Effectiveness of repeated low-level red light in myopia prevention and myopia control

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To compare the effects of repeated low-level red light (RLRL) treatment on axial length growth and refractive error changes in myopic and premyopic children.

METHODS

Subjects were assigned randomly to four subgroups: myopia-RLRL group (M-RL), myopia-control group (M-C), premyopia-RLRL group (PM-RL) and premyopia-control group (PM-C). Subjects in the RLRL group completed a 12-month treatment composed of a 3 min RLRL treatment session twice daily, with an interval of at least 4 hours, for 7 days per week. Visits were scheduled before and at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month follow-up after the treatment. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the spherical equivalent refractive errors (SE) and axial length (AL) changes between the groups across the treatment period.

RESULTS

After 12 months of treatment, in the myopia group, SE and AL changes were -0.078±0.375 D and 0.033±0.123 mm for M-RL and -0.861±0.556 D and 0.415±0.171 mm for M-C; in the premyopia group, the progression of SE and AL was -0.181±0.417 D and 0.145±0.175 mm for PM-RL and -0.521±0.436 D and 0.292±0.128 mm for PM-C. PM-RL indicated a lower myopia incidence than PM-C (2.5% vs 19.4%). Additionally, the percentage of AL shortening in the M-RL was higher than that in the PM-RL before the 9-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

RLRL effectively delayed myopia progression in children with myopia and reduced the incidence of myopia in premyopic children. Moreover, RLRL exhibited a stronger impact on myopic children compared with premyopic individuals.

Insights into spirotetramat-induced thyroid disruption during zebrafish (Danio rerio) larval development: An integrated approach with in vivo, in vitro, and in silico analyses

Spirotetramat (SPT), a tetronic acid-derived insecticide, is implicated in reproductive and lipid metabolism disorders, as well as developmental toxicity in fish. While these effects are documented, the precise mechanisms underlying its developmental toxicity are not fully elucidated. In this study, zebrafish embryos (2 h post-fertilization, hpf) were exposed to four concentrations of SPT (0, 60, 120, and 240 μg/L) until 21 dpf (days post-fertilization). We delved into the mechanisms by examining its potential disruption of the thyroid endocrine system, employing in vivo, in vitro, and in silico assays. The findings showed notable developmental disturbances, including reduced hatching rates, shortened body lengths, and decelerated heart rates. Additionally, there was an increase in malformations and a decline in locomotor activity. Detailed analyses revealed that SPT exposure led to elevated thyroid hormone levels, perturbed the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis transcript levels, amplified deiodinase type I (Dio1) and deiodinase type II (Dio2) activities, and both transcriptionally and proteomically upregulated thyroid receptor beta (TRβ) in larvae. Techniques like molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) confirmed SPT's affinity for TRβ, consistent with in vitro findings suggesting its antagonistic effect on the T3-TR complex. These insights emphasize the need for caution in using tetronic acid-derived insecticides.

Total Glucosides of White Paeony Capsule ameliorates Parkinson's disease-like behavior in MPTP-induced mice model by regulating LRRK2/alpha-synuclein signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Total Glucosides of White Paeony Capsule (TGPC), one of the traditional Chinese patent medicines, has been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice. Besides, the components of TGPC are extracted from Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) and have displayed neuroprotective properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-PD-like effects of TGPC on a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mice model and explore its potential molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Behavioral tests, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were performed in this study.

RESULTS

It was observed that TGPC treatment (150, 300 mg/kg) significantly reversed MPTPinduced PD-like behaviors, such as reduced locomotive activity in the open field test, prolonged time to turn downward on the ball (T-turn) and to climb down the whole pole (T-descend) in the pole test, decreased movement scores in the traction test and extended the latency to fall in the hanging wire test. In addition, TGPC improved neurodegeneration, inhibited the excessive activation of microglia and suppressed the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines induced by MPTP, partially by restoring leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) activity and inhibiting alpha-synuclein (α-syn) mediated neuroinflammation signaling.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, TGPC exhibited neuroprotective effects on MPTP-induced mice model of PD, which was associated with the prevention of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration modulated by LRRK2/α-syn pathway.

The Development of a CRISPR-FnCpf1 System for Large-Fragment Deletion and Multiplex Gene Editing in Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is a low-GC-content Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that poses a serious global public health threat. Convenient and rapid genetic manipulation is beneficial for elucidating its pathogenic mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic methods. In this study, we report a new CRISPR-FnCpf1-based two-plasmid system for versatile and precise genome editing in A. baumannii. After identification, this new system prefers to recognize the 5'-TTN-3' (N = A, T, C or G) and the 5'-CTV-3' (V = A, C or G) protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequence and utilize the spacer with lengths ranging from 19 to 25 nt. In direct comparison with the existing CRISPR-Cas9 system, it exhibits approximately four times the targetable range in A. baumannii. Moreover, by employing a tandem dual crRNA expression cassette, the new system can perform large-fragment deletion and simultaneous multiple gene editing, which is difficult to achieve via CRISPR-Cas9. Therefore, the new system is valuable and can greatly expand the genome editing toolbox of A. baumannii.

Analysis of the relationship between axial length, optic disc morphology, and regional variations in retinal vessel density in young adults with healthy eyes

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between optic disc morphology, axial length, and regional distribution of retinal vessels in healthy eyes of young adults.

Methods

Nine hundred and two healthy eyes were enrolled in this university-based, cross-sectional study. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography was used to measure the parapapillary retinal vessel density. We automated the process of calculating optic disc tilt and rotation by using a program written in Python. Relationships between optic disc rotation, optic disc tilt, parapapillary vessel density, and other ocular parameters were analyzed using regression models.

Results

As axial length increased, optic disc morphology became more tilted and rotated inferiorly. The superficial vessel density (SVD) and radial peripapillary capillary density (RPCD) gradually decreased in all regions except for the temporal quadrant. Increased temporal SVD (OR [95% CI] = 1.081 [1.039, 1.124], p < 0.001), reduced nasal SVD (OR [95% CI] = 0.898 [0.861, 0.937], p < 0.01), and short relative lens position (OR [95% CI] = 0.126 [0.032, 0.495], p = 0.003) were significantly associated with the presence of a tilted optic disc. Inferior disc rotation was associated with decreased superior deep vessel density (DVD) and increased inferior DVD and temporal DVD after adjusting for sex and axial length.

Conclusion

The tilted and rotated optic discs were associated with the distribution of SVD and DVD, respectively. We should fully consider the influence of optic disc morphology on parapapillary vessel density in eyes with myopia.

Targeting the Nrf2-dependent mechanism of b-Ecdysterone in attenuating the motor dysfunction in the MPTP/Pro-induced Parkinson's disease mice model

Oxidative stress is a pivotal stimulating factor in neurocyte apoptosis and has been involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we have demonstrated that the improvement in the motor disorder of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)/Pro-induced mice caused by b-Ecdysterone (b-Ecd) treatment is due to its antioxidant properties. Using open field, rotarod, and pole climbing tests, we have found that b-Ecd alleviates motor disorder in MPTP/Pro-induced mice and ultimately reduces the impairment of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Notably, these effects of b-Ecd were not observed in Nrf2-KO mice. In addition, b-Ecd significantly reduced the formation of ROS and the level of MDA, blocked the increase of LPO, and partially reversed the GSH/GSSG ratio in MPTP/Pro-induced WT mice; however, these results were also not observed in MPTP/Pro-induced Nrf2-KO mice. Mechanistically, b-Ecd enhanced the expression levels of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and GCLc, but not NQO1 (NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1) and GCLm expression. Interestingly, b-Ecd failed to increase the protein and mRNA levels of HO-1 and GCLc in Nrf2-KO mice, suggesting that b-Ecd attenuates oxidative stress through an Nrf2-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, b-Ecd promoted the expressions of PI3K/Akt phosphorylation (activity) and GSK-3b phosphorylation (inactivity). Conversely, administration of b-Ecd markedly decreased Fyn phosphorylation levels. Collectively, our findings suggest that b-Ecd focuses on Nrf2 in reducing MPTP/Pro-induced oxidative stress and subsequent motor deficits by inhibiting its nuclear export through PI3K/Akt/GSK-3b/Fyn pathway regulation. These further indicate that b-Ecd may be an absorbing therapeutic agent for PD.

Analysis of morphological and quantitative changes in pathological myopia and perioperative changes in posterior scleral reinforcement using three-dimensional magnet resonance imaging

Objective: To compare the morphological and quantitative changes in pathological myopia (PM) and the perioperative changes in posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) using three-dimensional magnetic resonance images (3D MRI). Methods: A total of 49 patients with high myopia (HM; 98 eyes), 15 with pathological myopia (PM; 19 eyes), and 10 without high myopia (NORM; 20 eyes) were recruited between September 2019 and July 2021. The patients underwent measurements of refractive error and axial length, as well as 3D MRI of the eyeball. Python was used to analyze the 3D MRI images, calculate the vitreous volume, establish a topography of the height of the eyeball posterior surface, and calculate the rate of change in height (H). For the PM group undergoing PSR, changes in vitreous volume and the highest point of the eyeball posterior surface in four quadrants (temporal, subtemporal, nasal, and subnasal) were compared before and after PSR. Results: The vitreous volume was smaller in the NORM group compared to the HM and PM groups (p < 0.01). The PM group had a larger volume than the HM group (p < 0.01). The H for the PM group was higher than that of the NORM and HM groups (p < 0.01). After PSR in the PM group, the total vitreous volume, as well as the volume in the subnasal and supratemporal quadrants, decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the highest point of the eyeball's posterior surface was generally shifted to the upper nasal side. Finally, the shape and position of the scleral band after PSR were plotted. Conclusion: 3D MRI is capable of a quantitative description of the eyeball morphology in PM and PSR. It allows for precise calculations of changes in vitreous volume and the H of the posterior surface. It also facilitates a meticulous analysis of the specific details of the scleral band following PSR.

The interaction between alpha-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder with the hallmark of abnormal aggregates of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs). Currently, pathogenic α-syn and mitochondrial dysfunction have been considered as prominent roles that give impetus to the PD onset. This review describes the α-syn pathology and mitochondrial alterations in PD, and focuses on how α-syn interacts with multiple aspects of mitochondrial homeostasis in the pathogenesis of PD.

A silylene-stabilized ditin(0) complex and its conversion to methylditin cation and distannavinylidene

Due to their intrinsic high reactivity, isolation of tin(0) complexes remains challenging. Herein, we report the synthesis of a silylene-stabilized ditin(0) complex (2) by reduction of a silylene-supported dibromostannylene (1) with 1 equivalent of magnesium (I) dimer in toluene. The structure of 2 was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Density Functional Theory calculations revealed that complex 2 bears a Sn=Sn double bond and one lone pair of electrons on each of the Sn(0) atoms. Remarkably, complex 2 is readily methylated to give a mixed-valent methylditin cation (4), which undergoes topomerization in solution though a reversible 1,2-Me migration along a Sn=Sn bond. Computational studies showed that the three-coordinate Sn atom in 4 is the dominant electrophilic center, and allows for facile reaction with KHBBus3 furnishing an unprecedented N-heterocyclic silylenes-stabilized distannavinylidene (5). The synthesis of 2, 4 and 5 demonstrates the exceptional ability of N-heterocyclic silylenes to stabilize low valent tin complexes.

The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Polythlipta liquidalis Leech, 1889 (Crambidae: spilomelinae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of Polythlipta liquidalis Leech, 1889 was sequenced and annotated in this study, which was the first reported complete mitogenome of the genus Polythlipta. The mitogenome of P. liquidalis is 15,305 bp in length and was predicted to encode 37 typical mitochondrial genes including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and one major non-coding A-T rich region. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the 13 PCGs was constructed, including P. liquidalis and 15 related Spilomelinae species, using Ostrinia furnacalis as the outgroup. The result showed that P. liquidalis is grouped with Sinomphisa plagialis. These data will serve as a molecular resource for species identification of P. liquidalis and become a valuable resource for a range of genetic, functional, evolutionary and comparative genomic studies on members of Spilomelinae.

Cyhexatin causes developmental toxic effects by disrupting endocrine system and inducing behavioral inhibition, apoptosis and DNA hypomethylation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae

Cyhexatin (CYT), an organotin acaricide, is extensively utilized in developing countries to mitigate plant diseases caused by mites and minimize agricultural crop losses. However, the comprehensive mechanisms underlying the developmental stage of non-target organisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, zebrafish embryos were firstly exposed to CYT (0.06, 0.12, and 0.20 ng/mL, referred to as CYTL, CYTM, and CYTH, respectively) from 2 hpf (hours post fertilization) to 30 dpf (days post fertilization). No developmental toxicity was observed in the CYTL and CYTM groups, except for induced deformed phenotypes in the CYTM group at 120 hpf. However, exposure to CYTH resulted in significant reductions in spontaneous movement (24 hpf), heart rate (48 hpf), hatching rate (48 and 72 hpf), body weight (30 dpf), whole body length (30 dpf), and locomotion (30 dpf). Additionally, CYTH exposure induced morphological malformations, including spinal curvature, pericardial edema, and tail curvature in zebrafish larvae. Moreover, CYTH treatment induced apoptosis, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and resulted in significant reductions in free T3, cholesterol, estradiol, and testosterone levels in zebrafish larvae, while free T4 levels were increased. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that CYTH exposure led to significant alterations in the genome-wide gene expression profiles of zebrafish, particularly in the thyroid hormone and steroid biosynthesis signaling pathways, indicating endocrine disruption. Furthermore, CYTH exposure induced global DNA hypomethylation, reduced S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) levels and the SAM/S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio, elevated SAH levels, and suppressed the mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) while also downregulating DNMT1 at both the gene and protein levels in zebrafish larvae. Overall, this study partially elucidated the developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption caused by CYT in zebrafish, providing evidence of the environmental hazards associated with this acaricide.

Comparison of visual performance and image quality between a myopia-control contact lens and a single-vision contact lens

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the visual performance and image quality of concentric dual-focus-designed contact lenses (CLs) compared with single-vision CLs in myopic Chinese people.

METHODS

Twenty myopic volunteers aged between 18 and 26 years were recruited at a university eye hospital to wear both defocus-incorporated soft contact (DISC) lenses and single-vision CLs for 1 week in random order. High- and low-contrast visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), ocular higher-order aberrations (HOA), Strehl ratio and the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire were assessed with each type of CL at weekly follow-up.

RESULTS

Distance VA was not affected by DISC lenses compared to single-vision CLs in either high (p = 0.414) or low contrast (p = 0.431). However, there was a significant reduction in low-contrast near VA with DISC lenses compared with single-vision CLs (p = 0.011). The differences of CS between DISC lenses and single-vision CLs were significantly associated with lighting conditions and spatial frequencies (F = 128.81, P < 0.001). Compared with single-vision CLs, wavefront aberrations of DISC lenses were significantly increased in total HOA, trefoil, and spherical aberrations for either 3.0 mm or 6.0 mm pupil size. The Strehl ratio wearing DISC lenses reduced significantly compared to the single-vision CLs (p < 0.001) at a pupil diameter of 6.0 mm. QoV scores were higher overall (p = 0.026) and frequency (p = 0.019) with DISC lenses than with single-vision CLs, indicating poorer visual performance.

CONCLUSION

DISC lenses provide satisfactory distance VA. However, the higher scores of the QoV questionnaire with DISC lenses may be related to decreased CS at medium or high spatial frequencies and increased higher-order aberrations.

A comparison of digestive strategies for fishes with different feeding habits: Digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota

Fish feeding habit determines the digestive tract structure and intestinal microflora. However, the relationship between feeding habit, digestive intestinal morphology, and microbial diversity of omnivorous, herbivorous, plankton feeder, and carnivorous fish from the same environment has not been compared. This study compared the digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microflora of omnivorous (Carassius auratus), herbivorous (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), carnivorous (Siniperca chuatsi), and plankton feeder (Schizothorax grahami) fishes and predicted the potential functions of specific microflora on different nutrients. Twelve intestine samples were collected from each of the four fishes from Dianchi Lake. The composition and diversity of microbial communities were determined by using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA. The results showed that the carnivorous fish (S. chuatsi) had higher trypsin and pancrelipase activities in the hepatopancreas and enteropeptidase in the intestine, but lower amylase activities in the intestine. The carnivorous fish intestine had more microvilli branches and complex structures than other fish species in the order carnivorous > herbivorous > plankton feeder > omnivorous. The intestinal microflora diversity was higher in the omnivorous fish and followed the order omnivorous > herbivorous > plankton feeder > carnivorous. Acinetobacter species and Bacteroides species were the most dominant flora in the carnivorous and herbivorous fishes, respectively. Acinetobacter species and Pseudomonas species might help the host to digest protein, while Bacteroidetes species may help the host to digest cellulose. Taken together, feeding habit determines the digestive enzyme activities, intestinal tissue morphology, and differential colonization of fish intestinal flora. The knowledge obtained is useful in feed formulation and feeding practices for the studied fish species.

Targeting the cochlin/SFRP1/CaMKII axis in the ocular posterior pole prevents the progression of nonpathologic myopia

Myopia is a major public health issue. However, interventional modalities for nonpathologic myopia are limited due to its complicated pathogenesis and the lack of precise targets. Here, we show that in guinea pig form-deprived myopia (FDM) and lens-induced myopia (LIM) models, the early initiation, phenotypic correlation, and stable maintenance of cochlin protein upregulation at the interface between retinal photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is identified by a proteomic analysis of ocular posterior pole tissues. Then, a microarray analysis reveals that cochlin upregulates the expression of the secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) gene in human RPE cells. Moreover, SFRP-1 elevates the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and activates Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling in a simian choroidal vascular endothelial cell line, and elicits vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. Furthermore, genetic knockdown of the cochlin gene and pharmacological blockade of SFRP1 abrogates the reduced choroidal blood perfusion and prevents myopia progression in the FDM model. Collectively, this study identifies a novel signaling axis that may involve cochlin in the retina, SFRP1 in the RPE, and CaMKII in choroidal vascular endothelial cells and contribute to the pathogenesis of nonpathologic myopia, implicating the potential of cochlin and SFRP1 as myopia interventional targets.

Teraryl Braces in Macrocycles: Synthesis and Conformational Landscape Remodeling of Peptides

The three-dimensional structure of medium-sized cyclic peptides accounts for their biological activity and other important physiochemical properties. Despite significant advances in the past few decades, chemists' ability to fine-tune the structure, in particular, the backbone conformation, of short peptides made of canonical amino acids is still quite limited. Nature has shown that cross-linking the aromatic side chains of linear peptide precursors via enzyme catalysis can generate cyclophane-braced products with unusual structures and diverse activities. However, the biosynthetic path to these natural products is challenging to replicate in the synthetic laboratory using practical chemical modifications of peptides. Herein, we report a broadly applicable strategy to remodel the structure of homodetic peptides by cross-linking the aromatic side chains of Trp, His, and Tyr residues with various aryl linkers. The aryl linkers can be easily installed via copper-catalyzed double heteroatom-arylation reactions of peptides with aryl diiodides. These aromatic side chains and aryl linkers can be combined to form a large variety of assemblies of heteroatom-linked multi-aryl units. The assemblies can serve as tension-bearable multijoint braces to modulate the backbone conformation of peptides as an entry to previously inaccessible conformational space.

Isolation and characterization of bis(silylene)-stabilized antimony(I) and bismuth(I) cations

Monovalent group 15 cations L₂Pn + (L = σ-donor ligands, Pn = N, P, As, Sb, Bi) have attracted significant experimental and theoretical interest because of their unusual electronic structures and growing synthetic potential. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a family of antimony(I) and bismuth(I) cations supported by a bis(silylene) ligand [(TBDSi₂)Pn][BAr^F₄] (TBD = 1, 8, 10, 9-triazaboradecalin; Ar^F = 3,5-CF₃-C₆H₃; Pn = Sb, (2); Bi, (3)). The structures of 2 and 3 have been unambiguously characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray diffraction analysis and DFT calculations. They feature bis-coordinated Sb and Bi atoms which exhibit two lone pairs of electrons. The reactions of 2 and 3 with methyl trifluoromethane sulfonate provide a approach for the preparation of dicationic antimony(III) and bismuth(III) methyl complexes. Compounds 2 and 3 serve as 2e donors to group 6 metals (Cr, Mo), giving rise to ionic antimony and bismuth metal carbonyl complexes 6-9.

Antisense transcription and its roles in adaption to environmental stress in E. coli

It has been reported that a highly varying proportion (1% ∼ 93%) of genes in various prokaryotes have antisense RNA (asRNA) transcription. However, the extent of the pervasiveness of asRNA transcription in the well-studied E. coli K12 strain has thus far been an issue of debate. Furthermore, very little is known about the expression patterns and functions of asRNAs under various conditions. To fill these gaps, we determined the transcriptomes and proteomes of E. coli K12 at multiple time points in five culture conditions using strand-specific RNA-seq, differential RNA-seq, and quantitative mass spectrometry methods. To reduce artifacts of possible transcriptional noise, we identified asRNA using stringent criteria with biological replicate verification and transcription start sites (TSSs) information included. We identified a total of 660 asRNAs, which were generally short and largely condition-dependently transcribed. We found that the proportions of the genes which had asRNA transcription highly depended on the culture conditions and time points. We classified the transcriptional activities of the genes in six transcriptional modes according to their relative levels of asRNA to mRNA. Many genes changed their transcriptional modes at different time points of the culture conditions, and such transitions can be described in a well-defined manner. Intriguingly, the protein levels and mRNA levels of genes in the sense-only/sense-dominant mode were moderately correlated, but the same was not true for genes in the balanced/antisense-dominant mode, in which asRNAs were at a comparable or higher level to mRNAs. These observations were further validated by western blot on candidate genes, where an increase in asRNA transcription diminished gene expression in one case and enhanced it in another. These results suggest that asRNAs may directly or indirectly regulate translation by forming duplexes with cognate mRNAs. Thus, asRNAs may play an important role in the bacterium's responses to environmental changes during growth and adaption to different environments.

IMPORTANCE

The cis -antisense RNA (asRNA) is a type of understudied RNA molecules in prokaryotes, which is believed to be important in regulating gene expression. Our current understanding of asRNA is constrained by inconsistent reports about its identification and properties. These discrepancies are partially caused by a lack of sufficient samples, biological replicates, and culture conditions. This study aimed to overcome these disadvantages and identified 660 putative asRNAs using integrated information from strand-specific RNA-seq, differential RNA-seq, and mass spectrometry methods. In addition, we explored the relative expression between asRNAs and sense RNAs and investigated asRNA regulated transcriptional activity changes over different culture conditions and time points. Our work strongly suggests that asRNAs may play a crucial role in bacterium's responses to environmental changes during growth and adaption to different environments.

Quantifying the morphology of eyeballs with posterior staphyloma with Zernike polynomials

Purpose: To quantify the morphology of eyeballs with posterior staphyloma (PS) with Zernike decomposition and to explore the association between Zernike coefficients with existing PS classification.

Methods: Fifty-three eyes with high myopia (HM, ≤-6.00D) and 30 with PS were included. PS was classified with traditional methods based on OCT findings. Eyeballs’ morphology was obtained with 3D MRI, from which the height map of the posterior surface was extracted. Zernike decomposition was performed to derive the coefficients of the 1st-27th items, which were compared between HM and PS eyes with the Mann-Whitney-U test. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to test the effectiveness of using Zernike coefficients to discriminate PS from HM.

Results: Compared to HM eyeballs, PS eyeballs had significantly increased vertical and horizontal tilt, oblique astigmatism, defocus, vertical and horizontal coma, and higher order aberrations (HOA) (all Ps &lt; 0.05). HOA was the most effective in PS classification with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) value of 0.977. Among the 30 PS, 19 were the wide macular type with large defocus and negative spherical aberration; 4 were the narrow macular type with positive spherical aberration; 3 were inferior PS with greater vertical tilt, and 4were peripapillary PS with larger horizontal tilt.

Conclusion: PS eyes have significantly increased Zernike coefficients, and HOA is the most effective parameter to differentiate PS from HM. The geometrical meaning of the Zernike components showed great accordance with PS classification.

The molecular and epidemiological characteristics of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from children in Shanghai, China, 2016-2021

BACKGROUND

We isolated the carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) strains from children during 2016-2021 in Shanghai, China and investigated the antimicrobial resistance, molecular and epidemiological features of these isolates.

METHODS

Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed to confirm the carbapenem resistance. Carbapenemase production was assessed by the rapid phenotypic identification of five major carbapenemases (KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48), which were further confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was conducted for phylogenetic analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 320 CPE strains were collected from 2016 to 2021, consisting of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kpn, 55.0%), Escherichia coli (CP-Eco, 24.5%) and Enterobacter cloacae (CP-Ecl, 20.4%) and others (2, 0.1%). NDM was the primary carbapenemase (67.6%) in children, followed by KPC(26.4%), IMP(5.3%) and OXA-48 (0.6%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for imipenem has been increasing from 2016 to 2021. NDM and KPC isolates are high resistant while IMP strains show the lower resistant to imipenem. Invasive infection accounted for 10.7% of CPE-related infections and was mainly caused by CP-Kpn (70.6%). NDM-Kpn was detected in 51.8% of infants (70.8% of neonates), while KPC-Kpn was mainly isolated from non-infants (56.3%∼64.3%). ST11 was the primary clone (64.6%) of KPC-Kpn and presented an increasing trend from 2016 to 2021.

CONCLUSION

NDM is widely prevalent and transfers among CPE strains in children. NDM-Kpn shows the most serious threat to infants, especially to neonates. High-risk clone of ST11 KPC-Kpn should be paid more attention and monitored continuously in children.

Prediction of spherical equivalent difference before and after cycloplegia in school-age children with machine learning algorithms

Purpose

To predict the need for cycloplegic assessment, as well as refractive state under cycloplegia, based on non-cycloplegic ocular parameters in school-age children.

Design

Random cluster sampling.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2018 to January 2019. Random cluster sampling was used to select 2,467 students aged 6-18 years. All participants were from primary school, middle school and high school. Visual acuity, optical biometry, intraocular pressure, accommodation lag, gaze deviation in primary position, non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic autorefraction were conducted. A binary classification model and a three-way classification model were established to predict the necessity of cycloplegia and the refractive status, respectively. A regression model was also developed to predict the refractive error using machine learning algorithms.

Results

The accuracy of the model recognizing requirement of cycloplegia was 68.5-77.0% and the AUC was 0.762-0.833. The model for prediction of SE had performances of R^2 0.889-0.927, MSE 0.250-0.380, MAE 0.372-0.436 and r 0.943-0.963. As the prediction of refractive error status, the accuracy and F1 score was 80.3-81.7% and 0.757-0.775, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the distribution of refractive status predicted by the machine learning models and the one obtained under cycloplegic conditions in school-age students.

Conclusion

Based on big data acquisition and machine learning techniques, the difference before and after cycloplegia can be effectively predicted in school-age children. This study provides a theoretical basis and supporting evidence for the epidemiological study of myopia and the accurate analysis of vision screening data and optometry services.

Integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics to reveal the mechanism of QiShenYiQi Dripping Pills (T101) against cardiac structural and functional abnormalities

Background: Heart failure (HF), the final stage of cardiovascular diseases, is a clinical syndrome of cardiac structural or functional abnormalities. QiShenYiQi Dripping Pills (T101), short for QSYQ (T101), showed effectiveness and safety in the treatment of HF according to modern pharmacological research and clinical studies, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the mechanism of QSYQ (T101) in treating heart failure through the analysis to critical biomarkers, targets and pathways.

Materials and Methods: In this study, the efficacies of QSYQ (T101) in non-human primates and rodents were evaluated, and the mechanism was demonstrated by integrating network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis. Furthermore, the targets from network pharmacology and the metabolites from targeted metabolomics were jointly analyzed to screen the critical pathways.

Results: In rhesus monkeys with spontaneous chronic heart failure, nasogastric administration of QSYQ (T101) for 12 weeks caused profound improvement of systolic and diastolic function as evidenced by echocardiography detection. Consistently, QSYQ (T101) administration especially with higher dose lowered the blood pressure and improved the ventricular remodeling, collagen deposition and fibrosis markedly in Spontaneous Hypertension Rats (SHR) model. Computational prediction showed that QSYQ (T101) exhibited anti-HF effects possibly through HIF-1 signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and other enriched paths. Metabolomics analysis obtained 23 significantly altered metabolites, revealing that QSYQ (T101) significantly regulated the abnormal levels of fatty acids, carnitines, organic acids pyridines, nucleosides, which were mostly involved in myocardial energy metabolism related pathways.

Conclusion: Based on serum and myocardium metabolomics and network pharmacology, the present study revealed that the actions of QSYQ (T101) in treating HF depend on multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways.

Assessment of macular structures and vascular characteristics in highly myopic anisometropia using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the macular structures and vascular characteristics of more myopic (MM) and contralateral eyes with highly myopic anisometropia.

Methods: Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed for 33 patients with highly myopic anisometropia. Macular structures (total retinal layer [TRL], ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer [GCIPL], inner nuclear layer [INL], outer retinal layer [ORL], nerve fiber layer [NFL], choroidal layer [CHL]) and vascular characteristics (superficial vascular complex density [SVD], deep vascular complex density [DVD], choriocapillaris perfusion area [CCPA]) were assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Macular structures and vascular characteristics of each subregion were compared to those of the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS).

Results: With highly myopic anisometropia, the thicknesses of the TRL, GCIPL, INL, and ORL in MM eyes were smaller than those in contralateral eyes in at least one quadrant of the perifoveal and parafoveal circles (all p &lt; 0.05), with no changes in the foveal and temporal quadrants of perifoveal regions (all p &gt; 0.05). A thicker NFL (p = 0.018) was found in MM eyes than in contralateral eyes in the superior perifoveal quadrant. The CHL (all p &lt; 0.05) in MM eyes was thinner in all regions than in the contralateral eyes according to the ETDRS. There were no statistical differences in the SVD, DVD, and CCPA of MM and contralateral eyes (all p &gt; 0.05).

Conclusion: All retinal layers, except the NFL, tended to be thinner in all subregions, except the temporal perifoveal and foveal quadrants in MM eyes, and choroidal thickness was thinned in all areas.

Effect of Interface Transition Zone and Coarse Aggregate on Microscopic Diffusion Behavior of Chloride Ion

Concrete is a multiphase composite material composed of coarse aggregate, cement mortar, and interface transition zone (ITZ). It is of great significance to study the effect of ITZ and coarse aggregate on chloride microscopic diffusion behavior for predicting the service life of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. By introducing the random distribution function, a random coarse aggregate model considering the randomness of the thickness of the ITZ was established. Furthermore, a two-dimensional (2D) chloride ion diffusion mesoscopic model was developed by specifying different diffusion properties for different phase materials of concrete. Moreover, the effects of coarse aggregate rate, ITZ thickness, and ITZ diffusion property on chloride ion diffusion behavior were investigated in this paper. The research showed that the aggregate has hindrance and agglomeration action on chloride ion diffusion. Although the volume content of the ITZ was very small, less than 0.2% of the total volume of concrete, the effect of the ITZ on the chloride diffusion in concrete cannot be ignored. More importantly, the mechanism of promoting chloride diffusion in the ITZ was revealed through the chloride diffusion trajectory. The research revealed the transmission mechanism of chloride ions in the meso-structure of concrete and provides theoretical support for the design of RC structures in coastal areas.

OP0080 STAT3 DEGRADERS INHIBIT Th17 DEVELOPMENT AND CYTOKINE PRODUCTION RESULTING IN PROFOUND INHIBITION OF COLLAGEN-INDUCED AUTOIMMUNE MURINE ARTHRITIS

Background

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that belongs to a class of targets devoid of catalytic function, thus deemed “undruggable” by standard modalities such as small molecule inhibitors or biologics. STAT3 can be activated by various receptor- and non-receptor tyrosine kinases, playing a critical role in activation pathways triggered by cytokines, hormones, and growth factors, making it an attractive target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Objectives

Kymera has developed heterobifunctional molecules that selectively target STAT3 for degradation and elimination by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. We sought to evaluate the pharmacologic potential of these STAT3 degraders through in vitro and in vivo studies relevant to human autoimmune disease, including murine collagen-induced arthritis.

Methods

We evaluated the impact of STAT3 degraders on the activation of human monocytes, dermal fibroblasts, CD4+ T cells, and PBMC by LPS, IL-6/IL-6R, IL-21, IL-23, as well as anti-CD3/CD28 plus a cocktail of cytokines and antibodies. STAT3 degradation and pSTAT3 inhibition were determined in comparison to a JAK1/2 small molecule inhibitor. Inhibition of cytokines, chemokines, and collagen release, as well as Th17 (CD4+CD25-RORγt+CXCR6+) and Treg (CD4+CD25+CD127lowFOXP3+) expansion were used as in vitro efficacy assays. Finally, STAT3 degraders were tested in vivo, in a mechanistic (IL-6 challenge) as well as a disease model (murine CIA) relevant to rheumatology indications.

Results

STAT3 degraders showed broad and potent activity in-vitro against TLR receptor and cytokine-induced activation of immune and stromal cells, including soluble mediator release such as MCP-1/CCL2 and Collagen1a1. STAT3 degradation in CD4+ T cells robustly inhibited the development of Th17 cells, abrogating IL-17, IL-22, IL-8/CXCL8, and TNFα production, and increased Treg numbers in a manner superior to JAK1/2 inhibition. In mice injected with IL-6, plasma levels of serum amyloid A were dose-dependently suppressed by STAT3 degradation. In the murine collagen-induced arthritis model, STAT3 degradation resulted in robust, dose-dependent delay of disease onset and decreased disease incidence, clinical scores, local cytokine expression (paws) and histopathological scores, including the complete alleviation of periosteal bone growth.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the broad activity of STAT3 degradation in alleviating autoimmune inflammation in models relevant to human disease. Targeted protein degradation of STAT3 thus represents a novel therapeutic approach to treating autoimmune/autoinflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Disclosure of Interests

Cedric Hubeau Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Jeffrey Sullivan Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Crystal Brown Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Michele Mayo Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Vaishali Dixit Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Bradley Enerson Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Haojing Rong Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Bin Yang Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Chris De Savi Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Jared Gollob Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Nello Mainolfi Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics, Anthony Slavin Shareholder of: Kymera Therapeutics, Employee of: Kymera Therapeutics.

Cloning, tissue distribution and mRNA expression of type I collagen alpha 1 gene from Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor)

The demand for collagen has been increasing over years due to its wide application in food, cosmetics and biomedicine industries. The synthesis of collagen protein in fish depends on instructions provided by collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene. However, cloning, tissue distribution and mRNA expression of COL1A1 gene in a gel-producing Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor) is currently unknown. This study cloned the cDNA of COL1A1 gene (GenBank accession number: MK641512) from six N. coibor fish. The distribution and mRNA expression pattern of COL1A1 was analyzed in eight tissues of N. coibor. The COL1A1 cDNA had a full length of 6130 bp and contained a 4344 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 1448 amino acids. The homology of N. coibor COL1A1 amino acid had 98% similarity with Larimichthys crocea, indicating conservatism with other members in same family (Sciaenidae). The deduced polypeptide contained the same signal peptides, C-propeptide and N-propeptide domains, and triple helix domains, which are the characteristics of type I collagen in vertebrates. The mRNA of COL1A1 gene was expressed significantly higher in the spine of N. coibor than in all other tissues (P < 0.05), followed by swim bladder, skin and scales. The swim bladder had higher collagen and hydroxyproline contents than other tissues, followed by spine >, scales > and > skin (P < 0.05). Our study successfully cloned the COL1A1 gene from N. coibor for the first time. The COL1A1 gene contained all the features of collagen pro-α1(I) chain proteins, and shared high homology with other marine teleost. COL1A1 gene in N. coibor is highly expressed in spine and swim bladder, consistent with collagen distribution. Our study contributes to better understanding on collagen biosynthesis in N. coibor tissues for various industrial uses.

Prevalence and inconformity of refractive errors and ocular biometry of 3573 medical university freshman students for 4 consecutive years

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of refractive errors and ocular biometry in 3573 freshman students at Tianjin Medical University for 4 consecutive years. METHODS: In this university-based, cross-sectional study, comprising 3573 students, visual acuity (VA), slit-lamp examination, non-cycloplegic auto-refraction, and ocular biometry were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia increased annually, from 2017 to 2020 were 93.5%, 94.5%, 95.9%, and 96.2%, respectively (P=0.03), and the prevalence of high myopia was 25.7%, 26.9%, 28.6%, and 28.6%, respectively. Males tended to have a higher percentage of total astigmatism than females, with astigmatism ≥0.75 and ≥1.0 D criteria. The percentage of with-the-rule astigmatism, against-the-rule astigmatism, and oblique astigmatism was 90.3%, 5.8%, and 3.9%, respectively, with astigmatism ≥1.00 D criteria. The mean spherical equivalent, axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), corneal radius (CR), and lens position (LP) were 4.37±2.52 D, 25.28±1.24 mm, 539.49±34.98 μm, 3.31±0.34 mm, 3.47±0.21 mm, 7.8±0.28 mm, and 5.04±0.32 mm, respectively. With diopter increase in myopia, the AL became longer, CR became steeper, ACD became deeper, LT became thinner, and LP became more posterior (all P<0.01). Females had a shorter AL, thinner CCT, smaller CR, shallower ACD, thicker lens, and more anterior LP than males (P<0.01). The 64% of high myopia had AL≥26 mm, meanwhile, 5.8% mild myopia and 21.1% moderate myopia had AL≥26 mm. With AL≥26 mm, mild and moderate myopia compared to high myopia, AL was shorter (26.51±0.46 vs 26.87±0.70 mm), CR was larger (8.10±0.3 vs 7.85±0.23 mm) and LT was thinner (3.39±0.19 vs 3.45±0.19 mm, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of myopia and high myopia is significantly high in freshman students. The majority of astigmatism is with-the-rule. Inconformity of refractive errors and ocular biometry existed in some students. Attention should be paid to the ocular biometry of myopia.

Synthesis and Reactivity of N-Heterocyclic Silylene Stabilized Disilicon(0) Complexes

Synthesis and reactivity of disilicon(0) complexes are of fundamental and application importance. Herein, we report the development of an N-heterocyclic imino-substituted silylene (1), which has strong σ-donating ability and is significantly sterically hindered. The one-pot reaction of this silylene with [IPr→SiCl₂ ] (IPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene) and KC₈ (2 equiv) in THF at -30 °C leads to a silylene-ligated disilicon(0) complex (2), isolated as red crystals in 60 % yield. Characterization data and DFT calculations show that the trans-bent Si₄ skeleton in 2 features a Si⁰ =Si⁰ double bond with significant π-π bonding and one lone pair of electrons on each of these two Si⁰ atoms. Complex 2 reacts readily with phenylacetylene, producing a structurally intriguing silatricyclic complex 6,8-diaza-1,2,5-trisilatricyclo-[3.2.1.0^2,7 ]-oct-3-ene (3), and revealing new aspects of low-valent silicon chemistry.

Low Level of PALMD Contributes to the Metastasis of Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly aggressive disease. There is an urgent need to develop the metastasis prediction markers of UM. This study aims to detect the key role of PALMD in UM metastasis. Transcriptome sequencing results of 2 sets of UM metastatic samples (GSE22138 and GSE156877) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and 18 overlapping differentially expressed genes were screened out, including PALMD. PALMD was significantly underexpressed in metastatic UM tissue. Low expression of PALMD was associated with poor prognosis in UM patients. The decreased expression of PALMD promoted the invasion and migration of 92-1 and Mel270 cells, while the high expression of PALMD inhibited the invasion and migration of UM cells. Furthermore, the levels of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 2 and MMP9 increased after transfection of siRNAs specifically targeting PALMD, whereas the levels of MMP2 and MMP9 were decreased after PALMD overexpression. However, PALMD did not affect the proliferation of UM cells. In addition, ZNF263 promoted the transcription of PALMD through the putative binding sequence using the JASPAR database, luciferase reporter gene analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. In summary, the expression of PALMD regulated by ZNF263 plays an important role in UM metastasis.

Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics to reveal the melanogenesis pathway of muscle and related meat characters in Wuliangshan black-boned chickens

Background

Melanin is an important antioxidant in food and has been used in medicine and cosmetology. Chicken meat with high melanin content from black-boned chickens have been considered a high nutritious food with potential medicinal properties. The molecular mechanism of melanogenesis of skeletal muscle in black-boned chickens remain poorly understood. This study investigated the biological gene-metabolite associations regulating the muscle melanogenesis pathways in Wuliangshan black-boned chickens with two normal boned chicken breeds as control.

Results

We identified 25 differentially expressed genes and 11 transcription factors in the melanogenesis pathways. High levels of the meat flavor compounds inosine monophosphate, hypoxanthine, lysophospholipid, hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, and nicotinamide mononucleotide were found in Wuliangshan black-boned chickens.

Conclusion

Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed the dual physiological functions of the PDZK1 gene, involved in pigmentation and/or melanogenesis and regulating the phospholipid signaling processes in muscle of black boned chickens.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08388-w.

Investigating weighted fishing hooks for seabird bycatch mitigation

Fisheries bycatch threatens the viability of some seabird populations and reduces fishing efficiency. Albatross bycatch in a US North Pacific tuna longline fishery has increased over the past decade and now exceeds 1000 annual captures. Seabirds interacting with this fishery reach hooks at depths up to 1 m. A branchline weight's mass and distance from the hook affect seabird catch rates. We conducted experimental fishing to compare the commercial viability of a weighted hook relative to conventional gear with weights attached 0.75 m from the hook. We used a Bayesian random effects meta-analytic regression modelling approach to estimate pooled expected species-specific log relative risk of capture on conventional versus experimental gear. There was a significant 53% (95% HDI: - 75 to - 25%) decrease in retained species' catch rates on experimental hooks, indicating an unacceptable economic cost, and no significant effect for discarded species. Using a Bayesian general linear mixed regression modelling approach, experimental hooks sank to 85 cm ca. 1.4 times (95% HDI: 1.37-1.48) faster than control hooks. Given their potential to reduce seabird catch rates, eliminate safety risks from bite-offs and facilitate robust compliance monitoring, it is a priority to find a weighted hook design with acceptable catch rates.

The Effect of Axial Length Elongation on Corneal Biomechanical Property

Background: To investigate the correlation between the corneal biomechanical parameter stress-strain index (SSI) and axial length (AL) in moderately elongated eye (MEE) and severely elongated eye (SEE).

Methods: This study included 117 eyes from 117 participants. Among them, 59 (50.4%) had MEE (AL<26 mm) and 58 (49.6%) had SEE (AL≥26 mm). AL was measured using Lenstar LS-900, and central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber volume (ACV) were measured using Pentacam. SSI was measured via corneal visualisation Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student’s t-test, and Pearson and partial correlation analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results: The mean (±SD) SSI was 1.08 ± 0.15 in the MEE group and 0.92 ± 0.13 in the SEE group (p < 0.01). SSI was positively correlated with age (MEE: r = 0.326, p < 0.05; SEE: r = 0.298, p < 0.05) in both groups; it was negatively correlated with AL (r = −0.476, p < 0.001) in the MEE group but not in the SEE group (p > 0.05). CCT was negatively correlated with AL (r = −0.289, p < 0.05) and ACV positively correlated with AL (r = 0.444, p < 0.001) in the MEE group. Neither CCT nor ACV was correlated with AL (p > 0.05) in the SEE group.

Conclusion: Corneal biomechanical parameter SSI, which represents the stiffness of corneal tissue, was lower in the SEE group than in the MEE group. When analyzed separately, SSI was negatively correlated with AL in the MEE group, but not in the SEE group, which may provide insight into different ocular growth patterns between lower myopia and higher myopia.

A randomized clinical trial using cyclopentolate and tropicamide to compare cycloplegic refraction in Chinese young adults with dark irises

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the necessity of cycloplegia for epidemiological studies of refraction in Chinese young adults (aged 17-22 years) with dark irises, and to compare the cycloplegic effects of 1% cyclopentolate and 0.5% tropicamide in them.

METHODS

A total of 300 young adults (108 males and 192 females) aged 17 to 22 years (mean 19.03 ± 1.01) were recruited from Tianjin Medical University from November 2019 to January 2020. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. In the cyclopentolate group, two drops of 1% cyclopentolate eye drop were administrated (one drop every 5 min), followed by autorefraction and subjective refraction 30 to 45 min later. In the tropicamide group, four drops of 1% Mydrin P (Tropicamide 0.5%, phenylephrine HCl 0.5%) eye drop were given (one drop every 5 min), followed by autorefraction and subjective refraction 20 to 30 min later. The participants and the examiners were masked to the medication. Distance visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic autorefraction (Topcon KR-800, Topcon Co. Tokyo, Japan), non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic subjective refraction and ocular biometry (Lenstar LS-900) were performed.

RESULTS

The values of spherical equivalent (SE) and sphere component were significantly different before and after cycloplegia in the cyclopentolate group and the tropicamide group (p < 0.05). The mean difference between noncycloplegic and cycloplegic autorefraction SE was 0.39 D (±0.66 D) in the cyclopentolate group and 0.39 D (±0.34 D) in the tropicamide group. There was no significant difference in the change of SE and sphere component after cycloplegia between the cyclopentolate group and the tropicamide group (p > 0.05). In each group, no significant difference was found between autorefraction and subjective refraction after cycloplegia (p > 0.05). We also found that more positive or less negative cycloplegic refraction was associated with the higher difference in SE in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

Cycloplegic refractions were generally more positive or less negative than non-cycloplegic refractions. It is necessary to perform cycloplegia for Chinese young adults with dark irises to obtain accurate refractive errors. We suggest that cycloplegic autorefraction using tropicamide may be considered as a reliable method for epidemiological studies of refraction in Chinese young adults with dark irises.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered on September 7, 2019 (Registration number: ChiCTR1900025774 ).

Paeoniflorin and Plycyrrhetinic Acid Synergistically Alleviate MPP+/MPTP-Induced Oxidative Stress through Nrf2-Dependent Glutathione Biosynthesis Mechanisms

Recently, combination therapy has proven to be an effective strategy for treating polygenic/multifactorial/complex disorder such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we hypothesized that dual up-regulation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) catalytic subunit (GCLc) and GCL modifier subunit (GCLm) via nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2) contribute to the antioxidant effect of paeoniflorin (PF) synergistically with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) (henceforth called PF/GA) in the context of MPP⁺/MPTP neurotoxicity. Expectedly, CompuSyn synergism/antagonism analysis showed that PF/GA exerts synergistic neuroprotection. Moreover, the antioxidant effect of PF was significantly enhanced by the combined administration of GA, although GA alone did not confer the effect. Mechanistically, PF triggered extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, resulting in Nrf2 nuclear translocation from cytoplasmic pool via de novo synthesis in MPP⁺-challenged SH-SY5Y cells. Concomitantly, GA activates Akt which in turn induces nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Especially, PF/GA up-regulated glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (Gclm) are formed via two separate pathways. Furthermore, these results were confirmed through pathway blockade assays using PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), LY294002 (phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor), and shRNA-induced Nrf2 knockdown. Additionally, using a mouse MPTP-induced model of PD, we demonstrated that PF/GA synergistically ameliorates both motor deficits and oxidative stress in the ventral midbrain. In parallel, PF/GA also up-regulated both GCLc and GCLm expression at levels of transcription and translation. Conversely, antiparkinsonism and antioxidant effects of PF/GA were not observed in Nrf2-knockout MPTP-mice. Collectively, these results show that ERK1/2 and Akt activation contribute to the synergistic antioxidant effect of PF/GA. Hence, PF/GA regimen warrants further preclinical and possible clinical study for PD.

Growth influence of juvenile golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in different osmotic conditions: implications for tissue histology, biochemical indicators, and genes transcription involved in GH/IGF system

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of different salinity levels on tissue histology, blood biochemistry, and genes transcription of the GH/IGF system in juvenile golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Five experimental salinity levels (0, 8, 16, 24, and 32‰) were selected to domesticate juvenile O. mykiss for 7 days. Histological characteristics changed with salinity, including higher ionocites area and epithelium thickness in gills, narrow lumen of collecting tubules in kidneys, and high numbers of goblet cells in the intestines. Similarly, increments in slits, degenerate hepatocytes, and individualization of hepatocytes have been shown in fish reared in the 32‰ salinity group. The lowest triglyceride (TG) and the highest level of total protein (TP) were detected in fish reared at the 32‰ group. The genes transcription of the GH/IGF system altered in response to the increase of salinity. The present results add to the understanding of the physiological responses of O. mykiss on salinity stress and would be helpful in formulating strategies to optimize the aquaculture of this species in environments with fluctuating patterns of salinity.

ZNF667-AS1, a positively regulating MEGF10, inhibits the progression of uveal melanoma by modulating cellular aggressiveness

Zinc finger protein 667-antisense RNA 1 (ZNF667-AS1) is a member of the C₂ H₂ zinc finger protein family. However, the exact effect of ZNF667-AS1 in uveal melanoma (UM) progression has not been elucidated. The biological roles of ZNF667-AS1 and MEGF10 were assessed using cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were conducted to measure the expression of subjects. ZNF667-AS1 expression was significantly decreased in metastasized UM tissues and its low expression was related to poorer prognosis of UM patients. MEGF10 expression was positively associated with ZNF667-AS1 expression. The inhibitory effect of ZNF667-AS1 overexpression on UM cellular malignant behaviors could be reversed by MEGF10 knockdown, which was re-ascertained by the detection of corresponding protein levels (p53, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, and Bax). In conclusion, ZNF667-AS1 might play an inhibitory role in the development of UM by regulating cellular aggressiveness, which was partially realized by positively regulating MEGF10.

Profiles of expression pattern and tissue distribution of host defense peptides genes in different chicken (Gallus gallus) breeds related to body weight

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are an important first line of defense with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Selection for increased body weight is hypothesized to be related to reduced immune response. We studied the relationships among body weight, age, and the HDP expression patterns in intestine and immune organs. We used chickens with marked differences of body sizes. The non-selected Daweishan mini chickens showed the highest indexes of immune organs and the lowest concentrations of the plasma immune parameters C3, C4, IgA, and IgY, while the commercial Avian broiler showed the opposite results. The Daweishan mini chickens showed the highest mRNA expressions of HDP genes in small intestine followed by the semi-selected Wuding chickens. Compared with local breeds, broiler chickens showed higher mRNA expression of HDP genes in spleen, thymus, and bursa. Body weight and HDP expression levels were negatively correlated in the intestine and positively in the immune organs. Our results indicated that the HDP immune regulatory roles in small intestine acted as first line of defense in innate immunity in local breeds, and as an adaptive immunity in broiler chickens. Selection was associated with different expression expressions of HDP genes in breed-, age-, and organ-specific manners.

A Three-Dimensional Random Walk Algorithm for Estimating the Chloride Diffusivity of Concrete

The chloride diffusivity of concrete is an important parameter for assessing the long-term durability of coastal concrete structures. The purpose of this paper is to present a three-dimensional random walk algorithm (RWA) for estimating the chloride diffusivity of concrete. By analyzing the size distribution of aggregates, the equivalent interfacial transition zone (ITZ) thickness is derived in an analytical manner. Each aggregate is combined with the surrounding ITZ to construct an equivalent aggregate model (EAM) and the chloride diffusivity is formulated. It is found that the equivalent ITZ thickness decreases with the increase of practical ITZ thickness and aggregate volume fraction. The aggregate gradation influences the equivalent ITZ thickness to a certain extent. The relative chloride diffusivity of the equivalent aggregate is almost directly and inversely proportional to the equivalent ITZ thickness and the aggregate radius, respectively. The numerical results show that, when the EAM is adopted, the computational time is greatly reduced. With the EAM, concrete can be modeled as a two-phase material and the chloride diffusivity is estimated by applying the RWA. It is shown that, with the increase of mean square displacement and number of Brownian particles, the average chloride diffusivity of concrete approaches a stable value. Finally, through comparison with experimental data, the validation of the RWA is preliminarily verified.

The TOR pathway participates in the regulation of growth development in juvenile spotted drum (Nibea diacanthus) under different dietary hydroxyproline supplementation

Commonly used aquatic feed naturally contains low-level or no hydroxyproline (Hyp). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Hyp inclusion on growth performance, body composition, amino acid profiles, blood biochemistry, and the expression of target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway-related genes in juvenile Nibea diacanthus. Fish with similar size (initial body weight, 133.00 ± 2.14 g) were fed six isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets supplemented with graded levels of Hyp (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g kg^-1 of dry matter) for 8 weeks. The results indicated that growth performance and feed utilization were improved with increased levels of dietary Hyp (P < 0.05), and the optimum amount of dietary Hyp estimated from SGR as 16.6 g kg^-1. The crude protein of whole body and swim bladder and the amino acid composition of muscle and swim bladder were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the addition of dietary Hyp, which reflects the important role of feed composition in animal body composition. In addition, the expression levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (TOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase1 (S6K1) genes in the liver, muscle, and swim bladder increased with increasing Hyp content of diets, while the mRNA expression level of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) gene in these tissues decreased. These results indicated that Hyp improved fish growth and the ability to synthesize proteins, most likely through the TOR pathway. It is suggested that dietary Hyp supplementation is particularly necessary for application in aquatic feed.

Age distribution and associated factors of cornea biomechanical parameter stress-strain index in Chinese healthy population

Background

To investigate the new cornea biomechanical parameter stress-strain index (SSI) in Chinese healthy people and the factors associated with SSI.

Methods

A total of 175 eyes from 175 participants were included in this study. Axial length was measured with the Lenstar LS-900. Pentacam measured curvature of the cornea and anterior chamber volume (ACV). Cornea biomechanical properties assessments were performed by corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST). Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, partial least square linear regression (PLSLR) and linear mixed effects (LME) model were used in the statistical analysis.

Results

The mean (±SD) SSI was 1.14 ± 0.22 (range, 0.66–1.78) in all subjects and affected by age significantly after age of 35 (P < 0.05). In LME models, SSI was significantly associated with age (β = 0.526, P < 0.001), axial length (AL) (β = − 0.541, P < 0.001), intraocular pressure (IOP) (β = 0.326, P < 0.001) and steepest radius of anterior corneal curvature (RsF) (β = 0.229, P < 0.001) but not with ACV, biomechanical corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP), flattest radius of anterior corneal curvature (RfF) or central corneal thickness (CCT) (P > 0.05 for each).

Conclusions

SSI increased with age after the age of 35. In addition to age, SSI was positively correlated with RsF and IOP, while negatively correlated with AL.

Two new species of the genus Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera, Tridactyloidea, Tridactylidae) from Yunnan with a key to all Xya species in China

This contribution to the taxonomy of Xya Latreille, 1809 (Orthoptera, Tridactyloidea, Tridactylidae) adds descriptions and photographic illustrations of two new species: Xyaxishangbannasp. nov. and Xyayunnanensissp. nov. from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. Xyaxishangbannasp. nov. can be diagnosed by the shiny dark brown hind femora, and the epiproct with a shallow bottom of the middle “v-shaped” crack in the upper part and straight sides; Xyayunnanensissp. nov. can be diagnosed by the compound eye bearing no narrow band along the inner margin, and the epiproct with the bottom of the side edge with a sharply angled protrusion and a narrow lower anchor-shaped base less than 1/2 the width of the upper one. Distributional information and bionomics for these two new species and photos for the habitat are given. A key to all Chinese species of Xya is provided.

Ferulic Acid Ameliorates MPP+/MPTP-Induced Oxidative Stress via ERK1/2-Dependent Nrf2 Activation: Translational Implications for Parkinson Disease Treatment

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder closely associated with oxidative stress. The biochemical and cellular alterations that occur after cell and mouse treatment with the parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxin MPP⁺/MPTP are remarkably similar to those observed in idiopathic PD. Previously, we showed that ferulic acid (FA) has antioxidant properties and the ability to activate nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The present study tested the hypothesis that FA attenuates MPP⁺/MPTP-induced oxidative stress by regulating crosstalk between sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) and Nrf2 pathways. To test this hypothesis, we performed in vitro and in vivo studies using MPP⁺/MPTP-challenged SH-SY5Y cells or mice treated with or not with FA. FA marginally inhibited SIRT2 in parallel with α-synuclein at levels of transcription and translation in SH-SY5Y cells challenged with MPP⁺. Moreover, FA attenuated MPP⁺-induced oxidative stress, as indicated by reactive oxygen species, lipid hydroperoxides, GSH/GSSG ratio, and NAD⁺/NADH ratio. Mechanistically, FA strongly upregulated the glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and heme oxygenase-1 expression at the levels of transcription and translation. Interestingly, FA-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation contributed to nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 via de novo synthesis, which was validated by the use of dominant negative ERK2. Surprisingly, activation of the ERK1/2 and inhibition of SIRT2 by FA are mediated by independent mechanisms. Furthermore, FA ameliorated motor deficits and oxidative stress in the ventral midbrain in MPTP-treated (25 mg/kg, i.p., daily for 5 days) wild-type mice and α-synuclein knockout mice, but not in Nrf2 knockout mice. Collectively, FA exerts antioxidant effects through ERK1/2-mediated activation of the Nrf2 pathway, and these results may have important translational value for the treatment of PD.