An antibody to IL-1 receptor 7 protects mice from LPS-induced tissue and systemic inflammation.

Introduction: Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-1 Family, is a key mediator ofautoinflammatory diseases associated with the development of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).High levels of IL-18 correlate with MAS and COVID-19 severity and mortality, particularly in COVID-19patients with MAS. As an inflammation inducer, IL-18 binds its receptor IL-1 Receptor 5 (IL-1R5), leadingto the recruitment of the co-receptor, IL-1 Receptor 7 (IL-1R7). This heterotrimeric complex subsequentlyinitiates downstream signaling, resulting in local and systemic inflammation. Methods: We reported earlier the development of a novel humanized monoclonal anti-human IL-1R7 antibody whichspecifically blocks the activity of human IL-18 and its inflammatory signaling in human cell and wholeblood cultures. In the current study, we further explored the strategy of blocking IL-1R7 inhyperinflammation in vivo using animal models. Results: We first identified an anti-mouse IL-1R7 antibody that significantly suppressed mouse IL-18 andlipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IFNg production in mouse splenocyte and peritoneal cell cultures. Whenapplied in vivo, the antibody reduced Propionibacterium acnes and LPS-induced liver injury and protectedmice from tissue and systemic hyperinflammation. Importantly, anti-IL-1R7 significantly inhibited plasma,liver cell and spleen cell IFNg production. Also, anti-IL-1R7 downregulated plasma TNFa, IL-6, IL-1b,MIP-2 production and the production of the liver enzyme ALT. In parallel, anti-IL-1R7 suppressed LPSinducedinflammatory cell infiltration in lungs and inhibited the subsequent IFNg production andinflammation in mice when assessed using an acute lung injury model. Discussion: Altogether, our data suggest that blocking IL-1R7 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to specificallymodulate IL-18-mediated hyperinflammation, warranting further investigation of its clinical application intreating IL-18-mediated diseases, including MAS and COVID-19.

White root rot of Bletilla striata: the pathogen, biological characterization, and fungicide screening.

Bletilla striata is an endangered traditional medicinal herb in China. In May 2020, the emergence of white root rot severely impacted the quality and yield of B. striata, affecting about 5% of the plants at plant nurseries of the Chengdu Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences. Through a series of experiments and evaluations, the pathogen was identified as Fusarium solani. This is the first report of B. striata white root rot caused by F. solani in Sichuan, China. To better understand this disease and provide data support for its control, a combination of morphological, molecular characterisation and pathogenicity determination was used in this study for assessment. Meanwhile, the effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources, culture medium, temperature, photoperiod and pH on mycelial growth and spore production of F. solani were investigated. In addition, effective fungicides were screened and the concentration ratios of fungicides were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental results showed that sucrose was the optimum carbon source for the pathogen, and the optimum temperature and pH were 25°C and pH 7, respectively, while light did no significant effect. Effective fungicides were screened, among which difenoconazole showed the strongest inhibition with EC50 of 142.773 µg/mL. The optimum fungicide concentration scheme (difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, and thiophanate-methyl at 395.42, 781.03, and 561.11 µg/mL, respectively) was obtained using response surface methodology (RSM) to improve the inhibition rate of 92.24 ± 0.34%. This study provides basic data for the pathogen characterization of B. striata white root rot and its potential fungicides in Sichuan, China. In addition, the optimal fungicide concentration ratios were obtained through response surface methodology (RSM) optimization, which significantly enhanced the fungicidal effect and provided a scientific basis for the future control of B. striata white root rot.

Based on CiteSpace Insights into Illicium verum Hook. f. Current Hotspots and Emerging Trends and China Resources Distribution.

Illicium verum Hook. f. is a globally significant spice, which is recognized in China as a food-medicine homolog and extensively utilized across the pharmaceutical, food, and spice industries. China boasts the world's leading resources of I. verum, yet its comprehensive utilization remains relatively underexplored. Through a resource survey of I. verum and the application of bibliometric visualization using CiteSpace, this study analyzed 324 papers published in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) from 1962 to 2023 and 353 core documents from China's three major databases (CNKI, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database). I. verum from Guangxi province towards various southern provinces in China, with autumn fruits exhibited superior quality and market value over their spring fruits. Literature in WOSCC emerged earlier, with a research emphasis on food science technology and pharmacology pharmacy domains. WOSCC research on I. verum could be divided into two phases: an embryonic period (1962-2001) and a growth period (2002-2023), showing an overall upward trend in publication. The three major Chinese databases contain a larger number of publications, with a focus on the food sector, which could be categorized into three stages: an embryonic period (1990-1999), a growth period (2000-2010), and a stable period (2011-2023), with an overall downward trend in publication. Both Chinese and international research hotspots converge on the medical applications of I. verum, with antioxidant bioactivity research emerging as a prevailing trend. This study delineated the resource distribution of I. verum across China and identified the research hotspots and trends both in China and internationally. The findings are beneficial for guiding researchers in swiftly establishing their research focus and furnishing decision-makers with a comprehensive reference for industry information.

Increasing Ca2+ accumulation in salt glands under salt stress increases stronger selective secretion of Na+ in Plumbago auriculata tetraploids.

Under salt stress, recretohalophyte Plumbago auriculata tetraploids enhance salt tolerance by increasing selective secretion of Na+ compared with that in diploids, although the mechanism is unclear. Using non-invasive micro-test technology, the effect of salt gland Ca2+ content on Na+ and K+ secretion were investigated in diploid and tetraploid P. auriculata under salt stress. Salt gland Ca2+ content and secretion rates of Na+ and K+ were higher in tetraploids than in diploids under salt stress. Addition of exogenous Ca2+ increased the Ca2+ content of the salt gland in diploids and is accompanied by an increase in the rate of Na+ and K+ secretion. With addition of a Ca2+ channel inhibitor, diploid salt glands retained large amounts of Ca2+, leading to higher Ca2+ content and Na+ secretion rate than those of tetraploids. Inhibiting H2O2 generation and H+-ATPase activity altered Na+ and K+ secretion rates in diploids and tetraploids under salt stress, indicating involvement in regulating Na+ and K+ secretion. Our results indicate that the increased Na+ secretion rate of salt gland in tetraploids under salt stress was associated with elevated Ca2+ content in salt gland.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 predicts arteriovenous fistula functional patency loss and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction is a common complication in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Elevated serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. However, its association with vascular access outcomes remains elusive. The present study evaluated the relationship of serum FGF21 levels with AVF dysfunction and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing MHD. METHODS: We included patients undergoing MHD using AVF from January 2018 to December 2019. FGF21 concentration was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were followed up to record two clinical outcomes, AVF functional patency loss and all-cause mortality. The follow-up period ended on April 30, 2022. RESULTS: Among 147 patients, the mean age was 58.49 ± 14.41 years, and the median serum level of FGF21 was 150.15 (70.57-318.01) pg/mL. During the median follow-up period of 40.83 months, the serum level of FGF21 was an independent risk factor for AVF functional patency loss (per 1 pg/mL increase, HR 1.002 [95% CI: 1.001-1.003, p = 0.003]). Patients with higher serum levels of FGF21 were more likely to suffer from all-cause mortality (per 1 pg/mL increase, HR 1.002 [95% CI: 1.000-1.003, p = 0.014]). The optimal cutoffs for FGF21 to predict AVF functional patency loss and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing MHD were 149.98 pg/mL and 146.43 pg/mL, with AUCs of 0.701 (95% CI: 0.606-0.796, p < 0.001) and 0.677 (95% CI: 0.595-0.752, p = 0.002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum FGF21 levels were an independent risk factor and predictor for AVF functional patency loss and all-cause mortality in patients undergoing MHD.

Elevated serum FGF21 is an independent predictor for adverse events in hemodialysis patients from two large centers: a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: We explored the relationship and the predictive value of serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) with all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and pneumonia in hemodialysis (HD) patients.Methods: A total of 388 Chinese HD patients from two HD centers were finally enrolled in this prospective cohort study (registration number: ChiCTR 1900028249) between January 2018 and December 2018. Serum FGF21 was detected. Patients were followed up with a median period of 47 months to record the MACEs and pneumonia until death or 31 December 2022.Results: The incidence of all-cause mortality, MACEs and pneumonia in HD patients were 20.6%, 29.6%, and 34.8%, respectively. The optimal cutoffs for FGF21 to predict all-cause mortality, MACEs and pneumonia were 437.57 pg/mL, 216.99 pg/mL and 112.79 pg/mL. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that FGF21, as a categorical variable, was an independent predictor for all-cause mortality, MACEs and pneumonia (HR, 3.357, 95% CI, 2.128-5.295, p < 0.001; HR, 1.575, 95% CI, 1.046-2.371, p = 0.029; HR, 1.784; 95% CI, 1.124-2.830; p = 0.014, respectively). The survival nomogram, MACEs-free survival nomogram and pneumonia-free survival nomogram based on FGF21 constructed for individualized assessment of HD patients had a high C-index with 0.841, 0.706 and 0.734.Conclusion: Higher serum FGF21 is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, MACEs and pneumonia in HD patients.

Congenital hepatoblastoma presenting with hepatic arteriovenous fistulas: a case report.

Aim: Congenital hepatoblastoma, a rare malignant liver tumor in infancy, typically presents with abdominal distension or mass. Tumors detected antenatally or during the first three months of age are considered congenital hepatoblastoma. Hepatic arteriovenous fistulas (HAVF) are associated with high mortality in the neonatal period and can be caused by many secondary factors. This case report focuses on a patient with congenital hepatoblastoma accompanied by HAVF, highlighting the clinical and imaging characteristics and management strategies. Case presentation: A term infant presented with sudden tachypnea and heart failure on his first day of life. A cystic-solid mixed lesion in the fetus's liver was detected by an antenatal ultrasound scan. Postnatal digital subtraction angiography confirmed the presence of arteriovenous fistulas, which were treated with trans-arterial embolization. However, despite the intervention, the patient's heart failure did not improve. The patient underwent a left hepatectomy, and hepatoblastoma was discovered by histology of the resected hepatic lobe. Unfortunately, metastases were later discovered in the intracranial and ocular regions. Ultimately, the family decided to discontinue further treatment. Conclusion: Congenital hepatoblastoma presenting with hepatic arteriovenous fistulas has not been previously described. Hepatoblastoma should be considered when alpha-fetoprotein levels show a significant elevation in newborns. Prenatal diagnosis may improve pre- and postnatal management.

Clinical and genetic findings in Chinese families with congenital ectopia lentis.

BACKGROUND: Congenital ectopia lentis (EL) refers to the congenital dysplasia or weakness of the lens suspensory ligament, resulting in an abnormal position of the crystalline lens, which can appear as isolated EL or as an ocular manifestation of a syndrome, such as the Marfan syndrome. The fibrillin-1 protein encoded by the FBN1 gene is an essential component of the lens zonules. Mutations in FBN1 are the leading causes of congenital EL and Marfan syndrome. Owing to the complexity and individual heterogeneity of FBN1 gene mutations, the correlation between FBN1 mutation characteristics and various clinical phenotypes remains unclear. METHODS: This study describes the clinical characteristics and identifies possible causative genes in eight families with Marfan syndrome or isolated EL using Sanger and whole-exome sequencing. RESULTS: Eight FBN1 mutations were identified in these families, of which three (c.5065G > C, c.1600 T > A, and c.2210G > C) are reported for the first time. Based on in silico analyses, we hypothesized that these mutations may be pathogenic by affecting the fibrillin-1 protein structure and function. CONCLUSION: These findings expand the number of known mutations involved in EL and provide a reference for the research on their genotype and phenotype associations.

Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia secondary to combined RhC hemolytic disease, congenital hypothyroidism and large adrenal hematoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: ABO blood group incompatibility, neonatal sepsis, G-6-PD deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and hereditary spherocytosis are all probable causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. However, the etiology of some hyperbilirubinemia is extremely complicated, which may be caused by multiple factors, resulting in severe jaundice. We report a case of severe jaundice due to three causes, showing the significance for the investigation of the etiology of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. CASE PRESENTATION: At 96 h of life, a full-term and vaginal delivery male infant with yellowish discoloration of body was transferred to our hospital. When he entered neonatal intensive care unit on the fourth day after birth, he developed jaundice and the transcutaneous bilirubin was 28 mg/dl. Total bilirubin was 540.2 µmol/L, while the indirect bilirubin was 516.7 µmol/L. Both parents and the baby's blood types were O Rh(D +), and direct coomb's test was negative. But mother's indirect coomb's test was positive. Investigating for minor blood group revealed that the father's blood type of Rh was CCDee, the mather's was ccDEE, and CcDEe for the baby. After intensive phototherapy and double volume exchange transfusion, the total bilirubin remained at 303 µmol/L. At day 10, the bilirubin level was 303.5 µmol/L, intensive phototherapy was continued, and intravenous immunoglobulin was used again. The test for thyroid hormones at day 10, the TSH was 13.334mIU/L. And the screening for congenital hypothyroidism showed the TSH was 33mIU/L. Because of the palpable abdominal mass, ultrasound and MRI was done, showed a huge mass in the right adrenal gland. Brainstem auditory evoked potential was performed at day 7, which indicated hearing impairment (65db for left ear and 70db for the right). Euthyrox and intermittent phototherapy were given as following treatment. The jaundice did not subside until the 12th day. CONCLUSION: Even if their parents' ABO blood group and Rh (d) are consistent, a Coomb test is required for newborns with hyperbilirubinemia since they may have minor blood group incompatibilities. When bilirubin rises rapidly or the clinical treatment effect is inadequate, additional causes should be aggressively screened. Adrenal ultrasound should be performed on newborns with palpable abdominal mass, anemia and jaundice to determine whether there is adrenal hemorrhage.

The Genetic Diversity of Bletilla spp. Based on SLAF-seq and Oligo-FISH.

Bletilla spp. Rchb. F. is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. In this study, Bletilla striata (Thunb. ex A. Murray) Rchb F, Bletilla formosana (Hayata) Schltr, and Bletilla ochracea Schltr were collected to analyze the genetic diversity of 16 materials using specific site-amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The results showed that the phylogenetic tree of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data rendering system was correlated with the shape and geographical distribution of the material. The results of the population structural analysis showed that all the materials containing yellow labellum came from the same ancestor. The results of the principal component analysis were able to preliminarily judge the genetic distance and provided a reference for the selection of hybrid parents. The FISH analysis showed that the chromosomes of B. striata were 2n = 32 and the chromosomes of the B. striata (safflower) mutant were 2n = 34 and the chromosomes of B. ochracea and B. formosana were 2n = 34-36. The (AG3T3)3 non-terminal signal was different from the 5S rDNA signal. These results revealed that the 16 materials had rich genetic diversity, which can provide molecular and cytogenetic data for the study of the genus and its relatives and serve as a reference for the breeding of new genus varieties and improve breeding efficiency and cost.

Transcriptome Analysis Revealed a Cold Stress-Responsive Transcription Factor, PaDREB1A, in Plumbago auriculata That Can Confer Cold Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

The tropical plant Plumbago auriculata can tolerate subzero temperatures without induction of apoptosis after cold acclimation in autumn, making it more cold tolerant than conventional tropical plants. In this study, we found that low temperatures significantly affected the photosynthetic system of P. auriculata. Using transcriptome sequencing, PaDREB1A was identified as a key transcription factor involved in the response to cold stress in P. auriculata. This transcription factor may be regulated by upstream JA signaling and regulates downstream ERD4 and ERD7 expression to resist cold stress. Overexpression of PaDREB1A significantly enhanced freezing resistance, protected the photosynthetic system, and enhanced the ROS scavenging mechanism under cold stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, PaDREB1A significantly enhanced the expression of CORs and CAT1 in A. thaliana, which further activated the downstream pathway to enhance plant cold tolerance. This study explored the possible different regulatory modes of CBFs in tropical plants and can serve as an important reference for the introduction of tropical plants to low-temperature regions.

 Carexmalipoensis (Cyperaceae), a new species from southeast Yunnan, China.

Carexmalipoensis, a new species from southeast Yunnan, China, is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C.trichophylla in sect. Euprepes, but differs from it by its longer inflorescences and peduncles, pendulous spikes, hispidulous female glumes, densely hispidulous utricles, and longer nutlets.

Rare mutation in MKRN3 in two twin sisters with central precocious puberty: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Caused by premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, there is increasing incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP), especially in girls. Makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3), a maternal imprinted gene with a highly conserved sequence, is the most common genetic etiology associated with CPP. Approximately 50 different mutations in MKRN3 have been found in CPP. CASE SUMMARY: This case report involves identical twin sisters presenting with premature thelarche at the age of 6 years. The left hand bone age of both patients revealed advanced age (9 years). Pelvic B ultrasound indicated enlargement of the ovaries. Luteinizing hormone (LH) releasing hormone testing confirmed CPP. Whole-exome sequencing detected the c.841C>T mutation in MKRN3, leading to a single base substitution, in the twins. This mutation was inherited from the father and paternal grandmother. After 3 mo of treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog, levels of LH, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol in the proband's sister returned to normal levels. CONCLUSION: Here, we report a rare mutation (c.841C>T) in MKRN3 in identical twin sisters with CPP.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Predicts and Promotes Vascular Calcification in Haemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Vascular calcification (VC) is dramatically accelerated and is strongly associated with CVD events and mortality in HD patients. VC coexists with osteoporosis in many studies. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) which is known as an adipocytokine is a new hypoglycemic strategy and is inversely related to bone mineral density. METHODS: To evaluate the contribution of FGF21 to VC in HD patients, we detected circulating FGF21 levels and measured the whole thoracic aorta calcification scores (TACS) and calcification scores of the 3 segments of thoracic aorta, including ascending thoracic aorta (ATACS), aortic arch (AoACS), and descending thoracic aorta (DTACS) of our HD patients in this cross-sectional study. In addition, we pre-incubated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with FGF21 in the presence or absence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vitro. RESULTS: The median serum FGF21 level in HD patients was 11-fold higher than that in healthy controls. Ln(FGF21) was positively correlated with Ln(TACS+1), Ln(ATACS+1), Ln(AoACS+1), and Ln(DTACS+1), respectively, in HD patients. Serum FGF21 was independently associated with TACS and ATACS, AoACS, and DTACS. FGF21 which was combined with age, calcium, and intact PTH demonstrated a high area under the curve of 0.84 with optimal sensitivity (84%) and specificity (71%) for the prediction of VC in HD patients. Our vitro results showed that FGF21 enhanced the calcification effect of PTH on HAECs by increasing calcium deposition and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating FGF21 was notably higher and was a potential predictor and promoter of VC in HD patients.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a sensitive marker of osteoporosis in haemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is one of the important bone abnormalities in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) and still lacks a sensitive biomarker to diagnose. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can stimulate bone loss in patients with diabetes and increase in CKD patients. In this study, we investigated whether FGF21 could serve as a biomarker to predict osteoporosis in a haemodialysis cohort. METHODS: We recorded demographic information, biochemical data, and serum FGF21 and FGF23 levels and measured the CT attenuation values of 339 haemodialysis patients from two large medical centres. We assessed the correlation of CT attenuation values with serum FGF21 and FGF23 levels and tested whether they were independent factors for osteoporosis. ROC curves were constructed to compare the prognostic value of FGF21 and FGF23 for osteoporosis. RESULTS: Based on the CT attenuation value, serum FGF21 levels were higher in our osteoporosis group (median 640.86 pg/ml vs. 245.46 pg/ml, P ˂ 0.01). Meanwhile, FGF21 (r = -0.136, P < 0.05) and FGF23 (r = -0.151, P < 0.05) were both negatively associated with osteoporosis. Moreover, FGF21 (ß = -0.067, P < 0.05) was an independent factor for osteoporosis. Furthermore, FGF21 combined with age yielded a marked specificity (90.5 %) and sensitivity (61.8 %) in predicting osteoporosis of haemodialysis patients with less residual renal function. CONCLUSIONS: FGF21 has a positive relationship with the incidence of osteoporosis in patients on haemodialysis. FGF21 combined with age is a good predictive biomarker for osteoporosis in patients on haemodialysis, especially those with less residual renal function.

A novel anti-human IL-1R7 antibody reduces IL-18-mediated inflammatory signaling.

Unchecked inflammation can result in severe diseases with high mortality, such as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). MAS and associated cytokine storms have been observed in COVID-19 patients exhibiting systemic hyperinflammation. Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a proinflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family, is elevated in both MAS and COVID-19 patients, and its level is known to correlate with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. IL-18 binds its specific receptor IL-1 receptor 5 (IL-1R5, also known as IL-18 receptor alpha chain), leading to the recruitment of the coreceptor, IL-1 receptor 7 (IL-1R7, also known as IL-18 receptor beta chain). This heterotrimeric complex then initiates downstream signaling, resulting in systemic and local inflammation. Here, we developed a novel humanized monoclonal anti-IL-1R7 antibody to specifically block the activity of IL-18 and its inflammatory signaling. We characterized the function of this antibody in human cell lines, in freshly obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in human whole blood cultures. We found that the anti-IL-1R7 antibody significantly suppressed IL-18-mediated NFκB activation, reduced IL-18-stimulated IFNγ and IL-6 production in human cell lines, and reduced IL-18-induced IFNγ, IL-6, and TNFα production in PBMCs. Moreover, the anti-IL-1R7 antibody significantly inhibited LPS- and Candida albicans-induced IFNγ production in PBMCs, as well as LPS-induced IFNγ production in whole blood cultures. Our data suggest that blocking IL-1R7 could represent a potential therapeutic strategy to specifically modulate IL-18 signaling and may warrant further investigation into its clinical potential for treating IL-18-mediated diseases, including MAS and COVID-19.

The association between serum interleukin-1 beta and heparin sulphate in diabetic nephropathy patients.

Inflammation is considered an important mechanism in the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and persists for a long time before the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Many studies have demonstrated that a decrease in the endothelial glycocalyx (EG) is negatively correlated with proteinuria. To elucidate whether EG damage induced by inflammasomes in DM patients leads to the occurrence of microalbuminuria (MA) and accelerates the progression of DN, this study screened 300 diagnosed DM patients. Finally, 70 type 2 diabetes patients were invited to participate in this study and were divided into two groups: the T2DM group (patients with normal MA and without diabetic retinopathy, n = 35) and the T2DN group (patients with increased MA and diabetic retinopathy, n = 35). Circulating heparin sulphate (HS, EG biomarkers) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß, inflammasome biomarkers) of the patients were measured by ELISA. Laboratory data were measured using routine laboratory methods. Patients in the T2DN group had increased serum HS, increased IL-1ß, increased CRP, decreased haemoglobin, and increased neutrophils compared to patients in the T2DM group (all P < 0.05). Increased HS and decreased haemoglobin were independently associated with T2DN patients. ROC curves showed that the AUC of HS for the prediction of T2DN was 0.67 (P < 0.05). The combination of HS and haemoglobin yielded a significant increasement in the AUC (0.75, P < 0.001) with optimal sensitivity (71.2%) and specificity (79%). Furthermore, serum IL-1ß was positively correlated with HS and was an independent associated factor of HS in the T2DN group. The relationship between HS and IL-1ß was not significant in the T2DM group. Our findings surgessed the inflammasome may be associated with and promote damage to the EG during the disease course of DN that manifests as increased MA.

Effect of minimally invasive surgery on the sleep quality and work ability of patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of minimally invasive surgical treatment on the sleep quality and work ability of patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: Fifty-one patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery in the Sleep Respiratory Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center of the West China Fourth Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected as study subjects. All subjects completed polysomnography monitoring (PSG), an Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and a work ability index (WAI) before and 1 year after the minimally invasive surgery so that the changes could be compared. RESULTS: (1) The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), microarousal index (MAI), ESS, longest duration of apnea, and longest duration of hypoventilation in OSAHS patients decreased, while the lowest blood oxygen saturation (LsaO2) increased after minimally invasive surgery. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). (2) The WAI questionnaire score increased from (37.76 ± 4.46) to (40.00 ± 4.53) after minimally invasive surgery (P < 0.05). (3) The change in the WAI questionnaire score after minimally invasive surgery was influenced by the occupational category and the change in ESS. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgical treatment shows significant benefit in improving the sleep quality and working ability of patients with OSAHS.

Characterization of the retinal vasculature in fundus photos using the PanOptic iExaminer system.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to characterize retinal vasculature by quantitative analysis of arteriole-to-venule (A/V) ratio and vessel density in fundus photos taken with the PanOptic iExaminer System. METHODS: The PanOptic ophthalmoscope equipped with a smartphone was used to acquire fundus photos centered on the optic nerve head. Two fundus photos of a total of 19 eyes from 10 subjects were imaged. Retinal vessels were analyzed to obtain the A/V ratio. In addition, the vessel tree was extracted using deep learning U-NET, and vessel density was processed by the percentage of pixels within vessels over the entire image. RESULTS: All images were successfully processed for the A/V ratio and vessel density. There was no significant difference of averaged A/V ratio between the first (0.77 ± 0.09) and second (0.77 ± 0.10) measurements (P = 0.53). There was no significant difference of averaged vessel density (%) between the first (6.11 ± 1.39) and second (6.12 ± 1.40) measurements (P = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative analysis of the retinal vasculature was feasible in fundus photos taken using the PanOptic ophthalmoscope. The device appears to provide sufficient image quality for analyzing A/V ratio and vessel density with the benefit of portability, easy data transferring, and low cost of the device, which could be used for pre-clinical screening of systemic, cerebral and ocular diseases.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lophatherum gracile.

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Lophatherum gracile Brongn. was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 140,595 bp in length, contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 82,447 bp, and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 12,626 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 22,761 bp. The genome contains 130 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 39 transfer RNA genes. The further phylogenomic analysis showed that L. gracile and Zeugites pittieri clustered in a clade in Poaceae family.