Study on the chemical constituents and mechanism of Kai-Xin-San based on UPLC-Q-Exactive MS and network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Vascular disease (VD) is a kind of common disease harmful to the health of the middle-aged and elderly, which has the characteristics of long treatment cycle and high recurrence rate, and without effective method to treat so far. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of multi-components and multi-targets to treat diseases. Kai-Xin-San is a TCM formula applied for treating psychiatric diseases such as depression in China for thousands of years, and it has been used in clinical treatment of VD. But up to now, its active composition and mechanism are not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the effective components of Kai-Xin-San, investigate the effect of Kai-Xin-San on angiogenesis, screen and verify the related targets and possible mechanisms of Kai-Xin-San against VD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was performed to identify the chemical components of Kai-Xin-San. The mechanism of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways of Kai-Xin-San in the treatment of VD were explored by network pharmacology. And then, quail chick chorioallantoic membrane (qCAM) assays were used to evaluate the vascular protective activity of Kai-Xin-San. Evaluation of angiogenesis by calculating the relative vessels area. The levels of VEGFA and Akt1 in qCAM were measured by RT-PCR. Twenty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, model group, Donepezil (0.45 mg/kg) group, Kai-Xin-San low dose group (0.1575 g/kg), Kai-Xin-San high dose group (0.63 g/kg). Two-vessel occlusion (2-VO) rat model is established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Kai-Xin-San pretreatment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining is conducted to detect the morphological changes of neurons in the hippocampus.

RESULTS

Data showed that 62 compounds were identified in Kai-Xin-San. The network pharmacology results showed 73 compounds in Kai-Xin-San play a role in the treatment of VD, such as Ginsenoside Rh4, kaempferol, and Poricoic acid C. A total of 7 main targets are predicted, including Akt1, TNF and so on. Kai-Xin-San could increase VEGFA and Akt1 expression, promote angiogenesis and regulate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The results depict that Kai-Xin-San has dose-dependently improved the cognitive function in 2-VO model rats. It has also been showed that Kai-Xin-San can rescue neuron damage in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

The complex chemical components of Kai-Xin-San play a synergistic role in the treatment of VD, and involve multiple pathways and targets. To protect blood vessels by promoting angiogenesis is one of the potential mechanisms of Kai-Xin-San in the treatment of VD. This study reveals that Kai-Xin-San protects the 2-VO model rats from ischemic injury by alleviating neuron damage in the hippocampus.

Novel Natural Carrier-Free Self-Assembled Nanoparticles for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Balancing Immune Microenvironment and Intestinal Barrier

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory illness affecting the colon and rectum, with current treatment methods being unable to meet the clinical needs of ulcerative colitis patients. Although nanomedicines are recognized as promising anti-inflammatory medicines, their clinical application is limited by their high cost and unpredictable safety risks. This study reveals that two natural phytochemicals, berberine (BBR) and hesperetin (HST), self-assemble directly to form binary carrier-free multi-functional spherical nanoparticles (BBR-HST NPs) through noncovalent bonds involving electrostatic interactions, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. Because of their synergistic anti-inflammatory activity, berberine-hesperetin nanoparticles (BBR-HST NPs) exhibit significantly better therapeutic effects on UC and inhibitory effects on inflammation than BBR and HST at the same dose by regulating the immune microenvironment and repairing the damaged intestinal barrier. Furthermore, BBR-HST NPs exhibit good biocompatibility and biosafety. Thus, this study proves the potential of novel natural anti-inflammatory nanoparticles as therapeutic agents for UC, which could promote the progress of drug development for UC and eventually benefit patients who suffering from it.

Prevalence and influencing factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among hospital-based healthcare workers during the surge period of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chinese mainland: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

From November 2022 to February 2023, the Chinese mainland experienced a surge in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, and the hospital-based healthcare workers (HCWs) might suffer serious psychological crisis during this period. This study aims to assess the depressive and anxiety symptoms among HCWs during the surge of COVID-19 pandemic and to provide possible reference on protecting mental health of HCWs in future infectious disease outbreaks.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out among hospital-based HCWs in the Chinese mainland from 5 January to 9 February 2023. The PHQ-9 (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and GAD-7 (seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire) were used to measure depressive and anxiety symptoms. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify influencing factors.

RESULTS

A total of 6522 hospital-based HCWs in the Chinse mainland were included in this survey. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the HCWs was 70.75%, and anxiety symptoms was 47.87%. The HCWs who perceived higher risk of COVID-19 infection and those who had higher work intensity were more likely to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, higher levels of mindfulness, resilience and perceived social support were negatively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that a high proportion of HCWs in the Chinese mainland suffered from mental health disturbances during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience, mindfulness and perceived social support are important protective factors of HCWs' mental health. Tailored interventions, such as mindfulness practice, should be implemented to alleviate psychological symptoms of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic or other similar events in the future.

The axial and sagittal CT values of the 7th thoracic vertebrae in screening for osteoporosis and osteopenia

AIM

To evaluate the difference in computed tomography (CT) attenuation value of different planes of the 7th thoracic vertebra and investigate the efficacy of axial and sagittal vertebral CT measurements in predicting osteoporosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent routine chest CT and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) within 1 month were included in this retrospective study. The CT attenuation values of different planes were compared. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used to analyse the difference of each plane in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

RESULTS

The study included 1,338 patients (mean age of 61.9±11.9; 54% female). The CT attenuation values decreased successively in the normal group, osteopenia group, and osteoporosis group. The paired t-test results showed that the mid-axial measurements were greater than mid-sagittal measurements, with a mean difference of 9 HU, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.8-10.1). For each one-unit reduction in mid-sagittal CT attenuation value, the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis increased by 3.6%. To distinguish osteoporosis from non-osteoporosis (osteopenia + normal), the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity was 52.4% at the mid-sagittal threshold of 113.7 HU.

CONCLUSIONS

The CT attenuation values of mid-sagittal plane have higher diagnostic efficacy than axial planes in predicting osteoporosis. For patients with a sagittal CT attenuation value of <113.7 HU in the T7, further DXA examination is warranted.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Gut Microbiota Characteristics of Diarrheal Piglets Treated with Gentamicin

The involvement of alterations in gut microbiota composition due to the use of antibiotics has been widely observed. However, a clear picture of the influences of gentamicin, which is employed for the treatment of bacterial diarrhea in animal production, are largely unknown. Here, we addressed this problem using piglet models susceptible to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4, which were treated with gentamicin. Gentamicin significantly alleviated diarrhea and intestinal injury. Through 16s RNS sequencing, it was found that gentamicin increased species richness but decreased community evenness. Additionally, clear clustering was observed between the gentamicin-treated group and the other groups. More importantly, with the establishment of a completely different microbial structure, a novel metabolite composition profile was formed. KEGG database annotation revealed that arachidonic acid metabolism and vancomycin resistance were the most significantly downregulated and upregulated pathways after gentamicin treatment, respectively. Meanwhile, we identified seven possible targets of gentamicin closely related to these two functional pathways through a comprehensive analysis. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that gentamicin therapy for diarrhea is associated with the downregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism. During this process, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is induced, leading to increased levels of the vancomycin resistance pathway. An improved understanding of the roles of these processes will advance the conception and realization of new therapeutic and preventive strategies.

HMGB1 acts as an agent of host defense at the gut mucosal barrier

Mucosal barriers provide the first line of defense between internal body surfaces and microbial threats from the outside world. ¹ In the colon, the barrier consists of two layers of mucus and a single layer of tightly interconnected epithelial cells supported by connective tissue and immune cells. ² Microbes colonize the loose, outer layer of colonic mucus, but are essentially excluded from the tight, epithelial-associated layer by host defenses. ³ The amount and composition of the mucus is calibrated based on microbial signals and loss of even a single component of this mixture can destabilize microbial biogeography and increase the risk of disease. ^4-7 However, the specific components of mucus, their molecular microbial targets, and how they work to contain the gut microbiota are still largely unknown. Here we show that high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), the prototypical damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP), acts as an agent of host mucosal defense in the colon. HMGB1 in colonic mucus targets an evolutionarily conserved amino acid sequence found in bacterial adhesins, including the well-characterized Enterobacteriaceae adhesin FimH. HMGB1 aggregates bacteria and blocks adhesin-carbohydrate interactions, inhibiting invasion through colonic mucus and adhesion to host cells. Exposure to HMGB1 also suppresses bacterial expression of FimH. In ulcerative colitis, HMGB1 mucosal defense is compromised, leading to tissue-adherent bacteria expressing FimH. Our results demonstrate a new, physiologic role for extracellular HMGB1 that refines its functions as a DAMP to include direct, virulence limiting effects on bacteria. The amino acid sequence targeted by HMGB1 appears to be broadly utilized by bacterial adhesins, critical for virulence, and differentially expressed by bacteria in commensal versus pathogenic states. These characteristics suggest that this amino acid sequence is a novel microbial virulence determinant and could be used to develop new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of bacterial disease that precisely identify and target virulent microbes.

The air temperature change effect on water quality in the Kvarken Archipelago area

The Kvarken Archipelago is Finland's World Heritage site designated by UNESCO. How climate change has affected the Kvaken Archipelago remains unclear. This study was conducted to investigate this issue by analyzing air temperature and water quality in this area. Here we use long-term historical data sets of 61 years from several monitoring stations. Water quality parameters included chlorophyll-a; total phosphorus; total nitrogen; coliform bacteria thermos tolerant; temperature; nitrate as nitrogen; nitrite-nitrate as nitrogen, and Secchi depth and correlations analysis was conducted to identify the most relevant parameters. Based on the correlation analysis of weather data and water quality parameters, air temperature showed a significant correlation with water temperature (Pearson's correlations = 0.89691, P < 0.0001). The air temperature increased in April (R² (goodness-of-fit) = 0.2109 &P = 0.0009) and July (R² = 0.1207 &P = 0.0155) which has indirectly increased the chlorophyll-a level (e.g. in June increasing slope = 0.39101, R² = 0.4685, P < 0.0001) an indicator of phytoplankton growth and abundance in the water systems. The study concludes that there might be indirect effects of the likely increase in air temperature on water quality in the Kvarken Archipelago, in particular causing water temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration to increase at least in some months.

Difference in general practice telehealth utilisation associated with birth country during COVID-19 from two Australian states

Objective

Telehealth has been an integral part of ensuring continued general practice access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether telehealth was similarly adopted across different ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups in Australia is unknown. In this study, we assessed how telehealth utilisation differed by birth country.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, electronic health record data from 799 general practices across Victoria and New South Wales, Australia between March 2020 to November 2021 were extracted (12,403,592 encounters from 1,307,192 patients). Multivariate generalised estimating equation models were used to assess the likelihood of a telehealth consultation (against face-to-face consultation) by birth country (relative to Australia or New Zealand born patients), education index, and native language (English versus others).

Results

Patients born in Southeastern Asia (aOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.52-0.55), Eastern Asia (aOR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.60-0.66), and India (aOR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.63-0.66) had a lower likelihood of having a telehealth consultation compared to those born in Australia or New Zealand. Northern America, British Isles, and most European countries did not present with a statistically significant difference. Additionally, higher education levels (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.26-1.42) was associated with an increase in the likelihood of a telehealth consultation, while being from a non-English-speaking country was associated with a reduced likelihood (aOR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.81-0.84).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence showing differences in telehealth use associated with birth country. Strategies to ensure continued healthcare access for patients, whose native language is not English, such as providing interpreter services for telehealth consultations, would be beneficial.

Perspectives

Understanding cultural and linguistic differences may reduce health disparities in telehealth access in Australia and could present an opportunity to promote healthcare access in diverse communities.

Explore bioactive ingredients and potential mechanism of Houpo Mahuang decoction for chronic bronchitis based on UHPLC-Q exactive orbitrap HRMS, network pharmacology, and experiment verification

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic bronchitis (CB) affects a growing number of people and may be linked to lung function impairment. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Houpo Mahuang Decoction (HPMHD) has been used for clinical treatment of respiratory diseases for thousands of years. Until now, its bioactive ingredients, potential targets and molecular mechanism remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect of HPMHD on the treatment of CB and explore the bioactive ingredients and possible mechanisms of HPMHD against CB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS was performed to analyze the chemical components of HPMHD. The mechanism of multiple components, targets and pathways of HPMHD in the treatment of chronic bronchitis were explored by network pharmacology. Additionally, CB mice model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and smoking was used to evaluate the anti-chronic bronchitis activity of HPMHD in vivo. Pulmonary pathology was determined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) measurement. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in lung were measured by ELISA. The immunofluorescence experiments were carried out for the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-κB p-P65/P65 in lung. Western blot assays were performed to quantify and visualize the protein expression of NF-κB p-P65/P65 in mice lung.

RESULTS

Data showed that 79 compounds were identified in HPMHD. The network pharmacology results showed 53 compounds were hinted their effectivity for the treatment of chronic bronchitis with HPMHD, such as ephedrine, schisantherin A, and honokiol. The main targets were predicted as 37 genes, including TNF, TP53, IL6 and so on. HPMHD ameliorated lung damages in mice and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway, one of the pathways plotted by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, by reducing IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 expression and significantly downregulating the NF-κB p-P65/P65.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the complex chemical components of HPHMD was successfully elucidate by UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. The study based on network pharmacology and experiment verification indicated that HPMHD can decreased inflammatory response in lung to treat CB. The underlying mechanism may be related to the reduction of inflammation by down-regulated the NF-κB pathways.

Comparative clinical outcomes and predictive biomarkers of sintilimab combinations vs. single therapy in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between sintilimab combinations and single treatment in cancer patients, as well as identify biomarkers for selection of patients who might benefit from the combination treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing sintilimab combinations vs. single treatment in different tumors according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Selected endpoints included completion response rate (CR), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), major adverse effects (AEs), immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Subgroup analyses based on different combination regimens, tumor type and basic biomarkers were included.

RESULTS

Results reported from 11 RCTs involving 2,248 patients were included in this analysis. Pooled results indicated that both sintilimab plus chemotherapy and sintilimab plus targeted therapy significantly improved CR [RR=2.44, 95% CI (1.14, 5.20), p=0.021; RR=2.91, 95% CI (1.29, 6.57), p=0.010], ORR [RR=1.34, 95% CI (1.13, 1.59), p=0.001; RR=1.70, 95% CI (1.13, 2.56), p=0.011], PFS [HR=0.56, 95% CI (0.43, 0.69), p<0.001; HR=0.56, 95% CI (0.49, 0.64), p<0.001] and OS [HR=0.59, 95% CI (0.48, 0.70), p<0.001]. Subgroup analyses suggested that the sintilimab-chemotherapy group exhibited a superior PFS benefit than the chemotherapy alone group regardless of age, gender, EGOS PS, PD-L1 expression, smoking status, and clinical stage. There were no significant statistical differences in the incidence of any grade and grade 3 or worse AEs between the two groups [RR=1.00, 95% CI (0.91, 1.10), p=0.991; RR=1.06, 95% CI (0.94, 1.20), p=0.352]. While the incidence of any grade irAEs was higher with sintilimab plus chemotherapy as compared to chemotherapy alone (RR=1.24, 95% CI (1.01, 1.54), p=0.044), but no significant difference was found for grade 3 or worse irAEs (RR=1.11, 95% CI (0.60, 2.03), p=0.741).

CONCLUSIONS

Sintilimab combinations brought benefits to a greater number of patients at the cost of a mild increase of irAEs. PD-L1 expression may not be used as a predictive biomarker, composite biomarkers consisting of PD-L1 and MHC class II expression are worth to be explored to enlarge the patient population that benefits from sintilimab combinations.

Enhancing gosling growth and secretion of somatotrophic and thyrotrophic axis hormones through egg turning during incubation

1. Growth performance of Yangzhou geese hatched from eggs with turning angles of 50° or 70° was evaluated in association with serum hormones and somatotrophic gene mRNA expression.2. Egg turning at 70° significantly (P< 0.05) increased hatchability, gosling quality and hatching weight. Gosling post-hatch body weight, leg and breast muscle weight in the 70° turning group was significantly heavier until 50 d of age.3. Serum concentrations of GH were significantly higher until 30 d of age in the 70° turning group goslings, and those of IGF-I and T3 were higher from hatching to 50 d of age.4. The mRNA expression of GHRH, pituitary GH, liver and leg muscle IGF-I were all significantly higher at 1 and 30 d of age after hatch, but not at 70 d after hatch, in the 70° turning group.5. Egg turning at 70° during incubation improves embryo and gosling quality and growth performance through up-regulation of gene expression and secretion of somatotrophic axis hormones, GHRH, GH and IGF-I, as well as T3.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel sinomenine derivatives as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent

Sinomenine (SIN) has long been known as an anti-inflammatory drug, while poor efficiency and large-dose treatment had limited its further application. A series of novel SIN derivatives 1–26 were designed and synthesized to improve its anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity evaluation showed most of the derivatives exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory activity in vitro compared to SIN. Compound 17 significantly inhibited LPS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory factors NO (IC₅₀ = 30.28 ± 1.70 μM), and suppressed the expression of iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, compound 17 showed excellent anti-inflammatory in mouse paw edema. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that compound 17 exerted anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Furthermore, compound 17 exhibited an analgesic effect in vivo. The results attained in this study indicated that compound 17 had the potential to be developed into an anti-inflammation and analgesic agent.

A series of novel sinomenine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 17 showed strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

Alkylresorcinol, a biomarker for whole grain intake, and its association with osteoarthritis: the MOST study

INTRODUCTION

Higher intake of fiber has been associated with lower risk of incident symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). We examined whether levels of alkylresorcinol (AR), a marker of whole grain intake, were associated with OA in subjects in The Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) Study.

METHOD

Knee x-rays and knee pain were assessed at baseline and through 60-months. Stored baseline fasting plasma samples were analyzed for AR homologues (C17:0, C19:0, C21:0, C23:0, C25:0) and total AR levels (AR sum). Two nested case-control studies, one for incident radiographic OA and one for incident symptomatic OA were performed with participants re-assessed at 15, 30 and 60 months. Multivariable conditional logistic regression with baseline covariates including age, sex, BMI, physical activity, quadriceps strength, race, smoking, depressive symptoms, diabetes and knee injury tested the association of log transformed AR levels with OA outcomes.

RESULTS

Seven hundred seventy-seven subjects were, on average, in their 60's, and most were women. For 60-month cumulative incidence, there was no significant association between quartiles of AR concentration and incident radiographic (e.g., for incident radiographic OA, highest vs lowest quartile of AR sum showed RR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.59, 1.47), and for symptomatic OA RR was 1.22 (95% CI 0.76, 1.94). In secondary analyses examining 30-month incidence, high AR levels were associated with a reduced risk of X-ray OA (RR = 0.31 (95% CI 0.15, 0.64).

CONCLUSION

In primary analyses, AR levels were not associated with risk of OA, but secondary analyses left open the possibility that high AR levels may protect against OA.

[Progress and policy considerations on the pilot program of standardized training for public health physicians in China]

The standardized training for public health physicians plays an important role in exploring the cultivation public health professionals and strengthening the construction of public health service providers. In 2018, the National Health Commission of China launched a pilot program of standardized training for public health physicians in 10 provinces. This paper clarifies the definition of the standardized training for public health physicians, systematically analyzes the status quo of the training in China and other countries, articulates the design and progress of the training in the perspective of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and makes some suggestions for the priorities of the pilot training program, so as to provide reference and basis for the better development of the standardized training for public health physicians in China in the future.

Effects of robot-assisted therapy on upper limb and cognitive function in patients with stroke: study protocol of a randomized controlled study

Background

Impairments in upper limb motor function and cognitive ability are major health problems experienced by stroke patients, necessitating the development of novel and effective treatment options in stroke care. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of robot-assisted therapy on improving upper limb and cognitive functions in stroke patients.

Methods

This will be a single-blinded, 2-arm, parallel design, randomized controlled trial which will include a sample size of 86 acute and subacute stroke patients to be recruited from a single clinical hospital in Shanghai, China. Upon qualifying the study eligibility, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either robot-assisted therapy or conventional therapy with both interventions being conducted over a 6-week period in a clinical rehabilitation setting. In addition to comprehensive rehabilitation, the robot-assisted therapy group will receive a 30-min Armguider robot-assisted therapy intervention 5 days a week. Primary efficacy outcomes will include Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Other secondary outcomes will include Trail Making Test (TMT), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT). All trial outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6-week follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses will be performed to examine changes from baseline in the outcomes. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial period.

Discussion

This will be the first randomized controlled trial aimed at examining the effects of robot-assisted therapy on upper limb and cognitive functions in acute and subacute stroke patients. Findings from the study will contribute to our understanding of using a novel robotic rehabilitation approach to stroke care and rehabilitation.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100050856. Registered on 5 September 2021.

[Interference of P2X4 receptor expression in tumor-associated macrophages suppresses migration and invasion of glioma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of interference of P2X4 receptor expression in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) on invasion and migration of glioma cells.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mouse models bearing gliomas in the caudate nucleus were examined for glioma pathology with HE staining and expressions of Iba-1 and P2X4 receptor with immunofluorescence assay. RAW264.7 cells were induced into TAMs using conditioned medium from GL261 cells, and the changes in mRNA expressions of macrophage polarization-related markers and the mRNA and protein expressions of P2X4 receptor were detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The effect of siRNA-mediated P2X4 interference on IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA and protein expressions in the TAMs was detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. GL261 cells were cultured in the conditioned medium from the transfected TAMs, and the invasion and migration abilities of the cells were assessed with Transwell invasion and migration experiment.

RESULTS

The glioma tissues from the tumor-bearing mice showed a significantly greater number of Iba-1-positive cells, where an obviously increased P2X4 receptor expression was detected (P=0.001), than the brain tissues of the control mice (P < 0.001). The M2 macrophage markers (Arg-1 and IL-10) and M1 macrophage markers (iNOS and TNF-α) were both significantly up-regulated in the TAMs derived from RAW264.7 cells (all P < 0.01), but the up-regulation of the M2 macrophage markers was more prominent; the expression levels of P2X4 receptor protein and mRNA were both increased in the TAMs (P < 0.05). Interference of P2X4 receptor expression significantly lowered the mRNA(P < 0.01)and protein (P < 0.01, P < 0.05)expression levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the TAMs and obviously inhibited the ability of the TAMs to promote invasion and migration of the glioma cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Interference of P2X4 receptor in the TAMs suppresses the migration and invasion of glioma cells possibly by lowering the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18.

Biosynthetic Microcin J25 Exerts Strong Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory Activities, Low Cytotoxicity Without Increasing Drug-Resistance to Bacteria Target

Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infection has emerged, raising concerns about untreatable infections, and posing the highest health risks. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are thought to be the best remedy for this problem. Here, we showed biosynthetic microcin J25 (MccJ25) exhibited excellent bactericidal activity against standard and clinically relevant veterinary MDR strains with high stability, no cytotoxicity, and no increase in drug resistance. Analysis of antimicrobial mechanism possessed by sensitive enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) based on electron microscopy and Sytox Green methods was carried out. Results showed excellent activity against ETEC was due to permeabilizing bacterial membranes and strong affinity. MccJ25 exhibited high endotoxin-neutralizing activity in both in vivo and in vitro environments, and mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed decreased plasma LPS levels and improved survival after administration of MccJ25. In an LPS-treated mouse septicemia model, MccJ25 treatment significantly alleviated inflammatory responses by inhibiting proinflammatory factor secretion and expression. In a mouse E. coli infection model, administration of MccJ25 effectively improved host defense against clinically source cocktail of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains induced intestinal inflammation and bacteria dissemination. Results of studies on anti-inflammatory mechanisms showed that MccJ25 downregulated nuclear factor kappa B kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby reducing the production of toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 and decreasing the key proinflammatory cytokines. These findings clarify MccJ25 may be an ideal antibacterial/antiendotoxic drug candidate that has the potential to further guide the development of anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial agents in the war against MDR bacterial infection.

Effects of Antimicrobial Peptide Microcin C7 on Growth Performance, Immune and Intestinal Barrier Functions, and Cecal Microbiota of Broilers

Microcin C7 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by Escherichia coli, composed of a heptapeptide with a modified adenosine monophosphate. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Microcin C7 as a potential substrate to traditional antibiotics on growth performance, immune functions, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota of broilers. In the current study, 300 healthy Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments including a corn-soybean basal diet and basal diet supplemented with antibiotic or 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg Microcin C7. Results showed that Microcin C7 significantly decreased the F/G ratio of broilers; significantly increased the levels of serum cytokine IL-10, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, and ileal sIgA secretion; significantly decreased the level of serum cytokine TNF-α. Microcin C7 significantly increased villus height and V/C ratio and significantly decreased crypt depth in small intestine of broilers. Microcin C7 significantly increased gene expression of tight junction protein Occludin and ZO-1 and significantly decreased gene expression of pro-inflammatory and chemokine TNF-α, IL-8, IFN-γ, Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4, and downstream molecular MyD88 in the jejunum of broilers. Microcin C7 significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus and decreased the number of total bacteria and Escherichia coli in the cecum of broilers. Microcin C7 also significantly increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and lactic acid levels in the ileum and cecum of broilers. In conclusion, diet supplemented with Microcin C7 significantly improved growth performance, strengthened immune functions, enhanced intestinal barrier, and regulated cecal microbiota of broilers. Therefore, the antimicrobial peptide Microcin C7 may have the potential to be an ideal alternative to antibiotic.

[Emergency training need and effect evaluation analysis of novel coronavirus pneumonia in centers of disease control and prevention]

A questionnaire was used to investigate the emergency training needs of novel coronavirus pneumonia of disease prevention and control institutions in provinces, deputy provincial level regions and cities specifically designated in the state plan, and the effect evaluation of emergency training activities conducted by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). The results showed that 67.4% of 47 disease prevention and control institutions (31/46) believed that the emergency training at the initial stage of the epidemic should be conducted as soon as possible, and the form of network training should be given priority. The training should focus on the urgently needed technologies such as epidemiological investigation, formulation and response of prevention and control strategies, laboratory testing, etc. The teaching materials should highlight pertinence and practicability and be presented in the form of electronic video. The average satisfaction score of the video training conducted by China CDC was (8.81±1.125) and the score of audio-video courseware was (8.97±0.893). The needs analysis and evaluation of novel coronavirus pneumonia prevention and control in disease prevention and control institutions could provide reference for the follow-up training and improve the emergency training management.

[Current situation and suggestions of public health personnel training in disease control and prevention institutions]

Under the background that the national health has become the national priority development strategy, it is essential to speed up public health ability among talents. Based on the consulting project of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, "Research on the training strategy of medical and health personnel in China", this paper analyzes the current situation and existing problems of public health personnel training in disease control and prevention institutions. Based on three stages of public health education, this paper puts forward that the public health personnel training should first solve the problem of public health personnel team construction and create programs on college education-post graduate education-continuing education. Through the personnel training system, different training modes are designed for other groups of people to improve the ability of public health personnel in an all-around way.

[The Museum of Western Studies on Chinese Medicine:Chinese medicine in the western societies]

The historical artifacts displayed in the Museum of Western study on Chinese Medicine at Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine came from a variety of Chinese medical schools in America and European countries. They are in the memorial galleries for some well-known figures, such as George Soulié de Morant (Su Lie), Jacques-André Lavier (La Wei Ai), Felix Mann (Man Fu Li) and Manfred Porkert (Man Xi Bo), representing the development and status of respective Chinese medical schools in America and European countries. The displayed artifacts are nearly 3,000 photos, manuscripts, documents and more than 500 hours of audiovisual materials, including instruments for acupuncture and moxibustion, books, passports, letters and even supplies for their life. The displayed artifacts demonstrate the process and the access of people in the western societies to know, learn and take use of Chinese medicine.

Copper stimulates neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid degradation by Ensifer adhaerens TMX-23

AIMS

Aims of this study are to elucidate the molecular mechanism of copper-improved thiacloprid (THI) degradation by Ensifer adhaerens TMX-23 and characterize copper resistance of this strain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Resting cells of E. adhaerens TMX-23 were used to degrade THI, with formation of THI amide and 98·31% of 0·59 mmol l^-1 THI was degraded in 100 min. The addition of copper improved the degradation of THI and showed little inhibitory effects on the growth of E. adhaerens TMX-23. E. adhaerens TMX-23 degraded THI to THI amide by nitrile hydratases (NhcA and NhpA). QPCR analysis indicated that the expression of nhpA was up-regulated in the presence of copper. E. adhaerens TMX-23 nitrile hydratases were purified, and enzyme assay of NhpA exhibited the highest NHase activity toward THI. The addition of copper activated the activity of NhcA. Soil degradation experiment indicated that E. adhaerens TMX-23 could quickly eliminate THI residual in copper-added soil.

CONCLUSIONS

Copper improved THI degradation by E. adhaerens TMX-23 was attributed to the induced expression of nhpA and activated NhcA.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study broadens the investigation of regulatory mechanism of NHase expression and provided theoretical basis for using metal-resistant microbes to degrade pesticide in heavy metal co-contaminated environments.

[Survey on provincial disease prevention and control professionals' attitudes and cognition to public health physician standardized training in China]

Objective: To understand the attitudes and cognition of disease control and prevention professionals at provincial level on public health physician standardized training and provide evidence for the improvement of the standardized training and exploration of more effective training mode in China. Methods: By cluster sampling, 2 193 professionals at provincial centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) in 6 provinces, including Jiangsu and Guangdong, Shanxi and Hubei,Sichuan and Xinjiang were selected as the study subjects, the sample size was estimated to be 1 933 persons. Results: A total of 1 716 provincial-level CDC professionals were surveyed, the support rate to the standardized training was 70.7%(1 213/1 716). The level of support was negatively associated with the educational level of professionals and their specialty of public health and preventive medicine. Of 875 public health and preventive medicine professionals, 61.6%(318/516) of those with master's degree or above supported the standard training for public health physicians, which was lower than 73.1%(225/308) of those with bachelor's degree and 86.3%(44/51) of those with college degree or below. There were 14.9%(232/1 555) of the respondents suggested a two year training, and 60.4%(933/1 544) suggesting a field training mode. In terms of training content, 86.6%(1 355/1 564) suggesting "epidemiological survey and public health practice", and 76.7%(1 199/1 564) suggesting "basic theories and methodology". Conclusions: In general, the professionals of provincial CDC showed a relatively low interest in the standardized training for public health physicians and failed to reach a consensus. Besides, they were ill-informed about current training duration, method and content. Thas, the professionals at provincial CDC are suggested to be the key target-population whom should be mobilized during the training pilot period, especially the highly educated ones with relevant specialties of public health. It is suggested that public health physician standardized training should to be implemented in whole CDC system to reach full consensus based on its practical achievements and effects. It is also suggested to establish public health graduate medical education system in China.

Metabolomic evaluation of serum metabolites of geese reared at different stocking densities

1. Stocking density is an issue for poultry production. High stocking density can impact biochemical parameters, production, and reproductive performance; however, information regarding the effects of stocking density on serum metabolites in geese is limited.2. Twenty-day-old, Sanhua male geese (n = 240) were allocated to one of two experimental groups for 50 days. One group was housed under a low stocking density (LSD; two birds per m²) and one under a high stocking density (HSD; five birds per m²). Body weight and feed intake were recorded every 10 d. Eight serum samples per group were used for metabonomic analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.3. Stocking density did not affect the spleen, liver, thymus, or bursa of Fabricius weights after 50 d. Feed intake and body weight was significantly lower in geese from the HSD group versus the LSD group (P < 0.05). Thirty-six differential serum metabolites were identified (P < 0.05), indicating altered amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid and vitamin cofactor metabolism.4. The results demonstrated that high-density stocking impacts geese, and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the adverse health effects associated with HSD.

Self-assembled nanoparticles of natural phytochemicals (berberine and 3,4,5-methoxycinnamic acid) originated from traditional Chinese medicine for inhibiting multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background:

In the field of antibacterial, nanomaterials are favored by researchers because of their unique advantages. Medicinal plants, especially traditional Chinese medicine, are considered to be an important source of new chemicals with potential therapeutic effects, as well as an important source for the discovery of new antibiotics. MRSA is endangering people's lives as a kind of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus which are resistant to tetracycline, amoxicillin, norfloxacin and other first-line antibiotics. It is a hotspot to find good anti-drug-resistant bacteriae, nature-originated nanomaterials with good biocompatibility.

Objective:

We reported the formation of phytochemical nanoparticles (NPs) by the self-assembly of berberine (BBR) and 3,4,5-methoxycinnamic acid (3,4,5-TCA) from Chinese herb medicine, which had good antibacterial activity against MRSA.

Method and Results:

We found that NPs had good antibacterial activity against MRSA; especially, its antibacterial activity was better than first-line amoxicillin, norfloxacin and its self-assembling precursors on MRSA. When the concentration reached 0.1 µmol/mL, the inhibition rate of NPs reached 94.62%, which was higher than that of BBR and the other two antibiotics (p < 0.001). It was observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) that NPs could directly adhere to the bacterial surface, which might be an important aspect of the antibacterial activity of NPs. Meanwhile, we further analyzed that the self-assembly was formed by hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking through ultraviolet−visible (UV-vis), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic spectrum (1 H NMR), and powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD). NPs’ morphology was observed by FESEM and TEM. The particles size and surface charge were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS); and the surface charge was -31.6 mv, which proved that the synthesized NPs were stable.

Conclusion:

We successfully constructed a naturally self-assembled nanoparticle, originating from traditional Chinese medicine, which had good antibacterial activity for MRSA. It is a promising way to obtain natural nanoparticles from medicinal plants and apply them to antibacterial therapy.

Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation markedly reduces energy loss in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging study

Background

Functional follow-up modalities of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) subjected to percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) are limited mainly to echocardiography and catheterization. Recent advancements in four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have enabled us to assess patients from the perspective of fluid dynamics by visualising blood flow and calculating quantitative parameters such as wall shear stress and energy loss within cardiac chambers or blood vessels. Several reports have demonstrated that the intra-cardiac energy loss decreased along with improvement of cardiac function achieved by treatment of cardiac diseases. Whether changes in energy loss occur along with PTSMA in HOCM patients and the underlying mechanism remain unknown.

Purpose

This study sought to investigate the influence of PTSMA in patients with HOCM on energy loss in the left ventricle (LV) and aortic root measured by 4D flow MRI.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited HOCM patients who underwent PTSMA at a referral centre from May to November 2019. Patients who underwent 4D flow MRI both before and after PTSMA were included. We collected demographic and clinical data from electronic health records. MRI scans implemented two-dimensional phase-contrast imaging of the three-chamber plane with three-directional velocity, using a 1.5 T scanner. Furthermore, 4D blood flow analysis was performed on off-line saved data, using iTFlow version 1.9. We assessed energy loss in one cardiac cycle within the three-chamber plane of the LV and aortic root (area surrounded by the LV endocardium, sinotubular junction, and mitral annulus).

Results

This study finally included 12 patients, whose mean age was 66±12 years, and 5 (42%) of whom were men. The pressure gradient between the LV apex and ascending aorta was 81±32 mmHg before and 20±22 mmHg immediately after PTSMA (P&lt;0.005, paired). Before PTSMA, 6 patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III and the other 6 in class II. However, after PTSMA, 10 patients improved to class I and 2 to class II. PTSMA reduced energy loss in one cardiac cycle within the three-chamber plane of the LV and aortic root, from 79±36 mJ/m to 55±19 mJ/m (P=0.001, paired).

Conclusions

PTSMA in patients with HOCM reduced energy loss within the LV and aortic root, indicating significant decrease with cardiac workload. Four-dimensional flow MRI of the three-chamber plane to assess energy loss within the LV and aortic root is a time-efficient and reproducible quantitative method to evaluate the effects of PTSMA. Given its non-invasive nature, it also enables to sequentially follow-up HOCM patients who underwent PTSMA.

Periprocedural changes of energy loss

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Overexpression of miR-146a inhibits the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons of rats with cerebral hemorrhage by regulating autophagy

In this study, to investigate the effect of overexpression of miR-146a on autophagy of hippocampal neurons in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 72 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham, ICH, miR-146a agomir, and miR-146a agomir control groups. The ICH model was constructed by injection of collagenase VII. The apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was measured by TUNEL assay. The levels of LC3 and Beclin 1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Mitochondrial autophagy was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The levels of LC3A, LC3B, Beclin 1, Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase 3 were examined by Western blot. Western blot was also used to evaluate the expression of nuclear factor κB signaling pathway-related factors. To examine the effect of autophagy inhibitor (3-methyladenine (3-MA)) on miR-146a-regulated apoptotic protein expression, 30 rats were further divided into the sham, ICH, miR-146a agomir, 3-MA, and miR-146a + 3-MA groups. The levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase 3 were examined by Western blot. Compared with the sham group, the nerve function scores, brain water content, the percentage of apoptotic cells, and the expression levels of LC3, Beclin 1, Bax, cleaved caspase 3, and p-P65 in the hippocampus of rats in the ICH group were all significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the expression levels of miR-146a, Bcl-2, and p-IκBα were markedly decreased (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial autophagy was also evident. Furthermore, compared with the ICH group, the results of the abovementioned tests in the miR-146a agomir group were reversed. The overexpression of miR-146a inhibited the autophagy of hippocampal neurons in rats with ICH.

[Reflections on the orientation of public health physicians]

Public health physician is one of the four statutory types of physicians in China, but there is no consensus on their connotation. The main problems are that public health physician is confused with those who perform public health tasks, the relationship between public health physician and clinician and the connotation of prescription right is not clear, and there is limitation in public health education and relevant laws and regulations. Public health physician is positioned as professionals who monitor, investigate, evaluate, and intervene in population health-related issues. It is suggested to retain the practicing qualification of public health physicians and highlight the attribute of public health physicians' prescribing the prescriptions for community health. Encourage public health physicians to obtain qualification for clinicians to individual prescription, Encourage clinicians to access to public health physician qualification. Improve public health school education, take the pilot of public health physician standardization training, cultivate "prevention and treatment combined" physician.

P1643An exploratory analysis for the optimal monitoring interval of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with stable heart failure

Background

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a potential biomarker for monitoring the status of heart failure. However, the optimal monitoring interval is unknown. This study aims to investigate minimal informative monitoring interval of NT-proBNP in patients with stable chronic heart failure.

Methods

In this retrospective open cohort study, adult patients followed up at a tertiary hospital for chronic heart failure with NT-proBNP measurements were included if they had been previously admitted due to acute heart failure and were free from readmission over 6 months after discharge. We analyzed NT-proBNP measured between 6 months after discharge and the timepoint of an alteration of medication regimen or readmission due to worsening of heart failure. To distinguish actual progression of the disease from biological variability and measurement error, the signal-to-noise ratio method was applied with a random-effects model. Stratified analysis was performed according to underlying risks.

Results

In this analysis, 368 patients were included with NT-proBNP measured between July 2009 and December 2017. The patients had 6.0 times of NT-proBNP measurements in median (interquartile range [IQR] 4.0–10.0) during the follow-up period (median 12.0 months [IQR 6.0–27.0]). In the estimates of the random-effects model, signal (i.e. actual progression of the disease) exceeded noise (i.e. biological variability and measurement error) at 8.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.7–10.1) after the index measurement. In a subgroup analysis according to the AHEAD risk score, the minimal informative monitoring interval was shortened as the risk score increased (0–1 point: 12.3 months [95% CI: 10.3–14.5]; 2–3 points: 8.0 months [95% CI: 6.8–9.7]; 4–5 points: 3.3 months [95% CI: 3.0–3.8]; Figure).

Informative intervals stratified by risk

Conclusion

In patients with stable chronic heart failure, the overall minimal informative monitoring interval of NT-proBNP measurement was 8.1 months, which varies by underlying risk. The optimal monitoring interval could be lengthened especially for patients at lower risk.

Identification of key pathways and genes changes in pancreatic cancer cells (BXPC-3) after cross-talk with primary pancreatic stellate cells using bioinformatics analysis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors with poor prognosis, and the interaction between activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and PDAC cells plays an important role in the development of PDAC. The aim of this study was to identify gene changes in BXPC-3 after cross-talk with PSCs and reveal their potential mechanisms. The gene expression profiling analysis of BXPC-3 was completed after co-culture with primary PSCs for 48 h. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Agilent GeneSpring GX software. In total, 3657 DEGs were identified in BXPC-3, including 1881 up-regulated genes and 1776 downregulated genes. GO analysis results showed that upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes (BP), including peptide metabolic process, response to stress and electron transport chain; the downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes, including signaling, multicellular organism development and anatomical structure development. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 19 pathways were upregulated and 32 pathways were downregulated, and that upregulated DEGs were enriched in protein export and glutathione metabolism, while the downregulated DEGs were enriched in axon guidance and focal adhesion. The top 10 upregulated genes and the top 10 downregulated genes were identified. By constructing PPI network, we selected out 10 key genes (TP53, SRC, IL6, JUN, ISG15, CAD, STAT1, OAS3, OAS1, VIM) and significant pathways. The associated survival analysis was performed and the SRC, IL-6, ISG15, STAT1, OAS3, OAS1 and VIM were proved to be related to worse overall survival time of PDAC patients. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the identified DEGs promote our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs and might be used as molecular targets in the future to study the role of tumor microenvironment in the progression of PDAC.

Kaempferol attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin inflammation in a mouse model

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects the skin barrier. Treatment for psoriasis mainly includes conventional immunosuppressive drugs. However, long-term treatment with global immunosuppressive agents may cause a variety of side effects, including nephrotoxicity and infections. Kaempferol, a natural flavonol present in various plants, is known to possess potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancerous properties. However, it is unknown whether kaempferol is also anti-psoriatic. Here we established an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mouse model to explore the potential therapeutic effects of kaempferol on psoriatic skin lesions and inflammation. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment with kaempferol protected mice from developing psoriasis-like skin lesions induced by topical administration of IMQ. Kaempferol reduced CD3⁺ T cell infiltration and gene expression of major proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in the psoriatic skin lesion. It also down-regulated proinflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in the skin. The therapeutic effects were associated with a significant increase in CD4⁺ forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)⁺ regulatory T cell (T_reg ) frequency in the spleen and lymph nodes as well as FoxP3-positive staining in the skin lesion. Conversely, depletion of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ T_regs reversed the therapeutic effects of kaempferol on the skin lesion. Kaempferol also lowered the percentage of IL-17A⁺ CD4⁺ T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes of IMQ-induced psoriatic mice. Finally, kaempferol suppressed the proliferation of T cells in vitro and their mTOR signaling. Thus, our findings suggest that kaempferol may be a therapeutic drug for treating human psoriasis in the near future.

[A survey of attitudes to and demands on internship in graduates majoring in preventive medicine in 6 colleges and universities in China]

Objective: To understand the internship of students majoring in preventive medicine in 6 colleges and universities in China, and provide reference suggestions for the improvement of internship arrangement. Methods: By using the method of combined clustering and convenient sampling, the fifth grades students majoring in preventive medicine in six universities in the eastern, central and western China were surveyed by using questionnaires to collect the information of their attitudes (to) and suggestions for clinical and public health internships. Results: A total of 596 students were surveyed. In terms of the benefits of clinical internship and public health internship, students who thought that the internship was fruitful accounted for >88%, and more students thought that reform is needed in clinical internship compared with public health internship. In clinical internship, the students through that the time arrangement was not appropriate enough (95, 39.58%), the content should be more detailed and in-depth (73, 30.42%) and the content did not conform to the professional direction (54, 22.50%). In public health internship, the students thought that the time arrangement was not appropriate (77, 45.56%), the content should be more detailed and standardized (65, 38.46%) and the types of internship bases should be more diversified (20, 11.83%). Conclusions: The undergraduates majoring in preventive medicine felt to be benefited from clinical practice and public health internships and thought they are of necessity. At the same time, there are still many problems which needs to be improved in the two types of internships. It is necessary to make joint efforts from students, teachers, colleges and practice bases to promote the continuous improvement of undergraduate internship.

Identification of key pathways and genes changes in pancreatic cancer cells (BXPC-3) after cross-talked with primary pancreatic stellate cells using bioinformatics analysis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors with poor prognosis, and the interaction between activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and PDAC cells plays an important role in the development of PDAC. The aim of this study was to identify gene changes in BXPC-3 after cross-talked with PSCs and reveal their potential mechanisms. The gene expression profiling analysis of BXPC-3 was completed after co-cultured with primary PSCs for 48 h. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Agilent GeneSpring GX software. In total, 3657 DEGs were identified in BXPC-3, including 1881 up-regulated genes and 1776 downregulated genes. GO analysis results showed that up-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes (BP), including peptide metabolic process, response to stress, and electron transport chain; the down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes, including signaling, multicellular organismal development, and anatomical structure development. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 19 pathways were upregulated and 32 pathways were downregulated, and that up-regulated DEGs were enriched in protein export and glutathione metabolism, while the down-regulated DEGs were enriched in axon guidance and focal adhesion. The top 10 up-regulated genes, and the top 10 down-regulated genes were identified. By constructing PPI network, we selected out 10 key genes (TP53, SRC, IL6, JUN, ISG15, CAD, STAT1, OAS3, OAS1, VIM) and significant pathways. The associated survival analysis was performed and the SRC, IL-6, ISG15, STAT1, OAS3, OAS1 and VIM were proved to be related to worse overall survival time of PDAC patients. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the identified DEGs promote our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs and might be used as molecular targets in the future to study the role of tumor microenvironment in the progression of PDAC.

Identification of key pathways and gene changes in primary pancreatic stellate cells after cross-talk with pancreatic cancer cells (BXPC-3) using bioinformatics analysis

It is well known that as the king of cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has relatively malignant biological behavior and poor prognosis. The interaction between pancreatic stellate cells and PDAC cells promotes the development of PDAC. The aim of this study was to describe gene characteristics in pancreatic stellate cell (PSCs) after cross-talked with BXPC-3 and unravel their underlying mechanisms. The expression profiling analysis of genes in PSCs was completed after co-cultured with primary BXPC-3 for 48h. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis and gene ontology (GO) analysis were performed, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Agilent GeneSpring GX program. In total, 1804 DEGs were filtered out in PSCs, including 958 up-regulated genes and 846 downregulated genes. GO analysis showed that the up-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes (BP) such as defense response, immune system process and immune response; the down-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological regulation and cytoskeleton organization. KEGG pathway analysis showed that 28 pathways were upregulated and 5 were downregulated. By constructing PPI network, we selected out 10 key genes (IL6，IL8, IL1B, BCL2, CCL2, CSF2, KIT, ICAM1, PTPRC and IGF1) and significant enriched pathways. In conclusion, the current study suggests that the filtered DEGs contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between PSCs and pancreatic cancer cells, and might be used as molecular targets to further the study the role of tumor microenvironment in the progression of PDAC.