[A preliminary in vivo and in vitro study of endothelial cell pyroptosis in the periodontal inflammatory environment]

Objective: To observe whether endothelial cells undergo pyroptosis in the inflammatory periodontal environment by using a model in vivo and in vitro, providing an experimental basis for indepth understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of periodontitis. Methods: According to the classification of periodontal diseases of 2018, gingival tissues were collected from periodontally healthy subjects and patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ, grade C periodontitis, who presented Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Department of Periodontology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University from April to May 2022. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression level and distribution of gasdermin D (GSDMD), a hallmark protein of cell pyroptosis, in gingival tissues. Periodontitis models were established in each group by ligating the maxillary second molar teeth of three mice for 2 weeks (ligation group). The alveolar bone resorption was determined by micro-CT (mice without ligation treatment were used as the control group), and the colocalization of GSDMD and CD31 were quantitatively analyzed by immunofluorescence staining in gingival tissues of healthy and inflammatory mice. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in vitro and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) combined with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at various concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/L, respectively, and the 0 mg/L group was set as the control group at the same time. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of HUVECs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of gasdermin D-N terminal domains (GSDMD-N) protein and immunofluorescence cell staining was used to detect the expression and distribution of GSDMD. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the proliferative ability of HUVECs, and propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to detect the integrity of cell membrane of HUVECs. Results: Immunohistochemistry showed that GSDMD in gingival tissues of periodontitis was mainly distributed around blood vessels and its expression level was higher than that in healthy tissues. Micro-CT showed that alveolar bone resorption around the maxillary second molar significantly increased in ligation group mice compared with control subjects (t=8.88, P<0.001). Immunofluorescence staining showed significant colocalization of GSDMD with CD31 in the gingival vascular endothelial cells in mice of ligation group. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that there were pores of different sizes, the typical morphology of pyroptosis, on HUVECs cell membranes in the inflammatory environment simulated by ATP combined with different concentrations of LPS, and 2.5 mg/L group showed the most dilated and fused pores on cell membranes, with the cells tended to lyse and die. Western blotting showed that the expression of GSDMD-N, the hallmark protein of cell pyroptosis, was significantly higher in 2.5 and 5.0 mg/L groups than that in the control group (F=3.86, P<0.01). Immunofluorescence cell staining showed that the average fluorescence intensity of GSDMD in 2.5 mg/L group elevated the most significantly in comparison with that in the control group (F=35.25, P<0.001). The CCK-8 proliferation assay showed that compared to the control group (1.00±0.02), 0.5 mg/L (0.52±0.07), 1.0 mg/L (0.57±0.10), 2.5 mg/L (0.58±0.04), 5.0 mg/L (0.55±0.04), 10.0 mg/L (0.61±0.03) groups inhibited cell proliferation (F=39.95, P<0.001). PI staining showed that the proportion of positive stained cells was highest [(56.07±3.22)%] in 2.5 mg/L group (F=88.24, P<0.001). Conclusions: Endothelial cells undergo significant pyroptosis in both in vivo and in vitro periodontal inflammatory environments, suggesting that endothelial cell pyroptosis may be an important pathogenic factor contributing to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

[A case of acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by inhalation of hydrogen chloride]

Poisoning induced by inhalation of hydrogen chloride has significant effects on the respiratory system. It can cause severe pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the early stage, and even death in critical cases. As a novel treatment for ARDS, the efficacy of sivelestat sodium in infection-induced ARDS has been widely verified, but its application in ARDS caused by chemical poisoning is still scarce in literature. Here we report a case of ARDS induced by hydrogen chloride inhalation which was successfully treated with sivelestat sodium and conventional treatment.

Solving Anderson Impurity Model by the Effective Hamiltonian Theory

We apply the Self-Consistent Effective Hamiltonian Theory (SCEHT), which uses a general variational Fermionic many-body wave function to generate an effective Hamiltonian in a quadratic form, to the Anderson impurity model. The chiral symmetry-breaking quadratic effective Hamiltonian is solved exactly for the single Fermion excitation spectrum. We validate the theory by numerically solving a model problem. The solution shows the correct Kondo resonance in the quasi-particle density of states.

Safety and efficacy of using Judkins left 3.5 guiding catheters for transradial right coronary artery intervention

OBJECTIVE

There is limited data about the use of a Judkins left (JL) 3.5 guiding catheter for routine transradial right coronary artery (RCA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study investigated the safety and efficacy of JL3.5 for RCA PCI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent transradial RCA PCI between November 2019 and November 2020 at the Second Hospital of Shandong University were included. The study retrospectively compared JL 3.5 vs. other routine guiding catheters (GCs), including Judkins right (JR) 4.0 and Amplatz (left). Logistic multivariable analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with transradial RCA PCI success rate, in-hospital complications, and extra support.

RESULTS

The study included 311 patients: 136 in the routine GC group and 175 in the JL 3.5 group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding in-hospital complications, extra support technics, or success. The multivariable analyses showed that coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) was negatively associated with intervention success (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.016-0.248, p < 0.001) but positively with extra support (OR = 8.74, 95% CI: 1.518-50.293, p = 0.015). Tortuosity was associated with extra support (OR = 16.50, 95% CI: 3.324-81.589, p = 0.001). In the JL 3.5 group, the left ventricular ejection fraction (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.20, p = 0.006), CTO (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.008-0.515, p = 0.009), and tortuosity (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03-0.95, p = 0.043) were independently associated with intervention success.

CONCLUSIONS

JL 3.5 appears to be as safe and effective as the JR 4.0 and Amplatz (left) catheters for RCA PCI. When using the JL 3.5 catheter for RCA PCI, heart function, CTO, and tortuosity should be considered.

[One-stage revision using intra-articular vancomycin infusion effectively treats chronic prosthetic joint infection caused by Enterococcal]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of one-stage revision combined with intra-articular infusion of vancomycin in the treatment of chronic prosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Enterococcal. Methods: From May 2013 to June 2020,the clinical data of 9 patients (2 males and 7 females) with chronic Enterococcal PJI treated with one-stage revision using intra-articular infusion of vancomycin at Department of Orthopaedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were retrospectively analyzed,including 8 hips and 1 knee.A total of 9 patients with age of (63.9±11.7)years (range:43 to 76 years) were included, and the body mass index was (23.6±4.3)kg/m² (range:18 to 30 kg/m²).There were 6 cases with antibiotic history and 5 cases with sinus tract.The joint fluid,infected tissue around the prosthesis and ultrasonic shock fluid of the prosthesis were collected during operation for microbial culture identification and drug sensitivity test.After thorough debridement of the infected site and removal of the infected prosthesis,a new prosthesis was implanted,then the drainage tube in the operation area was placed.After surgery,vancomycin(1.0 g,q12 h) was combined with intra-articular vancomycin(0.5 g,qd) in monomicrobial PJI,and vancomycin(1.0 g,q12 h) was combined with intra-articular vancomycin (0.5 g,qd) and imipenem/meropenem (0.5 g,qd),and the interval between the two drugs was 12 hours in polymicrobial PJI.Hip and knee functions were evaluated by Harris Hip Score or Knee Society Score(KSS),respectively.The comparison of hip function scores before and after operation was performed by paired t-test. Results: All patients were followed up for (60±39)months(range:24 to 110 months).Two cases were infected with Enterococcus faecium and 7 cases were infected with Enterococcus faecalis.There were 7 cases of monomicrobial infection and 2 cases of polymicrobial infection.Erythromycin(5/9),tetracycline(4/9),ciprofloxacin and β-lactam antibiotics(3/9) were the top three antibiotics in Enterococci resistance rate.The sensitive antibiotics for Enterococcal were vancomycin,linezolid and tigecycline.The average duration of intravenous antibiotics was (14±1)days (range:13 to 17 days),and the average duration of antibiotics in articular cavity was (15±2)days(range:11 to 20 days).Mean duration of oral antibiotic use after discharge was (2±1)months(range:1 to 3 months).One case of polymicrobial PJI treatment failed,with a failure rate of 1/9.At last follow-up,the Harris score of patients with hip PJI increased from (43±6)points to (84±6)points(t=-11.899, P<0.01). KSS score of knee function was improved from 33 point pre-operatively to 85 point post-operatively;overall function score was improved from 35 point pre-operatively to 80 point post-operatively.During the treatment,no formation of sinus tract of the hip joint caused by a catheter,skin necrosis at the knee puncture site or leakage of joint fluid;no complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occurred. Conclusions: One-stage revision combined with intra-articular infusion of vancomycin can achieve acceptable infection control rate and joint function in patients with chronic Enterococcus PJI.However,the treatment of polymicrobial PJI still needs to be further verified.

[Research progress on the mechanisms of delayed encephalopathy in acute carbon monoxide poisoning]

In our country, there are a large number of carbon monoxide poisoning patients every winter. 10% to 30% of patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning develop acute carbon monoxide poisoning delayed encephalopathy after a "false recovery period" of about 2 to 60 days. The morbidity and mortality rates of the disease are extremely high, but there is still no effective treatment for this condition. The pathogenesis of the disease is complex, and there is no clear conclusion yet. After consulting a large number of recent relevant literatures, this article reviews the main research results of the pathogenesis of the disease so far, with an aim to facilitate its early clinical diagnosis and correct treatment.

Assessing the drinking water quality in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2018

The objective of this study was to understand the drinking water quality state in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2018 and to derive information that will provide a basis for improving the drinking water quality in the region. Monitoring data for drinking water from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for 2014 to 2018 were analyzed and the results were compared with GB 5749-2006, the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water, and GB 5749-2006, the Drinking Water Quality Standards. Data for a total of 30,613 water samples were assessed. Of the data for the microbiological index, sensory trait and general chemical index, and toxicological index, 89, 80, and 69% were qualified, respectively. For the toxicological index, the fluoride and nitrate nitrogen data were the least compliant. The water quality in all the cities was generally very suitable for drinking. However, there were marked differences in the qualified rates of drinking water in different areas and the qualified rates of the data for the three indexes were lower in rural areas than in urban areas. Given the varied issues with the drinking water quality, the relevant departments of League cities should implement appropriate and effective treatment measures to improve the drinking water quality and ensure it is safe for residents.

[Safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage closure combined with patent foramen ovale closure for atrial fibrillation patients with patent foramen ovale]

Objective: To analyze the safety and efficacy of combined left atrial appendage (LAA) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in adult atrial fibrillation (AF) patients complicating with PFO. Methods: This study is a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Seven patients with AF complicated with PFO diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences from June 2017 to October 2020 were selected. Basic data such as age, gender and medical history were collected. The atrial septal defect or PFO occluder and LAA occluder were selected according to the size of PFO, the ostia width and depth of LAA. Four patients underwent left atrial appendage closure(LAAC) and PFO closure at the same time. PFO closure was performed during a one-stop procedure of cryoablation combined with LAAC in 2 patients. One patient underwent PFO closure at 10 weeks after one-stop procedure because of recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA). All patients continued to take oral anticoagulants. TEE was repeated 8-12 weeks after intervention. In case of device related thrombus(DRT), TEE shall be rechecked 6 months after adjusting anticoagulant and antiplatelet drug treatment. Patients were follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 months by telephone call, and the occurrence of cardio-cerebrovascular events was recorded. Results: Among the 7 patients with AF, 2 were male, aged (68.0±9.4) years, and 3 had a history of recurrent cerebral infarction and TIA. Average PFO diameter was (3.5±0.8)mm. Three patients were implanted with Watchman LAA occluder (30, 30, 33 mm) and atrial septal defect occluder (8, 9, 16 mm). 2 patients were implanted with LAmbre LAA occluder (34/38, 18/32 mm) and PFO occluder (PF1825, PF2525). 2 patients were implanted with LACbes LAA occluder (24, 28 mm) and PFO occluder (PF2525, PF1825) respectively. The patients were followed up for 12 (11, 24) months after operation. TEE reexamination showed that the position of LAA occluder and atrial septal defect occluder or PFO occluder was normal in all patients. DRT was detected in 1 patient, and anticoagulant therapy was adjusted in this patient. 6 months later, TEE showed that DRT disappeared. No cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events occurred in all patients with AF during follow-up. Conclusions: In AF patients complicated with PFO, LAAC combined with PFO closure may have good safety and effectiveness.

[Correlation between professional quality of life and social support of Chinese nurses: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To systematically evaluate the correlation between professional quality of life and social support of Chinese nurses based on Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Methods: In databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline, CBM, CNKI、Wanfang, and other databases were searched by computer for the literatures on correlation between Chinese nurses' professional quality of life and social support from January 2005 to July 2020. The Chinese and English search terms are "nurse" "professional quality of life" "empathy satisfaction" "empathy fatigue" "professional quality of life" "ProQOL" "comparison satisfaction" "comparison fatigue" "social support" "competent social support" "SSRS" "PSSS", etc. Literatures were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After evaluating quality and extracting data, meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 12 studies were included. The meta analysis showed that nurses' compassion satisfaction, burnout, secondary traumatic stress were related to social support, summary r were 0.35, -0.26 and -0.23 respectively. The correlation between compassion satisfaction and social support were increased with sample, the south was higher than the north, and comprehensive departments were higher than other departments (P<0.05) . The correlation between burnout and social support were increased with time and sample, and the south was higher than the north, oncology was higher than others, non-random sampling was higher than random sampling, using ProQOL and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) was higher than Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and Social Support Racting Scale (SSRS) (P<0.05) . The correlation coefficient between secondary traumatic stress and social support in oncology was higher than others, random sampling was higher than non-random sampling, using ProQOL and PSSS was higher than ProQOL and SSRS (P<0.05) . Conclusion: There is a positive and weak correlation between compassion satisfaction and social support, and a negative and weak correlation between burnout and secondary traumatic stress and social support. There are differences in different time, research design, region and department.

Decreased serum SIRT6 as a novel predictor of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

SIRT6 is an NAD-dependent histone deacetylase known to regulate aging, inflammation and energy metabolism, and might play an important role in atherosclerosis. However, whether it also plays a role in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we detected the expression of SIRT6 in serum by Western blotting. The concentrations of SIRT6 in serum specimens from 69 patients with CAD [30 with stable angina (SA) and 39 with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)] and 16 controls were analysed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

RESULTS

Western blotting analysis of the serum samples found that SIRT6 expression was decreased in the SA group (p=0.000) and ACS group (p=0.000) compared with the control group. Significantly lower levels of serum SIRT6 were observed in SA patients (18.80±9.14 ng/mL) and ACS patients (16.85±9.66 ng/mL) than in healthy controls (25.79±14.23 ng/mL). SIRT6 concentrations were positively correlated with other markers of CAD, such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=0.362, p<0.01) and age (r=0.265, p<0.05), and negatively correlated with blood glucose (r=-0.284, p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lower SIRT6 levels were independently associated with the presence of CAD in men (OR=0.817, 95% CI 0.694-0.962, p=0.015). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that lower serum SIRT6 could distinguish CAD patients (AUC, 0.726; 95% CI, 0.508-0.943; p=0.041) from controls. SIRT6 is found downregulated in blood vessels of atherosclerotic APOE-/- mice and human aorta arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that SA and ACS patients had lower serum concentrations of SIRT6. The decreased serum SIRT6 level was independently associated with the diagnosis of CAD. SIRT6 may play a cardioprotective role in CAD patients, and future research is required to address this issue.

[Role and mechanism of low-dose lipopolysaccharide-treated human periodontal ligament stem cells on the expression of macrophage pro-inflammatory factors]

Objective: To investigate the effect of low dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human periodontal ligament stem cells (HPDLSC) on the expression of macrophage pro-inflammatory factors and the mechanism involved. Methods: The primary HPDLSCs were obtained from healthy third molar periodontal ligament tissue. Phosphate buffer saline (PBS), 100 μg/L or 10 mg/L of LPS were used to treat HPDLSCs for 48 h, and their conditioned media were respectively co-cultured with THP-1-derived macrophages for 48 h. The corresponding experimental groups were PBS-treated HPDLSC-derived conditioned medium (CM-C) group, low dose LPS-treated HPDLSC-derived conditioned medium (CM-L) group, and high dose LPS-treated HPDLSC-derived conditioned medium (CM-H) group. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to explore the mRNA expressions of macrophage interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the CM-C, CM-L and CM-H groups, and the expressions of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the CM-C and CM-L groups. Meanwhile, Western blotting was used to detect the change of nuclear and cytoplasmic NRF2 and the levels of GCLC and HO-1 in the CM-C and CM-L groups. The 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein probe was adopted to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of macrophages in the CM-C and CM-L groups and the data were characterized by the mean fluorescent intensity (MFI). Results: The mRNA expressions of macrophage pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α in the CM-H group (2.332±0.594, 3.601±0.639, 2.120±0.677 and 2.468±0.236) were significantly upregulated compared with those in the CM-C group (1.000±0.321, 1.000±0.151, 1.000±0.059 and 1.000±0.095) (P<0.05); while the relative mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α in the CM-L group (0.056±0.002, 0.215±0.024 and 0.567±0.071) were much lower than those in the CM-C group (1.000±0.209, 1.000±0.220 and 1.000±0.220) (P<0.05). At the mRNA level, the expression of NRF2 was significantly increased in the CM-L group (1.864±0.198) compared with that in the CM-C group (1.000±0.094) (P<0.05). At the protein level, the cytoplasmic NRF2 and nuclear NRF2 were increased in CM-L group (1.175±0.104 and 1.308±0.082) compared with those in the CM-C group (1.000±0.025 and 1.000±0.049) (P<0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidative genes, i.e. GCLC and NQO1, localized in NRF2 downstream, were significantly upregulated in the CM-L group (1.786±0.278 and 1.444±0.078) compared with the CM-C group (1.000±0.139 and 1.000±0.226) (P<0.05). The protein levels of GCLC and HO-1 were augmented in the CM-L group (1.159±0.036 and 1.412±0.075) in contrast with those in the CM-C group (1.000±0.050 and 1.000±0.013) (P<0.05). In addition, the MFI in the CM-L group (123 419±1 302) was significantly lower than that in the CM-C group (139 193±1 241) (P<0.05). Conclusions: Low-dose LPS-treated HPDLSCs could regulate oxidative stress response through activating the NRF2 signaling pathway of macrophages and further downregulating the expressions of macrophage pro-inflammatory factors.

[Analysis of pathogen distribution and drug resistance of acute,delayed and chronic periprosthetic joint infection]

Objective: To analyze the pathogen distribution and drug resistance in acute,delayed and chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods: The clinical data of 316 patients with periprosthetic infection after primary hip and knee arthroplasty admitted to the Department of Arthroplasty,the First Affiliated Hospital,Xinjiang Medical University from August 2010 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 146 males and 170 females,aged (62.3±14.2) years (range:22 to 89 years).One hundred and sixty one patients underwent total hip arthroplasty and 155 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty.According to the time of postoperative infection,the patients were divided into acute PJI group (65 cases),delayed PJI group (83 cases) and chronic PJI group (168 cases).The results of pathogen species,composition ratio and drug susceptibility tests were collected,and the independent sample t test,Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test were used for comparison. Results: Gram-positive bacteria were the main pathogens of PJI (49.7%,157/316),and the positive rates of culture in patients with acute PJI,delayed PJI and chronic PJI were 33.8% (22/65),55.4% (46/83) and 53.0% (89/168),and the difference was statistically significant(χ²=8.343,P=0.015).The common bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (54.8%,86/157) and Staphylococcus aureus (30.6%,48/157),The drug-sensitivity to linezolid,vancomycin and tigacycline was 100%.The gram-negative bacteria were mainly Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae,and the drug resistance rate to carbapenems was low,ranging from 0 to 9.09%.The drug resistance rates of acute PJI patients to rifampicin,ciprofloxacin and erythromycin were significantly higher than those of late onset and chronic PJI patients,the difference was statistically significant(rifampicin:χ²=14.332,P=0.001;ciprofloxacin:χ²=12.086,P=0.002;erythromycin:χ²=9.096,P=0.010);The drug resistance rate of acute PJI patients to levofloxacin,clindamycin and tetracycline was higher than that of chronic PJI patients,and the difference was statistically significant(levofloxacin:χ²=10.500,P=0.002; clindamycin: χ²=7.103,P=0.007; tetracycline: χ²=6.909,P =0.012).The resistance rate of ampicillin/sulbactam in acute PJI (60.0%) was significantly higher than that in chronic PJI (16.7%),and the difference was statistically significant(χ²= 5.853,P=0.040). Conclusion: Gram-positive bacteria are the main pathogens of PJI,and the resistance rate of pathogens of acute PJI is higher than that of late onset and chronic PJI.

Androgen receptor inhibition alleviated inflammation in experimental autoimmune myocarditis by increasing autophagy in macrophages

OBJECTIVE

Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is characterized by pronounced macrophage infiltration, cardiac necrosis, and cardiac fibrosis. Our previous studies have demonstrated that suppressed androgen receptor (AR) enables anti-inflammation to promote tissue repair by decreasing M1 macrophages and increasing M2 macrophages in an EAM model. Given that autophagy mediates inflammatory response in macrophages, we investigated whether AR inhibition executes its protective role in inflammation through the autophagy pathway in EAM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine whether AR inhibition can perform its anti-inflammatory effects by upregulating autophagy, we pre-treated mice with 3-methyl adenine (3-MA), a pharmacological inhibitor of autophagy. Immunofluorescence assay and Western blot were used to detect autophagy levels and autophagy activity in five different groups. Immunofluorescence marked F4/80 and LC3 to illustrate the autophagy level in macrophages. TUNEL assays were used to detect the apoptosis level in heart tissue of five different groups.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that AR inhibition resolves injury with sustained inhibition of inflammatory cytokines associated with enhanced autophagy, especially in macrophages. Increased LC3II/I expression corroborated complete autolysosome formation detected by electron microscopy and correlated with degradation of SQSTM1/p62 in the AR inhibition group by Western blot. These effects could be reversed within 3-MA, a pharmacological inhibitor of autophagy. Specifically, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy increased apoptosis and inflammation, which could be attenuated by AR inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

AR inhibition alleviates the inflammatory response and tissue apoptosis by enhancing autophagy, especially in macrophages.

[Inflammatory periodontal stem cells mediate interleukin-1β secretion of macrophage by regulating macrophage endoplasmic reticulum stress]

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) from inflammatory environment on the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by macrophages. Methods: PDLSCs were pretreated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in order to simulate the inflammatory environment. Human monocyte cell line (THP-1) cells were treated with conditioned media collected from healthy and inflammatory PDLSCs respectively and divided into conditioned medium of health PDLSC (CM-H) group and conditioned medium of LPS-PDLSC (CM-LPS) group. After 24 h of co-culture, the condition media were abandoned and THP-1 cells were then cultured for another 24 h. The expression of IL-1β in THP-1 cells supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6), inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), CCAAT enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), activating transcription factor-4 (ATF4) and X box binding protein 1 spliced (XBP1s), which were all related with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), in THP-1 cells. The expressions of proteins GRP78 and CHOP were detected by Western blotting. Furthermore, THP-1 cells, which pretreated with ER inhibitor 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) for intervention experiments were grouped by various concentrations of 4-PBA including groups 0 (control group), 1, 10 and 20 mmol/L and treated with condition medium of inflammatory PDLSC. ELISA was used to detect IL-1β expression and qRT-PCR to detect expression of ERS related genes. Results: ELISA results showed that the expression of IL-1β in THP-1 cells of group CM-LPS [(31.35±2.11) ng/L] was significantly higher than group CM-H [(8.19±1.51) ng/L] (t=12.60, P<0.01). qRT-PCR results showed that the relative expressions of GRP78, ATF6, IRE1, PERK, CHOP, ATF4 and XBP1s genes in THP-1 cells of group CM-LPS (1.782±0.070, 1.387±0.204, 1.404±0.119, 1.777±0.187, 1.325±0.156, 1.295±0.066 and 1.137±0.149, respectively) were significantly higher than those in group CM-H (P<0.05). In the 4-PBA intervention experiment, compared with group 0 mmol/L, the expressions of GRP78, IRE-1, ATF-6, PERK and CHOP were significantly lower in group 1, 10 and 20 mmol/L (P<0.05). Moreover, compared with control group [(31.23±1.98) ng/L], the expression of IL-1β in THP-1 cells were significantly lower in group 10 mmol/L [(21.20±0.37) ng/L] and group 20 mmol/L [(23.85±1.80) ng/L] (P<0.05) with ERS inhibited. Conclusions: PDLSC from inflammatory environment could promote IL-1β secretion of macrophages through upregulating macrophages ERS.

Effect of miR-26b on gestational diabetes mellitus in rats via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-26b on gestational diabetes mellitus in rats via the phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 healthy pregnant female rats were randomly divided into three groups, including group A (normal group), group B (model group), and group C (model + miR-26b group). The differences in fasting blood glucose (FBG), C-reactive protein (CRP), and phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) among the three groups were analyzed via serum CRP test, morphological observation, quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

The levels of FBG ad CRP were significantly up-regulated in group B when compared with group A (p<0.01). Meanwhile, they increased significantly in group C when compared with group B (p<0.01). Rats in group A exhibited smooth and flat thoracic aortic intimas, as well as neatly arranged smooth muscle cells at the media layer. However, rats in group B showed fractured intimas with enlarged junction gaps, as well as necrotic and detached endothelial cells. Compared with group B, group C exhibited extremely poorly arranged cells at all the layers, rough and rugged intimas, larger areas of necrotic and detached endothelial cells, and markedly worsened lesions. QRT-PCR results indicated that the expression of phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K) was significantly lower in group B than that of group A (p=0.04). Meanwhile, it was markedly lower in group C than that in group B (p=0.04). The expression of p-Akt was remarkably lower in group B than group A (p=0.04), which was also significantly lower in group C than group B (p=0.04). Compared with group A, the expressions of p-PI3K and p-Akt in the thoracic aorta of group B were evidently down-regulated (p<0.01). Furthermore, they decreased markedly in group C when compared with group B (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-26b accelerates the progression of gestational diabetes by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Effect of TGF-β1 on myocardial cell apoptosis in rats with acute myocardial infarction via MAPK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) can promote myocyte hypertrophy, thus playing an important role in ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the model of MI was established in rats through ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Subsequently, the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels of TGF-β1 in myocardial cells in both model group and sham operation group were determined. The effects of TGF-β1 treatment on myocardial cell apoptosis in MI rats were explored. Moreover, the changes of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in rats with acute MI were verified. In addition, the protein expressions of phosphorylated-MAPK kinases 3/6 (p-MKK3/6) and MKK3/6 in myocardial cells of the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β1 in myocardial cells of acute MI rats were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group (p<0.01). After treatment with TGF-β1, the expression level of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein (Bax) was obviously down-regulated. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was notably lower than that in control group (p<0.01). Meanwhile, the proportion of apoptotic cells decreased remarkably (p<0.01). In the model group, no evident change was observed in the protein expression level of MKK3/6, whereas the levels of p-MKK3/6 were prominently up-regulated (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

TGF-β1 can activate MKK3/6 in the MAPK signaling pathway to resist the apoptosis of myocardial cells in acute MI rats.

Novel SLC26A6 gene polymorphism rs184187143 is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis of gestational diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the most serious acute complications of the gestational diabetes and is marked by the triad of the uncontrolled hyperglycemia, acidosis, and ketosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis can be a life-threatening emergency for mother and fetus, whose genetic factors resulting in diabetic ketoacidosis remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the correlation between SLC26A6 gene polymorphism rs184187143 and the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis of gestational diabetic mellitus (GDM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 98 patients with GDM and 98 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis of GDM were enrolled. The direct sequencing of the products by Polymerase Chain Reactions of the extracted genomic DNA from the involved patients was performed to analyze the SLC26A6 gene polymorphism rs184187143, and the further genotype frequencies were compared to the statistical analysis of the clinical and biochemical data.

RESULTS

A significantly increased prevalence of the G allele (p = 0.032, OR = 2.326, 95% CI = 1.539-3.516), C/G genotype (p = 0.021, OR = 3.582, 95% CI = 1.216-10.558), and a previously uncharacterized rs184187143, was discovered in the diabetic ketoacidosis of the GDM group. The genotype of SLC26A6 rs184187143 was shown to be markedly associated with increased prevalence of the diabetic ketoacidosis of GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study firstly established that the G allele and C/G genotype of rs184187143 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SLC26A6 gene was closely linked with the increased risk for the development of the diabetic ketoacidosis of GDM.

Investigating the expression of miRNA-133 in animal models of myocardial infarction and its effect on cardiac function

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the expression of miR-133 in animal models of myocardial infarction and its effect on cardiac function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five male-specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57/BL6 mice were selected, among which 35 were made for animal models of myocardial infarction and were enrolled into Model Group and another 10 were enrolled into Blank Control Group. Seven mice died in the model making. Ten mice randomly selected from the 28 mice successfully modeled were transfected with adenovirus carrying miRNA-133 and set as Virus Group, while the remaining 18 mice were randomly divided into Virus No-load Group and Model Group. Mice in Virus Group were transfected with adenovirus carrying miRNA-133, while those in Virus No-load Group were transfected with empty viral vectors without miRNA-133. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS) of the mice weeks after the infection were recorded and evaluated by echocardiography. The relative expression levels of miR-133 in the heart tissues of the four groups of mice were compared by Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

The miR-133 expressions in Blank Control Group and Virus Group were higher than that of Model Group (p<0.05). Then, the myocardial infarction area of mice was compared. The LVEF and FS values of mice in Model Group, Virus No-load Group, and Virus Group were significantly lower than those in Blank Control Group, with the LVEF and FS values of Virus Group higher than that of Model Group and Virus No-load Group (p<0.05). The swimming time of Blank Control Group was significantly higher than that of Model Group and Virus Group (p<0.05), with Virus Group and Virus No-load Group having a greatly longer swimming time than Model Group (p<0.05). The myocardial infarction area of mice in Virus Group was significantly smaller than that in Model Group and Virus No-load Group, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in myocardial infarction area of mice between Model Group and Virus No-load Group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-133 was in a low expression state in the mice models of myocardial infarction and the overexpression of miR-133 could significantly improve the cardiac function index and motor function, as well as reduce the myocardial infarction area of mice with myocardial infarction. This could inspire new molecular therapy for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

[Diagnostic value of D-dimer for chronic periprosthetic infection after hip and knee joint replacement]

Objective: To investigate the diagnose value of D-dimer for chronic periprosthetic infection (PJI) after hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods: A retrospective analyze was conducted on 168 patients underwent revision arthroplasty and primary arthroplasty at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from November 2017 to December 2018.There were 58 males and 110 females, aged(58.6±14.5)years.There were 48 cases of chronic PJI (21 cases of knee joint, 27 cases of hip joint), 57 cases of aseptic loosening (16 cases of knee joint, 41 cases of hip joint), and 63 cases of normal follow-up patients after hip (35 cases) or knee (28 cases) arthroplasty.The levels of D-dimer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected.The levels of D-dimer in patients with chronic PJI of hip and knee joints were compared by Mann-Whitney U test.The diagnostic efficacy of D-dimer, ESR and CRP in chronic PJI of hip and knee joints was analyzed by receiver operator curve (ROC). Results: The D-dimer level was significantly higher in knee chronic PJI patients than hip chronic PJI patients(M (Q(R)) ) (1 040 (1 140.5) μg/L vs.435 (605) μg/L, Z=3.169, P=0.002) . ROC analysis showed that the optimum cutoff value of D-dimer in the diagnosis of chronic PJI was 370.5 μg/L, the sensitivity was 90.5%, the specificity was 84.1%; the optimum cutoff value of CRP was 9.3 mg/L, the sensitivity was 95.2%, the specificity was 90.9%, the optimum cutoff value of ESR was 33 mm/h, the sensitivity was 90.5%, and the specificity was 88.6%.The optimum cutoff value of D-dimer in the diagnosis of chronic PJI of hip joint is 294 μg/L, the sensitivity of diagnosis is 66.7%, the specificity is 77.6%; the optimum cutoff value of ESR is 45 mm/h, the sensitivity of diagnosis is 55.6% , the specificity is 97.4%; the optimum cutoff value of CRP is 8.1 mg/L, the sensitivity of diagnosis is 74.1%, the specificity is 84.2%. Conclusion: The value of D-dimer in the diagnosis of chronic PJI of knee joint is higher than that of hip joint, but the value of D-dimer in the diagnosis of chronic PJI is not better than ESR and CRP.

MicroRNA-490-3p inhibits inflammation and apoptosis induced by spinal cord injury via targeting MK2

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regulatory role of microRNA-490-3p in the recovery process of spinal cord injury (SCI) and its underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Expression levels of microRNA-490-3p and MK2 in peripheral blood of SCI patients and healthy controls were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Glial cells C8-D1A and C8-B4 were induced by H2O2 for constructing in vitro SCI model, followed by detection of microRNA-490-3p and MK2 levels. After glial cells were transfected with microRNA-490-3p mimic or inhibitor, respectively, cell apoptosis and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected. Bioinformatics was used to predict the binding site between microRNA-490-3p and MK2, which was further verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. After construction of MK2 overexpression plasmid, rescue experiments were carried out to confirm the regulatory effect of microRNA-490-3p on MK2 in mediating SCI recovery.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-490-3p expression was remarkably lower, whereas MK2 expression was higher in peripheral blood of SCI patients than those of healthy controls. Downregulated microRNA-490-3p and upregulated MK2 were observed in glial cells after H2O2 induction in C8-D1A and C8-B4 cells. Overexpression of microRNA-490-3p remarkably decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as alleviated apoptosis in glial cells. Both protein and mRNA levels of MK2 were negatively regulated by microRNA-490-3p. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that MK2 was the target gene of microRNA-490-3p. Finally, rescue experiments verified that the regulatory effects of microRNA-490-3p on alleviating inflammation and apoptosis after SCI were reversed by MK2 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-490-3p is lowly expressed in glial cells after SCI. Overexpression of microRNA-490-3p alleviates inflammation and apoptosis via targeting MK2, thereafter promoting SCI recovery.

LncRNATCF7 up-regulates DNMT1 mediated by HPV-18 E6 and regulates biological behavior of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting miR-155

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to study the mechanism of lncRNATCF7 upregulating DNMT1 mediated by HPV-18 E6 and regulating the biological behavior of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting miR-155.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

HPV-16 E6 enhanced DNMT1 expression in cervical cancer cells, which was detected by Western blotting. The expression of miR-155 in cervical cancer was detected by qPCR, the interaction between TCF-7 and miR-155 by Dual-luciferase reporter gene. The changes in invasion ability of cervical cancer cells and the effect of miR-155 on the invasion ability of cervical cancer cells after inhibiting TCF-7 were detected by the transwell invasion assay, while changes in migration ability of cervical cancer cells and the effect of miR-155 on migration ability of cervical cancer cells after inhibiting TCF-7 were observed by the scratch assay. The effect of inhibiting TCF-7 on the tumor size and volume of cervical cancer was detected by the subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice.

RESULTS

E6 expression was significantly inhibited by E6 siRNA. The knockdown of endogenous HPV-16 E6 markedly inhibited the expression of DNMT1; TCF-7 specifically bound to the 3' UTR of miR-155; inhibition of TCF-7 can inhibit invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells; enhanced miR-155 after the inhibition of TCF-7 can promote the invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells; compared with NC group, the tumor volume and weight of TCF-7-siRNA group tumor-bearing was significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

TCF-7 plays an important role in the development of cervical cancer. TCF-7 can target miR-155 to regulate the invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells.

Achieving large and nonvolatile tunable magnetoresistance in organic spin valves using electronic phase separated manganites

Tailoring molecular spinterface between novel magnetic materials and organic semiconductors offers promise to achieve high spin injection efficiency. Yet it has been challenging to achieve simultaneously a high and nonvolatile control of magnetoresistance effect in organic spintronic devices. To date, the largest magnetoresistance (~300% at T = 10 K) has been reached in tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq₃)-based organic spin valves (OSVs) using La_0.67Sr_0.33MnO₃ as a magnetic electrode. Here we demonstrate that one type of perovskite manganites, i.e., a (La_2/3Pr_1/3)_5/8Ca_3/8MnO₃ thin film with pronounced electronic phase separation (EPS), can be used in Alq₃-based OSVs to achieve a large magnetoresistance (MR) up to 440% at T = 10 K and a typical electrical Hanle effect as the Hallmark of the spin injection. The contactless magnetic field-controlled EPS enables us to achieve a nonvolatile tunable MR response persisting up to 120 K. Our study suggests a new route to design high performance multifunctional OSV devices using electronic phase separated manganites.

Organic materials hold great potential of for spintronic applications. Here the authors show electronic phase dependent magnetoresistance (MR) effect in LPCMO/Alq₃/Co junctions with large MR up to 440% at 10 K as well as electrical Hanle effect as the Hallmark of the spin injection.

Oviposition Deterrents in Larval Frass of Potato Tuberworm Moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The potato tuberworm moth (PTM) Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most damaging pests of potato Solanum tuberosum L. in warm temperate and subtropical areas. Our previous experiment showed that extracts of larval frass of PTM deterred oviposition of conspecific females. In this study, we investigated the identification of chemicals in larval frass that were influencing the oviposition of PTM by behavioral bioassays and electroantennography analysis in the laboratory. Frass was collected from third and fourth instar larvae and combined analysis of gas chromatography coupled with electroantennography (GC-EAD) of dichloromethane extracts showed that eight compounds from larval frass extracts elicited repeatable antennal responses from mated females. Seven EAD-active compounds in frass volatile extract were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as linoleic acid, octadecanoic acid, tricosane, pentacosane, heptacosane, nonacosane, and cholesterol. Oviposition bioassays indicated that frass extracts had a deterrent effect on egg laying, the deterrent activity increased with the concentration of frass extracts, and the threshold value for statistical significance in oviposition deterrence was in the range of 20-200 mg frass per cage. Linoleic acid, pentacosane, heptacosane, nonacosane, and cholesterol in larval frass volatiles were found to play a key role in repelling oviposition in a dose-dependent manner. We suggest that the bioactive compounds in larval frass are responsible for repelling oviposition of PTM, and n-alkanes, especially pentacosane, strongly deter oviposition and may be considered as a potential oviposition deterrent for potential applications.

Analysis of Common Herbicides in Blood by UPLC-HRMS

OBJECTIVES

To develop a method to screen and quantify 10 common herbicides （paraquat, diquat, glyphosate, glufosinate, cyanazine, atrazine, metazachlor, acetochlor, chlorsulfuron, and metsulfuron） in blood.

METHODS

With acetonitrile-water solution [V（acetonitrile）∶V（water）=3∶1] as protein precipitant, 10 common herbicides in blood were detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-HRMS）.

RESULTS

All the 10 herbicides had good linearity in their linear range （coefficient of determination R²≥0.993）, with the recovery rates 67.4%-111.9%, the relative standard deviations 1.5%-10.8%, the accuracies 85.1%-106.1%, intra-day precisions 2.7%-13.5%, and inter-day precisions 3.3%-13.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

This method is easy to operate with high recovery rates. It enables rapid and accurate qualitative screening and quantitative analysis of various herbicides in blood simultaneously.

Relaxation Dynamics of Zero-Field Skyrmions over a Wide Temperature Range

The promise of magnetic skyrmions in future spintronic devices hinges on their topologically enhanced stability and the ability to be manipulated by external fields. The technological advantages of nonvolatile zero-field skyrmion lattice (SkL) are significant if their stability and reliability can be demonstrated over a broad temperature range. Here, we study the relaxation dynamics including the evolution and lifetime of zero-field skyrmions generated from field cooling (FC) in an FeGe single-crystal plate via in situ Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (L-TEM). Three types of dynamic switching between zero-field skyrmions and stripes are identified and distinguished. Moreover, the generation and annihilation of these metastable skyrmions can be tailored during and after FC by varying the magnetic fields and the temperature. This dynamic relaxation behavior under the external fields provides a new understanding of zero-field skyrmions for their stability and reliability in spintronic applications and also raises new questions for theoretical models of skyrmion systems.

[Expression of C-fos in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the relationship with chemosensitivity and prognosis]

Objective:To investigate the expression of C-fos in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC), and analyze the relationship between the expression of C-fos and the clinical characteristics, chemosensitivity and prognosis. Method:Clinical and follow-up data of 75 NPC patients was analyzed retrospectively. The expression of C-fos was detected by immunohistochemical assay, and chemosensitivity was detected by ATP bioluminescent anticancer drug sensitivity detection technology. The relationship between them was studied.Result:The expression of C-fos in NPC was statistically higher than that in the control nasopharyngeal mucosa(P<0.001). It was found that C-fos had no statistical relationship with the gender, age, pathologic type, clinical stage of tumor classification, lymph node status, metastasis status and overall stage of NPC patients(P>0.05). NPC had different chemosensitivity with 8 anticancer drugs(P<0.001).There was a significant difference in chemosensitivity of paclitaxel between the high expression of C-fos group and the low expression of C-fos group(P=0.036). The rate of tumor progression was significantly higher in NPC patients with high expression of C-fos than in the low expression group(P=0.014).There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups(P=0.076). Conclusion:C-fos is highly expressed in NPC tissues, and the high expression of C-fos in NPC tissues may be related to tumor progression and resistance to paclitaxel.

Accessing the Intrinsic Spin Transport in a Topological Insulator by Controlling the Crossover of Bulk-to-Surface Conductance

We report a method to control contributions of bulk and surface states in the topological insulator Bi_{2}Te_{2}Se that allows accessing the spin-polarized transport endowed by topological surface states. An intrinsic surface dominant transport is established when cooling the sample to low temperature or reducing the conduction channel length, both achieved in situ in the transport measurements with a four-probe scanning tunneling microscope without the need of further tailoring the sample. The topological surface states show characteristic transport behaviors with mobility about an order of magnitude higher than reported before, and a spin polarization approaching the theoretically predicted value. Our result demonstrates accessibility to the intrinsic high mobility spin transport of topological surface states, which paves a way to realizing topological spintronic devices.

[Experimental study scavenging effect of paraquat by hemoperfusion]

Objective: To determine the scavenging effect and the change of metabolism of paraquat (PQ) using hemoperfusion (HP) once and twice within 12 hours after intoxication and explore the better scheme of HP. Methods: 18 beagles were randomly divided into 3 groups. Single HP group, Double HP group and Control group. Peripheral veins blood was collected at different times within 48 hours after exposure in each group. Toxin concentration was measured, analyzed and compared among 3 groups. Results: 6 hours after exposure, Single HP group and Double HP group has finished the first HP treatment, and the concentration of PQ was lower than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . 10 hours after exposure, there was no statistical difference of toxin concentration among 3 groups (P>0.05) . 12 hours after exposure, Double HP group has finished the second HP treatment, the concentration of PQ was significantly lower than that of Single HP group and Control group (P<0.05) . 24 hours and 48 hours after exposure, there was no statistical difference of toxin concentration among 3 groups (P>0.05) . Statistical difference were not observed in toxicokinetical parameters among 3 groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: HP treatment once and twice within 12 hours after intoxication could effectively reduce the toxin concentration in the peripheral veins blood after HP for about 4 hours, then the toxin concentration would return to the same level as Control group quickly. It was suggested that at the beginning of poisoning, HP treatment once or twice could not significantly change the metabolism of paraquat.

Real-Space Observation of Nonvolatile Zero-Field Biskyrmion Lattice Generation in MnNiGa Magnet

Magnetic skyrmions, particular those without the support of external magnetic fields over a wide temperature region, are promising as alternative spintronic units to overcome the fundamental size limitation of conventional magnetic bits. In this study, we use in situ Lorentz microscope to directly demonstrate the generation and sustainability of robust biskyrmion lattice at zero magnetic field over a wide temperature range of 16-338 K in MnNiGa alloy. This procedure includes a simple field-cooling manipulation from 360 K (higher than Curie temperature T_C ∼ 350 K), where topological transition easily occurs by adapting the short-range magnetic clusters under a certain magnetic field. The biskyrmion phase is favored upon cooling below T_C. Once they are generated, the robust high-density biskyrmions persist even after removing the external magnetic field due to the topological protection and the increased energy barrier.

Detection of the Spin-Chemical Potential in Topological Insulators Using Spin-Polarized Four-Probe STM

We demonstrate a new method for the detection of the spin-chemical potential in topological insulators using spin-polarized four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy on in situ cleaved Bi_{2}Te_{2}Se surfaces. Two-dimensional (2D) surface and 3D bulk conductions are separated quantitatively via variable probe-spacing measurements, enabling the isolation of the nonvanishing spin-dependent electrochemical potential from the Ohmic contribution. This component is identified as the spin-chemical potential arising from the 2D charge current through the spin momentum locked topological surface states (TSS). This method provides a direct measurement of spin current generation efficiency and opens a new avenue to access the intrinsic spin transport associated with pristine TSS.

Fundamental Resolution of Difficulties in the Theory of Charged Point Defects in Semiconductors

A defect's formation energy is a key theoretical quantity that allows the calculation of equilibrium defect concentrations in solids and aids in the identification of defects that control the properties of materials and device performance, efficiency, and reliability. The theory of formation energies is rigorous only for neutral defects, but the Coulomb potentials of charged defects require additional ad hoc numerical procedures. Here we invoke statistical mechanics to derive a revised theory of charged-defect formation energies, which eliminates the need for ad hoc numerical procedures. Calculations become straightforward and transparent. We present calculations demonstrating the significance of the revised theory for defect formation energies and thermodynamic transition levels.

Effects of various cryoprotectants on the quality of frozen-thawed immature bovine (Qinchuan cattle) calf testicular tissue

To investigate the effects of different concentrations of various cryoprotectants (CPs) on the cell viability as well as expression of spermatogenesis-related genes, such as CREM, Stra8 and HSP70-2 in frozen-thawed bovine calf testicular tissue, immature bovine (Qinchuan cattle) calf testicular tissue was collected and cryopreserved in the cryomedia containing different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) of the following three CPs: glycerol, ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) respectively. After 1 month cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen, cell viability was evaluated using Trypan blue exclusion under a bright-field microscope. The mRNA expression of the three genes was also evaluated using qRT-PCR. The results indicated that different concentrations of glycerol, EG and DMSO in cryomedia during cryopreservation could protect bovine calf testicular tissue in various ways to avoid freezing or cryopreservation-induced expression changes in spermatogenesis-related genes. The highest cell viability and the three spermatogenesis-related genes (CREM, Stra8 and HSP70-2) expression level came from the cryomedia containing glycerol, EG and DMSO at 10% concentration respectively (p < .05). Meanwhile, compared with the other CPs, the frozen-thawed bovine calf testicular tissue treated with 10% DMSO exhibited the highest cell viability and mRNA expression level of the spermatogenesis-related genes (CREM, Stra8 and HSP70-2).

Identification and cloning of GOLDEN2-LIKE1 (GLK1), a transcription factor associated with chloroplast development in Brassica napus L

Photosynthesis is the process by which dry matter accumulates, which affects rapeseed yield. In this study, we identified GOLDEN2-LIKE1 (GLK1), located on chromosome A07 and 59.2 kb away from the single nucleotide polymorphism marker SNP16353A07, which encodes a transcription factor associated with the rate of photosynthesis in leaves. We then identified 96 GLK1 family members from 53 species using a hidden Markov model (HMM) search and found 24 of these genes, which were derived from 17 Brassicaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 24 Brassicaceae proteins were classified into three subgroups, named the Brassica family, Adenium arabicum, and Arabidopsis. Using homologous cloning methods, we identified four BnaGLK1 copies; however, the coding sequences were shorter than the putative sequences from the reference genome, probably due to splicing errors among the reference genome sequence or different gene copies being present in the different B. napus lines. In addition, we found that BnaGLK1 genes were expressed at higher levels in leaves with more chloroplasts than were present in other leaves. Overexpression of BnaGLK1a resulted in darker leaves and siliques than observed in the control, suggesting that BnaGLK1 might promote chloroplast development to affect the rate of photosynthesis in leaves. These results will help to elucidate the mechanism of chloroplast biogenesis by GLK1 in B. napus.

Epigenetic mechanism of maternal post-traumatic stress disorder in delayed rat offspring development: dysregulation of methylation and gene expression

Maternal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in the child. Epigenetic alternations may play an essential role in the negative effects of PTSD. This study was aimed to investigate the possible epigenetic alterations of maternal PTSD, which underpins the developmental and behavioral impact. 24 pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly grouped into PTSD and control groups. Open-field tests (OFTs), elevated pull maze (EPM) assays, gene expression profile chip tests, and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-Seq) were performed on the offsprings 30 days after birth. The results showed that PTSD offsprings had lower body weights and OFT scores than control offsprings. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that serotonin receptor (5-HT) and dopamine levels were significantly lower in PTSD offsprings than in control offsprings. In contrast, corticosterone levels were higher in the PTSD group than in the control group. In a comparison of the PTSD group versus the control group, 4,160 significantly differentially methylated loci containing 30,657 CpGs were identified; 2,487 genes, including 13 dysmethylated genes, were validated by gene expression profiling, showing a negative correlation between methylation and gene expression (R = -0.617, P = 0.043). In conclusion, maternal PTSD could delay the physical and behavioral development of offsprings, and the underlying mechanism could contribute to changes in neurotransmitters and gene expression, owing to dysregulation of whole-genome methylation. These findings could support further clinical research on appropriate interventions for maternal PTSD to prevent methylation dysregulation and developmental retardation.

Conductivity map from scanning tunneling potentiometry

We present a novel method for extracting two-dimensional (2D) conductivity profiles from large electrochemical potential datasets acquired by scanning tunneling potentiometry of a 2D conductor. The method consists of a data preprocessing procedure to reduce/eliminate noise and a numerical conductivity reconstruction. The preprocessing procedure employs an inverse consistent image registration method to align the forward and backward scans of the same line for each image line followed by a total variation (TV) based image restoration method to obtain a (nearly) noise-free potential from the aligned scans. The preprocessed potential is then used for numerical conductivity reconstruction, based on a TV model solved by accelerated alternating direction method of multiplier. The method is demonstrated on a measurement of the grain boundary of a monolayer graphene, yielding a nearly 10:1 ratio for the grain boundary resistivity over bulk resistivity.

Comparative quantitative trait locus mapping of maize flowering-related traits in an F2:3 and recombinant inbred line population

Flowering-related traits in maize are affected by complex factors and are important for the improvement of cropping systems in the maize zone. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detected using different materials and methods usually vary. In the present study, 266 maize (Zea mays) F2:3 families and 301 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between 08-641 (founding parent from southeast China) and Ye478 (founding parent from China) were evaluated for four flowering-related traits, including days to tasseling (DTT), days to pollen shedding (DPS), days to silking (DTS), and anthesis-silking interval. Sixty-six QTLs controlling the target traits were detected in the F2:3 and RIL populations via single environment analysis and joint analysis across all environments (JAAE). The QTLs explained 0.8-13.47% of the phenotypic variation, with 12 QTLs explaining more than 10%. The results of meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis indicated that 41 QTLs could be integrated into 14 MQTLs. One MQTL included 2.9 QTLs, ranging from two to ten QTLs for one to three traits. QTLs, including MQTL1-1 and MQTL9-1, were detected across the F2:3 and RIL populations via SAE and JAAE. Among the MQTLs, nine QTLs were integrated into MQTL9-1 and affected DTT, DPS, and DTS, with the favored allele being derived from 08-641. MQTL3-2 showed high phenotypic variation and was suitable for fine mapping to determine the genetic mechanisms of flowering. MQTL3-2 could be applied to improve inbred lines using marker-assisted selection.

Correlation between PPARg2 gene Pro12Ala polymorphism and cerebral infarction in an Inner Mongolian Han Chinese population

The variant of PPAR-g2 has been shown to promote the increase of carotid IMT in patients suffering from cerebral infarction and the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorg2 (PPARg2) gene may be associated with cerebral infarction. However, due to the different genetic background, race, and regional variations of cerebral infarction patient, the results of investigations into this subject differ. The aim of this study was to investigate this polymorphism in relation to cerebral infarction among the Inner Mongolian Han Chinese population. A total of 574 Han Chinese individuals from Inner Mongolian were selected randomly, including 302 patients with cerebral infarction and 272 healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine genotypes of the PPARg2 Pro12Ala variant and results were confirmed by direct sequencing. Genotype frequencies were found to be 90.7 and 91.9% for P/P, 8.6 and 7.7% for P/A, and 0.7 and 0.4 for A/A in the cerebral infarction and control groups, respectively. No statistically significant differences in genotype distribution were observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, PPARg2 Pro12Ala genotype was not significantly associated with altered fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, or serum lipid profiles. After adjustment for gender, body mass index, and smoking habit, logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the Pro12Ala polymorphism and cerebral infarction (odds ratio = 0.888, 95% confidence interval = 0.106-7.460, P > 0.05), revealing that this variant was not the main pathogenic factor involved. Therefore, the Pro12Ala mutation of PPARg2 may not be associated with cerebral infarction in the Inner Mongolian Han Chinese population.

Evidence for horizontal transfer of a recently active Academ transposon

Horizontal transfer (HT), the exchange of genetic material between species, plays important roles in transposon biology and genome evolution. In this study, we provide the first documented example of a new Academ transposon involved in recent and distant HTs into the genomes of species belonging to seven different orders of insects: Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Embioptera, Dermaptera, Trichoptera and Zoraptera. These results suggest that HT of DNA transposons amongst insects has occurred on a broader scale than previously appreciated. The Academ transposon discovered in the Lepidoptera and parasitic wasps is of particular interest because the intimate association between wasps and their lepidopteran hosts might provide an opportunity for HT of transposons.

Differentiation of Surface and Bulk Conductivities in Topological Insulators via Four-Probe Spectroscopy

We show a new method to differentiate conductivities from the surface states and the coexisting bulk states in topological insulators using a four-probe transport spectroscopy in a multiprobe scanning tunneling microscopy system. We derive a scaling relation of measured resistance with respect to varying interprobe spacing for two interconnected conduction channels to allow quantitative determination of conductivities from both channels. Using this method, we demonstrate the separation of 2D and 3D conduction in topological insulators by comparing the conductance scaling of Bi2Se3, Bi2Te2Se, and Sb-doped Bi2Se3 against a pure 2D conductance of graphene on SiC substrate. We also quantitatively show the effect of surface doping carriers on the 2D conductance enhancement in topological insulators. The method offers a means to understanding not just the topological insulators but also the 2D to 3D crossover of conductance in other complex systems.

Regulatory effect of miRNA on multi-directional differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cell in treatment of osteoporosis

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of miRNA acting in regulating multi-directional differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cell in treatment of osteoporosis (OP), with the aim of finding a new idea and approach for clinical treatment of OP. Estrogen deficiency-induced OP mice model was established by means of ovariectomy (OVX). Additionally, a sham group was set up for control. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMMSCs) of OVX group (O/BMMSCs) and BMMSCs of sham group (S/BMMSCs) were separately cultured. Then surface markers of BMMSCs were detected. Multi-directional differentiation ability was identified in the two groups by giving cells targeted induced stimulation. It was found that the bone trabecula, bone density and bone volume fraction of distal femoral metaphysis in the OVX group were much lower than those of the sham group. Moreover, trabecular bone space in the OVX group became larger; O/BMMSCs and S/BMMSCs both had normal expression of surface markers as well as potentials of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation; O/BMMSCs had a weaker osteogenic capability but a stronger adipogenic capability than S/BMMSCs. All the findings suggest that the regulatory effect of miRNA on multi-directional differentiation ability plays a vital role in the treatment of OP, and there is a close correlation between them; deficiency or functional defect of BMMSCs can result in the occurrence of OP.

Correlation between intensity modulated radiotherapy and bone marrow suppression in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the correlation factors of bone marrow suppression in breast cancer radiotherapy and find out the method to guide the target area, dose limitation for breast cancer to reduce the risk of bone marrow suppression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

72 cases of breast cancer patients were collected through retrospective, clinical control study. For patients with Grade 0-3, bone marrow suppression in the course of radiotherapy, the dose-volume parameters (V5, V10, V20, V30, V50, D20, D40, D60, D80, D100, Min, Max, Dmean) of the chest and rib of each patient were collected and analyzed from multiple points including tumor stage, age, lesion location, surgical approach, chemotherapy regimen and the number of cycles, bone dose-volume parameters.

RESULTS

The relative parameters of the rib in the middle and severe bone marrow suppression group were significantly higher than those in the mild bone marrow depression group and the p values of V5, V10, V20, V30, Dmean, D40, D60, D80, D100 were less than 0.05. The difference of V50 in the two groups was statistically significant (p <0.05). For chemotherapy regimens containing doxorubicin, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, the differences between bone marrow suppression group and non-bone marrow suppression were statistically significant (p =0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The dose-volume parameters of the rib radiation is one of the main factors causing the suppression of bone marrow in radiotherapy, and the volume of the 50Gy irradiation is also a contribution to the bone marrow. For patients accepted chemotherapy with doxorubicin, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide before radiotherapy, bone marrow suppression is more likely to occur during radiotherapy. After radical mastectomy or the volume of thoracic rib is increased because of the small breast, the occurrence of bone marrow suppression is increased. The effects of radiation on the bone marrow suppression were small, while its effect on the ribs was more evident, especially on the ribs V20 and Dmean and the difference was statically significant.

Construction of tissue engineered skin with human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells and human amniotic epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

To establish a new model for construction of tissue engineered skin with human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

hAMSCs and hAECs were isolated from amniotic membrane. The morphology and phenotype of hAMSCs and hAECs were confirmed by microscope and flow cytometry, respectively. Then, we performed RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining to assess the expression of stem cells and keratinocyte markers. Moreover, cell co-culture was performed to observe the growth and phenotype characteristics of hAMSCs and hAECs in vitro. In addition, tissue engineered skin with hAMSCs and hAECs was constructed and assessed with histological methods.

RESULTS

hAMSCs and hAECs were successfully isolated, exhibiting fibroblast-like morphous and cobblestone-shape epithelial morphous, respectively. The surface biomarker analysis showed that hAMSCs and hAECs were both positive for CD73, CD90 and CD105, and negative for CD34 and HLA-DR. The RT-PCR showed that hAMSCs expressed stem cell marker Nanog and c-MYC, and keratinocyte marker K19, β1 integrin and K8, whereas hAECs expressed stem cell marker KLF4 and c-MYC, and keratinocyte marker K19, β1 integrin, K5 and K8. The expression of keratinocyte proliferation antigen K14 was also found on hAECs. Furthermore, we found co-culture has no impact on the phenotype of hAMSCs and hAECs, but increased the proliferation activity of hAECs and decreased the proliferation activity of hAMSCs. Finally, the histological analysis showed that the tissue engineered skin exhibited similar structure as normal skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue engineered skin with hAMSCs and hAECs was successfully constructed and shown a similar feature as a skin equivalent. The tissue engineered skin might have good application prospects in regenerative medicine.

The extraction of different proteins in selenium enriched peanuts and their antioxidant properties

In this study, the selenium enriched peanuts and the different solubility proteins extracted from them were investigated. The dried defatted selenium enriched peanuts (SeP) powder (0.3147 μg/g) had a 2.5-fold higher mean total selenium concentration than general peanuts (GP) power (0.1233 μg/g). The SeP had higher concentration of selenium, manganese and zinc than that of GP, but less calcium. The rate of extraction of protein was 23.39% for peanuts and alkali soluble protein was the main component of protein in SeP, which accounted for 92.82% of total soluble protein and combined selenium was 77.33% of total selenium protein. In different forms of proteins from SeP, the WSePr due to higher concentration of selenium had higher DPPH free-radical scavenging activity, higher reducing activity and longer induction time than other proteins.

Maskless Lithography and in situ Visualization of Conductivity of Graphene using Helium Ion Microscopy

The remarkable mechanical and electronic properties of graphene make it an ideal candidate for next generation nanoelectronics. With the recent development of commercial-level single-crystal graphene layers, the potential for manufacturing household graphene-based devices has improved, but significant challenges still remain with regards to patterning the graphene into devices. In the case of graphene supported on a substrate, traditional nanofabrication techniques such as e-beam lithography (EBL) are often used in fabricating graphene nanoribbons but the multi-step processes they require can result in contamination of the graphene with resists and solvents. In this letter, we report the utility of scanning helium ion lithography for fabricating functional graphene nanoconductors that are supported directly on a silicon dioxide layer, and we measure the minimum feature size achievable due to limitations imposed by thermal fluctuations and ion scattering during the milling process. Further we demonstrate that ion beams, due to their positive charging nature, may be used to observe and test the conductivity of graphene-based nanoelectronic devices in situ.

Ferromagnetism and nonmetallic transport of thin-film α-FeSi(2): a stabilized metastable material

A metastable phase α-FeSi_{2} was epitaxially stabilized on a silicon substrate using pulsed laser deposition. Nonmetallic and ferromagnetic behaviors are tailored on α-FeSi_{2} (111) thin films, while the bulk material of α-FeSi_{2} is metallic and nonmagnetic. The transport property of the films renders two different conducting states with a strong crossover at 50 K, which is accompanied by the onset of a ferromagnetic transition as well as a substantial magnetoresistance. These experimental results are discussed in terms of the unusual electronic structure of α-FeSi_{2} obtained within density functional calculations and Boltzmann transport calculations with and without strain. Our finding sheds light on achieving ferromagnetic semiconductors through both their structure and doping tailoring, and provides an example of a tailored material with rich functionalities for both basic research and practical applications.

Effects of bovine serum albumin on boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C

This study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C. Boar semen samples were collected and diluted with Modena containing different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 g/l) of BSA, and sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured and analysed. The results showed that Modena supplemented with 3, 4 and 5 g/l BSA could improve boar sperm motility, effective survival time and plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05), decrease MDA content (p < 0.05), while no statistical difference was observed for sperm acrosome integrity and T-AOC activity among these three groups (p > 0.05). The semen sample diluted with Modena containing 4 g/l BSA could achieve optimum effect, and sperm survival time was 7.5 days. After 7 days preservation, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were 54%, 49% and 78%, respectively. T-AOC activity and MDA content were 1.03 U/ml and 17.5 nmol/ml, respectively. In conclusion, Modena supplemented with BSA reduced the oxidative stress and improved the sperm quality of boar semen during liquid storage at 17°C, and 4 g/l BSA was the optimum concentration. Further studies are required to obtain more concrete results on the determination of antioxidant capacities of BSA in liquid preserved boar semen.