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Jun Mei Teng,1 Shuiqing Qin,2 Danyu Lu,1 Yefa Gu,3 Shi Jie Tang,3 Qiong Yan,1 Jiawei Yao,1 Chao Zhang1 1Laboratory Department, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Science and Education, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Psychiatry, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Danyu Lu, Laboratory Department, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13457087740, Email 297459717@qq.comPurpose: To investigate the CYP2C19 genotype distribution and allelic frequency among the Zhuang and Han schizophrenic populations in Guangxi, examine the correlation between CYP2C19 genetic variants and standardized blood levels of Valproic Acid (VPA) in schizophrenic patients, and evaluate the effects of age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI) on standardized VPA blood concentrations.Patients and Methods: Between February and December 2022, 192 Zhuang and Han schizophrenia patients treated with VPA were studied. Steady-state VPA concentrations were determined using homogeneous enzyme immunoassays, and CYP2C19 *1, *2, and *3 loci via q-PCR. CYP2C19 genotype distributions between Zhuang and Han groups in Nanning were compared using chi-square tests and contrasted with other ethnicities. Non-parametric tests analyzed VPA variations, identifying critical factors through multivariate stepwise regression.Results: The study identified five CYP2C19 genotypes at the *2 and *3 loci, with the *3/*3 genotype absent in both cohorts. The CYP2C19 distribution in Guangxi Zhuang and Han mirrors, yet diverges significantly from Hui and Kazakh groups. Among 192 subjects, VPA blood levels remained consistent across metabolic types and ages 18– 60 but varied significantly by gender. Multivariate analysis revealed gender and BMI as significant factors, overshadowing CYP2C19 genotype and age.Conclusion: In Guangxi, CYP2C19 genetic variants in Zhuang and Han schizophrenia patients demonstrate statistically indistinguishable allelic and metabolic distributions. Gender and BMI can influence standardized VPA blood concentrations in schizophrenia patients. However, in our study cohort, the CYP2C19 genotype and age are not the primary determinants of standardized VPA blood levels.Keywords: CYP2C19 gene, valproic acid, blood drug concentration, Zhuang Chinese, Han Chinese

Zhe Yu,1– 3 Ruoqi Ding,1– 3 Qiuju Yan,1– 3 Menghan Cheng,1– 3 Teng Li,1– 4 Fei Zheng,5 Lin Zhu,1– 4 Yang Wang,1– 4 Tao Tang,1– 4 En Hu1– 4 1Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China; 2NATCM Key Laboratory of TCM Gan, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China; 3Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China; 4Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, People’s Republic of China; 5The College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: En Hu; Ruoqi Ding, Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China, Email znxyhe@csu.edu.cn; ruoqi_ding@outlook.comPurpose: Many herbs can promote neurological recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). There must lie a shared mechanism behind the common effectiveness. We aimed to explore the key therapeutic targets for TBI based on the common effectiveness of the medicinal plants.Material and methods: The TBI-effective herbs were retrieved from the literature as imputes of network pharmacology. Then, the active ingredients in at least two herbs were screened out as common components. The hub targets of all active compounds were identified through Cytohubba. Next, AutoDock vina was used to rank the common compound-hub target interactions by molecular docking. A highly scored compound-target pair was selected for in vivo validation.Results: We enrolled sixteen TBI-effective medicinal herbs and screened out twenty-one common compounds, such as luteolin. Ten hub targets were recognized according to the topology of the protein-protein interaction network of targets, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Molecular docking analysis suggested that luteolin could bind strongly to the active pocket of EGFR. Administration of luteolin or the selective EGFR inhibitor AZD3759 to TBI mice promoted the recovery of body weight and neurological function, reduced astrocyte activation and EGFR expression, decreased chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans deposition, and upregulated GAP43 levels in the cortex. The effects were similar to those when treated with the selective EGFR inhibitor.Conclusion: The common effectiveness-based, common target screening strategy suggests that inhibition of EGFR can be an effective therapy for TBI. This strategy can be applied to discover core targets and therapeutic compounds in other diseases.Keywords: traditional Chinese medicine, medicinal plants, luteolin, AZD3759, epidermal growth factor receptor, astrocyte

Wenzhen Tang,1 Yuanxi Xie,1 Qingfeng Yan,2 Yanjuan Teng,1 Li Yu,1 Liuying Wei,3 Jinmei Li,4 Yuhui Chen,1 Xiaolin Huang,1 Shaoli Yang,1 Kui Jia1 1The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, People’s Republic of China; 2The Sanming Second Hospital, Sanming, Fujian Province, 366099, People’s Republic of China; 3Nanning Fourth People’s Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, People’s Republic of China; 4Wanxiu District Chengnan Community Health Service Center, Wuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 543000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Kui Jia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, People’s Republic of China, Email 1960728884@qq.comAim: To investigate the current status of experience and support of nurses as second victims and explore its related factors in nurses.Design: A sequential, explanatory, mixed-method study was applied.Methods: A total of 406 nurses from seven tertiary hospitals in China were chosen as participants between September to October 2023. The Chinese version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Questionnaire (SVEST), Somatic Complaints of Sub-health Status Questionnaire (SCSSQ) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) were applied to collect quantitative data. Eight nurses were selected for a qualitative study through in-depth interviews. Through interpretive phenomenological analysis, the interview data were analysed to explore the experience and support of nurses as second victims.Results: Practice distress (15.74 ± 4.97) and psychological distress (15.48 ± 3.74) were the highest dimensions, indicating Chinese nurses experienced second victim-related practice and psychological distress. Nurses with different gender, age, education, marital status, income, working hours, professional titles, and unit types have different levels of second victim-related experience and support (p

IntroductionStaphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a life-threatening infection particularly involving methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In contrast to resolving MRSA bacteremia (RB), persistent MRSA bacteremia (PB) blood cultures remain positive despite appropriate antibiotic treatment. Host immune responses distinguishing PB vs. RB outcomes are poorly understood. Here, integrated transcriptomic, IL-10 cytokine levels, and genomic analyses sought to identify signatures differentiating PB vs. RB outcomes.MethodsWhole-blood transcriptomes of propensity-matched PB (n=28) versus RB (n=30) patients treated with vancomycin were compared in one independent training patient cohort. Gene expression (GE) modules were analyzed and prioritized relative to host IL-10 cytokine levels and DNA methyltransferase-3A (DNMT3A) genotype.ResultsDifferential expression of T and B lymphocyte gene expression early in MRSA bacteremia discriminated RB from PB outcomes. Significant increases in effector T and B cell signaling pathways correlated with RB, lower IL-10 cytokine levels and DNMT3A heterozygous A/C genotype. Importantly, a second PB and RB patient cohort analyzed in a masked manner demonstrated high predictive accuracy of differential signatures.DiscussionCollectively, the present findings indicate that human PB involves dysregulated immunity characterized by impaired T and B cell responses associated with excessive IL-10 expression in context of the DNMT3A A/A genotype. These findings reveal distinct immunologic programs in PB vs. RB outcomes, enable future studies to define mechanisms by which host and/or pathogen drive differential signatures and may accelerate prediction of PB outcomes. Such prognostic assessment of host risk could significantly enhance early anti-infective interventions to avert PB and improve patient outcomes.

Zhicheng Gao,1,2,* Jiaqi Bao,1,2,* Liuyang Wu,2 Kaiyu Shen,1 Qiqi Yan,2 Lifang Ye,2 Lihong Wang2 1The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People’s Republic of China; 2Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Lihong Wang, Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 85894275, Email wanglhnew@126.comPurpose: Lymphocyte to C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) is a recognized systemic inflammatory marker and novel prognostic indicator for several cancers. This study investigated the relationship between preoperative LCR and new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Patients and Methods: Patients with AMI (n=662) with no history of atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled and classified into NOAF and non-NOAF groups based on the occurrence of postoperative NOAF during hospitalization. Logistic regression models were used to analyze NOAF risk factors and to assess the association between preoperative LCR and NOAF incidence. We constructed a new nomogram from the selected NOAF risk factors, and tested its predictive performance, degree of calibration, and clinical utility using receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves, decision curve analysis, and clinical impact curves.Results: Overall, 84 (12.7%) patients developed NOAF during hospitalization. The LCR was significantly lower in the NOAF group. Preoperative LCR accurately predicted NOAF after AMI and was correlated with increased NOAF risk. Age, body mass index, diabetes, serum albumin levels, uric acid levels, left atrium (LA) diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, left circumflex artery stenosis > 50%, and Killip class II status were independent predictors of NOAF after AMI. In addition, a new nomogram combined with LCR was constructed to stratify the risk of NOAF in patients with AMI. The performance of the new nomogram was satisfactory, as shown by the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve.Conclusion: Preoperative LCR was an independent predictor of NOAF in patients with AMI after PCI. The novel nomogram combined with LCR could rapidly and individually identify and treat patients at a high risk of NOAF.Keywords: C-reactive protein, acute myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, nomogram, left ventricular ejection fraction

Yanjun Liu,1 Zijuan Jian,1 Zhiqian Wang,1 Awen Yang,1 Peilin Liu,1 Bin Tang,1 Jiahui Wang,1,2 Qun Yan,1 Wenen Liu1,2 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Wenen Liu, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13973128689, Email wenenliu@163.comPurpose: In clinical settings, CG23 Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is the most virulent clonal group of Kp. Continuous fusions of hypervirulent (Hv) and highly resistant strains have been reported; however, few studies have analysed the molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of CG23 strains, especially MDR-sequence type ST23 strains. In this study, we investigated the molecular characteristics of ST23 Kp and analysed the clinical characteristics of ST23 Kp infections in a large teaching hospital of the third class in China.Methods: ST23 Kp isolates were screened using whole-genome sequencing data from a large single centre. We compared the clinical characteristics of ST23 strains isolated from community-acquired infections (CAI) and hospital acquired infection (HAI). In addition, the infection characteristics of MDR and poor-prognosis isolates were investigated. We analysed genetic characteristics of ST23 Kp and further investigated the evolutionary relationship based on single-nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetic trees.Results: We detected 184 ST23 strains between 2013 and July of 2018. There were no significant differences between the isolation rates of pulmonary, bloodstream, urinary tract, and cutaneous soft tissue infections in the community and hospitals, except for abscess infections. MDR strains primarily cause pulmonary infections and abscesses; infections with a poor prognosis are typically bloodstream and pulmonary infections. Fourteen MDR strains producing extended-spectrum or class C beta-lactamases, resulting in resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. In 3.8% of ST23 Kp strains, the clb locus was absent. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the isolates were primarily divided into three clades, and based on clinical data, it is inferred that three clonal transmission events have occurred, mainly in ICU causing lung infection.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that virulence and drug-resistance fusion events of ST23 strains occur gradually, and that the hypervirulent clones facilitate the widespread dissemination of CAI and HAI, particularly pulmonary. Monitoring genomics and developing antivirulence strategies are essential.Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae, ST23, multidrug-resistant, community-acquired infection, nosocomial infection, pneumonia

Lingqiao Yan, Qingxian Yan Department of Hematology, the First People’s Hospital of Wenling, Wenling, Zhejiang, 317500, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qingxian Yan, Department of Hematology, the First People’s Hospital of Wenling, No. 333, Chuan’an South Rord, Chengxi Street, Wenling, Zhejiang, 317500, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-576-89668618, Email yanqingxian98@163.comBackground: An aberrant level of serum microRNA expression has been demonstrated to be a prognostic marker for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The therapeutic relevance of serum circRNA 100199 remained unknown, however. This research aimed to investigate the probable prognostic significance of serum circRNA_100199 for AML.Methods: This study included a total of 200 participants consisting of 114 AML-diagnosed patients and 86 healthy people. Blood samples were taken, and the level of circRNA_100199 in the serum was measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to explore its potential clinical significance.Results: Our study demonstrated that circRNA_100199 expression in the serum was substantially higher in AML subjects than in healthy persons. This increase in serum circRNA_100199 levels was particularly noticeable in M4/M5 subtype AML patients, and those with poor cytogenetic risk or higher white blood cell counts. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, AML cases were effectively differentiated from healthy persons based on the level of serum circRNA_100199. Furthermore, it was found that high serum circRNA_100199 expression was strongly linked with shorter survival times and more severe clinical features. Our study also confirmed that high serum circRNA_100199 expression was an independent predictor of relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in AML patients. Interestingly, the serum expression level of circRNA_100199 was significantly reduced following treatment, and its levels were substantially lower in AML patients who achieved complete remission (CR) than those who did not.Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that serum circRNA_100199 has the potential to be a favorable prognostic biomarker for AML.Keywords: circRNA_100199, prognostic biomarker, acute myeloid leukemia

Angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL) complexes 3/8 and 4/8 are established inhibitors of LPL and novel therapeutic targets for dyslipidemia. However, the effects of regular exercise on ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 are unknown. We characterized ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 and their relationship with in vivo measurements of lipase activities and cardiometabolic traits before and after a 5-month endurance exercise training intervention in 642 adults from the HERITAGE (HEalth, RIsk factors, exercise Training And GEnetics) Family Study. At baseline, higher levels of both ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 were associated with a worse lipid, lipoprotein, and cardiometabolic profile, with only ANGPTL3/8 associated with postheparin LPL and HL activities. ANGPTL3/8 significantly decreased with exercise training, which corresponded with increases in LPL activity and decreases in HL activity, plasma triglycerides, apoB, visceral fat, and fasting insulin (all P < 5.1 × 10−4). Exercise-induced changes in ANGPTL4/8 were directly correlated to concomitant changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, apoB, and HDL-triglycerides and inversely related to change in insulin sensitivity index (all P < 7.0 × 10−4). In conclusion, exercise-induced decreases in ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 were related to concomitant improvements in lipase activity, lipid profile, and cardiometabolic risk factors. These findings reveal the ANGPTL3-4-8 model as a potential molecular mechanism contributing to adaptations in lipid metabolism in response to exercise training.

Xinghua Guo,1,2,&ast; Pan Song,1,2,&ast; Feng Li,1,2,&ast; Qihao Yan,1,2,&ast; Yan Bai,3 Jincan He,3 Qishi Che,4 Hua Cao,5 Jiao Guo,2 Zhengquan Su1 1Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China; 2Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510310, People’s Republic of China; 4Guangzhou Rainhome Pharm & Tech Co., Ltd, Science City, Guangzhou, 510663, People’s Republic of China; 5School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan, 528458, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhengquan Su, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-20-3935-2067, Fax +86-20-3935-2067, Email suzhq@scnu.edu.cnAbstract: Bone, like most organs, has the ability to heal naturally and can be repaired slowly when it is slightly injured. However, in the case of bone defects caused by diseases or large shocks, surgical intervention and treatment of bone substitutes are needed, and drugs are actively matched to promote osteogenesis or prevent infection. Oral administration or injection for systemic therapy is a common way of administration in clinic, although it is not suitable for the long treatment cycle of bone tissue, and the drugs cannot exert the greatest effect or even produce toxic and side effects. In order to solve this problem, the structure or carrier simulating natural bone tissue is constructed to control the loading or release of the preparation with osteogenic potential, thus accelerating the repair of bone defect. Bioactive materials provide potential advantages for bone tissue regeneration, such as physical support, cell coverage and growth factors. In this review, we discuss the application of bone scaffolds with different structural characteristics made of polymers, ceramics and other composite materials in bone regeneration engineering and drug release, and look forward to its prospect.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: bone scaffold, drug loading, slow release, osteogenesis, biomaterial

Jin-ning Wang,1,&ast; Wei Xie,2,&ast; Da-Wei Song,1,&ast; Jun Zou,1 Qi Yan,1 Tao Feng,1 Sheng-yang Jin,1 Chao Yang,1 Zong-ping Luo,1,3 Jun-jie Niu1 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 3Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zong-ping Luo, Orthopedic Institute, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-512-67781351, Email zongping_luo@yahoo.com Jun-jie Niu, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-512-67780111, Email jjnewzzzx@sina.comBackground: Recurrent of local kyphosis after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is rarely reported and discussed. Literatures reported that re-kyphosis is usually a consequence of refractures of augmented or adjacent vertebra. However, whether re-kyphosis should be considered as a complication of refractures and has an impact on clinical efficacy of PKP during follow-up time is unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the related risk factors and clinical significance of the recurrent of local kyphosis in osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) patients without refractures.Patients and Methods: A total of 143 patients who underwent single-level PKP were recruited and assigned into the re-kyphosis group and non-re-kyphosis group. Clinical and radiographic data were collected and compared between the two groups. Then, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the related risk factors.Results: During follow-up, 16 of the 143 patients presented postoperative re-kyphosis. The average local kyphosis angle increased from 11.81± 8.60° postoperatively to 25.13± 8.91° at the final follow-up which showed a statistically significant difference (p< 0.05). Both groups had significant improvements in postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores compared to their preoperative values (p< 0.05). However, in the re-kyphosis group at final follow-up, the VAS and ODI scores showed worsening compared to the postoperative scores. Logistic regression analysis showed that disc–endplate complex injury (OR=17.46, p=0.003); local kyphosis angle correction (OR=1.84, p< 0.001); and vertebral height restoration (OR=1.15, p=0.003) were risk factors for re-kyphosis.Conclusion: Re-kyphosis is not rare in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture and tends to have an inferior prognosis following PKP surgery. Patients with disc–endplate complex injury and more correction of vertebral height and kyphosis angle are at a higher risk for re-kyphosis after PKP surgery than others.Keywords: percutaneous kyphoplasty, risk factors, re-kyphosis, disc–endplate complex injury, clinical efficacy

After feeding, adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity should be maximized, therefore the potent LPL-inhibitory activity of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) must be blocked by ANGPTL8 through formation of ANGPTL4/8 complexes. ANGPTL4/8 tightly binds and protects LPL but also partially inhibits its activity. Recently, we demonstrated ANGPTL4/8 also binds tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen to generate plasmin that cleaves ANGPTL4/8 to restore LPL activity. Although fully active LPL in the fat postprandially is desirable, ANGPTL4/8 removal could subject LPL to profound inhibition by ANGPTL3/8 (the most potent circulating LPL inhibitor), inhibition by other LPL inhibitors like ANGPTL4, ANGPTL3, and ApoC3 or interfere with ApoC2-mediated LPL activation. To understand better these potential paradoxes, we examined LPL inhibition by ANGPTL3/8, ANGPTL4, ANGPTL3, and ApoC3 and LPL stimulation by ApoC2 in the presence of ANGPTL4/8 + tPA + plasminogen. Remarkably, ANGPTL3/8-mediated LPL inhibition was almost completely blocked, with the mechanism being cleavage of fibrinogen-like domain–containing ANGPTL3 present in the ANGPTL3/8 complex. The LPL-inhibitory effects of ANGPTL4, ANGPTL3, and ApoC3 were also largely reduced in the presence of ANGPTL4/8 + tPA + plasminogen. In contrast, the ability of ApoC2 to stimulate LPL activity was unaffected by ANGPTL4/8-mediated plasmin generation. Together, these results explain how plasmin generated by increased postprandial ANGPTL4/8 levels in adipose tissue enables maximal LPL activity by preventing ANGPTL3/8, ANGPTL4, ANGPTL3, and ApoC3 from inhibiting LPL, while permitting ApoC2-mediated LPL activation to occur.

Yuhan Wang, Shuwen Tan, Qihui Yan, Ying Gao Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ying Gao, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-15804300435, Email g_y@jlu.edu.cnAbstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread rapidly and became a severe global public health threat. Older adults have a high risk of COVID-19 and its associated mortality. Sarcopenia has emerged as a predictor of poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients, including lengthy hospital stays, mortality, intensive care unit admission, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and poor rehabilitation outcomes. Chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, respiratory muscle dysfunction, and swallowing dysfunction may underlie the association between sarcopenia and the poor outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Interleukin 6 receptor blockers (tocilizumab or sarilumab) are recommended for treating patients with severe COVID-19, and their therapeutic effects on sarcopenia are of great interest. This review aimed to analyze the current reports on the association between sarcopenia and COVID-19 and provide an update on the contribution of sarcopenia to the severity and adverse outcomes of COVID-19 and its underlying mechanisms. We also aimed to explore the different screening tools for sarcopenia concurrent with COVID-19, and advocate for early diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia. Given that the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic may be long-term, further research into understanding the effects of sarcopenia in patients infected with the Omicron variant is necessary.Keywords: COVID-19, sarcopenia, skeletal muscle, inflammation, IL-6

Jikai Song,1,&ast; Tianhang Yu,2,&ast; Qiqi Yan,1,&ast; Qinggang Zhang,1,&ast; Lihong Wang1 1Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China; 2North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Lihong Wang, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13666690598, Email 2020025981@qdu.edu.cnPurpose: Hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD) have clinical significance in the prognosis of heart failure (HF). Little is known regarding the prognostic value of the Hb/RDW-SD ratio in patients with HF. This study sought to investigate the association between Hb/RDW-SD ratio and HF 3-month readmission in Chinese elderly patients.Patients and Methods: The present study was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 1816 HF patients were extracted from the Chinese HF database. A generalized linear model was used to explore the association between Hb/RDW-SD and 3-month readmission in HF. The generalized additive model was used to explore the nonlinear relationship, and a two-piecewise linear regression model was used to find the inflection point. Subgroup analysis explored interactions and whether each subgroup was consistent with the primary outcome direction.Results: Result showed Hb/RDW-SD was negatively associated with HF 3-month readmission (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.89, P = 0.0031). A non-linear relationship was detected between Hb/RDW-SD and HF 3-month readmission with two inflection points (1.78 and 2.17). Both Hb/RDW-SD < 1.78 and Hb/RDW-SD > 2.17 showed a significant correlation between them, with corresponding effect values of (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.87, P = 0.0209) and (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.71, P = 0.0007), respectively.Conclusion: Hb/RDW-SD is negatively associated with HF 3-month readmission. The relationship between Hb/RDW-SD and HF 3-month readmission is also non-linear. Both Hb/RDW-SD < 1.78 and Hb/RDW-SD > 2.17 were strong negatively associated with HF 3-month readmission.Keywords: hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width-standard deviation, readmission, nonlinearity

Liuyang Wu,1,2 Wei Wang,2 Yang Gui,2 Qiqi Yan,1,2 Guangxin Peng,2 Xin Zhang,2 Lifang Ye,2 Lihong Wang2 1The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Lihong Wang, Heart Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), No. 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310014, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 136-6669-0589, Email wanglhnew@126.com; wlhhz2013@126.comPurpose: Our study aimed to identify new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) risk factors in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients after treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and investigate whether their nutritional status can be a predicting factor of NOAF.Patients and Methods: We analyzed 662 AMI patients after PCI for NOAF occurrence during follow-up hospitalization and divided them into an NOAF and non-NOAF group. The patients’ nutritional status was assessed using the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). The Kaplan‒Meier analysis was used to assess NOAF-free survival in varying degrees of malnutrition. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the risk factors for NOAF.Results: Eighty-four (12.7%) patients developed NOAF during hospitalization. There was a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of NOAF among different categories of nutritional status. The CONUT score and GNRI classifications were independent predictors of NOAF. NOAF occurrence was associated with older age, higher uric acid levels, higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, greater left atrial size, and worse Killip class upon admission.Conclusion: The nutritional status can affect NOAF occurrence in AMI patients after PCI. The CONUT score and GNRI are ideal tools for evaluating the nutritional status of AMI patients, with an excellent predictive effect on NOAF.Keywords: atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, malnutrition, controlling nutritional status, geriatric nutritional risk index

ABSTRACT Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections represent a serious public health threat. We recently demonstrated that the presence of a novel prophage ϕSA169 was associated with vancomycin (VAN) treatment failure in experimental MRSA endocarditis. In this study, we assessed the role of a ϕSA169 gene, ϕ80α_gp05 (gp05), in VAN-persistent outcome using gp05 isogenic MRSA strain sets. Of note, Gp05 significantly influences the intersection of MRSA virulence factors, host immune responses, and antibiotic treatment efficacy, including the following: (i) activity of the significant energy-yielding metabolic pathway (e.g., tricarboxylic acid cycle); (ii) carotenoid pigment production; (iii) (p)ppGpp (guanosine tetra- and pentaphosphate) production, which activates the stringent response and subsequent downstream functional factors (e.g., phenol-soluble modulins and polymorphonuclear neutrophil bactericidal activity); and (iv) persistence to VAN treatment in an experimental infective endocarditis model. These data suggest that Gp05 is a significant virulence factor which contributes to the persistent outcomes in MRSA endovascular infection by multiple pathways. IMPORTANCE Persistent endovascular infections are often caused by MRSA strains that are susceptible to anti-MRSA antibiotics in vitro by CLSI breakpoints. Thus, the persistent outcome represents a unique variant of traditional antibiotic resistance mechanisms and a significant therapeutic challenge. Prophage, a critical mobile genetic element carried by most MRSA isolates, provides their bacterial host with metabolic advantages and resistance mechanisms. However, how prophage-encoded virulence factors interact with the host defense system and antibiotics, driving the persistent outcome, is not well known. In the current study, we demonstrated that a novel prophage gene, gp05, significantly impacts tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, stringent response, and pigmentation, as well as vancomycin treatment outcome in an experimental endocarditis model using isogenic gp05 overexpression and chromosomal deletion mutant MRSA strain sets. The findings significantly advance our understanding of the role of Gp05 in persistent MRSA endovascular infection and provide a potential target for development of novel drugs against these life-threatening infections.

Mingfang Li,1 Jiaojiao Shi,1 Ming Chu,1 Youmei Shen,1 Shimeng Zhang,1 Xingxing Sun,1 Hengli Zhang,1 Qing Yan,1 Jinlong Gong,2 Gregory YH Lip,3,4 Minglong Chen1,5 1Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 2Division of Cardiology, Jiangdu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; 4Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; 5Division of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Minglong Chen, Division of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-25-68303115, Fax +86-25-6813-6479, Email chenminglong@njmu.edu.cnAbstract: China has a large population of elderly in rural areas. Village doctors are acting as health-care gatekeepers for the rural elderly in China and are encouraged to provide more long-term care for patients with chronic diseases such as atrial fibrillation (AF). The data of AF registries from the rural elderly are limited. The present registry aims to provide contemporary data on the current AF-related health status of the rural elderly and the gaps in management of AF by village doctors. This study has two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional study of AF screening in two rural towns of eastern China. All the residents aged ≥ 65 years are eligible and will be invited to attend a government-led health examination or an in-house AF screening program. The AF detection rate, the awareness of AF and the usage of oral anticoagulants and smartphones by AF patients, and the ability to diagnose and manage AF by village doctors will be assessed. Participants with AF detected in the first phase are eligible for the second phase. A variety of modes of intensified education will be provided to all AF patients and their family members to enrich their AF-related knowledge. Their village doctors will be offered a lecture-based training program focusing on Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway. Follow-up will be conducted for 1 year. The primary endpoint is the composite of all stroke and all-cause mortality. The first phase of AF screening was conducted between April 2019 and June 2019, and 18,712 participants with the mean age of 73.1± 5.8 years were enrolled. The second phase that includes 810 patients with AF, started on 1 May 2019. This study will provide a perspective of primary care system and would indirectly reflect the current status of chronic disease care in rural China.Keywords: atrial fibrillation, elderly, village doctors, rural China

Xuan Liu,1,&ast; Xin Li,1,&ast; A-wen Yang,1 Bin Tang,1 Zi-juan Jian,1 Yi-ming Zhong,1 Hong-ling Li,1 Yan-ming Li,1 Qun Yan,1 Xiang-hui Liang,1,2 Wen-en Liu1,2 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Wen-en Liu; Xiang-hui Liang, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-731-84327437, Fax +86-731-84327332, Email wenenliu@163.com; 1677344146@qq.comBackground: Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) and carbapenemase-producing E. coli (CP-EC) is well reported among hospitalized adults and children. However, there are few studies on the carriage prevalence and ESBL-EC and CP-EC genotypes among healthy children in China.Patients and Methods: Stool samples were collected from 330 students in 2021 from three randomly selected primary schools in Changsha, China. ESBL-EC and CP-EC were screened using CHROMagarTM chromogenic plates. ESBL and carbapenemase production was confirmed using the double-disc synergy test and a modified carbapenem inactivation method, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the broth microdilution method. Resistance determinants, virulence factors, and phylogenetic groups were determined by PCR and sequencing. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed (seven housekeeping genes were amplified and sequenced) on the phylogenic group B2 E. coli to detect high-risk clonal strains such as ST131 E. coli. Then, ST131 E. coli were characterized based on ST131 clades, O-type, and fimH alleles.Results: In total, 118 (35.8%) ESBL-EC and 3 (0.9%) CP-EC were isolated. blaCTX-M was the most common genotype (27.1%), identified in all ESBL-EC, except one, which carried blaSHV-12. One isolate with mcr-1 was found amongst ESBL-EC, whereas all three CP-EC carried blaNDM-1. The predominant sequence type (ST) clones in group B2 were ST131 and ST1193. The prevalence of ST131 E. coli was 9.9%, displaying serotypes O16 and O25b, fimH alleles 30, 41, and 89, and ST131 clades A and C1-M27.Conclusion: In this study, high carriage rate of ESBL-EC was found among healthy children, and the dominant ESBL was CTX-M-14. In addition, high-risk clones (ST131 and ST1193) were also detected. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring ESBL-EC in community settings.Keywords: community children, ESBL, CPE, ST131, mcr-1

Invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are leading causes of morbidity and mortality that are complicated by increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Thus, minimizing virulence and enhancing antibiotic efficacy against MRSA is a public health imperative. We originally demonstrated that diflunisal (DIF; [2-hydroxy-5-(2,4-difluorophenyl) benzoic acid]) inhibits S. aureus virulence factor expression. To investigate pharmacophores that are active in this function, we evaluated a library of structural analogues for their efficacy to modulate virulence phenotypes in a panel of clinically relevant S. aureus isolates in vitro. Overall, the positions of the phenyl, hydroxyl, and carboxylic moieties and the presence or type of halogen (F vs. Cl) influenced the efficacy of compounds in suppressing hemolysis, proteolysis, and biofilm virulence phenotypes. Analogues lacking halogens inhibited proteolysis to an extent similar to DIF but were ineffective at reducing hemolysis or biofilm production. In contrast, most analogues lacking the hydroxyl or carboxylic acid groups did not suppress proteolysis but did mitigate hemolysis and biofilm production to an extent similar to DIF. Interestingly, chirality and the substitution of fluorine with chlorine resulted in a differential reduction in virulence phenotypes. Together, this pattern of data suggests virulence-suppressing pharmacophores of DIF and structural analogues integrate halogen, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid moiety stereochemistry. The anti-virulence effects of DIF were achieved using concentrations that are safe in humans, do not impair platelet antimicrobial functions, do not affect S. aureus growth, and do not alter the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. These results offer proof of concept for using novel anti-virulence strategies as adjuvants to antibiotic therapy to address the challenge of MRSA infection.

Cong Zhang,1,2,&ast; Qingna Yan,1,&ast; Qiushuang Zhu,1,&ast; Jinxiao Liu,1,&ast; Yuanjie Dong,1 Yuqiao Li,1 Ruohua Wang,1 Xuanfeng Tang,1 Xinyi Lv,1 Xiaoqing Li,1 Yunjiang Cai,3 Yucun Niu1 1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, People’s Republic of China; 2Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Xishan District, Wuxi, 214000, People’s Republic of China; 3Nursing College of Daqing Campus of Harbin Medical University, Daqing, 163319, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yucun NiuDepartment of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-451-8750-2730Fax +86-451-8750-2885Email niuyucun@163.comPurpose: How to prolong life by diet has been widely concerned. There are many reports about the effects of different dietary patterns on life span, but the results are not consistent. The main reason may be that total energy intake has not been considered. This study aims to explore the effects of isocaloric different dietary patterns on population life span.Materials and Methods: From the data of the follow-up population, eligible participators were divided into normal control (NC) group (28.31% fat, 12.37% protein, 62.30% carbohydrate), isocaloric high-fat (IHF) group (38.39% fat, 12.21% protein, 51.32% carbohydrate), isocaloric high-protein (IHP) group (33.41% fat, 17.10% protein, 52.67% carbohydrate) and isocaloric high-carbohydrate (IHC) group (22.23% fat, 10.52% protein, 70.13% carbohydrate) according to the dietary structure and the age stratification. Global serum metabolic profiling analysis by UPLC−Q-TOF-MS/MS technology, fatty acid and amino acid profiles in serum were determined by GC-MS and UPLC-TQ-MS technology. One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett post hoc test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to statistical analysis.Results: Non-targeted metabolomics was to identify 18 potential metabolites related to longevity. ROC curve analysis to identify biomarkers indicated that the areas under the ROC (AUC) of the 12 of 18 biomarkers are above 0.9. The 12 biomarkers were mainly enriched in three metabolic pathways: lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Compared to control, 11 and 10 of 12 biomarkers showed the same trend with aging in IHP and IHC groups, respectively. Conversely, no differences were observed between IHF group and NC group.Conclusion: Without consideration of the nature of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, IHP and IHC diets might shorten life span by influencing amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism, while the isocaloric IHF diet has no effects on longevity.Keywords: amino acid, fatty acid, biomarkers, metabolomics

Yanfang Zhang,1,&ast; Dan Li,1,&ast; Qi Yan,1 Xueru Song,1 Wenyan Tian,1 Yingmei Wang,1 Fei Teng,1 Likun Wei,1 Jinghua Wang,2 Huiying Zhang,1 Fengxia Xue1 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Key laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China; 2Laboratory of Epidemiology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Huiying Zhang; Fengxia XueDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, He Ping District, Tianjin, 300052, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-22-60363762Fax +86-22-60362636Email huiying_zhang2020@126.com, xuefengxia@tmu.edu.cnPurpose: To evaluate the effects of body weight loss on reproductive outcomes in young women with early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) and atypical hyperplasia (AH) who underwent fertility-sparing therapy.Patients and Methods: Patients with well-differentiated EC (n=8, FIGO stage Ia) and AH (n=36) who achieved complete regression after fertility-sparing therapy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into a weight loss group (n=25) and a non-weight loss group (n=19). Subgroup analysis according to body mass index and relative weight loss were performed to investigate the effect of weight loss on pregnancy and live birth outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine pregnancy-associated factors.Results: Mean body weight and body mass index at pre-progestin treatment and at fertility treatment initiation were 70.63± 12.03 and 67.08± 8.18 kg, respectively, 27.06± 4.44 and 25.73± 3.15 kg/m2, respectively. Twenty-five patients (56.82%) lost weight, the median absolute weight loss was 5.00 kg (1.00– 34.50), and the median relative weight loss was 6.70% (1.00– 36.00%) over a median of 12 months (5.00– 97.00). A favorable pregnancy rate (65.91%) and live birth rate (50.00%) were achieved. The pregnancy and live birth rates were meaningfully higher in the weight loss group than in the non-weight loss group (88.00% vs 36.84%, P=0.000; 64.00% vs 31.58%, P=0.033); weight loss ≥ 5% significantly increased pregnancy and live birth rate in patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. The risk ratio of weight loss ≥ 5% in multivariate logistic analysis for pregnancy was 10.448 (1.102, 99.056, P=0.041).Conclusion: Weight loss could positively affect pregnancy rate and improve live birth rate in overweight and obese women with early-stage EC and AH during/after fertility-sparing therapy. Weight loss ≥ 5% increased pregnancy and livebirth rates significantly in overweight and obese women.Keywords: weight loss, reproductive outcomes, fertility-sparing therapy, endometrial cancer, atypical hyperplasia

Virulence factor expression is integral to pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus. We previously demonstrated that aspirin, through its major metabolite, salicylic acid (SAL), modulates S. aureus virulence phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. We compared salicylate metabolites and a structural analogue for their ability to modulate S. aureus virulence factor expression and phenotypes: (i) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin); (ii) ASA metabolites, salicylic acid (SAL), gentisic acid (GTA) and salicyluric acid (SUA); or (iii) diflunisal (DIF), a SAL structural analogue. None of these compounds altered the growth rate of any strain tested. ASA and its metabolites SAL, GTA and SUA moderately impaired hemolysis and proteolysis phenotypes in multiple S. aureus strain backgrounds and their respective deletion mutants. Only DIF significantly inhibited these virulence phenotypes in all strains. The kinetic profiles of ASA, SAL or DIF on expression of hla (alpha hemolysin), sspA (V8 protease) and their regulators (sigB, sarA, agr (RNAIII)) were assessed in two prototypic strain backgrounds: SH1000 (methicillin-sensitive S. aureus; MSSA) and LAC-USA300 (methicillin-resistant S. aureus; MRSA). DIF induced sigB expression which is coincident with the significant inhibition of RNAIII expression in both strains and precedes significant reductions in hla and sspA expression. The inhibited expression of these genes within 2 h resulted in the durable suppression of hemolysis and proteolysis phenotypes. These results indicate that DIF modulates the expression of key virulence factors in S. aureus via a coordinated impact on their relevant regulons and target effector genes. This strategy may hold opportunities to develop novel antivirulence strategies to address the ongoing challenge of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus.

Hongling Li, Mao Zhou, Xia Chen, Yawen Zhang, Zijuan Jian, Qun Yan, Wen-En Liu Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Wen-En LiuDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-731-84327440Fax +86-731-84327332Email wenenliu@163.comPurpose: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) strains are extensively resistant to most antibiotics. Tigecycline is one of the few effective drugs that can be used to treat infections caused by CRE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of different methods for detecting the susceptibility of CRE to tigecycline.Methods: Seven commonly used drug susceptibility testing methods were compared and evaluated for the ability to determine CRE tigecycline susceptibility: broth microdilution (BMD), agar dilution method (ADM), disk diffusion method, Etest, MicroScan, Vitek2 COMPACT, and BD Phoenix 100.Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tigecycline to inhibit 50% and 90% of CRE growth (MIC50 and MIC90, respectively) assessed by ADM and BD Phoenix 100 was the same as that determined by the reference method, BMD. The MIC50 was 2 μg/mL, and the MIC90 was 4 μg/mL. The highest number of susceptible strains was detected by MicroScan, followed by BMD, Etest, ADM, BD Phoenix 100, Vitek2 COMPACT, and disk diffusion method, in descending order. No significant differences were observed among the tigecycline susceptibility results (P > 0.05) obtained from MicroScan, Etest, BD Phoenix 100, and BMD. BMD confirmed that 82.0% of strains were susceptible to tigecycline. ADM, MicroScan, and BD Phoenix 100 yielded the categorical agreement of 96%, 92%, and 93%, respectively. No method was found to present any very major errors (VMEs), and only the Vitek2 COMPACT yielded major errors (MEs) greater than 3%.Conclusion: Among the seven methods tested, the ADM, MicroScan, and BD Phoenix 100 methods were accurate for determining the tigecycline susceptibility of CRE. MicroScan was acceptable with better performance than other methods.Keywords: tigecycline, antibiotic susceptibility test, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, CRE

Triglycerides (TG) are required for fatty acid transport and storage and are essential for human health. Angiopoietin-like-protein 8 (ANGPTL8) has previously been shown to form a complex with ANGPTL3 that increases circulating TG by potently inhibiting LPL. We also recently showed that the TG-lowering apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) decreases TG levels by suppressing ANGPTL3/8-mediated LPL inhibition. To understand how LPL binds ANGPTL3/8 and ApoA5 blocks this interaction, we used hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass-spectrometry and molecular modeling to map binding sites of LPL and ApoA5 on ANGPTL3/8. Remarkably, we found that LPL and ApoA5 both bound a unique ANGPTL3/8 epitope consisting of N-terminal regions of ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8 that are unmasked upon formation of the ANGPTL3/8 complex. We further used ANGPTL3/8 as an immunogen to develop an antibody targeting this same epitope. After refocusing on antibodies that bound ANGPTL3/8, as opposed to ANGPTL3 or ANGPTL8 alone, we utilized bio-layer interferometry to select an antibody exhibiting high-affinity binding to the desired epitope. We revealed an ANGPTL3/8 leucine zipper-like motif within the anti-ANGPTL3/8 epitope, the LPL-inhibitory region, and the ApoA5-interacting region, suggesting the mechanism by which ApoA5 lowers TG is via competition with LPL for the same ANGPTL3/8-binding site. Supporting this hypothesis, we demonstrate that the anti-ANGPTL3/8 antibody potently blocked ANGPTL3/8-mediated LPL inhibition in vitro and dramatically lowered TG levels in vivo. Together, these data show that an anti-ANGPTL3/8 antibody targeting the same leucine zipper-containing epitope recognized by LPL and ApoA5 markedly decreases TG by suppressing ANGPTL3/8-mediated LPL inhibition.

Qing-Lian Chen,1,2,* Qian Yan,1,* Kun-Liang Feng,1,2,* Chun-Feng Xie,1,2,* Chong-Kai Fang,1,2 Ji-Nan Wang,1,2 Li-Hua Liu,2,3 Ya Li,3 Chong Zhong2,3 1Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, People’s Republic of China; 3Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Chong ZhongDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Airport Road, Guangzhou, 510405, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-20-36596301Email zhongchong1732@gzucm.edu.cnObjective: For the identification of abnormally methylated differentially expressed genes (MDEGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this study integrated four microarray datasets to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of tumorigenesis.Methods: We obtained the expression (GSE76427, GSE57957) and methylation (GSE89852, GSE54503) profiles from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The abnormally MDEGs were identified by using R software. We used the clusterProfiler package for the functional and pathway enrichment analysis. The String database was used to build the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and visualize it in Cytoscape. MCODE was employed in the module analysis. Additionally, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were employed to validate results. Lastly, we used cBioPortal software to examine the hub genetic alterations.Results: We identified 162 hypermethylated, down-regulated genes and 190 hypomethylated, up-regulated genes. Up-regulated genes with low methylation were enriched in biological processes, such as keratinocyte proliferation, and calcium homeostasis. Pathway analysis was enriched in the AMPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. The PPI network identified PTK2, VWF, and ITGA2 as hypomethylated, high-expressing hub genes. Down-regulated genes with high methylation were related to responses to peptide hormones and estradiol, multi-multicellular organism process. Pathway analysis indicated enrichment in camp, oxytocin signaling pathways. The PPI network identified CFTR, ESR1, and CXCL12 as hypermethylated, low-expressing hub genes. Upon verification in TCGA databases, we found that the expression and methylation statuses of the hub genes changed significantly, and it was consistent with our results.Conclusion: The novel abnormally MDEGs and pathways in HCC were identified. These results helped us further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC invasion, metastasis, and development. Hub genes can serve as biomarkers for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of HCC, and PTK2, VWF, ITGA2, CFTR, ESR1, and CXCL12 are included.Keywords: methylation, hepatocellular carcinoma, hub genes, gene expression, bioinformatics analysis

Chao Yu,* Deguan Li,* Qiang Yan, Yigao Wang, Xiaodong Yang, Shangxin Zhang, Yonghong Zhang, Zhen Zhang Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhen ZhangDepartment of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-055162923887Email zlkgep@163.comBackground: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common aggressive neoplasms worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been involved in the biological process of CRC. This study aimed to explore the effects of circ_0005927 on CRC progression and underneath mechanism.Materials and Methods: The expression of circ_0005927, microRNA-942-5p (miR-942-5p) and basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor 2 (BATF2) was detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of BATF2 was determined by Western blot. The effects among circ_0005927, miR-942-5p and BATF2 on cell colony-forming ability, apoptosis and migratory and invasive abilities were revealed by cell colony formation, flow apoptosis and transwell assays, respectively. The associated relationship between miR-942-5p and circ_0005927 or BATF2 was predicted by Circinteractome or TargetScan online database, and identified by dual-luciferase reporter or RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The impacts of circ_0005927 overexpression on tumor growth in vivo were investigated by in vivo tumor formation assay.Results: Circ_0005927 expression and the mRNA and protein expression of BATF2 were dramatically downregulated, while miR-942-5p expression was obviously upregulated in CRC tissues or cells compared with control groups. Circ_0005927 overexpression repressed cell colony-forming ability, migration and invasion, whereas induced cell apoptosis in CRC; however, these impacts were hindered by miR-942-5p mimic or BATF2 knockdown. Furthermore, circ_0005927 was a sponge of miR-942-5p, and miR-942-5p bound to BATF2. In addition, circ_0005927 overexpression repressed tumor growth in vivo.Conclusion: Circ_0005927 suppressed cell colony-forming ability, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis by sponging miR-942-5p to induce BATF2 in CRC. The possible mechanism provides a theoretical basis for the study of circRNA-directed therapy for CRC.Keywords: circular RNA, circ_0005927, miR-942-5p, BATF2, CRC

Chengbin Zheng,1,* Xingyu Feng,2,* Jiabin Zheng,2 Qian Yan,2 Xu Hu,2 Huolun Feng,2 Zhenru Deng,2 Qianchao Liao,2 Junjiang Wang,2 Yong Li1,2 1Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital; Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yong LiDepartment of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, 106 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510080, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-13822177479Fax +86-020-83827812Email liyong@gdph.org.cnPurpose: Tumors with lymphovascular invasion (LVI) are thought to be associated with lymph node metastasis and to lead to a worse prognosis. However, the effect of LVI on the prognosis of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) is still unclear.Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 224 consecutive patients with non-metastatic AEG who underwent radical surgery in our hospital from 2004 to 2018. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis was used to eliminate the selection bias. IPW-adjusted Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) between patients with and without LVI.Results: A total of 224 patients with non-metastatic AEG who underwent radical resection were included in the study and 96 (42.9%) patients developed LVI. Survival analysis showed that LVI were associated with worse DSS (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.93– 5.03) and worse OS (HR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.61– 3.38). The results were consistent across subgroups stratified by pathologic N stage. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that Siewert type III (HR= 3.20, 95% CI: 1.45– 7.06) was associated with worse DSS, but not Siewert type I/II (HR= 1.46, 95% CI: 0.94– 2.31, P-interaction=0.047).Conclusion: LVI are associated with worse prognosis in AEG. LVI had a worse effect on DSS in Siewert type III AEG than Siewert type I/II AEG.Keywords: lymphovascular invasion, adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction, risk factor, overall survival, disease-specific survival

Angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL)8 has been implicated in metabolic syndrome and reported to regulate adipose FA uptake through unknown mechanisms. Here, we studied how complex formation of ANGPTL8 with ANGPTL3 or ANGPTL4 varies with feeding to regulate LPL. In human serum, ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 complexes both increased postprandially, correlated negatively with HDL, and correlated positively with all other metabolic syndrome markers. ANGPTL3/8 also correlated positively with LDL-C and blocked LPL-facilitated hepatocyte VLDL-C uptake. LPL-inhibitory activity of ANGPTL3/8 was >100-fold more potent than that of ANGPTL3, and LPL-inhibitory activity of ANGPTL4/8 was >100-fold less potent than that of ANGPTL4. Quantitative analyses of inhibitory activities and competition experiments among the complexes suggested a model in which localized ANGPTL4/8 blocks the LPL-inhibitory activity of both circulating ANGPTL3/8 and localized ANGPTL4, allowing lipid sequestration into fat rather than muscle during the fed state. Supporting this model, insulin increased ANGPTL3/8 secretion from hepatocytes and ANGPTL4/8 secretion from adipocytes. These results suggest that low ANGPTL8 levels during fasting enable ANGPTL4-mediated LPL inhibition in fat tissue to minimize adipose FA uptake. During feeding, increased ANGPTL8 increases ANGPTL3 inhibition of LPL in muscle via circulating ANGPTL3/8, while decreasing ANGPTL4 inhibition of LPL in adipose tissue through localized ANGPTL4/8, thereby increasing FA uptake into adipose tissue. Excessive caloric intake may shift this system toward the latter conditions, possibly predisposing to metabolic syndrome.

Xia Chen, Qingnuan Liu, Wen-en Liu, Qun Yan Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qun Yan Tel +86-731-84327440Fax +86-731-84327332Email yanqun@csu.edu.cnPurpose: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infection has become a critical clinical concern for its high mortality. Rectal carriage of CRKP has been reported playing an important role in CRKP infection; however, the extent to which carrier develops clinical CRKP infection is unclear. This study aimed to identify risk factors for developing subsequential CRKP clinical infection in rectal carriers with CRKP.Patients and Methods: Patients were screened for rectal carriage of CRKP in a tertiary university hospital; then, rectal CRKP carriers were divided into case group (those who developed subsequential clinical infection) and control group. Demographics, comorbid conditions, invasive procedures, antimicrobial exposure and other clinical parameters of those two groups were compared and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile and carbapenemase phenotype/genotype of those CRKP isolates were determined. MLST was applied to elucidate the molecular epidemiology of rectal CRKP isolates and clinical infection ones.Results: Eight hundred and thirty-five patients were screened for rectal CRKP carriage. A total of 62 CRKP rectal carriers were identified; among them, 37.1% (23/62) developed CRKP clinical infection. CRKP isolates were resistant to most of the tested antimicrobial agents. ST11 was the dominant MLST type in rectal CRKP isolates (71.0%), and all the 23 clinical infection isolates were ST11. Multivariate analysis revealed that admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (OR, 6.753; P=0.006), being in coma condition (OR, 11.085; P=0.015) and receiving central venous catheter (OR, 8.628; P=0.003) were independent risk factors for progressing to subsequential CRKP infection among those rectal carriers.Conclusion: This study identified independent risk factors for developing subsequential CRKP clinical infection among CRKP rectal carriers, with being in coma condition as a new finding. It would help clinician target those high-risk rectal CRKP-colonized patients for prevention of subsequential clinical infection.Keywords: carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, infection, risk factors, rectal carriage

Shangyuchen Shi,1,* Gang Zheng,2,3,* Chunsheng Yang,4,* Xi Chen,2 Qiuyue Yan,1 Fan Jiang,1 Xiaojie Jiang,1 Yong Xin,1 Guan Jiang2 1Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Dermatology, Xuzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Huai’an 221003, People’s Republic of China; 4The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The Second People’s Hospital of Huai’an, Huai’an 223002, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yong Xin Email deep369@163.comGuan Jiang Email dr.guanjiang@gmail.comPurpose: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and its incidence continues to rise yearly. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive form of cancer therapy, which utilizes the combined action of a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen molecules to selectively cause cellular damage to tumor cells. Vitamin K3 (VitK3) has been shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of tumor cells in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of VitK3 and ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) on oxidative damage, proliferation and apoptosis of A431 cells.Methods: CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation; Hoechst staining, TUNEL assay and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect apoptosis. Western Blot was perfomed to measure the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. Finally, the role of VitK3 in combination with UVB on the proliferation and apoptosis of A431 cells was investigated using mice xenograft models.Results: We found that the co-treatment of VitK3 combined with UVB more significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of A431 cells than either VitK3 or UVB alone. Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry analysis revealed that apoptosis was more pronounced in the VitK3-UVB group compared to the VitK3 and UVB groups. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis showed that ROS and the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential were higher in all the co-treatment groups compared to the control, VitK3, and UVB groups. The VitK3-UVB group exhibited a significantly lower tumor growth rate in mouse xenograft models.Conclusion: This study reveals that VitK3 combined with UVB inhibits the growth and induces apoptosis of A431 cells in vitro and suppresses tumor growth and promotes apoptosis of cSCC in vivo.Keywords: photodynamic, photosensitizer, oxidative, depolarization

Qingxia Liu, Leping Liu, Yanming Li, Xia Chen, Qun Yan, Wen-en Liu Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qun Yan; Wen-en LiuDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-731-84327440; +86-731-84327437Fax +86-731-84327332; +86-731-84327332Email yanqun@csu.edu.cn; wenenliucsu@163.comPurpose: To determine the prevalence and epidemiology of fecal carriage of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), antimicrobial susceptibility, carbapenemase phenotype/genotype, and the colistin-resistance gene mcr-1 in a university hospital in China.Methods: A comprehensive study of the fecal carriage of CRE in 704 patients was performed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were applied to elucidate the molecular epidemiology of the isolates.Results: In total, 60 CRE were detected in the 704 stool samples (8.5%), including 42 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 7 Escherichia coli, 3 Citrobacter freundii, 3 Klebsiella oxytoca, 3 Enterobacter cloacae, 1 Enterobacter aerogenes, and 1 Raoultella planticola. Fifty-five CRE isolates were positive for the carbapenemase phenotype, of which 39 were Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) producers. Thirty KPC-producing K. pneumoniae sequence type (ST) 11 isolates were identified and 28 were grouped into one cluster with a similarity of ≥85%, of predominately intensive care unit (ICU) strains. Three KPC-producing ST1889 strains were isolated from the pediatric ward, all indistinguishable and resistant to tigecycline. All CRE were susceptible to colistin and negative for mcr-1.Conclusion: This study revealed a predominant fecal carriage of the KPC-producing K. pneumoniae ST11 clone, with several indistinguishable strain clusters, and the emergence of ST1889 in a Chinese university hospital. This evidence of cross-infection supports the urgent need for the implementation of infection control measures to prevent CRE dissemination.Keywords: fecal carriage, CRE, Klebsiella pneumoniae, KPC, ST11

Bacteremia is a life-threating syndrome often caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel approaches to successfully treat this infection. Staphylococcal accessory regulator A (SarA), a global virulence regulator, plays a critical role in pathogenesis and β-lactam antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Hypericin is believed to act as an antibiotic, antidepressant, antiviral and non-specific kinase inhibitor. In the current study, we investigated the impact of hypericin on β-lactam antibiotics susceptibility and mechanism(s) of its activity. We demonstrated that hypericin significantly decreased the minimum inhibitory concentrations of β-lactam antibiotics (e.g., oxacillin, cefazolin and nafcillin), biofilm formation and fibronectin binding in MRSA strain JE2. In addition, hypericin significantly reduced sarA expression, and subsequently decreased mecA, and virulence-related regulators (e.g., agr RNAⅢ) and genes (e.g., fnbA and hla) expression in the studied MRSA strain. Importantly, the in vitro synergistic effect of hypericin with β-lactam antibiotic (e.g., oxacillin) translated into in vivo therapeutic outcome in a murine MRSA bacteremia model. These findings suggest that hypericin plays an important role in abrogation of β-lactam resistance against MRSA through sarA inhibition, and may allow us to repurpose the use of β-lactam antibiotics, which are normally ineffective in the treatment of MRSA infections (e.g., oxacillin). KEY WORDS: Hypericin, β-Lactams, MRSA, Synergistic effect, SarA

ABSTRACT Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections represent a significant clinically challenging subset of invasive, life-threatening S. aureus infections. We have recently demonstrated that purine biosynthesis plays an important role in such persistent infections. Cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) is an essential and ubiquitous second messenger that regulates many cellular pathways in bacteria. However, whether there is a regulatory connection between the purine biosynthesis pathway and c-di-AMP impacting persistent outcomes was not known. Here, we demonstrated that the purine biosynthesis mutant MRSA strain, the ΔpurF strain (compared to its isogenic parental strain), exhibited the following significant differences in vitro: (i) lower ADP, ATP, and c-di-AMP levels; (ii) less biofilm formation with decreased extracellular DNA (eDNA) levels and Triton X-100-induced autolysis paralleling enhanced expressions of the biofilm formation-related two-component regulatory system lytSR and its downstream gene lrgB; (iii) increased vancomycin (VAN)-binding and VAN-induced lysis; and (iv) decreased wall teichoic acid (WTA) levels and expression of the WTA biosynthesis-related gene, tarH. Substantiating these data, the dacA (encoding diadenylate cyclase enzyme required for c-di-AMP synthesis) mutant strain (dacAG206S strain versus its isogenic wild-type MRSA and dacA-complemented strains) showed significantly decreased c-di-AMP levels, similar in vitro effects as seen above for the purF mutant and hypersusceptible to VAN treatment in an experimental biofilm-related MRSA endovascular infection model. These results reveal an important intersection between purine biosynthesis and c-di-AMP that contributes to biofilm-associated persistence in MRSA endovascular infections. This signaling pathway represents a logical therapeutic target against persistent MRSA infections. IMPORTANCE Persistent endovascular infections caused by MRSA, including vascular graft infection syndromes and infective endocarditis, are significant and growing public health threats. A particularly worrisome trend is that most MRSA isolates from these patients are “susceptible” in vitro to conventional anti-MRSA antibiotics, such as VAN and daptomycin (DAP), based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints. Yet, these antibiotics frequently fail to eliminate these infections in vivo. Therefore, the persistent outcomes in MRSA infections represent a unique and important variant of classic “antibiotic resistance” that is only disclosed during in vivo antibiotic treatment. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with the persistent infection, there is an urgent need to understand the specific mechanism(s) of this syndrome. In the current study, we demonstrate that a functional intersection between purine biosynthesis and the second messenger c-di-AMP plays an important role in VAN persistence in experimental MRSA endocarditis. Targeting this pathway may represent a potentially novel and effective strategy for treating these life-threatening infections.

We previously demonstrated that angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) forms ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 complexes that increase with feeding to direct fatty acids (FA) toward adipose tissue through differential modulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Each complex correlated inversely with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) in control subjects. We thus investigated ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 levels in type 2 diabetes patients, who can present with decreased HDL. While ANGPTL3/8 levels in type 2 diabetes patients were similar to those previously observed in normal controls, ANGPTL4/8 levels were roughly twice as high as those in control subjects. Concentrations of ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 in type 2 diabetes patients were inversely correlated with HDL, with the correlation being significant for ANGPTL4/8. We therefore measured the ability of the various ANGPTL proteins and complexes to inhibit endothelial lipase (EL), the enzyme which hydrolyzes phospholipids (PL) in HDL. While confirming ANGPTL3 as an EL inhibitor, we found that ANGPTL4 was a more potent EL inhibitor than ANGPTL3. Interestingly, we observed that while ANGPTL3/8 had increased EL-inhibitory activity compared to ANGPTL3 alone, ANGPTL4/8 exhibited decreased potency in inhibiting EL compared to ANGPTL4 alone. Together, these results show for the first time that ANGPTL4 is a more potent EL inhibitor than ANGPTL3 and suggest a possible reason for why ANGPTL4/8 levels are correlated inversely with HDL.

Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections represent a significant subset of S. aureus infections and correlate with exceptionally high mortality. We have recently demonstrated that the lysogenization of prophage ϕSA169 from a clinical persistent MRSA bacteremia isolate (300-169) into a clinical resolving bacteremia MRSA isolate (301-188) resulted in the acquisition of well-defined in vitro and in vivo phenotypic and genotypic profiles related to persistent outcome. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of this impact is unknown. In the current study, we explored the genetic mechanism that may contribute to the ϕSA169-correlated persistence using RNA sequencing. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the most significant impacts of ϕSA169 were: (i) the enhancement of fatty acid biosynthesis and purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways; (ii) the repression of galactose metabolism and phosphotransferase system (PTS); and (iii) the down-regulation of the mutual prophage genes in both 300-169 and 301-188 strains. In addition, the influence of different genetic backgrounds between 300-169 and 301-188 might also be involved in the persistent outcome. These findings may provide targets for future studies on the persistence of MRSA.

Wenchao Wu,1,2 Jiangqing Wu,1 Qiafan Fu,1 Chenhao Jin,1 Fangyuan Guo,1,2 Qinying Yan,1,2 Qingliang Yang,1,2 Danjun Wu,1,2 Yan Yang,1,2 Gensheng Yang1,21College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People’s Republic of China; 2Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Particle Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People’s Republic of ChinaPurpose: Clinical applications of curcumin (Cur) have been greatly restricted due to its low solubility and poor systemic bioavailability. Three-arm amphiphilic copolymer tricarballylic acid-poly (ϵ-caprolactone)-methoxypolyethylene glycol (Tri-CL-mPEG) nanoparticles (NPs) were designed to improve the solubility and bioavailability of Cur. The present study adopted a microchannel system to precisely control the preparation of self-assembly polymeric NPs via liquid flow-focusing and gas displacing method.Methods: The amphiphilic three-arm copolymer Tri-CL-mPEG was synthesized and self-assembled into nearly spherical NPs, yielding Cur encapsulated into NP cores (Cur-NPs). The obtained NPs were evaluated for physicochemical properties, morphology, toxicity, cellular uptake by A549 cells, release in vitro, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics in vivo.Results: Rapidly fabricated and isodispersed Cur-NPs prepared by this method had an average diameter of 116±3 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.197±0.008. The drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency of Cur-NPs were 5.58±0.23% and 91.42±0.39%, respectively. In vitro release experiments showed sustained release of Cur, with cumulative release values of 40.1% and 66.1% at pH 7.4 and pH 5.0, respectively, after 10 days post-incubation. The results of cellular uptake, biodistribution, and in vivo pharmacokinetics experiments demonstrated that Cur-NPs exhibited better biocompatibility and bioavailability, while additionally enabling greater cellular uptake and prolonged circulation with possible spleen, lung, and kidney targeting effects when compared to the properties of free Cur.Conclusion: These results indicate that Tri-CL-mPEG NPs are promising in clinical applications as a controllable delivery system for hydrophobic drugs.Keywords: A549 cells, amiphiphilic three-arm copolymer, biodegradable nanoparticles, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics

As d-amino acids play important roles in the physiological metabolism of bacteria, combination of d-amino acids with antibiotics may provide synergistic antibacterial activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo activity of d-serine alone and in combination with β-lactams against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, and to explore the possible sensitization mechanisms. The activity of d-serine, β-lactams alone and in combinations was evaluated both in vitro by standard MICs, time–kill curves and checkerboard assays, and in vivo by murine systemic infection model as well as neutropenic thigh infection model. An in vitro synergistic effect was demonstrated with the combination of d-serine and β-lactams against MRSA standard and clinical strains. Importantly, the combinations enhanced the therapeutic efficacy in the animal models as compared to β-lactam alone groups. Initial mechanism study suggested possible revision of d-alanine-d-alanine residue to d-alanine-d-serine in peptidoglycan by adding of d-alanine in the medium, which may cause decreased affinity to PBPs during transpeptidation. In conclusion, d-serine had synergistic activity in combination with β-lactams against MRSA strains both in vitro and in vivo. Considering the relatively good safety of d-serine alone or in combination with β-lactams, d-serine is worth following up as new anti-MRSA infection strategies. KEY WORDS: MRSA, d-Serine, β-Lactams, Combination, Synergistic effect

Abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia is a common and life-threatening infection that imposes up to 30% mortality even when appropriate therapy is used. Despite in vitro efficacy determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints, antibiotics often fail to resolve these infections in vivo, resulting in persistent MRSA bacteremia. Recently, several genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic correlates of persistent outcomes have been identified. However, the extent to which single variables or their composite patterns operate as independent predictors of outcome or reflect shared underlying mechanisms of persistence is unknown. To explore this question, we employed a tensor-based integration of host transcriptional and cytokine datasets across a well-characterized cohort of patients with persistent or resolving MRSA bacteremia outcomes. This method yielded high correlative accuracy with outcomes and immunologic signatures united by transcriptomic and cytokine datasets. Results reveal that patients with persistent MRSA bacteremia exhibit signals of granulocyte dysfunction, suppressed antigen presentation, and deviated lymphocyte polarization. In contrast, patients with resolving bacteremia heterogeneously exhibit correlates of robust antigen-presenting cell trafficking and enhanced neutrophil maturation corresponding to appropriate T lymphocyte polarization and B lymphocyte response. These results suggest that transcriptional and cytokine correlates of persistent versus resolving bacteremia outcomes are complex and may not be disclosed by conventional modeling. In this respect, a tensor-based integration approach may help to reveal consensus molecular and cellular mechanisms and their biological interpretation.

Yi Sheng,1,* Wei Wang,2,* Bo Hong,2 Xingwang Jiang,1 Ruochuan Sun,1 Qiang Yan,1 Shangxin Zhang,1 Mingdian Lu,1 Shengyi Wang,1 Zhen Zhang,1 Wenchu Lin,2 Yongxiang Li1 1Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; 2High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: KIF20A is well known as one of the key proteins in mitosis. Recently, a number of studies illustrated that KIF20A might function as an oncogene in some carcinomas. However, its expression levels and clinical value remained unclear in gastric cancer (GC). Patients and methods: In this study, we investigated the expression of KIF20A in samples from GC patients and cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. The function of KIF20A in cell proliferation of GC cell lines was examined via cell viability and colony formation assays. Immunohistochemistry assay based on a tissue microarray consisting of 146 cases was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of KIF20A. The overall survival rate of 122 GC patients based on KIF20A expression was analyzed as well. Finally, using KIF20A inhibitor, genistein, and combining it with cisplatin or fluorouracil, the antitumor effects were studied. Results: Most GC samples (56.76%) showed higher KIF20A expression level compared to their corresponding normal specimens, which demonstrated the potential oncogenic role of KIF20A in GC. The functional studies elucidated the essential role of KIF20A in GC cell proliferation. Besides, tissue microarray result showed that the expression level of KIF20A was significantly related to the histological grades (P=0.036). Furthermore, we found the expression of KIF20A was related to poor overall survival rate, which is coincident with the results from Kaplan–Meier plotter database. In addition, we found that a KIF20A inhibitor, genistein, could enhance the antitumor activity of cisplatin and fluorouracil, which might be considered as a chemosensitive agent in GC. Conclusion: KIF20A can promote cell proliferation in GC, which might be used as an independent prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target. Keywords: KIF20A, genistein, gastric cancer, prognosis

Abstract: Triglyceride (TG) molecules represent the major storage form of fatty acids, and TG metabolism is essential to human health. However, the mechanistic details surrounding TG metabolism are complex and incompletely elucidated. Although it is known that angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) increases TGs through an ANGPTL3/8 complex that inhibits LPL, the mechanism governing ApoA5, which lowers TGs, has remained elusive. Current hypotheses for how ApoA5 acts include direct stimulation of LPL, facilitation of TG-containing particle uptake, and regulation of hepatic TG secretion. Using immunoprecipitation-MS and Western blotting, biolayer interferometry, functional LPL enzymatic assays, and kinetic analyses of LPL activity, we show that ApoA5 associates with ANGPTL3/8 in human serum and most likely decreases TG by suppressing ANGPTL3/8-mediated LPL inhibition. We also demonstrate that ApoA5 has no direct effect on LPL, nor does it suppress the LPL-inhibitory activities of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, or ANGPTL4/8. Importantly, ApoA5 suppression of ANGPTL3/8-mediated LPL inhibition occurred at a molar ratio consistent with the circulating concentrations of ApoA5 and ANGPTL3/8. Because liver X receptor (LXR) agonists decrease ApoA5 expression and cause hypertriglyceridemia, we investigated the effect of the prototypical LXR agonist T0901317 on human primary hepatocytes. We observed that T0901317 modestly stimulated hepatocyte ApoA5 release, but markedly stimulated ANGPTL3/8 secretion. Interestingly, the addition of insulin to T0901317 attenuated ApoA5 secretion, but further increased ANGPTL3/8 secretion. Together, these results reveal a novel intersection of ApoA5 and ANGPTL3/8 in the regulation of TG metabolism and provide a possible explanation for LXR agonist-induced hypertriglyceridemia.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of life-threatening endovascular infections. Endothelial cell (EC) damage is a key factor in the pathogenesis of these syndromes. However, genetic factors related to the EC damage have not been well studied. This study aims to identify genetic determinants that impact human EC damage by screening the genome-wide Nebraska Transposon Mutant Library (NTML). A well-established MTT assay was used to test the in vitro damage of human EC cell line (HMEC-1) caused by each mutant strain in the NTML. We first confirmed some global regulators and genes positively impact the EC damage, which is consistent with published results. These data support the utility of the high-throughput approach. Importantly, we demonstrated 317 mutants significantly decreased the EC damage, while only 6 mutants enhanced the EC damage vs. parental JE2 strain. The majority of these genes have not been previously defined to affect human EC damage. Interestingly, many of these newly identified genes are involved in metabolism, genetic and environmental information processing, and cellular processes. These results advance our knowledge of staphylococcal genetic factors related to human EC damage which may provide novel targets for the development of effective agents against MRSA endovascular infection.

ABSTRACT Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections are life-threatening syndromes with few therapeutic options. The potential impact of bacteriophages on the persistent outcome has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the role of a novel prophage (ϕSA169) in MRSA persistence by using a lysogen-free clinically resolving bacteremia (RB) isolate and comparing it to a derivative which was obtained by infecting the RB strain with ϕSA169, which has been lysogenized in a clinical persistent MRSA bacteremia (PB) isolate. Similar to the PB isolate, the ϕSA169-lysogenized RB strain exhibited well-defined in vitro and in vivo phenotypic and genotypic signatures related to the persistent outcome, including earlier activation of global regulators (i.e., sigB, sarA, agr RNAIII, and sae); higher expression of a critical purine biosynthesis gene, purF; and higher growth rates accompanied by lower ATP levels and vancomycin (VAN) susceptibility and stronger δ-hemolysin and biofilm formation versus its isogenic parental RB isolate. Notably, the contribution of ϕSA169 in persistent outcome with VAN treatment was confirmed in an experimental infective endocarditis model. Taken together, these results indicate the critical role of the prophage ϕSA169 in persistent MRSA endovascular infections. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms of ϕSA169 in mediating the persistence, as well as establishing the scope of impact, of this prophage in other PB strains. IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages are viruses that invade the bacterial host, disrupt bacterial metabolism, and cause the bacterium to lyse. Because of its remarkable antibacterial activity and unique advantages over antibiotics, for instance, bacteriophage is specific for one species of bacteria and resistance to phage is less common than resistance to antibiotics. Indeed, bacteriophage therapy for treating infections due to multidrug-resistant pathogens in humans has become a research hot spot. However, it is also worth considering that bacteriophages are transferable and could cotransfer host chromosomal genes, e.g., virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, while lysogenizing and integrating into the bacterial chromosome (prophage), thus playing a role in bacterial evolution and virulence. In the current study, we identified a novel prophage, ϕSA169, from a clinical persistent MRSA bacteremia isolate, and we determined that ϕSA169 mediated well-defined in vitro and in vivo phenotypic and genotypic signatures related to the persistent outcome, which may represent a unique and important persistent mechanism(s).

Linezolid resistance mediated by the cfr gene in MRSA represents a global concern. We investigated relevant phenotype differences between cfr-positive and -negative MRSA that contribute to pathogenesis, and the efficacy of linezolid-based combination therapies in murine models of bacteremia and skin and skin structure infection (SSSI). As a group, cfr-positive MRSA exhibited significantly reduced susceptibilities to the host defense peptides tPMPs, human neutrophil peptide-1 (hNP-1), and cathelicidin LL-37 (P < 0.01). In addition, increased binding to fibronectin (FN) and endothelial cells paralleled robust biofilm formation in cfr-positive vs. -negative MRSA. In vitro phenotypes of cfr-positive MRSA translated into poor outcomes of linezolid monotherapy in vivo in murine bacteremia and SSSI models. Importantly, rifampicin showed synergistic activity as a combinatorial partner with linezolid, and the EC50 of linezolid decreased 6-fold in the presence of rifampicin. Furthermore, this combination therapy displayed efficacy against cfr-positive MRSA at clinically relevant doses. Altogether, these data suggest that the use of linezolid in combination with rifampicin poses a viable therapeutic alternative for bacteremia and SSSI caused by cfr-positive multidrug resistant MRSA.

Lei Bai,1,* Zhenqiu Liu,2,3,* Qiwen Fang,2,3 Qiong Yan,4 Oumin Shi,5 Pingping Bao,6 Lina Mu,7 Xingdong Chen,8,9 Tiejun Zhang2,3 1Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; 2Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; 3Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; 4Department of Child and Maternal Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; 5Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; 6Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China; 7Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; 8State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; 9Fudan University Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: In 2012, liver cancer ranked as the fifth and eighth most common cancer in men and women, respectively, in urban Shanghai. This study aims to present the trend and projection of age-specific incidence and mortality of liver cancer in Shanghai.Methods: We extracted data of liver cancer incident cases and deaths between 1973 and 2012. An age–period–cohort model was used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 47,344 men and 18,692 women were diagnosed with liver cancer from 1973 to 2012. The overall age-standardized incidence was 26.89 and 8.89 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. Correspondingly, a total of 44,355 and 18,084 men and women died from liver cancer during this period. The overall age-standardized death rate was 25.34 per 100,000 in men and 9.39 per 100,000 in women. Between 1973 and 2012, liver cancer incidence and mortality in all age groups, except people aged 0–19 years, experienced a significant decline. Similar temporal patterns were detected in liver cancer mortality in both sexes when compared with incidence. Liver cancer incidence and mortality are expected to further decline among all age groups in 2013–2020 in both sexes, though the numbers of incident cases will remain stable.Conclusion: Incidence and mortality of liver cancer in urban Shanghai have decreased by about 40% and 50%, respectively, over the past four decades. This decline is expected to continue in the near future. However, the population is aging, which is reflected in the increasing crude rates and decreasing age-adjusted rates. Keywords: liver cancer, incidence, mortality, Shanghai

Baocheng Tian,1 Qi Yan,1 Juan Wang,1 Chen Ding,2 Sixiang Sai1 1School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 2College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China Abstract: Candida commonly adheres to implanted medical devices and forms biofilms. Due to the minimal activity of current antifungals against biofilms, new drugs or drug-delivery systems to treat these persistent infections are urgently needed. In the present investigation, voriconazole-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Vrc-NLCs) were formulated for enhanced drug-delivery efficiency to C. albicans to increase the antifungal activity of Vrc and to improve the treatment of infectious Candida diseases. Vrc-NLCs were prepared by a hot-melt, high-pressure homogenization method, and size distribution, ζ-potential, morphology, drug-encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, and physical stability were characterized. The antifungal activity of Vrc-NLCs in vitro was tested during planktonic and biofilm growth in C. albicans. The mean particle size of the Vrc-NLCs was 45.62±0.53 nm, and they exhibited spheroid-like morphology, smooth surfaces, and ζ-potential of -0.69±0.03 mV. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of Vrc-NLCs were 75.37%±2.65% and 3.77%±0.13%, respectively. Physical stability results revealed that despite the low measured ζ-potential, the dispersion of the Vrc-NLCs was stable during their 3-week storage at 4°C. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Vrc-NLCs was identical to that of Vrc. However, the inhibition rate of Vrc-NLCs at lower concentrations was significantly higher than that of Vrc during planktonic growth in C. albicans in yeast-extract peptone dextrose medium. Surprisingly, Vrc-NLCs treatment reduced cell density in biofilm growth in C. albicans and induced more switches form hyphal cells to yeast cells compared with Vrc treatment. In conclusion, Vrc-NLCs maintain antifungal activity of Vrc and increase antifungal drug-delivery efficiency to C. albicans. Therefore, Vrc-NLCs will greatly contribute to the treatment of infectious diseases caused by C. albicans. Keywords: antifungal activity, Candida albicans, voriconazole, nanostructured lipid carriers, biofilms

Hong Xu,1–3,* Yuting Wu,2–4,* Li Li,1–3 Weifeng Yuan,1–3 Deming Zhang,2–4 Qitao Yan,2,3 Zhenhui Guo,2,3 Wenjie Huang1–3 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, 2Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatric Infection and Organ Function Support, 3Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Geriatric Infection and Organ Function Support, 4Department of Geriatric Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of Guangzhou Command of PLA, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Objectives: COPD is an abnormal inflammatory response characterized by decreased expression of TLR2 in patients, which is suggested to induce invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of human respiratory system disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the miRNAs involved in the regulation of TLR2 signaling in COPD. Materials and methods: miRNA microarray analysis was performed to screen for the dysregulated miRNAs in alveolar macrophages (AMs) isolated from COPD rats. The interaction between these miRNAs and TLR2 gene was predicted using miRBase and validated using dual luciferase assay. Based on the analysis, a novel miR-344b-1-3p was identified as a novel modulator of TLR2 gene. Then, the mechanism through which miR-344b-1-3p regulated TLR2 expression was explored using cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-pretreated NR8383 cells. Moreover, by subjecting CSE-pretreated NR8383 cells to Pam3CSK4, the effect of miR-344b-1-3p on NF-κB activity and other important mediators of COPD, including IRAK-1, ERK, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MIP-2, was also assessed. Results: COPD rat model was successfully induced by smoke inhalation. Among the 11 upregulated miRNAs in AMs from COPD rats, miR-344b-1-3p was predicted to be a novel miRNA targeting TLR2 gene. In the CSE pretreated NR8383 cells exposed to Pam3CSK4, miR-344b-1-3p inhibition increased the expression levels of TLR2, TNF-α, and IL-1β and decreased the expression levels of MIP-2. In addition, the phosphorylation of IRAK-1, IκBα, and IRK was augmented by miR-344b-1-3p inhibition. Conclusion: Findings outlined in this study suggest that miR-344b-1-3p was an effective modulator of TLR2 gene, which can be employed as a promising therapeutic and preventive target of IPA in COPD patients. Keywords: COPD, miR-344b-1-3p, TLR2, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Zhe Han,1,* Qi Yan,1,* Wei Ge,2 Zhi-Guo Liu,1 Sangiliyandi Gurunathan,3 Massimo De Felici,4 Wei Shen,2 Xi-Feng Zhang1 1College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: Nanoscience and nanotechnology are developing rapidly, and the applications of nanoparticles (NPs) have been found in several fields. At present, NPs are widely used in traditional consumer and industrial products, however, the properties and safety of NPs are still unclear and there are concerns about their potential environmental and health effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential toxicity of ZnO NPs on testicular cells using both in vitro and in vivo systems in a mouse experimental model. Methods: ZnO NPs with a crystalline size of 70 nm were characterized with various analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The cytotoxicity of the ZnO NPs was examined in vitro on Leydig cell and Sertoli cell lines, and in vivo on the testes of CD1 mice injected with single doses of ZnO NPs.Results: ZnO NPs were internalized by Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and this resulted in cytotoxicity in a time- and dose-dependent manner through the induction of apoptosis. Apoptosis likely occurred as a consequence of DNA damage (detected as γ-H2AX and RAD51 foci) caused by increase in reactive oxygen species associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, injection of ZnO NPs in male mice caused structural alterations in the seminiferous epithelium and sperm abnormalities.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that ZnO NPs have the potential to induce apoptosis in testicular cells likely through DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species, with possible adverse consequences for spermatogenesis and therefore, male fertility. This suggests that evaluating the potential impacts of engineered NPs is essential prior to their mass production, to address both the environmental and human health concerns and also to develop sustainable and safer nanomaterials. Keywords: ZnO nanoparticle, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, mice

Light transmittance regulated by canopy openness influences the microsite conditions for natural regeneration. The successful transition from seed germination to subsequent seedling recruitment (i.e., early seedling survival and growth) determines the natural regeneration potential. However, there is little information on the effect of varying light transmittance on seed germination and seedling recruitment of Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. (Korean pine). We aimed to determine the optimum light requirements for this transition process in P. koraiensis to propose practical measures for improving its natural regeneration. The transition process was studied under five light transmittance regimes (100%, 60%, 30%, 15% and 5% of full light) over two consecutive years (2010 and 2011). The highest germination percentage in both years occurred at 30% light transmittance. Generally, mean germination time (MGT) declined with increased light transmittance. Seedling survival exhibited no significant differences between treatments for 1-year-old seedlings, but was higher at 30% than at 5% light transmittance for the 2-year-old seedlings. In contrast, seedling height, root collar diameter and total biomass were highest at 60%-100% light transmittance for both 1- and 2-year-old seedlings. Furthermore, the light transmittance also influenced the growth characteristics of P. koraiensis seedlings through regulating MGT. These results suggest that growth of P. koraiensis seedling requires a higher light transmittance (60%-100%) than that required for seed germination, even though 30% light transmittance was favorable to the earlier emergence with larger specific leaf area. Silvicultural measures such as thinning are recommended to increase light irradiance in the forest understorey with the aim of improving the natural regeneration of P. koraiensis.

Each year around the world there are still several cases of train derailments on the curved tracks due to overspeed, leading to big casualties and costs to the rail industries. With the ongoing increase on the speed, the possibility of train derailment will increase, especially on the sharp curved tracks. Two guard rails (or check rails) are usually required to be placed inside and parallel to two running rails along restrictive clearance areas of the bridge, tunnel, and turnout, preventing the rail vehicle wheels from turning over the rails in case of derailment. However, the investigation on the guide rail which is used to mitigate the train derailment due to a curved track and overspeed is carried out in this paper through the simulations. On sharp curved tracks, one guard rail can be placed inside the low rail, where it engages the back of the wheel flange. The simulations demonstrate that the guard rail can reduce the train derailment potential caused by a sharp curve and overspeed. The lateral clearance between wheel rim back and guard rail, as well as the height over the low rail top, is crucial in the effectiveness of guard rail. Their optimal selections could be obtained through the further simulations.