Effects of Electroacupuncture on Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites in Rats with Poststroke Depression

Background

Poststroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been found to be an effective therapy for treating PSD. However, the underlying mechanisms of EA's efficacy remain unclear. This research aimed to investigate the effects of EA on alterations in gut microbiota and fecal metabolome in PSD rats.

Methods

Analyses of gut microbiome and fecal metabolome were performed to identify gut microbes and their functional metabolites in a sham group, PSD group, and EA group. We conducted enrichment analysis to identify the differential metabolic pathways in three groups. Correlations between altered gut microbes and differential metabolites after EA treatment were studied.

Results

PSD showed decreased species-richness/diversity indices of microbial composition, characterized by an increase in Muribaculaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Oscillospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridiaceae and a decrease in Lactobacillaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidaceae. Of these, the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Clostridiaceae were reversed by EA. Furthermore, PSD was associated with 34 differential fecal metabolites, mainly belonging to steroid hormone biosynthesis, that could be regulated by EA.

Conclusion

Regulation of gut microbiome and lipid metabolism could be one of the potential mechanisms for EA treatment for alleviating the depressive behaviors of PSD.

Drug-Coated Balloon vs. Drug-Eluting Stent in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to systematically review the evidence of drug-coated balloon used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction and compared with using drug-eluting stent in terms of clinical and angiographic outcomes for a relatively long follow-up period.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for the information of each study. A total of 8 studies involving 1310 patients were included in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up duration of 12 months (range 3-24 months), there were no statistical differences between the drug-coated balloon and drug-eluting stent group in terms of a major adverse cardiovascular event (odds ratio = 1.07; P =.75; 95% CI: 0.72-1.57), all-cause death (odds ratio = 1.01; P =.98; 95% CI = 0.56-1.82), cardiac death (odds ratio = 0.85, P =.65; 95% CI = 0.42-1.72), target lesion revascularization (odds ratio = 1.72; P =.09; 95% CI: 0.93-3.19), recurrent myocardial infarction (odds ratio = 0.89, P =.76; 95% CI: 0.44-1.83), and thrombotic event (odds ratio = 1.10; P =.90; 95% CI: 0.24-5.02). Drug-coated balloon was not linked with risk of late lumen loss compared with drug-eluting stent (mean difference = -0.06 mm; P =.42; 95% CI: -0.22-0.09 mm). However, there was a higher incidence of target vessel revascularization noted in the drug-coated balloon group compared with the drug-eluting stent group (odds ratio = 1.88; P =.02; 95% CI: 1.10-3.22). The subgroup analysis stratified by different study types and ethnicities showed there were no significant differences between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Using drug-coated balloon might serve as a potential alternative strategy for patients with acute myocardial infarction because of the similar clinical and angiographic outcomes compared with using drug-eluting stent; nevertheless, the issue of target vessel revascularization should be more focused on. Larger and more representative studies are needed in the future.

Nano delivery system for paclitaxel: Recent advances in cancer theranostics

Paclitaxel is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs which processes the obvious curative effect for a broad range of cancers including breast, ovarian, lung, and head & neck cancers. Though some novel paclitaxel-loaded formulations have been developed, the clinical application of the paclitaxel is still limited due to its toxicity and solubility issues. Over the past decades, we have seen rapid advances in applying nanocarriers in paclitaxel delivery systems. The nano-drug delivery systems offer unique advantages in enhancing the aqueous solubility, reducing side effects, increasing permeability, prolonging circulation half-life of paclitaxel. In this review, we summarize recent advances in developing novel paclitaxel-loaded nano delivery systems based on nanocarriers. These nanocarriers show great potentials in overcoming the disadvantages of pure paclitaxel and as a result improving the efficacy.

HNF4A-BAP31-VDAC1 axis synchronously regulates cell proliferation and ferroptosis in gastric cancer

B cell receptor associated protein 31 (BAP31) is closely associated with tumor progression, while the role and mechanism of BAP31 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. This study explored that BAP31 was upregulated in GC tissues and high expression indicated poor survival of GC patients. BAP31 knockdown inhibited cell growth and induced G1/S arrest. Moreover, BAP31 attenuation increased the lipid peroxidation level of the membrane and facilitated cellular ferroptosis. Mechanistically, BAP31 regulated cell proliferation and ferroptosis by directly binding to VDAC1 and affected VDAC1 oligomerization and polyubiquitination. HNF4A was bound to BAP31 at the promoter and increased its transcription. Furthermore, knockdown of BAP31 inclined to make GC cells vulnerable to 5-FU and ferroptosis inducer, erastin, in vivo and in vitro. Our work suggests that BAP31 may serve as prognostic factor for gastric cancer and act as potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

Exercise reduces hyperlipidemia-induced cardiac damage in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice via its effects against inflammation and oxidative stress

Cardiovascular disease is a high incidence and mortality rate disease worldwide. Exercise training has become an established evidence-based treatment strategy that is beneficial for many cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on hyperlipidemia-induced cardiac damage in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice. Male ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: normal diet (ND), normal diet + exercise training (ND + E), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet + exercise training (HFD + E). Exercise training consisted of swimming for 40 min, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, histopathological alterations in cardiac tissue and the serum were measured. Furthermore, the NOX4, NRF2, SIRT1, TGF-β, HO-1, collagen III, Smad3, Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 expression levels were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and western blotting; Results: the serum levels of SIRT1, GSH-Px, and SOD were lower in ApoE^-/- HFD mice compared with those in ApoE^-/- HFD + E mice. Significant pathological changes were observed in the ApoE^-/- HFD + E group compared with those in the ApoE^-/- HFD group. Increased levels of oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis, and decreased antioxidant expression in the ApoE^-/- HFD group compared with those in ApoE^-/- HFD + E mice. Exercise exerts protective effects against cardiac damage caused by hyperlipidemia.

[Analysis of reasons and countermeasures for cancellation of oral and maxillofacial day surgery]

PURPOSE

To analyze the reasons for cancellation of oral and maxillofacial day surgery on the same day, and to propose countermeasures, so as to provide reference for improving the work efficiency and medical quality of day surgery ward.

METHODS

The number of oral and maxillofacial day surgery cancellation cases in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from June 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021 was calculated and then the relevant causes were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the statistical period, a total of 3134 patients underwent oral and maxillofacial day surgery. Among them, 72 (2.30%) cases were canceled of day surgery on the same day. Cancellation of oral and maxillofacial day surgery was as followed: patient-related factors(31, 43.05%), disease-related factors (28, 38.89%), epidemic of Covid 19-related(10, 13.89%), and hospital-related factors(3, 4.17%). The top three departments of oral and maxillofacial day surgery cancellation were Department of Preventive Dentistry(7, 7.37%), Department of Oral Surgery(22, 6.56%) and Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery(18,2.77%).

CONCLUSIONS

The cancellation rate of oral and maxillofacial day surgery can be reduced by strengthening screening in anesthesia assessment at outpatient clinic, strengthening doctor-patient communication, strengthening health education and epidemic prevention and control in day outpatient management center.

Genetic Heterogeneity and Mutated PreS Analysis of Duck Hepatitis B Virus Recently Isolated from Ducks and Geese in China

In this study, we detected 12 duck and 11 goose flocks that were positive for duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) using polymerase chain reaction and isolated 23 strains between 2020 and 2022 in China. The complete genomes of goose strains E200801 and E210501 shared the highest identity (99.9%), whereas those of strains Y220217 and E210526 shared the lowest identity (91.39%). The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the genome sequences of these strains and reference strains was classified into three major clusters: the Chinese branch DHBV-I, the Chinese branch DHBV-II, and the Western branch DHBV-III. Furthermore, the duck-origin strain Y200122 was clustered into a separate branch and was predicted to be a recombinant strain derived from DHBV-M32990 (belonging to the Chinese branch DHBV-I) and Y220201 (belonging to the Chinese branch DHBV-II). Additionally, preS protein analysis of the 23 DHBV strains revealed extensive mutation sites, almost half of which were of duck origin. All goose-origin DHBV contained the mutation site G133E, which is related to increased viral pathogenicity. These data are expected to promote further research on the epidemiology and evolution of DHBV. Continuing DHBV surveillance in poultry will enhance the understanding of the evolution of HBV.

Apolipoprotein A-IV of diabetic-foot patients upregulates tumor necrosis factor α expression in microfluidic arterial models

Diabetic peripheral arterial atherosclerosis is one of the important characteristics of diabetic foot syndrome. Apolipoprotein (Apo A-IV) participates in various physiological processes, and animal studies have shown that it has roles of anti-atherosclerosis, prevention of platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Apo A-IV glycosylation is closely related to the occurrence and development of diabetic peripheral atherosclerosis. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of diabetic peripheral arterial lesions caused by glycosylated Apo A-IV. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and T2DM with diabetic foot patients (T2DM-F; n = 45, 30) were enrolled in this study, and individuals without diabetes (n = 35) served as normal controls (NC). In T2DM group, serum Apo A-IV content was higher than those in NC and T2DM-F group, as carboxymethyl lysine (CML) glycosylation of Apo A-IV in mixed serum from T2DM-F group was identified to be more significant than those in two other groups. Within a microfluidic arterial chip model, Apo A-IV from T2DM and T2DM-F group significantly increased transcription and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in chip arteries, and CML expression was observed in T2DM-F group, which were associated with increased nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) expression. Recombinant human Apo A-IV could reverse the stimulating effect of serum Apo A-IV from T2DM-F group on TNF-α expression, and NR4A3 blocking peptide downregulated TNF-α expression by inhibiting NR4A3 expression. In the chip arteries, Apo A-IV from T2DM and T2DM-F increased TNF-α expression and turn them into a pre-atherosclerotic state, which might be one of the important mechanisms of glycosylated Apo A-IV to induce diabetic peripheral arterial lesions and eventually lead to diabetic foot.

Polyetherketoneketone, a high-performance polymer for splinting mobile teeth: A clinical report

A digital workflow for fabricating a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) periodontal splint is described. The antibacterial properties of PEKK and the precision and efficiency of digital technology led to the provision of a splint with no adverse effects on oral hygiene or periodontal maintenance during a 2-year follow-up.

Retrospective Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Cachavirus-Related Parvoviruses in Dogs in China

Cachavirus (CachaV) infection was first reported in the USA in 2019. This virus has been previously detected in pet dogs and cats in China. In the present study, we retrospectively examined this virus in 413 dogs and 127 cats. Swab samples obtained from these animals were collected during 2015–2017. Notably, CachaV was detected in four samples from dogs with diarrhea but not in cats; however, the correlation between healthy dogs and those with enteritis was not statistically significant. Furthermore, we amplified early complete genomic sequences of the four strains detected in our study dogs (CHN1601, CHN1602, CHN1703, and CHN1704). Among these strains, the sequence identity of the NS1 protein and the seven previously reported strains in China were 97.44%–99.7%, whereas that of VP1 protein was 98.02%–99.6%. Interestingly, in the NS1 coding region, CHN1704 demonstrated 99.7% (highest) similarity with the CachaV strain NWT-W88 detected from a wolf and 64.5% similarity with the NS1 of a bat parvovirus (BtPV) strain. Conversely, in the VP1 coding region, CHN1703 demonstrated 99.7% (highest) similarity with the prototype CachaV strain IDEXX1 detected from dogs and 63.3% similarity with BtPV strain. For the phylogenetic analysis of NS1 and VP1, the four strains detected during 2016-2017 were merged with other Chinese and foreign CachaV strains to form the major branch. We believe that these results helped improve the understanding of how CachaV evolved and suggest that the virus has been circulating in China since at least March 2016.

Genome analysis and recombination characterization of duck hepatitis B virus isolated from ducks and geese in central China, 2017 to 2019

Owing to its high similarity to human hepatitis B virus (HBV), duck HBV (DHBV) is often used as an essential model for HBV research. Although intergenotypic recombination of HBV is common, it remains unclear whether the intergenotypic recombination of human HBV is exactly the same as that of DHBV. In this study, 119 serum samples of duck and goose were collected from 51 farms (29 duck and 22 goose farms) in the central and eastern regions of China. A total of 22 strains isolated from the 22 DHBV positive flock were sequenced. Genome sequence alignment revealed that the duck- and goose-origin strains shared the highest and lowest similarities (99.7 and 90.52%, respectively). The complete genomes of these DHBV and 31 reference strains were analyzed using phylogenetic methods and classified into 3 clusters, which corresponded to the previously identified DHBV-I, DHBV-II, and DHBV-III branches. Recombination analyses of the 53 DHBV genomes indicated 2 major intergenotypic recombination events with high confidence values. These recombination events occurred between the genotypes of the Chinese isolates Y180813HB (Chinese branch [DHBV-Ⅰ]) and E170101AH (Chinese branch [DHBV-Ⅱ]) and the Western isolate DHBV-XY (Western branch [DHBV-Ⅲ]), resulting in the emergence of 2 Chinese recombinant isolates Y190303HN and Y170101HB. In addition, 40% (2/5) goose-origin and 58.8% (10/17) duck-origin DHBV in this study harbored the mutation site of G133E in preS, which promote the pathogenicity of DHBV. This is the first study to report on the genome analysis and recombination characterization of DHBV isolated from Chinese geese. Further, continuous investigation and molecular identification of DHBV should be conducted to attract researchers' attention.

Ultra-sparse near-perfect sound absorbers

There is a trade-off between the sparseness of an absorber array and its sound absorption imposed by wave physics. Here, near-perfect absorption (99% absorption) is demonstrated when the spatial period of monopole-dipole resonators is close to one working wavelength (95% of the wavelength). The condition for perfect absorption is to render degenerate monopole-dipole resonators critically coupled. Frequency domain simulations, eigenfrequency simulations, and the coupled mode theory are utilized to demonstrate the acoustic performances and the underlying physics. The sparse-resonator-based sound absorber could greatly benefit noise control with air flow and this study could also have implications for electromagnetic wave absorbers.

Discovery of Isojacareubin as a covalent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease using structural and experimental approaches

The ongoing pandemic with the emergence of immune evasion potential and, particularly, the current omicron subvariants intensified the situation further. Although vaccines are available, the immune evasion capabilities of the recent variants demand further efficient therapeutic choices to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Hence, considering the necessity of the small molecule inhibitor, we target the main protease (3CLpro), which is an appealing target for the development of antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2. High-throughput molecular in silico screening of South African natural compounds database reported Isojacareubin and Glabranin as the potential inhibitors for the main protease. The calculated docking scores were reported to be -8.47 and -8.03 kcal/mol, respectively. Moreover, the structural dynamic assessment reported that Isojacareubin in complex with 3CLpro exhibit a more stable dynamic behavior than Glabranin. Inhibition assay indicated that Isojacareubin could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 16.00 ± 1.35 μM (60 min incubation). Next, the covalent binding sites of Isojacareubin on SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro was identified by biomass spectrometry, which reported that Isojacareubin can covalently bind to thiols or Cysteine through Michael addition. To evaluate the inactivation potency of Isojacareubin, the inactivation kinetics was further investigated. The inactivation kinetic curves were plotted according to various concentrations with gradient-ascending incubation times. The KI value of Isojacareubin was determined as 30.71 μM, whereas the Kinact value was calculated as 0.054 min-1 . These results suggest that Isojacareubin is a covalent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro .

Circ_0068631 sponges miR-139-5p to promote the growth and metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating HOXB7

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are often dysregulated in cancers and closely related to cancer progression, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). However, the role and mechanism of circ_0068631 in CSCC progression have not been reported.

METHODS

The expression of circ_0068631, microRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p), and homeobox B7 (HOXB7) was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and colony formation assay were used to measure cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Cell migration was detected by transwell assay. The interaction between miR-139-5p and circ_0068631 or HOXB7 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. A xenograft tumor model was established to confirm the function of circ_0068631 in vivo.

RESULTS

Circ_0068631 was upregulated in CSCC tissues and cells, and its silencing could inhibit CSCC cell proliferation and metastasis while promoting apoptosis in vitro, as well as restrain CSCC tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0068631 acted as a sponge of miR-139-5p, and miR-139-5p inhibition reversed the repressive effect of circ_0068631 knockdown on CSCC cell progression. Furthermore, HOXB7 was a target of miR-139-5p, and miR-139-5p inhibited the malignant behaviors by downregulating HOXB7 expression in CSCC cells. Further, circ_0068631 sponged miR-139-5p to regulate HOXB7 expression.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0068631 functioned as a novel oncogene in CSCC progression by regulating miR-139-5p/HOXB7 axis, suggesting that circ_0068631 may be a potential target for CSCC treatment.

HIGHLIGHTS

Circ_0068631 was overexpressed in CSCC tissues and cells. Circ_0068631 downregulation suppressed CSCC progression via miR-139-5p. Circ_0068631 regulated HOXB7 via sponging miR-139-5p.

Molecular characteristics of novel chaphamaparvovirus identified in chickens

Chicken chaphamaparvovirus (CkChpV) is a novel parvovirus species that belongs to the Chaphamaparvovirus genus and is frequently detected in different vertebrates exhibiting diarrhea symptoms. In this study, screening tests were performed on samples from 478 chickens, including 357 with diarrhea and 121 healthy, collected from 25 farms in China to investigate CkChpV infection in China. CkChpV, avian nephritis virus, rotavirus, chicken parvovirus, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, chicken proventricular necrosis virus, and chicken circovirus were all detected in the samples at a positivity rate of 32%, 9%, 6%, 2%, 2%, 1%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Statistical analyses suggested a correlation between the infection by the virus and diarrhea (P < 0.05). The genome of 9 strains from the CkChpV-positive samples, whose length was 4,432 nucleotides, have been completely sequenced. The strains shared 97.2 to 98.7% genomic similarity, 98.1 to 99.1%, and 98.2 to 99.2% amino acid similarity, respectively, for NS1 and VP1 compared with CkChpV strain RS/BR/15/2S in GenBank. The genetic relationship between these strains and CkChpV was established through phylogenetic analysis. These findings indicated the infection existence of CkChpV in China, which enriches our understanding of the diversity of the chaphamaparvoviruses and its host spectrum.

Preparation and characterization of morphine gelatine microspheres

Morphine is a widely used opioid analgesic. However, standard morphine dosages and administration methods exhibit a short half-life and pose a risk of respiratory depression. Sustained-release microspheres can deliver prolonged efficacy and reduce side effects. We present a new controlled-release morphine gelatine microsphere (MGM) prepared using an emulsification-crosslinking strategy. The gelatine microsphere design improves the bioavailability of morphine. And it not only increases the clinical analgesic efficacy but also the safety of clinical medication through a gradual, sustained release. Besides, we describe MGMs' preparation, release, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics. And the drug metabolism pathway. We calculate the release rate of morphine by measuring plasma morphine concentration over time and pharmacokinetic parameters. It optimized the manufacturing process of MGMs, which makes the analgesic effect have a longer duration. MGMs analgesic effect shows dose dependence. After they were administrated, MGMs were released more slowly. Peak concentration was reduced, and the relative bioavailability improved. It even reached 88.84%. Its pharmacokinetic process was consistent with the two-component first-order absorption model. MGMs deliver sustained-release and long-action pharmacokinetics. It shows design goals of improving drug bioavailability, prolonging drug residence time in vivo, and maintaining stable blood drug concentration.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the contribution of QMrl-7B to wheat root growth and development

Roots are the major organs for water and nutrient acquisition and substantially affect plant growth, development and reproduction. Improvements to root system architecture are highly important for the increased yield potential of bread wheat. QMrl-7B, a major stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) that controls maximum root length (MRL), essentially contributes to an improved root system in wheat. To further analyze the biological functions of QMrl-7B in root development, two sets of Triticum aestivum near-isogenic lines (NILs), one with superior QMrl-7B alleles from cultivar Kenong 9204 (KN9204) named NIL^KN9204 and another with inferior QMrl-7B alleles from cultivar Jing 411 (J411) named NIL^J411, were subjected to transcriptomic analysis. Among all the mapped genes analyzed, 4871 genes were identified as being differentially expressed between the pairwise NILs under different nitrogen (N) conditions, with 3543 genes expressed under normal-nitrogen (NN) condition and 2689 genes expressed under low-nitrogen (LN) condition. These genes encode proteins that mainly include N O 3 - transporters, phytohormone signaling components and transcription factors (TFs), indicating the presence of a complex regulatory network involved in root determination. In addition, among the 13524 LN-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected in this study, 4308 and 2463 were specifically expressed in the NIL^KN9204 and NIL^J411, respectively. These DEGs reflect different responses of the two sets of NILs to varying N supplies, which likely involve LN-induced root growth. These results explain the better-developed root system and increased root vitality conferred by the superior alleles of QMrl-7B and provide a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of root traits, pointing to a valuable locus suitable for future breeding efforts for sustainable agriculture.

Efficient and tunable photoluminescence for terbium-doped rare-earth-based Cs2NaYCl6 double perovskite

Lead-free double perovskite materials with efficient and stable self-trapped exciton (STE) emissions show enormous potential for next-generation solid-state lighting. However, the low-emission efficiency and difficulty of spectral regulation are two major obstacles to their application. Here, all-inorganic rare-earth-based double perovskite Cs₂NaYCl₆ single crystals with strong blue emissions were reported as effective hosts to accommodate lanthanide ion doping. By controlling the introduction of Tb^{3 +} ions and efficient energy transfer from the STEs to the dopants, the emission color of Cs₂NaYCl₆ single crystals was flexibly modulated from blue to green. The quantum yields were also significantly improved from 10% to 78.81% by optimizing the Tb^{3 +} ion concentration. Further, stable light-emitting diode prototypes based on Cs₂NaYCl₆ color conversion materials were fabricated to demonstrate the practical applications of rare-earth-based double perovskite.

Altered gut microbiota and gut-derived p-cresyl sulfate serum levels in peritoneal dialysis patients

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease. Gut microbiota-derived uremic solutes, indoxyl sulfate (IS), p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) accumulate in PD patients. The objective was to explore the gut microbiota and their influence on uremic toxins in PD patients and healthy controls (HC). Fecal samples were collected from PD patients (n = 105) and HC (n = 102). 16S rRNA gene regions were sequenced for gut microbiota analysis. IS, PCS, and TMAO levels were measured using HPLC-MS. PD patients exhibited lower alpha diversity and altered gut microbiota composition compared to HC. At the genus level, PD patients showed increased abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, and decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria. Three Operational Taxonomic Units discriminated PD patients from HC. Phenylalanine metabolism increased in PD, whereas tryptophan metabolism was unaltered. Low serum PCS did not necessarily mean healthier due to the loss of alpha diversity, increased Proteobacteria and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. High serum PCS was mainly caused by elevated p-cresol-producing bacteria, enriched amino acid related enzymes, and enhanced sulfur metabolism, rather than declined residual renal function. In patients with different urine volumes, the gut microbiota alpha diversity and composition were unaltered, but serum IS and TMAO were significantly elevated in anuric patients. In conclusion, the gut microbiota abundance, composition, and function were altered in PD patients, which increased the PCS levels. We provided a better understanding of the microbiota-metabolite-kidney axis in PD patients. Targeting certain bacteria could decrease the PCS levels, whereas preserving the residual renal function could reduce the IS and TMAO levels.

Pangenomic analysis of Chinese gastric cancer

Pangenomic study might improve the completeness of human reference genome (GRCh38) and promote precision medicine. Here, we use an automated pipeline of human pangenomic analysis to build gastric cancer pan-genome for 185 paired deep sequencing data (370 samples), and characterize the gene presence-absence variations (PAVs) at whole genome level. Genes ACOT1, GSTM1, SIGLEC14 and UGT2B17 are identified as highly absent genes in gastric cancer population. A set of genes from unaligned sequences with GRCh38 are predicted. We successfully locate one of predicted genes GC0643 on chromosome 9q34.2. Overexpression of GC0643 significantly inhibits cell growth, cell migration and invasion, cell cycle progression, and induces cell apoptosis in cancer cells. The tumor suppressor functions can be reversed by shGC0643 knockdown. The GC0643 is approved by NCBI database (GenBank: MW194843.1). Collectively, the robust pan-genome strategy provides a deeper understanding of the gene PAVs in the human cancer genome.

Human pan-genomics are increasing our knowledge of genomic diversity and genetic factors in disease. Here, the authors built a gastric cancer pan-genome that included the sequences of Chinese Han patients, and predicted putative and previously unaligned genes associated with gastric cancer.