The relationship of MITF gene expression and promoter methylation with plumage colour in quail

1. This study focused on the relationship between MITF mRNA expression and plumage colour in quail and the effect of promoter methylation on the expression of MITF mRNA.2. The CDS region of MITF mRNA was cloned by RT-PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The RT-qPCR method was used to analyse the expression levels of MITF mRNA in dorsal skin tissue in Korean quail and Beijing white quail. The promoter region of the MITF gene was cloned, and the CpG island was predicted by the CpGplot program. The methylation levels of the CpG island were analysed using BS-PCR technology.3. Quail MITF mRNA contains a 1,476 bp complete ORF, which encodes a 492 amino acid residue protein. The MITF protein has no signal peptide or transmembrane region. The expression of MITF mRNA in dorsal tissue of Korean quail was significantly higher than that in Beijing white quail (p < 0.01). Abundant cis-elements and a 346 bp CpG island were found in the promoter region of the MITF gene. The average methylation level of the CpG island was 22 (22%) in Korean quail, and 46 (30%) in Beijing white quail (p < 0.05).4. The hypermethylation of the MITF gene promoter region in Beijing white quail resulted in a decrease in expression level, which was related to white feather colour.

[A multi-dimensional analysis of pollen broadcasting concerns in Chinese population: a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey]

Objective: To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors. Methods: From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions. Results: Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects (χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients (χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications (χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment (R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not (OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions: Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.

[Study on the 5-year trend and influencing factors of lipoprotein (a) concentration in community-based population]

Objective: To explore the trend and influencing factors of serum lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) concentration over time in Chinese community populations. Methods: This study is a prospective cohort study. The participants were enrolled from Chinese Multi-provincial Cohort Study- Beijing projects, completed the cardiovascular disease risk factor surveys in 2002 and 2007, and the serum Lp (a) concentration were measured. Based on the Lp(a) concentration at baseline (2002) and follow-up (2007), the participants were classified into subgroups of <30.0 mg/dl (1 mg/dl=0.01 g/L) group, 30.0 to 49.9 mg/dl group, and ≥50.0 mg/dl group, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify influencing factors associated with Lp (a) absolute change (≥20 mg/dl) and relative change (≥20%) within 5 years. Results: Among 1 955 participants with age of (56.5±8.0) years old and 821 male (42.0%) at baseline, there were 1 657 (84.8%), 184 (9.4%) and 114 (5.8%) participants in Lp(a)<30.0 mg/dl group, 30.0 to 49.9 mg/dl group and ≥50.0 mg/dl group, respectively. Among the baseline Lp(a) concentration of 30.0-49.9 mg/dl group, 68 (37.0%) participants progressed to Lp(a) ≥50.0 mg/dl after 5 years follow-up, and 102 (55.4%) remained at this level. Participants with baseline Lp(a)<30.0 mg/dl (92%, 1 524/1 657) or Lp(a)≥50.0 mg/dl (94.7%, 108/114) tended to be maintained at their respective levels. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, in addition to the high level of baseline Lp(a) concentration, family history of cardiovascular disease, elevated fasting blood glucose and usage of oral lipid-lowering drugs were the influencing factors of Lp(a) changes over time (P<0.05). Conclusions: Adults with borderline-high Lp(a) concentrations (30.0 to 49.9 mg/dl) could be considered for repeated testing, especially for those with a family history of cardiovascular disease, elevated fasting blood glucose and usage of statins.

[Bioinformatics analysis of the RNA binding protein DDX39 of Toxoplasma gondii]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the RNA binding protein of Toxoplasma gondii (TgDDX39) using bioinformatics technology, and to evaluate the immunogenicity of TgDDX39, so as to provide insights into development of toxoplasmosis vaccines.

METHODS

The amino acid sequences of TgDDX39 were retrieved from the ToxoDB database, and the physicochemical properties, transmembrane structure domain, signal peptide sites, post-translational modification sites, coils, secondary and tertiary structures, hydrophobicity, and antigenic epitopes of the TgDDX39 protein were predicted using online bioinformatics tools, incluiding ProtParam, TMHMM 2.0, SignalP 5.0, NetPhos 3.1, COILS, SOPMA, Phyre2, ProtScale, ABCpred, SYFPEITHI and DNA-STAR.

RESULTS

TgDDX39 protein was predicted to be an unstable hydrophilic protein with the molecular formula of C2173H3458N598O661S18, which contained 434 amino acids and had an estimated molecular weight of 49.1 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.55. The protein was predicted to have an extremely low possibility of signal peptides, without transmembrane regions, and contain 27 phosphorylation sites. The β turn and random coils accounted for 39.63% of the secondary structure of the TgDDX39 protein, and a coiled helix tended to produce in one site. In addition, the TgDDX39 protein contained multiple B and T cell antigenic epitopes.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioinformatics analyses predict that TgDDX39 protein has high immunogenicity and contains multiple antigenic epitopes. TgDDX39 protein is a potential candidate antigen for vaccine development.

[Analysis of the efficacy of endoscopic transnasal surgery for sinonasal and skull base adenoid cystic carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic transnasal surgery for sinonasal and skull base adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and to analyze the prognostic factors. Methods: Data of 82 patients (43 females and 39 males, at a median age of 49 years old) with sinonasal and skull base ACC who were admitted to XuanWu Hospital, Capital Medical University between June 2007 and June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were staged according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition. The disease overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results: There were 4 patients with stage Ⅱ, 14 patients with stage Ⅲ, and 64 patients with stage Ⅳ. The treatment strategies included purely endoscopic surgery (n=42), endoscopic surgery plus radiotherapy (n=32) and endoscopic surgery plus radiochemotherapy (n=8). Followed up for 8 to 177 months, the 5-year OS and DFS rates was 63.0% and 51.6%, respectively. The 10-year OS and DFS rates was 51.2% and 31.8%, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that late T stage and internal carotid artery (ICA) involvement were the independent prognostic factors for survival in sinonasal and skull base ACC (all P<0.05). The OS of patients who received surgery or surgery plus radiotherapy was significantly higher than that of patients who received surgery plus radiochemotherapy (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Endoscopic transonasal surgery or combing with radiotherapy is an effective procedure for the treatment of sinonasal and skull base ACC. Late T stage and ICA involvement indicate poor prognosis.

Combined Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Unveil the Molecular Mechanisms of Fruit Acidity Variation in Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

Fruit acidity determines the organoleptic quality and nutritive value of most fruits. In litchi, although the organic acid composition of pulps is known, the molecular mechanisms and genes underlying variation in fruit acidity remain elusive. Herein, developing pulps of two contrasting litchi varieties, Huaizhi (HZ, low-acidity) and Boye_No.8 (B8, high-acidity), were subjected to metabolomics and transcriptomics, and the dynamic metabolome and transcriptional changes were determined. Measurements revealed that the dominant acidity-related organic acid in litchi pulps is malate, followed in low levels by citrate and tartrate. Variation in litchi pulps' acidity is mainly associated with significant differences in malate and citrate metabolisms during fruit development. Malic acid content decreased by 91.43% and 72.28% during fruit ripening in HZ and B8, respectively. The content of citric acid increased significantly in B8, while in HZ it was reduced considerably. Differentially accumulated metabolites and differentially expressed genes analyses unveiled fumarate, succinate, 2-oxoglutarate, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), phosphoenolpyruvate, and citrate metabolisms as the key driving pathways of litchi fruits' acidity variation. The drastic malate and citrate degradation in HZ was linked to higher induction of fumarate and GABA biosynthesis, respectively. Thirty candidate genes, including three key genes (LITCHI026501.m2, fumarase; LITCHI020148.m5, glutamate decarboxylase; and LITCHI003343.m3, glutamate dehydrogenase), were identified for functional studies toward genetic modulation of litchi fruit acidity. Our findings provide insights into the molecular basis of acidity variation in litchi and provide valuable resources for fruit quality improvement.

[The study of mitochondrial disorder pedigree associated with FASTKD2 variants and uniparental disomy]

Objective: To analyse the genetic cause of a proband with mitochondrial disease caused by FASTKD2 gene variation and uniparental disomy. Methods: Detailed medical history of a child suspected "mitochondrial disease" were inquired in Peking University First Hospital on November 23, 2017. c.810_820dup homozygous variation in FASTKD2 gene was found by high-throughput sequencing, and her mother had heterozygous variation, but her father didn't have such variation, which didn't conform to the genetic law of variation. Further clinical examinations and molecular genetic tests were carried out. The venous blood of the child and her parents was drawn, and genomic DNA was extracted. Sanger sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, chromosome microarray analysis and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) genetic relationship analysis were performed on the proband and the parents to determine the variation. Results: The clinical manifestations, physical examination and laboratory examination of the child supported the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease. c.810_820dup(p.Ser274Phefs*8) homozygous variant in FASTKD2 gene was identified. Sanger sequencing indicated that the mother was a heterozygote of the variant, while the father had no such variation, which did not conform to the genetic law. PCR testing and Sanger sequencing review to eliminate sampling errors, PCR amplification and sequencing errors. Non-biological father was excluded by STR analysis. Three large segmental LOH of FASTKD2 gene were found by chromosome microarray analysis, then the LOH relative analysis verified the child was a mixed maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 2. The child was diagnosed as mitochondrial disease caused by oxidative phosphorylation coupling defect of type 44. Conclusions: In this study, an autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease which does not conform to the genetic law was found, and it was confirmed that this mitochondrial disease family had both pathogenic variation and uniparental disomy phenomenon. It was diagnosed as mitochondrial disease caused by type 44 oxidative phosphorylation coupling defect.

[Survival and prognosis analysis of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma treated with standard treatment paradigm]

Objective: To analyze the survival and prognosis of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients receiving standard first-line therapy. Methods: Data of clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with HL diagnosed in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CHCAMS) from January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2018 who received standard first-line treatment were retrospectively analyzed and compared with that of HL patients who received treatment in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database in the United States during the same period. Factors associated with freedom from progression (FFP) of patients in CHCAMS were analyzed. Treatment and survival data of patients with relapsed/refractory HL (r/rHL) who had failed the standard first-line treatment during the corresponding period in CHCAMS were collected to analyze the outcomes of salvage therapy. Results: A total of 764 HL patients in CHCAMS were included in this study. The median age was 30 years (range, 14-83 years), with 424 males and 340 females. By February 26th, 2022, the patients were followed-up for a median time of 111 months(range, 0.3-262.0 months). Lymphoma-specific survival (LSS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate at 10 years for HL patients in CHCAMS was 91.7% (95%CI: 89.5%-93.9%) and 87.1% (95%CI: 84.5%-89.8%), respectively. LSS and OS rate at 10 years for HL patients from SEER database was 86.8% (95%CI: 86.3%-87.2%) and 79.0% (95%CI: 78.5%-79.5%), respectively. The unadjusted LSS and OS rate for patients in CHCAMS were higher than those for patients from SEER database (both P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in LSS and OS rate (both P>0.05) between the two groups after adjustment. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer staging system (early-stage unfavorable: HR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.13-4.89, P=0.023; advanced stage: HR=5.44, 95%CI: 2.62-11.30, P<0.001) and serum β2 microglobulin (HR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.08-2.58, P=0.021) were influencing factors of FFP for patients in CHCAMS. The complete remission rate, median progression-free survival (PFS), 5-year PFS rate and 5-year OS rate for the 116 patients with r/rHL was 37.9% (95%CI: 29.6%-47.0%), 15.0 months (95%CI: 9.9-20.1 months), 29.9% (95%CI: 20.9%-38.9%) and 62.9% (95%CI: 54.1%-71.7%), respectively. Conclusions: The outcomes of HL patients receiving standard first-line treatment are excellent. However, the therapeutic effect of HL patients who incurrs disease progression or relapse after standard first-line treatment is not satisfying.

[Endoscopic transoral resection of metastatic retropharyngeal lymph nodes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach: a single center review study]

Objective: To summarize the clinical experience and treatment results of endoscopic transoral resection of metastatic retropharyngeal lymph nodes (MRPLN) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach. Methods: The clinical data of 37 patients with NPC who underwent endoscopic transoral surgery via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach for MRPLN in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. There are 28 males and 9 females, aged from 31 to 72 years. The clinicopathological features such as gender, age, primary tumor stage, stage, side and size of MRPLN were recorded and analyzed. The surgical procedures of endoscopic transoral resection of MRPLN via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach were described. The MRPLN resection, perioperative complications and follow-up results were also summarized. Results: The primary tumors of 37 cases were determined as rT1 stage in 2 cases, rT2 stage in 30 cases and primary T2 stage in 5 cases in this study. There were 33 cases of unilateral MRPLN(89.2%), 4 cases of bilateral ones (10.8%), 36 cases in N1 stage, and 1 case in N3 stage. Single lymph node was detected in 23 cases(62.2%), and 2-5 lymph nodes in 14 cases(37.8%). Endoscopic transoral surgery via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach was completed in all cases. Total MRPLN resection was obtained in 35 cases (94.6%) with one-stage operation, and subtotal resection was achieved in 2 cases whose MRPLN involved the wall of internal carotid artery. No serious complications occurred in the perioperative period. During the follow-up period (median follow-up period 53.1 months), no recurrence of MRPLN was observed in patients who received total resection. And 8 patients (21.6%) died from different causes. Conclusion: Endoscopic transoral surgery via posteroinferior eustachian tube approach for MRPLN is a practicable and effective surgical option, but the long-term effect still needs longer follow-up and summary of bulk cases.

[Long-term efficacy of low-dose rituximab treatment in patients with primary membranous nephropathy]

Objective: To explore the long-term efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) treatment in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven PMN who received low-dose RTX as initial or second-line regimen from August 2018 to May 2020 in the Department of Nephrology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were respectively enrolled. The clinical parameters of patients were urinary protein>3.5 g/24 h, serum albumin<30 g/L and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)>20 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1. The treatment response of patients with PMN was observed during follow-up, and the remission rate of patients with urinary protein<8 g/24 h or ≥8 g/24 h, anti-PLA2R antibody<150 RU/ml or ≥150 RU/ml, eGFR≥ 60 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1 or<60 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1 were analyzed, respectively. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled, including 26 males and 14 females, aged (53±15) years. There were 14 patients received RTX as initial treatment and 26 patients as second-line therapy. The total median dose of RTX in the first course was 800 (425, 1 075) mg. The overall remission rate at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th months were 12.5% (5/40), 17.5% (7/40), 47.5% (19/40), 57.5% (23/40), 60% (24/40), respectively. The median overall response time was 6.0 (3.0, 7.5) months. Two cases relapsed. Patients with remission (n=24) had a higher level of baseline eGFR [(93.9±28.0) vs (62.4±28.1) ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1, P=0.001), and a lower level of both urinary protein [5.9 (5.0, 6.5) vs 11.7 (8.6, 15.5) g/24 h, P<0.001] and anti-PLA2R antibody level [73 (29, 132) vs 453 (182, 950) RU/ml, P=0.004] than those without remission (n=16) 24 month after treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the remission rate between initial and second-line treatment (P=0.101). Moreover, patients had a higher remission rate in urinary protein<8 g/24 h group (21/26 vs 3/14, P<0.001), anti-PLA2R antibody<150 RU/ml group (16/19 vs 5/16, P=0.002) and eGFR ≥ 60 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1 group (22/29 vs 2/11, P=0.003). Conclusions: Low-dose RTX treatment in PMN is effective during long-term follow-up, and has a lower recurrence rate. The results also suggest that it is more suitable for patients with baseline urinary protein<8 g/24 h, anti-PLA2R antibody<150 RU/ml and eGFR≥ 60 ml·min^-1·(1.73 m²)^-1.

A capital-based approach to understand health inequalities: empirical explorations

Background

The persistence of health inequalities may not be merely driven by education and income, but also by other economic and non-economic factors. In this study we investigated how the association between single-dimensional health and socioeconomic status (SES) changes when including health-related person capital, economic capital, social capital, cultural capital and non-health related person capital.

Methods

The present study proposes a capital-based approach to understand health inequalities. It presumes intertwined relationships between a wide notion of health (‘health-related person capital’) and embodied resources (‘non-health related person capital’) on the one hand, and non-person capital, i.e. economic, social, and cultural resources on the other. We used cross-sectional data on 152,592 participants from the Dutch Lifelines cohort study. Correlations between capital constructs were estimated using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Results

The correlation between health-related person capital and SES (r = 0.15) was higher than the correlations between single-dimensional health (physical and mental health) and SES (r = 0.12, r = 0.04, respectively). Non-person capital, combining economic, social and cultural capital, showed a correlation of 0.34 with health-related person capital. This was higher than the correlation between health-related person capital and economic capital alone (r = 0.19). Lastly, the correlation between health-related person capital and non-person capital increased when non-health (personality and attractiveness) and health related person capital were combined into person capital construct (from r = 0.34 to r = 0.49).

Conclusions

This exploratory observational study shows the empirical interconnectedness of various types of resources. Our findings corroborate the idea of considering health as a multidimensional concept, and to extend conventional SES indicators to a broader measurement of economic and non-economic resources.

Key messages

Integration of morphological, physiological and multi-omics analysis reveals a comprehensive mechanism for cuticular wax during development of greasiness in postharvest apples

Skin greasiness is a common postharvest disorder of apple (Malus × domestica). However, the molecular mechanism of skin greasiness is unclear. In this study, fruits of 'Golden Delicious' (GD), 'Granny Smith', and 'Fuji' with distinct characteristics of greasiness were used for greasiness scoring, wax morphology, wax metabolite, and RNA-seq analyses. Additionally, GD fruit were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), which repressed greasiness. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed that wax esters were the critical wax fraction for skin greasiness. Among these wax esters, liquid linoleate esters of short-chain alcohols (C4-C6) and farnesol showed increased contents with increasing greasiness. Their concentrations were significantly correlated with greasiness score. To identify the genes encoding key enzymes for the synthesis of liquid linoleate esters, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted. MdDCR1, encoding an acyltransferase (defective in cuticular ridges, DCR), was selected as a candidate gene. MdDCR1 was significantly upregulated in greasy skin, and significantly suppressed by 1-MCP treatment. MdDCR1 silencing suppressed the accumulation of liquid linoleate esters of short-chain alcohols, including butyl linoleate, pentyl linoleate, and hexyl linoleate, in GD skin. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of cuticular wax metabolism related to skin greasiness in apple. Our results show that transcriptional regulation of MdDCR1, encoding an acyltransferase that catalyzes the biosynthesis of liquid linoleate esters of short-chain alcohols (C4-C6) via an independent side branch of the C18:2 CoA pathway, regulates the formation of greasiness.

Impact Analysis of Different CT Configurations of Carotid Artery Plaque Calcifications on Cerebrovascular Events

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CT is considered the standard reference both for quantification and characterization of carotid artery calcifications. Our aim was to investigate the relationship among different types of calcium configurations detected with CT within the plaque with a novel classification and to investigate the prevalence of cerebrovascular events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven hundred ninety patients (men = 332; mean age, 69.7 [SD, 13] years; 508 symptomatic for cerebrovascular symptoms and 282 asymptomatic) who underwent computed tomography of the carotid arteries were retrospectively included in this institutional review board-approved study. The plaque was classified into 6 types according to the different types of calcium configurations as the following: type 1, complete absence of calcification within the plaque; type 2, intimal or superficial calcifications; type 3, deep or bulky calcifications; type 4, adventitial calcifications with internal soft plaque of <2 mm thickness; type 5, mixed patterns with intimal and bulky calcifications; and type 6, positive rim sign.

RESULTS

The highest prevalence of cerebrovascular events was observed for type 6, for which 89 of the 99 cases were symptomatic. Type 6 plaque had the highest degree of correlation with TIA, stroke, symptoms, and ipsilateral infarct for both sides with a higher prevalence in younger patients. The frequency of symptoms observed by configuration type significantly differed between right and left plaques, with symptoms observed more frequently in type 6 calcification on the right side (50/53; 94%) than on the left side (39/46; 85%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a novel carotid artery plaque configuration classification that is associated with the prevalence of cerebrovascular events. If confirmed in longitudinal analysis, this classification could be used to stratify the risk of occurrence of ischemic events.

[Progress of researches on serine protease inhibitors for zoonotic cestode family Taeniidae]

Serine protease inhibitor, a protein superfamily that inhibits the serine protease activity, protects hosts from parasitic infections. This review describes the spatial structure and classification of serine protease inhibitor, mechanisms underlying the interplay between serine protease inhibitor and host immune responses and current advances in serine protease inhibitor of zoonotic cestode family Taeniidae, so as to provide insights into the diagnosis of zoonotic tapeworm infections, discovery of therapeutic targets and screening of vaccine candidates.

Study into the spread of heat from thermo-optic silicon photonic elements

Phase modulators based upon the thermo-optic effect are used widely in silicon photonics for low speed applications such as switching and tuning. The dissipation of the heat produced to drive the device to the surrounding silicon is a concern as it can dictate how compact and tightly packed components can be without concerns over thermal crosstalk. In this paper we study through modelling and experiment, on various silicon on insulator photonic platforms, how close waveguides can be placed together without significant thermal crosstalk from adjacent devices.

[Preoperative diagnostic value of 99mTc- MIBI SPECT/CT imaging combined with semiquantitative analysis in hyperparathyroidism and factors affecting its efficacy]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile single photon emission/ computed tomography (^99mTc- MIBI SPECT/CT), ^99mTc- MIBI double- phase scintigraphy (DPS) DPS and ultrasound (US) in preoperative localization of hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and explore the factors affecting the diagnostic efficacy of ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 104 patients with HPT undergoing surgical resection between January, 2015 and July, 2019. Preoperative ^99mTc-MIBI imaging was performed in all the patients, and 82 patients also received US examination preoperatively. Semi-quantitative analysis was used to draw the region of interest and calculate the lesion/ ipsilateral deltoid muscle (T/NT) uptake ratio. The sensitivity and detection performance of ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT, DPS and US in the diagnosis of HPT patients were compared, and the correlations of the T/NT ratios of parathyroid adenoma (PA) and parathyroid hyperplasia (PH) with the expression levels of COX-2 and Bcl-2 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The diagnostic sensitivity of ^99mTc- MIBI SPECT/CT, DPS and US for HPT was 95.19% (99/104), 91.3% (95/104) and 81.71% (67/82), respectively, demonstrating a significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity of ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT than US (χ²=9.59, P=0.008). For PH lesions, ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT had the highest diagnostic sensitivity, followed by DPS and then by US (P < 0.05), but their sensitivity did not differ significantly for PA (P>0.05). The T/NT ratio in fatty hyperplastic glands was significantly lower than that in fat-free hyperplastic glands (P=0.009). In PA, Bcl-2 expression was significantly lower in false negative lesions than in true positive lesions (P=0.046), but Cox-2 expression did not show such a difference (P>0.05). In PH lesions, the expressions of Bcl-2 and Cox- 2 did not differ significantly between false negative than true positive lesions (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT has a high sensitivity for HPT localization, and the T/NT ratio is positively correlated with the lesion volume. An increased expression of Bcl-2 in PA lesions and a decreased cell fat content in PH lesions can facilitate the detection of HPT glands by ^99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT.

[Research of prognostic immunophenotypes in 163 patients of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

目的

筛选并分析与弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）预后相关的免疫表型，探究其预后价值。

方法

选取天津医科大学肿瘤医院2011年1月至2016年12月收治的163例DLBCL患者，免疫组织化学染色检测DLBCL常见免疫表型，COX模型探索独立于国际预后指数（IPI）影响总生存（OS）与无进展生存（PFS）的免疫表型，并分析其两两联合表达对预后的影响。

结果

多因素分析显示BCL6阴性（PFS：HR＝1.652，95％ CI 1.030～2.649，P＝0.037）、P53阳性（OS：HR＝1.842，95％ CI 1.008～3.367，P＝0.047）、BCL2强阳性（OS：HR＝2.102，95％CI 1.249～3.537，P＝0.005；PFS：HR＝2.126，95％ CI 1.312～3.443，P＝0.002）是DLBCL中独立于IPI的预后不良因素。亚组分析显示，在年龄≤60岁组患者中BCL6阴性（PFS：HR＝2.042，95％CI 1.021～4.081，P＝0.043）、P53阳性（OS：HR＝3.069，95％ CI 1.244～7.569，P＝0.015）和BCL2强阳性（OS：HR＝2.433，95％ CI 1.165～5.082，P＝0.018；PFS：HR＝3.209，95％CI 1.606～6.410，P＝0.001）对预后影响显著；在IPI 0～2分亚组患者中，BCL6阴性（OS：HR＝2.467，95％CI 1.322～4.604，P＝0.005；PFS：HR＝2.248，95％CI 1.275～3.965，P＝0.005）和BCL2强阳性（PFS：HR＝2.045，95％CI 1.119～3.735，P＝0.020）对预后影响显著。BCL6和BCL2强阳性的联合表达与DLBCL的预后相关（P＝0.005和P<0.001），BCL6阳性/BCL2非强阳性（86例）预后最好［3年OS率（71.6±4.9）％，3年PFS率（67.0±5.1）％］，BCL6阴性/BCL2强阳性（10例）预后最差［3年OS率（20.0±12.6）％，3年PFS率（10.0±9.5）％］；BCL6、P53的联合表达与DLBCL的预后差异无统计学意义（P＝0.061和P＝0.089），但生存曲线显示BCL6阳性/P53阴性的病例（98例）预后较好［3年OS率（70.6±4.7）％，3年PFS率（64.6±4.9）％］；BCL2强阳性、P53的联合表达与DLBCL的预后显著相关（P<0.001和P<0.001），BCL2强阳性/P53阳性的病例（5例）预后最差（3年OS率和PFS率均为0）；无论BCL6与P53表达如何，BCL2强阳性的病例预后均比非强阳性病例差。

结论

BCL6阴性、P53阳性、BCL2强阳性三种免疫表型单独及联合表达对DLBCL尤其是年龄≤60岁和IPI 0～2分患者的预后预测具有一定价值。

High oxygen atmospheric packaging treatment regulates the postharvest changes of Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) during storage

Chinese kale is one of the most popular vegetables in southern China and Asia, but it has a short shelf-life. The effect of high oxygen atmospheric packaging (HOAP) treatment on the respiration rate as well as chlorophyll content and the expression of their metabolism-related genes of the soluble proteins in Chinese kale during storage were assessed. The results showed that Chinese kale subjected to HOAP treatment showed stimulated respiration rate and regulated expression of chlorophyll metabolism-related genes, such as BrChlases, BrPPH (pheophytin pheophorbide hydrolase), BrPAO (pheidea oxygenase gene), BrRCCR (red chlorophyll catabolite reductase), and BrSAG12 (senescence-associated gene), compared to the Chinese kale in the control. The activities of chlorophyll enzymes, that is, Chlase and Mg-dechelatase, were also influenced by HOAP treatment during storage. Furthermore, the total content of soluble proteins was stimulated to accumulate, and the intensity of protein bands, detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiling, increased in HOAP-treated samples. Based on the current results, as well as the results of our previous study regarding HOAP treatment of other vegetables, we speculate that HOAP may function by regulating the respiration rate and the accumulation of functional proteins, especially chlorophyll catabolic and antioxidant enzymes, to maintain the freshness of Chinese kale during storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: HOAP treatment could be a potential method for delaying quality changes and extending the shelf-life of Chinese kale after harvest.

In Situ Oxygen Generation Enhances the SCAP Survival in Hydrogel Constructs

Prolonged and severe hypoxia is the main cause of death of transplanted cells prior to the establishment of functional circulation. In situ generation of oxygen by oxygen-producing scaffolds-a unique solution that could produce and deliver oxygen to the adjacent cells independently of blood perfusion-has attracted considerable attention to enhance the survivability of the transplanted cells. However, the application of oxygen-generating scaffolds for facilitating cell survival in pulp-like tissue regeneration is yet to be explored. In this study, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-a biocompatible scaffolding material that closely mimics the native extracellular matrix and is conducive to cell proliferation and differentiation-was used to fabricate oxygen-generating scaffolds by loading various concentrations of CaO₂. The CaO₂ distribution, topography, swelling, and pore size of CaO₂-GelMA hydrogels were characterized in detail. The release of O₂ by the scaffold and the viability, spreading, and proliferation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) encapsulated in the GelMA hydrogels with various concentrations of CaO₂ under hypoxia were evaluated. In addition, cellular constructs were engineered into root canals, and cell viability within the apical, middle, and coronal portions was assessed. Our findings showed that 0.5% CaO₂-GelMA was sufficient to supply in situ oxygen for maintaining the embedded SCAP viability for 1 wk. Furthermore, the 0.5% CaO₂-GelMA hydrogels improved the survivability of SCAPs within the coronal portion of the engineered cellular constructs within the root canals. This work demonstrated that 0.5% CaO₂-GelMA hydrogels offer a potential promising scaffold that enhances survival of the embedded SCAPs in endodontic regeneration.

[Analysis of brain perfusion single-photon emission tomography images using an easy Zscore imaging system for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) images of cerebral blood flow perfusion using an easy Z-score imaging system (eZIS) and explore the value of SPECT and eZIS in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 71 subjects undergoing brain perfusion SPECT examination in our department from September, 2018 to September, 2020 and identified 31 eligible subjects for this study. Among these subjects, according to the NIA-AA criteria (2011 edition), 12 were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI) and 11 with AD dementia stage (AD); 8 elderly subjects were healthy without cognitive impairment (NC). All these subjects underwent brain perfusion SPECT, and eZIS-assisted analysis was used to obtain the index values (severity, range and ratio). The differences in the severity, extent and ratio among the 3 groups were compared, and the diagnostic efficacy of single and joint analysis of the 3 indexes for early AD was analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in gender, age and education level among the 3 groups (P>0.05). Compared with those in NC group, the Mini Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) scores were significantly lowered in AD group and MCI group; the MMSE score was significantly lower in AD group than in MCI group (P < 0.05). The patients with AD had significantly greater disease severity and extent than those with MCI group; the severity, range and ratio in both AD group and MCI group were significantly higher than those of NC group, but the ratio did not differ significantly between AD group and MCI group (P>0.05). In single index analysis, severity had the highest diagnostic performance (AUC=0.911) and sensitivity (87.0%); the diagnostic performance and sensitivity of joint analysis were better than those of single analysis, and joint analysis of range and ratio showed high diagnostic performance (AUC=0.948) and sensitivity (87.0%).

CONCLUSION

The analysis of brain perfusion SPECT using an eZIS program can be useful for early diagnosis of AD.

[Clinicopathological features of intravascular peripheral T-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To summarize the clinical and pathological features of intravascular NK and T cell lymphoma for better understanding of such disease to reduce misdiagnosis and miss-diagnosis. Methods: Clinical and pathological features were analyzed retrospectively in one case of intravascular peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (IVPTCL, NOS) , with literatures review. Results: The case presented in this study was a 66-year-old man. PET/CT scan showed multiple lymph nodes enlargement throughout the body. Normal lymph node structure could not be observed by tissue biopsy, while lymph follicles were partially disrupted. High-power light microscope revealed a large number of blood vessels with diffuse proliferation and dilation, where atypical lymphoid cell mass was restricted in the lumen and partially infiltrated the large blood vessel wall. These tumor cells were medium to large with moderate cytoplasm. The nucleus was irregular, single or multiple nucleoli could be seen, chromatin was condensed, some were empty and bright, and mitotic figures could be seen. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for expression of CD3, CD43, CD8, GrB, TIA-1 and perforin. EBER in situ hybridization result was negative. Polymerase chain reaction test identified a clonal gene rearrangement of T-cell receptor γ. The patient was treated with CHOP in combination with chidamide, but died of infection and cardiopulmonary failure within 2 months. 56 cases of intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma with definite classification were collected from relevant literatures, including 47 cases with nasal type of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (27 were male and 20 were female) , 8 cases with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (3 males and 5 females) , and only one case with de nova IVPTCL, NOS in brain. We report the second case of IVPTCL,NOS, and notably originated from lymph node for the first time. Conclusions: Intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma is a highly aggressive disease with no effective treatment at present. Involvement of Lymph node has rarely been reported, and further studies on more cases are necessary.

Dioscin ameliorates methotrexate-induced liver and kidney damages via adjusting miRNA-145-5p-mediated oxidative stress

Dioscin, one natural product, has various pharmacological actions. However, its effects on methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatorenal damages still remain unknown. In the present study, the data manifested that dioscin restored the viabilities of L-02 and NRK-52E cells, reduced ALT, AST, Cr, BUN levels, and ameliorated histopathological changes of liver and kidney. Besides, dioscin decreased ROS levels in cells, and adjusted SOD, MDA, GSH and GSH-Px levels in rats. Dioscin reduced the expression levels of miR-145-5p which directly targeted Sirt5, and then regulated the expression levels of SOD1, Nrf2, Gst, Keap1, HO-1, GCLC and NQO1. MiR-145-5p mimic in cells deteriorated ROS levels and decreased Sirt5 expression to accentuate oxidative stress by regulating the expression levels of SOD1, Nrf2, Keap1, which were all reversed by dioscin. Moreover, MTX-induced hepatorenal damage were worsened in mice by Sirt5 siRNA or miR-145-5p agomir, which were also alleviated by dioscin. Dioscin relieved MTX-induced hepatorenal damages through regulating miR-145-5p-medicated oxidative stress, which should be considered as one effective drug to treat the disorder in future.

HPV16 infection promotes an M2 macrophage phenotype to promote the invasion and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is an important risk factor for esophageal cancer. Macrophages constitute a crucial immune medium for regulating HPV-related tumors; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of our current study was to investigate the mechanism by which HPV16E6 regulates macrophages to promote the invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer.

METHODS

HPV16E6 infection was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the distribution of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and MMP-9 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues (ESCCs), and cancer adjacent normal tissues (CANs) from Kazakh patients. ESCC cells were transfected with a plasmid over-expressing HPV16E6 and non-contact cocultured with macrophages.

RESULTS

The infection rate of HPV16E6 in Kazakh ESCCs was clearly higher than that in CANs (P < 0.05). The density of CD163-positive TAMs was significantly positively correlated with HPV16E6 infection in ESCCs (P < 0.05). After coculturing macrophages and EC9706 cells transfected with the HPV16E6 plasmid, the phenotype of macrophages transformed into M2 macrophages. The migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells were higher in the HPV16E6-transfected and coculture group than in the HPV16E6 empty vector-transfected and non-cocultured HPV16E6-transfected groups (all P < 0.05). The density of M2-like TAMs in ESCCs was positively correlated with the level of MMP-9 expression. MMP-9 expression in the HPV16E6-ESCC coculture macrophages group was substantially higher than that in controls (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV16 infection mediates tumor-associated macrophages to promote ESCC invasion and migration.

[The suppressive effects of microRNA-139-5p on proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the role of microRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p) in the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its effects on cell proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Seventy-five cases of ESCC tissues and paired normal tissues were obtained from thoracic surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2017 to March 2018. Experiment was divided into two group: ESCC (n=75) and normal esophageal tissues (n=75).GEO datasets and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of miR-139-5p in ESCC tissues and cells. miR-139-5p inhibitor, miR-139-5p mimic, negative control, control siRNA, T-box transcliption factor 1(TBX1) siRNA, pcDNA3.1 and pcDNA3.1-TBX1 were transfected into ESCC Eca109 and TE1 cells. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of miR-139-5p and TBX1 in transfected ESCC cells. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and Transwell chamber were employed to detect cell proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells, respectively. Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay was used to analyze the interaction between miR-139-5p with TBX1. qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were utilized to detect the expression of TBX1 in ESCC tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin after transfection. Results: The level of miR-139-5p in ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues (1.17±0.43 vs 5.16±3.62,P<0.001). Log-rank test showed that the survival rate of ESCC patients with high miR-139-5p level (n = 43) was significantly higher than that with low miR-139-5p level (n=32) (67.44% vs 25.00%, P = 0.005). The expression level of miR-139-5p in ESCC cells was significantly lower than that of normal esophageal epithelial cell Het-1A (all P<0.001). The proliferation and invasion ability of ECA109 and TE1 cells with high expression of miR-139-5p were significantly lower than those transfected with negative control (NC) (all P<0.05). Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay showed that miR-139-5p could bind to the 3'-untranslated region of TBX1. miR-139-5p mimic or inhibitor suppressed or promoted the expression of TBX1 protein in Eca109 and TE1 cells, respectively (all P<0.05). Downregulation of TBX1 significantly suppressed proliferation and invasion of ECA109 and TE1 cells, while overexpression of TBX1 significantly promoted proliferation and invasion of ECA109 and TE1 cells (all P<0.05). In addition, pcDNA3.1-TBX1 partially reversed the inhibition of miR-139-5p-mediated invasion ability (all P<0.05), while TBX1 siRNA partially reversed the enhancement of miR-139-5p inhibitor-mediated invasion ability (all P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-139-5p suppressed ESCC cell proliferation and invasion by targeting TBX1.

Transcriptional Regulation of Anthocyanin Synthesis by MYB-bHLH-WDR Complexes in Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis)

The anthocyanin synthetic pathway is regulated centrally by an MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex. Anthocyanin pigmentation is an important fruit quality trait in red-fleshed kiwifruit; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms involving the MBW complex are not well understood. In this study, one R2R3MYB (AcMYBF110 expressed in fruit characteristically), one bHLH (AcbHLH1), two upstream regulators of AcbHLH1 (AcbHLH4 and AcbHLH5), and one WDR (AcWDR1) are characterized as being involved in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in kiwifruit. AcMYBF110 plays an important role in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation by specifically activating the promoters of several anthocyanin pathway genes including AcCHS, AcF3'H, AcANS, AcUFGT3a, AcUFGT6b, and AcGST1. Coexpression of AcbHLH1, AcbHLH4, or AcbHLH5 together with AcMYBF110 induces much greater anthocyanin accumulation in both tobacco leaves and in Actinidia arguta fruit compared with AcMYBF110 alone. Moreover, this activation is further enhanced by adding AcWDR1. We found that both AcMYBF110 and AcWDR1 interact with all three AcbHLH factors, while AcMYBF110 also interacts with AcWDR1 to form three different MBW complexes that have different regulatory roles in anthocyanin accumulation of kiwifruit. The AcMYBF110-AcbHLH1-AcWDR1 complex directly targets the promoters of anthocyanin synthetic genes. Other features of the regulatory pathways identified include promotion of AcMYBF110, AcbHLH1,and AcWDR1 activities by this MBW complex, providing for both reinforcement and feedback regulation, whereas the AcMYBF110-AcbHLH4/5-AcWDR1 complex is indirectly involved in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis by activating the promoters of AcbHLH1 and AcWDR1 to amplify the regulation signals of the first MBW complex.

Y-shaped airway self-expanding covered metallic stent removal via the interventional technique

AIM

To review the removal of Y-shaped airway self-expanding covered metallic stents using the interventional technique under fluoroscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 33 patients who underwent removal of Y-shaped airway self-expanding covered metallic stents from March 2011 to August 2019 were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 35 Y-shaped stents were removed. The average indwelling duration of the tracheal stents was 101.7 ± 105.4 days. Four cases were removed via the conventional method (grasping the upper tip of the stent to collapse and adduct the proximal end of the stent), whereas 31 cases were removed using the reversal method (grasping the distal end of the stent to invert and strip out the stent). The duration of stent removal was 24.3 ± 12.4 minutes (median time, 20 minutes).

CONCLUSION

The interventional radiology technique is a feasible, safe, and effective method for removing Y-shaped airway self-expanding covered metallic stents, and can be considered for use in the clinical setting.

[The diagnostic value of chromosome microarray analysis technique in the genetic causes of children with intellectual disability or global developmental delay]

Objective: To study the value of chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) application in children with developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) were performed in 1 320 children with DD/ID, ASD, with or without epilepsy and MCA who were admitted to Peking University First Hospital from 2014 to 2019. The results of genetic etiology test of CMA in children with mental retardation or global DD was summarized. Results: Of 1 320 samples, there were 10 cases of aneuploid abnormality, 6 cases of uniparental disomy and one case of mosaicism, respectively. Pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) were found in 320 cases and pathogenic CNVs were detected in 23 cases, with a combined detection rate of 26% (343/1 320). CNVs of uncertain clinical significance occurred in 107 cases, accounting for 8.1% (107/1 320). There were 25 cases of possible benign CNVs, accounting for 2% (25/1 320), while benign CNVs were reported in 20 cases, accounting for 1.5% (20/1 320). The detection rate of MCA with DD/ID was 39.8% (130/327). Conclusions: CMA has the advantages of high resolution and covering the whole genome. It can detect the chromosomal abnormalities, microdeletions and duplications seen under the microscope, thus the genetic etiology of children with mental retardation or global DD can be diagnosed.

The critical role of hippocampal dopamine in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy

The pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) has been generally linked to blood ammonia, gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of hippocampal dopamine (DA) and its receptors in the pathogenesis of HE through the use of behavioral testing, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining in normal rats, HE model rats and rats treated with the DA precursor-levodopa (L-DOPA). HE model rats manifested fibrotic livers and showed serious behavioral disorders. They also had significantly lower hippocampal DA content and increased expression of both D1 and D2 receptors relative to normal rats. After treatment with L-DOPA, the HE model rats showed normal behavior and expression of D1 returned to normal levels. Furthermore, pretreatment with the D1 antagonist SCH23390 blocked the therapeutic effect of L-DOPA on behavior in HE model rats. Taken together, these results clarify that the decrease in hippocampal DA plays a role in the pathogenesis of HE and that this effect is mediated by D1. These findings provide new evidence for the pathogenesis of HE.

Polyphenol oxidase plays a critical role in melanin formation in the fruit skin of persimmon (Diospyros kaki cv. 'Heishi')

In this study, the melanin in persimmon and its formation were investigated. Melanin was found to be deposited on the cell walls of the upper epidermis and subepidermal cells in persimmon skin and the isolated pigment appears to have lamellar structures. Diagnostic analysis of the isolated pigment showed results that were similar to those of melanin from other sources. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy revealed that the extracted skin pigment displayed a broadband, structureless absorption profile that increased progressively towards shorter wavelengths. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assay revealed that melanin in persimmon skin exhibits many characteristic absorption peaks. The phenolic profile analysis suggested that the precursors of this pigment may include gallic acid, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, ferulic acid and epigallocatechin gallate. The PPO activity and DkPPO expression significantly increased during melanin formation, and transient overexpression of DkPPO promoted melanin synthesis. These results indicate that the isolated pigment was a type of melanin and that PPO plays a critical role in its formation.

Correlation of IL-33 gene polymorphism with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation between interleukin (IL)-33 gene polymorphism with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 210 COPD patients (observation group) and 180 healthy people receiving physical examinations (control group) were included in this study. Clinical information of each subject was collected. Relative levels of inflammation-related factor IL-33 and pulmonary function indexes were determined. Moreover, the polymorphism of IL-33 rs1891385 was detected with the TaqMan-minor groove binder (MGB) probe.

RESULTS

Observation group had a higher level of IL-33 than that of control group (p<0.01), and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (%) and FEV1/the predicted value ratio (%) in observation group were lower than those in control group (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the distribution frequencies of genotypes and alleles between the two groups (p<0.05), and genotype AA exhibited a higher level of IL-33, but a lower FEV1/FVC ratio (%) and FEV1/the predicted value ratio (%) than those of genotypes AC and CC (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-33 and pulmonary function test can be used to effectively evaluate the progression of COPD, and the polymorphism of IL-33 rs1891385 is correlated with the onset of COPD.

[Application of thoracoscopy-guided thoracic paravertebral block for analgesia after single-port video-assisted pulmonary lobectomy]

Objective: To investigate the effects of thoracoscopy-guided thoracic paravertebral block for analgesia after single-port video-assisted pulmonary lobectomy. Methods: From December 2019 to April 2020, 60 patients receiving single-port video-assisted pulmonary lobectomy at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital were selected. The patients were randomly and equally divided into control group and paravertebral block group using a random number table. Patients of paravertebral block group were injected into the thoracic 4-5 intercostal, paravertebral 1 cm using 0.375% ropivacaine (20 ml) with thoracoscopy-guided at the end of surgery, while patients of control group were given patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). Postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Ramsay sedation scale were recorded at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 h after the surgery. The incidence of postoperative adverse reactions, additional dose and times of pethidine, the time to resume eating, the rate of postoperative active cough, the first time to get out of bed after surgery and postoperative hospital stay of two groups' patients were recorded. t test and chisquare test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The VAS score of paravertebral block group were lower than those of control group at all time points (all P<0.05). The Ramsay sedation scale of paravertebral block group were higher than those of control group at all time points (all P<0.05). The additional dose and times of pethidine of paravertebral block group were (8.2±2.3) mg and (0.2±0.1) time, which were lower than (87.8±15.3) mg and (1.8±0.3) time of control group, the differences were statistically significant (t=28.91, 34.37, all P<0.05). Incidence of nausea, vomiting and pruritus of paravertebral block group were 10.0%, 6.7% and 0, which were lower than 40.0%, 30.0% and 13.3% of control group, the differences were statistically significant (χ(2)=7.20, 5.45, 4.29, all P<0.05). The rate of postoperative active cough of paravertebral block group was 33.3%, which was higher than 10.0% of control group, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=4.81, P<0.05). The time to resume eating, the first time to get out of bed after surgery and postoperative hospital stay were (6.5±0.4) h, (20.9±3.1) h and (4.6±1.0) d, which were lower than (8.5±0.7) h, (28.6±4.8) h and (6.1±1.3) d of control group, the differences were statistically significant (t=13.47, 7.39, 4.19, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Thoracic paravertebral block under thoracoscopy-guided can effectively reduce the postoperative pain of single-port thoracoscopic lobectomy, with fewer adverse reactions, and is beneficial to postoperative recovery.

MiR-23a-5p exacerbates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by promoting oxidative stress via targeting PPAR alpha

MiR-23a-5p is involved in the occurrence and development of some serious diseases, but its effects on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (II/R) injury is unclear. In this research, the hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model on IEC-6 cells and II/R model in mice were used. The data showed that the ROS level in model group was significantly increased compared with control group. The level of intestinal MPO was increased and serum SOD was decreased in mice compared with sham group. Moreover, the expression levels of miR-23a-5p in model groups were obviously increased in vitro and in vivo, while the expression levels of PPARα, FOXO3α, PGC-1α, Nrf2, CAT, NQO1, HO-1 and SOD2 were significantly decreased. The double luciferase reporter gene assay showed that there was binding site between miR-23a-5p and PPARα. When miR-23a-5p was inhibited or PPARα gene was overexpressed, H/R-caused cell damage was alleviated and ROS level was decreased compared with NC group. PPARα expression level was increased, accompanied by the increased levels of FOXO3α, PGC-1α, Nrf2, CAT, NQO1, HO-1 and SOD2. After enhancing miR-23a-5p expression or silencing PPARα gene, H/R-caused cell damage was further aggravated compared with NC group, and ROS level was increased associated with the decreased levels of FOXO3α, PGC-1α, Nrf2, CAT, NQO1, HO-1 and SOD2. Our study demonstrated that miR-23a-5p exacerbated II/R injury by promoting oxidative stress via targeting PPARα, which should be considered as one new drug target to treat II/R injury.

Perivascular Fat Density and Contrast Plaque Enhancement: Does a Correlation Exist?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammatory changes in the fat tissue surrounding the coronary arteries have been associated with coronary artery disease and high-risk vulnerable plaques. Our aim was to investigate possible correlations between the presence and degree of perivascular fat density and a marker of vulnerable carotid plaque, namely contrast plaque enhancement on CTA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-hundred patients (76 men, 24 women; mean age, 69 years) who underwent CT angiography for investigation of carotid artery stenosis were retrospectively analyzed. Contrast plaque enhancement and perivascular fat density were measured in 100 carotid arteries, and values were stratified according to symptomatic (ipsilateral-to-cerebrovascular symptoms)/asymptomatic status (carotid artery with the most severe degree of stenosis). Correlation coefficients (Pearson ρ product moment) were calculated between the contrast plaque enhancement and perivascular fat density. The differences among the correlation ρ values were calculated using the Fisher r-to-z transformation. Mann-Whitney analysis was also calculated to test differences between the groups.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant positive correlation between contrast plaque enhancement and perivascular fat density (ρ value = 0.6582, P value = .001). The correlation was stronger for symptomatic rather than asymptomatic patients (ρ value = 0.7052, P value = .001 versus ρ value = 0.4092, P value = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a positive association between perivascular fat density and contrast plaque enhancement on CTA. This correlation was stronger for symptomatic rather than asymptomatic patients. Our results suggest that perivascular fat density could be used as an indirect marker of plaque instability.

A decagonal quasicrystal with rhombic and hexagonal tiles decorated with icosahedral structural units

The structure of a decagonal quasicrystal in the Zn58Mg40Y2 (at.%) alloy was studied using electron diffraction and atomic resolution Z-contrast imaging techniques. This stable Frank-Kasper Zn-Mg-Y decagonal quasicrystal has an atomic structure which can be modeled with a rhombic/hexagonal tiling decorated with icosahedral units at each vertex. No perfect decagonal clusters were observed in the Zn-Mg-Y decagonal quasicrystal, which differs from the Zn-Mg-Dy decagonal crystal with the same space group P10/mmm. Y atoms occupy the center of 'dented decagon' motifs consisting of three fat rhombic and two flattened hexagonal tiles. About 75% of fat rhombic tiles are arranged in groups of five forming star motifs, while the others connect with each other in a 'zigzag' configuration. This decagonal quasicrystal has a composition of Zn68.3Mg29.1Y2.6 (at.%) with a valence electron concentration (e/a) of about 2.03, which is in accord with the Hume-Rothery criterion for the formation of the Zn-based quasicrystal phase (e/a = 2.0-2.15).