Effects of Atomoxetine Hydrochloride on Regulation of Lifespan in Drosophila Model

Nootropics (smart drugs) are used by students to enhance cognitive performance which have been reported times in recent years. However, some of the nootropics are central nervous system stimulants which are very likely to lead to addiction or complications such as vomiting and dizziness. Are there nootropics that can improve learning behavior while having potential positive effect on health? Here, we reported that Atomoxetine (ATX) has sex-specific effect on prolonging the life span of female Drosophila melanogaster. Further study indicated that ATX enhanced female resistance to heat stress and their vertical climbing ability, but it did decrease the number of eggs laid. ATX increased food-intake and sleep time both of females and males, and significantly reduced the 24h spontaneous activity of females and males. Our results present the sex dimorphic effect of ATX on life span regulation in Drosophila, and support further research on the beneficial role of ATX and the mechanisms in other animal models.

DEEP Study: Modeling Outcomes and Costs of Persistent Orofacial Pain

KNOWLEDGE OF TRANSFER STATEMENT

Despite a substantial number of consultations, individuals experiencing the care pathways in this study continued to have far from perfect health over their life course. The modeling suggests they would only experience 18 y in "perfect health." There is considerable scope to improve current care/outcomes and patient experience.

Pyroptosis inhibition improves the symptom of acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the leading cause of mortality worldwide, is a rapidly developing and irreversible disease. Therefore, proper prompt intervention at the early stage of AMI is crucial for its treatment. However, the molecular features in the early stage have not been clarified. Here, we constructed mouse AMI model and profiled transcriptomes and proteomes at the early stages of AMI progress. Immune system was extensively activated at 6-h AMI. Then, pyroptosis was activated at 24-h AMI. VX-765 treatment, a pyroptosis inhibitor, significantly reduced the infarct size and improved the function of cardiomyocytes. Besides, we identified that WIPI1, specifically expressed in heart, was significantly upregulated at 1 h after AMI. Moreover, WIPI1 expression is significantly higher in the peripheral blood of patients with AMI than healthy control. WIPI1 can serve as a potential early diagnostic biomarker for AMI. It likely decelerates AMI progress by activating autophagy pathways. These findings shed new light on gene expression dynamics in AMI progress, and present a potential early diagnostic marker and a candidate drug for clinical pre-treatment to prolong the optimal cure time.

Three Novel Structural Variations at MHC and IL12B Predisposing to Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Structural variations (SVs, defined as DNA variants ≥50 bp) have been associated with various complex human diseases. However, research to screen the whole genome for SVs predisposing to psoriasis is still lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association of SVs and psoriasis.

METHODS

We performed a genome-wide screen on SVs using an imputation method on 5 independent cohorts with 45,386 subjects from the Chinese Han population. Fine mapping analysis, genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis were conducted to explore the mechanism of SVs.

RESULTS

We obtained 4,535 SVs in total and identified 2 novel deletions (esv3608550, OR=2.73, P<2.00×10^-308 ; esv3608542, OR=0.47, P=7.40×10^-28 ) at 6q21.33 (MHC), 1 novel Alu element insertion (esv3607339, OR=1.22, P=1.18×10^-35 ) at 5q33.3 (IL12B), and confirmed 1 previously reported deletion (esv3587563, OR=1.30, P=9.52×10^-60 ) at 1q21.2 (LCE) for psoriasis. Fine mapping analysis including SNPs and small Insertions/Deletions (InDels) revealed that esv3608550 and esv3608542 were independently associated with psoriasis, and a novel independent SNP (rs9378188, OR=1.65, P=3.46×10^-38 ) was identified at 6q21.33. By genetic interaction analysis and RNA expression analysis, we speculate that the association of 2 deletions at 6q21.33 with psoriasis might relate to their influence on the expression of HLA-C.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study constructed the most comprehensive SV map for psoriasis thus far and enriched the genetic architecture and pathogenesis of psoriasis as well as highlighted the nonnegligible impact of SVs on complex diseases.

LncRNA CASC19 contributed to the progression of pancreatic cancer through modulating miR-148b/E2F7 axis

OBJECTIVE

Cancer susceptibility 19 (CASC19), a crucial lncRNA associated with multiple cancers, has been reported to play a vital role in the progression of human malignant tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of CASC19 in pancreatic cancer (PC) was still unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the biological and clinical significance of CASC19 in PC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RT-qPCR assay was adopted to analyze CASC19 expression in PC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, the correlation between the CASC19 level and the survival rate of PC patients was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase reporter assay were utilized to confirm the interaction between miR-148b and CASC19 or E2F7. Cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were analyzed using MTT, transwell, and TUNEL assays.

RESULTS

The results elucidated that CASC19 expression was markedly increased in PC tissues and cell lines. Patients with high expression of CASC19 had a short survival time. Silencing of CASC19 attenuated PC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, we identified that miR-148b was a target of CASC19. CASC19 was negatively correlated with miR-148b and positively correlated with E2F7. The inhibitory effect of CASC19 knockdown on the progression of PC was reversed by the down-regulation of miR-148b or up-regulation of E2F7.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that CASC19 participated in the development of PC. The CASC19/miR-148b/E2F7 axis might be a new study direction for PC treatment.

[A case of decompression sickness complicated with multiple organ failure treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy sequential with continuous renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation]

Objective: To discuss the new idea of on-the-spot recompression treatment and multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) for patients with unstable vital signs of type II decompression sickness. To provide reference for the nearby treatment of patients with critical decompression sickness. Methods: The clinical data of a case of a multi-disciplinary collaborative treatment of type II decompression sickness complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) admitted to a third-class A hospital in January 2020 were analyzed and summarized. Results: The patient suffered from consciousness disturbance and shock after 3 min of diver's blow-up out of the water. CT examination showed gas accumulation in the systemic multi-organ venous system, and laboratory examination suggested MODS. The oxygen inhalation regimen was given in the session of recompression treatmen by 0.12-0.18 MPa. Intravenous fluid was the total of 8900 ml in the session, and the total recompression treatment time was 9 h 45 min. The patient was still in unconscious when he finished the session. CT re-examination confirmed the elimination of venous bubbles, and laboratory examination indicated multiple organ failure (MOF) . The patient was given comprehensive supporting treatment by mechanical assisted breathing and following by continuons renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and extrocorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the intensive care unit, and was discharged after 32 d of hospitalization. Conclusion: Critical decompression sickness patients with unstable vital signs are taken to a local general hospital with hyperbaric oxygen chamber and intensive care unit. The successful treatment can be achieved by organizing diving medicine, hyperbaric oxygen medicine and critical medical personnel for MDT.

Recovery of human gut microbiota genomes with third-generation sequencing

Human gut microbiota modulates normal physiological functions, such as maintenance of barrier homeostasis and modulation of metabolism, as well as various chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes and gastrointestinal cancer. Despite decades of research, the composition of the gut microbiota remains poorly understood. Here, we established an effective extraction method to obtain high quality gut microbiota genomes, and analyzed them with third-generation sequencing technology. We acquired a large quantity of data from each sample and assembled large numbers of reliable contigs. With this approach, we constructed tens of completed bacterial genomes in which there were several new bacteria species. We also identified a new conditional pathogen, Enterococcus tongjius, which is a member of Enterococci. This work provided a novel and reliable approach to recover gut microbiota genomes, facilitating the discovery of new bacteria species and furthering our understanding of the microbiome that underlies human health and diseases.

Microemulsification of essential oils for the development of antimicrobial and mosquito repellent functional coatings for textiles

AIMS

To develop an essential oil (EO)-loaded textile coating using an environmentally friendly microemulsion technique to achieve both antimicrobial and mosquito repellent functionalities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Minimum inhibitory concentrations and fractional inhibitory concentrations of litsea, lemon and rosemary EOs were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichophyton rubrum. A 1 : 2 mixture of litsea and lemon EOs inhibited all the microorganisms tested and was incorporated into a chitosan-sodium alginate assembly by a microemulsification process. The EO-loaded microemulsions were applied to cotton and polyester fabrics using a soak-pad-dry method. The textile challenge tests demonstrated 7-8 log₁₀ reductions of S. epidermidis, S. aureus and E. coli after 24 h and T. rubrum after 48 h. Aedes aegypti mosquito repellency was also assessed which demonstrated 71·43% repellency compared to 52·94% by neat EO-impregnated cotton.

CONCLUSIONS

Textiles treated with the litsea and lemon EO microemulsion showed strong antimicrobial activity against the skin associated microorganisms E. coli, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and T. rubrum and potential mosquito repellent properties.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

EOs could be useful for the development of natural, environmentally friendly functional textiles to protect textiles and users from microbial contamination in addition to possessing other beneficial properties such as mosquito repellency.

C2-C3 vertebral disc angle: An analysis of patients with and without cervical spondylotic myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To define C2-C3 vertebral disc angle (VDA) in patients with and without cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

C2-C3 VDA is a new radiological index of cervical spine alignment. Recent studies have suggested that high postoperative values are associated with greater mechanical complications in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, normative values for patients without myelopathy has yet to be defined.

METHODS

Patients with and without cervical myelopathy between 2017 and 2019 were included. Inclusion criteria were patients above 18 years of age with antero-posterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) cervical X-rays. In the non-myelopathic group, patients were excluded if they had neurological symptoms or deficits, presence of cervical axial pain, previous spinal surgery, or diagnosis of either spondylolisthesis or scoliosis. In the myelopathic group, patients were excluded if they had previous spinal surgery. Radiological indices evaluated include: C2-C3 disc angle, C2-C7 Cobb angle, C7 sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope.

RESULTS

In total, 99 patients without myelopathy and 22 patients with myelopathy were identified and analyzed. In patients without myelopathy, the mean for C2-C3 VDA was 25.9±7.9. For patients with myelopathy, preoperative values were 24.4±10.0 and 27.1±7.9 postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were found between patients with and without myelopathy. C2-C3 disc angle was not correlated with age (R=-0.173).

CONCLUSION

This study did not find statistically significant differences in C2-C3 VDA values between patients with and without cervical myelopathy. This study provides normative data for C2-C3 vertebral disc angle in patients with and without cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Furthermore, C2-C3 vertebral disc angle may be independent from age.

[Effects of over-expressing heat shock protein 60 on marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of phosgene-induced acute lung injury]

Objective: To investigate the effect of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) overexpression on the ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and its therapeutic effect on rats with phosgene induced acute lung injury. Methods: HSP60 was transfected into MSCs by adenovirus. Western blot was used to measure the expressions of HSP60 before and after transfection. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the activity of MSCs, flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptotic ability of MSCs, and Transwell assay was used to observe the migration ability of MSCs. Sixty SPF grade male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, phosgene exposure group (inhalation of phosgene for 5 min) , MSCs group (phosgene exposure, MSCs treatment group) and transfected MSCs group (phosgene exposure, overexpression of HSP60 MSCs treatment group) . The pathological changes of lung were observed by lung pathological section, lung wet dry ratio, the degree of pulmonary edema, the total cell count and total protein content of alveolar lavage fluid, the inflammatory changes of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in BALF and serum were observed. The data were analyzed by Graphpad Prism 8.0 software. Paired comparisons were performed by non paired t-test. One way ANOVA was used for comparison between groups. Results: The proliferation ability of MSCs transfected with HSP60[A= (0.69±0.05) ] was significantly higher than that of MSCs not transfected with HSP60[A= (0.27±0.02) ] (P<0.05) . Compared with the phosgene exposure group, the pulmonary edema and inflammatory factor infiltration of MSCs group and MSCs transfected group were reduced. However, compared with MSCs group, the degree of pulmonary edema in MSCs transfected group was significantly improved, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased, and the total protein content and total cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were less (P<0.05) . Conclusion: MSCs transfected with HSP60 can enhance the ability of proliferation, anti apoptosis, migration and the curative effect in rats with phosgene induced acute lung injury.

Molecular characterization of long-term survivors of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most fatal cancers, and the majority of patients die within three years. However, a small proportion of patients overcome this fatal disease and survive for more than five years. To determine the molecular characteristics of long-term survivors (survival ≥ 5 years), we analyzed the genomic and clinical data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium databases, and identified molecular features that were strongly associated with the patients' prognosis. Genes involved in the cell cycle were expressed at lower levels in tumor tissues from long-term survivors than those from short-term survivors (survival ≤ 1 years). High levels of positive regulators of the G₁/S cell cycle transition (cyclin-dependent kinase 2 [CDK2], CDK4, Cyclin E2 [CCNE2], E2F1, E2F2) were potential markers of poor prognosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma patients with TP53 mutations were mainly belonged to the short-term survivor group. Abemaciclib, an FDA-approved selective inhibitor of CDK4/6, inhibited the cell proliferation and tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, high G₁/S transition-related gene levels and TP53 mutations are promising diagnostic biomarkers for short-term survivals, and abemaciclib may be a potential targeted drug for hepatocellular carcinoma.