Alpha-ketoglutarate is required for chronic hypoxia-induced cardiac remodeling.

Chronic hypoxia (CH) is commonly associated with various cardiovascular diseases, with cardiac hypertrophy being the most frequently observed alteration. Metabolic remodeling is another consequence seen in the hypoxic heart. However, the mechanistic linkage between metabolic remodeling and cardiac hypertrophy in the hypoxic heart remains unclear. In this study, wild-type C57BL/6J mice were subjected to CH for 4 wk. Echocardiography and morphological analysis were used to assess the cardiac effects. We found that 4 wk of CH led to significant cardiac hypertrophy in the mice, whereas cardiac function remained unchanged compared with normoxic mice. In addition, CH induced an elevation in cardiac alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) content. Promoting α-KG degradation in the CH hearts prevented CH-induced cardiac hypertrophy but led to noticeable cardiac dysfunction. Mechanistically, α-KG promoted the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes by regulating histone methylation. Silencing lysine-specific demethylase 5 (KDM5), a histone demethylation enzyme, blunted α-KG-induced transcription of hypertrophy-related genes. These data suggest that α-KG is required for CH-induced cardiac remodeling, thus establishing a connection between metabolic changes and cardiac remodeling in hypoxic hearts.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We reported that alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) is indispensable for chronic hypoxia (CH)-induced cardiac remodeling, which builds the bridge between metabolic intermediates and cardiac remodeling.

ZYG11B participates in the modulation of colorectal cancer cell proliferation and immune infiltration and is a prognostic biomarker.

PROPOSE: The biological function of ZYG11B is still unclear, and few studies on ZYG11B in colorectal cancer were reported. The purpose of our research is to detect the biological functions of ZYG11B in colorectal cancer through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database online and the vitro cell experiments. METHODS: The information of ZYG11B in colorectal cancer were downloaded from TCGA database. The bioinformatics analysis has been utilized to examine the expression, functional enrichment, association of immune, clinicopathological characteristics and diagnostic prognostic value. CCK-8 and apoptosis assays have been utilized to identify the abilities of progression and apoptosis. The abilities of invasion and migration were detected by transwell assay. RESULTS: In contrast to adjacent normal tissues, colorectal cancer tissues exhibited a notably diminished expression of ZYG11B (p < 0.001). Further examination through functional enrichment analysis unveiled the enrichment of various pathways associated with tumor proliferation and apoptosis. The implementation of CCK-8 and apoptosis assays validated the suppressive impact of ZYG11B on the progression of colorectal cancer cells (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between ZYG11B and Tcm and T helper cells (R ≥ 0.3, p < 0.001). Moreover, the expression of ZYG11B demonstrated a prominent presence among subjects without previous experience of colon polyps (p < 0.05), devoid of lymphatic infiltration (p < 0.01), and age ≤ 65 years (p < 0.01). Additionally, ZYG11B exhibited higher expression levels among patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma (p < 0.05). Following the analysis of survival prognosis, it became evident that increased ZYG11B expression correlated with enhanced survival rates (p < 0.01) and the ability to accurately forecast the prognosis and survival of COAD/READ patients. CONCLUSION: ZYG11B plays a tumor suppressive role in the proliferation process of colorectal cancer and may have a broad application prospect in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of colorectal cancer with more study.

Impact of excessive daytime sleepiness on the progression of freezing of gait in de novo Parkinson's disease: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and freezing of gait (FOG) are prevalent non-motor and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), significantly impacting their quality of life. However, the correlation between EDS and FOG progression in de novo PD patients remains controversial. METHODS: A total of 328 participants from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) were divided into two groups: 43 with EDS (EDS group) and 285 without EDS (nEDS group). The cumulative incidence of FOG was assessed at the 5-year follow-up using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of EDS on FOG progression in PD patients, with validation for robustness through sensitivity and subgroup analyses. RESULTS: The EDS group experienced a higher incidence of FOG throughout the 5-year follow-up than did the nEDS group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed significantly association between EDS severity and enhanced risk of developing FOG (HR = 1.076, 95% CI:1.007 ~ 1.149, P = 0.031). For sensitivity analysis, parallel analyses were performed by substituting the independent variable with categorical variables, which yielded analogous outcomes (HR = 1.837, 95% CI:1.063 ~ 3.174, P = 0.029). Furthermore, subgroup analyses based on sex, age, TD/PIGD classification, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, mean caudate nucleus uptake level, mean putamen nucleus uptake level and CSF Aß-42 level revealed no significant interactions between subgroups (all P values for interaction were > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EDS is a potential prognosis factor for the progression of FOG in patients with PD.

Chicoric Acid Ameliorated Beta-Amyloid Pathology and Enhanced Expression of Synaptic-Function-Related Markers via L1CAM in Alzheimer's Disease Models.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aß) plaques is a distinctive pathological feature of AD patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate the therapeutic effect of chicoric acid (CA) on AD models and to explore its underlying mechanisms. APPswe/Ind SH-SY5Y cells and 5xFAD mice were treated with CA. Soluble Aß1-42 and Aß plaque levels were analyzed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Transcriptome sequencing was used to compare the changes in hippocampal gene expression profiles among the 5xFAD mouse groups. The specific gene expression levels were quantified by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. It was found that CA treatment reduced the Aß1-42 levels in the APPswe/Ind cells and 5xFAD mice. It also reduced the Aß plaque levels as well as the APP and BACE1 levels. Transcriptome analysis showed that CA affected the synaptic-plasticity-related genes in the 5xFAD mice. The levels of L1CAM, PSD-95 and synaptophysin were increased in the APPswe/Ind SH-SY5Y cells and 5xFAD mice treated with CA, which could be inhibited by administering siRNA-L1CAM to the CA-treated APPswe/Ind SH-SY5Y cells. In summary, CA reduced Aß levels and increased the expression levels of synaptic-function-related markers via L1CAM in AD models.

TGF-ß1 upregulates secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine expression in human granulosa-lutein cells: a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a serious complication during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The upregulation of ovarian transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) is involved in the development of OHSS. The secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a secreted multifunctional matricellular glycoprotein. Although the regulatory effects of TGF-ß1 on SPARC expression have been reported, whether TGF-ß1 regulates SPARC expression in the human ovary remains unknown. In addition, the role of SPARC in the pathogenesis of OHSS is unclear. METHODS: A steroidogenic human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN, and primary culture of human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells obtained from patients undergoing IVF treatment were used as experimental models. OHSS was induced in rats, and ovaries were collected. Follicular fluid samples were collected from 39 OHSS and 35 non-OHSS patients during oocyte retrieval. The underlying molecular mechanisms mediating the effect of TGF-ß1 on SPARC expression were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. RESULTS: TGF-ß1 upregulated SPARC expression in both KGN and hGL cells. The stimulatory effect of TGF-ß1 on SPARC expression was mediated by SMAD3 but not SMAD2. The transcription factors, Snail and Slug, were induced in response to the TGF-ß1 treatment. However, only Slug was required for the TGF-ß1-induced SPARC expression. Conversely, we found that the knockdown of SPARC decreased Slug expression. Our results also revealed that SPARC was upregulated in the OHSS rat ovaries and in the follicular fluid of OHSS patients. Knockdown of SPARC attenuated the TGF-ß1-stimulated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and aromatase, two markers of OHSS. Moreover, the knockdown of SPARC reduced TGF-ß1 signaling by downregulating SMAD4 expression. CONCLUSIONS: By illustrating the potential physiological and pathological roles of TGF-ß1 in the regulation of SPARC in hGL cells, our results may serve to improve current strategies used to treat clinical infertility and OHSS. Video Abstract.

The Study of Overexpression of Peroxiredoxin-2 Reduces MPP+-Induced Toxicity in the Cell Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss, which is related to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Endogenous peroxiredoxin-2 (Prdx-2) has potent anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects. Proteomics studies revealed plasma levels of Prdx-2 were significantly lower in PD patients than in healthy individuals. For further study of the activation of Prdx-2 and its role in vitro, SH-SY5Y cells and the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) were used to model PD. ROS content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell viability were used to assess the effect of MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cells. JC-1 staining was used to determine mitochondrial membrane potential. ROS content was detected using a DCFH-DA kit. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Western blot detected the protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), Prdx-2, silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1), Bax, and Bcl-2. The results showed that MPP+-induced accumulation of ROS, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduction of cell viability occurred in SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, the levels of TH, Prdx-2, and SIRT1 decreased, while the ratios of Bax and Bcl-2 increased. Then, Prdx-2 overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells showed significant protection against MPP+ -induced neuronal toxicity, as evidenced by the decrease in ROS content, increase in cell viability, increase in the level of TH, and decrease in the ratios of Bax and Bcl-2. Meanwhile, SIRT1 levels increase with the level of Prdx-2. This suggests that the protection of Prdx-2 may be related to SIRT1. In conclusion, this study indicated that overexpression of Prdx-2 reduces MPP+-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and may be mediated by SIRT1.

Modified Transannular Patching Palliation versus Modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Shunt in Infants with Severe Tetralogy of Fallot with Diminutive Pulmonary Arteries.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare pulmonary arterial (PA) growth and morbidity, mortality, reintervention and complete repair rates after modified transannular patching palliation (mTAP) versus modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt (mBTS) for palliation in infants with severe tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with diminutive pulmonary arteries. METHODS: This was a retrospective case review study of 107 patients (64 males) with severe TOF who underwent staged repair with either mTAP (n = 55) or mBTS (n = 52) over an 8-year period. Procedure-related PA growth and morbidity, mortality, reintervention and complete repair rates were compared. RESULTS: Two deaths occurred in the mBTS group due to sudden cardiac arrest, and five patients needed reintervention after the mBTS procedure because of shunt thrombosis or stenosis. Postoperative complications of mBTS included sudden cardiac arrest, shunt thrombosis/stenosis, vocal cord palsy and diaphragmatic palsy. Unlike in the mBTS group, no death, severe complications or reintervention occurred in the mTAP group. Oxygen saturations post mTAP and mBTS were significantly higher, which improved from 67.73 ± 4.36% to 94.33 ± 2.19% in the mTAP group and from 68.24 ± 3.87% to 86.87 ± 3.38% in the mBTS group. The increase in oxygen saturation and pulmonary artery growth (from pre- to post palliation) was significantly better with mTAP than with mBTS palliation (p < 0.01). All 55 patients showed complete repair after mTAP, and the time from palliation to complete repair was significantly shorter in the mTAP group. CONCLUSIONS: In a severe form of TOF with the hypoplastic PA tree, mTAP seems to be a better strategy that is safe and better facilitates satisfactory pulmonary arterial growth until complete repair than the mBTS procedure.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate stimulates StAR expression and progesterone production in human granulosa cells through the 67-kDa laminin receptor-mediated CREB signaling pathway.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active catechins extracted from green tea. The health benefits of EGCG have been extendedly studied. Ovarian steroidogenesis plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal reproductive function. Granulosa cells in the ovary are essential for steroid hormone production. To date, the effect of EGCG on steroidogenesis in human granulosa cells remains unclear. In the present study, we examine the physiological concentrations of EGCG on steroidogenesis in a steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN. Our results demonstrate that treatment with EGCG upregulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) expression and increases progesterone (P4) production. EGCG does not affect the expression levels of other steroidogenesis-related enzymes, such as P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme, 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. In addition, we identify the expression of 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) in KGN cells. Moreover, EGCG-induced StAR expression and P4 production require the 67LR-mediated activation of the PKA-CREB signaling pathway. These results provide a better understanding of the function of EGCG on ovarian steroidogenesis, which may lead to the development of alternative therapeutic approaches for reproductive disorders.

Growth differentiation factor-11 downregulates steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression through ALK5-mediated SMAD3 signaling pathway in human granulosa-lutein cells.

BACKGROUND: Growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) belongs to the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) superfamily. To date, the expression of GDF-11 in the ovary and its role in regulating ovarian function are completely unknown. Ovarian granulosa cell-mediated steroidogenesis plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. GDF-11 and GDF-8 share high sequence similarity and exhibit many similar features and functions. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) regulates the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis and its expression can be downregulated by GDF-8. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. The expression levels of GDF-8 are upregulated in the human follicular fluid and granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells of PCOS patients. However, whether similar results can be observed for the GDF-11 needs to be determined. METHODS: The effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored by a series of in vitro experiments in a primary culture of hGL cells obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Human follicular fluid samples were obtained from 36 non-PCOS patients and 36 PCOS patients. GDF-11 levels in follicular fluid were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: GDF-11 downregulates StAR expression, whereas the expression levels of the P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) are not affected by GDF-11 in hGL cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated approach, we reveal that ALK5 but not ALK4 mediates the suppressive effect of GDF-11 on StAR expression. Although GDF-11 activates both SMAD2 and SMAD3 signaling pathways, only SMAD3 is involved in the GDF-11-induced downregulation of StAR expression. In addition, we show that SMAD1/5/8, ERK1/2, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are not activated by GDF-11 in hGL cells. RT-qPCR and ELISA detect GDF-11 mRNA expression in hGL cells and GDF-11 protein expression in human follicular fluid, respectively. Interestingly, unlike GDF-8, the expression levels of GDF-11 are not varied in hGL cells and follicular fluid between non-PCOS and PCOS patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study increases the understanding of the biological function of GDF-11 and provides important insights into the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis.

HB-EGF upregulates StAR expression and stimulates progesterone production through ERK1/2 signaling in human granulosa-lutein cells.

BACKGROUND: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors. HB-EGF and its receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER4, are expressed in the human corpus luteum. HB-EGF has been shown to regulate luteal function by preventing cell apoptosis. Steroidogenesis is the primary function of the human corpus luteum. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) plays a critical role in steroidogenesis. StAR expression and progesterone (P4) production in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells have been shown to be upregulated by a ligand of EGFR, amphiregulin. However, whether HB-EGF can achieve the same effects remains unknown. METHODS: A steroidogenic human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN, and primary culture of hGL cells obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment were used as experimental models. The underlying molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of HB-EGF on StAR expression and P4 production were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. RESULTS: Western blot showed that EGFR, HER2, and HER4 were expressed in both KGN and hGL cells. Treatment with HB-EGF for 24 h induced StAR expression but did not affect the expression of steroidogenesis-related enzymes, P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we showed that EGFR, HER4, but not HER2, were required for HB-EGF-stimulated StAR expression and P4 production. In addition, HB-EGF-induced upregulations of StAR expression and P4 production were mediated by the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: This study increases the understanding of the physiological role of HB-EGF in human luteal functions. Video Abstract.

Placensin is a glucogenic hormone secreted by human placenta.

FBN1 encodes asprosin, a glucogenic hormone, following furin cleavage of the C-terminus of profibrillin 1. Based on evolutionary conservation between FBN1 and FBN2, together with conserved furin cleavage sites, we identified a peptide hormone placensin encoded by FBN2 based on its high expression in trophoblasts of human placenta. In primary and immortalized murine hepatocytes, placensin stimulates cAMP production, protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and glucose secretion, accompanied by increased expression of gluconeogenesis enzymes. In situ perfusion of liver and in vivo injection with placensin also stimulate glucose secretion. Placensin is secreted by immortalized human trophoblastic HTR-8/SVneo cells, whereas placensin treatment stimulates cAMP-PKA signaling in these cells, accompanied by increases in MMP9 transcripts and activities, thereby promoting cell invasion. In pregnant women, levels of serum placensin increase in a stage-dependent manner. During third trimester, serum placensin levels of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus are increased to a bigger extent compared to healthy pregnant women. Thus, placensin represents a placenta-derived hormone, capable of stimulating glucose secretion and trophoblast invasion.

Bergapten mediated inflammatory and apoptosis through AMPK/eNOS/AKT signaling pathway of isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats.

Bergapten (BeG) is explored for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Myocardial infarction (MI) is reported to be one of the leading cardiovascular diseases characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. The main purpose of this study is to assess the cardiopreventive effects of BeG (50 mg/kg) in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI in Wistar rats. The increased infarct size after ISO induction was reduced simultaneously on treatment with BeG. Similarly, augmented levels of cardiac biomarkers, namely cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase (CK), cardiac troponin I, and CK-MB were also suppressed by BeG. The increased rate of lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances owing to the oxidative stress caused by free radical generation in ISO-induced rats were also inhibited by BeG. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. ISO induction reduces these antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and levels causing oxidative cardiac damage to the heart tissue. BeG supplementation improved these enzymes synthesis preventing potential damage to the myocardium. Inflammation caused by ISO pretreatment increased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in ISO-induced rats. Pretreatment with BeG suppressed these inflammatory cytokines to a normal level in ISO + BeG-treated rats. The histopathological examination of the morphological characteristics showed that the intensity of cardiac damage caused by ISO induction was less in BeG pretreated rats with less inflammatory cells and no necrosis. BeG also showed promising results in the molecular alteration of AMP-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase/protein kinase B signaling molecules. These observations emphasize the cardioprotective effects of BeG and its potential use as a drug in the near future.

S100A10 regulates tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis in chondrocytes via the reactive oxygen species/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway.

Aberrant chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation are the most critical causes of osteoarthritis (OA) development. This study was designed to demonstrate the relationship between S100A10 and OA. In this study, S100A10 was overexpressed or silenced in rat chondrocytes. Cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxidative species (ROS), and calcium ion detection were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry. The levels of key oxidation-related enzymes and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. S100A10 was highly expressed in patients with OA and positively correlated with TNF-α level. Knockdown of S100A10 effectively counteracted TNF-α-induced ROS level, apoptosis, and calcium level and associated with decreased inflammation-related metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), MMP13, and nuclear necrosis factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-p65 and increased survivin and cytoplasmic NF-κB-p65. Overexpression of S100A10 had an effect similar to TNF-α, which was significantly counteracted by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an NF-κB inhibitor, or verapamil, a calcium-channel blocker. S100A10 contributed to chondrocyte apoptosis through the ROS/NF-κB pathway. This study has established the relationship between S100A10 and the NF-κB pathway, thus providing novel perspectives for exploring S100A10 functions.

TGF-ß1 stimulates aromatase expression and estradiol production through SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in human granulosa-lutein cells.

Estradiol (E2), one of the main steroid hormones secreted by the ovaries, plays an important role in maintaining normal female reproductive function. Ovarian granulosa cells are the main source of E2 production because these cells express aromatase, which is encoded by the CYP19A1 gene and catalyzes the final step in E2 biosynthesis from androgens. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and its receptors are expressed in human granulosa cells, and TGF-ß1 expression can be detected in human follicular fluid. To date, TGF-ß1 has been shown to regulate various ovarian functions. However, whether aromatase can be regulated by TGF-ß1 in human granulosa cells has not been determined. In the present study, we demonstrate that TGF-ß1 stimulates aromatase expression in primary human granulosa-lutein cells and in the human ovarian granulose-like tumor cell line, KGN. We used pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown approaches to reveal that the SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways are involved in TGF-ß1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production. These results not only provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate TGF-ß1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production in human granulosa cells but also increase the understanding of the normal physiological roles of TGF-ß1 in the ovary.

Preliminary outcomes of the combination of demineralized bone matrix and platelet Rich plasma in the treatment of long bone non-unions.

BACKGROUND: A variety of bone graft substitutes have been introduced into the treatment of bone non-unions. However, clinical outcomes from current evidences are various and conflicting. This study aimed to present the preliminary outcomes of a treatment protocol in which the combination of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) was used as a bone graft substitute for long bone non-unions. METHODS: Data of this retrospective study were reviewed and collected from a consecutive case series involving 43 patients who presented with a long bone non-union and were treated in our department from October 2018 to May 2019. The combination of DMB and PRP was applied as a bone defect filler in 16 patients, whilst the other 27 patients were treated with iliac bone autografting. Patients' demographics, postoperative complications and the result of bone union were compared and evaluated. RESULTS: The demographic data between the two groups were comparable. No significant difference was found with regard to the incidence of postoperative complications. No graft rejection, heterotopic ossification or other complications were noted. The distribution of bony healing time was rather scattered but did not differ significantly between the groups (7.533 ± 3.357 months vs. 6.625 ± 2.516 months; P=0.341). Union was identified radiographically in 15 of 16 patients in the DBM+PRP group and in 24 of 27 patients in autograft group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified that low incidence of postoperative complications and satisfactory bony healing rate could be achieved in the treatment of long bone non-unions augmented with the combination of DBM and PRP. Although these findings might indicate the promising future of this treatment protocol, larger and higher quality studies should also be executed to assess its routine use.

Analysis of 85 Cases of Minimal Media Lower Hemisternotomy for Congenital Cardiac Surgery Under Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and effect of minimal media lower hemisternotomy for cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infant congenital heart disease. METHODS: In our hospital from May 2019 to October 2019, 170 infants with congenital heart disease underwent surgical treatment (median age 6.6 months; weight 6.0 kg). They were divided into 2 groups: those with conventional chest median incision and those with minimal sternotomy. Minimal lower hemisternotomy began from the third intercostal level and ended 0.5 cm above the xiphoid, just enough to insert a small sternal distractor. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in CPB time. The operation time of small incision group was slightly longer (P < .05). There was no difference in prognosis between the 2 groups, but the wound length of the small incision group was significantly reduced (4.0 ± 0.5 versus 7.8 ± 0.8 cm, P < .05). Time of intensive care unit and hospital stay was shorter among hemisternotomy patients at a statistically significant level (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Minimal media lower hemisternotomy with the basic advantages of the sternal incision can expose the various parts of the heart, which meets most cardiac exploration and surgical operation needs, and the incision may still be extended if necessary. Lower hemisternotomy appears to be a safe, effective, and versatile alternative for many surgical interventions in infants with congenital heart disease.

Collaborative Allocation and Optimization of Path Planning for Static and Mobile Sensors in Hybrid Sensor Networks for Environment Monitoring and Anomaly Search.

In this study, a novel collaborative method is developed to optimize hybrid sensor networks (HSN) for environmental monitoring and anomaly search tasks. A weighted Gaussian coverage method hs been designed for static sensor allocation, and the Active Monitoring and Anomaly Search System method is adapted to mobile sensor path planning. To validate the network performance, a simulation environment has been developed for fire search and detection with dynamic temperature field and non-uniform fire probability distribution. The performance metrics adopted are the detection time lag, source localization uncertainty, and state estimation error. Computational experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of HSNs. The results demonstrate that the optimal collaborative deployment strategy allocates static sensors at high-risk locations and directs mobile sensors to patrol the remaining low-risk areas. The results also identify the conditions under which HSNs significantly outperform either only static or only mobile sensor networks in terms of the monitoring performance metrics.

Dynamics of water confined in a graphene nanochannel: dependence of friction on graphene chirality.

Numerous recent studies reveal that water transport through graphene-based nanochannels exhibits unconventional behavior. Theoretical and experimental works have reported that the dynamic behavior of the constrained water could be affected by the atomic structure, surface curvature, confinement height, pressure, and mechanical strain of the confining channel. However, few studies concern the role of graphene chirality in the dynamics of confined water. In the present study, using equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations, we simulated the water flow through different graphene-based channels to investigate the influence of graphene chirality on the dynamic behavior of the confined water. The friction coefficient at the water/graphene interface was found to be dependent on the crystallographic orientation of the graphene wall. The results also indicated that the chirality-dependent friction behavior was affected by the confinement height of the channel. Detailed analyses on the physical origin of such a chirality effect suggested that the chirality-dependent friction was ascribed to the water-graphene interaction energy barrier variation when the water flow was driven along the armchair edge and zigzag edge. These findings are beneficial to the design of graphene-based nanofluidic devices.

Resistin promotes cardiac homing of mesenchymal stem cells and functional recovery after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion via the ERK1/2-MMP-9 pathway.

Stem cell therapy is a potentially effective and promising treatment for ischemic heart disease. Resistin, a type of adipokine, has been found to bind to adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). However, the effects of resistin on cardiac homing by ADSCs and on ADSC-mediated cardioprotective effects have not been investigated. ADSCs were obtained from enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic mice. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) or sham operations. Six hours after the I/R operation, mice were intravenously injected with resistin-treated ADSCs (ADSC-resistin) or vehicle-treated ADSCs (ADSC-vehicle). Cardiac homing by ADSCs and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were investigated 3 days after I/R. Cardiac function, fibrosis, and angiogenesis were evaluated 4 wk after I/R. Cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated in vitro using cultured ADSCs. Both immunostaining and flow cytometric experiments showed that resistin treatment promoted ADSC myocardial homing 3 days after intravenous injection. Echocardiographic experiments showed that ADSC-resistin, but not ADSC-vehicle, significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction. ADSC-resistin transplantation significantly mitigated I/R-induced fibrosis and reduced atrial natriuretic peptide/brain natriuretic peptide mRNA expression. In addition, cardiomyocyte apoptosis was reduced, whereas angiogenesis was increased by ADSC-resistin treatment. At the cellular level, resistin promoted ADSC proliferation and migration but did not affect H2O2-induced apoptosis. Molecular experiments identified the ERK1/2-matrix metalloproteinase-9 pathway as a key component mediating the effects of resistin on ADSC proliferation and migration. These results demonstrate that resistin can promote homing of injected ADSCs into damaged heart tissue and stimulate functional recovery, an effect mediated through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and matrix metalloproteinase-9. NEW & NOTEWORTHY First, intravenous injection of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) treated with resistin significantly increased angiogenesis and reduced myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis in a murine model of ischemia-reperfusion, resulting in improved cardiac performance. Second, resistin treatment significantly increased myocardial homing of intravenously delivered ADSCs. Finally, the ERK1/2-matrix metalloproteinase 9 pathway contributed to the higher proliferative and migratory capacities of ADSCs treated with resistin.

Interleukin-15 inhibits adipogenic differentiation of cattle bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via regulating the crosstalk between signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A and Akt signalling.

Interleukin (IL)-15 is an important regulator of adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This study was designed to clarify the underlying mechanism. BMSCs were obtained from Nanyang cattle and stimulated to differentiate into adipocytes using standard differentiation medium. Oil Red O staining was used to assess lipid accumulation. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Recombinant IL-15 treatment inhibited adipogenic differentiation of cattle BMSCs in vitro, as evidenced by reduced induction of the adipocyte markers, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (αP2). IL-15 not only activated the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway, but also attenuated the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling by insulin, a major inducer of adipocyte differentiation. In the presence of the STAT-specific inhibitor, 573108, the inhibitory effect of IL-15 on PPARγ and αP2 expression was abolished. Meanwhile, IL-15-attenuated PI3K/Akt signalling was also rescued. IL-15 may regulate adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs by inhibiting PI3K/Akt activation via the STAT5A pathway. Our data raise the possibility of using IL-15 in the therapy of obesity-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.