Quorum-sensing agr system of Staphylococcus aureus primes gene expression for protection from lethal oxidative stress

The agr quorum-sensing system links Staphylococcus aureus metabolism to virulence, in part by increasing bacterial survival during exposure to lethal concentrations of H2O2, a crucial host defense against S. aureus. We now report that protection by agr surprisingly extends beyond post-exponential growth to the exit from stationary phase when the agr system is no longer turned on. Thus, agr can be considered a constitutive protective factor. Deletion of agr resulted in decreased ATP levels and growth, despite increased rates of respiration or fermentation at appropriate oxygen tensions, suggesting that Δagr cells undergo a shift towards a hyperactive metabolic state in response to diminished metabolic efficiency. As expected from increased respiratory gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated more in the agr mutant than in wild-type cells, thereby explaining elevated susceptibility of Δagr strains to lethal H2O2 doses. Increased survival of wild-type agr cells during H2O2 exposure required sodA, which detoxifies superoxide. Additionally, pretreatment of S. aureus with respiration-reducing menadione protected Δagr cells from killing by H2O2. Thus, genetic deletion and pharmacologic experiments indicate that agr helps control endogenous ROS, thereby providing resilience against exogenous ROS. The long-lived 'memory' of agr-mediated protection, which is uncoupled from agr activation kinetics, increased hematogenous dissemination to certain tissues during sepsis in ROS-producing, wild-type mice but not ROS-deficient (Cybb-/-) mice. These results demonstrate the importance of protection that anticipates impending ROS-mediated immune attack. The ubiquity of quorum sensing suggests that it protects many bacterial species from oxidative damage.

Prophage-encoded methyltransferase drives adaptation of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

We recently described the evolution of a community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) USA300 variant responsible for an outbreak of skin and soft tissue infections. Acquisition of a mosaic version of the Φ11 prophage (mΦ11) that increases skin abscess size was an early step in CA-MRSA adaptation that primed the successful spread of the clone. The present report shows how prophage mΦ11 exerts its effect on virulence for skin infection without encoding a known toxin or fitness genes. Abscess size and skin inflammation were associated with DNA methylase activity of an mΦ11-encoded adenine methyltransferase (designated pamA). pamA increased expression of fibronectin-binding protein A (fnbA; FnBPA), and inactivation of fnbA eliminated the effect of pamA on abscess virulence without affecting strains lacking pamA. Thus, fnbA is a pamA-specific virulence factor. Mechanistically, pamA was shown to promote biofilm formation in vivo in skin abscesses, a phenotype linked to FnBPA's role in biofilm formation. Collectively, these data reveal a novel mechanism-epigenetic regulation of staphylococcal gene expression-by which phage can regulate virulence to drive adaptive leaps by S. aureus.

Insula→Amygdala and Insula→Thalamus Pathways Are Involved in Comorbid Chronic Pain and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice

The comorbidity of chronic pain and depression poses tremendous challenges for the treatment of either one because they exacerbate each other with unknown mechanisms. As the posterior insular cortex (PIC) integrates multiple somatosensory and emotional information and is implicated in either chronic pain or depression, we hypothesize that the PIC and its projections may contribute to the pathophysiology of comorbid chronic pain and depression. We show that PIC neurons were readily activated by mechanical, thermal, aversive, and stressful and appetitive stimulation in naive and neuropathic pain male mice subjected to spared nerve injury (SNI). Optogenetic activation of PIC neurons induced hyperalgesia and conditioned place aversion in naive mice, whereas inhibition of these neurons led to analgesia, conditioned place preference (CPP), and antidepressant effect in both naive and SNI mice. Combining neuronal tracing, optogenetics, and electrophysiological techniques, we found that the monosynaptic glutamatergic projections from the PIC to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the ventromedial nucleus (VM) of the thalamus mimicked PIC neurons in pain modulation in naive mice; in SNI mice, both projections were enhanced accompanied by hyperactivity of PIC, BLA, and VM neurons and inhibition of these projections led to analgesia, CPP, and antidepressant-like effect. The present study suggests that potentiation of the PIC→BLA and PIC→VM projections may be important pathophysiological bases for hyperalgesia and depression-like behavior in neuropathic pain and reversing the potentiation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for comorbid chronic pain and depression.

Predicting malnutrition in gastric cancer patients using computed tomography(CT) deep learning features and clinical data

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is using clinical factors and non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) deep features of the psoas muscles at third lumbar vertebral (L3) level to construct a model to predict malnutrition in gastric cancer before surgery, and to provide a new nutritional status assessment and survival assessment tool for gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 312 patients of gastric cancer were divided into malnutrition group and normal group based on Nutrition Risk Screening 2002(NRS-2002). 312 regions of interest (ROI) of the psoas muscles at L3 level of non-enhanced CT were delineated. Deep learning (DL) features were extracted from the ROI using a deep migration model and were screened by principal component analysis (PCA) and least-squares operator (LASSO). The clinical predictors included Body Mass Index (BMI), lymphocyte and albumin. Both deep learning model (including deep learning features) and mixed model (including selected deep learning features and selected clinical predictors) were constructed by 11 classifiers. The model was evaluated and selected by calculating receiver operating characteristic (ROC), area under curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). The Cohen's Kappa coefficient (κ) was using to compare the diagnostic agreement for malnutrition between the mixed model and the GLIM in gastric cancer patients.

RESULT

The results of logistics multivariate analysis showed that BMI [OR = 0.569 (95% CI 0.491-0.660)], lymphocyte [OR = 0.638 (95% CI 0.408-0.998)], and albumin [OR = 0.924 (95% CI 0.859-0.994)] were clinically independent malnutrition of gastric cancer predictor(P < 0.05). Among the 11 classifiers, the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)were selected as the best classifier. The AUC of the training and test sets for deep learning model were 0.806 (95% CI 0.7485-0.8635) and 0.769 (95% CI 0.673-0.863) and with accuracies were 0.734 and 0.766, respectively. The AUC of the training and test sets for the mixed model were 0.909 (95% CI 0.869-0.948) and 0.857 (95% CI 0.782-0.931) and with accuracies of 0.845 and 0.861, respectively. The DCA confirmed the clinical benefit of the both models. The Cohen's Kappa coefficient (κ) was 0.647 (P < 0.001). Diagnostic agreement for malnutrition between the mixed model and GLIM criteria was good. The mixed model was used to calculate the predicted probability of malnutrition in gastric cancer patients, which was divided into high-risk and low-risk groups by median, and the survival analysis showed that the overall survival time of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Deep learning based on mixed model may be a potential tool for predicting malnutrition in gastric cancer patients.

Quorum-sensing agr system of Staphylococcus aureus primes gene expression for protection from lethal oxidative stress

The agr quorum-sensing system links Staphylococcus aureus metabolism to virulence, in part by increasing bacterial survival during exposure to lethal concentrations of H2O2, a crucial host defense against S. aureus. We now report that protection by agr surprisingly extends beyond post-exponential growth to the exit from stationary phase when the agr system is no longer turned on. Thus, agr can be considered a constitutive protective factor. Deletion of agr increased both respiration and fermentation but decreased ATP levels and growth, suggesting that Δagr cells assume a hyperactive metabolic state in response to reduced metabolic efficiency. As expected from increased respiratory gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated more in the agr mutant than in wild-type cells, thereby explaining elevated susceptibility of Δagr strains to lethal H2O2 doses. Increased survival of wild-type agr cells during H2O2 exposure required sodA, which detoxifies superoxide. Additionally, pretreatment of S. aureus with respiration-reducing menadione protected Δagr cells from killing by H2O2. Thus, genetic deletion and pharmacologic experiments indicate that agr helps control endogenous ROS, thereby providing resilience against exogenous ROS. The long-lived "memory" of agr-mediated protection, which is uncoupled from agr activation kinetics, increased hematogenous dissemination to certain tissues during sepsis in ROS-producing, wild-type mice but not ROS-deficient (Nox2-/-) mice. These results demonstrate the importance of protection that anticipates impending ROS-mediated immune attack. The ubiquity of quorum sensing suggests that it protects many bacterial species from oxidative damage.

Valid olfactory impairment tests can help identify mild cognitive impairment: an updated meta-analysis

Background

Olfactory testing is emerging as a potentially effective screening method for identifying mild cognitive impairment in the elderly population.

Objective

Olfactory impairment is comorbid with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults but is not well-documented in subdomains of either olfactory or subtypes of cognitive impairments in older adults. This meta-analysis was aimed at synthesizing the differentiated relationships with updated studies.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in seven databases from their availability to April 2023. A total of 38 publications were included, including 3,828 MCI patients and 8,160 healthy older adults. Two investigators independently performed the literature review, quality assessment, and data extraction. The meta-analyses were conducted with Stata to estimate the average effects and causes of the heterogeneity.

Results

Compared to normal adults, MCI patients had severe impairments in olfactory function and severe deficits in specific domains of odor identification and discrimination. Olfactory impairment was more severe in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment than in patients with non-amnestic MCI. Diverse test instruments of olfactory function caused large heterogeneity in effect sizes.

Conclusion

Valid olfactory tests can be complementary tools for accurate screening of MCI in older adults.

Higher remnant cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background and aims

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is the most common subtype of MCI, which carries a significantly high risk of transitioning to Alzheimer's disease. Recently, increasing attention has been given to remnant cholesterol (RC), a non-traditional and previously overlooked risk factor. The aim of this study was to explore the association between plasma RC levels and aMCI.

Methods

Data were obtained from Brain Health Cognitive Management Team in Wuhan (https://hbtcm.66nao.com/admin/). A total of 1,007 community-dwelling elders were recruited for this project. Based on ten tools including general demographic data, cognitive screening and some exclusion scales, these participants were divided into the aMCI (n = 401) and normal cognitive groups (n = 606). Physical examinations were conducted on all participants, with clinical indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids collected.

Results

The aMCI group had significantly higher RC levels compared to the normal cognitive group (0.64 ± 0.431 vs. 0.52 ± 0.447 mmol/L, p < 0.05). Binary logistics regression revealed that occupation (P<0.001, OR = 0.533, 95%CI: 0.423-0.673) and RC (p = 0.014, OR = 1.477, 95% CI:1.081-2.018) were associated factors for aMCI. Partial correlation analysis, after controlling for occupation, showed a significant negative correlation between RC levels and MoCA scores (r = 0.059, p = 0.046), as well as Naming scores (r = 0.070, p = 0.026). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that RC levels had an independent predictive efficacy in predicting aMCI (AUC = 0.580, 95%CI: 0.544 ~ 0.615, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Higher RC levels were identified as an independent indicator for aMCI, particularly in the naming cognitive domain among older individuals. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to validate the predictive efficacy of RC.

The anterior cingulate cortex controls the hyperactivity in subthalamic neurons in male mice with comorbid chronic pain and depression

Neurons in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) become hyperactive following nerve injury and promote pain-related responses in mice. Considering that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is involved in pain and emotion processing and projects to the STN, we hypothesize that ACC neurons may contribute to hyperactivity in STN neurons in chronic pain. In the present study, we showed that ACC neurons enhanced activity in response to noxious stimuli and to alterations in emotional states and became hyperactive in chronic pain state established by spared nerve injury of the sciatic nerve (SNI) in mice. In naïve mice, STN neurons were activated by noxious stimuli, but not by alterations in emotional states. Pain responses in STN neurons were attenuated in both naïve and SNI mice when ACC neurons were inhibited. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of the ACC-STN pathway induced bilateral hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviors in naive mice; conversely, inhibition of this pathway is sufficient to attenuate hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviors in SNI mice and naïve mice subjected to stimulation of STN neurons. Finally, mitigation of pain-like and depression-like behaviors in SNI mice by inhibition of the ACC-STN projection was eliminated by activation of STN neurons. Our results demonstrate that hyperactivity in the ACC-STN pathway may be an important pathophysiology in comorbid chronic pain and depression. Thus, the ACC-STN pathway may be an intervention target for the treatment of the comorbid chronic pain and depression.

Challenges and coping experiences faced by nursing staff in long-term care facilities in China: a qualitative meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this study is to discern the challenges and coping experiences encountered by nursing staff in long-term care facilities in China. This will be achieved through the identification, evaluation, and qualitative synthesis of comprehensive data.

Design

This is a qualitative meta-analysis.

Methods

The research systematically examined relevant literature sourced from six databases, concluding the search in August 2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed qualitative and mixed-methods studies in both Chinese and English, focusing on challenges faced by nursing staff in long-term care facilities and their corresponding coping strategies. The application of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework facilitated the qualitative meta-integration process. Three independent researchers meticulously screened and assessed the quality of the chosen studies. The synthesis process sought to amalgamate and structure analogous findings into novel categories through multiple readings of the original literature. These categories were subsequently distilled into comprehensive themes.

Results

Analyzed 15 articles revealed 14 sub-themes and 4 overarching analytical themes. These encompassed Sources of Challenges such as multitasking, clinical emergencies, workplace conflict, demand exceeding resources, and occupational discrimination. Psychological impacts included suppressed emotion, compassion fatigue, and self-doubt. Practical consequences involved damaged health, imbalanced life, and occupational disappointment. Coping strategies identified were self-adjusting, feeling validation and belonging, and finding support.

Conclusion

Our research identified the challenges faced by nursing staff in Chinese long-term care facilities and their coping experiences. We found that most challenges could be mitigated through appropriate adjustments in managerial strategies, such as reasonable human resources planning, and providing resource support, including material, emotional, and informational support. Similarly, institutions should have offered necessary emotional and psychological support to nursing staff to overcome the negative impacts of challenges and encourage them to adopt positive coping strategies.

Protocol to study projection-specific circuits in the basal ganglia of adult mice using viral vector tracing, optogenetics, and patch-clamp technique

Analysis of synaptic strength and plasticity provides functional insights of complicated neural circuits. Here, we describe steps for cell- and projection-specific optogenetic manipulation of divergent basal ganglia circuits using anterograde and retrograde viral vectors. We quantitatively analyze synaptic function of these circuits utilizing a patch-clamp technique. This protocol is applicable to probe potential circuit targets for treatment of brain diseases. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ji et al.1.

Bacterial contact induces polar plug disintegration to mediate whipworm egg hatching

The bacterial microbiota promotes the life cycle of the intestine-dwelling whipworm Trichuris by mediating hatching of parasite eggs ingested by the mammalian host. Despite the enormous disease burden associated with Trichuris colonization, the mechanisms underlying this transkingdom interaction have been obscure. Here, we used a multiscale microscopy approach to define the structural events associated with bacteria-mediated hatching of eggs for the murine model parasite Trichuris muris. Through the combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and serial block face SEM (SBFSEM), we visualized the outer surface morphology of the shell and generated 3D structures of the egg and larva during the hatching process. These images revealed that exposure to hatching-inducing bacteria catalyzed asymmetric degradation of the polar plugs prior to exit by the larva. Unrelated bacteria induced similar loss of electron density and dissolution of the structural integrity of the plugs. Egg hatching was most efficient when high densities of bacteria were bound to the poles. Consistent with the ability of taxonomically distant bacteria to induce hatching, additional results suggest chitinase released from larva within the eggs degrade the plugs from the inside instead of enzymes produced by bacteria in the external environment. These findings define at ultrastructure resolution the evolutionary adaptation of a parasite for the microbe-rich environment of the mammalian gut.

[One case of myocardial damage caused by carbamate pesticide poisoning]

The data of a patient with carbamate pesticide poisoning were analyzed. Cardiac arrest, oliguria, acute renal injury and pulmonary infection occurred during treatment. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, tracheal intubation, CRRT, anti-infection and other symptomatic support treatment, the patient recovered and discharged. The myocardial damage caused by carbamate pesticide poisoning is easy to be ignored, and it often causes cardiac manifestations such as arrhythmia and cardiac insufficiency, and the related markers of cardiac injury, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are also changed. Therefore, the awareness of cardiac damage caused by carbamate pesticide poisoning should be improved.

Effects of dietary niacinamide and CP concentrations on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of pigs

Reducing the dietary CP concentration in the formulation of low-protein diets without adverse effects on animal growth performance and meat quality remains challenging. In this study, we investigated the effects of nicotinamide (NAM) on the nitrogen excretion, growth performance, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs fed low-protein diets. To measure the nitrogen balance, we conducted two trials: in nitrogen balance trial 1, four crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) barrows (40 ± 0.5 kg BW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and periods. The diets consisted of a basal diet + 30 mg/kg NAM (a control dose), basal diet + 90 mg/kg NAM, basal diet + 210 mg/kg NAM, and basal diet + 360 mg/kg NAM. In nitrogen balance trial 2, another four barrows (40 ± 0.5 kg BW) were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The diets consisted of a basal diet + including 30 mg/kg NAM (control), basal diet + 360 mg/kg NAM, low-protein diet + 30 mg/kg NAM, and low-protein diet + 360 mg/kg NAM. To measure growth performance, two trials were conducted. In growth performance trial 1, 40 barrows (37.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10 per group), whereas in growth performance trial 2, 300 barrows (41.4 ± 2.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments, with each dietary treatment conducted in five repetitions with 15 pigs each. The four diets in the two growth performance trials were similar to those in nitrogen balance trial 2. Supplementing the diet with 210 or 360 mg/kg NAM reduced urinary nitrogen excretion and total nitrogen excretion and increased nitrogen retention comparted with the control diet (P < 0.05). Compared with the control diet, the low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM reduced faecal, urinary, and total nitrogen excretion (P < 0.05) without affecting nitrogen retention and average daily gain (P > 0.05). Pigs fed the low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM showed a decreased intramuscular fat content in the longissimus thoracis muscle when compared with pigs fed the control diet (P > 0.05). Our results suggest NAM as a suitable dietary additive to reduce dietary CP concentration, maximise nitrogen retention and growth performance, and decrease fat deposition in pigs.

Plasticity in ventral pallidal cholinergic neuron-derived circuits contributes to comorbid chronic pain-like and depression-like behaviour in male mice

Nucleus- and cell-specific interrogation of individual basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic circuits is crucial for refining targets to treat comorbid chronic pain-like and depression-like behaviour. As the ventral pallidum (VP) in the BF regulates pain perception and emotions, we aim to address the role of VP-derived cholinergic circuits in hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviour in chronic pain mouse model. In male mice, VP cholinergic neurons innervate local non-cholinergic neurons and modulate downstream basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These cholinergic circuits are mobilized by pain-like stimuli and become hyperactive during persistent pain. Acute stimulation of VP cholinergic neurons and the VP-BLA cholinergic projection reduces pain threshold in naïve mice whereas inhibition of the circuits elevated pain threshold in pain-like states. Multi-day repetitive modulation of the VP-BLA cholinergic pathway regulates depression-like behaviour in persistent pain. Therefore, VP-derived cholinergic circuits are implicated in comorbid hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviour in chronic pain mouse model.

Subthalamic neurons interact with nigral dopaminergic neurons to regulate movement in mice

AIM

This study aims to address the role of the interaction between subthalamic (STN) neurons and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons in movement control.

METHODS

Fiber photometry and optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques were utilized to monitor and manipulate neuronal activity, respectively. Locomotion in mice was recorded in an open field arena and on a head-fixed apparatus. A hemiparkinsonian mouse model was established by unilateral injection of 6-OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle. Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were applied to record electrophysiological signals in STN neurons and SNc DA neurons. c-Fos-immunostaining was used to label activated neurons. A rabies virus-based retrograde tracing system was used to visualize STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons.

RESULTS

The activity of STN neurons was enhanced upon locomotion in an open field arena and on a head-fixed apparatus, and the enhancement was significantly attenuated in parkinsonian mice. Optogenetic stimulation of STN neurons enhanced locomotion, increased activity of SNc DA neurons, meanwhile, reduced latency to movement initiation. Combining optogenetics with patch-clamp recordings, we confirmed that STN neurons innervated SNc DA neurons through glutamatergic monosynaptic connections. Moreover, STN neurons projecting to SNc DA neurons were evenly distributed in the STN. Either 6-OHDA-lesion or chemogenetic inhibition of SNc DA neurons attenuated the enhancement of locomotion by STN stimulation.

CONCLUSION

SNc DA neurons not only affect the response of STN neurons to movement, but also contribute to the enhancement of movement by STN stimulation. This study demonstrates the role of STN-SNc interaction in movement control.

Differential remodeling of subthalamic projections to basal ganglia output nuclei and locomotor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced hemiparkinsonian mice

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) controls basal ganglia outputs via the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and the globus pallidus internus (GPi). However, the synaptic properties of these projections and their roles in motor control remain unclear. We show that the STN-SNr and STN-GPi projections differ markedly in magnitude and activity-dependent plasticity despite the existence of collateral STN neurons projecting to both the SNr and GPi. Stimulation of either STN projection reduces locomotion; in contrast, inhibition of either the STN-SNr projection or collateral STN neurons facilitates locomotion. In 6-OHDA-hemiparkinsonian mice, the STN-SNr projection is dramatically attenuated, but the STN-GPi projection is robustly enhanced; apomorphine inhibition of the STN-GPi projection through D2 receptors is significantly augmented and improves locomotion. Optogenetic inhibition of either the STN-SNr or STN-GPi projection improves parkinsonian bradykinesia. These results suggest that the STN-GPi and STN-SNr projections are differentially involved in motor control in physiological and parkinsonian conditions.

A nigro-subthalamo-parabrachial pathway modulates pain-like behaviors

The basal ganglia including the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) are involved in pain-related responses, but how they regulate pain processing remains unknown. Here, we identify a pathway, consisting of GABAergic neurons in the SNr (SNr^GABA) and glutamatergic neurons in the STN (STN^Glu) and the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB^Glu), that modulates acute and persistent pain states in both male and female mice. The activity of STN neurons was enhanced in acute and persistent pain states. This enhancement was accompanied by hypoactivity in SNr^GABA neurons and strengthening of the STN-LPB glutamatergic projection. Reversing the dysfunction in the SNr^GABA-STN^Glu-LPB^Glu pathway attenuated activity of LPB^Glu neurons and mitigated pain-like behaviors. Therefore, the SNr^GABA-STN^Glu-LPB^Glu pathway regulates pathological pain and is a potential target for pain management.

[Research progress on the treatment of presbyopia]

Presbyopia is a physiological aging situation that the plasticity and elasticity of the lens and the function of the ciliary muscle become weaker, resulting in a decreased accommodation and inability to focus on near objects. Nowadays, there are many clinical strategies to correct presbyopia, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages, however, there is no true sense of way to restore accommodation function. This article reviews both worldwide and domestic research on presbyopia, and analyzes and summaries the status quo as well as research progress of presbyopia correction modalities, surgical approaches, and drug therapies, hoping to provide a reference for clinical works.

Differential modulation of subthalamic projection neurons by short-term and long-term electrical stimulation in physiological and parkinsonian conditions

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is one of the best targets for therapeutic deep brain stimulation (DBS) to control motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. However, the precise circuitry underlying the effects of STN-DBS remains unclear. To understand how electrical stimulation affects STN projection neurons, we used a retrograde viral vector (AAV-retro-hSyn-eGFP) to label STN neurons projecting to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) (STN-SNr neurons) or the globus pallidus interna (GPi) (STN-GPi neurons) in mice, and performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from these projection neurons in ex vivo brain slices. We found that STN-SNr neurons exhibited stronger responses to depolarizing stimulation than STN-GPi neurons. In most STN-SNr and STN-GPi neurons, inhibitory synaptic inputs predominated over excitatory inputs and electrical stimulation at 20-130 Hz inhibited these neurons in the short term; its longer-term effects varied. 6-OHDA lesion of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway significantly reduced inhibitory synaptic inputs in STN-GPi neurons, but did not change synaptic inputs in STN-SNr neurons; it enhanced short-term electrical-stimulation-induced inhibition in STN-SNr neurons but reversed the effect of short-term electrical stimulation on the firing rate in STN-GPi neurons from inhibitory to excitatory; in both STN-SNr and STN-GPi neurons, it increased the inhibition but attenuated the enhancement of firing rate induced by long-term electrical stimulation. Our results suggest that STN-SNr and STN-GPi neurons differ in their synaptic inputs, their responses to electrical stimulation, and their modification under parkinsonian conditions; STN-GPi neurons may play important roles in both the pathophysiology and therapeutic treatment of Parkinson's disease.

[Preliminary experience of surgical treatment for torus tubarius hypertrophy in children]

Objective: To assess the incidence of symptomatic torus tubarius hypertrophy (TTH) in recurred OSA in children, and to explore the preliminary experience of partial resection of TTH assisted with radiofrequency ablation. Methods: From January 2004 to February 2020, 4 922 children, who diagnosed as OSA and received adenotonsillectomy at the Department of Otolaryngology, The 4th Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. There were 3 266 males and 1 656 females, the age ranged from 1 to 14 years old(median age of 5.0 years). Twenty-two cases were identified with recurrence of OSA syndrome, and the clinical data, including sex, age of primary operation, age of recurrence and presentation, and opertation methods were analyzed. Follow-up was carried out by outpatient visit or telephone. Graphpad prism 5.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-two cases were identified as recurred OSA and received revised surgery in 4 922 cases. Among these 22 cases, 11 cases were diagnosed as TTH resulting in an incidence of 2.23‰(11/4 922), 1 case was cicatricial adhesion on tubal torus (0.20‰, 1/4 922), 10 cases were residual adenoid combined with tubal tonsil hypertrophy (2.03‰, 10/4 922). Median age of primary operation was 3.0 years (range:2.4 to 6.0 years) in 11 TTH cases. Recurrent interval varied from 2 months to 5.5 years (2.4±1.9 years) after first operation. Age of revised partial resection of TTH was 7.0±2.7 years (range: 4.0 to 12.0 years). Average time interval between primary operation and revised operation was 3.5±2.1 years (range: 0.5 to 6.0 years). Individualized treatments were carried out based on partial resection of TTH assisted with radiofrequency ablation. All of 11 cases received satisfied therapeutic results without nasopharyngeal stenosis occured. Twenty-two cases were followed up for 1.6 to 13 years (median follow-up time was 6.2 years). Conclusions: TTH contributed to recurred OSA in child. TTH might be misdiagnosed as tubal tonsil hypertrophy. Partial resection of TTH assisted with radiofrequency ablation was a safty and effective treatment.

[Establishment of morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear, as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear]

Objective: To establish the morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear. Methods: From April 2012 to June 2020, 4 221 healthy donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital were selected. The median age was 36 (3-72) years old, including 2 520 males and 1 701 females. They were divided into four groups according to age: children group, with age≤14 years old [n=334, 11 (3-14) years old], youth group, with age >14 years old and <45 years old [n=2 855, 33 (15-44) years old], middle-aged adult group, with age ≥45 years old and < 60 years old [n=929, 49 (45-59) years old], and older adult group, with age ≥60 years old [n=103, 62 (60-72) years old]. Gender subgroups were established in each age group. According to different hematopoietic characteristics, the children group were divided into two subgroups: children group 1 [n=48, 6 (3-7) years old] and children group 2 [n=286, 11 (8-14) years old]. According to the clinical routine, 100 white blood cells in peripheral blood, 200 nucleated cells in bone marrow, and cell numbers/4.5 cm² for megakaryocytes were classified and counted. The results of cell count in different age and gender groups were compared, and the reference values of morphological classification were established for different groups with statistical or clinical significance. Results: Due to the existence of statistically significant differences between children and adult groups and different gender subgroups in adults (all P<0.05), the reference values were established for children group and adult gender subgroups. The counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were 46.65(43.97-49.32)% and 44.00(10.60-65.10)% in children group 1, 50.73(49.50-51.96)% and 39.55 (38.36-40.74)% in children group 2, and 57.00 (39.00-75.23) % and 33.00 (17.00-52.00) % in adult group, respectively. Bone marrow segmented neutrophils, orthochromatic erythroblasts, and mature lymphocytes were 11.54 (10.68-12.41)%, 14.20 (13.19-15.21)%, and 23.99 (22.06-25.92)% in children group 1, 12.50 (7.00-21.50)%, 15.00(9.50-25.50)%, and 21.02 (20.24-21.81)% in children group 2, 13.50 (7.50-21.00)%, 16.50 (10.50-26.00)%, and 15.50 (7.50-26.00)% in adult male group, and 14.50 (8.00-24.50)%, 14.50 (9.00-23.00)%, and 17.50 (8.50-29.00)% in adult female group, respectively. The myelopoiesis/erythropoiesis ratio in children group, adult male group and adult female group was 1.86∶1 (1.14∶1-3.23∶1), 1.96∶1 (1.12∶1-3.19∶1), 2.22∶1 (1.30∶1-3.69∶1), respectively. The numbers of granular megakaryocytes and thromocytogenic megakaryocytes were 138 (25-567) cells/4.5cm² and 86 (13-328) cells/4.5 cm² in children group, and 92 (13-338) cells/4.5 cm² and 38 (3-162) cells/4.5 cm² in adult group, respectively. Conclusion: The morphological reference values for the differential count of white blood cells in peripheral blood smear as well as nucleated cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear are successfully established, which is helpful to improve the application of morphological examination in disease screening, diagnosis and monitoring.

[Transcranial sonographic characteristics of Parkinson's disease with symptoms of restless legs syndrome]

Objective: To evaluate the transcranial sonographic characteristics in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: Patients with diagnosis of definite PD from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and 3 other participating hospitals between September 2018 and December 2019 were consecutively enrolled. Concurrent RLS symptoms were determined using Non-motor Symptoms Questionnaire. Transcranial sonography (TCS) and clinical assessments were performed during the same time and the related variables were compared between the two groups using t-test, non-parametric test, Chi-square test and Spearman correlation analysis, respectively. Results: Among 349 patients with PD, the prevalence of RLS symptoms was 22.6%. Compared to patients without RLS symptoms, those with RLS had longer disease duration (43.0 (24.0, 91.0) months vs 37.0 (20.0, 60.0) months, P<0.05) and higher Hoehn-Yahr stage (2.5 (2.0, 3.0) vs 2.0 (1.5, 2.5), P<0.01).TCS revealed that patients with RLS symptoms were more likely to have abnormality in the raphe nucleus (21.50% vs 7.78%, χ²=15.9, P<0.001) and increased third ventricle width ((6.22±1.97) mm vs (5.16±1.90) mm, P<0.001). No significant differences were found regarding parameters of substantia nigra. Conclusions: Concurrent RLS symptoms are common in PD patients. Abnormal echogenicity of raphe nucleus and increased third ventricle width could be characteristics of TCS in PD patients with RLS symptoms.

Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

A rapid sap-direct reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method for detection of dendrobium viroid in Dendrobium plants

Dendrobium viroid (DVd) was first reported in China in 2020, and it is the only viroid known to infect Orchidaceae family plants. In this study, we developed a simple reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for the rapid detection of DVd in Dendrobium plants. When extracting the sap template from the leaves, they are first clamped between two layers of plastic film, and the sap is pressed out and collected with a pipette. Using this sap, DVd was detected by dot-blot and RT-PCR methods and, the expected amplicons were confirmed by sequencing analysis. The batch analysis of field samples revealed that this method can be used to detect DVd rapidly. The detection method also reduces cross-contamination between different samples and minimizes false positives. Thus, this sap-direct RT-PCR method allows effective and rapid DVd detection in the study of Orchidaceae plants.

D2 receptor activation relieves pain hypersensitivity by inhibiting superficial dorsal horn neurons in parkinsonian mice

Chronic pain is a common and undertreated nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although chronic pain is improved by L-dopa in some PD patients, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we established PD mice by unilateral microinjection of 6-OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle to investigate the contribution of spinal cord dopamine receptors to parkinsonian pain hypersensitivity. The von Frey filament tests and thermal pain tests revealed that these PD mice displayed decreased nociceptive thresholds in both hindpaws; intrathecal injection of L-dopa or apomorphine significantly increased the mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds, and the analgesic effect was mimicked by ropinirole (a D2 receptor agonist), but not SKF38393 (a D1/D5 receptor agonist), and blocked by sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist), but not SKF83566 (a D1/D5 receptor antagonist). Whole-cell recordings in lumber spinal cord slices showed that superficial dorsal horn (SDH) neurons in PD mice exhibited hyperexcitability, including more depolarized resting membrane potentials and more action potentials evoked by depolarizing current steps, which were mitigated by ropinirole. Furthermore, ropinirole inhibited the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in SDH neurons more strongly in PD mice than in control mice. However, sulpiride caused less disinhibition of sEPSCs in PD mice than in control mice. Taken together, our data reveal that pain hypersensitivity in PD mice is associated with hyperexcitability of SDH neurons, and both events are reversed by activation of spinal D2 receptors. Therefore, spinal D2 receptors can be promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of PD pain.

[Cell morphological analysis of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma gamma-delta type]

Objective: To analyze the cell morphological features of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) gamma-delta (γδ) type, differentiate from acute leukaemia (AL). Methods: This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of four cases of HSTCL γδ type who were treated in Hebei Yanda Ludaopei Hospital from 2009 to 2014 were collected. Their initial morphology diagnoses in other hospitals were all acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Morphological analysis and cytochemical stains to their bone marrow (BM) aspiration and peripheral blood (PB) smears were completed when they had no response to previous chemotherapies, and the morphological reports were compared with results of immunophenotyping, chromosome, and T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement. Results: The percentages of malignant cells in four patients' BM aspirations were 7.6%-40.0%, and in two patients' PB was 9% and 10%, respectively. The morphology of four cases had a very high similarity in Wright's stain. Predominantly medium-sized cells were seen, with rich cytoplasm and frequently one big conspicuous nucleolus. The malignant cells resembled blasts, especially monoblasts, but with coarse granular chromatin, more compact than that in monoblasts. When comparing to malignant myeloblast and lymphoblasts, HSTCL cells were larger and more irregular in cell shape, with more abundant cytoplasm and prominent nuclear irregularity. The cytochemistric stain played an important role in differential diagnosis. HSTCL malignant cells showed non-specific esterase (NSE) negative or focal punctate activity which couldn't be inhibited by sodium fluoride. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain was negative or positive with a form of coarse granules. The myeloperioxdase (MPO) stain was negative. Conclusion: Malignant cells of HSTCL γδ type have very distinct morphological features of mature lymphocytic neoplasm. The quality of Wright's stain, being short of complete cytochemical stains, lacking of awareness of this disease, and acute leukemia or MDS like appearance in some cases, result in the possibility of diagnostic error as malignant blast, and probably are main causes of misdiagnosis of HSTCL γδ type.

The acid response network of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus colonizes or causes infection in a multitude of niches within a mammalian host. Many of these niches are acidic, yet specific pH resistance mechanisms that facilitate survival have not been thoroughly investigated. This review discusses recent studies documenting known acid resistance mechanisms in S. aureus and other staphylococcal species. However, studies that clearly define the regulation of the acid resistance regulon and potential interactions with weak organic acids in specific niches of the host including the skin and gut are yet to be defined.

Optimal acquisition time to discriminate between breast cancer subtypes with contrast-enhanced cone-beam CT

PURPOSE

To identify the optimal acquisition time to best discriminate between benign and malignant breast lesions on contrast-enhanced cone beam CT (CE-CBCT) and evaluate the potential of CE-CBCT to differentiate between breast cancer subtypes.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 98 women with a mean age of 49±10 (SD) years (range: 29-77 years) with 100 BI-RADS 4 or 5 breast lesions were prospectively included. CE-CBCT images were obtained at 1- and 2-min after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast material. Contrast enhancement of breast lesions on CE-CBCT were evaluated and compared between different subtypes. Cut-off values for best discriminating between benign and malignant breast lesions with CE-CBCT were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Malignant breast lesions showed greater enhancement than benign ones at 1-min (67.28±39.79 [SD] HU vs. 42.27±40.31 [SD] HU, respectively; P=0.007) and 2-min (70.93±38.05 [SD] HU vs. 48.94±41.83 [SD] HU, respectively; P=0.016) after intravenous administration of contrast material. At 1-min after intravenous administration of contrast material, an optimal cut-off value of 54.43 HU was found to best discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions (AUC=0.681; 95%CI: 0.558-0.805; P=0.006) yielding 69.0% sensitivity (95%CI: 56.9-79.5%) and 69.2% specificity (95% CI: 48.2-85.7%). At 2-min, an optimal cut-off value of 72.65 HU was found to best discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions (AUC=0.654; 95%CI: 0.535-0.774; P=0.020) yielding 50.7% sensitivity (95%CI: 38.6-62.8%) and 80.8% specificity (95%CI: 60.6-93.4%). CE-CBCT helped differentiate between immunohistochemical subtypes of breast lesions with lowest enhancement for triple negative lesions. No differences in enhancement were found among histopathological subtypes lesions at 1-min (P=0.478) and 2-min (P=0.625).

CONCLUSION

CE-CBCT helps discriminate between malignant and benign breast lesions, with best capabilities obtained at 1-min after intravenous administration of contrast material. For malignant lesions, quantitative analysis of enhancement on CE-CBCT helps differentiate between immunohistochemical subtypes.

miR-483 is down-regulated in gastric cancer and suppresses cell proliferation, invasion and protein O-GlcNAcylation by targeting OGT

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the gastric carcinogenesis and progression. Here, we confirmed that miR-483 was frequently decreased in gastric cancer patients. The expression levels of miR-483 were negatively correlated with tumor stage, node metastasis and stromal invasion. Log-rank tests demonstrated that low expression of miR-483 was strongly correlated with poor overall survival in patients with gastric cancer. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-483 remarkably suppressed gastric cancer cell proliferation by enhancing cell apoptosis and significantly inhibited the invasion of gastric cancer cells, while low expression of miR-483 exhibited the opposite effect. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that OGT was a potential target of miR-483, and miR-483 inhibited the expression level of OGT mRNA by direct binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR). Expression of miR-483 was negatively correlated with OGT in gastric cancer tissues. In addition, modulation of miR-483 expression could affect the global cellular protein O-GlcNAcylation in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, silencing of OGT counteracted the effects of miR-483 repression, while its overexpression reversed tumor inhibitory effects of miR-483. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR-483 functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting proliferation, invasion and protein O-GlcNAcylation of gastric cancer via targeting OGT, and that miR-483 may serve as prognostic or therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Bidirectional dopamine modulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to subthalamic neuron subsets containing α4β2 or α7 nAChRs

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) possesses microcircuits distinguished by subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Although dysfunction of the STN is well-known in Parkinson's disease, there is still little information about whether dopamine differentially modulates excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to STN neurons expressing different nAChR subtypes. To address this issue, we performed brain slice patch-clamp recordings on STN neurons, while we pharmacologically manipulated dopaminergic inputs. In STN neuron subsets containing either α4β2 or α7 nAChRs, D₁ and D₂ receptors respectively enhanced and inhibited spontaneous inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs and sEPSCs) and firing rates. The elevation of dopamine levels resulted in diverse regulations of synaptic transmission in these two neuron subsets, and interestingly, the dopamine regulation of sIPSCs significantly correlated with that of sEPSCs. Surprisingly, depletion of dopamine either by reserpine treatment or by unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons did not alter synaptic inputs to STN neurons, but STN neurons in the 6-OHDA-lesioned side exhibited hyperactivity. In summary, dopamine regulated both GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic inputs to STN neuron subsets containing either α4β2 or α7 nAChRs, forming a balancing machinery to control neuronal activity. In parkinsonian mice, postsynaptic mechanisms may exist and contribute to the hyperactivity of STN neurons.

Urease is an essential component of the acid response network of Staphylococcus aureus and is required for a persistent murine kidney infection

Staphylococcus aureus causes acute and chronic infections resulting in significant morbidity. Urease, an enzyme that generates NH₃ and CO₂ from urea, is key to pH homeostasis in bacterial pathogens under acidic stress and nitrogen limitation. However, the function of urease in S. aureus niche colonization and nitrogen metabolism has not been extensively studied. We discovered that urease is essential for pH homeostasis and viability in urea-rich environments under weak acid stress. The regulation of urease transcription by CcpA, Agr, and CodY was identified in this study, implying a complex network that controls urease expression in response to changes in metabolic flux. In addition, it was determined that the endogenous urea derived from arginine is not a significant contributor to the intracellular nitrogen pool in non-acidic conditions. Furthermore, we found that during a murine chronic renal infection, urease facilitates S. aureus persistence by promoting bacterial fitness in the low-pH, urea-rich kidney. Overall, our study establishes that urease in S. aureus is not only a primary component of the acid response network but also an important factor required for persistent murine renal infections.

Urease has been reported to be crucial to bacteria in environmental adaptation, virulence, and defense against host immunity. Although the function of urease in S. aureus is not clear, recent evidence suggests that urease is important for acid resistance in various niches. Our study deciphered a function of S. aureus urease both in laboratory conditions and during host colonization. Furthermore, we uncovered the major components of the regulatory system that fine-tunes the expression of urease. Collectively, this study established the dual function of urease which serves as a significant part of the S. aureus acid response while also serving as an enzyme required for persistent kidney infections and potential subsequent staphylococcal metastasis.

Identification of Dialeurodes citri as a Vector of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus in China

In 2009, a new citrus viral disease caused by Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) was first discovered in China and now CYVCV is widely distributed in the field. CYVCV is transmissible by grafting and is spread by aphids from lemon to bean, and from bean to bean. However, until now, no vector has been shown to transmit CYVCV from citrus to citrus. In this study, after a 24-h acquisition access period (AAP), CYVCV was tested for in Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead), Panonychus citri McGregor, and Aphis citricidus (Kirkaldy) by quantitative RT-PCR. After an AAP of 48 h, groups of adults of D. citri, P. citri, and A. citricidus were given a 48 h inoculation access period on cultivar Daidai sour orange seedlings. Three, 6, and 12 months post-transmission by D. citri, CYVCV was detected in the receptor plants, and the mean incidence of infected trees was 31.9, 39.1, and 39.1%, respectively. CYVCV was not transmitted to citrus by P. citri or A. citricidus. This is the first report of the ability of D. citri to transmit CYVCV from infected to healthy citrus under laboratory conditions.

Galantamine reversed early postoperative cognitive deficit via alleviating inflammation and enhancing synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampus

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is commonly seen in patients undergoing major surgeries and may persist. Although neuroinflammation is one of the important contributors to the development of POCD, the mechanisms underlying POCD remain unclear. We performed stabilized tibial fracture operation in male mice. In comparison with sham mice (anesthesia only), the surgery mice exhibited cognitive deficits in a fear conditioning paradigm at postsurgery day 3-7, and increased numbers of microglia and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) without change of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. Electrophysiological recordings from CA1 hippocampal neurons revealed that POCD mice exhibited impairment in AMPA receptor-mediated evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) without alteration in the rectification property of AMPA receptors. Interestingly, daily intraperitoneal administration of galantamine, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, reversed cognitive dysfunction in surgery mice and attenuated accumulation of microglia and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus. Additionally, galantamine potentiated AMPA receptor-mediated eEPSCs in the hippocampus more prominent in surgery mice than in sham mice. Therefore, enhancement of cholinergic tone in the hippocampus might be a therapeutic strategy for early POCD in terms of suppression of inflammation and normalization of excitatory synaptic transmission.

Expanding the Coverage of the Metabolome with Nitrogen-Based NMR

Isotopically labeling a metabolite and tracing its metabolic fate has provided invaluable insights about the role of metabolism in human diseases in addition to a variety of other issues. ¹³C-labeled metabolite tracers or unlabeled ¹H-based NMR experiments are currently the most common application of NMR to metabolomics studies. Unfortunately, the coverage of the metabolome has been consequently limited to the most abundant carbon-containing metabolites. To expand the coverage of the metabolome and enhance the impact of metabolomics studies, we present a protocol for ¹⁵N-labeled metabolite tracer experiments that may also be combined with routine ¹³C tracer experiments to simultaneously detect both ¹⁵N- and ¹³C-labeled metabolites in metabolic samples. A database consisting of 2D ¹H-¹⁵N HSQC natural-abundance spectra of 50 nitrogen-containing metabolites are also presented to facilitate the assignment of ¹⁵N-labeled metabolites. The methodology is demonstrated by labeling Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus metabolomes with ¹⁵N₁-ammonium chloride, ¹⁵N₄-arginine, and ¹³C₂-acetate. Efficient ¹⁵N and ¹³C metabolite labeling and identification were achieved utilizing standard cell culture and sample preparation protocols.

[Analysis of curative effect of transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery on glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement at the early stage]

Objective: To explore the key technique and outcome of transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery for early stage of glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement (ACI). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients, who were diagnosed as early stage glottic carcinoma during January 2010 to March 2016 in ENT Department. According to whether the anterior commissure was involved or not, two groups were divided. There were eleven cases with ACI (stages T1a, T1b, and T2). Twenty cases without ACI (stages Tis, T1a, and T2). All the patients received transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery and followed up closely.Only one case received radiotheraphy after surgery. SPSS19.0 software was used to analyze data. Results: The follow-up time was 12-67 months, and the median follow-up time was 30 months. Nine among 11 cases with ACI obtained good oncologic outcomes, initial local recurrence was identified in 2/11 cases, including 2 cases of T2. Two cases ultimately required salvage total laryngectomy. Meanwhile, initial local recurrence was identified in 2/20 cases without ACI, including 1 case of T1a and 1 case of T2. One case underwent elective neck dissection, and another one received salvage total laryngectomy.Compared to the patients without ACI, it seemed that the cases with ACI always accomponied with a little higher initial local recurrence and lower overall laryngealpreservation, but the difference had no significance (P>0.05). Conclusions: Transoral radiofrequency ablation microsurgery is an effective treatment for glottic carcinoma with ACI. Its advantages, such as more flexibility and deformability, make it more feasible to operate at the narrow space of anterior commissure assisted with laryngeal endoscopy.Good oncologic outcomes can be obtained by this technique with lower initial local recurrence as well as higher overall laryngeal preservation rate.

Deep tissue optical focusing and optogenetic modulation with time-reversed ultrasonically encoded light

Noninvasive light focusing deep inside living biological tissue has long been a goal in biomedical optics. However, the optical scattering of biological tissue prevents conventional optical systems from tightly focusing visible light beyond several hundred micrometers. The recently developed wavefront shaping technique time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) focusing enables noninvasive light delivery to targeted locations beyond the optical diffusion limit. However, until now, TRUE focusing has only been demonstrated inside nonliving tissue samples. We present the first example of TRUE focusing in 2-mm-thick living brain tissue and demonstrate its application for optogenetic modulation of neural activity in 800-μm-thick acute mouse brain slices at a wavelength of 532 nm. We found that TRUE focusing enabled precise control of neuron firing and increased the spatial resolution of neuronal excitation fourfold when compared to conventional lens focusing. This work is an important step in the application of TRUE focusing for practical biomedical uses.

[Complications analysis of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation on children]

Objective:To analyze the complications of adenotonsilectomy assisted with coblation in children. Method:Complications of 2 089 cases of children with adenoid and tonsil surgery assisted with coblation, in our hospital nearly 10 years, were analyzed by epidemiological methods through the method of retrospective analysis. Result:①the sex ratio of male to female was 2.08：1, average age (5.87±3.12) years old, and most of 2 089 cases 76.35% (1 595/2 089) were 3-7 years old; ②all cases underwent adenoidectomy. Different surgery methods of tonsil consisted of three groups as partial resection associated with ablation was 69.17% (1 445/2 089), ablation (channeling) alone was 22.26% (465/2 089) and total resection was 8.57% (179/208). The amount of bleeding in operation was (8.52±3.18)ml, average operation time was (30.15±8.26) minutes, the postoperative pain score was (3.77±1.61); ③The incidence of postoperative complications: postoperative bleeding (all were secondary bleeding cases) rate was 0.24% (5/2 089), recurrence rate was 0.14% (3/2 089), prevertebral lymphadenitis was 0.96% (20/2 089), the other was 0.29% (torus hyperplasia in 2 cases, dyspnea in 2 cases, 1 cases of angle of mouth burned, nasopharyngeal adhesion in 1 cases). Postoperative fever rate was 9.81% (205/2 089). Conclusion:coblation technique is a good method for the treatment of children's adenoids and tonsil diseases with high efficiency and low complications. But improving the operation procedure proficiency level and skills of operation is an important link to reduce complications.

Cholinergic Mesopontine Signals Govern Locomotion and Reward through Dissociable Midbrain Pathways

The mesopontine tegmentum, including the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei (PPN and LDT), provides major cholinergic inputs to midbrain and regulates locomotion and reward. To delineate the underlying projection-specific circuit mechanisms, we employed optogenetics to control mesopontine cholinergic neurons at somata and at divergent projections within distinct midbrain areas. Bidirectional manipulation of PPN cholinergic cell bodies exerted opposing effects on locomotor behavior and reinforcement learning. These motor and reward effects were separable via limiting photostimulation to PPN cholinergic terminals in the ventral substantia nigra pars compacta (vSNc) or to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), respectively. LDT cholinergic neurons also form connections with vSNc and VTA neurons; however, although photo-excitation of LDT cholinergic terminals in the VTA caused positive reinforcement, LDT-to-vSNc modulation did not alter locomotion or reward. Therefore, the selective targeting of projection-specific mesopontine cholinergic pathways may offer increased benefit in treating movement and addiction disorders.

[Pregnancy outcomes and symptom improvement of patients with adenomyosis treated with high intensity focused ultrasound ablation]

Objective: To investigate the symptom improvement and pregnancy outcomes of patients with adenomyosis after treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. Methods: From October 2010 to October 2015, 68 patients with adenomyosis who wish to get pregnancies were treated with HIFU ablation in Suining Central Hospital. Among these patients, 56 presented with dysmenorrhea, 11 presented with menorrhagia, and 1 patient complained both; 41 of them had histories of abnormal pregnancy. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Fifty-four patients got pregnancy at the median of 10 months(range:1 to 31 months) after HIFU ablation, and 21 of them had delivered healthy babies. No uterine rupture occurred during gestation or delivery, and the newborn babies were healthy. Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia in the patients who had pregnancies after HIFU ablation treatment were significantly relieved. The average menstruation volume score before and 1, 3, 6-month post-HIFU were 2.6±1.7, 1.7±0.8, 1.4±0.6, 1.3±0.6, respectively (P<0.05). The menstruation pain score before and 1, 3, 6-month after HIFU were 1.4±0.9, 0.9±0.7, 0.6±0.5, and 0.9±0.7, respectively (P<0.05). The volume of the adenomyotic lesions before and after HIFU at 1, 3, 6 month were (34±23), (23±15), (20±17), (20±12) cm³ (P<0.05). Although the spontaneous abortion rate was decreased after HIFU ablation treatment, there was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative [43% (23/54) versus 37% (20/54), P>0.05]. However, 20 of the 54 patients had spontaneous abortion, compared with 21 patients who had delivered babies, there were no significant statistical difference in terms of age, duration of disease, lesion size, non-perfused volume ratio, as well as the symptom scores before and after HIFU ablation treatment. Conclusions: HIFU ablation treatment is effective in improving symptoms of patients with adenomyosis. Based on our results, HIFU ablation treatment maybe also help to improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients with adenomyosis, but further studies are needed.

[Metformin's effect on 5-fluorouracil,cisplatin,paclitaxel in laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells]

Objective:To investigate metformin's effect on chemosensitivity of chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil in laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells. Investigate the variation trend of protein expression of AMPK pathway in the combined effect.Method:Laryngocarcinoma Hep-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of 5-fluorouracil in vitro together with or without metformin for 72 h. Use MTT assay to investigate the influence on the inhibition rate to Hep-2 cells. Hep-2 cells were treated with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil or paclitaxel with or without metformin. Use Western blot assay to investigate the expression level of AMPKα, P21 or Cyclin D1 protein. Result:5-fluorouracil and metformin could inhibit the proliferation of Hep-2 cells. 5-fluorouracil in low concentration combined with metformin could increase the proliferation inhibition rate of Hep-2 cells. In the circumstances of using 5-fluorouracil in high concentration with metformin , the cell proliferation inhibition rate of combining group makes no differences with the single-drug group. The combination of metformin and 5-fluorouracil produced an antagonism action in Hep-2 cells.Western blot assay showed that metformin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil could have caused the increase of expression level of AMPK-α, P21 and Cyclin D1 in Hep-2 cells while Paclitaxel could have cause the decrease of expression level of Cyclin D1. Using combined drug could cause the change of protein expression. Conclusion:5-fluorouracil has been found to inhibit the proliferation of Hep-2 cells. Metformin has an antagonism on the anticancer effect to 5-fluorouracil in Hep-2 cells, and this antagonistic effect occurred partially through molecular signal pathways of AMPK-α, P21 and Cyclin D1 and it's significantly related to the cell cycle arrest.

Occurrence, Distribution, and Molecular Characterization of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus in China

In 2009, a new citrus viral disease caused by Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) was discovered in China. To more effectively monitor the presence of CYVCV, a survey was conducted in 166 citrus orchards from 11 major citrus-growing provinces in China from May 2014 to April 2016. In all, 458 of a total of 2,350 citrus samples tested positive for CYVCV, demonstrating that the virus is widely distributed in China. In this study, the complete genome sequences of 19 CYVCV isolates from different provinces and hosts were sequenced and characterized. Comparisons of the whole-genome sequences of these 19 CYVCV isolates as well as 4 isolates previously reported from around the world revealed that the sequence identity ranged from 97.1 to 99.8%, indicating that there is a very low level of sequence heterogeneity among CYVCV isolates of different geographic origins and hosts. Phylogenetic analysis of these 23 genomic sequences suggested that all of the isolates from China were clustered into the same clade, clearly apart from the CYVCV isolates from Turkey and Pakistan. To our knowledge, this is the first extensive survey conducted in China for CYVCV incidence.

[Photodynamic therapy by topical drup for the treatment of juvenile onset laryngeal papillomatosis]

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy(PDT) on the treatment of juvenile onset laryngeal papillomatosis. Method:Twenty-eight cases of children with laryngeal papilloma were treated,only 2 cases for the first time, and the rest were repeatedly treated outside our hospital, the average hospital surgery were more than 4 times. Under self retaining laryngoscope and microscope and endoscope assisted by semiconductor laser and plasma and cold instrument method，visible tumor resection and local affixed deposited 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid(photosensitizer) 3 hours later, with 635 nm semiconductor laser photodynamic,200-280 mW and can volume density of 80 to 120 J/cm², 20 min irradiation. PDT should be repeated after 25 days until no visible tumor.Then,2 times PDT must be done. Result:In 28 cases, 24 cases were followed up for more than 1 years(12 cases were followed up for 3 years),19 had no recurrence, the cure rate was 79.2%(19/24)；5 cases recurrence, and the recurrence rate was 20.8%(5/24)，among them,2 cases were abandoned because of the relapse，the other 3 cases were cure after 3 times of PDT.The main complications were adhesion of larynx. Conclusion:The preliminary effect of PDT by topical drug for the treatment of juvenile onset laryngeal papillomatosis is encouraging. The principle of PDT and the principle of the recurrence of laryngeal papilloma in children were also introduced in this paper.

Association between interleukin-17A polymorphism and coronary artery disease susceptibility in the Chinese Han population

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major global health problem. In China, the incidence of CAD and the rate of mortality arising from it have increased every year. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by activated T cells, and it may be involved in the development of CAD. Genetic polymorphisms in functional regions of the IL17A gene have a plausible role in modulating the risk of CAD. To evaluate the role of IL17A polymorphisms as a risk factor for CAD, we performed a detailed analysis of possible functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in regulatory regions of IL17A. This study examined the potential association between CAD and five SNPs (rs8193037, rs8193036, rs3819024, rs2275913, and rs3748067) of the IL17A gene. The allelic or genotypic frequencies of the rs8193037 (promoter region) and rs8193036 (promoter region) polymorphisms in CAD were significantly different from those in healthy controls. The CAD subjects had a significantly lower frequency of the A allele of rs8193037 (P = 0.009, OR = 1.772, 95%CI = 1.146- 2.742) and the T allele of rs8193036 (P = 0.010, OR = 1.754, 95%CI = 1.139-2.701). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in one block (D' > 0.9). Significantly fewer T-G-G-A haplotypes (P = 0.045) were found in CAD subjects in block 1. These data suggest that IL17A gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to CAD, and support the notion that dysfunction of IL-17A is involved in the pathophysiological process of CAD.

Association of NF-κB1 gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease in a Han Chinese population

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is a transcription factor that controls cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. Activated NF-κB1 is associated with the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and genetic polymorphisms in NF-κB1 have a plausible role in modulating the risk of CAD. To identify markers that contribute to the genetic susceptibility to CAD, we examined the potential association between CAD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs28362491, rs230531, rs230528, rs1005819, rs4648055, rs3774964, and rs3774968) in the NF-κB1 gene using SNaPshot SNP genotyping assay. Participants included 361 patients with CAD and 385 healthy controls. The genotype and allele frequencies of the rs28362491 (promoter region) polymorphism in the CAD patients were significantly different from those in the healthy controls. The frequency of the D allele was significantly higher in CAD patients than in the healthy controls (P = 0.005 after Bonferroni correction). Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in one block (D' > 0.9). Haplotype analysis revealed that haplotypes in block 1 of the NF-κB1 gene did not display a risk or protective effect (P > 0.05). These data suggest that NF-κB1 gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to CAD and also support the notion that dysfunction of NF-κB1 is involved in the pathophysiological process of CAD.

[Clinical effect analysis of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation on children]

Objective:This study aims to explore the clinical effect of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation on children.Method:The investigation took the form of retrospective review of 2 089 cases of children applied with adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy assisted with ablation in our hospital in recent 10 years. We obtained data of these children with epidemiological methods based on analyzing the status of general information and operation selections, and then analyzing the scores of snoring and breath preoperation and postoperation.Result:①General information of 2 089 cases followed with: the ratio of male and female was 2.08∶1，the average onset age was（5.87±3.12）years old, mostly ranged from 3 to 7 years old, which consists of 76.35%（1595/2089）of the group.②Different surgery methods of tonsil consisted of three groups as: partial resection associate with ablation was 69.17%(1445/2089), ablation alone was 22.26%(465/2089) and partial resection alone was 8.57%(179/2089) of the group.③A high level scores of snoring and breath more frequently found in preoperative cases than in postoperative cases(P <0.01).There are no differentiation among the scores of above three groups(P >0.05).The postoperative effect evaluation were related to allergic rhinitis, recurrent of tonsillitis, obesity, circular occipital hyperplasia and nasopharyngeal adhesion.Conclusion:The results suggested that surgery assisted with ablation has its advantage in adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. Individual therapy for different children will improve the curative effect and relieve the pain of operation, thus is worth a wide application.

Analysis of Nucleosome Sliding by ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Enzymes

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes carry out diverse transformations of chromatin. Understanding their mechanisms requires assays that can monitor the kinetics or chromatin remodeling. In this chapter, we describe complimentary native gel-based and FRET-based methods for assaying the kinetics of ATP-driven nucleosome sliding. These methods can be readily adapted to investigate other types of nucleosomal transformations carried out by chromatin remodeling ATPases.

Pharmacologically induced mouse model of adult spinal muscular atrophy to evaluate effectiveness of therapeutics after disease onset

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease characterized by atrophy of muscle and loss of spinal motor neurons. SMA is caused by deletion or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, and the nearly identical SMN2 gene fails to generate adequate levels of functional SMN protein due to a splicing defect. Currently, several therapeutics targeted to increase SMN protein are in clinical trials. An outstanding issue in the field is whether initiating treatment in symptomatic older patients would confer a therapeutic benefit, an important consideration as the majority of patients with milder forms of SMA are diagnosed at an older age. An SMA mouse model that recapitulates the disease phenotype observed in adolescent and adult SMA patients is needed to address this important question. We demonstrate here that Δ7 mice, a model of severe SMA, treated with a suboptimal dose of an SMN2 splicing modifier show increased SMN protein, survive into adulthood and display SMA disease-relevant pathologies. Increasing the dose of the splicing modifier after the disease symptoms are apparent further mitigates SMA histopathological features in suboptimally dosed adult Δ7 mice. In addition, inhibiting myostatin using intramuscular injection of AAV1-follistatin ameliorates muscle atrophy in suboptimally dosed Δ7 mice. Taken together, we have developed a new murine model of symptomatic SMA in adolescents and adult mice that is induced pharmacologically from a more severe model and demonstrated efficacy of both SMN2 splicing modifiers and a myostatin inhibitor in mice at later disease stages.

Bioinformatic analysis of potential candidates for therapy of inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) increased the risk for developing colorectal cancer. However, there is no effective therapy for IBDs. The aim of this study was to identify potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and explore the possible mechanism underlying this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gene expression profile GSE6731 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, which included 9 UC samples and 19 CD samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between affected colon tissues and non-affected tissues were identified in UC and CD group. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis of DEGs were performed. Modules in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were identified, and significant node genes were selected.

RESULTS

Total 619 DEGs including 285 up-regulated genes and 334 down-regulated genes were identified in UC group and total 1159 DEGs of CD including 585 up-regulated genes and 574 down-regulated genes were selected. Module was selected from PPI network. From the PPI network and module, DEGs of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) and major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR alpha (HLA-DRA) have high degree.

CONCLUSIONS

MAPK3, NDRG1 and HLA-DRA may play key roles in the progression and development of IBD. They may be used as specific therapeutic targets in the treatment of IBD. However, further experiments are still needed to confirm our results.