Study of association between corneal shape parameters and axial length elongation during orthokeratology using image-pro plus software

BACKGROUND

The aim was to validate the correlation between corneal shape parameters and axial length growth (ALG) during orthokeratology using Image-Pro Plus (IPP) 6.0 software.

METHODS

This retrospective study used medical records of myopic children aged 8-13 years (n = 104) undergoing orthokeratology. Their corneal topography and axial length were measured at baseline and subsequent follow-ups after lens wear. Corneal shape parameters, including the treatment zone (TZ) area, TZ diameter, TZ fractal dimension, TZ radius ratio, eccentric distance, pupil area, and pupillary peripheral steepened zone(PSZ) area, were measured using IPP software. The impact of corneal shape parameters at 3 months post-orthokeratology visit on 1.5-year ALG was evaluated using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

ALG exhibited significant associations with age, TZ area, TZ diameter, TZ fractal dimension, and eccentric distance on univariate linear regression analysis. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, TZ area, and eccentric distance as significantly correlated with ALG (all P < 0.01), with eccentric distance showing the strongest correlation (β = -0.370). The regressive equation was y = 1.870 - 0.235a + 0.276b - 0.370c, where y represents ALG, a represents age, b represents TZ area, and c represents eccentric distance; R2 = 0.27). No significant relationships were observed between the TZ radius ratio, pupillary PSZ area, and ALG.

CONCLUSIONS

IPP software proves effective in capturing precise corneal shape parameters after orthokeratology. Eccentric distance, rather than age or the TZ area, significantly influences ALG retardation.

Photo-Induced Geometry and Polarity Gradients in Covalent Organic Frameworks Enabling Fast and Durable Molecular Separations

Azobenzene, which activates its geometric and chemical structure under light stimulation enables noninvasive control of mass transport in many processes including membrane separations. However, producing azobenzene-decorated channels that have precise size tunability and favorable pore wall chemistry allowing fast and durable permeation to solvent molecules, remains a great challenge. Herein, an advanced membrane that comprises geometry and polarity gradients within covalent organic framework (COF) nanochannels utilizing photoisomerization of azobenzene groups is reported. Such functional variations afford reduced interfacial transfer resistance and enhanced solvent-philic pore channels, thus creating a fast solvent transport pathway without compromising selectivity. Moreover, the membrane sets up a densely covered defense layer to prevent foulant adhesion and the accumulation of cake layer, contributing to enhanced antifouling resistance to organic foulants, and a high recovery rate of solvent permeance. More importantly, the solvent permeance displays a negligible decline throughout the long-term filtration for over 40 days. This work reports the geometry and polarity gradients in COF channels induced by the conformation change of branched azobenzene groups and demonstrates the strong capability of this conformation change in realizing fast and durable molecular separations.

PPM Ir-f-phamidol-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of γ-Amino Ketones Followed by Stereoselective Cyclization for Construction of Chiral 2-Aryl-pyrrolidine Pharmacophores

Transition metal catalysts with a million turnovers and excellent selectivity are rarely reported but are crucial for the industrial manufacture of optical pure pharmaceuticals, natural products, and fine chemicals. In this paper, we report an unprecedented aninoic Ir-f-phamidol catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of γ-amino ketones followed by stereoselective cyclization for construction of valuable chiral 2-aryl-pyrrolidine pharmacophores. The Ir-f-phamidol catalyst showed up to 1,000,000 TON and >99% ee, as well as excellent tolerance of substrates and protecting groups, providing various chiral amino alcohol intermediates. Upon optimization of the conditions, the stereoselective cyclization reaction was highly smooth and efficient (quantitative conversions, 92 to >99% ee). Finally, this solution was applied in the preparation of high-value chiral entities containing such chiral 2-aryl-pyrrolidine pharmacophores.

Global, regional, and national trends in osteoarthritis disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019: a comprehensive analysis of the global burden of disease study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate global, regional, and national trends in osteoarthritis disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019, identify the burden of osteoarthritis in different age groups, and assess age, period, and cohort effects on osteoarthritis DALYs.

STUDY DESIGN

A comprehensive analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 data, covering 204 countries and territories.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive analysis using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, encompassing 204 countries and territories. Age-standardized DALY rates were calculated, and the age-period-cohort model was employed to examine the age, period, and cohort effects on osteoarthritis DALYs. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated to evaluate trends in DALYs.

RESULTS

Globally, osteoarthritis DALYs increased by 114.48 % between 1990 and 2019, with an age-standardized DALY rate growth of 3.3 %. The largest relative growth in DALYs occurred in Middle and Low-middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions. DALYs increased significantly in almost all age-specific groups, particularly among 45-74 years old age groups. Age, period, and cohort effects analysis revealed a general increase in osteoarthritis DALYs risk over time, with some variations by SDI quintiles and sex. The steepest increase in DALYs occurred in the 30-34 years age group, and the trend attenuated with increasing age. Males showed significantly slower DALYs growth than females in age groups with non-overlapping 95 % confidence intervals. Age effects were consistently higher in females, especially in high-SDI countries. Period and cohort effects generally demonstrated a climbing risk of osteoarthritis DALYs across different SDI quintiles, with more pronounced increases in lower-SDI regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the substantial and increasing burden of osteoarthritis at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2019, with significant variations by age, period, and cohort. These results underscore the importance of developing targeted public health strategies and interventions to address the growing impact of osteoarthritis, particularly in lower-SDI regions and among older populations.

MiR-23a Regulates Skin Langerhans Cell Phagocytosis and Inflammation-Induced Langerhans Cell Repopulation

Langerhans cells (LCs) are skin-resident macrophage that act similarly to dendritic cells for controlling adaptive immunity and immune tolerance in the skin, and they are key players in the development of numerous skin diseases. While TGF-β and related downstream signaling pathways are known to control numerous aspects of LC biology, little is known about the epigenetic signals that coordinate cell signaling during LC ontogeny, maintenance, and function. Our previous studies in a total miRNA deletion mouse model showed that miRNAs are critically involved in embryonic LC development and postnatal LC homeostasis; however, the specific miRNA(s) that regulate LCs remain unknown. miR-23a is the first member of the miR-23a-27a-24-2 cluster, a direct downstream target of PU.1 and TGF-b, which regulate the determination of myeloid versus lymphoid fates. Therefore, we used a myeloid-specific miR-23a deletion mouse model to explore whether and how miR-23a affects LC ontogeny and function in the skin. We observed the indispensable role of miR-23a in LC antigen uptake and inflammation-induced LC epidermal repopulation; however, embryonic LC development and postnatal homeostasis were not affected by cells lacking miR23a. Our results suggest that miR-23a controls LC phagocytosis by targeting molecules that regulate efferocytosis and endocytosis, whereas miR-23a promotes homeostasis in bone marrow-derived LCs that repopulate the skin after inflammatory insult by targeting Fas and Bcl-2 family proapoptotic molecules. Collectively, the context-dependent regulatory role of miR-23a in LCs represents an extra-epigenetic layer that incorporates TGF-b- and PU.1-mediated regulation during steady-state and inflammation-induced repopulation.

A 13-million turnover-number anionic Ir-catalyst for a selective industrial route to chiral nicotine

Developing catalysts with both useful enantioselectivities and million turnover numbers (TONs) for asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones is attractive for industrial production of high-value bioactive chiral entities but remains a challenging. Herein, we report an ultra-efficient anionic Ir-catalyst integrated with the concept of multidentate ligation for asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones. Biocatalysis-like efficacy of up to 99% ee (enantiomeric excess), 13,425,000 TON (turnover number) and 224 s^-1 TOF (turnover frequency) were documented for benchmark acetophenone. Up to 1,000,000 TON and 99% ee were achieved for challenging pyridyl alkyl ketone where at most 10,000 TONs are previously reported. The anionic Ir-catalyst showed a novel preferred ONa/MH instead of NNa/MH bifunctional mechanism. A selective industrial route to enantiopure nicotine has been established using this anionic Ir-catalyst for the key asymmetric hydrogenation step at 500 kg batch scale, providing 40 tons scale of product.

Integrative scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq analyses map thymic iNKT cell development and identify Cbfβ for its commitment

Unlike conventional αβT cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells complete their terminal differentiation to functional iNKT1/2/17 cells in the thymus. However, underlying molecular programs that guide iNKT subset differentiation remain unclear. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of over 17,000 iNKT cells and the chromatin accessibility states of over 39,000 iNKT cells across four thymic iNKT developmental stages using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) to define their developmental trajectories. Our study discovered novel features for iNKT precursors and different iNKT subsets and indicated that iNKT2 and iNKT17 lineage commitment may occur as early as stage 0 (ST0) by two distinct programs, while iNKT1 commitments may occur post ST0. Both iNKT1 and iNKT2 cells exhibit extensive phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, while iNKT17 cells are relatively homogenous. Furthermore, we identified that a novel transcription factor, Cbfβ, was highly expressed in iNKT progenitor commitment checkpoint, which showed a similar expression trajectory with other known transcription factors for iNKT cells development, Zbtb16 and Egr2, and could direct iNKT cells fate and drive their effector phenotype differentiation. Conditional deletion of Cbfβ blocked early iNKT cell development and led to severe impairment of iNKT1/2/17 cell differentiation. Overall, our findings uncovered distinct iNKT developmental programs as well as their cellular heterogeneity, and identified a novel transcription factor Cbfβ as a key regulator for early iNKT cell commitment.

Perpendicular Alignment of Covalent Organic Framework (COF) Pore Channels by Solvent Vapor Annealing

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have showcased great potential in diverse applications such as separation and catalysis, where mass transfer confined in their pore channels plays a significant role. However, anisotropic orientation usually occurs in polycrystalline COFs, and perpendicular alignment of COF pore channels is ultimately desired to maximize their performance. Herein, we demonstrate a strategy, solvent vapor annealing, to reorient COF pore channels from anisotropic orientation to perpendicular alignment. COF thin films are first synthesized to have flexible N-H bonds in their skeletons, thus having structural mobility to enable molecular rearrangement. A solvent with low relative permittivity and a conjugated structure is then identified to have a strong affinity toward the COFs, allowing its vapor to easily penetrate into the COF interlayers. The solvent vapor weakens the π-π interaction and consequently allows the COF monolayers to dissociate. The COF monolayers undergo a reorientation process that converts from random stacking into the face-on stacking fashion, in which the through COF pores are perpendicularly aligned. The aligned COF film exhibits high separation precision toward ions featuring a size difference down to 2 Å, which is 8 times higher than that of the anisotropically oriented counterpart. This work opens up an avenue for COF orientation regulation by solvent vapor annealing and reveals the essential role of the perpendicular alignment of COF pore channels to enable precision separations.

Low-order fine roots of Picea asperata have different physiological mechanisms in response to seasonal freeze and freeze-thaw of soil

Seasonal soil freezing (F) and freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) are common natural phenomena in high latitude or altitude areas of the world, and seriously affect plant physiological processes. However, studies on the effect of soil F and FTCs on fine roots are less common, especially in subalpine coniferous forests of western Sichuan, China. We set up a controlled experiment in growth chambers to explore the effects of F and FTCs on low-order fine roots of Picea asperata and differential responses of first-order roots and the first three root orders (1st, 2nd and 3rd order roots combined as a unit). Soil F and FTCs resulted in serious damage to cell membranes and root vitality of low-order fine roots, accompanied by increased MDA content and O₂ ·^- production. FTCs had a stronger effect than F treatment. In turn, low-order fine roots are the unit that responds to cold stress. These roots had increased unsaturated fatty acid contents, antioxidant enzyme activities, osmolytes and plant hormones contents when acclimation to cold stress. The first-order roots were more sensitive to cold stress than the combined first three root orders for several processes (e.g. antioxidant enzymes, osmolytes and hormones) because of their specific structure and physiological activity. This study explains physiological differences in responses of fine roots of different root orders to seasonal soil freezing, which will improve the understanding of fine root heterogeneity and support agriculture and forest management.

Dysregulated CD38 expression in blood and skin immune cells of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a multifactorial, inflammatory skin disease. Increased systemic inflammatory comorbidities and serum cytokines highlight systemic inflammation as a feature of HS. However, the specific immune cell subsets contributing to systemic and cutaneous inflammation have not been resolved. Here, we generated whole-blood immunomes by mass cytometry. We performed a meta-analysis of RNA-seq data, immunohistochemistry, and imaging mass cytometry to characterize the immunological landscape of skin lesions and perilesions from patients with HS. Blood from patients with HS exhibited lower frequencies of natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and classical (CD14+CD16-) and nonclassical (CD14-CD16+) monocytes, as well as higher frequencies of Th17 cells and intermediate (CD14+CD16+) monocytes than blood from healthy controls. Classical and intermediate monocytes from patients with HS had increased expression of skin-homing chemokine receptors. Furthermore, we identified a CD38+ intermediate monocyte subpopulation that was more abundant in the immunome of blood from patients with HS. Meta-analysis of RNA-seq data found higher CD38 expression in lesional HS skin than in perilesional skin, and markers of classical monocyte infiltration. Imaging mass cytometry showed that CD38+ classical monocytes and CD38+ monocyte-derived macrophages were more abundant in lesional HS skin. Overall, we report targeting CD38 may be worth pursuing in clinical trials.

Dysregulated CD38 expression in blood and skin immune cells of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a multifactorial, inflammatory skin disease. Increased systemic inflammatory comorbidities and serum cytokines highlight systemic inflammation as a feature of HS. However, the specific immune cell subsets contributing to systemic and cutaneous inflammation have not been resolved.

Objective

Identify features of peripheral and cutaneous immune dysregulation.

Methods

Here, we generated whole-blood immunomes by mass cytometry. We performed a meta-analysis of RNA-seq data, immunohistochemistry, and imaging mass cytometry to characterize the immunological landscape of skin lesions and perilesions from patients with HS.

Results

Blood from patients with HS exhibited lower frequencies of natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and classical (CD14+CD16-) and nonclassical (CD14-CD16+) monocytes, as well as higher frequencies of Th17 cells and intermediate (CD14+CD16+) monocytes than blood from healthy controls. Classical and intermediate monocytes from patients with HS had increased expression of skin-homing chemokine receptors. Furthermore, we identified a CD38+ intermediate monocyte subpopulation that was more abundant in the immunome of blood from patients with HS. Meta-analysis of RNA-seq data found higher CD38 expression in lesional HS skin than in perilesional skin, and markers of classical monocyte infiltration. Imaging mass cytometry showed that CD38+ classical monocytes and CD38+ monocyte-derived macrophages were more abundant in lesional HS skin.

Conclusion

Overall, we report targeting CD38 may be worth pursuing in clinical trials.

Key Messages

3.Monocyte subsets express markers of activation in circulation and HS lesionsTargeting CD38 may be a viable strategy for treating systemic and cutaneous inflammation in patients with HS.

Capsule Summary

4.Dysregulated immune cells in patients with HS express CD38 and may be targeting by anti-CD38 immunotherapy.

One-pot Synthesis of Metal-coordinated Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced CO2 Photoreduction

Solar energy-driven reduction of CO2 into fuels with H2O as a sacrificial agent is a challenging but desirable subject in photosynthesis. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are considered promising candidates for this subject because of their designable structures and functions. The coordination of transition metal ions into COFs is a feasible way to boost the photocatalytic activity. However, postsynthetic modification of COFs with metal ions often leads to a significant decrease in crystallinity and the specific surface area. Herein, we develop a one-pot synthesis of metal-coordinated (nonnoble metal) COFs with high crystallinity. HB-TAPT + Co with ordered and segregated D-A arrays is synthesized by combining 2,4,6-tris(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TAPT, a strong electron-acceptor) with 2-hydroxy-1,3,5-benzenetricarbaldehyde (HB)-loaded Co2+ (a strong electron-donor). The CO production when using HB-TAPT + Co under visible light irradiation for 4 h is 78.4 μmol g-1, which is 3.2 times that of HB-TAPT + Co synthesized by the postsynthetic modification method and 2.65 times that of HB-TAPT without the metal ions. HB-TAPT + Co also has good recycling stability in photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Additionally, experimental results have demonstrated that the crystallinities of these metal-coordinated materials contribute greatly to the conversion of CO2 in the photoreaction with H2O. This work provides a new protocol for improving the CO2 photoreduction performance by coordinating metal ions to COFs while maintaining the original crystallinity through a one-pot synthesis method.

Azo-Branched Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films as Active Separators for Superior Sodium-Sulfur Batteries

Sodium-Sulfur (Na-S) batteries are outstanding for their ultrahigh capacity, energy density, and low cost, but they suffer from rapid cell capacity decay and short lifespan because of serious polysulfide shuttle and sluggish redox kinetics. Herein, we synthesize thin films of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with azobenzene side groups branched to the pore walls. The azobenzene branches deliver dual functions: (1) narrow the pore size to the sub-nanometer scale thus inhibiting the polysulfide shuttle effect and (2) act as ion-hopping sites thus promoting the Na⁺ migration. Consequently, the Na-S battery using the COF thin film as the separator exhibits a high capacity of 1295 mA h g^-1 at 0.2 C and an extremely low attenuation rate of 0.036% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 C. This work highlights the importance of separator design in upgrading Na-S batteries and demonstrates the possibility of functionalizable framework materials in developing high-performance energy storage systems.

Surface translocation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 upon TLR4/7/8 activation is required for SARS-CoV-2 infection in circulating monocytes

Infection of human peripheral blood cells by SARS-CoV-2 has been debated because immune cells lack mRNA expression of both angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease type 2 (TMPRSS2). Herein we demonstrate that resting primary monocytes harbor abundant cytoplasmic ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein and that circulating exosomes contain significant ACE2 protein. Upon ex vivo TLR4/7/8 stimulation, cytoplasmic ACE2 was quickly translocated to the monocyte cell surface independently of ACE2 transcription, while TMPRSS2 surface translocation occurred in conjunction with elevated mRNA expression. The rapid translocation of ACE2 to the monocyte cell surface was blocked by the endosomal trafficking inhibitor endosidin 2, suggesting that endosomal ACE2 could be derived from circulating ACE2-containing exosomes. TLR-stimulated monocytes concurrently expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 on the cell surface were efficiently infected by SARS-CoV-2, which was significantly mitigated by remdesivir, TMPRSS2 inhibitor camostat, and anti-ACE2 antibody. Mass cytometry showed that ACE2 surface translocation in peripheral myeloid cells from patients with severe COVID-19 correlated with its hyperactivation and PD-L1 expression. Collectively, TLR4/7/8-induced ACE2 translocation with TMPRSS2 expression makes circulating monocytes permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Highly efficient and enantioselective synthesis of chiral lactones via Ir-catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation of ketoesters

Owing to the biological significance and great synthetic value of chiral lactones and their derivatives, increasing attention has been paid to developing effective synthetic methods for chiral lactones. We herein report an efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of benzo-fused ketoesters, γ-ketoesters and biaryl-bridged ketoesters catalyzed by chiral iridium complexes bearing ferrocene-based chiral ligands, furnishing a series of chiral lactones in superb yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% yields and up to 99% ee).

Heterostructured two-dimensional covalent organic framework membranes for enhanced ion separation

A heterostructured covalent organic framework (COF) membrane is synthesized via in situ linker exchange. Narrowed pores can be formed at the interface between two types of COFs by adjusting the linker exchange duration. The resultant COF membrane demonstrates a high rejection rate toward Na₂SO₄ of up to 97%.

First live birth in China after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first live birth after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

A patient with myelodysplastic syndrome received ovarian tissue cryopreservation before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and six ovarian cortex strips were thawed and transplanted into her peritoneal pocket 2 years later.

RESULTS

Pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting, and a healthy girl was born at 38 weeks gestation. Until now, the child has developed normally without any major diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first live birth resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Murine Epidermis Harbors Functionally Distinct Langerhans Cell Subsets

Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) derive from embryonic myeloid progenitors at the steady-state and monocyte progenitors under inflammatory conditions. LCs have the capacity to induce both immunity and tolerance in the skin, but how a single population of LCs mediates both these functions has perplexed researchers for decades. We hypothesized that LCs in murine epidermis have functionally heterogenous subpopulations. We employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and scATACseq to identify transcriptional and epigenetic heterogeneity in LCs during late embryonic development, adult steady-state and inflamed-state. We found three transcriptionally distinct clusters in adult at steady-state: ATF3hiCD207lo (LC1), ATF3loCD207hi(LC2), and CD207+ cells expressing keratinocyte (KC) genes (kLCs). Ingenuity pathway analysis showed LC1 had downregulated immunostimulatory pathways and LC2 had upregulated immunostimulatory pathways. LCs from ATF3 knockout mice promoted Th1/2/17 immunity in co-culture experiments, confirming the immunotolerant function of LC1s. LC1 and LC2 clusters had corresponding scATACseq clusters but kLCs did not, suggesting that kLCs may acquire cellular material (i.e. mRNA) through interactions with KCs. scRNAseq analyses of E18.5 pre-LCs and 3 weeks post UVC-treatment also identified ATF3hi and ATF3lo clusters, but kLCs were neither present at E18.5 nor after UVC treatment. Overall, our single cell analyses uncover murine epidermal LC subsets with distinct functions during late embryonic development, steady-state and inflamed-state.

Supported by NIH/NIAMS, R01AR078688-01A1

Cbf-β is required for development and differentiation of murine mucosal-associated invariant T cells

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells primarily reside in mucosal tissues and tissues exposed to the environment to act as a defense against microbial threats. Additionally, they are also involved in a broad spectrum of diseases, including infection, cancer, allergy, and autoimmunity. Although some transcriptional factors and micro-RNA have been recently identified to regulate MAIT cell development and differentiation, a significant gap in our knowledge of MAIT cell regulation still exists. The core binding factor subunit beta (Cbf-β) is a non-DNA binding protein forming a heterodimer with RUNX family proteins to regulate diverse signaling pathways which maintain homeostasis of a wide range of immune cells. To understand the role of Cbf-β in MAIT cell development and function, we generated T cell lineage specific Cbf-β knockout mice (CD4cre+Cbf-β KO) and inducible Cbf-β knockdown mice (UBCcre+Cbf-β KO). We found that Cbf-β deficiency impaired thymic MAIT cell development and interrupted MAIT1 and MAIT17 differentiation. Additionally, inducible knockdown of Cbf-β reduced activation and cytotoxicity in peripheral MAIT cells. Our work suggests that Cbf-β is required for thymic MAIT cell development and MAIT1 and MAIT17 commitment in addition to playing a role in MAIT cell activation and cytotoxicity. Overall, Cbf-β may serve as a novel target to modulate MAIT cells in MAIT cell-based immunotherapies.

This study was supported by Henry Ford Immunology Program grants (T71016 and T71017) to QSM and LZ, by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants R61AR076803, R01AR063611, and R01AR069681 to QSM, RO1AR072046 to LZ.

Circulating Monocytes Co-expressing Surface ACE2 and TMPRSS2 upon TLR4/7/8 Activation Are Susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is required for SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells. However, emerging evidence shows SARS-CoV-2 infected lung monocytes/macrophages from COVID-19 patients barely express ACE2 mRNA, raising a question how SARS-CoV-2 penetrates macrophages. It’s also under debating whether the peripheral blood cells (HPBCs) can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 that may facilitate viral spread from circulation to other organs besides lung. Herein we demonstrate that resting primary HPBCs harbor abundant cytoplasmic ACE2, regardless of COVID-19 status, and that surface translocation is necessary for viral infection. Upon ex vivo TLR4/7/8 stimulation of HPBCs, ACE2 translocated to the cell surface independent of ACE2 transcription, and this translocation was blocked by an endosomal trafficking inhibitor, suggesting the putative source as ACE2-containing exosomes. However, only stimulated monocytes concurrently expressing ACE2 and cell surface transmembrane serine protease type 2 (TMPRSS2) were efficiently infected by SARS-CoV-2, which was significantly mitigated by remdesivir. Furthermore, ACE2 surface translocation in peripheral myeloid cells from patients with severe COVID-19 correlated with their proinflammatory cytokine production. Collectively, TLR4/7/8-induced ACE2 translocation with TMPRSS2 expression is indispensable for SARS-CoV-2 infection of circulating monocytes. Our work not only provides a new mechanism for the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and a potential path for its systemic infection, but also unveils a prospective therapeutic strategy by targeting ACE2 trafficking for preventing monocyte/macrophage infection.

This study is partially supported by National Institutes of Health grants R61AR076803, R01AR063611, R01AI119041, and R01AR069681 (Q-S. M.), R01AR072046 (L.Z.), R01DK120623 (J.Z.S.), Henry Ford Immunology Program grants (T71016, Q-S. M.; T71017, L. Z.), and funding for the U-M Center for Drug Repurposing - NCATS CTSA UL1TR002240 (J.Z.S.).

Electrosynthesis of Ionic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Charge-Selective Separation of Molecules

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as potent material platforms for engineering advanced membranes to tackle challenging separation demands. However, the synthesis of COF membranes is currently hampered by suboptimal productivity and harsh synthesis conditions, especially for ionic COFs with perdurable charges. Herein, ionic COFs with charged nanochannels are electrically synthesized on conductive supports to rapidly construct composite membranes for charge-selective separations of small molecules. The intrinsic charging nature and strong charge intensity of ionic COFs are demonstrated to collectively dominate the membrane growth. Spontaneous repairing to diminish defects under the applied electric field is observed, in favor of generating well-grown COF membranes. Altering electrosynthetic conditions realizes the precise control over the membrane thickness and thus the separation ability. Electrically synthesized ionic COF membranes exhibit remarkable molecular separation performances due to their relatively ordered and charged nanochannels. With these charge-selective pathways, the membranes enable the efficient sieving of charged and neutral molecules with analogous structures. This study reveals an electrical route to synthesizing COF thin films, and showcases the great potential of ionic nanochannels in precise separation based on charge selectivity.

Enantioselective synthesis of cis-hexahydro-γ-carboline derivatives via Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation

A novel synthetic route was developed for the construction of a chiral cis-hexahydro-γ-carboline derivative through Ir/ZhaoPhos-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of corresponding tetrahydro-γ-carboline with high yields (up to 99% yield), excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99 : 1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee), and high substrate-to-catalyst ratios (up to 5000).

Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Tetrasubstituted Unsaturated Lactams: An Efficient Approach to Enantioenriched 3,4-Disubstituted Piperidines

Asymmetric hydrogenation of tetrasubstituted alkenes remains a formidable challenge in asymmetric catalysis. We report herein an unprecedented Rh-catalyzed enantioselective and diastereoselective hydrogenation of easily accessed α,β-disubstituted unsaturated lactams to afford synthetically valuable chiral lactams with 1,2-consecutive stereocenters. The reaction could be performed on the gram scale, and the products could be concisely transformed to enantiomerically pure trans-3,4-disubstituted piperidines, which are prevalent structural units in medicinal agents.

Highly efficient synthesis of enantioenriched β-hydroxy α-amino acid derivatives via Ir-catalyzed dynamic kinetic asymmetric hydrogenation

Asymmetric hydrogenation of aryl α-dibenzylamino β-ketoesters proceeded smoothly to provide the corresponding chiral aryl β-hydroxy α-amino derivatives with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (>99/1 dr, up to >99% ee).

Synthesis of axially chiral N-aryl benzimidazoles via chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed enantioselective oxidative aromatization

Hantzsch ester and benzothiazoline have been extensively used as H2 donors in enantioselective transfer hydrogenation of C=N bond during the past several decades. However, the corresponding Hantzsch pyridine and benzothiazoles...

[MiR-671-5p negatively regulates SMAD3 to inhibit migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of miR-671-5p in regulating the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in osteosarcoma were screened in the NCBI online database, and the target proteins of these miRNAs were predicted and their functions were analyzed. Osteosarcoma cells were transfected with a plasmid overexpressing miR-671-5p, and the transfection efficiency was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The changes in the migration and invasion of the transfected cells were examined with Transwell assay, and the expressions of proteins related with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected using Western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine whether the 3'UTR of SMAD3 contained a targeted binding site of miR-671-5p.

RESULTS

MiR-671-5p was significantly down-regulated in both osteosarcoma tissues and osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05). The osteosarcoma cells overexpressing miR-671-5p showed significantly reduced migration and invasion abilities (P < 0.05) with obviously lowered expressions of EMT-related proteins (P < 0.05). SMAD3 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05), and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the presence of a targeted binding site between miR-671-5p and the 3'UTR of SMAD3 (P < 0.05). In osteosarcoma cells transfected with a SMAD3-overexpressing plasmid (P < 0.05), the high expression of SMAD3 significantly inhibited by miR-671-5p overexpression (P < 0.05). Transwell assay demonstrated that SMAD3 overexpression significantly promoted the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05), and while miR-671-5p overexpression obviously reversed this effect (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MiR-671-5p can inhibit the invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells by negatively regulating SMAD3.

An in vivo model of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and erythema: clinical, colorimetric and molecular characteristics

BACKGROUND

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common, acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin associated with significant quality-of-life impairment, especially in individuals with skin of colour. Current treatment for PIH is limited, largely due to a poor understanding of disease pathogenesis and the lack of a representative disease model.

OBJECTIVES

This study is intended to further develop, update and validate our previously designed in vivo model of acne-induced PIH/postinflammatory erythema (PIE) using different concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a medium-depth chemical peel.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with skin types II-VI and clinician-confirmed presence of two or more truncal acne pustules and PIH/PIE were included. On the basis of Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), clinical polarized photography (CPP), colorimetry and Skindex, we experimentally determined an optimum TCA concentration and assessed our model's ability to exhibit a dose-response relationship between degree of inciting insult and severity of resulting pigmentation. We also performed differential microRNA profiling and pathway analysis to explore the potential of microRNAs as molecular adjuncts to our model.

RESULTS

Application of TCA 30% produced lesions indistinguishable from acne-induced PIH and PIE lesions on the basis of colorimetry data without causing epidermal necrosis. Application of progressively increasing TCA doses from 20% to 30% resulted in concentration-dependent increases in CPP, IGA and colorimetry scores at all timepoints during the study. miRNA-31 and miRNA-23b may play a role in PIH pathogenesis, although further validation is required.

CONCLUSIONS

Our TCA-based in vivo model, using TCA concentrations between 20% and 30% with an optimum of 30%, enables the quantitative assessment of the pigmentary response to varying degrees of cutaneous inflammation in a fashion that mirrors natural acne-induced PIH and PIE.

Antibiotic resistance and molecular characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from pigs in Hunan, China

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has been recognized as one of the important zoonotic pathogens. However, it was limited about the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of S. aureus isolated from pigs in Hunan province, china. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of 163 S. aureus isolated from 590 pigs in Hunan Province, China. All isolates were characterized by agr typing, detection of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes, lethal test of mice and antibiotic susceptibility tests. The results showed that 30 strains of the 163 isolates were divided into agrⅠ (18.40%), agrⅡ(36/163, 22.09%), agrⅢ (20/163, 12.27%,), agr Ⅳ(20/163,12.27%) and the remaining 57 isolates were amplified negative by agr primers. In the 163 isolates, the detection rate of the virulence genes hlb, hld, hla, icaA, seb, fnbA, eta, etb, sea, tst and pvl ranged from 2.45% to 100%. The 43 isolates that were lethal to the mice, had β-hemolytic activity, the number of virulence genes of which was 7.8% higher than that of the remaining 120 non-fatal strains. The resistance rates of the 163 isolates to the 15 antibiotics were 0% (0/163) - 100% (163/163). All isolates were susceptible to Vancomycin and only 7 isolates were methicillin - resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The detection rates of the 11 resistance genes was 0% (0/163) - 100% (163/163). This study first to describes the epidemiology and characteristics of S. aureus from pigs in Hunan Province, which will help in tracking the evolution of epidemic strains and preventing pig-human transmission events.

First pregnancy in China after ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first case of pregnancy after frozen-thawed ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation was performed in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) before multi-agent chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two years later, she showed complete remission from MDS, and six frozen-thawed ovarian tissue strips were transplanted into the peritoneal pocket.

RESULTS

The patient's ovarian activity was restored 3 months after transplantation, and pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting. Until now, the pregnancy has progressed for 30 weeks, and the repeated ultrasound showed normal fetal development.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pregnancy resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Fast and Ultrasensitive Visual Detection of Exosomes in Body Fluids for Point-of-Care Disease Diagnosis

Fast detection of low-concentration exosomes in body fluids is of great significance in understanding the pathogenesis and disease diagnosis but is quite a challenging work due to the complex matrix, tedious pretreatment, and relatively poor sensitivity without the aid of instruments. In this work, by simply using a filter membrane to enrich the exosomes at low concentrations and the use of CuS nanoparticles as labels, we were able to detect exosomes at concentrations as low as 2 × 10³ particles/μL in a complex matrix by the naked eye. Due to its high sensitivity, specificity, and simplicity, it can be used for the diagnosis of direct prostate cancer via a 5 mL urine sample within 2 h without the use of any instrument. This method can also be applicable for the detection of other biological nanoparticles, such as viruses, at low concentrations in a complex matrix, offering a promising candidate for point-of-care disease diagnosis with low cost.

Application of an individualized nomogram in first-trimester screening for trisomy 21

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a nomogram based on fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT) and ultrasonographic facial markers for screening for trisomy 21 in the first trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control study using stored two-dimensional midsagittal fetal profile images captured at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation in singleton pregnancies. We included images from 302 trisomy-21 pregnancies and 322 euploid pregnancies. Cases were divided into a training set (200 euploid + 200 with trisomy 21) and a validation set (122 euploid + 102 with trisomy 21) at a ratio of approximately 2:1. For each, the maternal age, gestational age, fetal NT and karyotype were noted, and 12 ultrasonographic fetal facial markers were measured. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and multivariable analysis were used to select automatically the discriminative markers. Logistic regression was used to develop a LASSO model, based on the selected markers, to screen for trisomy 21 in the first trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, 60 of the 624 images were selected randomly as a retest set to evaluate the model's robustness. The predictive performance of screening for trisomy 21 of a model based on fetal NT and maternal age and of the LASSO model was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC). A nomogram was developed as an individualized tool to predict patient-specific probability for trisomy 21, which is a more visual presentation of the LASSO model. The performance of the nomogram was assessed using the C-index and calibration curve.

RESULTS

Into the LASSO model were incorporated eight markers, including fetal NT, prenasal-thickness-to-nasal-bone-length ratio, facial profile line, frontomaxillary facial angle, frontonasal facial angle, mandibulomaxillary facial angle, maxilla-nasion-mandible angle and d2 (distance between the anterior edge of the prefrontal skin and the mandibulomaxillary line) (all P < 0.05). The AUCs of the LASSO model for screening for trisomy 21 were 0.983 (95% CI, 0.971-0.994) in the training set and 0.979 (95% CI, 0.966-0.993) in the validation set, and these were higher than the AUCs of all eight individual ultrasonographic markers included in the model. The AUC of the LASSO model in the retest set was 0.997 (95% CI, 0.990-1.000), indicating good robustness of the LASSO model. The AUC of the LASSO model was significantly higher than that of the model based on fetal NT and maternal age in both training and validation sets (P < 0.001 for both). The nomogram of the LASSO model showed good discrimination of trisomy 21, with C-indices of 0.983 in the training set and 0.981 in the validation set.

CONCLUSIONS

We present an individualized nomogram which incorporates fetal NT and a series of ultrasonographic facial profile markers selected by the LASSO method and multivariable analysis. This nomogram can potentially be utilized as a convenient and effective tool in screening for trisomy 21 in the first trimester of pregnancy. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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

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

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

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

[Effect of HBV infection pattern on prevalence of fatty liver disease in Jinchang cohort]

Objective: To investigate the influence of HBV infection on the prevalence of fatty liver disease in Jinchang cohort and provide theoretical evidence for the prevention and treatment of fatty liver disease. Methods: Epidemiological investigation, laboratory examination and abdominal ultrasound were conducted in the baseline population of Jinchang cohort to collect the basic data, the differences in the prevalence of fatty liver disease under different HBV infection patterns were described and compared and the influence of different HBV infection patterns on the prevalence of fatty liver disease were evaluated by using logistic regression analysis. Results: The baseline Jinchang cohort population totaled 45 605, including 27 917 males and 17 688 females. The male to female ratio was 1.6∶1. The mean age of the overall population was 46.49 years. Among the 8 common HBV infection modes in the Jinchang cohort, the prevalence of fatty liver was low in HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAb positive, HBsAg and HBcAb positive, and HBsAg, HBeAb and HBcAb positive groups. For 4 serum markers of HBV infection, the prevalence of fatty liver disease in HBsAg and HBeAg positive groups was lower than that in HBsAg and HBeAg negative groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that being HBsAg and HBcAb positive (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.39-0.98) and HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAb positive (OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.30-0.89) could reduce the risk for fatty liver disease. Conclusion: Acute HBV infection reduces the prevalence of fatty liver disease, and the reason may be related to the disturbance of the body's fat metabolism by active HBV replication.

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

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

[Analysis on influencing factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Jinchang cohort]

Objective: To explore the influencing factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Jinchang cohort, and provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of NAFLD. Methods: A total of 20 051 patients without fatty liver at baseline survey and met the inclusion criteria in Jinchang cohort were selected as study subjects. Prospective cohort study and Cox regression analysis were used to investigate the influencing factors for NAFLD, and the dose-response relationship between related biochemical indicators and NAFLD risk was studied by restricted cubic spline method. Results: The incidence of NAFLD was 42.37/1 000 person years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that being worker and technical personnel (being worker:HR=0.84,95%CI:0.70-0.99;being technical personnel:HR=0.73,95%CI:0.56-0.95), tea drinking (current drinking:HR=0.86,95%CI:0.78-0.94;previous drinking: HR=0.52,95%CI: 0.31-0.86), exercise (occasionally: HR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.68-0.91;frequently:HR=0.60,95%CI:0.52-0.69), low body weight (HR=0.10, 95%CI: 0.05-0.22), daily intake of dairy products >300 ml/day (HR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.71-0.87) and HBV infection (HR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.60-0.99) were the protective factors for NAFLD, while being internal or office workers (HR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.46-2.31), income ≥2 000 yuan (2 000- yuan: HR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.04-1.66; ≥5 000 yuan: HR=1.72, 95%CI:1.11-2.66), bachelor degree or above (HR=1.35,95%CI:1.03-1.76), overweight (HR=2.31, 95%CI:2.08-2.55), obesity (HR=3.95, 95%CI: 3.42-4.56), impaired fasting blood glucose (HR=1.31, 95%CI:1.17-1.47), diabetes (HR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.30-1.80), increased TC (HR=1.37,95%CI:1.24-1.52), increased TG (HR=1.79,95%CI: 1.62-1.98), decreased HDL-C (HR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.14-1.45), increased ALT (HR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.01-1.26) and high-fat diet (HR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.11-1.40) were the risk factors for NAFLD. Moreover, TC, TG, HDL-C, ALT and FPG all showed good dose-response relationship with the incidence of NAFLD. Conclusion: Occupation, education level, income level, tea drinking, exercise, BMI, FPG, blood lipid, ALT, HBV infection and diet were related to the incidence of NAFLD.

[MiR-300 inhibits invasion and metastasis of osteosarcoma cell MG63 by negatively regulating PTTG1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of miR-300 and PTTG1 on osteosarcoma invasion and metastasis and explore the molecular mechanism of osteosarcoma invasion and metastasis.

OBJECTIVE

Western blot was used to detect the expression of PTTG1 in human osteoblasts hFOB1.19 and osteosarcoma cell MG63 and to detect the transfection efficiency of cells transfected with PTTG1-knockdown plasmid; Transwell invasion assay and CCK8 assay detected the effects of knockdown of PTTG1 and overexpression of miR-300 on the invasion and proliferation of osteosarcoma cell MG63. On-line prediction and screening of microRNAs (miRNAs) with complementary PTTG1 binding was conducted. qRT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of miR-300 in hFOB1.19 and MG63 cells, and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of PTTG1 in MG63 cells after transfection with a miR- 300 plasmid. Double luciferase assay was used to detect the targeted binding of miR-300 and PTTG, Transwell invasion assay and CCK8 assay were used to detect the effects of overexpression of miR-300 and overexpression of PTTG1 plasmid on invasion and proliferation of osteosarcoma cell line MG63.

OBJECTIVE

PTTG1 was highly expressed in MG63 cells (P=0.0002). PTTG1 knockdown significantly inhibited the invasion (P=0.0002) and proliferation (P=0.0039) of MG63 cells. Based on the results of online prediction of complementary miRNAs to PTTG1 and analysis of the data from NCBI database, miR-300 was determined as the target miRNA in this study. qRT-PCR results showed a significantly decreased expression of miR-300 in MG63 cells (P=0.0004). Overexpression of MiR-300 in MG63 cells significantly decreased the expression of PTTG1 (P=0.0007), and the expressions of miR-300 and PTTG1 were negatively correlated. Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-300 could specifically bind to PTTG1 (P=0.001). Overexpression of PTTG1 could significantly reverse the effect of miR-300 overexpression on invasion (P=0.0003) and proliferation (P=0.0077) of MG63 cells.

OBJECTIVE

Overexpression of miR-300 can inhibit the invasion and metastasis of osteosarcoma cell MG63 by targeting PTTG1.