Comparative proteomics analysis of samples from hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients using data-independent acquisition approach

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease resulting from infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. This study aimed to assess the specific proteins that are potential candidates for the development of a vaccine against E. granulosus. The data-independent acquisition approach was employed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in E. granulosus samples. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was employed to identify several noteworthy proteins. Results: The DEPs in E. granulosus samples were identified (245 pericystic wall vs. parasite-free yellowish granuloma (PYG, 1725 PY vs. PYG, 2274 PN vs. PYG). Further examination of these distinct proteins revealed their predominant enrichment in metabolic pathways, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neurodegeneration-associated pathways. Notably, among these DEPs, SH3BGRL, MST1, TAGLN2, FABP5, UBE2V2, and RARRES2 exhibited significantly higher expression levels in the PYG group compared with the PY group (P < 0.05). The findings may contribute to the understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying echinococcosis, providing valuable insights into the development of more effective diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and preventive strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: CE is a major public health hazard in the western regions of China, Central Asia, South America, the Mediterranean countries, and eastern Africa. Echinococcus granulosus is responsible for zoonotic disease through infection Our analysis focuses on the proteins in various samples by data-dependent acquisition (DIA) for proteomic analysis. The importance of this research is to develop new strategies and targets to protect against E. granulosus infections in humans.

Bioartificial livers: a review of their design and manufacture

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rapidly progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Liver transplantation and artificial liver support systems, such as artificial livers (ALs) and bioartificial livers (BALs), are the two major therapies for ALF. Compared to ALs, BALs are composed of functional hepatocytes that provide essential liver functions, including detoxification, metabolite synthesis, and biotransformation. Furthermore, BALs can potentially provide effective support as a form of bridging therapy to liver transplantation or spontaneous recovery for patients with ALF. In this review, we systematically discussed the currently available state-of-the-art designs and manufacturing processes for BAL support systems. Specifically, we classified the cell sources and bioreactors that are applied in BALs, highlighted the advanced technologies of hepatocyte culturing and bioreactor fabrication, and discussed the current challenges and future trends in developing next generation BALs for large scale clinical applications.

Epidemiological investigation, extraesophageal symptoms and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China

OBJECTIVE

To explore the incidence, distribution characteristics and related symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as its related risk factors in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

METHODS

From March 2020 to October 2020, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 5,080 permanent residents aged 18-80 years in Kashgar using cluster sampling and stratified sampling methods. The content included basic information, accompanying symptoms and diseases, living, customs and eating habits, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire score, etc. Results: The prevalence of GERD in Kashgar was 23.4% (1187/5080), and the proportions of patients with reflux symptoms lasting 1 day, 2-3 days and 4-7 days within a week were 12.5%, 6.4% and 4.4%, respectively. The proportion of patients showing symptoms in the GERD group was significantly higher than that in the non-GERD group (P<0.05). The proportion of people who are overweight or obese, take alcohol drink, eat, constipate, or take various chronic disease drugs in the GERD group is higher than that in the non-GERD group. The proportion of people in the GERD group who often eat sweet foods, pickled products, roasted products, spicy foods and meat, or drink coffee, acidic beverages, and cold drinks was higher than that in the non-GERD (P<0.05). The proportion of people in the GERD group who regularly consume fish, milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruits was significantly lower than that in non-GERD group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis found that Uyghur nationality (for the Han nationality), age (for the 30-39 years group), drinking, overeat, constipation, and frequent medication were risk factors (P<0.05, OR>1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that sweets, baked products, cold drinks, and spicy foods were independent risk factors (P<0.05, OR>1). Eggs and vegetables were protective factors (P<0.05, OR<1).

CONCLUSION

The high incidence of GRED in Kashgar, Xinjiang may be related to the local living environment, and life and eating habits.