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Objective To analyze the status of non-response to hepatitis B vaccine and its related factors in children born to mothers infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Methods The children born to mothers with HBV infection reported in Hunan Province from January to December 2022 were selected. All the children received hepatitis B immunoglobulin injection and 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccination and were followed up to 7-12 months of age for detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HB-sAg) and anti-HBs. Both HBsAg and anti-HBs were negative, indicating that there was no response to hepatitis B vaccine in children. Unconditional binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of non-response to hepatitis B vaccine in children. Results A total of 9 792 children born to mothers infected with HBV were analyzed. Among 9 792 children, the non-response rate of hepatitis B vaccine was 9.5% (928/9 792). Non-conditional binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of non-response to hepatitis B vaccine in children born to HBeAg-positive mothers was 1.62 times higher than that in children born to HBeAg-negative mothers (OR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.40-1.88). The risk of non-response to hepatitis B vaccine in children with macrosomia (birth weight ≥ 4 000g) was 1.41 times higher than that in children with normal birth weight (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08-1.85). Maternal antiviral therapy (OR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73) and child HepB standard vaccination (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.57-0.78) were the protective factors of non-response to hepatitis B vaccine in children. Conclusion The non-response rate of hepatitis B vaccine in children born to HBV infected mothers is high, and it is affected by maternal HBeAg positive, antiviral therapy during pregnancy, birth weight, and standard vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the factors of male infertility, high temperature induces apoptosis of differentiated spermatogenic cells, sperm DNA oxidative damage, and changes in morphology and function of Sertoli cells. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are a type of germline stem cells that maintain spermatogenesis through self-renewal and differentiation. At present, however, the effect of high temperature on SSC differentiation remains unknown. In this study, an in vitro SSC differentiation model was used to investigate the effect of heat stress treatment on SSC differentiation, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to enrich the key genes and pathways in high temperature inhibiting SSC differentiation. Results show that 2 days of 37 °C or 43 °C (30 min per day) heat stress treatment significantly inhibited SSC differentiation. The differentiation-related genes c-kit, stra8, Rec8, Sycp3, and Ovol1 were down-regulated after 2 and 4 days of heat stress at 37 °C. The transcriptome of SSCs was significantly differentially expressed on days 2 and 4 after heat stress treatment at 37 °C. In total, 1660 and 7252 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-seq in SSCs treated with heat stress at 37 °C for 2 and 4 days, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis showed that p53, ribosome, and carbon metabolism signaling pathways promoting stem cell differentiation were significantly enriched after heat stress treatment at 37 °C. In conclusion, 37 °C significantly inhibited SSC differentiation, and p53, ribosome, and carbon metabolism signaling pathways were involved in this differentiation inhibition process. The results of this study provide a reference for further investigation into the mechanism by which high temperature inhibits SSC differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and aims The lack of valid therapeutic approach that can ameliorate the manifestations of NASH is a barrier to therapeutic development. Therefore, we investigate the novel role of Methyl Palmitate (MP) in preventing NASH and the possible mechanism involved. Methods 50 Male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10). The control group was fed control diet; model group was fed MCD diet; MP 1 group was fed MCD diet supplemented with MP (75 mg/kg/day); MP 2 group was fed MCD plus MP diet (150 mg/kg/day); and MP 3 group was fed MCD plus MP diet (300 mg/kg/day). Histological staining's, and commercially available kits for serum ALT and AST and hepatic contents of TG, TC, MDA, SOD, and GSH were used to assess NASH. Furthermore, relative liver protein and gene expression levels were determined by Western Blot and qPCR, respectively. Results Mice fed MCD diet developed NASH, which was markedly improved by MP in a dose-dependent manner. MP treatment improved hepatic content of TG, TC, MDA, SOD and GSH and serum levels of ALT and AST. In vivo studies showed that MP treatment activated PPARα expression, that in turns, promoted β-oxidation protein and gene expressions, suppressed TNFα, MCP1, TGFβ1 and Colla1 protein and gene expression levels, contributing to the prevention of NASH. Conclusions Our results indicated that MP could successfully prevent NASH. This effect of MP was mediated through induction of PPARα pathway. This study provides a novel therapeutic target that plays pivotal role in the prevention of NASH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and aims Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. We aim to characterize the hepatoprotective effects of Leonurine hydrochloride (LH) and the possible pathway in a cell and rodent model of diet-induced steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods For in vitro studies, Palmitic acid (PA) and free fatty acid (FFA) induced HepG2 and HL7702 steatosis cell models were used. For in vivo studies, NASH was induced by feeding mice MCD diet. These mice received either placebo or LH at three different doses (50、100、200 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks. Histological staining's, and commercially available kits for ALT and AST and hepatic contents of TG, TC, MDA, SOD, and GSH were used to assess NASH. Furthermore, relative liver protein and gene expression levels were determined by Western Blot and qPCR, respectively. Results After establishing NASH models, LH treatment improved lipid accumulation, hepatic contents of TG, TC, and expression levels of ALT and AST in dose-dependent manner. Also, LH improved MDA, SOD, and GSH expression levels. The results of RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that LH upregulated the expression of AMPK phosphorylation and downregulated SREBP-1c and its target genes expression level. Conclusions Our data reveal the promising role of Leonurine hydrochloride in the prevention and treatment of NASH, in vitro and in vivo. This effect may be partially mediated by the AMPK/SREBP1 pathway. These findings provide a novel therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of NASH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemerin is an adipocyte-secreted adipokine that regulates the differentiation and metabolism of adipose through auto-/paracrine signaling. Its function in the differentiation of multipotent myoblast cells has thus far received little attention. In this study, C2C12 myoblast cells were cultured in the medium with Chemerin, and the differentiation potential of C2C12 myoblasts was analyzed. The results showed that Chemerin increased ROS levels and TG content of C2C12 cells. At the same time, the mRNA expressions and protein concentrations of the adipogenic factors PPARγ, C/EBPα and UCP1 were up-regulated, while the muscle specific transcription factors MyoD, Myogenin and MyHC were decreased in cultured C2C12 cells. In conclusion, the adipokine Chemerin promoted the adipogenic differentiation potential and altered the fate of myoblast cells from myogenesis to adipogenesis, which contributed in part to the up-regulated adipocyte genes. Our study reveals the importance of functional Chemerin signaling in adipogenesis and in directing the differentiation of multipotent myoblast cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway controls differentiation of various cells by regulating the expression of target genes. β-Catenin plays a central role in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of fate determination in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs), we investigated effects of Wnt3a and β-catenin, two key members of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, in adipogenic differentiation of porcine AMSCs. We demonstrated that Wnt3a protein can inhibit the adipogenic differentiation of porcine AMSCs in vitro culture. By stabilization of cytoplasmic β-catenin with continuous treatment by LiCl, the adipogenic differentiation of AMSCs was also suppressed and the osteogenesis was stimulated. In contrast, a loss of β-catenin in AMSCs enhanced the adipogenic differentiation and rescued LiCl-induced anti-adipogenesis. In addition, the mutual activation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) were repressed in the presence of Wnt3a or LiCl, but increased in the gene silencing of β-catenin. Taken together, our study indicated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibited the adipogenic differentiation potential and alter the cell fate from adipocytes to osteoblasts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Kodamaea ohmeri is a rare pathogen with high mortality and is found among blood samples in a considerable proportion; however, gastrointestinal infection of K. ohmeri is extremely rare. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is also an uncommon fungal; these two fungal infections reported concomitantly are unprecedented. Case presentation: We described a case of a 37-year-old male who got infected with K. ohmeri and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We used the mass spectrometry and histopathology to identify these two fungal infections separately. For the treatment of K. ohmeri, we chose caspofungin. As for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, we used voriconazole, amphotericin B, and then surgery. The patient was treated successfully through the collaboration of multiple disciplines. Conclusions: We speculate that the destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier can make the intestine one of the ways for certain fungi to infect the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kodamaea ohmeri is a rare pathogen with high mortality and is found among blood samples in a considerable proportion; however, gastrointestinal infection of K. ohmeri is extremely rare. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is also an uncommon fungal; these two fungal infections reported concomitantly are unprecedented.Case Presentation: We described a case of a 37-year-old male who got infected with K. ohmeri and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We used the mass spectrometry and histopathology to identify these two fungal infections separately. For the treatment of K. ohmeri, we chose caspofungin. As for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, we used voriconazole, amphotericin B, and then surgery. The patient was treated successfully through the collaboration of multiple disciplines.Conclusions: We speculate that the destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier can make the intestine one of the ways for certain fungi to infect the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In summer, heat stress is one of the primary reasons for the compromised health and low milk productivity of dairy cows. Hyperthermia affects milk synthesis and secretion in the mammary glands of dairy cows. As molecules for intercellular communication, milk-derived exosomes carry genetic material, proteins, and lipids, playing a crucial role in mammary tissue growth and milk synthesis in dairy cows. The aim of this study was to explore the milk exosomal miRNA profile of heat-stressed and normal Holstein cows. We isolated and identified milk exosomes to screening for differentially expressed miRNAs using small RNA sequencing. Then, TargetScan and miRanda algorithms were used to predict the putative targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs, whereas GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed for the differentially expressed miRNA-target genes. Our results showed that 215 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in heat-stressed milk exosomes, of which one was upregulated and 214 were significantly downregulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that differentially expressed miRNAs might play a role in apoptosis, autophagy, and the p38 MAPK pathway. qRT-PCR assay verified that the expression of miRNAs was consistent with the sequencing results, warranting further verification of their specific targets of action. In conclusion, changes in the miRNA expression profile of milk exosomes indicated the role of exosomal miRNAs in regulating heat stress resistance and apoptosis in dairy cows. Our results suggested that milk-derived exosomal miRNAs could increase mammary gland resistance to heat stress, thereby enhancing milk synthesis in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and changes in defecation patterns. No organic disease is found to explain these symptoms by routine clinical examination. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for IBS patients compared with those of conventional treatments. We also aim to identify the optimal acupoint combination recommended for IBS and to clarify the clinical advantage of the "multiacupoint co-effect and synergistic effect."Methods and Analysis: A total of 204 eligible patients who meet the Rome IV criteria for IBS will be randomly stratified into acupuncture group A, acupuncture group B, or the control group in a 1:1:1 ratio with a central web-based randomization system. The prespecified acupoints used in the control group will include bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), Neiguan (PC6), and Zusanli (ST36). The prespecified acupoints used in experimental group A will include bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Neiguan (PC6). The prespecified acupoints used in experimental group B will include bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Zusanli (ST36). Each patient will receive 12 acupuncture treatments over 4 weeks and will be followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) score. The secondary outcomes include the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), Work and Social Adjustment Score (WSAS), IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QOL), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. Both the primary outcome and the secondary outcome measures will be collected at baseline, at 2 and 4 weeks during the intervention, and at 6 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention.Ethics and Dissemination: The entire project has been approved by the ethics committee of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2020BZYLL0903).Discussion: This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial for IBS in China. The findings may shed light on the efficacy of acupuncture as an alternative to conventional IBS treatment. The results of the trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Register ChiCTR2000041215 . First registered on 12 December 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of ulinastatin on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after one-lung ventilation (OLV) surgery in elderly patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Eighty elderly patients with preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy scheduling for radical esophagectomy under OLV were recruited. They were randomly divided into an ulinastatin pretreatment group (U group, n = 40) and a control group (C group, n = 40). The U group received 10,000 U/kg ulinastatin before anesthesia and 5000 U/kg daily on postoperative days 1 to 3, while C group received saline. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and S-100β protein were assayed before surgery, at the end of surgery, and on postoperative days 1 and 3. Patients underwent cognitive assessment 1 day before and 7 days after surgery. 38 patients in U group and 37 patients in C group completed the neuropsychological tests. The U group had a lower incidence of POCD than C group (23.7 % versus 45.9 %, P = 0.043). The levels of S-100β protein, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP in both groups increased after surgery. The postoperative concentrations of S-100β protein, IL-6, and CRP in U group were lower than those in C group. On postoperative day 3, compared with C group, the level of CRP in U group was lower, while that of IL-10 was higher. These findings demonstrate that ulinastatin can attenuate the elevation of S100β protein levels and the incidence of POCD, most likely by the mechanism of reducing serum IL-6 and CRP levels and increasing IL-10 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Porcine adipose progenitor cells (APCs) were identified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). • RNA-seq demonstrated that ITGA5, CD44 and TNC may be possible marker genes of APC in pigs. • APC can be used as a candidate cell type for 3D bioprinting to prepare cultured fat. • The fatty acid composition of cultured fat had a certain similarity with porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue (pSAT). Cultured meat is an emerging technology that is friendly for the environment and animal welfare. As a novel food ingredient, cultured fat is essential for the flavor and nutrition of cultured meat. In this study, we purified adipose progenitor cell (APC) from freshly isolated porcine stromal vessel fraction (SVF) by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and identified the transcriptome characteristics of APC by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results showed that APC had characteristics of high-efficiency proliferation and adipogenic differentiation and was distinct from SVF cell in transcriptome profiles. Subsequently, APC was used to prepare cultured fat by 3D bioprinting and to evaluate the differences in fatty acid composition between cultured fat and porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue (pSAT). The results indicated that the fatty acid composition and content of cultured fat had a certain similarity with pSAT; specifically, the content of key monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) that create pork flavor in cultured fat, such as C18:1(n-12), C18:1(n-9) and C19:1(n-9)T, were close to that of pSAT. Therefore, this research indicated that APC is a promising candidate cell type for the production of cultured fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes the proliferation of porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) for large-scale cultivation. • Peanut wire-drawing protein (PWP) is a suitable three-dimensional cell scaffold to produce cultured fat. • The cell density, which is important for ADSC-derived cultured fat, was determined and showed that 1.4 × 105 cells/mm3 improved the adipogenic differentiation of ADSC. • Cultured fat showed decreased texture properties. • Cultured fat improved the volatile compounds of the original protein scaffolds. Cultured meat is an emergent technology that cultivates cells in three-dimensional scaffolds to generate tissue for consumption. Fat makes an important contribution to the flavor and texture of traditional meat, but there are few reports on cultured fat. Here, we demonstrated the construction of cultured fat by inoculating porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) on peanut wire-drawing protein (PWP) scaffolds. First, we demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promoted cell proliferation and maintained adipogenic differentiation ability. Then, we generated cultured fat and found that cultured fat decreased the texture of PWP scaffolds. Moreover, 43 volatile compounds were detected by headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), of which 17 volatile compounds showed no significant differences between cultured fat and porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue (pSAT), which indicated that cultured fat and pSAT had certain similarities. Collectively, this research has great promise for improving the quality of cultured meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Effects of three flavonoids on porcine muscle stem cells were investigated. • 3,2′-DHF and QUE had better pro-proliferation and pro-differentiation, respectively. • The optimized combination of flavonoids were used in the process of cultured meat. • The contraction area of cultured meat were promoted by QUE. Stemness decline of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) is a significant problem in cultured meat processing. In the present study, three flavonoids (quercetin, icariin, and 3,2′-dihydroxyflavone) with multi concentrations were evaluated to promote the proliferation and differentiation of porcine muscle stem cells. In the proliferation phase, 3,2′-dihydroxyflavone (10 μM) significantly amplified the cells by 34% and up-regulated the expression of paired box transcription factor 7 (PAX7) by 60%, which was higher than quercetin (75 nM) and icariin (7.5 nM). In the differentiation phase, quercetin (50 nM) showed the best pro-differentiation effect and up-regulated the expression of myosin heavy chain (MYHC) by 4.73-fold compared with the control group. These results indicated that flavonoids had a significant impact on promoting the proliferation and differentiation of porcine MuSCs, and 3,2′-dihydroxyflavone (10 μM) for proliferation and quercetin (50 nM) for differentiation were the optimal combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protective effects of methionine against hyperthermia-induced damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) were studied. We have investigated the effects of methionine on proliferation, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis of the mammary epithelial cells of dairy cow after heat treatment. The structure of BMEC membrane was damaged by hyperthermia. Methionine (30 and 60 mg/L) efficiently increased cell viability and attenuated morphological damages in hyperthermia-treated BMEC. It significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase leakage and malondialdehyde formation, whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly. It also increased cell survival and decreased early apoptosis. Methionine therefore is cytoprotective on hyperthermia-induced damage in BMEC by increasing intracellular antioxidant levels and decreasing lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]