[Clinical application of photobiomodulation in trauma repair and medical aesthetics]

In recent years, with the deepening of researches on the molecular biological mechanisms of photobiomodulation (PBM), PBM has gradually been applied in clinical practice, providing effective treatment methods and approaches for various diseases. Compared with traditional photothermal therapy, PBM has the characteristics of good therapeutic effect, almost no adverse reaction, and simple operation, and its clinical efficacy is becoming increasingly significant. This article provides a detailed explanation on the mechanism of PBM, its application characteristics and development trends in trauma repair and medical aesthetics, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the extensively clinical application of this therapy.

[Overexpression of tuftelin and KLF-5 and its clinicopathological features in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze and evaluate the expressions and clinical value of tuftelin (TUFT1) and Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. Method: KLF5 mRNA and TUFT1 mRNA transcriptional status in cancer and non-cancer groups were compared according to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differences and prognostic value between the groups were analyzed. Postoperative liver cancer and its paired pericancerous tissues, with the approval of the ethics committee, were collected to build tissue chips. The expression of KLF5 and TUFT1 and their intracellular localization were verified by immunohistochemistry. Tissue expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed by immunoblotting. SPSS software was used to analyze the relationship between SPSS and patient prognosis. Results: The transcription level of TUFT1 or KLF5 mRNA was significantly higher in the HCC group than the non-cancer group (P < 0.001), according to TCGA data. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting examination confirmed the overexpression of TUFT1 and KLF5 in human HCC tissues, which were mainly localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane. The positivity rates of TUFT1 and KLF5 were 87.1% ( χ(2) = 18.563, P < 0.001) and 95.2% ( χ(2) = 96.435, P < 0.001) in HCC tissues, and both were significantly higher than those in the adjacent group. The expression intensity was higher in stage III-IV than stage I-II of the International Union Against Cancer standard (P < 0.01). The clinicopathological features showed that the abnormalities of the two were significantly related to HBV infection, tumor size, extrahepatic metastasis, TNM stage, and ascites. Univariate analysis was related to tumor size, HBV infection, and survival. Multivariate analysis was an independent prognostic factor for patients with HCC. Conclusion: TUFT1 and KLF5 may both be novel markers possessing clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis of HBV-related HCC.

[Prevalence rate and risk factor analysis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 115 female patients with schizophrenia]

Objective: To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). Methods: The incidence rate of NAFLD in 115 females with SCZ over 40 years of age with complete clinical data was analyzed with the consent of the Ethics Committee of Nantong Fourth People's Hospital. A physical examination report of healthy subjects (n = 95, female, age 40 years old or older) was taken as the control group. Natural language processing technology was used to extract relevant data from the patient's electronic medical record system. Body mass index, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, leptin, and adiponectin were used to establish a human NAFLD-related model. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the psychiatric symptoms, and physiological and biochemical indexes for the predictive value of NAFLD in female patients with SCZ. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in the SCZ group (55.7%, 64/115) than that in the control group (26.3%, 25/95) (χ (2) = 18.335, P < 0.001). The prediction model showed that age, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, leptin, adiponectin, and body mass index were significantly correlated with NAFLD in females with SCZ. In the natural language processing search language model, arousal intensity (movements: uncontrolled running behavior) and emotional apathy were strongly linked to female patients with SCZ with NAFLD. Age, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, leptin, and body mass index were risk factors for SCZ to develop NAFLD, and adiponectin levels and uncontrolled running behavior were protective factors. Conclusion: The incidence rate of NAFLD is high in middle-aged and elderly females with SCZ. Natural language processing can help to automatically identify the risk factors for SCZ combined with NAFLD and has predictive and auxiliary diagnostic value.

Universal DNA methylation age across mammalian tissues

Aging, often considered a result of random cellular damage, can be accurately estimated using DNA methylation profiles, the foundation of pan-tissue epigenetic clocks. Here, we demonstrate the development of universal pan-mammalian clocks, using 11,754 methylation arrays from our Mammalian Methylation Consortium, which encompass 59 tissue types across 185 mammalian species. These predictive models estimate mammalian tissue age with high accuracy (r > 0.96). Age deviations correlate with human mortality risk, mouse somatotropic axis mutations and caloric restriction. We identified specific cytosines with methylation levels that change with age across numerous species. These sites, highly enriched in polycomb repressive complex 2-binding locations, are near genes implicated in mammalian development, cancer, obesity and longevity. Our findings offer new evidence suggesting that aging is evolutionarily conserved and intertwined with developmental processes across all mammals.

Randomized, controlled trial of a mixed early start Denver model for toddlers and preschoolers with autism

The early start Denver model (ESDM) has been extensively studied as a promising early intervention approach for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Various methodological drawbacks from earlier ESDM investigations must be rectified to expand the application scopes. For this purpose, the present study recruited a very large sample of 249 autistic children (aged 24-47 months), and used a randomized controlled design to compare outcomes from a mixed ESDM (M-ESDM) intervention with a mixed discrete trial teaching (M-DTT) intervention which remains one of the most commonly-used programming for early intervention. Over the course of a 12-week period, both groups (i.e., M-ESDM and M-DTT groups) received 25 h of intensive intervention per week using individual, group, and parent coaching techniques. Findings showed that: (i) the M-ESDM significantly outperformed the M-DTT in enhancing children's developmental abilities in gross motor and personal-social skills for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as in language for preschoolers with mild/moderate ASD and toddlers; and (ii) the M-ESDM dramatically reduced the severity of autistic symptoms in toddlers with severe ASD only, when compared to the M-DTT. However, the M-ESDM did not outperform the M-DTT in terms of improving children's developmental abilities in adaptability and fine motor for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as in language for preschoolers with severe ASD. In addition, when compared to the M-DTT, the M-ESDM did not show an advantage in reducing the severity of autistic symptoms in toddlers with mild/moderate ASD and preschoolers. Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number ChiCTR200039492.

[Efficacy of CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of bilateral responsible cranial nerves in the treatment of Meige syndrome]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of bilateral responsible cranial nerves in the treatment of Meige syndrome. Methods: The Clinical data of 56 patients with Meige syndrome in the Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from June 2019 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed [19 males and 37 females, aged 42-76 (58.6±8.3) years], including 51 cases of blepharospasm, 3 cases of oromandibular dystonia and 2 cases of blepharospasm concomitant with oromandibular dystonia. CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of bilateral responsible cranial nerves was performed on different types of Meige syndrome. And the efficacy and complications of the technique were observed. Results: Fifty-one patients with blepharospasm Meige syndrome underwent CT-guided radiofrequency of facial nerve through bilateral stylomastoid foramen punctures, the symptoms of blepharospasm disappeared completely, leaving bilateral mild and moderate facial paralysis symptoms. Three patients with oral-mandibular dystonia underwent CT-guided radiofrequency therapy by bilateral foramen ovale puncture of mandibular branches of trigeminal nerve, masticatory muscle spasm disappeared, the patients had no difficulty opening the mouth, and the skin numbness in bilateral mandibular nerve innervation area was left. Two cases of Meige syndrome with blepharospasm concomitant with oromandibular dystonia were treated by radiofrequency of facial nerve and mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve, and all symptoms disappeared. The patients were followed up for 1-44 months after the operation, and the symptoms of mild and moderate facial paralysis disappeared at (3.2±0.8) months after the operation, but the numbness did not disappear. Three patients with blepharospasm recurred at the 14, 18 and 22 months after the operation, respectively, while the rest cases did not recur. Conclusions: According to different types of Meige syndrome, CT-guided partial radiofrequency ablation of responsible cranial nerves can effectively treat the corresponding type of Meige syndrome. The complications are only mild and moderate facial paralysis which can be recovered, and/or skin numbness in the mandibular region.

[Prospective randomized controlled trial on 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser combined with fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser combined with fractional micro-plasma radiofrequency (FMR) therapy and 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled research was conducted. A total of 100 atrophic acne scar patients (38 males and 62 females, aged 18-37 years) who were treated in the Scar Laser Clinic of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from March 2018 to March 2021 and conformed to the inclusion criteria were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into erbium laser+FMR group and erbium laser alone group, with 50 cases in each group. The facial acne scars of patients in erbium laser alone group were treated with 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser, while the facial acne scars of patients in erbium laser+FMR group were treated with erbium laser as above, besides, the scars of U and M types were treated with FMR, once every 3 months for a total of 3 times. Before the first treatment and 3 months after each treatment, the Echelle D'Assessment Clinique des Cicatrices D'Acne (ECCA) was used to score the scar. The occurrence of adverse reaction during the treatment process was observed and recorded, and the incidence was calculated. Three months after the last treatment, the 5-level classification method was used to evaluate the satisfaction of patients with the treatment effect, and the satisfaction rate was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test and chi-square test. Results: A total of 89 patients completed the study, including 46 patients in erbium laser+FMR group (19 males and 27 females, aged (26±5) years) and 43 patients in erbium laser alone group (15 males and 28 females, aged (27±6) years). The ECCA scores before the first treatment and 3 months after the first treatment of patients were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). The ECCA scores of patients in erbium laser+FMR group at 3 months after the second and third treatment were 72±23 and 61±18, respectively, which were significantly lower than 85±26 and 76±25 in erbium laser alone group (with t values of -2.45 and -3.26, respectively, P<0.05). During the treatment process, the incidence of adverse reaction of patients in erbium laser+FMR group and erbium laser alone group were 23.91% (11/46) and 16.28% (7/43), respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The satisfaction rate of patients in erbium laser+FMR group was 78.26% (36/46) at 3 months after the last treatment, which was significantly higher than 53.49% (23/43) in erbium laser alone group (χ2=6.10, P<0.05). Conclusions: The 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser combined with FMR is superior to 2 940 nm fractional erbium laser alone in the treatment of facial atrophic acne scars, achieving significantly higher efficacy without significantly increasing the incidence of adverse reaction, and patients are more satisfied with the efficacy. It can be used as a recommended therapy in clinical practice.

[Analysis of the efficacy and safety of CT-guided dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency combined with ozone injection in the treatment of acute herpes zoster neuralgia in the neck and upper extremities]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion combined with ozone injection on acute herpes zoster neuralgia in the neck and upper extremities. Methods: A total of 110 patients with acute phase herpes zoster neuralgia in the neck and upper extremities treated in the Department of Pain of Jiaxing First Hospital from January 2019 to February 2020 were retrospectively included. The patients were divided into two groups according to different treatment modalities: the pulsed radiofrequency group (group A, n=68) and the pulsed radiofrequency combined with ozone injection group (group B, n=42). In group A, there were 40 males and 28 females, aged (71.9±9.9) years, while group B consisted of 23 males and 19 females, aged (66.3±16.9) years. Patients were followed up, and numerical rating scale (NRS) score, dose of adjuvant gabapentin, incidence of clinically significant postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and adverse effects were recorded preoperatively (T₀) and at 1 d (T₁), 3 d (T₂), 1 week (T₃), 1 month (T₄), 2 months (T₅), and 3 months (T₆) postoperatively. Results: The NRS score of patients [M (Q₁, Q₃)] in group A at time points T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, T₅ and T₆ was 6 (6, 6), 2 (2, 2), 3 (3, 4), 3 (2, 3), 2 (2, 3), 2 (1, 3) , 1 (0, 2), respectively, while the NRS score at aforementioned time points in group B was 6 (6, 6), 2 (1, 2), 3 (3, 4), 3 (2, 3), 2 (2, 3), 2 (1, 3), 1 (0, 2), respectively. Compared with preoperative NRS scores, NRS scores decreased in both groups at all postoperative time points (all P<0.05). Compared with group A, the NRS scores of group B at time points T₃, T₄, T₅, and T₆ decreased more significantly, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The dose of gabapentin in group A [M (Q₁, Q₃)] was 0.6 (0.6, 0.6), 0.3 (0.3, 0.6), 0.3 (0.0, 0.3) and 0.0 (0.0, 0.3) mg/d at time points T₀, T₄, T₅, and T₆, respectively, and 0.6 (0.6, 0.6), 0.3 (0.2, 0.3), 0.0 (0.0, 0.3) 0.0 (0.0, 0.0) mg/d in patients in group B, respectively. Compared with the preoperative period, the doses of gabapentin taken by patients in both groups reduced significantly at all postoperative time points (all P<0.05). Moreover, compared with group A, the gabapentin dose in group B decreased more significantly at time points T₄, T₅, and T₆, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The incidence of clinically significant PHN was 25.0% (17/68) and 7.1% (3/42) in groups A and B, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P=0.018). No serious adverse effects such as pneumothorax, spinal cord injury and hematoma were observed during the treatment period in both groups. Conclusion: Pulsed radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion combined with ozone injection is safer and more effective for the treatment of acute phase herpes zoster neuralgia in the neck and upper extremities, and it can reduce the incidence of clinically significant PHN, with high safety profile.

[Analysis of the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of the spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: A total of 102 PHN patients (42 males and 60 females) aged (69.7±9.4) years who underwent CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve in the Department of Pain Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University from January 2017 to April 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients were followed up, and numerical rating scale (NRS) score, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), satisfaction score and complications before surgery (T₀) and at 1 d (T₁), 3 months (T₂), 6 months (T₃), 9 months (T₄) and 12 months (T₅) after surgery were recorded. Results: The NRS score of PHN patients at T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅ [M(Q₁, Q₃)] was 6(6, 7), 2(2, 3), 3(2, 4), 3(2, 4), 2(1, 4), 2(1, 4), respectively. Likewise, the PSQI score [M(Q₁, Q₃)] at aforementioned time points was 14(13, 16), 4(3, 6), 6(4, 8), 5(4, 6), 4(2, 8), 4(2, 9), respectively. Compared with T₀, the NRS and PSQI scores at all time points from T₁ to T₅ were lower, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). The overall effective rate of surgery at 1 year postoperatively was 71.6% (73/102) with a satisfaction score of 8(5, 9), and the recurrence rate was 14.7% (15/102) with a recurrence time of (7.5±0.8) months. The main postoperative complication was numbness, with an incidence of 86.0% (88/102), and the degree of numbness gradually decreased with time. Conclusion: CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of posterior root of spinal nerve for PHN has a high effective rate and a low recurrence rate, with high safety profile, and may be a feasible surgical option for the treatment of PHN.

Diesel removal and recovery from heavily diesel-contaminated soil based on three-liquid-phase equilibria of diesel + 2-butyloxyethanol + water

Diesel contamination poses a serious threat to ecosystem and human health. This study proposes a novel method for simultaneous diesel removal and recovery from heavily diesel-contaminated soil by washing based on three-liquid-phase equilibria of diesel+2-butoxyethanol+water. This work covers both theoretical-cum-experimental explorations. For this brand-new ternary three-liquid-phase system (TPS), Ternary-Gibbs and Fish-Shaped phase diagrams were constructed through the phase behavior investigation to provide theoretical support for diesel removal/recovery. As the experiment demonstrated, the removal efficiency was up to 87.5 % for the contaminated soil with diesel content of 226,723 mg/kg, and the recovery rate reached 73.8 %. In addition, the TPS could also be used continuously during the washing process while avoiding solution purification, and the detached diesel would automatically float into the top phase without complicated separation. The mechanism of diesel removal was determined as the surface "stripping" effect based on ultralow interfacial tension, and the enhanced process involved "stripping+dissolution". The treated soil contained almost negligible organic solvent residue and was therefore appropriate for plant cultivation. The recovered diesel exhibited less variation from commercial diesel in composition and properties, possessing a higher potential for reuse. Moreover, this study also provided key insights into the residual mechanisms of recalcitrant hydrocarbons in the soil.

Bioprotection as a tool to produce natural wine: Impact on physicochemical and sensory analysis

With an increasing concern of the food security, more and more winemakers choose bioprotection as an alternative of SO2 in winemaking process as a practice of natural wine producing. In order to insight a way to produce reliable natural wine, three wines were produced in vintage 2021, in the Republic Moldova. This study provides two comparisons of physicochemical property and sensory analysis: (1) Comparison between commercial yeast and wild yeast, two wines followed a conventional fermentation technique, but different yeasts were used: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (wine A), wild yeast (wine); (2) Comparison between bioprotection and SO2 usage: Wine A and Wine C (which were inoculated two non-Saccharomyces: Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima before alcohol fermentation). As a result of this comparative study, it is found that the commercial yeast is more capable of converting sugar in the alcoholic fermentation, but after malolatic fermentation (MLF) the alcohol levels of each are almost same. From physicochemical poit of view, the bioprotectors obviously modified the volatile acidity, total polyphenol index (TPI), phenolic, anthoyanin and ethyl acetate. From sensory perspective, the smell intensity of bioprotection wine is higher and with more fruity aroma.

Identifying NFKB1, STAT3, and CDKN1A as Baicalein's Potential Hub Targets in Parkinson's Disease-related α-synuclein-mediated Pathways by Integrated Bioinformatics Strategies

BACKGROUND

The overexpression, accumulation, and cell-to-cell transmission of α-synuclein leads to the deterioration of Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies suggest that Baicalein (BAI) can bind to α-synuclein and inhibit α-synuclein aggregation and secretion. However, it is still unclear whether BAI can intervene with the pathogenic molecules in α-synuclein-mediated PD pathways beyond directly targeting α-synuclein per se.

METHODS

This study aimed to systematically investigate BAI's potential targets in PD-related A53T mutant α-synuclein-mediated pathways by integrating data mining, network pharmacological analysis, and molecular docking simulation techniques.

RESULTS

The results suggest that BAI may target genes that are dysregulated in synaptic transmission, vesicle trafficking, gene transcription, protein binding, extracellular matrix formation, and kinase activity in α-synucleinmediated pathways. NFKB1, STAT3, and CDKN1A are BAI's potential hub targets in these pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight BAI's potentiality to modulate α-synuclein-mediated pathways beyond directly targeting α-synuclein per se.

[Effects of mechanical tension on the formation of hypertrophic scars in rabbit ears and transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling pathway]

Objective: To explore the effects of mechanical tension on the formation of hypertrophic scars in rabbit ears and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway. Methods: The experimental research method was adopted. Six New Zealand white rabbits, male or female, aged 3-5 months were used and 5 full-thickness skin defect wounds were made on the ventral surface of each rabbit ear. The appearance of all rabbit ear wounds was observed on post surgery day (PSD) 0 (immediately), 7, 14, 21, and 28. On PSD 28, the scar formation rate was calculated. Three mature scars in the left ear of each rabbit were included in tension group and the arch was continuously expanded with a spiral expander. Three mature scars in the right ear of each rabbit were included in sham tension group and only the spiral expander was sutured without expansion. There were 18 scars in each group. After mechanical tension treatment (hereinafter referred to as treatment) for 40 days, the color and texture of scar tissue in the two groups were observed. On treatment day 40, the scar elevation index (SEI) was observed and calculated; the histology was observed after hematoxylin eosin staining, and the collagen morphology was observed after Masson staining; mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad3, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in scar tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; and the protein expressions of TGF-β1, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α-SMA, and phosphorylation level of Smad3 in scar tissue were detected by Western blotting. The number of samples of each group in the experiments was 3. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test. Results: On PSD 0, 5 fresh wounds were formed on all the rabbit ears; on PSD 7, the wounds were scabbed; on PSD 14, most of the wounds were epithelialized; on PSD 21, all the wounds were epithelialized; on PSD 28, obvious hypertrophic scars were formed. The scar formation rate was 75% (45/60) on PSD 28. On treatment day 40, the scar tissue of rabbit ears in tension group was more prominent than that in sham tension group, the scar tissue was harder and the color was more ruddy; the SEI of the scar tissue of rabbit ears in tension group (2.02±0.08) was significantly higher than 1.70±0.08 in sham tension group (t=5.07, P<0.01). On treatment day 40, compared with those in sham tension group, the stratum corneum of scar tissue became thicker, and a large number of new capillaries, inflammatory cells, and fibroblasts were observed in the dermis, and collagen was more disordered, with nodular or swirling distribution in the scar tissue of rabbit ears in tension group. On treatment day 40, the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad3, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α-SMA in the scar tissue of rabbit ears in tension group were respectively 1.81±0.25, 5.71±0.82, 7.86±0.56, 4.35±0.28, and 5.89±0.47, which were significantly higher than 1.00±0.08, 1.00±0.12, 1.00±0.13, 1.00±0.14, and 1.00±0.14 in sham tension group (with t values of 5.36, 9.82, 20.60, 18.26, and 17.13, respectively, all P<0.01); the protein expressions of TGF-β1, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α-SMA, and phosphorylation level of Smad3 in the scar tissue of rabbit ears in tension group were respectively 0.865±0.050, 0.895±0.042, 0.972±0.027, 1.012±0.057, and 0.968±0.087, which were significantly higher than 0.657±0.050, 0.271±0.029, 0.631±0.027, 0.418±0.023, and 0.511±0.035 in sham tension group (with t values of 5.08, 21.27, 15.55, 16.70, and 8.40, respectively, all P<0.01). Conclusions: Mechanical tension can inhibit the regression of hypertrophic scars in rabbit ears through stimulating the hyperplasia of scars, inhibiting the normal arrangement of dermal collagen fibers, and intensifying the deposition of collagen fibers, and the mechanism may be related to the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by mechanical tension.

[Regulatory mechanism and potential value of circular RNA in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. In recent years, the relationship between NAFLD and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) has attracted the attention of basic and clinical researchers. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a lipid metabolism-related non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that is highly conserved in eukaryotic cells and resembles but differs from linear ncRNAs at their 5'- and 3'-terminal ends. With tissue-specific and steady expression of endogenous ncRNA, miRNA binding sites are contained on closed and circular nucleoside chains, forming the circRNA-miR-mRNA axis or network with proteins, competing with endogenous RNA sponge-like mechanisms, playing a role in inhibiting or promoting the expression of related target genes, and participating in the progression of NAFLD. This paper reviews the circRNA regulatory mechanism, detection technology, and potential clinical value in NAFLD.

[Clinical follow-up analysis of multidisciplinary treatment of children with spinal muscular atrophy]

Objective: To analyze the follow-up and clinical effect of multidisciplinary treatment on the children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: The clinical data including nutritional status, respiratory function, bone health and motor function of 45 children with SMA who received multidisciplinary management 1-year follow-up in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from July 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively collected. Comparisons before and after management were performed using paired-samples t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test, etc. Results: The age of 45 patients (25 boys and 20 girls) was 50.4 (33.6, 84.0) months at the enrollment, with 6 cases of type 1, 22 cases of type 2, and 17 cases of type 3 respectively. After the multidisciplinary management, the cases of SMA patients with malnutrition decreased from 22 to 12 (P=0.030), the level of vitamin D were significantly increased ((45±17) vs. (48±14) nmol/L, t=-4.13, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the forced vital capacity %pred, the forced expiratory volume at 1 second %pred, and the peak expiratory flow %pred ((76±19)% and (76±21)%, (81±18)% and (79±18)%, (81±21)% and (78±17)%; t=-0.24, 1.36, 1.21; all P>0.05). The Cobbs angle of scoliosis also improved significantly (8.0°(0°, 13.0°) vs. 10.0°(0°, 18.5°), Z=-3.01, P=0.003). The Hammersmith functional motor scale expanded scores of children with SMA type 2 and type 3 both showed significant elevation (11.0 (8.0, 18.0) vs. 11.0 (5.0, 18.5) scores, 44.0 (36.5, 53.0) vs. 44.0 (34.0, 51.5) scores, Z=2.44, 3.11, P=0.015, 0.002). Conclusion: Multidisciplinary management is beneficial for delaying the progression of the multi-system impairments of SMA patients, such as malnutrition, restrictive ventilation dysfunction and scoliosis.

[Alteration of Wnt3a overexpression and its early monitoring value during hepatocellular carcinogenesis]

Objective: To investigate the dynamic expression pattern of carcinoembryonic Wnt3a and its early monitoring value using a hepatocellular carcinoma model. Methods: Forty-eight Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were fed with pellet feed containing 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF, 0.05%) to induce hepatocarcinogenesis, and control rats were fed a pellet diet. Liver tissue and blood samples were collected every two weeks. Liver tissues were pathologically examined using HE staining and grouped. The gene and Wnt3a mRNA expression were analyzed by genome-wide microarray. The expression and distribution of Wnt3a in liver tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Wnt3a concentration in liver tissue and serum was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical methods such as χ² test, Mann-Whitney test and analysis of variance were used to analyze the differences between groups. Results: According to the pathological examination results, the rat livers were divided into four groups: control, hepatocyte degeneration, precancerous lesions and hepatocellular carcinoma. Genome-wide expression profiling analysis and comparison with the control group revealed that 268 and 312 genes were up-regulated and 57 and 201 genes were down-regulated in the precancerous and cancerous group when signal logarithm ratio (SLR) was >8 log₂^cy5/cy3, and these significantly altered genes mainly involved in cell proliferation, signal transduction, tumor metastasis, and apoptosis. The expression of Wnt3a at mRNA level was significantly increased in all stages of cancer induction, including degeneration group (1.15±0.24, q=8.227), precancerous group (1.85±0.18, q=12.361) and cancerous group (2.59±0.55, q=18.082). Compared with the control group (0.25±0.11, F=121.103, P<0.001), the degeneration group, the precancerous group and the liver cancer group were up-regulated by 4.6, 7.4 and 10.4-folds, respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the control group, the positive rate of Wnt3a in the degeneration group was 66.7% (12/18, χ²=10.701, P=0.001), and both the precancerous and liver cancer groups were positive (9/9, χ²=17.115, P<0.001). Wnt3a expression was gradually increased in liver and blood samples during the process of carcinogenesis, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant (F=176.711, P<0.001). Wnt3a overexpression was secreted into blood stream via cancerous liver tissue, and there was a linear correlation between Wnt3a levels in blood and liver samples (r=0.732, P<0.001). Conclusions: Wnt3a overexpression is closely related with hepatocellular carcinogenesis, and thus may become a new monitoring marker.

LncRNA Tug1 Contributes Post-stroke NLRP3 Inflammasome-Dependent Pyroptosis via miR-145a-5p/Tlr4 Axis

Pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death illuminated by inflammasomes and active caspases, is implicated in post-stroke inflammation. Our previous study showed that lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (Tug1) sponging miR-145a-5p modulated microglial activation after oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). However, the role and mechanism of Tug1 on post-stroke pyroptosis is not fully clear. Photo-thrombosis stroke mice and OGD-treated BV-2 microglia were established respectively. Tug1 knockdown or overexpression was achieved by intraventricular infusion of AAV-shTug1 in vivo, or transfection of siTug1 and pcDNA3.1-Tug1 in vitro. Neurological function and infarction volume were evaluated. Meanwhile, pyroptosis-associated proteins (IL-1β, IL-18, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-caspase-1, and GSDMD-N), TLR4, and p-p65/p65 as well as Tug1 and miR-145a-5p were detected 24 h after photo-thrombosis or 4 h after OGD by qRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA. The correlation between Tug1/miR-145a-5p/Tlr4 axis and pyroptosis was explored by dual-luciferase reporter assay and functional gain-and-loss experiments. Photo-thrombosis or OGD caused neural injury and upregulated pyroptosis-associated proteins, Tug1, TLR4, and p-p65 as well as downregulated miR-145a-5p, which was prevented by Tug1 knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Tlr4 gene, putatively binding with miR-145a-5p by bioinformatics analysis, was found to be a direct target of miR-145a-5p with negative interactions. Furthermore, miR-145a-5p inhibitor abolished the inhibitive effects of siTug1 on TLR4 and p-p65 as well as pyroptosis-associated proteins, whereas miR-145a-5p mimics abrogated the enhanced effects of pcDNA3.1-Tug1 on that, suggesting an involvement of Tug1/miR-145a-5p/Tlr4 axis on pyroptosis. Tug1 contributes NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis through miR-145a-5p/Tlr4 axis post-stroke, providing a promising therapeutic strategy against inflammatory injury.

[Clinical follow-up analysis of nusinersen in the disease-modifying treatment of pediatric spinal muscular atrophy]

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of disease-modifying drug nusinersen on children with spinal muscular atrophy. Methods: The baseline and longitudinal clinical data of 15 children who were treated with nusinersen in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from October 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively collected. The general data (gender, age, genotype, and clinical classification, etc.), motor function, nutritional status, scoliosis and respiratory function were analyzed. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparing multi-system conditions before and after treatment. Results: The age of 15 cases (7 males, 8 females) was 6.8 (2.8, 8.3) years, with 2 cases of type 1, 6 cases of type 2, and 7 cases of type 3 respectively, and the course of disease was 55.0 (21.0, 69.0) months. After 9.0 (9.0, 24.0) months of treatment, the motor function scale evaluations of the Hammersmith neurological examination section 2 (13.0 (7.0, 23.0) vs. 18.0 (10.0, 25.0) scores, Z=-2.67, P=0.018) of 15 children, the Hammersmith functional motor scale expanded (38.0 (18.5, 45.5) vs. 42.0 (23.0, 51.0) scores, Z=-2.38, P=0.018), and the revised upper limb module (27.0 (19.5, 32.0) vs. 33.0 (22.5, 35.5) scores, Z=-2.52, P=0.012) of children with type 2 and 3 had significantly improved. Thirteen patients achieved clinically significant motor function improvement, and 2 of them had kept stable scale scores. Subjective reports also indicated that the muscle strength and daily exercise ability of these children improved after treatment, and no serious adverse reactions were reported. Supplemented by the multi-disciplinary team management, the levels of some indicators such as Cobbs angle of scoliosis and forced vital capacity all had significantly improved (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Nusinersen can improve the motor function of patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy, which is also proved safe to be used in children. The drug treatment supplemented by the multi-disciplinary team management is helpful to improve the multi-system function of the children with spinal muscular atrophy.

Efficacy and safety of iodine-125 particle implantation for treatment of bone metastatic tumor pain: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with advanced tumors often suffer from spinal metastatic tumor pain. The current drugs are less effective and have side effects. The objective was to explore the efficacy of iodine-125 particle implantation in the treatment of bone metastatic tumor pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective study, a total of 27 patients with bone metastatic tumors who could not receive surgery or radiotherapy and chemotherapy were analyzed. All patients received conventional treatment, with the visual analog scale (VAS) of >3 points, and the daily onset pain of >3 times. All patients received CT-guided iodine-125 particle implantation to treat local painful lesions. VAS scores were recorded before treatment (T0) and 1 day (T1), 7 days (T2), 30 days (T3), 90 days (T4), and 180 days (T5) after treatment. Kaplan-Meier analytical method was used to calculate the local control rate (LCR) and survival rate (SR).

RESULTS

All patients successfully completed the CT-guided iodine-125 particle implantation. There was no significant difference in VAS scores before and 1 day after surgery. However, compared with pre-operation, the VAS scores decreased at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery. The postoperative follow-up was 6-38 months, with a median of 16 months; the LCR at 1, 2, and 3 years after the follow-up were 87%, 51%, and 21%, respectively, and the SR was 84%, 43%, and 16%, respectively. Moreover, no serious adverse reactions were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Iodine-125 particle implantation was effective in the treatment of bone metastatic tumor pain without serious complications, and hence, can be used clinically.

Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) through infant feeding and early care practices: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Perinatal practices such as breast-feeding, kangaroo mother care, rooming-in, and delayed cord clamping have varied by institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this systematic review was to examine the success of different practices in preventing viral transmission between SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers and their infants.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed in the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies involving pregnant or breastfeeding patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR were included. Infants tested within 48 hours of birth who had two tests before hospital discharge were included. Infants older than one week with a single test were also included.

RESULTS

Twenty eight studies were included. In the aggregated data, among 190 breastfeeding infants, 22 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (11.5%), while 4 of 152 (2.63%) among bottle-fed (Fisher's exact test p = 0.0006). The positivity rates for roomed in infants (20/103, 19.4%) were significantly higher than those isolated (5/300, 1.67%) (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in positivity rate among infants who received kangaroo care (25%vs 9%, p = 0.2170), or delayed cord clamping (3.62%vs 0.9%, p = 0.1116).

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of robust studies involving large patient population does not allow meaningful conclusions from this systematic review. Aggregated data showed increased positivity rates of SARS-CoV-2 among infants who were breast fed and roomed-in. There were no differences in SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates in infants received skin to skin care or delayed cord clamping.

The Effect of pesticide usage on grape yeast

For the conventional vineyard, reducing the pesticide usage is the most important issue for converting to organic vineyard. In order to study the effect of pesticide usage on grape yeast, an investigation were designed in vintage 2020, ten vineyards (include two organic vineyards) with different treatment frequency index (TFI) were chosen, and the yeast population counted by two method: cultivate method and the direct epifluorescence technique (DEFT). The results show, the grape yeast from Moldova exist the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. In organic vineyards, less proportion yeast reach the VBNC, however the opposite conclusion draw from conventional vineyards. High TFI with high level VBNC yeast population, inversely, less culturable yeast. No matter in which yeast state, the treatment of powdery mildew is the most influential factor on yeast population.

[Abnormal expression of CD44 aggravates liver disease progression in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease accompanied with hepatitis B virus replication]

Objective: To analyze the expression of CD44 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) accompanied with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its clinical significance. Methods: Blood sample of hospitalized patients with NAFLD, chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and healthy population (control) was collected. The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. Serum CD44 level and clinopathological characteristics were analyzed quantitatively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent-assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportion of CD44(+)T lymphocytes in patients with NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B. NAFLD model was prepared with high-fat diet to verify the abnormal expression of CD44. Results: Compared with the healthy control group, the expression of serum CD44 in the cirrhosis group, chronic hepatitis B group and NAFLD group was increased, and the difference between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). NAFLD patients graded as mild or severe group were equally accompanied by hepatocyte injury, abnormal blood glucose, lipid or CD44. In NAFLD patients accompanied with HBV infection, serum CD44 concentrations were significantly higher in HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA positive group than HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA negative group (P < 0.01). The proportion of CD44(+)T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B group were 78.2% ± 16.3% and 68.5% ± 20.9%, respectively, and both groups (NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B) were significantly higher than the healthy control group (46.5% ± 20.5%) (P < 0.05). The high-fat diet model confirmed that in rat liver tissues the CD44 was overexpressed with fat deposition accompanied with liver cell damage, especially remarkable in liver tissues containing carcinogens. Conclusion: The abnormal expression of CD44 in patients with NAFLD may be related to the malignant transformation of HBV-related liver disease.

[Value of abnormal expression of Krüppel-like zinc-finger protein transcription factor 5 in the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer]

Objective: To explore the value of Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), a family member of the zinc finger protein transcription factor, in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Cancerous and non-cancerous tissues were collected from 126 cases after HCC surgery by self-matching method with microarray fabrication. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of KLF5, clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value. The sera of 222 cases with chronic liver disease were collected and their KLF5 levels were quantitatively determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Simultaneously, 40 normal human sera were used as controls to evaluate the value of abnormal KLF5 in the diagnosis and differentiation of benign and malignant liver diseases. T-test, Z-test and χ (2) test were performed on the data. Results: The positive expression rate of KLF5 in the HCC group was 95.2% (120/126), which was significantly higher than the non-cancerous group 38.9% (49/126; χ (2) = 14.385, P < 0.001). KLF5 expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage (stage I 35%, stage II 40%, stage III 74.4%, stage IV 78.1%), tumor size, alpha fetoprotein (AFP) concentration, portal vein embolism, HBV infection and 5-year survival rate. Univariate/multivariate analysis showed that KLF5 high expression was an independent predictor of HCC prognosis. The serum KLF5 level was significantly higher in HCC patients than liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and normal control group (P < 0.001). With the serum KLF5 > 800 ng/ml and AFP > 25 μg/L as limit, the positive rates for HCC diagnosis were 90.48% and 73.81%, respectively, which were lower than the AFP specificity and false positive rate, and was helpful for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver diseases. Conclusion: The overexpression of KLF5 in liver cancer tissues and blood is closely related to the HCC clinical stage and prognosis. Moreover, KLF5 analysis is helpful for HCC diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

P–212 Mitochondrial DNA content shows a significant association with timing of human embryo development and fertility diagnosis in euploid embryos

Study question

Does mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNA) correlate with clinical parameters and embryo morphokinetics using advanced time-lapse technology?

Summary answer

mtDNA correlated with embryo morphokinetics and the growth trajectory of euploid embryos. Maternal age, anti-mullerian hormone level and fertility diagnosis were significantly associated with mtDNA.

What is known already

With the push towards single embryo transfers, laboratories are working to improve embryo selection. In addition to conventional microscopy, preimplantation genetic testing and time-lapse microscopy have been utilized to aid in embryo selection. More recently, as mtDNA may represent the energy potential of an embryo, some data have supported the use of mtDNA as an additional tool. Limited studies have suggested that a lower amount of mtDNA is associated with higher rates of implantation and improved embryo quality.

Study design, size, duration

This is a retrospective chart review. All embryos that underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) between January to December of 2020 were studied.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection undergoing PGT-A were studied. All patients were from a single academic institution. This study exclusively examined the characteristics of euploid embryos. Mitochondrial DNA content was expressed as a ratio of mtDNA:nDNA (MitoScore). Time-lapse imaging was utilized to evaluate embryo development every 15 minutes in 5–7 focal planes. Chi square test and Spearman correlation analysis were performed with a p-value of &lt; 0.05 considered significant.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 494 embryos from 52 women who underwent 58 IVF cycles were cultured to blastocyst and 331 embryos were biopsied for PGT-A evaluation. Of these, 132 embryos were diagnosed as euploid. A moderate positive correlation was found between MitoScore and time to morula, time to blast and time to expanded blast (correlation value 0.54, 0.50 and 0.54, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). Consistent with this trend, day 5 blastocysts had a significantly lower MitoScore values than day 6 blastocysts (20.2 v. 29.2; p &lt; 0.001). When examining all biopsied euploid embryos, no significant association was found between MitoScore, blastocyst maturity, trophectoderm or inner cell mass scores.

Our data also demonstrated a positive correlation between MitoScore and maternal age (correlation factor 0.33; p &lt; 0.001). A negative association between MitoScore and serum anti-mullerian hormone levels (correlation factor –0.20; p &lt; 0.021) was also noted. Of particular interest was the significant association between fertility diagnosis and mitochondrial score (p &lt; 0.001).

Even amongst euploid embryos, mtDNA content varied widely, potentially reflecting differences in embryo potential and quality. Additionally, the significant difference in MitoScore between that day 5 and day 6 blastocysts may reflect a fundamental difference in cytoplasmic characteristics and requires further study.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Due to the study cohort of euploid embryos undergoing PGT-A, this study was biased for the selection of high grade embryos. This limited diversity in embryo quality may have masked other potential associations between mitochondrial content and blastocyst quality.

Wider implications of the findings: mtDNA may be additional tool aiding in embryo selection as IVF labs work to improve pregnancy rates while minimizing the risks of transferring multiple embryos. To our knowledge, this is the largest study assessing the relationship of mtDNA content of blastocysts and the timing of embryo development using time-lapse imaging.

Trial registration number

None

P–017 The maintenance of testicular architecture and germ cell in adult testis tissue under organ culture condition based on the gas-liquid interface method

Study question

Can the gas-liquid interface organ culture system that achieved in vitro spermatogenesis in mice also support in vitro spermatogenesis in human adult testis?

Summary answer

Although the progression of spermatogenesis was not observed, germ cells were maintained without the degeneration of the architecture in both fresh and cryopreserved testicular tissues.

What is known already

Although the research on in vitro spermatogenesis have been conducted for 100 years, only the organ culture system using gas-liquid interface method achieved in vitro spermatogenesis in mice. It has not been verified whether this culture system can be applied to other mammals including humans and induce spermatogenesis.

Study design, size, duration

Testicular tissue was obtained from the transgender patients receiving sex reassignment surgery. Testicular specimens were either immediately processed for cultivation or cryopreserved, using a vitrification freezing protocol. Organ culture of testicular fragments was performed in three different media for a maximum period of 3 weeks to evaluate the short-term changes in the cultured tissues (viability, proliferation and maintenance of germ and somatic cells).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Fresh and cryopreserved-thawed testis fragments (1–2 mm3) were cultured using the organ culture system in alpha-MEM with knock-out serum replacement (K group), alpha-MEM with lipid-rich BSA (A group) and DMEM with FBS (D group). Luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone were supplemented. The number of germ cells (using DDX4), proliferative activity of germ cells (using EdU assay) and intratubular cell apoptosis (by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling) were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining weekly.

Main results and the role of chance

The architecture of the seminiferous tubules was maintained until the second week of culture in both the fresh and the cryopreserved culture group. The number of DDX4-positive germ cells per seminiferous tubule in groups D, K, and A was 49 ± 24, 55 ± 21, 50 ± 26 cells/tubule in 1 day, 32 ± 13, 42 ± 7, 36 ± 21 cells/tubule in 1week, respectively. The numbers gradually decreased to 26 ± 8, 24 ± 6 and 27 ± 18 cells/tubule, in 2 weeks, respectively, with no difference among the groups. The number of intratubular EdU-positive cells of groups D, K, and A was 0.2 ± 0.2, 2.8 ± 2.1, 1.1 ± 0.8 cells/tubule at 1 day, 0.1 ± 0.2, 0.5 ± 0.6, 0.3 ± 0.6 cells/tubule at 1 week, respectively. The values were 0.01, 0.05, and 0.03 at 2 weeks. Thus, EdU-positive cells drastically decreased from the first week of culture. The number of DDX4-positive germ cells and the intratubular EdU-positive cells in the cryopreserved culture group was not different from that in the fresh culture group.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Current organ culture systems are incomplete, being unable to induce human in vitro spermatogenesis. Further research is needed to improve culture condition with the aim of producing fertile sperm of infertile adult male patients.

Wider implications of the findings: Our organ culture system could maintain testis structure and germ cells. By using the testis tissues of the transgender patients, which are available with their consent, we will promote the investigation of the culture condition necessary for germ cell proliferation and differentiation.

Trial registration number

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas 18H05546, Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A) 17H05098 and Takeda Science Foundation

[Expression of tuftelin protein and its clinical value in HBV-related liver cancer tissues]

Objective: To analyze the expression of tuftelin protein (TUFT1) and its clinical value in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-related liver cancer tissues. Methods: The biological information data of TUFT1 mRNA expression in liver cancer and non-cancer tissues were analyzed from the TCGA and Oncomine database. After the approval of the ethics committee, the self-pairing method was used to collect the postoperative cancer and para-carcinoma tissues of 132 HCC cases hospitalized between January 2009 and December 2014. Tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to analyze the expression of TUFT1 in liver tissues. According to IHC staining, liver cancer was divided into high TUFT1 and low/no expression group. Combined with clinical data, the clinicopathological characteristics were statistically analyzed between and within the groups. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed by correlation analysis. Results: IHC staining showed that TUFT1 in cancer tissue was localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane, and its positive expression rate was significantly higher in the liver cancer group (87.1%) than the para-carcinoma group (64.4%) (χ (2) = 18.563, P < 0.001). TUFT1 expression intensity in patients with liver cancer was significantly correlated with HBeAg positive (χ (2) = 4.080, P = 0.043), tumor size (χ (2) = 9.388, P = 0.002), vascular invasion (χ (2) = 14.885, P < 0.001), TNM stage (χ (2) = 13.516, P < 0.001) and ascites (χ (2) = 5.940, P = 0.015). TUFT1 high expression was negatively correlated with OS and DFS (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The overexpression of TUFT1 is closely related to HBV replication, vascular invasion and poor prognosis, and it is expected to become a useful marker for liver cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Prediction of potential therapeutic drugs against SARS-CoV-2 by using Connectivity Map based on transcriptome data

OBJECTIVE

Transcriptome data related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (a novel coronavirus discovered in 2019, SARS-CoV-2) in GEO database were downloaded. Based on the data, influence of SARS-CoV-2 on human cells was analyzed and potential therapeutic compounds against the SARS-CoV-2 were screened.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

R package "DESeq2" was used for differential gene analysis on the data of cells infected or non-infected with SARS-CoV-2. The "ClusterProfiler" package was used for GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed through STRING website, and the key subset in the PPI network was identified after visualization by Cytoscape software. Connectivity Map (CMap) database was used to screen known compounds that caused genomic change reverse to that caused by SARS-CoV-2.

RESULTS

By intersecting DEGs in two datasets, a total of 145 DEGs were screened out, among which 136 genes were upregulated and 9 genes were downregulated in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these genes were mainly associated with the pathways involved in viral infection, inflammatory response, and immunity. The CMap research found that there were three compounds with a median_tau_score less than -90, namely triptolide, tivozanib and daunorubicin.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 can cause abnormal changes in a large number of molecules and related signaling pathways in human cells, among which IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways may play a key role in pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2. Here, three compounds that may be effective for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 were screened, which would provide new options for improving treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

[Phosphonate inhibits steatosis and lobular inflammation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis through depleting macrophages]

Objective: To explore the role of macrophages in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in order to provide directions for the therapeutic target of metabolic liver disease. Methods: Twenty C57BL/6 wild-type male mice at 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: 5 in the control group, methionine-and choline-deficient diet (MCD); 15 in the experimental group, MCD diet + intraperitoneal injection of disodium chlorophosphonate liposomes (to clear macrophages). Mice were fed for 4 weeks to establish NASH model. Blood, liver and spleen were collected to analyze the body mass index, liver index, spleen index, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Non-alcoholic steatosis (NAS) activity score was evaluated by HE and Oil Red O staining. The relative expression level of F4/80 mRNA was compared by RT-PCR. Data comparison between groups was analyzed by t-test. Results: NASH model was successfully established by feeding the mice with MCD for four week. The expression of F4/80 mRNA (t = 4.167, P < 0.01), hepatic steatosis (t = 10.70, P < 0.05), interlobular inflammatory infiltration (t = 3.08, P < 0.05), and NAS score were decreased (t = 8.06, P < 0.05) in the experimental group. At the same time, ALT level [(817.00 ± 128.90) U/L vs. (231.20 ± 36.28) U/L, t = 5.71, P < 0.01], AST level [(1 211.00 ± 248.90) U/L vs. (505.30 ± 88.20) U/L, t = 3.32, P < 0.01] was decreased significantly. However, the spleen volume and spleen index of the experimental group were larger (0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.32 ± 0.02, t = 2.41, P < 0.05), and there was no significant effect on liver ballooning, body mass index and liver index. Conclusion: In NASH, phosphonate can consume macrophages to inhibit liver inflammation and protect the damaged liver.

Aerosol Transmission of Coronavirus and Influenza Virus of Animal Origin

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused great harm to global public health, resulting in a large number of infections among the population. However, the epidemiology of coronavirus has not been fully understood, especially the mechanism of aerosol transmission. Many respiratory viruses can spread via contact and droplet transmission, but increasing epidemiological data have shown that viral aerosol is an essential transmission route of coronavirus and influenza virus due to its ability to spread rapidly and high infectiousness. Aerosols have the characteristics of small particle size, long-time suspension and long-distance transmission, and easy access to the deep respiratory tract, leading to a high infection risk and posing a great threat to public health. In this review, the characteristics of viral aerosol generation, transmission, and infection as well as the current advances in the aerosol transmission of zoonotic coronavirus and influenza virus are summarized. The aim of the review is to strengthen the understanding of viral aerosol transmission and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of these diseases.

The gene regulatory network in different brain regions of neuropathic pain mouse models

OBJECTIVE

Neuropathic pain is directly developed from lesions or somatosensory nervous system diseases that are associated with emotion regulation. In general population, the incidence of neuropathic pain ranges from 7% to 10%, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Neuropathic pain is often associated with structural and functional abnormalities in multiple brain regions, and its regulation has been shown to correspond with the forebrain, including nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate the molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain across different brain regions, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the spared nerve injury model (SNI) mice suffering neuropathic pain and the control Sham mice in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions, and mapped these genes onto a comprehensively functional association network. Thereafter, novel neuropathic pain genes in these three regions were identified using With Random Walk with Restart (RWR) analysis, such as Asic3, Cd200r1 and MT2, besides well-known Capn11 and CYP2E1.

RESULTS

Interactions or cross talks among DEGs in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions were discovered.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide novel insights into neuropathic pain and help to explore therapeutic targets in the treatment.

Nuclear export protein CSE1L interacts with P65 and promotes NSCLC growth via NF-κB/MAPK pathway

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is characterized with high morbidity and mortality, mainly due to frequent recurrence and metastasis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of NSCLC tumorigenesis are largely unclear. Through data mining in the ONCOMINE and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, the expression of CSE1L (chromosome segregation like 1 protein/CAS), an exportin, was identified to be significantly upregulated in NSCLC and positively associated with poor prognosis of patients. By use of in vitro and in vivo gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we found that CSE1L can promote NSCLC cell proliferation while inhibiting cell apoptosis. Through immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry experiments, we demonstrated that CSE1L interacted with RELA (named as P65) and affected its location in the nucleus. Moreover, we found that one of the mechanisms by which CSE1L promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis is through activating the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In summary, our findings indicated an oncogenic role of CSE1L in NSCLC tumorigenesis.

High Prevalence of Post-stroke Anxiety in Elderly Patients Following COVID-19 Outbreak

Objective: Post-stroke anxiety (PSA) is a common affective disorder in patients with ischemic stroke. The elderly are more susceptible to mental health issues, however, few studies have so far focused on PSA in elderly patients, especially in the context of the COVID-19, causing psychological issues in the general population. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of PSA in elderly patients following COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 206 elderly inpatients with newly diagnosed acute ischemic stroke in the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, from January 2020 to December 2020. Patients were categorized into the PSA group and the non-PSA group based on Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores at admission (within 1 week after stroke onset). Demographic and clinical data, mental state by Mini-Mental State Examination, depression by Hamilton Depression Scales (HAMD), and stroke severity and outcome by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale were compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyze risk factors associated with PSA. We determined the cutoff scores for significant predictors of PSA using the area under the curve (AUC) and receiver operating characteristic. Results: Of the 206 stroke patients, 62 (30.1%) developed anxiety. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that female gender [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.288, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.021-5.128, P = 0.044], high NIHSS scores [aOR: 1.264, 95% CI: 1.074-1.486, P = 0.005] and HAMD scores [aOR: 1.345, 95% CI: 1.215-1.490, P < 0.001] were independent risk factors for PSA. The cutoff threshold for the NIHSS scores was 3.5 points with an AUC of 0.64 and the cutoff threshold for HAMD scores was 5.5 points with an AUC of 0.89. Conclusion: Our results showed a high incidence of PSA in elderly patients after the COVID-19 outbreak. Female gender, high NIHSS and HAMD scores were the independent risk factors for PSA.

The yeast on the grape berry surface influenced by climatic factors

Republic Moldova is a country with long history of winemaking. Understanding the microorganism on the grape surface is very important to the winemaking process, and it's also a national strategy of development of the wine industry. In this study, twenty seven samples from three regions and three vintages in Republic of Moldova were studied. The conventional microbiological methods combine with molecular methods (PCR-DGGE) have been used for study the quantity and the quality of microbes. The result show that the yeast population on the berries are variable in different vintages, and in the climatic factors, the Cool nigt index (CI) affect the yeast most. From the identification result, A.Pullulans and R.glutins are two culture which are easy to be found on the Moldova grapes. The autochthonous S.cerevisiae also been identified, but it shows a different results from different vintages.

Comparison of Novel Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients With Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis on Efficacy and Safety: A Systematic Review

Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are guideline-suggested subacute anticoagulants for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), although there is potential hemorrhage risk in clinical use. In the last decade, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been applied as an alternative to VKAs in some kinds of thromboembolic diseases. Whether NOACs could replace VKAs in CVST treatment remains unclear. We conducted a comparison between the two types of medicines on efficacy and safety for the treatment of CVST based on the present clinical evidence from a literature search. Six studies [four retrospective studies, one prospective study, and 1 randomized clinical trial (RCT)] including 398 patients were included. Data suggested no significant difference between NOACs and VKAs in terms of recurrence of venous thrombotic events (VTEs) or death [risk ratio (RR) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-1.98], partial recanalization (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-1.14), and overall hemorrhage events (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.47-1.58). In conclusion, the application of NOACs for CVST is similar to that of VKAs in terms of efficacy and safety.

Primary pure angiosarcoma of the testis: a vanishingly rare malignancy. Case report and literature review

Background

Primary pure angiosarcoma of the testis is an exceptionally rare testicular malignancy, which is poorly understood. We present the fifth and youngest case in the current medical literature. Additionally, all cases of angiosarcoma of the testicle, both occurring with associated germ cell tumour and without, were compared in an extended tabular format.

Case presentation

A 56-year old man presented with unilateral scrotal pain, swelling and erythema. Ultrasonography revealed two testicular lesions with a high suspicion of malignancy but serum tumour markers were negative. A radical orchidectomy was performed with clear surgical margins. Diagnosis of primary pure angiosarcoma of the testis was confirmed on subsequent histopathology.

Conclusions

Primary pure angiosarcoma is a rare testicular neoplasm. We present the fifth case in the literature. Clinical and radiological features are non-specific. The diagnosis is purely histological, with the pathologist choosing immunohistochemistry based on abnormal morphology. Local invasiveness is variable but metastatic sites are typical for extra-gonadal angiosarcomas. Primary pure testicular angiosarcoma diagnosis confers a relatively better prognosis compared to angiosarcoma arising in the context of a testicular germ cell tumour. While extra-gonadal angiosarcomas are associated with high rates of local recurrence following resection, in all cases of testicular angiosarcoma there were no local recurrences following radical orchidectomy. Surgical resection remains the most effective treatment for both subtypes of testicular angiosarcoma.