Epithelial-fibroblast interactions in IPF: Lessons from in vitro co-culture studies

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial disease that is characterized by increased cellular proliferation and differentiation together with excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition leading to buildup of scar tissue (fibrosis) and remodeling in the lungs. The activated and differentiated (myo)fibroblasts are one of the main sources of tissue remodeling in IPF and a crucial mechanism known to contribute to this feature is an aberrant crosstalk between pulmonary fibroblasts and the abnormal or injured pulmonary epithelium. This epithelial-fibroblast interaction mimics the temporal, spatial and cell-type specific crosstalk between the endoderm and mesoderm in the so-called epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) during lung development that is proposed to be activated in healthy lung repair and dysregulated in various lung diseases including IPF. To study the dysregulated lung EMTU in IPF, various complex in vitro models have been established. Hence, in this review, we will provide a summary of studies that have used complex (3-dimensional) in vitro co-culture, and organoid models to assess how abnormal epithelial-fibroblast interactions in lung EMTU contribute to crucial features of the IPF including defective cellular differentiation, proliferation and migration as well as increased ECM deposition.

Influence of 1,3-diacylglycerol on physicochemical and digestion properties of nanoemulsions and its enhancement of encapsulation and bioaccessibility of hydrophobic nobiletin

Lipid-based delivery systems are commonly used to encapsulate hydrophobic bioactive compounds for enhancing their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, especially for triacylglycerol (TAG) oil-based delivery systems. However, studies on the development of 1,3-diacylglycerol (DAG) oil-based delivery systems are rather limited. Herein, the influence of 1,3-DAG oil as a carrier oil on the properties of nanoemulsions and the bioaccessibility of encapsulated hydrophobic nobiletin (NOB) were investigated. High-purity 1,3-DAG (over 93% pure) was prepared by a combination of enzymatic esterification and ethanol crystallization. 1,3-DAG oil as a carrier oil could be used to formulate nanoemulsions with smaller droplet size, narrower size distribution and similar stability compared to TAG oil. Importantly, 1,3-DAG oil could efficiently encapsulate high-loading NOB (1.45 mg g-1) in nanoemulsions and significantly improve the bioaccessibility of NOB (above 80%), which is attributable to its massive lipolysis and higher encapsulation capacity than TAG oil. Moreover, the addition of the 1,3-DAG component in TAG oil significantly improved the properties of nanoemulsions and the loading and bioaccessibility of NOB, especially as the 1,3-DAG content was not less than 50%. The structure of lipids (DAG versus TAG) influenced the nanoemulsion properties and the bioaccessibility of encapsulated NOB. Based on the good properties of 1,3-DAG oil coupled with its health benefits, 1,3-DAG oil-based nanoemulsion delivery systems have great prospects for improving and extending emulsion properties and bioactivity as well as bioaccessibility enhancement.

Heptamethoxyflavone Alleviates Metabolic Syndrome in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice by Regulating the Composition, Function, and Metabolism of Gut Microbiota

3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-Heptamethoxyflavone (HMF) could prevent obesity and hyperlipidemia, but its effects on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites remain unclear. Here, the effect of HMF on metabolic syndrome (MS) was evaluated in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, and its underlying mechanisms were revealed by integrative metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. We demonstrated that HMF could effectively ameliorate HFD-induced MS by alleviating body-weight gain, fat accumulation, hepatic steatosis, and lipid and glucose abnormalities. HMF significantly altered the gut microbiota composition in HFD-fed mice with enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)- and bile acid-producing beneficial bacteria and inhibition of harmful bacteria. Also, HMF improved microbial functions by up-regulating bile acid metabolism and down-regulating fatty acid metabolism and inflammatory response-related pathways. Consistent with the gut microbial changes, HMF altered the fecal metabolite profile of HFD-fed mice, mainly characterized by increasing SCFA and several bile acid levels as well as lowering several lysophospholipids and fatty acid levels. Correlation analysis indicated that three key species Faecalibaculum rodentium, Collinsella aerofaciens, and Lactobacillus fermentum and the increase in microbial metabolites, i.e., SCFAs and secondary bile acids, might play a positive role in alleviating MS. Our results suggested that HMF alleviated HFD-induced MS possibly by modulating the composition, function, and metabolism of gut microbiota.

Understanding fibroblast-immune cell interactions via co-culture models and their role in asthma pathogenesis

Asthma is a chronic lung disease involving airway inflammation and fibrosis. Fibroblasts are the main effector cells important for lung tissue production which becomes abnormal in asthmatics and is one of the main contributors to airway fibrosis. Although fibroblasts were traditionally viewed solely as structural cells, they have been discovered to be highly active, and involved in lung inflammatory and fibrotic processes in asthma. In line with this, using 2D and 3D in vitro co-culture models, a complex interaction between lung fibroblasts and various immune cells important for the pathogenesis of asthma have been recently uncovered. Hence, in this review, we provide the first-ever summary of various studies that used 2D and 3D in vitro co-culture models to assess the nature of aberrant immune cell-fibroblast interactions and their contributions to chronic inflammation and fibrotic mechanisms in asthma pathogenesis.

The nutritional and functional properties of 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoylglycerol-rich oil: Promoting early-life growth and intestinal health with alterations in intestinal microbiota of Micropterus salmoides

1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoylglycerol (OPL), a key structural lipid in breast milk fat, acts a critical role in nutrients and energy for infants. OPL is more abundant in Chinese breast milk fat and...

Mn substitution in the topological metal Zr2Te2P

Results are reported for Mn intercalated Zr₂Te₂P, where x-ray diffraction , energy dispersive spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that the van der Waals bonded Te-Te layers are partially filled by Zr and Mn ions. This leads to the chemical formulas Zr_0.07Zr₂Te₂P and Mn_0.06Zr_0.03Zr₂Te₂P for the parent and substituted compounds, respectively. The impact of the Mn ions is seen in the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, where Curie-Weiss fits to the data indicate that the Mn ions are in the divalent state. Heat capacity and electrical transport measurements reveal metallic behavior, but the electronic coefficient of the heat capacity (γ_Mn≈ 36.6 mJ (mol·K²)^-1) is enhanced by comparison to that of the parent compound. Magnetic ordering is seen atTM≈4 K, where heat capacity measurements additionally show that the phase transition is broad, likely due to the disordered Mn distribution. This transition also strongly reduces the electronic scattering seen in the normalized electrical resistance. These results show that Mn substitution simultaneously introduces magnetic interactions and tunes the electronic state, which improves prospects for inducing novel behavior in Zr₂Te₂P and the broader family of ternary tetradymites.

[Early warning of low maternal unconjugated estriol level by prenatal screening for fetus with X-linked ichthyosis]

Objective: To analyze the characteristic of prenatal serological screening in fetus with X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), and to explore the relationship between unconjugated estriol (uE₃) levels and XLI. Methods: A total of 56 fetuses with Xp22.31 microdeletion indicated by prenatal diagnosis and 70 fetuses diagnosed with trisomy 21 and 26 fetuses with trisomy 18 in Henan Provincial People's Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College from September 2016 to June 2021 were collected. The multiples of median (MoM) values of uE₃, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during the second trimester of pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed. Prenatal diagnosis was made by amniotic fluid karyotype analysis and genome copy number variant analysis, parent genetic verification and pathogenicity analysis were performed, and maternal and infant outcomes were followed up. Results: Of 56 pregnant women with fetal Xp22.31 microdeletion, 43 underwent serological screening during the second trimester of pregnancy, of which 42 were abnormal (39 male fetuses and 3 female fetuses). The median uE₃ MoM value of 39 male fetuses [0.06 (0.00-0.21)] was lower than the normal value and significantly lower than that of fetuses with trisomy 21 [0.71 (0.26-1.27)] and fetuses with trisomy 18 [0.36 (0.15-0.84)], the difference was statistically significant (Z=99.96, P<0.001). While the MoM values of AFP and hCG were all within the normal range. Among the 56 fetuses carrying Xp22.31 microdeletion, 45 were male fetuses and 11 were female fetuses, and the deletion fragments all involved STS gene. Eighty-nine percent (50/56) were inherited from mother (49 cases) or father (1 case), and 11% (6/56) were de novo mutations. Follow-up showed 48 live births (38 males and 10 females) and 8 chose to terminate pregnancy (7 males and 1 female). Among the 38 male newborns, 37 presented with scaly skin changes from 1 to 3 months of age, and one had no clinical manifestations until 4 months after birth. Ten female newborns had no obvious clinical manifestations. Conclusions: The decrease levels of uE₃ MoM on maternal serological screening is closely related to the higher risk of XLI in male fetuses. For pregnant women with low uE₃ in serological screening or with family history of ichthyosis, in addition to chromosomal karyotype analysis, joint detection of genomic copy number variant analysis should be recommended.

Enzymatic Synthesis of Diacylglycerol-Enriched Oil by Two-Step Vacuum-Mediated Conversion of Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester and Fatty Acid From Soy Sauce By-Product Oil as Lipid-Lowering Functional Oil

Soy sauce by-product oil (SSBO), a by-product of the soy sauce production process, is the lack of utilization due to an abundance of free fatty acid (FFA) and fatty acid ethyl ester (EE). The utilization of low-cost SSBO to produce value-added diacylglycerol (DAG)-enriched oil and its applications are promising for the sustainability of the oil industry. The objective of this study was to utilize SSBO containing a high content of EE and FFA as raw material to synthesize DAG-enriched oil and to evaluate its nutritional properties in fish. Based on different behaviors between the glycerolysis of EE and the esterification of FFA in one-pot enzymatic catalysis, a two-step vacuum-mediated conversion was developed for the maximum conversions of EE and FFA to DAG. After optimization, the maximum DAG yield (66.76%) and EE and FFA conversions (96 and 93%, respectively) were obtained under the following optimized conditions: lipase loading 3%, temperature 38°C, substrate molar ratio (glycerol/FFA and EE) 21:40, a vacuum combination of 566 mmHg within the initial 10 h and 47 mmHg from the 10th to 14th hour. Further nutritional study in fish suggested that the consumption of DAG-enriched oil was safe and served as a functional oil to lower lipid levels in serum and liver, decrease lipid accumulation and increase protein content in body and muscle tissues, and change fatty acid composition in muscle tissues. Overall, these findings were vital for the effective utilization of SSBO resources and the development of future applications for DAG-enriched oil as lipid-lowering functional oil in food.

A Novel Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptide Derived From Goat Milk Casein Hydrolysate Modulates Angiotensin II-Stimulated Effects on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Hypertension is a major risk factor leading to cardiovascular disease, and is frequently treated with angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides. The objective of this study was to separate and identify an ACE-inhibitory peptide from goat milk casein hydrolysates, and to evaluate its potential for improving angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated adverse effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). A novel ACE-inhibitory peptide with the highest activity from the goat milk casein hydrolysates as determined by four steps of RP-HPLC was purified and identified as Phe-Pro-Gln-Tyr-Leu-Gln-Tyr-Pro-Tyr (FPQYLQYPY). The results of inhibitory kinetics studies indicated that the peptide was a non-competitive inhibitor against ACE. Gastrointestinal digest in vitro analysis showed that the hydrolysate of FPQYLQYPY was still active after digestion with gastrointestinal proteases. Moreover, we found that the peptide could significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of Ang II-stimulated VSMCs. Further transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the cardiovascular disease-related pathways, and that the peptide may have the ability to regulate vascular remodeling. Our findings indicate the potential anti-hypertensive effects of FPQYLQYPY, as well-implicate its role in regulating vascular dysfunction.

[Value of cerebral hypoxic-ischemic injury markers in the early diagnosis of sepsis associated encephalopathy in burn patients with sepsis]

Objective: To explore the value of cerebral hypoxic-ischemic injury markers in the early diagnosis of sepsis associated encephalopathy (SAE) in burn patients with sepsis. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. From October 2018 to May 2021, 41 burn patients with sepsis who were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital met the inclusion criteria, including 23 males and 18 females, aged 18-65 (35±3) years. According to whether SAE occurred during hospitalization, the patients were divided into SAE group (21 cases) and non-SAE group (20 cases). The gender, age, deep partial-thickness burn area, full-thickness burn area, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) scores of patients were compared between the two groups. The serum levels of central nervous system specific protein S100β and neuron specific enolase (NSE) at 12, 24, and 48 h after sepsis diagnosis (hereinafter referred to as after diagnosis), the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Tau protein, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol at 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 h after diagnosis, and the mean blood flow velocity of middle cerebral artery (VmMCA), pulsatility index, and cerebral blood flow index (CBFi) on 1, 3, and 7 d after diagnosis of patients in the two groups were counted. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, independent sample t test, and Bonferroni correction. The independent variables to predict the occurrence of SAE was screened by multi-factor logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn for predicting the occurrence of SAE in burn patients with sepsis, and the area under the curve (AUC), the best threshold, and the sensitivity and specificity under the best threshold were calculated. Results: The gender, age, deep partial-thickness burn area, full-thickness burn area, and APACHE Ⅱ score of patients in the two groups were all similar (χ2=0.02, with t values of 0.71, 1.59, 0.91, and 1.07, respectively, P>0.05). At 12, 24, and 48 h after diagnosis, the serum levels of S100β and NSE of patients in SAE group were all significantly higher than those in non-SAE group (with t values of 37.74, 77.84, 44.16, 22.51, 38.76, and 29.31, respectively, P<0.01). At 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 h after diagnosis, the serum levels of IL-10, Tau protein, and ACTH of patients in SAE group were all significantly higher than those in non-SAE group (with t values of 10.68, 13.50, 10.59, 8.09, 7.17, 4.71, 5.51, 3.20, 3.61, 3.58, 3.28, 4.21, 5.91, 5.66, 4.98, 4.69, 4.78, and 2.97, respectively, P<0.01). At 12, 24, 48, 72, and 120 h after diagnosis, the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α of patients in SAE group were all significantly higher than those in non-SAE group (with t values of 8.56, 7.32, 2.08, 2.53, 3.37, 4.44, 5.36, 5.35, 6.85, and 5.15, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). At 12, 24, and 48 h after diagnosis, the serum level of cortisol of patients in SAE group was significantly higher than that in non-SAE group (with t values of 5.44, 5.46, and 3.55, respectively, P<0.01). On 1 d after diagnosis, the VmMCA and CBFi of patients in SAE group were significantly lower than those in non-SAE group (with t values of 2.94 and 2.67, respectively, P<0.05). On 1, 3, and 7 d after diagnosis, the pulsatile index of patients in SAE group was significantly higher than that in non-SAE group (with t values of 2.56, 3.20, and 3.12, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Serum IL-6 at 12 h after diagnosis, serum Tau protein at 24 h after diagnosis, serum ACTH at 24 h after diagnosis, and serum cortisol at 24 h after diagnosis were the independent risk factors for SAE complicated in burn patients with sepsis (with odds ratios of 2.42, 1.38, 4.29, and 4.19, 95% confidence interval of 1.76-3.82, 1.06-2.45, 1.37-6.68, and 3.32-8.79, respectively, P<0.01). For 41 burn patients with sepsis, the AUC of ROC of serum IL-6 at 12 h after diagnosis for predicting SAE was 0.92 (95% confidence interval was 0.84-1.00), the best threshold was 157 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 81%, and the specificity was 89%. The AUC of ROC of serum Tau protein at 24 h after diagnosis for predicting SAE was 0.92 (95% confidence interval was 0.82-1.00), the best threshold was 6.4 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 97%, and the specificity was 99%. The AUC of ROC of serum ACTH at 24 h after diagnosis for predicting SAE was 0.96 (95% confidence interval was 0.89-1.00), the best threshold was 14.7 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 90%, and the specificity was 94%. The AUC of ROC of serum cortisol at 24 h after diagnosis for predicting SAE was 0.93 (95% confidence interval was 0.86-1.00), the best threshold was 89 nmol/L, the sensitivity was 94%, and the specificity was 97%. Conclusions: Serum Tau protein, ACTH, and cortisol have high clinical diagnostic value for SAE complicated in burn patients with sepsis.

Effects of Antibacterial Peptide F1 on Bacterial Liposome Membrane Integrity

Previous studies from our lab have shown that the antimicrobial peptide F1 obtained from the milk fermentation by Lactobacillus paracasei FX-6 derived from Tibetan kefir was different from common antimicrobial peptides; specifically, F1 simultaneously inhibited the growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Here, we present follow-on work demonstrating that after the antimicrobial peptide F1 acts on either Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (E. coli) or Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 63589 (S. aureus), their respective bacterial membranes were severely deformed. This deformation allowed leakage of potassium and magnesium ions from the bacterial membrane. The interaction between the antimicrobial peptide F1 and the bacterial membrane was further explored by artificially simulating the bacterial phospholipid membranes and then extracting them. The study results indicated that after the antimicrobial peptide F1 interacted with the bacterial membranes caused significant calcein leakage that had been simulated by different liposomes. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy observations revealed that the phospholipid membrane structure was destroyed and the liposomes presented aggregation and precipitation. Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) results showed that the antimicrobial peptide F1 significantly reduced the quality of liposome membrane and increased their viscoelasticity. Based on the study's findings, the phospholipid membrane particle size was significantly increased, indicating that the antimicrobial peptide F1 had a direct effect on the phospholipid membrane. Conclusively, the antimicrobial peptide F1 destroyed the membrane structure of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by destroying the shared components of their respective phospholipid membranes which resulted in leakage of cell contents and subsequently cell death.

[Clinical effects of medical ozone autologous blood transfusion combined with Xingnaojing in the treatment of septic encephalopathy in burns]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of medical ozone autologous blood transfusion combined with Xingnaojing in the treatment of septic encephalopathy in burns. Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted. From August 2015 to May 2019, 90 patients with burn septic encephalopathy and conforming to the inclusion criteria were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital. Forty-six patients (25 males and 21 females, aged (35±4) years ) treated with Xingnaojing were included in Xingnaojing alone group, and forty-four patients (20 males and 24 females, aged (34±5) years) treated with medical ozone autologous blood transfusion combined with Xingnaojing were included in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group. Heart rate, body temperature, mean arterial pressure, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ) score and Glasgow coma score (GCS) of patients in 2 groups were recorded before treatment and on 7 d after treatment. The blood-brain barrier injury markers including occludin, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), central nervous system specific protein S100β, glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), and excitatory amino acid (EAA) in serum of patients in 2 groups were detected before treatment and on 1, 3, and 7 d after treatment. Computer tomography perfusion imaging for brain was performed in patients of 2 groups to calculate the region of interest cerebral blood flow (rCBF), region of interest blood volume (rCBV), and region of interest mean transit time (rMTT) before treatment and on 1, 3, and 7 d after treatment. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, independent sample t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: On 7 d after treatment, heart rate, body temperature, and mean arterial pressure of patients in 2 groups were decreased compared with those before treatment, heart rate of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously higher than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=2.886, P<0.01), body temperature of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously lower than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=5.020, P<0.01), and mean arterial pressure of patients in 2 groups were close (t=0.472, P>0.05). On 7 d after treatment, APACHEⅡ score of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously lower than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=3.797, P<0.01), and GCS of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was obviously higher than that in Xingnaojing alone group (t=4.934, P<0.01). On 3 and 7 d after treatment, the levels of occludin, NOS, NSE, S100β, GFAP, and EAA in serum of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group were significantly lower than those in Xingnaojing alone group (t=2.100, 2.090, 2.691, 2.013, 2.474, 2.635, 2.225, 4.011, 3.150, 2.691, 3.145, 2.781, P<0.05 or P<0.01). On 1, 3, and 7 d after treatment, rCBF and rCBV of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group were significantly increased compared with those in Xingnaojing alone group (t=3.127, 3.244, 3.883, 7.274, 3.661, 2.777, P<0.01). On 7 d after treatment, rMTT of patients in ozone autologous blood transfusion+Xingnaojing group was (3.02±0.57) s, which was significantly lower than (3.11±1.20) s in Xingnaojing alone group (t=2.409, P<0.05). Conclusions: Transfusion of medical ozone autologous blood combined with Xingnaojing therapy can effectively relieve brain injury and improve cerebral blood perfusion in patients with burn septic encephalopathy, which is with safety and credibility.

Antibacterial action of peptide F1 against colistin resistance E. coli SHP45 (mcr-1)

The emergence of the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mechanism (mcr-1) makes bacterial resistance to colistin increasingly serious. This mcr-1 mediated bacterial resistance to colicin is conferred primarily through modification of lipid A in lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In our previous research, antimicrobial peptide F1 was derived from Tibetan kefir and has been shown to effectively inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and other pathogenic bacteria. Based on this characteristic of antibacterial peptide F1, we speculated that it could inhibit the growth of the colicin-resistant E. coli SHP45 (mcr-1) and not easily produce drug resistance. Studies have shown that antimicrobial peptide F1 can destroy the liposome structure of the phospholipid bilayer by destroying the inner and outer membranes of bacteria, thereby significantly inhibiting the growth of E. coli SHP45 (mcr-1), but without depending on LPS. The results of this study confirmed our hypothesis, and we anticipate that antimicrobial peptide F1 will become a safe antibacterial agent that can assist in solving the problem of drug resistance caused by colistin.

Near-GeV Electron Beams at a Few Per-Mille Level from a Laser Wakefield Accelerator via Density-Tailored Plasma

A simple, efficient scheme was developed to obtain near-gigaelectronvolt electron beams with energy spreads of few per-mille level in a single-stage laser wakefield accelerator. Longitudinal plasma density was tailored to control relativistic laser-beam evolution, resulting in injection, dechirping, and a quasi-phase-stable acceleration. With this scheme, electron beams with peak energies of 780-840 MeV, rms energy spreads of 2.4‰-4.1‰, charges of 8.5-23.6 pC, and rms divergences of 0.1-0.4 mrad were experimentally obtained. Quasi-three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations agreed well with the experimental results. The dechirping strength was estimated to reach up to 11  TeV/mm/m, which is higher than previously obtained results. Such high-quality electron beams will boost the development of compact intense coherent radiation sources and x-ray free-electron lasers.

[Value of renal injury marker protein in early diagnosis of acute kidney injury in burn patients with delayed resuscitation]

Objective: To explore the value of renal injury marker protein in early diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in burn patients with delayed resuscitation. Methods: The retrospective case-control research was conducted. Forty-three burn patients with delayed resuscitation (27 males and 16 females, with age of 18-75 (35±3) years)who were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital from May 2018 to May 2020 met the inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into AKI group with 23 patients and non-AKI group with 20 patients according to whether AKI occurred within 7 days after burns. The gender, age, deep partial-thickness burn area, full-thickness burn area, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ of patients were compared between the two groups.The fluid supplement volume and serum creatinine at 12, 24, and 48 h after burn, serum albumin/fibrinogen ratio (AFR), urinary heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2)×insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP-7), and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL)at 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 h after burn were detected.Data were statistically analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, independent-samples t test, chi-square test and Bonferroni correction. The independent variable to predict the occurrence of AKI was screened by multi-factor logistic regression analysis. The receiver's operating characteristic curve was drawn for predicting the occurrence of AKI in burn delayed resuscitation patients, and the area under the curve (AUC), the best threshold, and the sensitivity and specificity under the best threshold were calculated. Results: The gender, age, deep partial-thickness burn area, full-thickness burn area, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ of patients in two groups were similar (χ(2)=1.98, t=1.98, 1.99, 1.99, 1.99, P>0.05). The fluid supplement volume of patients in AKI group at 24 and 48 h after burn was significantly less than that in non-AKI group (t=15.37, 6.51, P<0.01). The serum creatinine of patients in AKI group at 12, 24, and 48 h after burn was significantly higher than that in non-AKI group (Z=2.16, 5.62, 6.72, P<0.01). The serum AFR of patients in AKI group at 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 h after burn was significantly lower than that in non-AKI group (t=16.14, 35.35, 19.60, 20.47, 30.20, 20.17, P<0.01). The levels of urinary HSP70 of patients in AKI group at 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 h after burn were (6.89±0.87), (6.42±0.73), (5.81±0.72), (5.17±0.56), (4.63±0.51), (3.89±0.51) μg/L, which were significantly higher than (3.89±0.75), (3.57±0.63), (2.66±0.41), (1.83±0.35), (1.48±0.19), (1.28±0.19) μg/L in non-AKI group (t=12.00, 13.61, 17.39, 22.98, 26.34, 21.59, P<0.01). Urinary TIMP-2×IGFBP-7 and NGAL of patients in AKI group at 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 168 h after burn were significantly higher than those in non-AKI group (t=26.94, 101.11, 35.50, 66.89, 17.34, 14.30, 14.00, 13.78, 12.32, 14.80, 21.36, 22.62, P<0.01). Urinary HSP70 and serum AFR at 12 h after burn, urinary TIMP-2×IGFBP-7 and NGAL at 24 h after burn were included into multi-factor logistic regression analysis (odds ratio=2.42, 3.47, 7.52, 5.61, 95% confidence interval=1.99-2.95, 1.86-3.92, 2.87-9.68, 2.14-14.69, P<0.01). For 43 patients with burn delayed resuscitation, the AUC of receiver's operating characteristic curve of serum AFR at 12 h after burn for predicting AKI was 0.739 (95% confidence interval=0.576-0.903), the optimal threshold was 9.90, the sensitivity was 82%, and the specificity was 90%. The AUC of urinary HSP70 at 12 h after burn was 0.990 (95% confidence interval=0.920-1.000), the optimal threshold was 1.40 μg/L, the sensitivity was 98%, and the specificity was 96%. The AUC of urinary TIMP-2×IGFBP-7 at 24 h after burn was 0.715 (95% confidence interval=0.512-0.890), the optimal threshold was 114.20 μg(2)/L(2), the sensitivity was 91%, and the specificity was 95%. The AUC of urinary NGAL at 24 h after burn was 0.972 (95% confidence interval=0.860-1.000), the optimal threshold was 78 μg/L, the sensitivity was 95%, and the specificity was 96%. Conclusions: Urinary HSP70 and NGAL have higher value in early diagnosis of AKI in burn patients with delayed resuscitation.

Assessment of Oral Bioavailability and Biotransformation of Emulsified Nobiletin Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Nobiletin has received much attention for its promising biological activities. Owing to its limited solubility, various encapsulation strategies have been developed to enhance nobiletin bioavailability. However, the understanding of the bioavailability and biotransformation of nobiletin in vivo and the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data remains limited. This study developed a high-loading nobiletin (1%) emulsion. The in vitro models, which combined pH-stat lipolysis with a Franz cell, showed very good correlation with in vivo data for the relative bioavailability. Rat studies showed that nobiletin had a high absolute bioavailability (≈20% for oil suspension). Besides, the emulsification improved the amount of bioavailable nobiletin and its major metabolite in the blood by about two times, as compared to an oil suspension. This work provides scientific insights into a rapid screening method for delivery systems and a better understanding of the biological fate of nobiletin in vivo.

Comparative Analyses of Bioavailability, Biotransformation, and Excretion of Nobiletin in Lean and Obese Rats

Nobiletin, one of the prevalent polymethoxyflavones in citrus peels, was reported to possess various health benefits. We conducted the excretion study and pharmacokinetics study of nobiletin via oral administration and intravenous injection and 15 day consecutive dosing study using the high fat diet-induced obese rats and their lean counterparts. By comparing the demethylated metabolite profiles in the urine and feces, gut microbiota demonstrated greater biotransformation activity on nobiletin than the host. The absolute oral bioavailability of nobiletin in lean (22.37% ± 4.52%) and obese (18.67% ± 4.80%) rats has a negligible statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). However, a higher extent of demethylated metabolites was found in the feces and plasma of obese rats than lean rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, the consecutive dosing of nobiletin might lead to a higher extent of demethylated metabolites in the plasma and in feces. These results suggested that gut microbiota played important roles in nobiletin metabolism.

MiR-137-5p alleviates inflammation by upregulating IL-10R1 expression in rats with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the potential functions of miR-137-5p and interleukin-10R1 (IL-10R1) in mediating the immune inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, primary microglia were isolated from the spinal cord of newborn rats. Expression levels of miR-137-5p and IL-10R1 in LPS-induced microglia were determined by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, mRNA expressions of Janus kinase (Jak1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were also examined by qRT-PCR. SCI model in rats was established and randomly assigned to three different groups: Sham group, SCI group and miR-137-5p mimic group. Within one week of spinal injury, relative levels of miR-137-5p and IL-10R1 in rats of different groups were detected by qRT-PCR. The mRNA levels of JAK1, tyrosine kinase (Tyk2) and STAT3 in rats were also measured. Moreover, protein expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in rats was measured by Western blotting. Finally, the improvement of locomotor function in three groups of rats within 4 weeks via BBB rating scale.

RESULTS

Transfection of miR-137-5p mimics upregulated relative levels of IL-10R1, JAK1 and STAT3 in in vitro cultured microglia. Similarly, IL-10R1/JAK1/STAT3 pathway was activated in rats administrated with miR-137-5p mimics. Nevertheless, relative levels of classical inflammatory stimulators IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 were downregulated accordingly by miR-137-5p overexpression. Moreover, miR-137-5p effectively improved the locomotor function of rats after SCI.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-137-5p exerts an anti-inflammatory response by upregulating IL-10R1, thus improving locomotor function and alleviating spinal cord injury.

Effects of MiR-146a on repair and inflammation in rats with spinal cord injury through the TLR/NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effects of micro ribonucleic acid-34a (miR-34a) on repair and inflammation of rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) through the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 12 healthy rats (control group (CG)) and 24 SCI rats (experimental group (EG-1)) were selected as subjects. A total of 12 experimental rats randomly selected from EG-1 were injected with 5 µL agomiR-146 as EG-2 group. Serum levels of miR-146a, TLR, NF-κB, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6 of rats in CG and EG-1 were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, the protein levels of miR-146a, TLR, NF-κB, IL-8 and IL-6 in rats of CG and EG were detected via Western blotting. Spinal cord tissue sections of SCI rats after treatment with agomiR-146 were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) staining.

RESULTS

The mRNA level of miR-146a in SCI rats was significantly lower than that in healthy rats, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of TLR, NF-κB, IL-8 and IL-6 in SCI rats were markedly higher than those in healthy rats, showing significant differences (p < 0.05). However, the relative mRNA level of miR-146a in EG-2 group was significantly higher than that in EG-1 group, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Relative level of miR-146a was not significantly different between EG-2 group and CG group (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of TLR, NF-κB, IL-8 and IL-6 in EG-2 group were evidently lower than those in EG-1 group, displaying significant differences (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-146a can promote the repair of SCI and reduce inflammatory responses in rats through the TLR/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Successful rescue of one severe burn patient accompanied by asphyxia, sudden cardiac arrest, and acute respiratory distress syndrome]

On March 14, 2017, a thirty years old male severe burn patient accompanied by asphyxia, sudden cardiac arrest, and acute respiratory distress syndrome was admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital. During the shock stage, the pulse contour cardiac output was monitored for the restrictive rehydration, tracheotomy was performed, and fibrobronchoscope lavage was performed for the treatment of inhalation injury and pulmonary infection. An alternate application of suspended bed and turning bed was conducted to balance the treatment of cerebral edema and pulmonary infection; targeted antibiotics were used for anti-infective treatment; multiple operations were performed for eschar excision and skin grafting. At last, the wounds were all healed, the lung infection was cured, and the patient was discharged with severe disturbance of consciousness. Asphyxia and acute respiratory distress syndrome post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation are serious complications in severe burn patients. The clinical treatment of such patients is very difficult and should be highly alerted.

Effect of salt concentration on microbial communities, physicochemical properties and metabolite profile during spontaneous fermentation of Chinese northeast sauerkraut

AIM

The aim of this study was to study the effects of salt concentrations on the microbial communities, physicochemical properties, metabolome profiles and sensory characteristics during the fermentation of traditional northeast sauerkraut.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Northeast sauerkraut was spontaneously fermented under four salt concentrations (0·5, 1·5, 2·5 and 3·5%, w/w). The result of microbiological analysis showed that the population of lactic acid bacteria in 2·5%-salted sauerkraut was significantly higher than that in the other samples. Correspondingly, the speed of decrease in pH and accumulation of acids were the highest in 2·5%-salted sauerkraut. The glucose (analysed by HPLC) in 2·5%-salted sauerkraut was consumed more completely to produce higher levels of organic acids compared to those in the other samples. Principle component analysis showed clear differences in the metabolites of sauerkraut according to different salt concentrations. A higher level of volatiles (detected by HS-SPME/GC-MS) was identified in 2·5%-salted sauerkraut, and sensory evaluation demonstrated that 2·5%-salted sauerkraut had the best sensory characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The best quality of sauerkraut was obtained from fermented under 2·5% salt concentration.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study facilitated the understanding of the effects of salt on the sauerkraut fermentation and may be useful for developing the quality of sauerkraut.

Hepatic Lipidomics Analysis Reveals the Antiobesity and Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of Tangeretin in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Tangeretin (TAN) exhibited antilipogenic, antidiabetic, and lipid-lowering effects. However, the lipid biomarkers and the underlying mechanisms for antiobesity and cholesterol-lowering effects of TAN have not been sufficiently investigated. Herein, we integrated biochemical analysis with lipidomics to elucidate its efficacy and mechanisms in high-fat diet-fed rats. TAN at supplementation levels of 0.04 and 0.08% not only significantly decreased body weight gain, serum total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels but also ameliorated hepatic steatosis. These beneficial effects were associated with the declining levels of fatty acids, diacylglycerols (DGs), triacylglycerols, ceramides, and cholesteryl esters by hepatic lipidomics analysis, which were attributed to downregulating lipogenesis-related genes and upregulating lipid oxidation- and bile acid biosynthesis-related genes. Additionally, 21 lipids were identified as potential lipid biomarkers, such as DGs and phosphatidylethanolamines. These findings indicated that the modulation of lipid homeostasis might be the key pathways for the mechanisms of TAN in the antiobesity and cholesterol-lowering effects.

[Analysis of CT features of 15 children with 2019 novel coronavirus infection]

Objective: To explore imaging characteristics of children with 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data and chest CT images of 15 children diagnosed with 2019-nCoV infection. They were admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen from January 16 to February 6, 2020. The distribution and morphology of pulmonary lesions on chest CT images were analyzed. Results: Among the 15 children, 5 were males and 10 females, aged from 4 to 14 years. Five of the 15 children were febrile and 10 were asymptomatic on the first visit. The first nasal or pharyngeal swab samples in all the 15 cases were positive for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. For their first chest CT images, 6 patients had no lesions, while 9 patients had pulmonary inflammatory lesions. Seven cases had small nodular ground glass opacities and 2 cases had speckled ground glass opacities. After 3 to 5 days of treatment, 2019-nCoV nucleic acid in a second respiratory sample turned negative in 6 cases. Among them, chest CT images showed less lesions in 2 cases, no lesion in 3 cases, and no improvement in 1 case. The remaining 9 cases were still positive in a second nucleic acid test. Six patients showed similar chest CT inflammation, while 3 patients had new lesions, which were all small nodular ground glass opacities. Conclusions: The early chest CT images of children with 2019-nCoV infection are mostly small nodular ground glass opacities. The clinical symptoms of children with 2019-nCoV infection are nonspecific. Dynamic reexamination of chest CT and nucleic acid are important.

[Analysis of CT features of 15 Children with 2019 novel coronavirus infection]

Objective: To explore imaging characteristics of children with 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data and chest CT images of 15 children diagnosed with 2019-nCoV. They were admitted to the third people's Hospital of Shenzhen from January 16 to February 6, 2020. The distribution and morphology of pulmonary lesions on chest CT images were analyzed. Results: Among the 15 children, there were 5 males and 10 females, aged from 4 to 14 years old. Five of the 15 children were febrile and 10 were asymptomatic on first visit. The first nasal or pharyngeal swab samples in all the 15 cases were positive for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. For their first chest CT images, 6 patients had no lesions, while 9 patients had pulmonary inflammation lesions. Seven cases of small nodular ground glass opacities and 2 cases of speckled ground glass opacities were found. After 3 to 5 days of treatment, 2019-nCoV nucleic acid in a second respiratory sample turned negative in 6 cases. Among them, chest CT images showed less lesions in 2 cases, no lesion in 3 cases, and no improvement in 1 case. Other 9 cases were still positive in a second nucleic acid test. Six patients showed similar chest CT inflammation, while 3 patients had new lesions, which were all small nodular ground glass opacities. Conclusions: The early chest CT images of children with 2019-nCoV infection are mostly small nodular ground glass opacities. The clinical symptoms of children with 2019-nCoV infection are nonspecific. Dynamic reexamination of chest CT and nucleic acid are important.

Immobilization of Aspergillus niger lipase onto a novel macroporous acrylic resin: Stable and recyclable biocatalysis for deacidification of high-acid soy sauce residue oil

Deacidification of high-acid soy sauce residue (SSR) oil is crucial to utilization of SSR oil. Aspergillus niger lipase (ANL) has been widely applied for such purpose while its immobilization still has large room for improvement. ANL was immobilized onto six different macroporous acrylic resins, accounting the effect of the different textural properties of resins on stability and their potential for application in enzymatic deacidification. The resin MARE with lower porosity, higher bulk density, and medium hydrophobicity, was chosen as the best carrier for the best thermostability and reusability. ANL-MARE is a promising catalyst than Novozym 40086, which not only exhibited higher deacidification activity and good thermostability, but also was continuously reused for 15 cycles and efficiently catalyzed from high-acid SSR oil into diacylglycerol-enriched oil. Therefore, immobilized ANL was a novel, low-cost and recyclable biocatalyst that could be used as a good alternative to higher-cost commercial lipases in industrial applications.

Identification of a new benzophenone from Psidium guajava L. leaves and its antineoplastic effects on human colon cancer cells

Psidium guajava L. leaves have a long history of being consumed as herbal teas in many countries. The aim of this study was to identify compounds with anticancer potentials from Psidium guajava L. leaves. Utilizing various extraction and chromatographical techniques, we have isolated one new (2) and two known compounds (1, 3). Structural analyses by the spectroscopic methods of TOF-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HSQC, and HMBC identified these three compounds as guavinoside E (1), 3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethyl-1-O-(6'-O-galloyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl)-benzophenone (2), and guavinoside B (3). Cell viability assays showed that compounds 2 and 3 inhibited the growth of HCT116 human colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, where compound 2 was more potent than compound 3. Based on flow cytometry analysis, compound 2 showed stronger activity in inducing cellular apoptosis in cancer cells than compound 3. Furthermore, compounds 2 and 3 modulated expression levels of key proteins involved in cell proliferation and apoptotic signaling. Specifically, compound 2 increased the levels of p53, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and cleaved caspases 8 and 9, and compound 3 increased the levels of p53 and cleaved caspase 8. Overall, this study provided identities of three bioactive compounds from P. guajava L. leaves and their anti-cancer effects against human colon cancer cells, which could facilitate the utilization of these compounds and P. guajava L. leaves as potential chemoprevention agents against colon carcinogenesis.

Improving the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of carnosic acid using a lecithin-based nanoemulsion: complementary in vitro and in vivo studies

Nanoemulsion with good physical stability can enhance the oral bioaccessibility and bioavailability of carnosic acid demonstrated by in vitro digestion models and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies using an animal model.

Dietary citrus peel essential oil ameliorates hypercholesterolemia and hepatic steatosis by modulating lipid and cholesterol homeostasis

Integration of lipidomics and gene expression analysis provided new insights into in-depth mechanistic understanding of the effects of dietary CPEO.

Hepatic transcriptome and proteome analyses provide new insights into the regulator mechanism of dietary avicularin in diabetic mice

Many dietary flavonoids existing as glycosides in fruits and vegetables are considered bioactive food components with various potential health benefits. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex and polygenic disease with increasing global prevalence and economic burden. In this study, the hypoglycemic effect of avicularin (quercetin-3-O-α-arabinofuranoside), a flavonoid glycoside commonly found in natural plants and fruits, was determined in a high fat diet/streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mouse model. Our results demonstrated that dietary avicularin treatment reduced levels of fasting blood glucose, serum TG and LDL-C, liver AST and ALT, and increased hepatic glycogen in T2DM mice. Furthermore, we used RNA-Seq and iTRAQ to compare the gene and protein expression in the livers of the normal control mice (NC), diabetic control mice (DC) and avicularin treated mice (DA100). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were analyzed based on gene annotations and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Integrated analysis of the RNA-Seq and iTRAQ data indicated that the fifteen DEGs/DEPs showed the same trend in mRNA and protein expression levels in comparisons of both NC vs DC and DC vs DA100. KEGG analysis revealed that four DEGs/DEPs (PKM, PEPCK, PYG, and PLA2) in the glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and arachidonic acid pathway, and six DEPs (Ndufb4, Ndufa6, Cox5a, Cox5b, Cox6c, and ATPSβ) in the oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathway, play important roles in avicularin's hypoglycemic effect. We also found six other DEGs/DEPs related to T2DM (CA1, Serpinb6a, AK, Pcolce, Cand2, and Atp2a3), and five related to cancer (Phgdh, Tes, Papss1, Psat1, and Fam49b). We did further verify by qRT-PCR and explored the possible binding modes of avicularin with targeted proteins with molecular docking simulations. Taken together, our results demonstrated the protective effects of avicularin against diabetes and provided a global view about the system-level hypoglycemic mechanisms of avicularin by the comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data in T2DM mice.

[Effects of citric acid on patients with severe burn complicated with acute renal injury treated by continuous renal replacement therapy]

Objective: To explore the effects of citric acid on patients with severe burn complicated with acute renal injury treated by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods: Medical records of 83 patients with large area of burn complicated with acute renal injury admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of our department from January 2015 to December 2018 and meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into heparin group [n=43, 25 males and 18 females, aged (35.0±2.5) years] and citric acid group [n=40, 22 males and 18 females, aged (37.0±6.6) years] according to different anticoagulation methods. After admission, routine support treatment and CRRT were performed after being diagnosed with acute renal injury in patients in 2 groups. Patients in heparin group were treated with low molecular weight heparin for anticoagulation with first dosage of 20 U/kg and an increase of 2.5 to 5.0 U per hour, and patients in citric acid group were given citric acid of 0.02 g/mL with dosage of 150~200 mL/h for anticoagulation. The use time of blood filter, recovery time of urine volume, and time of staying in ICU, and platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, cystatin C, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and neutrophil, leukocyte count, blood sugar, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and heart rate, body temperature, and mean arterial pressure before treatment and post treatment hour (PTH) 24 were recorded. Besides, occurrence of hemorrhage, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and death within 28 days post injury were recorded. Data were processed with t test and chi-square test. Results: The use time of blood filter of patients in citric acid group was (28.7±3.2)h, significantly longer than (19.4±2.6) h in heparin group (t=14.139, P<0.01). The recovery time of urine volume and time of staying in ICU of patients in citric acid group were respectively (7.6±0.9) and (9.6±1.3) d, significantly shorter than (9.2±1.5) and (11.2±1.8) d in heparin group (t=5.516, 4.697, P<0.01). Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in platelet count, APTT, and PT of patients in 2 groups (t=1.235, 0.515, 1.279, P>0.05). At PTH 24, the platelet count of patients in citric acid group was significantly higher than that in heparin group (t=10.947, P<0.01), and APTT and PT of patients in citric acid group were significantly shorter than those in heparin group (t=7.069, 9.142, P<0.01). Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and cystatin C of patients in 2 groups (t=1.684, 1.878, 1.472, P>0.05). At PTH 24, the serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and cystatin C of patients in citric acid group were significantly lower than those in heparin group (t=7.778, 9.776, 5.117, P<0.01). Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein of patients in 2 groups (t=1.413, 0.898, P>0.05). At PTH 24, the serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein of patients in citric acid group were significantly lower than those in heparin group (t=2.635, 2.297, P<0.05). Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in neutrophil, leukocyte count, blood sugar, AST, and ALT of patients in 2 groups (t=0.555, 0.816, 0.470, 1.896, 0.982, P>0.05). At PTH 24, the neutrophil, leukocyte count, blood sugar, AST, and ALT of patients in citric acid group were significantly lower than those in heparin group (t=2.054, 3.314, 7.185, 2.151, 3.013, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in heart rate, body temperature, and mean arterial pressure of patients in 2 groups (t=1.406, 0.474, 0.720, P>0.05). At PTH 24, the heart rate, body temperature, and mean arterial pressure of patients in citric acid group were significantly lower than those in heparin group (t=2.307, 4.498, 2.056, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The incidence of hemorrhage of patients in citric acid group while in hospital was significantly lower than that in heparin group (χ(2)=4.949, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in incidence of hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and death rate within 28 days post injury of patients in 2 groups while in hospital (χ(2)=3.346, 0.884, 0.297, 0.324, P>0.05). Conclusions: Citric acid has significant anticoagulant effect on patients with large area of burn complicated with acute renal injury treated by CRRT, which can prolong the use time of the blood filter, shorten the recovery time of urine volume and time of staying in ICU, improve renal function indexes, blood biochemical indexes, and inflammation indexes, maintain the stability of internal environment, and reduce the risk of hemorrhage.

[Transition in the treatment viewpoint and method for injured eyes with no light perception]

Exploratory pars plana vitrectomy (EPPV) made one quarter of injured eyes with no light perception (NLP) rescued. Previously, the clinical routine in making a decision of enucleation for injured eyes with NLP was based on preoperative evaluation. Such ideas, however, have altered with development of EPPV. Some extraordinary lesions can be explored in those moribund eyes during EPPV and dealt with newly developed techniques. This article reveals the pathological basis of traumatized NLP eyes and the advantages and effects of EPPV, and puts forward the concept that decision making of enucleation should be based on findings obtained during EPPV. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 645-646).

[Clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh flap in repairing large annular soft tissue defect of lower leg after burn]

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of free anterolateral thigh flap in repairing large annular soft tissue defect of lower leg after burn. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2018, 9 patients with large annular soft tissue defects of lower legs after burns were hospitalized in Zhengzhou First People's Hospital, including 1 case with wounds on both legs. After debridement, area of wounds was 16 cm×11 cm-38 cm×21 cm, and the burn wounds were repaired with free anterolateral thigh flaps in the area of 18 cm×12 cm-32 cm×24 cm. End-to-end anastomosis of posterior tibial vessels or anterior tibial vessels with lateral circumflex femoral vessels was performed in manual way or by microvascular stapler. For the affected legs without condition for anastomosis, the sound medial lower leg flaps with areas of 10 cm×8 cm-15 cm×10 cm were excised and made into skin tubes, the posterior tibial vessels of the flaps were anastomosed with the vessels of free anterolateral femoral flaps, and the wounds of the injured lower legs were repaired by bridge-type cross-over free transplantation of anterolateral thigh flaps. The pedicles were broken 4 to 5 weeks later. The donor site was transplanted with autologous intermediate split-thickness skin graft from thigh. The outcome of the treatment, the number of perforators included in the flaps, and the anastomotic vessel in the recipient area of patients were recorded. The anastomosis time between manual way and microvascular staplers was recorded and compared. The patency of blood vessels, methods of free transplantation, and follow-up condition were recorded. Data were processed with Wilcoxon rank sum test for two independent samples. Results: All the 10 free flaps and skin grafts of 9 patients survived, and all the wounds were closed by primary operation. Seven flaps contained two perforators each, and three flaps contained three perforators each. The anastomotic vessels were posterior tibial vessels in 6 recipient areas and anterior tibial vessels in 4 recipient areas. Microvascular stapler was used to anastomose 12 veins, while 8 veins and 10 arteries were anstomosed manually. The time consumed by the former method was 4.00 (3.55, 4.38) min, significantly shorter than 12.80 (12.13, 13.40) min of the latter (W=78.00, P<0.01). The patency rates of veins and arteries were 100%. There was no vascular crisis due to vascular anastomosis. Three patients underwent bridge-type cross-over free transplantation, while the others underwent conventional free transplantation. Follow-up for 3 to 30 months showed that the donor site of the thigh had good motor function, without numbness or pain, but hypertrophy of scar could be seen. Four patients had slightly overstaffed flaps transplanted in the recipient area of the lower legs, while the other patients were satisfied with their appearance, and the walking function of the affected limbs gradually recovered. Conclusions: Free anterolateral thigh flap transplantation is a safe and reliable clinical limb salvage method for the repair of large annular soft tissue defect of lower leg after burn. Intraoperative application of microvascular stapler for venous anastomosis can shorten the time of vascular anastomosis and has great clinical application value.

Prevention of Obesity and Hyperlipidemia by Heptamethoxyflavone in High-fat Diet-induced Rats

Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) have been shown to prevent obesity, ameliorate type 2 diabetes, and regulate lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo. However, little is known about the contribution of 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF) to prevent obesity and regulate lipid metabolism in vivo. We aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of HMF on preventing obesity and hyperlipidemia in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and its underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal diet or an HFD with or without HMF (0.02%, 0.04% and 0.08%, w/w) for 6 weeks. The supplementation of HMF not only significantly decreased body weight gain (HFD, 336.50 ± 18.84 g; LHMF, 309.43 ± 20.74 g; MHMF, 296.83 ± 13.88 g; HHMF, 265.71 ± 19.09 g; respectively, p < 0.05) and adipose tissues weight ( p < 0.05), but also markedly lowered serum levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( p < 0.05) in the sixth week in a dose-dependent manner compared with the HFD group. HMF also significantly alleviated hepatic steatosis in the liver (liver weight g/100 g body weight of HFD, 4.86 ± 0.11%; LHMF, 4.02 ± 0.33%; MHMF, 4.05 ± 0.31%; HHMF, 3.72 ± 0.34%; respectively, p < 0.05). Furthermore, transcriptome analysis and real-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that HMF supplementation markedly downregulated hepatic genes related to adipogenesis transcription and inflammatory responses, and significantly upregulated genes related to fatty acid oxidation and energy expenditure. These results indicated that HMF could effectively prevent obesity and hyperlipidemia by regulation of the expression of lipid metabolism-related and inflammatory response-related genes.

[Expression of Foxm1 in chronic sinusitis and itsrelationship with MUC5AC]

Objective:To explore the expression of Forkhead box protein m1(Foxml) in the sinus mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS) and the relationship between Foxm1 and MUC5AC for further understanding of the pathogenesis of CRS.Method:We obtained the sinus mucosa from 25 CRS with polyps(CRSwNP) patients and 25 CRS without polyps (CRSsNP) patients as two experimental groups.Nasal mucosa from 15 normol cases were obtained as control group.We used HE,Periodic acid-schiff staining to observe the histopathological change of each sample.The expression of Foxm1 and MUC5AC were determined by immunohistochemistry(IHC) and qRT-PCR in each group.We also analysed the relationship between Foxm1 and MUC5AC.Result:The HE and PAS staining showed that in the CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients,the main histopathological features was the hyperplasia of goblet cell,inflammatory cell and submucosal gland.IHC showed that Foxm1 and MUC5AC expression were higher in CRSwNP and CRSsNP compared with normal sinus mucosa.qRT-PCR also revealed that Foxm1 and MUC5AC expression was higher in CRSwNP and CRSsNP than in normal mucosa(P<0.05).Foxm1 and MUC5AC had a significant positive correlation.Conclusion:The expressions of Foxm1 and MUC5AC were increased in CRS,and Foxm1 may play an important role in the process of hypersecretion of MUC5AC in CRS.

A microRNA-1 gene, tci-miR-1-3p, is involved in cyflumetofen resistance by targeting a glutathione S-transferase gene, TCGSTM4, in Tetranychus cinnabarinus

microRNA-1 (miR-1) is a well-studied conservative microRNA (miRNA) involved in immune responses in mammals and insects. However, little is known about its role in pesticide resistance in arthropods. In this study, we found that a microRNA belong to miR-1 family (tci-miR-1-3p) was significantly down-regulated in a cyflumetofen-resistant strain (CYR) of Tetranychus cinnabarinus compared with its homologous susceptible strain (SS), indicating an involvement of miR-1 in cyflumetofen resistance in mites. One glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene (TCGSTM4, a mu class GST gene), a candidate target gene of tci-miR-1-3p, was found to be significantly down-regulated when tci-miR-1-3p was over-expressed. The specific interaction between tci-miR-1-3p and the target sequence in the 3' untranslated region of TCGSTM4 was confirmed. A decrease or increase in tci-miR-1-3p abundance through feeding miRNA inhibitors or mimics significantly increased or decreased TCGSTM4 expressions at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. In addition, an over-expression of tci-miR-1-3p resulted in a decrease in the tolerance of T. cinnabarinus to cyflumetofen in both SS and CYR strains, and vice versa. After decreasing TCGSTM4 transcription via RNA interference, T. cinnabarinus became more sensitive to cyflumetofen in both resistant and susceptible mites, and the change in mortality was greater in CYR than that in SS. Moreover, the recombinant TCGSTM4 could significantly decompose cyflumetofen, indicating that TCGSTM4 is a functional gene responsible for cyflumetofen resistance in mites.

An epidemiological survey of echinococcosis in intermediate and definitive hosts in Qinghai Province, China

In order to understand the epidemiological status of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis in intermediate and definitive hosts in Qinghai Province, China, during the period 2007-2011, we investigated the infection in humans and animals, including yaks, Tibetan sheep, Tibetan dogs, and wild foxes distributed in different counties around the province. Sera from local residents were examined using a rapid serodiagnostic kit to detect specific antibodies against Echinococcus. Seropositive samples were confirmed with B-scan ultrasonography and X-ray examinations. Yaks and Tibetan sheep were checked at slaughterhouses, and cysts and suspicious lesions were collected for analysis. A rapid diagnostic strip was used to detect Echinococcus adults in Tibetan dogs. Positive dogs were dewormed and the parasites collected. Wild foxes were trapped and necropsies performed with particular attention to the intestine. Forty-eight of 735 (6.4%) humans tested were positive and 475 of 854 (55.6%) Tibetan sheep and 85 of 352 (24.15%) yaks were infected with Echinococcus. Across different counties, 214 of 948 (22.57%) Tibetan dogs were positive, and five of 36 (13.9%) wild foxes were infected with Echinococcus. Molecular studies showed that all the infections detected in humans, domestic yaks, and Tibetan sheep were the G1 genotype (E. granulosus), whereas the parasites from Tibetan foxes and Tibetan dogs were E. shiquicus and E. multilocularis, respectively. In conclusion, Echinococcosis is hyperendemic in Qinghai Province in both its intermediate and definitive hosts and the G1 genotype of cystic Echinococcus is the dominant strain.

[Visual quality comparison after multifocal toric intraocular lens or monofocal toric intraocular lens implantation]

Objective: To compare visual quality and satisfaction after multifocal toric intraocular lens (Acrysof IQ Restor toric, ART) and monofocal toric intraocular lens implantation in patients. Methods: It was a prospective nonrandomized Phase Ⅲ clinical trial. Patients with age-related cataract and corneal astigmatism were enrolled and accepted phacoemulsification combined with implantation of intraocular lens (IOL) in Henan Provincial Eye Hospital during March 2013 to December 2014. Fifty-six cases were divided into two groups according to which IOL they chose. ART group included 28 cases (3l eyes) aged from 41.0 to 72.0 years, with an average age of 61.5 years; toric group included 28 cases (33 eyes) aged from 42.0 to 75.0 years, with an average age of 63.5 years. Three months postoperatively, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 5, 70, 40 cm, corrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities, defocus curve, residual refractive astigmatism, rotational stability of the IOL, contrast sensitivity and patientsatisfaction were evaluated. All data were processed by statistic package deal SPSS 16.0. Postoperative visual acuity, residual astigmatism, IOL axial rotation and contrast sensitivity were compared by independent samples t test; preoperative and postoperative corneal astigmatism were compared by paired t-test; spectacle independency and halo incidence were processed by χ(2) test; visual satisfaction score was analyzed by Mann-Whitney test. Results: At 3 months postoperatively, in ART group, UDVA was (0.04±0.05), UIVA was (0.24±0.15), UNVA was (0.20±0.24). While in Toric group, UDVA was (0.06±0.04), UIVA was (0.30±0.13), UNVA was (0.47±0.21). There was no significant difference in UDVA between two groups(t=0.79, P=0.433). But in ART group, UIVA and UNVA were markedly better than those in Toric group(t=2.74, P=0.008; t=3.45, P<0.01). Depth of focus was 5.50 D (+2.00--3.50 D) in the ART group and 2.50 D (+1.00--1.50 D) in the Toric group. Average postoperative residual astigmatism was (-0.45±0.41)D in ART group and (-0.41±0.32)D in the Toric group. There was no significant difference between two groups (t=1.05, P=0.304). Average IOL rotation test was (2.95°±1.34°) in the ART group and (2.75°±1.64°) in the Toric group. There was no significant difference between two groups (t=0.67, P=0.452). Spectacle independency was achieved by 85.7% of patients in the ART group and 32.1% in the Toric group. There was no signifcant difference in distant visual satisfaction scores between the two groups(Z=0.71, P>0.05), while the intermediate and near visual satisfaction scores were significantly different(Z=2.27, P<0.05; Z=2.60, P<0.05) Conclusions: Both of the ART IOL and toric IOL can correct patients astigmatism. Implantation of ART IOL in patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism provided excellent distance, intermediate, and near visual outcomes. It provided better predictability of the refractive results, nice rotational stability, and good optical performance. At the same time, it improved the spectacle independency of cataract patients with astigmatism. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 274-280).

Clinical applications of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in severe aplastic anemia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of haploidentical allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and prophylaxis of complications involved.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

8 patients with clinically diagnosed SAA (5 cases of SAA-I and 3 cases of SAA-II) were recruited, with the parents as the donors of hemopoietic stem cells. The conditioning regimen before HSCT included cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, pig anti-human lymphocyte immune globulin (p-ALG) and/or total body irradiation (TBI). The recipients received short-term methotrexate (MTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and cyclosporin A (CsA) for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Subsequent to successful allo-HSCT, the hematopoietic reconstitution was observed, coupled with periodical surveillance of the chimerism rate, the occurrence, and severity of postoperative complications as infection, GVHD, veno-occlusive disease (VOD), hemorrhagic cystitis (HC), cytomegalovirus (CMV) as well as the long-term survival rate, etc.

RESULTS

We found that hematopoietic reconstruction was achieved in all of the 8 patients with the average time of 14.8d for absolute neutrophil count (ANC) > 0.5×109/L, and the average time of 15.0d for platelet count was more than 20×109/L. Follow-up for 1 month later revealed that DNA chimeric rate of donor cells was 95%-100%. The complications were aGVHD in 7 cases including 5 cases of grade I-II (62.5%), 1 case of grade III (12.5%) and 1 case of grade IV (12.5%), as well as chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) in 2 patients, including 1 case (12.5%) localized in the oral cavity and 1 case (12.5%) with extensive type cGVHD in the whole body skin. No VOD or HC was observed, and no transplantation-related death occurred at median following-up of 8.5 months (2 to 18 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Allo-HSCT is safe and effective in patients with SAA and has great clinical perspective.

Photonic materials, structures and devices for Reststrahlen optics

We present a review of existing and potential next-generation far-infrared (20-60 μm) optical materials and devices. The far-infrared is currently one of the few remaining frontiers on the optical spectrum, a space underdeveloped and lacking in many of the optical and optoelectronic materials and devices taken for granted in other, more technologically mature wavelength ranges. The challenges associated with developing optical materials, structures, and devices at these wavelengths are in part a result of the strong phonon absorption in the Reststrahlen bands of III-V semiconductors that collectively span the far-infrared. More than just an underexplored spectral band, the far-IR may also be of potential importance for a range of sensing applications in astrochemistry, biology, and industrial and geological processes. Additionally, with a suitable far-IR optical infrastructure, it is conceivable that even more applications could emerge. In this review, we will present recent progress on far-infrared materials and phenomena such as phononic surface modes, engineered composite materials, and optoelectronic devices that have the potential to serve as the next generation of components in a far-infrared optical tool-kit.

Reduction of angiocidin contributes to decreased HepG2 cell proliferation

BACKGROUND

Angiocidin plays a key role in angiogenesis and tumor progression. High angiocidin expression is detected in some kind of solid tumors and tumor vascular endothelial cells. Several reports have shown the inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth caused by angiocidin. However, the role of angiocidin in liver cancers growth is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To examine angiocidin expression in SMMC-7221 and HepG2 cells and the role of angiocidin in liver cancer cell growth.

METHODS

RT-PCR and western blot are used in this study to detect angiocidin expression. SiRNA and MTT experiments are used in exploring the role of angiocidin in tumor cell growth.

RESULTS

Our study showed high angiocidin expression in two kinds of liver cancer cells. Angiocidin protein production in HepG2 cells were reduced significantly by siRNA. When HepG2 cells were transfected with siRNA-angiocidin, these cells showed very low proliferation activity compared with control cells. Our study suggests that reduction of angiocidin may contribute to decreased proliferation activity in liver cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Angiocidin is highly expressed in liver cancer cells, and it may play a key role in tumor growth of liver cancers.