Longitudinal manipulation of local nonseparability in vector beams.

The inherent nonseparability of vector beams presents a unique opportunity to explore novel optical functionalities, expanding new degrees of freedom for optical information processing. In this Letter, we introduce a novel, to the best of our knowledge, method for tailoring the local nonseparability along the propagation axis of vector beams. Employing higher-order Bessel vector beams, the longitudinal control over the local nonseparability is achieved through targeted amplitude modulation of constituent orthogonal polarization components within the main ring region. Experimental demonstrations of diverse longitudinal nonseparability profiles corroborate the efficacy and versatility of our approach, opening avenues for further exploration of the nonseparability manipulation in vector beams.

Spatio-temporal structuring control of a vectorial focal field.

Focal field modulation has attracted a lot of interest due to its potential in many applications such as optical tweezers or laser processing, and it has recently been facilitated by spatial light modulators (SLMs) owing to their dynamic modulation abilities. However, capabilities for manipulating focal fields are limited by the space-bandwidth product of SLMs. This difficulty can be alleviated by taking advantage of the high-speed modulation ability of digital micromirror devices (DMDs), i.e., trading time for space to achieve fine focus shaping. In this paper, we propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, technique for achieving four-dimensional focal field modulation, which allows for independent manipulation of the focal field's parameters (including amplitude, phase, and polarization) in both the space and time domains. This technique combines a DMD and a vector field synthesis system based on a 4-f system. The high-speed modulation ability of DMDs enables versatile focus patterns to be fast switchable during the exposure time of the detector, forming multiple patterns in a single recording frame. By generating different kinds of focal spots and lines at different moments during the exposure time of the detector, we can finally get complete multifocal spots and lines. Our proposed method is effective at improving the flexibility and speed of the focal field modulation, which is beneficial to applications.

Tacrolimus therapy in primary Sjögren's syndrome with refractory immune thrombocytopenia: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) for the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) with refractory immune thrombocytopenia (RITP). METHODS: Twenty-three pSS patients with RITP treated with TAC from June 2018 to June 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Platelet response, clinical and immunological parameters, toxicity and safety were compared and analysed at baseline and different points after TAC treatment. RESULTS: At 4 weeks after treatment, 2 patients (8.7%) attained a complete response (CR, platelet count ≥100×109/L and no bleeding), 15 patients (65.2%) achieved a partial response (PR, platelet count ≥ 30×109/L but <100×109/L and no bleeding or a platelet count at least twice that before treatment), and the other 6 patients (26.1%) did not respond to TAC treatment. At 8 weeks after treatment, a CR was seen in 4 patients (17.4%), and the percentage of patients with a PR increased to 78.3% (18 patients). The percentage of patients with a CR increased to 47.8% (11 patients), and 9 patients (39.1%) achieved a PR without relapse at 12 weeks after treatment. At 24 weeks after treatment, 14 patients (60.9%) achieved a CR, and 8 patients (34.8%) achieved a PR. Compared to before treatment, the level of IgG was decreased significantly at 24 weeks after treatment, whereas there was no significant difference in the levels of IgM or IgA between baseline and 24 weeks after treatment. Additionally, the absolute CD3+ T cell count, European SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score, and levels of IL-2 and INF-γ were significantly decreased at 24 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: TAC is effective and well tolerated by pSS patients with RITP, and the mechanism underlying the effect of TAC in these patients may be related to reduced Th1 cytokine expression.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on motor function and cortex excitability in subacute stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor function and cortex excitability in subacute stroke patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient hospitals. SUBJECTS: Sixty-five participants were randomly assigned to four groups: sham, 1Hz rTMS, cathodic tDCS combined with 1Hz rTMS (tDCS-/rTMS-) and anodic tDCS combined with 1Hz rTMS (tDCS+/rTMS-). INTERVENTIONS: Four interventions were used, including sham, 1Hz rTMS, and cathodal or anodal tDCS, followed by 1Hz rTMS over contralesional motor cortex, which continued for four weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Outcome measures were motor function and cortical excitability, evaluated by Fugl-Meyer Assessment, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Barthel Index, resting Motion Threshold, Motor Evoked Potentials and Central Motor Conduction Time, assessed at baseline, four weeks and eight weeks. RESULTS: At four weeks after interventions, Fugl-Meyer Assessment lower limb change score in tDCS+/rTMS- group was significantly larger than other three groups (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in bilateral Motor Evoked Potentials changes between tDCS+/rTMS- group and sham group (P < 0.05). At eight weeks, compared to other groups, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (P = 0.003), Barthel Index (P = 0.002), FMA lower limb score (P < 0.001), and bilateral resting Motion Threshold, Motor Evoked Potentials (P < 0.05) showed significant changes in tDCS+/rTMS- group. Furthermore, Fugl-Meyer Assessment lower limb change score was associated with increased ipsilesional Motor Evoked Potentials (r = 0.703 P < 0.001) in tDCS+/rTMS- group. CONCLUSION: 1Hz rTMS combined with anode tDCS stimulation protocol could be a preferable rehabilitative strategy for motor recovery in subacute stroke patients.

Establishment and preliminary application of nanoparticle-assisted PCR assay for detection of Cryptosporidium spp.

Cryptosporidium is an important intestinal protozoan parasite that causes diarrhoea in humans and animals. To rapidly and specifically detect Cryptosporidium spp., we designed a pair of primers based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium spp. to be used in a new nanoparticle-assisted PCR (nano-PCR) assay. The minimum detectable concentration (1.02 pg) of this nano-PCR was 10 times more sensitive than conventional PCR using the same primer pair. The DNA samples of C. parvum, C. baileyi, C. xiaoi, C. ryanae, and C. andersoni were successfully detected by the nano-PCR. No amplifications were evident with DNA samples of some common intestinal pathogens, including Eimeria tenella, Blastocystis sp., Giardia lamblia, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Balantidium coli. To validate the clinical usefulness of the novel nano-PCR, a total of 40 faecal samples from goats, camels, calves, and chickens were examined. The positive rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 27.5% (11/40), which was consistent with that of an established nested PCR. These results indicate that the novel nano-PCR assay enables the rapid, specific, and accurate detection of Cryptosporidium infection in animals. The findings provide a technical basis for the clinical diagnosis, prevention, and control of cryptosporidiosis.

Laparoscopic specimen extraction in vitro: preliminary experience.

BACKGROUND: The last procedure performed by the surgeon in laparoscopic surgery is to extract the specimen through the smallest incision possible. This experiment aimed to explore the maximum diameter of specimens that can be extracted through auxiliary incisions of different lengths and shapes by in vitro physical experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the abdominal wall with the muscle layer, fixed on a square wooden frame, to simulate the human abdominal wall. Then, specimen extraction ports were made with circular, inverted Y-shaped and straight-line incisions of different sizes and lengths, and specimens of different sizes were made from tissues of different species. These specimens were extracted from different incisions with a force gauge. The tension value (N) was measured, and records were made of the length or diameter of the smallest auxiliary incision through which a given specimen could pass, as well as the largest specimen diameter that could pass through an incision of a given size. This experiment provides us with preliminary experience-based knowledge of how to choose the appropriate auxiliary incision for surgical specimen extraction according to the diameter of the specimen. RESULTS: The maximum diameters of specimens that could be extracted with circular ostomy diameters of 2.4, 2.7 and 3.3 cm were 4.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cm, respectively. Specimens with diameters of 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 cm could be extracted through inverted Y-shaped incisions with a length around the umbilicus of 1 cm and an extension length of 1.0, 3.0, and 4.0 cm, respectively. Moreover, these same specimens could be extracted through inverted Y-shaped incisions with a length around the umbilicus of 2 cm and extension lengths of 0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 cm. Tough tissue specimens (made from chicken gizzards) with diameters of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 cm, respectively, could be removed through straight-line incisions measuring 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 cm in length. CONCLUSION: Along with preoperative imaging, surgical planning and trocar position, the shape and length of auxiliary incisions can be used to improve the extraction of specimens via laparoscopic surgery.

Multilocus genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in China.

The protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis is known to infect humans and a wide range of animals globally. However, no studies on G. duodenalis infection in Bactrian camels have been reported. In the present study, in order to examine the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis in Bactrian camels, 852 fecal samples were collected from 24 sampling sites in three geographical areas (Gansu province, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions) of northwestern China, and subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis targeting the 18S rRNA, ß-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. About 84 fecal samples tested positive for Giardia infection, with an overall prevalence of 9.8%, including three samples from camel calves with diarrhea. Significant differences (χ2 = 80.7, df = 2, P < 0.01) in the prevalence were found in Bactrian camels belonging to three geographical areas, with the highest (33.3%) in Gansu province and the lowest (4.2%) in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Furthermore, significantly different prevalences (χ2 = 34.2, df = 2, P < 0.01) were revealed among age groups, with the highest (35.7%) in camels aged 3 to 6 years old, and the lowest (7.5%) in camels aged > 6 years old. Sequence analysis identified two assemblages, including zoonotic assemblage A and ungulate-adapted assemblage E, with the latter as the dominant G. duodenalis assemblage in each age group and at all sampling sites having positive samples except Hotan. Genetic variations were detected among G. duodenalis isolates in these camels, and eight, three, and seven haplotypes were identified at loci bg, gdh, and tpi, respectively, forming two multilocus genotypes (MLGs) of zoonotic assemblage A and one MLG of assemblage E. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on G. duodenalis infection in Bactrian camels, and the data indicate that G. duodenalis have a broad host range.

Nerve injury elevates functional Cav3.2 channels in superficial spinal dorsal horn.

Cav3 channels play an important role in modulating chronic pain. However, less is known about the functional changes of Cav3 channels in superficial spinal dorsal horn in neuropathic pain states. Here, we examined the effect of partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) on either expression or electrophysiological properties of Cav3 channels in superficial spinal dorsal horn. Our in vivo studies showed that the blockers of Cav3 channels robustly alleviated PSNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which lasted at least 14 days following PSNL. Meanwhile, PSNL triggered an increase in both mRNA and protein levels of Cav3.2 but not Cav3.1 or Cav3.3 in rats. However, in Cav3.2 knockout mice, PSNL predominantly attenuated mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, the results of whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that both the overall proportion of Cav3 current-expressing neurons and the Cav3 current density in individual neurons were elevated in spinal lamina II neurons from PSNL rats, which could not be recapitulated in Cav3.2 knockout mice. Altogether, our findings reveal that the elevated functional Cav3.2 channels in superficial spinal dorsal horn may contribute to the mechanical allodynia in PSNL-induced neuropathic pain model.

Protective effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice.

Acute liver injury seriously endangers human health. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, has antioxidative effects in addition to being widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and was reported to ameliorate liver diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of liraglutide on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury in mice and to investigate the mechanisms involved in this protective effect. Male BALB/c mice were pre-treated with liraglutide (200 µg/kg/day) by hypodermic injection for 3 days before a 0.1% (v/v) CCl4 (10 ml/kg, dissolved in olive oil) intraperitoneal injection, or post-treated with liraglutide once immediately after a CCl4 intraperitoneal injection. The experimental data showed that liraglutide treatment significantly decreased the serum ALT and AST levels and ameliorated the liver histopathological changes induced by CCl4. In addition, liraglutide pre-treatment dramatically increased the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive hepatocytes and significantly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis after CCl4 treatment. As a consequence, liraglutide pre-treatment significantly prevented CCl4-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) production and increased the activity of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. In addition, liraglutide pre-treatment significantly ameliorated mitochondrial respiratory functions and ultrastructural features. Furthermore, liraglutide pre-treatment enhances the activation of the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In summary, liraglutide protects against CCl4-induced acute liver injury by protecting mitochondrial functions and inhibiting oxidative stress, which may partly involve the activation of NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Fecal microbiota transplantation alleviates myocardial damage in myocarditis by restoring the microbiota composition.

Myocarditis can be caused by several infectious and noninfectious causes. Treatment for myocarditis is still a difficult task in clinical practice. The gut microbiota is related to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. However, little is known about the role of the gut microbiota in myocarditis. In our study, we tested the hypothesis that gut dysbiosis is associated with myocarditis. We focused on whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can be used as an effective treatment for myocarditis. We used an experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) mouse model. Fecal samples were isolated from the control and EAM groups for bacterial genome analysis. We observed an increase in microbial richness and diversity in the myocarditis mice. These changes were accompanied by an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. We also evaluated the efficacy of FMT for the treatment of myocarditis. EAM mouse guts were repopulated with fecal contents from an untreated male mouse donor. We found that myocardial injury was improved by diminished inflammatory infiltration, showing that IFN-γ gene expression in the heart tissue and CD4+IFN-γ+ cells in the spleen were decreased after FMT in EAM mice. We also found that FMT was able to rebalance the gut microbiota by restoring the Bacteroidetes population and reshaping the microbiota composition. Myocarditis is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and characterized by an increased F/B ratio. FMT treatment can rebalance the gut microbiota and attenuate myocarditis. Thus, FMT may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of myocarditis.

Cardioprotective Effects of Malvidin Against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats: A Mechanistic Study.

BACKGROUND Malvidin (alvidin-3-glucoside) is a polyphenol that belongs to the class of natural anthocyanin, which is abundantly found in red wines, colored fruits, and the skin of red grapes. Therefore, the current investigation was intended to evaluate the effect of malvidin against myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in the rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS The cardioprotective effects was assessed by determining the effect of malvidin on the activities of endogenous antioxidants - catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) - and on the levels of lipid peroxidation and serum marker enzymes. The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were also determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. RESULTS The present study demonstrated a significant cardioprotective effect of malvidin by restoring the defensive activities of endogenous antioxidants - catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) - and by reducing the levels of lipid peroxidation and serum marker enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LD) and creatine kinase (CK). Malvidin significantly ameliorated the histopathological changes and impaired mitochondria in the cardiac necrosis stimulated with isoproterenol. Additionally, the results also demonstrated that nuclear translocation of Nrf-2 and subsequent HO-1 expression might be associated with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway activation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that malvidin exerts cardioprotective effects that might be due to possible strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, this study provides the basis for the development of malvidin as a safe and effective treatment of myocardial infarction.

Alterations and correlations of the gut microbiome, metabolism and immunity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

We selected 42 early-stage primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients and 30 healthy controls (HC). Metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to characterize the fecal microbiome. UPLC-MS/MS assaying of small molecules was used to characterize the metabolomes of the serum, urine and feces. Liquid chip assaying of serum cytokines was used to characterize the immune profiles. The gut of PBC patients were depleted of some potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Acidobacteria, Lachnobacterium sp., Bacteroides eggerthii and Ruminococcus bromii, but were enriched in some bacterial taxa containing opportunistic pathogens, such as γ-Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Neisseriaceae, Spirochaetaceae, Veillonella, Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Anaeroglobus geminatus, Enterobacter asburiae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Megasphaera micronuciformis and Paraprevotella clara. Several altered gut bacterial taxa exhibited potential interactions with PBC through their associations with altered metabolism, immunity and liver function indicators, such as those of Klebsiella with IL-2A and Neisseriaceae with urinary indoleacrylate. Many gut bacteria, such as some members of Bacteroides, were altered in their associations with the immunity and metabolism of PBC patients, although their relative abundances were unchanged. Consequently, the gut microbiome is altered and may be critical for the onset or development of PBC by interacting with metabolism and immunity.

Activated Circulating Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are increased in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. This study aims to evaluate the significance of MDSCs in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. METHODS: In total, 42 newly hospitalized DCM patients and 39 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The frequencies of circulating CD14+HLA-DR-/low MDSCs were determined by flow cytometry. Then, the functional properties of MDSCs in suppressing T cell proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN-x03B3;) production were measured in a co-culture model. Then, mRNA expression levels of various important molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured by real time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, correlation analyses between MDSC frequencies and cardiac function parameters were also performed. RESULTS: The frequencies of circulating CD14+HLA-DR-/low MDSCs were significantly elevated in DCM patients compared with healthy controls. It showed that MDSCs from DCM patients more effectively suppressed T cell proliferation and IFN-x03B3; production compared with those from healthy controls, which was partially mediated by arginase-1 (Arg-1). In addition, the correlation analysis suggested that MDSC frequencies were negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), while positively with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with DCM. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating activated MDSCs might play significant immunomodulatory roles in the pathogenesis of DCM.

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with lateral flow (LF) strip for equipment-free detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in dairy cattle feces.

Cryptosporidium is a widespread protozoan parasite that infects a large number of vertebrate animals, resulting in varying degrees of diarrhea or even death. As dairy cattle feces is an important source of Cryptosporidium spp. infection, development of a handy and accurate detection method via its oocysts in dairy cattle feces would be interesting and necessary. We herein developed a quick detecting method using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with lateral flow (LF) strip to detect DNA of Cryptosporidium oocysts in dairy cattle feces. The DNA was released by boiled water with 0.1 % N-lauroylsarcosine sodium salt (LSS). The established method was proven to be of higher sensitivity than normal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with the lowest detection of 0.5 oocyst per reaction, and specificity with no cross reactivity to other common protozoan species in the intestine of dairy cattle. The diagnostic method established herein is simple, rapid, and cost-effective, and has potential for further development as a diagnostic kit for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis of dairy cattle.

Expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore whether the circulating frequency and function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are altered in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: The frequency of MDSCs in peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry, and mRNA expression in purified MDSCs was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The suppressive function of MDSCs isolated from different groups was also determined. The plasma levels of certain cytokines were determined using Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine Assays. RESULTS: The frequency of circulating CD14(+)HLA-DR(-/low) MDSCs; arginase-1 (Arg-1) expression; and plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-33 were markedly increased in ACS patients compared to stable angina (SA) or control patients. Furthermore, MDSCs from ACS patients were more potent suppressors of T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production than those from the SA or control groups at ratios of 1:4 and 1:2; this effect was partially mediated by Arg-1. In addition, the frequency of MDSCs was positively correlated with plasma levels of IL-6, IL-33, and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increased frequency and suppressive function of MDSCs in ACS patients, a result that may provide insights into the mechanisms involved in ACS.

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Captive Non-Human Primates in Qinling Mountains.

Non-human primates (NHPs) are confirmed as reservoirs of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. In this study, 197 fresh fecal samples from 8 NHP species in Qinling Mountains, northwestern China, were collected and examined using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method. The results showed that 35 (17.8%) samples were positive for tested parasites, including Cryptosporidium spp. (3.0%), G. intestinalis (2.0%), and E. bieneusi (12.7%). Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 6 fecal samples of Macaca mulatta, and were identified as C. parvum (n=1) and C. andersoni (n=5). Subtyping analysis showed Cryptosporidium spp. belonged to the C. andersoni MLST subtype (A4, A4, A4, and A1) and C. parvum 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) subtype IId A15G2R1. G. intestinalis assemblage E was detected in 3 M. mulatta and 1 Saimiri sciureus. Intra-variations were observed at the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta giardin (bg), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) loci, with 3, 1, and 2 new subtypes found in respective locus. E. bieneusi was found in Cercopithecus neglectus (25.0%), Papio hamadrayas (16.7%), M. mulatta (16.3%), S. sciureus (10%), and Rhinopithecus roxellana (9.5%), with 5 ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes: 2 known genotypes (D and BEB6) and 3 novel genotypes (MH, XH, and BSH). These findings indicated the presence of zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in NHPs in Qinling Mountains. This is the first report of C. andersoni in NHPs. The present study provided basic information for control of cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and microsporidiosis in human and animals in this area.

Association of IL33/ST2 signal pathway gene polymorphisms with myocardial infarction in a Chinese Han population.

This study investigated the relationship between IL-33/ST2 signal pathway gene polymorphisms and myocardial infarction (MI) in Han Chinese. A case-control association analysis was performed on a total of 490 MI patients (MI group) and 929 normal subjects (NC group). Sequenom Mass Array and Taqman genotyping technique were used to analyze the tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding IL-33, ST2, and IL-1RaP (rs11792633, rs1041973 and rs4624606). The results showed that the frequencies of rs4624606 genotypes AA, TT, AT were 0.031, 0.647, 0.322 in MI group and 0.026, 0.712, 0.263 in NC group, and the allele frequencies of A and T were 0.192, 0.808 in MI group and 0.157, 0.843 in NC group. There were significant differences in rs4624606 genotypes and allele frequencies between MI group and NC group (P<0.05). For rs11792633, the allele frequencies of C and T were 0.45, 0.55 in MI group and 0.454, 0.546 in NC group with no significant differences found between the two groups. Compared with genotype CC+TC, rs11792633 genotype TT had an increased risk of hypertension (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of rs11792633 genotypes between the two groups. No significant differences were noted in the frequencies of rs1041973 genotype and allele between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that rs4624606 genotypes AT and AA+AT were both significantly associated with MI (AT: OR=1.325, P=0.029, 95% CI=1.03-1.705; AA+AT: OR=1.316, P=0.028, 95% CI=1.03-1.681) after factors such as age, gender, smoking, drinking, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol were adjusted. Those carrying rs4624606 genotype AT or AA+AT had an increased risk of MI. No associations were found between the polymorphisms of the other two loci with MI. It was concluded that, in the IL33/ST2 signal pathway, the A allele of rs4624606 polymorphism of IL-1RaP gene is a potential independent risk factor for MI, and the genotypes AA+AT and AT are associated with the incidence of MI.

[Chemical Constituents from Leaves of "Chuju" Chrysanthemum morifolium and Their Antioxidant Activities in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from the leaves of "Chuju" Chrysanthemum morifolium. METHODS: All compounds were separated and purified by column chromatography over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by spectral methods including 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. RESULTS: 21 compounds were isolated and identified as octa-cosyl alcohol (1), ß-sitosterol (2), lupeol (3), α-amyrin (4), daucosterol (5), ineupatorolide B (6), syringin (7), chlorogenic acid (8), petasiphenol (9), physcion (10), acacetin (11), eupatilin (12), quercetin (13), diosmetin (14), luteolin (15), apigenin (16), apigenin- 7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (17), quercetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (18), luteolin-7-O-ß-D-gluco pyranoside (19), apigenin-7-O-ß-D- neospheroside (20), and acacetin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside (21). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-12, 18 and 20 are isolated from this plant for the first time. Compounds 10, 13, 14, 15 and 16 have shown strong antioxidant activities by DPPH · scavenging activity better than Vit C.

GABA and topiramate inhibit the formation of human macrophage-derived foam cells by modulating cholesterol-metabolism-associated molecules.

AIMS: γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, acts on GABA receptors to play an important role in the modulation of macrophage functions. The present study examined the effects of GABA and a GABA receptor agonist on modulating cholesterol-metabolism-associated molecules in human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs). METHODS: ORO stain, HPLC, qRT-PCR, Western blot and EMSA were carried out using HMDMs exposed to ox-LDL with or without GABAergic agents as the experimental model. RESULTS: GABA and topiramate reduced the percentage of cholesterol ester in lipid-laden HMDMs by down-regulating SR-A, CD36 and LOX-1 expression and up-regulating ABCA1, ABCG1 and SR-BI expression in lipid-laden HMDMs. The production of TNF-α was decreased in GABA-and topiramate-treated lipid-laden HMDMs, and levels of interleukin (IL)-6 did not change. The activation of two signaling pathways, p38MAPK and NF-κB, was repressed by GABA and topiramate in lipid-laden HMDMs. CONCLUSION: GABA and topiramate inhibit the formation of human macrophage-derived foam cells and may be a possibility for macrophage targeted therapy of atherosclerotic lesions.

Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius LI01 or Pediococcus pentosaceus LI05 improves acute liver injury induced by D-galactosamine in rats.

This work investigated the effect of the intragastric administration of five lactic acid bacteria from healthy people on acute liver failure in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were given intragastric supplements of Lactobacillus salivarius LI01, Lactobacillus salivarius LI02, Lactobacillus paracasei LI03, Lactobacillus plantarum LI04, or Pediococcus pentosaceus LI05 for 8 days. Acute liver injury was induced on the eighth day by intraperitoneal injection of 1.1 g/kg body weight D-galactosamine (D-GalN). After 24 h, samples were collected to determine the level of liver enzymes, liver function, histology of the terminal ileum and liver, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, bacterial translocation, and composition of the gut microbiome. The results indicated that pretreatment with L. salivarius LI01 or P. pentosaceus LI05 significantly reduced elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, prevented the increase in total bilirubin, reduced the histological abnormalities of both the liver and the terminal ileum, decreased bacterial translocation, increased the serum level of interleukin 10 and/or interferon-γ, and resulted in a cecal microbiome that differed from that of the liver injury control. Pretreatment with L. plantarum LI04 or L. salivarius LI02 demonstrated no significant effects during this process, and pretreatment with L. paracasei LI03 aggravated liver injury. To the best of our knowledge, the effects of the three species-L. paracasei, L. salivarius, and P. pentosaceus-on D-GalN-induced liver injury have not been previously studied. The excellent characteristics of L. salivarius LI01 and P. pentosaceus LI05 enable them to serve as potential probiotics in the prevention or treatment of acute liver failure.