Minimally invasive vagus nerve stimulation modulates mast cell degranulation via the microbiota-gut-brain axis to ameliorate blood-brain barrier and intestinal barrier damage following ischemic stroke

Mast cells (MCs) play a significant role in various diseases, and their activation and degranulation can trigger inflammatory responses and barrier damage. Several studies have indicated that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) exerts ameliorates neurological injury, and regulates gut MC degranulation. However, there is limited research on the modulatory effect of VNS on MCs in both the gut and brain in brain ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in this process. We aim to develop a minimally invasive, targeted and convenient VNS approach to assess the impact of VNS and to clarify the relationship between VNS and MCs on the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. We utilized middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/r) to induce brain I/R injury. After the experiment, the motor function and neurofunctional impairments of the rats were detected, and the gastrointestinal function, blood-brain barrier (BBB) and intestinal barrier damage, and systemic and local inflammation were evaluated by Nissl, TTC staining, Evans blue, immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy, western blot assays, ELISA, and fecal 16S rRNA sequencing methods. Our research confirmed that our minimally invasive VNS method is a novel approach for stimulating the vagus nerve. VNS alleviated motor deficits and gastrointestinal dysfunction while also suppressing intestinal and neuroinflammation. Additionally, VNS ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis in rats. Furthermore, our analysis indicated that VNS reduces chymase secretion by modulating MCs degranulation and improves intestinal and BBB damage. Our results showed that VNS treatment can alleviate the damage of BBB and colonic barrier after cerebral I/R by modulating mast cell degranulation, and alleviates systemic inflammatory responses.

Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) as a grouping imaging biomarker combined with a decision-tree mode to preoperatively predict the pathological grade of bladder cancer

AIM

To investigate whether the Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) could be used to develop a new non-invasive preoperative grade-prediction system to partially predict high-grade bladder cancer (HG-BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study enrolled 89 primary BC patients prospectively from March 2022 to June 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in the entire group. In the low VI-RADS (≤2) group, the decision tree-based method was used to obtain significant predictors and construct the decision-tree model (DT model). The performance of the DT model and low VI-RADS scores for predicting HG-BC was determined using ROC, calibration, and decision curve analyses.

RESULTS

At a cut-off of ≥3, the specificity and positive predictive value of VI-RADS for predicting HG-BC in the entire group was 100%, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.697. Among 65 patients with low VI-RADS scores, the DT model showed an AUC of 0.884 in predicting HG-BC compared to 0.506 for low VI-RADS scores. Calibration and decision curve analyses showed that the DT model performed better than the low VI-RADS scores.

CONCLUSION

Most VI-RADS scores ≥3 correspond to HG-BCs. VI-RADS could be used as a grouping imaging biomarker for a pathological grade-prediction procedure, which in combination with the DT model for low VI-RADS (≤2) populations, would provide a potential preoperative non-invasive method of predicting HG-BC.

The factors influencing the occurrence of post-ischemic stroke depression and its relationship with the burden score of cerebral small vessel disease

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the determinants of post-stroke depression (PSD) in ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and its association with the burden score of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 374 AIS patients treated between January 2020 and January 2022. Patients were categorized into 90 with PSD and 284 without PSD, enabling an investigation into PSD risk factors and the CSVD-PSD relationship.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in health factors between PSD and non-PSD patients (p>0.05). However, significant disparities were noted in age, gender, initial Barthel Index (BI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine, red cell distribution width, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and CSVD burden score (p<0.05). Regression analysis indicated that these variables were pivotal PSD predictors (OR>1, p<0.05). Surprisingly, a positive correlation with PSD occurrence was found for age, NIHSS score, plasma fibrinogen, homocysteine levels, red cell distribution width, CSVD burden score (r=0.565, 0.615, 0.482, 0.514, 0.572, 0.608, respectively; p<0.05). Meanwhile, the MMSE score and BI index were inversely related to PSD onset (r=-0.604, -0.590; p<0.05). The ROC curve analysis of the combination model based on MMSE, NIHSS and CSVD score revealed an AUC of 0.926 and Youden's index of 0.744.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, MMSE score, BI index, NIHSS score, plasma fibrinogen concentration, homocysteine level, red blood cell distribution width, and CSVD burden score are all major influencing factors in the occurrence of PSD. The combination model based on MMSE, NIHSS, and CSVD scores presented a valuable approach to predicting PSD.

Magnetic droplet soliton pairs

We demonstrate magnetic droplet soliton pairs in all-perpendicular spin-torque nano-oscillators (STNOs), where one droplet resides in the STNO free layer (FL) and the other in the reference layer (RL). Typically, theoretical, numerical, and experimental droplet studies have focused on the FL, with any additional dynamics in the RL entirely ignored. Here we show that there is not only significant magnetodynamics in the RL, but the RL itself can host a droplet driven by, and coexisting with, the FL droplet. Both single droplets and pairs are observed experimentally as stepwise changes and sharp peaks in the dc and differential resistance, respectively. While the single FL droplet is highly stable, the coexistence state exhibits high-power broadband microwave noise. Furthermore, micromagnetic simulations reveal that the pair dynamics display periodic, quasi-periodic, and chaotic signatures controlled by applied field and current. The strongly interacting and closely spaced droplet pair offers a unique platform for fundamental studies of highly non-linear soliton pair dynamics.

Immersive virtual reality-based rehabilitation for subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Few effective treatments improve upper extremity (UE) function after stroke. Immersive virtual reality (imVR) is a novel and promising strategy for stroke UE recovery. We assessed the extent to which imVR-based UE rehabilitation can augment conventional treatment and explored changes in brain functional connectivity (FC) that were related to the rehabilitation.

METHODS

An assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was performed with 40 subjects randomly assigned to either imVR or Control group (1:1 allocation), each receiving rehabilitation 5 times per week for 3 weeks. Subjects in the imVR received both imVR and conventional rehabilitation, while those in the Control received conventional rehabilitation only. Our primary and secondary outcomes were the Fugl-Meyer assessment's upper extremity subscale (FMA-UE) and the Barthel Index (BI), respectively. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were performed to assess the effectiveness of the trial. For both the FMA-UE/BI, a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model was used, with the FMA-UE/BI at post-intervention or at follow-up, respectively, as the dependent variable, the two groups as the independent variable, baseline FMA-UE/BI, age, sex, site, time since onset, hypertension and diabetes as covariates.

RESULTS

Both ITT and PP analyses demonstrated the effectiveness of imVR-based rehabilitation. The FMA-UE score was greater in the imVR compared with the Control at the post-intervention (mean difference: 9.1 (95% CI 1.6, 16.6); P = 0.019) and follow-up (mean difference:11.5 (95% CI 1.9, 21.0); P = 0.020). The results were consistent for BI scores. Moreover, brain FC analysis found that the motor function improvements were associated with a change in degree in ipsilesional premotor cortex and ipsilesional dorsolateral prefrontal cortex immediately following the intervention and in ipsilesional visual region and ipsilesional middle frontal gyrus after the 12-week follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

ImVR-based rehabilitation is an effective tool that can improve the recovery of UE functional capabilities of subacute stroke patients when added to standard care. These improvements were associated with distinctive brain changes at two post-stroke timepoints. The study results will benefit future patients with stroke and provide evidence for a promising new method of stroke rehabilitation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03086889.

[Key microbial monitoring and clinical analysis of bloodstream infections and CRO colonization after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in hematological patients]

Objective: To investigate the distribution and clinical characteristics of pathogenic bacteria following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), as well as to provide a preliminary research foundation for key microbial monitoring, and clinical diagnosis and treatment of infections after HSCT in hematological patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 190 patients who tested positive for microbial testing [G-bacteria blood culture and/or carbapenem-resistant organism (CRO) screening of perianal swabs] at our center from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients were divided into blood culture positive, perianal swab positive, and double positive groups based on the testing results. The three patient groups underwent statistical analysis and comparison. Results: The top four pathogenic bacteria isolated from sixty-three patients with G-bacteria bloodstream infection (BSI) were Escherichia coli (28 strains, 43.75% ), Klebsiella pneumonia (26 strains, 40.63% ), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3 strains, 4.69% ), and Enterobacter cloacae (3 strains, 4.69% ). The top three pathogenic bacteria isolated from 147 patients with CRO perianal colonization were carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (58 strains, 32.58% ), carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (49 strains, 27.53% ), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae (20 strains, 11.24% ). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS ) and overall survival (OS) of double positive group patients were significantly lower compared to those in the blood culture and perianal swab positive groups (DFS: 35.6% vs 53.7% vs 68.6%, P=0.001; OS: 44.4% vs 62.4% vs 76.9%, P<0.001), while non-relapse mortality (NRM) was significantly higher (50.0% vs 34.9% vs 10.6%, P<0.001). Failed engraftment of platelets and BSI are independent risk factors for NRM (P<0.001). Using polymyxin and/or ceftazidime-avibactam for more than 7 days is an independent protective factor for NRM (P=0.035) . Conclusion: This study suggests that the occurrence of BSI significantly increases the NRM after HSCT in patients with hematological diseases; CRO colonization into the bloodstream has a significant impact on the DFS and OS of HSCT patients.

Osteocalcin activates lipophagy via the ADPN-AMPK/PPARα-mTOR signaling pathway in chicken embryonic hepatocyte

Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) is the leading cause of noninfectious mortality in caged layers worldwide. Osteocalcin (OCN) is a protein secreted by osteoblasts, and its undercarboxylated form (ucOCN) acts as a multifunctional hormone that protects laying hens from FLHS. Lipophagy is a form of selective autophagy that breaks down lipid droplets (LDs) through lysosomes, and defective lipophagy is associated with FLHS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ucOCN on the lipophagy of chicken embryonic hepatocytes and associated the function of the adiponectin (ADPN) signaling pathway. In this study, chicken embryonic hepatocytes were divided into 5 groups: control (CONT), fat emulsion (FE, 10% FE, v/v), FE with ucOCN at 1 ng/mL (FE-LOCN), 3 ng/mL (FE-MOCN), and 9 ng/mL (FE-HOCN). In addition, 4 μM AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist, was used to investigate the function of ADPN. The results showed that compared with CONT group, FE promoted the levels of phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) (P < 0.05) and decreased the mRNA expression of ADNP receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). Compared with FE group, 3 and 9 ng/mL ucOCN inhibited the levels of autophagy adaptor p62 and p-mTOR (P < 0.05), increased the ratios of LC3-II/LC3-I (P < 0.05) and phosphorylated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK (P < 0.05), as well as the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) and ADPN (P < 0.05). In addition, ucOCN at the tested concentrations increased the colocalization of LC3 and LDs in fatty hepatocytes. Administrated 4 μM AdipoRon activated AdipoR1 and AidpoR2 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), decreased the concentrations of triglyceride (P < 0.05), without effects on cell viability (P > 0.05). AdipoRon also increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio (P < 0.05) and the levels of p-AMPK/AMPK and PPAR-α (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results reveal that ucOCN regulates lipid metabolism by activating lipophagy via the ADPN-AMPK/PPARα-mTOR signaling pathway in chicken embryonic hepatocytes. The results may provide new insights for controlling FLHS in laying hens.

[Role and related mechanisms of LiaSR two-component system in acid tolerance and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans]

Objective: To investigate the role and related mechanisms of the LiaSR two-component system in acid tolerance and biofilm formation abilities of Streptococcus mutans (Sm) 593. Methods: The growth curves of various Sm strains in pH=5.5 brian heart infusion (BHI) medium were analyzed. And colony forming unit (CFU) was also performed to evaluate the acid tolerance of Sm. Laurdan probe, H+-K+adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase activity analysis kit, proton permeability assay and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were conducted to detect the acid tolerant mechanisms of LiaSR two-component system in Sm. Crystal violet staining, CFU, SYTOX probe and anthrone-sulfuric method were used to analyze the properties and structures of the Sm biofilms. RT-qPCR was conducted to detect the expression levels of underlying regulated genes. Results: The growth of mutants in acidic BHI were inhibited (P<0.05). The acid tolerance of mutants significantly decreased compared to the wild-type strain (P<0.05). In mutants, the activity of H+-ATPase (917.06±59.53 and 469.53±47.65) were elevated by 7.22-folds and 3.70-folds compared to the wild-type strain (127.00±50.71) (P<0.001, P<0.001) and the encoded gene atpD (3.39±0.21 and 1.94±0.17) were also elevated by 3.39-folds and 1.94-folds compared to the wild-type strain (1.00±0.15) (P<0.001, P=0.001). The Laurdan generalized polarization of mutants (0.18±0.04 and 0.18±0.05) increased significantly compared to the wild-type strain (0.08±0.05) (P=0.006, P=0.003) and the expression levels of fabM gene were decreased in mutants (0.52±0.11 and 0.57±0.05) by 1/2 (P=0.014, P=0.022). In liaR deletion mutant, the reduced terminal pH (4.76±0.01) can also be observed (P<0.001). The total amount of the biofilms of three Sm didn't show significant differences (P>0.05). But the number of viable bacteria of mutants' biofilms were decreased [Sm 593: (12.00±2.80)×107 CFU/ml; Sm ΔliaS: (2.95±1.13)×107 CFU/ml; Sm ΔliaR: (7.25±1.60)×107 CFU/ml] (P=0.001, P=0.024). The extracellular DNA were increased by 18.00-folds and 6.50-folds in mutants' biofilms (128.73±15.65 and 46.38±5.52) compared to the wild-type strain (7.16±3.62) (P<0.001, P=0.003). Water-soluble exopolysaccharides could be found up-regulated in liaS deletion mutant [(138.73±10.12) μg/ml] (P=0.003) along with the expression level of gtfC gene (1.65±0.39) (P=0.014). The expression level of gtfD were elevated by 47.43-folds and 16.90-folds in mutants (P<0.001, P=0.010). Conclusions: The LiaSR two-component system can promote the expression of fabM gene and increase the fluidity of Sm which contributes to acid tolerance. The LiaR can also decrease the proton permeability and restrict the entrance of H+. The LiaSR two-component system can negatively regulate the production of the extracellular matrix in Sm biofilm.

Regional variations in retinopathy of prematurity incidence for preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation in China

OBJECTIVES

National-level data on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in different regions of China is insufficient. This study aimed to compare ROP incidences and care practices in different regions of China and their relationship with regional gross domestic product (GDP) per capita.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All infants born at <32 weeks gestational age (GA) and admitted to 70 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Hospitals were categorised into three regional groups according to geographical locations and GDP per capita from high to low: Eastern, Central, and Western China. The incidence of death or ROP, and care practices were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 18,579 infants were enrolled. Median GA was 29.9 (interquartile range 28.4-31.0) weeks and birth weight was 1318.1 (317.2) g. The percentage of GA <28 weeks, complete administration of antenatal steroids, and weight gain velocity during NICU stay were highest in Eastern China and lowest in Western China (all P < 0.01). In Eastern, Central, and Western China, the rates of death or any stage of ROP were 33.3%, 38.5%, and 39.2%, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There were considerable regional disparities in ROP incidence in preterm infants with GA <32 weeks in China. The incidence of death or ROP ranged from high to low in Western, Central, and Eastern China.

[Construction of a surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin, so as to provide insights into creation of a sensitive and highly efficient surveillance and early warning system for schistosomiasis.

METHODS

National and international publications, documents, laws and regulations pertaining to schistosomiasis control were retrieved with keywords including schistosomiasis, surveillance, early warning and control interventions from 2008 to 2022, and a thematic panel discussion was held to preliminarily construct surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin. The index system was then comprehensively scored and screened using the Delphi method, and the weight of each index was determined using analytic hierarchy process and the modified proportional allocation method. In addition, the credibility of the Delphi method was evaluated using positive coefficient, authority coefficient, degree of concentration and degree of coordination of experts.

RESULTS

Following two rounds of expert consultation, a surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk in endemic areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin was preliminarily constructed, including 3 primary indicators, 9 secondary indicators and 41 tertiary indicators. The normalized weights of primary indicators epidemics, natural and social factors and comprehensive control were 0.639 8, 0.145 6 and 0.214 6, respectively, and among all secondary indicators, snail status (0.321 3) and schistosomiasis prevalence (0.318 5) had the highest combined weights, while social factors had the lowest combined weight (0.030 4). Of all tertiary indicators, human egg-positive rate (0.041 9), number of acute schistosomiasis cases (0.041 5), number of stool-positive bovine and sheep (0.041 1), and prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in free-ranging livestock (0.041 1) had the highest combined weights. During two rounds of consultation, the positive coefficient of experts was both 100%, and the authority coefficient was both 0.9 and greater, while the coordination coefficients were 0.338 to 0.441 and 0.426 to 0.565 (χ2 = 22.875 to 216.524, both P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The established surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis transmission risk along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin is of great scientific values and authority, which may provide insights into construction of the sensitive and highly efficient surveillance and early warning system for schistosomiasis in the context of low prevalence and low intensity of infection in China.

[Study on revision of standard limits for benzene in"Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）"in China]

Benzene, as a major indoor pollutant, has received widespread attention. In order to better control indoor benzene pollution and protect people's health, the limit value of benzene in the"Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)'' was reduced from 0.11 mg/m3 to 0.03 mg/m3. This study reviewed and discussed the relevant technical contents of the determination of benzene limit value, including the exposure status of benzene, health effects, and derivation of the limit value. It also proposed prospects for the future direction of formulating indoor air benzene standards.

Exercise improves cardiac function and attenuates myocardial inflammation and apoptosis by regulating APJ/STAT3 in mice with stroke

Stroke can induce cardiac dysfunction without a primary cardiac disease. Exercise can promote the overall rehabilitation of stroke patients and be beneficial for all kinds of heart diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of exercise in stroke-induced cardiac dysfunction are poorly understood. Hence, we aimed to distinguish the different effects of acute and long-term exercise and further study the mechanism of protection against cardiomyopathy caused by stroke. Mice underwent a single acute session or long-term exercise for 30 days, followed by middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and proinflammatory factors in the heart was evaluated. Then, overexpression of apelin peptide jejunum (APJ) transfected adeno-associated virus type 9 (AAV9) and inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by Stattic were used in stroke mice or hypoxic cardiomyocytes. ML221 were used to inhibit APJ activity in exercise mouse. Thereafter, changes in apoptotic and proinflammatory factors were evaluated. The results demonstrated that chronic exercise prevented myocardial inflammation, apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction after stroke. However, acute exercise did not have similar effects. Exercise maintained the levels of APJ expression and decreased phosphorylated-STAT3 (p-STAT3) activation to protect cardiomyocytes. Moreover, APJ overexpression promoted cardiomyocyte survival and reduced p-STAT3 levels. STAT3 inhibition also reduced apoptosis and proinflammatory factors in mice hearts. Conversely, the protective effect of exercise was eliminated by APJ inhibition. This study showed that exercise can maintain APJ expression and inhibit p-STAT3, thus, conferring protection against myocardial inflammation and apoptosis induced by stroke.

The subfamily Xerocomoideae (Boletaceae, Boletales) in China

Xerocomoideae is an ecologically and economically important Boletaceae subfamily (Boletales) comprising 10 genera. Although many studies have focused on Xerocomoideae in China, the diversity, taxonomy and molecular phylogeny still remained incompletely understood. In the present study, taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on Chinese species of Xerocomoideae were carried out by morphological examinations and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Eight genera in Xerocomoideae, viz. Aureoboletus, Boletellus, Heimioporus, Hemileccinum, Hourangia, Phylloporus, Pulchroboletus, and Xerocomus were confirmed to be distributed in China; 97 species of the subfamily were accepted as being distributed in China; one ambiguous taxon was tentatively named Bol. aff. putuoensis; two synonyms, viz. A. marroninus and P. dimorphus were defined. Among the Chinese accepted species, 13 were newly described, viz. A. albipes, A. conicus, A. ornatipes, Bol. erythrolepis, Bol. rubidus, Bol. sinochrysenteroides, Bol. subglobosus, Bol. zenghuoxingii, H. squamipes, P. hainanensis, Pul. erubescens, X. albotomentosus, and X. fuscatus, 36 known species were redescribed, and the other 48 species were reviewed. Keys to accepted species of Aureoboletus, Boletellus, Heimioporus, Hemileccinum, Hourangia, Phylloporus, and Xerocomus in China were also provided. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Aureoboletus albipes N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, A. conicus N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, A. ornatipes N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & Zhi Q. Liang, Boletellus erythrolepis N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. rubidus N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, Y.J. Hao & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. sinochrysenteroides N.K. Zeng, R. Xue & Kuan Zhao, Bol. subglobosus N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Bol. zenghuoxingii N.K. Zeng, R. Xue, S. Jiang & Zhi Q. Liang, Hemileccinum squamipes N.K. Zeng, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, Phylloporus hainanensis N.K. Zeng, L.L. Wu, & Zhi Q. Liang, Pulchroboletus erubescens N.K. Zeng, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, Xerocomus albotomentosus N.K. Zeng, H.J. Xie, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang, and X. fuscatus N.K. Zeng, H.J. Xie, Chang Xu & Zhi Q. Liang. Citation: Xue R, Zhang X, Xu C, Xie HJ, Wu LL, Wang Y, Tang LP, Hao YJ, Zhao K, Jiang S, Li Y, Yang YY, Li Z, Liang ZQ, Zeng NK (2023). The subfamily Xerocomoideae (Boletaceae, Boletales) in China. Studies in Mycology 106: 95-197. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.106.03.

Targeting Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells and Exhausted CD8+ T Cells Overcomes Radioresistance in NSCLC

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Although stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has achieved great success in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), local relapses still occur and abscopal effects are rarely seen even when combined with immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly understand the immune responses after SBRT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We characterized the dynamic changes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells at early and late time points after SBRT in a therapy-resistant murine tumor model using single-cell transcriptomes and T-cell receptor sequencing.

RESULTS

At the early stage, the innate and adaptive immune systems were activated, including activation of NKs and NKTs, and infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. At the late stage, however, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) shifted into immunosuppressive properties, containing enrichment of immunosuppressive tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and terminal exhausted CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, our study revealed that inhibition of CD39 combined with SBRT preferentially reinvigorated exhausted CD8+ T cells and promoted their proliferation, infiltration, and cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, it also promoted M1-like macrophage infiltration and DCs maturation. On the other hand, consequently increased infiltration of immunosuppressive myeloid cells after SBRT could be a potential mechanism mediating CD8+ T cell dysfunction. Moreover, we found that combination treatment with anti-VISTA and SBRT synergistically reduced immunosuppressive myeloid cells, containing TANs, M-MDSCs, and M2-like TAMs, and further activated CD8+ T cells. Clinically, high VISTA expression was associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, our data provides deep insight into acquired resistance to SBRT from an immune perspective and presents rational combination strategies.

Electroacupuncture alleviates neuropathic pain caused by SNL by promoting M2 microglia polarization through PD-L1

As a common clinical disease, neuropathic pain is difficult to be cured with drugs. The occurrence and progression of pain is closely related to the response of spinal microglia. Aspartof the regulation of microglialactivity,PD-L1 playsacriticalrole. Loss of PD-L1 promoted the polarization of M1-like microglia. Increased expression of PD-L1 promoted M2-like polarization. Electroacupuncture has a significant analgesic effect in clinical practice, but its specific mechanism remains to be further explored. In this study, we verified the role of PD-L1 in EA analgesia and the underlying molecular mechanism through spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV2 microglial cells. Forbehavioralstudiesofrats,mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured, and spinal cord neuros were examined under transmission electron microscopyto determine changes to their myelin structure. The expression levels of PD-L1 and M1/M2-specific markers in rat spinal cord and BV2 microglial cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. Our study showed that EA increased the pain threshold, reduced the destruction of myelin structure, promoted the expression of PD-L1 and PD-1, inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway, and promoted the conversion of microglial polarization from the M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype in SNL rats. PD-L1 knockdown reversed these effects of EA. In addition, PD-L1 knockdown activated the MAPK signaling pathway, promoted microglial polarization to the M1 phenotype, decreased the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators and increased the expression of proinflammatory factors in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Our results showed that EA may regulate the excitability of primary afferent neurons through PD-L1 and then inhibit the MAPK signaling pathway to promote the transformation of activated M1 microglia into M2 microglia, reduce inflammatory reactions, and finally achieve analgesic effects. A therapy targeting PD-L1 may be an effective strategy for treating neuropathic pain.

Oligo-Residual Disease in PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Treated Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Incidence, Pattern of Failure and Clinical Value of Local Consolidative Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Growing numbers of clinical trials are testing the efficacy of incorporating local therapy into programmed death receptor (ligand) 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the optimal timing and patient selection are still controversial. We aimed to examine the patterns of maximum tumor response and treatment failure in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-treated NSCLC, and explore the potential clinical value of local consolidative therapy (LCT) in those with oligo-residual disease (ORD).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Metastatic NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in three academic centers from May 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and those derived clinical benefit, defined as having objective response or durable stable disease lasting≥6months, were finally enrolled. Patterns of tumor response and treatment failure were extensively analyzed. ORD was defined as residual tumor distribution limited to 3 organs and 5 lesions, otherwise was defined as multiple residual disease (MRD). Local therapies targeting the residual tumor lesions performed after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors initiation and before initial disease progression, were considered as LCT. The primary endpoints were the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Of the 318 patients enrolled, ORD and MRD were documented in 122 (38.4%) and 196 (61.6%) patients, respectively. Those who developed ORD had a significantly longer OS than those with MRD (p = 0.006). The median time to best response was 4 months and more than 50% of the initial disease progression developed only from the residual tumor lesions, providing the preliminary rationale of LCT. Among the 122 patients with ORD, those receiving LCT (n = 39) had significantly longer PFS (p = 0.04) and OS (p<0.001) than those without LCT. Moreover, LCT remained one of the independent predictors of improved PFS and OS after Cox analyses.

CONCLUSION

Local consolidative therapy seems to be feasible and may provide extra survival benefit for metastatic NSCLC patients with oligo-residual disease after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment.

[Analysis of mortality trend and characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among residents in China from 2004 to 2020]

Objective: To analyze the mortality trend and characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among residents in China from 2004 to 2020. Methods: From the area, gender, region, and age dimensions, the Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of COPD mortality rate from 2004 to 2020, extracted from the China Death Surveillance Dataset. Results: From 2004 to 2020, the mortality rate and age-adjusted mortality rate of COPD showed a downward trend (AAPC=-3.68%, P<0.001; AAPC=-7.27%, P<0.001), which were consistent with urban and rural subpopulations (mortality rate: AAPC=-3.62%, P=0.009, AAPC=-3.23%, P=0.014; age-adjusted mortality rate: AAPC=-7.26%, P<0.001, AAPC=-6.78%, P<0.001). The mortality rate of COPD in rural was higher than that of urban subpopulations (P<0.001). Also, the mortality rate and age-adjusted mortality rate of COPD showed a downward trend in males and females (mortality rate: AAPC=-3.00%, P<0.001, AAPC=-4.37%, P<0.001; age-adjusted mortality rate: AAPC=-6.73%, P<0.001, AAPC=-8.11%, P<0.001), and the COPD mortality rate for male was generally higher than female (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the mortality rate of COPD in eastern, central and western regions also showed a downward trend (AAPC=-3.87%, P<0.001; AAPC=-3.12%, P<0.001; AAPC=-1.37%, P=0.001), and western regions were significantly higher than that in central (P<0.001) and eastern (P<0.001) regions. The mortality rate of COPD in the age group of Chinese people showed a downward trend in<45, 45-59, and≥60 years groups (AAPC=-9.48%, P<0.001; AAPC=-9.03%, P<0.001; AAPC=-5.91%, P<0.001). Among them,≥60 years groups was significantly higher than that in<45 (P<0.001) and 45-59 (P<0.001) years groups, and the decline rate was slowest. Conclusion: In China, the mortality rate of COPD decreases from 2004 to 2020, and more efforts are needed to reduce COPD mortality, especially in western regions, rural populations, males and the elderly.

Electroacupuncture inhibits dendritic spine remodeling through the srGAP3-Rac1 signaling pathway in rats with SNL

Previous studies have shown that peripheral nerve injury can lead to abnormal dendritic spine remodeling in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Inhibition of abnormal dendritic spine remodeling can relieve neuropathic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA) has a beneficial effect on the treatment of neuropathic pain, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Evidence has shown that slit-robo GTPase activating protein 3 (srGAP3) and Rho GTPase (Rac1) play very important roles in dendritic spine remodeling. Here, we used srGAP3 siRNA and Rac1 activator CN04 to confirm the relationship between SrGAP3 and Rac1 and their roles in improving neuropathic pain with EA. Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) was used as the experimental model, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and Golgi-Cox staining were used to examine changes in behavioral performance, protein expression and dendritic spines. More dendritic spines and higher expression levels of srGAP3 were found in the initial phase of neuropathic pain. During the maintenance phase, dendritic spines were more mature, which was consistent with lower expression levels of srGAP3 and higher expression levels of Rac1-GTP. EA during the maintenance phase reduced the density and maturity of dendritic spines of rats with SNL, increased the levels of srGAP3 and reduced the levels of Rac1-GTP, while srGAP3 siRNA and CN04 reversed the therapeutic effects of EA. These results suggest that dendritic spines have different manifestations in different stages of neuropathic pain and that EA may inhibit the abnormal dendritic spine remodeling by regulating the srGAP3/Rac1 signaling pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain.

Radiomics model and clinical scale for the preoperative diagnosis of silent corticotroph adenomas

OBJECTIVE

Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCAs) are a subtype of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas that exhibit more aggressive behavior. However, rapid and accurate preoperative diagnostic methods are currently lacking.

DESIGN

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between SCA and non-SCA features and to establish radiomics models and a clinical scale for rapid and accurate prediction.

METHODS

A total of 260 patients (72 SCAs vs. 188 NSCAs) with nonfunctioning adenomas from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled in the study as the internal dataset. Thirty-five patients (6 SCAs vs. 29 NSCAs) from Fuzhou General Hospital were enrolled as the external dataset. Radiomics models and an SCA scale to preoperatively diagnose SCAs were established based on MR images and clinical features.

RESULTS

There were more female patients (internal dataset: p < 0.001; external dataset: p = 0.028) and more multiple microcystic changes (internal dataset: p < 0.001; external dataset: p = 0.012) in the SCA group. MRI showed more invasiveness (higher Knosp grades, p ≤ 0.001). The radiomics model achieved AUCs of 0.931 and 0.937 in the internal and external datasets, respectively. The clinical scale achieved an AUC of 0.877 and a sensitivity of 0.952 in the internal dataset and an AUC of 0.899 and a sensitivity of 1.0 in the external dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on clinical information and imaging characteristics, the constructed radiomics model achieved high preoperative diagnostic ability. The SCA scale achieved the purpose of rapidity and practicality while ensuring sensitivity, which is conducive to simplifying clinical work.

The impact of sitagliptin in palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance in human HepG2 cells through the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway

Patients with type 2 diabetes respond differently to sitagliptin, an oral anti-hyperglycemic medication. Patients whose blood sugar levels were effectively managed while using sitagliptin had significantly lower levels of a protein called suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), according to our earlier research. In this study, we established an in vitro insulin resistance cell model for human HepG2 cells to investigate the possible mechanism of the effect of sitagliptin on glucose metabolism via the SOCS3/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Since insulin resistance first develops in the liver, palmitic acid was used to generate an insulin resistance cell model in human HepG2 cells, after which small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-SOCS3 and sitagliptin were used to intervene. We then examined the changes in cell viability and biochemical indices in the insulin resistance cell model. SOCS3, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3β) gene expression levels were quantified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the protein expression levels of SOCS3, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), GSK-3β, and phosphorylated GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β) were quantified using Western blot. In results: the expression of the SOCS3 gene was considerably raised in both the insulin resistance model group and the insulin resistance model + siRNA-negative control group, but decreased following treatment with sitagliptin. After sitagliptin intervention, the protein expression of Akt, p-Akt, and p-GSK-3β were dramatically decreased in the model group, while SOCS3 was significantly decreased. We conclude that sitagliptin can reduce insulin resistance by downregulating SOCS3 and regulating glucose metabolism in a hypoglycemic manner.

Blocking the IFN-gamma signal in the choroid plexus confers resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). IFN-gamma (IFN-γ), a critically important immunomodulator, has been widely studied in MS pathology. The confusing and complex effects of IFN-γ in MS patients and rodent models, however, cause us to look more closely at its exact role in MS. In this study, we identified the role of the IFN-γ signaling in the choroid plexus (CP) in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. We found that the IFN-γ signal was rapidly amplified when CNS immune cell infiltration occurred in the CP during the progressive stage. Furthermore, using two CP-specific knockdown strategies, we demonstrated that blocking the IFN-γ signal via knockdown of IFN-γR1 in the CP could protect mice against EAE pathology, as evidenced by improvements in clinical scores and infiltration. Notably, knocking down IFN-γR1 in the CP reduced the local expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines. This finding suggests that IFN-γ signaling in the CP may participate in the pathological process of EAE by preventing pathological T helper (Th) 17⁺ cells from infiltrating into the CNS. Finally, we showed that the unbalanced state of IFN-γ signaling between peripheral lymphocytes and the choroid plexus may determine whether IFN-γ has a protective or aggravating effect on EAE pathology. Above all, we discovered that IFN-γR1-mediated IFN-γ signaling in the CP was a vital pathway in the pathological process of EAE.

A97 LARGE NON-PEDUNCULATED COLONIC POLYP (LNPCP) OUTCOMES REFERRED FOR ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION IN BRITISH COLUMBIA: A QUALITY ASSURANCE INITIATIVE

Background

Endoscopic resection techniques have become the primary treatment strategy for the vast majority of large (≥ 20mm) non-pedunculated colonic polyps (LNPCPs). Despite this, surgery is still commonly performed with evidence suggesting an increasing trend over time. There is limited Canadian data confirming the effectiveness and safety of an endoscopic management strategy for LNPCPs.

Purpose

To investigate clinical outcomes of patients referred for endoscopic management of a LNPCP.

Method

Retrospective single-centre analysis of patients referred to a single endoscopist for the management of LNPCPs within a tertiary referral practice. LNPCPs were further subdivided into non-complicated (NC-LNPCP) or complicated (C-LNPCP) defined as those involving the ileocecal valve, appendiceal orifice, circumferential or previously attempted. Performance outcomes were evaluated by the frequencies of technical success (removal of all polypoid tissue during index procedure) and need for colorectal surgery. Safety was evaluated by the frequencies of clinically significant intraprocedural bleeding (CSIPB), clinically significant post-endoscopic resection bleeding (CSPEB), intra-procedural perforation and delayed perforation. Recurrence (either endoscopic or histologic) was evaluated at first surveillance colonoscopy (SC1). Continuous variables were summarized using median (IQR). Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies (%). To test for association between categorical variables, the Pearson χ2 or the Fisher exact test were used, where appropriate. For continuous variables, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. A probability (p) value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result(s)

Between January 2021 to March 2022, 263 LNPCP were referred for endoscopic resection and 41 LNPCP were excluded (23 pedunculated, 14 optical evaluation suggestive of deeply invasive cancer, 4 other). 222 LNPCP (188 NC-LNPCP, 34 C-LNPCP) underwent endoscopic resection. Median size was 25mm (IQR 20-30mm) with the majority undergoing cold snare resection (115, 51.8%). Polyposis (Adenomatous or serrated) was present in 23 (12.6%) cases respectively. Technical success was 97.3%. Cancer was present in 5 (2%). Clinically significant bleeding (CSPEB) occurred in 2.7%, DMI IV in 1.8% and there were no delayed perforations. Recurrence occurred in 4 (3.5%) at SC1 and 11 (5%) required surgery due to technical failure, submucosal invasion on pathology and clinically significant bleeding.

Image

Conclusion(s)

Endoscopic resection as the primary treatment strategy for LNPCPs offers a safe and effective alternative to surgery in British Columbia.

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Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

[Application and prospect of digital technology on personalized precision nutrition]

Nowadays in China, digital technology is sweeping all walks of life. To deal with the increasing incidence of chronic diseases and people's pursuit of a healthy life expectancy, modern nutrition, which is a core element in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, has gradually entered the digital age and raised broader needs and higher standards for achieving individualized precision nutrition. Artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies have been used to improve the accuracy of dietary surveys. The digital dietary quality monitoring and evaluation system established by integrating multiple nutritional and health databases are conducive to scientifically and effectively assessing the overall dietary quality. Wearable devices and chemical sensors have made nutrition assessment more efficient. Digital and precise nutrition developed for different populations and different diseases are realized. Nutrition education has been carried out rapidly with the popularization of "Internet+", new media, and application software. The various digital intelligent technologies have gradually penetrated into the dietetics field and empowered personalized health management. In addition, the technologies of digital nutrition in China still face a lot of challenges from theory to practice. How to promote scientific and technological innovation in digital nutrition to stimulate and enhance people's nutritional health is the major task ahead of nutrition science nowadays. This article will briefly introduce digital nutrition survey and assessment, digital nutrition intervention, and intelligent nutrition education, in order to provide a reference for realizing national nutrition and health by digital means.

A prognostic nomogram based on log odds of positive lymph nodes to predict the overall survival in biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) patients after surgery

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of biliary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) patients is affected by the status of metastatic lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) and develop a novel nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) in biliary NENs patients.

METHODS

A total of 125 patients with histologically confirmed biliary NENs were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database and further divided into training and validation cohorts. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time-dependent AUC), and calibration plots. The net benefits and clinical utility of the nomogram were quantified and compared with those of the SEER staging system using decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). The risk stratifications of the nomogram and the SEER staging system were compared.

RESULTS

LODDS showed the highest accuracy in predicting OS for biliary NENs. The C-index (0.789 for the training cohort and 0.890 for the validation cohort) and the time-dependent AUC (> 0.7) indicated the satisfactory discriminative ability of the nomogram. The calibration plots showed a high degree of consistency. The DCA, NRI, and IDI indicated that the nomogram performed significantly better than the SEER staging system.

CONCLUSION

A novel LODDS-incorporated nomogram was developed and validated to assist clinicians in evaluating the prognosis of biliary NENs patients.

SrB4O7:Sm2+ fluorescence improves the accuracy of temperature measurements in externally heated diamond anvil cells

The sample temperature in an externally heated diamond anvil cell (EHDAC) is generally measured by a thermocouple fixed to the pavilions of diamond anvils, ignoring the temperature difference between the thermocouple and the sample. However, the measured temperature depends strongly on the placement of the thermocouple, thus seriously reducing the accuracy of the temperature measurement and hindering the use of EHDAC in experiments requiring precise temperature measurements, such as high-pressure melting and phase-diagram investigations. In this study, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the 0-0 fluorescence line of strontium borate doped with bivalent samarium ions (SrBO₄:Sm²⁺, SBO) is found to be highly sensitive to temperature and responds extremely rapidly to small temperature fluctuations, which makes it an excellent temperature indicator. We propose herein a precise method to measure temperature that involves measuring the FWHM of the 0-0 fluorescence line of SBO. This method is used to correct the temperature discrepancy between the thermocouple and the sample in an EHDAC. These corrections significantly improve the accuracy of temperature measurements in EHDACs. The accuracy of this method is verified by measuring the melting point of tin at ambient pressure. We also use this method to produce a tentative elementary phase diagram of tin up to 109 GPa and 495 K. This method facilitates high-pressure, high-temperature experiments demanding accurate temperature measurements in various disciplines. The study also discusses, in general, the experimental approach to measuring temperature.

[Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 alleviates acute lung injury in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) activation against acute lung injury in rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Forty-eight SD rats were randomly assigned into control group, model group, CB2 agonist group and P38 MAPK inhibitor group (n=12). In the latter 3 groups, the rats received intraperitoneal injection of LPS to induce sepsis, and the control rats were given saline injection. In CB2 agonist group, JWH133 (3 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min before LPS injection; in P38 MAPK inhibitor group, the rats received intraperitoneal injection of SB203580 (5 mg/kg) 30 min prior to JWH133 injection. The changes in lung histopathology, water content, fluid clearance rate, inflammatory factors, pulmonary expressions of CB2 and tight junctionrelated genes, and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK in the lung tissues were examined.

RESULTS

The rat models of sepsis showed severe damage of alveolar structures with significantly decreased fluid clearance rate, lowered pulmonary expressions of CB2, occludin and ZO-1 mRNA and proteins, increased water content in the lung tissue, and increased phosphorylation level of P38 MAPK and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in lung lavage fluid (all P < 0.05). Treatment with JWH133 improved alveolar pathology in the septic rats, but there was still inflammatory infiltration; lung tissue water content, phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in lung lavage fluid were all significantly decreased, and the fluid clearance rate, pulmonary expressions of CB2, occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased (all P < 0.05). Additional treatment with SB203580 resulted in further improvements of alveolar pathologies, lowered phosphorylation levels of P38 MAPK in the lung tissue and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in lung lavage fluid, and increased the protein expressions of occludin and ZO-1 (P < 0.05) without causing significant changes in mRNA and protein expression of CB2 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In rats with LPS-induced sepsis, activation of CB2 can inhibit the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, reduce the release of inflammatory factors in the lung tissues, promote tight junction protein expressions, and thus offer protection against acute lung injury.

Electroacupuncture pre-treatment alleviates sepsis-induced cardiac inflammation and dysfunction by inhibiting the calpain-2/STAT3 pathway

Electroacupuncture (EA) has both anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects. Activation of calpain pathway is involved in several myocardiopathy. In sepsis, the role of calpain-2-regulated STAT3 in cardio-protective mechanism of electroacupuncture remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which electroacupuncture reduces cardiac inflammation and apoptosis and improves cardiac function during sepsis. Electroacupuncture pretreatment for 7 days was applied in septic cardiomyopathy model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis was associated with a dramatically systemic inflammation and cardiac dysfunction, which was alleviated by electroacupuncture pre-treatment. Lipopolysaccharide resulted in increases of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α,IL1βand IL-6) and apoptosis (TUNEL staining and BAX/Bcl2) via activation of calpain-2/STAT3 pathway.Electroacupuncture pre-treatment inhibited LPS-induced activation of cardiac calpain-2/STAT3 signalling and ameliorated inflammatory and apoptosis. Additionally, inhibition of calpain-2 expression using the corresponding siRNA decreased the Phosphorylation of STAT3,pro-inflammatory factors and apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide- treated cardiomyocytes, confirming that calpain-2 activated p-STAT3 participate in septic cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, suppression of STAT3 by stattic enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects of electroacupuncture. These findings reveal mechanisms of electroacupuncture preconditioning protection against cardiac inflammation and apoptosis in sepsis mouse via calpain-2/STAT3 pathway and may provide novel targets for clinical treatments of the sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.

How well do polygenic risk scores identify men at high risk for prostate cancer? Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Genome-wide association studies have revealed over 200 genetic susceptibility loci for prostate cancer (PCa). By combining them, polygenic risk scores (PRS) can be generated to predict risk of PCa. We summarize the published evidence and conduct meta-analyses of PRS as a predictor of PCa risk in Caucasian men.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were extracted from 59 studies, with 16 studies including 17 separate analyses used in the main meta-analysis with a total of 20,786 cases and 69,106 controls identified through a systematic search of ten databases. Random effects meta-analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates of area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). Meta-regression was used to assess the impact of number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) incorporated in PRS on AUC. Heterogeneity is expressed as I² scores. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger tests.

RESULTS

The ability of PRS to identify men with PCa was modest (pooled AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.62-0.64) with moderate consistency (I² 64%). Combining PRS with clinical variables increased the pooled AUC to 0.74 (0.68-0.81). Meta-regression showed only negligible increase in AUC for adding incremental SNPs. Despite moderate heterogeneity, publication bias was not evident.

CONCLUSION

Typically, PRS accuracy is comparable to PSA or family history with a pooled AUC value 0.63 indicating mediocre performance for PRS alone.

[Effects of parity on nutrition and health status of Chinese women of childbearing age]

Objective: To analyze effects of parity on women's nutrition and health status. Methods: This study was based on the data bank of "Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Adolescents Aged 0-17 years old and Lactating Mothers from 2016 to 2017". Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, 17 771 women at 0 to 24 months postpartum from 31 provinces in Mainland China were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect data on women's general demographic characteristics, parity, mode of delivery, pre-pregnancy weight, pre-delivery weight, diseases before and during pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage. Current body height, body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Blood hemoglobin, blood glucose and blood lipids were detected. Pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, postpartum BMI, the rates of anemia, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were calculated. Survey sample weights were calculated according to the sampling design and number of children under 2 years old from the sixth population census data of China. Effects of parity on the observational indicators after adjusting for confounding factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The age of 17 771 women was (29.5±5.0) years old, 12.2% (2 172) were over 35 but less than 40 years old, and 3.2% (563) were over 40 years old; the women with one parity, two parities, and three parities accounted for 47.3% (8 413), 48.5% (8 620) and 4.2% (738), respectively; urban women accounted for 49.9% (8 875), and rural women accounted for 50.1% (8 896). The results from multivariate linear regression showed that the pre-pregnancy BMI of women with two and three parities was 0.55 kg/m² and 0.76 kg/m² higher than women with one parity, respectively; the results of multivariate logistic regression showed that the OR(95%CI) of pre-pregnancy anemia was 1.45(1.04-2.02) for women with three parities compared with women with one parity, and the OR(95%CI) of anemia during pregnancy for women with two parities was 1.20(1.06-1.35) compared with women with one parity. Conclusion: Parity is associated with pre-pregnancy BMI and risk of anemia before and during pregnancy in women of reproductive age.

Osteocalcin reduces fat accumulation and inflammatory reaction by inhibiting ROS-JNK signal pathway in chicken embryonic hepatocytes

Osteocalcin (OCN) has a function in preventing fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in poultry. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of OCN on fat emulsion stimulated chicken embryonic hepatocytes and related signaling pathways. The primary chicken embryonic hepatocytes were isolated from the incubated 15-day (E15) pathogen free eggs and cultured with dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM). After the hepatocyte density reached 80%, the cells were divided into 5 groups: control group (CONT), fat emulsion group (FE, 10% FE, v/v), FE with ucOCN at 1 ng/mL (FE-LOCN), 3 ng/mL (FE-MOCN), and 9 ng/mL (FE-HOCN). In addition, 2 mM N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, and 5 μM SP600125, a Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, were added separately in to the DMEM with 10% FE to test effects of FE on the function of ROS-JNK signal pathway. The number of hepatocytes, cell ultra-microstructure, viability, and apoptosis were detected after 48 h treatment, and the protein expressions and enzyme concentrations were detected after 72 h treatment. The results showed that, compared to the control group, FE increased the triglyceride (TG) concentration and lipid droplets (LDs) in chicken embryonic hepatocytes (P < 0.05), and induced hepatocytic edema with obviously mitochondrial swelling, membrane damage, and cristae rupture. FE also decreased ATP concentration, increased ROS concentrations and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, promoted inflammatory interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations and hepatocytic apoptosis rate, and raised phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) protein expressions. Compared to the FE group, ucOCN significantly increased hepatocyte viability, reduced hepatocytic TG concentrations and LDs numbers, and alleviated hepatocytic edema and mitochondrial swelling. Furthermore, ucOCN significantly decreased ROS concentrations, increased ATP concentrations, reduced IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α concentrations and hepatocytic apoptosis rate, and inhibited p-JNK protein expressions (P < 0.05). NAC had the similar functions of ucOCN reduced the ROS concentration and inhibited the TNF-α protein expression and p-JNK/JNK ration. Similarly, SP600125 reduced p-JNK/JNK protein expression, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and TG concentrations without effects on ROS concentration and hepatocytic apoptosis. These results suggest that ucOCN alleviates FE-induced mitochondrial damage, cellular edema, and apoptosis of hepatocytes. These results reveal that the functions of ucOCN in reducing fat accumulation and inflammatory reaction in chicken embryonic hepatocytes are mostly via inhibiting the ROS-JNK signal pathway.

[Pathological features related to onco-immunity and their clinical significance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the tumor immunity-related pathologic features and clinical significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: All pathologic materials and clinical information of 192 PDAC patients from the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences from January 2010 to December 2020 were collected. The onco-immune microenvironment associated morphologic features were evaluated, and MHC-Ⅰ, PD-L1, CD3, and CD8 expression were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Then the correlation between the factors and their influence on prognosis was analyzed. Results: There were 163 cases of non-specific adenocarcinoma (163/192, 84.90%), 18 cases of adeno-squamous carcinoma (18/192, 9.37%), and 11 cases of other rare subtypes (11/192, 5.73%). Perineural invasion was observed in 110 cases (110/192, 57.29%) and vascular invasion in 86 cases (86/192, 44.79%). There were 84 cases (84/182, 46.15%) with severe chronic inflammation. Tumor infiltrating immune cell numbers (TII-N) were increased in 52 cases (52/192, 27.08%). Lymphocytes and plasma cells were the main infiltrating immune cells in 60 cases (60/192, 31.25%), whereas in 34 cases (34/192, 17.71%) the tumors were mainly infiltrated by granulocytes, and 98 cases (98/192, 51.04%) showed mixed infiltration. CD3+T cells were deficient in 124 cases (124/192, 66.31%). CD8+T cells were deficient in 152 cases (152/192, 79.58%). MHC-Ⅰ expression was down-regulated in 156 cases (156/192, 81.25%), and PD-L1 was positive (CPS≥1) in 46 cases (46/192, 23.96%). Statistical analysis showed that TII-N was negatively correlated with vascular invasion (P=0.035), perineural invasion (P=0.002), stage (P=0.004) and long-term alcohol consumption (P=0.039). The type of immune cells correlated positively with chronic pancreatic inflammation (P=0.002), and negatively with tumor differentiation (P=0.024). CD8+T cells were positively correlated with CD3+T cells (P=0.032), MHC-Ⅰ expression (P<0.001) and PD-L1 expression (P=0.001), and negatively correlated with long-term smoking (P=0.016). Univariate analysis showed that histological nonspecific type (P=0.013) and TII-N (P<0.001) were the factors for good prognosis. Vascular invasion (P=0.032), perineural invasion (P=0.001), high stage (P=0.003) and long-term alcohol consumption (P=0.004) were adverse prognostic factors. COX multivariate risk analysis found that TII-N was an independent favorable factor for PDAC, while perineural invasion was an independent adverse risk factor. Conclusions: TII-N is an independent superior prognostic factor for PDAC, and significantly correlated with many factors; chronic alcohol consumption and smoking may inhibit onco-immunity in PDAC patients.

Brain Functional Topology Alteration in Right Lateral Occipital Cortex Is Associated With Upper Extremity Motor Recovery

Stroke is a chief cause of sudden brain damage that severely disrupts the whole-brain network. However, the potential mechanisms of motor recovery after stroke are uncertain and the prognosis of poststroke upper extremity recovery is still a challenge. This study investigated the global and local topological properties of the brain functional connectome in patients with subacute ischemic stroke and their associations with the clinical measurements. A total of 57 patients, consisting of 29 left-sided and 28 right-sided stroke patients, and 32 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited to undergo a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study; patients were also clinically evaluated with the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA_UE). The assessment was repeated at 15 weeks to assess upper extremity functional recovery for the patient remaining in the study (12 left- 20 right-sided stroke patients). Global graph topological disruption indices of stroke patients were significantly decreased compared with HCs but these indices were not significantly associated with FMA_UE. In addition, local brain network structure of stroke patients was altered, and the altered regions were dependent on the stroke site. Significant associations between local degree and motor performance and its recovery were observed in the right lateral occipital cortex (R LOC) in the right-sided stroke patients. Our findings suggested that brain functional topologies alterations in R LOC are promising as prognostic biomarkers for right-sided subacute stroke. This cortical area might be a potential target to be further validated for non-invasive brain stimulation treatment to improve poststroke upper extremity recovery.

Bacillus subtilis inhibits intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating gut flora and related metabolites in laying hens

Bacillus subtilis is one of the most popular commercial probiotics used in farm animal production. However, its potential mechanisms are not very clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis on intestinal histomorphology, innate immunity, microbiota composition, transcriptomics, and related metabolomics. Twenty-four 48-week-old Lohman Pink-shell laying hens were randomly divided into two groups: a basic diet and the basic diet supplemented with Bacillus subtilis (0.5 g/kg) for a 9-week experiment. At the end of the experiment, tissues of the duodenum, ileum, and jejunum as well as cecal content of each bird were collected for microstructure, PCR, transcriptome, metabolome, and 16S rRNA analyses. The results showed that dietary Bacillus subtilis supplement had no effect on the intestinal microstructure. However, Bacillus subtilis increased mRNA expression of tight junction protein occludin (P < 0.05), while reduced mRNA expression of lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF factor (P < 0.01) in the duodenum. Moreover, transcriptomic results indicated that most of Bacillus subtilis supplement-induced differential genes were associated with inflammation and immunity, including cytochrome b-245 beta chain, transferrin, and purinergic receptor P2X 7, resulting in a decrease in Malondialdehyde level (P < 0.05) in the duodenum. In addition, at the genus level, Bacillus subtilis supplement enriched the potential beneficial bacteria, Candidatus_Soleaferrea (P = 0.02) but inhibited the harmful bacteria including Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group, Ruminiclostridium, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010, and Oxalobacter. Metabolomic results revealed that N-Acetylneuraminic acid and ADP were increased by fed Bacillus subtilis. These results suggest that dietary Bacillus subtilis could inhibit gut inflammation and improve antioxidative status and barrier integrity of the duodenum via regulating gut microbial composition in laying hens.

Response and tolerance mechanism of food crops under high temperature stress: a review

High temperature stress events are critical factors inhibiting crop yield. Meanwhile, world population is growing very rapidly and will be reached up to 9 billion by 2050. To feed increasing world population, it is challenging task to increase about 70% global food productions. Food crops have significant contribution toward global food demand and food security. However, consequences from increasing heat stress events are demolishing their abilities to survive and sustain yield when subjected to extreme high temperature stress. Therefore, there is dire need to better understand response and tolerance mechanism of food crops following exposure to heat stress. Here, we aimed to provide recent update on impact of high temperature stress on crop yield of food crops, pollination, pollinators, and novel strategies for improving tolerance of food crop under high temperature stress. Importantly, development of heat-resistant transgenic food crops can grant food security through transformation of superior genes into current germplasm, which are associated with various signaling pathways as well as epigenetic regulation in response to extreme high temperature stress.

Electroacupuncture suppresses spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain via regulation of synaptic plasticity through upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor expression

Background:

Improving synaptic plasticity is a good way to alleviate neuropathic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA) is currently used worldwide to treat this disease, but its specific mechanisms of action need further investigation. Evidence has suggested that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in promoting nerve regeneration and can promote the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Objective:

In this study, we examined the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and its underlying mechanism.

Methods:

A spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rat model was established. NSC37204 (a specific inhibitor of bFGF) was used to determine the relationship between bFGF and putative EA-mediated improvements in synaptic plasticity. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed to evaluate hyperalgesia in rats with SNL. Tissue morphology was detected by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Nissl staining, while neural plasticity and its molecular mechanisms were examined by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), dual-label immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy.

Results:

We found that EA improved synaptic plasticity, consistent with higher levels of expression of bFGF and VEGF. Contrary to the beneficial effects of EA, NSC37204 promoted synaptic reconstruction. Furthermore, EA-induced improvements in the neurobehavioral state and improved synaptic plasticity were blocked by NSC37204, consistent with lower expression levels of bFGF and VEGF.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that EA suppresses SNL-induced neuropathic pain by improving synaptic plasticity via upregulation of bFGF expression.

Genetic characterization and clinical characteristics of bovine viral diarrhea viruses in cattle herds of Heilongjiang province, China

BACKGROUND

Heilongjiang province is the main cattle-producing area in China, and molecular epidemiological studies of bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV) in cattle have not been performed in the province.

AIMS

The objective of this research was to determine the genetic and clinical characteristics of BVDV in cattle.

METHODS

Fifty-three BVDV-positive clinical samples were collected from 22 cattle farms in Heilongjiang, and the 5´-untranslated region (5´-UTR) was used to carry out a phylogenetic analysis of the viruses.

RESULTS

The similarity of the 5´-UTR sequences among these BVDVs was 84.2%-100%, and the phylogenetic analysis showed that all viruses belong to the BVDV-1 species, which is classified into five subtypes: BVDV-1b (47.17%, n=25), 1c (15.09%, n=8), 1d (16.98%, n=9), 1 m (3.77%, n=2), and 1o (16.98%, n=9). The statistical results showed that the BVDV-1b subtype had a positive correlation with gastrointestinal disease (P<0.05; 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.34). There were up to three or four BVDV-1 subtypes in some dairy cattle farms, but farms with a single subtype were prevalent (5/10).

CONCLUSION

BVDV-1b is predominant in cattle herds of Heilongjiang province, China, and shows a positive correlation with gastrointestinal disease. BVDV-1o was found for the first time in Chinese cattle, which increased the complex distribution of BVDV-1 subtypes in cattle herds of China.

The Predictive Role of Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) in the Prognosis of Stroke Patients

Purpose

Stroke is a disease associated with high mortality. Many inflammatory indicators such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) have been documented to predict stroke prognosis, their predictive power is limited. A novel inflammatory indicator called systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) has been advocated to have an essential role in the prognostic assessment of cancer and infectious diseases. In this study, we attempted to assess the prognosis of stroke by SIRI. Moreover, we compared SIRI with other clinical parameters, including NLR, PLR, LMR and RDW.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. We obtained data of 2450 stroke patients from the Multiparametric Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III database. We used the Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the relationship between SIRI and all-cause mortality and sepsis. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to assess the predictive power of SIRI compared to NLR, PLR, LMR and RDW for the prognosis of stroke. We collected data of 180 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, which used the Pearson’s correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between SIRI and the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS).

Results

After adjusting multiple covariates, we found that SIRI was associated with all-cause mortality in stroke patients. Rising SIRI accompanied by rising mortality. Besides, ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve of SIRI was significantly greater than for NLR, PLR, LMR and RDW. Besides, Pearson’s correlation test confirmed a significant positive correlation between SIRI and NIHSS.

Conclusion

Elevated SIRI was associated with higher risk of mortality and sepsis and higher stroke severity. Therefore, SIRI is a promising low-grade inflammatory factor for predicting stroke prognosis that outperformed NLR, PLR, LMR, and RDW in predictive power.

Sequential neural activity in sensorimotor area and mirror neural system for graded mirror therapy with imagined hand movements

BACKGROUND

Graded motor imagery (GMI) therapy is a neural rehabilitative physiotherapy that has been shown to alleviate the severity of complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain and disability.

OBJECTIVE

To identify neural networks associated with the use of graded mirror therapy (MT) while imagining hand movements.

METHODS

We made a block-design functional magnetic resonance imaging study of MT included three experiments: (1) immobile unimanual MT (IU-MT), in which the right hand flexed and made a fist, which then remained immobile; (2) mobilization unimanual MT (MU-MT), in which the right hand performed a flexion-extension movement; and (3) mobilization bimanual MT (MB-MT), in which both hands performed a flexion-extension movement. When subjects started their hand movements, they gazed at the mirror and imagined the same movement behind the mirror.

RESULTS

We discovered that the sensorimotor area of the left brain, superior temporal gyrus/middle temporal gyrus (STG/MTG) of the right brain and visual areas were activated by IU-MT. In MU-MT, only the STG/MTG was activated. Furthermore, MB-UT mostly activated the sensorimotor area and STG of the right brain. However, there were no brain areas activated by MU-MT compared with IU-MT or MB-MT; but, MB-MT activated more motor areas than IU-MT. Importantly, we determined that the level of mirror imagery was negatively correlated with signals in the mirror neuron system (MNS) and positively related with the signals in the sensorimotor areas.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that graded MT might be a sequential therapeutic program that can enhance the sensorimotor cortex. The MNS might have an initiating role in graded MT. Thus, there is the possibility that graded MT is a helpful treatment strategy for the rehabilitation of dysfunctional patients.

A survey of a COVID-19 cluster of charter flight importation

OBJECTIVES

Although a number of cases of importation with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been reported, there are still no data available concerning the characteristics in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cluster of charter flight importation. Here, we provide an analysis of COVID-19 cases and their close contacts who worked for the same company on a project in Karbala, Iraq, and returned back to Chengdu, China, by a charter flight.

METHODS

The data of imported COVID-19 cases and their close contacts were obtained from National Notifiable Disease Report System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and field epidemiological investigation reports by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) in Chengdu. The information of general characteristics and laboratory findings of this cluster were collected and summarized.

RESULTS

One hundred and six (66.67%) of 159 charter flight passengers tested positive for COVID-19 before entry. Through treatment, all 159 people tested negative and meet the requirements of taking flights bound for China before boarding. However, there has been still 36 (22.64%) of them tested positive after entry. The median time from entry to confirmation was 1.0 day (Interquartile Range (IQR): 0-4.3). The Cycle threshold value (Ct value) of 36 patients' positive samples are all above 30 and most values are above 35.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, there is still a risk that a number of COVID-19 cases can be imported through charter flight. However, the infectivity of confirmed patients of the charter flight was considered to be low.