentedly randomly divided into 3 groups. Patients in group A received S. boulardii for 14 days and triple therapy for 10 days, while patients in group B received bismuth quadruple group for 10 days, and patients in group C received triple therapy for 10 days. The H. pylori status was determined by the ¹³C-urea breath test on the 44th day of the treatment. Symptom improvement and adverse reactions were assessed on the 14th and 44th day. Results: There were 229 males and 268 females in all 497 patients enrolled. They were aged 18-69 (46.1±11.8) years and 472 of them (158 cases in group A, 159 cases in group B, and 155 cases in group C) completed the trial. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates in patients in patients A, B and C were 77.8% (126/162), 80.1% (137/171) and 65.2% (107/164) respectively, and per protocol-based (PP) eradication rates were 79.7% (126/158), 86.2% (137/159) and 69.0% (107/155) respectively. The differences were statistically significant in ITT and PP analysis among 3 groups (ITT: χ²=11.14, P<0.01; PP: χ²=13.86, P<0.01). There was no significant difference between eradication rates of two quadruple therapys(all P>0.05), but both of them were significantly higher than that of standard triple therapy (both P<0.05). Statistics revealed that both quadruple therapys led to significantly higher symptom improvement of belching compared with that of standard triple therapy in day 14 (P<0.05). The relief of abdominal distension and belching symptom scores of group A were significantly higher than those of group C in day 44(all P<0.05). There was no serious adverse event reported. The incidence of diarrhea in group A was significantly lower than those in the other two groups (both P<0.05). Conclusions: The combination of S. boulardii and triple therapy can achieve a better eradication effect on H. pylori infection with NUD, and has advantages in symptom relief and safety.

[Status of vaccination and related influencing factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a real-world cross-sectional study]

Objective: To investigate the influenza and pneumonia vaccination rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and analyze the factors affecting vaccination. Methods: Totally 4 016 COPD patients at the initial visit were included in the Respiratory Department of Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from December, 2016 to December, 2019. Each patient's vaccination status after the visit for 1 year was reviewed, and finally 3 177 patients were included in the analysis. Relevant factors affecting vaccination were analyzed with logistic regression. Results: The overall vaccination rates of COPD patients with influenza vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and influenza combined pneumonia vaccine were 2.3% (72/3 177), 1.1% (34/3 177) and 1.1% (34/3 177), respectively. The influenza vaccination rate of urban patients (3.3%, 41/1 252) was higher than that of rural patients (1.6%, 31/1 925,P=0.002). The rates of influenza vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and influenza combined pneumonia vaccine in ex-smokers with COPD were 3.3% (33/993), 2.1% (21/993), 2.1% (21/993), respectively and 1.7% (25/1 467), 0.7% (11/1 467), 0.7% (11/1 467), in current smokers with COPD, respectively (P=0.034, P=0.015, P=0.015, respectively). The influenza vaccination rate was higher in patients with COPD assessment test (CAT) scored less than 10 (4%, 27/673) than patients with CAT scored more than 10 (1.8%, 45/2 504,P=0.002). In a multifactor analysis, patients who lived in country side, were current smokers, and had more symptoms were less likely to be vaccinated, with an aOR 1.73(95%CI 1.02-2.93), 2.10(95%CI 1.18-3.76), 2.06(95%CI 1.24-3.43), respectively. 81.2% of COPD patients did not receive the vaccine because they did not know the vaccine. Conclusions: Vaccination rates for influenza vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and both of them in COPD patients were low and the patients lacked knowledge of vaccine. The residence, smoking status and symptoms were related to the vaccination of COPD patients, and these should be taken into account in the vaccination health education.

PF-PLC micelles ameliorate cholestatic liver injury via regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and PXR/CAR/UGT1A1 signaling pathways in EE-induced rats

Paeoniflorin (PF) has a certain therapeutic effect on cholestasis liver injury. To further improve the bioavailability of PF and play its pharmacological role in liver protection, PF-phospholipid complex micelles (PF-PLC micelles) were prepared based on our previous research on PF-PLC. The protective effects of PF and PF-PLC micelles on cholestasis liver injury induced by 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE) were compared, and the possible mechanisms were further explored. Herein, we showed that PF-PLC micelles effectively improved liver function, alleviated liver pathological damage, and localized infiltration of inflammatory cells. Mechanism studies indicated that PF-PLC micelles treatment could suppress the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, and further reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, our experimental results demonstrated that the beneficial effect of PF-PLC micelles on EE-induced cholestasis may be achieved by the upregulation of nuclear receptors and metabolic enzymes (PXR/CAR/UGT1A1). All these results indicate that PF-PLC micelles have great potential in the treatment of cholestatic liver disease.

Nitrosative stress induces downregulation of ribosomal protein genes via MYCT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

In our previous genomic studies in human intracranial aneurysms, we observed downregulations in the expression of a number of ribosomal protein genes and the c-Myc-related gene MYC target 1 (MYCT1). So far there is no information about the roles of MYCT1 in vascular cells. Our study aims to investigate the functional roles of MYCT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary SMCs were isolated from rat thoracic aorta and cultured in vitro. The mRNA and protein expressions were determined by real-time PCR and western blot respectively. Apoptosis was detected by measuring caspase 3/7 activity. Collagen production was determined with ELISA.

RESULTS

Using PCR, we validated our previous genomic data showing that the expressions of MYCT1 and ribosomal protein genes were decreased in human aneurysm tissues. In vascular SMCs, we showed that nitrosative stress downregulated the expression of both MYCT1 and ribosomal proteins. Knockdown of MYCT1 mimicked the effects of nitrosative stress on ribosomal protein expressions, whereas overexpression of MYCT1 blunted the effects of nitrosative stress. MYCT1-dependent downregulation of ribosomal proteins compromised the protein translational capacity of the cells for collagen production. Moreover, the endogenously expressed MYCT1 in vascular SMCs was involved in maintaining normal cellular functions including survival, proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSIONS

MYCT1-dependent gene regulation may, at least partly, explain the downregulated expressions of ribosomal proteins observed in human intracranial aneurysms. It is suggested that MYCT1 may represent a novel molecular target for counteracting the decreased activity of aneurysmal SMCs for tissue repairmen/regeneration.

Direct Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX) and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX), and Observation of the State R(3760) in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX

We report a measurement of the observed cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX based on 3.21  fb^{-1} of data accumulated at energies from 3.645 to 3.891 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider. In analysis of the cross sections, we measured the decay branching fractions of B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX)=(64.4±0.6±1.6)% and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX)=(0.5±0.2±0.1)% for the first time. The energy-dependent line shape of these cross sections cannot be well described by two Breit-Wigner (BW) amplitudes of the expected decays ψ(3686)→J/ψX and ψ(3770)→J/ψX. Instead, it can be better described with one more BW amplitude of the decay R(3760)→J/ψX. Under this assumption, we extracted the R(3760) mass M_{R(3760)}=3766.2±3.8±0.4  MeV/c^{2} , total width Γ_{R(3760)}^{tot}=22.2±5.9±1.4  MeV, and product of leptonic width and decay branching fraction Γ_{R(3760)}^{ee}B[R(3760)→J/ψX]=(79.4±85.5±11.7)  eV. The significance of the R(3760) is 5.3σ. The first uncertainties of these measured quantities are from fits to the cross sections and second systematic.

[Analysis of clinical features and prognosis of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia harboring additional chromosomal abnormalities in Ph-positive cells]

目的

探讨Ph阳性附加染色体异常（ACA/Ph⁺）对初诊慢性期（CP）和治疗中进展为加速期和急变期慢性髓性白血病（CML-AP/BP）患者生物学特征、疗效和预后的影响。

方法

回顾性分析2013年1月至2020年6月河南省人民医院收治的410例Ph⁺ CML[初诊CML-CP 348例，治疗中进展为AP/BP（进展期CML）62例]患者的临床资料，根据ELN2020标准将其分为高危、非高危和无ACA/Ph⁺三组，并比较分析高危/非高危ACA/Ph⁺对其生物学特征、疗效和预后的影响。

结果

①348例初诊CML-CP患者，合并ACA/Ph⁺者20例（5.75%），其中高危ACA/Ph⁺组3例，非高危ACA/Ph⁺组17例；无ACA/Ph⁺组328例。伴ACA/Ph⁺和无ACA/Ph⁺组患者的基本临床特征差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）；非高危ACA/Ph⁺组和无ACA/Ph⁺组间完全血液学缓解（CHR）率、完全细胞遗传学反应（CCyR）率、主要分子学反应（MMR）率和5年总生存（OS）率差异均无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）；非高危ACA/Ph⁺组5年无进展生存（PFS）率显著低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（42.0%对74.5%，χ²＝4.766，P＝0.029）。②62例进展期CML患者，合并ACA/Ph⁺者41例（66.13%），其中高危ACA/Ph⁺组28例，非高危ACA/Ph⁺组13例；无ACA/Ph⁺组21例。高危ACA/Ph⁺组患者中位PLT水平（42.5×10⁹/L）低于非高危（141×10⁹/L）和无ACA/Ph⁺组（109×10⁹/L）（χ²＝4.968，P＝0.083）；三组间ABL激酶区点突变发生率差异无统计学意义（P＝0.652）。高危ACA/Ph⁺组CCyR率显著低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（5.3%对46.7%，χ²＝5.851，P＝0.016）。高危ACA/Ph⁺组5年OS率为46.2%，非高危ACA/Ph⁺组为64.3%，无ACA/Ph⁺组为77.8%，其中高危ACA/Ph⁺组患者5年OS率明显低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（χ²＝3.878，P＝0.049）。亚组分析显示高危Ⅰ组（+8，+Ph或含+8/+Ph的复杂ACA）CML患者的5年OS率为54.5%，与无ACA/Ph⁺组相比差异无统计学意义（χ²＝1.514，P＝0.219）；高危Ⅱ组[含−7/7q−或i（17q）或含2个及以上高危ACA的复杂核型]为28.6%，显著低于无ACA/Ph⁺组（χ²＝8.035，P＝0.005）。

结论

因ACA类型和疾病分期不同，伴ACA/Ph⁺ CML患者的治疗反应和预后存在差异，治疗过程中高危ACA的出现意味着更差的治疗反应和预后，严格、规范的细胞遗传学监测对此类患者的早期发现和精准诊疗具有重要意义。

Depth profiles of geochemical features, geochemical activities and biodiversity of microbial communities in marine sediments from the Shenhu area, the northern South China Sea

The biogeochemical processes, anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and methanogenesis, control methane emission and create distinct geochemical profiles with depth in marine sediments. Correlating the capacities and biodiversity of the microbial communities in marine sediments remains challenging. We therefore investigated the geochemical constituents and the capabilities and diversity of microbial communities in sediments at different depths in two cores from the Shenhu area in the northern South China Sea, which is characterized by underlying gas hydrates. The geochemical features, sulfate concentration decreased linearly and the acid volatile sulfur accumulated from 4 m below the seafloor (mbsf) to the bottom, indicating significant sulfate reduction. However, the methane concentration was relatively low and showed irregular trends, indicating that our study cores did not reach the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ). Nevertheless, incubation experiments showed that the microbial groups in sediments performed AOM and methanogenesis in the region where sulfate decreased linearly above the SMTZ. We mapped the diversity and abundance of microbial communities in sediments with depth using high-throughput sequencing. A small proportion of known methanogens (<0.3%) may have been responsible for the methanogenesis during incubation. No classical archaeal anaerobic methanotroph (ANME) sequences were detected across all samples; only a small amount of SEEP-SRB1 were detected, and their abundance did not increase with increasing depth. Thus, unknown or unconventional phylotypes may have participated in AOM during the incubation, and the dominant phylum Bathyarchaeota or the small number of detected methanogens are the most likely performers of AOM.

[Expression and clinicopathological significance of Bcl - 2 and Bax genes in colorectal cancer patients complicated with schistosomiasis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of Bcl-2 and Bax genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients complicated with schistosomiasis.

METHODS

The CRC patients receiving surgical treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University from June 2016 to June 2020 were recruited as the study subjects, and 30 subjects were randomly sampled from the CRC patients complicated with schistosomiasis (CRC-S group) and 30 subjects were randomly sampled from the CRC patients without schistosomiasis (CRC group) using a random number table method. The cancer specimens were sampled from subjects in the CRC-S and CRC groups, and the peri-cancer specimens were sampled from subjects in the CRC group. The Bcl-2 and Bax expression was quantified in cancer and peri-cancer specimens using a real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and immunohistochemistry at transcriptional and translational levels, and the cell apoptosis was detected in cancer specimens using HE staining.

RESULTS

A total of 60 subjects were enrolled, including 30 cases in the CRC group and 30 cases in the CRC-S group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender distribution (χ² = 0.271, P > 0.05), mean age (t = -0.596, P > 0.05), tumor growth pattern (χ² = 0.275, P > 0.05), tumor location (χ² = 4.008, P > 0.05), tumor invasion depth (χ² = 0.608, P > 0.05), degree of tumor differentiation (χ² = 0.364, P > 0.05), or presence of vascular metastasis (χ² = 1.111, P > 0.05), while significant differences were seen between the two groups in terms of histological type, presence of lymph node metastasis and TMN staging (χ² = 5.963, 8.297 and 5.711, all P values < 0.05). qPCR assay and immunohistochemistry quantified significantly higher Bcl-2 and Bax expression in cancer specimens from the CRC and CRC-S groups than in the peri-cancer specimens from the CRC group at both translational and transcriptional levels (all P values < 0.05), and higher Bcl-2 and lower Bax expression were seen in the cancer specimens from the CSC-S group than that from the CRC group (all P values < 0.05). In addition, the cell apoptotic rate was significantly greater in the cancer specimens in the CRC group than in the CRC-S group (42.00% vs. 23.35%; χ² = 41.500, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Schistosomiasis may be involved in the development and progression of CRC through affecting Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression in the apoptosis signaling pathway.

[Technology specification of bedside hypertonic saline-contrast electrical impedance tomography of lung perfusion and clinical application]

Bedside hypertonic saline-contrast electrical impedance tomography (EIT) method for lung perfusion evaluation has several advantages of bedside, simple, noninvasive and radiation-free. For a long time, EIT perfusion image of hypertonic saline was mostly limited to animal experiments, and related clinical research is in the ascendant. This technical specification for clinical application is reached based on our previous researches, review of literatures in this field. The purpose of this technical specification is to facilitate the unified and standardized use of hypertonic saline-contrast EIT technology for regional lung perfusion, to evaluate the safety and quality control of the technology, and to unify the results.

[Analysis of clinical features, gene mutation, and prognostic characteristics in de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients with myelofibrosis]

目的

探讨初诊急性髓系白血病（AML）合并骨髓纤维化（MF）患者的基因突变、临床及预后特征。

方法

2016年1月1日至2020年2月1日河南省人民医院收治的初诊并同时行骨髓活组织检查的103例AML患者纳入研究，根据WHO（2016）骨髓纤维化分级标准将患者分为AML伴MF组（MF-1～3）与AML不伴MF组（MF-0），并对两组患者的临床特征、基因突变、疗效和预后进行回顾性比较。

结果

①103例患者中AML伴MF组46例（44.7％），其中MF-1 39例（84.8％），MF-2/3 7例（15.2％）；AML不伴MF组57例（55.3％）。和AML不伴MF组相比，AML伴MF组中位WBC显著增高［11.205（0.69～191.82）×10⁹/L对4.64（0.18～95.10）×10⁹/L，P＝0.024］；外周血出现有核红细胞的比例明显增高（43.5％对24.6％，χ²＝4.119，P＝0.042）；FAB分型：4例AML-M₀患者均在AML伴MF组，而AML不伴MF组AML-M₂所占比例更高（P＝0.014）。②AML伴MF组患者FLT3-ITD及NPM1基因突变率更高（15.2％对1.8％，P＝0.021；26.1％对10.5％，P＝0.039），而CEBPA基因突变率明显低于AML不伴MF组（2.2％对17.5％，P＝0.029）。③AML伴MF组完全缓解（CR）率显著低于AML不伴MF组（69.7％对93.2％，χ²＝7.412，P＝0.006）。多因素分析显示MF，尤其是纤维化程度是影响初诊AML患者CR的独立危险因素。④AML伴MF组3年总生存（OS）率明显低于AML不伴MF组（20.5％对72.2％，χ²＝4.032，P＝0.045）；亚组分析显示MF-1和MF-2/3两组患者的OS率、无进展生存（PFS）率显著低于AML不伴MF组（P＝0.001）。Cox多因素分析显示MF，尤其是MF-2/3是影响初诊AML患者OS和PFS的独立危险因素（P值分别为0.021和0.044）。

结论

AML合并MF患者具有较为独特的实验室及临床特征；MF是影响AML患者CR、OS和PFS的独立预后不良指标，MF的评估对初诊AML的疗效和预后判断具有重要意义。

Salidroside Attenuates Cognitive Dysfunction in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) Mice and Modulates Inflammation of the Gut-Brain Axis

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. However, several therapeutic approaches have shown unsatisfactory outcomes in the clinical setting. Thus, developing alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of AD is critical. Salidroside (SAL) is critical, an herb-derived phenylpropanoid glycoside compound, has been shown to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive impairment. However, the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects remains unclear. Here, we show that SAL has a therapeutic effect in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) strain, a reliable and stable mouse model of AD. Methods: SAMP8 mice were treated with SAL, donepezil (DNP) or saline, and cognitive behavioral impairments were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM), Y maze, and open field test (OFT). Fecal samples were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq system. Brain samples were analyzed to detect beta-amyloid (Aβ) 1-42 (Aβ1-42) deposition by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting. The activation of microglia and neuroinflammatory cytokines was detected by immunofluorescence (IF), western blotting and qPCR. Serum was analyzed by a Mouse High Sensitivity T Cell Magnetic Bead Panel on a Luminex-MAGPIX multiplex immunoassay system. Results: Our results suggest that SAL effectively alleviated hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in the SAMP8 mice. SAL significantly 1) reduced toxic Aβ1-42 deposition; 2) reduced microglial activation and attenuated the levels of the proinflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the brain; 3) improved the gut barrier integrity and modified the gut microbiota (reversed the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes and eliminated Clostridiales and Streptococcaceae, which may be associated with cognitive deficits); and 4) decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-1α, IL-6, IL-17A and IL-12, in the peripheral circulation, as determined by a multiplex immunoassay. Conclusion: In summary, SAL reversed AD-related changes in SAMP8 mice, potentially by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis and modulating inflammation in both the peripheral circulation and central nervous system. Our results strongly suggest that SAL has a preventive effect on cognition-related changes in SAMP8 mice and highlight its value as a potential agent for drug development.

SNHG16 promotes the progression of osteoarthritis through activating microRNA-93-5p/CCND1 axis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate whether SNHG16 (small nucleolar RNA host gene 16) can promote the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) by regulating the microRNA-93-5p/Cyclin D1 (CCND1) axis, thereby finding new therapeutic targets for the treatment of OA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 23 OA patients and 23 patients undergoing lower extremity amputation were enrolled in this study. We collected their cartilage tissues from knee joint for isolating chondrocytes. The relative levels of SNHG16, CCND1 and microRNA-93-5p in cartilage tissues of OA patients and controls were determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effect of SNHG16 on proliferative potential of chondrocytes was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay, respectively. Cell cycle progression was examined using flow cytometry. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the binding between SNHG16 with microRNA-93-5p and microRNA-93-5p with CCND1. Rescue experiments were performed to elucidate whether SNHG16 regulated CCND1 expression by targeting microRNA-93-5p.

RESULTS

The expressions of SNHG16 and CCND1 upregulated, while microRNA-93-5p downregulated in cartilage tissues of OA patients relative to controls. Correlation regression analyses showed a negative expression correlation between SNHG16 and microRNA-93-5p, as well as CCND1 and microRNA-93-5p in OA patients. On the contrary, SNHG16 expression was positively correlated to CCND1 expression in OA. The knockdown of SNHG16 suppressed viability, cloning ability and cell cycle progression, but induced apoptosis in chondrocytes. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that SNHG16 could bind to microRNA-93-5p. SNHG16 knockdown markedly upregulated the expression of microRNA-93-5p. Moreover, the knockdown of microRNA-93-5p reversed the inhibited viability due to SNHG16 knockdown. Transfection of microRNA-93-5p mimics markedly inhibited CCND1 expression. Importantly, CCND1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of SNHG16 knockdown on chondrocyte viability.

CONCLUSIONS

SNHG16 promotes the development of OA by regulating microRNA-93-5p/CCND1 axis.

Successful interruption of seasonal influenza transmission under the COVID-19 rapid response in Zhejiang Province, China

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also interrupted the transmission of influenza.

Study design

This is a descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods

Data on changes in the number of reported influenza cases, number of influenza-like illness (ILI) visits, ILI percentage and influenza virus positivity were compared between the first 18 weeks of 2020 and the same period of 2019.

Results

The changes in the weekly average number of influenza cases were statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−4319 vs −525 per week; P < 0.05). The slopes of regression lines for the number of ILI visits were also statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−911 vs −98 per week; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study found that the prevalence of influenza was substantially decreased when NPIs were implemented for the containment of COVID-19.

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The prevalence of influenza was substantially decreased when non-pharmaceutical interventions were implemented for the containment of coronavirus disease 2019.

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Changes in the weekly average number of influenza cases were statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−4319 vs −525 per week; P < 0.05).

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Changes in the number of influenza-like illness visits were also statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−911 vs −98 per week; P < 0.05).

Ecosystem-based fisheries management forestalls climate-driven collapse

Climate change is impacting fisheries worldwide with uncertain outcomes for food and nutritional security. Using management strategy evaluations for key US fisheries in the eastern Bering Sea we find that Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) measures forestall future declines under climate change over non-EBFM approaches. Yet, benefits are species-specific and decrease markedly after 2050. Under high-baseline carbon emission scenarios (RCP 8.5), end-of-century (2075–2100) pollock and Pacific cod fisheries collapse in >70% and >35% of all simulations, respectively. Our analysis suggests that 2.1–2.3 °C (modeled summer bottom temperature) is a tipping point of rapid decline in gadid biomass and catch. Multiyear stanzas above 2.1 °C become commonplace in projections from ~2030 onward, with higher agreement under RCP 8.5 than simulations with moderate carbon mitigation (i.e., RCP 4.5). We find that EBFM ameliorates climate change impacts on fisheries in the near-term, but long-term EBFM benefits are limited by the magnitude of anticipated change.

Ecosystem Based Management measures developed to prevent overfishing could be particularly important under climate change. Here the authors combine climate and fish stock modelling to show that EBM cap implementation reduces climate-driven fishery declines under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 before midcentury. However, there are thermal tipping points beyond which potential collapses are predicted.

Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} Polarization in the J/ψ and ψ(3686) Decays

From 1310.6×10^{6}  J/ψ and 448.1×10^{6}  ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII experiment, we report the first observation of Σ^{+} and Σ[over ¯]^{-} spin polarization in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψ[ψ(3686)]→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} decays. The relative phases of the form factors ΔΦ have been measured to be (-15.5±0.7±0.5)° and (21.7±4.0±0.8)° with J/ψ and ψ(3686) data, respectively. The nonzero value of ΔΦ allows for a direct and simultaneous measurement of the decay asymmetry parameters of Σ^{+}→pπ^{0}(α_{0}=-0.998±0.037±0.009) and Σ[over ¯]^{-}→p[over ¯]π^{0}(α[over ¯]_{0}=0.990±0.037±0.011), the latter value being determined for the first time. The average decay asymmetry, (α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})/2, is calculated to be -0.994±0.004±0.002. The CP asymmetry A_{CP,Σ}=(α_{0}+α[over ¯]_{0})/(α_{0}-α[over ¯]_{0})=-0.004±0.037±0.010 is extracted for the first time, and is found to be consistent with CP conservation.