Advances in the Application of Apoptotic Proteins and Alternative Splicing in Tumor Therapy: A Narrative Review

An apoptosis-resistant state determined by apoptotic protein expression is commonly seen in the initiation, progression, and treatment failure stages of human cancer, and anti-tumor drugs targeting apoptotic proteins have been increasingly developed over the past three decades. However, the frequently alternative splicing of apoptotic proteins diminished the ability of targeting drugs to bind to apoptotic proteins and, consequently, limit the drug efficacy. Currently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that many alternative splicing events have been associated to apoptosis resistance in different cancers. Therefore, the intervention targeting alternative splicing for regulating tumor cell apoptosis is expected to become a new strategy and new direction of antitumor therapy. Here, we present well established alternative splicing events that occur in different apoptosis-related genes and their modification by several approaches with cancer therapeutic purposes.

(2E)-1-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-propen-1-one, a Chalcone Derivative, Promotes Apoptosis by Suppressing RAS-ERK and AKT/FOXO3a Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer is an extremely common cancer with the highest mortality rate and poor prognosis. Owing to their low systemic toxicity and few side effects, natural compounds may provide better therapeutic effects for patients. (2E)-1-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-propen-1-one (TMOCC), a chalcone derivative, exhibits cytotoxicity towards many tumor cells. However, the anticancer mechanism of TMOCC has not been elucidated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assays were used to evaluate the effects of TMOCC on viability and proliferation. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential and flow cytometry assays were used to detect apoptosis. The expression levels of proteins related to apoptosis, the RAS-ERK and AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathways were assessed using western blot. Potential targets of TMOCC were detected using molecular docking analysis.

RESULTS

TMOCC inhibited viability and proliferation, and induced the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, apoptosis and DNA double-strand breaks in both HCC cells. The RAS-ERK and AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathways were suppressed by TMOCC. Finally, ERK1, PARP-1, and BAX were identified as potential targets of TMOCC.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results show that TMOCC promotes apoptosis by suppressing the RAS-ERK and AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathways. TMOCC may be a potential multi-target compound that is effective against liver cancer.

Cigarette Smoke Extract and Lipopolysaccharide Induce Pyroptosis in Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells of Rats

We studied the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE), LPS, or their combination on the activity and pyroptosis of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) in rats. PMVEC were cultured without treatment, with CSE in different concentrations (1-25%), with 20 ng/ml LPS, or with 20% CSE+20 ng/ml LPS. Cell viability was determined using the CCK8 kit, apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and cell morphology was evaluated using light microscopy. The content of IL-1β and IL-18 was measured by ELISA. CSE decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The morphology of cells in the CSE+LPS group showed the most significant cytomorphological changes and the highest pyroptosis rate. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rates in the CSE and LPS groups were higher than in the control group, but the highest rate of apoptosis was revealed in the CSE+LPS group (p<0.01). The levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in the cell supernatant of the CSE, LPS, and CSE+LPS groups were significantly (p<0.01) increased in comparison with the control. These levels in the CSE+LPS group were higher (p<0.01) than in other groups. There were no differences between the CSE and LPS groups. Thus, the effect of CSE on cell viability is dose-dependent. Combined treatment with CSE+LPS can induce cell pyroptosis and increase the levels of inflammatory cytokines in PMVEC. These observations demonstrated that pyroptosis caused by CSE and LPS can play an important role in pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Estimation and sensitivity analysis of a COVID-19 model considering the use of face mask and vaccination

To model the COVID-19 infection and develop effective control measures, this paper proposes an SEIR-type epidemic model considering the impact of face-mask wearing and vaccination. Firstly, the effective reproduction number and the threshold conditions are obtained. Secondly, based on the data of South Korea from January 20, 2022 to March 21, 2022, the model parameters are estimated. Finally, a sensitivity analysis and the numerical study are conducted. The results show that the face-mask wearing is associated with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] reductions in the numbers of cumulative cases and newly confirmed cases, respectively, after a period of 60 days, when the face mask wearing rate increases by [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the vaccination rate is associated with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] reductions in the numbers of cumulative cases and the newly confirmed cases, respectively, after the same period of 60 days when the vaccination rate is increased by [Formula: see text]. A combined measure involving face-mask wearing and vaccination may be more effective and reasonable in preventing and controlling this infection. It is also suggested that disease control departments should strongly recommended the wearing of face masks s as well as vaccination to prevent the unvaccinated people from becoming infected.

Dynamic variations of the gastric microbiota: Key therapeutic points in the reversal of Correa's cascade

Correa's cascade is a dynamic process in the development of intestinal-type gastric cancer (GC), and its pathological features, gastric microbiota and interactions between microorganisms and their hosts vary at different developmental stages. The characteristics of cells, tissues and gastric microbiota before or after key therapeutic points are critical for monitoring malignant transformation and early tumour reversal. This review summarises the pathological features of gastric mucosa, characteristics of gastric microbiota, specific microbial markers, microbe-microbe interactions and microbe-host interactions at different stages in Correa's cascade. The markers related to each Correa's cascade point were analysed in detail. We attempted to identify key therapeutic points for early cancer reversal and provide a novel approach to reduce the incidence of GC and improve precise treatment.

FOXP3 and SQSTM1/P62 correlate with prognosis and immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common highly malignant tumours worldwide. FOXP3 and SQSTM1/P62 have been shown to be abnormally expressed in tumour cells, but their function in different tumours remains controversial. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression of FOXP3 and P62 in HCC and their prognostic value as well as their relationship with immune infiltration in HCC patients.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and TNMplot.com platform were used to analyse the expression of FOXP3 and P62. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Kaplan-Meier plotter were used to assess the impacts of FOXP3 and P62 on clinical prognosis. In addition, TCGA database was also used to examine the correlation between the expression of FOXP3 and P62 and tumour immune infiltration using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine expression levels of FOXP3 and P62 in 89 HCC and adjacent normal liver tissues, and their effects on clinicopathological features and prognosis were verified.

RESULTS

FOXP3 expression was downregulated in HCC tissues, while P62 expression was upregulated. FOXP3 underexpression and P62 overexpression were closely related to decreased overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. Additionally, the abnormal expression of FOXP3 and P62 was closely related to the infiltration levels of 12 types of immune cells, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), M2 macrophages, M0 macrophages, and CD8 T cells. Notably, in the validation model, abnormal FOXP3 and P62 expression was significantly associated with adverse clinicopathological factors in HCC patients, including elevated α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, poor tumour differentiation, and increased Ki67 levels. Furthermore, low FOXP3 and high P62 expression were independent risk factors for predicting OS prognosis in HCC patients.

CONCLUSION

FOXP3 and P62 have been shown to be important prognostic factors in HCC patients and are associated with immune cell infiltration in HCC. These findings suggest that FOXP3 and P62 may be valuable prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.

Alterperylenol as a Novel Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitor Induces Liver Cancer Cell Apoptosis and Ferroptosis

Natural products are a rich resource for discovering innovational drugs. Herein, we isolated and characterized two compounds dihydroalterperylenol (DAP) and alterperylenol (AP) from Alternaria sp. MG1, an endophytic fungus isolated from Vitis quinquangularis, and investigated the underlying antitumor mechanism of AP. Mechanistically, AP inhibits the growth of HepG2 cells by targeting the selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and ultimately induces cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. Compared to DAP, the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl structure of AP is an indispensable moiety for its antitumor activity and TrxR inhibition. Specifically, inhibition of TrxR causes the extensive reactive oxygen species and consequently results in DNA damage, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial fission. Furthermore, ferroptosis is driven via excess toxic lipid peroxidation and elevation of intracellular iron levels via regulating iron-related proteins. In vivo validation also shows that AP owns anticancer activity in xenograft mice. Collectively, our results disclose a novel natural TrxR inhibitor AP exerting the antitumor effect via inducing cell apoptosis and ferroptosis and evidence that AP is a promising candidate agent for liver carcinoma therapy. The link of TrxR inhibition to ferroptosis further highlights the physiological importance of TrxR in regulating ferroptosis.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in ^{26}Si via β-Delayed Two-Proton Decay of ^{26}P

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

The Global research of protein post-translational modifications in the cancer field: A bibliometric and visualized study

Objectives

Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) are closely associated with tumorigenesis, targeting PTMs of key proteins might be the focus of antitumor drug discovery. This study aimed to analyze the research progress on protein PTMs in tumorigenesis by performing qualitative and quantitative evaluations.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection was selected as the database, and Science Citation Index Expanded was selected as the citation index. Visualization tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, HistCite, and Online Analysis Platform of Bibliometrics were used to deeply explore the information of the retrieved research papers and analyze them in terms of research trends and main aspects of research.

Results

The search yielded 3777 relevant articles. The results showed that the total number of PTMs related papers in cancer field has been increasing annually, with the largest number of papers published in the United States of America. The co-word cluster analysis showed that the research on PTMs and tumorigenesis was primarily focused on the following four areas, mechanism, histone, P53, key Technologies. Tumor metabolism, autophagy, and protein-protein interaction, histone ubiquitination have become new research topics.

Conclusion

This study provides an important reference for the research direction and selection of topics of interest in the PTMs of cancer field.

Gold Nanorods-Based Photothermal Therapy: Interactions Between Biostructure, Nanomaterial, and Near-Infrared Irradiation

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are ideal inorganic nanophotothermal agents with unique characteristics, including local surface plasmon resonance effects, easy scale preparation and functional modification, and good biocompatibility. This review summarizes several recent advances in AuNRs-based photothermal therapy (PTT) research. Functionalized AuNRs photothermal agents have optimized biocompatibility and targeting properties. The multifunctional AuNRs nanoplatform composite structure meets the requirements for synergistic effects of PTT, photoacoustic imaging, and other therapeutic methods. Photothermal therapy with AuNRs (AuNRs-PTT) is widely used to treat tumors and inflammatory diseases; its tumor-targeting, tumor metastasis inhibition, and photothermal tumor ablation abilities have remarkable curative effects. An in-depth study of AuNRs in living systems and the interactions between biological structure, nanomaterial, and near-infrared irradiation could lay the foundation for further clinical research and the broad application of AuNRs in PTT.

Probing ^{93m}Mo Isomer Depletion with an Isomer Beam

The isomer depletion of ^{93m}Mo was recently reported [Chiara et al., Nature (London) 554, 216 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature25483] as the first direct observation of nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC). However, the measured excitation probability of 1.0(3)% is far beyond the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the inconsistency between theory and experiment, we produce the ^{93m}Mo nuclei using the ^{12}C(^{86}Kr,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 559 MeV and transport the reaction residues to a detection station far away from the target area employing a secondary beam line. The isomer depletion is expected to occur during the slowdown process of the ions in the stopping material. In such a low γ-ray background environment, the signature of isomer depletion is not observed, and an upper limit of 2×10^{-5} is estimated for the excitation probability. This is consistent with the theoretical expectation. Our findings shed doubt on the previously reported NEEC phenomenon and highlight the necessity and feasibility of further experimental investigations for reexamining the isomer depletion under low γ-ray background.

Circulating myeloid-derived suppressors cells correlate with clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes undergoing neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Myeloid-derived suppressors cells (MDSCs) are heterogeneous immunosuppressive cells, closely related to the development, efficacy and prognosis in various tumors. The relationship between clinicopathological characteristics, efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCIO) and circulating MDSCs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was investigated in this study.

METHODS

This study analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Chest Hospital from November 2020 to August 2021. MDSCs and T cells subgroups were measured in fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) at baseline. Flow cytometry was used to detect MDSCs and T cells subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients with NSCLC and 20 patients with benign nodule underwent direct surgery. 23 patients with NSCLC scheduled to accept NCIO before surgery. NSCLC had elevated levels of total MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs and M-MDSCs compared to patients with benign nodule. MDSCs subgroups were correlated to the pTNM stage in NSCLC patients. The frequency of total MDSCs were moderately positively correlated with regulatory T cells (Tregs)(r = 0.3597, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with CD4 + T cells(r = 0.2714, P < 0.05). The baseline levels of total MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs and Tregs in pCR patients were significantly decreased than those of non-pCR patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Circulating MDSCs were increased in NSCLC patients. MDSC subgroups were related to pTNM stage in NSCLC patients. Total MDSCs were positively correlated with Tregs levels and negatively correlated with CD4 + T cells in peripheral blood. The level of MDSCs and Tregs in peripheral blood may have potential value in predicting pathological response in NSCLC.

Dual role of cadmium in rat liver: Inducing liver injury and inhibiting the progression of early liver cancer

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) can induce damage in liver and liver cancer cells; however, the mechanism underlying its toxicity needs to be further verified in vivo. We daily administered CdCl₂ to adult male rats at different dosages via gavage for 12 weeks and established rat liver injury model and liver cancer model to study the dual role of Cd in rat liver. Increased exposure to Cd resulted in abnormal liver function indicators, pathological degeneration, rat liver cell necrosis, and proliferation of collagen fibres. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that the area of GST-P-positive precancerous liver lesions decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that Cd induced mitophagy, as well as mitophagy blockade, as evidenced by the downregulation of TOMM20 and upregulation of LC3II and P62 with increasing Cd dose. Next, the expression of PINK1/Parkin, a classic signalling pathway protein that regulates mitophagy, was examined. Cd was found to promote PINK1/Parkin expression, which was proportional to the Cd dose. In conclusion, Cd activates PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in a dose-dependent manner. Mitophagy blockade likely aggravates Cd toxicity, leading to the dual role of inducing liver injury and inhibiting the progression of early liver cancer.

Transcription profiling of cadmium-exposed livers reveals alteration of lipid metabolism and predisposition to hepatic steatosis

1. Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that can cause liver steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on long-term exposure.2. Sixteen Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, and were administered normal saline and 5 mg/(kg·d) cadmium chloride by gavage. In vitro, BRL3A cells, a rat normal liver cell line, were treated with different concentrations of Cd to verify the sequencing results.3. The RNA-seq revealed 146 upregulated genes and 127 downregulated genes in the Cd intervention group. The key genes of lipid metabolism were significantly overexpressed, such as Cyp1a1 and Pla2g2d. The GO enrichment analysis showed that the 'sterol biosynthetic process' was the most obvious difference. The KEGG analysis showed that six of the top 10 differential pathways were related to lipid metabolism. The expression of the essential genes in BRL3A was consistent with the sequencing results. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) yielded that Cyp1a1 is in the central region of the differentially expressed gene network.4. The chronic Cd exposure is still an important environmental health problem with a probable tendency to cause NAFLD. It may possibly act by affecting the lipid metabolism in the liver, especially the synthesis and decomposition of unsaturated fatty acids.

Comparison of the community-acquired pneumonia and COVID-19 at the early stage: findings from two cohort studies

BACKGROUND

The current focus is largely on whole course medical management of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and radiological features, while the mild cases are usually missed. Thus, combination of multiple diagnostic methods is urgent to understand COVID-19 fully and to monitor the progression of COVID-19.

METHODS

laboratory variables of 40 mild COVID-19 patients, 30 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and 32 healthy individuals were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), Kruskal test, Procrustes test, the vegan package in R, CCA package and receiver operating characteristic to investigate the characteristics of the laboratory variables and their relationships in COVID-19.

RESULTS

The correlations between the laboratory variables presented a variety of intricate linkages in the COVID-19 group compared with the healthy group and CAP patient group. The prediction probability of the combination of lymphocyte count (LY), eosinophil (EO) and platelets (PLT) was 0.847, 0.854 for the combination of lactate (LDH), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and C-reactive protein (CRP), 0.740 for the combination of EO, white blood cell count (WBC) and neutrophil count (NEUT) and 0.872 for the combination of CK-MB and P.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlations between the laboratory variables in the COVID-19 group could be a unique characteristic showing promise as a method for COVID-19 prediction and monitoring progression of COVID-19 infection.

[A nested case-control study on relationship of traditional and combined lipid metabolism indexes with incidence of diabetes]

Objective: To explore the relationship between lipid indicators and the incidence of diabetes, and to compare the diabetes prediction and identification power of traditional lipid combined lipid indicators, in order to explore the best alternative indicators for identifying and predicting diabetes. Methods: Based on the Jinchang cohort, a nested case-control study was conducted in 1 025 new cases of diabetes after excluding patients with malignant tumor and related endocrine, circulatory system disease, then an age (±2 years), gender matched 1∶1 control group of 1 025 cases was set to analyze the relationship between the incidence of diabetes and lipid parameters. Results: Among the traditional lipid parameters, the fourth quartile of TG, TC, and LDL-C indicated higher risks of developing diabetes, which was 14.00 times (95%CI: 9.73-20.15), 2.15 times (95%CI: 1.65-2.79) and 1.66 times (95%CI: 1.29-2.14) than that of the first quartile, respectively. The risk of developing diabetes indicated by the fourth quartile of HDL-C was 0.21 times than that indicated by the first quartile (95%CI: 0.15-0.28). In the combined lipid parameters, the fourth quartile of TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C indicated higher risks of developing diabetes, which was 14.86 times (95%CI: 10.35-21.34), 8.12 times (95%CI: 5.94-11.01), 5.85 times (95%CI:4.34-7.88) and 5.20 times (95%CI: 3.85-7.03) than that indicated by the first quartile, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C were 0.76 (95%CI: 0.74-0.78), 0.59 (95%CI: 0.57-0.61), 0.67 (95%CI: 0.65-0.69), 0.57 (95%CI: 0.55-0.59), 0.77 (95%CI: 0.75-0.78), 0.73 (95%CI: 0.71-0.75), 0.69 (95%CI: 0.67-0.71) and 0.66 (95%CI: 0.64-0.68), respectively. The optimal diabetes predicting point cuts of TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and non-HDL-C were 1.40, 4.70, 1.28, 3.25, 1.17, 3.43, 2.46, and 3.58 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusions: Lipid metabolic disorder is a risk factor for diabetes. TG and TG/HDL-C are the good lipid metabolism indicators for the prediction of diabetic.

[Relationship of body mass index and blood pressure with diabetes: a nested case-control study]

Objective: To explore the relationship of body mass index and blood pressure with the incidence of diabetes in Jinchang cohort. Methods: We designed a nested case-control study, a total of 29 572 workers who had no history of diabetes in baseline survey in Jinchang cohort were selected as the study cohort from June 2011 to December 2013. After 2 year follow-up, 1 021 workers with first diagnosed diabetes were selected as the case group, after 1∶1 matching according to the same gender and age ±2 years among those without diabetes, circulatory system, or endocrine system diseases during the same follow-up period, 1 021 controls was selected and 2 042 subjects were finally included. We used multivariate conditional logistic regression model, additive interaction model and multiplicative interaction model to explore the relationship of body mass index and blood pressure with the incidence of diabetes. Results: After adjusting for factors such as occupation, alcohol use, family history of diabetes, hyperuricemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low-HDL cholesterolemia and high-LDL cholesterolemia, multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of diabetes increased with body mass index and blood pressure. Hypertension and overweight/obesity had a multiplicative interaction on the incidence of diabetes. The risks of diabetes in men and women with hypertension and overweight/obese were 2.04 times (95%CI: 1.54-2.69) and 3.88 times (95%CI: 2.55-5.91) higher than those in men and women with normal body weight and blood pressure, respectively. In the combination of BMI and blood pressure, obese individuals with SBP≥160 mmHg were 4.57 times (95%CI: 2.50-8.34) more likely to have diabetes than those with normal BMI and SBP, obese individuals with DBP≥90 mmHg were 3.40 times (95%CI: 2.19-5.28) more likely to have diabetes than those with normal BMI and DBP. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity and hypertension can increase the risk of diabetes. Health education about body weight and blood pressure controls should be strengthened to reduce the risk of diabetes.

[Prospective cohort study of relationship of triglyceride, fasting blood-glucose and triglyceride glucose product index with risk of hypertension]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FPG) and triglyceride glucose product index (TyG) with the incidence of hypertension, and provide basic data for the prevention and treatment of hypertension in the population. Methods: A total of 23 581 individuals who met the research criteria in Jinchang cohort were selected as the research subjects, the Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship of TG, FPG, and TyG with the risk of hypertension. A stratified analysis was conducted by sex. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the normal TG group, the HR(95%CI) of the elevated TG margin group and the elevated group were 1.16 (1.01-1.34) and 1.49 (1.30-1.70), respectively in the total population. Among men, they were 1.13 (1.01-1.27) and 1.17 (1.06-1.30), and among women, they were 1.05 (0.88-1.26) and 1.06 (0.88-1.28). Compared with the normal FPG group, the HR (95%CI) of the FPG-impaired group were 1.29 (1.13-1.48) in the total population, 1.26 (1.08-1.48) in men and 1.59 (1.14-2.21) in women. Taking the lowest quartile array as a reference, the HR (95%CI) of the highest quartile array of TyG was 1.73 (1.45-2.07) in the total population, 1.32 (1.14-1.53) in men and 1.87 (1.37-2.54) in women. TG, FPG had a nonlinear dose-response relationship with the risk of hypertension, while TyG had a linear correlation with the risk of hypertension. Conclusions: Higher TG, FPG, and TyG levels are independent risk factors for the incidence of hypertension. People with higher TG, FPG and TyG are at high risk for hypertension, to which close attention should be paid in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

MicroRNA polymorphism: A target for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-threatening cancer of the digestive system, with complex pathogenesis affected by a broad spectrum of genetic and epigenetic factors. Among several factors, microRNAs (miRNAs), which are considered regulators of the post-transcriptional gene expression, play important roles in determining the malignant phenotype of HCC. In recent years, the advances in molecular genetics have resulted in the characterization of complex genetic factors and in the identification of epigenetic mechanisms of diseases. Accumulating data have suggested that miRNA polymorphisms are involved in tumorigenesis and prognosis, suggesting that the miRNAs may serve as a target for HCC with regard to pathogenesis and prognosis. In the present review, a comprehensive and detailed literature search was conducted and the role of miRNA polymorphisms in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC is summarized. The data proposed the use of miRNAs as targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Fabrication of silver nanoparticles/gelatin hydrogel system for bone regeneration and fracture treatment

The present work aims to examine the effect of gelatin on the stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their use in healing the bone fracture. AgNPs-loaded Gel hydrogels (AgNPs/Gel) were fabricated under sunlight using gelatin (Gel) as stabilizing agent. The characterization of the synthesized hydrogels was performed with the help of techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Furthermore, the results of cell cytotoxicity confirmed that the AgNPs/Gel hydrogels are nonhazardous to osteoblasts. The outcome of cell fixation with AgNPs/Gel hydrogels after an incubation period of five days exposed the improved survival and spreading of osteoblasts cells on the prepared AgNPs/Gel hydrogels. Moreover, the AgNPs/Gel hydrogel nanostructures displayed their ability in modulating bone fracture healing, which suggests their potential use in nursing care.

Peptide Probes with Aromatic Residues Tyr and Phe at the X Position Show High Specificity for Targeting Denatured Collagen in Tissues

The construction of potent peptide probes for selectively detecting denatured collagen is crucial for a variety of widespread diseases. However, all of the denatured collagen-targeting peptide probes found till date primarily utilized the repetitive (Gly-X-Y) _n sequences with exclusively imino acids Pro and Hyp in the X and Y positions, which stabilized the triple helical conformation of the peptide probes, resulting in severe obstacles for their clinical applications. A novel series of peptide probes have been constructed by incorporating nonimino acids at the X position of the (GPO)₃GXO(GPO)₄ sequence, while the X-site residue is varied as Tyr, Phe, Asp, and Ala, respectively. Peptide probes FAM-GYO and FAM-GFO containing aromatic residues Tyr and Phe at the X position showed similarly high binding affinity and tissue-staining efficacy as the well-established peptide probe FAM-GPO, while peptide probes FAM-GDO and FAM-GAO with the corresponding charged residue Asp and the hydrophobic residue Ala indicated much weaker binding affinity and tissue-staining capability. Furthermore, FAM-GYO and FAM-GFO could specifically detect denatured collagen in different types of mouse connective tissues and efficiently stain various human pathological tissues. We have revealed for the first time that the incorporation of nonimino acids, particularly aromatic residues at the X and Y positions of the repetitive (Gly-X-Y) _n sequences, may provide a convenient strategy to create novel robust collagen-targeting peptide probes, which have promising diagnostic applications in collagen-involved diseases.

Loss of neuropilin1 inhibits liver cancer stem cells population and blocks metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma via epithelial-mesenchymal transition

It is generally believed that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is related to tumor recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Neuropilin1 (NRP1) is involved in numerous pathophysiological processes of tumor progression, however, whether NRP1 is involved in the regulation of liver CSCs and metastasis of HCC is still unknown. In the present study, we examined the effect of NRP1 on the population of liver CSCs and the metastasis mechanism of HCC. In NRP1 small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-transduced HCC cells, liver CSCs surface markers (CD133+/ EpCAM+/CD13+/CD44+) expressing cells, which imply the CSCs population, were decreased. Transwell assay and nude mouse liver orthotopic transplantation model confirmed that NRP1 knockdown inhibited HCC cells' migration and lung metastasis. Our data showed that the expression of NRP1 was upregulated in 5 independent cohorts of HCC patients, consequently, high levels of NRP1 correlated with recurrence and poor prognosis in HCC. Mechanism research showed that NRP1 promotes cell spreading through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway. In summary, NRP1 enhanced the population of liver CSCs and migration of HCC via EMT, indicating that NRP1 might be a novel target for HCC treatments.

Cadmium causes hepatopathy by changing the status of DNA methylation in the metabolic pathway

Toxicity caused by the heavy metal Cadmium leads to liver diseases; this finding has generated interest among researchers. We detected DNA methylation using Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) to study the relationship between Cadmium exposure and liver damage. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, and given normal saline or 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight per day CdCl₂ by gavage. Twelve weeks later, their liver tissues were collected for pathological examination and DNA extraction. Increased exposure to Cadmium led to a reduction in the amount of weight gain as well as pathological degeneration and necrosis of liver cells of the rats. Using WGBS, we found that DNA methylation changes in the high-dose exposure group were more remarkable, and most of the changes occurred in the gene promoter region. GO enrichment analysis showed that the genes were enriched in the biological process of "response to stimulus." KEGG analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, like MAPK, PI3K-Akt and cAMP, had the largest number of enriched genes. Using Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV), the demethylation of F2rl3 after Cadmium poisoning was established. This finding may explain why there are changes in liver metabolism after Cadmium poisoning.

Detecting cadmium during ultrastructural characterization of hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND

The threat of cadmium (Cd), which is the cause of itai-itai disease in Japan, is still complicated and confusing, especially for digestive system, such as liver disease. One of the most keys of this problem is demonstrating that the hepatotoxicity is indeed induced by Cd. Therefore, we attempt detecting Cd at microscale during ultrastructural imaging of liver tissue.

METHODS

12 rats were divided randomly into two experimental groups: control and Cd-treated. Treated rats were intraperitoneal injected with 1 mg/kg body weight cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) for 4 weeks (5 P.M each day for 6 days/week). At the end of the exposure period, liver tissue samples were processed into ultrathin sections for analysis of advanced analytical transmission electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM/X-EDS) investigations. Ultrastructural images and X-ray energy dispersive spectrum were acquired at microscale.

RESULTS

Cd can cause changes in the structure of the organelle, including the collapse of the membrane structure in the cell, the destruction of the internal structure of the organelle, the mitochondrial swelling, the expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum, and the appearance of inclusions. Cadmium bioaccumulation is detected in the mitochondria at microscale by TEM/X-EDS, which is the visual evidence of morphological changes of mitochondria related to Cd.

CONCLUSION

The combination of detailed ultrastructure and microscale X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (X-EDS) characterization of cadmium hepatotoxicity demonstrate that cadmium indeed leads to mitochondrial damage, which is helpful for further investigation of the pathological mechanism of cadmium hepatotoxicity.

Highly specific recognition of denatured collagen by fluorescent peptide probes with the repetitive Gly-Pro-Pro and Gly-Hyp-Hyp sequences

Denatured collagen is a key biomarker for various critical diseases such as cancer. Peptide probes with the repetitive (Gly-Pro-Hyp)n sequences have recently been found to selectively target denatured collagen; however, thermal or UV pretreatment is required to drive the peptides into the monomer conformation, which poses a substantial challenge for clinical applications. We herein construct two peptide probes, FAM-GOO and FAM-GPP, consisting of the repetitive (Gly-Hyp-Hyp)8 and (Gly-Pro-Pro)8 sequences, respectively. The CD, fluorescence and colorimetric studies have consistently revealed that FAM-GOO showed strong capability of forming the triple helical structure, while FAM-GPP pronouncedly displayed the single stranded conformation at temperatures as low as 4 °C. The binding experiments have indicated that both peptide probes could recognize denatured collagen with high specificity, and FAM-GPP remarkably did not need the preheating treatment. The tissue staining results have shown that preheated FAM-GOO and unheated FAM-GPP could target denatured collagen in a wide variety of rat frozen and human FFPE tissue sections. Compared with antibodies specific for a certain type of collagen, both FAM-GOO and FAM-GPP act as broad-spectrum probes for the selective detection of denatured collagen of different types and from different species. Importantly, FAM-GPP possessed the unique capability of maintaining the monomer conformation by itself, thus avoiding the potential risks of the thermal or UV pretreatment. This novel peptide probe provides a handy and versatile biosensor for specifically targeting denatured collagen, which has attractive potential in the diagnosis and therapeutics of collagen-involved diseases.

Large Isospin Asymmetry in ^{22}Si/^{22}O Mirror Gamow-Teller Transitions Reveals the Halo Structure of ^{22}Al

β-delayed one-proton emissions of ^{22}Si, the lightest nucleus with an isospin projection T_{z}=-3, are studied with a silicon array surrounded by high-purity germanium detectors. Properties of β-decay branches and the reduced transition probabilities for the transitions to the low-lying states of ^{22}Al are determined. Compared to the mirror β decay of ^{22}O, the largest value of mirror asymmetry in low-lying states by far, with δ=209(96), is found in the transition to the first 1^{+} excited state. Shell-model calculation with isospin-nonconserving forces, including the T=1, J=2, 3 interaction related to the s_{1/2} orbit that introduces explicitly the isospin-symmetry breaking force and describes the loosely bound nature of the wave functions of the s_{1/2} orbit, can reproduce the observed data well and consistently explain the observation that a large δ value occurs for the first but not for the second 1^{+} excited state of ^{22}Al. Our results, while supporting the proton-halo structure in ^{22}Al, might provide another means to identify halo nuclei.

Modification of Mcl-1 alternative splicing induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor proliferation in gastric cancer

Splicing dysregulation, which leads to apoptosis resistance, has been recognized as a major hallmark for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Targeting alternative splicing by either increasing pro-apoptotic proteins or inhibiting anti-apoptotic proteins in tumor cells may be an effective approach for gastric cancer (GC) therapy. However, the role of modulation of alternative splicing in GC remains poorly understood. In this study, to the best of our knowledge, the unbalanced expression of the myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) splicing variants, Mcl-1L and Mcl-1S, was identified in GC patients for the first time. Increasing anti-apoptotic Mcl-1L and decreasing pro-apoptotic Mcl-1S expression levels were correlated with tumor proliferation and poor survival. In vitro data showed that a shift in splicing from Mcl-1L to Mcl-1S induced by treatment with Mcl-1-specific steric-blocking oligonucleotides (SBOs) efficiently decreased Mcl-1L expression, increased Mcl-1S expression, and accelerated tumor cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, mouse xenotransplant models confirmed that modification of Mcl-1 alternative splicing increased tumor cell death and suppressed tumor proliferation. This study demonstrated that the modification of Mcl-1 splicing might stimulate the pro-apoptotic factor and inhibit the anti-apoptotic protein to induce significant apoptosis. Thus, this finding provided a strategy for cancer therapy, according to which SBOs could be used to change the Mcl-1 splicing pattern, thereby inducing apoptosis.

Positive-Parity Linear-Chain Molecular Band in ^{16}C

An inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiment ^{2}H(^{16}C,^{4}He+^{12}Be or ^{6}He+^{10}Be)^{2}H was carried out to investigate the linear-chain clustering structure in neutron-rich ^{16}C. For the first time, decay paths from the ^{16}C resonances to various states of the final nuclei were determined, thanks to the well-resolved Q-value spectra obtained from the threefold coincident measurement. The close-threshold resonance at 16.5 MeV is assigned as the J^{π}=0^{+} band head of the predicted positive-parity linear-chain molecular band with (3/2_{π}^{-})^{2}(1/2_{σ}^{-})^{2} configuration, according to the associated angular correlation and decay analysis. Other members of this band were found at 17.3, 19.4, and 21.6 MeV based on their selective decay properties, being consistent with the theoretical predictions. Another intriguing high-lying state was observed at 27.2 MeV which decays almost exclusively to ^{6}He+^{10}Be(∼6  MeV) final channel, corresponding well to another predicted linear-chain structure with the pure σ-bond configuration.

Tephritidae bacterial symbionts: potentials for pest management

Tephritidae is a large family that includes several fruit and vegetable pests. These organisms usually harbor a variegated bacterial community in their digestive systems. Symbiotic associations of bacteria and fruit flies have been well-studied in the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, and Rhagoletis. Molecular and culture-based techniques indicate that many genera of the Enterobacteriaceae family, especially the genera of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pectobacterium, Citrobacter, Erwinia, and Providencia constitute the most prevalent populations in the gut of fruit flies. The function of symbiotic bacteria provides a promising strategy for the biological control of insect pests. Gut bacteria can be used for controlling fruit fly through many ways, including attracting as odors, enhancing the success of sterile insect technique, declining the pesticide resistance, mass rearing of parasitoids and so on. New technology and recent research improved our knowledge of the gut bacteria diversity and function, which increased their potential for pest management. In this review, we discussed the diversity of bacteria in the economically important fruit fly and the use of these bacteria for controlling fruit fly populations. All the information is important for strengthening the future research of new strategies developed for insect pest control by the understanding of symbiotic relationships and multitrophic interactions between host plant and insects.

Biosynthesis of poly-γ-glutamic acid in Escherichia coli by heterologous expression of pgsBCAE operon from Bacillus

AIMS

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is an excellent water-soluble biosynthesis material. To confirm the rate-limiting steps of γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway, we introduced a heterologous Bacillus strain pathway and employed an enzyme-modulated dismemberment strategy in Escherichia coli.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we heterologously introduced the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway of two laboratory-preserved strains-Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 and Bacillus subtilis 168 into E. coli, and compared their γ-PGA production levels. Next, by changing the plasmid copy numbers and supplying sodium glutamate, we explored the effects of gene expression levels and concentrations of the substrate l-glutamic acid on γ-PGA production. We finally employed a two-plasmid induction system using an enzyme-modulated dismemberment of pgsBCAE operon to confirm the rate-limiting genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway.

CONCLUSION

Through heterologously over-expressing the genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway and exploring gene expression levels, we produced 0·77 g l^-1 γ-PGA in strain RSF-EBCAE(BS). We also confirmed that the rate-limiting genes of the γ-PGA biosynthesis pathway were pgsB and pgsC.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work is beneficial to increase γ-PGA production and study the mechanism of γ-PGA biosynthesis enzymes.

Glutathione Might Attenuate Cadmium-Induced Liver Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation

The liver is a major organ involved in cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative damage. Following liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated to participate in the wound healing process, but also facilitate liver fibrosis. Previous studies have observed fibrogenic effects of Cd on liver. However, the oxidative stress mechanisms of Cd-induced HSC activation as well as whether administration of glutathione (GSH) alleviates this activation, remain unclear. In this study, 24 rats were divided randomly into four experimental groups: control, GSH-treated, Cd-treated, and Cd + GSH-treated. After 4 weeks, the liver injury index, HSC-specific activation markers, oxidative stress-related antioxidants, and enzyme activities and signals were measured. Cd uptake and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes were detected by mass cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase, xanthine oxidase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) were significantly increased in Cd-treated rats. Activated HSCs positive for αSMA expression and excess collagen deposition were detected in the Cd-treated group. In contrast, activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were reduced. Supplementation with GSH reversed some of the Cd-induced effects and increased the protein level of phosphorylated (p)-P65 while decreasing p-JNK. Pretreatment with GSH lowered Cd uptake and ROS generation in hepatocytes in vitro. These results indicate that administration of GSH was effective in attenuating Cd-induced oxidative stress via decreasing Cd uptake, restoring the activities of oxidative enzymes, activating NF-κB, inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway, and preventing excessive ROS generation and HSC activation.

The influence of antibiotics on gut bacteria diversity associated with laboratory-reared Bactrocera dorsalis

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a destructive insect pest of a wide range of fruit crops. Commensal bacteria play a very important part in the development, reproduction, and fitness of their host fruit fly. Uncovering the function of gut bacteria has become a worldwide quest. Using antibiotics to remove gut bacteria is a common method to investigate gut bacteria function. In the present study, three types of antibiotics (tetracycline, ampicillin, and streptomycin), each with four different concentrations, were used to test their effect on the gut bacteria diversity of laboratory-reared B. dorsalis. Combined antibiotics can change bacteria diversity, including cultivable and uncultivable bacteria, for both male and female adult flies. Secondary bacteria became the dominant population in female and male adult flies with the decrease in normally predominant bacteria. However, in larvae, only the predominant bacteria decreased, the bacteria diversity did not change a lot, likely because of the short acting time of the antibiotics. The bacteria diversity did not differ among fruit fly treatments with antibiotics of different concentrations. This study showed the dynamic changes of gut bacterial diversity in antibiotics-treated flies, and provides a foundation for research on the function of gut bacteria of the oriental fruit fly.

Peroxiredoxin2 downregulation enhances hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and migration, and is associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients

It has been revealed by our previous proteomic study that the expression profile is different between well-differentiated and poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among those differently expressed proteins, peroxiredoxin2 (PRDX2) was our protein of interest. The present study aimed to further investigate the value of PRDX2 as a prognostic factor in HCC. Tissue microarrays were used to investigate the expression difference between HCC tissues and their adjacent normal liver tissues. The expression of PRDX2 at both mRNA and protein levels was examined by q-RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical assessment in HCC tissues and cell line HCCLM3. Silencing of PRDX2 in HCCLM3 was achieved usingpGMLV-SC1 lentiviral vectors. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell migration assays were used to assess cell proliferation and migration, respectively. Categorical variables were assessed using the Chi-square test, and ordinal variables were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test. The difference of continuous variables between groups were compared with t-tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients, and the log-rank test was used to analyze the differences between groups. The results revealed that the expression of PRDX2 was decreased at both the mRNA and protein levels in an HCC cell line compared to that of a normal human liver cell line. PRDX2 protein expression levels were significantly downregulated in HCC tissues and were positively linked to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of HCC patients. Patients with high PRDX2 expression levels had longer OS and DFS times than those with lower PRDX2 expression. Silencing of PRDX2 in the HCC cell line HCCLM3 promoted cancer cell proliferation and migration. Our findings indicated that PRDX2 may play an important role in HCC development; PRDX2 may serve as a useful prognostic factor and a therapeutic target.

Curcumol Exerts Anticancer Effect in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells via Down-Regulating CDKL3

Curcumol is the major component extracted from root of Rhizoma Curcumae. Recent studies have shown that curcumol exerts therapeutic effects against multiple conditions, particularly cancers. However, the therapeutic role and mechanism of curcumol against cholangiocarcinoma cells are still unclear. In our current research, we tested the effect of curcumol in cholangiocarcinoma cells, and using two-dimensional electrophoresis, proteomics and bioinformatics, we identified cyclin-dependent kinase like 3 (CDKL3) as a potential target for curcumol. We have demonstrated that curcumol can evidently suppress growth and migration of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, curcumol could significantly block the cell cycle progression of the cholangiocarcinoma cells. These effects could be largely attributed to the inhibition of CDKL3 by curcumol. Further studies have recapitulated the oncogenic role of CDKL3 in that knockdown of CDKL3 by lentiviral mediated transfection of shRNA against CDKL3 also led to a significant inhibition on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression. Given the high level of CDKL3 expression in human cholangiocarcinoma tissues and cell lines, we speculated that CDKL3 may constitute a potential biological target for curcumol in cholangiocarcinoma.

Overexpression of p16ink4a regulates the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells

The pathogenesis and etiology of pancreatic cancer remain to be fully elucidated; therefore, associated investigations are required to improve the outcome and prognosis of patients. In the present study, the effects of the overexpression of p16ink4a on the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway were investigated in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Two pancreatic cancer cell lines, Bxpc‑3 and Miapaca‑2, characterized by low expression of p16ink4a, were transfected with the pc‑DNA3.0‑p16ink4a plasmid. After 24 h, Reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the expression of p16ink4a, β‑catenin, which is a key molecule in the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway, c‑myc and cyclin D1, which are molecules downstream of β‑catenin. The expression of p16ink4a was significantly upregulated in the transfected cells. Consequently, the expression of β‑catenin was inhibited, whereas the expression levels of c‑myc and cyclin D1 were not altered significantly. The increased expression of p16ink4a may affect the activity of Wnt/β‑catenin signaling through modulation of the expression of β‑catenin. The results of the present study provide information for the future development of targeted treatments for pancreatic cancer.

[Effects of seawater immersion on the inflammatory response and oxygen free radical injury of rats with superficial partial-thickness scald at early stage]

Objective: To study the effects of seawater immersion on the inflammatory response and oxygen free radical injury of rats with superficial-thickness scald at early stage. Methods: Seventy Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group (HC, n=7), pure scald group (PS, n=21), scald+ fresh water immersion group (SF, n=21), and scald+ seawater immersion group (SS, n=21) according to the random number table. Rats in group HC did not receive any treatment, while 5% total body surface area superficial partial-thickness scald was made on the back of rats in the latter three groups. Rats in group PS lived freely immediately post burn, while wounds on the back of rats in groups SF and SS were immersed into fresh water and seawater, respectively. Serum and full-thickness skin tissue in the center of wounds on the back of 7 rats in groups PS, SF, and SS at post immersion (injury) hour (PIH) 2, 4, and 6 were collected, respectively, while serum and full-thickness skin tissue at the same position of the 7 rats in group HC were collected at PIH 6 of rats in other groups. Morphology of skin tissue was observed with HE staining; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) content in serum and skin tissue was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in serum and skin tissue was determined by hydroxylamine method; malondialdehyde content in serum and skin tissue was determined by thiobarbituric acid method. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, Welch test, LSD test, and Tamhane test. Results: (1) Epidermal cells of skin tissue of rats in group HC arranged in order and continuously, and the dermis tissue and accessory structures were clear and complete. The skin layer and epidermis of wounds of rats in group PS had no significant change, but the edema of epidermis and dermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells enhanced over time at PIH 2, 4, and 6. The horny layer of epidermis of wounds of rats in group SF reduced, and the edema of epidermis and dermis and infiltration of inflammatory cells enhanced over time at PIH 2, 4, and 6; some epidermal cells disintegrated at PIH 6. The horny layer of epidermis of wounds of rats in group SS significantly reduced, along with the increase in disintegration of epidermal cells, the significant enhancement of edema of epidermis and dermis, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells over time at PIH 2, 4, and 6. (2) Compared with (247±27) pg/mL in group HC, the serum content of TNF-α of rats in group PS significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 [respectively (675±122) and (367±54) pg/mL, P<0.05 or P<0.01] but significantly decreased at PIH 6 [(147±27) pg/mL, P<0.01]; the serum content of TNF-α of rats in group SF significantly decreased at PIH 6 [(90±24) pg/mL, P<0.01]; the serum content of TNF-α of rats in group SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 [respectively (1 646±58), (2 086±114), and (2 951±58) pg/mL, with P values below 0.01]. Compared with (364±123) U/mL in group HC, the serum content of SOD of rats in group PS significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 [respectively (489±13) and (447±14) U/mL, with P values below 0.05]; the serum content of SOD of rats in group SF significantly decreased at PIH 6 [(282±13) U/mL, P<0.05]; the serum content of SOD of rats in group SS significantly increased at PIH 2 [(461±23) U/mL, P<0.05] but significantly decreased at PIH 4 and 6 [respectively (226±8) and (205±10) U/mL, with P values below 0.01]. Compared with that in group HC, the serum content of malondialdehyde of rats in groups PS, SF, and SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (with P values below 0.01). (3) Compared with that in group HC, the TNF-α content in wound tissue of rats in groups PS and SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the TNF-α content in wound tissue of rats in group SF significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 (with P values below 0.01). Compared with that in group HC, the SOD content in wound tissue of rats in groups PS and SF significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the SOD content in wound tissue of rats in group SS significantly increased at PIH 2 and 4 (with P values below 0.01). Compared with that in group HC, the malondialdehyde content in wound tissue of rats in groups PS, SF, and SS significantly increased at PIH 2, 4, and 6 (with P values below 0.01). Conclusions: Seawater immersion can enhance the inflammatory response and oxygen free radical injury of wounds and the whole body of rats with superficial partial-thickness scald at early stage.

Roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and nuclear factor-κB in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model

This study aimed to explore the roles of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in immune response to spinal tuberculosis in a New Zealand white rabbit model. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were collected and divided into four groups: experimental group (n=30, spinal tuberculosis model was established), the sham group (n=15, sham operation was performed) and the blank group (n=3). The qRT-PCR assay and western blotting were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of MCP-1, NF-κB, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10. Flow cytometry was adopted to assess the distributions of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ lymphocytes and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3 lymphocyte subsets. Compared with the sham and blank groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of MCP-1 and NF-κB in the experimental group were significantly increased. The experimental group had lower serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and higher serum level of IL-10 than the sham and blank groups. In comparison to the sham and blank groups, CD4⁺ T lymphocyte subsets percentage, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3+ Tregs subsets accounting for CD4⁺ lymphocyte in the experimental group were lower, while percentage of CD8⁺ T lymphocyte subsets was higher. Our study provided evidence that higher expression of MCP-1 and NF-κB may be associated with decreased immune function of spinal tuberculosis, which can provide a new treatment direction for spinal tuberculosis.

The immunosuppression role of alpha-fetoprotein in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is perhaps the best-defined tumor marker for HCC, and as such, it is widely used in clinical settings as an adjuvant diagnostic and prognostic tool. Up to 70% of HCC cases exhibit elevated serum level of AFP, but its pathophysiological functions in HCC are poorly defined. It is now known that AFP is not just a fetal form of carrier protein and a tumor marker, it is also critically involved in the regulation of several important cellular functions, such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immune regulation. In this mini-review, we summarize the recent development of AFP in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The unique axon trajectory of the accessory nerve is determined by intrinsic properties of the neural tube in the avian embryo

The accessory nerve is a cranial nerve, composed of only motor axons, which control neck muscles. Its axons ascend many segments along the lateral surface of the cervical spinal cord and hindbrain. At the level of the first somite, they pass ventrally through the somitic mesoderm into the periphery. The factors governing the unique root trajectory are unknown. Ablation experiments at the accessory nerve outlet points have shown that somites do not regulate the trajectory of the accessory nerve fibres. Factors from the neural tube that may control the longitudinal pathfinding of the accessory nerve fibres were tested by heterotopic transplantations of an occipital neural tube to the cervical and thoracic level. These transplantations resulted in a typical accessory nerve trajectory in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. In contrast, cervical neural tube grafts were unable to give rise to the typical accessory nerve root pattern when transplanted to occipital level. Our results show that the formation of the unique axon root pattern of the accessory nerve is an intrinsic property of the neural tube.

A microbial transformation using Bacillus subtilis B7-S to produce natural vanillin from ferulic acid

Bacillus subtilis strain B7-S screened from18 strains is an aerobic, endospore-forming, model organism of Gram-positive bacteria which is capable to form vanillin during ferulic acid bioconversion. The bioconversion of ferulic acid to vanillin by Bacillus subtilis B7-S (B. subtilis B7-S) was investigated. Based on our results, the optimum bioconversion conditions for the production of vanillin by B. subtilis B7-S can be summarized as follows: temperature 35 °C; initial pH 9.0; inoculum volume 5%; ferulic acid concentration 0.6 g/L; volume of culture medium 20%; and shaking speed 200 r/min. Under these conditions, several repeated small-scale batch experiments showed that the maximum conversion efficiency was 63.30% after 3 h of bioconversion. The vanillin products were confirmed by spectral data achieved from UV-vis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscope (ICP-AES) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) spectra. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) results confirmed that the cell surface of B. subtilis plays a role in the induction of ferulic acid tolerance. These results demonstrate that B. subtilis B7-S has the potential for use in vanillin production through bioconversion of ferulic acid.

Standard Model Prediction for Direct CP Violation in K→ππ Decay

We report the first lattice QCD calculation of the complex kaon decay amplitude A_{0} with physical kinematics, using a 32³×64 lattice volume and a single lattice spacing a, with 1/a=1.3784(68) GeV. We find Re(A_{0})=4.66(1.00)(1.26)×10(-7) GeV and Im(A_{0})=-1.90(1.23)(1.08)×10(-11) GeV, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The first value is in approximate agreement with the experimental result: Re(A_{0})=3.3201(18)×10(-7) GeV, while the second can be used to compute the direct CP-violating ratio Re(ϵ^{'}/ϵ)=1.38(5.15)(4.59)×10^{-4}, which is 2.1σ below the experimental value 16.6(2.3)×10(-4). The real part of A_{0} is CP conserving and serves as a test of our method while the result for Re(ϵ^{'}/ϵ) provides a new test of the standard model theory of CP violation, one which can be made more accurate with increasing computer capability.

Prospective Evaluation of Rapid Antigen Tests for Diagnosis of Respiratory Viral Pathogens

Acute respiratory infection is a frequently transmitted illness of concern to doctors and patients. Considering its airborne transmission, early diagnosis of such disease is particularly important. This study explored respiratory viral infections with influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, coronavirus, and other early diagnostic substances as confirmed by literature resources. This study also used the corresponding monoclonal antibodies that were produced with the use of hybridoma technology, which were fixed on the chip after purification, for further serum detection. Using this method, a new technique to simultaneously detect 6 kinds of febrile respiratory viruses in a protein chip was developed. The accuracy rate of this method can be >99.65%. This product is inexpensive and capable of high-precision and high-throughput screening, which are prominent advantages.

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Six diagnostic methods on respiratory viral infection are explored in this study.

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Monoclonal antibodies produced with hybridoma technology are used.

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A new technique to simultaneously detect 6 kinds of febrile respiratory viruses in a protein chip was developed.

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The accuracy rate for this method is >99.65%, and is inexpensive and capable of high-precision and high-throughout screening.