Circular RNA ath-circ032768, a competing endogenous RNA, response the drought stress by targeting miR472-RPS5 module

CircRNAs (circular RNAs) reduce the abundance of miRNAs through ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA), to regulate many physiological processes and stress responses in plants. However, the role of circRNA in drought stress is poorly understood. Through ring identification and sequencing verification of ath-circ032768, bioinformatics analysis predicted the interaction of ath-circ032768-miR472-RPS5, and further obtained transgenic plants overexpressing ath-circ032768 and silencing STTM-miR472. The change in drought stress was analysed using biochemical and molecular biological methods. Sequencing and biological analysis confirmed that ath-circ032768, miR472 and RPS5 were responsive to drought stress, and changes in gene expression were consistent with the prediction of ceRNA. The silencing vectors ath-circ032768 and STTM-miR472 were constructed using molecular biology techniques, and stable transgenic plants with drought tolerance obtained. Further physiological and biochemical studies showed that ath-circ032768 could bind to miR472, and that miR472 could bind to the RPS5 gene, resulting in decreased expression of RPS5. Hence, ath-circ032768 can competitively inhibit degradation of RPS5 by miR472 through ceRNA. This process is accompanied by increased expression of DREB2A, RD29A and RD29B genes. Through the ath-circ032768-miR472-RPS5 pathway, the RPS5 stress resistance protein interacts with DREB2A protein to enhance expression of downstream drought resistance genes, RD29A and RD29B, and participate in the regulation mechanism of plant drought resistance, thereby improving drought tolerance of plants.

Enhancing Targeted Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through a pH-Responsive Delivery System: Folic Acid-Modified Polydopamine-Paclitaxel-Loaded Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Nanoparticles

Currently, there is an inherent contradiction between the multifunctionality and excellent biocompatibility of anticancer drug nanocarriers, which limits their application. Therefore, to overcome this limitation, we aimed to develop a biocompatible drug delivery system for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we employed poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) as the fundamental framework of the nanocarrier and utilized the emulsion solvent evaporation method to fabricate nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), known as PTX-PHBV NPs. To enhance the tumor-targeting capability, a dopamine self-polymerization strategy was employed to form a pH-sensitive coating on the surface of the nanoparticles. Then, folic acid (FA)-targeting HCC was conjugated to the nanoparticles with a polydopamine (PDA) coating by using the Michael addition reaction, resulting in the formation of HCC-targeted nanoparticles (PTX-PHBV@PDA-FA NPs). The PTX-PHBV@PDA-FA NPs were characterized and analyzed by using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Encouragingly, PTX-PHBV@PDA-FA NPs exhibited remarkable anticancer efficacy in an HCC xenograft mouse model. Furthermore, compared to raw PTX, PTX-PHBV@PDA-FA NPs showed less toxicity in vivo. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the potential of PTX-PHBV@PDA-FA NPs for HCC treatment and biocompatibility.

Diet and risk of low back pain: a Mendelian randomization analysis

PURPOSE

Previous epidemiological and other studies have shown an association between diet and low back pain (LBP). This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between diet and LBP using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

METHODS

The three main methods in this study were weighted median, MR-Egger, and inverse variance weighting (IVW). We utilized MR-PRESSO to eliminate abnormal SNPs. Additionally, tests for pleiotropy and heterogeneity were conducted. Utilizing IVW and MR-Egger's Cochran's Q test, heterogeneity was evaluated. MR-Egger intercepts were used in pleiotropy tests. A leave-one-out analysis was also used to evaluate the stability of the study's findings.

RESULTS

The frequency of alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of LBP. Increased processed meat intake, dried fruit intake, cereal intake, and tea intake were causally associated with a decreased risk of LBP (alcohol intake frequency: odds ratio (OR) = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.47; P = 0.0006; processed meat intake: OR = 0.60, 95%CI 0.39-0.92, P = 0.019; dried fruit intake: OR = 0.43, 95%CI 0.29-0.66, P = 0.00008; cereal intake: OR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.42-0.92, P = 0.018; tea intake: OR = 0.75, 95%CI 0.58-0.97, P = 0.029). Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were also not found in the sensitivity analysis. The leave-one-out analysis also showed more robust results. Other dietary intakes were not causally associated with LBP.

CONCLUSIONS

This two-sample MR study found that frequency of alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of LBP, and intake of processed meat, dried fruit, cereals, and tea was associated with a decreased risk of LBP. Moreover, no causal relationship was found with LBP in the other 13 diets.

Causal relationship between diet and knee osteoarthritis: A Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disabling joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Diet may play a role in the etiology and progression of KOA, but evidence for a causal relationship is limited. We aimed to investigate the causal impact of dietary intake on KOA risk using Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

We used summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including dietary intake (n = 335, 394-462, 342), and KOA (n = 403, 124). We selected 6-77 genetic variants as instrumental variables for 18 dietary factors, including processed meat, poultry, beef, oily fish, non-oily fish, pork, lamb, frequency of alcohol intake, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, dried fruit, cereals, cheese, bread, cooked vegetables, salad/raw vegetables, and fresh fruit. We performed univariate and multivariate MR analyses to estimate the causal effect of each dietary factor on KOA risk. We also performed some sensitivity analyses to assess the validity of the MR hypothesis.

RESULTS

We found that higher coffee intake was associated with increased KOA risk, whereas higher intake of dried fruits, grains, cheese, and oily fish was associated with reduced KOA risk. After multivariate adjustment, we found that coffee and oily fish intake may affect KOA through obesity, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, and prolonged standing. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any evidence of pleiotropy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides new causal evidence that dietary intake may influence KOA risk. Specifically, we suggest that increased intake of dried fruits, grains, cheese, and oily fish and decreased coffee intake may be beneficial in preventing and mitigating KOA. further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to confirm our findings in different populations.

The causal relationship between 41 inflammatory cytokines and hypothyroidism: bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Objective

Investigating the association between inflammatory cytokines and hypothyroidism remains challenging due to limitations in traditional observational studies. In this study, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal relationship between 41 inflammatory cytokines and hypothyroidism.

Method

Inflammatory cytokines in 30,155 individuals of European ancestry with hypothyroidism and in a GWAS summary containing 8,293 healthy participants were included in the study for bidirectional two-sample MR analysis. We utilized inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median (WM), and Mendelian randomization-Egger (MR-Egger) methods. Multiple sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analysis, funnel plot, scatterplot, and MR-PRESSO, were applied to evaluate assumptions.

Results

We found evidence of a causal effect of IL-7 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) on the risk of hypothyroidism, and a causal effect of hypothyroidism on several cytokines, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), IL-13, IL-16, IL-2rα, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP10), monokine induced by interferon (IFN)-γ (MIG), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), stem cell growth factors-β (SCGF-β), stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that IL-7 and MIP-1β may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism, and that hypothyroidism may induce a systemic inflammatory response involving multiple cytokines. These findings may have implications for the prevention and treatment of hypothyroidism and its complications. However, further experimental studies are needed to validate the causal relationships and the potential of these cytokines as drug targets.

China Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research (CANDOR) -A Prospective Cohort Study for Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Cognitive Impairment

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) are the two main causes of dementia. AD and VCI share similar symptoms of cognitive decline and may be attributable to similar risk factors. Establishing a prospective cohort to compare VCI and AD would help to understand vascular risk factors related to dementia.

OBJECTIVES

China Alzheimer's disease and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research (CANDOR) study is a prospective multicenter cohort study. It aims to study the similarities and differences between AD and post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in neuroimaging changes, disease progression, and multiple omics studies.

DESIGN

This is an ongoing study. From July 31, 2019, to August 1, 2022, we recruited 1449 participants with ages between 40 and 100 years. The cohort included three groups: AD group, PSCI group, and normal cognitive (NC) group. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews at baseline, and will be followed up every year for 4 years. The PSCI group had additional follow-ups at 3-month and 6-month after enrollment. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) included high-resolution sequences for intracranial arteries. Cognitive assessments and follow-up information will be prospectively collected. Biological specimens including blood and urine at baseline were collected and tested.

PARTICIPANTS

The targeted sample size of PSCI group was 500, AD group with 600 and NC group with 2000. There were 1449 participants enrolled. Include 508 participants were in NC group, 387 in AD group and 554 in PSCI group.

MEASUREMENTS

Demographics, clinical parameters, and medical examinations were collected and performed. Cognitive assessment was performed to assess all cognitive domains including memory, language, executive function, and orientation function.

CONCLUSIONS

The CANDOR study is a prospective cohort study. Data from this cohort provide us an opportunity to investigate the contribution of vascular factors to dementia pathogenesis.

Causal Association between Tea Intake and Acute Cerebrovascular Events: A Multivariate Mendelian Randomized Study in European Populations

BACKGROUND

Numerous research works have investigated the association between tea consumption and the risk of acute cerebrovascular events; however, the results are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the causal association between tea intake and several acute cerebrovascular events, including any ischemic stroke, large atherosclerotic stroke (LAS), cardiogenic embolic stroke (CES), small vessel stroke (SVS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

We obtained summary genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on tea intake and acute cerebrovascular events in populations of European ancestry. The GWAS on tea intake is derived from the UK Biobank, where we have chosen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) closely associated with it as instrumental variables. We also obtained summary data on ischemic stroke from a GWAS meta-analysis, as well as summary data on ICH and SAH from the FinnGen study. We first explored the causal association between tea intake and several acute cerebrovascular events using univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR), and then further assessed the causal association between tea intake and SVS using multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) corrected for multiple confounders.

RESULTS

In UVMR, genetically predicted increases in tea intake were linked to a lower risk of SVS (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.86). There was no causal association between tea intake and the risk of other acute cerebrovascular events. In the MVMR, our results show that there was still a significant causal association between drinking tea and SVS, after adjusting body mass index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

This MR study provides new genetic evidence that increased tea intake reduces the risk of SVS in the European population. However, possibly because of limited statistical power, the study did not find that tea consumption reduced the risk of several other acute cerebrovascular events.

Efficacy of fertility-sparing treatment with LNG-IUS is associated with different ProMisE subtypes of endometrial carcinoma or atypical endometrial hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether proactive molecular risk classifier for endometrial cancer (ProMisE) could be used to assess the prognosis of patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) or early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) treated with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 93 AEH or early-stage EC patients who received LNG-IUS to preserve fertility . By immunohistochemistry and gene sequencing, 4 subtypes of ProMisE were identified (p53 wild type [p53 wt], mismatch repair-deficient [MMRd], p53-abnormal, and POLE-mutated). The primary outcome was the time to complete response (CR) after LNG-IUS therapy. Secondary outcomes included the recurrence rate after CR and success rate of conception.

RESULTS

Among the 93 patients, 15 (16.1%) were classified as MMRd, 6 (6.5%) as POLE-mutated, 5 (5.4%) as p53-abnormal, and 67 (72.0%) as p53 wt. Comparison of serum cancer antigen 125, family history of tumor, and positive rates of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 protein and Ki67 protein in 4 groups showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Patients with the p53-abnormal subtype had the lowest overall CR rate (40%) and the highest recurrence rate (2/2). Patients with POLE-mutated subtype had the best prognosis, and all 6 patients achieved CR. When patients achieved complete remission, assisted reproductive technology was more likely to help them conceive than natural conception (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with early-stage EC or AEH who are more likely to benefit from fertility-sparing treatment can be identified using ProMisE classifier. Patients with POLE-mutated are suitable for fertility-sparing treatment with LNG-IUS.

A novel hypoxia-stimulated lncRNA HIF1A-AS3 binds with YBX1 to promote ovarian cancer tumorigenesis by suppressing p21 and AJAP1 transcription

Hypoxia is characteristic of the ovarian tumor (OC) microenvironment and profoundly affects tumorigenesis and therapeutic response. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play various roles in tumor progression; however, the characteristics of lncRNAs in pathological responses of the OC microenvironment are not entirely understood. Through high-throughput sequencing, lncRNA expression in hypoxia (1% O2 ) and normoxia (21% O2 ) SKOV3 cells was explored and analyzed. The 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends was used to detect the full length of the novel HIF1A-AS3 transcript. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess HIF1A-AS3 expression in OC cells and tissues. In vitro and in vivo evaluations of the biological functions of hypoxic HIF1A-AS3 were conducted. To clarify the underlying mechanisms of HIF1A-AS3 in hypoxic OC, a dual-luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA-sequencing were used. We used high-throughput sequencing to investigate a novel lncRNA, HIF1A-AS3, as a hypoxic candidate significantly elevated in OC cells/tissues. HIF1A-AS3 was predominantly localized in the nucleus and promoted in vitro and in vivo OC growth and tumorigenesis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α bound to hypoxia response elements in the HIF1A-AS3 promoter region and stimulated its expression in hypoxia. Under hypoxia, HIF1A-AS3 directly integrated with Y-Box binding protein 1 and inhibited its ability to bind to the promoters of p21 and AJAP1 to repress their transcriptional activity, thereby promoting hypoxic OC progression. Our results revealed the crucial role and mechanism of the novel hypoxic HIF1A-AS3 in the oncogenesis of OC. The novel HIF1A-AS3 could be a crucial biomarker and therapeutic target for future OC treatments.

Causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism: a bidirectional two-sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

Objective

The causal relationship between Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism remains controversial due to the limitations of conventional observational research, such as confounding variables and reverse causality. We aimed to examine the potential causal relationship between RA and hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Method

We conducted a bidirectional two-sample univariable analysis to investigate the potential causal relationship between hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism and RA. Furthermore, we performed a multivariate analysis to account for the impact of body mass index (BMI), smoking quantity, and alcohol intake frequency.

Results

The univariable analysis indicated that RA has a causative influence on hypothyroidism (odds ratio [OR]=1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.01-1.14, P=0.02) and hyperthyroidism (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.15-1.52, P<0.001). When hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism was considered as an exposure variable, we only observed a causal relationship between hypothyroidism (OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.05-1.40, P=0.01) and RA, whereas no such connection was found between hyperthyroidism (OR=0.91, 95% CI=0.83-1.01, P=0.07) and RA. In the multivariate MR analyses, after separately and jointly adjusting for the effects of daily smoking quantity, alcohol intake frequency, and BMI, the causal impact of RA on hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on RA remained robust. However, there is no evidence to suggest a causal effect of hyperthyroidism on the risk of RA (P >0.05).

Conclusion

Univariate and multivariate MR analyses have validated the causal association between RA and hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism confirmed a causal relationship with RA when employed as an exposure variable, whereas no such relationship was found between hyperthyroidism and RA.

Serum cell division cycle 42 reflects the treatment response and survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer who receive immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment

Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) regulates immune escape, which predicts immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment response in several types of cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of serum CDC42 in predicting the ICI treatment outcome in patients with advanced cervical cancer. A total of 46 patients with advanced cervical cancer who received ICI treatment with or without antiangiogenic agents were enrolled. Serum CDC42 was detected in all patients before treatment (baseline) and following two treatment cycles by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CDC42 at baseline was elevated in patients with target lesion size ≥5 cm (P=0.020), pelvis metastasis (P=0.031) and lung metastasis (P=0.043). Following treatment, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 30.4 and 78.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 5.8 and 13.1 months. CDC42 at baseline was decreased in patients achieving ORR (P=0.042) but not DCR (P=0.055). PFS (P=0.006) and OS (P=0.019) were decreased in patients with baseline CDC42 ≥600 pg/ml. After two treatment cycles, CDC42 was generally reduced (P<0.001). CDC42 following two treatment cycles was more significantly decreased in patients with ORR (P=0.032) and DCR (P=0.019). Multivariate Cox's regression analysis showed that CDC42 ≥600 pg/ml following two treatment cycles was associated with the shorter PFS (P=0.022, hazard ratio=2.469) and OS (P=0.013, hazard ratio=4.166). Serum CDC42 was reduced after treatment; high expression following treatment reflected a lower possibility of achieving treatment response and poorer survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer.

Fecal calprotectin as a non-invasive marker for the prediction of post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of fecal calprotectin (FC) levels during the necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) episode to predict the onset of post-NEC intestinal stricture.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with NEC treated from April 2020 to April 2022 were recorded for this study. FC was quantified at the acute phase of NEC. FC levels were compared in patients with or without intestinal stricture. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was constructed to determine optimal cut-offs of FC for post-NEC intestinal stricture.

RESULTS

A total of 50 infants with NEC were enrolled in this study and 14 (28%) of them eventually developed intestinal stricture. All children with intestinal stricture underwent one-stage surgery and all made it through the follow-up period alive. The median FC level was 1237.55 (741.25, 1378.80) ug/g in patients with intestinal stricture and it was significantly higher than that in the non-stricture group [158.30 (76.23, 349.13) ug/g, P < 0.001]. FC had good diagnostic accuracy for predicting intestinal stricture, according to ROC curve analysis, with an AUC area of 0.911. At an optimal cut-off value of 664.2 ug/g, sensitivity and specificity were 85.71% and 91.67%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

As a non-invasive parameter, FC has excellent efficacy and accuracy in predicting post-NEC intestinal stricture. Increased FC levels at the acute phase of NEC were associated with the development of intestinal stricture.

Low expression of acyl-CoA thioesterase 13 is associated with poor prognosis in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma

Objective: Acyl-CoA thioesterase 13 (ACOT13) encodes a member of the thioesterase superfamily. It has not been reported in ovarian cancer. This research aimed at evaluating the expression and prognostic value of ACOT13 in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC). Methods: We extracted and analyzed TCGA, GEPIA, THPA, GTEx, miRWalk, and GDSC databases to investigate the potential carcinogenic mechanism of ACOT13 in OSC, including the correlation of ACOT13 with prognosis, immune checkpoint, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) score. The incidence of endpoint events was compared with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Independent prognostic factors for OSC were evaluated with univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and a nomogram was established. Results: The expression of ACOT13 was increased in OSC and correlated with tumor stage, with higher expression in stages I and II than in stages III and IV. Besides, it was observed that low expression of ACOT13 is correlated with poor overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with OSC. There was a positive correlation between ACOT13 expression and immune checkpoint sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin (SIGLEC) 15 and TMB. Patients with low ACOT13 expression had higher cisplatin IC50 scores. Conclusion: ACOT13 is an independent prognostic factor and a promising clinical target for OSC. In the future, the carcinogenic mechanism and clinical application value of ACOT13 in ovarian cancer need to be further studied.

Causal relationship between ischemic stroke and its subtypes and frozen shoulder: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

Background

Previous epidemiological and other studies have shown an association between ischemic stroke (IS) and frozen shoulder (FS). However, the causal relationship between them remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between IS and FS using a two-sample Mendelian randomization method.

Methods

Our research was divided into two stages: discovery and replication. The data were extracted from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We selected a large sample of IS (n = 440, 328) and its subtypes (large-artery atherosclerotic stroke (LAS), cardioembolic stroke (CES), and stroke caused by small-vessel disease (SVS) and lacunar stroke (n = 254, 959) as exposure data. Additionally, we selected a large sample of FS as outcome data (n = 451, 099). Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was applied as the primary analysis method. The weighted median, MR-Egger, simple model, and weighted model were used as complementary analysis methods to assess causal effects. Moreover, heterogeneity was analyzed using Cochran's Q-test with IVW and MR-Egger. The MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO analysis methods were used for pleiotropy testing. The stability of the results was also assessed using a leave-one-out analysis.

Results

In the discovery stage, the IVW approach revealed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.207 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.027-1.417 and a P-value of 0.022. This suggests a causal association between IS levels and an increased risk of FS. In the subtype studies of IS, the findings were negative. However, during the replication stage, a significant causal link was found between selected lacunar strokes and FS with an OR of 1.252, a 95% CI of 1.105-1.419, and a P-value of 0.0004. All studies had no pleiotropy or heterogeneity, and the findings were robust.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the causal relationship between any IS level and increased risk of FS. Furthermore, the same results were obtained in the replication stage with lacunar stroke as an exposure factor. However, there was no direct causal relationship between the subtypes of IS and FS. Our study provides theoretical support for shoulder care for patients with IS.

A benchmark model for exploring the differentiation of trust in information sources in heterogeneous farmers' green behavior

The literature reports that trust in information sources (ISs) is an important determinant of farmers' adoption of sustainable environmental practices. However, few in-depth studies have focused on the differences in trust among different ISs in heterogeneous farmers' green behavior. Therefore, it is challenging for heterogeneous farmers to design efficient and differentiated information strategies. This study proposes a benchmark model to explore differences in trust in different ISs in the application of organic fertilizers (OFs) to farmers at different scales. A total of 361 farmers of a geographically indicated agricultural product in China were evaluated to understand their trust in different ISs when adopting OFs. The results identify the differentiation of heterogeneous farmers' trust in different ISs when considering green practices. Specifically, large-scale farmers' green behavior is more likely to be influenced by trust in formal ISs (strength-weakness ratio of 1.15 for the effect of two ISs), whereas small-scale farmers' green behavior is strongly influenced by trust in informal ISs (strength-weakness ratio of 4.62 for the effect of two ISs). This difference was mainly caused by differences in farmers' information acquisition ability, level of social capital, and preference for social learning. The model and findings of this study can aid policy-makers in designing effective and differentiated information interventions for different types of farmers to maximize their adoption of sustainable environmental practices.

Novel Optofluidic Imaging System Integrated with Tunable Microlens Arrays

Optofluidic tunable microlens arrays (MLAs) can manipulate and control light propagation using fluids. Lately, their applicability to miniature lab-on-a-chip systems is being extensively researched. However, it is difficult to incorporate 3D MLAs directly in a narrow microfluidic channel using common techniques. This has resulted in limited research on variable focal length imaging with optofluidic 3D MLAs. In this paper, we propose a method for fabricating MLAs in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microchannels via electrohydrodynamic jet (E-jet) printing to achieve optofluidic tunable MLAs. Using this method, MLAs of diameters 15 to 80 μm can be fabricated in microfluidic channels with widths of 200 and 300 μm. By alternately using solutions with different refractive indices in the microchannel, the optofluidic microlenses exhibit reversible modulation properties while retaining the morphologies and refractive indices of the microlenses. The focal length of the resulting optofluidic chip can have threefold tunability, thereby achieving an imaging depth of approximately 450 μm. This outstanding advantage is useful in observing microspheres and cells flowing in the microfluidic system. Thus, the proposed optofluidic chip exhibits great potential for cell counting and imaging applications.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic low anterior resection with "dog ear" invagination anastomosis for mid and distal rectal cancer a propensity score matched analysis

Background

The lateral intersecting margin (dog-ear) was a weak spot of the double stapled technique (DST), We designed "dog-ear" invagination anastomosis (DAIA), which could eliminate the "dog-ear" in laparoscopic anterior resection.

Patients and methods

A total of 202 patients underwent elective curative LLAR + DST (n = 143) or LLAR + DAIA (n = 59) were enrolled in the study. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the adverse effects. The clinical data between LLAR + DST and LLAR + DAIA was compared, and the effect of factors on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed.

Results

After PSM, 53 pairs of the LLRA + DST and LLRA + DAIA patients were enrolled in the study. The LLRA + DAIA group has a higher level (3.50 ± 1.03 vs. 2.87 ± 1.10, P = 0.01) of the anastomosis than that of the LLRA + DST group. Patients in LLAR + DAIA group have a lower incidence of protecting loop ileostomy compared to LLAR + DST group (20.75% vs. 5.66%, P < 0.05). The LLRA + DAIA patients presented better rates of LARS compare to LLRA + DST patients at 6 months (major LARS 37.74% (n = 20) vs. 67.93% (n = 36); P = 0.007) and 12 months (major LARS 13.21% (n = 7) vs. 20.37% (n = 11); P = 0.03) after surgery. The OS and DFS rates were similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic low anterior resection with "dog-ear" invagination anastomosis technique are well-established procedures for patients with low rectal cancer. "Dog-ear" invagination anastomosis technique may reduce the incidence of protecting loop ileostomy and significantly affect LARS score, and demonstrate a positive impact on the quality of life after surgery.

The relationship between major depression and migraine: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

Previous epidemiological and other studies have shown an association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and migraine. However, the causal relationship between them remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between MDD and migraine using a bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

Data on MDD and migraine, including subtypes with aura migraine (MA) and without aura migraine (MO), were gathered from a publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) utilized as instrumental variables (IVs) were then screened by adjusting the intensity of the connection and removing linkage disequilibrium. To explore causal effects, inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used as the primary analysis method, with weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode used as supplementary analytic methods. Furthermore, heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests were carried out. Cochran's Q-test with IVW and MR-Egger was used to assess heterogeneity. Pleiotropy testing was carried out using the MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO analysis methods. A leave-one-out analysis was also used to evaluate the stability of the findings. Finally, we used migraine (MA and MO) levels to deduce reverse causality with MDD risk.

Results

Random effects IVW results were (MDD-Migraine: odds ratio (OR), 1.606, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.324-1.949, p = 1.52E-06; MDD-MA: OR, 1.400, 95%CI, 1.067-1.8378, p = 0.015; MDD-MO: OR, 1.814, 95%CI, 1.277-2.578, p = 0.0008), indicating a causal relationship between MDD levels and increased risk of migraine (including MA and MO). In the inverse MR analysis, the findings were all negative, while in sensitivity analyses, the results were robust except for the study of MA with MDD.

Conclusion

Our study confirms a causal relationship between MDD levels and increased risk of migraine, MA, and MO. There was little evidence in the reverse MR analysis to suggest a causal genetic relationship between migraine (MA and MO) and MDD risk levels.

The development and progress of health literacy in China

Limited health literacy is a serious public health problem. It is strongly associated with increased hospital admissions and readmission, poorer self-management, and health outcomes. It can lead to poor management of chronic disease, lower health care quality, increased mortality, and higher healthcare expenditures. Understanding China's current situation and the progress of health literacy levels are critical to achieving practical solutions for improving population health. This paper intended to provide a concise overview of the key milestones and specific practices in health literacy in China. We summarized the characteristics and changing profile of health literacy from 2008 to 2020 in China. We developed an intervention framework based on social ecosystem theory for improving health literacy in China. Meanwhile, some multi-level actionable recommendations were proposed. The study revealed that China has made progress in improving health literacy in the last decades. Health literacy levels increased from 6.48% of the population in 2008 to 23.15% in 2020. Geographic disparities were substantial. The East performed better health literacy than the Central and West, and cities had higher adequate health literacy than rural areas. Social development index, age, and education level were highly associated with health literacy. A global joint effort to improve health literacy will be required. And we advocate a whole-of-society approach that involves the participation of the entire ecosystem around the targeted population.

Comparative efficacy and safety of two insulin aspart formulations (Rapilin and NovoRapid) when combined with metformin, for patients with diabetes mellitus: a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This phase 3 confirmatory diabetes mellitus treatment study compared the safety and efficacy of Rapilin and NovoRapid insulin asparts in combination with metformin.

METHODS

This 24-week, open-label, randomized, active-controlled, noninferiority phase 3 confirmatory study conducted across centers in China aimed to enroll patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and blood sugar glucose inadequately controlled by oral antidiabetic drugs. Randomized patients received subcutaneous mealtime Rapilin or NovoRapid (3:1) injections, with metformin. The primary objectives were to demonstrate noninferiority (margin of 0.4%) in HbA1c change from baseline and compare safety profiles of Rapilin versus NovoRapid after 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% and ≤6.5%.

RESULTS

590 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to Rapilin (n = 441) and NovoRapid (n = 149) groups. After 24 weeks, the mean HbA1c change from baseline was -2.20% (Rapilin) and -2.32% (NovoRapid); the estimated treatment difference based on least-square means was 0.04% (95% CI: -0.17, 0.26), meeting the noninferiority criteria for Rapilin versus NovoRapid. Comparable improvements were reported for mean 2-hour PPG (6.14 and 6.29 mmol/L), FPG (2.02 and 1.70 mmol/L), and patients with HbA1c <7.0% (52.6% and 51.0%) and ≤6.5% (34.2% and 30.9%), in the Rapilin and NovoRapid groups, respectively, with no significant safety or immunogenicity outcome differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapilin demonstrated non-inferior glycemic control, and matching safety and immunogenicity to NovoRapid in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus also receiving metformin over 24 weeks.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR20003129041.

Symptom burden, psychological distress, and symptom management status in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer: a multicenter study in China

BACKGROUND

The management of physical symptoms and psychological distress of cancer patients is an important component of cancer care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptom burden, psychological distress, and management status of hospitalized patients with advanced cancer in China and explore the potential influencing factors of undertreatment and non-treatment of symptoms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 2930 hospitalized patients with advanced cancer (top six types of cancer in China) were recruited from 10 centers all over China. Patient-reported MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales and symptom management-related information were collected and linked with the patient's clinical data. The proportion of patients reporting moderate-to-severe (MS) symptoms and whether they were currently well managed were examined. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to explore the factors correlated to undertreatment and non-treatment of symptoms.

RESULTS

About 27% of patients reported over three MS symptoms, 16% reported over five, and 9% reported over seven. Regarding psychological distress, the prevalence of HADS-anxiety was 29% and that of PHQ-9 depression was 11%. Sixty-one percent of patients have at least one MS symptom without any treatment. Sex [odds ratio (OR) = 2.238, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.502-3.336], Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG; OR = 0.404, 95% CI 0.241-0.676), and whether currently undergoing anticancer treatment (OR = 0.667, 95% CI 0.503-0.886) are the main factors correlated with the undertreatment of symptoms. Age (OR = 1.972, 95% CI 1.263-3.336), sex (OR = 0.626, 95% CI 0.414-0.948), ECOG (OR = 0.266, 95% CI 0.175-0.403), whether currently undergoing anticancer treatment (OR = 0.356, 95% CI 0.249-0.509), and comorbidity (OR = 0.713, 95% CI 0.526-0.966) are the main factors correlated with the non-treatment of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that hospitalized patients with advanced cancer had a variety of physical and psychological symptoms but lacked adequate management and suggests that a complete symptom screening and management system is needed to deal with this complex problem.

Multi-Center Analysis of Predictive Factors of Enteral Autonomy and Risk Factors of Complications of Pediatric Intestinal Failure in China

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify predictors for enteral autonomy and intestinal failure (IF)-related complications and evaluate the outcomes of a multi-center pediatric cohort in China.

METHODS

The medical records of pediatric patients with IF treated at four medical centers in China from January 1, 2012 to November 31, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Enteral autonomy was defined as sustained growth and cessation of parenteral nutrition for >90 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predictive of enteral autonomy and the risk factors of complications, such as IF-associated liver disease (IFALD) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).

RESULTS

The study cohort of 92 pediatric patients with IF included 71 (77%) who underwent surgery and 21 (23%) who received non-surgical treatment. Eventually, 63 (68.5%) patients achieved enteral autonomy by the end of the follow-up period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that longer duration of parenteral nutrition (PN), sepsis, and non-breastfeeding were risk factors for enteral autonomy. When considering the detailed intraoperative data, the presence of an ileocecal valve (ICV) and greater residual small bowel (RSB) length were reaffirmed as predictors of achieving enteral autonomy. Medium/long-chain (MCT/LCT) lipids or sepsis were identified as negative predictors for IFALD. Univariate analysis revealed that the use of MCT/LCT lipids was associated with a greater likelihood of CRBSI.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, enteral autonomy was achieved at a percentage of 68.5%, and the risk factors for not achieving enteral autonomy were a longer duration of PN, sepsis, and non-breastfeeding. The presence of an ICV and a greater RSB length were important predictors of achieving enteral autonomy.

Integrated analysis of whole genome and transcriptome sequencing reveals a frameshift mutation associated with recessive embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle

Embryo loss is an important factor affecting fertility in dairy production. HH2 was identified as a haplotype on chromosome 1 associated with embryonic lethality in Holstein cattle. In the current study, both short- and long-read WGS was performed on four carriers and four non-carriers of HH2 to screen for variants in concordance with HH2 haplotype status. Sequence variation analysis revealed five putative functional variants of protein-coding genes, including a frameshift mutation (g.107172616delT) in intraflagellar transport protein 80 (IFT80) gene. Transcriptome analysis of whole blood indicated that no gene exhibited significantly differential expression or allele-specific expression between carriers and non-carriers in the candidate region. This evidence points to g.107172616delT as the highest priority causative mutation for HH2. Protein prediction reveals that the frameshift mutation results in a premature stop codon to reduce the peptide chain from 760 to 383 amino acids and greatly alters the structure and function of IFT80 protein. Our results demonstrate that the use of a combination of multiple high-throughput sequencing technologies is an efficient strategy to screen for the candidate causative mutations responsible for Mendelian traits, including genetic disorders.

Risk factors for the occurrence and recurrence of acute cerebellar ataxia: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

There is little evidence to support a correlation between abdominal surgery and acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA). We reviewed the records of children with ACA treated at our institution to analyze risk factors for ACA.

METHODS

Clinical data of 442 children with ACA treated at Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between November 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for the occurrence and recurrence of ACA.

RESULTS

In total, 442 children with ACA were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age (p = 0.009), infection (p < 0.001), vaccination (p < 0.001), head trauma (p < 0.001), intussusception surgery (IS) (p < 0.001), operation for indirect inguinal hernia (p < 0.001), and operation for congenital gastrointestinal malformation (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for ACA occurrence. Univariate analysis showed that only IS (p < 0.001) was associated with ACA recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons should be aware that age, infection, vaccination, head trauma, and history of abdominal surgery are associated with ACA, while IS is a risk factor for ACA recurrence.

Use of facial vein graft with vascularized composite auricular helical rim flap for alar rim defects

Nasal alar defects lead to facial disfigurement, and nasal ala reconstruction is an important treatment option. The vascularized composite auricular flap based on the superficial temporal artery is an ideal option for a full-thickness nasal alar defect. However, the pedicle length and the discrepancy in artery diameter between the recipient vessel and flap pedicle continue to be major problems for free auricular composite tissue transfer. Considering that the angular artery is occasionally absent and the course of the infraorbital segment of the facial vein is constant, there are often no suitable vessels around the recipient site for anastomoses to the short pedicle of the flap. In the absence of a suitable recipient artery, an infraorbital segment of the facial vein measuring 2.5cm in length was taken as a graft for the anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and superior labial artery. End-to-end anastomosis was performed easily. The flap was inset to reconstruct the contralateral ala. The facial vein graft for anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery and branch of the facial artery is a reliable and easy method to resolve the problem of a short pedicle and large artery discrepancy for nasal ala reconstruction with a vascularized composite helical rim flap.

Genomic scan revealed KIT gene underlying white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese

Goose is an important type of domesticated poultry. The wild geese that are regarded as the ancestors of modern domestic geese present gray plumage. Domesticated, geese have both white and gray feathers. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of white and gray plumage in geese, we resequenced the whole genome of 18 geese from six populations including white and gray goose breeds. The average sequencing depth per individual was 9.81× and the average genome coverage was 96.8%. A total of 346 genes were detected in the top 1% of F_ST scores of gray- and white-feathered geese, and a significant F_ST site was located in the intron region within the KIT gene, the 18 bp deletion in KIT having the strongest potential association with white feathers. It has been reported that a number of genes are associated with plumage colors in birds. However, no studies have identified the relationship between KIT and plumage color in birds at present, although the white coat can be attributed to mutations in KIT in some mammals. Our study showed that that KIT is a plausible candidate gene for white/gray plumage color in Chinese domestic geese.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Cognitive Frailty

As life expectancy increases, frailty and cognitive impairment have become major factors influencing healthy aging in elderly individuals. Frailty is a complicated clinical condition characterized by decreased physiological reserve and multisystem abnormalities. Cognitive frailty is a subtype of frailty that has aroused widespread concern among the scientific community and public health organizations. We herein review the pathogenesis of cognitive frailty, such as chronic inflammatory response, immunological hypofunction, imbalanced oxidative stress, reduced regenerative function, endocrine dysfunction, and energy metabolism disorder. Although existing interventions show some therapeutic effects, they do not meet the current clinical needs. To date, studies using stem cell technology for treating age-related diseases have achieved remarkable success. This suggests the possibility of applying stem cell treatment to cognitive frailty. We analyzed stem cell-based strategies for targeting anti-inflammation, antioxidation, regeneration, and immunoregulation using mesenchymal stem cells, as well as potential therapeutic targets for cognitive frailty. Based on this investigation, we propose a highly effective and low-cost stem cell-based replacement strategy. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the prospect of stem cell transplantation for improving cognitive frailty. In this review, we aim to provide the scientific background and a theoretical basis for testing cell therapy in future research.

The role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in intervertebral disc-related low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal symptom, which can be developed in multiple clinical diseases. It is widely recognized that intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is one of the leading causes of LBP. However, the pathogenesis of IVD-related LBP is still controversial, and the treatment means are also insufficient to date. In recent decades, the role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in the induction and the maintenance of LBP is drawing more and more attention. With the progress of IVDD, IVD cell exhaustion and extracellular matrix degradation result in IVD structural damage, while neovascularization, innervation and inflammatory activation further deteriorate the microenvironment of IVD. New nerve ingrowth into degenerated IVD amplifies the impacts of IVD-derived nociceptive molecules on sensory endings. Moreover, IVDD is usually accompanied with disc herniation, which could injure and inflame affected nerves. Under mechanical and pro-inflammatory stimulation, the pain-transmitting pathway exhibits a sensitized function state and ultimately leads to LBP. Hence, relevant pathogenic factors, such as neurotrophins, ion channels, inflammatory factors, etc., are supposed to serve as promising therapeutic targets for LBP. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively summarize the current evidence on 1) the pathological changes of sensory nervous system during IVDD and their association with LBP, and 2) potential therapeutic strategies for LBP targeting relevant pathogenic factors.

Efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol loxenatide as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3b trial

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEX168), a new glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, as an add-on to metformin therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3b trial. After metformin monotherapy (≥1500 mg/day) for 8 weeks or more, patients with uncontrolled T2D (HbA1c of 7.0%-10.5%) from 44 sites were randomized (1:1:1) to metformin + placebo, metformin + PEX168 100 μg, and metformin + PEX168 200 μg. The core treatment period lasted for 24 weeks, followed by a 28-week extension period. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c levels at week 24. The main secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients with an HbA1c of less than 7.0% at week 24.

RESULTS

The least-square mean (standard error) change in HbA1c levels was significantly greater (P < .001 for superiority) in the PEX168 groups (-1.16% [0.08%] and -1.14% [0.08%] with 100 and 200 μg, respectively) than in the placebo group (0.35% [0.08%]). The proportion of patients with an HbA1c of less than 7.0% at week 24 was significantly higher in the PEX168 100 μg (37.4%) and PEX168 200 μg (40.6%) groups than in the placebo group (16.8%; both P < .001). The gastrointestinal reactions were mild; the risks of hypoglycaemia and weight gain did not increase. Anti-PEX168 antibodies were noted in less than 2% of patients. No treatment-emergent serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

The subcutaneous injection of PEX168 once a week can effectively, continuously and safely improve HbA1c levels in patients with T2D when combined with metformin.

A joint analysis strategy reveals genetic changes associated with artificial selection between egg-type and meat-type ducks

Egg-type ducks and meat-type ducks are predominantly commercial or indigenous and have been subjected to artificial directional selection. These two duck types differ substantially in body shape, production performance and reproductivity. However, the genetic changes associated with phenotypic differences remain unclear. Here, we compared the two duck types at the genomic and transcriptomic levels. We identified a large number of SNPs and genes in genomic divergent regions in terms of F_ST and θπ values. The corresponding genes were mainly enriched in embryonic development function and metabolic pathway. RNA-seq analysis also revealed differential gene expression in the liver and gonads. The differentially expressed genes were functionally associated with signal transmission and substance metabolism respectively. Furthermore, we found that seven genes were related to differentiation between the two types by both g genome and transcriptome analysis and were plausible candidate genes. These genes were annotated to GO categories of cell development and disease immunity. These findings will enable a better understanding of the artificial selection history of meat and egg ducks and provide a valuable resource for future research on the breeding of these two lineages.

Identification of genetic effects and potential causal polymorphisms of CPM gene impacting milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein

Our previous GWAS revealed 83 significant SNPs and 20 promising candidate genes associated with milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle. Out of them, the carboxypeptidase M (CPM) gene contains a genome-wide significant SNP, Hapmap49848-BTA-106779, which is strongly associated with myristic acid (C14:0; P = 0.0064). Herein, we aimed to confirm the genetic effects of CPM on milk fatty acids in Chinese Holstein. Seven SNPs were detected by re-sequencing the sequences of entire exons and 3000 bp of up-/downstream flanking regions of the CPM gene, of which three were in 5' flanking region, one in the 3' UTR and three were in the 3' flanking region. Using the Haploview 4.1, we estimated the LD among the identified SNPs and found two haplotype blocks. With the animal model, we performed the SNP- and haplotype-based association analyses, and observed that these SNPs and haplotype blocks mainly had strong genetic associations with medium-chain saturated fatty acids (caproic acid, C6:0; caprylic acid, C8:0; capric acid, C10:0; and lauric acid, C12:0) (P < 0.0001-0.0257). In addition, using the Genomatix software, we predicted that three SNPs in the 5' flanking region of CPM (g.45079507A>G, g.45080228C>A and g.45080335C>G) changed the transcription factor binding sites for PREF (progesterone receptor biding site), ZBRK1 (transcription factor with eight central zinc fingers and an N-terminal KRAB domain), SOX9 (sex-determining region Y-box 9, dimeric binding sites), SOX6 (sex-determining region Y-box 6) and FOXP1-ES (alternative splicing variant of FOXP1, activated in ESCs). Further, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed these three SNPs altered the transcriptional activity of CPM gene (P ≤ 0.0006). In summary, using the post-GWAS strategy, we first confirmed the significant genetic effects of CPM with milk fatty acids in dairy cattle, and identified three potential causal mutations.

Calycosin enhances the bactericidal efficacy of polymyxin B by inhibiting MCR-1 in vitro

AIM

To examine the synergistic effect of calycosin combined with polymyxin B against various mcr-1-positive bacterial strains.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we found a potential inhibitor of MCR-1, calycosin, that could significantly restore the antibacterial activity of polymyxin B. The synergistic effect of calycosin combined with polymyxin B against various mcr-1-positive bacterial strains was confirmed by checkerboard minimum inhibitory concentration assays, time-kill curve assays and disk diffusion assays. The fractional inhibitory concentration indexes ranged from 0·15 ± 0·03 to 0·28 ± 0·05, and the zones of inhibition increased from 13·33 ± 0·47 to 17·67 ± 0·47 mm with the combined therapy of calycosin and polymyxin B. In addition, the combined therapy significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the medium. However, at the concentrations required for the synergistic effect with polymyxin B, calycosin alone showed no effect on bacterial growth or MCR-1 production. Calycosin treatment exhibited no cytotoxicity to HeLa cells or A549 cells at calycosin concentrations below 32 µg ml^-1 .

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, our results suggested that calycosin could be used as a potential MCR-1 inhibitor to restore the bactericidal effect of polymyxin B without affecting bacterial viability or existing cytotoxicity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The synergistic effect of calycosin combined with polymyxin B against various mcr-1-positive bacterial strains paves the way for future pharmaceutical applications of calycosin in fighting mcr-1-positive bacterial infections.

Expression of ACKR2 in placentas from different types of preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of atypical chemokine receptor 2 (ACKR2, D6) in different types of preeclampsia (PE) and its effects on trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis.

METHODS

The subjects were divided into four groups: early-onset PE group (EOPE, n = 30), late-onset PE group (LOPE, n = 30), preterm birth group (PB, n = 30), and normal group (N, n = 30). The expression of ACKR2 in placentas was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The trophoblast cell line JAR was cultured to detect the expression of ACKR2 after simulating hypoxic conditions with cobalt chloride (CoCl₂). The effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of the chemokine CCL2 were analyzed after silencing ACKR2 with siRNA.

RESULTS

ACKR2 was decreased in placentas of EOPE and PB groups at the protein and mRNA level，compared to the normal group. No statistical differences were found between EOPE and PB groups, or between LOPE and normal groups. In our in vitro work, we found that the expression of ACKR2 decreased after treatment with 150 μmol/L, 200 μmol/L, and 250 μmol/L of CoCl₂. After ACKR2 was silenced, the degree of cellular proliferation decreased, while apoptosis and CCL2 expression increased.

CONCLUSION

The changes of ACKR2 expression in placentas of PE may be related to gestational weeks. Hypoxia inhibits the expression of ACKR2 in placentas. Abnormal expression of ACKR2 in PE may lead to dysfunction of trophoblast, and ACKR2 is an essential player in the immunoregulation of the placental chemokine CCL2.

MiR-1203 is involved in hepatocellular carcinoma metastases and indicates a poor prognosis

Non-coding RNAs, especially miRNAs, have been shown to be important regulators in multiple human diseases, including malignant tumors, congenital disease, and autoimmune disease. In this study, we screened the metastasis-associated miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on the miRNA microarray screening, miR-1203 was confirmed to be the most significant miRNA and was also highly associated with HCC metastases. Bioinformatics prediction indicated direct binding of miR-1203 in SOCS3, which was also confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay, resulting in suppression of SOCS3. Increased miR-1203 also promoted invasion of HCC cells through suppressing SOCS3, while no effect on cell proliferation or apoptosis was detected. Circulating expression of miR-1203 and SOCS3 might serve as a predictor of metastases and poor prognosis in HCC patients. In conclusion, miR-1203 might promote HCC metastasis by decreasing SOCS3. MiR-1203 predicts a poor outcome in HCC patients and thus might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of HCC.

MicroRNA-520a-3p suppresses non-small-cell lung carcinoma by inhibition of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1)

OBJECTIVE

Currently, pathogenesis of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is still unknown and the treatment is far from ideal. Therefore, we investigated the effect of inhibiting microRNA-520a-3p in NSCLC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NCI-H157 cells were treated with microRNA-520a-3p analogs for 48 h, or microRNA-520a-3p analogs and its inhibitor, for a total of 48 h. Many tests were performed, including MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell assay. The tumor model was established, and HMGB1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Protein levels of HMGB1, MMP-2, MMP-9, Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 were assessed by Western Blot.

RESULTS

microRNA-520a-3p could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of NCI-H157 cells, inducing their apoptosis. microRNA-520a-3p inhibited tumor growth and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of HMGB1. Additionally, it decreased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, and increased caspase-3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

microRNA-520a-3p exhibited an effective inhibition on NCI-H157 tumor growth likely by inhibiting HMGB1 expression.

Hyperpolarized relaxometry based nuclear T1 noise spectroscopy in diamond

The origins of spin lifetimes in quantum systems is a matter of importance in several areas of quantum information. Spectrally mapping spin relaxation processes provides insight into their origin and motivates methods to mitigate them. In this paper, we map nuclear relaxation in a prototypical system of [Formula: see text] nuclei in diamond coupled to Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) centers over a wide field range (1 mT-7 T). Nuclear hyperpolarization through optically pumped NV electrons allows signal measurement savings exceeding million-fold over conventional methods. Through a systematic study with varying substitutional electron (P1 center) and [Formula: see text] concentrations, we identify the operational relaxation channels for the nuclei at different fields as well as the dominant role played by [Formula: see text] coupling to the interacting P1 electronic spin bath. These results motivate quantum control techniques for dissipation engineering to boost spin lifetimes in diamond, with applications including engineered quantum memories and hyperpolarized [Formula: see text] imaging.

Application of enhanced recovery after surgery during the perioperative period in infants with Hirschsprung's disease - A multi-center randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Various enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines have been established for several kinds of adult surgeries. While the guidelines for pediatric surgeries remained to be explored. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an ERAS protocol for Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) infants undergoing pull-through procedures.

METHODS

An infant-specific ERAS protocol was developed and implemented at multiple centers from June 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. The study included 145 consecutive patients who underwent pull-through surgery for HSCR in three Children's hospitals. Patients were primarily divided into three groups based on the clinical classification and surgical methods. Group I included patients with the short segment type who received transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) surgery. Group II comprised of patients with the classical type and long segment type who received laparoscopic-assisted pull-through (LAPT) surgery. Group III involved patients with the long segment type (who had received ileostomy or colostomy during the neonatal period) and total colonic aganglionosis who received open pull-through (OPPT) surgery. Patients in the three groups mentioned above were randomly and equally assigned into the ERAS group and traditional (TRAD) group with random number table row randomization. The primary outcome was the length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes of interest included white blood cell (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on postoperative day 1 (POD 1), the blood glucose at the time of anesthesia and 24 h after surgery, time to first defecation, time to regular diet, plasma markers of nutrition status on POD 5, plasma natrium on POD 5, the mean intraoperative fluid volume, time to discontinuation of intravenous infusion, incidence of postoperative complications, re-admission within 30 days, hospitalization costs, parental satisfaction, and growth from admission to 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

73 and 75 patients were assigned to the TRAD and ERAS groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in demographic data. The LOS decreased from 9.5 days in the TRAD group to 7.9 days (P < 0.001) in the ERAS group. WBC count on POD 1 showed no significant difference between the two groups. CRP on POD 1 in the ERAS group was significantly lower (P < 0.001). In the ERAS group, the blood glucose was higher at anesthesia compared to the TRAD group (P < 0.001). On the contrary, the blood glucose at 24 h after surgery was significantly lower in the ERAS group (P < 0.001). Intraoperative fluid volume was lower in the EARS group (P < 0.001). ERAS could also reduce the time to first defecation (P < 0.001), discontinuation of intravenous infusion (P < 0.001) and regular diet (P < 0.001). In the ERAS group, the concentrations of prealbumin and retinol conjugated protein on POD 5 were higher than those in the TRAD group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The plasma natrium had no difference in the two groups on POD 5 (P > 0.05). The rate of complications (P > 0.05) and 30-day re-admission (P > 0.05) were not significantly different between the two groups. Hospitalization costs were also reduced (P < 0.001). ERAS group has a higher parental satisfaction rate, although there was no statistical difference (96% vs 89%). There was no difference in growth between the ERAS and the TRAD groups from admission to 6 months after the surgery (weight for age z score: P > 0.05, weight for length z score: P > 0.05). We also found that the shortening of LOS by the application of ERAS protocol was more obvious in the OPPT group (-2.5 ± 1.0) than that in the TEPT (-1.9 ± 1.3) and LAPT (-1.3 ± 0.4) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the ERAS protocol in infants undergoing HSCR pull-through operations is safe and efficient. The ERAS protocol is worthy of recommendation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT02776176.