Structurally Diverse Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids with Antiadipogenic Activity through PPARγ Downregulation from the Embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Seeds

Six undescribed and six known bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids were isolated from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera seeds. Their structures were fully characterized by a combination of 1H, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS analyses, as well as ECD computational calculations. The antiadipogenic activity of 11 alkaloids was observed in a dose-responsive manner, leading to the suppression of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Luciferase assay and Western blot analysis showed that the active alkaloids downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ, a key antiadipogenic receptor) expression in 3T3-L1 cells. Analysis of the structure-activity relationship unveiled that a 1R,1'S configuration in bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids led to a notable enhancement in antiadipogenic activity. The resistance level against lipid accumulation highlighted a consistent pattern with the suppressive effect on the PPARγ expression. These activity results indicate that alkaloids from the embryo of N. nucifera seeds have a potential of antiobesity effects through PPARγ downregulation.

[Correlation between insulin resistance and coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the impact of diabetes on collateral circulation (CC) development in patients with chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) and the underlying regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

This study was conducted among 87 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), who had CTO in at least one vessel as confirmed by coronary angiography. Among them 42 patients were found to have a low CC level (Cohen-Rentrop grades 0-1) and 45 had a high CC level (grades 2-3). In the 39 patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus and 48 non-diabetic patients, insulin resistance (IR) levels were compared between the subgroups with different CC levels. The steady-state mode evaluation method was employed for calculating the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) using a mathematical model. During the interventional procedures, collateral and peripheral blood samples were collected from 22 patients for comparison of the metabolites using non-targeted metabolomics analysis.

RESULTS

NT-proBNP levels and LVEF differed significantly between the patients with different CC levels (P<0.05). In non-diabetic patients, HOMA-IR was higher in low CC level group than in high CC level groups. Compared with the non-diabetic patients, the diabetic patients showed 63 upregulated and 48 downregulated metabolites in the collateral blood and 23 upregulated and 14 downregulated metabolites in the peripheral blood. The differential metabolites in the collateral blood were involved in aromatic compound degradation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and steroid degradation pathways; those in the peripheral blood were related with pentose phosphate metabolism, bacterial chemotaxis, hexanoyl-CoA degradation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and lysine degradation pathways.

CONCLUSION

The non-diabetic patients with a low level of CC had significant insulin resistance. The degradation pathways of aromatic compounds, fatty acid biosynthesis, and steroid degradation are closely correlated with the development of CC.

Enhancing lathyrane structural diversity and MDR activity by combinatorial modification of lathyrane nucleus and ester side chain: A case study of Euphorbia Factor L1 and Euphorbia Factor L3

The chemical transformation of lathyrane nucleus through reduction and oxidation reactions using Euphorbia Factor L1 (EFL1) and Euphorbia Factor L1 (EFL3) as examples were investigated, along with a co-modification strategy of lathyrane nucleus and its side ester chain. A total of 38 lathyrane derivatives (5-42) including 34 new compounds were obtained, which greatly enriched the structural diversity of the lathyrane-type diterpenoids. Cytotoxicity against drug-sensitive and drug (adriamycin, ADM) resistant MCF-7 cells showed that 23 out of 38 transformed derivatives possessed obvious cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging from 7.0 to 41.1 μM and 3.2 to 45.5 μM, respectively, against both cells, compared to the noncytotoxic EFL1 and EFL3. The multidrug resistance (MDR) reversing activities of these lathyrane derivatives were further evaluated in MCF-7/ADM. Three transformed compounds (reversal fold, RF = 151.33, 62.94 and 47.3 for 27, 37 and 42) showed markedly higher activity than EFL1 (RF = 32.92) and EFL3 (RF = 39.68). Structure-activity relationship study revealed an essential role of C-6/17 and C-12/13 double bonds on lathyrane nucleus for exerting MDR reversal activity. Western blotting analysis showed that 42 could reduce the expression level of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in MCF-7/ADM cells; however, the most active compound 27 with an unnatural 5/7/7/4 fused-ring diterpenoid skeleton, had no inhibitory effect on P-gp expression.

Screening and identification of neuraminidase inhibitors from Baphicacanthus cusia by a combination of affinity ultrafiltration, HPLC-MS/MS, molecular docking, and fluorescent techniques

Natural products provide a new opportunity for the discovery of neuraminidase (NA)inhibitors. In this study, an affinity ultrafiltration (AUF) coupled with HPLC-MS/MS method was firstly developed and optimized for screening of NA inhibitors from natural products. The critical factors influencing the interaction of enzyme-ligand (including sample concentration, enzyme concentration, incubation time and temperature, pH of the buffer, and dissociation solvents and time) were investigated and optimized by a one-factor-at-a-time design. The method was then applied to discover NA inhibitory compounds in stems and leaves of Baphicacanthus cusia. As a result, five active alkaloids were screened out and identifiedas 2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinedione (1), 4(3H)-quinazolinone (2), 2(3H)-benzoxazolone (3), tryptanthrin (4), and indirubin (5) through analysis of their DAD profiles, MS/MS fragments, and comparison with reference substances. These active compounds were further evaluated for their NA inhibitory activity using a fluorescence-based NA inhibition assay. The result from the fluorescent assay revealed that all the five compounds(1-5) showed pronounced NA inhibitory activities with IC50values of 98.98, 64.69, 40.16, 69.44, and 144.73 μM, respectively. Finally, molecular docking of these five alkaloids with NA showed that hydrogen bond and π-cation interactions dominated within the binding sites with binding energies ranging between -5.7 to -7.9 kcal/mol, which was supported by the results of the AUF and the fluorescence-based enzyme assay. The developed AUF method is simple and efficient for screening potential NA inhibitors from stems and leaves of B. cusia.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging to assess the hazards of left ventricular function and ventricular wall motion disorders in children with pre-excitation syndrome and the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation treatment

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed at analyzing the echocardiographic multi-indicator evaluation of the risk of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) on the left ventricular function and ventricular wall motion disorders, as well as the effect of radiofrequency ablation treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 55 WPW patients treated with radiofrequency (RF) ablation at the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and included in the observation group, while other 50 healthy children were included in the control group during the same time. We analyzed the echocardiographic indices of the patients, assessed the effects of the disease on left ventricular myocardial function and ventricular wall motion disorders, and evaluated the effects of radiofrequency ablation treatment on the myocardium of the left ventricle. The echocardiographic parameters were analyzed to assess the effect of the disease on left ventricular myocardial function and ventricular wall dyskinesia.

RESULTS

Of the 55 patients with pre-excited syndrome, 20 had type A bypass and 35 had type B bypass. Ten patients had pre-excited dilated cardiomyopathy with significant enlargement of the left ventricular cavity, reduced left ventricular systolic function, and a significant impairment of ventricular wall motion; the other 5 patients had basal segmental septal motion incoordination. Compared to the control group, patients with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (42.9±5.0 mm vs. 39.2±3.0 mm), peak strain dispersion (PSD) (38.8±15.3 ms vs. 21.7±2.2 ms), maximum peak time difference (MPTD) (200.2±92.8 ms vs. 89.5±9.8 ms) and interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD) (36.2±13.7 ms vs. 21.2±2.1 ms) before RF ablation were increased. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (57.1±9.1% vs. 65.9±2.6%), E/A (1.1±0.2 vs. 1.8±0.2) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-18.7±2.2% vs. -22.4±0.5%) decreased, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). All 55 patients had a successful procedure, and all postoperative echocardiographic parameters were found to be improved, compared to the preoperative period. The results of the postoperative review after 3 months showed differences in E/A, PSD, MPTD, and IVMD compared to the healthy group, suggesting that left ventricular diastolic function and synchrony had not fully returned to normal.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiography can better evaluate myocardial motion and function in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and monitor the effect and progress of disease treatment, and has high clinical application value.

Influence of the concentrate inclusion level in a grass silage-based diet on hepatic transcriptomic profiles in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in early lactation

Excessive negative energy balance in early lactation is linked to an increased disease risk but may be mitigated by appropriate nutrition. The liver plays central roles in both metabolism and immunity. Hepatic transcriptomic profiles were compared between 3 dietary groups in each of 40 multiparous and 18 primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows offered isonitrogenous grass silage-based diets with different proportions of concentrates: (1) low concentrate (LC, 30% concentrate + 70% grass silage); (2) medium concentrate (MC, 50% concentrate + 50% grass silage), or (3) high concentrate (HC, 70% concentrate + 30% grass silage). Liver biopsies were taken from all cows at around 14 d in milk for RNA sequencing, and blood metabolites were measured. The sequencing data were analyzed separately for primiparous and multiparous cows using CLC Genomics Workbench V21 (Qiagen Digital Insights), focusing on comparisons between HC and LC groups. More differentially expressed genes (DEG) were seen between the primiparous cows receiving HC versus LC diets than for multiparous cows (597 vs. 497), with only 73 in common, indicating differential dietary responses. Multiparous cows receiving the HC diet had significantly higher circulating glucose and insulin-like growth factor-1 and lower urea than those receiving the LC diet. In response to HC, only the multiparous cows produced more milk. In these animals, bioinformatic analysis indicated expression changes in genes regulating fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis (e.g., ACACA, ELOVL6, FADS2), increased cholesterol biosynthesis (e.g., CYP7A1, FDPS, HMGCR), downregulation in hepatic AA synthesis (e.g., GPT, GCLC, PSPH, SHMT2), and decreased expression of acute phase proteins (e.g., HP, LBP, SAA2). The primiparous cows on the HC diet also downregulated genes controlling AA metabolism and synthesis (e.g., CTH, GCLC, GOT1, ODC1, SHMT2) but showed higher expression of genes indicative of inflammation (e.g., CCDC80, IL1B, S100A8) and fibrosis (e.g., LOX, LUM, PLOD2). This potentially adverse response to a HC diet in physically immature animals warrants further investigation.

[Aloin inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration by suppressing the STAT3/HMGB1 signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of aloin on the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells.

METHODS

Human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells treated with 100, 200 and 300 μg/mL aloin were examined for changes in cell viability, proliferation and migration abilities using CCK-8, EdU and Transwell assays. HMGB1 mRNA level in the cells was detected with RT-qPCR, and the protein expressions of HMGB1, cyclin B1, cyclin E1, E-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-STAT3 were determined using Western blotting. JASPAR database was used to predict the binding of STAT3 to HMGB1 promoter. In a BALB/c-Nu mouse model bearing subcutaneous MGC-803 cell xenograft, the effect of intraperitoneal injection of aloin (50 mg/kg) on tumor growth was observed. The protein expressions of HMGB1, cyclin B1, cyclin E1, E-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-STAT3 in the tumor tissue was examined using Western blotting, and tumor metastasis in the liver and lung tissues was detected using HE staining.

RESULTS

Treatment with aloin concentration-dependently inhibited the viability of MGC-803 cells (P < 0.05), significantly reduced the number of EdU-positive cells (P < 0.01), and attenuated the migration ability of the cells (P < 0.01). Aloin treatment dose-dependently down-regulated HMGB1 mRNA expression (P < 0.01), lowered the protein expressions of HMGB1, cyclin B1, cyclin E1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-STAT3, and up-regulated E-cadherin expression in MGC-803 cells. Prediction based on JASPAR database suggested that STAT3 could bind to the promoter region of HMGB1. In the tumor-bearing mice, aloin treatment significantly reduced the tumor size and weight (P < 0.01), lowered the protein expressions of cyclin B1, cyclin E1, MMP-2, MMP-9, HMGB1 and p-STAT3 and increased the expression of E-cadherin in the tumor tissue (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Aloin attenuates the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the STAT3/HMGB1 signaling pathway.

Microbial and chemical transformations of euphorbia factor L1 and the P-glycoprotein inhibitory activity in zebrafishes

Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1, 1) is a natural tri-ester of 6,17-epoxylathyrol with cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity. Several EFL1 derivatives (2-9) were prepared by chemical and microbial transformations and their ability to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity was estimated. Six de-acylated derivatives (2-7) were obtained through base-hydrolysis of 1, and the base-catalysed hydrolysis via KOH and NaOH yielded different hydrolysed products of 1. Two biotransformed products (8-9) were directly obtained via microbial transformation of 1, and 8 was also formed by microbial conversion of the hydrolysed product 3. The P-gp modulation of 1-9 was assessed by a zebrafish model. The substrate 1 and its biotransformed product 9 as the tri-esters of lathyranes possessed the highest P-gp inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 34.97 and 15.50 µM, respectively, through down-regulating P-gp expression at the protein level rather than at MDR1 mRNA level.

Successive mycelial subculturing decreased lignocellulase activity and increased ROS accumulation in Volvariella volvacea

Strain degradation is a common problem in many artificially-cultivated edible mushrooms. As a fungus with poor tolerance to low-temperature, Volvariella volvacea cannot delay its degradation by long-term low temperature storage like other fungi, so its degradation is particularly severe, which hinders industrial applications. Periodic mycelial subculture is a common storage method for V. volvacea, but excessive subculturing can also lead to strain degeneration. After 20 months of continuous subculturing every 3 days, V. volvacea strains S1–S20 were obtained, and their characteristics throughout the subculture process were analyzed. With increasing number of subculture, the growth rate, mycelial biomass, the number of fruiting bodies and biological efficiency gradually decreased while the production cycle and the time to primordium formation was lengthened. Strains S13–S20, obtained after 13–20 months of mycelial subculturing, also lacked the ability to produce fruiting bodies during cultivation experiments. Determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) content as well as enzyme activity showed that decreased lignocellulase activity, along with excessive accumulation of ROS, was concomitant with the subculture-associated degeneration of V. volvacea. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was eventually used to analyze the gene expression for lignocellulase and antioxidant enzymes in subcultured V. volvacea strains, with the results found to be consistent with prior observations regarding enzyme activities. These findings could form the basis of further studies on the degeneration mechanism of V. volvacea and other fungi.

Nanocarriers for intracellular co-delivery of proteins and small-molecule drugs for cancer therapy

In the past few decades, the combination of proteins and small-molecule drugs has made tremendous progress in cancer treatment, but it is still not satisfactory. Because there are great differences in molecular weight, water solubility, stability, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and the ways of release and action between macromolecular proteins and small-molecule drugs. To improve the efficacy and safety of tumor treatment, people are committed to developing protein and drug co-delivery systems. Currently, intracellular co-delivery systems have been developed that integrate proteins and small-molecule drugs into one nanocarrier via various loading strategies. These systems significantly improve the blood stability, half-life, and biodistribution of proteins and small-molecule drugs, thus increasing their concentration in tumors. Furthermore, proteins and small-molecule drugs within these systems can be specifically targeted to tumor cells, and are released to perform functions after entering tumor cells simultaneously, resulting in improved effectiveness and safety of tumor treatment. This review summarizes the latest progress in protein and small-molecule drug intracellular co-delivery systems, with emphasis on the composition of nanocarriers, as well as on the loading methods of proteins and small-molecule drugs that play a role in cells into the systems, which have not been summarized by others so far.

P04.01.B High impact of ITGB1 on Pi3K/AKT expression in medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma, an embryonal tumor of the cerebellum, is one of the most frequent malignant brain tumors. Despite the increasing use of genetic variation in treatment stratification, high-risk patients characterized by light meningeal spread, TP53 mutations, or MYC amplification still have poor survival. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is one of the most important intracellular pathways, which can be considered as a master regulator for cancer. In tissue samples obtained from medulloblastoma patients, the significant upregulation of PI3K/AKT was associated with a lifting expression level of integrin β1(ITGB1). To understand the underlying mechanism, we investigated the effect of ITGB1 on the PI3K/AKT pathway in medulloblastoma cell lines. Transfection of this ITGB1 reduced proliferation and invasion of several medulloblastoma cell lines and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, knocking down ITGB1 expression can significantly inhibit the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, ITGB1 may selectively activation the pathophysiological effect of aberrant PI3K/AKT expression and serve as a targeted approach for medulloblastoma therapy.

AB0096 MECHANISM OF SHIP IN NEUTROPHIL EXTRACELLULAR TRAP IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis（RA） is a common autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. RA is characterized by the destruction of cartilage and bone. Neutrophils are abundant in synovial fluid of RA and are closely related to the development of RA 1。In recent years, it has been reported that neutrophils can release neutrophil extracellular traps（NET）, which can not only kill different bacteria and viruses, but also closely related to autoimmune diseases 1,2 Studies have shown that NET is involved in the development of RA3. The Src homologous 2 domain containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP-1) controls the level of intracellular inositol 3-phosphate kinase product phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate. SHIP can be used as a positive or negative regulatory signal in different stimuli.And So has studied that the inflammation of CIA mouse model is reduced after SHIP is inhibited.

Objectives

Therefore, we want to study whether SHIP is involved in the formation of rheumatoid arthritis NET and its relationship with NET.

Methods

We isolated neutrophils from RA peripheral blood, stimulated NETosis with PMA, and detected the changes of NETosis in the group with SHIP inhibitor by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. In addition, DBA mice were divided into three groups: HC, CIA and SHIP inhibitor intraperitoneal injection group. The degree of paw swelling and HE staining were used to detect the inflammation of mice, and the release of NET in CIA model was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

In the DBA model, the generation of neutrophil extracellular traps decreased significantly in the intraperitoneal injection group of SHIP inhibitor. SHIP inhibitor can significantly inhibit the formation of NET in RA patients. In addition, we also found TNF- α Monoclonal antibodies reduced NETosis in RA patients, while SHIP inhibitors inhibited the generation of NET in RA patients. The results suggest that SHIP may inhibit the inflammatory factor TNF- α. In turn, it is involved in the release of NET in rheumatoid arthritis

Conclusion

SHIP participates in the formation of NET in rheumatoid arthritis and affects the production of NET through pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, SHIP is expected to become a new target for the treatment of RA.

References

[1]Skopelja-Gardner, S.; Jones, J. D.; Rigby, W. F. C. “NETtling” the Host: Breaking of Tolerance in Chronic Inflammation and Chronic Infection. J. Autoimmun.2018, 88, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2017.10.008.

[2]Lee, K. H.; Kronbichler, A.; Park, D. D.-Y.; Park, Y.; Moon, H.; Kim, H.; Choi, J. H.; Choi, Y.; Shim, S.; Lyu, I. S.; Yun, B. H.; Han, Y.; Lee, D.; Lee, S. Y.; Yoo, B. H.; Lee, K. H.; Kim, T. L.; Kim, H.; Shim, J. S.; Nam, W.; So, H.; Choi, S.; Lee, S.; Shin, J. I. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in Autoimmune Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Autoimmun. Rev.2017, 16 (11), 1160–1173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2017.09.012.

[3]Khandpur, R.; Carmona-Rivera, C.; Vivekanandan-Giri, A.; Gizinski, A.; Yalavarthi, S.; Knight, J. S.; Friday, S.; Li, S.; Patel, R. M.; Subramanian, V.; Thompson, P.; Chen, P.; Fox, D. A.; Pennathur, S.; Kaplan, M. J. NETs Are a Source of Citrullinated Autoantigens and Stimulate Inflammatory Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sci. Transl. Med.2013, 5 (178), 178ra40-178ra40. https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.3005580.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

A 96-Well Plates-based UV Spectrophotometric Assay for Determination of Total Glucosinolates in Isatis indigotica Roots

Background:

Glucosinolates (GLS) are important secondary metabolites in Cruciferae vegetables and herbs. Currently, the assays of total GLS determination are cumbersome (requiring acidic or enzymatic hydrolysis and addition of staining reagents), time-consuming, and indirect. High concentrations of inorganic salts are inevitably incorporated into the GLS products during separation. There is a need for a quantitative method for simple and rapid determination of total GLS after desalting process.

Methods:

A 96-well plates-based UV spectrophotometric method for determination of total GLS of Isatis indigotica roots was developed in the present study. The detection wavelength is set at 230 nm using quartz plates. This assay was validated using gluconapin and sinigrin as reference standards, and applied to determine the total GLS of I. indigotica roots prepared from five different desalting methods.

Results:

This assay is specific for total GLS prepared from I. indigotica roots, and it has acceptable accuracy (91.76–98.18% for quality control, and 95.59–102.52% for addition/recovery), precision (0.24–0.70% pooled RSD), reproducibility (0.31–1.84% RSD), and stability (0.24–1.45% RSD) over a 72-h period.

Conclusion:

The 96-well plates-based UV spectrophotometric assay is simple and accurate for high-throughput determination of total GLS.

Exploring the Mechanism of Action of Canmei Formula Against Colorectal Adenoma Through Multi-Omics Technique

Background: Canmei formula (CMF) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound with definite effect on the prevention and treatment of colorectal adenoma (CRA). CMF can prevent the transformation of intestinal inflammation to cancer. This study explored the mechanism of action of CMF in anti-CRA using multi-omics techniques.

Method: The mice were randomly divided into four groups: blank group (Control), high-fat diet (HFD) + AOM/DSS colorectal adenoma model (ADH) groups, Canmei formula treatment group (ADH-CMF) and sulfasalazine treatment group (Sul). Except for the blank group, ADH model was established in the other three groups by intraperitoneal injection with AOM reagent, and then mice were given 2.5% DSS in free drinking water and high-fat diet. The mice in the blank group and ADH groups were intragastrically perfused with normal saline, and the mice in the other two groups were treated with corresponding drugs for 20 weeks. During this period, the changes of physical signs of mice in each group were observed. The differentially expressed genes and proteins in the Control group, ADH group and ADH-CMF group were detected by RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing and Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) quantitative proteomics. After the combined analysis and verification, the key targets were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Moreover, the changes of intestinal flora in mice of the three groups were examined.

Results: A total of 2,548 differential genes were obtained by transcriptomics analysis, and 45 differential proteins were obtained by proteomics analysis. The results of proteomics data and experimental verification showed that CMF mainly affected the Phospholysine Phosphohistidine Inorganic Pyrophosphate Phosphatase (LHPP) target. GO analysis showed that the targets of CMF were involved in the biological processes such as cellular process, metabolic process and biological regulation. KEGG analysis showed that those genes were involved in oxidative phosphorylation, cell senescence, and metabolic pathways. Studies have shown that LHPP overexpression impeded colorectal cancer cell growth and proliferation in vitro, and was associated with a change in PI3K/AKT activity. The results of 16S DNA high-throughput sequencing showed that CMF could effectively regulate the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Candidatus_Saccharimonas and Erysipelatoclostridium in the intestinal flora at the genus level.

Conclusion: CMF regulates LHPP via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CMF affects the abundance of specific intestinal flora and can regulate the disorder of intestinal flora to achieve the role of prevention and treatment of CRA.

Quality detection of tea oil by 19F NMR and 1H NMR

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique was applied to monitor the quality of tea oil herein. The adulteration of virgin tea oil was monitored by 19F NMR and 1H NMR. The 19F NMR technique was used as a new method to detect the changes in quality and hydroperoxide value of tea oil. The research demonstrates that 19F NMR and 1H NMR can quickly detect adulteration in tea oil. High temperature caused a decrease in the ratio D and increase in the total diglyceride content. Some new peaks belonging to the derivatives of hydroperoxides appeared at δ-108.21 and δ-109.05 ppm on the 19F NMR spectrum when the oil was autoxidized and became larger when the hydroperoxide value increased. These results have great significance in monitoring the moisture content, freshness and oxidation status of oils and in detecting adulteration in high priced edible oils by mixing with cheap oils.

Bifocal 532/1064 nm alternately illuminated photoacoustic microscopy for capturing deep vascular morphology in human skin

BACKGROUND

As a promising technology, photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) plays a critical role in diagnosis and assessment of dermatological conditions by providing subtle vascular networks non-invasively. However, the established PAMs are insufficient for clinical dermatology when faced with complex structures of human skin instead of animal models owing to high melanin content and superimposed vasculature for Asians, which cannot balance the spatial resolution and the imaging depth.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the ability of bifocal 532/1064-nm alternately illuminated photoacoustic microscopy (BF-PAM) to non-invasively reveal the morphological structure of human skin for improving the diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy of skin diseases.

METHODS

A BF-PAM was developed to capture biopsy-like information of human skin from epidermis to hypodermis. The optical foci of the two excitation beams are staggered in the axial direction to form an extended depth-of-field, which can maintain the lateral resolution and the contrast of PA image.

RESULTS

The imaging capability of the BF-PAM was demonstrated by depicting the vascular morphology of multilayered skin with imaging depth of ˜3 mm. Furtherly, vascular malformations in port-wine stains skin were quantitatively assessed without the need for any contrast agent, and the distribution, depth and diameter of the ectatic vessels can determine an optimal treatment protocol for port-wine stains lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative vascular morphology in the dermis can be used to accurately assess vascular characteristics, in which case it enables clinicians to determine optimum treatment parameters in individual patients. As a non-invasive imaging technique, BF-PAM holds great potential to provide objective assessment to enhance the therapeutic efficacy.

ETHICAL STATEMENT

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (as revised in 2013). The study was approved by the Chinese Ethics Committee of Registering Clinical Trials (ChiECRCT20200184) and registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000034400). Before skin imaging, written informed consent was taken from all individual participants.

Transcriptomic and Proteomic Study on the High-Fat Diet Combined With AOM/DSS-Induced Adenomatous Polyps in Mice

Objective

To screen and identify molecular targets and bacteria genus leading to adenomatous polyps in mouse induced by high-fat diet (HFD) +AOM/DSS using omics technology.

Methods

The molecular targets of colorectal adenoma disease were obtained from the GeneCards and OMIM database. The SPF C57BL mice were randomly divided into blank (Control) and AOM/DSS+HFD colorectal adenoma model (ADH) groups. The ADH model group was intraperitoneally injected with AOM reagent. Then, mice were given with 2.5% DSS (in free drinking water) and high-fat diet to establish the mouse model. During this period, the changes of physical signs of mice in each group were observed. After the end of modeling, HE staining was used to evaluate the histopathological change of mice. The differentially expressed genes and proteins in the Control group and ADH group were detected by RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing and Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) quantitative proteomics. The histological results were analyzed by intersection with the intestinal adenoma molecular targets obtained from the database. Moreover, the changes of intestinal flora in the two groups were examined. The correlation between targets and differential bacteria was analyzed and verified by Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) to comprehensively evaluate the mouse model of adenomatous polyp induced by AOM/DSS+HFD.

Results

The general condition and histopathological results of mice confirmed that the ADH mouse model was successfully established and tubular adenoma was formed. A total of 604 genes and 42 proteins related to intestinal adenoma were obtained by histological analysis and database intersection analysis. The intestinal microflora of ADH mice was different from that of normal mice, and the constituents and abundance of intestinal flora were similar to those of human intestinal adenoma. GATA4 and LHPP were selected as potential pathological markers of the model mice by correlation analysis of targets and intestinal flora. The results of PRM verification were highly consistent with the results of RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing and TMT analysis.

Conclusion

The pathological results, molecular pathological markers and the changes of intestinal flora suggest that the mouse ADH model is ideal for studying the transformation of inflammatory cancer. The ADH model will be helpful for understanding the occurrence and development of human colorectal cancer at the transcriptomic and proteomic level.

3D-printing magnesium-polycaprolactone loaded with melatonin inhibits the development of osteosarcoma by regulating cell-in-cell structures

Melatonin has been proposed as a potent anticarcinogen presents a short half-life for osteosarcoma (OS). Cell-in-cell (CIC) structures play a role in the development of malignant tumors by changing the tumor cell energy metabolism. This study developed a melatonin-loaded 3D printed magnesium-polycaprolactone (Mg-PCL) scaffold and investigated its effect and molecular mechanism on CIC in OS. Mg-PCL scaffold was prepared by 3D-printing and its characteristic was determined. The effect and molecular mechanism of Mg-PCL scaffold as well as melatonin-loaded Mg-PCL on OS growth and progression were investigated in vivo and in vitro. We found that melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) and CIC expressions were increased in OS tissues and cells. Melatonin treatment inhibit the key CIC pathway, Rho/ROCK, through the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, interfering with the mitochondrial physiology of OS cells, and thus playing an anti-invasion and anti-metastasis role in OS. The Mg-PCL-MT could significantly inhibit distant organ metastasis of OS in the in vivo model. Our results showed that melatonin-loaded Mg-PCL scaffolds inhibited the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of OS cells through the CIC pathway. The Mg-PCL-MT could be a potential therapeutics for OS.

Effect of low temperature and high humidity stress on physiology of cucumber at different leaf stages

Low temperature (LT) and high humidity (HH) are important environmental factors in greenhouses and plastic tunnels during the cold season, as they hamper plant growth and development. Here, we studied the effect of LT (day/night: 9/5 °C, 25/18 °C as control) and HH (95%, 80% as control) on young cucumber plants at the 2, 4 or 6 leaf stages. LT+HH stress resulted in a decline in shoot, root and total fresh and dry weights, and decreased P_n , g_s , T_r , F_v /F_m , qP, ETR and chlorophyll, and increased MDA, H₂ O₂ , O₂ ^- , NPQ and C_i as compared to the control at the 2 leaf stage. SOD, POD, CAT, APX and GR were upregulated under LT+HH stress as compared to the control at the 6 leaf stage. ABA and JA increased under LT+HH stress as compared to the control at the 6 leaf stage, while IAA and GA decreased under LT+HH stress as compared to the control at the 2 leaf stage. Our results show that LT+HH stress affects young cucumber plant photosynthetic efficiency, PSII activity, antioxidant defence system, ROS and hormone profile. Plants at the 6 leaf stage were more tolerant than at the 2 and 4 leaf stages under stress conditions.

Effect of diet and nonesterified fatty acid levels on global transcriptomic profiles in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells in early lactation dairy cows

After calving, lipid mobilization caused by increased nutrient demands for lactation leads to elevated circulating concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). Excessive NEFA levels have previously been identified as a major risk factor for postpartum immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in global transcriptomic gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in dairy cows offered different early lactation diets (high concentrate, n = 7; medium, n = 8; or low, n = 9) and with differing circulating levels of NEFA. Cows were classified as having NEFA concentrations of either <500 µM (low, n = 6), 500 to 750 µM (medium, n = 8) or >750 µM (high, n = 10) at 14 d in milk. Plasma urea concentrations were greater for cows on the high concentrate diet but β-hydroxybutyrate and glucose concentrations did not differ significantly between either dietary treatments or NEFA groups. Cows with high NEFA weighed more at drying off and suffered greater body condition score loss after calving. The PBMC were isolated at 14 d in milk, and RNA was extracted for RNA sequencing. Differential gene expression was analyzed with DESeq2 with q-value for false discovery rate control followed by Gene Ontology Enrichment. Although there were no differentially expressed genes associated with lactation diet, 304 differentially expressed genes were identified between cows with high and low circulating NEFA, with 118 upregulated and 186 downregulated. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated that biological adhesion and immune system process were foremost among various PBMC functions which were altered relating to body defenses and immunity. High NEFA concentrations were associated with inhibited cellular adhesion function by downregulating 20 out of 26 genes (by up to 17-fold) related to this process. Medium NEFA concentrations altered a similar set of functions as high NEFA, but with smaller enrichment scores. Localization and immune system process were most significant, with biological adhesion ranking only eleventh. Our results demonstrated that increased circulating NEFA concentrations, but not diet, were associated with immune system processes in PBMC in early lactation cows. Leukocyte cell-to-cell adhesion was inhibited when the NEFA concentration exceeded 750 µM, which would reduce the efficiency of diapedesis and so contribute to decreased body defense mechanisms and predispose animals to infection.

Identification of hepatosensitive region and their neural connections in the hippocampus of rats

BACKGROUND

Visceral function localization of the brain is very complex. For many years, people have been actively exploring the neural mechanism regulating visceral and substance metabolism, clarifying the complex relationship between the brain and peripheral nervous system related to the regulation of visceral activity, and analyzing its complex neural pathways. The brain is the advanced center of visceral function regulation. As an advanced center for substance metabolism and visceral regulation, the hippocampus is crucial for regulating visceral function. The liver is the core organ of material metabolism, and its afferent signals are mainly projected to the Nucleus of the solitary tract(NTS) through vagus nerve, and then they are projected to the hypothalamus and limbic system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We placed a stereotaxic instrument on the head of each rat and performed craniotomy to open a window above the left hippocampus. We used gold-plated tungsten electrodes to monitor hippocampal neuronal discharges. Grounding was achieved using screws and silver wire. We electrically stimulated the liver branch of the vagus nerve and observed changes in hippocampal neuron discharges using a biological method; in this way, we identified hepatosensitive hippocampal region. We injected FluoroGold into this region and related brain areas. After 3 days, the rats were sacrificed and perfused; the hippocampi were fixed, dehydated, frozen, sectioned, and subjected to fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

Nerve discharge frequency and amplitude significantly increased in the hippocampal CA3 region (AP: -4.9, ML: -5.1, DV: -5.0 mm). After FluoroGold was injected into the left hepatosensitive region in the hippocampus, labeled cells were found in the contralateral hippocampus, ipsilateral piriform cortex (PC), locus coeruleus (LC) and bilateral lateral hypothalamus (LHA); fluorescence in the ipsilateral hypothalamus was stronger than that of the contralateral hypothalamus. FluoroGold was injected into the LHA, PC, and LC; no labeled cells were found in the hippocampal CA3 region or in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The hippocampal CA3 area of rats may contain a hepatosensitive region that plays important roles in the regulation of liver and other organ function. These region may receive input from the LHA, PC, and LC.

TLC-MS identification of alkaloids in Leonuri Herba and Leonuri Fructus aided by a newly developed universal derivatisation reagent optimised by the response surface method

INTRODUCTION

Dragendorff's reagent has low sensitivity and non-specificity for some alkaloids. A new alkaloid derivatisation reagent has been developed and optimised by using a Box-Behnken design method. This new reagent is applicable for structurally diverse natural alkaloids, and is proposed as a universal alkaloid staining reagent.

OBJECTIVE

To establish an efficient and sensitive thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identification method for Leonuri Herba and Leonuri Fructus to characterise their differences and similarities.

METHOD

Three key components (bismuth subnitrate, potassium iodide and iodine) in the derivatisation reaction were re-constructed and optimised using a response surface method. Different inorganic acids, essential additives of the staining reaction, were compared by a single-factor experiment design.

RESULTS

This newly optimised reagent for alkaloids reported in this study, named the enhanced Dragendorff-Wagner's reagent, is composed of 0.82% bismuth subnitrate, 11.1% potassium iodide and 0.76% iodine in 38% phosphoric acid solution. Validation results indicate that the TLC spot of stachydrine stained with the enhanced Dragendorff-Wagner's reagent had a limit of detection of 2.0 μg, good intra- and inter-plate, and intra- and intra-day precisions with relative standard devition values less than 5.0%, and stability over 90 min.

CONCLUSION

This enhanced Dragendorff-Wagner's reagent was applied for TLC identification of 16 reference alkaloids representing 11 structural skeletons, and two closely related herbs (Leonuri Herba and Leonuri Fructus). This newly enhanced Dragendorff-Wagner's reagent is a universal, effective, and sensitive staining reagent for alkaloids.

Relationships between metabolic profiles and gene expression in liver and leukocytes of dairy cows in early lactation

Homeorhetic mechanisms assist dairy cows in the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Less successful cows develop severe negative energy balance (NEB), placing them at risk of metabolic and infectious diseases and reduced fertility. We have previously placed multiparous Holstein Friesian cows from 4 herds into metabolic clusters, using as biomarkers measurements of plasma nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and IGF-1 collected at 14 and 35 d in milk (DIM). This study characterized the global transcriptomic profiles of liver and circulating leukocytes from the same animals to determine underlying mechanisms associated with their metabolic and immune function. Liver biopsy and whole-blood samples were collected around 14 DIM for RNA sequencing. All cows with available RNA sequencing data were placed into balanced (BAL, n = 44), intermediate (n = 44), or imbalanced (IMBAL, n = 19) metabolic cluster groups. Differential gene expression was compared between the 3 groups using ANOVA, but only the comparison between BAL and IMBAL cows is reported. Pathway analysis was undertaken using DAVID Bioinformatic Resources (https://david.ncifcrf.gov/). Milk yields did not differ between BAL and IMBAL cows but dry matter intake was less in IMBAL cows and they were in greater energy deficit at 14 DIM (-4.48 v -11.70 MJ/d for BAL and IMBAL cows). Significantly differentially expressed pathways in hepatic tissue included AMPK signaling, glucagon signaling, adipocytokine signaling, and insulin resistance. Genes involved in lipid metabolism and cholesterol transport were more highly expressed in IMBAL cows but IGF1 and IGFALS were downregulated. Leukocytes from BAL cows had greater expression of histones and genes involved in nucleosomes and cell division. Leukocyte expression of heat shock proteins increased in IMBAL cows, suggesting an unfolded protein response, and several key genes involved in immune responses to pathogens were upregulated (e.g., DEFB13, HP, OAS1Z, PTX3, and TLR4). Differentially expressed genes upregulated in IMBAL cows in both tissues included CD36, CPT1, KFL11, and PDK4, all central regulators of energy metabolism. The IMBAL cows therefore had greater difficulty maintaining glucose homeostasis and had dysregulated hepatic lipid metabolism. Their energy deficit was associated with a reduced capacity for cell division and greater evidence of stress responses in the leukocyte population, likely contributing to an increased risk of infectious disease.

Spinal schwannoma causes acute subarachnoid haemorrhage: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Spinal schwannomas that arise from spinal nerve root sheaths are the most common intradural extramedullary spinal tumours and are often accompanied by nerve roots or spinal cord irritation symptoms. The phenomenon of spinal schwannoma causing subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is rare, with ependymoma of the conus medullaris accounting for most cases.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to progressive lower limb weakness and sudden back pain after hard physical work. The patient had not been able to walk for 2hours upon admission. An emergency magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed that the spinal cord at the C6-T4 level was severely compressed by a subdural mass. During the emergency operation, exploration of the dura and arachnoid mater revealed a fresh blood clot covering a tumour located on the ventral side of the spinal cord. The size of the tumour was approximately 3×2×1cm without adhesion to the surrounding tissue, but the drainage vein was ruptured. Postoperative pathology showed that the tumour was a schwannoma with areas of fresh haemorrhage and focal necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal schwannomas presenting with SAH are rare events. In our opinion, spinal pathology with rapid progression of neurological symptoms requires early diagnosis and emergency management. Complete excision of haemorrhagic tumours is the goal of treatment to prevent recurrence, which can effectively avoid irreversible damage to the spinal cord resulting from spinal cord compression.

Impact of co-morbidity on reoperation or death within 90 days of surgery for oesophageal cancer

Background

The impact of preoperative co-morbidity on postoperative outcomes in patients with oesophageal cancer is uncertain. A population-based and nationwide cohort study was conducted to assess the influence of preoperative co-morbidity on the risk of reoperation or mortality within 90 days of surgery for oesophageal cancer.

Methods

This study enrolled 98 per cent of patients who had oesophageal cancer surgery between 1987 and 2015 in Sweden. Modified Poisson regression models provided risk ratios (RRs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) to estimate associations between co-morbidity and risk of reoperation or death within 90 days of oesophagectomy. The RRs were adjusted for age, sex, educational level, pathological tumour stage, neoadjuvant therapy, annual hospital volume, tumour histology and calendar period of surgery.

Results

Among 2576 patients, 446 (17.3 per cent) underwent reoperation or died within 90 days of oesophagectomy. Patients with a Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) score of 2 or more had an increased risk of reoperation or death compared with those with a CCI score of 0 (RR 1.78, 95 per cent c.i. 1.44 to 2.20), and the risk increased on average by 27 per cent for each point increase of the CCI (RR 1.27, 1.18 to 1.37). The RR was increased in patients with pulmonary disease (RR 1.66, 1.36 to 2.04), cardiac disease (RR 1.37, 1.08 to 1.73), diabetes (RR 1.50, 1.14 to 1.99) and cerebral disease (RR 1.40, 1.06 to 1.85).

Conclusion

Co-morbidity in general, and pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, diabetes and cerebral disease in particular, increased the risk of reoperation or death within 90 days of oesophageal cancer surgery. This highlights the value of tailored patient selection, preoperative preparation and postoperative care.

Quantitative 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (qHNMR) methods for accurate purity determination of glucosinolates isolated from Isatis indigotica roots

INTRODUCTION

Glucosinolates (1-5) are important secondary metabolites found in Isatis indigotica roots. Due to their high hydrophilic and ionic nature, purified glucosinolates often contain salt impurities and moisture. Accurate assessment of their purities is important for glucosinolates being utilised as chemical markers.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate quantitative proton (¹ H) nuclear magnetic resonance (qHNMR) methods for purity assessments of aliphatic and indole glucosinolates (1-5).

METHOD

Several NMR parameters such as pulse program, relaxation time, and delay time were optimised. Three qHNMR methods were developed using gluconapin (3), neoglucobrassicin (4), and sinigrin (5) for method validation and with maleic acid as internal standard.

RESULTS

The quantification was based on the integrated area ratios of an olefinic proton (H-4 for 1-3; H-6 for 4; and H-3 for 5) of the side chain from glucosinolates relative to the olefinic proton from the internal standard using deuterated water (D₂ O) as the solvent. The qHNMR methods were successfully applied for purity assessments of four aliphatic glucosinolates (1-3 and 5: progoitrin, epiprogoitrin, gluconapin, and sinigrin), and an indole glucosinolate (4: neoglucobrassicin).

CONCLUSION

The purity of glucosinolates isolated from I. indigotica and commercial sinigrin was accurately assessed using the developed qHNMR method. The qHNMR provides a reliable and superior means to determine the purity of glucosinolates.

Alisol A Alleviates Arterial Plaque by Activating AMPK/SIRT1 Signaling Pathway in apoE-Deficient Mice

Alismatis Rhizoma (zexie), an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits hypolipemic, anti-inflammation and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Alisol A is one of the main active ingredients in Alismatis Rhizoma extract. In this study, we investigate the role of alisol A in anti-atherosclerosis (AS). Our study demonstrated that alisol A can effectively inhibit the formation of arterial plaques and blocked the progression of AS in ApoE^−/− mice fed with high-fat diet and significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokins in aorta, including ICAM-1, IL-6, and MMP-9. In addition, we found that alisol A increased the expression of PPARα and PPARδ proteins in HepG2 cells and in liver tissue from ApoE^−/− mice. Alisol A activated the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway and NF-κB inhibitor IκBα in HepG2 cells. Our results suggested that alisol A is a multi-targeted agent that exerts anti-atherosclerotic action by regulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production. Therefore, alisol could be a promising lead compound to develop drugs for the treatment of AS.

Development of a thin-layer chromatography bioautographic assay for neuraminidase inhibitors hyphenated with electrostatic field induced spray ionisation-mass spectrometry for identification of active Isatis indigotica root compounds

The identification of neuraminidase inhibitors from natural products is a promising strategy in the field of anti-influenza research. In this study, a new thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautographic assay for the screening of neuraminidase inhibitors from natural products was developed. This TLC bioassay is based on the one-step reaction of neuraminidase with the sodium salt of 5‑bromo‑4‑chloro‑3-indolyl-α-d-N-acetylneuraminic acid (substrate) and the subsequent formation of blue coloured products. Neuraminidase inhibitory activity was shown by the development of white spots against the blue TLC background. The key factors affecting the assay (such as enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, incubation time, reaction time, and pH) were investigated and optimised by a combination of a one-factor-at-a-time design and a Box-Behnken design/response surface method. The developed TLC bioautographic method was applied to identify neuraminidase inhibitory compounds in the roots of Isatis indigotica. Eleven active compounds including six alkaloids, three lignans, one sterol, and one fatty acid were identified in situ by direct coupling with an electrostatic field induced spray ionisation-mass spectrometry approach through analysis of their MSⁿ (n = 4) data or comparison with reference substances. The developed TLC bioautographic assay is simple, rapid, and efficient for screening potential neuraminidase inhibitors from natural products.

Super-factors associated with transmission of occupational COVID-19 infection among healthcare staff in Wuhan, China

BACKGROUND

Globally, there have been many cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among medical staff; however, the main factors associated with the infection are not well understood.

AIM

To identify the super-factors causing COVID-19 infection in medical staff in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 1st and February 30th, 2020, in which front-line members of medical staff who took part in the care and treatment of patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Epidemiological and demographic data between infected and uninfected groups were collected and compared. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to establish socio-metric social links between influencing factors.

FINDINGS

A total of 92 medical staff were enrolled. In all participant groups, the super-factor identified by the network was wearing a medical protective mask or surgical mask correctly (degree: 572; closeness: 25; betweenness centrality: 3.23). Touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working was the super-factor in the infected group. This was the biggest node in the network and had the strongest influence (degree: 370; closeness: 29; betweenness centrality: 0.37). Self-protection score was the super-factor in the uninfected group but was the isolated factor in the infected group (degree: 201; closeness: 28; betweenness centrality: 5.64). For family members, the exposure history to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and the contact history to wild animals were two isolated nodes.

CONCLUSION

High self-protection score was the main factor that prevented medical staff from contracting COVID-19 infection. The main factor contributing to COVID-19 infections among medical staff was touching the cheek, nose, and mouth while working.

TLC Bioautography on Screening of Bioactive Natural Products: An Update Review

Background:

TLC bioautography is a hyphenated technique combining planar chromatographic separation and in situ biological activity detection. This coupled method has been receiving much attention in screening bio-active natural products because of its properties of being simple, rapid, inexpensive, and effective.

Methods:

The recent progress in the development of method of TLC bioautography for detecting antimicrobial and enzyme inhibitory activities dating between 2012 and early 2018 has been reviewed. The applications of this method in biological screening of natural products were also presented.

Results:

Some anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria and a causative bacterium of tuberculosis have been adopted to TLC direct bioautography. Seven types of enzymes including acetylcholinesterase, glucosidase, lipase, xanthine oxidase, tyrosinase, monoamine oxidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV have so far been adopted on TLC bioautography. Its new application in screening antiurolithiatic agents was included.

Conclusion:

The standard experimental procedures are required for TLC antioxidant and antimicrobial assays. Some new enzymes should be attempted and adopted on TLC bioautography. The existing TLC methods for enzyme inhibition need more application studies to assess their screening capacity in the discovery of active compounds. The GC-MS or LC-MS approaches have gradually been coupled to TLC bioautography for fast structural characterization of active compounds.

Anti-adipogenic 18,19-seco-ursane stereoisomers and oleane-type saponins from Ilex cornuta leaves

Three undescribed seco-ursane stereoisomers, ilexcornutosides A-C, two undescribed triterpenoid saponins, ilexcornutosides D-E, and 11 known triterpenoids were isolated from the leaves of Ilex cornuta Lindl. & Paxton. Ilexcornutosides A-C and F with the same planar structures are unique 13(18)-ene-18,19-seco-ursane skeleton triterpenoids, identified as (3S,12R)-3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl]-12-hydroxyl-19-oxo-18,19-secours-13(18)-en-28,21-lactone. Among them, ilexcornutosides A and F (or ilexcornutosides B and C) are a pair of diastereomers at the C-20 position; ilexcornutosides A and C (or ilexcornutosides B and F) are a pair of diastereomers with epimerization at the C-21. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic (IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS) and chemical analyses. The absolute configurations of ilexcornutosides A, B, D and F were determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with a Cu Kα radiation. The inhibitory effect of ilexcornutosides A-F on the PPARγ expression was assessed in the 3T3-L1-Lenti-PPARγ-Luc cells using a single luciferase reporter assay. Ilexcornutosides A and C showed a comparable activity in decrease of the PPARγ expression to the positive control (T0070907) at 5 μM.

Relationships between air particulate matter capture efficiency and leaf traits in twelve tree species from an Italian urban-industrial environment

Air pollution in the urban environment is widely recognized as one of the most harmful threats for human health. International organizations such as the United Nations and the European Commission are highlighting the potential role of nature in mitigating air pollution and are now funding the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions, especially at the city level. Over the past few decades, the attention of the scientific community has grown around the role of urban forest in air pollution mitigation. Nevertheless, the understanding on Particulate Matter (PM) retention mechanisms by tree leaves is still limited. In this study, twelve tree species were sampled within an urban park of an industrial city. Two techniques were used for leaf analysis: Vacuum/Filtration and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, in order to obtain a quali-quantitative analysis of the different PM size fractions. Results showed that deposited PM loads vary significantly among species. Different leaf traits, including micro and macromorphological characteristics, were observed, measured and ranked, with the final aim to relate them with PM load. Even if no significant correlation between each single leaf characteristic and PM deposition was observed (p > 0.05), multivariate analysis revealed relationships between clusters of leaf traits and deposited PM. Thus, by assigning a score to each trait, an Accumulation index (Ai) was calculated, which was significantly related to the leaf deposited PM load (p ≤ 0.05).

[Characteristics and clinical significance of pulmonary function test and KL-6 in ASSD-ILD and IPF]

Objective: To study the characteristics and clinical significance of pulmonary function test and kerbs von den lungen 6 (KL-6) in anti-synthetase syndrome related interstitial lung disease (ASSD-ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: The clinical data of 43 patients with ASSD-ILD (ASSD-ILD group) from May 2015 to May 2017 were collected retrospectively, including 12 males and 31 females, and 34 patients with IPF (IPF group) treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University during the same period, including 28 males and 6 females, were also included. The basic information, and the value of pulmonary function test [pulmonary function parameters included the forced vital capacity expressed as percent predicted (FVC%pred), the forced expiratory volume in 1 second expressed as percent predicted (FEV(1)%pred), the ratio of FVC to FEV(1) (FVC/FEV(1)), the peak expiratory flow expressed as percent predicted (PEF%pred), the forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, 75% of FVC as percent predicted (FEF(25)%pred, FEF(50)%pred, and FEF(75)%pred), the maximum mid-expiratory flow as percent predicted (MMEF% pred), and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide as percent predicted (DLCO% pred)], and serum KL-6 level in ASSD-ILD and IPF were compared. Results: The FEV(1)%pred, FEF(50)%pred, FEF(75)%pred, and MMEF%pred values in ASSD-ILD group were significantly lower than those in IPF group (all P<0.05), while the FVC% pred, FVC/FEV(1), PEF% pred, FEF(25)%pred, and DLCO% pred values in ASSD-ILD group had no significant difference compared with IPF group (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in serum KL-6 level between ASSD-ILD group and IPF group [(1 169±911) vs (1 210±908) U/ml, t=0.62, P=0.463]. Follow-up analysis showed that the serum KL-6 level of ASSD-ILD patients who died within two years was significantly higher than that of survivors [(2 060±1 168) vs (1 042±858) U/ml, t=2.93, P=0.041]. The serum KL-6 level of patients who died within two years of IPF patients was also significantly higher than that of patients who survived [(1 767±865) vs (1 089±894) U/ml, t=2.53, P=0.026]. The serum KL-6 level in ASSD-ILD group was negatively correlated with FVC%pred (r=-0.43, P=0.004), FEV(1)%pred (r=-0.39, P=0.010) and DLCO% pred (r=-0.41, P=0.006). There was no correlation between serum KL-6 level and pulmonary function test indexes in IPF group (all P>0.05). Conclusions: There is difference in pulmonary function test between ASSD-ILD patients and IPF patients. High serum KL-6 level will be predictive of poor prognosis.

[Application value of different lymph node staging system in predicting prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To examine the value of number of metastatic lymph nodes(NMLN), lymph node ratio(LNR) and log odds of metastatic lymph nodes(LODDS) in assessing the prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC). Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 440 ICC patients who underwent curative-intent resection in 10 of Chinese hepatobiliary surgery centers from January 2010 to December 2018 were collected, and the deadline of follow-up was April 30th, 2019. Among them, 205 were males and 235 were females, with age of (57.0±9.9) years (range:23-83 years).Eighty-five cases (19.3%) had intrahepatic bile duct stones, and 98 cases (22.3%) had chronic viral hepatitis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. The univariate and multivariate analysis were implemented respectively using the Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: A total of 440 patients underwent curative-intent resection and lymphadenectomy.R0 resection were achieved in 424 cases (96.4%) and R1 resection were in 16 cases (3.6%). The results of postoperative pathological examination showed that high, moderate and poor differentiation was 4.2%(18/426), 60.6%(258/426) and 35.2%(150/426), respectively.Adenocarcinoma was seen in 90.2%(397/440) and non-adenocarcinoma was seen in 9.8%(43/440), respectively. T stage: 2 cases (0.5%) with Tis, 83 cases(18.9%) with T1a, 97 cases(22.0%) with T1b, 95 cases(21.6%) with T2, 122 cases (27.7%) with T3 and 41 cases(9.3%) with T4.The overall median survival time was 24.0 months, and the 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rate was 74.3%, 37.7% and 18.3%, respectively. Lymphatic metastasis occurred in 175 patients(39.8%), the median total number of TNLE(M(Q(R))) was 6(5), the median number of NMLN was 0(1), the median number of LNR was 0 (0.33) and the median number of LODDS was -0.70(-0.92). Rerults of univariate analysis showed that combined stones, pathological differentiation, vascular invasion, LODDS, margin and T staging affected the prognosis (all P<0.05). Rerults of multivariate analysis showed that pathological differentiation, LODDS, margin, and T staging were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of ICC patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion: LODDS could be used as an optimal prognostic lymph node staging index for ICC, and it is also an independent risk factor for survival after curative intent resection.

Effects of miR-155 on hypertensive rats via regulating vascular mesangial hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) excessive proliferation is related to hypertension. The cell cycle inhibitory factor (p27) can arrest cell cycle, while its down-regulation is associated with hypertension. It is found that microRNA-155 (miR-155) plays a regulatory role in VSMC proliferation, while its relationship with hypertension is still unclear. Bioinformatics analysis reveals the targeted relationship between miR-155 and the 3'-UTR of p27 mRNA. This study aims to explore the role of miR-155 in regulating p27 expression, VSMC proliferation and apoptosis, and the pathogenesis of hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the relationship between miR-155 and p27. MiR-155, p27, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Ki-67 expressions in the thoracic aorta media of rat hypertension model were detected. VSMCs were cultured in vitro and divided into five groups, including anti-miR-NC, anti-miR-155, pIRES2-blank, pIRES2-p27, and anti-miR-155 + pIRES2-p27 groups. Cell cycle was evaluated by using flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was detected with EdU staining. Hypertension rats were randomly divided into antagomir-155 and antagomir-control. Caudal artery systolic and diastolic pressures were measured.

RESULTS

MiR-155 targeted suppressed p27 expression. MiR-155 and Ki-67 expressions significantly enhanced, while p27 and α-SMA levels reduced in the tunica media from hypertension rats compared with control. Down-regulation of miR-155 and/or up-regulation of p27significantly declined cell proliferation and arrested cell cycle in G1 phase. Antagomir-155 injection markedly decreased systolic and diastolic pressures, elevated p27 and α-SMA expressions in media, and reduced the thickness of tunica media.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-155 promoted VSMC proliferation by targeting p27. MiR-155 enhancement was related to hypertension. MiR-155 played a therapeutic effect on hypertension.

Effect of Cryopreservation on Plant Growth, Bulb Characteristics, and Virus Reduction of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation is a promising plant germplasm preservation technique that provides genetically stable plantlets.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the cryopreservation protocol developed for garlic compromises the performance of the cryopreserved plants, compared to garlic plants grown in the field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The field performance of cryopreserved garlic plantlets under in vivo conditions was compared with garlic derived from the field. We assessed both net photosynthetic rate, bulb characteristics and the efficiency of cryotherapy-induced virus eradication.

RESULTS

The superiority of the morphological traits of cryopreserved garlic increased gradually with the growth of the garlic plant. Cryopreservation also improved the net photosynthetic rate, bulb diameter (by 13.4-18.2%), bulb weight (by 37.9-50.5%), and clove number per bulb (by 25.7-63.6%). The highest virus elimination rate due to cryopreservation was 75.0% for onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest cryopreservation as a promising method for conservation and improvement of garlic.