Corrigendum: Differences in resting-state brain networks and gray matter between APOE ϵ2 and APOE ϵ4 carriers in non-dementia elderly

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1197987.].

GATA binding protein 6 regulates apoptosis in silkworms through interaction with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase

The GATA family of genes plays various roles in crucial biological processes, such as development, cell differentiation, and disease progression. However, the roles of GATA in insects have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, a genome-wide characterization of the GATA gene family in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, was conducted, revealing lineage-specific expression profiles. Notably, GATA6 is ubiquitously expressed across various developmental stages and tissues, with predominant expression in the midgut, ovaries, and Malpighian tubules. Overexpression of GATA6 inhibits cell growth and promotes apoptosis, whereas, in contrast, knockdown of PARP mitigates the apoptotic effects driven by GATA6 overexpression. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) has demonstrated that GATA6 can interact with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), suggesting that GATA6 may induce cell apoptosis by activating the enzyme's activity. These findings reveal a dynamic and regulatory relationship between GATA6 and PARP, suggesting a potential role for GATA6 as a key regulator in apoptosis through its interaction with PARP. This research deepens the understanding of the diverse roles of the GATA family in insects, shedding light on new avenues for studies in sericulture and pest management.

Subtyping treatment response of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke based on neuroimaging features

In a previously published clinical trial, we demonstrated that tirofiban was effective and safe in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who did not undergo early recanalization treatments. We aimed to evaluate neuroimaging characteristics and their clinical significance to guide tirofiban treatment. In this post hoc analysis, location of infarcts (anterior circulation stroke [ACS] vs. posterior circulation stroke [PCS]), degree of cerebral artery stenosis (≤69% vs. ≥70% or occlusion), total infarct volume, and ASPECTS were used to predict the treatment effects of tirofiban, defined as the proportions of excellent and favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0-1, 0-2) at 90 days. ACS patients were more likely to achieve excellent (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.25-3.45; p = 0.004) and favorable functional outcome (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.24-4.22; p = 0.008) when treated with tirofiban. However, there was no significant difference in PCS patients between tirofiban and the control group. For patients with severe stenosis (≥70% or occlusion), tirofiban treatment improved the proportion of good outcomes (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.44-5.60; p = 0.002 for mRS 0-1; OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.22-4.77; p = 0.011 for mRS 0-2). Meanwhile, we found that tirofiban improved outcome in patients with ASPECTS 8-10 and was independent of total infarct volume. These findings support the hypothesis that patients with ACS and severe stenosis may be recommended for tirofiban treatment, which can be predicted independent of total infarct volume.

Differences in resting-state brain networks and gray matter between APOE ε2 and APOE ε4 carriers in non-dementia elderly

Background

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 and APOE ε4 are the most distinct alleles among the three APOE alleles, both structurally and functionally. However, differences in cognition, brain function, and brain structure between the two alleles have not been comprehensively reported in the literature, especially in non-demented elderly individuals.

Methods

A neuropsychological test battery was used to evaluate the differences in cognitive performance in five cognitive domains. Independent component analysis (ICA) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) were used separately to analyze resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data and the structure MRI data between the two groups. Finally, correlations between differential brain regions and neuropsychological tests were calculated.

Results

APOE ε2 carriers had better cognitive performance in general cognitive, memory, attention, and executive function than APOE ε4 carriers (all p < 0.05). In ICA analyses of rs-fMRI data, the difference in the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between two groups is shown in 7 brain networks. In addition, VBM analyses of the T1-weighted image revealed that APOE ε2 carriers had a larger thalamus and right postcentral gyrus volume and a smaller bilateral putamen volume than APOE ε4 carriers. Finally, differences in brain function and structure may be might be the reason that APOE ε2 carriers are better than APOE ε4 carriers in cognitive performance.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that there are significant differences in brain function and structure between APOE ε2 carriers and APOE ε4 carriers, and these significant differences are closely related to their cognitive performance.

Chuanzhitongluo regulates microglia polarization and inflammatory response in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chuanzhitongluo (CZTL), a traditional Chinese medicine mixture, is used in the recovery period of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and effectively improves the prognosis of AIS patients. This study aims to evaluate whether CZTL regulates microglia polarization and inflammatory response to reduce brain damage in the acute phase of AIS.

METHODS

A mouse model of AIS was prepared by the photochemical method. Cerebral infarct volume was detected by 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to assess neuronal apoptosis. Gene expression profile change was explored by Gene chip. Inflammatory factors were analyzed by Protein microarray. The Immunofluorescence double-labeling assay was executed to elucidate the effects of CD16⁺ / Iba-1⁺ and CD206⁺ / Iba-1⁺ in the peripheral area of cerebral ischemia.

RESULTS

Results revealed that CZTL treatment alleviated the neurological impairment, reduced cerebral infarct volume, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. CZTL altered gene expression profiles, which indicate that CZTL may be involved in regulating neuroinflammation. CZTL restrained inflammatory responses by down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines level. Further experiments demonstrated that CZTL inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which decreasing the inflammatory response. In addition, CZTL promoted the transformation of microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that CZTL alleviates neuroinflammation and brain damage after AIS in mice, which may be mediated by modulating microglia polarization.

Gout-like hands

A 65-year-old man presented to our hospital with a 1-year history of multiple nodules on his arms and hands without itching or pain.

The Effects of rs405509 on APOEε4 Non-carriers in Non-demented Aging

Background

There is evidence that the T allele of rs405509 located in the apolipoprotein E (APOE) promotor region is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the effect of the T/T allele on brain function in non-demented aging is still unclear.

Methods

We analyzed the effects of the rs405509 T/T allele on cognitive performances using multiple neuropsychological tests and local brain function using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Results

Significant differences were found between T/T carriers and G allele carriers on general cognitive status, memory, and attention (p < 0.05). Rs-fMRI analyses demonstrated decreased amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in the right middle frontal gyrus, decreased percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF) in the right middle frontal gyrus, increased regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the right cerebellar tonsil and decreased ReHo in the right putamen, and decreased degree centrality (DC) in the left middle frontal gyrus (p < 0.05, corrected). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between cognitive performance and these neuroimaging changes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that T/T allele may serve as an independent risk factor that can influence brain function in different regions in non-demented aging.

Emergency management of 2019 novel coronavirus: implications for the dermatology department

Since cases first emerged in December 2019, COVID‐19 (a type of coronavirus) has rapidly become pandemic. This fast‐tracked paper (published quickly) from China on COVID‐19 is written by dermatologists at the epicentre of the outbreak in Wuhan.

Dermatology clinic staff may be at risk because protective equipment is not routinely available, and skin lesions might possibly transmit the virus indirectly. These authors suggest preventive measures based on experience in this and previous coronavirus outbreaks.

Online consultation for non‐urgent patients reduces the numbers of patients attending clinics. Nurse‐led triage, to identify patients with possible COVID‐19, at the entrances of hospital and skin clinics directs patients with a cough or fever to a specific COVID‐19 area and a dermatologist is consulted if the fever might be related to skin disease.

Clinic staff wear N95 masks and observe hand hygiene during consultations. Patients are admitted to a ward only if routine blood tests and chest CT scans exclude COVID‐19. Triage will not detect patients who are showing no symptoms but who are developing the disease, so the hospital should provide an on‐call expert team to discuss inpatients suspected or diagnosed with COVID‐19 and refer them to radiology, respiratory or intensive care colleagues as required.

Confirmed cases are managed following local policies. Skin disorders in COVID‐19 inpatients can usually be managed remotely using photographs, email and teleconferencing. If necessary a multidisciplinary team (a team of medical staff from different specialties) can meet in the clean area of the isolation ward. If the dermatologist must see the patient, all records should be provided in advance to minimise exposure time.

With these precautions, as of 20th February 2020 no infected patients were detected in the Wuhan Dermatology Department.

This is a summary of the study: Emergency management for preventing and controlling nosocomial infection of 2019 novel coronavirus: implications for the dermatology department

Linked Article: Tao et al. Br J Dermatol 2020; 182:1477–1478

Emergency management for preventing and controlling nosocomial infection of the 2019 novel coronavirus: implications for the dermatology department

Plain language summary available online

Downregulation of 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ in lesions of psoriasis vulgaris

BACKGROUND

The 14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved regulatory molecules expressed in all eukaryotic cells, which play essential roles in a wide range of vital regulatory processes, including differentiation, proliferation and transformation. In mammalian cells, seven 14-3-3 isoforms (β, γ, ε, η, θ/τ, σ and ζ) have been identified, and each of these seems to have distinct tissue localizations and isoform-specific functions. 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ are two important members of the 14-3-3 family.

AIM

To explore the role of 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ in normal skin and psoriasis vulgaris (PV) skin.

METHODS

Using immunohistochemistry and western blotting, we measured expression of 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ in 30 PV lesions and 15 normal skin samples. The average optical density (OD) of immunostaining and the relative grey scale of immunoblotting for 4-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ were analysed by the t-test.

RESULTS

The average OD of immunostaining for 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ was 0.17 ± 0.00 and 0.24 ± 0.01, respectively, in psoriatic lesions, which was significantly lower than in normal controls (0.22 ± 0.01 and 0.37 ± 0.02, respectively; P < 0.01 for both). There was also a significant difference in the relative grey scale of 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ (0.52 ± 0.03 and 1.44 ± 0.06, respectively) in psoriatic lesions compared with normal control tissue (3.32 ± 0.15 and 2.76 ± 0.11, respectively; P < 0.01 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ were lower in psoriatic lesions than in normal human skin tissue. We speculate that 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ may be involved in the regulation of normal skin function, thus decreased expression of 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ζ might precipitate the disturbance in proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes seen in psoriasis.

Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome in China: a population-based endoscopy study of prevalence and impact

BACKGROUND

Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in Western populations.

AIM

To determine the epidemiology of dyspepsia and IBS in China.

METHODS

A representative sample of 18 000 adults from five regions of China were asked to complete the modified Rome II questionnaire; 20% were asked to complete the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Participants from Shanghai were invited to provide blood samples and undergo oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 16 091 individuals (response rate: 89.4%). Overall, 387 participants (2.4%) had dyspepsia and 735 (4.6%) had IBS. All SF-36 dimension scores were at least five points lower in individuals with than without dyspepsia or IBS (P < or = 0.001). In Shanghai, 1030 (32.7%) of the 3153 respondents agreed to endoscopy; neither dyspepsia nor IBS was found to be associated with reflux oesophagitis, peptic ulcer disease or Helicobacter pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence estimates for dyspepsia and IBS in China are lower than in Western populations. In China, dyspepsia or IBS symptoms are generally not associated with underlying organic disease.

[Research on fibrotic effect of Ni-Ti and 317L alloys in esophagus]

This study was conducted to examiune the fibrotic effect of Ni-Ti and 317L alloys in esophagus. The extract fluid from Ni-Ti, 317L alloys was made according to the ASTM standards of U.S.A. The Fb of esophageal scar was cultured primarily, then incubated with alloy abstract fluid. The proliferating activity of Fb was measured by MTT at 4, 24, 48, 72 hours in the course of culturing. The esophagus embedding test of Ni-Ti, 317L alloys was made according to ASTM standards of U.S.A. The tissue around the alloys was taken at weeks 2 and 12, and the pathologic changes were analysed. The results showed that Ni-Ti, 317L extract could depress the proliferating function of Fb gently, and the depressing action increased gradually with the culturing time. The result of embedding test was in accord with the ASTM standards of U.S.A. completely; the fibrotic membrane around the NiTi, 317L alloys became thinner with embedding time. These findings suggested that the scattering composition of Ni-Ti, 317L in body fluid might not activate the proliferating and secreting function of Fb, and the two alloys could not lead to fibrosis of esophagus aroun them.