Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua attenuates postpartum depression in rat model by regulating monoamines and hormones.

Background: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese medicinal food herb which can regulate the liver and Qi, nourish the heart and blood, moisten the lungs and nourish the kidneys with the potential to treat emotional diseases. However, few studies have explored the effects of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on postpartum depression. Therefore, we investigated whether processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua could improve postpartum depression in rat models by regulating monoamines and hormones. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control (0.9%Nacl), Sham operation (0.9%Nacl), postpartum depression model (0.9%Nacl), fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg Fluoxetine), low, medium and high dose of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg) groups. Rats in these groups received drug intervention, and then subjected to Open-field test and Forced swimming test. Brain tissues and serum samples were collected and used to quantify levels of monoamines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serum Estradiol. The status of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 region was examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining, whereas expression of estrogen receptor α and ß was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Rats in the model group showed decreased mobility time, the disorder of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 area, and decreased concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in brain tissue, norepinephrine and estradiol in serum as well as estrogen receptor α and ß expression. They also exhibited increased adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and corticotropin releasing hormone in serum. However, the treatment with processed Polygonatum cyrtonem Hua or fluoxetine reversed the above abnormalities. Conclusion: The H group showed significant improvement in postpartum depression in rats, and processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua can be used as a developing drug for the prevention or treatment of depression.

ADAR-mediated RNA editing regulates PVR immune checkpoint in colorectal cancer.

Recent studies have revealed that tumor immunotherapy resistance is influenced by ADAR-mediated RNA editing, but its targets remain unelucidated. Our current study identified the poliovirus receptor (PVR) oncogene, which encodes an immune checkpoint in colorectal cancer (CRC), as a potential target for RNA editing. We performed transcriptome sequencing analysis and experimental validation in two Chinese CRC cohorts. PVR and ADAR expressions significantly increased in CRC tumors and showed positive correlations in both cohorts, coupled with upregulated PVR RNA editing in CRC tumors. Manipulation of ADAR expression by over-expression or knockdown substantially changed PVR expression and RNA editing in HTC116 CRC cells. Luciferase reporter and actinomycin D assays further revealed that RNA editing in PVR 3'-UTR could upregulate PVR RNA expression, probably by increasing the RNA stability. By increasing PVR expression, ADAR-mediate RNA editing might contribute to tumor- and immune-related gene functions and pathways in CRC. Moreover, a signature combining PVR RNA editing and expression showed promising predictive performance in CRC diagnosis in both Chinese CRC cohorts. Our findings thus highlight the importance of ADAR-mediated RNA editing in PVR up-regulation in CRC tumors and provide new insight into the application of PVR RNA editing as a novel diagnostic biomarker for CRC.

Association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and risk of in-hospital heart failure and arrhythmia in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Background: This study was to probe into the relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and both in-hospital and long-term heart failure risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: 990 patients with AMI, including 386 with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 604 with segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were recruited between January 2019 and March 2022. The in-hospital acute heart failure (AHF) and arrhythmia events were recorded. Results: The NLR was significantly greater in the AHF group in STEMI and NSTEMI patients, with a higher frequency of arrhythmia in comparison to the non-AHF group. A high NLR was related to a high level of myocardial injury markers, accompanied with more AHF and arrhythmia events. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that high NLR is independently linked with increased in-hospital AHF and arrhythmia risk. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the prognostic value of NLR for in-hospital AHF was 0.704 in STEMI patients and 0.766 in NSTEMI patients. However, during a median follow-up of 28 months with 32 heart failure patients, there was no significant difference between the low NLR group (n = 18) and the high NLR group (n = 14). Further analysis showed that the two groups did not significantly differ in the occurrence of heart failure within 12 months of discharge. Conclusion: Our results indicate that NLR is an independent risk factor of in-hospital AHF in AMI patients. However, NLR has no value in predicting long-term heart failure.

Exploring a new mechanism between lactate and VSMC calcification: PARP1/POLG/UCP2 signaling pathway and imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis.

Lactate leads to the imbalance of mitochondria homeostasis, which then promotes vascular calcification. PARP1 can upregulate osteogenic genes and accelerate vascular calcification. However, the relationship among lactate, PARP1, and mitochondrial homeostasis is unclear. The present study aimed to explore the new molecular mechanism of lactate to promote VSMC calcification by evaluating PARP1 as a breakthrough molecule. A coculture model of VECs and VSMCs was established, and the model revealed that the glycolysis ability and lactate production of VECs were significantly enhanced after incubation in DOM. Osteogenic marker expression, calcium deposition, and apoptosis in VSMCs were decreased after lactate dehydrogenase A knockdown in VECs. Mechanistically, exogenous lactate increased the overall level of PARP and PARylation in VSMCs. PARP1 knockdown inhibited Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and partially restored PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. Moreover, lactate induced the translocation of PARP1 from the nucleus to the mitochondria, which then combined with POLG and inhibited POLG-mediated mitochondrial DNA synthesis. This process led to the downregulation of mitochondria-encoded genes, disturbance of mitochondrial respiration, and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. The knockdown of PARP1 could partially reverse the damage of mitochondrial gene expression and function caused by lactate. Furthermore, UCP2 was upregulated by the PARP1/POLG signal, and UCP2 knockdown inhibited Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and partially recovered PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Finally, UCP2 knockdown in VSMCs alleviated DOM-caused VSMC calcification in the coculture model. The study results thus suggest that upregulated PARP1 is involved in the mechanism through which lactate accelerates VSMC calcification partly via POLG/UCP2-caused unbalanced mitochondrial homeostasis.

Conditional editing of the Drosophila melanogaster genome using single transcripts expressing Cas9 and sgRNA.

The CRISPR/Cas9(clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR- associated protein 9) system, a highly efficient, simple, and easy genome editing technology, offers significant potential for genetic engineering and has been commonly applied in gene function studies in Drosophila melanogaster. However, when using CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit Drosophila melanogaster gene, Cas9 and sgRNA expression elements exist in different Drosophila melanogaster individuals, and Cas9 and sgRNA must be integrated into an individual through a complex genetic hybridization process, which has a long and complex operation cycle In this study, on the basis of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we introduced the tRNA-sgRNA system and triplex elements, used triplex elements to link Cas9 and tRNA-sgRNA genes, stabilized the end of Cas9 mRNA after single transcript cutting, and made the expression of both Cas9 protein and sgRNA with a single transcript a reality. And as we obtained the corresponding phenotypic progeny in one hybridization, genetic manipulation was simplified. We found that conditional knockout of the white(w) gene in the Drosophila melanogaster eye and the broad(br) gene in the adult wing disc resulted in corresponding phenotypes that matched expectations using our new conditional gene editing system. So the significant advances in this new conditional gene editing system over the existing CRISPR/Cas9 system are that it is more efficient, extendable, and easy to use.

The effect of SGLT2i on in-hospital acute heart failure risk in acute myocardial infarction patients-a retrospective study.

Background and aims: The roles of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) in acute heart failure (AHF) risk after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain unclear. In this study, we explored the correlation between SGLT2i administration and short-term in-hospital AHF risk in AMI patients. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, and observational study included 990 AMI patients comprising 386 non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 604 segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients enrolled from January 2019 to March 2022. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, medical treatment, and laboratory examination results during hospitalization were extracted from an electronic medical record system. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause AHF during hospitalization. Results: In NSTEMI patients, a significantly lower proportion received SGLT2i treatment in the AHF group compared with the non-AHF group. During hospitalization, SGLT2i significantly reduced brain natriuretic peptide levels both in STEMI and NSTEMI patients. Multivariate logistic regression and stratification analyses suggested that SGLT2i is associated with reduced in-hospital AHF risk, and has a strong protective effect against AHF in NSTEMI patients with hypertension. Furthermore, SGLT2i significantly reduced the risk of in-hospital AHF for both patients with diabetes and non-diabetes. Conclusions: SGLT2i can reduce the risk of AHF in AMI patients during hospitalization.

Clinical Characterization of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions in Children and Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of oral and maxillofacial tumors in children and adolescents. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who had oral and maxillofacial tumors under the age of 18 years and were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 1990 to July 2021 (31 y). Their general conditions, pathological diagnosis, gender, age, and anatomical location were counted to analyze their morbidity and composition characteristics. RESULTS: This study contained 5405 cases, including 2903 male patients and 2502 female patients, with a median age of 9 years. Peak incidence was observed in the 14 to 18 years age group. The mandible (22.15%), maxilla (11.75%), and tongue (9.25%) were the most common sites of incidence. Malignant and intermediate type tumors accounted for 13.04%, benign tumors and tumor-like lesions for 55.67%, most often occurs in the maxillofacial bone, of which fibro-osseous lesions constitute an important part. Cysts accounted for 31.29%. Among the tumors occurring in the jaws, the most common malignant type was sarcoma, and ameloblastoma was the most common benign tumor. Malignant jaw tumors were mostly treated by resection, 10.64% by fibular flap reconstruction. While benign jaw tumors and tumor-like lesions were mostly treated by resection or curettage. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of anatomical location and pathological types of oral and maxillofacial tumors in children has certain characteristics, so that the selection of their treatment options is different from that of adults due to the consideration of the growth and developmental characteristics of children.

Structural characterization and protective effect against renal fibrosis of polysaccharide from Ligustrum lucidum Ait.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait., is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for tonifying the kidney and liver for decades. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore and identify polysaccharides from FLL and elucidate its protective effect against renal fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polysaccharides were extracted and isolated from FLL. The purified fraction was identified by serial phytochemical work, such as gel-permeation chromatography, ion chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were applied as a renal fibrosis model. The male UUO mice were pretreated with heteropolysaccharide (Poly) 1 week prior to surgery and continuously treated for 7 days after the operation. Renal fibrosis was assessed by Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and Masson's trichrome staining in paraffin-embedded slides. The murine mesangial cells SV40-MES13 upon angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment were developed as an in vitro fibrotic model. The cells were treated by Poly in the presence of Ang II. Molecular expression was detected by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: We identified a heteropolysaccharide composed of arabinose and galactose (molar ratio, 0.73:0.27) with a predicted chemical structure characterized by a backbone composed of 1,5-α-Araf, 1,3,5-α-Araf, 1,6-α-Galp, and 1,3,6-ß-Galp and side chains comprised of T-α-Araf, T-α-Arap, and 1,3-α-Araf. Pretreatment of UUO mice with Poly effectively alleviated glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Moreover, Poly pretreatment down-regulated the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin (FN), profibrotic factor VEGF, proinflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and Rantes in the obstructed kidney. Similarly, the incubation of SV40-MES13 cells with Poly significantly inhibited Ang II-induced elevation in accumulation and expression level of FN and attenuated Ang II-evoked up-regulation in protein expression of MCP-1 and Rantes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study isolated and identified a naturally occurring heteropolysaccharide in FLL and revealed its potential in protecting the kidneys from fibrosis.

Association Between Pre-Stroke Subjective Sleep Status and Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Nationwide Multi-Center Prospective Registry.

Background: Although sleep disorders significantly increase the risk of cognitive impairment, literature is relatively scarce regarding the impact of sleep status on cognitive function in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We seek to study the association between pre-stroke subjective sleep status and cognitive function at 3 months after stroke. Patients and methods: Data were analyzed for 1,759 AIS patients from the Impairment of Cognition and Sleep after Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Chinese Patients Study (ICONS). Pre-stroke subjective sleep status was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Greater sleep fragmentation was defined as waking up in the middle of the night or early morning ≥3 times a week. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at 3 months after stroke. Primary endpoint was the incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) at 3 months after stroke. The association between subjective sleep status and PSCI was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results: PSCI occurred in 52.1% at 3 months after stroke. Patients with very bad sleep quality before stroke were at increased risk of PSCI (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.11-4.03; P=0.03). Subgroup analysis found that the association between very bad sleep quality and PSCI was more evident among patients with high school education or above (OR, 5.73; 95% CI, 1.92-17.10; P for interaction=0.02). In addition, patients with greater sleep fragmentation before stroke were also at higher risk of PSCI (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.20-2.01; P<0.01). Similarly, subgroup analysis showed that the risk of PSCI was more pronounced among patients without employment (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.59-3.77; P for interaction=0.01). Conclusion: Very bad sleep quality and greater sleep fragmentation before stroke were identified as independent risk factors for PSCI at 3 months after stroke.

A clinical herbal prescription Gu-Shu-Kang capsule exerted beneficial effects on the musculoskeletal system of dexamethasone-treated mice by acting on tissue IGF-1 signalling pathway.

CONTEXT: Gu-Shu-Kang (GSK) is a clinical traditional Chinese medicine prescription for the treatment of primary osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the protection of GSK against dexamethasone (Dex)-induced disturbance of musculoskeletal system in male mice and to identify the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice in Dex-treated groups were orally administered (i.g.) with vehicle, low dose (0.38 g/kg), middle dose (0.76 g/kg), or high dose (1.52 g/kg) of GSK for 8 weeks. A control group was designed without any treatment. The quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius were harvested. Molecular expression was determined by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Treatment with GSK enhanced weight-loaded swimming time (from 411.7 ± 58.4 s in Dex group to 771.4 ± 87.3 s in GSK-M) and grip strength (from 357.8 ± 23.9 g in Dex group to 880.3 ± 47.6 g in GSK-M). GSK produced a rise in cross-sectional area of myofibers and promoted a switching of glycolytic-to-oxidative myofiber. The administration with GSK affected expression of muscle regulatory factors shown by the down-regulation in MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 and the up-regulation in myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) and myosin heavy chain (MHC). GSK stimulated tissue IGF-1 signalling pathway (IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt), not only in skeletal muscle but also in bone associated with the amelioration of trabecular bone mineral density and the improvement of osteogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed the potential mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of Gu-Shu-Kang on musculoskeletal system in mice with challenging to dexamethasone, and this prescription may have applications in management for muscle atrophy and osteoporosis triggered by glucocorticoid.

Anionic lanthanide metal-organic frameworks with magnetic, fluorescence, and proton conductivity properties and selective adsorption of a cationic dye.

Two novel microporous anionic lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs), namely {[(CH3)2NH2][Ln(bptc)]·2H2O}n (Ln = Gd (1) and Dy (2), H4bptc = biphenyl-3,3',5,5'-tetracarboxylic acid) with a new 4,8-connected topology have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Ln-MOF 1 shows a significant magnetocaloric effect with -ΔSmaxm = 26.37 J kg-1 K-1 at 2 K for ΔH = 7 T, and a high proton conductivity of 1.02 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 323 K and 90% RH. Moreover, Ln-MOF 1 shows specific selective adsorption of the cationic dye Rhodamine B. Ln-MOF 2 exhibits field-induced slow magnetic relaxation with an energy barrier (Ueff) of 48.19 K, characteristic emission of Dy3+, and selective adsorption of Rhodamine B. Therefore, 2 is a multifunctional Ln-MOF with magnetic, fluorescence and selective adsorption properties.

Effect of dapagliflozin on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The effect of dapagliflozin (DAPA) on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association between DAPA administration and adverse events in patients with AMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: This single-center retrospective analysis study included a total of 786 patients with AMI from January 2019 to August 2021 who were or were not administered DAPA at discharge. The primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including overall deaths, heart failure, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, and unplanned repeat revascularization (URR). Differences in the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) both during hospitalization and 12 months after discharge (if achievable) were also compared. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 23 months, 130 patients had MACE (118 in the DAPA-free group and 12 in the DAPA group). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses revealed that the cumulative incidence of MACE (log-rank test, p = 0.009), heart failure (p = 0.003), nonfatal MI (p = 0.005), and URR (p = 0.031) was higher in the DAPA-free group. In addition, the multivariate Cox analysis showed that DAPA was significantly associated with the reduced risk of MACE (hazard ratio = 0.170, 95% confidence interval = 0.078-0.373, p < 0.001). Considering each specific adverse event, the DAPA-free group was associated with heart failure, nonfatal MI, and URR in multivariate Cox regression analyses. Stratification analyses suggested that DAPA has a strong protective effect in patients with AMI of advanced age with concomitant diabetes or those who are not on angiotensin receptor enkephalinase inhibitors. Furthermore, the TyG index and AIP of the patients 12 months after DAPA administration at discharge were significantly lower than those during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: DAPA is an independent protective factor against MACE and may provide incremental prognostic information in patients with AMI undergoing PCI.

Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Handgrip Strength in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: In postmenopausal women, vitamin D deficiency (as defined by the circulating level of 25(OH)D being below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L)) is a regular occurrence. The effect of vitamin D supplementation on the muscle function of postmenopausal women has been controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examines and summarizes the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the muscular strength and mobility of postmenopausal women. Methods: RCTs that met the inclusion criteria for this study were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Postmenopausal women who were included in the study were exposed to RCTs assessing the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements. Meta-analysis data were extracted by two independent reviewers and screened for methodological quality. RCTs that did not meet the minimum requirement for assessment were excluded. In the meta-analysis, the effect size (weighted mean differences, WMD) of handgrip strength (HGS) and timed-up and go test (TUG) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was obtained to compare reported results across the included RCTs. Results: A total of 19 trials were included in this systematic review, among which 13 trials were eligible for the meta-analysis. In the 13 included studies, supplementing with vitamin D produced a weighted mean difference of 0.876 kg (95% CI = 0.180 to 1.571, P = 0.014, I2 = 68.5%) for HGS, a measurement of muscle strength. However, an insignificant decrease of 0.044 s was observed after analyzing the TUG (95% CI = -0.979 to 0.892, P = 0.927, I2 = 95%). According to subgroup analysis, vitamin D supplementation increased HGS in patients over the age of 60 (P = 0.001), in those without calcium supplementation (P = 0.032), and in those whose baseline vitamin D level was greater than 75 nmol/L (30 ng/ml) (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Taking into account the studies in this systematic review, vitamin D supplementation improved muscle strength in postmenopausal women. However, an insignificant result was demonstrated in terms of mobility after vitamin D supplementation.

KLF2 mediates the suppressive effect of BDNF on diabetic intimal calcification by inhibiting HK1 induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Diabetic vascular calcification in the arterial intima is closely associated with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Glucose metabolism reprogramming is involved in EndMT. Although brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Krüppel-like family of transcription factor 2 (KLF2) play protective roles in the physiological activity of the vascular endothelium, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with diabetic osteogenic medium (DOM) to induce EndMT and accelerate osteogenic differentiation. Glycolysis in HUVECs was assessed by monitoring glucose uptake, lactate production, extracellular acidification rate and expression of key glycolytic enzymes. DOM induced EndMT and accelerated osteo-induction in HUVECs, which was alleviated by BDNF/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) pathway. Mechanistically, DOM caused hyperactivation of glycolysis in HUVECs and inhibition of the BDNF/TrkB pathway. BDNF preserved KLF2 and downregulated hexokinase 1 (HK1) in HUVECs after DOM treatment. Furthermore, KLF2 interacted with HK1. Increased KLF2 alleviated HK1-mediated glucose metabolism abnormality. HK1 knockdown or a targeted glycolysis inhibitor suppressed EndMT, apoptosis, inflammation and vascular calcification of HUVECs after DOM exposure. This study suggests that KLF2 mediates the suppressive effect of BDNF on diabetic intimal calcification by inhibiting HK1-induced glucose metabolism reprogramming and the EndMT process.

Amelioration of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and its phenol glycosides on hypercalciuria via stimulating PTH1R/PKA/TRPV5 signaling.

BACKGROUND: Our early studies performed on aged rats, ovariectomized (OVX) rats and diabetic mice, indicated the calciotropic role of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), the fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait., in mediating calcium homeostasis which was partially attributed to its stimulation on renal calcium reabsorption. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explicate the underlying molecular mechanism and explore the potential bioactive ingredients in FLL. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The OVX C57BL/6 J mice were orally administered with low (FL, 75 mg/kg), middle (FM, 225 mg/kg) or high (FH, 675 mg/kg) dose of extract of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi for 10 weeks. The biological properties of trabecular bone were measured by micro-CT and H&E staining. The molecular expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunostaining. The potential active components were identified by cell membrane chromatography (CMC) and explored in renal tubular cells with Fluo-3/AM fluorescent staining to indicate intracellular calcium level. The male mice fed with high calcium diet (1.2% Ca) and orally treated with active components for 3 weeks. RESULTS: Treatment of OVX mice with FLL extract suppressed the elevation in urinary calcium level (FH, 0.081 ± 0.012, vs. OVX, 0.189 ± 0.038 mg/mg), and increased bone mineral density (FH, 62.41 ± 2.57, vs. OVX, 43.72 ± 8.43 mg/ccm) and percentage of trabecular bone area. It also decreased circulating PTH level (FH, 66.69 ± 10.94, vs. OVX, 303.50 ± 26.56 pg/ml) and up-regulated TRPV5 expression in renal cortex of OVX mice as well as enhanced the expression of PTH receptor (PTH1R) and the ratio of p-PKA/PKA. The PKA inhibitor H89 abolished the induction of serum, prepared from rats treated with FLL extract, on PKA/TRPV5 signaling in renal tubular cells. The CMC identified phenol glycosides, including salidroside and oleuropein, which increased intracellular calcium content, promoted expression of PTH1R and TRPV5 and ratio of p-PKA/PKA as well as decreased calcium excretion in urine of mice fed with high calcium diet. CONCLUSION: Salidroside and oleuropein are major ingredients contributing to the anti-hypercalciuria effects of FLL via acting on PTH1R/PKA/TRPV5 signaling in kidney. Further translational research would be required.

WPK5, a Novel Kunitz-Type Peptide from the Leech Whitmania pigra Inhibiting Factor XIa, and Its Loop-Replaced Mutant to Improve Potency.

Kunitz-type proteins or peptides have been found in many blood-sucking animals, but the identity of them in leeches remained elusive. In the present study, five Kunitz-type peptides named WPK1-WPK5 were identified from the leech Whitmania pigra. Recombinant WPK1-WPK5 were expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115, and their inhibitory activity against Factor XIa (FXIa) was tested. WPK5 showed inhibitory activity against FXIa with an IC50 value of 978.20 nM. To improve its potency, the loop replacement strategy was used. The loop 1 (TGPCRSNLER) and loop 2 (QYGGC) in WPK5 were replaced by loop 1 (TGPCRAMISR) and loop 2 (FYGGC) in PN2KPI, respectively, and the resulting peptide named WPK5-Mut showed an IC50 value of 8.34 nM to FXIa, which is about 100-fold the potency of FXIa compared to that of WPK5. WPK5-Mut was further evaluated for its extensive bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. It dose-dependently prolonged APTT on both murine plasma and human plasma, and potently inhibited FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis in mice at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Additionally, WPK5-Mut did not show significant bleeding risk at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Together, these results showed that WPK5-Mut is a promising candidate for the development of an antithrombotic drug.

Global view on virus infection in non-human primates and implications for public health and wildlife conservation.

Viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans (and vice versa) and across animal species. As such, host-virus interactions and transmission have attracted considerable attention. Non-human primates (NHPs), our closest evolutionary relatives, are susceptible to human viruses and certain pathogens are known to circulate between humans and NHPs. Here, we generated global statistics on VI-NHPs based on a literature search and public data mining. In total, 140 NHP species from 12 families are reported to be infected by 186 DNA and RNA virus species, 68.8% of which are also found in humans, indicating high potential for crossing species boundaries. The top 10 NHP species with high centrality in the NHP-virus network include two great apes (Pan troglodytes, Pongo pygmaeus) and eight Old World monkeys (Macaca mulatta, M. fascicularis, M. leonina, Papio cynocephalus, Cercopithecus ascanius, C. erythrotis, Chlorocebus aethiops, and Allochrocebus lhoesti). Given the wide distribution of Old World monkeys and their frequent contact with humans, there is a high risk of virus circulation between humans and such species. Thus, we suggest recurring epidemiological surveillance of NHPs, specifically Old World monkeys that are in frequent contact with humans, and other effective measures to prevent potential circulation and transmission of viruses. Avoidance of false positives and sampling bias should also be a focus in future work.

Risk factors and predictive model of adrenocortical insufficiency in patients with traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine dysfunction after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has received increased attention due to its impact on the recovery of neural function. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence and risk factors of adrenocortical insufficiency (AI) after TBI to reveal independent predictors and build a prediction model of AI after TBI. METHODS: Enrolled patients were grouped into the AI and non-AI groups. Fourteen preset impact factors were recorded. Patients were regrouped according to each impact factor as a categorical variable. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to screen the related independent risk factors of AI after TBI and develop the predictive model. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were recruited, of whom 34 (31.5%) patients had AI. Nine factors (age, Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score on admission, mean arterial pressure [MAP], urinary volume, serum sodium level, cerebral hernia, frontal lobe contusion, diffuse axonal injury [DAI], and skull base fracture) were probably related to AI after TBI. Three factors (urinary volume [X 4], serum sodium level [X 5], and DAI [X 8]) were independent variables, based on which a prediction model was developed (logit P= -3.552+2.583X 4+2.235X 5+2.269X 8). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AI after TBI is high. Factors such as age, GCS score, MAP, urinary volume, serum sodium level, cerebral hernia, frontal lobe contusion, DAI, and skull base fracture are probably related to AI after TBI. Urinary volume, serum sodium level, and DAI are the independent predictors of AI after TBI.

Analysis of dental caries and the impact factors of caries in children aged 3-5 years old in Changdu, Xizang.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate caries status and its impact factors in preschool children in plateau and to provide reference for caries prevention in highlands. METHODS: Examination of caries was performed on 1 597 children aged 3-5 years old in 11 kindergartens in Changdu, Xizang, in accordance with the 4th National Oral Health Survey standards and methods. Their parents were surveyed with the questionnaire regarding oral hygiene habit and consciousness about oral health and related factors. All the data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries among children aged 3-5 years old in Changdu was 52.85%, with dmft index of 2.44. The caries rate and dmft of children aged 3 years old were lower than those of children aged 4 and 5 years old (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the caries rate between males and females (P>0.05). Single-factor analysis showed that the frequency of brushing teeth more than twice a day, low frequency of eating sweets, high frequency of drinking butter tea, and regular oral examination can reduce the rate of caries (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the frequency of eating sweets, drinking butter tea, and oral examination are related impact factors of caries. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ca-ries in children aged 3-5 years old in Changdu increases with aging. Good oral hygiene and eating habits and regular oral examination can reduce the rate of caries.