Omilancor mitigates the senescence of nucleus pulposus cells induced by DDP through targeting MAP2K6

PURPOSE

This study explores the potential of Omilancor in treating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD) through MAP2K6 targeting.

METHODS

We analyzed mRNA microarray datasets to pinpoint MAP2K6 as a key regulator implicated in IDD progression. Follow-up studies demonstrated that cisplatin (DDP) could prompt cellular senescence in vitro by upregulating MAP2K6 expression. Through molecular docking and other analyses, we identified Omilancor as a compound capable of binding to MAP2K6. This interaction effectively impeded the cellular senescence induced by DDP.

RESULTS

We further showed that administration of Omilancor could significantly alleviate the degeneration of IVDs in annulus fibrosus puncture-induced rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

Omilancor shows promise as a treatment for IDD by targeting MAP2K6-mediated cellular senescence.

Comparison of Immediate Neuromodulatory Effects between Focal Vibratory and Electrical Sensory Stimulations after Stroke

Focal vibratory stimulation (FVS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) are promising technologies for sensory rehabilitation after stroke. However, the differences between these techniques in immediate neuromodulatory effects on the poststroke cortex are not yet fully understood. In this research, cortical responses in persons with chronic stroke (n = 15) and unimpaired controls (n = 15) were measured by whole-brain electroencephalography (EEG) when FVS and NMES at different intensities were applied transcutaneously to the forearm muscles. Both FVS and sensory-level NMES induced alpha and beta oscillations in the sensorimotor cortex after stroke, significantly exceeding baseline levels (p < 0.05). These oscillations exhibited bilateral sensory deficiency, early adaptation, and contralesional compensation compared to the control group. FVS resulted in a significantly faster P300 response (p < 0.05) and higher theta oscillation (p < 0.05) compared to NMES. The beta desynchronization over the contralesional frontal-parietal area remained during NMES (p > 0.05), but it was significantly weakened during FVS (p < 0.05) after stroke. The results indicated that both FVS and NMES effectively activated the sensorimotor cortex after stroke. However, FVS was particularly effective in eliciting transient involuntary attention, while NMES primarily fostered the cortical responses of the targeted muscles in the contralesional motor cortex.

WRR4B contributes to a broad-spectrum disease resistance against powdery mildew in Arabidopsis

Oidium heveae HN1106, a powdery mildew (PM) that infects rubber trees, has been found to trigger disease resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana through ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1)-, PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4)- and salicylic acid (SA)-mediated signalling pathways. In this study, a typical TOLL-INTERLEUKIN 1 RECEPTOR, NUCLEOTIDE-BINDING, LEUCINE-RICH REPEAT (TIR-NB-LRR)-encoding gene, WHITE RUST RESISTANCE 4 (WRR4B), was identified to be required for the resistance against O. heveae in Arabidopsis. The expression of WRR4B was upregulated by O. heveae inoculation, and WRR4B positively regulated the expression of genes involved in SA biosynthesis, such as EDS1, PAD4, ICS1 (ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1), SARD1 (SYSTEMIC-ACQUIRED RESISTANCE DEFICIENT 1) and CBP60g (CALMODULIN-BINDING PROTEIN 60 G). Furthermore, WRR4B triggered self-amplification, suggesting that WRR4B mediated plant resistance through taking part in the SA-based positive feedback loop. In addition, WRR4B induced an EDS1-dependent hypersensitive response in Nicotiana benthamiana and contributed to disease resistance against three other PM species: Podosphaera xanthii, Erysiphe quercicola and Erysiphe neolycopersici, indicating that WRR4B is a broad-spectrum disease resistance gene against PMs.

Cont-ID: detection of sample cross-contamination in viral metagenomic data

BACKGROUND

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies completed by the bioinformatic analysis of the generated data are becoming an important detection technique for virus diagnostics. They have the potential to replace or complement the current PCR-based methods thanks to their improved inclusivity and analytical sensitivity, as well as their overall good repeatability and reproducibility. Cross-contamination is a well-known phenomenon in molecular diagnostics and corresponds to the exchange of genetic material between samples. Cross-contamination management was a key drawback during the development of PCR-based detection and is now adequately monitored in routine diagnostics. HTS technologies are facing similar difficulties due to their very high analytical sensitivity. As a single viral read could be detected in millions of sequencing reads, it is mandatory to fix a detection threshold that will be informed by estimated cross-contamination. Cross-contamination monitoring should therefore be a priority when detecting viruses by HTS technologies.

RESULTS

We present Cont-ID, a bioinformatic tool designed to check for cross-contamination by analysing the relative abundance of virus sequencing reads identified in sequence metagenomic datasets and their duplication between samples. It can be applied when the samples in a sequencing batch have been processed in parallel in the laboratory and with at least one specific external control called Alien control. Using 273 real datasets, including 68 virus species from different hosts (fruit tree, plant, human) and several library preparation protocols (Ribodepleted total RNA, small RNA and double-stranded RNA), we demonstrated that Cont-ID classifies with high accuracy (91%) viral species detection into (true) infection or (cross) contamination. This classification raises confidence in the detection and facilitates the downstream interpretation and confirmation of the results by prioritising the virus detections that should be confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cross-contamination between samples when detecting viruses using HTS (Illumina technology) can be monitored and highlighted by Cont-ID (provided an alien control is present). Cont-ID is based on a flexible methodology relying on the output of bioinformatics analyses of the sequencing reads and considering the contamination pattern specific to each batch of samples. The Cont-ID method is adaptable so that each laboratory can optimise it before its validation and routine use.

First report of powdery mildew on Vigna unguiculata caused by Podosphaera xanthii in China

Vigna unguiculata belongs to the Legume family, and is an annual twining, herbaceous vine plant, which is native to Africa. V. unguiculata is the most economically beneficial type of off-season vegetables in Hainan, China because of its rich in nutrients such as protein, minerals, dietary fiber, and vitamins (Jayathilake et al. 2018). In April 2022, typical powdery mildew infection was observed on V. unguiculata leaves in Haikou, Hainan Province, China (20°3'40.428"N, 110°19'45.217"E). More than 70% leaves of 13 V. unguiculata plants displayed severe powdery mildew disease. The diseased leaves at first exhibited white rounded irregular patches, which gradually enlarged, fused and covered all the leaf as well as stems. Edges of the infected leaves crinkled upwards, and the leaves often fell off the plants at the late infection stage. On the infected leaves, many conidiophores and dense mycelium were observed by microscopic analysis. Hyphae were septate, branched, epigenous, and flexuous to straight. Hyphal appressoria were indistinct or slightly nipple-shaped, and the haustoria developed were in the shape of oval-sphere and 9 to 11μm long. Foot cells of conidiophores were straight, cylindrical, and measured 43 to 70 × 10 to 12 μm. The conidiophores arising straightly from a hyphal cell, were measured 168 to 252 (mean = 204) μm in length and produced 6 to 9 immature conidia in each chain. Conidia were ovate, pyriform or barrel-shaped, with fibrosin bodies, and measured 26 to 32 (mean = 29.4) × 16 to 20 (mean = 18.6) μm. The chasmothecia was not found in all samples. These morphological characteristics were typical of the conidial stage of the powdery mildew Podosphaera xanthii of genus Podosphaera (Braun and Cook 2012). To further confirm the identity of this causal fungus, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (28S rRNA), were amplified with primer pairs ITS1/ ITS4 (White et al. 1990) and NL1/NLP2 (Mori et al. 2000) from extracted genomic DNA. The obtained 563-bp ITS region and 715-bp 28S rRNA gene sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, OQ415534; 28S rRNA, OQ415545.1), and were compared with BLAST analysis in the GenBank nr database. The results revealed that the ITS region sequence was 99.82% identity with P. xanthii isolate HUVU-08 (MH143485.1), and the 28S rRNA gene partial sequence was 100% identity with P. xanthii isolate XHL1 (MK357442.1). On the basis of the morphological characteristics and sequence analysis, this fungus was identified as P. xanthii. Pathogenicity tests were performed by gently brushing conidia onto the leaves of six healthy potted V. unguiculata plants. Six non-inoculated plants were used as control. All plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 26 ± 2°C. After 2 weeks inoculation, similar symptoms were observed in the inoculated plants, whereas no symptoms occurred on the control plants. By microscopic observation, the fungus present on the inoculated plants was morphologically identical to those on originally diseased plants. Furthermore, ITS and 28S rRNA sequences of the re-isolated fungus individually displayed 100% identity with OQ415534 and OQ415545.1. So far, although powdery mildew disease caused by P. xanthii on different plants including Sigesbeckia orientalis (Mukhtar et al. 2022), Vigna radiata (Sheu et al. 2021), Cosmos bipinnatus (Kong et al. 2023), Verbena brasiliensis (Luecke et al. 2020), Cucurbita ficifolia (Choi et al. 2022), Glandularia tenera (Pei et al. 2023) and Verbena bonariensis (Choi et al. 2023) have been reported, to our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. xanthii on V. unguiculata in Hainan, China, which seriously threatens the utilization of V. unguiculata on off-season vegetables industry.

Ezetimibe attenuates functional impairment via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in traumatic spinal cord injury

Sustained inflammation after a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) triggers oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis, hindering functional recovery. Ezetimibe (EZE) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties in hepatology-related diseases, but its potential role in SCI remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of EZE on inflammatory microglia and in an SCI model and elucidated the underlying mechanism. First, we stimulated the BV2 microglia cell line with LPS, and we also induced moderate spinal cord injuries in adult male C57BL/6 mice. Both the cells and mice were treated with EZE, and we investigated inflammation, oxidative stress, neurologic damage, and motor function in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that EZE administration attenuates inflammation in microglia by regulating the AMPK/Nrf2 axis. Furthermore, EZE treatment reduced inflammation and oxidative stress levels in the injured spinal cord. Additionally, treatment with EZE decreased glial scarring and improved motor function recovery, indicating the protective role of EZE in SCI. EZE was found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on SCI, and it modulated the AMPK/Nrf2 pathway in microglia. Moreover, EZE prevented histological destruction of the spinal cord tissue. In conclusion, EZE shows promise as a drug to protect neurologic integrity following post-SCI.

Dexmedetomidine versus remifentanil for controlled hypotension under general anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to analyze and compare the efficacy and safety of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine applied respectively for controlled hypotension under general anesthesia. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang, and VIP databases, as well as dissertations and conference papers, to obtain randomized controlled trials comparing remifentanil and dexmedetomidine applied respectively for controlled hypotension before August 23, 2021. The primary outcomes included hemodynamic profiles, surgical field score, and blood loss. Extubation time, sedation and pain score at the PACU, and perioperative adverse events were the secondary outcomes. Nine randomized controlled trials with 543 patients (272 in the dexmedetomidine group and 271 in the remifentanil group) were eventually included. This meta-analysis indicated no significant difference between dexmedetomidine and remifentanil in terms of surgical field score, blood loss, minimum values of mean arterial pressure (MD 0.24 with 95% CI [-1.65, 2.13], P = 0.80, I2 = 66%) and heart rate (MD 0.42 [-1.33, 2.17], P = 0.64, I2 = 40%), sedation scores at the PACU (MD -0.09 [-0.69, 0.50], P = 0.76, I2 = 92%), and incidence of bradycardia (OR 2.24 [0.70, 7.15], P = 0.17, I2 = 0%). Compared with remifentanil, dexmedetomidine as the controlled hypotensive agent showed a lower visual analogue score at the PACU (MD -1.01 [-1.25, -0.77], P<0.00001, I2 = 0%) and incidence of shivering (OR 0.22 [0.08, 0.60], P = 0.003, I2 = 0%), nausea, and vomiting (OR 0.34 [0.13, 0.89], P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). However, extubation time was shorter in the remifentanil group (MD 3.34 [0.75, 5.93], P = 0.01, I2 = 90%). In conclusion, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil are both effective in providing satisfactory controlled hypotension and surgical conditions. Dexmedetomidine is better in easing postoperative pain at the PACU and reducing the occurrence of shivering, nausea, and vomiting. Meanwhile, remifentanil is a fast-track anesthesia with a shorter extubation time. Given the limitations of this meta-analysis, further studies are needed for a more definitive comparison of the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil.

The relationship between psychological resilience, neuroticism, attentional bias, and depressive symptoms in college Chinese students

In recent years, the incidence of depressive symptoms among Chinese college students has been increasing. Studies have shown that depressive symptoms are related to a variety of psychosocial factors, among which neuroticism, resilience, and attention bias are most notably related, but the correlation among the three is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the influence mechanisms of different degrees of resilience, attentional bias, and neuroticism in the formation of depressive symptoms. The college freshmen of this study were selected through stratified multi-stage cluster sampling. Students provided informed consent and then completed a general situation questionnaire and four scales: the Chinese version of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Attention to Positive and Negative Information Scale, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, and the Zung Self-Rating Depressive Symptoms Scale. In total, 1,493 freshmen participated in the research group. Our results showed that low resilience, negative attention bias, and high neuroticism jointly increased the risk of depressive symptoms. There is a significant correlation between these three factors and depressive symptoms. Additionally, strength, tenacity, and attention bias all had more significant effects on the occurrence of depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that there may be an important psychological mechanism for the occurrence, development, and poor prognosis of depressive symptoms.

Expression and significance of miR-34 with PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues

This research was carried out to investigate the expression of miR-34a, miR-34b and p-PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosal tissues and their relationship with the clinicopathological parameters of colorectal adenocarcinoma as well as the correlation between miR-34a, miR-34b and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR proteins in 67 colorectal adenocarcinomas and the corresponding distal cut-off normal mucosa were assayed by immunohistochemistry. Their relationship with clinicopathological parameters and the correlation of the three proteins were evaluated. The expression of miR-34a and miR-34b in colorectal adenocarcinoma and the corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosa was detected by applying real-time quantitative PCR. The correlation between colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue miR-34a, miR-34b and p-PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR proteins, respectively, was analyzed. Results showed that the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT and mTOR proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues was higher than that in the corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosa (P=0.000), and there was a positive correlation between the expression of the three proteins in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues. The expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues were correlated with tumor size, differentiation degree, infiltration degree, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P<0.05). The expression of mTOR protein was related to tumor size and differentiation degree (P<0.05). The relative expression of miR-34a and miR-34b in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues was less than that in the corresponding distal cutaneous normal mucosa (P<0.05), and the expression of miR-34a and miR-34b was positively correlated. The expression of miR-34a and miR-34b in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues was negatively correlated with the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT and mTOR proteins. In conclusion, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may promote colorectal adenocarcinoma and differentially participate in differentiation, infiltration and lymph node metastasis. Also, miR-34a and miR-34b may inhibit colorectal adenocarcinoma. Importantly, miR-34a and miR-34b may affect the development and progression of colorectal adenocarcinoma by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Exome risk score for predicting susceptibility to and severity of isolated thoracic aortic aneurysm

Isolated thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are asymptomatic before dissection or rupture and heterogeneous in clinical phenotype. It is urgent need but difficult to identify individuals at high risk to enable enhanced screening or preventive therapies. Because TAAs have a genetic component, one possible approach is to stratify individuals based on inherited DNA variations. Here, we constructed an integrated exome risk score (ERS) based on both common and rare variants found in whole exome sequencing through a machine-learning framework in discovery population consisting of 551 cases and 1071 controls. We evaluated the performance of the ERS in an independent population including 151 cases and 779 controls with a raw odds ratio (OR) per 1 standard deviation (SD) = 1.95 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.680. When adjusted by gender and the first four principal components, OR per SD = 1.68 and AUC reached 0.783. Individuals in the top 20% of ERS distribution had an OR of 3.20 compared with others. Finally, we found that individuals with top 20% ERS developed TAA at a younger age (P = 0.002) and with a larger diameter (P = 0.016) compared with lower ERS, and were more likely to suffer from aortic root aneurysms (P = 0.009). Our analysis provides a global view of the genetic components of isolated TAA. The exome score developed and evaluated here is the first polygenic risk score for TAA and is a promising predictor of disease risk and severity, which will facilitate the implementation of the risk-reduction strategies.

Overexpression of TaSTT3b-2B improves resistance to sharp eyespot and increases grain weight in wheat

STAUROSPORINE AND TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE3 (STT3) is a catalytic subunit of oligosaccharyltransferase, which is important for asparagine-linked glycosylation. Sharp eyespot, caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia cerealis, is a devastating disease of bread wheat. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying wheat defense against R. cerealis are still largely unclear. In this study, we identified TaSTT3a and TaSTT3b, two STT3 subunit genes from wheat and reported their functional roles in wheat defense against R. cerealis and increasing grain weight. The transcript abundance of TaSTT3b-2B was associated with the degree of wheat resistance to R. cerealis and induced by both R. cerealis and exogenous jasmonic acid (JA). Overexpression of TaSTT3b-2B significantly enhanced resistance to R. cerealis, grain weight, and JA content in transgenic wheat subjected to R. cerealis stress, while silencing of TaSTT3b-2B compromised resistance of wheat to R. cerealis. Transcriptomic analysis showed that TaSTT3b-2B affected the expression of a series of defense-related genes and JA biosynthesis-related genes, as well as genes coding starch synthase and sucrose synthase. Application of exogenous JA elevated expression levels of the abovementioned defense- and grain weight-related genes, and rescuing the resistance of TaSTT3b-2B-silenced wheat to R. cerealis, while pretreatment with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of JA synthesis, attenuated the TaSTT3b-2B-mediated resistance to R. cerealis, suggesting that TaSTT3b-2B played critical roles in regulating R. cerealis resistance and grain weight via JA biosynthesis. Altogether, this study reveals new functional roles of TaSTT3b-2B in regulating plant innate immunity and grain weight, and illustrates its potential application value for wheat molecular breeding.

Meniscus Graft Augmentation for a Midsubstance Tear of the Medial Collateral Ligament during Total Knee Arthroplasty

Multiple surgical techniques exist to repair iatrogenic medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of the study is to confirm the clinical effectiveness of meniscus transfer for treatment of iatrogenic MCL midsubstance transection in which remaining MCL is of poor quality, and there is a persistent gap between both ligament ends during TKA. From January 2015 to November 2019, we treated 11 patients with MCL injuries of 882 primary TKAs by meniscus transfer. Another 24 primary TKAs were recruited as a control group. The two groups of patients were comparable for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), Knee Society scoring (KSS), knee function score (KFS), and type of prosthesis comparison without significant difference (p > 0.05). We reviewed the patient's stability, as well as objective measures such as KSS and KFS scores, physical examinations, and radiographs. No patient of either group reported impaired wound healing, joint instability on physical examination, pain, radiographic changes, signs of loosening, and other complications. At the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in terms of KSS (p = 0.780) and KFS (p = 0.612) between the injury group and control group at last follow-up. X-ray image review showed no prosthesis loosening or subsidence for both groups. Based on these results, we are cautiously optimistic that midsubstance transections in which the quality of remaining tendon is weak, there is suspicion of stretching, or there is a persistent gap between both ligament ends that can be reconstructed with meniscus autograft transfer augmentation and an unconstrained implant.

[Experimental study of electric field stimulation combined with polyethylene glycol in the treatment of spinal cord injury in rats]

Electric field stimulation (EFS) can effectively inhibit local Ca ²⁺ influx and secondary injury after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, after the EFS, the Ca ²⁺ in the injured spinal cord restarts and subsequent biochemical reactions are stimulated, which affect the long-term effect of EFS. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer material that can promote cell membrane fusion and repair damaged cell membranes. This article aims to study the combined effects of EFS and PEG on the treatment of SCI. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to SCI and then divided into control group (no treatment, n = 10), EFS group (EFS for 30 min, n = 10), PEG group (covered with 50% PEG gelatin sponge for 5 min, n = 10) and combination group (combined treatment of EFS and PEG, n = 10). The measurement of motor evoked potential (MEP), the motor behavior score and spinal cord section fast blue staining were performed at different times after SCI. Eight weeks after the operation, the results showed that the latency difference of MEP, the amplitude difference of MEP and the ratio of cavity area of spinal cords in the combination group were significantly lower than those of the control group, EFS group and PEG group. The motor function score and the ratio of residual nerve tissue area in the spinal cords of the combination group were significantly higher than those in the control group, EFS group and PEG group. The results suggest that the combined treatment can reduce the pathological damage and promote the recovery of motor function in rats after SCI, and the therapeutic effects are significantly better than those of EFS and PEG alone.

Home-based self-help telerehabilitation of the upper limb assisted by an electromyography-driven wrist/hand exoneuromusculoskeleton after stroke

BACKGROUND

Most stroke survivors have sustained upper limb impairment in their distal joints. An electromyography (EMG)-driven wrist/hand exoneuromusculoskeleton (WH-ENMS) was developed previously. The present study investigated the feasibility of a home-based self-help telerehabilitation program assisted by the aforementioned EMG-driven WH-ENMS and its rehabilitation effects after stroke.

METHODS

Persons with chronic stroke (n = 11) were recruited in a single-group trial. The training progress, including the training frequency and duration, was telemonitored. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Improvement in muscle coordination was investigated in terms of the EMG activation level and the Co-contraction Index (CI) of the target muscles, including the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), flexor carpi radialis-flexor digitorum (FCR-FD), extensor carpi ulnaris-extensor digitorum (ECU-ED), biceps brachii (BIC), and triceps brachii (TRI). The movement smoothness and compensatory trunk movement were evaluated in terms of the following two kinematic parameters: number of movement units (NMUs) and maximal trunk displacement (MTD). The above evaluations were conducted before and after the training.

RESULTS

All of the participants completed the home-based program with an intensity of 63.0 ± 1.90 (mean ± SD) min/session and 3.73 ± 0.75 (mean ± SD) sessions/week. After the training, motor improvements in the entire upper limb were found, as indicated by the significant improvements (P < 0.05) in the FMA, ARAT, WMFT, and MAS; significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the EMG activation levels of the APB and FCR-FD; significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the CI of the ECU-ED/FCR-FD, ECU-ED/BIC, FCR-FD/APB, FCR-FD/BIC, FCR-FD/TRI, APB/BIC and BIC/TRI muscle pairs; and significant reductions (P < 0.05) in the NMUs and MTD.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that the home-based self-help telerehabilitation program assisted by EMG-driven WH-ENMS is feasible and effective for improving the motor function of the paretic upper limb after stroke. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03752775; Date of registration: November 20, 2018.

A stable QTL qSalt-A04-1 contributes to salt tolerance in the cotton seed germination stage

A stable QTL qSalt-A04-1 for salt tolerance in the cotton seed germination stage, and two candidate genes, GhGASA1 and GhADC2, that play negative roles by modulating the GA and PA signalling pathways, respectively, were identified. The successful transition of a seed into a seedling is a prerequisite for plant propagation and crop yield. Germination is a vulnerable stage in a plant's life cycle that is strongly affected by environmental conditions, such as salinity. In this study, we identified a novel quantitative trait locus (QTL) qRGR-A04-1 associated with the relative germination rate (RGR) after salt stress treatment based on a high-density genetic map under phytotron and field conditions, with LOD values that ranged from 6.65 to 16.83 and 6.11-12.63% phenotypic variations in all five environmental tests. Two candidate genes with significantly differential expression between the two parents were finally identified through RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses. Further functional analyses showed that GhGASA1- and GhADC2-overexpression lines were more sensitive to salt stress than wild-type Arabidopsis based on the regulation of the transcript levels of gibberellic acid (GA)- and polyamine (PA)- related genes in GA and PA biosynthesis and the reduction in the accumulation of GA and PA, respectively, under salt stress. Virus-induced gene silencing analysis showed that TRV:GASA1 and TRV:ADC2 were more tolerant to salt stress than TRV:00 based on the increased expression of GA synthesis genes and decreased H₂O₂ content, respectively. Taken together, our results suggested that QTL qRGR-A04-1 and its two harboured genes, GhGASA1 and GhADC2, are promising candidates for salt tolerance improvement in cotton.

Persistent moderate to severe pain and long-term cognitive decline

BACKGROUND

The longitudinal association between persistent moderate to severe pain and subsequent long-term cognitive decline remains inconclusive.

METHODS

Study population came from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, an ongoing prospective and nationally representative cohort of community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years in England. At waves 1 (2002/2003) and 2 (2004/2005) of the study, pain severity was measured based on pain intensity scores ranged from 0 to 10. We defined moderate to severe pain as pain intensity scores ≥5 points. Persistent moderate to severe pain was defined as participants reported moderate to severe pain at both waves 1 and 2. Standardized global cognitive Z scores derived from verbal memory, temporal orientation and semantic fluency were used as the primary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 6,869 individuals (3,896 women; mean age: 63.9 ± 9.5 years) who have accepted twice measurements of pain at waves 1 and 2 (baseline), and at least one reassessment of cognitive function at waves 3 (2006/2007) to 8 (2016/2017), were included in this study. Each 5-point increase in the sum of pain intensity scores was associated with a faster rate of -0.009 (95% CI: -0.013 to -0.006, p < .001) in global cognitive Z scores. Compared with no pain group, persistent moderate to severe pain group was associated with a significantly faster decline rate of -0.031 SD/year (95% CI: -0.043 to -0.018), in global cognitive Z scores. The relationships of persistent moderate to severe pain with verbal memory, temporal orientation and semantic fluency were similar.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive function should be monitored in individuals with persistent moderate to severe pain.

SIGNIFICANCE

Persistent moderate to severe pain in adults age 50 and older was associated with accelerated cognitive decline over a median follow-up of 12 years. More severe pain was associated with faster cognitive decline in a dose-response pattern, and the relationship was demonstrated throughout multiple cognitive domains. While the overall effect was subtle, clinicians should be aware that older adults with persistent pain are at risk of faster cognitive decline.

Celecoxib ameliorates diabetic neuropathy by decreasing apoptosis and oxidative stress in dorsal root ganglion neurons via the miR-155/COX-2 axis

Celecoxib (CXB) is the only clinical cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. Oral administration of CXB in experimental diabetic mice effectively relieved the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (DN); however, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of CXB in the treatment of DN. An in vitro cellular model of DN was produced by stimulating dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons with high glucose. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) kits, ELISA kits and western blotting were used to determine oxidative cellular damage. The expression level of microRNA (miR)-155 was analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The starBase database and dual-luciferase assays were performed to predict and determine the interaction between miR-155 and COX-2. Protein expression of neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress-related proteins and COX-2 were analyzed by western blotting. Incubation with high glucose led to a decrease in DRG neuron cell viability, facilitated apoptosis, downregulated NGF and BDNF expression, increased ROS and MDA generation and decreased SOD activity. Treatment with CXB significantly protected DRG neurons against high glucose-evoked damage. CXB promoted the expression of miR-155 and COX-2 was revealed to be a direct target of miR-155. Inhibition of COX-2 enhanced the protective effect of CXB on DRG neurons and that treatment with an miR-155 inhibitor partially rescued this effect. The present study demonstrated the involvement of the miR-155/COX-2 axis in the protective effect of CXB against high glucose-induced DN.

Antidiuretic hormone inhibits osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle stem cells via V1a receptors and the PLC-IP3 pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which antidiuretic hormone (ADH) inhibited osteogenesis in dental follicle stem cells.

DESIGN

Rat dental follicle stem cells were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium supplemented with ADH. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity, Alizarin Red S staining, MTT assay and RT-qPCR was used to examine ADH's impact on cell mineralization, viability, and osteogenic gene expression. Real-time calcium imaging analysis was performed to identify the ADH receptor and its mechanism of action.

RESULTS

ADH supplementation to the osteogenic differentiation medium inhibited cell mineralization without compromising cell viability and downregulated the expression of key osteogenic genes: DCN (Decorin), RUNX2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2) and BSP (Bone sialoprotein). Real-time calcium imaging analysis revealed that ADH (1-1000 nM) increased intracellular calcium in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of cells with V2255, a V1a receptor blocker, inhibited the calcium signals, but not with the V1b (Nelivaptan) or V2 (Tolvaptan). V2255 also reversed the inhibitory effect of ADH on osteogenesis. Furthermore, U73122, a Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, 2-APB, an Inositol Triphosphate (IP₃) receptor blocker, and depletion of endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores abolished the calcium signals by ADH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that ADH activates V1a receptors and the PLC-IP₃ pathway to stimulate intracellular calcium signals, which inhibits cell mineralization and osteogenic gene expression. These findings uncovered a novel function for ADH as a negative regulator of osteogenesis in dental follicle stem cells. The role of ADH in the pathogenesis of bone diseases remains to be determined.

Effects of the combination therapy of electric field stimulation and polyethylene glycol in the ex vivo spinal cord of female rats after compression

The application of electric field stimulation (EFS) can reduce the cation influx after spinal cord injury. However, regenerated cation influx and reestablished injury potential are observed after EFS. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is popular as an effective cell membrane fusion agent. This study aims to determine the effects of the combination therapy of EFS and PEG in the ex vivo spinal cord after compression. The ex vivo spinal cords of female rats with compression injury were incubated in a double sucrose gap recording chamber (DSGRC) and randomly divided into the following four groups: (1) compression group: compression only, (2) EFS group: EFS for 15 min, (3) PEG group: PEG treatment for 4 min, and (4) EFS + PEG group: EFS for 15 min and PEG treatment for 4 min. The hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to measure the necrotic area of the spinal cords. The gap potential was detected, and the area under the curve of the gap potential was calculated. The intracellular cation concentration, membrane permeability, and compound action potential were measured and quantified. Results revealed no significant difference in the necrotic areas among different groups, and the compression model of the ex vivo spinal cord in the DSGRC had high consistency and stability. The combination therapy could attenuate cation inflow, promote cell membrane restoration, and promote the functional recovery of the spinal cord conduction after compression in ex vivo spinal cords.

Downregulation of lncRNA GAS5 Alleviates Hippocampal Neuronal Damage in Mice with Depression-Like Behaviors Via Modulation of MicroRNA-26a/EGR1 Axis

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidences have demonstrated the roles of several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in depression. We aim to examine the capabilities of lncRNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) on mice with depression-like behaviors and the mechanism of action.

METHODS

Fifty-six healthy mice were selected for model establishment. Morris water maze test and trapeze test were performed for evaluating learning and memory ability. The binding relationship between lncRNA GAS5 and microRNA-26a (miR-26a) and the target relationship between miR-26a and EGR1 were verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region of mice was detected by TUNEL staining. The expression of inflammatory factors, lncRNA GAS5, miR-26a, early growth response gene 1 (EGR1), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway- and apoptosis-related factors in hippocampal tissues was tested by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

miR-26a expression was down-regulated while EGR1 and lncRNA GAS5 expression were up-regulated in hippocampal tissues of mice with depression-like behaviors. LncRNA GAS5 specifically bound to miR-26a and miR-26a targeted EGR1. Silencing of lncRNA GAS5 curtailed the release of inflammatory factors and the apoptosis of hippocampal neuron of mice with depression-like behaviors. EGR1 suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway activation to promote the release of inflammatory factors and the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in mice with depression-like behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides evidence that silencing of lncRNA GAS5 could activate PI3K/AKT pathway to protect hippocampal neurons against damage in mice with depression-like behaviors by regulating the miR-26a/EGR1 axis.

MiR-29 inhibits neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction through regulating Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-29 on neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction by regulating the protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, including: Sham group (n=12), Model group (n=12), and Inhibitor group (n=12). Common carotid artery, external carotid artery, and internal carotid artery were only exposed in the Sham group. However, the ischemia-reperfusion model was established by the suture method in the other two groups. After modeling, artificial cerebrospinal fluid was injected into the lateral ventricle in the rats of the Sham and Model groups. Similarly, miR-29 inhibitor was injected into the lateral ventricle in the rats of the Inhibitor group. At 24 h postoperatively, the sampling was performed. Zea-Longa score was used to evaluate the neurological deficit of rats. Meanwhile, the expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in cerebral tissues were detected via immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were determined using Western blotting. Furthermore, the expression of miR-29 and cell apoptosis were detected via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with Sham group, Model, and Inhibitor groups had substantially raised the Zea-Longa scores (p<0.05). The Zea-Longa score in the Model group was markedly lower than that of the Inhibitor group (p<0.05). The positive expression level of Bax was remarkably upregulated (p<0.05). However, the positive expression level of Bcl-2 declined dramatically in both Model group and Inhibitor group when compared with the Sham group (p<0.05). Besides, the Model group exhibited significantly lower positive expression level of Bax and higher positive expression level of Bcl-2 than the Inhibitor group (p<0.05). The relative protein expression level of p-Akt markedly increased in the Model and Inhibitor groups when compared with the Sham group (p<0.05). However, it was considerably higher in the Model group than that of the Inhibitor group (p<0.05). In comparison with the Sham group, both Model group and Inhibitor group exerted substantially elevated expression level of miR-29 (p<0.05). The relative expression level of miR-29 in the Model group was significantly upregulated when compared with the Inhibitor group (p<0.05). The apoptosis rate of cells in both Model group and Inhibitor group was markedly higher than that of the Sham group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the Model group showed remarkably lower apoptosis rate than the Inhibitor group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-29 inhibits neuronal apoptosis in cerebral infarction rats by upregulating the Akt signaling pathway, thereby serving as a protector.

Theoretical study of rhodium- and cobalt-catalyzed decarboxylative transformations of isoxazolones: origin of product selectivity

DFT calculations were performed to elucidate the origins of catalyst-controlled product selectivity in the decarboxylative transformations of isoxazolones.

An Exoneuromusculoskeleton for Self-Help Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke

This article presents a novel electromyography (EMG)-driven exoneuromusculoskeleton that integrates the neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), soft pneumatic muscle, and exoskeleton techniques, for self-help upper limb training after stroke. The developed system can assist the elbow, wrist, and fingers to perform sequential arm reaching and withdrawing tasks under voluntary effort control through EMG, with a lightweight, compact, and low-power requirement design. The pressure/torque transmission properties of the designed musculoskeletons were quantified, and the assistive capability of the developed system was evaluated on patients with chronic stroke (n = 10). The designed musculoskeletons exerted sufficient mechanical torque to support joint extension for stroke survivors. Compared with the limb performance when no assistance was provided, the limb performance (measured as the range of motion in joint extension) significantly improved when mechanical torque and NMES were provided (p < 0.05). A pilot trial was conducted on patients with chronic stroke (n = 15) to investigate the feasibility of using the developed system in self-help training and the rehabilitation effects of the system. All the participants completed the self-help device-assisted training with minimal professional assistance. After a 20-session training, significant improvements were noted in the voluntary motor function and release of muscle spasticity at the elbow, wrist, and fingers, as indicated by the clinical scores (p < 0.05). The EMG parameters (p < 0.05) indicated that the muscular coordination of the entire upper limb improved significantly after training. The results suggested that the developed system can effectively support self-help upper limb rehabilitation after stroke. ClinicalTrials.gov Register Number NCT03752775.

Ultraviolet A rush hardening for chronic actinic dermatitis: Pilot treatment outcomes

Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a common debilitating photodermatosis. Patients often have to completely avoid outdoor activities, which severely impacts their quality of life. Phototherapy is effective for CAD and seems to increase patients' tolerance towards sunlight and consequently decrease the extent of disease. Unfortunately, the slower onset and time-consuming nature of phototherapy limits the clinical application. Considering the effectiveness and time-saving nature of ultraviolet (UV)-A rush hardening in solar urticaria, we performed a pilot study to determine whether UV-A rush hardening is effective in CAD. Six patients with CAD were exposed to multiple sessions of UV-A for 4-5 days at 1-h intervals/day. Subsequently, maintenance UV-A exposure was performed at 1-2-week intervals. Phototesting at baseline showed that three patients were sensitive to both UV-A and -B, and the other three patients only showed UV-A sensitivity. All of the patients responded well to UV-A rush hardening and four (67%) maintained a good remission status after 1 year. The results of this pilot study suggest that UV-A rush hardening phototherapy is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of CAD, while future larger prospective studies using objective scores of disease activity and quality of life are needed.

Patients with metabolic syndrome have a greater rate of complications after arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are known to be at increased risk of postoperative complications, but it is unclear whether MetS is also associated with complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Here, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis linking MetS to postoperative complications in THA and TKA.

Methods

The PubMed, OVID, and ScienceDirect databases were comprehensively searched and studies were selected and analyzed according to the guidelines of the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE). We assessed the methodological quality of each study using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and we evaluated the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Data were extracted and meta-analyzed or qualitatively synthesized for several outcomes.

Results

Ten cohort studies involving 1,352,685 patients were included. Qualitative analysis suggested that MetS was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, and meta-analysis showed that MetS increased the risk of all-cause complications (risk ratio (RR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28 to 1.89), surgical site infection (SSI; RR 2.99, 95% CI 1.30 to 6.90), urinary tract infection (UTI; RR 2.58, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.43), and 30-day readmission (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.59). There was insufficient evidence for assessing an association between MetS and venous thromboembolism events, pulmonary or gastrointestinal complications, or mortality.

Conclusion

Patients with MetS undergoing THA and TKA are at increased risk of all-cause complications, cardiovascular complications, SSI, UTI, and 30-day readmission. Surgeons should be aware of the increased risk of these complications in MetS, and presurgical protocols for these complications should give special consideration to MetS patients.

Cite this article:Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(3):120–129.

Circulating miRNAs Related to Long-term Adverse Cardiovascular Events in STEMI Patients: A Nested Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Long-term morbidity and mortality of patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain substantial. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cardiovascular disease development. We aimed to identify circulating miRNAs associated with adverse cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

We performed a prospective, nested, case-control study of 932 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. A 3-phase approach was conducted to screen candidate circulating miRNAs in 70 patients who subsequently experienced cardiac death, hospitalization for heart failure, or recurrent AMI (major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE] group) and in 140 patients matched for age, sex, time from symptom onset to blood collection and dual-antiplatelet therapy who did not report adverse cardiovascular events during 2-year follow-up (non-MACE group).

RESULTS

We found that miR-26a-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-191-5p levels were lower in the MACE group than in the non-MACE group (all P < 0.001). Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that miR-26a-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-191-5p levels were significantly inversely associated with incident primary composite outcomes (all adjusted P < 0.01). Importantly, the combination of these 3 miRNAs plus B-type natriuretic peptide clearly improved the risk scores recommended in the current guidelines, as determined with the use of C-statistics, net reclassification, and integrated discrimination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides proof-of-concept in humans that circulating miRNAs are associated with increased rates of distinct cardiovascular events, suggesting that they can serve as effective prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for patients with AMI.

Extraluminal Placement of the Bronchial Blocker in Infants Undergoing Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of extraluminal use of the bronchial blocker (BB) for one-lung ventilation (OLV) in infants undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 60 infants undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.

INTERVENTION

The study included 2 groups. A BB was placed extraluminally for OLV in group A, and a single-lumen endobronchial tube was inserted into the desired mainstem bronchus for OLV in group C.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The placement time (4.0 ± 0.6 min v 6.3 ± 4.1 min; p = 0.04) and the number of repositions (2 v 11; p = 0.005) were less in group A. There were significant differences in the heart rate and blood pressure after insertion between the 2 groups (p < 0.05). The tidal volumes and end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide values 10 minutes after the initiation of OLV were similar between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia was reduced in group A compared with group C (0% v 20%; p = 0.024). No postoperative adverse events were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Extraluminal use of the BB may provide a solution for a rapid placement and excellent quality of lung isolation, and it may reduce the incidence of intraoperative hypoxemia in infants without increasing the incidence of hoarseness.

Sevoflurane induces apoptosis and inhibits the growth and motility of colon cancer in vitro and in vivo via inactivating Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling

AIMS

To investigate the effects of sevoflurane on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cell line SW480, and to explore its possible mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SW480 and SW620 cells were treated with a mixture of 95% O₂+5% CO₂ containing different concentrations of sevoflurane (1.7% SAV, 3.4% SAV and 5.1% SAV) for 6 h. Meanwhile, we performed a rescue experiment by treating cells with the ERK pathway activator LM22B-10 prior to treatment of cells with 5.1% sevoflurane。 KEY FINDINGS: High concentration (5.1%) of sevoflurane significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of cells, causing G0/G1 phase arrest and promoted apoptosis and autophagy. 5.1% sevoflurane can participate in the regulation of EMT by regulating the expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin and N-cadherin proteins. LM22B-10 promoted proliferation and invasion of cancer cells and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy, while 5.1% sevoflurane could reverse the effect of LM22B-10 on the biological characteristics of cells. Sevoflurane can significantly inhibit tumor growth in SW480 cells transplanted nude mice. Moreover, 5.1% sevoflurane significantly increased the expression of p-Raf, p-MEK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 in SW480 cells and tumor tissues without affecting p-JNK and p-p38 proteins, meanwhile, 5.1% sevoflurane can inhibit the activation of ERK signaling pathway by LM22B-10 in vitro and in vivo.

SIGNIFICANCE

Sevoflurane can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells, induce apoptosis and autophagy, and participate in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which may be related to its inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway.

Constitutive expression of a stabilized transcription factor group VII ethylene response factor enhances waterlogging tolerance in wheat without penalizing grain yield

Waterlogging causes oxygen deprivation within plant roots and affects crop growth and yield. In crop wheat (Triticum aestivum), molecular responses to waterlogging are poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide analysis of group VII ethylene response factor (ERFVII) genes in hexaploid wheat and identified 25 genes, which were induced by waterlogging with diverse manner. Among them, TaERFVII.1 exhibited differential expression patterns between waterlogging-tolerant wheat Nonglin46 and susceptible wheat Yangmai16 under waterlogging. Constitutive expression of TaERFVII.1 with an MYC-peptide tag at its N terminus in wheat enhanced tolerance to waterlogging as evidenced by increased grain weight per plant, survival rate, and chlorophyll content of leaves and by increased expression of waterlogging-responsive genes, while silencing of TaERFVII.1 compromised the expression of waterlogging-responsive genes. Notably, constitutive expression of the stabilized TaERFVII.1 did not negatively impact both plant development and grain yield under standard conditions. We further demonstrated that constitutive expression of stabilized TaERFVII.1 elevated the transcriptional level of TaSAB18.1, the ortholog of Arabidopsis HRA1 and rice SAB18, consequently reduced the expression of waterlogging-responsive genes under standard conditions. These results suggest that TaERFVII.1 plays an important role in wheat tolerance to waterlogging, and it could be a candidate for improving crop waterlogging tolerance.

Cellophane surface-induced gene, VdCSIN1, regulates hyphopodium formation and pathogenesis via cAMP-mediated signalling in Verticillium dahliae

The soil-borne vascular pathogen Verticillium dahliae infects many dicotyledonous plants to cause devastating wilt diseases. During colonization, V. dahliae spores develop hyphae surrounding the roots. Only a few hyphae that adhere tightly to the root surface form hyphopodia at the infection site, which further differentiate into penetration pegs to facilitate infection. The molecular mechanisms controlling hyphopodium formation in V. dahliae remain unclear. Here, we uncovered a cellophane surface-induced gene (VdCSIN1) as a regulator of V. dahliae hyphopodium formation and pathogenesis. Deletion of VdCSIN1 compromises hyphopodium formation, hyphal development and pathogenesis. Exogenous application of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) degradation inhibitor or disruption of the cAMP phosphodiesterase gene (VdPDEH) partially restores hyphopodium formation in the VdΔcsin1 mutant. Moreover, deletion of VdPDEH partially restores the pathogenesis of the VdΔcsin1 mutant. These findings indicate that VdCSIN1 regulates hyphopodium formation via cAMP-mediated signalling to promote host colonization by V. dahliae.

miR-221 participates in the airway epithelial cells injury in asthma via targeting SIRT1

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the role of microRNA-221 (miR-221) in the airway epithelial cell injury in asthma and delineate the underlying mechanism that may involve with SIRT1.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Bronchial epithelial cells from asthma patients and healthy controls were obtained by bronchoscopic brushing. The miR-221 and SIRT1 mRNA level in collected cells were detected by qRT-CPR. BEAS2B cell lines were cultured in vitro. In order to up-regulate miR-221 and SIRT1, miR-221 mimic and pcDNA3.1-SIRT1 vector was transfected into BEAS2B cells, respectively. The expression changes of miR-221 and SIRT1 after transfection was observed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The target relationship between miR-221 and SIRT1 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay.The cell viability changes after transfection was measured using cellTiter-blue reagent. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.

RESULT

Compared with healthy controls, miR-221 expression significantly increased in bronchial epithelial cells from patients subjects. In contrast, the level of SIRT1 mRNA reduced in the bronchial epithelial cell from asthma patients. In vitro, up-regulation of miR-221 could inhibit the expression of SIRT1 both at mRNA and protein level in BEAS2B cells. A negative correlation between miR-221 and SIRT1 mRNA in samples from patients was confirmed and dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-221 directly binds to the 3'UTR of SIRT1 mRNA. Overexpression of miR-221 or SIRT1 knockdown could inhibit proliferation but induce apoptosis in BEAS2B cells. Moreover, up-regulation of SIRT1 could antagonize miR-221's inhibitory effect.

CONCLUSION

miR-221 may participate in the airway epithelial cells injury in asthma via targeting SIRT1.

Upregulated circular RNA circ_0007534 indicates an unfavorable prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion by sponging miR-625 and miR-892b

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been regarded as critical regulators of human diseases and biological markers in some types of malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recently, circ_0007534 has been identified as a novel cancer-related circRNA. Nevertheless, its clinical relevance, functional roles, and mechanism have not been studied in PDAC. In the current study, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of circ_0007534 in 60-paired PDAC tissue samples and different cell lines. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays were performed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic properties affected by circ_0007534. An animal study was also carried out. The luciferase reporter assay was performed to uncover the underlying mechanism of circ_0007534. As a result, circ_0007534 was overexpressed not only in PDAC tissues but also in a panel of PDAC cell lines, and this overexpression is closely associated with advanced tumor stage and positive lymph node invasion. In addition, circ_0007534 may be regarded as an independent prognostic factor for patients with PDAC. For the part of functional assays, circ_0007534 significantly increased cell proliferation, migratory, and invasive potential of PDAC cells. Circ_0007534 could inhibit cell apoptosis partly via a Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway. The xenograft study further confirmed the cell growth promoting the role of circ_0007534. Mechanistically, miR-625 and miR-892b were sponged by circ_0007534. The oncogenic functions of circ_0007534 is partly dependent on its regulation of miR-625 and miR-892b. In conclusion, our study illuminates a novel circRNA that confers an oncogenic function in PDAC.

The Xanthomonas effector XopK harbours E3 ubiquitin-ligase activity that is required for virulence

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is the causative agent of rice bacterial leaf blight. While the type III secretion system of X. oryzae pv. oryzae is essential for virulence, the biochemical activities and virulence mechanisms of non-transcription activator-like (non-TAL) effectors delivered by this system are largely unknown. Here, by screening for non-TAL effectors that contribute to X. oryzae pv. oryzae virulence, we revealed that Xanthomonas outer protein K (XopK) inhibits pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity upstream of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. Specifically, XopK interacted with and directly ubiquitinated rice somatic embryogenic receptor kinase 2 (OsSERK2), resulting in its degradation. Accordingly, mutation of a putative ubiquitin-conjugation enzyme (E2) binding site abolished XopK-induced degradation of OsSERK2 and compromised XopK-dependent virulence. As crucial immune regulators associated with a multitude of immune receptors, SERKs have been shown to be perturbed by Pseudomonas effectors via different mechanisms. Our study revealed a distinct perturbation mechanism of SERK activity via ubiquitination achieved by Xanthomonas non-TAL effector.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Cutinase Gene Family in Rhizoctonia cerealis and Functional Study of an Active Cutinase RcCUT1 in the Fungal-Wheat Interaction

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food of more than 50% of global population. Rhizoctonia cerealis is the causal agent of sharp eyespot, a devastating disease of cereal crops including wheat. Cutinases produced by fungal pathogens play important roles in host-pathogen compatible interactions, but little is known about cutinases in R. cerealis. In this study, we identified a total of six cutinase encoding genes from R. cerealis genome, designated as RcCUT1-RcCUT6, analyzed their expression patterns during the infection, and determined virulence role for RcCUT1. All the proteins, RcCUT1-RcCUT6, contain a highly conserved GYSKG motif and another conserved C-x(3)-D-x(2)-C-x(2)-[GS]-[GSD]-x(4)-[AP]-H motif in the carbohydrate esterase 5 domain. The RcCUT1, RcCUT2, RcCUT4, and RcCUT5 are predicted to be secreted proteins containing four cysteine residues. These six cutinase genes had different expression patterns during the fungal infection process to wheat, among which RcCUT1 was highly expressed across all the infection time points but RcCUT6 was not expressed at all and the others were expressed only at certain time points. Further, RcCUT1 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli to obtain a purified protein. The purified RcCUT1 was shown to possess the cutinase activity and be able to induce necrosis, H2O2 accumulation, and expression of defense-related genes when infiltrated into wheat and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. In contrast, RcCUT1 protein with serine mutation at the first motif had no cutinase activity, consequently lost the ability to induce necrosis. Noticeably, application of the purified RcCUT1 with R. cerealis led to significantly higher levels of the disease in wheat leaves than application of the fungus alone. These results strongly suggest that RcCUT1 serves as a virulence factor for the fungus. This is the first investigation of the cutinase genes in R. cerealis and the findings provide an important insight into pathogenesis mechanisms of R. cerealis on wheat.

[Meta analysis of the efficacy and safety of drainage after total hip arthroplasty]

Objective: To determine whether suction drainage is safe and effective compared with no-drainage in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: The research was based on PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Highwire, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP and WFSD.The data were analysed using RevMan 5.2.Twenty-seven randomised controlled trials involving 3 603 hips were included in the analysis. Results: The meta-analysis indicate that suction drainage increases the rate of homologous blood transfusion (OR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.49-2.64, P<0.000 01)and the length of stay (OR=0.66, 95%CI: -0.01-1.33, P=0.05) (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of infection(OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.52-1.22, P=0.30), wound haematomas(OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.21-1.10, P=0.08), oozing (OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.63-1.36, P=0.71) , deep venous thrombosis(OR=2.12, 95%CI: 0.68-6.56, P=0.19), VAS(OR=-0.06, 95%CI: -0.37-0.24, P=0.68) when the drainage group was compared with the no-drainage group. Conclusions: The comparison between suction drainage and no drainage in THA have indicated that no-drainage for easy total hip arthroplasty may be a better choice. However, orthopedic surgeon need to weigh the pros and cons of no-drainage in some complicated THAs.

Molecular and Ultrastructural Mechanisms Underlying Yellow Dwarf Symptom Formation in Wheat after Infection of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus

Wheat (Tritium aestivum L.) production is essential for global food security. Infection of barley yellow dwarf virus-GAV (BYDV-GAV) results in wheat showing leaf yellowing and plant dwarfism symptom. To explore the molecular and ultrastructural mechanisms underlying yellow dwarf symptom formation in BYDV-GAV-infected wheat, we investigated the chloroplast ultrastructure via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), examined the contents of the virus, H₂O₂, and chlorophyll in Zhong8601, and studied the comparative transcriptome through microarray analyses in the susceptible wheat line Zhong8601 after virus infection. TEM images indicated that chloroplasts in BYDV-GAV-infected Zhong8601 leaf cells were fragmentized. Where thylakoids were not well developed, starch granules and plastoglobules were rare. Compared with mock-inoculated Zhong8601, chlorophyll content was markedly reduced, but the virus and H₂O₂ contents were significantly higher in BYDV-GAV-infected Zhong8601. The transcriptomic analyses revealed that chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast related transcripts, encoding chlorophyll a/b binding protein, glucose-6-phosphate/phosphate translocator 2, and glutamyl-tRNA reductase 1, were down-regulated in BYDV-GAV-infected Zhong8601. Some phytohormone signaling-related transcripts, including abscisic acid (ABA) signaling factors (phospholipase D alpha 1 and calcineurin B-like protein 9) and nine ethylene response factors, were up-regulated. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes were transcriptionally regulated in BYDV-GAV infected Zhong8601, including three up-regulated transcripts encoding germin-like proteins (promoting ROS accumulation) and four down-regulated transcripts encoding peroxides (scavenging ROS). These results clearly suggest that the yellow dwarf symptom formation is mainly attributed to reduced chlorophyll content and fragmentized chloroplasts caused by down-regulation of the chlorophyll and chloroplast biosynthesis related genes, ROS excessive accumulation, and precisely transcriptional regulation of the above-mentioned ABA and ethylene signaling- and ROS-related genes in susceptible wheat infected by BYDV-GAV.

Toxic responses of Sox2 gene in the regeneration of the earthworm Eisenia foetida exposed to Retnoic acid

Exogenous retinoic acid delays and disturbs the regeneration of Eisenia foetida. The stem cell pluripotency factor, Sox2, can play a crucial role in cell reprogramming and dedifferentiation. In this study, we compared the regeneration of Eisenia foetida in different segments after amputation and the effects of retinoic acid on the regeneration of different segments. The results showed that the regeneration speed of the head and tail was slightly faster than the middle part, and retinoic acid disrupted and delayed the regeneration of the earthworm. The qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of the Sox2 gene and Sox2 protein was highest on the seventh day in different segments (p<0.05). After treatment with retinoic acid, the expression level of the Sox2 gene and Sox2 protein was significantly reduced (p<0.05). The results indicated that the regeneration of earthworms and the formation of blastema are related to the expression of the Sox2 gene and protein. Retinoic acid delays and interferes with the regeneration of the earthworm by affecting the expression levels of the Sox2 gene and protein.

Early electrical field stimulation prevents the loss of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons and muscle atrophy following spinal cord injury

Our previous study revealed that early application of electrical field stimulation (EFS) with the anode at the lesion and the cathode distal to the lesion reduced injury potential, inhibited secondary injury and was neuroprotective in the dorsal corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury (SCI). The objective of this study was to further evaluate the effect of EFS on protection of anterior horn motoneurons and their target musculature after SCI and its mechanism. Rats were randomized into three equal groups. The EFS group received EFS for 30 minutes immediately after injury at T₁₀. SCI group rats were only subjected to SCI and sham group rats were only subjected to laminectomy. Luxol fast blue staining demonstrated that spinal cord tissue in the injury center was better protected; cross-sectional area and perimeter of injured tissue were significantly smaller in the EFS group than in the SCI group. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons was greater and the number of abnormal neurons reduced in the EFS group compared with the SCI group. Wet weight and cross-sectional area of vastus lateralis muscles were smaller in the SCI group to in the sham group. However, EFS improved muscle atrophy and behavioral examination showed that EFS significantly increased the angle in the inclined plane test and Tarlov's motor grading score. The above results confirm that early EFS can effectively impede spinal cord anterior horn motoneuron loss, promote motor function recovery and reduce muscle atrophy in rats after SCI.