Sleeve gastrectomy links the attenuation of diabetic kidney disease to the inhibition of renal tubular ferroptosis through down-regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

PURPOSE

To investigate how sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a typical operation of bariatric surgery, attenuated symptom, and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

DKD model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozocin in Wistar rats. SG was performed, and the group subjected to sham surgery served as control. The animals were euthanized 12 weeks after surgery, followed by sample collection for the subsequent experiment. The HK-2, a renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line derived from human, was utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms.

RESULTS

SG improved metabolic parameters and glucose homeostasis, and could alleviate DKD in terms of renal function indices as well as histological and morphological structures in DM rats, accompanied with a significant reduction in renal tubular injury. Compared with sham group, SG reduced the renal tubular ferroptosis. To further clarify the mechanism involved, in vitro experiments were performed. In the presence of high glucose, renal tubular TGF-β1 secretion was significantly increased in HK-2 cell line, which led to activation of ferroptosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Inhibition of TGF-β1 receptor and phosphorylation of Smad3 significantly ameliorated TGF-β1-mediated ferroptosis. In vivo experiments also found that SG improved the hyperglycemic environment, reduced renal TGF-β1 concentrations, and down-regulated the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

With the capacity to lower the glucose, SG could attenuate the ferroptosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in DKD rats, and eventually attenuated DKD.

Progress in the relationship between GDF11 and depression

Annually, the frequency of morbidity in depression has increased progressively in response to life stressors, and there is an increasing trend toward younger morbidity. The pathogenesis of depression is complicated and includes factors such as genetic inheritance and variations in physiological functions induced by various environmental factors. Currently, drug therapy has wide adaptability in clinical practice and plays an important role in the treatment of patients with mild depression. However, the therapeutic effects of most antidepressants are typically not significant and are associated with considerable adverse effects and addiction. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the deeper mechanisms of depression and search for alternative drug targets. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is described as an anti-ageing molecule that belongs to a member of the transforming growth factor β family. Additionally, the latest research findings suggested that GDF11 positively regulates neurogenesis and enhances neuronal activity, thereby attenuating depression-like behaviours. Although an increasing number of studies have focused on the multiple functions of GDF11 in skeletal dysplasia and carcinogenesis, its precise mechanism of action in depression remains unknown. Thus, in this review, we discuss the role of GDF11 and its mechanistic pathways in the pathogenesis of depression to develop novel therapies for depression.

In vitro and in vivo studies on biodegradable Zn porous scaffolds with a drug-loaded coating for the treatment of infected bone defect

Additively manufactured biodegradable zinc (Zn) scaffolds have great potential to repair infected bone defects due to their osteogenic and antibacterial properties. However, the enhancement of antibacterial properties depends on a high concentration of dissolved Zn2+, which in return deteriorates osteogenic activity. In this study, a vancomycin (Van)-loaded polydopamine (PDA) coating was prepared on pure Zn porous scaffolds to solve the above dilemma. Compared with pure Zn scaffolds according to comprehensive in vitro tests, the PDA coating resulted in a slow degradation and inhibited the excessive release of Zn2+ at the early stage, thus improving cytocompatibility and osteogenic activity. Meanwhile, the addition of Van drug substantially suppressed the attachment and proliferation of S. aureus and E. coli bacterial. Furthermore, in vivo implantation confirmed the simultaneously improved osteogenic and antibacterial functions by using the pure Zn scaffolds with Van-loaded PDA coating. Therefore, it is promising to employ biodegradable Zn porous scaffolds with the proposed drug-loaded coating for the treatment of infected bone defects.

Additively Manufactured Zn-2Mg Alloy Porous Scaffolds with Customizable Biodegradable Performance and Enhanced Osteogenic Ability

The combination of bioactive Zn-2Mg alloy and additively manufactured porous scaffold is expected to achieve customizable biodegradable performance and enhanced bone regeneration. Herein, Zn-2Mg alloy scaffolds with different porosities, including 40% (G-40-2), 60% (G-60-2), and 80% (G-80-2), and different unit sizes, including 1.5 mm (G-60-1.5), 2 mm (G-60-2), and 2.5 mm (G-60-2.5), are manufactured by a triply periodic minimal surface design and a reliable laser powder bed fusion process. With the same unit size, compressive strength (CS) and elastic modulus (EM) of scaffolds substantially decrease with increasing porosities. With the same porosity, CS and EM just slightly decrease with increasing unit sizes. The weight loss after degradation increases with increasing porosities and decreasing unit sizes. In vivo tests indicate that Zn-2Mg alloy scaffolds exhibit satisfactory biocompatibility and osteogenic ability. The osteogenic ability of scaffolds is mainly determined by their physical and chemical characteristics. Scaffolds with lower porosities and smaller unit sizes show better osteogenesis due to their suitable pore size and larger surface area. The results indicate that the biodegradable performance of scaffolds can be accurately regulated on a large scale by structure design and the additively manufactured Zn-2Mg alloy scaffolds have improved osteogenic ability for treating bone defects.

3D superimposition of human dentition contours in personal identification: A preliminary study

The human permanent dentition has been commonly used for personal identification due to its uniqueness. Limited research, however, is conducted using 3D digital dental models. We propose to develop a new 3D superimposition method using the contours of human dentition and to further evaluate its feasibility. A total of 270 intraoral scan models were collected from 135 subjects. After a one-year interval, 52 subjects were chosen at random and the secondary intraoral scan models were obtained. The dentition contours of the first and secondary models were extracted to form a resource dataset and a test dataset. Through the application of the iterative nearest point (ICP) algorithm, the test dataset was registered with the resource dataset, and the root mean square error (RMSE) values of the point-to-point distances were calculated. 104 genuine pairs and 13,936 imposter pairs were generated, and in this study, the registration accuracy was 100%. The difference between mean RMSE values for the genuine pair (0.20 ± 0.06 mm) and the minimum RMSE value for the imposter pair (0.83 ± 0.06 mm) was significant in the maxillary arch (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the mandibular arch, the difference between mean RMSE values for the genuine pair (0.22 ± 0.07 mm) and the minimum RMSE value for the imposter pair (0.85 ± 0.08 mm) was significant (p < 0.05). The difference between the RMSE value for the genuine pair in the maxillary and the mandibular arch was significant (p < 0.05). This study indicated the feasibility of dentition contour-based model superimposition and could be considered for personal identification in the future.

MiR-182-5p: A Novel Biomarker in the Treatment of Depression in CSDS-Induced Mice

BACKGROUND

Depression is a neuropsychiatric disease with a high disability rate and mainly caused by the chronic stress or genetic factors. There is increasing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for the pathophysiology of depression of miRNA remains entirely unclear so far.

METHODS

We first established a chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mice model of depression, and depression-like behaviors of mice were evaluated by a series of behavioral tests. Next, we detected several abundantly expressive miRNAs suggested in previous reports to be involved in depression and found miR-182-5p was selected as a candidate for analysis in the hippocampus. Then western blotting and immunofluorescence were used together to examine whether adeno-associated virus (AAV)-siR-182-5p treatment alleviated chronic stress-induced decrease in hippocampal Akt/GSK3β/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway and increase in neurogenesis impairment and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, CREB inhibitor was adopted to examine if blockade of Akt/GSK3β/CREB signaling pathway abolished the antidepressant actions of AAV-siR-182-5p in mice.

RESULTS

Knockdown of miR-182-5p alleviated depression-like behaviors and impaired neurogenesis of CSDS-induced mice. Intriguingly, the usage of agomiR-182-5p produced significant increases in immobility times and aggravated neuronal neurogenesis damage of mice. More importantly, it suggested that 666-15 blocked the reversal effects of AAV-siR-182-5p on the CSDS-induced depressive-like behaviors in behavioral testing and neuronal neurogenesis within hippocampus of mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that hippocampal miR-182-5p/Akt/GSK3β/CREB signaling pathway participated in the pathogenesis of depression, and it might give more opportunities for new drug developments based on the miRNA target in the clinic.

Purinergic P2X7 receptor as a potential therapeutic target in depression

The elaborate mechanisms of depression have always been a research hotspot in recent years, and the pace of research has never ceased. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) belongs to one of the adenosine triphosphates (ATP)-gated cation channels that exist widely in brain tissues and play a prominent role in the regulation of depression-related pathology. To date, the role of purinergic P2X7R in the mechanisms underlying depression is not fully understood. In this review, we conclude that the purinergic receptor P2X7 is a potential therapeutic target for depression based on research results published over the past 5 years in Google Scholar and the National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Additionally, we introduced the functional characteristics of P2X7R and confirmed that excessive activation of P2X7R led to increased release of inflammatory cytokines, which eventually contributed to depression. Furthermore, the inhibition of P2X7R produced antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression, further proving that P2X7R signalling mediates depression-like behaviours. Finally, we summarised related studies on drugs that exert antidepressant effects by regulating the expression of P2X7R. We hope that the conclusions of this review will provide information on the role of P2X7R in the neuropathophysiology of depression and novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of depression.

Impact of occlusal contact pattern on dental stability and oromandibular system after orthodontic tooth movement in rats

How to ensure dental stability in new positions and reduce the likelihood of relapse is a major clinical concern in the orthodontic field. Occlusal contacts between arches may affect the transmission of masticatory forces, thereby influencing the biological response of the periodontal and the oromandibular system. Occlusion factors that may influence the stability after orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) remain largely unknown. Hence, this research was conducted in order to investigate the influence of different occlusal contact patterns on tooth stability and oromandibular system including the masseter muscle and the temporomandibular joint following OTM. By modifying the occlusal surfaces, in vivo animal study models with distinct occlusal patterns corresponding to clinical circumstances were established. The relapse distance of teeth and the level of inflammatory factors in the gingival cervical fluid were analyzed. We also closely observed the histological remodeling of periodontal tissue, masseter tissue, and joint tissue after one week of relapse. Moreover, genes expression in the alveolar bone was analyzed to illustrate the potential biological mechanisms of relapse under the influence of different occlusal contact patterns following OTM. Different occlusal contact patterns after OTM in rats were established. The intercuspation contact between cusp and fossa group exhibited the lowest level of relapse movement, inflammatory factors and osteoclast activity (P < 0.05). On the other hand, groups with interferences or inadequate contacts exhibited more relapse movement, and tend to promote inflammation of periodontal tissue and activate bone resorption (P < 0.05). Adequate occlusal contacts without interference may enhance tooth stability and reduce the likelihood of relapse. After active orthodontic treatment, necessary occlusal adjustment should be made to achieve the desired intercuspation contact relationship and ensure adequate contact between the arches. The elimination of occlusal interferences is crucial to achieving optimal stability and promoting overall healthy condition of the oromandibular system.

Characterization of striatal dopamine projections across striatal subregions in behavioral flexibility

Behavioural flexibility is key to survival in a dynamic environmentWhile flexible, goal-directed behaviours are initially dependent on dorsomedial striatum, they become dependent on lateral striatum as behaviours become inflexible. Similarly, lesions of dopamine terminals in lateral striatum disrupt the development of inflexible habits. This work suggests that dopamine release in lateral striatum may drive inflexible behaviours, though few studies have investigated a causative role of subpopulations of striatal dopamine terminals in reversal learning, a measure of flexibility. Here, we performed two optogenetic experiments to activate dopamine terminals in dorsomedial (DMS), dorsolateral (DLS) or ventral (nucleus accumbens [NAc]) striatum in DAT-Cre mice that expressed channelrhodopsin-2 via viral injection (Experiment I) or through transgenic breeding with an Ai32 reporter line (Experiment II) to determine how specific dopamine subpopulations impact reversal learning. Mice performed a reversal task in which they self-stimulated DMS, DLS, or NAc dopamine terminals by pressing one of two levers before action-outcome lever contingencies were reversed. Largely consistent with presumed ventromedial/lateral striatal function, we found that mice self-stimulating medial dopamine terminals reversed lever preference following contingency reversal, while mice self-stimulating NAc showed parial flexibility, and DLS self-stimulation resulted in impaired reversal. Impairments in DLS mice were characterized by more regressive errors and reliance on lose-stay strategies following reversal, as well as reduced within-session learning, suggesting reward insensitivity and overreliance on previously learned actions. This study supports a model of striatal function in which DMS and ventral dopamine facilitate goal-directed responding, and DLS dopamine supports more inflexible responding.

Comparative chloroplast genome analyses provide insights into evolutionary history of Rhizophoraceae mangroves

Background

The Rhizophoraceae family comprises crucial mangrove plants that inhabit intertidal environments. In China, eight Rhizophoraceae mangrove species exist. Although complete chloroplast (Cp) genomes of four Rhizophoraceae mangrove plants have been reported, the Cp genomes of the remaining four species remain unclear, impeding a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary history of this family.

Methods

Illumina high-throughput sequencing was employed to obtain the DNA sequences of Rhizophoraceae species. Cp genomes were assembled by NOVOPlasty and annotated using CpGAVAS software. Phylogenetic and divergence time analyses were conducted using MEGA and BEAST 2 software.

Results

Four novel Cp genomes of Rhizophoraceae mangrove species (Bruguiera sexangula, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Bruguiera × rhynchopetala and Rhizophora apiculata) were successfully assembled. The four Cp genomes ranged in length from 163,310 to 164,560 bp, with gene numbers varying from 124 to 128. The average nucleotide diversity (Pi) value of the eight Rhizophoraceae Cp genomes was 0.00596. Phylogenetic trees constructed based on the complete Cp genomes supported the monophyletic origin of Rhizophoraceae. Divergence time estimation based on the Cp genomes of representative species from Malpighiales showed that the origin of Rhizophoraceae occurred at approximately 58.54-50.02 million years ago (Mya). The divergence time within the genus Rhizophora (∼4.51 Mya) was much earlier than the divergence time within the genus Bruguiera (∼1.41 Mya), suggesting recent speciation processes in these genera. Our data provides new insights into phylogenetic relationship and evolutionary history of Rhizophoraceae mangrove plants.

Cascaded compression of size distribution of nanopores in monolayer graphene

Monolayer graphene with nanometre-scale pores, atomically thin thickness and remarkable mechanical properties provides wide-ranging opportunities for applications in ion and molecular separations1, energy storage2 and electronics3. Because the performance of these applications relies heavily on the size of the nanopores, it is desirable to design and engineer with precision a suitable nanopore size with narrow size distributions. However, conventional top-down processes often yield log-normal distributions with long tails, particularly at the sub-nanometre scale4. Moreover, the size distribution and density of the nanopores are often intrinsically intercorrelated, leading to a trade-off between the two that substantially limits their applications5-9. Here we report a cascaded compression approach to narrowing the size distribution of nanopores with left skewness and ultrasmall tail deviation, while keeping the density of nanopores increasing at each compression cycle. The formation of nanopores is split into many small steps, in each of which the size distribution of all the existing nanopores is compressed by a combination of shrinkage and expansion and, at the same time as expansion, a new batch of nanopores is created, leading to increased nanopore density by each cycle. As a result, high-density nanopores in monolayer graphene with a left-skewed, short-tail size distribution are obtained that show ultrafast and ångström-size-tunable selective transport of ions and molecules, breaking the limitation of the conventional log-normal size distribution9,10. This method allows for independent control of several metrics of the generated nanopores, including the density, mean diameter, standard deviation and skewness of the size distribution, which will lead to the next leap in nanotechnology.

Long-Term Anorectal Function in Rectal Cancer Patients Managed by a Watch-and-Wait Strategy after Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Rectal cancer patients reaching complete clinical response (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can be offered a nonoperative watch-and-wait (W&W) strategy. As evidence of good oncological outcomes accumulates, the functional outcomes remain less explored. The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess the long-term rectal toxicity and anorectal function in patients managed by a W&W strategy and to investigate the clinical risk factors for anorectal dysfunction.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Seventy W&W patients who were disease-free at the moment of recruitment were included. A minimum 2-year follow-up was considered. We graded late rectal toxicity according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) scale and the Late Effects of Normal Tissue/Subjective Objective Management Analytic (LENT/SOMA) system. Long-term anorectal function was assessed with the Wexner score, the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome score (LARS score), and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Bowel Function Instrument (MSK BFI).

RESULTS

All patients received standard chemoradiotherapy consisting of a total dose of 5000 cGy in 25 fractions. The median tumor distance from the anal verge was 3 (IQR 2-4) cm. After a median follow-up of 43 (IQR 28-66) months, less than half of patients developed Grade 1 (40.0%) or Grade 2 (1.4%) late rectal toxicity, and no patients complained of higher grades. LENT/SOMA criteria also identified more patients with mild symptoms. The most frequent symptoms were sphincter control problems, mainly manifested as fecal urgency, reported by 60.0% of patients. For long-term anorectal function, the median LARS score was 16 (IQR 4-25). 17.1% of patients reported minor LARS and 15.7% reported major LARS. The median Wexner score was 2 (IQR 0-3). The median MSK BFI total score was 82 (IQR 77-86). Smoking history was an independent risk factor for anorectal dysfunction in multivariate analyses (OR = 6.491, 95% CI 1.536-27.432).

CONCLUSION

Rectal cancer patients managed by a watch-and-wait strategy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy have retained satisfactory anorectal function. However, fecal urgency might be a common problem. Smoking history was an independent risk factor for long-term anorectal dysfunction. Prospective studies with emphasis on bowel function outcomes containing a larger number of patients are needed.

Photo-crosslinked gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel strengthened with calcium phosphate-based nanoparticles for early healing of rabbit calvarial defects

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of photo-crosslinked gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa) hydrogel containing calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CNp) when applying different fabrication methods for bone regeneration.

METHODS

Four circular defects were created in the calvaria of 10 rabbits. Each defect was randomly allocated to the following study groups: 1) the sham control group, 2) the GelMa group (defect filled with crosslinked GelMa hydrogel), 3) the CNp-GelMa group (GelMa hydrogel crosslinked with nanoparticles), and 4) the CNp+GelMa group (crosslinked GelMa loaded with nanoparticles). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, samples were harvested, and histological and micro-computed tomography analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Histomorphometric analysis showed that the CNp-GelMa and CNp+GelMa groups at 2 weeks had significantly greater total augmented areas than the control group (P<0.05). The greatest new bone area was observed in the CNp-GelMa group, but without statistical significance (P>0.05). Crosslinked GelMa hydrogel with nanoparticles exhibited good biocompatibility with a minimal inflammatory reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in the efficacy of bone regeneration according to the synthesized method of photo-crosslinked GelMa hydrogel with nanoparticles. However, these materials could remain within a bone defect up to 2 weeks and showed good biocompatibility with little inflammatory response. Further improvement in mechanical properties and resistance to enzymatic degradation would be needed for the clinical application.

A drug-loaded composite coating to improve osteogenic and antibacterial properties of Zn-1Mg porous scaffolds as biodegradable bone implants

Zinc (Zn) alloy porous scaffolds produced by additive manufacturing own customizable structures and biodegradable functions, having a great application potential for repairing bone defect. In this work, a hydroxyapatite (HA)/polydopamine (PDA) composite coating was constructed on the surface of Zn-1Mg porous scaffolds fabricated by laser powder bed fusion, and was loaded with a bioactive factor BMP2 and an antibacterial drug vancomycin. The microstructure, degradation behavior, biocompatibility, antibacterial performance and osteogenic activities were systematically investigated. Compared with as-built Zn-1Mg scaffolds, the rapid increase of Zn²⁺, which resulted to the deteriorated cell viability and osteogenic differentiation, was inhibited due to the physical barrier of the composite coating. In vitro cellular and bacterial assay indicated that the loaded BMP2 and vancomycin considerably enhanced the cytocompatibility and antibacterial performance. Significantly improved osteogenic and antibacterial functions were also observed according to in vivo implantation in the lateral femoral condyle of rats. The design, influence and mechanism of the composite coating were discussed accordingly. It was concluded that the additively manufactured Zn-1Mg porous scaffolds together with the composite coating could modulate biodegradable performance and contribute to effective promotion of bone recovery and antibacterial function.

[Normative wideband absorbance measures in children: a cross-sectional study]

Objective: This study was to investigate the main characteristics and related factors of wideband absorbance (WBA) in children with normal hearing and to obtain age-specific reference range of WBA. Methods: 384 children between 0-12 years old (615 ears) who visited the Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2019 to February 2021 were enrolled, including 230 males (376 ears) and 154 females (239 ears), with totally 306 left ears and 309 right ears. Wideband tympanometry (WBT) was performed and normative WBA data were analyzed by SPSS 24.0 statistical software. Repeated measures and multivariate analysis of variance were applied to the data from 16 points at 1/3-octave frequencies (226, 324, 408, 500, 667, 841, 1 000, 1 297, 1 682, 2 000, 2 670, 3 364, 4 000, 5 339, 6 727 and 8 000 Hz) to evaluate the effects of frequency, age, external auditory canal pressures, gender and ear on WBA. Results: According to the WBT frequency-absorbance curve, the subjects were divided into seven groups: 1-month old group, 2-month old group, 3-month old group, 4-5 month old group, 6-24 month old group,>2-6 year old group and>6-12 year old group. The WBA of normal-hearing children underwent a series of developmental changes with age at both ambient pressure and tympanometric peak pressures. WBA results for 1-month group and 2-month old group exhibited a multipeaked pattern, with the peaks occurring around 2 000 and 4 897 Hz, and a notch around 3 886 Hz. WBA results for 3-month group and 4-5 month old group exhibited a single broad-peaked pattern, with the peak occurring between 2 000-4 757 Hz. The WBA of 1-month old group to 4-5 month old group decreased gradually at low frequency (226-408 Hz) and 6 727 Hz, and increased at middle to high frequency (2 670-4 000 Hz). The WBA of 6-24 month old group were significantly lower than that of 2-month old group to 4-5 month old group at all frequencies except 3 364 and 4 000 Hz. WBA results for 6-24 month old group,>2-6 year old group and>6-12 year old group exhibited a single-peaked pattern, and the peak frequency of WBA moved to the lower frequency successively. From 6-24 month old group to>6-12 year old group, the WBA gradually increased at low to middle frequencies (667-2 670 Hz) and 8 000 Hz, and decreased at middle to high frequencies (3 364-5 339 Hz). Among the 16 frequencies of all age groups, the difference between WBA under ambient pressure and tympanometric peak pressure were -0.09-0.06, and 43.75%-81.25% frequency points had statistically significant difference, which was mainly manifested in that WBA under ambient pressure were lower than that under tympanometric peak pressure at 226-1 682 Hz. There was no significant ear effect on all of the age groups. Similarly, there was no significant gender effect except for 3-month old group and 4-5 month old group. Conclusions: The WBA of normal-hearing children measured at ambient pressure and tympanometric peak pressure varied across the frequencies with age from 1 month to 12 years old, and different frequencies followed different change patterns (increase vs. decrease) in WBA. There was also significant external auditory canal pressures effect on all of the age groups. The establishment of age-specific reference range of WBA for 0-12 years old normal-hearing children in this study would be useful for clinical practice of determining normative data regarding WBT.

miR-204-5p plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression and anti-depression action of Venlafaxine in the hippocampus of mice

Background Venlafaxine has been demonstrated to treat diseases such as social anxiety disorder and depression. Most of antidepressants including venlafaxine have a certain effect, but significant side effects. Therefore, it is necessary for us to research the development of novel antidepressants for effective treatment in practice. MicroRNA-204 (miR-204) is highly expressed in brain tissue, and plays a critical role in the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons in rats. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-204 remains unclear to date, this study aims to offer unique insights into depression and provide a theoretical basis for clinical physicians. Method A chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) was initially adopted for establishing a mice model of depression in this research and depression-like behaviors were evaluated by a series of behavioral experiments including the sucrose preference test (SPT), the tail suspension test (TST), the forced swim test (FST) and the social interaction test (SIT). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was also conducted to test the expression levels of miR-204 and BDNF in the hippocampus of mice. Finally, gene interference of miR-204-5p was further adopted to test whether miR-204-5p played an effective role in the antidepressant effects of venlafaxine in mice. Result Our data implicated that CSDS significantly increased the miR-204-5p but not miR-204-3p levels in the hippocampus of mice. The treatment of venlafaxine obviously relieved depression-like behaviors of CSDS-induced mice. The usage of venlafaxine abolished the increasing effects on the expression of miR-204-5p but up-regulated the BDNF expression level in CSDS-exposured mice. More importantly, we found that genetic overexpression of miR-204-5p decreased the reverse effects of venlafaxine on depressive-like behaviors and genetic knockdown of hippocampal miR-204-5p relieved the depressive-like behaviors and neurogenesis in CSDS-induced mice. Conclusion miR-204-5p played an effective role in the antidepressant effects of venlafaxine in CSDS-induced mice.

[Structural changes of the frontal cortex in depressed mice are associated with decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes in gray matter volume in depressive-like mice and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODS

Twenty-four 6-week-old C57 mice were randomized equally into control group and model group, and the mice in the model group were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS) for 35 days. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to examine structural changes of the grey matter volume in depressive-like mice. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the grey matter of the mice was detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Compared with the control mice, the mice with CUMS showed significantly decreased central walking distance in the open field test (P < 0.05) and increased immobile time in forced swimming test (P < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the volume of the frontal cortex was significantly decreased in CUMS mice (P < 0.001, when the mass level was greater than or equal to 10 756, the FDRc was corrected with P=0.05). Western blotting showed that the expression of mature BDNF in the frontal cortex was significantly decreased in CUMS mice (P < 0.05), and its expression began to decrease after the exposure to CUMS as shown by immunofluorescence staining. The volume of different clusters obtained by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was correlated with the expression level of mature BDNF detected by Western blotting (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The decrease of frontal cortex volume after CUMS is related with the reduction of mature BDNF expression in the frontal cortex.

Tissue integration patterns of non-crosslinked and crosslinked collagen membranes: an experimental in vivo study

PURPOSE

Non-crosslinked and crosslinked collagen membranes are known to exhibit distinct degradation characteristics, resulting in contrasting orientations of the adjacent tissues and different biological processes. The aim of this study was to conduct a histomorphometric assessment of non-crosslinked and crosslinked collagen membranes regarding neovascularization, tissue integration, tissue encapsulation, and biodegradation.

METHODS

Guided bone regeneration was performed using either a non-crosslinked (BG) or a crosslinked collagen membrane (CM) in 15 beagle dogs, which were euthanized at 4, 8, and 16 weeks (n=5 each) for histomorphometric analysis. The samples were assessed regarding neovascularization, tissue integration, encapsulation, the remaining membrane area, and pseudoperiosteum formation. The BG and CM groups were compared at different time periods using nonparametric statistical methods.

RESULTS

The remaining membrane area of CM was significantly greater than that of BG at 16 weeks; however, there were no significant differences at 4 and 8 weeks. Conversely, the neovascularization score for CM was significantly less than that for BG at 16 weeks. BG exhibited significantly greater tissue integration and encapsulation scores than CM at all time periods, apart from encapsulation at 16 weeks. Pseudoperiosteum formation was observed in the BG group at 16 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Although BG membranes were more rapidly biodegraded than CM membranes, they were gradually replaced by connective tissue with complete integration and maturation of the surrounding tissues to form dense periosteum-like connective tissue. Further studies need to be performed to validate the barrier effect of the pseudoperiosteum.

Computerized dynamic occlusal analysis and its correlation with static characters in post-orthodontic patients using the T-Scan system and the ABO objective grading system

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to detect the overall performance of both static and dynamic occlusion in post-orthodontic patients using quantified methods, and to ascertain the correlation between the two states of occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 112 consecutive patients evaluated by ABO-OGS were included in this study. Based on the pre-treatment Angle's classification of the malocclusion, samples were divided into four groups. After removing orthodontic appliances, each patients underwent the American Board of Orthodontic objective grading system (ABO-OGS) and T-Scan evaluations. All the scores were compared within these groups. Statistical evaluation included reliability tests, multivariate ANOVA, and correlation analyses (p < 0.05 was considered significant).

RESULTS

The mean ABO-OGS score was satisfactory and did not differ by Angle classifications. The indices making substantial contributions to ABO-OGS were occlusal contacts, occlusal relationships, overjet, and alignment. Disocclusion time in post-orthodontic patients was longer than normal. Occlusion time, disocclusion time, and force distribution during dynamic motions were considerably influenced by static ABO-OGS measurements, especially occlusal contacts, buccolingual inclination, and alignment.

CONCLUSION

Post-orthodontic cases that passed the static evaluation of clinicians and ABO-OGS may nevertheless be left with dental casts interference in dynamic motions. Both static and dynamic occlusion should be extensively evaluated before ending orthodontic treatment. Further research is needed on dynamic occlusal guidelines and standards.

Water extract of Notopterygium incisum alleviates cold allodynia in neuropathic pain by regulation of TRPA1

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Neuropathic pain can be debilitating and drastically affects the quality of life of those patients suffering from this condition. The Chinese herb Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T. Chang has long been used to disperse "cold". One under examined clinical feature of neuropathic pain is sensitivity to cold. Patients with neuropathic pain or arthritis usually describe a worsening of symptoms during the winter.

AIMS OF THIS STUDY

We proposed to test the hypothesis that Notopterygium incisum has a positive effect on the cold sensitivity found in neuropathic pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we established chronic constriction injury (CCI) and cisplatin induced neuropathic pain mice models. Behavioral experiments and physiological examination methods were employed to investigate the effect of water extract of Notopterygium incisum (WN) on cold pain.

RESULTS

We found WN reduced cold pain and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, Transient Receptor Potential A1 (TRPA1 agonist)) induced pain. WN inhibited AITC induced calcium response in HEK 293 cells transfected with TRPA1 and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Moreover, we found that oral administration of WN reduced cold allodynia and mechanical allodynia caused by (CCI) and cisplatin induced neuropathic pain. We also observed that oral administration of WN decreased responses to AITC in DRG neurons as well as expression of TRPA1 in the WN treated neuropathic pain model.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provide evidence that Notopterygium incisum alleviates cold allodynia in CCI and cisplatin induced neuropathic pain mouse models. WN alleviated neuropathic pain induced cold allodynia via directly modulating TRPA1. Our findings identify WN as a promising candidate for treating neuropathic pain that highlights a new mechanism of Notopterygium incisum on 'disperse cold'.

Ethanol Extract of Mao Jian Green Tea Attenuates Gastrointestinal Symptoms in a Rat Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation via the 5-hydroxytryptamine Signaling Pathway

In a previous study, we demonstrated that the hydro extract of Mao Jian Green Tea (MJGT) promotes gastrointestinal motility. In this study, the effect of MJGT ethanol extract (MJGT_EE) in treating irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in a rat model constructed via maternal separation combined with an ice water stimulation was investigated. First, a successful model construction was confirmed through the determination of the fecal water content (FWC) and the smallest colorectal distension (CRD) volume. Then, the overall regulatory effects of MJGT_EE on the gastrointestinal tract were preliminarily evaluated through gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion tests. Our findings indicated that MJGT_EE significantly increased FWC (p < 0.01) and the smallest CRD volume (p < 0.05) and promoted gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion (p < 0.01). Furthermore, mechanistically, MJGT_EE reduced intestinal sensitivity by regulating the expression of proteins related to the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) pathway. More specifically, it decreased tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) expression (p < 0.05) and increased serotonin transporter (SERT) expression (p < 0.05), thereby decreasing 5-HT secretion (p < 0.01), activating the calmodulin (CaM)/myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) pathway, and increasing 5-HT₄ receptor (5-HT₄R) expression (p < 0.05). Moreover, MJGT_EE enhanced the diversity of gut microbiota, increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria, and regulated the number of 5-HT-related bacteria. Flavonoids may play the role of being active ingredients in MJGT_EE. These findings suggest that MJGT_EE could serve as a potential therapeutic pathway for IBS-C.

Aconitine - A promising candidate for treating cold and mechanical allodynia in cancer induced bone pain

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients suffering from cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) have a poor quality of life that is exacerbated by the lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Monkshood is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine where it has been used to relieve cold pain. Aconitine is the active component of monkshood, but the molecular mechanism for how this compound reduces pain is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we employed molecular and behavioral experiments to explore the analgesic effect of aconitine. We observed aconitine alleviated cold hyperalgesia and AITC (allyl-isothiocyanate, TRPA1 agonist) induced pain. Interestingly, we found aconitine directly inhibits TRPA1 activity in calcium imaging studies. More importantly, we found aconitine alleviated cold and mechanical allodynia in CIBP mice. Both the activity and expression of TRPA1 in L4 and L5 DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglion) neurons were reduced with the treatment of aconitine in the CIBP model. Moreover, we observed aconiti radix (AR) and aconiti kusnezoffii radix (AKR), both components of monkshood that contain aconitine, alleviated cold hyperalgesia and AITC induced pain. Furthermore, both AR and AKR alleviated CIBP induced cold allodynia and mechanical allodynia.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, aconitine alleviates both cold and mechanical allodynia in cancer induced bone pain via the regulation of TRPA1. This research on the analgesic effect of aconitine in cancer induced bone pain highlights a component of a traditional Chinese medicine may have clinical applications for pain.

Effect of surface gallium termination on the formation and emission energy of an InGaAs wetting layer during the growth of InGaAs quantum dots by droplet epitaxy

Self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) based on III-V semiconductors have excellent properties for applications in quantum optics. However, the presence of a 2D wetting layer (WL) which forms during the Stranski-Krastanov growth of QDs can limit their performance. Here, we investigate WL formation during QD growth by the droplet epitaxy technique. We use a combination of photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy, lifetime measurements, and transmission electron microscopy to identify the presence of an InGaAs WL in these droplet epitaxy QDs, even in the absence of distinguishable WL luminescence. We observe that increasing the amount of Ga deposited on a GaAs (100) surface prior to the growth of InGaAs QDs leads to a significant reduction in the emission wavelength of the WL to the point where it can no longer be distinguished from the GaAs acceptor peak emission in photoluminescence measurements. However increasing the amount of Ga deposited does not suppress the formation of a WL under the growth conditions used here.

Effect of local application of bone morphogenetic protein -2 on experimental tooth movement and biological remodeling in rats

Background: This study attempts to detect the potential effects of local bone morphogenetic protein -2 (BMP-2) on orthodontic tooth movement and periodontal tissue remodeling. Methods: Forty adult SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: blank control group, unilateral injection of BMP-2 on the pressure side or tension side of orthodontic teeth and bilateral injection of BMP-2. Their maxillary first molar was moved by a 30 g constant force closed coil spring. 60 μL of BMP-2 with a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL was injected into each part at a time. In addition, three rats were selected as healthy control rats without any intervention. Fluorescent labeled BMP-2 was used to observe the distribution of exogenous BMP-2 in tissues. Micro-CT was used to measure the microscopic parameters of tooth displacement, trabecular bone and root absorption volume. Three different histological methods were used to observe the changes of tissue remodeling, and then the number of osteoclasts and the content of collagen fibers were calculated. Results: Compared with the blank control group, BMP-2 injection reduced the movement distance and increased the collagen fiber content and bone mass (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in tooth movement distance, BV/TV ratio and BMD between injection sites in unilateral injection group (p > 0.05). In the case of bilateral injection of BMP-2, the osteogenesis is enhanced. Unilateral injection of BMP-2 did not promote root resorption, but double injection showed root resorption (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our study does show that the osteogenesis of BMP-2 is dose-dependent rather than site-dependent when a certain amount of BMP-2 is applied around orthodontic teeth. Local application of BMP-2 around orthodontic teeth in an appropriate way can enhance bone mass and tooth anchorage without increasing the risk of root absorption volume. However, high levels of BMP-2 may cause aggressive root resorption. These findings are of great significance, that is, BMP-2 is an effective target for regulating orthodontic tooth movement.

Chronotype and insomnia may affect the testosterone levels with a sexual difference: a Mendelian randomization

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the causal effects of sleep traits (i.e., chronotype, insomnia, and sleep duration) on bioavailable testosterone (BT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and total testosterone (TT) levels in women and men.

METHODS

We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) using random-effect inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and 7 other MR analyses. Exposure data for sleep traits were obtained from the largest-to-date genome-wide association study (GWAS) from 339,926 to 1,331,010 individuals. Summary data for testosterone levels were obtained from GWAS based on the UK Biobank.

RESULTS

For women, our study supported that chronotype was associated with decreased BT (IVW: β = - 0.042, 95% CI - 0.060, - 0.023, p = 1.17E-05) and TT (IVW: - 0.053, 95% CI - 0.075, - 0.031, p = 2.30E-06). Besides, insomnia can significantly increase BT (IVW: β = 0.025, 95% CI 0.009, 0.041, p = 0.002). These findings were significant in most sensitivity analyses. For men, statistical significance was found between chronotype and BT (β = - 0.027, 95% CI - 0.048, - 0.005, p = 0.016), and insomnia and TT (β = - 0.028, 95% CI - 0.049, 0.007, p = 0.009) in IVW. However, the effect estimates were not broadly consistent with other sensitivity analyses. Our study did not find support for causal effects of sleep duration on testosterone levels in both women and men.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals the sex differences in the effects of sleep traits on testosterone levels. A healthy sleep habit is vital for the maintenance of testosterone homeostasis in women. Further studies are warranted to investigate the associations between sleep traits and testosterone levels in men.

Multicopper oxidases GbAO and GbSKS are involved in the Verticillium dahliae resistance in Gossypium barbadense

Ascorbate oxidase (AO) and skewed5 (SKU5)-similar (SKS) proteins belong to the multicopper oxidase (MCO) family and play important roles in plants in response to environmental stress via modulation of oxidoreduction homeostasis. Currently, reports on the response of Gossypium barbadense MCO to Verticillium wilt (VW) caused by Verticillium dahliae are still limited. Herein, RNA sequencing of two G. barbadense cultivars of VW-resistant XH21 and VW-susceptible XH7 under V. dahliae treatment, combined with physiological and genetic analysis, was performed to analyze the function and mechanism of multicopper oxidases GbAO and GbSKS involved in V. dahliae resistance. The identified differentially expressed genes are mainly involved in the regulation of oxidoreduction reaction, and extracellular components and signaling. Interestingly, ascorbate oxidase family members were discovered as the most significantly upregulated genes after V. dahliae treatment, including GbAO3A/D, GbSKS3A/D, and GbSKS16A/D. H₂O₂ and Asc contents, especially reductive Asc in both XH21 and XH7, were shown to be increased. Silenced expression of respective GbAO3A/D, GbSKS3A/D, and GbSKS16A/D in virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) cotton plants significantly decreased the resistance to V. dahliae, coupled with the reduced contents of pectin and lignin. Our results indicate that AO might be involved in cotton VW resistance via the regulation of cell wall components.

Ligustrazine mitigates chronic venous disease-induced pain hyperalgesia through desensitization of inflammation-associated TRPA1 activity in DRG

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ligustrazine, an important active ingredient extracted from Ligusticum chuanxiong hort, has been widely used to cure cardiovascular diseases and exerts an analgesic effect.

AIMS OF THIS STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate whether ligustrazine mitigates chronic venous disease (CVeD)-induced pain and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mouse model of CVeD was established by vein ligature. Ligustrazine was administered intraperitoneally to CVeD mice for a single injection (20 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg) or once a day for three weeks (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), and TRPA1 overexpressed HEK 293 cells were treated with ligustrazine (600 μM) in the presence of mustard oil (100 μM) for 2 min. Patch clamp and calcium imaging were used to measure the inhibitory response of ligustrazine on DRG neurons and TRPA1 transfected HEK293 cells.

RESULTS

The present results showed that mice receiving vein ligature surgery exhibited obvious pain hypersensitivity to mechanical, cold and thermal stimuli, whereas ligustrazine significantly reversed the pain hyperalgesia in CVeD mice. Furthermore, ligustrazine desensitized transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) activity in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, resulting in suppressing the DRG neuronal excitability in the CVeD mice. However, ligustrazine could not directly inhibit the response of TRPA1 transfected HEK293 cells to mustard oil. Strikingly, ligustrazine restricted the macrophage infiltration and decreased the mRNA levels of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the DRG neurons of the CVeD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provided evidence that ligustrazine alleviated pain hypersensitivity to mechanical, cold and thermal stimuli in CVeD mice. Ligustrazine could weaken the activity of TRPA1 in the DRG to mitigate CVeD-induced pain hyperalgesia mainly through inhibition of inflammation. Our findings identify that ligustrazine may be a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of CVeD-induced pain.

Magnetic-field-synchronized wireless modulation of neural activity by magnetoelectric nanoparticles

The in vitro study demonstrates wirelessly controlled modulation of neural activity using magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs), synchronized to magnetic field application with a sub-25-msec temporal response. Herein, MENPs are sub-30-nm CoFe₂O₄@BaTiO₃ core-shell nanostructures. MENPs were added to E18 rat hippocampal cell cultures (0.5 μg of MENPs per 100,000 neurons) tagged with fluorescent Ca²⁺ sensitive indicator cal520. MENPs were shown to wirelessly induce calcium transients which were synchronized with application of 1200-Oe bipolar 25-msec magnetic pulses at a rate of 20 pulses/sec. The observed calcium transients were similar, in shape and magnitude, to those generated through the control electric field stimulation with a 50-μA current, and they were inhibited by the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin. The observed MENP-based magnetic excitation of neural activity is in agreement with the non-linear M - H hysteresis loop of the MENPs, wherein the MENPs' coercivity value sets the threshold for the externally applied magnetic field.

Effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation on knee osteoarthritis - A target trial emulation study using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort

OBJECTIVE

To assess the real-world effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by replicating a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design in an observational study.

METHOD

This study emulated a target trial using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). Eligible participants were ≥45 years, had symptomatic KOA and did not take vitamin D supplements in the past 30 days. A participant can enter the trial more than once. Participants were included in vitamin D group if they took ≥1,000 IU/day for ≥4 days/week in the past 30 days at the first follow-up visit after baseline. The control group did not use vitamin D in the past 30 days. Optimal propensity score matching at 1:1 ratio was performed. The primary outcome was change in knee pain 2 years after baseline measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes included WOMAC physical function and quantitative joint space width (JSW). Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to compare the findings with previous RCTs.

RESULTS

A total of 236 person-trials in the vitamin D group were pair-matched with a control. Compared to the control group, vitamin D supplementation did not reach significant changes in WOMAC pain (SMD = -0.04, 95%CI [-0.21, 0.13]), physical function and radiographic JSW over 2 years. The SMDs were consistent with the effect sizes reported in previous RCTs.

CONCLUSION

Target trial emulation in the OAI cohort demonstrated findings close to published RCTs. This supports the future use of target trial emulation in evaluating other systemic therapies for KOA.

Calycosin prevents bone loss induced by hindlimb unloading

Bone loss induced by microgravity exposure seriously endangers the astronauts’ health, but its countermeasures still have certain limitations. The study aims to find potential protective drugs for the prevention of the microgravity-induced bone loss. Here, we utilized the network pharmacology approach to discover a natural compound calycosin by constructing the compound-target interaction network and analyzing the topological characteristics of the network. Furthermore, the hind limb unloading (HLU) rats’ model was conducted to investigate the potential effects of calycosin in the prevention of bone loss induced by microgravity. The results indicated that calycosin treatment group significantly increased the bone mineral density (BMD), ameliorated the microstructure of femoral trabecular bone, the thickness of cortical bone and the biomechanical properties of the bone in rats, compared that in the HLU group. The analysis of bone turnover markers in serum showed that both the bone formation markers and bone resorption markers decreased after calycosin treatment. Moreover, we found that bone remodeling-related cytokines in serum including IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-α were partly recovered after calycosin treatment compared with HLU group. In conclusion, calycosin partly recovered hind limb unloading-induced bone loss through the regulation of bone remodeling. These results provided the evidence that calycosin might play an important role in maintaining bone mass in HLU rats, indicating its promising application in the treatment of bone loss induced by microgravity.

Expression profiling of the mitogen-activated protein kinase gene family reveals their diverse response pattern in two different salt-tolerant Glycyrrhiza species

BACKGROUND

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MPKs) play important role in response to environmental stress as crucial signal receptors or sensors. Our previous study indicated that salt stress acts as a positive factor to stimulate the production of pharmacodynamic metabolites in the medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Currently, little is known about the MPK gene family and their functions in the medicinal plant G. uralensis.

OBJECTIVE

Identification, comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, expression profiling, and response pattern under salt stress of the G. uralensis GuMPK gene family.

METHODS

Genome-wide investigation and expression profiling of the MPK gene family in G. uralensis, and their phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary characteristics, gene structure, motif distribution, promoter cis-acting element, and expression pattern under salt stress in two different salt-tolerant Glycyrrhiza species were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 20 G. uralensis GuMPK genes were identified and categorized into five groups, and had conserved gene structure and motif distribution. Expression profiling of GuMPK genes suggested their potentially diverse functions in plant growth and in response to phytohormones and environmental stress, particularly GuMPK1, 2, 5, and 10 as key components for G. uralensis in response to abiotic stress. Further expression analysis under NaCl treatment in two different salt-tolerant Glycyrrhiza species displayed the MPKs' different response patterns, emphasizing the role of MPK2, 5, 7, and 16 as potentially crucial genes for Glycyrrhiza to respond to salt stress.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a genome-wide identification and expression profiling of MPK gene family in G. uralensis, and establish the foundation for screening key responsive genes and understanding the potential function and regulatory mechanism of GuMPKs in salt responsiveness.

A Mouse Model of Cancer Induced Bone Pain: From Pain to Movement

Cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) occurs in patients with advanced osteosarcoma or metastasized bone tumors that can negatively affects the patient's quality of life. However, motor impairment in CIBP is still understudied. To improve the quality of life of patients with CIBP, the study of CIBP induced movement impairment is of particular importance. Here, we presented a model of metastatic cancer induced bone pain caused by an allograft of Lewis lung cancer cells. In this method, we injected Lewis lung cancer cells into the femoral medulla cavity and recorded the pain behavior and motor behavior after CIBP surgery. We observed enhanced pain after the initial surgery. Interestingly, we found the latency on rotarod was significantly reduced concomitant with tumor growth and pain. This result indicated that the motor coordination and balance were severely impaired in CIBP. We also found the pain and motor behavioral differences in models that severed the patellar ligament vs. maintaining the patellar ligament. These findings provide a novel clue for further investigating the mechanisms responsible for the generation and development of CIBP.

Three-dimensionally printed biphasic calcium phosphate blocks with different pore diameters for regeneration in rabbit calvarial defects

Background

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) is the most frequently used synthetic bone substitutes, which comprises a combination of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP). Thanks to the recent advances in digital dentistry and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, synthetic block bone substitutes can be customized to fit individual defect morphologies. The diameter of the pores can influence the rate of bone formation and material resorption. The aim of this study was to compare three-dimensionally printed biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) block bone substitutes with different pore diameters (0.8-, 1.0-, and 1.2- mm) for use in the regeneration of rabbit calvarial defects.

Methods

Four circular defects were formed on the calvaria of ten rabbits. Each defect was randomly allocated to one of the following study groups: (i) control group, (ii) 0.8-mm group, (iii) 1.0-mm group, and (iv) 1.2-mm group. All specimens were postoperatively harvested at 2 and 8 weeks, and radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed on the samples.

Results

Histologically, the BCP blocks remained unresorbed up to 8 weeks, and new bone formation occurred within the porous structures of the blocks. After the short healing period of 2 weeks, histomorphometric analysis indicated that new bone formation was significantly greater in the BCP groups compared with the control (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the groups with different pore diameters (p > 0.05). At 8 weeks, only the 1.0-mm group (3.42 ± 0.48 mm², mean ± standard deviation) presented a significantly larger area of new bone compared with the control (2.26 ± 0.59 mm²) (p < 0.05). Among the BCP groups, the 1.0- and 1.2-mm groups exhibited significantly larger areas of new bone compared with the 0.8-mm group (3.42 ± 0.48 and 3.04 ± 0.66 vs 1.60 ± 0.70 mm², respectively).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the BCP block bone substitutes can be applied to bone defects for successful bone regeneration. Future studies should investigate more-challenging defect configurations prior to considering clinical applications.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Ascorbate Peroxidase-Mediated Plant Resistance to Verticillium dahliae in Gossypium barbadense

In previous research on the resistance of cotton to Verticillium wilt (VW), Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense were usually used as the susceptible and resistant cotton species, despite their different genetic backgrounds. Herein, we present data independent acquisition (DIA)-based comparative proteomic analysis of two G. barbadense cultivars differing in VW tolerance, susceptible XH7 and resistant XH21. A total of 4,118 proteins were identified, and 885 of them were differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). Eight co-expressed modules were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis. GO enrichment analysis of the module that significantly correlated with V. dahliae infection time revealed that oxidoreductase and peroxidase were the most significantly enriched GO terms. The last-step rate-limiting enzyme for ascorbate acid (AsA) biosynthesis was further uncovered in the significantly enriched GO terms of the 184 XH21-specific DAPs. Additionally, the expression of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) members showed quick accumulation after inoculation. Compared to XH7, XH21 contained consistently higher AsA contents and rapidly increased levels of APX expression, suggesting their potential importance for the resistance to V. dahliae. Silencing GbAPX1/12 in both XH7 and XH 21 resulted in a dramatic reduction in VW resistance. Our data indicate that APX-mediated oxidoreductive metabolism is important for VW resistance in cotton.

Dietary phillygenin supplementation ameliorates aflatoxin B1-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in chicken liver

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), a mycotoxin contaminating food and feed, can trigger liver immune toxicity and threaten the poultry industry. Phillygenin (PHI) is a natural lignan derived primarily from Forsythia suspensa with hepatoprotective pharmacological and medicinal properties. This research aimed to investigate the preventive effects of PHI on the toxicity of AFB₁ in the liver of chickens. Chickens were administered with AFB₁ (2.8 mg/kg) and/or treated with PHI (24 mg/kg) for 33 days. The histopathological changes, serum biochemical indices, oxidative damage, inflammatory mediators, apoptosis, and activation of the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways were measured. Results revealed that dietary PHI ameliorated liver function indicators, reduced the malondialdehyde and inflammatory mediator production and the apoptotic cell number, and increased the antioxidant enzyme contents and Bcl-2 level. The quantitative realtime PCR and Western blot results revealed that PHI reduced p53, cytochrome c, Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 levels, normalized the NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, and upregulated the Nrf2 and its downstream genes expression in chicken liver. These results indicated that PHI has beneficial effects on AFB₁-induced liver damage, oxidative damage, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and immunotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chickens. This study provides new insight into the therapeutic uses of PHI.

Toxic Effects of Thioacetamide-Induced Femoral Damage in New Zealand White Rabbits by Activating the p38/ERK Signaling Pathway

Thioacetamide (TAA) is widely used in the production of drugs, pesticides and dyeing auxiliaries. Moreover, it is a chemical that can cause liver damage and cancer. TAA has recently been identified to cause bone damage in animal models. However, the type of bone damage that TAA causes and its potential pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. The toxic effects of TAA on the femurs of New Zealand white rabbits and the underlying toxicity mechanism were investigated in this study. Serum samples, the heart, liver, kidney and femurs were collected from rabbits after intraperitoneal injection of TAA for 5 months (100 and 200 mg/kg). The New Zealand white rabbits treated with TAA showed significant weight loss and femoral shortening. The activities of total bilirubin, total bile acid and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the serum were increased following treatment with TAA. In addition, the cortical bone became thinner, and the trabecular thickness decreased significantly in TAA-treated rabbits, which was accompanied by significantly decreased mineral density of the cortical and trabecular bone. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in modulus of elasticity and maximum load on bone stress in TAA-treated rabbits. The western blotting results showed that the expression of phosphorylated (p)-p38 and p-ERK in femur tissues of rabbits were increased after TAA administration. Collectively, these results suggested that TAA may lead to femoral damage in rabbits by activating the p38/ERK signaling pathway.

Estimation of turbulence parameters in the atmospheric boundary layer of the Bohai Sea, China, by coherent Doppler lidar and mesoscale model

Obtaining turbulence parameters in the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) is limited by the observation environment and cost. Therefore, estimating based on the weather forecast model or combining the model output with limited observations is a more flexible choice. We conducted cruise observation experiments in the Bohai Sea, China, from May 17 to June 4, 2021. On the basis of the wind profile observed by the coherent Doppler lidar and the temperature, as well as pressure profiles output by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, we implemented the Tatarskii turbulence model to estimate the refractive index structure constant C n2 in the atmospheric boundary layer of the Bohai Sea under clear sky. The temporal and spatial variations of turbulence in the Bohai Sea atmospheric boundary layer are studied by combining the vertical velocity variance σ w2, skewness S_ke and kurtosis K_ur. The performance of simulated C n2 and meteorological parameters in the WRF in the atmospheric boundary layer at the Bohai Sea is evaluated through the experimental measurements of UAV-borne (unmanned aerial vehicle) radiosonde and lidar. Finally, we give the model of the C n2 variation with height in the atmospheric boundary layer at the Bohai Sea. The results show that WRF can better simulate C n2 in most cases. The bias between the measured and simulated C n2 is within one order of magnitude, and the root mean square error ( RMSE ) is within two orders of magnitude. Due to the potential uncertainty of the WRF, the RMSE between the measured and simulated wind speed is 4 ms^-1 to 6 ms^-1, which is almost two times of the result in previous studies on the underlying land surface. The overall changes of C n2 and σ w2 are similar when the turbulence is well mixed and developed, which shows the consistency in both of optical and dynamics turbulence. But this consistency is not absolute. The temperature difference between the sea surface and the atmosphere leads to the widespread existence of an inversion layer from the sea surface to hundreds of meters in the Bohai Sea. The suppression of the inversion layer weakens the near sea surface turbulence. There is an enhancement of turbulence intensity below the inversion layer and a decrease from the upper inversion layer to top of the boundary layer among the entire boundary layer, also, the position of the inflection point is determined by the height of top of the inversion layer. The main results of this study are the reference significance for further understanding the development and change characteristics of turbulence in the MABL.

Computational diffraction reveals long-range strains, distortions and disorder in molecular dynamics simulations of irradiated single crystals

Atomic-scale simulations, and in particular molecular dynamics (MD), are key assets to model the behavior of the structure of materials under the action of external stimuli, say temperature, strain or stress, irradiation, etc. Despite the widespread use of MD in condensed matter science, some basic material characteristics remain difficult to determine. This is, for instance, the case for the long-range strain tensor, and its root-mean-squared fluctuations, in disordered materials. In this work, computational diffraction is introduced as a fast and reliable structural characterization tool of atomic-scale simulation cells in the case of irradiated single crystals. In contrast to direct-space methods, computational diffraction operates in the reciprocal space and is therefore highly sensitive to long-range spatial correlations. With the example of irradiated UO2 single crystals, it is demonstrated that the normal strains, shear strains and rotations, as well as their root-mean-squared fluctuations (microstrain) and the atomic disorder, are straightforwardly and unambiguously determined. The methodology presented here has been developed with efficiency in mind, in order to be able to provide simple and reliable characterizations either operating in real time, in parallel with other analysis tools, or operating on very large data sets.

[The citation analysis of the articles published in Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery from 2009 to 2019]

Objective: To analyze the citation of articles in Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, and to explore the strategy for running scientific journals. Methods: Using the Citation Database of Chinese Biomedical Journals, the citations of articles in this journal from 2009 to 2019 were statistically analyzed, and the characteristics of highly cited articles were analyzed. Results: From 2009 to 2019, Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery published 2 814 papers. Cited papers accounted for 75.69% of all papers, and each paper was cited 7.24 times. The citation rate of published papers was consistent with the variation trend of citation frequency. Non treatises such as guide consensus and original articles for special issues were cited better. There was no obvious correlation between paper funding and citation. Conclusion: Improving the content quality and optimizing the column setting are important measures to enhance the influence of scientific journals.

The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D(25-(OH)₂D₃) level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1021 patients with T2DM who underwent 25-(OH)₂D₃ level detections and sweat function tests was carried out. These individuals were divided into deficient groups (n = 154 cases), insufficient groups (n = 593 cases) and sufficient groups (n = 274 cases). Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis were implemented to determine the association of 25-(OH)2D3 level and sweat function.

RESULTS

The total presence of sweating dysfunction was 38.59%. Patients with a lower level of serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ had more severe sweat secretion impairment (P < 0.05). As the decrease of serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level, the presence of sweating dysfunction increased (P < 0.05). 25-(OH)₂D₃ level was positively correlated with sweat function parameters, age and duration of T2DM were negatively correlated with sweat function parameter (P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis explored a significant association between serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level with sweat function (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level was positively correlated with sweat function in patients with T2DM.