GPR124 promotes trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibits trophoblast cell apoptosis and inflammation via JNK and P38 MAPK pathways

Early-onset preeclampsia, which occurrs before 34 weeks of gestation, is the most dangerous classification of preeclampsia, which is a pregnancy-specific disease that causes 1% of maternal deaths. G protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124) is significantly expressed at various stages of the human reproductive process, particularly during embryogenesis and angiogenesis. Our prior investigation demonstrated a notable decrease in GPR124 expression in the placentas of patients with early-onset preeclampsia compared to that in normal pregnancy placentas. However, there is a lack of extensive investigation into the molecular processes that contribute to the role of GPR124 in placenta development. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms by which GPR124 affects the occurrence of early-onset preeclampsia and its function in trophoblast. Proliferative, invasive, migratory, apoptotic, and inflammatory processes were identified in GPR124 knockdown, GPR124 overexpression, and normal HTR8/SVneo cells. The mechanism of GPR124-mediated cell function in GPR124 knockdown HTR8/SVneo cells was examined using inhibitors of the JNK or P38 MAPK pathway. Downregulation of GPR124 was found to significantly inhibit proliferation, invasion and migration, and promote apoptosis of HTR8/SVneo cells when compared to the control and GPR124 overexpression groups. This observation is consistent with the pathological characteristics of preeclampsia. In addition, GPR124 overexpression inhibits the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-8 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) while enhancing the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-4. Furthermore, GPR124 suppresses the activation of P-JNK and P-P38 within the JNK/P38 MAPK pathway. The invasion, apoptosis, and inflammation mediated by GPR124 were partially restored by suppressing the JNK and P38 MAPK pathways in HTR8/SVneo cells. GPR124 plays a crucial role in regulating trophoblast proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and inflammation via the JNK and P38 MAPK pathways. Furthermore, the effect of GPR124 on trophoblast suggests its involvement in the pathogenesis of early-onset preeclampsia.

Whole-genome sequencing analysis in fetal structural anomalies: novel phenotype-genotype discoveries

OBJECTIVES

The identification of structural variants and single-nucleotide variants is essential in finding molecular etiologies of monogenic genetic disorders. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming more widespread in genetic disease diagnosis. However, data on its clinical utility remain limited in prenatal practice. We aimed to expand our understanding of implementing WGS in the genetic diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies.

METHODS

We employed trio WGS with a minimum coverage of 40× on the MGI DNBSEQ-T7 platform in a cohort of 17 fetuses presenting with aberrations detected by ultrasound, but uninformative findings of standard chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and exome sequencing (ES).

RESULTS

Causative genetic variants were identified in two families, with an increased diagnostic yield of 11.8% (2/17). Both were exon-level copy-number variants of small size (3.03 kb and 5.16 kb) and beyond the detection thresholds of CMA and ES. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, we have described the first prenatal instance of the association of FGF8 with holoprosencephaly and facial deformities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis demonstrates the clinical value of WGS in the diagnosis of the underlying etiology of fetuses with structural abnormalities, when routine genetic tests have failed to provide a diagnosis. Additionally, the novel variants and new fetal manifestations have expanded the mutational and phenotypic spectrums of BBS9 and FGF8. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Clarity on the blazing trail: clearing the way for amyloid-removing therapies for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Senile plaques composed of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the brain are the core hallmarks of AD and a promising target for the development of disease-modifying therapies. However, over the past 20 years, the failures of clinical trials directed at Aβ clearance have fueled a debate as to whether Aβ is the principal pathogenic factor in AD and a valid therapeutic target. The success of the recent phase 3 trials of lecanemab (Clarity AD) and donanemab (Trailblazer Alz2), and lessons from previous Aβ clearance trials provide critical evidence to support the role of Aβ in AD pathogenesis and suggest that targeting Aβ clearance is heading in the right direction for AD treatment. Here, we analyze key questions relating to the efficacy of Aβ targeting therapies, and provide perspectives on early intervention, adequate Aβ removal, sufficient treatment period, and combinatory therapeutics, which may be required to achieve the best cognitive benefits in future trials in the real world.

Trimethylated chitosan-coated flexible liposomes with resveratrol for topical drug delivery to reduce blue-light-induced retinal damage

LED-related blue-light-induced damage can cause eye diseases. However, drug delivery in patients with ocular diseases is faced with various challenges. In this study, we developed flexible liposomes based on trimethylated chitosan (TMC-Lipo) to deliver resveratrol for the treatment of retinal diseases. Flexible liposomes can easily cross various biological barriers. Chitosan and its derivatives have adhesive properties and are widely used in mucoadhesive drug delivery systems. Therefore, we wrapped flexible liposomes with trimethylated chitosan via electrostatic adsorption. The charge of the flexible liposomes became positive after encapsulation in TMC, and they remained stable in artificial tears. We assessed the safety of TMC-Lipo in cellular and zebrafish experiments and found that it can be safely used. In addition, treatment with TMC-Lipo significantly reduced H2O2-induced damage to ARPE-19 cells, restored mitochondrial membrane potential, and protected the cells. TMC-Lipo more easily reached the posterior ocular segment of the mice than liposome nanoparticles and attenuated blue-light-induced retinal cytopathy. Our study demonstrates that effective eye drop formulations can be developed based on trimethylated chitosan, which provides a promising approach for the treatment of ocular diseases.

The Effectiveness of a Community Nurse-Led Support Program for Dementia Caregivers in Chinese Communities: The Chongqing Ageing and Dementia Study

Background

As the primary caregivers for people with dementia in China, family caregivers face a significant care burden that can negatively impact their mental and physical health. It is vital to investigate ways to support these caregivers.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of a program led by community nurses to support caregivers of individuals with dementia.

Methods

A total of 30 caregivers received nurse-led support in addition to usual care, while 28 caregivers received only usual care. The primary outcome was caregivers' sense of competency in providing dementia care, which was measured using the Short Sense of Competence Questionnaire (SSCQ). Secondary outcomes included caregivers' ability to perform daily activities, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) using a neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire, and quality of life using the short form health survey (SF-36). The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR 2300071484).

Results

Compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly higher SSCQ scores and a lower caregiver distress index over time. Physical and mental health-related quality of life also improved significantly among caregivers in the intervention group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of activities of daily living and BPSD.

Conclusions

The community nurse-led support program significantly improved caregivers' competency in providing dementia care and quality of life and reduced distress. These findings have important implications for dementia care policies, resources, and workforce development in China, including strengthening community dementia care services through collaboration with specialists in hospitals.

The long-term effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation on Alzheimer's disease-type pathologies in APP/PS1 mice

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), an emerging and highly efficient paradigm of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), has been demonstrated to mitigate cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Previous clinical studies have shown that the cognitive improvement of iTBS could last several weeks after treatment. Nonetheless, it is largely uncertain how the long-term effects of iTBS treatment are sustained. To investigate whether iTBS has a long-term effect on AD-type pathologies, 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice are administrated with 30 consecutive days of iTBS treatment. After a 2-month interval, morphological alterations in the brain are examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, while levels of associated proteins are assessed by Western blot at the age of 9 months. We find that iTBS treatment significantly diminishes Aβ burden in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, we observe that iTBS treatment inhibits the expression of BACE1 and elevates the level of IDE, suggesting that the reduction of Aβ load could be attributed to the inhibition of Aβ production and facilitation of Aβ degradation. Furthermore, iTBS treatment attenuates neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and synaptic loss in APP/PS1 mice. Collectively, these data indicate that 1 month of iTBS treatment ameliorates pathologies in the brain of AD mice for at least 2 months. We provide the novel evidence that iTBS may exert after-effects on AD-type pathologies via inhibition of Aβ production and facilitation of Aβ degradation.

The potential of activator protein 1 (AP-1) in cancer targeted therapy

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a transcription factor that consists of a diverse group of members including Jun, Fos, Maf, and ATF. AP-1 involves a number of processes such as proliferation, migration, and invasion in cells. Dysfunctional AP-1 activity is associated with cancer initiation, development, invasion, migration and drug resistance. Therefore, AP-1 is a potential target for cancer targeted therapy. Currently, some small molecule inhibitors targeting AP-1 have been developed and tested, showing some anticancer effects. However, AP-1 is complex and diverse in its structure and function, and different dimers may play different roles in different type of cancers. Therefore, more research is needed to reveal the specific mechanisms of AP-1 in cancer, and how to select appropriate inhibitors and treatment strategies. Ultimately, this review summarizes the potential of combination therapy for cancer.

The correlation between modifications to corneal topography and changes in retinal vascular density and retinal thickness in myopic children after undergoing orthokeratology

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the relationship among changes in corneal topography, retinal vascular density, and retinal thickness in myopic children who underwent orthokeratology for 3 months.

Method

Thirty children with myopia wore orthokeratology lenses for 3 months. Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), the retina was imaged as 6 × 6 mm en-face images at baseline and 3 months after orthokeratology. Cornea data was acquired by topography and analyzed by customer MATLAB software. The cornea was divided into 3 zones and 9 sectors. The relative corneal refractive power shift (RCRPS) was used in this study. Changes in retinal vascular density (RVDC) and retinal thickness change (RTC) were associated with RCRPS by using spearman test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Result

A significant correlation was observed between the RVDC and the RCRPS in many regions (the r was 0.375 ~ 0.548, all p value <0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between RVDC in inner and outer temple regions with RCRPS at inner and outer nasal sectors. There were no significant correlations between RTC and RCRPS in other sectors except in the central cornea and the outer nasal retina (r:0.501, p:0.006). At baseline and 3 months after wearing the orthokeratology lens, no significant differences in the retinal microvasculature or thickness (p > 0.05) were observed at any regions.

Conclusion

The correlation between the cornea and the retina was observed after orthokeratology. Cornea changes may affect regional retinal responses accordingly，which may explain how orthokeratology delays myopia progression partially.

Age-Related Association Between APOE ɛ4 and Cognitive Progression in de novo Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

APOE ɛ4 genotype was correlated with exacerbation of pathology and higher risk of dementia in Parkinson's disease (PD). Meanwhile, the differential influence of APOE ɛ4 on cognition in young and old individuals interpreted as antagonistic pleiotropy.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether the effect of APOE ɛ4 on cognitive progression in de novo PD is age dependent.

METHODS

In this study, 613 de novo PD patients were recruited from Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). To examine the age-dependent relationship between APOE ɛ4 and cognitive changes, we added 3-way interaction of APOE ɛ4*baseline age*time to the linear mixed-effect (LME) models and evaluated the specific roles of APOE ɛ4 in the middle age group and elderly group separately. Cox regression was utilized to examine the progression of cognition in age-stratified PD participants.

RESULTS

Age significantly modified relationship between APOE ɛ4 and cognitive changes in most cognitive domains (pinteraction <0.05). In the elderly group, APOE ɛ4 carriers showed steeper decline in global cognition (p = 0.001) as well as in most cognitive domains, and they had a greater risk of cognitive progression (adjusted HR 1.625, 95% CI 1.143-2.310, p = 0.007), compared with non-carriers. However, in the middle age group, no significant relationships between APOE ɛ4 and cognitive decline can be detected.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that the APOE ɛ4 allele has an age-dependent effect on cognitive decline in PD patients. The underlying mechanisms need to be investigated in the future.

Associations of Leisure Activities and Sleep Duration with Cognitive Function: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study of Chinese Old Adults

BACKGROUND

Leisure activities and sleep duration are correlated and have been linked to cognitive function, but most studies have examined only one of these factors.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the independent and joint associations of leisure activities and sleep duration with cognitive function among older adults.

METHODS

We included 7,796 participants aged≥65 years from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey during 2008-2018 (waves 5-8). Self-reported leisure activities and sleep duration were assessed at baseline, and cognitive function was measured repeatedly using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and during follow-up. We used linear mixed models to estimate regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 5.77 years. After adjusting for each other and potential confounders, both lower leisure activity score (each 1-point decrease β= -0.33, 95% CI: -0.36 to -0.30) and longer sleep duration (each 1-hour increase β= -0.17, 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.11) were independently associated with lower MMSE score. Furthermore, we observed an additive interaction between leisure activities and sleep duration (pinteraction < 0.001). A combination of low leisure activity score and long sleep duration was strongly associated with decreased MMSE score (β= -2.51, 95% CI: -2.85 to -2.16) compared with the group with combined high leisure activity score and normal sleep duration.

CONCLUSION

Both leisure activities and sleep duration were independently associated with cognitive function. Moreover, the combination of leisure inactivity and prolonged sleep duration predicted worse cognitive function (a preclinical hallmark of Alzheimer's disease) in an additive manner.

The effect of orthokeratology lenses on optical quality and visual function in children

Purpose

To assess changes in optical quality and visual function in children after 3 months of wearing orthokeratology (OK) lenses.

Methods

A total of 25 myopic children aged 8-12 years were recruited and completed the follow-up study. Optical quality, visual function and corneal morphology were assessed at baseline and at follow-ups 1 and 3 months after wearing OK lenses. Optical quality parameters mainly included the modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff, objective scattering index (OSI), Strehl ratio (SR) and the predicted visual acuities (PVAs). Visual function was assessed by visual acuity, monocular contrast sensitivity function (CSF) across five spatial frequencies and the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) that was also computed as an index for overall CSF.

Results

The MTF cutoff and SR values both increased after 1 month of wearing the OK lenses (baseline vs. 1 month: P _MTF = 0.008 and P _SR = 0.049); this improvement plateaued after 3 months of lens wear (1 month vs. 3 months: P _MTF = 0.626, P _SR = 0.428). The corneal morphology also showed the similar change trend. The OSI showed the opposite change trend (baseline vs. 1 month: P _OSI < 0.001; 1 month vs. 3 months: P _OSI = 0.720). The mean CSF at 1.5 cpd decreased significantly after 1 month of wearing the lenses (baseline vs. 1 month: p = 0.001) and recovered after 3 months of lens wear (baseline vs. 3 months: p = 0.076). CSF at spatial frequencies of 3, 6, 12 and 18 cpd as well as the AULCSF did not significantly differ between any two timepoints (all Ps > 0.05).

Conclusion

After 3 months of wearing OK lenses, the subjects exhibited a decrease in optical quality, similar to corneal morphology, whereas their visual function remained largely unchanged. Thus, the optical quality was more susceptible to OK lenses than visual function in children. The initial month of OK treatment of children is a key period to be paid close attention to deterioration of optical quality and visual function.

Radical annulation using a radical reagent as a two-carbon unit

Radical annulation has emerged as one of the most efficient and straightforward methods for synthesizing cyclic/polycyclic compounds as the core structures can be constructed through a single procedure comprising multiple bond-forming steps. Particularly, radical annulation using a radical reagent as a cyclization partner and two-carbon unit greatly expands the diversity of cyclic skeletons and the functionality of radical reagents. We herein have highlighted the representative processes reported in the past decade for radical annulation using a radical reagent as a two-carbon unit, including [2 + 2 + 2], [3 + 2], [4 + 2], and [5 + 2] modes, with an emphasis on their reaction mechanisms. These studies not only pave the way toward annulation but also provide insight into the exploration of a new reaction mode for radical chemistry.

Phylogenetic analysis based on single-copy orthologous proteins in highly variable chloroplast genomes of Corydalis

Corydalis is one of the few lineages that have been reported to have extensive large-scale chloroplast genome (cp-genome) rearrangements. In this study, novel cp-genome rearrangements of Corydalis pinnata, C. mucronate, and C. sheareri are described. C. pinnata is a narrow endemic species only distributed at Qingcheng Mountain in southwest China. Two independent relocations of the same four genes (trnM-CAU-rbcL) were found relocated from the typically posterior part of the large single-copy region to the front of it. A uniform inversion of an 11-14-kb segment (ndhB-trnR-ACG) was found in the inverted repeat region; and extensive losses of accD, clpP, and trnV-UAC genes were detected in all cp-genomes of all three species of Corydalis. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was reconstructed based on 31 single-copy orthologous proteins in 27 cp-genomes. This study provides insights into the evolution of cp-genomes throughout the genus Corydalis and also provides a reference for further studies on the taxonomy, identification, phylogeny, and genetic transformation of other lineages with extensive rearrangements in cp-genomes.

The Long-Term Effect of Blue-Light Blocking Spectacle Lenses on Adults’ Contrast Perception

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term effect of two different degrees of blue-light blocking (BB) spectacle lenses on adults’ contrast perception under various lighting conditions.

Methods

In total, 144 healthy adults aged 24.70 (±4.32 years) were recruited to this randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly divided into three groups and used three different spectacle lenses (15% BB: 15% blue-blocking spectacle lenses; 30% BB: 30% blue-blocking spectacle lenses; RC: regular clear lenses serving as control). Contrast sensitivity under four light conditions (scotopic and photopic, both with/without glare) was measured using standard clinical tests at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months of use. The area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was also computed as an index for their overall contrast sensitivity across spatial frequencies.

Results

There was no significant difference in AULCSFs among the three types of spectacle lenses under any light condition (all P > 0.81). No statistical difference was found in the AULSCF among the four time points (all P > 0.39), with no interaction between the effects of group and time (all P > 0.42).

Conclusion

Wearing blue-light blocking lens had no clinically significant effect on adults’ long-term contrast perception under scotopic or photopic conditions, or with glare.

[Change in serum IgG antibody during the recovery stage of Omicron variant infection in children: an analysis of 110 cases]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the serum level of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific RBD IgG antibody (SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody for short) in children with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection during the recovery stage, as well as the protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination against Omicron infection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 110 children who were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in Tianjin of China from January 8 to February 7, 2022. According to the status of vaccination before diagnosis, they were divided into a booster vaccination (3 doses) group with 2 children, a complete vaccination (2 doses) group with 90 children, an incomplete vaccination (1 dose) group with 5 children, and a non-vaccination group with 13 children. The clinical data and IgG level were compared among the 4 groups.

RESULTS

The complete vaccination group had a significantly higher age than the non-vaccination group at diagnosis (P<0.05), and there was a significant difference in the route of transmission between the two groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences among the four groups in sex, clinical classification, and re-positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection (P>0.05). All 97 children were vaccinated with inactivated vaccine, among whom 85 children (88%) were vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm vaccine (Beijing Institute of Biological Products, Beijing, China). At 1 month after diagnosis, the booster vaccination group and the complete vaccination group had a significantly higher level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody than the non-vaccination group (P<0.05), and at 2 months after diagnosis, the complete vaccination group had a significantly higher level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody than the non-vaccination group (P<0.05). For the complete vaccination group, the level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody at 2 months after diagnosis was significantly lower than that at 1 month after diagnosis (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has a protective effect against Omicron infection in children. For children vaccinated with 2 doses of the vaccine who experience Omicron infection, there may be a slight reduction in the level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody at 2 months after diagnosis. Citation:Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 2022, 24(7): 736-741.

Comparison of Two Main Orthokeratology Lens Designs in Efficacy and Safety for Myopia Control

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of corneal refractive therapy (CRT) lenses and vision shaping treatment (VST) lenses for myopia control in children.

Methods

Medical records of 1,001 children (2,002 eyes) who had been fitted with orthokeratology lenses for over 1.5 years were retrospectively reviewed. We collected the clinical data of four types of orthokeratology (OK) lenses available: one CRT lens (brand: CRT) and three VST lenses (brands: Euclid, Alpha, and Hiline) over 1.5 years. Results were compared and analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and Pearson's chi-square test.

Results

Axial length elongation in the CRT lens group was 0.13 ± 0.02 mm faster than that in the Euclid lens, 0.1 ± 0.02 mm faster in the Alpha lens, and 0.08 ± 0.02 mm faster in the Hiline lens over the 1.5-year period (all P < 0.05). Among the subjects, 37.3% of them using the CRT lens experienced more than 1 D of refractive growth, compared with 20.2–30.8% of subjects wearing the three groups of VST lenses (all P < 0.05). A lower incidence of total adverse events was found with the CRT lenses compared with the VST lenses (P < 0.05), especially corneal staining. No difference was found in axial length elongation, refraction growth, and incidence of adverse events among the three types of VST lenses (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the VST lenses, CRT lenses demonstrated a weaker effect on myopia control but with a better safety profile. Different types of VST lenses had similar efficacy and safety in the context of controlling myopia progression.

[Varieties and standards of Corydalis medicinal plants]

Through literature research and standard retrieval, Corydalis-derived medicinal materials, the origins, and related standards were summarized. Finally, 27 medicinal materials were screened out, involving 71 species(varieties). Among them, only 11 are recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020), National Standard for Chinese Patent Drugs·Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medicine Standards, and other local standards, including Corydalis Bungeanae Herba and Corydalis Herba. The names and original plants of the medicinal materials are different in different standards, and the phenomena of &quot;same medicinal material with different names&quot; and &quot;same name for different medicinal materials&quot; are prominent. Most standards only include the traits, microscopic identification, and physico-chemical property identification, with unsound quality criteria. Thus, efforts should be made to strengthen the sorting of Corydalis medicinal plants, herbal textual research, and investigation of the resources and utilization. Moreover, via modern techniques, the chemical components and medicinal material basis of different original plants should be explored and sound quality standards should be established to improve the safety and quality of Corydalis-derived medicinal materials. Summarizing Corydalis medicinal plants, Corydalis-derived medicinal materials, and related standards, this study is expected to provide a reference for the standard formulation, quality evaluation, expansion of drug sources, and rational development and utilization of Corydalis resources.

C1q/TNF-related protein-9 suppresses inflammation in synovial cells from patients with osteoarthritis

Objective: Synovial inflammation contributes to cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA) development. Targeting the inflammation process may provide a promising strategy for OA treatment. It has been demonstrated that C1q/tumour necrosis factor-related protein-9 (CTRP9) has immunosuppression capabilities. Thus, we conducted this study to investigate the role of CTRP9 in OA and its therapeutic potential.Method: The expression level of CTRP9 was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), serum, and synovial cells (SCs) isolated from OA patients by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between the expression level of CTRP9 and the disease activity of OA was determined. The inflammation-suppressing effects of CTRP9 were assessed in vitro.Results: The expression level of CTRP9 was increased in the PBMCs and serum of OA compared to healthy controls. The serum level of CTRP9 was found to be positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and visual analogue scale score. In addition, CTRP9 protein suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β, in PBMCs and SCs in vitro. CTRP9 was increased in OA patients and positively correlated with the disease activity. The recombinant CTRP9 had inflammation-suppressing activities in vitro.Conclusion: CTRP9 may have therapeutic potential for treating OA.Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized as cartilage destruction resulting from synovial inflammation (1-6). According to the clinical symptoms and levels of inflammation, OA has been divided into primary generalized osteoarthritis (PGOA) and erosive inflammatory osteoarthritis (EIOA) (7). The only available treatment for OA is joint replacement. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel and effective therapeutic strategies to treat OA.Because synovial inflammation contributes to OA development, targeting the inflammation process may provide a promising strategy for OA treatment. Previous investigations showed that pro-inflammatory factors promoted OA development (8-10), while anti-inflammatory factors suppressed it (11-14). Thus, we conducted the present study to investigate the role of C1q/tumour necrosis factor-related protein-9 (CTRP9), an anti-inflammatory factor (15), in OA, and its therapeutic potential.

Platelet-derived microparticles from recurrent miscarriage associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome influence behaviours of trophoblast and endothelial cells

Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) are a type of microparticle budding from platelets undergoing activation or apoptosis in many autoimmune diseases, including antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). PMPs may also contribute to recurrent miscarriage, although the exact mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the potential biological mechanism by which abnormal PMP activation may affect recurrent miscarriage. PMPs were counted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and compared between the healthy control (HC) and recurrent miscarriage/APS groups. Different effects of PMPs isolated by FACS from patients with recurrent miscarriage/APS and HCs were explored. Capillary electrophoresis immunoquantification, RT-qPCR, Luminex xMAP and immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate all these different effects of PMPs. We found that the difference in the counts of PMP was not significant. However the expression of the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the adhesion molecules intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were increased by PMPs derived from the recurrent miscarriage/APS group. PMPs isolated from patients with recurrent miscarriage/APS also more potently stimulated monocyte recruitment, inhibited angiogenesis and promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) apoptosis, in comparison to PMPs from HCs matched for gestational week. Moreover, PMPs could be ternalized by HTR-8/SVneo cells and could increase apoptosis of these cells and decrease trophoblastic invasion and migration. To supplement our work, the limited sample size needs to be increased, and further in-vivo work is necessary. Findings from this study indicate that abnormal activation of PMPs contributes to recurrent miscarriage/APS progression and provides potential therapeutic targets.

Macrophage Depletion Improves Chronic Rejection in Rats With Allograft Heart Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Macrophages may be important in chronic rejection after organ transplantation. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of depleting macrophages for a certain amount of time to alleviate chronic rejection in a heart transplant model of Fischer to Lewis rats.

METHODS

Clodronate liposome was injected abdominally to deplete macrophages for 2 time frames. The expression levels of ectodysplasin 1, arginase 1 (Arg1), chitinase-like lectin (Ym1), interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were detected.

RESULTS

1. The expression levels of α-SMA, interferon gamma, TNF-α, and MCP-1 and the transformation of peripheral T cells were lower after macrophage depletion for 2 or 4 weeks. 2. The expression levels of α-SMA, TNF-α, and MCP-1 and the transformation of peripheral T cells were even lower after 4 weeks compared with 2 weeks, except for interferon gamma. 3. A higher level of expression of Arg1 and Ym1 after macrophage depletion for 2 weeks was observed. 4. A higher level of expression of IL-10 after macrophage depletion for 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks, was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrophage clearance after heart transplantation alleviated chronic rejection probably via M2 polarization of regenerated macrophages, reduced T-lymphocyte proliferation, and changed the expression levels of interferon gamma, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-10.

[Research on contents of anthraquinones,dianthrones and tannins in Rheum tanguticum on PCA and CA]

Anthraquinones,dianthrones and tannins are the main active ingredients of Rheum tanguticum. In this study the three components were determined by HPLC,and the results were analyzed by multiple comparisons,principal components analysis(PCA)and correspondence analysis(CA). The results showed that the contents of components in different growing areas and types(wild and cultivated) reached a significant level(P<0. 05). Baiyu county,Xiaojin county and Ruoergai county had obvious advantages in the accumulation of catechin hydrate,rhien and sensenoside A respectively. The principal component was different in two growing type and the wild environment was conducive to combined anthraquinones accumulation. For active components,normalized planting was better than retail cultivating. Therefore,the effect on the accumulation of chemical components in Rh. tangusticum,should be taken into full account in the selection of the cultural base of Rh. tanguticum. The standardized cultivating is superior to retail cultivating in terms of the accumulation of active ingredients,and standardized planting is inferior to the wild.

Short term effect of choroid thickness in the horizontal meridian detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography in myopic children after orthokeratology

AIM

To investigate choroidal thickness changes in the horizontal meridian after orthokeratology.

METHODS

This is a prospective cross-sectional observed study. Subjects (n=30; 11.3±1.7y) with low-to-moderate myopia (-1.0 to -6.0 diopters), wore orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses for 3mo. Before and after Ortho-K, OCT scans were made through the fovea in the horizontal meridian. Choroid thickness around the fovea was acquired by custom software. The analyzed regions along the horizontal meridian were divided into 7 equal zones. Ocular parameters were measured by Lenstar LS 900 non-contact biometry.

RESULTS

Only the right eye ocular parameters were analyzed in this study. Before Ortho-K, choroidal thickness along the horizontal meridian was 273.7±31.8 µm in the temporal zone, 253.1±38.6 µm in the macula zone, and 194.8±52.2 µm in the nasal zone. After Ortho-K, the choroid was thicker in each horizontal zone (P<0.05). The increased thickness was greatest in the temporal zone (13.5±22.5 µm) and least in the nasal zone (8.4±14.2 µm). The axial length (AL) increased 0.02 mm (P>0.05). The choroid thickness change in each horizontal zone was negatively correlated with AL (r, -0.3 to -0.4; P<0.05) except one of the nasal zones.

CONCLUSION

In myopic children, the thickness of the choroid is greatest in the temporal zone and thinnest in the nasal zone. After nightly Ortho-K for 3mo, the thickness increase along the horizontal meridian. The choroid thickness changes are negatively correlated with the change of AL.

The effect of insulin on bone mineral density among women with type 2 diabetes: a SWAN Pharmacoepidemiology study

This was a longitudinal study examining the effects of insulin use on bone mineral density loss. Insulin use was found to be associated with greater bone mineral density loss at the femoral neck among women with diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION

Women with diabetes mellitus (DM) have higher bone mineral density (BMD) and experience slower BMD loss but have an increased risk of fracture. The data regarding the effect of insulin treatment on BMD remains conflicted. We examined the impact of insulin initiation on BMD.

METHODS

We investigated the annual changes in BMD associated with the new use of insulin among women with DM in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Propensity score (PS) matching, which is a statistical method that helps balance the baseline characteristics of women who did and did not initiate insulin, was used. Covariates with a potential impact on bone health were included in all models. Mixed model regression was used to test the change in BMD between the two groups. Median follow-up time was 5.4 years.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 110 women, mean age, 53.6 years; 49% white and 51% black. Women using insulin (n = 55) were similar on most relevant characteristics to the 55 not using insulin. Median diabetes duration for the user group was 10 vs. 5.0 years for the non-user group. There was a greater loss of BMD at the femoral neck among insulin users (- 1.1%) vs non-users (- 0.77%) (p = 0.04). There were no differences in BMD loss at the spine - 0.30% vs - 0.32% (p = 0.85) or at the total hip - 0.31% vs - 0.25 (p = 0.71), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with T2DM who initiated insulin experienced a more rapid BMD loss at the femoral neck as compared to women who did use insulin.

Ultrasound Imaging Based on Molecular Targeting for Quantitative Evaluation of Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

The aim of the present study was to quantitatively diagnose and monitor the therapy response of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) with the use of targeted ultrasound (US) imaging. Targeted microbubbles (MBs) were fabricated, and the binding of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) antibodies to MBs was observed. To establish a quantitative method based on targeted US imaging, contrast-enhanced US was applied for IRI rats. After andrographolide treatment, the IRI rats were subjected to the quantitative targeted US imaging for a therapeutic effect. Effective binding of ICAM-1 antibodies to MBs was observed. According to the quantitative targeted US imaging, the ICAM-1 normalized intensity difference (NID) in the IRI rats (38.74 ± 15.08%) was significantly higher than that in the control rats (10.08 ± 2.52%, p = 0.048). Further, different degrees of IRI (mild IRI, moderate to severe IRI) were distinguished by the use of the NID (37.14 ± 2.14%, 22.34 ± 1.08%, p = 0.002). Analysis of mRNA expression demonstrated the accuracy of analyzing the NID by using quantitative targeted US imaging (R²  = 0.7434, p < 0.001). Andrographolide treatment resulted in an obviously weakened NID of ICAM-1 (17.7 ± 4.8% vs 34.2 ± 6.6%, p < 0.001). The study showed the potential of the quantitative targeted US imaging method for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of IRI.

Comorbidity burden of patients with Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism between 2003 and 2012: A multicentre, nationwide, retrospective study in China

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Parkinsonism are common neurodegenerative disorders with continuously increasing prevalence, causing high global burdens. However, data concerning the comorbidity burden of patients with PD or Parkinsonism in China are lacking. To investigate the health condition and comorbidity burden, a total of 3367 PD and 823 Parkinsonism patients were included from seven tertiary hospitals in seven cities across China from 2003 to 2012. Their comorbidity burden was collected and quantified by the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The comorbidity spectra differed between PD and Parkinsonism patients. Compared with PD patients, Parkinsonism patients were older (69.8 ± 11.5 vs. 67.9 ± 11.4, P < 0.001); had a higher comorbidity burden, including ECI (1.1 ± 1.2 vs. 1.0 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) and CCI (1.3 ± 1.6 vs. 1.1 ± 1.5, P < 0.001); and had higher hospitalization expenses. The ECI (1.1 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) and CCI (1.3 ± 1.6 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2, P < 0.001) were higher in males than in females. The average length of stay and daily hospitalization expenses increased with age, as did ECI and CCI. This is the first study to report the disease burden of Chinese PD and Parkinsonism patients. It provides useful information to better understand their health status, and to raise the awareness of clinicians for providing better health care.

The relationship between corneal biomechanics and anterior segment parameters in the early stage of orthokeratology: A pilot study

To investigate the relationship between corneal biomechanics and anterior segment parameters in the early stage of overnight orthokeratology.Twenty-three eyes from 23 subjects were involved in the study. Corneal biomechanics, including corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF), and parameters of the anterior segment, including corneal curvature, central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal sublayers' thickness, were measured at baseline and day 1 and 7 after wearing orthokeratology lens. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare the longitudinal changes and partial least squares linear regression was used to explore the relationship between corneal biomechanics and anterior segment parameters.At baseline, CH and CRF were positively correlated with CCT (r = 0.244, P = .008 for CH; r = 0.249, P < .001 for CRF), central stroma thickness (CST) (r = 0.241, P = .008 for CH; r = 0.244, P = .002 for CRF) and central Bowman layer thickness (CBT) (r = 0.138, P = .039 for CH; r = 0.171, P = .006 for CRF). Both CH and CRF significantly decreased from day 1 after orthokeratology. The corneal curvature and the epithelium thickness also significantly decreased, while the stromal layer thickened significantly from day 1 after orthokeratology. There was no correlation between the changes of corneal biomechanics and anterior segment parameters at day 1 and 7 after orthokeratology.While corneal biomechanics were positively correlated with CCT, CST, and CBT, the changes of CH and CRF were not correlated with the changes of corneal curvature, CCT, and corneal sublayers' thickness in the early stage of orthokeratology in our study.

Long noncoding RNA HOXA-AS2 represses P21 and KLF2 expression transcription by binding with EZH2, LSD1 in colorectal cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received increased attention as a new class of functional regulators involved in human carcinogenesis. HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) is a 1048-bp lncRNA located between the HOXA3 and HOXA4 genes in the HOXA cluster that regulates gene expression at a transcription level. HOXA-AS2 is previously found to be overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC) and promotes GC cells proliferation. However, its potential role and molecular mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) are not known. Here, we identified that HOXA-AS2 is significantly upregulated in CRC tissue. In addition, increased HOXA-AS2 expression is associated with a larger tumor size and an advanced pathological stage in CRC patients. HOXA-AS2 knockdown significantly suppressed proliferation by blocking the G1/S transition and caused apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanistic investigations showed that HOXA-AS2 could interact with EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2), LSD1 (lysine specific demethylase 1) and recruit them to p21 (CDKN1A), KLF2 promoter regions to repress their transcription. Furthermore, the rescue experiments demonstrated that HOXA-AS2 oncogenic function is partly through regulating p21. In conclusion, our data suggest that HOXA-AS2 may function as an oncogene by modulating the multiple genes expression involved in CRC proliferation, and also provides a potential target for CRC therapy.

[Effect of catheter choice during embryo transfer on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer]

OBJECTIVE

To compare two flexible embryo catheters and determine whether clinical outcome differs in the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles.

METHODS

This prospective control study was conducted by one doctor between July 2012 and November 2013. In the study, 2 064 patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer by using IVF-ET/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-ET in Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Third Hospital were recruited. The subjects were divided into two groups. Cook Sydney IVF embryo transfer catheters (product model: K-JETS-7019-SIVF) were used for embryo transfer in group 1 (n=949), and Frydman-CCD catheters (product model: 131230301) were used in group 2 (n=1 115). Pregnancy outcomes were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age, diagnosis for infertility and stimulation protocol used between the two groups. In addition, there was no difference in the number of oocytes collected and in the number and score of embryos transferred. The significantly higher implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate (34.40% vs. 26.92%, 51.21% vs. 41.52%, 42.57% vs. 33.09%, P<0.05) were observed in group 1 compared with group 2. The abortion rate was not significantly different between the two groups (11.93% vs. 15.98%, P>0.05). The proportion of difficult transfer was higher in group 1 than that in group 2 (5.27% vs. 3.41%, P<0.05). There was no difference in the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between the two difficult transfer cycles.

CONCLUSION

The type of embryo transfer catheter affects the clinical outcome in IVF. Good clinical outcome can be obtained by using Cook Sydney IVF catheter, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Gene Expression Profile Regulated by CREB in K562 Cell Line

BACKGROUND

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) is a member of the CREB/activation transcription factor 1 family that binds to an octanucleotide cAMP response element consensus sequence in promoters of target genes.

METHODS

CREB has been shown to regulate a variety of cellular functions, including cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, differentiation, metabolism, hematopoiesis, immune response, and neuronal activity. CREB was also identified as a proto-oncogene involving in transformation by promoting abnormal proliferation and survival of myeloid cells. To understand the mechanism of CREB functions in leukemogenesis, the transcriptional profiles from a K562 cell line in which CREB was knocked down were analyzed with the use of bioinformatics methods.

RESULTS

DAVID Bioinformatics Resources and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed to identify the targets that are regulated by CREB. A total of 692 genes were up-regulated and 364 genes down-regulated. The up-regulated genes were significantly enriched in pathways of cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia. GSEA analysis showed expression of Notch1 pathway to be decreased and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway to be activated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results identified candidate gene sets that could be used to guide research on discovering the mechanism of CREB during leukemogenesis.

[Outcome of treatment of Y chromosome AZFc microdeletion patients]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the treatment options for patients with azoospermia factor (AZF) c microdeletion on Y chromosome.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty three patients, who were diagnosed as AZFc microdeletion on Y chromosome in Peking University Third Hospital, were recruited in our study. In order to get better treatment option for this kind of patients, we retrospectively analyzed their clinic data including the treatment process and pregnancy outcome and found out the characteristics of their semen.

RESULTS

Among the 183 patients, sperms can be found in ejaculated semen in 105 patients (57.4%, 105/183). One hundred and three patients (98.1%, 103/105) were diagnosed as severe or extremely severe oligospermia. Regular medication was given to 98 patients, 6 patients (6.1%, 6/98) of which got natural pregnancy. The other 99 patients who have sperms in their semen received intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), 68 patients (68.7%, 68/99) of which got pregnancy. Seventy eight patients were diagnosed as azoospermia among all the 183 patients. Forty nine patients received testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), and 21 patients choose to receive micro-TESE directly. Among the 49 patients with TESA, sperms were retrieved in 17 patients (34.7%, 17/49), and sperms were not retrieved in 32 patients (65.3%, 32/49), of which 12 patients (37.5%, 12/32) gave up treatment and 20 patients (62.5%, 20/32) choose micro-TESE. Among the 41 patients who choose to receive micro-TESE, operation has been done on 19 patients, of which 11 patients (57.9%, 11/19) got sperms. Among the 11 patients, TESA has been done on 6 patients before micro-TESE, of which 4 patients (66.6%, 4/6) got sperms. ICSI has already been done on 7 azoospermia AZFc microdeletion patients who underwent micro-TESE, of which 4 patients (57.1%, 4/7) get pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

AZFc microdeletion patients who had sperms were always diagnosed as severe or extremely severe oligospermia. ICSI was their first choice instead of drug therapy. For AZFc microdeletion patients who were diagnosed as azoospermia, TESA was one of their choices, however, the success rate is not high. Micro-TESE is still possible to get sperms even after the failure of TESA. Therefore, we may choose micro-TESE instead of TESA in some azoospermia patients in order to reduce surgical trauma on patients.

SU(4) Skyrmions in the ν=±1 Quantum Hall State of Graphene

We explore different Skyrmion types in the lowest Landau level of graphene at a filling factor ν=±1. In addition to the formation of spin and valley pseudospin Skyrmions, we show that another type of spin-valley entangled Skyrmions can be stabilized in graphene due to an approximate SU(4) spin-valley symmetry that is affected by sublattice symmetry-breaking terms. These Skyrmions have a clear signature in spin-resolved density measurements on the lattice scale, and we discuss the expected patterns for the different Skyrmion types.

Association of dementia with death after ischemic stroke: A two-year prospective study

The association between dementia and the risk of death after ischemic stroke was investigated. Neurological, neuropsychological and functional assessments were evaluated in 619 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Dementia was diagnosed at admission and at three months after stroke onset. The patients were scheduled for a two-year follow-up after the index stroke. The Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to estimate the cumulative proportion of survival, and the association between dementia and risk of death after stroke. In total, 146 patients (23.6%) were diagnosed with dementia after stroke. The cumulative proportion of surviving cases was 49.3% in patients with dementia after a median follow-up of 21.2±5.6 months, and 92.5% in patients without dementia. Multivariate analysis revealed that dementia (HR, 7.21; 95% CI, 3.85–13.49) was associated with death, independent of age, atrial fibrillation, previous stroke and NIH stroke scale. In conclusion, the mortality rate is increased in stroke patients with dementia. Dementia is an important risk factor for death after stroke, independent of age, atrial fibrillation, previous stroke, and the severity of the stroke.

[Outcome of treatment of Y chromosome AZFc microdeletion patients]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the treatment options for patients with azoospermia factor (AZF) c microdeletion on Y chromosome.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty three patients, who were diagnosed as AZFc microdeletion on Y chromosome in Peking University Third Hospital, were recruited in our study. In order to get better treatment option for this kind of patients, we retrospectively analyzed their clinic data including the treatment process and pregnancy outcome and found out the characteristics of their semen.

RESULTS

Among the 183 patients, sperms can be found in ejaculated semen in 105 patients (57.4%, 105/183). One hundred and three patients (98.1%, 103/105) were diagnosed as severe or extremely severe oligospermia. Regular medication was given to 98 patients, 6 patients (6.1%, 6/98) of which got natural pregnancy. The other 99 patients who have sperms in their semen received intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), 68 patients (68.7%, 68/99) of which got pregnancy. Seventy eight patients were diagnosed as azoospermia among all the 183 patients. Forty nine patients received testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), and 21 patients choose to receive micro-TESE directly. Among the 49 patients with TESA, sperms were retrieved in 17 patients (34.7%, 17/49), and sperms were not retrieved in 32 patients (65.3%, 32/49), of which 12 patients (37.5%, 12/32) gave up treatment and 20 patients (62.5%, 20/32) choose micro-TESE. Among the 41 patients who choose to receive micro-TESE, operation has been done on 19 patients, of which 11 patients (57.9%, 11/19) got sperms. Among the 11 patients, TESA has been done on 6 patients before micro-TESE, of which 4 patients (66.6%, 4/6) got sperms. ICSI has already been done on 7 azoospermia AZFc microdeletion patients who underwent micro-TESE, of which 4 patients (57.1%, 4/7) get pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

AZFc microdeletion patients who had sperms were always diagnosed as severe or extremely severe oligospermia. ICSI was their first choice instead of drug therapy. For AZFc microdeletion patients who were diagnosed as azoospermia, TESA was one of their choices, however, the success rate is not high. Micro-TESE is still possible to get sperms even after the failure of TESA. Therefore, we may choose micro-TESE instead of TESA in some azoospermia patients in order to reduce surgical trauma on patients.

Perspectives on the Tertiary Prevention Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays a pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, and is the most promising disease-modifying target for AD. A succession of failures in Aβ-targeting clinical trials, however, has prompted questions on whether Aβ is the true cause of AD and a valid therapeutic target. Therefore, current therapeutic targets and intervention strategies must be reconsidered. In addition to Aβ, multiple pathological events such as tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in the disease pathogenesis and cause cross-talk between these pathological pathways, which synergistically drive disease progression. Increasing evidence also reveals that the pathogenesis varies at different stages of the disease. Therefore, targeting Aβ alone at all stages of the disease would not be sufficient to halt or reverse disease progression. In the light of the pathophysiologic similarities between the development of ischemic stroke and AD, we can formulate management strategies for AD from the successful practice of ischemic stroke management, namely the tertiary prevention strategy. These new perspectives of tertiary prevention target both Aβ and different pathological pathways of AD pathogenesis at different stages of the disease, and may represent a promising avenue for the effective prevention and treatment of AD.

Dual-stimuli responsive i-motif/nanoflares for sensing ATP in lysosomes

A dual-stimuli responsive i-motif/nanoflare for molecule detection in lysosomes was designed. By combining the structure-switchable i-motif sequence and high recognition ability of an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) aptamer, subcellular sensing and visualization sensing of ATP in lysosomes at the subcellular level can be achieved. This general sensing technique can be applied for a broad range of cellular communication studies to improve our understanding of subcellular signaling and function.

A new aptamer/graphene interdigitated gold electrode piezoelectric sensor for rapid and specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus

A novel aptamer/graphene interdigitated gold electrode piezoelectric sensor was developed for the rapid and specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by employing S. aureus aptamer as a biological recognition element. 4-Mercaptobenzene-diazonium tetrafluoroborate (MBDT) salt was used as a molecular cross-linking agent to chemically bind graphene to interdigital gold electrodes (IDE) that are connected to a series electrode piezoelectric quartz crystal (SPQC). S. aureus aptamers were assembly immobilized onto graphene via the π-π stacking of DNA bases. Due to the specific binding between S. aureus and aptamer, when S. aureus is present, the DNA bases interacted with the aptamer, thereby dropping the aptamer from the surface of the graphene. The electric parameters of the electrode surface was changed and resulted in the change of oscillator frequency of the SPQC. This detection was completed within 60min. The constructed sensor demonstrated a linear relationship between resonance frequency shifts with bacterial concentrations ranging from 4.1×10(1)-4.1×10(5)cfu/mL with a detection limit of 41cfu/mL. The developed strategy can detect S. aureus rapidly and specifically for clinical diagnosis and food testing.