Investigation of the peptides with calcium chelating capacity in hydrolysate derived from spent hen meat

Calcium peptide chelates are developed as efficient supplements for preventing calcium deficiency. Spent hen meat (SHM) contains a high percentage of proteins but is generally wasted due to the disadvantages such as hard texture. We chose the underutilized SHM to produce peptides to bind calcium by proteolysis and aimed to investigate chelation between calcium and peptides in hydrolysate for a sustainable purpose. The optimized proteolysis conditions calculated from the result of response surface methodology for two-step hydrolysis were 0.30% (wenzyme/wmeat) for papain with a hydrolysis time of 3.5 h and 0.18% (wenzyme/wmeat) for flavourzyme with a hydrolysis time of 2.8 h. The enzymatic hydrolysate (EH) showed a binding capacity of 63.8 ± 1.8 mg calcium/g protein. Ethanol separation for EH improved the capacity up to a higher value of 68.6 ± 0.6 mg calcium/g protein with a high association constant of 420 M-1 (25°C) indicating high stability. The separated fraction with a higher amount of Glu, Asp, Lys, and Arg had higher calcium-binding capacity, which was related to the number of ─COOH and ─NH2 groups in peptide side chains according to the result from amino acid analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Two-step enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol separation were an efficient combination to produce peptide mixtures derived from SHM with high calcium-binding capacity. The high percentage of hydrophilic amino acids in the separated fraction was concluded to increase calcium-binding capacity. This work provides foundations for increasing spent hen utilization and developing calcium peptide chelates based on underutilized meat.

Bioactive atropisomers: Unraveling design strategies and synthetic routes for drug discovery

Atropisomerism, an expression of axial chirality caused by limited bond rotation, is a prominent aspect within the field of medicinal chemistry. It has been shown that atropisomers of a wide range of compounds, including established FDA-approved drugs and experimental molecules, display markedly different biological activities. The time-dependent reversal of chirality in atropisomers poses complexity and obstacles in the process of drug discovery and development. Nonetheless, recent progress in understanding atropisomerism and enhanced characterization methods have greatly assisted medicinal chemists in the effective development of atropisomeric drug molecules. This article provides a comprehensive review of their special design thoughts, synthetic routes, and biological activities, serving as a reference for the synthesis and biological evaluation of bioactive atropisomers in the future.

[LncRNA SNHG11 promotes malignant progression of colorectal cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway]

Objective: To investigate the effects of lncRNA SNHG11 on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cancer cells and possible mechanisms. Methods: qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression level of lncRNA SNHG11 in colorectal cancer tissues and its related cell lines. The correlation between SNHG11 expression and clinical prognosis of patients was assessed by bioinformatics techniques. Cultured CRC cell lines were transfected with shCtrl (shCtrl group), shSNHG11#1 (shSNHG11#1 group), shSNHG11#2 (shSNHG11#2 group), Control cDNA (Control cDNA group), and SNHG11 cDNA (SNHG11 cDNA), respectively. Thiazolyl blue (MTT), clone formation assay, Transwell assay, cell scratch assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of CRC cells in each group. Western protein blotting was used to detect the expression of relevant proteins in each group, and the effect of lncRNA SNHG11 knockdown on the growth of tumour cells in vivo was analysed by nude mice tumouring assay. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway inhibitor LY294002 was used for rescue experiments. Results: The expression of lncRNA SNHG11 was significantly higher in colorectal cancer cells and tissues than in normal tissues (P<0.05). Survival analysis showed that the expression level of SNHG11 was not statistically associated with CRC survival (P>0.05). shSNHG11#2 group compared with shCtrl group. MTT OD490/570 values decreased, the number of CRC cell clones decreased, the number of Transwell cells decreased, the area of cell scratch decreased, and the apoptosis rate increased (P<0.05). The mesenchymal markers matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), N-cadherin and vimentin were significantly reduced, and the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin was upregulated. The expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl was decreased, and the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax was increased (P<0.05).In vivo experiments showed that lncRNA SNHG11 knockdown inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells, and the expression of Ki67 was reduced in tumours (P<0.05). LncRNA SNHG11 knockdown inhibited the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR.The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002 was able to restore the malignant cytological progression of colorectal cancer cells induced by the overexpression of lncRNA SNHG11. Conclusions: LncRNA SNHG11 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer. lncRNA SNHG11 can promote the malignant progression of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and this finding provides a new theoretical basis for targeted therapy of colorectal cancer.

Eurasian consumers' food safety beliefs and trust issues in the age of COVID-19: evidence from an online survey in 15 countries

BACKGROUND

This investigation provides an important insight into Eurasian consumers' food safety beliefs and trust issues influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted in 15 European and Asian countries involving more than 4000 consumers.

RESULTS

It has confirmed that different socioeconomic characteristics, cultural aspects and education levels shape food safety perceptions within Eurasian countries. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced their beliefs and trust in food safety, which is relatively low on average. However, it is significantly higher for European consumers (especially European Union ones) compared to their Asian counterparts. Both Asian and European respondents agreed that food fraud and climate changes represent a food safety issue. However, European consumers were less concerned regarding the food safety of genetically modified foods and meat and dairy analogs/hybrids. Asian consumers were, to a greater extent, worried about the risk of getting COVID-19 from food, restaurants, food retail establishments and home food deliveries.

CONCLUSION

Eurasian consumers have put their greatest extent of trust, when food safety assurance is concerned, into food scientists and food producers holding a food safety certificate. Broadly, they are uncertain to what extent their federal governments and food inspectors are competent, able and efficient in ensuring food safety. Higher education of Eurasian consumers was followed by increased food safety confidence in all parts of the food chain. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

[Study the involvement of Langerin in mediating epicutaneous sensitization of atopic dermatitis-like mouse model]

Objective: To explore the role of Langerin in mediating epicutaneous sensitization of atopic dermatitis (AD) in mouse model. Methods: Mice were topically treated with calcipotriol (MC903) plus ovalbumin (OVA) on the ears to establish AD mouse models, and mice were divided into wild-type control group, wild-type AD group, Langerin knockout control group, and Langerin knockout AD group. Changes of lesion were daily observed. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, mRNA expression of Tslp, Il4, Il13, Il17a, and Il22, levels of serum total IgE, OVA-specific IgE (sIgE), OVA sIgG1 and OVA sIgG2a, proportion of regulatory T (Treg) cells in cervical draining lymph nodes were evaluated at the end of model preparation. Results: Skin tumidness and thickness, dermal inflammatory cells infiltration, the mRNA expression levels of Tslp, Il4, Il13, Il17a and Il22 in wild-type AD groups were higher than those in wild-type control groups, with (1.80±0.66, 1.64±0.25, 1.71±0.54, 2.41±0.23, 2.49±0.32) and (0.53±0.45, 0.85±0.29, 0.73±0.50, 0.72±0.25, 0.56±0.29), respectively (all P<0.05). In addition, the levels of serum total IgE, OVA sIgE and OVA sIgG1 in wild-type AD groups were higher than those in wild-type control groups, with [(1 216.00±572.70) ng/ml, (597.00±538.30) ng/ml, 1.59±0.09] and [(24.22±35.04) ng/ml, (20.01±41.71) ng/ml, 1.16±0.03], respectively (all P<0.05). In Langerin knockout mice, compared to wild-type mice, skin erythema, skin tumidness, epidermal thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration were more obvious; the mRNA expression levels of Tslp, Il4, Il13, Il17a and Il22 were upregulated with (8.19±6.44, 2.53±0.69, 2.82±0.73, 3.94±1.32, 3.80±1.43) (all P<0.05); the levels of serum total IgE, OVA sIgE and OVA sIgG1 were significantly increased with (2 508.00±657.10) ng/ml, (1 808.00±470.70) ng/ml, (1.73±0.09) (all P<0.05); the number of CD4+CD25+CD127-Treg cells were decreased significantly with (13.25±0.96)% and (15.31±1.47)%, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Langerin is involved in mediating epicutaneous sensitization of the AD mouse model and plays a negative immunoregulatory role.

Prospects and challenges for the application of salty and saltiness-enhancing peptides in low-sodium meat products

A long-term high-sodium diet has been reported to increase the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and other diseases, including osteoporosis, gastric cancer, stomach cancer, and kidney stones. Meat products contain high NaCl content and contribute to approximately 20% of the total sodium intake, so reducing its sodium content has always been the critical focus of industries and researchers. Salty and saltiness-enhancing peptides (SSEP) are a potential salt substitute that exhibits a salt taste or saltiness-enhancing activity. The partial replacement of NaCl by SSEP in low-sodium meat products has been a technological challenge. This review discussed the salt taste transduction mechanism of SSEP. The current studies about preparing SSEP based on different protein sources were summarized. Further, the effects of SSEP combined with other chloride salts, such as KCl and CaCl2, on the sensory properties of meat products were summarized. Finally, the challenges associated with applying the peptide to low-sodium meat products were discussed, focusing on the efficient preparation method and the effect of meat product processing methods and matrices on the efficacy of SSEP.

Selective Conversion of Propane by Electrothermal Catalysis in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Electrochemical conversion of alkanes to high value-added oxygenated products under a mild condition is of significance. Herein, we effectively couple the electrocatalysis of H2 O2 with the thermo-catalysis of propane oxidation in the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Specifically, H2 O2 is in-situ generated on the nitric acid-treated carbon black (C-acid) via 2e- process of oxygen reduction reaction, and then transports to the Fe active sites of MIL-53 (Al, Fe) metal-organic frameworks for propane oxidation. Based on this strategy, the space-time yield of C3 oxygenated products of propane oxidation reaches 2.65 μmol h-1  cm-2 , which represents a new benchmark for electrochemical alkane oxidation in the fuel-cell-type electrolyzer. This study highlights the importance of multifunctional composite catalysts in the field of electrosynthesis.

Molecular detection and genetic characteristics of a novel porcine circovirus (porcine circovirus 4) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in Shaanxi and Henan Provinces of China

Porcine circovirus 4 (PCV4) is a recently discovered circovirus that was first reported in 2019 in several pigs with severe clinical disease in Hunan province of China, and also identified in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). To further investigate the epidemic profile and genetic characteristics of the two viruses, 150 clinical samples were collected from 9 swine farms in Shaanxi and Henan provinces of China, and a SYBR Green I-based duplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was developed for detecting PCV4 and PRRSV simultaneously. The results showed the limits of detection were 41.1 copies/μL and 81.5 copies/μL for PCV4 and PRRSV, respectively. The detection rates of PCV4 and PRRSV were 8.00% (12/150) and 12.00% (18/150) respectively, and a case of co-infection with PCV4 and PRRSV was found in the lung tissue of a suckling pig with respiratory symptom. Subsequently, the complete genomic sequences of five PCV4 strains were obtained, of which one PCV4 strain (SX-ZX) was from Shaanxi province, and these strains were 1770 nucleotides in length and had 97.7%-99.4% genomic identity with 59 PCV4 reference strains. The genome characteristic of the SX-ZX strain was evaluated from three aspects, a "stem-loop" structure, ORF1 and ORF2. As essential elements for the replication, the 17-bp iterative sequence was predicted as the stem structure, in which three non-tandem hexamers were found at downstream with H1/H2 (12-CGGCACACTTCGGCAC-27) as the minimal binding site. Three of the five PCV4 strains were clustered into PCV4b, which was composed of Suidae, fox, dairy cow, dog and raccoon dog. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven PRRSV strains from the present study were clustered into the PRRSV-2 genotype. Collectively, these data extend our understanding of the genome characteristic of PCV4 as well as the molecular epidemiology and the genetic profile of PCV4 and PRRSV.

The Contributions of Trace Elements on Molecular Subtype-Specific Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: Although growing studies have reported the disturbances of trace elements (TEs) homeostasis was closely associated with the occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC), the clinical value of TEs in CRC with different molecular subtypes was largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the correlation between KRAS mutations/MSI status and serum TEs levels in patients with CRC. Methods: The serum concentrations of 18 TEs were detected by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). MSI status (two mononucleotides: BAT25, BAT26, three dinucleotides: D2S123, D5S346, and D17S250), KRAS (G516T, G517A, G518C, G520T, G521A, G522C, and G532A) mutations were detected by the multiplex fluorescent PCR and the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, respectively. The correlations among KRAS mutations/MSI status, demographic and clinical characteristics, and TEs were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results: The propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was adopted to minimize differences between groups. Before PSM, 204 CRC patients were recruited in this study, including 123 KRAS-negative patients and 81 KRAS-positive patients according to the test results of KRAS mutations, and 165 MSS patients and 39 MSI patients based on MSI detection. After PSM, the serum concentration of Mn was significantly lower in CRC patients with KRAS mutations than those without KRAS mutations, and a significant negative correlation was observed between Mn and Pb in the KRAS-positive cases. CRC patients carrying MSI had a significantly lower level of Rb compared to MSS patients. Importantly, Rb was significantly positively correlated with Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn in patients with MSI. Collectively, all our data indicated that the occurrence of different molecular events might be accompanied by different alterations in types and levels of serum TEs. Conclusions: CRC patients with different molecular subtypes presented different alterations in types and levels of serum TEs. Mn was significantly negatively correlated with the KRAS mutations, and Rb was noticeably negatively correlated with the MSI status, indicating certain TEs might contribute to the pathogenesis of molecular subtype-specific colorectal cancer.

Changes of gut microbiota and tricarboxylic acid metabolites may be helpful in early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis: A pilot study

Purpose

We aimed to explore the value of gut microbiota and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolites in early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among infants with abdominal manifestations.

Methods

Thirty-two preterm infants with abdominal manifestations at gestational age ≤ 34 weeks were included in the study and were divided into non-NEC (n = 16) and NEC (n = 16) groups. Faecal samples were collected when the infants were enrolled. The gut microbiota was analysed with high-throughput sequencing, and TCA metabolites were measured with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) targeted metabolomics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to explore the predictive value of the obtained data.

Results

There was no significant difference in alpha diversity or beta diversity between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). At the phylum level, Proteobacteria increased, and Actinomycetota decreased in the NEC group (p &lt; 0.05). At the genus level, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillaceae decreased significantly, and at the species level, unclassified Staphylococcus, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis decreased in the NEC group (p &lt; 0.05). Further Linear discriminant analysis effect sizes (LEfSe) analysis showed that the change in Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium at the genus level scored higher than 4. The concentrations of succinate, L-malic acid and oxaloacetate in the NEC group significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05), and the areas under the ROC curve for these metabolites were 0.6641, 0.7617, and 0.7344, respectively.

Conclusion

Decreased unclassified Staphylococcus, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis at the species level as well as the increase in the contents of some TCA metabolites, including succinate, L-malic acid and oxaloacetate, have potential value for the early diagnosis of NEC.

IRF8 and its related molecules as potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic candidates and immune cell infiltration characteristics in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head

PURPOSE

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) was a refractory orthopedic hip joint disease in the young and middle-aged people, but the pathogenesis of SONFH remained unclear. We aimed to identify the potential genes and screen potential therapeutic compounds for SONFH.

METHODS

The microarray was obtained for blood tissue from the GEO database, and then it identifies differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were analyzed to obtain the differences in immune cell infiltration. The gene functional enrichment analysis of SONFH was analyzed. The PPI of DEGs was identified through the STRING database, and the cluster modules and hub genes were ascertained using MCODE and CytoHubba, and the ROC curve of hub genes was analyzed, and the tissues distribution of hub genes was understood by the HPA, Bgee and BioGPS databases. The hub genes and target miRNAs and corresponding upstream lncRNAs were predicted by TargetScan, miRDB and ENCORI database. Subsequently, we used CMap, DGIdb and L1000FWD databases to identify several potential therapeutic molecular compounds for SONFH. Finally, the AutoDockTools Vina, PyMOL and Discovery Studio were employed for molecular docking analyses between compounds and hub genes.

RESULTS

The microarray dataset GSE123568 was obtained related to SONFH. There were 372 DEGs including 197 upregulated genes and 175 downregulated genes by adjusted P value < 0.01 and |log₂FC|> 1. Several significant GSEA enrichment analysis and biological processes and KEGG pathway associated with SONFH were identified, which were significantly related to cytoskeleton organization, nucleobase-containing compound catabolic process, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, neutrophil-mediated immunity, neutrophil degranulation and neutrophil activation involved in immune response. Activated T cells CD4 memory, B cells naïve, B cells memory, T cells CD8 and T cells gamma delta might be involved in the occurrence and development of SONFH. Three cluster modules were identified in the PPI network, and eleven hub genes including FPR2, LILRB2, MNDA, CCR1, IRF8, TYROBP, TLR1, HCK, TLR8, TLR2 and CCR2 were identified by Cytohubba, which were differed in bone marrow, adipose tissue and blood, and which had good diagnostic performance in SONFH. We identified IRF8 and 10 target miRNAs that was utilized including Targetsan, miRDB and ENCORI databases and 8 corresponding upstream lncRNAs that was revealed by ENCORI database. IRF8 was detected with consistent expression by qRT-PCR. Based on the CMap, DGIdb and L1000FWD databases, the 11 small molecular compounds that were most strongly therapeutic correlated with SONFH were estradiol, genistein, domperidone, lovastatin, myricetin, fenbufen, rosiglitazone, sirolimus, phenformin, vorinostat and vinblastine. All of 11 small molecules had good binding affinity with the IRF8 in molecular docking.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of SONFH was associated with a "multi-target" and "multi-pathway" pattern, especially related to immunity, and IRF8 and its noncoding RNA were closely related to the development of SONFH. The CMap, DGIdb and L1000FWD databases could be effectively used in a systematic manner to predict potential drugs for the prevention and treatment of SONFH. However, additional clinical and experimental research is warranted.

Genetically predicted selenium concentrations and thyroid function: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

The impact of selenium (Se) on human thyroid function remains unclear, with inconsistent results from recent epidemiological studies. Moreover, the observed associations are prone to bias due to potential confounding and reverse causation. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis facilitates the large minimization of biases produced by environmental and lifestyle influences, providing unconfounded estimates of causal effects using instrumental variables. We aim to examine the association between Se concentrations and human thyroid function using a two-sample MR analysis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Genetic instruments for Se concentrations, including toenail and blood (TAB) and blood Se concentrations, were identified from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of blood Se (n = 5477) and toenail Se levels (n = 4162). GWAS summary statistics on thyroid phenotypes were downloaded from the ThyroidOmics consortium, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (n = 54,288), free thyroxin (FT4) (n = 49,269), hypo (n = 53,423), and hyperthyroidism (n = 51,823). The MR study was conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented with the weighted median and the mode-based method.

RESULTS

Genetically determined TAB Se was negatively associated with FT4 (β = -.067; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.106, -0.028; p = 0.001) using the IVW analyses, as well in the additional analyses using the weighted median and weighted-mode methods. No evidence in heterogeneity, pleiotropy or outlier single-nucleotide polymorphisms was detected (all p > 0.05). Suggestive casual association between increased genetically determined TAB Se concentrations and decreased hypothyroidism risk was found by the IVW method (odds ratio [OR] = 0.847; 95% CI = 0.728, 0.985; p = 0.031). The causal effect of TAB Se on FT4 was observed in women (β = -.076; 95% CI = -0.129, -0.024; p = 0.004). However, the influence of genetically determined higher Se concentrations on TSH levels and hyperthyroidism revealed insignificance in the primary and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The present MR study indicated that high Se concentration enable the decreasing of FT4 levels, and the effects of Se concentrations on FT4 remain sex-specific.

Succinate aggravates intestinal injury in mice with necrotizing enterocolitis

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that predominantly threatens preterm newborns. Succinate is an emerging metabolic signaling molecule that was recently studied in relation to the regulation of intestinal immunity and homeostasis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between NEC and gut luminal succinate and preliminarily explored the effect of succinate on NEC pathogenesis.

Methods

Fecal samples from human neonates and mouse pups were analyzed by HPLC - MS/MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, NEC, Lsuc, and Hsuc. The mortality, weight gain, and intestinal pathological changes in four mouse groups were observed. Inflammatory cytokines and markers of macrophages were identified by quantitative real-time PCR. Succinate receptor 1 (SUCNR1) localization was visualized by immunohistochemistry. The protein levels of SUCNR1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (HIF-1a) were quantified by western blotting.

Results

The levels of succinate in feces from NEC patients were higher than those in feces from non-NEC patients (P <0.05). In the murine models, succinate levels in intestinal content samples were also higher in the NEC group than in the control group (P <0.05). The change in succinate level was closely related to intestinal flora composition. In samples from human neonates, relative to the control group, the NEC group showed a higher abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and a lower abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus (P <0.05). In the murine models, relative to the control group, increased abundance was observed for Clostridiaceae, Enterococcaceae, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Enterococcus, whereas decreased abundance was observed for Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus (P <0.05). Increased succinate levels prevented mice from gaining weight, damaged their intestines, and increased their mortality; upregulated the gene expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF); and downregulated the gene expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Exogenous succinic acid increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression but decreased Arginase-1 (Arg1) gene expression; and increased the protein expression of SUCNR1 and HIF-1a.

Conclusion

Succinate plays an important role in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis severity, and the activation of the HIF-1a signaling pathway may lead to disease progression.

Alterations of the gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids in necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced allergic protocolitis infants: A prospective cohort study

Background

Even though presenting with similar clinical manifestations, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and food protein-induced allergic protocolitis (FPIAP) have completely different treatments and prognosis. Our study aimed to quantify and evaluate differences in gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) between infants with NEC and FPIAP to better identify these two diseases in clinical settings.

Methods

A total of 43 infants with NEC or FPIAP in Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China between December 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled. Stool samples were prospectively collected and froze. Infants defined as NEC were those who presented with clinical courses consistent with NEC and whose radiographs fulfilled criteria for Bell's stage 2 or 3 NEC, while those who were healthy in appearance and had blood in the stool (visible or may be microscopic), had normal bowel sounds in physical examination, were resolved after eliminating the causative food, and/or had recurrence of symptoms after oral food challenge (OFC) were defined as FPIAP. Primers specific for bacterial 16S rRNA genes were used to amplify and pyrosequence fecal DNA from stool samples. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology was used to determine the concentrations of SCFAs.

Results

Among the 43 infants, 22 were diagnosed with NEC and 21 were diagnosed with FPIAP. The microbial community structure in NEC infant stools differed significantly from those in FPIAP infant stools. NEC infants had significantly higher proportion of Actinobacteria and reduced proportion of Bacteroidetes compared with FPIAP infants, and the proportions of Halomonas, Acinetobacter, Bifidobacterium, and Stenotrophomonas in NEC infants were significantly higher than that of FPIAP infants. In addition, infants with NEC had significantly lower levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and total SCFAs, and higher level of hexanoic acid as compared to the infants of the FPIAP group.

Conclusions

The differences of gut microbiota composition and concentrations of SCFAs might represent suitable biomarker targets for early identification of NEC and FPIAP.

[Role of brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 in the rat periodontitis-induced liver injury model]

Objective: Brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1) is a core component of hepatocyte molecular clock and plays an important role in the regulation of other related rhythmic genes in the body through a transcriptional-translational feedback loop in molecular circadian oscillations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of BMAL1 in the rat periodontitis-induced liver injury. Methods: Twelve male Wistar rats were divided into the control group and the periodontitis group according to the random number table method. The rats in the control group were untreated. The periodontitis models were established by ligating the necks of the bilateral maxillary first molars in the periodontitis group rats. After 8 weeks, periodontal clinical indexes of rats in both groups were examined and executed. Micro-CT scans of the maxilla were performed and levels of the alveolar bone resorption were analyzed. Pathological changes in periodontal and liver tissue of rats in two groups were detected by HE and oil red O staining. Biochemical kits were used to detect glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in serum. The gene and protein expression levels of BMAL1, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in liver tissue were measured by real time fluorescent quantitative-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting (WB) assays. Apoptosis was detected in liver tissues by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) kit staining. Results: The results of HE staining of maxillary first molars and micro-CT results of maxillary bones showed that alveolar bone resorption was significant in the periodontitis group of rats. The liver histopathology results showed infiltrated inflammatory cells in the liver tissue, disorganized liver cords and a large number of lipid droplets formed in the hepatocytes of the periodontitis group compared with the control group. The results of serum biochemical assay showed that the levels of GOT [(62.77±2.59) U/L], GPT [(47.54±1.04) U/L], TC [(3.19±0.23) mmol/L] and TG [(1.11±0.09) mmol/L] in the serum of rats with periodontitis were significantly higher than that in the control group respectively [GOT: (38.66±2.47) U/L, GPT: (31.48±1.57) U/L, TC: (1.60±0.05) mmol/L and TG: (0.61±0.09) mmol/L](P=0.003, P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.038). qRT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression level of BMAL1 was significantly decreased in liver tissue of the periodontitis group [(0.60±0.04)%] compared to the control group [(1.01±0.07)%] (t=4.80, P=0.009), while the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB and TNF-α [(1.62±0.12)%, (2.69±0.16)%] were significantly increased compared to the control group [(1.00±0.03)%, (1.03±0.16)%] (P=0.008, P=0.002); IHC results showed that the protein expression level of BMAL1 in liver tissue of the periodontitis group (averaged optical density, AOD) (11.58±2.15) was down-regulated compared to the control group (AOD) (22.66±1.67) (P=0.015), while NF-κB and TNF-α (AOD) (31.77±2.69, 24.31±2.32) were up-regulated compared to the control group (AOD) (19.40±1.82, 11.92±0.94) (P=0.019, P=0.008). WB results showed that the protein expression level of BMAL1 in liver tissue was down-regulated in the periodontitis group [(0.63±0.10)%] compared to the control group [(1.00±0.06)%] (t=3.19, P=0.033), while NF-κB and TNF-α [(1.61±0.12)%, (2.82±0.23)%] were up-regulated compared to the control group [(1.00±0.12)%, (1.00±0.11)%] (P=0.022, P=0.002). TUNEL staining showed increased apoptotic cells in the liver tissue of the periodontitis group of rats compared to the control group. Conclusions: Periodontitis may induce liver injury by down-regulating the BMAL1 expression levels in liver tissue, which in turn activates NF-κB signaling molecules, leading to the elevated levels of inflammation and apoptosis in rat liver.

Educational attainment and offspring birth weight: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Background: The association between educational attainment (EA) and offspring birth weight (BW) has been reported by several traditional epidemiological studies. However, evidence for this association tends to be mixed and confounded. This study aimed to investigate the causal association between EA of parents and offspring BW. Methods: Here, we carried out a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causal association between EA of males (n = 131,695) and females (n = 162,028) and offspring BW using genetic instruments. Summary statistics of EA associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted from a GWAS incorporating 293,723 individuals of European descent performed by the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium (SSGAC), and the effects of these SNPs on offspring BW were estimated using a GWAS meta-analysis of 86,577 participants of European descent from 25 studies. Univariable MR analyses were conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and four other methods. Further sensitivity analyses were carried out to test the viability of the results. Multivariable MR was used to examine the confounders between the exposure and outcome. Results: The result shows evidence that the offspring BW is positively causally affected by female EA. Each one standard deviation (SD) increase in female EA was associated with 0.24 SD higher of offspring BW (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10 to 0.37, p < 0.001 for the IVW method). Similarly, change in offspring BW was 0.21 SD (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.34, p = 2.82 × 10-3) per one SD higher in male EA. No causal effect of BW on EA was found by any of the five methods. The causal association between female EA and offspring BW maintained after adjusting for alcoholic drinks per week and BMI. The effect of male EA on offspring BW was attenuated when we adjusted for BMI and alcoholic drinks per week using multivariable MR analysis. Conclusion: Our study indicated that female EA is positively causally associated with offspring BW. The association between male EA and offspring BW may be confounded by alcoholic drinks per week and BMI.

Gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids may be new biomarkers for predicting neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: A pilot study

Background

Dysbacteriosis is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We aimed to identify new biomarkers among gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) for the early prediction of NEC.

Materials and methods

Thirty-four preterm infants with gestational ages of ≤ 34 weeks who developed gastrointestinal symptoms were divided into the NEC group (n = 17) and non-NEC group (n = 17). In the NEC group, the gut microbiota and SCFAs in feces were assessed when the infants were enrolled (Group P) and when they were diagnosed with NEC (Group N). In the non-NEC group, samples were assessed when the infants were enrolled (Group C).

Results

The Ace and Chao1 indices were higher in Group P than in Group C (P &lt; 0.05), and there was no difference between Groups C and N or between Groups P and N (P &gt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Simpson and Shannon indices among Groups C, P and N (P &gt; 0.05). The four main phyla showed no differences (P &gt; 0.05) in composition, while at the genus level, compared with Group C, in Group P, Clostridioides, Blautia and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 were increased, while Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were decreased (P &lt; 0.05). At the species level, Streptococcus salivarius and Rothia mucilaginosa increased, while Bifidobacterium animals subsp. lactis decreased (P &lt; 0.05). In Group N, at the genus level, Stenotrophomonas, Streptococcus and Prevotella increased (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with those in Group C, the levels of acetic acid, propanoic acid and butyric acid decreased significantly in Groups P and N (P &lt; 0.05), and the areas under the curves (AUCs) of these three SCFAs between groups C and P were 0.73, 0.70, and 0.68, respectively.

Conclusion

The increase in Streptococcus salivarius and Rothia mucilaginosa and decrease in Bifidobacterium_animals_subsp._lactis, as well as the decrease in acetic, propionic and butyric acids, may help in the early prediction of NEC.

Angular dependence of spin-flop transition in triangular lattice antiferromagnet Cu2(OH)3Br

We report angular dependence of spin-flop transition in triangular lattice antiferromagnet Cu₂(OH)₃Br by angle-dependent magnetization and ESR measurements. The results show that the antiferromagnetic easy magnetization axis is the diagonal direction (θ= 45°) of theac^*plane, i.e., the orientation of Cu1 spins based on the magnetic structure (2020Phys. Rev. Lett.125037204), whereas the spin-flop axis is thebaxis. A phenomenological model is proposed to describe the angle-dependent spin-flop transitions. Based on this model, Cu1 spins are sensitive to external magnetic field, while Cu2 spins are robust against to the field, showing partial decoupling. The model is expected to be used in other uniaxial antiferromagnets with a more general easy axis and complex spin-flop transitions.

[Wan's gynecology and obstetrics (Wan Shi Nv Ke) collected by the library of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences]

Wan's gynecology and obstetrics (Wan Shi Nv Ke), collected by the library of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, was examined with the field method. It was found some issues existed both in the recording and description of Wan's gynecology and obstetrics (Wan Shi Nv Ke) collected by the library of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in the electronic catalogue of ancient books and in the General catalogue of ancient books of traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Guo Zhong Yi Gu Ji Zong Mu), in terms of the same version with different registration, wrong publication time, some contents missed in publication, and the version actually not collected.

Differences in the Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolites Associated With Feeding Intolerance in VLBW Infants With a Gestational Age of ≤ 30 Weeks: A Pilot Study

Objective

To explore the main variations in gut microbiota compositions, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations and autoinducer-2 (AI-2) levels in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants with feeding intolerance (FI).

Methods

Twenty-seven VLBW infants with gestational ages of ≤30 weeks were divided into the FI group (n=14) and feeding tolerance (FT) group (n=13). The gut microbiota composition and SCFAs concentrations and AI-2 levels in feces were detected at 2 and 4 weeks after birth.

Results

There was no difference in alpha diversity between the two groups at 2 and 4 weeks after birth (P>0.05). Although the Chao index decreased (P<0.05), there was no difference in the Shannon index from 2 weeks to 4 weeks in either the FI or FT group (P>0.05). Additionally, there was no difference in beta diversity between the FI and FT groups at 2 weeks (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in beta diversity between the two groups at 4 weeks (P<0.05) and a large difference from 2 weeks to 4 weeks in both the FI and FT groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the composition of the microbiota at 4 weeks was significantly different from that at 2 weeks in the FI group (P<0.05). The Veillonella abundance was lower at 4 weeks in the FI group (P<0.05), but there were no differences in the compositions of the other main microbes between the two groups (P>0.05). Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were dominant in both the FI and FT groups. The concentrations of propanoic, valeric and hexanoic acids were lower in the FI group at 2 weeks, and the levels of isobutyric and valeric acids were lower at 4 weeks after birth (P<0.05). The areas under the curves (AUCs) of propanoic, butanoic and valeric acids in predicting FI were 0.878, 0.816 and 0.744, respectively. Compared with that in the FT group, the relative bioluminescence of AI-2 was lower in the FI group at 2 weeks (P<0.05), and the AUC was 0.736.

Conclusions

The main composition of the microbiota was not obviously different in infants with FI. Some SCFAs and AI-2 have moderate value in predicting FI.

Endogenous Ca2+ release was involved in 50-Hz MF-induced proliferation via Akt-SK1 signal cascade in human amniotic epithelial cells

The mechanism underlying the biological effects caused by an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is still unclear. Previously, we found that L-type calcium channel and sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) were involved in 50-Hz MF exposure-induced cell proliferation. In the present study, the role of intracellular Ca²⁺ and signal molecules related to SK1 in cell proliferation induced by 50-Hz MF was investigated in human amniotic epithelial (FL) cells. Results showed that the intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator, BAPTA, could completely inhibit 50-Hz MF-induced cell proliferation, whereas NIF, the inhibitor of L-type calcium channel, only partly blocked it. When cells were cultured in calcium-free medium, MF exposure also increased intracellular Ca²⁺, activated SK1 and promoted cell proliferation although all of those increasing levels were lower than those in complete medium. Moreover, MF-activated SK1 could be completely inhibited by BAPTA, and MF-induced cell proliferation was abolished by SKI II, the specific inhibitor of SK1. Additionally, a 50-Hz MF exposure did not affect the activation of ERK and PKCα under the condition of calcium-free medium, but activated the Akt, which could be precluded entirely by BAPTA, but not be inhibited by NIF. Treatment of FL cells with LY294002, the inhibitor of Akt, could delete the MF-induced SK1 activation under the condition of calcium-free medium. Based on the data from the present experiment, it is concluded that endogenous Ca²⁺ release was involved in 50-Hz MF-induced cell proliferation via Akt-SK1 signal cascade.

Efficacy of Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise vs Physical Therapy Modalities for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Therapeutic aquatic exercise is frequently offered to patients with chronic low back pain, but its long-term benefits are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term effects of therapeutic aquatic exercise on people with chronic low back pain.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This 3-month, single-blind randomized clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up period was performed from September 10, 2018, to March 12, 2019, and the trial follow-up was completed March 17, 2020. A total of 113 people with chronic low back pain were included in the experiment.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized to either the therapeutic aquatic exercise or the physical therapy modalities group. The therapeutic aquatic exercise group received aquatic exercise, whereas the physical therapy modalities group received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and infrared ray thermal therapy. Both interventions were performed for 60 minutes twice a week for 3 months.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was disability level, which was measured using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire; scores range from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating more severe disability. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, quality of life, sleep quality, recommendation of intervention, and minimal clinically important difference. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 113 participants, 59 were women (52.2%) (mean [SD] age, 31.0 [11.5] years). Participants were randomly allocated into the therapeutic aquatic exercise group (n = 56) or the physical therapy modalities group (n = 57), and 98 patients (86.7%) completed the 12-month follow-up. Compared with the physical therapy modalities group, the therapeutic aquatic exercise group showed greater alleviation of disability, with adjusted mean group differences of -1.77 (95% CI, -3.02 to -0.51; P = .006) after the 3-month intervention, -2.42 (95% CI, -4.13 to -0.70; P = .006) at the 6-month follow-up, and -3.61 (95% CI, -5.63 to -1.58; P = .001) at the 12-month follow-up (P < .001 for overall group × time interaction). At the 12-month follow-up point, improvements were significantly greater in the therapeutic aquatic exercise group vs the physical therapy modalities group in the number of participants who met the minimal clinically important difference in pain (at least a 2-point improvement on the numeric rating scale) (most severe pain, 30 [53.57%] vs 12 [21.05%]; average pain, 14 [25%] vs 11 [19.30%]; and current pain, 22 [39.29%] vs 10 [17.54%]) and disability (at least a 5-point improvement on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) (26 [46.43%] vs 4 [7.02%]). One of the 56 participants (1.8%) in the therapeutic aquatic exercise group vs 2 of the 57 participants (3.5%) in the physical therapy modalities group experienced low back pain and other pains related to the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The therapeutic aquatic exercise program led to greater alleviation in patients with chronic low back pain than physical therapy modalities and had a long-term effect up to 12 months. This finding may prompt clinicians to recommend therapeutic aquatic exercise to patients with chronic low back pain as part of treatment to improve their health through active exercise rather than relying on passive relaxation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800016396.

Serum Relmβ combined with abdominal signs may predict surgical timing in neonates with NEC: A cohort study

AIMS

To examine the predictive value of serum biomarkers combined with other indicators for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) surgery decision-making.

METHODS

Clinical data, including baseline information, clinical features, imaging presentation and serum assessment, of the infants enrolled were collected, and the serum concentrations of HBD2, HMGB-1, Claudin-3 and Relmβ were determined. Student's t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also generated.

RESULTS

Forty-nine infants were enrolled, with 23 in the surgical NEC group and 26 in the medical NEC group. There were no differences in the baseline clinical information, including birth weight, gestational age, admission age and risk factors, during pregnancy and before enrollment (P > 0.05). Peritonitis, intestinal adhesion and sepsis were more common in the surgical group (P < 0.05). The incidences of abdominal distention, abdominal wall tenseness, abdominal tenderness and absent bowel sounds in the surgical group were significantly higher when NEC occurred (P < 0.05). There were no differences between the two groups in the imaging presentation (P > 0.05). The concentration of Relmβ {[8.66 (4.29, 19.28) vs. 20.65 (9.51, 44.65)]} in the surgical group was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Abdominal wall tenseness, abdominal tenderness and a Relmβ concentration > 19.7 μmol/L were included in the predictive model, and the AUC of the predictive score was 0.943 (95% CI: 0.891-1.000) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Serum Relmβ concentration combined with abdominal wall tenseness and abdominal tenderness may be useful in determining surgical timing in neonates with NEC.

An ICT-FRET-based fluorescent probe for ratiometric sensing hypochlorous acid based on a coumarin-naphthalimide derivative

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is one of the most important reactive oxygen species (ROS), and plays an important role in pathological processes and relevant diseases. However, the highly sensitive/selective detection of...

Risk Factors and Clinical Characteristics of Neonatal Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Early Onset Sepsis

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in infants with early onset sepsis (EOS) and to describe the clinical features.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2000 and October 2020. The infants were divided into ARDS and non-ARDS groups. Clinical characteristics and risk factors were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty infants (58 with ARDS) were included. Smaller gestational age, lower birth weight (LBW), lower serum albumin level, a higher rate of preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, antenatal steroid exposure, and lower Apgar score were associated with an increased development of ARDS by univariate analysis (P < 0.05). LBW (β = -0.001, P = 0.000, OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998-0.999) and low serum albumin levels (β = -0.063, P = 0.022, OR: 0.939, 95% CI: 0.889-0.991) were identified as independent risk factors for the development of ARDS by logistic regression analysis. A higher frequency of complications, including persistent pulmonary hypertension, intraventricular hemorrhage, pulmonary hemorrhage, septic shock, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, was found in the ARDS group (P < 0.05). The rate of mortality was higher for those in the ARDS group than for those in the non-ARDS group (46.6% vs. 15.6%, χ² = 24.205, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in EOS could lead to a higher frequency of complications and mortality. The risk factors for the development of ARDS were LBW and low serum albumin levels.

Fecal HBD-2 and Claudin-3 may be potential biomarkers to predict the deterioration of necrotizing enterocolitis: A prospective study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal disease. We aim to explore the value of fecal human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2), Claudin-3, high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1), and resistin-like molecule β (Relmβ) as well as some laboratory metrics to predict the deterioration of NEC.

METHODS

Infants diagnosed with NEC at Stage II were enrolled in our study. Those who progressed to Stage III were included in the Stage III group and the rest were included in the Stage II group. Clinical data and laboratory metrics of the infants were collected. Fecal samples of HBD2, HMGB-1, Claudin-3, and Relmβ collected during their enrollment were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Student's t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the chi-square test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and logistic regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Sixty infants diagnosed with NEC at Stage II were enrolled in our study, with 27 in the Stage III group (n = 27) and 33 in the Stage II group (n = 33). Although many of these NEC cases were late preterm and term infants, the infants in the Stage III group had a lower gestational age (P < 0.05). The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, peritonitis, intestinal adhesion, and sepsis was higher and more infants in the Stage III group underwent surgeries (P < 0.05). The levels of HBD-2 and Claudin-3 were higher and neutrophil count was lower in the Stage III group than in the Stage II Group, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.754, 0,755, and 0.666, respectively (P < 0.05). HBD-2 ≥ 1649.02 ng/g and Claudin-3 ≥ 2488.71 pg/g were included in the multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05), and the AUC of the model was 0.805 (95% CI: 0.688-0.922).

CONCLUSION

Fecal HBD-2 and Claudin-3 may be potential biomarkers to predict the deterioration of NEC from Stage II to Stage III.

Increasing calcium phosphate aqueous solubility and spontaneous supersaturation combining citrate and gluconate with perspectives for functional foods

Uptake of calcium from food depends on solubility of calcium salts in the intestines, and precipitation of calcium phosphates decreases bioaccessibility of food calcium. Citrate as a high affinity complex binder for calcium was found spontaneously to create strongly supersaturated solutions by rapid dissolution of calcium hydrogen phosphate characterized by short lag phases for precipitation. Gluconate with weaker affinity for calcium binding showed longer lag phases for precipitation from supersaturated solutions. For citrate/gluconate combinations, the highest degree of supersaturation with longest lag phases for precipitation were found by trial-and-error experiments for a citrate/gluconate ratio of 1:10 for dissolution of calcium hydrogen phosphate resulting in supersaturation factors around three and without precipitation for more than a month. The aim of the present study was to provide a physicochemical explanation of this robust supersaturation. Calcium speciation based on electrochemical calcium activity measurement identified a low [Ca²⁺]·[HCitr^2-] product as critical for supersaturation.

Effect of the course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids in feces of very low birth weight infants: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of the course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

METHODS

A total of 29 VLBW infants who were admitted to the Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University from June to December 2020 were enrolled as subjects for this prospective study. According to the course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, they were divided into two groups: ≤7 days (n=9) and >7 days (n=20). Fecal samples were collected on days 14 and 28 of hospitalization, and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the flora and SCFAs in fecal samples.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in Chao index of the intestinal flora in the ≤7 days group and the >7 days group from week 2 to week 4 (P<0.05). In the ≤7 days group, there were significant increases in the proportions of Firmicutes and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and a significant reduction in the proportion of Proteobacteria from week 2 to week 4 (P<0.05). At week 4, compared with the ≤7 days group, the >7 days group had significant reductions in the proportions of Firmicutes and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and a significant increase in the proportion of Proteobacteria (P<0.05), as well as significant reductions in the content of isobutyric acid and valeric acid (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The course of treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics can affect the abundance, colonization, and evolution of intestinal flora and the content of their metabolites SCFAs in VLBW infants. The indication and treatment course for broad-spectrum antibiotics should be strictly controlled in clinical practice.

Enthalpy-entropy compensation in calcium binding to acid-base forms of glycine tyrosine dipeptides from hydrolysis of α-lactalbumin

Calcium binding to peptides formed by hydrolysis of whey proteins during digestion is important for calcium uptake in the intestines and affects the antioxidant function of the peptides. For the two dipeptides, Gly-Tyr and Tyr-Gly, potential hydrolysis products of α-lactalbumin, calcium binding to the three forms of each dipeptide in acid-base equilibrium at intestinal pH was determined electrochemically and compared to binding to tyrosine for aqueous 0.16 M NaCl for 5 < pH < 9 at 15 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C. At milk pH at 25 °C, binding of calcium to the zwitterion of GlyTyr dominates, with an association constant K_ass2 = 22 M^-1 with ΔH⁰ = -46 kJ·mol^-1, while binding to the mononegative TyrGly dominates for TyrGly with K_ass3 = 32 M^-1 and ΔH⁰ = -38 kJ·mol^-1. At intestinal conditions, pH = 7 and 37 °C, binding of calcium has similar affinity for GlyTyr and TyrGly, while at higher pH and lower temperature, GlyTyr binds stronger. Density Functional Theory calculations confirmed a stronger binding to the zwitterion of GlyTyr than of TyrGly and an increasing affinity with increasing pH for both. Calcium binding to the acid/base forms of the dipeptides is at neutral pH strongly exothermic with ΔH⁰ becoming less negative at higher pH, and a linear enthalpy-entropy compensation (r² = 0.99) results in comparable binding important for calcium bioavailability along the changing distribution among acid-base forms. Calcium binding decreases radical scavenging rate and antioxidative activity of both dipeptides.

Exogenous Autoinducer-2 Rescues Intestinal Dysbiosis and Intestinal Inflammation in a Neonatal Mouse Necrotizing Enterocolitis Model

Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is believed to be a bacterial interspecies signaling molecule that plays an important role in the regulation of the physiological behaviors of bacteria. The effect of AI-2 on the process of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is unknown, and the aim of this study was to study the effect of AI-2 in a mouse NEC model. C57BL/6 mouse pups were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, the NEC group, and the NEC+AI-2 (NA) group. Exogenous AI-2 (500 nM) was added to the formula milk of the NA group. The concentrations of fecal AI-2 and flora were tested. The expression of cytokines, TLR4 and NF-κB in intestinal tissue was detected. The AI-2 level was significantly decreased in the NEC group (P<0.05). Compared with the NEC group, the intestinal injury scores, expression of TLR4, NF-kB, and proinflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) were reduced, and expression of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) was increased in the NA group mice (P<0.05). At the phylum level, the Proteobacteria abundance in the NA group was significantly increased, while the Bacteroidota abundance in the control group was significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, Helicobacter and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 exhibited significantly greater abundance in the NEC group than in the other two groups, while Lactobacillus had the opposite trend (P<0.05). In addition, the abundances of Klebsiella, Rodentibacter and Enterococcus were significantly higher in the NA group than in the NEC and control groups (P < 0.05). Exogenous AI-2 partially reverses flora disorder and decreases inflammation in an NEC mouse model.

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Anticipatory Delay of Core Muscles in Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on the anticipatory delay of core muscles in nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) patients.

Methods

Forty participants with NSLBP were randomly divided into the WBV group and the control group. The sEMG signals of deltoid, erector spines (ES), multifidus (MF), rectus abdominis (RA), and transversus abdominus/internal oblique muscles (TrA/IO) were recorded before and after the intervention in the weight-shifting task. The relative activation time of each muscle was calculated.

Results

In the WBV group, the relative activation time of bilateral MF and bilateral TrA/IO was significantly reduced on shoulder flexion (right MF: P=0.014; left MF: P=0.011; right TrA/IO: P=0.008; left TrA/IO: P=0.026). As for shoulder abduction, except for the left TrA/IO and the left RA, the relative activation time of other muscles was significantly reduced (right ES: P=0.001; left ES: P < 0.001; right MF: P=0.001; left MF: P=0.009; right TrA/IO: P < 0.001; right RA: P=0.001). In the control group, there was no significant difference in the relative activation time of each muscle before and after the intervention (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

WBV exercise can effectively alleviate the anticipatory delay of core muscles in NSLBP patients, but the long-term effects still need further study. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-TRC-13003708.

[An interview with YU Ying-ao-a scholar in clinical literature]

Professor Ying-ao YU came from a family with medical background and studied under the guidance of Bo-wei QIN. He graduated from Shanghai Second Medical College. He also was a graduate of the first session of the Integrated Medicine in China. After that, he was assigned to the editorial office of the Academy of Chinese Medicine, engaging in the study of clinical literature of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). With National Medical Master Zhi-zheng LU, he went to Baotou Steel Staff Hospital in Inner Mongolia to implement TCM training. He has devoted himself to research of TCM clinical literature and his clinical practice for more than 60 years. Based on this work, he developed his own clinical diagnosis and treatment model entitled Differentiation of Diseases, Differentiation of Symptoms and Signs-General Therapy-Treatment through Prescription-Treatment through Clinical Symptoms and Signs. This model makes an outstanding contribution to clinical TCM and clinical literature research. The author interviewed Professor YU systematically in terms of his experiences in TCM clinically and his cultural heritage in TCM clinical philology to share with readers.

Strontium increasing calcium accessibility from calcium citrate

Strontium chloride added to aqueous suspensions of metastable calcium citrate tetrahydrate increased calcium ion activity measured electrochemically without transition of metastable tetrahydrate to stable calcium citrate hexahydrate as shown by DSC. Calcium activity increase was explained by lower solubility of strontium citrate pentahydrate formed (8.9 × 10^-4 M at 25 °C) increasing with temperature compared to calcium citrate tetrahydrate (1.6 × 10^-3 M) decreasing with temperature. Strontium binding to citrate was found endothermic, ΔH⁰ = 45 kJ∙mol^-1 at 25 °C, while calcium binding shows variation from ΔH⁰ = 94 kJ∙mol^-1 at 10 °C becoming exothermic above physiological temperature with ΔH⁰ = -9 kJ∙mol^-1 at 45 °C as determined from temperature and concentration variation in electric conductivity. These differences in solution thermodynamics and pH effect on complex formation between calcium and strontium citrate are discussed in relation to biomineralization.

Prognostic significance of lymph node ratio in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth

The lymph node ratio (LNR) has been proposed as an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, little attention has been paid to its role in the specific subsite of the floor of the mouth (FOM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of the LNR in patients with FOM SCC. A retrospective analysis of 92 patients with FOM SCC who were treated with primary curative resection and neck dissection was conducted. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of the LNR. Both of these parameters were significantly worse (P < 0.001) in patients with neck metastases. The mean LNR was 0.145 in patients with positive lymph nodes. A LNR <0.145 was predictive of longer DFS, while the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that a LNR ≥0.175 indicated a significantly lower OS. This study confirms that metastatic cervical lymph nodes correlate with an adverse prognosis in patients with FOM SCC, and specifically, a LNR ≥0.145 is predictive. Therefore, the LNR in patients with FOM SCC may be a predictor of survival in these patients.

Boston vs. Providence brace in treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex condition characterized by a lateral curvature and axial rotational deformity of the spine. Though bracing is effective, a need remains to identify the effect brace type has on spine curvature. To examine differences in patient demographics between the Boston and Providence brace, determine the corrective change in Cobb angle and RVAD and investigate the effect of brace type on curvature over time. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 105 patients diagnosed with AIS from 2013-2016 at CHW. Five spinal parameters were measured: Cobb angle, Risser, RVAD, kyphosis and lordosis. Data was collected before bracing, in-brace and at 24 months. A final treatment outcome of either Cobb angle correction (reduction >5°), stabilization (change ±5°) or progression (deterioration >5°) was then evaluated. Providence brace provided significantly greater in-brace thoracolumbar Cobb angle and RVAD reduction in comparison to the Boston brace (Cobb angle -21.9° vs. -12.5°; RVAD: -1.8° vs. 1.62°). Similarly, Providence users had a significantly smaller increase in Cobb angle and RVAD over time (Cobb angle: thoracic 14.2° vs. 15.0°; thoracolumbar 23.6° vs. 26.0°; RVAD: 5.2° vs. 8.5°). Ultimately, no significant difference in final treatment outcome was established between brace groups. Although the Providence brace provides less of an increase in thoracic and thoracolumbar curvatures over time, both braces are an effective treatment and achieve comparable outcomes. Selection of braces may vary with primary curve angle, curve location, patient compliance and quality of life.

Effect of adjunct thoracoplasty on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis patients' 3D back contour

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of a thoracoplasty procedure in addition to a posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation on an Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patient's 3D back contour as measured by surface topography. We performed a retrospective review to identify patients who were treated with posterior spinal fusion with spinal instrumentation and those who were treated with an additional thoracoplasty procedure. We analyzed changes in surface topography measurements between these two groups using t-test and ANCOVA statistical analyses. Although there were no statistically significant differences in 11 of 12 variables, thoracoplasty-posterior spinal fusion (n=10) group had a mean 6.6 unit reduction in trunk asymmetry while the posterior spinal fusion group (n=26) had a mean 22.8 unit reduction in trunk asymmetry (p-value<0.05). The posterior spinal fusion group and thoracoplasty-posterior spinal fusion group were not shown to have clinically significant differences in 3D back contour correction. An additional thoracoplasty procedure does not provide better correction in the transverse plane and in fact had a smaller degree of trunk asymmetry correction. This supports the current trends of decreasing use of thoracoplasty in AIS patients to address severe rib hump deformities given concerns for decreased post-operative lung function and alternative methods of vertebral body derotation, such as thoracic pedicle screws.

Effect of PSSE on postural sway in AIS using center of pressure

We haven't known whether the center of pressure (COP) could be considered as a better indicator in the evaluation of posture and balance change after the physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) during level walking. The objective of this study was: 1) to determine changes in COP displacement in anterior-posterior (COP-AP) and medial-lateral (COP-ML) for AIS following the PSSE; 2) to find out COP oscillation(COP-OS) from the midline for the left and right foot; 3) to investigate max pressure at the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot bilaterally. AIS patients with three reflective markers on their back walked on the pressure sensors embedded treadmill at 2 km/h and their trunks were also registered by DIERS Formetric 4D system. Each child received the PSSE for 12 weeks by the same physical therapist and had a dynamic pressure analysis before and after the PSSE. Six AIS children at a mean age of 13 years and with averaged major Cobb angle of 26° were enrolled. There was an increase in COP-AP (15%) and a decrease in the COP-ML (-25%) following the PSSE. COP-OS on the left foot shifted farther away from the midline (about 16%) as the right side moved closer (-1%), which becomes more symmetrical (Pre-PSSE: 0.86mm & Post-PSSE: 0.32mm). There were increased pressures on the left (35%) and right (26%) hallux after PSSE. Pressure metrics, especially including COP-ML, COP-AP, COP-OS, and peak pressures on the forefoot, may be opted as optimal predictors to posture improvements by the means of PSSE.

[Application of endobronchial ultrasound in children: an analysis of 4 cases]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility, clinical efficacy and safety of endobronchial ultasound (EBUS) in children. Methods: The radiological features, EBUS images, pathological results and intraoperative and postoperative complications of 3 cases who underwent EBUS examination and 1 case who underwent EBUS guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 4 cases, 2 were males and 2 were females, with the onset age of 7.4-9.2 years. The child who underwent successful EBUS-TBNA was presented with fever and diagnosed with mediastinal lymphadenopathy before the operation, and the postoperative pathology indicated histiocytic necrotic lymphadenitis (HNL). The other 3 children diagnosed with primary airway tumors, whose pre-operative CT imaging found no infiltration in extra-bronchial structures, had the masses resected through EBUS. According to postoperative pathological findings, two were diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma and one with bronchial leiomyoma. The lesions were located at the opening of the right main bronchus in 1 case and at the main airway in 2 cases. EBUS showed abnormal echogenicity of the tracheal wall in the 3 cases, including hyperechoic area in the water capsule and mucous layer, relatively hypoechoic area in the submucosal smooth muscle layer, hyperechoic area in the inner cartilage layer, hypoechoic in the cartilage layer and hyperechoic in the outer cartilage layer. In one case, structural disorder of the submucosal smooth muscle layer and partial disruption of the cartilage layer of the tracheal wall were found at the lesion site, while the other 2 cases had intact tracheal wall structure. There were no postoperative complications such as pneumothorax or hemoptysis in the 4 children. Conclusion: EBUS is a safe and feasible technique for evaluating mediastinal lymph node enlargement and the degree of airway wall infiltration in primary airway tumor.

[Clinical features and interventional bronchoscopic treatment of primary airway tumor in 8 children]

Objective: To summarize the clinical manifestations and to evaluate the feasibility of therapeutic bronchoscopy in pediatric primary airway tumors. Methods: The clinical data of 8 children presented with airway tumors in Beijing Children's Hospital from November 2016 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the outcome and prognosis of these children after interventional bronchoscopy. Results: Among the 8 children, 5 were male and 3 were female, aged from 4 years and 8 months to 9 years and 2 months. The main clinical manifestations were cough and wheezing in 6 cases, hemoptysis in 3 cases and recurrent pulmonary infection in 2 cases, and none of them had lymph node metastasis and extra-pulmonary metastasis. All 8 children underwent bronchoscopic resection of the tumors, and the 4 children with blood-rich tumors had bronchial artery embolization at the blood supply site before the resection. No major bleeding or pneumothorax occurred during or after the operation. Four cases had low grade malignant bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 2 had inflammatory myofibroblastoma, and the rest two had pleomorphic adenoma and bronchial smooth muscle spindle cell tumor. Postoperative follow-up lasted 2 to 4 years, and 3 had tumor recured. Among the 3 cases, 2 had inflammatory myofibroblastoma who underwent surgical resection of the lesion and combined chemotherapy, respectively; and one had mucoepidermoid carcinoma who was under follow-up after interventional cryotherapy. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of primary airway tumors in children are atypical. The main clinical manifestations are dry cough, wheezing, recurrent pulmonary infection and hemoptysis. Interventional bronchoscopy is a feasible choice for the treatment of pediatric airway tumors.

[Treatment of Wastewater Containing Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid by Persulfate Oxidation]

Naphthalene sulfonic acid is widely used in the industry. In this study, H acid (1-amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid) was selected as the characteristic pollutant, and the alkali-activated, thermally-activated, and alkali-heat-complex activated persulfate (PS) degradation of H acid was analyzed. The effects of other factors on complex activation were discussed. The experimental results showed that with the addition of calcium oxide from 0 to 1250 mg ·L^-1, the H acid removal rate increased from 42.5% to 82.8% after 100 min of reaction. The removal rate of H acid in thermal activation is positively correlated with temperature. The removal rate of H acid at 65℃ is 77.5%, and the apparent activation energy is 37.85 kJ ·mol^-1. Although composite activation speeds up the reaction rate, rapid degradation of PS at high temperatures caused the degradation of H acid to be worse than single thermal activation. The change in PS concentration did not significantly improve the removal rate of H acid, and the inorganic anion CO₃^2- was not conducive to the removal of H acid. Compound activation is not ideal for the mineralization of H acid, and the removal rate of TOC is only 16%. GC-MS identified the degradation product of H acid as terephthalic acid, indicating that phthalic anhydride may be formed after the naphthalene ring is opened.

MiR-1207-5p/CX3CR1 axis regulates the progression of osteoarthritis via the modulation of the activity of NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic diseases characterized by formation of osteophytes and degradation of articular cartilage. Previous evidence has identified the regulatory effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) in OA. The goal of this study is to clearly explore the biological function of miR-1207-5p in OA.

METHODS

MiR-1207-5p and C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) expression in OA cartilages were revealed by accessing to Gene Expression Omnibus database. In vitro OA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted to detect the expression level of genes. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometric experiments were performed to investigate the proliferation and apoptosis capacities of CHON-001 cells. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the binding site of miR-1207-5p and CX3CR1, the connections of which were ascertained using luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

MiR-1207-5p expression was decreased while CX3CR1 was increased in OA cartilages. Up-regulation of miR-1207-5p alleviated the LPS-induced damage in the view of cell proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. A target of miR-1207-5p CX3CR1, its down-regulation intensified the impacts of miR-1207-5p mimic, promoted proliferation and mitigated apoptosis. LPS exposure increased the protein expression of the phosphorylated IκBα and P65, and this phenomena was reversed due to miR-1207-5p up-regulation and CX3CR1 knockdown. The treatment of Betulinic acid (BA; an activator of nuclear factor-κB pathway) reversed the miR-1207-5p mimic-induced inhibitory effect on apoptosis in LPS-treated CHON-001.

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight that miR-1207-5p can prevent CHON-001 from LPS-stimulated injury, providing a novel biomarker for OA progression and further advancing treatment of OA.