Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosome Regulates Intestinal Type 2 Immunity

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUCMSC-Exo) in regulating the intestinal type 2 immune response for either protection or therapy.

BACKGROUND

hUCMSC-Exo was considered a novel cell-free therapeutic product that shows promise in the treatment of various diseases. Type 2 immunity is a protective immune response classified as T-helper type 2 (Th2) cells and is associated with helminthic infections and allergic diseases. The effect of hUCMSC-Exo on intestinal type 2 immune response is not clear.

METHOD

C57BL/6 mice were used to establish intestinal type 2 immune response by administering of H.poly and treated with hUCMSC-Exo before or after H.poly infection. Intestinal organoids were isolated and co-cultured with IL-4 and hUCMSC-Exo. Then, we monitored the influence of hUCMSC-Exo on type 2 immune response by checking adult worms, the hyperplasia of tuft and goblet cells.

RESULT

hUCMSC-Exo significantly delays the colonization of H.poly in subserosal layer of duodenum on day 7 post-infection and promotes the hyperplasia of tuft cells and goblet cells on day 14 post-infection. HUCMSC-Exo enhances the expansion of tuft cells in IL-4 treated intestinal organoids, and promotes lytic cell death.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates hUCMSC-Exo may benefit the host by increasing the tolerance at an early infection stage and then enhancing the intestinal type 2 immune response to impede the helminth during Th2 priming. Our results show hUCMSC-Exo may be a positive regulator of type 2 immune response, suggesting hUCMSC-Exo has a potential therapeutic effect on allergic diseases.

[Epidemiological investigation of iron deficiency among preschool children in 10 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities in China]

Objective: To understand the current status of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a multi-stage stratified sampling method to select 150 streets or townships from 10 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities (East: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Hainan; Central: Henan; West: Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Xinjiang; Northeast: Liaoning). From May 2022 to April 2023, a total of 21 470 children, including community-based children aged 0.5 to<3.0 years receiving child health care and kindergarten-based children aged 3.0 to<7.0 years, were surveyed. They were divided into 3 age groups: infants (0.5 to<1.0 year), toddlers (1.0 to<3.0 years), and preschoolers (3.0 to<7.0 years). Basic information such as sex and date of birth of the children was collected, and peripheral blood samples were obtained for routine blood tests and serum ferritin measurement. The prevalence rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were analyzed, and the prevalence rate differences were compared among different ages, sex, urban and rural areas, and regions using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 21 460 valid responses were collected, including 10 780 boys (50.2%). The number of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were 2 645 (12.3%), 6 244 (29.1%), and 12 571 (58.6%), respectively. The hemoglobin level was (126.7±14.8) g/L, and the serum ferritin level was 32.3 (18.5, 50.1) μg/L. The overall rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were 10.4% (2 230/21 460), 28.3% (6 070/21 460), and 3.9% (845/21 460), respectively. The prevalence rate of anemia was higher for boys than for girls (10.9% (1 173/10 780) vs. 9.9% (1 057/10 680), χ2=5.58, P=0.018), with statistically significant differences in the rates for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (18.0% (475/2 645), 10.6% (662/6 244), and 8.7% (1 093/12 571), respectively, χ2=201.81, P<0.01), and the rate was significantly higher for children in rural than that in urban area (11.8% (1 516/12 883) vs. 8.3% (714/8 577), χ2=65.54, P<0.01), with statistically significant differences in the rates by region (χ2=126.60, P<0.01), with the highest rate of 15.8% (343/2 173) for children in Central region, and the lowest rate of 5.3% (108/2 053) in Northeastern region. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency were 33.8% (895/2 645), 32.2% (2 011/6 244), and 25.2% (3 164/12 571) in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, respectively, and 30.0% (3 229/10 780) in boys vs. 26.6% (2 841/10 680) in girls, 21.7% (1 913/8 821), 40.0% (870/2 173), 27.1% (2 283/8 413), 48.9% (1 004/2 053) in Eastern, Central, Western, and Northeastern regions, respectively, and each between-group showed a significant statistical difference (χ2=147.71, 29.73, 773.02, all P<0.01). The prevalence rate of iron-deficiency anemia showed a significant statistical difference between urban and rural areas, 2.9% (251/8 577) vs. 4.6% (594/12 883) (χ2=38.62, P<0.01), while the difference in iron deficiency prevalence was not significant (χ2=0.51, P=0.476). Conclusions: There has been a notable improvement in iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China, but the situation remains concerning. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention and control of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia, especially among infants and children in the Central, Western, and Northeastern regions of China.

Development and application of the physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model for ochratoxin A (OTA) in rats and humans

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common fungal toxin frequently detected in food and human plasma samples. Currently, the physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model plays an active role in dose translation and can improve and enhance the risk assessment of toxins. In this study, the PBTK model of OTA in rats and humans was established based on knowledge of OTA-specific absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) in order to better explain the disposition of OTA in humans and the discrepancies with other species. The models were calibrated and optimized using the available kinetic and toxicokinetic (TK) data, and independent test datasets were used for model evaluation. Subsequently, sensitivity analyses and population simulations were performed to characterize the extent to which variations in physiological and specific chemical parameters affected the model output. Finally, the constructed models were used for dose extrapolation of OTA, including the rat-to-human dose adjustment factor (DAF) and the human exposure conversion factor (ECF). The results showed that the unbound fraction (Fup) of OTA in plasma of rat and human was 0.02-0.04% and 0.13-4.21%, respectively. In vitro experiments, the maximum enzyme velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of OTA in rat and human liver microsomes were 3.86 and 78.17 μg/g min-1, 0.46 and 4.108 μg/mL, respectively. The predicted results of the model were in good agreement with the observed data, and the models in rats and humans were verified. The PBTK model derived a DAF of 0.1081 between rats and humans, whereas the ECF was 2.03. The established PBTK model can be used to estimate short- or long-term OTA exposure levels in rats and humans, with the capacity for dose translation of OTA to provide the underlying data for risk assessment of OTA.

The effects of acteoside on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury - The role of autophagy and apoptosis signaling pathway

In the current study, we investigated the effects of acteoside as a phenylpropanoid glycoside on interaction with neurons to assesses locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats by focusing on evaluating the factors involved in autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress processes. 49 Spargue-Dawley rats were prepared and divided into seven healthy and SCI groups receiving different concentrations of acteoside. After 28 days of disease induction and treatment with acteoside, a BBB score test was used to evaluate locomotor activity. Then, by preparing spinal cord cell homogenates, the expression levels of MAP1LC3A, MAP-2, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Nrf2, Keap-1, Caspase 3 (Casp3), Bax, Bcl-2, TNF-a, IL-1B, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Improvement of locomotor activity in SCI rats receiving acteoside was observed two weeks after the beginning of the experiment and continued until the fourth week. Both MAP1LC3A and MAP-2 were significantly up-regulated in SCI rats treated with acteoside compared to untreated SCI rats, and GFAP levels were significantly decreased in these animals. Pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Casp3 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, in SCI rats receiving acteoside. In addition, a significant downregulation of iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β and a decrease in contents of both ROS and MDA as well as increases in Nrf2 and Keap-1 were seen in rats receiving acteoside. Furthermore, acteoside strongly interacted with MAP1LC3A, TNF-α, and Casp3 targets with binding affinities of -8.3 kcal/mol, -8.3 kcal/mol, and -8.5 kcal/mol, respectively, determined by molecular docking studies. In general, it can be concluded that acteoside has protective effects in SCI and can be considered as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of this disease. However, more studies, especially clinical studies, are needed in this field.

[The method of determination for 2, 3-Butanedione in the air of workplace by high performance liquid chromatography with derivatization]

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of 2, 3-Butanedione (BUT) in the air of workplace, which including the process of collection by absorption in phosphoric acid aqueous solution and the process of analysis and detection by high performance liquid chromatography with derivatization. Methods: In October 2022, a porous glass plate absorption tube containing 10 ml of 0.01% phosphoric acid solution was used to collect BUT in the air of the workplace at a flow rate of 0.2 L/min. The absorption solution was derived by 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine for 75 min and separated on a SB-C18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) . At the column temperature of 30 ℃, the mixture of acetonitrile-water (V∶V, 1∶1) was eluted at the flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. It was detected by UV detector (λ=365 nm) , qualitatived by retention time and quantitatived by external standard. Results: It showed that BUT in phosphoric acid aqueous solution could be stored for at least 7 d at 4 ℃. There was a linear relationship within the determination range of 0.05-6.00 μg/ml, the linear regression equation was y=89.610x+0.133, r=0.9999. The sampling absorption efficiencies were 98.33%-100.00%, the detection limit of the method was 0.005 μg/ml, the minimum detection concentration was 0.016 mg/m(3) (based on V(0)=3.0 L) . The recovery rates were 95.96%-102.44%, the intra batch precision were 4.36%-7.78%, and the inter batch precision were 4.96%-6.06%. Conclusion: The method has the advantages of simple operation, high sensitivity and good accuracy. It can prevent the loss and degradation of BUT. It can be used for the determination of BUT in the air of workplace.

Rapid classification and identification of chemical compositions of Pu-zhi-hui-ling decoction by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS

Pu-zhi-hui-ling decoction (PZHLD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its chemical composition has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to establish a mass spectrometry (MS) analysis method for rapid classification and identification of the chemical constituents in PZHLD. The sample was analysed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). The chemical constituents of PZHLD were identified based on accurate MS data, fragmentation characteristics of MS/MS, and reference information described in the literature. A total of 123 chemical constituents were identified. In addition, we summarised the fragmentation pathways of the chemical constituents in PZHLD. Our finding might lay the foundation for the further pharmacodynamic study and clinical application of PZHLD.

Rapid screening of active ingredients and action mechanisms of Ecliptae Herba for treating Alzheimer's disease by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and "component-target-pathway" network

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. The drugs widely used in clinic are mainly single-target drugs for symptomatic treatment, which can only alleviate symptoms to a certain extent. Ecliptae Herba (EH) is considered a potential therapeutic drug for AD due to its neuroprotective effects. Although EH has a clear anti-AD effect, the material basis and mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, we adopted an efficient analytical technique, namely ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), combined with "component-target-pathway" network to explore the active components and potential mechanisms of EH in treating AD. Due to the high sensitivity of UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, a total of 50 components were identified in EH. Among them, 20 and 12 compounds were found in plasma and brain samples, respectively. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that apigenin, luteolin, ecliptasaponin A, chlorogenic acid, wedelolactone, and quercetin were the active components, which could affect the serotonergic synapse, calcium and cAMP signaling pathways by regulating related targets such as EGFR, PRKCA, BRAF and ERBB2. This study clarified that EH can exert anti-AD effect through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics. Furthermore, it offers a good foundation for further in-depth research on the anti-AD effects of EH, and provides a valuable approach for the rapid screening of active components and potential mechanisms of other medicinal plants, potentially bringing changes to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.

[Application of entropy weight TOPSIS comprehensive method in the evaluation of students' physical health level]

Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the physical health level of students of different school-age segments in four regions of Anhui province using the entropy weight approximation ideal solution ranking method (TOPSIS), and to provide a scientific method and basis for conducting school health work evaluation. Methods: Using the physical fitness survey data of four regions in Anhui province, the entropy weight method was used to draw the weights of various indicators for different school-age segments of men and women. Then, the TOPSIS method was used to evaluate the school-age segments of men and women in the four regions. Finally, the physical health level of students in four regions was classified according to the results of entropy weight TOPSIS and the rank sum ratio method. Results: A total of 10 127 students were included in this study, with an average age of (11.85±3.82) years, including 5 050 males (49.8%) and 5 072 urban students (50.1%). The results of the entropy weight method showed that the weight of body mass index of boys was similar to that of girls in each school-age segment. According to the TOPSIS and rank sum ratio analysis, the physical health level of students in the four regions of Anhui province was different. The physical health score of Suzhou was 0.617 4 points, which was classified as the best grade. The scores of Hefei and Wuhu were 0.556 3 and 0.411 2, which were classified as middle. Jiju City scored 0.381 9 points, which was classified as poor. Conclusion: TOPSIS combined with rank sum ratio can reflect the level of students' physical health, which can be applied to the evaluation of students' physical health and provide a basis for monitoring students' physical health.

[Characteristics of serum bile acids among healthy children in Zhejiang province]

Objective: To characterize the serum bile acid profiles of healthy children in Zhejiang Province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 245 healthy children who underwent imaging and laboratory biochemical tests during routine physical examinations at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2020 to July 2022. Overnight fasting venous blood samples were collected, and the concentrations of 18 individual bile acids in the serum were accurately quantitated using tandem mass spectrometry. The concentration difference of bile acid were compared between different genders and to explore the correlation between age and bile acid levels. Used the Mann-Whitney U test for intergroup comparison and Spearman test to correlation analysis. Results: A total of 245 health children with a age of 10 (8, 12) years including 125 boys and 120 girls. There were no significant differences in levels of total bile acids, primary and secondary bile acids, free and conjugated bile acids between the two gender groups (all P>0.05). The serum concentrations of ursodeoxycholic acid and glycoursodeoxycholic acid in girls were significantly higher than those in boys (199.0 (66.9, 276.5) vs. 154.7 (49.3, 205.0) nmol/L, 274.0 (64.8, 308.0) vs. 181.0 (43.8, 209.3) nmol/L, Z=2.06, 2.71, both P<0.05). The serum taurolithocholic acid in both boys and girls were positively correlated with age (r=0.31, 0.32, both P<0.05). The serum chenodeoxycholic acid and glycochenodeoxycholic acid in the boys group were positively correlated with age (r=0.20, 0.23, both P<0.05), whereas the serum tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the girls group was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.27, P<0.05), and the serum cholic acid was positively correlated with age (r=0.34, P<0.05). Conclusions: The total bile acid levels are relatively stable in healthy children in Zhejiang province. However, individual bile acids showed gender differences and were correlated with age.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Evades Immune Clearance by Regulating Lysosome Efflux

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, invades autophagosomes of cells, including gingival epithelial cells, endothelial cells, gingival fibroblasts, macrophages, and dendritic cells, to escape antimicrobial autophagy and lysosome fusion. However, it is not known how P. gingivalis resists autophagic immunity, survives within cells, and induces inflammation. Thus, we investigated whether P. gingivalis could escape antimicrobial autophagy by promoting lysosome efflux to block autophagic maturation, leading to intracellular survival, and whether the growth of P. gingivalis within cells results in cellular oxidative stress, causing mitochondrial damage and inflammatory responses. P. gingivalis invaded human immortalized oral epithelial cells in vitro and mouse oral epithelial cells of gingival tissues in vivo. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased upon bacterial invasion, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction-related parameters with downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), upregulated mitochondrial membrane permeability, intracellular Ca2+ influx, mitochondrial DNA expression, and extracellular ATP. Lysosome excretion was elevated, the number of intracellular lysosomes was diminished, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 was downregulated. Expression of autophagy-related proteins, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3, sequestosome-1, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and interleukin-1β increased with P. gingivalis infection. P. gingivalis may survive in vivo by promoting lysosome efflux, blocking autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and destroying autophagic flux. As a result, ROS and damaged mitochondria accumulated and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, which recruited the adaptor protein ASC and caspase 1, leading to the production of proinflammatory factor interleukin-1β and inflammation.

Rapid identification of chemical components in vitro and in vivo of Menispermi Rhizoma by integrating UPLC-Q-TOF-MS with data post-processing strategy

INTRODUCTION

Menispermi Rhizoma (MR), the dried rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC. (Menispermaceae), has been used to treat sore throat, enteritis, dysentery, and rheumatic arthralgia. Despite extensive research on its pharmacological effects, the chemical components in vitro and in vivo have not been thoroughly studied.

OBJECTIVE

To establish an efficient method for rapid classification and identification of alkaloids in MR and its preparations, as well as metabolites in vivo after oral administration of MR.

METHODS

Rapid identification of alkaloids and absorbed components of MR was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI software. Moreover, the characteristic fragmentations and neutral losses of different types of alkaloids in MR were summarised to realise the rapid classification of alkaloids.

RESULTS

A total of 55 components were unambiguously or tentatively identified in MR. Among them, 37 and 31 components were found in MR capsules and tablets, respectively. Meanwhile, 109 compounds were tentatively identified in rat plasma, urine and faeces, including 55 prototypes and 54 metabolites. Hydrogenation, hydroxylation, methylation, glucuronic acid and sulphate conjugations were the dominating metabolic fates of alkaloids.

CONCLUSION

The data post-processing strategy established could greatly enhance the structural identification efficiency. The results obtained might lay the foundation for further interpretation of clinical effects, mechanism of action and quality control of MR.

A238 BILE ACID COMPOSITION AND DIETARY FAT: IMPLICATIONS FOR CROHN’S DISEASE IN A COHORT OF HEALTHY FIRST-DEGREE RELATIVES

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiology of CD may arise from complex interactions including host genetics, diet, and the intestinal microbiome. Increased consumption of saturated fats, characteristic of the Western diet, is a known risk factor for CD. Dietary fat (DF) is absorbed by the host through the release of primary bile acids (PBAs) and bio-transformed by the microbiome into secondary bile acids (SBAs). Altogether, bile acids (BAs) can act as signaling molecules involved in host immune regulation and potentially in CD onset.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between CD risk, BAs, and DF, and evaluate the predictive performance of CD onset of these factors by developing machine learning models.

Method

We used samples healthy first-degree relatives (FDRs) recruited as part of the Crohn’s Colitis Canada- Genes, Environment, Microbial (GEM) project. Those who developed CD (n=87) were matched 1:4 by age, sex, follow-up time, and geographic location with control FDRs remaining healthy (n=347).

Serum, urine, and stool BA were measured using ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectroscopy. DF types were derived from food frequency questionnaire data. We used conditional logistic regressions to identify associations between CD onset, BAs (n=93), and DFs (n=9). We further explored the relationships of significant CD-related BAs and DF via Generalized Estimation Equations. Finally, we used a tree-based machine-learning algorithm (XGBoost) with 5-fold cross-validation to assess the prediction performance of CD onset using BA from all sources as well as DF. Two-sided p<0.05 was considered significant.

Result(s)

In total, 10 of 93 BAs, and two of nine DFs were significantly associated with increased odds of CD onset (p<0.05). Additionally, five BAs were significantly associated with DF (p<0.05). Serum-derived BAs had the best predictive performance for CD, with a mean AUC of 0.70 [95% CI: 0.63;0.76], followed by stool derived BAs with a mean AUC= 0.65 [0.55;0.75], and followed by urine derived Bas with a mean AUC= 0.57 [0.48;0.66]. Lastly DF was not a predictive marker of CD onset with a mean AUC= 0.50 [0.41;0.60].

Conclusion(s)

This study suggests that BAs are associated with the pathogenesis of CD and the effects may be influenced by DF. Serum-derived BAs may be able to better predict the risk of CD than other stool or urine derived BA, while DF is not directly implicated in CD risk.

Submitted on behalf of the CCC-GEM consortium.

Funding

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Genetics Environment Microbial (CCC-GEM) III

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust

Kenneth Croitoru is the recipient of the Canada Research Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD)

Jingcheng Shao is the recipient of a Data Science Institute Summer Undergraduate Data Science award

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Fabrication of THz corrugated wakefield structure and its high power test

We present overall process for developing terahertz (THz) corrugated structure and its beam-based measurement results. 0.2-THz corrugated structures were fabricated by die stamping method as the first step demonstration towards GW THz radiation source and GV/m THz wakefield accelerator. 150-[Formula: see text]m thick disks were produced from an OFHC (C10100) foil by stamping. Two types of disks were stacked alternately to form 46 mm structure with [Formula: see text] 170 corrugations. Custom assembly was designed to provide diffusion bonding with a high precision alignment of disks. The compliance of the fabricated structure have been verified through beam-based wakefield measurement at Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility. Both measured longitudinal and transverse wakefield showed good agreement with simulated wakefields. Measured peak gradients, 9.4 MV/m/nC for a long single bunch and 35.4 MV/m/nC for a four bunch trains, showed good agreement with the simulation.

Effect of bevacizumab plus paclitaxel and carboplatin regimen on prognostic survival of ovarian cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of bevacizumab, paclitaxel and carboplatin in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) and the impact on patients' prognosis.

METHODS

A total of 90 patients with OC treated at our institution were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Among them, 30 patients treated with bevacizumab plus paclitaxel and carboplatin regimen were classified as an observation group (OG), and 60 other patients who received paclitaxel and carboplatin were assigned as a control group (CG). The changes of carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carcinoembryonic antigen 242 (CA242) were observed before and after treatment in both groups. The clinical efficacy was observed, and the patients were followed up for 3 years to observe their survival and the adverse effects. Independent factors affecting patient's prognosis were evaluated by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

After treatment, the objective remission rate and disease control rate were markedly higher in the OG than those in the CG (P<0.05). The serum CA199, CEA and CA242 levels of patients in the OG were dramatically lower than those in the CG after chemotherapy (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of leukopenia, hemoglobin reduction, neutropenia, gastrointestinal reactions, abnormal renal function and abnormal liver function between the two groups (P>0.05). Cox regression analysis identified that the degree of differentiation, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, CA199 and treatment regimen were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combined treatment of bevacizumab plus paclitaxel and carboplatin improved the treatment outcome and reduced the levels of CA199, CEA and CA242 in OC without increasing the incidence of adverse events.

High expression of PYK2 is associated with poor prognosis and cancer progression in early-stage cervical carcinoma

Proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (PYK2), also known as calcium dependent tyrosine kinase, regulates different signal transduction cascades that control cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, the role of PYK2 in cervical cancer remains to be elucidated. The current study retrospectively included 134 patients with cervical cancer from December 2007 to September 2014. PYK2 expression was detected in tissue microarray and cervical cancer cell lines. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate its clinicopathological significance. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was employed to suppress endogenous PYK2 expression in cervical cancer cells to observe the biological function. PYK2 expression was up-regulated in cervical cancer specimens compared with paired adjacent normal cervical tissue samples. Statistical analyses indicated that PYK2 expression might be an independent prognostic indicator for patients with early-stage cervical cancer. A nomogram model was constructed based on PYK2 expression and other clinicopathological risk factors, and it performed well in predicting patients survival. In cellular studies, down-regulation of PYK2 remarkably inhibited cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. PYK2 expression possessed the potential to serve as a novel prognostic marker in cervical cancer patients.

Antitumor effects of new glycoconjugated PtII agents dual-targeting GLUT1 and Pgp proteins

A novel and highly efficient dual-targeting Pt^II system was designed to improve the drug delivery capacity and selectivity in cancer treatment. The dual-targeting monofunctional Pt^II complexes (1-8) having glycosylated pendants as tridentated ligand were achieved by introducing glycosylation modification in the thioaminocarbazone compounds with potential lysosomal targeting ability. The structures and stability of 1-8 were further established by various techniques. Molecular docking studies showed that 2 was efficiently docked into glucose transporters protein 1 (GLUT1) and P-glycoprotein (Pgp) proteins with the optimal CDocker-interaction-energy of -64.84 and -48.85 kcal mol^-1. Complex 2 with higher protein binding capacity demonstrated significant and broad-spectrum antitumor efficacy in vitro, even exhibiting a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value (∼10 μM) than cisplatin (∼17 μM) against human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549). The inhibitor experiment revealed GLUT-mediated uptake of 2, and the subcellular localization experiment in A549 also proved that 2 could be localized in the lysosome, thereby causing cell apoptosis. Moreover, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) confirmed the binding of 2 with the target proteins of GLUT1 and Pgp. The above results indicated that 2 represents a potential anticancer candidate with dual-targeting functions.

[Meta-analysis on the contents of trace elements in workers with occupational exposure to lead]

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the content differences of trace elements in workers with occupational exposure to lead. Methods: In January 2021, relevant literatures on the contents of trace elements in workers with occupational exposure to lead published from 1990 to 2020 were searched through CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, web of science and Embase. Screened and extracted the literatures, and evaluated the quality of the included literatures with Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Meta analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3 software, and standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval were used as effect indicators. Results: A total of 20 literatures were included, and the quality scores were 5-7. The results of Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, the contents of blood zinc (SMD=-1.01, 95%CI: -1.53, -0.49) , hair zinc (SMD=-0.17, 95%CI: -0.33, -0.01) , hair copper (SMD=-0.50, 95%CI: -1.01, 0) , hair iron (SMD=-3.91, 95%CI: -5.80, -2.03) and hair manganese (SMD=-1.09, 95%CI: -2.02, -0.15) in occupational lead exposure group were significantly lower (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the content of cobalt in hair of occupational lead exposure group (SMD=1.41, 95%CI: 0.72, 2.10) was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . There was no significant difference in the contents of blood chromium, blood copper, blood iron, blood manganese, blood selenium and hair nickel between the two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Workers with occupational exposure to lead have abnormal trace elements.

Integrated Serum Pharmacochemistry and Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Effective Components and Potential Mechanisms of Menispermi Rhizoma Against Myocardial Ischemia

Background: Myocardial ischemia (MI) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Menispermi Rhizoma is a traditional Chinese medicine that exerts a variety of beneficial pharmacological activities in many diseases, including MI.

Purpose: Serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology were used to explore the material basis and mechanism of action of Menispermi Rhizoma against MI.

Methods: The absorbed components of Menispermi Rhizoma in rat plasma were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The key components, targets, pathways, and interrelated information were obtained by network pharmacology. The potential effective components of Menispermi Rhizoma against MI were screened by methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the cardioprotective effect and mechanism of active components were verified by Western blotting and molecular docking.

Results: In total, 25 absorbed components of Menispermi Rhizoma in plasma were identified. Network pharmacology revealed 81 major targets of Menispermi Rhizoma against MI, mainly involving the regulation of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. In vitro validation of H9c2 cells revealed that acutumine, daurisoline, dauricoside, and 6-O-demethylmenisporphine are the main bioactive components of Menispermi Rhizoma. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased by four alkaloids, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly increased. Four alkaloids effectively protected H9c2 cells against OGD-induced apoptosis by Hoechst/PI staining and flow cytometry assay. Western blotting results showed that the four alkaloids upregulated the expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and downregulated the expression levels of Cyt-C and cleaved caspase 3, which further supported the anti-cardiomyocyte apoptosis and antioxidative stress effect of Menispermi Rhizoma. Molecular docking confirmed that the four compounds were capable of binding to AKT1, MAPK1, EGFR, CASP3, and MAPK8 proteins, suggesting the protective effect of Menispermi Rhizoma on MI via PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and apoptosis pathways.

Conclusion: Menispermi Rhizoma exerted cardioprotective effects through the effect characteristics: multiple-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway. This research provided a reference for further mechanistic research on wider applications of Menispermi Rhizoma for MI treatment.

Effect of 32-Weeks High-Intensity Interval Training and Resistance Training on Delaying Sarcopenia: Focus on Endogenous Apoptosis

Sarcopenia caused by aging is an important factor leading to a decline in the quality of life of older people. Apoptosis in muscle atrophy accelerates the process of muscle loss in older populations. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 32 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training (RT) on the skeletal muscle-related indices and provide a theoretical basis for regulating the mitochondrial-mediated pathway to delay sarcopenia. We randomly selected 10 from eight-month-old male SD rats (N = 130) as the baseline group; after 1 week of adaptive feeding, the rats were sacrificed. The remaining rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group (C, N = 40, natural aging for 32 weeks), HIIT group (H, N = 40, performed six loops of 3 min at 90% and 3 min at 50% VO2 max speed treadmill running, with 5 min at 70% VO2 max speed at the beginning and the end of the training, 3 times a week for 32 weeks), and resistance group (R, n = 40, 46 min per day, 3 days per week, with a 30% maximum load on a treadmill with a slope of 35°, 15 m/min). The soleus muscles were collected for analysis at baseline and every 8 weeks. Aging resulted in decreased soleus muscle mass and Bcl-2 levels in the mitochondria, while the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Bax did not change. HIIT reversed the age-associated activation of pro-apoptotic processes, but RT did not. In addition, when rats were aged from 8 to 16 months, the level of Cyt-C did not change, the Caspase-9 levels and Caspase-3 levels decreased gradually in the soleus muscles, the rats of both the HIIT and RT groups had these indices decreased at 32 weeks. The results suggest that the age-associated loss of muscle mass was reversed by training, and the effect of RT was better than that of HIIT. Both the HIIT and RT rats showed a decrease in the apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells after 32 weeks of intervention. HIIT performed better for long-term intervention regarding the pro-apoptotic factors. This study warranted further research to delineate the underlying mechanism of effects of different exercise methods on the changes of aging skeletal muscle at in vivo level.

DnaK Functions as a Moonlighting Protein on the Surface of Mycoplasma hyorhinis Cells

Mycoplasma hyorhinis is a common pathogen of swine and is also associated with various human tumors. It causes systemic inflammation, typically polyserositis and polyarthritis, in some infected pigs. However, the pathogenic mechanism of M. hyorhinis remains unclear. DnaK is a highly conserved protein belonging to the heat-shock protein 70 family of molecular chaperones, which plays important roles as a moonlighting protein in various bacteria. In the present study, we identified the surface exposure of M. hyorhinis DnaK. Two virulent strains expressed more DnaK on their surface than the avirulent strain. Thereafter, the potential moonlighting functions of DnaK were investigated. Recombinant M. hyorhinis DnaK (rMhr-DnaK) was found to be able to adhere to swine PK-15 cells and human NCI-H292 cells. It also bound to four extracellular matrix components-fibronectin, laminin, type IV collagen, and vitronectin-in a dose-dependent manner. ELISA demonstrated an interaction between rMhr-DnaK and plasminogen, which was significantly inhibited by a lysine analog, ε-aminocaproic acid. rMhr-DnaK-bound plasminogen was activated by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and the addition of rMhr-DnaK significantly enhanced the activation. Finally, a DnaK-specific antibody was detected in the serum of pigs immunized with inactivated vaccines, which indicated good immunogenicity of it. In summary, our findings imply that DnaK is an important multifunctional moonlighting protein in M. hyorhinis and likely participates extensively in the infection and pathogenesis processes of M. hyorhinis.

The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D(25-(OH)₂D₃) level and sweat function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1021 patients with T2DM who underwent 25-(OH)₂D₃ level detections and sweat function tests was carried out. These individuals were divided into deficient groups (n = 154 cases), insufficient groups (n = 593 cases) and sufficient groups (n = 274 cases). Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis were implemented to determine the association of 25-(OH)2D3 level and sweat function.

RESULTS

The total presence of sweating dysfunction was 38.59%. Patients with a lower level of serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ had more severe sweat secretion impairment (P < 0.05). As the decrease of serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level, the presence of sweating dysfunction increased (P < 0.05). 25-(OH)₂D₃ level was positively correlated with sweat function parameters, age and duration of T2DM were negatively correlated with sweat function parameter (P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis explored a significant association between serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level with sweat function (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum 25-(OH)₂D₃ level was positively correlated with sweat function in patients with T2DM.

[Determination of methyl isobutyl ketone in urine by headspace coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry]

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) in urine samples by headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methods: Automatic headspace sampling technique was adopted to optimize the headspace conditions (headspace bottle heating temperature and equilibration time) and gas chromatographic conditions. A total of 5 ml samples were taken and added with 3.0 g ammonium sulfate into a 20 ml headspace bottle. After heated at 60 ℃ for 30 mins, gas from the upper part of headspace bottle was injected into gas chromatography with an injection volume of 100 μl. The target was separated by HP-5MS UI (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm) capillary column and then detected by mass spectrometry detector. The retention time and external standard method were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of MIBK in samples, respectively. Results: The standard curve of MIBK showed significant linearity between 20.0-1 000.0 μg/L. The standard curve was y=62.9x-652.5, and the correlation coefficient r=0.9998. The detection limit of MIBK was 5.0 μg/L and the quantification limit of MIBK was 16.0 μg/L. The average recovery rate was 95.3%~100.2% at three spiked concentrations of low (50.0 μg/L) , medium (200.0 μg/L) and high (500.0 μg/L) . The intra-day and inter-day precisions were 1.7%~3.8% (n=6) and 1.2%~4.0% (n=6) respectively. This method was stable for the determination of MIBK, and the urine could be kept 14 d at -20 ℃ without significantly loss. Conclusion: This method is proved to be simple, practical and highly sensitive. It can satisfy the request for the determination of urine samples of workers exposed to MIBK.

The variable lipoprotein family participates in the interaction of Mycoplasma hyorhinis with host extracellular matrix and plasminogen

Mycoplasma hyorhinis (Mhr) infects pigs, typically causing polyserositis and polyarthritis. It has also been reported in various human tumors. The variable lipoprotein (Vlp) family is a vital surface component mediating the immune evasion of Mhr. We have previously reported its functions in the adherence of Mhr to pig cells. Herein, we further evaluated its role in interacting with host extracellular matrix (ECM) components (fibronectin, collagen type Ⅳ and laminin) and plasminogen. Consequently, the recombinant Vlp proteins of all the seven members (VlpA-VlpG) were able to bind most of the tested host molecules. Further experiment showed that region Ⅱ of all Vlp members has a strong binding ability, while the binding ability of region Ⅲ of each member varied between different host molecules. Comparing the Vlps containing short (rVlpX3) or long (rVlpX12) region Ⅲ, we found that the ability of most Vlps binding NCI-H292 cell membrane proteins became weaker as the molecule grows, except VlpG. However, the binding of VlpA, VlpB, VlpC and VlpG to tested ECM components and plasminogen tended to increase as Vlps became longer, and those of VlpE and VlpF decreased, and that of VlpD did not change. Furthermore, the activation of Vlp-bound plasminogen was proved. In summary, the Vlp family participates in the interaction of Mhr with host ECM and plasminogen in addition to cytoadhesion. The size variation of Vlps is likely to further regulate these interactions. The results may help to elucidate the roles of Vlps in the persistent infection of Mhr.

[Studies of the norm of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale(KPCS)among parents of infants in urban areas of China]

Objective: To establish the norm of the Chinese version of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) in urban areas of China. Methods: From August to December 2017, the parents of 2 216 children (<36 months old) were selected from 15 cities (Beijing, Lianyungang, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Changsha, Jinan, Guiyang, Ningbo, Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Maanshan, Chongqing and Wuhan) in 14 provinces by stratified random sampling. The general demographic characteristics and parents' parenting confidence were collected by a self-made questionnaire and KPCS Chinese version. The percentile norm was established. P₃, P₁₀ and P₂₅ were used as the criteria to define the degree of lack of parenting confidence. Results: The age of mothers was (30.67±4.29). The age of the father was (32.50±4.99) years old. There were 726 (32.76%), 759 (34.25%) and 731 (32.99%) infants in 6-12, 12-23 and 24-35 months old groups. The total scores of P₅₀, P₂₅, P₁₀ and P₃ of KPCS (Chinese version) of infant parents in urban areas in China were 41, 38, 33, and 29 respectively. When the scores of parents were 34-37, 30-33, and ≤ 29, they were judged as mild, moderate, and severe lack of parenting confidence. There was no significant difference in the Chinese version of KPCS between parents of different age groups and parents of different gender (χ²=3.53, P=0.171; χ²=1.41, P=0.236). Each factor score≤P₃ is defined as the boundary score, and the corresponding boundary scores of "parenting" "support" and "competence" were 13, 9, and 5 respectively. Conclusion: The Chinese version of KPCS can be used to assess the parenting confidence of infants in urban areas of China. It can used as one of the bases for scientific and objective evaluation of the parenting status of families.

Synthesis, crystal structures, anticancer activities and molecular docking studies of novel thiazolidinone Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes targeting lysosomes: special emphasis on their binding to DNA/BSA

Novel [CuL₂Cl]Cl·H₂O (1) and [FeL₂Cl₂]Cl·MeOH·CHCl₃·H₂O (2) complexes of (Z)-N'-((E)-3-methyl-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)picolinohydrazonamide (L) as antitumor agents were designed and synthesized in order to explore DNA and serum albumin interaction. X-ray diffraction revealed that both 1 and 2 were a triclinic crystal system with P1̄ space group, which consisted of a positive electric main unit, a negative chloride ion and some solvent molecules. The complexes with DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied by fluorescence and electronic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that there was moderate intercalative binding mode between the complexes and DNA with K_app values of 2.40 × 10⁵ M^-1 (1) and 6.49 × 10⁵ M^-1 (2). Agarose gel electrophoresis experiment showed that both 1 and 2 exhibited obvious DNA cleavage activity via an oxidative DNA damage pathway, and the cleavage activities of 1 were stronger than those of 2. Cytotoxicity assay showed that 1 had a more effective antitumor activity than 2. The two complexes were bound to BSA by a high affinity and quenched the fluorescence of BSA through a static mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters suggested that hydrophobic interactions played a key role in the binding process. The binding energy xpscore of 1 and 2 were -10.529 kcal mol^-1 and -10.826 kcal mol^-1 by docking studies, and this suggested that the binding process was spontaneous. Complex 1 displayed a lysosome-specific targeting behavior with a Pearson coefficient value of 0.82 by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and accumulated in the lysosomes, followed by the disruption of lysosomal integrity.

Associations between gut microbiota and thyroidal function status in Chinese patients with Graves' disease

OBJECTIVE

The imbalance of gut microbiota has been linked to manifold endocrine diseases, but the association with Graves' disease (GD) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between human gut microbiota and clinical characteristics and thyroidal functional status of GD.

METHODS

14 healthy volunteers (CG) and 15 patients with primary GD (HG) were recruited as subjects. 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing was performed on IlluminaMiSeq platform to analyze the characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with GD. Among them, the thyroid function of 13 patients basically recovered after treatment with anti-thyroid drugs (oral administration of Methimazole for 3-5 months). The fecal samples of patients after treatment (TG) were sequenced again, to further explore and investigate the potential relationship between dysbacteriosis and GD.

RESULTS

In terms of alpha diversity index, the observed OTUs, Simpson and Shannon indices of gut microbiota in patients with GD were significantly lower than those in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05).The difference of bacteria species was mainly reflected in the genus level, in which the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Veillonella and Streptococcus increased significantly in GD. After the improvement of thyroid function, a significant reduction at the genus level were Blautia, Corynebacter, Ruminococcus and Streptococcus, while Phascolarctobacterium increased significantly (P < 0.05). According to Spearman correlation analysis, the correlation between the level of thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus was positive, while Synergistetes and Phascolarctobacterium showed a negative correlation with TRAb. Besides, there were highly significant negative correlation between Synergistetes and clinical variables of TRAb, TPOAb and TGAb (P < 0.05, R <  - 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that functional status and TRAb level in GD were associated with composition and biological function in the gut microbiota, with Synergistetes and Phascolarctobacterium protecting the thyroid probably, while Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus may be novel biomarkers of GD.

[Endovascular treatment strategies for distal entry tear of Stanford type B aortic dissection]

Currently, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the first-line treatment for patients with complicated Stanford type B aortic dissections. However, TEVAR does not occlude the distal entry tear of dissections, and blood flow persists in the false lumen. Dissections might progress in some patients. Studies showed that distal entry tear increased the possibility of late aortic events during follow-up. Thus, treatment of distal entry tear is necessary in some high-risk patients after TEVAR. In this article, the current treatment strategies of distal entry tear are summarized, which include PETTICOAT, STABILISE, covered stent, fenestrated and branched stent-grafts, false lumen embolization, vascular occluder, and Knickerbocker. However, the number of the cases of most approaches is so limited that the indications and effectiveness need to be further studied. Selecting the right treatment for the right patient is of great importance.

Gamma-Ray Observation of the Cygnus Region in the 100-TeV Energy Region

We report observations of gamma-ray emissions with energies in the 100-TeV energy region from the Cygnus region in our Galaxy. Two sources are significantly detected in the directions of the Cygnus OB1 and OB2 associations. Based on their positional coincidences, we associate one with a pulsar PSR J2032+4127 and the other mainly with a pulsar wind nebula PWN G75.2+0.1, with the pulsar moving away from its original birthplace situated around the centroid of the observed gamma-ray emission. This work would stimulate further studies of particle acceleration mechanisms at these gamma-ray sources.

Aging Liver: Can Exercise be a Better Way to Delay the Process than Nutritional and Pharmacological Intervention? Focus on Lipid Metabolism

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nowadays, the world is facing a common problem that the population aging process is accelerating. How to delay metabolic disorders in middle-aged and elderly people, has become a hot scientific and social issue worthy of attention. The liver plays an important role in lipid metabolism, and abnormal lipid metabolism may lead to liver diseases. Exercise is an easily controlled and implemented intervention, which has attracted extensive attention in improving the health of liver lipid metabolism in the elderly. This article reviewed the body aging process, changes of lipid metabolism in the aging liver, and the mechanism and effects of different interventions on lipid metabolism in the aging liver, especially focusing on exercise intervention.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using PubMed-NCBI, EBSCO Host and Web of Science, and also a report from WHO. In total, 143 studies were included from 1986 to 15 February 2020.

CONCLUSION

Nutritional and pharmacological interventions can improve liver disorders, and nutritional interventions are less risky relatively. Exercise intervention can prevent and improve age-related liver disease, especially the best high-intensity interval training intensity and duration is expected to be one of the research directions in the future.

First Detection of sub-PeV Diffuse Gamma Rays from the Galactic Disk: Evidence for Ubiquitous Galactic Cosmic Rays beyond PeV Energies

We report, for the first time, the long-awaited detection of diffuse gamma rays with energies between 100 TeV and 1 PeV in the Galactic disk. Particularly, all gamma rays above 398 TeV are observed apart from known TeV gamma-ray sources and compatible with expectations from the hadronic emission scenario in which gamma rays originate from the decay of π^{0}'s produced through the interaction of protons with the interstellar medium in the Galaxy. This is strong evidence that cosmic rays are accelerated beyond PeV energies in our Galaxy and spread over the Galactic disk.

HRSiam: High-Resolution Siamese Network, Towards Space-Borne Satellite Video Tracking

Tracking moving objects from space-borne satellite videos is a new and challenging task. The main difficulty stems from the extremely small size of the target of interest. First, because the target usually occupies only a few pixels, it is hard to obtain discriminative appearance features. Second, the small object can easily suffer from occlusion and illumination variation, making the features of objects less distinguishable from features in surrounding regions. Current state-of-the-art tracking approaches mainly consider high-level deep features of a single frame with low spatial resolution, and hardly benefit from inter-frame motion information inherent in videos. Thus, they fail to accurately locate such small objects and handle challenging scenarios in satellite videos. In this article, we successfully design a lightweight parallel network with a high spatial resolution to locate the small objects in satellite videos. This architecture guarantees real-time and precise localization when applied to the Siamese Trackers. Moreover, a pixel-level refining model based on online moving object detection and adaptive fusion is proposed to enhance the tracking robustness in satellite videos. It models the video sequence in time to detect the moving targets in pixels and has ability to take full advantage of tracking and detecting. We conduct quantitative experiments on real satellite video datasets, and the results show the proposed HIGH-RESOLUTION SIAMESE NETWORK (HRSiam) achieves state-of-the-art tracking performance while running at over 30 FPS.

A sensitive HPLC-FLD method for the quantification of 6-O-demethylmenisporphine isolated from Menispermi Rhizoma in rat plasma

Background

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of 6-O-demethylmenisporphine, an oxoisoaporphine alkaloid with significant anti-tumor activities and isolated from Menispermi Rhizoma, a novel and sensitive HPLC assay was established for 6-O-demethylmenisporphine quantification in rat plasma.

Methods

Peak responses were detected by a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence detector with 426-nm excitation and 514-nm emission wavelengths. Curcumin was employed as the internal standard (IS). A Capcell Pak C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm) and an isocratic elution procedure with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min were used to exclude the endogenous interfering substance. Acetonitrile-water (68:32, v/v) containing 1% formic acid was employed as mobile phase. A 7-point calibration curve that covered the concentration range of 10–2500 ng/mL was constructed.

Results

A good linearity was observed with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9993. The lower limit of quantification for 6-O-demethylmenisporphine was 10 ng/mL. The mean recoveries of analyte in rat plasma exceeded 80.5%. The precision at four concentration levels was within 11.3% and the accuracy ranged from − 7.6 to 6.7%.

Conclusion

Using this new HPLC-FLD method, the investigation of plasma samples from rats following oral dosing of neat compound and Menispermi Rhizoma extract was successfully conducted. The results will provide a reference for the evaluation of preclinical safety of 6-O-demethylmenisporphine.

LncRNA SND1-IT1 accelerates the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma via sponging miRNA-665 to upregulate POU2F1

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SND1-IT1 in accelerating the proliferative and migratory abilities of osteosarcoma (OS) via sponging miRNA-665 to upregulate POU2F1.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The relative level of SND1-IT1 in OS tissues was determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The target gene of SND1-IT1 was predicted by bioinformatics and verified by Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay. Similarly, the target gene of miRNA-665 was identified. Correlation among SND1-IT1, miRNA-665 and POU2F1 was evaluated through linear regression test. Regulatory effects of SND1-IT1/miRNA-665/POU2F1 on cellular behaviors of MG63 and U2OS cells were evaluated.

RESULTS

SND1-IT1 was upregulated in OS, knockdown of which attenuated proliferative and migratory abilities of OS cells. MiRNA-665 was the target gene of SND1-IT1, which was negatively correlated to SND1-IT1 in OS. POU2F1 was the target gene of miRNA-665. Its level was negatively regulated by miRNA-665 and positively regulated by SND1-IT1. Inhibited proliferative and migratory abilities of OS cells with SND1-IT1 knockdown were partially elevated by transfection of miRNA-665 inhibitor, and further downregulated by POU2F1 knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA SND1-IT1 accelerates proliferative and migratory abilities of OS via sponging miRNA-665 to upregulate POU2F1, thus stimulating the progression of OS.

USP33 regulates c-Met expression by deubiquitinating SP1 to facilitate metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIMS

Deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 33 (USP33) is abnormally expressed in various tumors and participates in tumor progression. However, the expression and biological role of USP33 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unclear.

MAIN METHODS

We performed immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qRT-PCR analysis to determine the expression of USP33 in HCC. We then analyzed the effects of USP33 expression on the prognosis of HCC. The roles of USP33 in regulating HCC cell migration and invasion were further explored in vitro. Animal studies were performed to investigate the effects of USP33 on tumor metastasis. RNA sequencing and luciferase reporter and immunofluorescence assays were used to identify the activation of the specificity protein 1 (SP1)/c-Met axis.

KEY FINDINGS

Here, for the first time, we reported an abnormal increase in the expression of USP33 in HCC tissues and that USP33 may act as a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients. We found that USP33 knockdown inhibited the invasion and metastasis in HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo, which was partly dependent on c-Met. Further investigations revealed that USP33 regulated c-Met expression by enhancing the protein stability of the transcription factor SP1 in HCC cells. Mechanistically, USP33 directly bound SP1 and decreased its ubiquitination, thereby upregulating c-Met expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results reveal that USP33 acts as the deubiquitinating enzyme of SP1 and contributes to HCC invasion and metastasis through activation of the SP1/c-Met axis. These data indicate a previously unknown function of USP33, which may provide potential targets for the treatment of HCC patients.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of 6-O-demethylmenisporphine, a bioactive oxoisoaporphine alkaloid from Menispermi Rhizoma, as determined by a HPLC-MS/MS method

6-O-demethylmenisporphine, a major active oxoisoaporphine alkaloid isolated from Menispermi Rhizoma, has been confirmed to possess significant bioactivities, including anti-cancer and anti-hypoxia effects. However, few researches on quantifying 6-O-demethylmenisporphine in biosamples have been performed. In this research, a sensitive HPLC-MS/MS approach for determining 6-O-demethylmenisporphine in various biological matrices (plasma, tissue, urine, bile and feces) of rat has been constructed. Carbamazepine was chosen as the internal standard (IS). All biosamples were prepared using a simple one-step acetonitrile precipitation. A Capcell Pak C18 column coupled with an isocratic mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile (0.1% formic acid)-water (90:10, v/v), was employed to separate 6-O-demethylmenisporphine from endogenous interferences. Peak responses were detected by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions with m/z 308.0 → 264.9 for 6-O-demethylmenisporphine and m/z 237.0 → 194.1 for IS in positive-ion mode. The approach exhibited perfect linearity over a range of 5-2000 ng/mL for plasma and 2-1000 ng/mL for various tissue, urine, bile and feces. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for analyte among different biological samples ranged from 2 ng/mL to 5 ng/mL. The newly established method was simple, efficient and sensitive, which was successfully applied to investigate the absorption, distribution, and excretion of 6-O-demethylmenisporphine after oral dosing to rats. The results indicated that 6-O-demethylmenisporphine could be well absorbed into blood circulation and widely distributed in various tissues after oral dosing, the oral bioavailability was up to 51.52%. Meanwhile, it was widely metabolized in vivo and eliminated as the metabolites, the unconverted form was excreted mainly by feces route. The bioavailability, tissue distribution and excretion characteristics of 6-O-demethylmenisporphine were firstly revealed, which will provide references for further development of 6-O-demethylmenisporphine as an anti-tumor drug candidate.

Tumor-associated macrophages promote human hepatoma Huh-7 cell migration and invasion through the Gli2/IGF-II/ERK1/2 axis by secreting TGF-β1

AIM

In this study, we explored the ability of TAMs to affect the malignant phenotype of human hepatoma Huh-7 cells through the Gli2/IGF-II/ERK1/2 pathway.

METHODS

The TAMs were characterized by flow cytometry and ELISA assays. Huh-7 cells were treated with conditioned medium of TAMs (TAMs-CM), and the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were measured by CCK-8, Transwell and scratch assays. The levels of TGF-β1, Gli2, IGF-II and related proteins in the ERK1/2 pathway and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were examined by RT-qPCR and western blot. Huh-7 cells were injected subcutaneously into nude mice with TAMs to explore the role of TAMs in tumor growth.

RESULTS

The expression levels of TGF-β1, Gli2 and IGF-II and the cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were elevated in Huh-7 cells treated with TAMs-CM. TGF-β1 was upregulated in the conditioned medium and was found to be involved in the promotion of migration, invasion and the EMT of Huh-7 cells. The activation of TGF-β1 signaling increased the expression of Gli2. Knockdown of Gli2 decreased the expression of IGF-II and also reversed the promotional effect of the conditioned medium on migration, invasion and the EMT of Huh-7 cells. TGF-β1/Gli2/IGF-II signaling was shown to promote the malignant phenotype of Huh-7 cells by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Further, TGF-β1 knockdown attenuated the influence of TAMs on tumor growth in mouse model.

CONCLUSION

The TGF-β1 secreted by TAMs promotes the migration, invasion and EMT of human hepatoma Huh-7 cells through the Gli2/IGF-II/ERK1/2 pathway.

MiR-21 inhibitor improves locomotor function recovery by inhibiting IL-6R/JAK-STAT pathway-mediated inflammation after spinal cord injury in model of rat

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the function of miRNA-21 and interleukin-6 receptor/Janus Kinase-Signal transducer and activator of transcription (IL-6R/JAK-STAT) pathway in microglia on inflammatory responses after spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study first detected respectively the protein level of inflammatory factor inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by Western blotting after transfection of miR-21 or administration of miR-21 inhibitor in activated microglia cells of rat in vitro. The quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the expression of IL-6R under two different interventions. Next, we established a model of spinal cord injury in rat and inspected miR-21 and IL-6R in SCI rat by qRT-PCR. In addition, the protein levels of iNOS and TNF-α in SCI rat were detected by Western blotting. MiR-21 inhibitor was injected into the injured area of SCI rat to delve into the function of miR-21 down-expression on iNOS and TNF-α expression by Western blot as well as the RNA levels of IL-6R, JAK and STAT3 by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the SCI rat with movement and coordination of hindlimbs was observed by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB scale) after miR-21 down-expression.

RESULTS

Compared with the microglia transfected with miR-21, the execution of inhibitor in microglia effectively relieved the expression of IL-6R and the breakout of iNOS and TNF-α. Meanwhile, the increase of miR-21 was significantly observed in SCI rat along with significant improvement of inflammatory response-related factors including iNOS and TNF-α. After that, we injected SCI rat with miR-21 inhibitor into the spinal cord injury area and found the inhibition of miR-21 decreased the protein levels of iNOS and TNF-α. Simultaneously, down-expression of miR-21 evidently declined the RNA levels of IL-6R, JAK, and STAT3 in SCI rat. Compared with the sham-operated rat, the movement and coordination of hindlimbs of the SCI group displayed dramatic dysfunction. However, miR-21 down-expression elevated the movement and coordination of hindlimbs of the SCI rat than those of the only injury group.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of miR-21 can promote the recovery of spinal cord injury by down-regulating IL-6R/JAK-STAT signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammation.

Large calcified renal artery aneurysm in the renal sinus misdiagnosed as an intrapelvic calculus followed by mistakenly performed PCNL: a case report

Background

Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are rare and usually asymptomatic, and some RAAs can be associated with calcifications, which may lead to misdiagnoses as renal calculi, which are then mistakenly treated.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with no discomfort and was diagnosed with a large right renal calculus. The ultrasound and computed tomography urography (CTU) scan suggested a large calculus in the right pelvis with hydrops of the kidney. Therefore, we chose percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to treat the right renal calculus, but no calculi were found in the renal pelvis. When we removed the mucosa of the renal pelvis with a holmium laser, we observed a fluctuating unruptured aneurysm with calcification. Therefore, the previous diagnosis of a renal calculus was disregarded. The operation was stopped immediately, and then computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed, confirming the right renal aneurysm with calcification. Then, Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) coil embolization was performed. After a long-term follow-up, the patient recovered well.

Conclusions

The RAA of this patient had calcific changes, which led us to errors in the diagnosis. Hence, it is very important for surgeons to effectively distinguish between renal calculi and aneurysms with ring-like calcifications. Our case report looks back at the thrilling situation during the operation and advises surgeons on how to deal with this situation properly.

Intussusception in 2 Children With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Infection

We note that intussusception was likely associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection in 2 infants in Wuhan and London. The intussusception was reduced by enemas in Wuhan; the outcome was fatal. The intussusception was not reduced by enemas in London and required surgery; the outcome was favorable.

PRMT2 accelerates tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating Bcl2 via histone H3R8 methylation

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) have been implicated in the development of various cancers. PRMT2, a member of the type I PRMT family, is overexpressed in multiple tumors. However, the expression and role of PRMT2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been studied. Here, we discovered that PRMT2 expression is elevated in HCC tissues compared to the corresponding non-tumor tissues, and PRMT2 overexpression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in HCC patients. Depletion of PRMT2 in HCC cell lines inhibited their cell growth and induced apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations showed that PRMT2 is responsible for H3R8 asymmetric methylation (H3R8me2a). H3R8me2a enrichment at the Bcl2 promoter increases its accessibility to STAT3, promoting Bcl2 gene expression. In addition, our results confirmed that the catalytically inactive mutant of PRMT2 or the type I PRMT inhibitor MS023 impaired the pro-tumorigenic functions of PRMT2 in HCC cells. Overall, our findings showed that PRMT2 functions as an oncogenic gene in HCC, revealing its potential as a novel therapeutic target in HCC.

Conventional MR and DW imaging findings of cerebellar primary CNS lymphoma: comparison with high-grade glioma

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) and high-grade gliomas (HGGs) arising in the cerebellum is extremely low, making the differential diagnosis difficult or even impossible. The purpose of this study was to define the MR features of cerebellar PCNSL in immunocompetent patients, and to determine whether a combination of conventional MR and DW imaging can assist in the differentiation of PCNSLs and HGGs. Twelve PCNSLs and 15 HGGs confirmed by pathological analysis were retrospectively identified. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and conventional MRI parameters were compared for differences between PCNSL and HGG groups using the independent sample t test or chi-square test. Both ADC_min and ADC_total values were lower in the PCNSL group than those in the HGG group (ADC_min: 0.53 × 10⁻³ vs. 0.83 × 10⁻³ mm²/sec, P < 0.001; ADC_total: 0.66 × 10⁻³ vs. 0.98 × 10⁻³ mm²/sec, P = 0.001). As for conventional MR features, there were significant difference in the tumor size, enhancement patterns, the presence of cystic changes, edema degree and streak-like edema (all P < 0.01); but there were no significant difference in lesion type, the presence of bleeding, and involvement of brain surface between two groups (P = 0.554, 0.657 and 0.157, respectively). The results revealed that several conventional MR features, including enhancement patterns, branch-like enhancement and streak-like edema may be useful for the differentiation of PCNSL and HGG in cerebellum and, when combined with ADC values, further improve the discriminating ability.