Overexpression of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase 3 Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Migration in Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS:  Incidence of colorectal cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD; SOD3) is an antioxidant enzyme. However, SOD3 roles in colorectal cancer progression remain uncertain. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Superoxide dismutase 3 expression was evaluated, and we analyzed clinical relevance of SOD3 expression in colorectal cancer. Subsequently, SOD3 roles in colorectal cancer progression were detected by gain of function experiments. Changes in subcutaneous tumor and liver nodule size after SOD3 overexpression were examined in nude mice. The expression of proliferation marker Ki67 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS:  Supperoxide dismutase 3 was downregulated in colorectal cancer (P <.01). Downregulation of SOD3 was correlated with unfavorable outcomes (P < .05). Superoxide dismutase 3 upregulation limited the proliferative (P <.05), migrative (P <.01) and invasive actions of colorectal cancer cells (P <.01) by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, SOD3 overexpression reduced Ki67 expression (P <.01) and blocked tumor growth (P <01) and liver metastasis (P <.001) in mouse tumor model. CONCLUSION:  Superoxide dismutase 3 upregulation attenuates tumor growth and liver metastasis in colorectal cancer, suggesting that SOD3 has potential diagnostic and prognostic values regarding colorectal cancer treatment.

CRISPR/Cas13a-based genome editing for establishing the detection method of H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 has significantly threatened the poultry business in recent years by having become the predominant subtype in flocks of chickens, ducks, and pigeons. In addition, the public health aspects of H9N2 AIV pose a significant threat to humans. Early and rapid diagnosis of H9N2 AIV is therefore of great importance. In this study, a new method for the detection of H9N2 AIV based on fluorescence intensity was successfully established using CRISPR/Cas13a technology. The Cas13a protein was first expressed in a prokaryotic system and purified using nickel ion affinity chromatography, resulting in a high-purity Cas13a protein. The best RPA (recombinase polymerase amplification) primer pairs and crRNA were designed and screened, successfully constructing the detection of H9N2 AIV based on CRISPR/Cas13a technology. Optimal concentration of Cas13a and crRNA was determined to optimize the constructed assay. The sensitivity of the optimized detection system is excellent, with a minimum detection limit of 10° copies/µL and didn't react with other avian susceptible viruses, with excellent specificity. The detection method provides the basis for the field detection of the H9N2 AIV.

TLR3/TRIF and MAVS Signaling Is Essential in Regulating Mucosal T Cell Responses during Rotavirus Infection.

The functions of the natural dsRNA sensors TLR3 (TRIF) and RIG-I (MAVS) are crucial during viral challenge and have not been accurately clarified in adaptive immune responses to rotavirus (RV) infection. In this study, we found that RV infection caused severe pathological damage to the small intestine of TLR3-/- and TRIF-/- mice. Our data found that dendritic cells from TLR3-/- and TRIF-/- mice had impaired Ag presentation to the RV and attenuated initiation of T cells upon viral infection. These attenuated functions resulted in impaired CD4+ T and CD8+ T function in mice lacking TLR3-TRIF signaling postinfection. Additionally, attenuated proliferative capacity of T cells from TLR3-/- and TRIF-/- mice was observed. Subsequently, we observed a significant reduction in the absolute number of memory T cells in the spleen and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) of TRIF-/- recipient mice following RV infection in a bone marrow chimeric model. Furthermore, there was reduced migration of type 2 classical dendritic cells from the intestine to MLNs after RV infection in TLR3-/- and TRIF-/- mice. Notably, RV infection resulted in attenuated killing of spleen and MLN tissues in TRIF-/- and MAVS-/- mice. Finally, we demonstrated that RV infection promoted apoptosis of CD8+ T cells in TRIF-/- and TLR3-/-MAVS-/- mice. Taken together, our findings highlight an important mechanism of TLR3 signaling through TRIF in mucosal T cell responses to RV and lay the foundation for the development of a novel vaccine.

HOXD10 attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibiting NOX4-induced ferroptosis.

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), renal fibrosis is an unavoidable result of various manifestations. However, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. Here, we revealed the novel role of Homeobox D10 (HOXD10) in CKD-related fibrosis. HOXD10 expression was downregulated in CKD-related in vitro and in vivo fibrosis models. UUO model mice were administered adeno-associated virus (AAV) containing HOXD10, and HOXD10 overexpression plasmids were introduced into human proximal tubular epithelial cells induced by TGF-ß1. The levels of iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid ROS, the oxidized glutathione/total glutathione (GSSG/GSH) ratio, malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined using respective assay kits. Treatment with AAV-HOXD10 significantly attenuated fibrosis and renal dysfunction in UUO model mice by inhibiting NOX4 transcription, ferroptosis pathway activation, and oxidative stress. High levels of NOX4 transcription, ferroptosis pathway activation and profibrotic gene expression induced by TGF-ß1/erastin (a ferroptosis agonist) were abrogated by HOXD10 overexpression in HK-2 cells. Moreover, bisulfite sequencing PCR result determined that HOXD10 showed a hypermethylated level in TGF-ß1-treated HK-2 cells. The binding of HOXD10 to the NOX4 promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Targeting HOXD10 may represent an innovative therapeutic strategy for fibrosis treatment in CKD.

Stereodivergent synthesis of α-fluoro α-azaaryl γ-butyrolactones via cooperative copper and iridium catalysis.

The development of stereodivergent synthetic methods to access all four stereoisomers of biologically important α-fluoro γ-butyrolactones containing vicinal stereocenters is of great importance and poses a formidable challenge owing to ring strain and steric hindrance. Herein, a novel asymmetric [3+2] annulation of α-fluoro α-azaaryl acetates with vinylethylene carbonate was successfully developed through Cu/Ir-catalyzed cascade allylic alkylation/lactonization, affording a variety of enantioenriched α-fluoro γ-butyrolactones bearing vicinal stereogenic centers with high reaction efficiency and excellent levels of both stereoselectivity and regioselectivity (up to 98% yield, generally >20:1 dr and >99% ee). Notably, all four stereoisomers of these pharmaceutically valuable molecules could be accessed individually via simple permutations of two enantiomeric catalysts. In addition, other azaaryl acetates bearing α-methyl, α-chlorine or α-phenyl group were tolerated well in this transformation. Reaction mechanistic investigations were conducted to explore the process of this bimetallic catalysis based on the results of reaction intermediates, isotopic labelling experiments, and kinetic studies.

The protective effect of intranasal immunization with influenza virus recombinant adenovirus vaccine on mucosal and systemic immune response.

Influenza virus is a kind of virus that poses several hazards of animal and human health. Therefore, it is important to develop an effective vaccine to prevent influenza. To this end we successfully packaged recombinant adenovirus rAd-NP-M2e-GFP expressing multiple copies of influenza virus conserved antigens NP and M2e and packaged empty vector adenovirus rAd-GFP. The effect of rAd-NP-M2e-GFP on the activation of dendritic cell (DC) in vitro and in vivo was detected by intranasal immunization. The results showed that rAd-NP-M2e-GFP promoted the activation of DC in vitro and in vivo. After the primary immunization and booster immunization of mice through the nasal immune way, the results showed that rAd-NP-M2e-GFP induced enhanced local mucosal-specific T cell responses, increased the content of SIgA in broncho alveolar lavage fluids (BALF) and triggered the differentiation of B cells in the germinal center. It is proved that rAd-NP-M2e-GFP can significantly elicit mucosal immunity and systemic immune response. In addition, rAd-NP-M2e-GFP could effectively protect mice after H1N1 influenza virus challenge. To lay the foundation and provide reference for further development of influenza virus mucosal vaccine in the future.

MYCT1 attenuates renal fibrosis and tubular injury in diabetic kidney disease.

Tubulointerstitial abnormalities contribute to the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the underlying mechanism of the pathobiology of tubulointerstitial disease is largely unknown. Here, we showed that MYCT1 expression was downregulated in in vitro and in vivo DKD models. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-Myct1 significantly attenuated renal dysfunction and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic db/db mice and downregulated Sp1 transcription and TGF-ß1/SMAD3 pathway activation. In human proximal tubular epithelial cells, high glucose-induced high expression of SP1 and TGF-ß1/SMAD3 pathway activation as well as overaccumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) were abrogated by MYCT1 overexpression. Mechanistically, the binding of VDR to the MYCT1 promoter was predicted and confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP analysis. VDR transcriptionally upregulates MYCT1. Our data reveal MYCT1 as a new and potential therapeutic target in treating DKD.

Treatment of a patient with severe lactic acidosis and multiple organ failure due to mitochondrial myopathy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial myopathy is a rare genetic disease with maternal inheritance that may involve multiple organ systems. Due to the lack of typical characteristics, its clinical diagnosis is difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed or even missed. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was a young college student. When he presented at the hospital, he had severe lactic acidosis, respiratory failure, and shock with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). He was treated by mechanical ventilation, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and other organ support. However, his condition continued to worsen. After a thorough and detailed medical and family history was taken, a mitochondrial crisis was suspected. A muscle biopsy was taken. Further genetic testing confirmed a mitochondrial gene mutation (TRNL1 3243A>G). The final diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy was made. Although there is no known specific treatment, intravenous methylprednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin were started. The patient's shock eventually improved. The further course was complicated by severe infection in multiple sites, severe muscle weakness, and recurrent MODS. After 2 mo of multidisciplinary management and intensive rehabilitation, the patient could walk with assistance 4 mo after admission and walk independently 6 mo after admission. CONCLUSION: More attention should be paid to mitochondrial myopathy to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

Prolonged fasting induces significant germ cell loss in chickens after hatching.

Germ cell loss is a crucial biological event during germ cell development. The number of female germ cells determines the reproductive performance and egg production of hens. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect germ cell loss, such as germ cell nest breakdown in early life and nutritional deficiencies during daily husbandry. Here, we examined the effect of fasting on the germ cell number of chicks. The results showed that 72 h fasting resulted in a higher germ cell loss than that by 24 h fasting in chicks. The RNA-seq analysis revealed that the genes of ribosome pathway were down-regulated and the biological processes of protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum were inhibited in starved chicks. Furthermore, in female chicks treated with 72 h fasting, the qPCR of ovaries showed down-regulation of ribosome-related genes, and transmission electron microscopy imaging of ovaries showed fewer ribosomes. The blood biochemical indices indicated that 72 h fasting reduced the liver functions and affected the glucose metabolism, lipid metabolites and ion metabolites. In summary, the present results concluded negative impacts on the germ cell pool by prolonged fasting in the early life of chicks and manifested that adequate management should be cared for fasted time for breeding.

YY1-induced upregulation of LncRNA-ARAP1-AS2 and ARAP1 promotes diabetic kidney fibrosis via aberrant glycolysis associated with EGFR/PKM2/HIF-1α pathway.

Objectives: Dimeric pyruvate kinase (PK) M2 (PKM2) plays an important role in promoting the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, mediating aberrant glycolysis and inducing fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The aim of this work was to dissect a novel regulatory mechanism of Yin and Yang 1 (YY1) on lncRNA-ARAP1-AS2/ARAP1 to regulate EGFR/PKM2/HIF-1α pathway and glycolysis in DKD. Materials and methods: We used adeno-associated virus (AAV)-ARAP1 shRNA to knocked down ARAP1 in diabetic mice and overexpressed or knocked down YY1, ARAP1-AS2 and ARAP1 expression in human glomerular mesangial cells. Gene levels were assessed by Western blotting, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry. Molecular interactions were determined by RNA pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination assay and dual-luciferase reporter analysis. Results: YY1, ARAP1-AS2, ARAP1, HIF-1α, glycolysis and fibrosis genes expressions were upregulated and ARAP1 knockdown could inhibit dimeric PKM2 expression and partly restore tetrameric PKM2 formation, while downregulate HIF-1α accumulation and aberrant glycolysis and fibrosis in in-vivo and in-vitro DKD models. ARAP1 knockdown attenuates renal injury and renal dysfunction in diabetic mice. ARAP1 maintains EGFR overactivation in-vivo and in-vitro DKD models. Mechanistically, YY1 transcriptionally upregulates ARAP1-AS2 and indirectly regulates ARAP1 and subsequently promotes EGFR activation, HIF-1α accumulation and aberrant glycolysis and fibrosis. Conclusion: Our results first highlight the role of the novel regulatory mechanism of YY1 on ARAP1-AS2 and ARAP1 in promoting aberrant glycolysis and fibrosis by EGFR/PKM2/HIF-1α pathway in DKD and provide potential therapeutic strategies for DKD treatments.

KCNE4 expression is correlated with the pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer patients and associated with the radioresistance of cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy, and radioresistance limits the effectiveness of radiotherapy for rectal cancer. This study is performed to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily E Regulatory Subunit 4 (KCNE4) in the radioresistance of CRC cells. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining results of KCNE4 in normal tissues and CRC tissues were obtained from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. The UALCAN database was used for analyzing KCNE4 mRNA expression in normal tissue samples and CRC tissue samples and its relationship with tumor stage. The relationship of KCNE4 expression with prognosis was analyzed utilizing the data of GEPIA database. LinkedOmics database was searched to analyze the co-expressed gene sets of KCNE4 in CRC, and to analyze the signaling pathways related with KCNE4 in CRC. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were carried out on the co-expressed genes of KCNE4 with DAVID database. Ionizing radiation (IR)-resistant cell lines (HCT116/IR and HT29/IR) were established; cell viability was assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and EdU assays, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed for detecting cell apoptosis. Western blotting was carried out to detect the expressions of p-p85 and p-AKT. RESULTS: KCNE4 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and linked to advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of CRC patients. KCNE4 overexpression promoted HCT116/IR cell proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis, while KCNE4 knockdown suppressed HT29/IR cell proliferation and facilitated the apoptosis. Furthermore, high KCNE4 expression was associated with the activation of the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. CONCLUSION: KCNE4 is associated with the clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients, and its high expression level contributes to the radioresistance of cancer cells via activating the PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

Tracking the dynamics of female germ cell development during peri-hatch periods using a gene-edited chicken model.

In hens, egg production depends on the development of germ cells in the ovary. Germ cells are established before birth, and their number gradually decreases during their lifespan. Therefore, it is essential to determine the time points of massive germ cell loss and the underlying mechanism. In this study, a gene-edited chicken with mCherry fluorescence specifically expressed in the germline was generated by the integration of the mCherry gene into the 3'-end of the DAZL locus, which facilitated the isolation of germ cells from the gonads of DAZL-mCherry embryos or chicks and quantification using flow cytometry based on the observation of red fluorescence. The results demonstrated the dynamics of germ cell development from embryos at 17 d of hatching (dh) to chickens at 7 d post-hatch (dph) and revealed a substantial loss of germ cells in the late embryonic stage (18 -19 dh) and post-hatch period (2 -3 dph). Additionally, the number of germ cells in DAZL × Guangxi Ma chicken was significantly higher than that in DAZL × Lohmann Pink chicken at 19 dh and 3 dph (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the numbers of germ cells positively correlated with the body weight in DAZL × Lohmann Pink chicken. In conclusion, our results showed the dynamics of germ cell development in chicken ovaries during peri-hatch periods and indicated the time point of substantial germ cell loss. The results provide evidence for further exploration of the underlying mechanism and serve as a reference for chicken breeding and management.

Replenishment of vitamin A for 7 days partially restored hepatic gene expressions altered by its deficiency in rats.

We investigated the effects of vitamin A (VA) status on metabolism of Zucker rats with different genders and genotypes, and of short-term refeeding of a VA sufficient (VAS) diet on VA deficient (VAD) animals. First, male and female Zucker lean (ZL) and fatty (ZF) rats at weaning were fed a VAD or VAS diet for 8 weeks. Second, male VAD ZL rats were fed a VAS diet for 3 (VAD-VAS3d) or 7 (VAD-VAS7d) days. The body weight (BW), blood parameters, and hepatic expressions of genes for metabolism were determined. VA deficiency reduced BW gain in ZL and ZF rats of either gender. VAD ZL rats had lower plasma glucose, insulin, and leptin levels than VAS ZL rats. VAD-VAS3d and VAD-VAS7d rats had higher plasma glucose, insulin, and leptin levels than that in the VAD rats. The hepatic mRNA levels of Gck, Cyp26a1, Srebp-1c, Igf1, Rarb, Rxra, Rxrg, Pparg, and Ppard were lowered by VA deficiency. Refeeding of the VAS diet for 3 days restored the Gck and Cyp26a1 expressions, and for 7 days restored the Gck, Cyp26a1, Igf1, and Rxrb expressions significantly. The 7-day VA replenishment partially restored the hepatic gene expressions and metabolic changes in VAD ZL rats.

Genetically predicted body fat mass and distribution with diabetic kidney disease: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

The aim of this study is to apply a Mendelian randomization (MR) design to investigate the potential causal associations between the body mass index (BMI), body fat mass such as trunk fat mass and waist circumference (WC), and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). A two-sample MR study was conducted to obtain exposure and outcome data from previously published studies. The instrumental variables for BMI, trunk fat mass, and WC were selected from genome-wide association study datasets based on summary-level statistics. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used for the main analyses, and the weighted median and MR-Egger approaches were complementary. In total, three MR methods suggested that genetically predicted BMI, trunk fat mass, and WC were positively associated with DKD. Using IVW, we found evidence of causal relationships between BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.47-2.69; p = 7.89 × 10-6], trunk fat mass (OR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.28-2.53; p = 6.84 × 10-4), WC (OR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.40-4.42; p = 1.93 × 10-3), and DKD. MR-Egger and weighted median regression also showed directionally similar estimates. Both funnel plots and MR-Egger intercepts showed no directional pleiotropic effects involving the aforementioned variables and DKD. Our MR analysis supported the causal effect of BMI, trunk fat mass, and WC on DKD. Individuals can substantially reduce DKD risk by reducing body fat mass and modifying their body fat distribution.

Dietary Lasia spinosa Thw. improves reproductive performance of aged roosters.

The application of artificial insemination is particularly, owing to which breeder animals are considered an important resource in breeding farms. However, the reproductive performance of roosters typically declines with age, and the economic loss experienced by breeders is attributable to this shortened reproductive lifespan. Lasia spinosa Thw. (LST) reportedly improved reproductive capacity in male rodents. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of LST on the reproductive performance of aged roosters. Male Guangxi Partridge chicken (mean weight, 3032.41 ± 34.48 g; age, 500 days; n = 72) randomly received the following three dietary treatments: LST0 group (a basal diet), LST2 group (a basal diet with 2% LST powder), and LST4 group (a basal diet with 4% LST powder). Computer-aided sperm analysis revealed that dietary LST supplementation significantly improved semen volume, sperm motility, and concentration. Furthermore, the most potent effects were observed in the treatment group with the administration of 2% LST, which significantly improved the weight of the testes. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed the increase in diameter of the seminiferous tubule and height of the seminiferous tubule epithelium possibly caused as a result of LST treatment. A significant increase in fructose and glucose concentrations were observed in the testis and seminal plasma; in addition, a significant increase was observed in the α-glycosidase levels in the testis and spermatozoa. However, the monoaldehyde levels in the spermatozoa appeared to decline significantly. Additionally, the fertility rate increased significantly following 2% LST supplementation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 34 and 16 unigenes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in testicular tissues from roosters that received dietary supplementation of 2% LST. The assigned functions of the unigenes revealed that LST primarily influenced the mechanisms underlying catalytic activity and cellular processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis suggested that spermatogenesis-related pathways were significantly enriched, including ABC transporters, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, and VEGF, cAMP, and ErbB signaling pathways.

Detection of CEA and ProGRP Levels in BALF of Patients with Peripheral Lung Cancer and Their Relationship with CT Signs.

Background: Lung cancer is a common clinical thoracic malignant tumor, which had a serious impact on the safety of patients, currently ranking first in all malignant tumors in morbidity and mortality, with generally less than 5% survival rate in 5 years. Objective: To investigate the relationship and significance between carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and precursor gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) changing levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and CT imaging features in patients with peripheral lung cancer. Methods: A total of 90 patients diagnosed with peripheral lung cancer as the lung cancer group and 60 patients with benign lung diseases as the control group in our hospital from May 2019 to October 2021 were selected to compare the differences of CEA and ProGRP in BALF by the classification of CT features. Results: The levels of CEA and ProGRP in the BALF of the lung cancer group were significantly higher than those of the control group; the proportion of patients with lobulation sign, burr sign, ground glass sign, pleural effusion, and lesion diameter ≥ 3.0 cm in the lung cancer group was higher than that in the control group; the CEA level in BALF of lung cancer patients with spicule sign, pleural effusion, and lesion diameter ≥ 3.0 cm was significantly higher than that without these symptoms, while ProGRP level in the BALF of lung cancer patients with lobulation sign, burr sign, ground glass sign, pleural effusion, and lesion diameter ≥ 3.0 cm was significantly higher than that of lung cancer patients without these symptoms. Conclusion: The check of CEA and ProGRP in BALF in combination with CT features has a certain clinical value for the diagnosis of lung cancer. At the same time, the increased levels of CEA and ProGRP in BALF have a certain correlation with the changes of malignant signs of lung cancer in CT examination.

Helicobacter pylori promotes invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by enhancing heparanase expression.

Correction to "Liu LP, Sheng XP, Shuai TK, Zhao YX, Li B, Li YM. Helicobacter pylori promotes invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by enhancing heparanase expression. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24: 4565-4577 [PMID: 30386106 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i40.4565]." In this article, we have identified some of the images in Figure 2A, C, E, G, and I are identical to the images in Figures 1B, 2A, 3B, 3E, and 3G of another paper entitled "Liu L, Zhao Y, Fan G, Shuai T, Li B, Li Y. Helicobacter pylori infection enhances heparanase leading to cell proliferation via mitogenactivated protein kinase signalling in human gastric cancer cells.", which was published by us in the Molecular Medicine Reports in December, 2018 [PMID: 30320396 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9558]. The reason why we asked to replace the pictures was that when we were simultaneously preparing to submit our two different articles to the World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG) and Molecular Medicine Reports, we uploaded the wrong pictures to the WJG, which were same as those submitted to the Molecular Medicine Reports. We apologize for this negligence and any inconvenience that this may cause. We would be grateful if you could replace the wrong pictures with the correct ones attached.

Nickel-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Cyclic Alkenyl Sulfones, Benzo[b]thiophene 1,1-Dioxides, with Mechanistic Studies.

A highly efficient catalytic system based on the cheap transition metal nickel for the asymmetric hydrogenation of challenging cyclic alkenyl sulfones, 3-substituted benzo[b]thiophene 1,1-dioxides, was first successfully developed. A series of hydrogenation products, chiral 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophene 1,1-dioxides, were obtained in high yields (95-99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (90-99% ee). According to the results of nonlinear effect studies, deuterium-labeling experiments, and DFT calculation investigations, a reasonable catalytic mechanism for this nickel-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation was provided, which displayed that the two added hydrogen atoms of the hydrogenation products could be from H2 through the insertion of Ni-H and subsequent hydrogenolysis.

Dietary Lasia spinosa Thw. Improves Growth Performance in Broilers.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Lasia spinosa Thw. (LST) powder supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiome in broiler chickens. A total of 400 1-day-old male Guangxi partridge broilers (initial body weight: 42.52 ± 0.06 g) were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: LST0 group (a basal diet), LST1 group (a basal diet with 1% LST powder), LST2 group (a basal diet with 2% LST powder), LST4 group (a basal diet with 4% LST powder), 10 replicates for each treatment, and 10 broilers in each treatment group. Results indicated that the average daily feed intake of broilers during 22-42 days and the average daily gain of chickens during 1-42 days significantly increased by dietary supplementation of LST powder (p < 0.01), while the feed conversion ratio during the overall periods was decreased by dietary supplementation of LST powder (p < 0.01). Except for the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver (p > 0.05), the levels of SOD, catalase (CAT) and GSH-Px in serum, liver, and breast muscle were significantly increased in the LST supplemented groups (p < 0.05), while the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum, liver, and breast muscle were significantly decreased in the LST supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased by the addition of dietary LST powder (p < 0.01), while the levels of HDL-C, Ca, Fe, Mg, and P were linearly increased by the addition of dietary LST powder (p < 0.01). With respect to the gut morphometric, crypt depth was significantly decreased by LST supplementation (p < 0.05), while villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth were notably increased by LST supplementation (p < 0.05). Sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) from the cecal contents of broilers revealed that the composition of the chicken gut microbiota was altered by LST supplementation. The α-diversity of microbiota in broilers was increased (p < 0.05) in the LST1 group, but was decreased (p < 0.05) in the LST2 and LST4 groups compared with the LST0 group. The differential genera enriched in the LST1 group, such as Bacillus, Odoribacter, Sutterella, Anaerofilum, Peptococcus, were closely related to the increased growth performance, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, Ca, Mg, and reduced blood lipid in the treated broilers.

Injection of Carbon Nanoparticles for Lymph Node Detection After Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the world because of its poor prognosis and many related complications. In clinical practice, lymph node metastasis is an important index to evaluate the recurrence and survival rate of patients with rectal cancer, it also the main method to determine the treatment plan of patients with rectal cancer. Nano carbon tracer can guide surgeons to clear regional lymph nodes accurately, improve the number of lymph nodes detected, and then improve the accuracy of pathological staging of rectal cancer. It has an important clinical significance in the removal of lymph nodes of middle and low rectal cancer, and provides an important basis for the development of postoperative adjuvant treatment plan. The purpose of this study is to explore the application value of this method in improving the detection rate of lymph nodes in laparoscopic colorectal cancer. According to the research results, the total number of lymphatic gland, the number of small lymphatic gland, the rate of lymph node metastasis, the number of black stained lymphatic gland and the number of lymphatic gland confirmed by pathology in the two groups were better than those in the traditional surgical treatment, which had better application value in the radical operation of colorectal cancer.