Potential cardiac-derived exosomal miRNAs involved in cardiac healing and remodeling after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Migratory cells exist in the heart, such as immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, etc. During myocardium injury, such as ischemia-reperfusion (MIRI), cells migrate to the site of injury to perform repair functions. However, excessive aggregation of these cells may exacerbate damage to the structure and function of the heart, such as acute myocarditis and myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial injury releases exosomes, which are a type of vesicle with signal transduction function and the miRNA carried by exosomes can control cell migration function. Therefore, regulating this migratory cell population through cardiac-derived exosomal miRNA is crucial for protecting and maintaining cardiac function. Through whole transcriptome RNA sequencing, exosomal miRNA sequencing and single-cell dataset analysis, we (1) determined the potential molecular regulatory role of the lncRNA‒miRNA‒mRNA axis in MIRI, (2) screened four important exosomal miRNAs that could be released by cardiac tissue, and (3) screened seven genes related to cell locomotion that are regulated by four miRNAs, among which Tradd and Ephb6 may be specific for promoting migration of different cells of myocardial tissue in myocardial infarct. We generated a core miRNA‒mRNA network based on the functions of the target genes, which may be not only a target for cardiac repair but also a potential diagnostic marker for interactions between the heart and other tissues or organs. In conclusion, we elucidated the potential mechanism of MIRI in cardiac remodeling from the perspective of cell migration, and inhibition of cellular overmigration based on this network may provide new therapeutic targets for MIRI and to prevent MIRI from developing into other diseases.

Acupuncture-assisted therapy for prolonged disorders of consciousness: study protocol for a randomized, conventional-controlled, assessor-and-statistician-blinded trial.

Background: Acupuncture is a promising non-pharmaceutical complementary therapy in treating prolonged Disorders of consciousness (pDOC), but solid evidence to support its effectiveness and safety is still lacking. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-assisted therapy for pDOC patients. Methods: A single-center, prospective, randomized, conventional-controlled, assessor-and-statistician-blinded trial has been designed and is being conducted at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. A total of 110 participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group in a 1:1 allocation ratio and evaluated using Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. on 2 consecutive days before enrollment to determine the consciousness level. The experimental group will receive acupuncture combined with conventional treatment, while the control group will receive only conventional treatment during the trial observation period. The treatment duration of both groups will be 20 days. Among them, the frequency of acupuncture-assisted therapy is once a day, with 10 consecutive sessions followed by a day's rest for a total of 24 days. Data will be collected separately during baseline and after the final treatment. For data analysis, both Full Analysis Set (FAS) and Per Protocol Set (PPS) principles will be performed together by applying SPSS 27.0 software. The primary outcome measures are the changes of CRS-R before and after treatment, while the secondary outcome measures are the changes of Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Scale (FOUR), the changes of Nociception Coma Scale-Revised (NCS-R), the changes of Disability Rating Scale (DRS), the changes of Mismatch Negativity (MMN) and P300 before and after treatment, respectively. Discussion: This trial aims to rationally assess the consciousness level from multiple 2 perspectives through subjective evaluation and objective detection by selecting several standardized clinical scales combined with Event-Related Potential (ERP) detection technology. In this way, we will be able to reduce the subjectivity of consciousness assessment and objectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture-assisted therapy for pDOC. The study, if proven to be effective and safe enough, will provide a favorable evidence to guide medical decision-making choices and future researches. Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300076180.

Latent profile analysis and influencing factors of quality of life in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) negatively affects the quality of life of pregnant women and is influenced by several factors. Research to date treats pregnant women with gestational diabetes as a homogeneous group based on their quality of life. We attempted to identify subgroups based on self-reported quality of life and explored variables associated with subgroups. METHODS: From September 1, 2020 to November 29, 2020, pregnant women with GDM from two hospitals in Guangdong Province were selected as subjects by convenience sampling method. Medical records provided sociodemographic data, duration of GDM, pregnancy status, and family history of diabetes. Participants completed validated questionnaires for quality of life, anxiety and depression. Latent profile analysis was used to identify profiles of quality of life in pregnant women with GDM, and then a mixed regression method was used to analyze the influencing factors of different profiles. RESULTS: A total of 279 valid questionnaires were collected. The results of the latent profile analysis showed that the quality of life of pregnant women with GDM could be divided into two profiles: C1 "high worry-high support" group (75.6%) and C2 "low worry-low support" group (24.4%). Daily exercise duration and depression degree are negative influencing factors, making it easier to enter the C1 group (p < 0.05). Disease duration and family history of diabetes are positive influencing factors, making it easier to enter the C2 group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The quality of life of pregnant women with GDM had obvious classification characteristics. Pregnant women with exercise habits and depression are more likely to enter the "high worry-high support" group, and health care providers should guide their exercise according to exercise guidelines during pregnancy and strengthen psychological intervention. Pregnant women with a family history of diabetes and a longer duration of the disease are more likely to fall into the "low worry-low support" group. Healthcare providers can strengthen health education for them and improve their disease self-management abilities.

The novel developed microsatellite markers revealed potential hybridization among Cymbidium species and the interspecies sub-division of C. goeringii and C. ensifolium.

BACKGROUND: Orchids (Cymbidium spp.) exhibit significant variations in floral morphology, pollinator relations, and ecological habitats. Due to their exceptional economic and ornamental value, Cymbidium spp. have been commercially cultivated for centuries. SSR markers are extensively used genetic tools for biology identification and population genetics analysis. RESULT: In this study, nine polymorphic EST-SSR loci were isolated from Cymbidium goeringii using RNA-Seq technology. All nine SSR loci showed transferability in seven other congeneric species, including 51 cultivars. The novel SSR markers detected inter-species gene flow among the Cymbidium species and intra-species sub-division of C. goeringii and C. ensifolium, as revealed by neighborhood-joining and Structure clustering analyses. CONCLUSION: In this study, we developed nine microsatellites using RNA-Seq technology. These SSR markers aided in detecting potential gene flow among Cymbidium species and identified the intra-species sub-division of C. goeringii and C. ensifolium.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of the evolution and expression pattern of the SBP gene family in two Chimonanthus species.

BACKGROUND: Chimonanthus praecox and Chimonanthus salicifolius are closely related species that diverged approximately six million years ago. While both C. praecox and C. salicifolius could withstand brief periods of low temperatures of - 15 °C. Their flowering times are different, C. praecox blooms in early spring, whereas C. salicifolius blooms in autumn. The SBP-box (SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein) is a plant-specific gene family that plays a crucial vital role in regulating plant flowering. Although extensively studied in various plants, the SBP gene family remains uncharacterized in Calycanthaceae. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted genome-wide identification of SBP genes in both C. praecox and C. salicifolius and comprehensively characterized the chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved motifs, and domains of the identified SBP genes. In total, 15 and 18 SBP genes were identified in C. praecox and C. salicifolius, respectively. According to phylogenetic analysis, the SBP genes from Arabidopsis, C. praecox, and C. salicifolius were clustered into eight groups. Analysis of the gene structure and conserved protein motifs showed that SBP proteins of the same subfamily have similar motif structures. The expression patterns of SBP genes were analyzed using transcriptome data. The results revealed that more than half of the genes exhibited lower expression levels in leaves than in flowers, suggesting their potential involvement in the flower development process and may be linked to the winter and autumn flowering of C. praecox and C. salicifolius. CONCLUSION: Thirty-three SBPs were identified in C. praecox and C. salicifolius. The evolutionary characteristics and expression patterns were examined in this study. These results provide valuable information to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of the SBP family and help determine the functional characteristics of the SBP genes in subsequent studies.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of MIKC-type MADS-box genes expression in Chimonanthus salicifolius.

BACKGROUND: MIKC type MADS-box transcription factors are one of the largest gene families and play a pivotal role in flowering time and flower development. Chimonanthus salicifolius belongs to the family Calycanthaceae and has a unique flowering time and flowering morphology compared to other Chimonanthus species, but the research on MIKC type MADS-box gene family of C. salicifolius has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: Identification, comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, the expression pattern of MIKC-type MADS-box gene family from different tissues of C. salicifolius. METHODS: Genome-wide investigation and expression pattern under different tissues of the MIKC-type MADS-box gene family in C. salicifolius, and their phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary characteristics, gene structure, motif distribution, promoter cis-acting element were performed. RESULTS: A total of 29 MIKC-type MADS-box genes were identified from the whole genome sequencing. Interspecies synteny analysis revealed more significant collinearity between C. salicifolius and the magnoliids species compared to eudicots and monocots. MIKC-type MADS-box genes from the same subfamily share similar distribution patterns, gene structure, and expression patterns. Compared with Arabidopsis thaliana, Nymphaea colorata, and Chimonanthus praecox, the FLC genes were absent in C. salicifolius, while the AGL6 subfamily was expanded in C. salicifolius. The selectively expanded promoter (AGL6) and lack of repressor (FLC) genes may explain the earlier flowering in C. salicifolius. The loss of the AP3 homologous gene in C. salicifolius is probably the primary cause of the morphological distinction between C. salicifolius and C. praecox. The csAGL6a gene is specifically expressed in the flowering process and indicates the potential function of promoting flowering. CONCLUSION: This study offers a genome-wide identification and expression profiling of the MIKC-types MADS-box genes in the C. salicifolius, and establishes the foundation for screening flowering development genes and understanding the potential function of the MIKC-types MADS-box genes in the C. salicifolius.

[Progress in antitumor activity of diterpenoid alkaloids in plants of Aconitum].

Small-molecule compounds with rich sources have diverse structures and activities. The active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) provide new sources for the discovery of new antitumor drugs. Aconitum plants as Chinese medicinal plants have the effects of dispelling wind, removing dampness, warming meridian, and relieving pain. They are mainly used to treat inflammation, pain, rheumatism, and tumors, improve heart function, and dilate blood vessels in clinical practice. Diterpenoid alkaloids are the main active components of Aconitum plants, including C20-, C19-, C18-diterpenoid alkaloids and bis-diterpenoid alkaloids. Stu-dies have demonstrated that diterpenoid alkaloids can effectively treat lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and other cancers. Diterpenoid alkaloids are considered as the most promising natural compounds against cancers. In this review, we summarized the chemical structures and antitumor activities of C20-, C19-, C18-diterpenoid alkaloids and bis-diterpenoid alkaloids extracted from plants of Aconitum, aiming to provide reference for further development of diterpenoid alkaloids from Aconitum as antitumor drugs.

Identification of Potential Bioactive Compounds from Aspergillus terreus against HCV NS3 Serine Protease.

This study was aimed to isolate bioactive compounds from the fermentation products of Aspergillus terreus, which could inhibit NS3 protease of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The bioactive compounds were isolated by reverse-phase silica-gel column chromatography, semi-preparative reversed-phase, and Sephadex LH-20, and then their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis. As a result, two small molecule compounds were isolated. Compound 1 was identified as a new benzaldehyde, (E)-2,4-dihydroxy-6-propenylbenzaldehyde. Compound 2 was identified as pleurone, which was obtained from microorganisms for the first time. Their inhibitory activities against HCV NS3 protease (IC50 ) were 32.6 µM and 78.9 µM, respectively. This study provided a new option for the development of anti-HCV drugs.

Chemical Constituents of Primulina eburnea (Gesneriaceae) and Their Cytotoxic Activities.

Two new ursane-type triterpenes, eburnealactones A and B (1 and 2), one new flavonoid, eburneatin A (6), and one new phenylethanoid glycoside, chiritoside D (7), along with 9 known compounds (3-5, 8-13) were isolated from the whole plant of Primulina eburnea. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis (IR, UV, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS). All the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. Compound 1 showed significant cytotoxic activities against MKN-45 cell lines and 5637 cell lines with the IC50 values of 9.57 µM and 8.30 µM, respectively. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against A549 and PATU8988T cell lines with the IC50 values of 30.70 µM and 38.22 µM, respectively. Compound 6 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against MKN-45, HCT116, PATU8988T, 5637 and A-673 cell lines with the IC50 values of 19.69 µM, 16.44 µM, 18.07 µM, 11.51 µM and 18.15 µM, respectively. Compound 5 showed moderate cytotoxic activities against A549 cell lines with the IC50 values of 24.06 µM.

Immobilization of Cd2+ and Pb2+ by biomineralization of the carbonate mineralized bacterial consortium JZ1.

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been proven to effectively immobilize Cd2+ and Pb2+ using a single bacterium. However, there is an urgent need for studies of Cd2+ and Pb2+ immobilized by a bacterial consortium. In this study, a stable consortium designated JZ1 was isolated from soil that was contaminated with cadmium and lead, and the dominant genus Sporosarcina (99.1%) was found to have carbonate mineralization function. The results showed that 91.52% and 99.38% of Cd2+ and Pb2+ were mineralized by the consortium JZ1 with 5 g/L CaCl2 at an initial concentration of 5 mg/L Cd2+ and 150 mg/L Pb2+, respectively. The bioprecipitates were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Moreover, the kinetic studies indicated that the urea hydrolysis reaction fit well with the Michaelis-Menten equation, and the kinetic parameters Km and Vmax were estimated to be 38.69 mM and 58.98 mM/h, respectively. When the concentration of urea increased from 0.1 to 0.3 M, the mineralization rate increased by 1.58-fold. This study can provide a novel microbial resource for the biomineralization of Cd and Pb in soil and water environments.

Tas2R activation relaxes airway smooth muscle by release of Gαt targeting on AChR signaling.

Both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are severe respiratory diseases. Bitter receptor-mediated bronchodilation is a potential therapy for asthma, but the mechanism underlying the agonistic relaxation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) is not well defined. By exploring the ASM relaxation mechanism of bitter substances, we observed that pretreatment with the bitter substances nearly abolished the methacholine (MCh)-induced increase in the ASM cell (ASMC) calcium concentration, thereby suppressing the calcium-induced contraction release. The ASM relaxation was significantly inhibited by simultaneous deletion of three Gαt proteins, suggesting an interaction between Tas2R and AChR signaling cascades in the relaxation process. Biochemically, the Gαt released by Tas2R activation complexes with AChR and blocks the Gαq cycling of AChR signal transduction. More importantly, a bitter substance, kudinoside A, not only attenuates airway constriction but also significantly inhibits pulmonary inflammation and tissue remodeling in COPD rats, indicating its modulation of additional Gαq-associated pathological processes. Thus, our results suggest that Tas2R activation may be an ideal strategy for halting multiple pathological processes of COPD.

[Comparison of the accuracy of three methods for determining maxillomandibular horizontal relationship of the complete denture].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of forward displacement of maxillary complete denture during centric occlusion, three different methods were used to record the changes of vertical overlap and the comfort level of patients before and after the selective grinding of the three dentures made according to maxillo-mandibular horizontal relationship record. METHODS: Twelve edentulous patients with normal stomatognathic system were recruited in this study. Three types of complete dentures for these 12 edentulous patients were made according to their different maxilla-mandibular horizontal relationship record methods. The amount of displacement of the maxillary complete denture, the vertical overlap of the anterior teeth as well as patient comfort level were recorded before and after selective grinding. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 17.0 software package. RESULTS: Before selective grinding, the amount of displacement of denture A was significantly larger than those of dentures B and C (P<0.05). After selective grinding, there was no statistical difference among the three dentures (P>0.05). During selective grinding, the vertical overlap variation of denture A was significantly greater than those of dentures B and C (P<0.05). Before selective grinding, the comfort level of the denture A was the lowest (P<0.05), and no statistical difference was found between dentures B and C (P>0.05). After selective grinding, no statistical difference was found among the three dentures (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among the complete dentures with anatomical teeth, the dentures whose horizontal relationship was recorded at 1 mm before the apex of the Gothic arch apex and with checkbite are more in line with clinical repair requirements. Complete dentures whose horizontal relationship was recorded at the apex of Gothic arch need to be adjusted with selective grinding to meet the clinical restoration requirements.

Role of the autophagy-related marker LC3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), an autophagic gene, has been reported as a vital marker for many diseases and cancers. However, the role of LC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was not still investigated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association of LC3 with its clinicopathological and prognostic in HCC. METHODS: We consulted the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan Fang databases for published studies on LC3 in HCC. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to screen the quality of the literature. The statistical analysis was calculated by STATA 14.2. RESULTS: Of the 1329 titles identified, 10 articles involving 949 patients in HCC were included in this meta-analysis. The results of our study show that increased LC3 expression is related to size of tumor, but not to gender, age, number of tumor, liver cirrhosis, HBsAg, TNM stage, alpha fetoprotein, vascular invasion and histological grade. Positive LC3 expression was associated with overall survival by pooled hazard ratio. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that positive LC3 expression was related to size of tumor, and could predict prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Application of single-retainer all-ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial denture in the maintenance of missing incisor gap after orthodontic treatment in adolescents: a case report].

This article reports a case of an orthodontic adolescent patient without a right inferior incisor. The right lower canine was used as the abutment. The single-retainer all-ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial denture was used to restore the complete dentition. Thus, the missing space was filled, and the function and aesthetics were restored.

[Three-dimensional finite element analysis of different endodontic access methods and full crown restoration in the maxillary central incisor].

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of different endodontic access methods and full-ceramic crown on the stress distribution in the maxillary central incisor by using three-dimensional finite element analysis. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of the maxillary central incisor were used to construct a three-dimensional finite element model of the maxillary central incisor. According to the different methods of endodontic and the prosthetic treatments, four models were established, namely, group A (traditional access cavity preparation with resin filling), group B (traditional access cavity preparation restored full-ceramic crown), group C (minimally invasive endodontics with resin filling) and group D (minimally invasive endodontics restored full-ceramic crown). A static force of 100 N and a direction of 45° was applied to the long axis of the tooth at the junction of the incisal section one-third and middle section one-third. The maximum principal stress, the von Mises stress and the modified von Mises stress of the tooth tissue were analyzed using the finite-element analysis software. RESULTS: 1) Stress peaks: the stress peaks of the maximum principal stress, the von Mises stress and the modified von Mises in group A were the largest, except that the stress peak of von Mises stress in group D was slightly lower than that in group C. The stress peaks of the maximum principal stress and the modified von Mises in group C were the lowest. The stress peaks of the maximum principal stress and the modi-fied von Mises stress in group D were lower than those in groups A and B. 2) Stress distribution: compared with group A, the stress distribution of cervical dentin and the area of stress concentration in group C was lower and smaller. In the root dentin, the stress distribution in group C was more uniform than that in group A, and the stress was dispersed to several areas of the root apex. After crown restoration, no significant difference was observed in stress distribution between groups B and D in the root region. The stress distribution state of group B was not significantly different from that of group A. No significant difference was observed in the stress distribution state between groups D and C. CONCLUSIONS: 1) From the perspective of biomechanics, the minimally invasive access was adopted for the maxillary central incisor. 2) Full crown restoration is recommended after traditional access cavity preparation. No obvious advantage is observed in stress analysis for minimally invasive endodontics-restored full-ceramic crown.

[Effect of materials and superstructure designs on the passive fit of implant-supported fixed prostheses].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the passive fits of implant-supported cement-retained computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) bridges fabricated with different implant superstructure designs from zirconia and titanium. METHODS: A total of 32 cubic clods with the same dimensions and with elastic modulus similar to that of mandibles were used. Each clod received two one-stage implants to simulate a partially edentulous jaw that was missing teeth between the lower left second premolar and second molar. Four linear strain gauges were bonded on the region surrounding each implant on the mesial, buccal, distal, and lingual aspects. A total of 32 identical frameworks were fabricated through CAD/CAM after scanning. The frameworks were allocated into four different groups (n=8) in accordance with material types and superstructure designs. Group A included zirconia ceramic implant-supported fixed prostheses with regular marginal designs. Group B comprised zirconia ceramic implant-supported fixed prostheses with full circumferential zirconia-collar marginal designs. Group C consisted of titanium ceramic implant-supported fixed prostheses with regular marginal designs. Group D included titanium ceramic implant-supported fixed prostheses with full circumferential titanium-collar marginal designs. Strain development before and after ceramic veneering was recorded during cement setting. Data were statistically analyzed by using SPSS software. RESULTS: Before ceramic veneering, material types affected the strains of prostheses, and zirconia frameworks showed lower strain than other frameworks (P<0.01). Designs affected the strains of prostheses, and frameworks with full collar marginal design showed lower strain than other frameworks (P<0.01). These two factors showed interactions (P<0.01). The strain of decorative porcelain increased after sintering. The two groups of different materials did not significantly differ (P>0.05). Nevertheless, the full circumferential collar marginal design reduced discrepancies among groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The passive fits of zirconia prostheses were better than those of titanium-based porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. The full circumferential collar marginal design can help reduce fit inaccuracy, as well as the adverse effects of ceramic veneering.

Autoimmune liver disease-related autoantibodies in patients with biliary atresia.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of autoimmune liver disease (ALD)-related autoantibodies in patients with biliary atresia (BA). METHODS: Sera of 124 BA patients and 140 age-matched non-BA controls were assayed for detection of the following autoantibodies: ALD profile and specific anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), by line-blot assay; ANA and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), by indirect immunofluorescence assay; specific ANCAs and anti-M2-3E, by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Associations of these autoantibodies with the clinical features of BA (i.e., cytomegalovirus infection, degree of liver fibrosis, and short-term prognosis of Kasai procedure) were evaluated by Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The overall positive rate of serum autoantibodies in preoperative BA patients was 56.5%. ALD profile assay showed that the positive reaction to primary biliary cholangitis-related autoantibodies in BA patients was higher than that to autoimmune hepatitis-related autoantibodies. Among these autoantibodies, anti-BPO was detected more frequently in the BA patients than in the controls (14.8% vs 2.2%, P < 0.05). Accordingly, 32 (25.8%) of the 124 BA patients also showed a high positive reaction for anti-M2-3E. By comparison, the controls had a remarkably lower frequency of anti-M2-3E (P < 0.05), with 6/92 (8.6%) of patients with other liver diseases and 2/48 (4.2%) of healthy controls. The prevalence of ANA in BA patients was 11.3%, which was higher than that in disease controls (3.3%, P < 0.05), but the reactivity to specific ANAs was only 8.2%. The prevalence of ANCAs (ANCA or specific ANCAs) in BA patients was also remarkably higher than that in the healthy controls (37.9% vs 6.3%, P < 0.05), but showed no difference from that in patients with other cholestasis. ANCA positivity was closely associated with the occurrence of postoperative cholangitis (r = 0.61, P < 0.05), whereas none of the autoantibodies showed a correlation to cytomegalovirus infection or the stages of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of autoantibodies in the BA developmental process strongly reveals the autoimmune-mediated pathogenesis. Serological ANCA positivity may be a useful predictive biomarker of postoperative cholangitis.

Spatial trends and pollution assessment for mercury in the surface soils of the Nansi Lake catchment, China.

Surface soil samples collected from Nansi Lake catchment were analyzed for mercury (Hg) to determine its spatial trends and environmental impacts. Results showed that the average soil Hg contents were 0.043 mg kg-1. A positive correlation was shown between TOC and soil Hg contents. The main type of soil with higher TOC contents and lower pH values showed higher soil Hg contents. Soil TOC contents and CV values were both higher in the eastern catchment. The eastern part of the catchment, where the industry is developed, had relatively high soil Hg contents and a banding distribution of high Hg contents was corresponded with the southwest-northeast economic belt. Urban soils had higher Hg contents than rural soils. The urbanization pattern that soil Hg contents presented a decreasing trend from city center to suburb was shown clearly especially in the three cities. Soil Hg contents in Jining City showed a good consistency with the urban land expansion. The spatial trends of soil Hg contents in the catchment indicated that the type and the intensity of human activities have a strong influence on the distribution of Hg in soils. Calculated risk indices showed that the western part of the catchment presented moderately polluted condition and the eastern part of the catchment showed moderate to strong pollution level. The area with high ecological risk appeared mainly along the economic belt.

Clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of invasive lobular carcinoma in different races.

To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and to determine whether there is a differential effect of race and examine survival outcomes according to race, 18,295 breast invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) patients were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database, which includes White patients (n=15,936), Black patients (n=1,451) and patients of other races (including American Indians/Alaskan Natives and Asian/Pacific Islanders) (n=908). The Black ILC patients presented a higher rate of advanced histological grades and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages, a higher rate of lymph node (LN) involvement and a lower rate of progesterone receptors (PR)-positivity than the White patients and other races. The five-year overall survival (OS) and five-year breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) were worst in the Black patients among these patients (85.5%, 76.0% and 87.7%, P<0.01; 91.1%, 84.4% and 91.6%, P<0.01). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the risk hazards ratios (HR) of death for patients of the White, Black and other races. Among these patients, the Black patients had the worst survival outcomes in five-year OS and BCSS outcomes (HR=1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) :1.20-1.51, P<0.01; HR=1.39, 95%CI:1.21-1.61, P<0.01, respectively). After a 1:1:1 matching of the three groups, the Black patients still presented worse survival outcomes in BCSS compared to White patients (HR=1.88, 95%CI: 1.14-3.10, P=0.013), however, there was no difference in OS (HR=1.35, 95%CI: 0.93-1.96, P=0.111). Difference in outcomes may partially explained by difference in histological grades, AJCC stage, LN and PR status among the three groups. In conclusion, this study revealed that the Black patients had worse five-year OS and BCSS than White and other race patients.

H1-A, a compound isolated from Fusarium oxysporum inhibits hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 serine protease.

The present study was aimed to isolate the active compounds from the fermentation products of Fusarium oxysporum, which had hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease inhibitory activity. A bioactive compound was isolated by reverse-phase silica-gel column chromatography, silica-gel column chromatography, semi-preparative reverse-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and then its molecular structure was elucidated based on the spectrosopic analysis. As a result, the compound (H1-A, 1) Ergosta-5, 8 (14), 22-trien-7-one, 3-hydroxy-,(3ß, 22E) was isolated and identified. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report on the isolation of H1-A from microorganisms with the inhibitory activity of NS3 protease.