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Spinal cord injury (SCI) results from various causes, including sports‐related incidents, degenerative cervical myelopathy, traffic accidents, and falls. SCI typically leads to sensory and motor dysfunction and even paralysis. Current treatments for SCI include systemic administration of high‐dose steroids and surgical decompression and stabilization. However, excessive use of glucocorticoids may increase susceptibility to infections and systemic bleeding. The long‐term effect of surgery intervention remains unclear, with ongoing debates regarding its timing, efficacy, and safety. Therefore, innovative approaches are urgently needed to alleviate secondary injuries and promote spinal recovery. One emerging therapeutic approach for SCI is modulating the microenvironments to achieve neuroprotection and neurogenesis during recovery. Several biomaterials with favorable physicochemical properties have been developed to enhance therapeutic effects by regulating microenvironments. This Review first discusses the pathology of SCI microenvironments and then introduces biomaterials‐based regulatory strategies targeting various microenvironmental components, including anti‐inflammation, anti‐oxidation, reduction of excitotoxicity, revascularization, neurogenesis, and scar density reduction. Additionally, the research and clinical application prospects for microenvironment regulation are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of glucose-free and glucose-containing dialysates during dialysis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients by the prospective cross-over study, and detect glucose control methods in MHD patients. Methods: A total of 66 MHD 18–75 years old patients in our hospital from Nov. 2019 to Mar. 2020 were recruited. All patients underwent HD with 4 hours per time, three times per week. Glucose-free dialysate (glucose-free group) and then 5.55 mmol/L glucose-containing dialysate (glucose-5.55 group) were used alternately in dialysis. The demographics and parameters of pre- and post-dialysis were recorded. Results: A total of 60 patients were analyzed, and 28 patients among them had type 2 diabetes. Serum glucose pre and post dialysis were 8.64 ± 4.18 mmol/L versus 5.74 ± 1.82 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-free dialysate, and 9.31 ± 4.89 mmol/L versus 7.80 ± 2.59 mmol/L (p < 0.01) in glucose-5.55 dialysate. The post-dialysis blood glucose of glucose-free group was lower than glucose-5.55 group (5.74 ± 1.82 vs 7.80 ± 2.59, p < 0.01). About 18 (30.00%) patients in glucose-free group and 1 patient (1.67%) in glucose-5.55 group whose blood glucose was lower than 4.44 mmol/L (p < 0.01). About 29 patients (48.33%) in glucose-free group and 17 patients (28.33%; p = 0.02) in glucose-5.55 group have hunger feeling. Serum sodium level in the glucose-free group was higher than that in Glucose-5.55 group (137.92 ± 1.64 vs 136.70 ± 1.64, p < 0.01). Post-dialysis blood glucose had no significant differences between patients not using diabetes-related medication (13 patients) and patients using diabetes-related medication (15 patients) in glucose-free group (7.13 ± 1.78 mmol/L vs 6.08 ± 2.84 mmol/L, p = 0.23) and glucose-5.55 group (9.22 ± 2.59 mmol/L vs 9.35 ± 2.88 mmol/L, p = 0.90). Conclusions: Glucose-free and glucose-5.55 dialysate both decrease the blood glucose post-dialysis. Dialysates containing 5.55 mmol/L glucose can reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia and lower serum sodium, but have no effect on blood pressure during dialysis. Stopping insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs once before dialysis may not affect the control of blood glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoral nerve injury may occur in severe traffic accident injuries with pelvic fracture. Sural nerve grafts or ipsilateral obturator nerve transfer may be used to restore femoral nerve function. We report a new procedure transferring the contralateral obturator nerve to restore femoral nerve function. A 30 year-old male suffering complete lumbar plexus rapture received a contralateral obturator nerve transfer in our hospital. At 2 years follow up he had gained Medical Research Council Grade 3 muscle strength in his 23th months follow-up, with normal gait, Lower Extremity Functional Scale score of 58.75% and Femoral Nerve Motor Function Scale score 61%. The contralateral obturator nerve transfer is a reliable alternative if the nerve graft or ipsilateral obturator nerve cannot be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to analyze the risk factors for new‑onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients who have received a liver transplant. A total of 190 patients who underwent liver transplantation between March 2001 and January 2015 were followed up, and analyzed retrospectively. Sex, age, primary disease, preoperative laboratory findings (hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine and glomerular filtration rate), surgical approach, blood loss during the surgery and transfusion volume, postoperative complications, and the average levels of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) (from liver transplantation to the onset of CKD) were analyzed. In total, 40 patients developed new‑onset CKD after transplantation. Clinical data in the new‑onset CKD group were compared with the non‑CKD group. A χ2 test, t‑test and logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS 17.0 software. The incidence of new‑onset CKD after liver transplantation was 21.1%. Renal pathology included IgA nephropathy, hepatitis B virus‑associated nephropathy, membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis and cryoglobulinemia‑associated renal injury. Among the CKD patients, 85.7% had tubulointerstitial damage. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative renal function, hemoglobin, intraoperative blood loss and transfusion volume, postoperative acute kidney injury, average levels of CNIs, and hypertension were risk factors for new‑onset CKD after liver transplantation. Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative glomerular filtration rate [odds ratio (OR)=0.980, P=0.041], hemoglobin (OR=0.972, P=0.034), average levels of CNIs (OR=1.364, P=0.015) and hypertension (OR=4.833, P=0.048)] were independent risk factors for new‑onset CKD. The incidence of new‑onset CKD in patients who received liver transplantation was high. The main risk factors were identified to be preoperative glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin, postoperative average levels of CNIs and hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the presentations and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and the impact of the Omicron BF.7 variant. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years), who underwent MHD (dialysis vintage ≥ 3 months) at the Hemodialysis Center at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital between December 2022 and January 2023, were included based on predefined eligibility criteria. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were retrospectively collected. Among 131 patients who underwent MHD (10.7% vaccination rate), 106 (80.9%) tested positive for COVID-19. The prevalence of asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 was 8.5%, 58.5%, 17%, and 16%, respectively. Among the 97 patients with symptoms, 23 (23.7%) were hospitalized and six (5.7%) died. Fever was experienced by 74.2% of patients and respiratory symptoms were the most common (81.4%). Residual symptoms persisted in 20.9% of patients one month after the onset of COVID-19. COVID-19-positive hemodialysis patients were more likely to experience weight loss and exhibit reduced albumin levels compared to those without COVID-19 (p <.05). Compared with the asymptomatic group, patients with symptoms were younger, and exhibited higher interleukin-6 levels and lower post-infection phosphate levels (p <.05). Age, dialysis vintage, comorbidities, and inflammatory factors were positively associated with disease severity, while baseline albumin and hemoglobulin levels were associated with death (p <.05). In conclusion, COVID-19 was prevalent among patients undergoing MHD, even during the Omicron variant epidemic. Age, nutritional status, comorbidities, and inflammatory factors were associated with disease severity and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A siloxane-containing diphenol is synthesized from 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane and o-allylphenol, followed by the Mannich condensation with aniline, methylamine, and formaldehyde yielding two siloxane-containing benzoxazines. The onset polymerization temperature of aniline-based benzoxazine is higher than that of the methylamine counterpart. The dynamic mechanical properties of the polybenzoxazines depend on the structure of the starting primary amines. Both polybenzoxazines exhibit one-way dual-shape memory behavior in response to changes in temperature, and they show excellent shape fixity ratios in bending, tension, and tensile stress-strain tests, high shape recovery ratios in bending and tension tests, but relatively low shape recovery ratios in tensile stress-strain test. The network chain segments including the alkylsiloxane units serve as a thermal control switch based on the glass transition temperatures (39 and 53 °C) for the polybenzoxazines. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1255-1266 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor, and is considered an inflammatory pseudotumor. Here, we report of a 37-year-old woman with severe cough and stridor who was diagnosed with primary IMT of the lungs, with adenocarcinoma in situ based on the pathology in December 2012. A year later, transabdominal ultrasonography demonstrated a solid mass in the uterine wall that was initially diagnosed as a leiomyoma. However, postoperative histological examination and immunohistochemical staining revealed it as a uterine metastasis of the lung IMT. One year thereafter, the patient died of the lung tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the clinical outcomes of maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients using a high-flux (FX60) dialyzer. Method: Thirty patients undergoing dialysis for at least 2 years with a low-flux dialyzer were switched to the FX60 dialyzer for 3 years. Clinical and biochemical analysis was performed monthly for each patient. The parameters monitored included blood pressure, hemoglobin, albumin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium and phosphorus levels, the adequacy of dialysis (Kt/V), beta2-microglobulin (β2-MG) clearance rate, as well as antihypertensive and erythropoietin (EPO) medications. Results: After 3 years of dialysis with an FX60 dialyzer, the mean arterial blood pressure fell, hemoglobin increased, serum phosphate level decreased, iPTH declined and medication doses decreased. Conclusions: Dialysis with the FX60 dialyzer has a better clinical outcome for rectifying renal anemia, controlling hypertension and lowering serum phosphate levels making it a better choice for long-term HD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To understand the fitness cost of novobiocin-resistance in an attenuated Streptococcus iniae vaccine strain ISNO compared to its virulent parent strain ISET0901, cell proliferation rate of the two strains were compared to each other. Our results revealed that the cell proliferation rates of ISNO were significantly (P <0.05) smaller than that of ISET0901. To understand whether there was any mutation at the target site of novobiocin, DNA gyrase subunit B (gyrB) was sequenced from both strains. Sequencing results revealed a point mutation of AGA to AGC, resulting in a deduced amino acid substitution of R635S. To determine whether any unique DNA sequence was present in ISET0901 but absent in ISNO, PCR-select bacterial genome subtractive hybridization was performed. A phosphotransferase system fructose specific IIABC component sequence was confirmed to be present in ISET0901 but absent in ISNO. Using genomic DNAs from ten field-strains of S. iniae as templates, the phosphotransferase system fructose specific IIABC component sequence was found to be present in five highly virulent strains, but absent in five avirulent strains. Taken together, our results suggest that: (1) As fitness cost of novobicin resistance, ISNO had significantly smaller cell proliferation rate; (2) point mutation at target site gyrB resulting in R635S substitution was associated with novobiocin resistance in ISNO; and (3) phosphotransferase system fructose specific IIABC component was associated with virulence of S. iniae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• GM- CSF increases the number of white blood cells. • GM -CSF can partially restore BCR heavy chain CDR3 repertoire. • GM -CSF may lead to rearrangement, proliferation and activation of abnormal B cells. Leukopenia is a common manifestation of many diseases, including global outbreak SAS-CoV-2 infection. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM -CSF) has been proved to be effective in promoting lymphocyte regeneration, but adverse immunological effects have also emerged. This study aim to investigate the effect of GM -CSF on BCR heavy chain CDR3 repertoire while promoting lymphocyte regeneration. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) and GM -CSF were used to inhibit and stimulate bone marrow hematopoiesis, respectively. High throughput sequencing was applied to detect the characteristics of BCR CDR3 repertoire in controls, CTX group and GM -CSF group. The white blood cells (WBCs) were quickly reduced (P < 0.05) with lymphocytes decreasing causing by CTX, and the WBCs and lymphocytes returned to the level of controls after GM -CSF treatment. The diversity of BCR heavy chain CDR3 repertoire was also significantly decreased in CTX group. Although there is still a big gap from the controls, the diversity was picked up after GM -CSF treatment. The expression of IGHD01-01, IGHD02-14 and IGHJ04-01 with high-frequency usage regularly and significantly changed in three groups, and many genes with low-frequency usage lost in CTX group and did not reappear in GM -CSF group. Moreover, two shared sequences and accounted for the highest proportion in GM -CSF group have been detected in animal model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These results revealed that GM -CSF can partially restore changes in the BCR heavy chain CDR3 repertoire while promoting lymphocyte regeneration, but it may also lead to rearrangement, proliferation and activation of abnormal B cells, which can provide a basis for further study on the adverse immunological effects and mechanism of GM -CSF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating reports have indicated that congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an endocrine disorder caused by underdeveloped thyroid gland or thyroid dyshormonogenesis. It has been also reported that certain microRNAs (miRNAs) may exert protective effects against the development of CH. However, whether miR-489-3p regulates CH progression remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of miR-489-3p on CH and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, Sprague Dawley rats were injected with propylthiouracil (50 mg/day) to establish a CH model. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay demonstrated that miR-489-3p was upregulated in the hippocampal tissues of CH rats. Furthermore, the TargetScan software was employed to predict the target gene of miR-489-3p, and a dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that translationally controlled tumor protein 1 (TPT1) was directly targeted by miR-489-3p. Additionally, RT-qPCR and western blot assays suggested that TPT1 was markedly downregulated in the hippocampal tissues of CH rats compared with control rats. In addition, inhibitor control, miR-489-3p inhibitor, control-shRNA or TPT1-shRNA were injected into CH rats. The results of the open-field and forced swimming tests revealed that miR-489-3p inhibitor notably improved the behavior of CH rats. Flow cytometry was applied to explore the effects of miR-489-3p inhibitor on neuronal cell apoptosis, and the findings indicated that miR-489-3p inhibitor attenuated CH-induced neuronal cell apoptosis, whereas these effects were reversed by treatment with miR-489-3p inhibitor and TPT1-shRNA. Finally, the function of miR-489-3p in neuronal cells was investigated in vitro. Neuronal cell viability, apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins were determined using MTT assay, flow cytometry and western blot analysis, respectively. The results demonstrated that miR-489-3p inhibitor enhanced cell viability, suppressed apoptosis and upregulated Pim-3, phosphorylated (p)-Bad (Ser112) and Bcl-xL expression. Rescue experiments indicated that these effects were reversed following silencing of TPT1. Taken together, the findings of the present study demonstrated that miR-489-3p inhibitor could relieve CH-induced neurological damage through regulating TPT1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women globally. Emerging evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with BC carcinogenesis. In the current study, we explored the mechanism by which LINC00662 regulates BC. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assessed RNA expressions while western blot for protein levels. Kaplan Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS). Cytoplasmic/nuclear fractionation, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays probed into the underlying molecular mechanism of LINC00662 in BC. Xenograft model was established to explore the influence of LINC00662 on BC progression in vivo. R square graphs were utilized to represent RNA relationships. Results: LINC00662 is overtly overexpressed in BC tissues and cell lines. LINC00662 knockdown hampers cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness. LINC00662 expression is negatively correlated with OS of BC patients. LINC00662 up-regulates SOX2 expression by competitively binding to miR-144-3p, thereby modulating BC cell progression. Xenograft experiments verified that LINC00662 promotes BC tumor growth and cell stemness in vivo. Conclusion: LINC00662 enhances cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness in BC by targeting miR-144-3p/SOX2 axis. The findings in the present study suggested that LINC00662 could be a potential therapeutic target for BC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) is a significant grain base, energy base and natural ecological barrier in China. It is also an area with scarce water resources, and there was a constraint relationship with water-energy-food-ecosystems (WEFE). Studying the synergistic WEFE relationship has a favorable impact on the promotion of high-quality and sustainable development. This study developed a comprehensive index system for WEFE and analyzed the evolution of coupling relationship over time. Geographical detector was used to quantify the driving factors of coupling coordination degree. Social network analysis (SNA) model was used to evaluate the network characteristics and spatial patterns of coupling coordination of WEFE. The results indicated that: 1) the coupling coordination degree of WEFE Nexus had increased from moderate incoordination to good coordination during 2006–2020; 2) production and waste emission processes of energy and food were key constraints to coupling relationships; 3) Henan was the center of WEFE coupling coordination network in YRB, and the spatial network was divided into the net beneficial block, net spillover block, bidirectional spillover block, brokers block. However, regional disparities existed, coupling coordination degree showed downstream spillovers and upstream benefits; 4) accordingly, we proposed measures to enhance the balanced development of regional coupling coordination, what's the most important of which was identifying one's own position and actively broadening the channels of factor mobility. This study helps to understand the characteristics of resources from the perspective of complex networks, and provides a scientific basis for strengthening the regional integrated management, and achieving regional synergistic development. [Display omitted] • The coupling coordination degree has shown an increasing trend during 2006–2020. • Social Network Analysis model was used to analyze spatial network characteristics. • The upper reach is the beneficiary area of coupling coordination development. • Explored the targeted measures to enhance regional sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA), as one of the most important and harmful mycotoxins, is classed as possible human carcinogen (group 2B). As we all know, DNA damage may cause genomic instability, cell cycle disorder, activation of DNA damage pathway, and stimulation of DNA repair system. To explore the roles of DNA damage repair protein (hMLH1) on OTA-induced G 2 arrest, the DNA damage, chromosome aberration, cell cycle distribution and p53-p21 signaling pathway were evaluatd after different time OTA exposure (6, 12, 24, 48 h) in immortalized human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1). Our results demonstrated that OTA exposure could trigger genomic instability, DNA damage and G 2 phase arrest of GES-1 cells. At the same time, OTA treatment could increase the expression of hMLH1, and induce phosphorylation of the p53 protein, as well as p21, in response to DNA damage. Finally, inhibition of hMLH1 by siRNA effectively prevented the activation of p53-p21 signaling pathway and rescued the G 2 arrest elicited by OTA. This study demonstrated that hMLH1-p53-p21 signaling pathway played an important role in DNA damage and G 2 cell cycle arrest the mediated by OTA in GES-1 cells. • OTA treatment for different amounts of time in GES-1 cells could induce chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage and G 2 /M phase arrest. • OTA treatment for different amounts of time induced GES-1 cells to arrest at G 2 /M phase by regulating the expression of Cdc2, p-Cdc2 and CyclinB1. • The hMLH1-p53-p21 signaling pathway play an important role in OTA-caused G 2 phase arrest in GES-1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore psychological experience and influential factors of pregnant women who decided elective caesarean section after the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in a hospital in Shanghai, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected pregnant women who selected elective cesarean section as the study objects, all participants provided informed consent and completed questionnaires, including sociodemographic questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS). Software SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze and explore the influencing factors.Results: Eligible 595 questionnaires were included in the study, the mean score of GAD-7 was 4.855 ± 3.254 and 90.699 ± 13.807 of GWBS. Generalized linear regression analysis revealed several factors that were statistically significant with the two scales, including birthplace, average monthly income, number of abortion and pregnancy complication (p < 0.01).Conclusion: The COVID-19 infection status and symptoms around infection have no statistical difference in anxiety level and general well-being after they experience the COVID-19 pandemic. However, through this study, we found some influencing factors that worth further exploration. In the future, we will expand the sample size to explore the different situation of multi-center, and we hope provide psychological nursing interventions based on existing results to offer a better delivery experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the expression trends and clinical significance of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endodeoxyribonuclease 1 ( APE1/Ref-1) and Nucleophosmin ( NPM1) proteins in high-grade serous ovarian adenocarcinoma ( HGSC). The expressions of APE1/Ref-1 and NPM1 proteins in 94 patients with HGSC were determined using the immunohistochemical ( IHC) method, and their relationships with clinicopathological features were analyzed by the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. The follow-up data, Cox proportional hazards univariate and multivariate survival analyses were integrated to evaluate the prognostic factors affecting patients with HGSC. In the normal fallopian tubes, APE1/Ref-1 and NPM1 protein were mainly distributed in the nuclear. The HGSC experienced changes in the cellular localization of APE1/Ref-1 and NPM1 protein expressions, which were abnormally expressed in the cytoplasm. The rates of abnormal cytoplasmic expression of APE1/Ref-1 and NPM1 proteins in 94 patients with HGSC were 69.1% and 73.4%, respectively, which were significantly higher than the normal fallopian tube tissues (p < 0.05). The abnormal cytoplasmic APE1/Ref-1 and NPM1 are significantly correlated with the lymph node metastasis, chemosensitivity, FIGO staging, and prognosis. The COX multivariate survival analysis showed that the abnormal expression of APE1/Ref-1 protein, FIGO staging, and lymph node metastasis are independent prognostic factors. Collectively, the abnormal cytoplasmic APE1/Ref-1 and NPM1 proteins are associated with the oncogenic progression and chemoresistance of HGSC, and predict a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes tremendous harm to a patient's physical, mental, and financial health. Moreover, recovery of SCI is affected by many factors, inflammation is one of the most important as it engulfs necrotic tissue and cells during the early stages of injury. However, excessive inflammation is not conducive to damage repair. Macrophages are classified into either blood-derived macrophages or resident microglia based on their origin, their effects on SCI being two-sided. Microglia first activate and recruit blood-derived macrophages at the site of injury—blood-borne macrophages being divided into pro-inflammatory M1 phenotypes and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. Among them, M1 macrophages secrete inflammatory factors such as interleukin-β (IL-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) at the injury site, which aggravates SCIs. M2 macrophages secrete IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and neurotrophic factors to inhibit the inflammatory response and inhibit neuronal apoptosis. Consequently, modulating phenotypic differentiation of macrophages appears to be a meaningful therapeutic target for the treatment of SCI. Biomaterials are widely used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering due to their targeting and bio-histocompatibility. In this review, we describe the effects of biomaterials applied to modulate macrophage phenotypes on SCI recovery and provide an outlook. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity and alkalinity are important indicators of the aquatic environment, and saline-alkali stress has negative effects on aquatic organisms. Dietary supplementation with probiotics can improve the overall health and productivity of aquatic animals. Bacillus subtilis is a widely used probiotic in aquaculture. A total of 240 Carassius auratus gibelio (13.85 ± 0.15 g) were assigned to four groups. This experiment used a completely randomized design with three replicates and a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with two saline-alkali concentrations (0 g/L NaCl + 0 g/L NaHCO3 and 5 g/L NaCl + 2.52 g/L NaHCO3) and two diets (control and supplemented with 108 CFU/g B. subtilis). After 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of saline-alkali exposure, fish blood samples were collected and serum levels of immunoglobulin M, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase were measured. Gills and kidneys were sampled to analyze superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, malondialdehyde content, and histopathological alterations. The results suggested that a B. subtilis-supplemented diet may enhance immunity, improve antioxidant ability, and reduce tissue damage in C. gibelio exposed to saline-alkali stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explored the colorectal cancer exosome lncRNA prostate cancer associated transcript 1- (PCAT1) mediated circulating tumors and the mechanism of cell colorectal cancer liver metastasis.Methods: Exosomes were extracted from the primary colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines HCT116 and SW480 and cultured with T84 and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells. The expression of PCAT1 and miR-329-3p was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the expression of Netrin-1, CD146, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins was detected by Western blot, the proliferation activity of T84 cells was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), and cell migration was detected by Transwell. The expression of the F-actin signal was detected by immunofluorescence after coculture of exosomes with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Changes in subcutaneous tumor and liver nodule size after PCAT1 deletion were observed in a mouse model of liver metastasis from rectal cancer.Results: PCAT1 expression was upregulated in primary cell lines and their exosomes. After exosomes were cocultured with colorectal cancer tumor circulating T84 cells, the expression of Netrin-1 and CD146 was upregulated, the expression of miR-329-3p was downregulated, the proliferation and migration ability of T84 cells were enhanced, and EMT occurred. After knocking down PCAT1, the above phenomenon was reversed. Similarly, after exosomes were cocultured with HUVECs, the expression of the F-actin signal increased, and after PCAT1 was knocked down, the F-actin signal also decreased. PCAT1 regulates miR-329-3p/Netrin-1 and affects the biological behavior of T84 and F-actin signal expression in HUVECs. In a mouse model of colorectal cancer liver metastasis, knocking down PCAT1 significantly reduced the nodules formed by liver metastasis in mice.Conclusions: LncRNA PCAT1 derived from colorectal cancer exosomes regulates the activity of the Netrin-1-CD146 complex in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to promote the occurrence of colorectal cancer EMT and liver metastasis and provides new molecular targets for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Glioma is a common malignant tumor of the central nervous system with extremely poor prognosis. An efficient molecular marker for diagnosis and treatment is urgently needed. Fatty acid binding protein 7(FABP7), which regulates intracellular lipid metabolism, is highly expressed in nervous system tumors, but its prognostic value remains undetermined. The present study investigated the relationship between FABP7 expression and prognosis in glioma patients by bioinformatics analysis, as well as immunohistochemically evaluating the effect of FABP7 expression on the efficacy of antiangiogenic drugs. Methods. Gene expression and clinical data on patients with glioma were collected from the China Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Levels of FABP7 expression and their association with the clinicopathologic characteristics of glioma patients were analyzed in the CGGA database. The relationships between FABP7 expression and clinical findings, such as survival and prognostic, were determined and used for nomogram construction. Mechanisms of action of FABP7 were assessed using GSEA software. FABP7 expression in the tissues of glioma patients treated with apatinib was evaluated immunohistochemically. Results. FABP7 was highly expressed in glioma samples, with higher FABP7 expression associated with poorer patient prognosis and more advanced clinicopathological features. Bioinformatics analysis, including survival, receiver operating characteristic curve, and univariate and multivariate Cox analyses, showed that FABP7 was independently prognostic of outcomes in glioma patients. GSEA analysis showed that FABP7 was associated with angiogenesis, with FABP7 having correlation coefficients > 0.4 with seven factors in the angiogenic pathway, POSTN, TIMP1, PDGFA, FGFR1, S100A4, COL5A2, and STC1, and the expression of these factors related to patient prognosis. Immunohistochemistry showed that FABP7 expression was higher in glioma patients with poor survival after apatinib treatment. Conclusions. High FABP7 expression is associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients. FABP7, which is important for glioma angiogenesis, may serve as an independent prognostic predictor in glioma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fish is favored by consumers, while amino acids and fatty acids are the main nutrients of muscle. At present, it has been found that the gut microbial community may be involved in the regulation of host material anabolism. Juvenile and adult bighead carp (A. nobilis) from Chagan lake and Xinlicheng reservoir were selected, and divided into four groups to compare the differences of gut microbial communities, free amino acid and fatty acids in muscle. Results: The results showed that fish in different lakes or ages contained specific microbiota, the gut microbial structure was similar, but the microbial content was significantly different. Gut microbial abundance of juvenile fish in Chagan lake was significantly higher than that of other groups. Phylum level analysis Proteobacteria was the dominant gut bacteria of fish in both adult and juvenile fish from two separate lakes. Actinobacteria was another dominant bacterial phylum in juvenile fish in both lakes. Contents of free amino acids and fatty acids in muscle were detected, and the relationships between them and gut microbial communities were analyzed. Bighead carp grew from juvenile to adult, Actinobacteria abundance decreased (P < 0.05) and Proteobacteria increased (P < 0.05). Proteobacteria was positively correlated with the contents of Thr, Lys, Pro, Asp, Gly and Glu, Actinobacteria was negatively correlated with Met and His. Meanwhile, EPA and DHA were positively correlated with Proteobacteria, EPA and DHA were not significantly associated with Actinobacteria. Conclusion: It was speculated that the contents of free amino acids and fatty acids in muscle might be affected by the difference of gut microbiota, thus affecting the taste and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the adjuvant effects of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) spores on the immune response induced by an SVCV‐M protein, which was equivalent to a subunit vaccine in German mirror carp (Cyprirnus Carpio Songpa Linnaeus Mirror). The following results were observed: in vitro, there were no toxic effects of B. subtilis spores and SVCV‐M protein on the viability of epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells. In addition, B. subtilis spores can significantly reduce the oxidative damage of the spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) on EPC cells, but protein‐M had no significant effects on the oxidative damage of EPC cells. In vivo, higher levels of specific IgM could be detected in the protein‐M+B. subtilis spores group, compared with that in PBS, B. subtilis spores and Protein‐M groups. Immune‐related indexes including the activities of LZM and AKP and the content of C3 and C4 in the protein‐M+B. subtilis spores group were strongly upregulated. Immune‐related genes had the same trend as the immune‐related indexes. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of the protein‐M+B. subtilis spores group was also better than that of PBS, B. subtilis spores and Protein‐M groups. Finally, the highest survival rate (59.69%) was observed in the protein‐M+B. subtilis spores group, while the survival rate was 8.89% in protein‐M group, and 0% in the PBS and B. subtilis spores groups. This study suggests B. subtilis spores as an adjuvant that can enhance the protection efficacy of the SVCV subunit vaccine (SVCV‐M protein) in common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in cancer initiation and progression. LINC01137 is a recently identified lncRNA of which the functional role in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been determined yet. Methods: We analyzed the expression of LINC01137 using a microarray-based OSCC gene expression dataset (GSE31056), and validated the results obtained using RT-qPCR in 26 pairs of primary OSCC tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. The proliferative and invasive effects of LINC01137 on OSCC cells were determined using CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays, respectively. Targeted binding between miR-22-3p and LINC01137 was verified using a dual luciferase reporter assay. Results: We found that LINC01137 was significantly upregulated in primary OSCCs. LINC01137 knockdown inhibited OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas LINC01137 overexpression induced opposite effects. LINC01137 upregulation along with p53 inhibition enhanced the malignant transformation of oral cells. In addition, we found that miR-22-3p can directly target LINC01137 through interaction with a putative miR-22-3p-binding site present within the LINC01137 sequence. A significant negative correlation was observed between LINC01137 and miR-22-3p expression in primary OSCC specimens. Exogenous overexpression of miR-22-3p markedly reduced the endogenous expression level of LINC01137 in OSCC cells. Additional functional assays showed that miR-22-3p overexpression enhanced the inhibitory effect of siRNA-mediated LINC01137 silencing on OSCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas miR-22-3p inhibition had the opposite effect. Conclusions: Our results indicate that LINC01137 functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in OSCC. miR-22-3p can directly target LINC01137 and negatively regulate its expression and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low risk pregnancy ending in a vaginal birth is best served and guided by a midwife. Utilizing a midwife in such cases offers many emotional and economic advantages and does not increase the risks for mother or neonate. However, women's experience and satisfaction of midwife-led maternity care is rarely reported in China. The primary objective of this study is to describe the experience of Chinese women receiving midwife-led maternity care, and to report their satisfaction level of the experience.Methods: The study is a cross-sectional survey of 4192 women who had natural birth from March-June 2019 in a maternity care center, Shanghai, China. We used a self-administered questionnaire addressing items related to women's experience during childbirth, as well as their satisfaction with midwife-led maternity care. We also included demographic and perinatal characteristics of each participant. Descriptive statistics and correlations analysis between groups of different experience and satisfaction were used.Results: In this sample, 87.7% of women had a Doula and a family member present during childbirth. Epidural anesthesia was used in 75.6% and episiotomy was needed in 23.2%. Free positioning during the first stage of labor and free positioning during the second stage of labor and delivery were adopted in 84.3 and 67.9% of the cases, respectively. Moderate to severe perineal pain and moderate to severe perineal edema were reported in 43.1 and 12.2% of the participants, respectively. High satisfaction level was found when there was midwife-led prenatal counseling and presence of Doula and family member, Lamaze breathing techniques, warm perineal compresses, epidural anesthesia, free positioning during the first stage of labor, and midwifes' postpartum guidance. Negative satisfaction was seen with perineal pain and edema.Conclusion: Women in this survey generally had high satisfaction with midwife-led maternity care. This satisfaction is probably felt because of the prenatal counseling by the midwife and allowing a Doula and a family member in the room during childbirth. Other intangible factors to improve the satisfaction level were Lamaze breathing techniques, warm perineal compresses, epidural anesthesia, free positioning during first stage of labor, and early skin to skin contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Gefitinib is a first-line treatment option for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. However, most patients inevitably develop gefitinib resistance. The mechanism underlying this resistance is not fully understood. Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) has been reported to play a role in modulating drug sensitivity, but its role in gefitinib resistance is currently unknown. Here, we investigated the role of YB-1 in gefitinib resistance of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We determined the expression of YB-1, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and AKT signaling markers, as well as the viability of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines bearing mutant (HCC827, PC-9) or wild-type (H1299) EGFR. We also evaluated PC-9 cell migration and invasion using transwell assays. The clinical importance of YB-1 and major vault protein (MVP) was evaluated using primary lung adenocarcinoma patient samples. Results: We found that YB-1 was significantly upregulated in gefitinib-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells compared to gefitinib-sensitive cells. YB-1 augmented gefitinib resistance by activating the AKT pathway and promoting EMT. Decreased migration and invasion was observed upon MVP silencing in YB-1-overexpressing PC-9 cells, as well as restored gefitinib sensitivity. A retrospective analysis of 85 patients with lung adenocarcinoma revealed that YB-1 levels were significantly increased in tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant patients compared to those in TKI-sensitive patients, indicating that YB-1 may serve as a biomarker to clinically predict acquired gefitinib resistance. Conclusion: YB-1 activates AKT signaling and promotes EMT at least in part by directly activating MVP. Hence, targeting the YB-1/MVP axis may help to overcome gefitinib resistance in lung adenocarcinoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ochratoxin A(OTA) induces aerobic glycolysis of GES-1 cells. • OTA increases the glycolytic-associated enzymes (HK2, PFK1, LDHA) in GES-1 cells. • OTA promotes the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of PKM2. • OTA reduces the TCA-cycle-associated enzymes (IDH1 and ODGH) in GES-1 cells. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a ubiquitous mycotoxin with potential nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic and immunotoxic effects. We previously demonstrated that OTA could cause mitochondrial function disturbance in GES-1 cells in vitro , which lead to the presumption that the glucose metabolism of GES-1 cells will be altered by OTA. Therefore in the present study, we explored the toxicity of OTA on glucose metabolism of GES-1 cells and the molecular mechanism. We found that OTA could induce aerobic glycolysis, evidenced shown by increase of glucose consumption, lactate production and cellular ATP concentration. We further detected expressions of GLUT1 and glycolytic enzymes including HK2, PFK1, PKM2 and LDHA as well as tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-associated enzymes including IDH1, OGDH and CS. The results showed that expression of GLUT1 as well as the activities and expressions of HK2, PFK1 and LDHA were significantly increased while IDH1 and OGDH were reduced by OTA. As to PKM2, western blot showed that OTA could elevated the phospho-PKM2 Ser37 protein level and induce the nuclear accumulation of PKM2, which was further supported by immunofluorescence analyses, in addition, pyruvate kinase activity was reduced by OTA. In conclusion, these findings suggest that OTA exposure induces the metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis via regulating the activities and expressions of glycolysis and TCA-cycle associated molecules in GES-1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) is a member of the centrosomal-associated protein family and participates in the regulation of cytokinesis during cell mitosis. However, aberrant CEP55 protein expression has been observed in human tumors. In addition, CEP55 regulates the biological functions of tumors by inducing the Akt pathway and upregulating forkhead box protein M1 (FoxM1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). In the present study, the levels, clinicopathological features and prognostic potential of CEP55, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), FoxM1 and MMP-2 in astrocytoma were evaluated. CEP55, p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 levels were examined in 27 normal brain tissues and 262 astrocytoma tissues by using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were applied to predict the prognosis of patients with astrocytoma. The results indicated that expression levels of CEP55 and other proteins were elevated in human astrocytoma compared with those in normal brain tissue. The levels of the selected proteins were increased as the tumor grade increased. Furthermore, CEP55 expression was positively correlated with p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 levels in astrocytoma. Overall survival analysis revealed that patient prognosis was associated with CEP55, p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 levels, as well as with the tumor grade and patient age. Furthermore, CEP55, FoxM1, tumor grade and patient age were independent prognostic factors in astrocytoma according to multivariate analysis. Taken together, the present results suggested that CEP55, p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 have crucial roles in the progression and prognosis of human astrocytoma and that CEP55 and FoxM1 may be potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of citric acid (CA) and malic acid (MA) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, haematology and immune response of Carassius auratus gibelio. Carassius auratus gibelio were randomly divided into six groups, with three replicates in each group and 20 fish in each replicate. The six groups were fed a basic diet with organic acid supplementation (control group, 0.2%MA, 0.2%MA + 0.1%CA, 0.2%MA + 0.2%CA, 0.2%MA + 0.4%CA and 0.2%MA + 0.6%CA) for 8 weeks respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the weight gain rate and specific growth rate significantly increased in organic acid‐fed groups (p <.05). The highest value was in the 0.2%MA + 0.2%CA group. However, there were no significant differences in survival rate, red blood cells or white blood cells between groups. The contents of ALT, AST and LDH in Carassius auratus gibelio fed with organic acids increased, especially in 0.2%MA + 0.4%CA and 0.2%MA + 0.6%CA groups. However, there was no significant difference between the 0.2%MA + 0.2%CA group and the control group. In addition, the highest values of GSH and T‐AOC were found in the 0.2%MA + 0.6%CA group. Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the expression of HSP70 or LZM (p >.05), but the expression of Il‐1β, IL‐10 and TNF‐α was up‐regulated in the 0.2%MA + 0.4%CA and 0.2%MA + 0.6%CA groups. The results showed that the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, haematological parameters and expression of immune‐related genes were significantly improved by adding organic acids to the feed of Carassius auratus gibelio. However, excessive addition of organic acids may cause liver injury, and the optimal addition amount in this experiment was 0.2%MA + 0.2%CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the dynamic changes of the T-cell receptor (TCR) β complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) repertoire during cyclophosphamide or Cytoxan (CTX) damage or inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis caused by a reduction of peripheral blood white blood cells (WBCs) in BALB/c mice. Methods: We analyze TCR CDR3 repertoire of BALB/c mice including (1) NS control group (2) CTX damage group (3) CTX damage + GM-CSF recovery group (4) CTX damage + auto-recovery group. Results: The number of WBCs in the CTX group is significantly lower than that in the NS group and after GM-CSF injection, the GM-CSF group is higher than that in the NS group. The diversity of the CTX damage group is the highest and there is a significant difference in high-frequency clonal proliferation between the CTX damage group and CTX damage + GM-CSF recovery group compared with the NS control group. In addition, the numbers of unique productive CDR3 overlapping numbers in the four experimental groups are similar. Conclusions: These data reveal that CTX significantly reduced the number of WBCs and ratio of high-frequency TCR CDR3 sequences, and indirectly increased the diversity of the TCR CDR3 repertoire. GM-CSF quickly restored the number of WBCs, and partially restored changes in the TCR CDR3 repertoire induced by CTX. Results from monitoring the dynamic changes of the TCR CDR3 repertoire can be used to assess the effects of CTX and GM-CSF on the function of peripheral blood T cells and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline lakes represent a particularly interesting aquatic environment for harboring high microbial diversity. However, the microbial diversity in different states and locations of saline lake is often overlooked. We studied for the first time the diversity and relative composition of the microbial communities in the Chagan Lake, NE China, and investigated the differences in microbial species and physical and chemical factors in different geographical localities of the lake. After extracting the total DNA of the sample, we tested the library with the established library, sequenced the qualified library with Illumina HiSeq 2500, and studied the bacterial diversity by 16S rRNA targeted metagenomics analysis. Results reveal that the highest microbial abundance in Chagan Lake at genus level was Proteobacterium followed by Actinomycetes and Bacteroides. In addition, we compared the microbial composition within the lake using alpha- and beta-diversity indices, showing that both diversity and evenness were the highest in the middle of the lake and lowest in the west of lake areas, and in the upper, middle, and lower depth of water columns, the low water column had the highest species number in the whole water environment, but the difference was not significant. We believe that physicochemical factors contribute to the formation of microbial community composition and diversity. In aquaculture industry, it is impossible apply horticulture for making full use of the spatial differences in the microbial composition of the water. Therefore, combining cultured aquatic animal with the most suitable microbial species is a good way to boost the breeding effect for greater economic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our recent studies have indicated that miR‐153‐3p is downregulated in the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines and tissues. Upregulation of miR‐153‐3p was found to inhibit migration and invasion of ESCC cells. However, whether miR‐153‐3p regulates the cisplatin sensitivity in ESCC cells remains unclear. In this study, we explored whether and how miR‐153‐3p regulates the proliferation and confers cisplatin resistance in ESCC by targeting the Nrf‐2 protein. Methods: Eca109 cell line was transfected with microRNA‐153‐3p mimics or Nrf‐2siRNA and cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance were studied. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed on Eca109 cells cotransfected with the wild‐type/mutant 3′UTR sequences of Nrf‐2 and control or microRNA‐153‐3p mimics. We determined the correlation between microRNA‐153‐3p and Nrf‐2 expression in human ESCC samples and explored the effect of Nrf‐2 in the overall survival rate of ESCC patients. Results: MiR‐153‐3p significantly suppressed cell proliferation and increased the sensitivity of Eca‐109 cells to cisplatin. MiR‐153‐3p showed a negative correlation with Nrf‐2 in human esophageal carcinoma tissues. MiR‐153‐3p suppressed the expression of Nrf‐2 via binding to its 3′‐UTR region. Furthermore, inhibition of Nrf‐2 also decreased cell proliferation and increased the sensitivity of Eca109 cells to cisplatin. High expression of Nrf‐2 in human ESCC samples was associated with poor overall survival of ESCC patients. Conclusion: MiR‐153‐3p inhibits cell proliferation and confers cisplatin resistance by downregulating Nrf‐2 expression in Eca‐109 cells. Thus, miR‐153‐3p/Nrf‐2 may play an important role in conferring cisplatin resistance in ESCC. Nrf‐2 appears to be a promising therapeutic target for ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis refers to the inflammation of gums and the surrounding structures and caused by a bacterial infection. The infection occurs owing to poor oral hygiene and could destroy the bone and the gum over time if left untreated. The present study identified the involvement of a key long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), i.e. FGD5-AS1, in the pathogenesis of periodontitis by assessing its expression in the gingival tissues of patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (CP). Overexpression of FGD5-AS1 in primary human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) significantly reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontitis, whereas its suppression aggravated this injury. Moreover, the miR-142-3p was markedly expressed in the gingival samples of patients diagnosed with CP and LPS-induced PDLCs. We found that the FGD5-AS1-mediated reduction in the inflammation was mediated through downside regulation of miR-142-3p, as evident from the upregulation of SOCS6, a target gene of miR-142-3p. Furthermore, the association between FGD5-AS1 and NF-κB pathway was detected. FGD5-AS1 was found to protect against LPS-stimulated PDLC injury through restraining the NF-κB signals. Based on these findings, we conclude that up-regulation of lncRNA FGD5-AS1 could protect against periodontitis via regulating the miR-142-3p/SOCS6/NF-κB signals. Therefore, the FGD5-AS1/miR-142-3p/SOCS6 axis may act as an important indicator in explaining the pathogenesis of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited condition affecting multiple endocrine organs, resulting in significant morbidity and decreased life expectancy. Early tumor identification allows for timely patient management, reduces morbidity, and improves disease outcomes. Patients with MEN1 typically present with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by multiple parathyroid tumors, however, thymic and bronchial carcinoid tumors are also less common manifestations. MEN1-related neuroendocrine tumors often show hematogenous metastasis, with the liver being the most common metastatic site. Skeletal metastases from neuroendocrine tumors are extremely rare. As few as 50 case reports were identified in a recently published literature review on skeletal metastases from carcinoid tumors. To our knowledge, studies related to MEN1 have not been previously conducted.Case Presentation: We present a case of MEN1-related atypical ovarian carcinoid presenting as the first disease manifestation in a 30-year old woman. After two years, another atypical carcinoid was incidentally diagnosed in the contralateral ovary during a caesarean section. Syndromic MEN1 was not diagnosed clinically despite her young age and bilateral involvement. The patient remained disease-free for two years without further adjuvant treatment prior to clinic presentation with complaints of chest discomfort and body pain. Radiologic and pathologic investigations identified multifocal simultaneous neuroendocrine tumors involving the parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, and adrenal glands, in addition to multiple other metastatic sites. The findings ultimately resulted in the patient being diagnosed with MEN1.Conclusions: This extremely rare case emphasizes that ovarian carcinoids, especially when bilateral, could be the initial manifestation of MEN1. The significance of this differential diagnosis was highlighted by the subsequent detection of widespread skeletal metastasis resulting from the carcinoid tumors. A low threshold of suspicion, systemic diagnostic work-up, and regular follow-up are of utmost importance to timely diagnosis of MEN1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The protein identification analysis identified five differentially expressed proteins in the OTA-GES-1 T cells group. • The expressions of Annexin A3 both at protein and mRNA levels increased in OTA-GES-1 T cells group. • Annexin A3 siRNA transfection could inhibit the proliferation of OTA-GES-1 T cells. • Annexin A3 siRNA transfection could lead cells to be arrested at G0/G 1 phase in OTA-GES-1 T cells group. • Inhibition Annexin A3 by siRNA effectively prevented the migration and invasion abilities of OTA-GES-1 T cells. Ochratoxin A (OTA), one of the most abundant food-contaminating mycotoxins, is a possible carcinogen to humans. We previously demonstrated that long-term (40 weeks) OTA exposure induces the malignant transformation of human gastric epithelium cells (GES-1) in vitro. However, the specific mechanism underlying OTA-induced gastric carcinogenesis is complex. In the present study, we used 2-DE and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF MS) combined with bioinformatics and immunoblotting to investigate the differentially expressed proteins between GES-1 and OTA-malignant transformed GES-1 cells (OTA-GES-1 T cells) in vitro. We found that four differentially expressed proteins were identified after malignant transformation, including actin, cytoplasmic 1 (ACTB), F-actin-capping protein subunit alpha-1 (CAPZA1), Annexin A3 (ANXA3), thioredoxin peroxidase B from red blood cells (TPx-B) and Fibrinogen beta B (Fibrinogen β). Among the differentially expressed proteins, the effect of Annexin A3 was analyzed by MTT assay, western blot, cell cycle analysis, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and colony formation assay in OTA-GES-1 T cells. The results showed that inhibition of Annexin A3 by siRNA effectively prevented the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OTA-GES-1 T cells. Collectively, the results of this study will guide future research on OTA carcinogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is the most common heavy metal and is easily detected in aquatic environments worldwide. The genus Bacillus was one of dominant probiotics, which was commonly used in aquaculture. The present study was undertaken to explore the effects of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) supplementation on hematological parameters and the immune response of Carassius auratus gibelio (C. gibelio) following Cd exposure. Fish were exposed to waterborne Cd (0, 1 and 2 mg/L) and/or treated with dietary B. cereus at 108 cfu/g for four weeks. The hematological disturbances observed after exposure of waterborne Cd included significant decreases in red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and hematocrit (HCT). While significant elevation (P < 0.05) of RBC count, HCT and Hb levels in the 1 and 2 mg/L Cd -B. cereus administration group at 4 weeks, compared with the Cd-only group. Among serum enzymatic activities, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities by Cd exposure were significantly higher than controls, but this increase was effectively inhibited in Cd- B. cereus administration groups. In the Cd- B. cereus administration group, significant down-regulation of Hsp70, Hsp90, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in conjunction with the up-regulation of IgM and LZM in the spleen indicated that B. cereus alleviated the Cd-induced damage to the immune system to some degree. The results of this study suggested that B. cereus has the potential to countermeasure Cd-induced hematological disturbances and immunosuppression in C. gibelio. • Dietary B. cereus at 108 cfu/g had significant influence on hematological disturbances induced by cadmium in C. gibelio. • Dietary B. cereus at 108 cfu/g significantly alleviates cadmium induced immunosuppression in C. gibelio. • B. cereus has the potential to combat cadmium toxicity in C. gibelio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterigmatocystin (ST), being a precursor of aflatoxin, is categorized as Group 2B carcinogen. Our previous studies found that both mismatch repair (MMR) pathways and p53 signaling pathway were involved in ST-induced G 2 cell cycle arrest in human esophageal squamous epithelial cell line, HET-1A, in vitro . Studies showed that ERK, JNK and p38 signaling pathways played important roles in cell cycle arrest induced by several other carcinogens. However, the role of MAPK pathway and the links between the MMR and p53 signaling pathways in ST induced G 2 phase arrest is still not clarified. In the present study, we first explored the role of MAPK pathway upon ST induced G 2 arrest, and found that ST up-regulated the expression of G 2 /M regulatory factors through MAPK signaling pathway (both ERK and p38, but not JNK pathway). The inhibition of ERK and p38 significantly inhibited p53 activation by ST. Blockage of MMR pathway by silencing hMLH1 expression inhibited ERK, p38 and p53 activation and then attenuated G 2 arrest by ST. Thus, in conclusion, the current study demonstrated that in response to ST induced DNA damage, hMLH1 was first activated, then triggered ERK, p38 and p53 activation and finally resulted in G 2 arrest in HET-1A cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus can not only improve the ecological environment of aquaculture water, but also improve the immunity of aquaculture animals, inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms and reduce the incidence of disease. The present study represented the effect of different combinations of Bacillus on immunity and antioxidant activities in common carp. A total of 240 fish were randomly divided into four groups: control group (basal diet), experimental group I (add B. subtilis), experimental group II (add B. subtilis and B. licheniformis), and experimental group III ( B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. cereus). Compared with the control group, the carp in experimental group II displayed a significantly elevated phagocytic percentage (up to a 20.2% increase; P < 0.05), phagocytic index (up to a 41.5% increase; P < 0.05), serum immunoglobulin M (up to a 26.1% increase; P < 0.05), serum lysozyme activity (up to a 21.9% increase; P < 0.05), intestinal mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A content (up to a 53.1% increase; P < 0.05), and peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation ratio (up to a 32.8% increase; P < 0.05). Further analysis of liver antioxidants showed that, compared with the control group, carp in experimental group II displayed elevated superoxide dismutase (69.4%; P < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase (25.4%; P < 0.05), catalase (76.4%; P < 0.05), total antioxidant (41.1%; P < 0.05), maleic dialdehyde (28.9%; P < 0.05), and glutathione (35.6%; P < 0.05) activities. There was no significant difference between the experimental group I and the experimental group III ( P > 0.05). Our results indicated that dietary Bacillus enhanced the performance of the common carp immune response and that a mixture of strains elevated the antioxidant ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of compound cold water soluble gel in petrifilm aerobic count plates was evaluated in terms of particle size, pH, transmittance, gel strength, water absorption, and water retention. Results demonstrated that when the ratio of sodium polyacrylate and guar gum is 2:8 in cold water soluble gel, the compound gel has 1.0% concentration, neutral pH, 446 g/cm 2 gel strength, 79.6% transmittance, 103.6 g/g water adsorption, and 14.4% water retention, which have no significant difference with 1.0% agar. After surfactants, somatomedin, glucose, and bean dregs were added, the sample solution was absorbed completely and colony diameter on petrifilm plates reached 0.95 mm, which is appropriate for counting. The petrifilm plate method based on prepared cold water soluble gel can achieve the same limit of detection (10° cfu/mL) and sensitivity (100%) in counting of five strains compared with the National Standards of Aerobe Plate Count Method. The petrifilm plate method also showed high accuracy and linearly dependent coefficient (R 2 = 0.9933). The accordance rate between the petrifilm plate method and the national standard agar plate count method reached as high as 90% in food detection. The compound cold water soluble gel can be used as a good petrifilm plate for aerobic bacterial count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Porous hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) with adjustable size and pore width distribution were synthesized. • The clearance rate of HCSs to interleukin 6 (IL-6) in PBS buffer solution was up to 99.8%. • HCSs had a high adsorption rate and removal efficiency for PTH, β 2 -MG, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum of uremic patients. • The selective adsorption of middle-macromolecular toxins or cytokines was achieved by regulating the pore structure of HCSs. Abnormally elevated middle-macromolecular toxins such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) in human blood are fatal precipitating factors for patients suffered from immune-related diseases, especially for uremia and COVID-19 critical patients, while the effective clearance of them has always been problematic in clinic. In this work, porous hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) with different size and pore structure has been successfully prepared. The removal efficiency for IL-6 in PBS solution is about 99.8 %, even in the serum of uremic patients, HCSs could remove 94.75 % and 98.33 % of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and β 2 -microglobulin (β 2 -MG) efficiently within 5–10 min, and particularly, the adsorption of IL-6 and TNF- α is 17.6 and 11.4 times higher over that of the existing commercial hemoperfusion adsorbents. The adsorption balance can be achieved in 60 min, which would greatly shorten the current clinical treatment duration. Moreover, HCSs with different pore structure exhibit distinct adsorption selectivity for IL-6 and TNF- α, which is of special significance for modifying the middle-macromolecular cytokine level in the complicated human blood environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species that greatly threatens human health. We previously showed that OTA induced cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy in human gastric epithelium cells (GES-1). However, the mechanism underlying these effects is still unclear. Here, we showed that OTA exposure increased the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress indicators (GRP78, PERK, ATF6, eIF2α, and CHOP), suggesting the activation of the unfolded protein response pathway. 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), an ER stress-specific inhibitor, attenuated OTA-induced loss of cell viability and apoptosis in GES-1 cells. It also attenuated the G2 phase arrest and autophagy induced by OTA, as evidenced by upregulated G2 phase-related proteins (Cdc2, Cdc25C, and cyclinB1) and downregulated autophagy markers (LC3B and Beclin-1). Moreover, OTA was found to increase ROS generation, and the inhibition of ROS formation by N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an ROS inhibitor, attenuated OTA-induced ER stress and subsequent apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy. Collectively, these results suggest that the ROS-mediated ER stress pathway contributes to the OTA toxin-induced cytotoxicity in GES-1 cells. This study offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying OTA toxicity in gastric cells. • Ochratoxin A(OTA) induces ER stress of gastric epithelium cells. • OTA induces apoptosis of GES-1 cells through ER stress. • ER stress is involved in G2 phase arrest caused by OTA in GES-1 cells. • ER stress participate in OTA-induced autophagy in GES-1 cells. • ROS regulates the ER stress-mediated OTA-induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest as well as autophagy in GES-1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transportation network framework based on OD-grid using real-life GPS data. • Resilience metrics given transportation resilience main factors. • Resilience-oriented recovery optimization algorithm based on GA. Transportation is the key to a city's prosperity, however, there is possibility that the development and expansion of city make the transportation system complicated, uncertain and vulnerable, especially when in the face of damage. Although resilience is a critical factor for understanding and managing the damage and recovery of the transportation system, study on model of transportation resilience, which is able to effectively utilize actual data and is based on real cases, is still not enough. Therefore, this paper proposes a resilience model and investigates the optimization of the recovery strategy according to this model. It constructs a modeling framework based on the OD-grid network and provides a brand-new performance metric for transportation network resilience analysis based on grid capacity. It also develops two resilience assessment models and compares their characters. Focusing on the recovery of transportation resilience process, it presents two recovery strategies considering recovery sequence and resource allocation respectively and uses the GA algorithm to optimize them and solve the problem. It then demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed model and the recovery algorithm through the resilience analysis and recovery strategy optimization of a city's transportation network model, which is built according to the real GPS data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzoxazine/epoxy copolymers were prepared by solution blending bis(4-(8-allyl-2 H-benzo[e][1,3]oxazin-3(4 H)-yl)phenyl)methane ( oAP-ddm) with bisphenol-A type novolac epoxy resin (bis-ANER), followed by thermally polymerization of the blend. The copolymerization behavior of oAP-ddm/bis-ANER was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). With the increasing of bis-ANER fraction, the exothermic peak in DSC curve changes from one to two overlapped peaks, and the second peak shifts to higher temperatures. Dynamic mechanical analysis results show that a single peak appears in each tan δ curve of the oAP-ddm/bis-ANER copolymers. With the bis-ANER content increasing, the storage modulus and the peak temperature of tan δ peak increase, whereas the tan δ peak height decreases. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicate that the onset temperatures of mass loss and the char yields at 800 °C of the oAP-ddm/bis-ANER copolymers decrease with the increase of bis-ANER content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a total of 420 healthy crucian carp (9.77 ± 0.04 g) were randomly divided into CK, B·S , XOS and B·S + XOS group, and cultured for 8 weeks. Results showed that the dietary Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) can significantly increased the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, protein efficiency and survival rate of crucian carp. Dietary B. subtilis and XOS can significantly increased the activities of catalase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity, significantly decreased the contents of malondialdehyde, and significantly increased the activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lysozyme and the contents of complement component 3,4 and immunoglobulin M in crucian carp serum. In addition, compared with CK group, the expression levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in B·S , XOS and B·S + XOS group were significantly increased, and the expression levels of TNF-α, HSP90, IL-1β, TLR4 and MyD88 were significantly decreased. Supplementation of B. subtilis and XOS can also improve the intestinal tissue morphology of crucian carp. After injection of 1 × 107 CFU/mL Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila), compared with CK group, the survival rates of the B·S group, the XOS group and the B·S + XOS group were increased by 13.98%, 10.56% and 30.74%, respectively. These results show that dietary B. subtilis and XOS can significantly improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity and resistance to A. hydrophila of crucian carp, and the combined effect is better than that of single addition. The graphical abstract of CBC 109296 (Title: Boosted growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity and disease resistance of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) by single or in combination dietary Bacillus subtilis and xylo-oligosaccharides). [Display omitted] • Dietary B. subtilis and XOS can improve the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant capacity of crucian carp. • Supplementation of B. subtilis and XOS in feed can significantly improve the intestinal tissue morphology of crucian carp. • Dietary B. subtilis and XOS can significantly improve the resistance of crucian carp to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The incidence of distal gastric adenocarcinoma has significantly decreased, but gastric cardia adenocarcinoma has been on the rise. Cardia adenocarcinoma might be a specific entity distinct from the carcinoma of the rest stomach. The aim was to explore putative differences in p16 INK4a-retinoblastoma ( Rb) pathway and INK4a/ ARF methylation between gastric cardia and distal adenocarcinomas. Methods Ninety-six cardia adenocarcinomas and 79 distal samples were analyzed for comparing p16 INK4a- Rb expressions, INK4a/ ARF deletion, and methylation using immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Results The expression of p16 INK4a in cardia adenocarcinoma (43.2%) was significantly lower than in distal cases (75.0%, P < 0.05). As well, cardia adenocarcinoma showed lower expression of p14 ARF compared with distal cases (34.1% vs 57.5%, P < 0.05). The incidence of p16 INK4a deletion was 20.5% and 15.0%, while p14 ARF deletion was 18.2% and 10.0% in cardia and distal adenocarcinomas, respectively, showing no significant differences between two entities. However, the incidences of p14 ARF and p16 INK4a methylation in cardia adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than in distal samples (p14 ARF: 61.5% vs 43.6%; p16 INK4a: 73.1% vs 51.3%, P < 0.05). INK4a/ ARF methylations were more prevalent in poorly differentiated cardia carcinoma compared with poorly differentiated distal cases. Conclusions There were differences in p16 INK4a- Rb immunotypes and INK4a/ ARF methylation between two entities, indicating that cardia adenocarcinoma may be different in cell proliferation, differentiation, and gene biomarkers compared with distal gastric adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect and antiviral activity of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) in crucian carp and epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells. Two diets containing 0 and 2 g/kg, APS were fed crucian carp for 56 days. The results showed that supplementation with APS significantly upregulated the immune-related indices including the levels of IgM, the activities of LZM, AKP and ACP, and the contents of C3 and C4. At the same time, compared with the CK group, adding APS to the feed significantly upregulated the expression of IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, IFN-α, IFN-γ, MyD88, TGF-β and TNF-α in the spleen, kidney, liver and intestine of crucian carp. In addition, when the crucian carp were injected with SVCV, the survival rates of fish in the APS group and the control group were 48.87% and 13.76%, respectively. These results indicated that dietary APS could improve the resistance of crucian carp against SVCV infection. APS also significantly decreased viral titer and inhibited apoptosis induced by SVCV in EPC cells. These results indicated that APS could stimulate the immune response of crucian carp and improve the abilities of crucian carp and EPC cells to resist SVCV infection. • Supplementing Astragalus polysaccharides can significantly up-regulate immune parameters and enhance the immune response of crucian carp. • Dietary Astragalus polysaccharides could improve the resistance of crucian carp against SVCV infection. • Astragalus polysaccharides could significantly decrease viral titer and inhibited apoptosis induced by SVCV in EPC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to bacterial infection, suppression subtractive cDNA hybridization technique was used to identify upregulated genes in the posterior kidney of Nile tilapia at 6h post infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. A total of 31 unique expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified from 192 clones of the subtractive cDNA library. Quantitative PCR revealed that nine of the 31 ESTs were significantly (p <0.05) upregulated in Nile tilapia at 6h post infection with A. hydrophila at an injection dose of 105 CFU per fish (∼20% mortality). Of the nine upregulated genes, four were also significantly (p <0.05) induced in Nile tilapia at 6h post infection with A. hydrophila at an injection dose of 106 CFU per fish (∼60% mortality). Of the four genes induced by A. hydrophila at both injection doses, three were also significantly (p <0.05) upregulated in Nile tilapia at 6h post infection with Streptococcus iniae at doses of 106 and at 105 CFU per fish (∼70% and ∼30% mortality, respectively). The three genes induced by both bacteria included EST 2A05 (similar to adenylate kinase domain containing protein 1), EST 2G11 (unknown protein, shared similarity with Salmo salar IgH locus B genomic sequence with e value of 0.02), and EST 2H04 (unknown protein). Significant upregulation of these genes in Nile tilapia following bacterial infections suggested that they might play important roles in host response to infections of A. hydrophila and S. iniae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mutations in the $$ {\text{Na}}^{{\text{ + }}} - {\text{HCO}}^{ - }_{{\text{3}}} $$ cotransporter NBC1 cause severe proximal tubular acidosis (pRTA) associated with ocular abnormalities. Recent studies have suggested that at least some NBC1 mutants show abnormal trafficking in the polarized cells. This study identified a new homozygous NBC1 mutation (G486R) in a patient with severe pRTA. Functional analysis in Xenopus oocytes failed to detect the G486R activity due to poor surface expression. In ECV304 cells, however, G486R showed the efficient membrane expression, and its transport activity corresponded to approximately 50% of wild-type (WT) activity. In Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, G486R was predominantly expressed in the basolateral membrane domain as observed for WT. Among the previously identified NBC1 mutants that showed poor surface expression in oocytes, T485S showed the predominant basolateral expression in MDCK cells. On the other hand, L522P was exclusively retained in the cytoplasm in ECV304 and MDCK cells, and functional analysis in ECV304 cells failed to detect its transport activity. These results indicate that G486R, like T485S, is a partial loss of function mutation without major trafficking abnormalities, while L522P causes the clinical phenotypes mainly through its inability to reach the plasma membranes. Multiple experimental approaches would be required to elucidate potential disease mechanism by NBC1 mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To study the association between the A to G transition at the −181-bp position in the promoter of matrix metalloproteinase-7 gene (MMP-7-181A/G) and susceptibility to adult astrocytoma, the MMP-7-181A/G polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP analysis among 221 adult astrocytoma patients and 366 healthy controls in a population of northern China. The result showed that the overall distribution of the MMP-7 genotypes among astrocytoma patients and healthy controls was significantly different (P <0.001). Compared with the A/A genotype, the G/G genotype significantly increased the risk to the development of astrocytoma (age and gender adjusted OR=2.77, 95% CI=1.27–6.02), while the MMP-7 A/G genotype only marginally increased the risk of developing this cancer (age and gender adjusted OR=1.66, 95% CI=0.99–2.84). Stratification analysis showed that the G/G genotype significantly increased the risk of astrocytoma only among male subjects (age adjusted OR=3.24, 95% CI=1.12–9.41) and individuals younger than 45 years (age and gender adjusted OR=3.16, 95% CI=1.09–9.16). When stratified by histological grades, a significant higher risk for developing grade II astrocytoma was observed among individuals harboring the A/G genotype (age and gender adjusted OR=2.06, 95% CI=1.05–4.05), while an about 3-fold elevation of risk to develop grades II, III, and IV astrocytomas was observed among individuals with the G/G genotype. The present result, for the first time, suggested that the MMP-7-181A/G polymorphism might be associated with the susceptibility to adult astrocytoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]