A tungsten phosphide cocatalyst enhanced bismuth tungstate photoanode with the robust built-in electric field towards highly efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

The use of low-cost and effective cocatalyst is a potential strategy to optimize the effectiveness of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this study, tungsten phosphide (WP) is introduced as a remarkably active cocatalyst to enhance the PEC efficiency of a Bi2WO6 photoanode. The onset potential of Bi2WO6/WP demonstrates a negative shift, while the photocurrent density demonstrates a significant 5.5-fold increase compared to that of unmodified Bi2WO6 at 1.23 VRHE (reversible hydrogen electrode). The loading of WP cocatalyst facilitates the rapid transfer of holes, increasing the range of visible light absorption, the water adsorption ability as well as promoting the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes via the built-in electric field between Bi2WO6 and WP. This study proposes a strategy to hinder the recombination of electron-hole pairs by using WP cocatalyst as a hole capture agent, improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency, and enhance the overall photoelectrochemical properties of Bi2WO6 photoanode.

Efficacy evaluation of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture for sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation: a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture for sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients diagnosed with sciatica caused by LDH were randomly divided into the warm acupuncture of the Mongolian medicine group (n = 42, warm acupuncture treatment), the sham acupuncture group (n = 38, sham acupuncture using blunt-tipped needles) and the conventional drug group (n = 40, ibuprofen sustained release capsule). All patients were treated for 4 weeks and followed up for 8 weeks. The visual analog scale for leg pain (VAS-LP), Mongolian medicine indicators (efficacy indicators), VAS for waist pain (VAS-WP) and the Mos 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score were analyzed at baseline, after two-week treatment, after four-week treatment, at four-week follow-up and at eight-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Warm acupuncture treatment significantly decreased the VAS-LP and VAS-WP scores of patients at treatment and follow-up (p < 0.05), and pain was improved compared to the conventional drug group and sham acupuncture group. The total effective rate was markedly higher in the warm acupuncture of the Mongolian medicine group compared with the conventional drug group at 8-week follow-up (p < 0.05), but sham acupuncture treatment resulted in no evident improvement in the Mongolian medicine indicators. Additionally, at treatment and follow-up, warm acupuncture of the Mongolian medicine group showed a significant increase in the physical function, physical role, body pain, and emotional and mental health role scores of the SF-36 survey compared with the sham acupuncture groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Mongolian medical warm acupuncture effectively relieves leg and waist pain and improves the total therapeutic effect and the quality of daily life for patients with sciatica caused by LDH, with significant long-term efficacy. Our study provides a basis for warm acupuncture in the treatment of sciatica caused by LDH. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ID: ChiCTR- INR-15007413.

Efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Many meta-analyses have assessed the efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the strength and quality of evidence to date. Systematic reviews of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials, which evaluated the effect of preventive strategies on the incidence of VAP in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h, were included in this article. We identified a total of 34 interventions derived from 31 studies. Among these interventions, 19 resulted in a significantly reduced incidence of VAP. Among numerous strategies, only selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) was supported by highly suggestive (Class II) evidence (risk ratio (RR)=0.439, 95% CI: 0.362-0.532). Based on data from the sensitivity analysis, the evidence for the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation in weaning from mechanical ventilation (NIV) was upgraded from weak (Class IV) to highly suggestive (Class II) (RR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.22-0.46). All preventive interventions were not supported by robust evidence for reducing mortality. Early mobilization exhibited suggestive (Class III) evidence in shortening both intensive length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) (mean difference (MD)=-0.85, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.49) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MD=-1.02, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.63). In conclusion, SDD and NIV are supported by robust evidence for prevention against VAP, while early mobilization has been shown to significantly shorten the LOS in the ICU and the duration of mechanical ventilation. These three strategies are recommendable for inclusion in the ventilator bundle to lower the risk of VAP and improve the prognosis of critically ill patients.

Effect of In Situ NbC-Cr7C3@graphene/Fe Nanocomposite Inoculant Modification and Refinement on the Microstructure and Properties of W18Cr4V High-Speed Steel

A novel graphene-coated nanocrystalline ceramic particle, iron-based composite inoculant was developed in this study to optimize the as-cast microstructure and mechanical properties of W18Cr4V high-speed steel (HSS). The effects of the composite inoculant on the microstructure, crystal structure, and mechanical properties of HSS were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The (002-) and (020) crystal planes of the Fe3C and Cr7C3 phases, respectively, were collinear at two points in the reciprocal space, indicating a coherent relationship between the Fe3C and Cr7C3 phases in the tempered modified HSS. This contributed to an improved non-uniform nucleation rate and refining of the HSS grains. The mechanical properties of the modified steel exhibited a general improvement. Specifically, the modification treatment enhanced the hardness of HSS from HRC 63.2 to 66.4 and the impact toughness by 48.3%.

Knockdown of angiopoietin-like 4 suppresses sepsis-induced acute lung injury by blocking the NF-κB pathway activation and hindering macrophage M1 polarization and pyroptosis

OBJECTIVE

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease. Macrophage pyroptosis has been reported to exert function in ALI. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of ANGPTL4-mediated cell pyroptosis in sepsis-induced ALI, thus providing new insights into the pathogenesis and prevention and treatment measures of sepsis-induced ALI.

METHODS

In vivo animal models and in vitro cell models were established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method and lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages RAW264.7. ANGPTL4 was silenced in CLP mice or macrophages, followed by the determination of ANGPTL4 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or macrophages. Lung histopathology was observed by H&E staining, with pathological injury scores evaluated and lung wet and dry weight ratio recorded. M1/M2 macrophage marker levels (iNOS/CD86/Arg1), inflammatory factor (TNF-α/IL-6/IL-1β/iNOS) expression in BALF, cell death and pyroptosis, NLRP3 inflammasome, cell pyroptosis-related protein (NLRP3/Cleaved-caspase-1/caspase-1/GSDMD-N) levels, NF-κB pathway activation were assessed by RT-qPCR/ELISA/flow cytometry/Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

ANGPTL4 was highly expressed in mice with sepsis-induced ALI, and ANGPTL4 silencing ameliorated sepsis-induced ALI in mice. In vivo, ANGPTL4 silencing repressed M1 macrophage polarization and macrophage pyroptosis in mice with sepsis-induced ALI. In vitro, ANGPTL4 knockout impeded LPS-induced activation and pyroptosis of M1 macrophages and hindered LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway in macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Knockdown of ANGPTL4 blocks the NF-κB pathway activation, hinders macrophage M1 polarization and pyroptosis, thereby suppressing sepsis-induced ALI.

Comparative analysis of codon usage patterns in the chloroplast genomes of nine forage legumes

Leguminosae is one of the three largest families of angiosperms after Compositae and Orchidaceae. It is widely distributed and grows in a variety of environments, including plains, mountains, deserts, forests, grasslands, and even waters where almost all legumes can be found. It is one of the most important sources of starch, protein and oil in the food of mankind and also an important source of high-quality forage material for animals, which has important economic significance. In our study, the codon usage patterns and variation sources of the chloroplast genome of nine important forage legumes were systematically analyzed. Meanwhile, we also constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the whole chloroplast genomes and protein coding sequences of these nine forage legumes. Our results showed that the chloroplast genomes of nine forage legumes end with A/T bases, and seven identical high-frequency (HF) codons were detected among the nine forage legumes. ENC-GC3s mapping, PR2 analysis, and neutral analysis showed that the codon bias of nine forage legumes was influenced by many factors, among which natural selection was the main influencing factor. The codon usage frequency showed that the Nicotiana tabacum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be considered as receptors for the exogenous expression of chloroplast genes of these nine forage legumes. The phylogenetic relationships of the chloroplast genomes and protein coding genes were highly similar, and the nine forage legumes were divided into three major clades. Among the clades Melilotus officinalis was more closely related to Medicago sativa, and Galega officinalis was more closely related to Galega orientalis. This study provides a scientific basis for the molecular markers research, species identification and phylogenetic studies of forage legumes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01421-0.

Identification of Key Ubiquitination-Related Genes and Their Association with Immune Infiltration in Osteoarthritis Based on the mRNA-miRNA Network

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that is closely associated with functions of ubiquitination and immune cells, yet the mechanism remains ambiguous. This study aimed to find core ubiquitination-related genes and their correlative immune infiltration in OA using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The ubiquitination-related genes, datasets GSE55235 and GSE143514 were obtained from open databases. WGCNA got used to investigate key co-expressed genes. Then, we screened differentially expressed miRNAs by "limma" package in R, and constructed mRNA-miRNA network. We conducted function enrichment analysis on the identified genes. CIBERSORT was then utilized to analyze the relevance between immune infiltration and genes. Lastly, RT-qPCR was further used to verify the prediction of bioinformatics. A sum of 144 ubiquitination-related genes in OA were acquired. Enrichment analysis indicated that obtained genes obviously involved in mTOR pathway to regulate the OA development. GRB2 and SEH1L and L-arginine synergistically regulate the mTOR signaling pathway in OA. Moreover, GRB2 and SEH1L were remarkably bound up with immune cell infiltration. Additionally, GRB2 expression was upregulated and SEH1L level was downregulated in the OA development by RT-qPCR experiment. The present study identified GRB2 and SEH1L as key ubiquitination-related genes which were involved in immune infiltration in OA patients, thereby providing new drug targets for OA.

[Clinical analysis of sirolimus as an alternative GVHD prophylaxis for patients with kidney injury undergoing allo-HSCT]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of sirolimus as an alternative graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in patients with kidney injury after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Retrospective case series study. Medical records of 11 patients in Peking University People's Hospital from 1 August 2008 to 31 October 2022, who received sirolimus instead of cyclosporine to prevent GVHD, due to renal insufficiency after allo-HSCT, were analyzed retrospectively. Incidence of GVHD, infection, and transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA), as well as renal function, were evaluated. Results: Among the 11 patients who received sirolimus, 6 were treated with haploidentical donor HSCT, and 5 were treated using matched sibling donor HSCT. The median (range) time of sirolimus administration was 30 (7-167) days after allo-HSCT, and the median (range) sirolimus course duration was 52 (9-120) days. During sirolimus treatment, 1 case did not undergo combined treatment with other prophylactic drugs, 3 cases received combined mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and 1 case underwent combined CD25 monoclonal antibody treatment, while 6 cases had combined therapy with both MMF and CD25 monoclonal antibody. Of the 11 patients, 2 developed Grade Ⅲ acute GVHD, 1 developed severe pneumonia and died, and 1 developed TA-TMA, while nine patients had normal or improved renal function. Median (range) follow-up time was 130 (54-819) days. Non-relapse mortality was observed in 1 patient. Relapse mortality was also observed in 1 patient. Conclusion: Sirolimus-based alternative GVHD prophylaxis is a potentially viable option for patients undergoing allo-HSCT who cannot tolerate cyclosporine, but its efficacy and safety require further optimization and verification in prospective studies.

Genome-wide association analysis of neck ring traits in NongHua ma male ducks

1. Male NongHua ma ducks have more colourful feathers than females, especially considering that the former have a distinctive neck ring that is different from that of females. This ring development might be influenced by sex selection, the environment, genetics and other elements.2. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was used to locate candidate genes that affect the neck ring formation of male ducks to investigate the genetic basis of this phenomenon.3. In this study, the neck ring area and width of 180 male ducks were assessed at ages 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 d. GWAS was used to identify associated genes. There were 0, 7, 14, 48 and 21 possible candidate genes annotated around the 0, 12, 25, 76 and 40 SNP loci n corresponding regions. A total of 13 candidate genes were identified around 21 SNP sites at the neck ring width of 120 d.4. These significant genes were annotated and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. All SNPs that exceeded the significance threshold were annotated and preliminarily screened as candidate genes affecting neck ring formation. From analysis of gene function and enriched KEGG pathways, genes such as THSD1, SLC6A4, DGAT2, PRKDC, B3GAT2, ROR1, GRK7, EXTL3, TXNDC12, COL4A2, PRKG1, ACTR3, were considered important candidate marker sites related to the neck ring. This provided a reference starting point for the genetic mechanism underlying duck feather colour.

[Epidemiological characteristics of familiar adult inherited metabolic liver disease]

Inherited metabolic liver diseases can occur in multi-age groups such as children, adolescents, adults, and others. With the improvement of diagnosis and treatment levels, more and more patients with childhood-onset diseases are surviving into adulthood. Some diseases originally faced by pediatric hepatologists also appear in adult hepatology clinics. This raises new challenges for adult hepatologists, requiring them to master more professional knowledge. However, specific data on the incidence rate of most inherited metabolic liver diseases is still lacking in our country. This article reviews the research progress of hereditary metabolic liver diseases and summarizes the epidemiological characteristics of familiar hereditary metabolic liver diseases in China.

A Study on the Psychological Experience and Influential Factors of Pregnant Women Who Decided Elective Caesarean Section After Public Health Emergencies - A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic used to be a major public health emergency which affected people worldwide, and it affected individuals' body, mood, work and lifestyle to some extent. The pregnant woman affected by the unstable hormone will be more sensitive than normal ones. Long-term depression and anxiety could feedback on their body and lead to a host of pregnancy complications. Because pregnant women who choose cesarean section are awake during the perioperative period, to ensure safety, the degree of cooperation about psychology and behavior is relatively high, so we should know the psychological state of such a group of people.

Objective

This study aims to explore psychological experience and influential factors of pregnant women who decided elective caesarean section after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study carried out in a hospital in Shanghai, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected pregnant women who selected elective cesarean section as the study objects, all participants provided informed consent and completed questionnaires, including sociodemographic questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS). Software SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze and explore the influencing factors.

Results

Eligible 595 questionnaires were included in the study, the mean score of GAD-7 was 4.855 ± 3.254 and 90.699 ± 13.807 of GWBS. Generalized linear regression analysis revealed several factors that were statistically significant with the two scales, including birthplace, average monthly income, number of abortion and pregnancy complication (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 infection status and symptoms around infection have no statistical difference in anxiety level and general well-being after they experience the COVID-19 pandemic. However, through this study, we found some influencing factors that worth further exploration. In the future, we will expand the sample size to explore the different situation of multi-center, and we hope provide psychological nursing interventions based on existing results to offer a better delivery experience.

[Pelvic coronal inclination change in adolescent flexible flatfoot surgically treated with arthroereisis]

Objective: To evaluate adolescent pelvic coronal inclination angle change after flatfoot treated with arthroereisis. Method: A case-series study. From June 2018 to September 2020, 25 children with flexible flat foot and pelvic obliquity were included in this retrospective study in Peking University Shenzhen Hospital. There were 17 males and 8 females with a mean age of (11.2±2.2) years (9-15 years). There were 5 cases of unilateral flatfoot and 20 cases of bilateral flatfoot. All of the patients were surgically treated with arthroereisis. Regular follow-up was done in 3 months, 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Weightbearing fluoroscopy of entire lower limb and foot were investigated to measure Meary's angle, calcaneal pitch angle, height difference at ankle and pelvic plane, pelvic inclination and sacrum-iliac distance (F value) on coronal plane. Results: The mean Mearys' angle at 3 month postoperatively was improved when compared with that before the operation (3.1°±1.5° vs 25.9°±4.3°, P<0.001), and it remained at the same level 2 years after the operation (compared with that at 1 year after the operation, P=0.748). The calcaneal pitch angle improved significantly at 3-month follow-up when compared with that before the operation (16.6°±2.4° vs 9.9°±1.5°, P<0.001), and there was no significant change between 1 year and 2 years after operation (P=0.542). The height difference at mortise plane were also reduced at the 3-month follow-up(P<0.001), and it remained at the same level at 1 year and 2 years after the operation (P=0.159). Pelvic height difference decreased dramatically from (12.4±1.7) mm (before operation) to (7.1±1.2) mm(3 month after the operation) (P<0.001), it decreased to (3.6±1.8) mm 1 year after the operation (compared with that at 3 months after the operation, P<0.001), and no further reduction was observed 2 years after the surgery (P=0.483). The pelvic inclination angle and sacrum-iliac distance were also improved at 3-month follow-up when compared with those before the operation (both P<0.001), and they declined further 1 year after the operation(both P<0.05), but the decreasing trend disappeared at the 2-year follow-up (both P>0.05). Conclusion: For adolescent flexible flat foot patients with pelvic obliquity, the coronal inclination and pelvic height discrepancy would partially recovered with correction of flatfoot deformity, but it could not be completely corrected in the mean follow-up period of 2 years after the operation.

[Research progress of non-biological artificial liver support system therapy for paitents with liver failure]

Liver failure progresses quickly with high mortality. Non-biological artificial liver support system therapy is one of the important treatments for patients with liver failure. The basic techniques of non-biological artificial liver support system therapy include plasma exchange, plasma adsorption and continuous renal replacement therapy. In this paper, the effect and choice of these basic techniques, the treatment timing, the possible patients who may benefit, and the existing problems are summarized and discussed. We hope to provide a reference for the rational use of non-biological artificial liver support system therapy in clinical practice.

[Clinical analysis of the usefulness of letermovir for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of letermovir in primary prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in patients receiving haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: This retrospective, cohort study was conducted using data of patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation at Peking University Institute of Hematology and received letermovir for primary prophylaxis between May 1, 2022 and August 30, 2022. The inclusion criteria of the letermovir group were as follows: letermovir initiation within 30 days after transplantation and continuation for≥90 days after transplantation. Patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation within the same time period but did not receive letermovir prophylaxis were selected in a 1∶4 ratio as controls. The main outcomes were the incidence of CMV infection and CMV disease after transplantation as well as the possible effects of letermovir on acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and bone marrow suppression. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test, and continuous variables were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for evaluating incidence differences. Results: Seventeen patients were included in the letermovir prophylaxis group. The median patient age in the letermovir group was significantly greater than that in the control group (43 yr vs. 15 yr; Z=-4.28, P<0.001). The two groups showed no significant difference in sex distribution and primary diseases, etc. (all P>0.05). The proportion of CMV-seronegative donors was significantly higher in the letermovir prophylaxis group in comparison with the control group (8/17 vs. 0/68, χ²=35.32, P<0.001). Three out of the 17 patients in the letermovir group experienced CMV reactivation, which was significantly lower than the incidence of CMV reactivation in the control group (3/17 vs. 40/68, χ²=9.23, P=0.002), and no CMV disease development observed in the letermovir group. Letermovir showed no significant effects on platelet engraftment (P=0.105), aGVHD (P=0.348), and 100-day NRM (P=0.474). Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that letermovir may effectively reduce the incidence of CMV infection after haploidentical transplantation without influencing aGVHD, NRM, and bone marrow suppression. Prospective randomized controlled studies are required to further verify these findings.

EZH2 controls epicardial cell migration during heart development

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an important transcriptional regulator in development that catalyzes H3K27me3. The role of EZH2 in epicardial development is still unknown. In this study, we show that EZH2 is expressed in epicardial cells during both human and mouse heart development. Ezh2 epicardial deletion resulted in impaired epicardial cell migration, myocardial hypoplasia, and defective coronary plexus development, leading to embryonic lethality. By using RNA sequencing, we identified that EZH2 controls the transcription of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) in epicardial cells during heart development. Loss-of-function studies revealed that EZH2 promotes epicardial cell migration by suppressing TIMP3 expression. We also found that epicardial Ezh2 deficiency-induced TIMP3 up-regulation leads to extracellular matrix reconstruction in the embryonic myocardium by mass spectrometry. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EZH2 is required for epicardial cell migration because it blocks Timp3 transcription, which is vital for heart development. Our study provides new insight into the function of EZH2 in cell migration and epicardial development.

Interaction of air pollution and meteorological factors on IVF outcomes: A multicenter study in China

BACKGROUND

Previous studies revealed associations between air-pollutant exposure and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. However, modification effects of air pollution on IVF outcomes by meteorological conditions remain elusive.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 15,217 women from five northern Chinese cities during 2015-2020. Daily average concentrations of air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, SO₂, and CO) and meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine duration) during different exposure windows were calculated as individual approximate exposure. Generalized estimating equations models and stratified analyses were conducted to assess the associations of air pollution and meteorological conditions with IVF outcomes and estimate potential interactions.

RESULTS

Positive associations of wind speed and sunshine duration with pregnancy outcomes were detected. In addition, we observed that embryo transfer in spring and summer had a higher likelihood to achieve a live birth compared with winter. Exposure to PM_2.5, SO₂, and O₃ was adversely correlated with pregnancy outcomes in fresh IVF cycles, and the associations were modified by air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The inverse associations of PM_2.5 and SO₂ exposure with biochemical pregnancy were stronger at lower temperatures and humidity. Negative associations of PM_2.5 with clinical pregnancy were only significant at lower temperatures and wind speeds. Moreover, the effects of O₃ on live birth were enhanced by higher wind speed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that the associations between air-pollutant exposure and IVF outcomes were modified by meteorological conditions, especially temperature and wind speed. Women undergoing IVF treatment should be advised to reduce outdoor time when the air quality was poor, particularly at lower temperatures.

[Sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene and prediction of structure and antigenic epitopes of its encoding protein]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene, and to predict the secondary and tertiary structure and antigenic epitopes of the Enolase protein.

METHODS

Sixty-two engorged female R. microplus were sampled from a yellow cattle breeding farm in Zhijiang County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province in June 25, 2022. Genomic DNA was isolated from R. microplus, and the Enolase gene was amplified using PCR assay, followed by cloning, sequencing and expression of the amplification product. The sequence characteristics of the Enolase gene were analyzed using the software Clustal X, and the gene sequence was translated into amino acid sequences. The secondary and tertiary structures of the Enolase protein were deduced using the software PRABI, and the physicochemical properties of the Enolase protein were analyzed using the software PRABI. In addition, the B- and T-cell epitopes of the Enolase protein were predicted using the software ABCpred Prediction, Scratch, IEDB and NetCTL.

RESULTS

The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence was 1 323 bp in size, and the contents of A, T, G and C bases were 24.5%, 22.5%, 27.0% and 26.0%,with 47.0% of A + T content and 53.0% of G + C content. The R. microplus Enolase gene encoded 434 amino acids, and the Enolase protein had a molecular weight of 47.12 kDa. The secondary structure of the Enolase protein contained 186 α-helixes (42.86%), 32 β-turns (7.37%), 144 random coils (33.18%) and 72 extended strands (16.59%). The Enolase protein was most probably present in cytoplasm (76.7%), followed by in mitochondrion (39.1%) and nucleus (21.7%), and the Enolase protein had no signal peptide or transmembrane domain. In addition, the Enolase protein had 14 B-cell dominant epitopes and 8 T-cell dominant epitopes.

CONCLUSIONS

The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence exhibits a GC preference, and its encoding Enolase protein is an acidic and hydrophilic protein, with α-helixes and random coils as its primary structure, and presenting B- and T-cell dominant epitopes, which is a potential target for development of vaccines against R. microplus.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury through TLR4-NLRP3 pathway

To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on myocardial injury in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD), male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce cardiac dysfunction without or with the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (50 µmol/kg, i.p.) administration 3 h after LPS injection. Six hours after the LPS injection, echocardiography, cardiac hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, myocardial damage and inflammatory biomarkers and Western blot results were analyzed. In mice, the administration of LPS decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by 30 % along with lowered H2S levels (35 % reduction). It was observed that cardiac troponin I (cTnI), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels were all increased (by 0.22-fold, 2000-fold and 0.66-fold respectively). HE staining revealed structural damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in the myocardial tissue after LPS administration. Moreover, after 6 h of LPS treatment, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expressions were up-regulated 2.7-fold and 1.6-fold respectively. When compared to the septic mice, NaHS enhanced ventricular function (by 0.19-fold), decreased cTnI, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta levels (by 11 %, 33 %, and 16 % respectively) and downregulated TLR4 and NLRP3 expressions (by 64 % and 31 % respectively). Furthermore, NaHS did not further improve cardiac function and inflammation in TLR4-/- mice or mice in which NLRP3 activation was inhibited by MCC950, after LPS injection. In conclusion, these findings imply that decreased endogenous H2S promotes the progression of SIMD, whereas exogenous H2S alleviates SIMD by inhibiting inflammation via the TLR4-NLRP3 pathway suppression.

Effects of testis testosterone deficiency on gene expression in the adrenal gland and skeletal muscle of ducks

1. Testosterone has an anabolic effect on skeletal muscle. The testes produce most of the testosterone in vivo, while the adrenal glands contribute smaller amounts. When testis testosterone is deficient the adrenal gland increases steroid hormone synthesis, which is referred to as compensatory testicular adaptation (CTA).2. To reveal the effects of testis testosterone deficiency on adrenal steroid hormones synthesis and skeletal muscle development, gene expression related to adrenal steroid hormones synthesis and skeletal muscle development were determined by RNA-seq.3. The results showed that castrating male ducks had significant effects on their body weight but no significant impact on cross-sectional area (CSA) or density of pectoral muscle fibres. In skeletal muscle protein metabolism, expression levels of the catabolic gene atrogin1/MAFbx and the anabolic gene eEF2 were significantly higher, with concomitant increases after castration. The adrenal glands' alteration of the steroid hormone 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) was significantly lower following castration.4. Expression pattern analysis showed that the adrenal glands' glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1/GR) had a potential regulatory relationship with the skeletal muscle-related genes (Pax7, mTOR, FBXO32, FOXO3, and FOXO4).5. The data showed that castration affected muscle protein metabolism, adrenal steroid and testosterone synthesis. In addition, it was speculated that, after castration, steroid hormones produced by the adrenal gland could have a compensatory effect, which might mediate the changes in skeletal muscle protein metabolism and development.

The longevity protein p66Shc is required for neonatal heart regeneration

The longevity protein p66^Shc is essential for the senescence signaling that is involved in heart regeneration and remodeling. However, the exact role of p66^Shc in heart regeneration is unknown. In this study, we found that p66^Shc deficiency decreased neonatal mouse cardiomyocyte (CM) proliferation and impeded neonatal heart regeneration after apical resection injury. RNA sequencing and functional verification demonstrated that p66^Shc regulated CM proliferation by activating β-catenin signaling. These findings reveal the critical role of p66^Shc in neonatal heart regeneration and provide new insights into senescence signaling in heart regeneration.

[Molecular characteristics of ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Thompson in foodborne diseases in Hunan Province]

Objective: To investigate the molecular characteristics of ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson (S. Thompson) isolates from sporadic cases of foodborne diseases and aquatic foods in Hunan province. Methods: Ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant S. Thompson isolates were selected from samples, and broth microdilution method was used to determine the resistance to 11 antibiotics of these isolates in vitro. Whole genome sequencing was used for investigating antimicrobial resistance gene patterns and phylogenetic relationships of strains. Results: Nine ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant isolates were recovered from 19 S. Thompson isolates. Among nine ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant isolates, eight of them harbored IncC plasmids, simultaneously carrying plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes qepA and qnrS1, β-lactamase resistance gene bla_CMY-2, azithromycin resistance gene mph(A), and one isolate harbored IncR plasmid, and carried PMQR genes qnrB4 and aac(6')-Ib-cr, bla_OXA-10 and mph(A). Genetic environment analysis showed that qnrS1, qepA, mph(A) and bla_CMY-2 genes might be integrated on genomes of strains by ISKra4, IS91, IS6100 and ISEcp1, respectively. Phylogenetic core genome comparisons demonstrated that ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant isolates from patients and aquatic foods were genetically similar and clustered together. Conclusion: Ciprofloxacin-cefotaxime-azithromycin co-resistant S. Thompson isolates have been isolated from both human and aquatic food samples, suggesting that the spread of multidrug resistant Salmonella between human and aquatic animals.

MicroRNA-137 inhibits pituitary prolactinoma proliferation by targeting AKT2

PURPOSE

Prolactinoma is the most common type of pituitary adenoma. Most prolactinoma need medical treatment, but some of them are aggressive and require surgery. In previous decades, some miRNAs have been manifested as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Consequently, miRNAs' abnormal expression involves tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis of different types of tumors, including pituitary tumors. The current study aim to explore the aggressiveness-associated miRNAs in prolactinoma and underlying molecular mechanisms based on the bioinformatic analysis and fundamental experiment studies.

METHODS

GSE46294 miRNA expression profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was downloaded. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were filtered from this data. Subsequently, the target genes of downregulated miRNAs were analyzed by Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. RT-qPCR, western blot, and CCK-8 assays were used to validate the effect of miR-137 on the proliferation of MMQ cells through AKT2. Finally, the binding site of rat miR-137 to AKT2 were predicted by Targetscan and Bibiserv database, and verified by double luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Twenty-four changed DEMs (fourteen upregulated and ten downregulated) were identified. Target genes of downregulated DEMs were classified into three groups by GO terms. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed these target genes enriched in the PI3K-Akt pathway. We also confirmed that miR-137 can target AKT2 and inhibit the proliferation of MMQ cells induced by AKT2.

CONCLUSION

MiR-137 suppressed prolactinomas' aggressive behavior by targeting AKT2.

Triflumizole Induces Developmental Toxicity, Liver Damage, Oxidative Stress, Heat Shock Response, Inflammation, and Lipid Synthesis in Zebrafish

Triflumizole (TFZ) toxicity must be investigated in the aquatic environment to understand the potential risks to aquatic species. Accordingly, the adverse effects of TFZ exposure in zebrafish were investigated. Results demonstrate that, after TFZ exposure, the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) in 3 d post-fertilization (dpf) embryos and 6 dpf larvae were 4.872 and 2.580 mg/L, respectively. The development (including pericardium edema, yolk sac retention, and liver degeneration) was apparently affected in 3 dpf embryos. Furthermore, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in 6 dpf larvae were significantly increased. Additionally, the expression of heat shock response genes (including hsp70, grp78, hsp90, and grp94), inflammatory genes (including p65-nfκb, il-1β, and cox2a), and lipid synthetic genes (including srebp1, fas, acc, and ppar-γ) in 3 dpf embryos was significantly increased, which was also partially observed in the intestinal cell line form Pampus argenteus. Taken together, TFZ could affect the development of zebrafish, accompanied by disturbances of oxidative stress, heat shock response, inflammation, and lipid synthesis. Our findings provide an original insight into the potential risks of TFZ to the aquatic ecosystem.

[Implications for risk management of foodborne pathogens in China from the outbreak of monophasic salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium contaminated chocolate products]

Outbreaks caused by highly industrialized food companies are characterized by cross-border, trans-regional, rapid and unpredictable, related to serious disease and economic burden. A cluster of cases with monophasic salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ST34 infection suspected to be associated with consumption of contaminated chocolate products have been reported in several Europe countries since December 2021. After retrospective investigations, the buttermilk circuit in the Belgian factory was suspected to be the point of origin of the contamination. This outbreak could provide a reference for the risk management of foodborne pathogens contamination in China. The objective of this paper was to summarize the process and characteristics of the outbreak of monophasic S. Typhimurium caused by contaminated chocolate products, analyze the characteristics of ST34 monophasic S. Typhimurium and the microbial management measures in the process of chocolate products, and systematically discuss the suggestions for the risk management of foodborne pathogens contamination and countermeasures for the rapid development of industrialization of food enterprises in China, in order to provide scientific and technological support for the prevention and control, prediction and early warning of sudden cases in China.

A DFT prediction of two-dimensional MB3 (M = V, Nb, and Ta) monolayers as excellent anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Transition metal borides (MBenes) have recently drawn great attention due to their excellent electrochemical performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Using the structural search code and first-principles calculations, we identify a group of the MB₃ monolayers (M = V, Nb and Ta) consisting of multiple MB₄ units interpenetrating with each other. The MB₃ monolayers with non-chemically active surfaces are stable and have metal-like conduction. As the anode materials for Li-ion storage, the low diffusion barrier, high theoretical capacity, and suitable average open circuit voltage indicate that the MB₃ monolayers have excellent electrochemical performance, due to the B₃ chain exposed on the surface improving the Li atoms' direct adsorption. In addition, the adsorbed Li-ions are in an ordered hierarchical arrangement and the substrate structure remains intact at room temperature, which ensures excellent cycling performance. This work provides a novel idea for designing high-performance anode materials for LIBs.

Contractility detection of isolated mouse papillary muscle using myotronic Myostation-Intact device

Background

To understand the relationship between myocardial contractility and external stimuli, detecting ex vivo myocardial contractility is necessary.

Methods

We elaborated a method for contractility detection of isolated C57 mouse papillary muscle using Myostation‐Intact system under different frequencies, voltages, and calcium concentrations.

Results

The results indicated that the basal contractility of the papillary muscle was 0.27 ± 0.03 mN at 10 V, 500‐ms pulse duration, and 1 Hz. From 0.1 to 1.0 Hz, contractility decreased with an increase in frequency (0.45 ± 0.11–0.10 ± 0.02 mN). The voltage‐initiated muscle contractility varied from 3 to 6 V, and the contractility gradually increased as the voltage increased from 6 to 10 V (0.14 ± 0.02–0.28 ± 0.03 mN). Moreover, the muscle contractility increased when the calcium concentration was increased from 1.5 to 3 mM (0.45 ± 0.17–1.11 ± 0.05 mN); however, the contractility stopped increasing even when the concentration was increased to 7.5 mM (1.02 ± 0.23 mN).

Conclusions

Our method guaranteed the survivability of papillary muscle ex vivo and provided instructions for Myostation‐Intact users for isolated muscle contractility investigations.

An Outbreak of Severe Neonatal Pneumonia Caused by Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus BA9 in a Postpartum Care Centre in Shenyang, China

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a major pathogen of lower respiratory tract infections in children (<5 years) and older individuals, with outbreaks mainly reported among infants in hospital pediatric departments and intensive care units (ICUs). An outbreak of severe neonatal pneumonia occurred in a postpartum center in Shenyang city, China, from January to February 2021. In total, 34 respiratory samples were collected from 21 neonates and 13 nursing staff. The samples were screened for 27 pathogens using a TaqMan low-density array, and 20 samples tested positive for HRSV, including 16 neonates and 4 nursing staff samples. Among the 16 hospitalized neonates, seven were admitted to an ICU and nine to general wards. Four of the nursing staff had asymptomatic infections. To investigate the genetic characteristics of the HRSV responsible for this outbreak, the second hypervariable region (HVR2) sequences of the G gene were obtained from six neonates and two nursing staff. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all eight sequences (SY strains) were identical, belonging to the HRSV BA9 genotype. Our findings highlight the necessity for strict hygiene and disease control measures so as to prevent cross-infection and further avoid potential outbreaks of severe infectious respiratory diseases. IMPORTANCE Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is one of the leading causes of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) worldwide. In this study, we first reported an outbreak of severe neonatal pneumonia caused by HRSVB BA9 at a postpartum care center in mainland China. Among 20 confirmed cases, 16 were hospitalized neonates with 7 in the ICU ward, and the other four were nursing staff with asymptomatic infections. Our findings highlighted the importance of preventing cross-infection in such postpartum centers.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-related cerebellar ataxia]

The clinical data, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of 10 patients with anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody-related cerebellar ataxia in Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from May 2015 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 female patients with a median age of 55 years old. Patients mainly presented with gait ataxia (10/10), dizziness (8/10), diplopia (6/10), and dysarthria (5/10). Four of them were complicated with other autoimmune disease, including vitiligo (3/4), Hashimoto thyroiditis (1/4), thrombocytopenia (1/4), and small cell lung cancer (1/4). All patients received immunotherapy, 6 out of 10 exhibited a good response, and half of them had satisfied functional prognosis. Patients of anti-GAD antibody-related cerebellar ataxia may be complicated with other autoimmune diseases, but underlying tumor is rare. More than half of patients have a good response to immunotherapy and satisfied prognosis.

Poor ovarian response is associated with air pollutants: A multicentre study in China

Background

Human evidence on the association between air pollution and ovarian response is scarce. Poor ovarian response (POR) with an incidence of 5–35% is a tricky problem in IVF treatment.

Methods

In this large-scale multicentre study, we included 2186 women with POR (< 4 oocytes retrieved) and 7033 women with a normal ovarian response (10–15 oocytes retrieved), who underwent their first in vitro fertilization treatment in five cities in northern China during 2015–2020. Average concentrations of six air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, CO, and SO₂) during different exposure windows (5 days, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months) before oocyte pick up (OPU) were calculated using data from the air monitoring station nearest to the residential site as approximate individual exposure. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between exposure to air pollutants and the risk of POR. Stratification analyses were conducted based on female age. Sensitivity analyses were performed in poor responders identified by Bologna criteria and women with unexpected POR.

Findings

We detected that increased SO₂ exposure during all exposure windows before OPU was associated with a higher risk of POR, especially for women ≤ 30 years old. In the stratified analysis, the effect sizes were larger for the unexpected poor ovarian response.

Interpretation

The findings provide human evidence for adverse effects of exposure to ambient air pollutants on ovarian response and underscore the need to reduce ambient air pollution exposure in women of reproductive age to protect human fertility.

Funding

This study was granted from the National Key Research and Development Program (2018YFC1004203), the Major Special Construction Plan for Discipline Construction Project of China Medical University (3110118033), the Shengjing Freelance Researcher Plan of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82071601), the Central Government Special Fund for Local Science and Technology Development (2020JH6/10500006).

Structural visualization of transient interactions between the cis-acting acyltransferase and acyl carrier protein of the salinomycin modular polyketide synthase

Transient protein–protein interactions between cis-acting acyltransferase (AT) and acyl carrier protein (ACP) domains are critical for the catalysis and processivity of modular polyketide synthases (mPKSs), but are challenging for structural characterization due to the intrinsically weak binding affinity. Here, a stable complex of cis-acting AT and ACP domains from the ninth module of the salinomycin mPKS was obtained using a maleimide cross-linker and the structure of the complex was determined at 2.6 Å resolution. The crystal structure shows that the AT in combination with the ketosynthase (KS)-to-AT linker forms a C-shaped architecture to embrace the ACP. The large hydrolase subdomain of the AT serves as a major binding platform for the ACP, while the small ferredoxin-like subdomain of the AT and the KS-to-AT linker cooperate with each other to constrain binding of the ACP. The importance of interface residues in cis-acting AT–ACP interactions was confirmed by mutagenesis assays. The interaction mode observed in the cis-acting AT–ACP complex is completely different from those observed in trans-acting AT–ACP complexes, where the ACP primarily contacts the small domain of the AT. The complex structure provides detailed mechanistic insights into AT–ACP recognition in cis-AT mPKSs.

[Liver fibrosis inhibits lethal injury through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced necroptosis]

Objective: To explore the new mechanism of liver fibrosis through D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS)-induced necroptosis as an entry point to inhibit lethal injury. Methods: The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was established. At 6 weeks of fibrosis, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose of D-GalN/LPS, and the normal mice treated with the same treatment were used as the control. The experiment was divided into four groups: control group (Control), acute injury group (D-GalN/LPS), liver fibrosis group (Fib), and liver fibrosis + acute challenge group (Fib + D-GalN/LPS). Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the expression of necroptosis key signal molecules RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL in each group. Normal mice were treated with inhibitors targeting key signaling molecules of necroptosis, and then given an acute challenge. The inhibitory effect of D-GalN/LPS-induced-necroptosis on acute liver injury was evaluated according to the changes in transaminase levels and liver histology. Liver fibrosis spontaneous ablation model was established, and then acute challenge was given. Necroptosis key signal molecules expression was analyzed in liver tissue of mice in each group and compared by immunohistochemistry. The differences between groups were compared with t-test or analysis of variance. Results: Quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assays result showed that D-GalN/LPS-induced significant upregulation of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and/or P-MLKL. Necroptosis key signal molecules inhibition had significantly reduced D-GalN/LPS-induced liver injury, as manifested by markedly reduced serum ALT and AST levels with improvement in liver histology. Necroptosis signaling molecules expression was significantly inhibited in fibrotic livers even under acute challenge conditions. Additionally, liver fibrosis with gradual attenuation of fibrotic ablation had inhibited D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis may protect mice from acute lethal challenge injury by inhibiting D-GalN/LPS-induced necroptosis.

First Report of Alternaria alternata Causing Leaf Spot Disease on Daylily in China

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.; Xanthorrhoeaceae) originated from Eastern Asia and are widely cultivated as perennial ornamentals from the tropics to their native high latitudes. In June 2021, daylily cultivar 'Tao Hua Zhai' with leaf spot symptoms were found at the Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China. The disease prevalence was about 14.5 % in a 33,000 m2 planting area indicated by survey statistics. Symptoms of the disease initially appeared as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves. As disease progressed, spots increased gradually until they were distributed uniformly over the lamina, the leaf tip became withered and the rest of the leaf became chlorotic. Symptomatic leaf tissue pieces (5 × 5 mm) from lesion margins were sterilized with 75 % ethanol for 1 min, rinsed three times with sterile distilled water, then incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 28 °C in the dark. A pure culture (ATHF-1) was obtained. Its upper surface on PDA was olive green with loose aerial hyphae, and its lower surface was brown.Conidiophores were brown, single or branched, producing numerous short chains conidia. Conidia were obclavate to obpyriform or ellipsoid, pale brown to dark brown, with a short cylindrical beak at the tip, contained 2-6 transverse septa and 0-4 longitudinal septa. The size of conidia were 15.9-47.3 µm × 7.6-16.6 µm (n=50), and length/width ratios were 1.51 to 4.92. Based on the morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Alternaria spp. (Simmons, 2007). For molecular characterization, three genes (the internal transcribed spacers [ITS], plasma membrane ATPase [ATPase] and major allergen Alt a 1) of ATHF-1 were amplified with primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), ATPDF1/ATPDR1 (Lawrence et al. 2013) and Alt-for/Alt-rev (Hong et al. 2005), respectively. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, MZ983611; ATPase, MZ962978; Alt a 1, OK021654). Blastn searches showed the nucleotide sequences of ATHF-1 were highly similar to the reference sequences of Alternaria tenuissima (ITS, 99 % to KU982591; ATPase, 98 % to MT833928; Alt a 1, 100 % to MT109294). A phylogenetic tree based on the ITS, ATPase and Alt a 1 sequences was constructed by MEGA7.0, which showed that ATHF-1 was closely related to A. tenuissima and A. alternata. But according to Woudenberg et al. (2015), they were synonymized under the species name A. alternata. So, based on morphological and molecular characteristics, the fungus was identified as A. alternata. For pathogenicity tests, ten healthy two-month-old potted seedlings from tissue culture daylilies were sprayed with 20 ml of suspension (approximately 2×105 spores/ml), ten daylilies were used as controls and sprayed with sterile water. After covering with transparent plastic bags for 48 h to maintain humidity, the plants were placed in the greenhouse at 25 ℃ with 12 h photoperiod. The pathogenicity tests were repeated twice. Seven days after inoculation, lesions appeared on the plants inoculated with the pathogen, which were consistent with the symptoms observed in the field, while the controls remained symptomless. The morphological characteristics and gene sequences of the re-isolated strain from the diseased leaves were consistent with those of the inoculated strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata affecting leaf spot disease on daylily in China. Identification of the causal agent of the disease is important for developing effective disease management strategies. References: Hong, S.G., et al. 2005. Fungal Genet Biol. 42(2):119-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2004.10.009 Lawrence, D.P., et al. 2013. Mycologia. 105(3):530-546. https://doi.org/10.3852/12-249 Simmons, E.G. 2007. Alternaria: An Identification Manual. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands. White, T. J., et al. 1990. Amplification and Direct Sequencing of Fungal Ribosomal RNA Genes for Phylogenetics. PCR protocols: a guide to methods and applications, 18(1), 315-322. Woudenberg J.H.C., et al. 2015. Studies in Mycology. 82(82):1-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.simyco.2015.07.001.

[Effect of hypochloric acid on Escherichia coli biofilm and the clinical efficacy of hypochloric acid for wounds with Escherichia coli infection]

Objective: To investigate the effect of hypochloric acid on Escherichia coli biofilm and the clinical efficacy of hypochloric acid for wounds with Escherichia coli infection. Methods: One strain of Escherichia coli with the strongest bacterial biofilm forming ability among the strains isolated from specimens in 25 patients (16 males and 9 females, aged 32-67 years) from five clinical departments of the 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force was collected for the experimental study from September to December 2019. The Escherichia coli was cultured with hypochloric acid at 162.96, 81.48, 40.74, 20.37, 10.18, 5.09, 2.55, 1.27, 0.64, and 0.32 μg/mL respectively to screen the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of hypochloric acid. The Escherichia coli was cultured with hypochloric acid at the screened MBC for 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min respectively to screen the shortest bactericidal time of hypochloric acid. The biofilm formation of Escherichia coli was observed by scanning electron microscopy at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation, respectively. After 72 h of culture, hypochloric acid at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 times of MBC was respectively added to Escherichia coli to screen the minimum biofilm eradicate concentration (MBEC) of hypochloric acid against Escherichia coli. After hypochloric acid at 1, 2, 4, and 8 times of MBEC and sterile saline were respectively added to Escherichia coli for 10 min, the live/dead bacterial staining kit was used to detect the number of live and dead cells, with the rate of dead bacteria calculated (the number of samples was 5). From January to December 2020, 41 patients with infectious wounds meeting the inclusion criteria and admitted to the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA were included into the prospective randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into hypochloric acid group with 21 patients (13 males and 8 females, aged (46±14) years) and povidone iodine group with 20 patients (14 males and 6 females, aged (45±19) years) according to the random number table. Patients in the 2 groups were respectively dressed with sterile gauze soaked with hypochloric acid of 100 μg/mL and povidone iodine solution of 50 mg/mL with the dressings changed daily. Before the first dressing change and on the 10th day of dressing change, tissue was taken from the wound and margin of the wound for culturing bacteria by agar culture method and quantifying the number of bacteria. The amount of wound exudate and granulation tissue growth were observed visually and scored before the first dressing change and on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days of dressing change. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, Dunnett-t test, independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact probability test. Results: The MBC of hypochloric acid against Escherichia coli was 10.18 μg/mL, and the shortest bactericidal time of hypochloric acid with MBC against Escherichia coli was 2 min. Escherichia coli was in a completely free state after 6 and 12 h of culture and gradually aggregated and adhered with the extension of culture time, forming a mature biofilm at 72 h of culture. The MBEC of hypochloric acid against Escherichia coli was 20.36 μg/mL. The Escherichia coli mortality rates after incubation with hypochloric acid at 1, 2, 4, and 8 times of MBEC for 10 min were significantly higher than that after incubation with sterile saline (with t values of 6.11, 25.04, 28.90, and 40.74, respectively, P<0.01). The amount of bacteria in the wound tissue of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 10th day of dressing change was 2.61 (2.20, 3.30)×104 colony forming unit (CFU)/g, significantly less than 4.77 (2.18, 12.48)×104 CFU/g in povidone iodine group (Z=2.06, P<0.05). The amounts of bacteria in the wound tissue of patients in hypochloric acid group and povidone iodine group on the 10th day of dressing change were significantly less than 2.97 (2.90, 3.04)×106 and 2.97 (1.90, 7.95)×106 CFU/g before the first dressing change (with Z values of 4.02 and 3.92, respectively, P<0.01). The score of wound exudate amount of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 10th day of dressing change was significantly lower than that in povidone iodine group (Z=2.07, P<0.05). Compared with those before the first dressing change, the scores of wound exudate amount of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly decreased (with Z values of -3.99 and -4.12, respectively, P<0.01), and the scores of wound exudate amount of patients in povidone iodine group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly decreased (with Z values of -3.54 and -3.93, respectively, P<0.01). The score of wound granulation tissue growth of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 10th day of dressing change was significantly higher than that in povidone iodine group (Z=2.02, P<0.05). Compared with those before the first dressing change, the scores of wound granulation tissue growth of patients in hypochloric acid group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly increased (with Z values of -3.13 and -3.67, respectively, P<0.01), and the scores of wound granulation tissue growth of patients in povidone iodine group on the 7th and 10th days of dressing change were significantly increased (with Z values of -3.12 and -3.50, respectively, P<0.01). Conclusions: Hypochloric acid can kill Escherichia coli both in free and biofilm status. Hypochloric acid at a low concentration shows a rapid bactericidal effect on mature Escherichia coli biofilm, and the higher the concentration of hypochloric acid, the better the bactericidal effect. The hypochloric acid of 100 μg/mL is effective in reducing the bacterial load on wounds with Escherichia coli infection in patients, as evidenced by a reduction in wound exudate and indirect promotion of granulation tissue growth, which is more effective than povidone iodine, the traditional topical antimicrobial agent.

Exploration of the Visual Function after the Implantation of Continuous Visual Range Human Cocrystal Micromonocular Vision in Both Eyes of the Patient

Eye diseases such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and cataract are have affected most people at home and abroad for many years. With the development of science and technology, people who wear glasses are now younger, and they are on the rise over time. This paper is to explore the visual function after the implantation of continuous visual range human cocrystal micromonocular vision in both eyes of the patient. On this basis, the latest visual sensor technology is used to conduct clinical research on the operation, a case-control study is performed on the patient's eyes, followed by intraocular lens insertion surgery, one eye is hemitrope and the other eye has a certain degree of intraocular lens inserted, and it is recorded within a period of time after the operation. According to the analysis of the experimental results, the patient's naked eye and corrected distance vision is (t = 2.102, P = 0.049), middle distance vision (t = 1.403, P = 0.200), and near vision (t = 1.463, P = 0.216). After the operation, the ratio of patients taking off glasses 91.8%. After the continuous visual range intraocular lens micromonocular vision design, it can well correct the patient's near and far vision of the naked eye of both eyes.

Proteogenomics Integrating Reveal a Complex Network, Alternative Splicing, Hub Genes Regulating Heart Maturation

Heart maturation is an essentially biological process for neonatal heart transition to adult heart, thus illustrating the mechanism of heart maturation may be helpful to explore postnatal heart development and cardiac cardiomyopathy. This study combined proteomic analysis based on isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and transcriptome analysis based on RNA sequencing to detect the proteins and genes associated with heart maturation in mice. The proteogenomics integrating analysis identified 254 genes/proteins as commonly differentially expressed between neonatal and adult hearts. Functional and pathway analysis demonstrated that these identified genes/proteins contribute to heart maturation mainly by regulating mRNA processing and energy metabolism. Genome-wide alternative splicing (AS) analysis showed that some important sarcomere and energy-associated genes undergo different AS events. Through the Cytoscape plug-in CytoHubba, a total of 23 hub genes were found and further confirmed by RT-qPCR. Next, we verified that the most up-regulated hub gene, Ogdhl, plays an essential role in heart maturation by detecting energy metabolism phenotype changes in the Ogdhl-interfering cardiomyocytes. Together, we revealed a complex gene network, AS genes and patterns, and candidate hub genes controlling heart maturation by proteome and transcriptome combination analysis.

Pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma enrolled in the randomized KEYNOTE-181 trial in Asia

BACKGROUND

In the randomized phase III KEYNOTE-181 study, pembrolizumab prolonged overall survival (OS) compared with chemotherapy as second-line therapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥10. We report a post hoc subgroup analysis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) enrolled in KEYNOTE-181 in Asia, including patients from the KEYNOTE-181 China extension study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and forty Asian patients with advanced/metastatic ESCC were enrolled in KEYNOTE-181, including the China cohort. Patients were randomly assigned 1 : 1 to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for ≤2 years or investigator's choice of paclitaxel, docetaxel, or irinotecan. OS, progression-free survival, response, and safety were analyzed without formal comparisons. OS was evaluated based on PD-L1 CPS expression level.

RESULTS

In Asian patients with ESCC, median OS was 10.0 months with pembrolizumab and 6.5 months with chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR), 0.63; 95% CI 0.50-0.80; nominal P < 0.0001]. Median progression-free survival was 2.3 months with pembrolizumab and 3.1 months with chemotherapy (HR, 0.79; 95% CI 0.63-0.99; nominal P = 0.020). Objective response rate was 17.1% with pembrolizumab and 7.1% with chemotherapy; median duration of response was 10.5 months and 7.7 months, respectively. In patients with PD-L1 CPS <1 tumors (pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy), the HR was 0.99 (95% CI 0.56-1.72); the HR (95% CI) for death was better for patients with PD-L1 CPS cut-offs >1 [CPS ≥1, 0.57 (0.44-0.75); CPS ≥5, 0.56 (0.41-0.76); CPS ≥10, 0.53 (0.37-0.75)]. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 71.8% of patients in the pembrolizumab group and 89.8% in the chemotherapy group; grade 3-5 events were reported in 20.0% and 44.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pembrolizumab monotherapy demonstrated promising efficacy in Asian patients with ESCC, with fewer treatment-related adverse events than chemotherapy. PD-L1 CPS ≥1 is an appropriate cut-off and a predictive marker of pembrolizumab efficacy in Asian patients with ESCC.

Urinary complement proteins and risk of end-stage renal disease: quantitative urinary proteomics in patients with type 2 diabetes and biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between urinary complement proteins and renal outcome in biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

Untargeted proteomic and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analyses and targeted proteomic analysis using parallel reaction-monitoring (PRM)-mass spectrometry was performed to determine the abundance of urinary complement proteins in healthy controls, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN. The abundance of each urinary complement protein was individually included in Cox proportional hazards models for predicting progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

RESULTS

Untargeted proteomic and functional analysis using the KEGG showed that differentially expressed urinary proteins were primarily associated with the complement and coagulation cascades. Subsequent urinary complement proteins quantification using PRM showed that urinary abundances of C3, C9, and complement factor H (CFAH) correlated negatively with annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, while urinary abundances of C5, decay-accelerating factor (DAF), and CD59 correlated positively with annual rate of eGFR decline. Furthermore, higher urinary abundance of CFAH and lower urinary abundance of DAF were independently associated with greater risk of progression to ESRD. Urinary abundance of CFAH and DAF had a larger area under the curve (AUC) than that of eGFR, proteinuria, or any pathological parameter. Moreover, the model that included CFAH or DAF had a larger AUC than that with only clinical or pathological parameters.

CONCLUSION

Urinary abundance of complement proteins was significantly associated with ESRD in patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN, indicating that therapeutically targeting the complement pathway may alleviate progression of DN.

First-line Cemiplimab versus Standard Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with at Least 50% Programmed Cell Death Receptor Ligand-1 Positivity: Analysis of Cost-effectiveness

AIMS

The EMPOWER-Lung 1 trial showed that cemiplimab significantly prolongs the duration of progression-free survival and overall survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with at least 50% programmed cell death receptor ligand-1 (PD-L1) positivity, yet the financial burden may limit its use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cemiplimab versus chemotherapy in a US setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Markov model, with three mutually exclusive health states, was used to compare the expected health outcomes and cost of cemiplimab with chemotherapy. Survival data and transition probabilities were collected from the EMPOWER-Lung 1 trial. Utility values and costs are publicly available from open sources. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted in both the whole population and subgroups to test the robustness of the parameters and structure.

RESULTS

Treatment of NSCLC with cemiplimab yielded an extra 1.07 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at an additional cost of $98 211 compared with chemotherapy, associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $91 891/QALY and an incremental net health benefit of 0.087 QALYs at a willingness to pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that cemiplimab provided an 83.2% probability of being cost-effective. One-way sensitivity analysis suggested that the price of cemiplimab was the chief driver in this model. A subgroup analysis showed that cemiplimab was the preferred incremental net health benefit in more than half of the subgroups, including patients with squamous type disease and metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

Cemiplimab is a cost-effective option in the first-line treatment of NSCLC in patients who are at least 50% PD-L1 positive from an American perspective.

Liver histology in short telomere syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction/Objective

Short telomere syndrome (STS) is a genetically inherited syndrome resulting in premature telomere shortening. STS encompasses a spectrum of clinical manifestations, including dyskeratosis congenita, premature hair graying, bone marrow failure, immunodeficiency, pulmonary fibrosis and liver disease. Liver histopathologic features in STS patients have not been well characterized.

Methods/Case Report

A 46-year-old man presented for dyspnea and cryptogenic cirrhosis. He had a complicated medical history significant for immune thrombocytopenic purpura and splenectomy, recurrent respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, primary immunodeficiency, pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and severe hepatopulmonary syndrome. He and his brother had gray hair in their late 20s. He also had a long history of intermittently elevated liver enzymes starting at age 33. A liver biopsy performed 12 years before showed chronic portal inflammation with hepatocellular damage without significant fibrosis. These clinical manifestations prompted an evaluation for a possible telomere biology disorder, which revealed the telomere length was critically short and fell at or below the first percentile for age, supportive of the diagnosis. The most recent liver biopsy showed marked portal lymphocytic inflammation with interface hepatitis, bile ductular reaction and frequent foci of lobular inflammation with focal hepatocyte dropout. Some hepatocytes around the portal tracts were swollen with feathery degeneration and occasional Mallory-Denk bodies. A Rhodanine stain highlighted copper granules in the periportal hepatocytes, suggesting chronic cholestasis. Trichrome and reticulin stains demonstrated portal/periportal/pericellular/perisinusoidal fibrosis and focal bridging fibrosis.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

Partly due to the rarity of STS and the risk of bleeding associated with biopsies, liver histology was described in only few limited studies with small samples of STS patients, including inflammation, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, steatohepatitis, hemosiderosis, cholestasis, cirrhosis, and large cell change of hepatocytes. Our case and others suggest liver disease associated with STS demonstrates a spectrum of histopathology. Being aware of these histomorphologic features in STS is important for establishing the correct diagnosis.

Transcriptome analysis of oviduct in laying ducks under different stocking densities

1. High stocking densities can lead to animal stress responses and lead to changes in bird behaviour, egg production and the fertility of laying birds. The oviduct plays a crucial role during the process of laying eggs. Therefore, it is essential to know how high stocking density affects oviduct function.2. In this study, a total of 2,115 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in duck oviduct tissues between different stocking density groups. These genes are mainly enriched in membrane components, calcium ion binding, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and focal adhesion. These pathways were closely related to the formation of eggs. This indicated that secretion and material transport functions of the oviduct are affected under high-density stocking. Further analysis showed that a total of 408 genes related to the transportation process were expressed in the oviduct, of which 96 genes were differentially expressed (LogFC≥1, P < 0.05). Forty-two of these DEGs belonged to the solute carrier family. The data showed that the expression of 31 transcripts was different between the two density groups. Expression of KCNJ15, SLC26A8, and TRPM5 was only seen in the high-density group (8/m²), while ATP13A3 and KCNIP2 were only expressed in the low-density group (4/m²).3. Consequently, high stocking density may affect the expression and splicing of genes related to molecular transport in the oviduct.

[Diagnosis and treatment of new-onset or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury]

The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body, which mainly secretes thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone acts on almost all tissues and cells at different level regulating growth and development, metabolism and other functional activities of the body. Therefore, abnormal thyroid function can affect the multiple organs throughout the body. Liver, as the largest biochemical plant in the whole body, is widely regulated by thyroid hormones, and is one of the important target organs of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism (HT for short) is a common disease of the endocrine system, which can cause liver injury, such as hepatomegaly, abnormal liver function, jaundice, cirrhosis, and liver failure. This phenomenon is also known as hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury, and it is more common in new or untreated or improperly treated patients with hyperthyroidism. The basic liver function test at the beginning of antithyroid drugs (ATD) treatment can clarify the degree of liver injury caused by hyperthyroidism itself, and further predict the additional liver injury with ATD therapy initiation. The core of treating hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury is to rapidly control hyperthyroidism, and restore normal liver function. This review briefly summarizes the incidence rate, possible mechanisms, pathological changes, clinical manifestations, laboratory, imaging and pathologic findings, and the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of the hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury.

[Research on quantitative method and contamination level of Salmonella enterica in raw pork from farmer's markets in Chengdu]

To optimize the quantitative detection method for Salmonella enterica and analyze the quantitative contamination level of Salmonella enterica in raw pork samples from farmer's markets in Chengdu. Based on qualitative detection standard method of Salmonella enterica in China (GB 4789.4-2016) and the quantitative detection method of FSIS in the United States (MLG 4.08 and MLG appendix 2.05 MPN), the selective enrichment broth, screening plate, identification method and quantitative dilution ratio in quantitative detection of Salmonella enterica were optimized using 70 samples of raw pork. The optimized method compared by student's t-test was used to detect 40 samples of raw pork collected from farmer's markets in Chengdu from June to October 2020. For isolation of Salmonella from raw pork samples, the coincidence degree of TTB enrichment solution was significantly higher than that of RV enrichment solution (0.93±0.32 vs 0.35±0.62,t=8.324,P=0.001) and the consistency of suspicious colonies screened by XLT4 plate was significantly higher than that of Salmonella chromogenic medium (0.77±0.09 vs 1.00±0.00,t=2.971,P =0.017). The MPN method used 4 successive gradient dilutions, namely 12 tube method, could obtain more accurate quantitative value for Salmonella enterica. The combined use of selective enrichment broth TTB, XLT4 plate, Real-time PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry could get better results for screening and identifying Salmonella enterica. The detection rate for Salmonella enterica isolated from raw pork in farmer's markets was 92.5% (37/40). The most of the Salmonella positive samples (83.8%, 31/37) were detected with a contamination level ranged from 0.1 to 55 MPN/g. The optimized quantitative detection method for Salmonella enterica in raw pork in this study can effectively screen the target bacteria and obtain more accurate quantitative value.

The efficacy and safety of dupilumab in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is an antibody against interleukin 4 receptor α, used in treating atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in adult Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase III study, conducted between December 2018 and February 2020, patients with AD received dupilumab (300mg) or placebo once every 2 weeks for 16 weeks, and were followed up for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with both Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0-1 and a reduction from baseline of ≥2 points at week 16.

RESULTS

Overall, 165 patients (mean age: 30.6 years; 71.5% male) were randomized: 82 to dupilumab and 83 to placebo. At week 16, 26.8% of patients in the dupilumab group and 4.8% of patients in the placebo group achieved the primary endpoint (difference, 22.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.37-32.65%; p<0.0001). Compared with placebo, higher proportions of patients in the dupilumab group achieved ≥75% reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score (57.3% vs 14.5%; difference, 42.9%; 95% CI, 29.75-55.97%; p<0.0001) and had ≥3-point (52.4% vs 9.6%; difference, 42.8%; 95% CI, 30.26-55.34%; p<0.0001) and ≥4-point (39.0% vs 4.8%; difference, 34.2%; 95% CI, 22.69-45.72%; p<0.0001) reductions in weekly average daily peak daily pruritus numerical rating scale scores. The incidence of TEAEs during the treatment period was similar in the two groups. The incidence of conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and injection site reaction was higher in the dupilumab group than in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult Chinese patients, dupilumab was effective in improving the signs and symptoms of AD and demonstrated a favorable safety profile.

Association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and the outcomes of in vitro fertilization treatment: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to ambient air pollution has been reported to be inversely correlated with human reproductive health. However, the results of previous studies exploring the association between air pollution and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes are conflicting, and further research is needed to clarify this association.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the associations between exposure to air pollutants and IVF outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study involving 20,835 patients from four cities in Northern China, contributing to 11,787 fresh embryo transfer cycles, 9050 freeze-all cycles, and 17,676 frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles during 2014-2018. We calculated the daily average concentrations of six criteria air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, CO, and SO₂) during different exposure windows in IVF treatment timeline using data from the air monitoring station nearest to the residential site as approximate individual exposure. Generalized estimation equation models were used to assess the association between air pollution exposure and IVF outcomes.

RESULTS

Exposure to O₃, NO₂, and CO during most exposure windows in fresh embryo transfer cycles were correlated with lower possibilities of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. An inverse association of exposure to O₃ and SO₂ with pregnancy outcomes was observed in FET cycles. In addition, we found a significant association of exposure to air pollutants with a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy and lower oocyte yield.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided large-scale human evidence of the association between air pollution and adverse human reproductive outcomes in the population opting for IVF. Thus, exposure to air pollutants in the population opting for IVF should be limited to improve treatment outcomes.

PTB domain and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1) inhibits myocardial ischemia/hypoxia-reperfusion injury via inactivation of apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/Caspase9 signaling pathway

Myocardial ischemia/hypoxia-reperfusion injury mediates the progression of multiple cardiovascular diseases. It has been reported that knockdown of adaptor protein containing a PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1) is a significant factor for the progression of myocardial injury. However, the role of APPL1 in myocardial ischemia remains unclear. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the specific mechanism underlying the role of APPL1 in myocardial ischemia.In our study, the mRNA level of APPL1 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The expressions of APPL1, Apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF-1), cleaved caspase9 and other inflammation- and apoptosis-related proteins were determined by western blotting. The secretion of inflammatory cytokines and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured by commercial assay kits. The H9C2 cell viability was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The apoptosis rate of H9C2 cells was analyzed by TUNEL assay. The interaction between APPL1 and APAF-1/caspase9 was determined by Immunoprecipitation (IP).Our findings demonstrated that APPL1 was low expressed in myocardial ischemia tissues and cells. APPL1 knockdown suppressed the viability of myocardial ischemia cells and aggravated hypoxia/reperfusion-induced LDH hypersecretion, inflammation and apoptosis. In addition, the overexpression of APPL1 induced inactivation of APAF-1/Caspase9 signaling pathway. Significantly, APAF1 inhibitor reversed the effect of APPL1 knockdown on viability, LDH secretion, inflammation and apoptosis.We conclude that APPL1 inhibits myocardial ischemia/hypoxia-reperfusion injury via inactivation of APAF-1/Caspase9 signaling pathway. Hence, APPL1 may be a novel and effective target for the treatment of myocardial ischemia.