Emerging trends of invasive yeast infections and azole resistance in Beijing intensive care units

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal infections pose a substantial threat to patients in healthcare settings globally. Recent changes in the prevalence of fungal species and challenges in conducting reference antifungal susceptibility testing emphasize the importance of monitoring fungi and their antifungal resistance.

METHODS

A two-phase surveillance project was conducted in Beijing, China, involving 37 centres across 12 districts, from January 2012 to December 2013 and from January 2016 to December 2017.

FINDINGS

We found that the proportion of Candida albicans in intensive care units (ICUs) during 2016-2017 exhibited a significant decline compared with the 2012-2013 period, although it remained the most predominant pathogen. In contrast, the prevalence of Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly Candida glabrata) and Candida tropicalis notably increased during the two-phase surveillance. The high prevalence of C. tropicalis and its resistance to azole drugs posed a serious threat to patients in ICUs. The pathogens causing invasive fungal infections in Beijing were relatively sensitive to echinocandins. While C. albicans continued to exhibit susceptibility to azoles, the resistance and growth rates of C. tropicalis towards azoles were particularly prominent. Concerns were raised due to the emergence of multiple, short-term isolates of Clavispora lusitaniae and Candida parapsilosis complex in neonatal ICUs, given their similarity in antifungal susceptibilities. Such occurrences point towards the potential for transmission and persisting presence of these pathogens within the ICU environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study complements existing data on the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections. It is imperative to exercise cautious medication management for ICU patients in Beijing, paying particular attention to azole resistance in C. tropicalis.

[Design of an improved percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage tube based on MRCP imaging data]

Objective: Quantified MRCP imaging data was used as a reference for design and preparation of a modified percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD) tube. Methods: 3.0 T upper abdominal MR and MRCP imaging data of 2 300 patients treated from July 2015 to July 2020 at the Department of Radiology of the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were screened and a total of 381 patients diagnosed with biliary duct structures were identified. Causative etiologies among these patients included pancreatic adenocarcinoma (pancreatic head), cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary carcinoma, as well as intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile duct dilation. An improved PTCD tube was designed based on MRCP quantification of left and right hepatic and common hepatic duct length. Results: In the setting of biliary obstruction caused by malignancy, the distance of the left hepatic duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 15.9±3.8 mm, while the distance of the right hepatic duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 12.4±3.2 mm; the length of the bile duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 34.0±8.1 mm. The improved PTCD tube design incorporated an altered length of the drainage orifice. Conclusion: MRCP imaging of the biliary tract is effective for measuring biliary tract length in the setting of pathological dilation. Based on our biliary tract measurements, a modified PTCD tube was designed to more effectively meet drainage requirements and manage biliary obstruction caused by Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅱ and Ⅲ malignancies.

Association of serum lipids and abnormal lipid score with cancer risk: a population-based prospective study

BACKGROUND

Serum lipid levels are associated with cancer risk. However, there still have uncertainties about the single and combined effects of low lipid levels on cancer risk.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 33,773 adults in Shanghai between 2016 and 2017 was conducted. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association of single and combined lipids with overall, lung, colon, rectal, thyroid gland, stomach, and female breast cancers. The effect of the combination of abnormal lipid score and lifestyle on cancer was also estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 926 incident cancer cases were identified. In the RCS analysis, hazard ratios (HRs) of overall cancer for individuals with TC < 5.18 mmol/L or with LDL-C < 3.40 mmol/L were higher. Low TC was associated with higher colorectal cancer risk (HR [95% CI] = 1.76 [1.09-2.84]) and low HDL-C increased thyroid cancer risk by 90%. Abnormal lipid score was linearly and positively associated with cancer risk, and smokers with high abnormal lipid scores had a higher cancer risk, compared to non-smokers with low abnormal lipid scores (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low TC levels were associated with an increased risk of overall and colorectal cancer. More attention should be paid to participants with high abnormal lipid scores and unhealthy lifestyles who may have a higher risk of developing cancer. Determining the specific and comprehensive lipid combinations that affect tumorigenesis remains a valuable challenge.

Role of LncMALAT1-miR-141-3p/200a-3p-NRXN1 Axis in the Impairment of Learning and Memory Capacity in ADHD

As a prevalent neurodevelopmental disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impairs the learning and memory capacity, and so far, there has been no available treatment option for long-term efficacy. Alterations in gene regulation and synapse-related proteins influence learning and memory capacity; nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism of synapse-related protein synthesis is still unclear in ADHD. LncRNAs have been found participating in regulating genes in multiple disorders. For instance, lncRNA Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) has an essential regulatory function in numerous psychiatric diseases. However, how MALAT1 influences synapse-related protein synthesis in ADHD remains largely unknown. Here, our study found that MALAT1 decreased in the hippocampus tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared to the standard controls, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Subsequent experiments revealed that MALAT1 enhanced the expression of neurexin 1 (NRXN1), which promoted the synapse-related genes (SYN1, PSD95, and GAP43) expression. Then, the bioinformatic analyses predicted that miR-141-3p and miR-200a-3p, microRNAs belonging to miR-200 family and sharing same seed sequence, could interact with MALAT1 and NRXN1 mRNA, which were further confirmed by luciferase report assays. Finally, rescue experiments indicated that MALAT1 influenced the expression of NRXN1 by sponging miR-141-3p/200a-3p. All data verified our hypothesis that MALAT1 regulated synapse-related proteins (SYN1, PSD95, and GAP43) through the MALAT1-miR-141-3p/200a-3p-NRXN1 axis in ADHD. Our research underscored a novel role of MALAT1 in the pathogenesis of impaired learning and memory capacity in ADHD and may shed more light on developing diagnostic biomarkers and more effective therapeutic interventions for individuals with ADHD.

[Risk factors and construction of a nomogram model for cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis combined with esophagogastric variceal bleeding]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors and construct a nomogram model for predicting the occurrence of cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis in patients combined with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB). Methods: Clinical data on 416 cirrhotic PVT cases was collected from the First Hospital of Lanzhou University between January 2016 and January 2022. A total of 385 cases were included after excluding 31 cases for retrospective analysis. They were divided into an esophagogastric variceal bleeding group and a non-esophagogastric variceal bleeding group based on the clinical diagnosis. The esophagogastric variceal group was then further divided into an EVB group and a non-bleeding group. All patients underwent gastroscopy, serology, and imaging examinations. The risk factors of PVT combined with EVB were identified by univariate analysis using SPSS 26. The prediction model of cirrhotic PVT in patients combined with EVB was constructed by R 4.0.4. The prediction efficiency and clinical benefits of the model were evaluated by the C-index, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plots, and decision curve. The measurement data were examined by a t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. The counting data were tested using the χ(2) test or the Fisher exact probability method. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the etiology, Child-Pugh grade,erythrocyte count, hematocrit, globulin, and serum lipids between the esophageal and non-esophageal varices groups (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in etiology, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophil percentage, total protein, globulin, albumin/globulin, urea, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, calcium, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between the EVB and non-bleeding groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that etiology (OR = 3.287, 95% CI: 1.497 ~ 7.214), hematocrit (OR = 0.897, 95% CI: 0.853 ~ 0.943), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 0.229, 95% CI: 0.071 ~ 0.737) were independent risk factors for cirrhotic PVT patients combined with EVB. The constructed normogram model predicted the probability of bleeding in patients. The nomogram model had shown good consistency and differentiation (AUC = 0.820, 95% CI: 0.707 ~ 0.843), as verified by 10-fold cross-validation (C-index = 0.799) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test (P = 0.915). The calibration plot and the decision curve suggested that the prediction model had good stability and clinical practicability. Conclusion: The risk factors for EVB occurrence include etiology, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, percentage of neutrophils, total protein, globulin, albumin/globulin, urea, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, calcium, and NLR in patients with cirrhotic liver. The constructed prediction model has good predictive value, and it can provide a reference for medical personnel to screen patients with high bleeding risk for targeted treatment.

Probing the Interaction between Isoflucypram Fungicides and Human Serum Albumin: Multiple Spectroscopic and Molecular Modeling Investigations

To better understand the potential toxicity risks of isoflucypram in humans, The interaction between isoflucypram and HSA (human serum albumin) was studied through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, ultraviolet-visible absorption, fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, three-dimensional fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, and circular dichroism spectroscopies. The interaction details were studied using the molecular docking method and molecular dynamics simulation method. The results revealed that the effect of isoflucypram on human serum albumin was mixed (static and dynamic) quenching. Additionally, we were able to obtain important information on the number of binding sites, binding constants, and binding distance. The interaction between isoflucypram and human serum albumin occurred mainly through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Spectroscopic results showed that isoflucypram caused conformational changes in HSA (human serum albumin), in which the α-helix was transformed into a β-turn, β-sheet, and random coil, causing the HSA structure to loosen. By providing new insights into the mechanism of binding between isoflucypram and human serum albumin, our study has important implications for assessing the potential toxicity risks associated with isoflucypram exposure.

Effects of Rhizosphere Microorganisms on the Uptake and Translocation of Organic Compounds in Maize Seedlings

The plant root is a key pathway to absorb insecticides from soil and is colonized by beneficial and pathogenic microbial communities. Our study demonstrated that colonizing roots by nitrogen-fixing bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri and pathogenic Fusarium graminearum and Pythium ultimum increased the uptake of insecticides into maize roots from soil. An alteration in the permeability of root cells contributed to this increased uptake. For the subsequent root-to-shoot translocation, the relationship between translocation and log P of the compound satisfied a Gaussian distribution. Relatively beneficial P. stutzeri can promote maize seedling growth and increase translocation, whereas Fusarium and Pythium pathogens can retard the seedling growth and reduce the translocation. Furthermore, the relationship between the concentration difference (difference of an insecticide from inoculation treatment to control) and log P also showed a Gaussian distribution. The maximum concentration difference from the Gaussian equation can be applied to assess the capacity of rhizosphere microorganisms to influence translocation.

Sulfoxaflor adversely influences the biological characteristics of Coccinella septempunctata by suppressing vitellogenin expression and predation activity

Sulfoxaflor is a widely used sulfoximine insecticide that has been regarded as an important alternative insecticide for IPM strategies, but a comprehensive study of its potential ecological toxicity is still lacking. In the present work, the growth, longevity, predation and reproduction toxicity of Coccinella septempunctata caused by sulfoxaflor were evaluated. In addition, the potential mechanisms of decreased fecundity in C. septempunctata were investigated by analyzing the transcriptional and protein levels of reproduction-related gene vitellogenin (Vg). In a 20-day acute contact toxicity test, decreased survival proportion, pupation rate, adult emergence ratio, and increased hazard quotient (HQ) values were observed. Moreover, sublethal dosages of sulfoxaflor significantly inhibited the predation, longevity, fecundity and net reproduction rate of progeny. In addition, LR₃₀ of sulfoxaflor dramatically down-regulate the mRNA-expression (F₀: 65.38-fold, F₁: 2.24-fold) and protein content (F₀: 1.35-fold, F₁: 1.36-fold) of Vg in the F₀ and F₁ generations. These results suggested that sulfoxaflor could inhibit the gene and protein content of Vg, thereby reducing the fecundity of C. septempunctata. Our study indicated that sulfoxaflor has potential risks to parent and progeny generations of C. septempunctata. These results provide valuable reference for optimal usage of sulfoxaflor in IPM systems.

[Revision rate of periprosthetic joint infection post total hip or knee arthroplasty of 34 hospitals in China between 2015 and 2017: a multi-center survey]

Objective: To investigate the rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) revision surgeries and clinical information of hip-/knee- PJI cases nationwide from 2015 to 2017 in China. Methods: An epidemiological investigation. A self-designed questionnaire and convenience sampling were used to survey 41 regional joint replacement centers nationwide from November 2018 to December 2019 in China. The PJI was diagnosed according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Association criteria. Data of PJI patients were obtained by searching the inpatient database of each hospital. Questionnaire entries were extracted from the clinical records by specialist. Then the differences in rate of PJI revision surgery between hip- and knee- PJI revision cases were calculated and compared. Results: Total of 36 hospitals (87.8%) nationwide reported data on 99 791 hip and knee arthroplasties performed from 2015 to 2017, with 946 revisions due to PJI (0.96%). The overall hip-PJI revision rate was 0.99% (481/48 574), and it was 0.97% (135/13 963), 0.97% (153/15 730) and 1.07% (193/17 881) in of 2015, 2016, 2017, respectively. The overall knee-PJI revision rate was 0.91% (465/51 271), and it was 0.90% (131/14 650), 0.88% (155/17 693) and 0.94% (179/18 982) in 2015, 2016, 2017, respectively. Heilongjiang (2.2%, 40/1 805), Fujian (2.2%, 45/2 017), Jiangsu (2.1%, 85/3 899), Gansu (2.1%, 29/1 377), Chongqing (1.8%, 64/3 523) reported relatively high revision rates. Conclusions: The overall PJI revision rate in 34 hospitals nationwide from 2015 to 2017 is 0.96%. The hip-PJI revision rate is slightly higher than that in the knee-PJI. There are differences in revision rates among hospitals in different regions.

[Observational study on perioperative outcomes of pelvic exenteration]

Objective: To investigate the surgical indications and perioperative clinical outcomes of pelvic exenteration (PE) for locally advanced, recurrent pelvic malignancies and complex pelvic fistulas. Methods: This was a descriptive study.The indications for performing PE were: (1) locally advanced, recurrent pelvic malignancy or complex pelvic fistula diagnosed preoperatively by imaging and pathological examination of a biopsy; (2)preoperative agreement by a multi-disciplinary team that non-surgical and conventional surgical treatment had failed and PE was required; and (3) findings on intraoperative exploration confirming this conclusion.Contraindications to this surgical procedure comprised cardiac and respiratory dysfunction, poor nutritional status,and mental state too poor to tolerate the procedure.Clinical data of 141 patients who met the above criteria, had undergone PE in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to September 2022, had complete perioperative clinical data, and had given written informed consent to the procedure were collected,and the operation,relevant perioperative variables, postoperative pathological findings (curative resection), and early postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Of the 141 included patients, 43 (30.5%) had primary malignancies, 61 (43.3%) recurrent malignancies, 28 (19.9%) complex fistulas after radical resection of malignancies,and nine (6.4%)complex fistulas caused by benign disease. There were 79 cases (56.0%) of gastrointestinal tumors, 30 cases (21.3%) of reproductive tumors, 16 cases (11.3%) of urinary tumors, and 7 cases (5.0%) of other tumors such mesenchymal tissue tumors. Among the 104 patients with primary and recurrent malignancies, 15 patients with severe complications of pelvic perineum of advanced tumors were planned to undergo palliative PE surgery for symptom relief after preoperative assessment of multidisciplinary team; the other 89 patients were evaluated for radical PE surgery. All surgeries were successfully completed. Total PE was performed on 73 patients (51.8%),anterior PE on 22 (15.6%),and posterior PE in 46 (32.6%). The median operative time was 576 (453,679) minutes, median intraoperative blood loss 500 (200, 1 200) ml, and median hospital stay 17 (13.0,30.5)days.There were no intraoperative deaths. Of the 89 patients evaluated for radical PE surgery, the radical R0 resection was achieved in 64 (71.9%) of them, R1 resection in 23 (25.8%), and R2 resection in two (2.2%). One or more postoperative complications occurred in 85 cases (60.3%), 32 (22.7%)of which were Clavien-Dindo grade III and above.One patient (0.7%)died during the perioperative period. Conclusion: PE is a valid option for treating locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies and complex pelvic fistulas.

Interaction between the flagellum of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and the vitellogenin-like protein of Diaphorina citri significantly influences CLas titer

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a global devastating citrus disease that is mainly caused by "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas). It is mostly transmitted by the insect Asian citrus psyllid (ACP, Diaphorina citri) in a persistent and proliferative manner. CLas traverses multiple barriers to complete an infection cycle and is likely involved in multiple interactions with D. citri. However, the protein-protein interactions between CLas and D. citri are largely unknown. Here, we report on a vitellogenin-like protein (Vg_VWD) in D. citri that interacts with a CLas flagellum (flaA) protein. We found that Vg_VWD was upregulated in CLas-infected D. citri. Silencing of Vg_VWD in D. citri via RNAi silencing significantly increased the CLas titer, suggesting that Vg_VWD plays an important role in the CLas-D. citri interaction. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression assays indicated that Vg_VWD inhibits BAX- and INF1-triggered necrosis and suppresses the callose deposition induced by flaA in Nicotiana benthamiana. These findings provide new insights into the molecular interaction between CLas and D. citri.

Dehydrocostus Lactone Reduced Malignancy of HepG2 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Down-Regulation of the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

We studied the effect of dehydrocostus lactone (DHL) on the biological characteristics of HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The inhibition of cell viability by different concentrations of DHL (10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 μmol/liter) was measured using MTT test. As the determined half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was 20.33 μmol/liter, DHL in a concentration of 20 μmol/liter was used in further experiments. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion ability, and apoptosis were assessed by Ki-67 immunofluorescence, Transwell assay, and TUNEL analysis. The level of p-AKT protein was determined by Western blotting. DHL significantly inhibited the viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 cells in comparison with the control group, and induced cells apoptosis. DHL down-regulated the expression of p-AKT protein in the HepG2 cells in comparison with the control group. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activator 740Y-P could block the above-mentioned effects of DHL. Thus, DHL inhibits the malignancy of HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells via down-regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Seed treatment with chlorantraniliprole and carbaryl mixture for managing fall armyworm on maize: systemic synergism, control efficiency and synergistic mechanism

BACKGROUND

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the major invasive pests in China, and has been widely controlled by labor-intensive foliar sprays of agrochemicals in maize (Zea mays L.).

RESULTS

Systemic bioassay showed that mixtures of chlorantraniliprole (Chlor) and carbaryl (Carb) had dramatically synergistic effect on toxicity to S. frugiperda. Particularly, a mixture of Chlor with Carb at a mass ratio of 2:1 (MCC) exhibited the highest toxicity to S. frugiperda. Therefore, seed treatment of Chlor mixed with Carb was studied as a simple, accurate, efficient and low-cost control technology. Our results showed that MCC treatment shortened the median lethal time and 90% lethal time to S. frugiperda compared to Chlor- and Carb-alone treatments. Meanwhile, smaller leaf consumption by S. frugiperda was recorded under MCC treatment compared to Chlor- and Carb-alone treatments. In field trial, maize-seed treatment with MCC showed efficacy up to 39 days post-emergence in preventing S. frugiperda foliar damage at a low infestation pressure. Moreover, chemical quantification by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) showed that Chlor residues were more absorbed and concentrated in maize leaves of MCC treatment, compared to that of Chlor-alone treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that seed treatment with MCC can be applied to increase the control efficacy and reduce the cost of Chlor-alone treatment for controlling S. frugiperda. The present study provided evidence of an enhanced translocation and accumulation of Chlor residues in maize leaves under MCC treatment, which likely contributed to a synergistic effect against S. frugiperda. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synergistic Effects of Clonostachys rosea Isolates and Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors Fungicides against Gray Mold on Tomato

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is a devastating disease in tomatoes. Site-specific fungicide application is still key to disease management; however, chemical control has many drawbacks. Here, the combined application of a biological agent, Clonostachys rosea, with newly developed succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI) fungicides showed stronger synergistic effects than the application of SDHI fungicides alone on tomato gray mold control. C. rosea 67-1 has been reported as an efficient biological control agent (BCA) for B. cinerea. Little information is currently available about the combination of C. rosea and fungicides in the control of gray mold. By testing the sensitivity to fungicides with different action mechanisms, C. rosea isolates showed high tolerance to SDHI fungicides (1000 μg mL^-1) on PDA, and the conidial germination rate was almost not affected under 120 μg mL^-1 of fluxapyroxad and fluopyram. In greenhouse experiments, the control effect of the combination of C. rosea and fluxapyroxad or fluopyram against tomato gray mold was significantly increased than the application of BCA or SDHI fungicides alone, and the combination allows a two-fold reduction of both the fungicide and BCA dose. Further, the biomass of B. cinerea and C. rosea on tomato plants was determined by qPCR. For B. cinerea, the trend of detection level for different treatments was consistent with that of the pot experiments, and the lowest biomass of B. cinerea was found when treated with C. rosea combined with fluxapyroxad and fluopyram, respectively. For C. rosea, qPCR assay confirmed its colonization on tomato plants when mixed with fluopyram and fluxapyroxad. These results indicated that combining C. rosea 67-1 with the SDHI fungicides could synergistically increase control efficacy against tomato gray mold.

[Management and short-term outcomes of neonates born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant]

Objective: To summarize the management and short-term outcomes of neonates delivered by mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 158 neonates born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant admitted to the isolation ward of Children's Hospital of Fudan University from March 15^th, 2022 to May 30^th, 2022. The postnatal infection control measures for these neonates, and their clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were analyzed. They were divided into maternal symptomatic group and maternal asymptomatic group according to whether their mothers had SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. The clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups using Rank sum test and Chi-square test. Results: All neonates were under strict infection control measures at birth and after birth. Of the 158 neonates, 75 (47.5%) were male. The gestational age was (38⁺³±1⁺³) weeks and the birth weight was (3 201±463)g. Of the neonates included, ten were preterm (6.3%) and the minimum gestational age was 30⁺¹ weeks. Six neonates (3.8%) had respiratory difficulty and 4 of them were premature and required mechanical ventilation. All 158 neonates were tested negative for SARS-COV-2 nucleic acid by daily nasal swabs for the first 7 days. A total of 156 mothers (2 cases of twin pregnancy) infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, the time from confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection to delivery was 7 (3, 12) days. Among them, 88 cases (56.4%) showed clinical symptoms, but none needed intensive care treatment. The peripheral white blood cell count of the neonates in maternal symptomatic group was significantly higher than that in maternal symptomatic group (23.0 (18.7, 28.0) × 10⁹ vs. 19.6 (15.4, 36.6) × 10⁹/L, Z=2.44, P<0.05). Conclusions: Neonates of mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant during third trimester have benign short-term outcomes, without intrauterine infection through vertical transmission. Strict infection control measures at birth and after birth can effectively protect these neonates from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

First Report of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum kahawae and Colletotrichum horri on Tea-oil Tree in China

Tea-oil tree (Camellia oleifera Abel) is an important economic woody plant in southern China. The buds, fruits, and leaves of tea oil tree are all susceptible to the disease, causing the wilt or even fall of the plant. Every year, the disease incidence of anthracnose reached 20%-40% in diseased fields. In 2020, leaves with anthracnose were collected from the main producing areas of tea-oil tree in Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province, China. To isolate the pathogen, several fragments of diseased tissues (5×5mm) were disinfected in 75% alcohol for 40 s, and rinsed 3 times in sterilized water. Then, tissues were placed on PDA medium and incubated at 26℃ for 5 days. Fungal isolates with morphology characteristics similar to Colletotrichum spp. were consistently recovered from diseased tissues. Eighteen fungal isolates were obtained. Among them, 3 representative single-spore isolates (C2, gy15, Ch) were picked for further analysis. The isolates C2 and gy15 on the PDA were gray-white in the initial stage, and later became olive green and spread to the edge. Abundant orange-red conidial masses were present in the colony surface. Conidia were cylindrical and with blunt circles at both ends, with a size of 9.9 µm ~ 21.8 µm × 4.0 µm ~ 6.8 µm (n=50). The hyphae of isolate Ch on PDA were thin, cotton-like, gray to gray-black; the center of the back of the colony was brown, and the color of the colony became darker, and concentric rings could be produced. The conidia were cylindrical , with blunt circles at both ends, with a size of 6.3 µm ~15.0 µm × 3.2 µm ~ 7.0µm (n=50). In order to further identify the pathogens, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, actin (ACT), chitin synthase (CHS), β-tubulin (TUB2), calmodulin (CAL) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were amplified (Weir et al. 2012; Yang et al. 2009). The resulting sequences were deposited under the GenBank accession numbers OK148894, OM397909, OM249943, OL422149, OM184266 and OM718003 for C2,OK148975, OM397910, OM249944, OL422150, OM184267, OM718004 for gy15, OK148976, OM397911, OM249945, OL422151, OM184268 and OM718005 for Ch. A BLAST search showed that the sequences of isolates C2 and gy15 had 99.57% to 100% similarity to the type strain of Colletotrichum kahawae ICMP12952. The sequences of isolate Ch had 99.03% to 100% similarity to the type strain of Colletotrichum horri ICMP 17968. Further, a phylogenetic tree based on the combined ITS, ACT, CHS, TUB, CAL, and GAPDH sequence using the neighbor-joining algorithm revealed that the isolates were C. kahawae and C. horri (Fig. 1). Pathogenicity assays were conducted on healthy leaves collected from 1-year-old tea-oil tree. The experiments were repeated twice. The leaves were surface-sterilized with 75% ethanol. After drying, they were placed in a plastic box pre-laid with sterilized absorbent paper. The leaf surface was slightly pierced with a sterile needle, and each stab wound was inoculated with 10 μL of conidial suspension (1×106 conidia/ml). All inoculated leaves were placed in a moist chamber at 25℃ with 80% relative humidity. After 10 days, inoculated leaves showed similar symptoms as observed in the field, whereas controls remained symptomless. C. kahawae and C. horri were re-isolated from the diseased leaves, and identifed by sequencing. C. kahawae is widespread on coffee in Africa (Waller et al. 1993). C. horri has been associated with fruit and stem diseases of Diospyros kaki from China, Japan, and New Zealand (Weir et al. 2010). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. kahawa and C. horri causing anthracnose of tea-oil tree.

[Applied anatomical study and clinical application of the caudate lobe boundary and ductal system of the liver]

Objective: To explore the relationship between the hepatic caudate lobe boundary and the ductal system so as to guide the identification of the anatomical relationship during liver surgery. Methods: The specific parts were observed and the liver parenchyma was removed according to 41 cadaveric liver autopsy specimens. The critical relationship between the hepatic caudate lobe and other ducts was observed to explore the reticular duct structure. Results: The plane formed by the hepatic hilar plate and Arantius ligament served as the boundary between the caudate lobe and other hepatic lobes. The caudate lobe hepatic portal vein was composed of numerous small branches from its left and right branches. The portal vein adjacent to the vena cava was mainly derived from the left branch, and to a lesser extent from the right branch. Blood was drained straight from the caudate lobe vein into the inferior vena cava via the short hepatic vein. There were three or four bile duct branches in the caudate lobe. The main source of arterial blood flow were the left and right branches of the hepatic artery. An avascular zone of loose connective tissue was found between the caudate lobe and the retrohepatic inferior vena cava. Conclusion: The hepatic caudate lobe is an independent lobe. During hepatic caudate lobe surgery, the plane formed by the hepatic hilar plate and Arantius ligament can serve as the boundary between the caudate lobe and other hepatic lobes and be used for anatomical site identification. The duct system of the caudate lobe's is complicated, but it also has its own distinct regularity.

Mussel-Inspired Hydrogels for Fluoride Delivery and Caries Prevention

Fluoride agents hold promise for the repair and prevention of caries lesions, but their interaction with enamel is often hampered and diminished because of the dynamic wet environment in the oral cavity, which affects the efficacy of fluoride delivery and limits treatment success. We herein developed a mussel-inspired wet adhesive fluoride system (denoted TS@NaF) fabricated by the self-assembly of tannic acid (TA), silk fibroin (SF), and sodium fluoride (NaF). TS@NaF demonstrated remarkable biological stability and biocompatibility, showed reliable wet adhesion, released fluoride ions (F−) topically, and induced significant deposition of calcium fluoride (CaF2) onto enamel in vitro. Furthermore, TS@NaF provided an anticaries effect in vitro and induced a detectable increase in enamel mineral density. Advanced fluoride-releasing bioadhesives are therefore promising candidates for caries prevention and highlight the great potential of mussel-inspired dental materials in clinical applications.

Comparative Toxicity and Joint Effects of Chlorantraniliprole and Carbaryl Against the Invasive Spodioptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most devastating invasive pests in China. Chlorantraniliprole (CH) is currently the main agent for controlling S. frugiperda. Carbaryl (CA) has been widely used as a foliar treatment to control S. frugiperda, although the pest has become highly resistant to it. This study investigates the comparative toxicity and joint effects of CH and CA on S. frugiperda. Time-toxicity results showed that CH had high toxicity to 1st and 3rd instar larvae, whereas CA had very low toxicity to 1st and 3rd instar larvae. The mixtures of CH and CA at different mass ratios showed strong synergistic effects on toxicity, and the mass ratio of 2:1 exhibited the highest toxicity to S. frugiperda. Furthermore, the synergistic toxicity of CH and CA at the 2:1 mass ratio (CH+CA) was also verified in field populations of S. frugiperda. The life-history parameters showed that CH+CA dramatically decreased the survival rate and fecundity of the parent population (F0) compared with CH treatment at the same concentration. Besides, CH and CH+CA mixture showed induction effect on cytochrome P450s and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) activities in S. frugiperda, with cytochrome P450s enzyme responding the fastest. In conclusion, this research found CH+CA provided synergistic effects on the toxicity and the sublethal effect on larvae. The joint effects on the life-history parameters and the detoxifying enzymes in S. frugiperda, may be useful for implementing IPM programs against this Lepidoptera pest.

Occurrence of root rot caused by Fusarium fujikuroi and Fusarium proliferatum on peanut in China

Root rot of peanut, caused by Fusarium spp., is a devastating disease in most peanut cultivation regions. In this reported outbreak, Fusarium root rot of peanut has been observed in Henan province, China in July 2021. About 20% of peanuts in a field (0.66 ha) were affected. Early symptoms comprised the wilt of the lower leaves, and the darkening of the vascular tissue of roots, which turned brown. Progressively, the whole plant wilted, the roots rotted, and the plant ultimately died. Pathogenic species were isolated from plants showing symptoms of root rot in the field. A total of 206 Fusarium isolates were generated, and 16 isolates were preliminarily identified as Fusarium fujikuroi based on morphological characteristics. Isolates were obtained and grown on PDA plates. Isolates developed floccose white aerial mycelia with reddish-pink coloration in the medium in 2 weeks on the benchtop. Macroconidia were 3-5 septate, measuring 27.5 to 48.8 × 2.6 to 3.8 μm (avg. 36.7 × 3.6 μm, n=50). Microconidia were abundant in chains, mainly asepatate, oval to kidney-shaped, 4.0 to 11.6 × 2.5 to 4.1 μm (avg. 5.8 ×3.1 μm, n=50). DNA was extracted from mycelium and the following genes were amplified and sequenced: the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using ITS1/ITS4 primers (White et al.1990) (Genbank assessions MZ831304 to MZ831308), the partial calmodulin gene (CAM, primer CL1/CL2A, O'Donnell.)(Genbank assession MZ856333 to MZ856337) and the partial translation elongation factor (EF-1α) using primer EF1/EF2 (Geiser et al.)(Genbank assession MZ856338 to MZ8564342). FUSARIUM-ID analysis showed 98.18% to 100% similarity with sequences of the F. fujikuroi species complex. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted using a neighbor-joining algorithm based on the ITS, CAM, and EF-1α gene sequences. The isolates were clustered with F. fujikuroi clade (Supplementary Fig.1). Koch's postulates were conducted using a sand-cornmeal-inoculum-layer method (Bilgi et al.). Briefly, 400 ml plastic boxes were filled with 15g of sterilized premium-grade coarse vermiculite, followed by a 15 g of inoculum prepared as sand-cornmeal mixture inoculum. The inoculum for each F. fujikuroi isolates was prepared by infesting a pre-sterilized sand-cornmeal mixture with three 5 mm plugs of cultures. Three F. fujikuroi isolates and PDA plugs were inoculated to serve as positive control and non-inoculated control treatments, respectively. The completed colonization of the sand-cornmeal mixture was finished by incubating at 25 ℃ for 7-10 days. Eight pre-germinated seeds of cv. Luhua No.1 was then covered with another 8 g of vermiculite. Peanuts were grown at 25 °C with 85% relative humidity under a light/dark cycle of 14h/10h. After 14 days of incubation, the inoculated plants showed typical symptoms of root rot similar to those in the field: pre-emergence damping-off, reddish-brown lesions on the tap, and lateral roots. F. fujikuroi was successfully re-isolated from inoculated plants but not from the controls and identified as described above. F. fujikuroi was reported to cause bakanae disease of rice (Amatulli et. al.), and root rot of soybeans (Zhao et. al.). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of F. fujikuroi causing root rot of peanut in China.

Correlation between glenoid bone structure and recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate the anatomical characteristics and symmetry of the bilateral glenoid structures of Chinese people and to explore the relationship between the glenoid bone structure and recurrent anterior dislocation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The control group included 131 individuals with no history of shoulder dislocation. The dislocation group consisted of 131 patients with a history of unilateral shoulder dislocation. All subjects underwent computed tomography scans. Glenoid shape (pear-shaped, inverted comma-shaped, oval-shaped), width, height, depth, version angle, area, maximum fitting circle area and volume were measured.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in normal bilateral glenoid of Chinese people (p > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in depth, height to width ratio, maximum fitting circle area and shape between the dislocation and control groups (p < 0.05). Regression analyses showed that the glenoid depth (odds ratio [OR] 0.48; p < 0.01), the glenoid height to width ratio (OR 28.61; p < 0.01), the glenoid maximum fitting circle area (OR 1.01; p < 0.01) and the glenoid shape (p <0.05; pear-shaped OR 0.432; inverted comma-shaped OR 0.954) were associated with anterior shoulder instability. Pear-shaped and inverted comma-shaped glenoid had lower risk of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation compared to oval glenoid. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that individuals with anterior shoulder instability had smaller glenoid depth and larger height to width ratio and the glenoid maximum fitting circle area compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The normal bilateral glenoids of Chinese people are basically symmetrical. The glenoid shape, depth, height to width ratio and maximum fitting circle area are risk factors for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. Evaluation of the glenoid bone structure enables more accurate prediction of the risk of recurrent shoulder dislocation.

[SWOT analysis of influenza vaccination promotion of primary care staff based on the perspective of the supplier, customer, and management]

Objective: To analyze the situation of influenza vaccination among primary healthcare workers, find out the problems, and explore the strategies and measures to promote influenza vaccination among grass-roots medical staff. Methods: From April to May 2021, key insider interviews and literature research were carried out based on the perspectives of influenza vaccine suppliers (influenza vaccine manufacturers), consumers (primary medical institutions and primary healthcare workers), and managers (governments at all levels, health administrative departments and disease prevention and control departments). The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis technique was used to comprehensively evaluate the current situation of influenza vaccination among grass-roots healthcare workers, and a SWOT analysis matrix was established. Results: Influenza vaccination of grass-roots healthcare workers have advantages and opportunities, including primary medical and health institutions' vital influenza vaccination accessibility, influenza vaccine safety is higher, COVID-19 outbreak improves the public awareness of respiratory infectious diseases and vaccine production enthusiasm, coronavirus vaccination has strengthened the capacity of the vaccine distribution system. There are also disadvantages and threats such as the high price of influenza vaccine, insufficient supply, low awareness of influenza vaccine vaccination among grass-roots healthcare workers, lack of demand assessment mechanism on influenza vaccine, poor vaccine deployment, structural imbalance in vaccine supply in different areas, and severe vaccine waste. SWOT analysis matrix of the influenza vaccination status of grass-roots healthcare workers was established, forming dominant opportunity (SO) strategy, dominant threat (ST) strategy, inferior opportunity (WO) strategy, and inferior threat (WT) strategy. Conclusion: Measures should be taken by the supplier, the demand-side, and the management side to improve the influenza vaccine coverage rate of primary healthcare workers, but the emphasis should be on the coordination and management of the management side.

Factors Underlying the Prevalence of Pythium Infection of Corn Seeds Following Seed Treatment Application of Tebuconazole

Microbial communities are essential for soil health, but fungicide application may have significant effects on their structure. It is difficult to predict whether nontarget pathogens of applied fungicides in the soil will cause crop damage. Tebuconazole is a triazole fungicide that can be used as a seed treatment and, thereby, introduced to the soil. However, seed-applied tebuconazole has a potential risk of causing poor emergence of corn (Zea mays) seedlings. Using soil with a history of poor corn seedling emergence, we demonstrate through TA cloning and isolation that the poor emergence of corn seedlings from tebuconazole-coated corn seeds was primarily because of infection by surviving soil pathogens, specifically Pythium species that are not targeted by tebuconazole, rather than the phytotoxic effects of tebuconazole. Bioassay tests on tebuconazole-amended media showed that tebuconazole can suppress soil fungi while allowing Pythium to grow. Pythium species primarily contributing to the corn seed rot were more pathogenic at cooler temperatures. Furthermore, the nontarget biocontrol agent of Trichoderma spp. was strongly inhibited by tebuconazole. Taken together, the nontarget effects of tebuconazole are likely not significant under favorable plant growing conditions but are considerable because of low-temperature stress.

Loss of IκBζ Drives Dentin Formation via Altered H3K4me3 Status

Enforced enrichment of the active promoter marks trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) by inhibiting histone demethylases and deacetylases is positively associated with hard tissue formation through the induction of osteo/odontogenic differentiation. However, the key endogenous epigenetic modulator of odontoblasts to regulate the expression of genes coding dentin extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins has not been identified. We focused on nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor ζ (IκBζ), which was originally identified as the transcriptional regulator of NF-κB and recently regarded as the NF-κB-independent epigenetic modulator, and found that IκBζ null mice exhibit a thicker dentin width and narrower pulp chamber, with aged mice having more marked phenotypes. At 6 mo of age, dentin fluorescent labeling revealed significantly accelerated dentin synthesis in the incisors of IκBζ null mice. In the molars of IκBζ null mice, marked tertiary dentin formation adjacent to the pulp horn was observed. Mechanistically, the expression of COL1A2 and COL1A1 collagen genes increased more in the odontoblast-rich fraction of IκBζ null mice than in wild type in vivo, similar to human odontoblast-like cells transfected with small interfering RNA for IκBζ compared with cells transfected with control siRNA in vitro. Furthermore, the direct binding of IκBζ to the COL1A2 promoter suppressed COL1A2 expression and the local active chromatin status marked by H3K4me3. Based on whole-genome identification of H3K4me3 enrichment, ECM and ECM organization-related gene loci were selectively activated by the knockdown of IκBζ, which consistently resulted in the upregulation of these genes. Collectively, this study suggested that IκBζ is the key negative regulator of dentin formation in odontoblasts by inhibiting dentin ECM- and ECM organization-related gene expression through an altered local chromatin status marked by H3K4me3. Therefore, IκBζ is a potential target for epigenetically improving the clinical outcomes of dentin regeneration therapies such as pulp capping.

A2B5-positive oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation improves neurological deficits in rats following spinal cord contusion associated with changes in expression of factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are myelinated glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), able to regenerate oligodendrocytes and myelin. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of A2B5-positive (A2B5+) OPC transplantation in rats with spinal cord contusion (SCC) and to investigate changes in expression of various factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway after OPC transplantation.

METHODS

OPCs were obtained from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) originating from mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). After identification of iPSCs and iPSC-derived OPCs, A2B5+ OPCs were transplanted into the injured site of rats with SCC one week after SCC insult. Behavioral tests evaluated motor and sensory function 7 days after OPC transplantation. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) determined the expression of various cytokines related to the Notch signaling pathway after OPC transplantation.

RESULTS

IPSC-derived OPCs were successfully generated from MEFs, as indicated by positive immunostaining of A2B5, PDGFα and NG2. Further differentiation of OPCs was identified by immunostaining of Olig2, Sox10, Nkx2.2, O4, MBP and GFAP. Importantly, myelin formation was significantly enhanced in the SCC+ OPC group and SCI-induced motor and sensory dysfunction was largely alleviated by A2B5+ OPC transplantation. Expression of factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway (Notch-1, Numb, SHARP1 and NEDD4) was significantly increased after OPC transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

A2B5+ OPC transplantation attenuates motor and sensory dysfunction in SCC rats by promoting myelin formation, which may be associated with change in expression of factors involved in the Notch signaling pathway.

Rapid visual detection of benzimidazole resistance in Botrytis cinerea by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick

BACKGROUND

Benzimidazole resistance in Botrytis cinerea is related to point mutations in the target β-tubulin gene (TUB2). Three mutations (E198A, E198K, E198V) at codon 198 account for most of the resistant strains. A rapid on-site diagnostic assay would be useful to detect the presence and monitor further spread of this resistance mechanism.

RESULTS

A recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow detection (RPA-LFD) method was established for the rapid detection of methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) resistance in B. cinerea. Based on the three mutations at TUB2 codon 198, three sets of RPA-LFD primers were designed, and each of these primer sets was able to specifically amplify the DNA containing its corresponding mutation; no amplification was detected with other mutated or wild-type DNA. The assay was optimized for specificity and sensitivity and was shown to detect the presence of 2 × 10² copies μl^-1 of target DNA per reaction within 10 min. DNA from eight other common fungal species of small fruit did not yield a signal. The system worked well over a wide range of temperatures from 25 to 45°C. Crude DNA obtained from boiled mycelium and conidia of symptomatic fruit could be used as templates, which simplified the assay process.

CONCLUSION

This study developed a novel assay based on RPA-LFD for the rapid and equipment-free detection of MBC-resistant isolates. In combination with a simple DNA extraction method, the assay could detect B. cinerea MBC-resistant isolates even without specialized equipment within 30 min. Considering its specificity, stability and simplicity, the RPA-LFD assay could be a promising tool for rapid on-site diagnosis of fungicide-resistant isolates. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Controlled-release granules for the delivery of pymetrozine to roots of transplanted rice seedlings with decreased phytotoxicity and enhanced control efficacy against paddy planthoppers

BACKGROUND

Seedling transplanting is widely used in rice cultivation. Systemic insecticides can be delivered to seedling roots by application through rice seedling boxes before transplanting. The most challenging aspect is to provide long-term control of rice pests and overcome transplanting shock. Precise control of the release rate of insecticide can meet these requirements. Pymetrozine is a promising insecticide used for the control of rice planthoppers resistant to neonicotinoid insecticides.

RESULTS

In this study, four controlled-release granular formulations of pymetrozine were prepared based on a mixture of cost-effective and biodegradable kaolin and xanthan gum or a mixture of calcined kaolin and xanthan gum. Fluorescence images showed that different 3D networks were formed in the four granular formulations. The four granular formulations showed different water uptake rates and release rates of pymetrozine in water. Pymetrozine release rate was positively correlated with the water uptake capacity, rather than the water uptake rate of granules. Diffusion was the dominant mechanism for the release of pymetrozine from granules. Pymetrozine was found to reduce the survival of transplanted rice seedlings suffering from transplanting shock. Incorporating pymetrozine in controlled-release granules alleviated this phytotoxicity. The survival rate of rice seedlings in granular pymetrozine treatments ranged 68.8-85.0%, whereas the survival rate was <50% for powdered pymetrozine treatments. Additionally, four prepared granule formulations had a significant control effect on rice planthopper with efficacies ranging from 76.7% to 98.0% 40 days after seedling box treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The granule with an intermediate release rate of pymetrozine was shown to be more suitable for seedling box treatment than field application and traditional liquid spraying for the long-term control of paddy planthoppers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Broadcasting of tiny granules by drone to mimic liquid spraying for the control of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

BACKGROUND

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is an invasive pest. Maize is one of its preferred host plants. The traditional application of granules has been effective for the control of FAW. Nevertheless, the challenge is to develop an application method that is less labor-intensive and also efficient.

RESULTS

Tiny granules in the size range of 0.38-0.55 mm were prepared by the centrifugal granulation method for drone application. The in-swath distribution patterns of granules deposited on sticky tapes were similar to the distribution of aqueous droplets through drone spraying. In the range of 1.5-3.5 m, a relatively higher aircraft height of flight can provide a more uniform distribution pattern of deposited granules, but resulted in less deposit of tiny granules in the whorl of maize plants. Similarly, the deposit of granules in the whorl of maize plants significantly decreased when the flight speed increased from 4 to 6 m s^-1 . Granules gathered in the whorl accounted for 50.8-58.7% of total granules deposited in the maize canopy. The field experiment demonstrates granular formulations (containing 0.25% chlorantraniliprole + 0.15% emamectin benzoate, or higher concentrations) can provide better and longer duration of FAW control than the aqueous spray formulation at the whorl stage of maize plants.

CONCLUSION

Broadcasting of tiny granules by drone can provide better FAW control than liquid spray. The architecture of the maize plant and the downward airstream of the drone create favorable conditions for the deposition of granules in whorls. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Research progress on the correlation between small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease]

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a series of cardiovascular diseases based on atherosclerosis, has attracted more clinical attention. However, with the increase of population-based research results, the diagnostic value of traditional blood lipid parameters such as low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is showing limitations. In recent years, a large number of studies have confirmed that small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) has lower affinity with low-density lipoprotein receptor, longer circulation time and easier to penetrate arterial endothelium, so it has stronger atherogenic effect. Therefore, we summarize the common detection methods of sdLDL-C, the research progress of the correlation between sdLDL-C and ASCVD risk, as well as the intervention measures and influencing factors of sdLDL-C level, in order to deepen the clinician's understanding of the role of sdLDL-C in ASCVD and achieve the early prevention, early detection and early diagnosis of chronic atherosclerosis.

Field-evolved resistance to 11 insecticides and the mechanisms involved in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND

To understand the ongoing resistance of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, the sensitivity of five field populations to commonly used insecticides, indoxacarb, abamectin, methoxyfenozide, chlorfenapyr, chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, lambda-cyhalothrin, carbosulfan, metaflumizone, chlorpyrifos, and flufenoxuron, were evaluated. Furthermore, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of field-evolved resistance in H. armigera were also investigated.

RESULTS

Five field populations of H. armigera showed moderate resistance to indoxacarb, chlorantraniliprole, metaflumizone, methoxyfenozide, carbosulfan and lambda-cyhalothrin. The resistance ratio (RR) of indoxacarb was significantly correlated with glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) activity (r = 0.913, P = 0.011). Methoxyfenozide RR was largely correlated with cytochrome P450s activity (r = 0.860, P = 0.028). Besides, six cytochrome P450s genes of CYP4L5 in AQP, CYP6B7 and CYP9A14 in HDP and BDP, CYP9A17V2 in HDP and YSP, CYP332A1 in HDP, LFP, AQP and YSP, CYP337B1 in YSP, and two GSTs genes of GSTd1 and GSTs1 in HDP were overexpressed (>5-fold). Moreover, indoxacarb RR was positively correlated with the overexpression of GSTs1, GSTd1 and CYP9A14 genes (r = 0.880, 0.98 and 0.86, P = 0.021, 0.001 and 0.028, respectively). The transcript of CYP9A17V2 and CYP337B1 were found to be correlated with metaflumizone RR (r = 0.950, P = 0.004) and carbosulfan RR (r = 0.850, P = 0.033), respectively.

CONCLUSION

H. armigera can be effectively controlled using abamectin, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos and spinetoram in Hebei and Shandong provinces. The present study demonstrated that the relative expression level of GSTs1, GSTd1, CYP9A14, CYP9A17V2 and CYP337B1 genes were significantly correlated with the resistance ratio to indoxacarb, metaflumizone and carbosulfan in field H. armigera.

Prevalence and association of mycoplasma infection in the development of coronary artery disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although remain controversial, several studies have demonstrated the association of M. pneumoniae infections with atherosclerosis. We evaluated the possible association of mycoplasma infections in patients diagnosed with atherosclerosis by ELISA and PCR methods. Atherosclerotic tissue samples and blood samples were collected for the detection of mycoplasma antibodies (IgA) by ELISA from the 97 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). M. pneumoniae specific IgA, IgG and IgM were measured by using the Anti-M. pneumoniae IgA/IgG/IgM ELISA. Detection of M. pneumoniae targeting the P1 adhesion gene was performed by PCR Acute infection of M. pneumoniae was diagnosed in 43.3% (42) of patients by PCR. The M. pneumoniae specific antibodies were detected in 36.1% (35) of patients. Twenty-five (25.8%) cases had IgG antibodies, 15 (15.5%) cases had IgM antibodies, 3 (3.1%) cases had IgA antibodies, 10 (10.3%) cases had both IgM + IgG antibodies and 1 (1%) case of each had IgM + IgA and IgG + IgA antibodies. None of the cases was positive for all three antibodies. A Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed an excellent correlation between the PCR and the serological results (r=0.921, p<0.001). A majority (17, 40.5%) of the M. pneumoniae positive patients are within the 41-50 years of age group, followed by 10 (23.8%) patients in the age group of 61-70 years and 2 (4.8%) patients were >70 years of age. Our study reported an unusually higher prevalence of M. pneumoniae by serological tests (36.1%) and PCR (43.3%). Although the hypothesis of the association of M. pneumoniae and CAD is yet to be proven, the unusually high prevalence of M. pneumoniae in CAD patients indicates an association, if not, in the development of atherosclerosis.

Use of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for the early assessment of outcome of CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with spinal metastases

AIM

To explore the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for evaluating early outcomes of CyberKnife radiosurgery for spinal metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with spinal metastases who were treated with CyberKnife radiosurgery from July 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled. Conventional MRI and DCE-MRI were performed before treatment and at 3 months after treatment. Patients showing disease progression were defined as the progressive disease (PD) group and those showing complete response, partial response, and stable disease were defined as the non-PD group. The haemodynamic parameters (volume transfer constant [Ktrans], rate constant [Kep], and extravascular space [Ve]) before and after treatment between the groups were analysed. Area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients with 39 independent spinal lesions were included. The median follow-up time was 18.6 months (6.2-36.4 months). There were 27 lesions in the non-PD group and 12 lesions in the PD group. Post-treatment Kep, ΔKtrans and ΔKep in the non-PD group (0.959/min, - 32.6% and -41.1%, respectively) were significantly lower than the corresponding values in PD group (1.429/min, 20.4% and -6%; p<0.05). Post-treatment Ve and ΔVe (0.223 and 27.8%, respectively) in the non-PD group were significantly higher than that of the PD group (0.165 and -13.5%, p<0.05). ΔKtrans showed the highest diagnostic efficiency, with an AUC of 0.821.

CONCLUSIONS

DCE-MRI parameters change significantly at an early stage after CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal metastases. DCE-MRI may be of value in determining the early treatment response.

[A novel frameshift NDUFV1 mutation in a child with the phenotype of optic nerve atrophy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathogenic gene in a child with optic atrophy and analyze the influence of this gene mutation on protein structure.

OBJECTIVE

We collected the clinical record of the 13-year-old girl and her relatives. The child received examinations of the visual acuity, visual field, fundus, OCT, visual-evoked potential (VEP) and the nerve system, underwent brain MRI and was followed up for 1 year. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the child and her parents for next-generation sequencing of the whole exon. The pathogenic gene mutation was identified and the resultant changes in the protein structure was analyzed.

OBJECTIVE

The patient presented with impaired vision and optic nerve atrophy in both eyes with low amplitude of VEP, but did not show dystonia or pyramidal tract symptom. Brain MRI detected no leukodystrophy. Genetic analysis suggested a heterozygous c.53_54delTG mutation in exon 1 in the NDUFV1 gene of complex I, which caused a frameshift starting with the codon valine 18, thus changing the amino acid to an Alanine residue and creating a premature stop codon at position 20 of the new reading frame (p.Val18AlafsX20). A heterozygous for c.1162+4A>C: IVS8 + 4A>C in intron 8 was also found. Protein structure analysis showed the missing of important structure of NDUFV1 subunit in complex I.

OBJECTIVE

We identified a novel NDUFV1 mutation in a child with optic nerve atrophy. This finding may provide further insight into the genotype-phenotype correlations for NDUFV1 gene.

From benchtop to clinic: a translational analysis of the immune response to submicron topography and its relevance to bone healing

Proper regulation of the innate immune response to bone biomaterials after implantation is pivotal for successful bone healing. Pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages are known to have an important role in regulating the healing response to biomaterials. Materials with defined structural and topographical features have recently been found to favourably modulate the innate immune response, leading to improved healing outcomes. Calcium phosphate bone grafts with submicron-sized needle-shaped surface features have been shown to trigger a pro-healing response through upregulation of M2 polarised macrophages, leading to accelerated and enhanced bone regeneration. The present review describes the recent research on these and other materials, all the way from benchtop to the clinic, including in vitro and in vivo fundamental studies, evaluation in clinically relevant spinal fusion models and clinical validation in a case series of 77 patients with posterolateral and/or interbody fusion in the lumbar and cervical spine. This research demonstrates the feasibility of enhancing biomaterial-directed bone formation by modulating the innate immune response through topographic surface features.

Cardiometabolic index: a new tool for screening the metabolically obese normal weight phenotype

PURPOSE

People with the metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) phenotype are considered as an extremely high-risk group for unfavorable health consequences, but they are frequently undetected due to deceptive body mass index (BMI) and complex assessment. This study aimed to explore the clinical usefulness of cardiometabolic index (CMI) in identifying MONW individuals.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved a total of 47,683 normal-weight subjects aged ≥ 18 years. Participants underwent anthropometrics, routine biochemical tests, and questionnaires for a full evaluation of the metabolic profile. The odds ratio (OR) of CMI and MONW phenotype was determined by the Logistic regression models and the diagnostic accuracy of CMI was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MONW phenotype was 11.0%. After multivariate adjustment, the ORs for MONW in the highest compared with the lowest quartile of CMI was 71.20 (95% CI 55.19-91.86), and 1-SD increment of CMI brought a 54% additional risk. In ROC analysis, compared with BMI and waist circumference, CMI showed superior performance for identifying MONW individuals with an AUC of 0.853 (95% CI 0.847-0.860) in men and 0.912 (95% CI 0.906-0.918) in women, respectively. Moreover, CMI exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy in younger age groups (aged 18-34 for men; aged 18-34 and 35-44 for women), in which AUCs surpassed 0.9 in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

CMI could be served as a valuable indicator to identify MONW phenotype of Chinese adults, particularly for young people.

[Impact of cardiovascular metabolic diseases on COVID-19: review of recent progress]

The high comorbidity between cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the consequent high mortality and the potential risk of cardiovascular damage have brought great challenges to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the condition. The latest studies found that advanced age, immune function defects, inflammatory factor storms and oxidative stress damage all potentially contribute to the high comorbidity of the two. Direct virus invasion, myocardial oxygen supply and demand imbalance and vascular endothelial and coagulation dysfunction may be important mechanisms for cardiovascular injury in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the expression level of ACE2 (the cell membrane receptor of SARS-CoV-2) in various organs and the peripheral blood not only mediates the direct invasion and damage of the organs, but also participates in regulation of the balance of systematic inflammation and oxidative stress, thus affecting the susceptibility and outcomes of the patients. Herein we review the recent research progress in the comorbidity between COVID-19 and CVMD and explore the mechanisms of cardiovascular damage caused by SARS-CoV-2, thus to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 with underlying CVMD.

LINC01198 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis via Notch signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expression level of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1198 (LINC01198) in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cells, to investigate the effect of LINC01198 on the biological function of CRC cells through in vivo and in vitro experiments, and to explore its molecular mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tissue samples were collected from 32 patients with CRC. Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the relative expression level of LINC01198 in CRC tissues and cells. In vitro experiments [Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry] were conducted to explore the effect of interfering with the expression of LINC01198 on the proliferation, cycle and apoptosis of CRC cells. Tumorigenesis assay was undertaken in nude mice to investigate the influence of LINC01198 on the tumorigenic ability of CRC cells in vivo. Besides, Western blotting was performed to determine the changes in the downstream signaling pathway of LINC01198.

RESULTS

Among the 32 cases of tissue samples of CRC patients, 28 cases had an upregulated expression of LINC01198 compared with paracancerous tissues. The results of qRT-PCR indicated that LINC01198 expression was upregulated in CRC cells, and the interference efficiency of si-LINC01198 was measured via qRT-PCR. The results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that after interfering with the expression of LINC01198 in CRC cells, cell proliferation capacity was inhibited, cell cycle was arrested at G1/G0 phase, and the apoptosis rate was increased. The results of nude mice tumorigenesis experiments revealed that after interfering with the expression of LINC01198, the tumorigenic ability of CRC cells in vivo declined. Additionally, Western blotting assay results confirmed that after interfering with the expression of LINC01198, the expression of molecular markers in the Notch signaling pathway was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of LINC01198 is upregulated in the case of CRC, which promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of CRC cells by regulating the Notch signaling pathway. Our findings provide a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC patients and treatment strategies.

3D porous Ti6Al4V-beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds directly fabricated by additive manufacturing

3D Ti6Al4V-beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) hybrid scaffolds with interconnected porous network and controllable porosity and pore size were successfully produced by three-dimensional fiber deposition (3DF). The macrostructure of scaffolds was determined by the 3D design, whereas the micro- and submicron structure were derived from the Ti6Al4V powder sintering and the crystalline TCP powder, respectively. Ti6Al4V-TCP slurry was developed for 3DF by optimizing the TCP powder size, Ti6Al4V-to-TCP powder ratio and Ti6Al4V-TCP powder content. Moreover, the air pressure and fiber deposition rate were optimized. A maximum achievable ceramic content in the Ti6Al4V-TCP slurry that enables 3DF manufacturing was 10 wt%. The chemical analysis showed that limited contamination occurred during sintering. The compressive strength and Young's modulus of the scaffolds exhibited values between those of cancellous and cortical bone. The 3D Ti6Al4V-TCP scaffolds with 10 wt% TCP allowed deposition of a calcium phosphate layer on the surface in a simulated body fluid. Cumulative release of calcium and phosphate ions from the scaffolds was observed in a simulated physiological solution, in contrast to a cell culture medium. A pilot in vivo study, in which the scaffolds were implanted intramuscularly in dogs showed ectopic bone formation in the Ti6Al4V-TCP scaffolds with 10 wt% TCP, showing their osteoinductive potential. The porous 3D Ti6Al4V-TCP scaffolds developed here combine the mechanical properties of the metal with the bioactivity of the ceramic and are therefore likely to yield more effective strategies to control the implant-bone interface and thereby improve long-term clinical results in orthopaedics and craniomaxillofacial surgery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work, 3D porous hybrid scaffolds made of a titanium alloy and a beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramic (Ti6Al4V-TCP) were developed using the direct additive manufacturing technique 3D fiber deposition. Upon optimization of the powders and slurry, scaffolds with up to 10 wt.% TCP with good mechanical properties and controllable porous structure at different length scales were successfully manufactured. A preliminary in vivo study in an intramuscular model demonstrated that the addition of TCP to the metal alloy improved its bioactivity. The combination of the two materials and the use of a direct additive manufacturing technique resulted in scaffolds that may lead to more effective strategies to control the implant-bone interface and thereby improve long-term clinical results in orthopaedics and craniomaxillofacial surgery.