Sortilin-Mediated Inhibition of TREK1/2 Channels in Primary Sensory Neurons Promotes Prediabetic Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain can occur during the prediabetic stage, even in the absence of hyperglycemia. The presence of prediabetic neuropathic pain (PDNP) poses challenges to the management of individuals with prediabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying this pain remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism and identify potential therapeutic targets of PDNP. A prediabetic animal model induced by a high-energy diet exhibits both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, hyperexcitability and decreased potassium currents are observed in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of these rats. TREK1 and TREK2 channels, which belong to the two-pore-domain K+ channel (K2P) family and play an important role in controlling cellular excitability, are downregulated in DRG neurons. Moreover, this alteration is modulated by Sortilin, a molecular partner that modulates the expression of TREK1. The overexpression of Sortilin negatively affects the expression of TREK1 and TREK2, leading to increased neuronal excitability in the DRG and enhanced peripheral pain sensitivity in rats. Moreover, the downregulation of Sortilin or activation of TREK1 and TREK2 channels by genetic or pharmacological approaches can alleviate PDNP. Therefore, targeting the Sortilin-mediated TREK1/2 pathway may provide a therapeutic approach for ameliorating PDNP.

[Comparison of efficacy between short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation supervised by special personnel and fixed vestibular rehabilitation on recurrent peripheral vertigo]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation supervised by special personnel (ST-PVR) versus fixed vestibular rehabilitation (FVR) on decompensated recurrent peripheral vertigo. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. Patients diagnosed with decompensated recurrent vertigo in the clinic of Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University from January to December 2018 were randomly allocated into FVR and ST-PVR groups via computer-generated randomization. The FVR group received fixed scheme involving gaze stabilization exercises, habituation exercises, balance and gait training, while the ST-PVR group received individualized training programs based on symptoms and vestibular function examination results, with adjustments made according to the progress of recovery. Patient symptoms and vestibular function improvement were assessed using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), activities-specific balance confidence (ABC), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), caloric test, and sensory organization test (SOT) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment. Results: A total of 44 patients were included, including 16 males and 28 females, with an average age of (50.6±13.5) years. There were 21 cases in the FVR group and 23 cases in the ST-PVR group. In the ST-PVR group, DHI score (49.5±26.8 vs 61.3±21.4, P=0.046) and SAS score (39.1±7.8 vs 44.3±6.6, P=0.021) significantly improved after 2 weeks of treatment, while significant improvement occurred only after 8 weeks of treatment in the FVR group (DHI score: 28.1±15.9 vs 53.1±18.5, P=0.001; SAS score: 35.3±6.7 vs 43.1±8.4, P=0.010). There was no significant change of ABC score in the FVR group after 8 weeks of treatment (86.5±12.9 vs 83.4±18.1, P=0.373), while a significant improvement was observed in the ST-PVR group after 4 weeks of treatment (83.6±15.2 vs 78.4±15.1, P=0.015). The caloric test results showed that after 8 weeks of treatment, the proportion of patients with unilateral weakness<25% increased in both groups [FVR group: 57.1% (12/21) vs 9.5% (2/21), P=0.001; ST-PVR group: 52.2% (12/23) vs 17.4% (4/23), P=0.014]. In the ST-PVR group, the proportion of patients with dominant preference≤25% significantly increased [91.3% (21/23) vs 60.9% (14/23), P=0.016], while there was no significant change in the FVR group [61.9 (13/21) vs 57.1% (12/21), P=0.500]. The proportion of patients with SOT score≥70 in the ST-PVR group increased significantly after 2 weeks of treatment [69.6% (16/23) vs 30.4% (7/23), P=0.009], while the FVR group showed a significant increase only after 8 weeks of treatment [81.0% (17/21) vs 42.9% (9/21), P=0.012]. Conclusion: Both FVR and ST-PVR effectively promote vestibular compensation by improving objective vestibular functions and relieving subjective symptoms and anxiety of the patients with decompensation recurrent vertigo, while ST-PVR might shorten the recovery time and increase balance confidence.

Prevalence, characteristics, evaluation, and management of carotid body tumors: Systematic analysis based on available evidence

OBJECTIVE

Although carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare, they attract particular attention because of their propensity for malignant transformation and the high surgical risk. Because data are scarce and as it is difficult to achieve a large sample size, no study has yet comprehensively analyzed the characteristics, management, or operative complications of CBTs. Therefore, we collected and analyzed all currently available information on CBTs and used the pooled data to derive quantitative information on disease characteristics and management.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science up to December 1, 2022, for studies that investigated the characteristics and management of CBTs. The primary objective was to identify the prevalence of the various characteristics and the incidence of complications. The secondary objective was to compare patients who underwent preoperative embolization (PE) and those who did not (non-PE), as well as to compare patients with different Shamblin grades and those with and without succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations in terms of CBT characteristics and complications. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion and independently extracted data. All statistical analyses were performed using the standard statistical procedures of Review Manager 5.2 and Stata 12.0.

RESULTS

A total of 155 studies with 9291 patients and 9862 tumors were identified. The pooled results indicated that the median age of patients with CBT was 45.72 years, and 65% were female. The proportion of patients with bilateral lesions was 13%. In addition, 16% of patients had relevant family histories, and the proportion of those with SDH gene mutations was 36%. Sixteen percent of patients experienced multiple paragangliomas, and 12% of CBTs had catecholamine function. The incidence of cranial nerve injury (CNI) was 27%, and 14% of patients suffered from permanent CNI. The incidence rates of operative mortality and stroke were both 1%, and 4% of patients developed transient ischemic attacks. Of all CBTs, 6% were malignant or associated with metastases or recurrences. The most common metastatic locations were the lymph nodes (3%) and bone (3%), followed by the lungs (2%). Compared with non-PE, PE reduced the estimated blood loss (standardized mean difference, -0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.70 to -0.20) and the operation time (standardized mean difference, -0.56; 95% CI, -1.03 to -0.09), but it increased the incidence of stroke (odds ratio, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.04-5.73). Higher Shamblin grade tumors were associated with more operative complications. Patients who were SDH gene mutation-positive were more likely to have a relevant family history and had more symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT was most common in middle-aged females, and early surgical resection was feasible; there was a low incidence of serious operative complications. Routine PE is not recommended because this may increase the incidence of stroke, although PE somewhat reduced the estimated blood loss and operation time. Higher Shamblin grade tumors increased the incidence of operative complications. Patients who were SDH gene mutation-positive had the most relevant family histories and symptoms.

Negative emotions increase unhealthy eating: Evidence from the Wuhan lockdown during COVID-19

This paper studies how negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and boredom can affect unhealthy food consumption. Using the Wuhan lockdown as an external shock, we examine the changes in food consumption in a city that was not in lockdown. We applied the difference-in-differences method to a large scanner dataset from a retail monopoly in China. Our findings reveal that negative emotions induced by the pandemic lockdown significantly elevated consumer spending on unhealthy food items such as crisps, sugary beverages, regular soda, and low-alcohol beverages. Notably, the effect of unhealthy food consumption was more pronounced among younger and wealthier demographics. Triggering factors, like information about confirmed new deaths and infections as well as proximity to local hospitals, were found to strongly influence the consumption of unhealthy foods. Overall, the lockdown's impact extended beyond short-term increases in snack consumption to substantial increases in overall dietary and nutritional intake.

Dynamically Modulating the Dissymmetry Factor of Circularly Polarized Organic Ultralong Room-Temperature Phosphorescence from Soft Helical Superstructures

Achieving circularly polarized organic ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence (CP-OURTP) with a high luminescent dissymmetry factor (glum ) is crucial for diverse optoelectronic applications. In particular, dynamically controlling the dissymmetry factor of CP-OURTP can profoundly advance these applications, but it is still unprecedented. This study introduces an effective strategy to achieve photoirradiation-driven chirality regulation in a bilayered structure film, which consists of a layer of soft helical superstructure incorporated with a light-driven molecular motor and a layer of room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) polymer. The prepared bilayered film exhibits CP-OURTP with an emission lifetime of 805 ms and a glum value up to 1.38. Remarkably, the glum value of the resulting CP-OURTP film can be reversibly controlled between 0.6 and 1.38 over 20 cycles by light irradiation, representing the first example of dynamically controlling the glum in CP-OURTP.

[Randomized controlled study on the application effect of a new type of intravenous radiofrequency closed therapy system made in China and an imported system]

Objective: To compare the application effect of domestic and imported intravenous radiofrequency closure system in the treatment of primary varicose veins of lower extremities. Methods: This single-center prospective, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was performed in the Department of Vascular Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2021 to January 2022. Patients with primary varicose veins of lower extremities who met the ataxation criteria were randomly assigned to the experimental group(domestic novel venous radiofrequency closure system) or the control group(imported venous radiofrequency closure system) in a ratio of 1∶1. The two groups of subjects were compared in terms of target vein closure rate, technical success rate, system operation performance, incidence of adverse events and incidence of serious adverse events(SAE) within 6 months after surgery. Quantitative data were compared by Mann-Whitney U test, and categorical data were compared by χ2 test and non-inferiority test. Results: A total of 80 subjects were included in the trial (41 in the experimental group and 39 in the control group), including 27 males and 53 females, aged (M(IQR)) 55(23) years (range:40 to 78 years). There were 48 cases of left lower limb and 32 cases of right lower limb. The technical success rate and system control performance between the groups were 100%.The incidence of adverse events (58.5% (24/41) vs. 61.5% (24/39), χ2=0.075, P=0.784), and the incidence of SAE (7.3% (3/41) vs. 5.1% (2/39), χ2=0.163, P=0.686) within 6 months after surgery in experimental group and control group had no statistical significance. There was one device-related adverse event in each of the two groups. In the experimental group, one patient developed endovenous heat-induced thrombosis after surgery and recovered after taking rivaroxaban tablets. One patient in the control group had pain in the upper right thigh for more than 1 day after operation, which was cured after using analgesic cream. No device-related SAE occurred. The venous closure rate of the experimental group was 100% (38/38) at 6 months after surgery, and that of the control group was 97.4% (37/38). The difference between the two groups was 2.63% (95%CI:-3.19 to 8.45, Z=4.865, P<0.01), and the 95%CI lower limit of the difference in target venous closure rate between two groups was greater than the non-inferiority threshold of -10.00%. Conclusion: The early application effect of the new domestic intravenous radiofrequency closure system in patients with primary varicose veins of lower extremities is in line with expectations, it is not inferior to the imported system.

The Biosynthesis of Astaxanthin Esters in Schizochytrium sp. is Mediated by a Bifunctional Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase

Astaxanthin esters are a major form of astaxanthin found in nature. However, the exact mechanisms of the biosynthesis and storage of astaxanthin esters were previously unknown. We found that Schizochytrium sp. synthesized both astaxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched lipids. The major type of astaxanthin produced was free astaxanthin along with astaxanthin-DHA monoester and other esterified forms. DHA accounted for 41.0% of the total fatty acids from astaxanthin monoesters. These compounds were deposited mainly in lipid droplets. The biosynthesis of the astaxanthin esters was mainly carried out by a novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase ScDGAT2-1, while ScDGAT2-2 was involved only in the production of triacylglycerol. We also identified astaxanthin ester synthases from the astaxanthin-producing algae Haematococcus pluvialis and Chromochloris zofingiensis, as well as a thraustochytrid Hondaea fermentalgiana with an unknown carotenoid profile. This investigation enlightens the application of thraustochytrids for the production of both DHA and astaxanthin and provides enzyme resources for the biosynthesis of astaxanthin esters in the engineered microbes.

Magnetic-biased chiral molecules enabling highly oriented photovoltaic perovskites

The interaction between sites A, B and X with passivation molecules is restricted when the conventional passivation strategy is applied in perovskite (ABX3) photovoltaics. Fortunately, the revolving A-site presents an opportunity to strengthen this interaction by utilizing an external field. Herein, we propose a novel approach to achieving an ordered magnetic dipole moment, which is regulated by a magnetic field via the coupling effect between the chiral passivation molecule and the A-site (formamidine ion) in perovskites. This strategy can increase the molecular interaction energy by approximately four times and ensure a well-ordered molecular arrangement. The quality of the deposited perovskite film is significantly optimized with inhibited nonradiative recombination. It manages to reduce the open-circuit voltage loss of photovoltaic devices to 360 mV and increase the power conversion efficiency to 25.22%. This finding provides a new insight into the exploration of A-sites in perovskites and offers a novel route to improving the device performance of perovskite photovoltaics.

Circularly Polarized Organic Ultralong Room-Temperature Phosphorescence with A High Dissymmetry Factor in Chiral Helical Superstructures

Long-lived room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of organic materials holds a significant potential for optical information. Circularly polarized organic ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence (CP-OURTP) with extremely high dissymmetry factor (glum ) values is even highly demanded and considerably challenging. Here, an effective strategy is introduced to realize CP-OURTP with an emission decay time of 735 ms and a glum value up to 1.49, which exceeds two orders of magnitude larger than previous records, through a system composed of RTP polymers and chiral helical superstructures. The system exhibits excellent stability under multiple cycles of photoirradiation and thermal treatment, and is further employed for information encryption based on optical multiplexing. The results are anticipated to lay the foundation for the development of CP-OURTP materials in advanced photonic applications.

Citric acid-modified pH-sensitive bone-targeted delivery of estrogen for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Bone targeted delivery of estrogen offers great promise for the clinical application of estrogen in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). However, the current bone-targeted drug delivery system still has several issues that need to be solved, such as the side effects of bone-targeted modifier molecules and the failure of the delivery system to release rapidly in the bone tissue. It is important to aggressively search for new bone-targeted modifier molecules and bone microenvironment-responsive delivery vehicles. Inspired by the distribution of citric acid (CA) mainly in bone tissue and the acidic bone resorption microenvironment, we constructed a CA-modified diblock copolymer poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (CA-PEOz) drug delivery system. In our study, we found that the CA modification significantly increased the bone targeting of this drug delivery system, and the delivery system was able to achieve rapid drug release under bone acidic conditions. The delivery system significantly reduced bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporotic mice with a significant reduction in estrogenic side effects on the uterus. In summary, our study shows that CA can act as an effective bone targeting modifier molecule and provides a new option for bone targeting modifications. Our study also provides a new approach for bone-targeted delivery of estrogen for the treatment of PMOP.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma: combined multiparametric MRI and tumour marker HE4 to evaluate tumour grade and lymphovascular space invasion

AIM

To assess the value of semi-quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging parameters combined with human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in predicting the pathological grade and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2018 and December 2021, 60 women (mean age, 55 [range, 32-77] years) with EAC underwent preoperative pelvic MRI and HE4 level measurements. The positive enhancement integral (PEI), time to peak, maximum slope of increase (MSI), and maximum slope of decrease were measured by manually drawing a region of interest on the neoplastic tissue. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the diagnostic efficiency of the single parameter and combined factors.

RESULTS

Lower apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were observed in high-grade tumours (G3) than in low-grade tumours (G1/G2). PEI, MSI, and HE4 levels were higher in the high-grade tumours than in the low-grade tumours (p<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for G3 diagnosis using multiparametric MRI combined with HE4 was 0.929. ADC values were significantly lower in the EAC with LVSI than in those without LVSI. Tumours with LVSI showed higher PEI and HE4 levels than those without LVSI (p<0.05). The AUC for LVSI-positive diagnosis using multiparametric MRI combined with HE4 was 0.814.

CONCLUSION

Semi-quantitative DCE-MRI, ADC values, and serum HE4 levels can be used to predict tumour grade and LVSI, and the prediction efficiency of multiparametric MRI combined with serum HE4 is better than that of any single factor.

Ion-Dipole Interaction Enabling Highly Efficient CsPbI3 Perovskite Indoor Photovoltaics

Metal halide perovskites are ideal candidates for indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) because of their easy-to-adjust bandgaps, which can be designed to cover the spectrum of any artificial light source. However, the serious non-radiative carrier recombination under low light illumination restrains the application of perovskite-based IPVs (PIPVs). Herein, polar molecules of amino naphthalene sulfonates were employed to functionalize the TiO₂ substrate, anchoring the CsPbI₃ perovskite crystal grains with a strong ion-dipole interaction between the molecule-level polar interlayer and the ionic perovskite film. The resulting high-quality CsPbI₃ films with the merit of defect-immunity and large shunt resistance under low light conditions enabled the corresponding PIPVs with an indoor power conversion efficiency of up to 41.2% (P_in : 334.11 𝜇W/cm² , P_out : 137.66 𝜇W/cm² ) under illumination from a commonly used indoor light-emitting diode light source (2956 K, 1062 lux). Furthermore, the device also achieved efficiencies of 29.45% (P_out : 9.80 𝜇W/cm² ) and 32.54% (P_out : 54.34 𝜇W/cm² ) at 106 (P_in : 33.84 𝜇W/cm² ) and 522 lux (P_in : 168.21 𝜇W/cm² ), respectively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Elimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on titanium implants via photothermally-triggered nitric oxide and immunotherapy for enhanced osseointegration

BACKGROUND

Treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm infections in implant placement surgery is limited by the lack of antimicrobial activity of titanium (Ti) implants. There is a need to explore more effective approaches for the treatment of MRSA biofilm infections.

METHODS

Herein, an interfacial functionalization strategy is proposed by the integration of mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA), nitric oxide (NO) release donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) onto Ti implants, denoted as Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP. The physical and chemical properties of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope, water contact angle, photothermal property and NO release behavior. The synergistic antibacterial effect and elimination of the MRSA biofilms were evaluated by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe, 1-N-phenylnaphthylamine assay, adenosine triphosphate intensity, o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside hydrolysis activity, bicinchoninic acid leakage. Fluorescence staining, assays for alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen secretion and extracellular matrix mineralization, quantitative real‑time reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to evaluate the inflammatory response and osteogenic ability in bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs), RAW264.7 cells and their co-culture system. Giemsa staining, ELISA, micro-CT, hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemistry staining were used to evaluate the eradication of MRSA biofilms, inhibition of inflammatory response, and promotion of osseointegration of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP in vivo.

RESULTS

Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP displayed a synergistic photothermal and NO-dependent antibacterial effect against MRSA following near-infrared light irradiation, and effectively eliminated the formed MRSA biofilms by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress, destroying bacterial membrane integrity and causing leakage of intracellular components (P < 0.01). In vitro experiments revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP not only facilitated osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, but also promoted the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The favorable osteo-immune microenvironment further facilitated osteogenesis of MSCs and the anti-inflammation of RAW264.7 cells via multiple paracrine signaling pathways (P < 0.01). In vivo evaluation confirmed the aforementioned results and revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP induced ameliorative osseointegration in an MRSA-infected femoral defect implantation model (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP is a promising multi-functional material for the high-efficient treatment of MRSA infections in implant replacement surgeries.

Barbel regeneration and function divergence in red-tail catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) based on the chromosome-level genomes and comparative transcriptomes

Catfish (Siluriformes) are one of the most diverse vertebrate orders and are characterized by whisker-like barbels, which are important sensory organs in most of teleosts. However, their specific biological functions are still unclear. Red-tail catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) is well-known catfish species with four pairs of barbels, of which the maxillary barbels reach two-thirds of the body length. In this study, a 776.58 Mb high-quality chromosome-level genome was assembled into 29 chromosomes. Comparative genome data indicated that the barbeled regeneration gene ccl33 has expanded into 11 tandemly duplicated copies. Transcriptome data revealed the functional differentiation of different barbels and suggested that the maxillary barbel might be necessary for water temperature perception. Taste receptor genes were also characterized in teleosts with different food habits. Selection pressures were revealed to affect the sugar-based solute transport domain of the sweet taste receptor gene t1r2 in carnivorous fishes. In addition, the bitter taste receptor gene t2r200 was found to be lost from the genomes of four catfish species. Therefore, our study provides a genomic foundation for understanding the regeneration and functional differentiation of barbels in red-tail catfish and also reveals novel insights into the feeding evolution of fish species with different feeding habits.

[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.

Physiological functions of podosomes: From structure and function to therapy implications in osteoclast biology of bone resorption

With increasing age, bone tissue undergoes significant alterations in composition, architecture, and metabolic functions, probably causing senile osteoporosis. Osteoporosis possess the vast majority of bone disease and associates with a reduction in bone mass and increased fracture risk. Bone loss is on account of the disorder in osteoblast-induced bone formation and osteoclast-induced bone resorption. As a unique bone resorptive cell type, mature bone-resorbing osteoclasts exhibit dynamic actin-based cytoskeletal structures called podosomes that participate in cell-matrix adhesions specialized in the degradation of mineralized bone matrix. Podosomes share many of the same molecular constitutions as focal adhesions, but they have a unique structural organization, with a central core abundant in F-actin and encircled by scaffolding proteins, kinases and integrins. Here, we conclude recent advancements in our knowledge of the architecture and the functions of podosomes. We also discuss the regulatory pathways in osteoclast podosomes, providing a reference for future research on the podosomes of osteoclasts and considering podosomes as a therapeutic target for inhibiting bone resorption.

LEP and LEPR are possibly a double-edged sword for wound healing

Wound healing is a complex and error-prone process. Wound healing in adults often leads to the formation of scars, a type of fibrotic tissue that lacks skin appendages. Hypertrophic scars and keloids can also form when the wound-healing process goes wrong. Leptin (Lep) and leptin receptors (LepRs) have recently been shown to affect multiple stages of wound healing. This effect, however, is paradoxical for scarless wound healing. On the one hand, Lep exerts pro-inflammatory and profibrotic effects; on the other hand, Lep can regulate hair follicle growth. This paper summarises the role of Lep and LepRs on cells in different stages of wound healing, briefly introduces the process of wound healing and Lep and LepRs, and examines the possibility of promoting scarless wound healing through spatiotemporal, systemic, and local regulation of Lep levels and the binding of Lep and LepRs.

Dynamic Epitaxial Growth of Organic Heterostructures for Polarized Exciton Conversion

Highly spatial and angular precision in epitaxial-growth process is crucial for constructing organic low-dimensional heterostructures (OLDHs) with the desired substructures, which remains significant challenge owing to the unpredicted location of complex heterogeneous nucleation. Herein, a dynamic epitaxial-growth approach is developed along the tailored longitudinal/horizontal directions to create diverse OLDHs with hierarchical architectures. The controlled morphology evolution of seed crystals from kinetic to thermodynamic species is achieved via incrementally increasing the crystallization time from 0 to 600 s. Accordingly, the kinetic and thermodynamic seed crystals respectively present the specific lattice-matching crystal-planes of (100) and (011), which facilitates the longitudinal epitaxial-growth (LG) process for triblock heterostructures, and the horizontal epitaxial-growth (HG) process for axial-branch heterostructures. The dominant core/shell heterostructures are prepared via both LG and HG processes with a crystallization time of ≈30 s. Significantly, these prepared OLDHs realize the rationally polarized exciton conversion for optical logic gate application through the exciton conversion and photon propagation at the heterojunction. This strategy provides an avenue for the precise synthesis of OLDHs with anisotropy optical characters for integrated optoelectronics.

Circadian clock genes as promising therapeutic targets for bone loss

The circadian clock regulates many key physiological processes such as the sleep-wake cycle, hormone release, cardiovascular health, glucose metabolism and body temperature. Recent evidence has suggested a critical role of the circadian system in controlling bone metabolism. Here we review the connection between bone metabolism and the biological clock, and the roles of these mechanisms in bone loss. We also analyze the regulatory effects of clock-related genes on signaling pathways and transcription factors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Additionally, osteocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) regulated by the circadian clock are also discussed in our review. Furthermore, we also summarize the regulation of circadian clock genes by some novel modulators, which provides us with a new insight into a potential strategy to prevent and treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis by targeting circadian genes.

Modulating DHA-Producing Schizochytrium sp. toward Astaxanthin Biosynthesis via a Seamless Genome Editing System

Schizochytrium sp. is commercially used for the production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Some strains of Schizochytrium sp. are also known to produce low amounts of carotenoids, including astaxanthin and β-carotene. In order to enhance the production of astaxanthin in Schizochytrium sp., we established a seamless genome editing system with a dual selection marker for rapid screening of positive transformants. By using this system, we strengthened the endogenous mevalonate pathway, enhanced the supply of geranylgeranyl diphosphate and β-carotene, upregulated endogenous β-carotene hydroxylase, and introduced the algal astaxanthin pathway. The highest astaxanthin production in the engineered Schizochytrium sp. was achieved at 8.1 mg/L (307.1 μg/g dry cell weight) under shake-flask conditions, which was 2.6-fold higher than that in the start strain. Meanwhile, the percentage of DHA to total fatty acids was not obviously affected. We then eliminated the dual selection marker by using the Cre-loxP recombination system, and the engineered strain was ready for iterative editing. The developed system could be applied to seamlessly engineer DHA-producing Schizochytrium sp. toward astaxanthin and other value-added terpenoids, which broadens the application of this strain.

[Expression and regulatory role of ultraconserved long non-coding RNA uc.77 in lung cancer]

Objective: To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of ultra-conservative long non-coding RNA uc.77 in lung cancer. Methods: Lung cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 61 patients with lung cancer who were diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery from 2014 to 2016 in the General Hospital of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the uc.77 relative expressions in normal human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE, lung cancer cell lines, and 61 pair lung cancer tissues. Uc.77 siRNA was transfected into lung cancer cells to interfere with the expression of uc.77, qRT-PCR was used to verify the interference effect, CCK8 method and clone formation experiment were used to detect cell proliferation ability, flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and cell cycle changes. H1299 cells transfected with uc.77 siRNA were injected into the subcutaneous right side of BALB/c nude mice to construct a tumor-bearing model for exploring the role of uc.77 on tumor growth. Western blot and qRT-PCR methods were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of p21. Results: The relative expression levels of uc.77 in lung cancer cell lines 95D, H1299, A549, H460, H446 and 16HBE-T were significantly higher than that of 16HBE cells (P<0.05). The uc.77 RNA expression levels of lung cancer tissues was significantly higher than that of the adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). In addition, increased lncRNA uc.77 expression was significantly associated with big tumor size, lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stage (P<0.05). After transfection with uc.77 siRNA, the expressions of uc.77 in H1299, 95-D and 16HBE-T cells were reduced (P<0.05), and the cell proliferation capacities were reduced at 48 hours and 72 hours (P<0.05). After transfection with uc.77 siRNA-1, the G(0)/G(1) phase cell ratio of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(71.86±3.46)%] was higher than those of H1299-control group [(47.62±5.48)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(61.38±5.62)%, P<0.05], S phase cell ratio of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(14.99±3.61)%] was lower than those of H1299-control group [(34.95±7.05)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(23.75±5.87)%, P<0.05], the apoptosis rate of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(4.90±1.80)%] was higher than those of H1299-control group [(3.30±0.80)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(2.80±1.20)%, P<0.05], the colony formation rate of H1299 siRNA-1 group [(19.20±2.00)%] was lower than those of H1299 control group [(32.60±2.00)%] and H1299 siRNA-NC group [(34.40±1.00)%, P<0.05]. The results of the nude mice tumor formation experiment showed that the tumor volume of the H1299 siRNA-1 group was significantly lower than those of the H1299-control group and the H1299-negative control group (P<0.05), the average tumor weight of H1299 siRNA-1 group was significantly lower than those of H1299-control group and H1299-negative control group (P<0.05), tumor cell growth marker Ki-67 in the H1299 siRNA-1 group showed weak positive, and Ki-67 in the H1299-control group and H1299-negative control group showed positive. The result of qRT-PCR analysis showed that the mRNA expression level of p21 in H1299 siRNA-1 group (2.57±0.45) was higher than those in H1299 control group (1.00±0.00, P=0.001) and H1299 siRNA-NC group (1.52±0.37, P=0.009). The result of western blotting analysis also showed that the expression of p21 protein level in H1299 siRNA-1 group increased. Conclusions: The expression of ultraconserved long non-coding RNA uc.77 is elevated in lung cancer cell lines and lung cancer tissues. Silencing the expression of ultraconservative long noncoding RNA uc.77 can inhibit tumor growth, and blocking uc.77 expression may be a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.

Emerging Effects of Resveratrol on Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural extract that has been extensively studied for its significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are closely associated with a variety of injurious diseases and even cosmetic medicine. In this review, we have researched and summarized the role of resveratrol and its different forms of action in wound healing, exploring its role and mechanisms in promoting wound healing through different modes of action such as hydrogels, fibrous scaffolds and parallel ratio medical devices with their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-ageing properties and functions in various cells that may play a role in wound healing. This will provide a direction for further understanding of the mechanism of action of resveratrol in wound healing for future research.

[Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in patients with refractory allergic asthma: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in patients with refractory allergic asthma using meta-analysis. Methods: We searched databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the website of ClinicalTrials. gov registry for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), using the search terms: ("anti-IgE" OR "anti-immunoglobulin E" OR "anti-IgE antibody" OR "omalizumab" OR "rhuMAb-E25" OR "Xolair") AND ("allergic asthma"). The time was up to September 19th 2020. Review Manager 5.4 software and Stata16 software were used to calculate pooled RR or WMD, perform heterogeneity test, and assess publication bias. Results: Fifteen RCTs with 6 316 patients in total (omalizumab, n=3 469; placebo, n=2 847) met our selection criteria. Comparing with placebo, omalizumab reduced the risk of asthma exacerbations during both stable-inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) phase (RR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.63-0.75, P<0.001; I²=39.0%, P=0.090) and ICS-reduction phase (RR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.46-0.66, P<0.001; I²=41.0%, P=0.180), reduced emergency visits (RR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.38-0.73, P<0.001; I²=0, P=0.420), made a significant reduction in dosage of ICS (RR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.25-1.45, P<0.001; I²=22.0%, P=0.280) and even withdrew from ICS completely (RR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.41-2.31, P<0.001; I²=57.0%, P=0.070). Omalizumab significantly improved asthma-related quality of life (RR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.51-2.17). The use of rescue bronchodilators was significantly reduced in the omalizumab group (RR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.67-0.92) but there was no significant difference in the dosage of rescue bronchodilators (puff per day) (WMD=-0.32, 95%CI: -0.77-0.13). Patients taking omalizumab did not increase the frequency of any adverse events (RR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.98-1.03) and serious adverse events (RR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.74-1.06). Conclusions: Omalizumab is an ideal adjunctive treatment for refractory allergic asthma with good efficacy and safety. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the appropriate duration of treatment.

Dual-Action Icariin-Containing Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Wound Macrophage Polarization and Hair-Follicle Neogenesis

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway is essential for M2 macrophage polarization and hair-follicle neogenesis. Icariin, a flavonoid derived from Epimedium, is a mediator of the BMP pathway. Here, we develop a hydrogel formulation functionalized with icariin for regulation of macrophage polarization to accelerate wound healing and hair-follicle neogenesis. Compared to skin defects without icariin treatment, those treated with icariin+PEG hydrogel healed faster and had new hair follicles. Results in vivo showed that icariin+PEG hydrogel induced a higher level of M2 phenotypic transformation of macrophages. Moreover, icariin+PEG hydrogel significantly accelerated wound-repair process by reducing the invasion of inflammation, excessive deposition of collagen, immoderate activation of myofibroblasts, and increasing the regeneration of hair follicles. Furthermore, studies in vitro demonstrated that the icariin+PEG hydrogel induced macrophages to polarize to the M2 phenotype and dermal papilla cell to hair follicles. Finally, molecular analysis demonstrated that the icariin+PEG hydrogel increased the expression of BMP4 and Smad1/5 phosphorylation in skin wounds. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of icariin-containing thermosensitive hydrogels for inducing M2 macrophage polarization to accelerate wound healing and promote hair-follicle neogenesis by regulating the BMP pathway.

Insight into the role of DPP-4 in fibrotic wound healing

Wound healing is a complex and long-term process consisting of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation/remodeling. These four stages overlap and influence each other; they affect wound healing in different ways, and if they do not function perfectly, they may cause scarring, proliferative scarring and keloid formation. A therapeutic target affecting wound healing in multiple ways will help the healing process proceed more effectively. DPP-4/CD26 is a multifunctional dimorphic glycoprotein widely distributed on the surface of a variety of cells, including fibroblasts and keratin-forming cells. It has been found to affect periwound inflammation, re-epithelialization, extracellular matrix secretion and skin fibrosis and is a potential target for promoting wound healing and inhibiting scar formation. After presenting a brief introduction of the wound healing process and DPP-4/CD26, this paper summarizes the effects of DPP-4/CD26 on cells involved in different stages of wound healing and discusses the feasibility of DPP-4/CD26 as a multifunctional target for the treatment of wound healing and inhibition of scar formation.

GinkgoDB: an ecological genome database for the living fossil, Ginkgo biloba

Although an increasing number of species-specific databases have been constructed to facilitate the global research community, comprehensive databases remain rare with multidimensional research resources rather than genomic data solely, in particular for non-model species. Here we introduced GinkgoDB, the ecological genome database for the world-renowned living fossil, Ginkgo biloba L., a tree species with extreme longevity, exceptional resistance, global landscape application and dioecy. The present version of GinkgoDB consists of four modules of genome, occurrence, quadrat and gallery. The genome module includes two versions of chromosome-level assembled genomes with high-quality annotation, expression profiles of each sex for different tissues and variants from 545 ginkgo genomes. A suite of tools were also deployed online for search, blast and further analyses. The occurrence module contains distribution information of over one million records across the world with an emphasis on 8926 individual-level tagged trees with phenotypic trait data in eastern Asia. The quadrat module provides monitoring data of both species and habitats from 27 plots of natural ginkgo forests and periodic data of functional traits measured for the entire plant communities. The gallery module collects field morphological photos and scanned phenotypic images of various ginkgo materials. GinkgoDB showcases a comprehensive and persistently growing database for a single non-model species.

Database URL: https://ginkgo.zju.edu.cn/

The ASIC3-M-CSF-M2 macrophage-positive feedback loop modulates fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation in skin fibrosis pathogenesis

Inflammation is one of the main pathological features leading to skin fibrosis and a key factor leading to the progression of skin fibrosis. Acidosis caused by a decrease in extracellular pH is a sign of the inflammatory process. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are ligand-gated ion channels on the cell membrane that sense the drop in extracellular pH. The molecular mechanisms by which skin fibroblasts are regulated by acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) remain unknown. This study investigated whether ASIC3 is related to inflammation and skin fibrosis and explored the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrate that macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a direct target of ASIC3, and ASIC3 activation promotes M-CSF transcriptional regulation of macrophages for M2 polarization. The polarization of M2 macrophages transduced by the ASIC3-M-CSF signal promotes the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts through transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), thereby producing an ASIC3-M-CSF-TGF-β1 positive feedback loop. Targeting ASIC3 may be a new treatment strategy for skin fibrosis.

Deterministic Assembly of Colloidal Quantum Dots for Multifunctional Integrated Photonics

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising for photonic applications toward lasers, waveguides, and photodetectors. However, integration of high-quality photonic elements into multifunctional devices is still restricted by optical losses stemming from the accumulation of defects and disorder in the solution process. Herein, a platform with a directional Laplace pressure is created for eliminating undesired pinning of liquid fronts in the solution process and boosting ordered assembly of CQDs into designable micro-/nanostructures. The versatility and robustness of this method are demonstrated by deterministic patterning of CQDs with different components and photoluminescence spectra onto various substrates. On the basis of this platform, microring lasers with tunable emission modes, low-loss waveguides, and their coupled structures have been reached for direct on-chip generation and propagation of coherent light. A proof-of-concept demonstration of integrated circuits is also conducted by combining microcavity lasers with waveguides for encoding photonic outputs into information bits.

The uPA System Differentially Alters Fibroblast Fate and Profibrotic Ability in Skin Fibrosis

Skin fibrosis is a common pathological feature of various diseases, and few treatment strategies are available because of the molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system is the major serine protease system, and its components uPA, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) are widely upregulated in fibrotic diseases, including hypertrophic scars, keloids, and scleroderma. Here, we found that the successful binding of uPA and uPAR activates the downstream peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway to reduce the proliferation, migration, and contraction of disease-derived fibroblasts, contributing to the alleviation of skin fibrosis. However, increased or robust upregulation of the inhibitor PAI-1 inhibits these effects, suggesting of the involvement of PAI-1 in skin fibrosis. Subsequent in vivo studies showed that uPAR inhibitors increased skin fibrosis in mouse models, while uPA agonists and PAI-1 inhibitors reversed these effects. Our findings demonstrate a novel role for the uPA system and highlights its relationships with skin fibrosis, thereby suggesting new therapeutic approaches targeting the uPA system.

Temporal Dynamic Transcriptome Landscape Reveals Regulatory Network During the Early Differentiation of Female Strobilus Buds in Ginkgo biloba

Reproductive bud differentiation is one of the most critical events for the reproductive success of seed plants. Yet, our understanding of genetic basis remains limited for the development of the reproductive organ of gymnosperms, namely, unisexual strobilus or cone, leaving its regulatory network largely unknown for strobilus bud differentiation. In this study, we analyzed the temporal dynamic landscapes of genes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) during the early differentiation of female strobilus buds in Ginkgo biloba based on the whole transcriptome sequencing. Results suggested that the functions of three genes, i.e., Gb_19790 (GbFT), Gb_13989 (GinNdly), and Gb_16301 (AG), were conserved in both angiosperms and gymnosperms at the initial differentiation stage. The expression of genes, lncRNAs, and miRNAs underwent substantial changes from the initial differentiation to the enlargement of ovule stalk primordia. Besides protein-coding genes, 364 lncRNAs and 15 miRNAs were determined to be functional. Moreover, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network comprising 10,248 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA pairs was identified, which was highly correlated with the development of ovulate stalk primordia. Using the living fossil ginkgo as the study system, this study not only reveals the expression patterns of genes related to flowering but also provides novel insights into the regulatory networks of lncRNAs and miRNAs, especially the ceRNA network, paving the way for future studies concerning the underlying regulation mechanisms of strobilus bud differentiation.

[Evaluation of the level of carotid bifurcation and the morphology of extracranial internal carotid artery in patients with carotid stenosis by color doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography]

Objective: To evaluate the value of color Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in evaluating the level of carotid bifurcation and the morphology of extracranial internal carotid artery in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. Methods: The carotid artery examination data of 186 patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis who underwent carotid DSA and color Doppler ultrasound in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from July 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 154 males and 32 females, with ages ranging from 36 to 84 (66±8) years old. The correlation between the position of carotid bifurcation and the level of cervical spine, the distance from the position of carotid bifurcation to mandibular angle, the correlation of the level of bifurcation with the length of neck, and the incidence of carotid distortion were analyzed. Results: DSA showed that the most common position of carotid bifurcation was at C3 level on the left [37.3% (56/150)], and at C3-C4 level on the right [33.6% (42/125)], and the highest position was at C2 level on the left, and at C2-C3 levels on the right, while the lowest level on both sides was at C5 level. The incidence of high bifurcation of left carotid artery (C3 and above) was 46% (69/150), which was higher than that of right carotid artery [21.6% (27/125), P<0.001]. The incidence of high carotid bifurcation in men and women was 33.2% (76/229) and 43.5% (20/46), respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.182). Carotid ultrasound showed that the distance between the left carotid bifurcation and the mandibular angle was (3.0±1.3) cm, which was shorter than that on the right [(3.4±1.2) cm] (P<0.001). The distance between carotid bifurcation and mandibular angle in men and women was (3.2±1.2) cm and (3.3±1.0) cm, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.093). There was no significant correlation between carotid bifurcation level and carotid length (right: r = 0.02, P = 0.091; left: r = 0.01, P = 0.927). The incidence of carotid artery distortion was 28.1% (9/32) in women and 15.6% (24/154) in men, with no significant difference (P = 0.091). The incidence of right carotid artery distortion in high bifurcation group was 59.3% (16/27), which was higher than that in non-high bifurcation group [3.1% (3/98)] (P<0.001). Likewise, the incidence of left carotid artery distortion in high bifurcation group was 30.4% (21/69), which was higher than that in non-high bifurcation group [2.5% (2/81)] (P<0.001). Conclusions: The bifurcation position of left carotid artery in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis is higher than that of the right. Patients with high bifurcation of carotid artery are more likely to be complicated with carotid distortion. Preoperative color doppler ultrasound combined with DSA can evaluate the distortion of extracranial carotid artery, thereby providing reference for the selection of surgical methods.

Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome: implications for the management and treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder associated with several comorbidities in addition to the characteristic skin lesions. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the most frequent comorbidity in psoriasis and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death among patients with psoriasis. Although the exact causal relationship between these two disorders is not fully established, the underlying pathophysiology linking psoriasis and MetS seems to involve overlapping genetic predispositions and inflammatory pathways. Dysregulation of the IL‐23/Th‐17 immune signalling pathway is central to both pathologies and may be key to promoting susceptibility to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in individuals with and without psoriasis. Thus, biological treatments for psoriasis that interrupt these signals could both reduce the psoriatic inflammatory burden and also lessen the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic diseases. In support of this hypothesis, improvement of skin lesions was associated with improvement in vascular inflammation in recent imaging studies, demonstrating that the beneficial effect of biological agents goes beyond the skin and could help to prevent cardiovascular disease. This review will summarize current knowledge on underlying inflammatory mechanisms shared between psoriasis and MetS and discuss the most recent clinical evidence for the potential for psoriasis treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Production of High Levels of 3S,3'S-Astaxanthin in Yarrowia lipolytica via Iterative Metabolic Engineering

Astaxanthin is a highly value-added keto-carotenoid compound. The astaxanthin 3S,3'S-isomer is more desirable for food additives, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to health concerns about chemically synthesized counterparts with a mixture of three isomers. Biosynthesis of 3S,3'S-astaxanthin suffers from limited content and productivity. We engineered Yarrowia lipolytica to produce high levels of 3S,3'S-astaxanthin. We first assessed various β-carotene ketolases (CrtW) and β-carotene hydroxylases (CrtZ) from two algae and a plant. HpCrtW and HpCrtZ from Haematococcus pluvialis exhibited the strongest activity in converting β-carotene into astaxanthin in Y. lipolytica. We then fine-tuned the HpCrtW and HpCrtZ transcriptional expression by increasing the rounds of gene integration into the genome and applied a modular enzyme assembly of HpCrtW and HpCrtZ simultaneously. Next, we rescued leucine biosynthesis in the engineered Y. lipolytica, leading to a five-fold increase in biomass. The astaxanthin production achieved from these strategies was 3.3 g/L or 41.3 mg/g dry cell weight under fed-batch conditions, which is the highest level reported in microbial chassis to date. This study provides the potential for industrial production of 3S,3'S-astaxanthin, and this strategy empowers us to build a sustainable biorefinery platform for generating other value-added carotenoids in the future.

Application of Clavien-Dindo Classification System for Complications of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Objective

To investigate the clinical applications of the Clavien-Dindo classification system (CDCS) in the assessment of perioperative complications in minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL).

Methods

Totally, 390 patients with renal stones in our hospital from March 2015 to March 2020 were included for this study and then were divided into observation group (complication group, 78 cases) and control group (noncomplication group, 312 cases) according to the incidence of perioperative complications in CDCS. Single factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of the perioperative complications of MPCNL.

Results

The total incidence of complication in the 390 cases with MPCNL was 20.00% (78 cases) according to CDCS, among which the incidence of complications at grades I, II, III, IV, and V was 6.92% (27 cases), 8.21% (32 cases), 2.82% (11 cases), 1.79% (7 cases), and 0.26% (1 case), respectively. The proportion of patients, that aged >60 years, complicated with comorbidities, sophisticated calculi, the preoperative albumin level (<35 g/L), the operation time (>180 minutes), intraoperative bleeding volume (>300 mL), and hospitalization time (>7 days) in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ((75.64% vs. 61.86%, 38.46% vs. 24.36%, 83.33% vs. 69.55%, 83.33% vs. 69.55%, 70.51% vs. 30.76%, 53.85% vs. 36.54%, and 60.26% vs. 43.27%), all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender, associated comorbidities, preoperative albumin level, calculus complexity, operation time, and intraoperative bleeding volume (>300 mL) were correlated with the occurrence of complications (P ≤ 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.003, and 0.001 respectively).

Conclusion

The CDCS can give standard and more comparative criteria for the assessment of perioperative complications, which will provide reference data for reducing complications and ensuring safety profiles in these high-risk patients.

The m6A RNA Modification Modulates Gene Expression and Fibrosis-Related Pathways in Hypertrophic Scar

Purpose: To systematically analyze the overall m⁶A modification pattern in hyperplastic scars (HS). Methods: The m⁶A modification patterns in HS and normal skin (NS) tissues were described by m⁶A sequencing and RNA sequencing, and subsequently bioinformatics analysis was performed. The m⁶A-related RNA was immunoprecipitated and verified by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: The appearance of 14,791 new m⁶A peaks in the HS sample was accompanied by the disappearance of 7,835 peaks. The unique m⁶A-related genes in HS were thus associated with fibrosis-related pathways. We identified the differentially expressed mRNA transcripts in HS samples with hyper-methylated or hypo-methylated m⁶A peaks. Conclusion: This study is the first to map the m⁶A transcriptome of human HS, which may help clarify the possible mechanism of m⁶A-mediated gene expression regulation.

[Genotyping analysis of norovirus infectious diarrhea clusters in Songjiang district, Shanghai from 2017 to 2019]

Objective: We aimed to analyze the the genotyping of norovirus infectious diarrhea epidemic in Songjiang district, Shanghai, and explored the experience in handling the epidemic to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: The epidemiological data and related samples of 69 outbreaks of infectious diarrhea caused by norovirus was collected from 2017 to 2019 in Songjiang district, Shanghai. Sequencing and type identification were performed by the method of gene sequencing for the junction region of Norovirus ORF1 and ORF2. Results: From 2017 to 2019, 69 outbreaks of norovirus infections diarrhea were reported in Songjiang district, Shanghai. A total of 1 767 samples were tested, including 619 case samples (positive rate 19.9%), 343 practitioner samples (positive rate 1.1%), 505 environmental samples (positive rate 0.5%) and 300 food samples (not detected). 141 sequences were obtained, and the genotype analysis showed that the genotype that mainly caused infectious diarrhea in 2017 and 2018 was GII.P16-GII.2 (50.98%, 26/51). In 2019, the genotypes that mainly caused infectious diarrhea were GII.P16-GII.2 (13.73%, 7/51) and GII.Pe-GII.4 (9.80%, 5/51). Conclusion: The main genotype of the 69 outbreaks of nororirus infectious diarrhea epidemic in Songjiang district, Shanghai from 2017 to 2019 was GII.P16-GII.2, which showed obvious peaks in spring, autumn and winter. There were more infections in kindergartens and schools. The surveillance of norovirus infection should be strengthened.

Long-term safety of risankizumab from 17 clinical trials in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis

Background

Risankizumab has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in randomized clinical trials.

Objectives

To evaluate safety data from risankizumab psoriasis phase I–III clinical trials.

Methods

Short‐term safety (through week 16) was analysed using integrated data from five phase II and III clinical trials. Long‐term safety was evaluated using integrated data from 17 phase I–III completed and ongoing trials.

Results

Short‐term safety analyses included 1306 patients receiving risankizumab 150 mg and 300 patients receiving placebo [402·2 and 92·0 patient‐years (PY) of exposure, respectively]. Long‐term analyses included 3072 risankizumab‐treated patients (exposure: 7927 PY). The median (excluding four outliers) treatment duration was 2·9 years (range 2 days to 5·9 years). Exposure‐adjusted adverse event rates did not increase with long‐term treatment (318 vs. 171 events per 100 PY for short‐ and long‐term analyses). With long‐term risankizumab treatment, rates of serious adverse events were 7·8 per 100 PY, serious infections 1·2 per 100 PY, nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) 0·7 per 100 PY, malignant tumours excluding NMSC 0·5 per 100 PY, and adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events 0·3 per 100 PY, with no important identified risks. Limitations include that the study inclusion and exclusion criteria varied and that three studies enrolled ≤ 50 patients.

Conclusions

Risankizumab demonstrated a favourable safety profile over short‐ and long‐term treatment in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Whatis already known about this topic?

In clinical trials of patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, risankizumab, a selective interleukin‐23 inhibitor, was well tolerated and efficacious.

Whatdoes this study add?

In this comprehensive evaluation of risankizumab safety in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, adverse event rates were comparable between risankizumab (n = 1306, 402 patient‐years) and placebo (n = 300, 92 patient‐years) in the short‐term (16‐week) analysis set, and were consistent with those in the long‐term analysis (n = 3072, 7927 patient‐years of risankizumab exposure).

These findings are consistent with the known safety profile of risankizumab and support its long‐term use in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Linked Comment: S. Mirali et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:394–395.

Plain language summary available online

Insight into the role of dermal white adipose tissue loss in dermal fibrosis

The loss of dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) is vital to the formation of dermal fibrosis (DF), but the specific mechanism is not well understood. A few studies are reviewed to explore the role of dWAT in the formation of DF. Recent findings indicated that the adipocytes-to-myofibroblasts transition in dWAT reflects the direct contribution to the DF formation. While adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) contained in dWAT express antifibrotic cytokines, the loss of ADSCs leads to skin protection decreased, which indirectly exacerbates DF and tissue damage. Therefore, blocking or reversing the adipocytes-to-myofibroblasts transition or improving the survival of ADSCs in dWAT and the expression of antifibrotic cytokines may be an effective strategy for the treatment of DF.

[The new classification and treatment of neck hemorrhage]

Neck is an important and complex region of the human body. Once injury occurs, it often leads to a high mortality rate and complication rate, among which vascular injury and massive hemorrhage are the main causes. However, due to the particularity of neck structure, there is a lack of effective control methods for cervical vascular hemorrhage, and there is still no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cervical vascular hemorrhage. Combined with the newest researches, this paper tries to explore and summarize the experience of the new classification and management principle of vascular massive hemorrhage.

[Analysis of types and treatment methods of cervical massive hemorrhage]

Objective: To summarize the classification and clinical treatment experience of cervical massive hemorrhage in multiple centers. Methods: From April 2012 to October 2020, clinical data of 42 patients with cervical massive hemorrhage were retrospectively analyzed, including 27 cases from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, 7 cases from Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, 4 cases from Longkou People's Hospital and 4 cases from Laizhou People's Hospital. According to bleeding position (P), bleeding vessel (V), cerebral blood supply (C), and the presence or absence of associated injury (A), 42 patients were classified as "PVCA", and summarize the methods of pre-hospital emergency and in-hospital treatment based on the "ABC" treatment principles: airway rebuild (A), effective arterial hemostasis and bleeding stop (B), and cerebral blood flow reconstruction within the time window (C). Results: Within the 42 cases of cervical massive hemorrhage, there were 3 cases of type P1 (below cricoid cartilage), 28 cases of type P2 (cricoid cartilage-mandibular angle), 11 cases of type P3 (mandibular angle-skull base); 22 cases of type V1 (arterial hemorrhage), 11 cases of type V2 (main venous hemorrhage), 7 cases of type V3 (simple superficial vein or small artery hemorrhage), 2 cases of type V4 (mixed arteriovenous hemorrhage); 5 cases of type C0 (no symptoms of cerebral ischemia and neurological dysfunction), 33 cases of type C1 (transient cerebral ischemia without sensory disturbance), 4 cases of type C2 (symptoms of cerebral ischemia and neurological dysfunction); 39 cases of type A0 (no other system damage was involved) and 3 cases of type A1 (combined with other system damage). All 42 patients received operations, 25 patients received open surgery of vascular reconstruction+hematoma/foreign body removal (7 cases of vascular ligation, 14 cases of direct suture repair, 4 cases of vascular interposition), 17 patients received hybrid surgery (carotid angiography+covered stent repair+hematoma/foreign body removal). The surgical technique success rate the was 100%. All the hemorrhagic shock was corrected, hematoma compression was relieved, and the symptoms of cephalic ischemia were improved. There were 4 cases of local cranial nerve injury, 1 case of incision hematoma and 6 cases of postoperative hyper perfusion. During the average 14.3 months follow-up, there was no operation related myocardial infarction, stroke or death, no re-rupture or re-dissection, and 50% asymptomatic restenosis was found in 1 case one year after received covered stent endovascular repair. Conclusion: Based on the "PVCA" classification and "ABC" treatment principle, it is safe and effective to rescue cervical massive hemorrhage.

Fibroblasts: Heterogeneous Cells With Potential in Regenerative Therapy for Scarless Wound Healing

In recent years, research on wound healing has become increasingly in-depth, but therapeutic effects are still not satisfactory. Occasionally, pathological tissue repair occurs. Influencing factors have been proposed, but finding the turning point between normal and pathological tissue repair is difficult. Therefore, we focused our attention on the most basic level of tissue repair: fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were once considered terminally differentiated cells that represent a single cell type, and their heterogeneity was not studied until recently. We believe that subpopulations of fibroblasts play different roles in tissue repair, resulting in different repair results, such as the formation of normal scars in physiological tissue repair and fibrosis or ulcers in pathological tissue repair. It is also proposed that scarless healing can be achieved by regulating fibroblast subpopulations.

Materials Engineering of Violin Soundboards by Stradivari and Guarneri

We investigated the material properties of Cremonese soundboards using a wide range of spectroscopic, microscopic, and chemical techniques. We found similar types of spruce in Cremonese soundboards as in modern instruments, but Cremonese spruces exhibit unnatural elemental compositions and oxidation patterns that suggest artificial manipulation. Combining analytical data and historical information, we may deduce the minerals being added and their potential functions—borax and metal sulfates for fungal suppression, table salt for moisture control, alum for molecular crosslinking, and potash or quicklime for alkaline treatment. The overall purpose may have been wood preservation or acoustic tuning. Hemicellulose fragmentation and altered cellulose nanostructures are observed in heavily treated Stradivari specimens, which show diminished second‐harmonic generation signals. Guarneri's practice of crosslinking wood fibers via aluminum coordination may also affect mechanical and acoustic properties. Our data suggest that old masters undertook materials engineering experiments to produce soundboards with unique properties.