Effects of Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide and Cellulase Modifications on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Forsythia suspensa Dietary Fiber.

Besides active substances, Forsythia suspensa is rich in dietary fiber (DF), but it is often wasted or discarded and not put to good use. In order to improve the function of Forsythia DF, it was modified using alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) and cellulase (EM). Compared to the control DF (ODF), the DF modified using AHP (AHDF) and EM (EMDF) had a looser microstructure, lower crystallinity, and higher oil holding capacity (OHC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The AHP treatment significantly increased the water holding capacity (WHC) and water swelling ability (WSA) of the DF, while the EM treatment achieved just the opposite. Moreover, the functional properties of AHDF and EMDF, including their cholesterol adsorption capacity (CAC), nitrite ion adsorption capacity (NAC), glucose adsorption capacity (GAC), glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI), α-amylase inhibitory activity, and DPPH radical scavenging activity, were far better than those of ODF. Together, the results revealed that AHP and EM modifications could effectively improve or enhance the physicochemical and functional properties of Forsythia suspensa DF.

Prognostic significance of CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the prognostic significance of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: Tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the infiltration of CD163+ TAMs in 209 CRC samples, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used for univariate analysis and multivariate analysis of clinically relevant confounders. RESULTS: The samples were divided into low-level (n = 105) and high-level infiltration groups (n = 104) by the median number of CD163+ TAMs detected. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC patients in the low-level CD163+ TAM infiltration group were longer than those in the high-level CD163+ TAM infiltration group (P < 0.001). Infiltration of CD163+ TAMs in CRC tissues was a negative prognostic factor for CRC patients. Risks of death and disease recurrence for CRC patients in the low-level CD163+ TAM infiltration group were lower than those in the high-level CD163+ TAM infiltration group (HROS = 0.183, 95% CI 0.052-0.647, P = 0.008; HRDFS = 0.191, 95% CI 0.078-0.470, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The infiltration of CD163+ TAMs in CRC tissue is an independent adverse factor for the prognosis of CRC patients. High-level infiltration of CD163+ TAMs is associated with shorter OS and DFS.

Inhibition Mechanism of Water-Soluble Chitosan-Curdlan Composite Coating on the Postharvest Pathogens of Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas syringae in Cherry Tomatoes.

Cherry tomatoes, a very popular fruit, are highly susceptible to microbial infestation, which cause significant economic losses. In order to preserve cherry tomatoes better, we treat them with a Chitosan (CTS) and Curdlan (CUR) composite coating. The lowest inhibitory concentration of CTS/CUR composite coating on Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas syringae, the growth curves, and the changes of the cell lysis rate were determined to explore the inhibitory mechanism of CTS/CUR composite coating on Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas syringae and the microscopic morphology of Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas syringae was observed using scanning electron microscopy at the same time. The results showed that the CTS/CUR composite coating could effectively inhibit the growth of Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas, and the inhibitory effect reflected the concentration-dependent characteristics. The electron microscopy results indicated that the inhibition of Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas syringae by the CTS/CUR composite coating might originate from its disruptive effect on the cell wall and cell membrane of the bacterium.

Preparation of Fresh-Keeping Paper Using Clove Essential Oil through Pickering Emulsion and Maintaining the Quality of Postharvest Cherry Tomatoes.

This study focused on developing a Pickering emulsion fresh-keeping paper that contained clove essential oil (CEO). Cherry tomatoes served as the test material for assessing the preservative efficacy of fresh-keeping paper. The results showed that Pickering emulsion had strong stability. Additionally, the fresh-keeping paper had a good antioxidant activity and sustained-release effect on CEO. In terms of the preservation effect, 0.75 wt% CEO Pickering emulsion paper reduced the decay incidence and weight loss of cherry tomatoes during 12-day storage. Fresh-keeping paper could also play a positive role in protecting the sensory index and color difference of tomatoes. It slowed the decline rate of soluble solid concentration (SSC) and titrable acid (TA). The vitamin C (Vc) and hardness of preserved tomatoes using fresh-keeping paper were maintained at a high level. The paper also inhibited the growth of microorganisms significantly. Therefore, 0.75 wt% CEO Pickering emulsion fresh-keeping paper displayed considerable potential for application in the preservation of postharvest fruits and vegetables. It is a novel fruit and vegetable preservation material worthy of development.

Epitranscriptomic N4-Acetylcytidine Profiling in CD4+ T Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

The emerging epitranscriptome plays an essential role in autoimmune disease. As a novel mRNA modification, N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) could promote mRNA stability and translational efficiency. However, whether epigenetic mechanisms of RNA ac4C modification are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. Herein, we detected eleven modifications in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients using mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Furthermore, using samples from four CD4+ T cell pools, we identified lower modification of ac4C mRNA in SLE patients as compared to that in healthy controls (HCs). Meanwhile, significantly lower mRNA acetyltransferase NAT10 expression was detected in lupus CD4+ T cells by RT-qPCR. We then illustrated the transcriptome-wide ac4C profile in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients by ac4C-RIP-Seq and found ac4C distribution in mRNA transcripts to be highly conserved and enriched in mRNA coding sequence regions. Using bioinformatics analysis, the 3879 and 4073 ac4C hyper-acetylated and hypoacetylated peaks found in SLE samples, respectively, were found to be significantly involved in SLE-related function enrichments, including multiple metabolic and transcription-related processes, ROS-induced cellular signaling, apoptosis signaling, and NF-κB signaling. Moreover, we demonstrated the ac4C-modified regulatory network of gene biological functions in lupus CD4+ T cells. Notably, we determined that the 26 upregulated genes with hyperacetylation played essential roles in autoimmune diseases and disease-related processes. Additionally, the unique ac4C-related transcripts, including USP18, GPX1, and RGL1, regulate mRNA catabolic processes and translational initiation. Our study identified novel dysregulated ac4C mRNAs associated with critical immune and inflammatory responses, that have translational potential in lupus CD4+ T cells. Hence, our findings reveal transcriptional significance and potential therapeutic targets of mRNA ac4C modifications in SLE pathogenesis.

Disease Activity-Associated Alteration of mRNA m5 C Methylation in CD4+ T Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Epigenetic processes including RNA methylation, post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA expression have been associated with the heritable risks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we aimed to explore the dysregulated expression of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE and the potential function of affected mRNAs in SLE pathogenesis. mRNA methylation profiles were ascertained through chromatography-coupled triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in CD4+ T cells from two pools of patients with SLE exhibiting stable activity, two pools with moderate-to-major activity, and two pools of healthy controls (HCs). Simultaneously, mRNA methylation profiles and expression profiling were performed using RNA-Bis-Seq and RNA-Seq, respectively. Integrated mRNA methylation and mRNA expression bioinformatics analysis was comprehensively performed. mRNA methyltransferase NSUN2 expression was validated in CD4+ T cells from 27 patients with SLE and 28 HCs using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Hypomethylated-mRNA profiles of NSUN2-knockdown HeLa cells and of CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE were jointly analyzed using bioinformatics. Eleven methylation modifications (including elevated Am, 3'OMeA, m1A, and m6A and decreased Ψ, m3C, m1G, m5U, and t6A levels) were detected in CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE. Additionally, decreased m5C levels, albeit increased number of m5C-containing mRNAs, were observed in CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE compared with that in CD4+ T cells of HCs. m5C site distribution in mRNA transcripts was highly conserved and enriched in mRNA translation initiation sites. In particular, hypermethylated m5C or/and significantly up-regulated genes in SLE were significantly involved in immune-related and inflammatory pathways, including immune system, cytokine signaling pathway, and interferon signaling. Compared to that in HCs, NSUN2 expression was significantly lower in SLE CD4+ T cells. Notably, hypomethylated m5C genes in SLE and in NSUN2-knockdown HeLa cells revealed linkage between eukaryotic translation elongation and termination, and mRNA metabolism. Our study identified novel aberrant m5C mRNAs relevant to critical immune pathways in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE. These data provide valuable perspectives for future studies of the multifunctionality and post-transcriptional significance of mRNA m5C modification in SLE.

TCONS_00483150 as a novel diagnostic biomarker of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Aim: We aimed to identify differentially expressed Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and explore their functional roles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Materials & methods: We identified dysregulated lncRNAs and investigated their prognostic values and potential functions using MiRTarget2, catRAPID omics and Bedtools/blast/Pearson analyses. Results: Among the 143 differentially expressed lncRNAs, TCONS_00483150 could be used to distinguish patients with SLE from healthy controls and those with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with active/stable SLE from healthy controls. TCONS_00483150 was significantly correlated with anti-Rib-P antibody positivity and low C3 levels; TCONS_00483150 dysregulation might contribute to the metabolism of RNA and proteins in SLE patients. Conclusion: Overall, our findings offer a transcriptome-wide overview of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in patients with SLE and highlight TCONS_00483150 as a potential novel diagnostic biomarker.

Dysbiosis in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Virome Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective: Pathogen infection plays a role in the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous studies showed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) harbor many viral communities. However, little is known about the viral components and the expression profiles of SLE-associated virome. We aimed to identify viral taxonomic markers of SLE that might be used in the detection of disease or in predicting its outcome. Methods: Non-human sequence data from high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of PBMC samples from 10 SLE patients and 10 healthy individuals were used for taxonomic alignment against an integrated virome reference genome database. Based on abundance profiles of SLE-associated virome species, genera, or host, Random Forests model was used to identify the viruses associated with SLE diagnostic markers. Spearman's correlation and functional clustering was used to analyze the interaction of candidate virome dysbiosis and SLE-associated differentially expressed genes. Results: A total of 419 viruses (38 human associated viruses, 350 phage, and 31 other viruses) was detected and the diversity of the PBMC virome was significantly increased in patients with SLE compared to the healthy controls (HCs). Viral taxa discriminated the cases from the controls, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.883, 0.695, and 0.540 for species, genus, and host, respectively. Clinical subgroup analysis showed that candidate PBMC viral markers were associated with stable- and active-stage SLE. Functional analyses showed that virome dysbiosis was mainly relevant to cellular and metabolic processes. Conclusion: We identified virome signatures associated with SLE, which might help develop tools to identify SLE patients or predict the disease stage.

New Insights of Emerging SARS-CoV-2: Epidemiology, Etiology, Clinical Features, Clinical Treatment, and Prevention.

Since the first reports that the novel coronavirus was showing human-to-human transmission characteristics and asymptomatic cases, the number of patients with associated pneumonia has continued to rise and the epidemic has grown. It now threatens the health and lives of people across the world. The governments of many countries have attached great importance to the prevention of SARS-CoV-2, via research into the etiology and epidemiology of this newly emerged disease. Clinical signs, treatment, and prevention characteristics of the novel coronavirus pneumonia have been receiving attention worldwide, especially from medical personnel. However, owing to the different experimental methods, sample sizes, sample sources, and research perspectives of various studies, results have been inconsistent, or relate to an isolated aspect of the virus or the disease it causes. Currently, systematic summary data on the novel coronavirus are limited. This review combines experimental and clinical evidence into a systematic analysis and summary of the current progress of research into SARS-CoV-2, from multiple perspectives, with the aim of gaining a better overall understanding of the disease. Our report provides important information for current clinicians, for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Hsa_circ_0000479 as a Novel Diagnostic Biomarker of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that differentially expressed non-coding circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the progress of autoimmune diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. Methods: We initially used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to comprehensively analyze circRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 10 SLE patients, stratified by their disease activity characteristics (stable or active SLE), and 10 healthy controls (HCs). Candidate circRNAs identified were first validated by quantitative reverse-transcription (qRT)-PCR in PBMC samples from a training-phase cohort of five SLE patients and five HCs. The significantly dysregulated circRNAs were then confirmed by qRT-PCR in a validation cohort of 23 SLE patients and 21 HCs, and in an external validation cohort with 64 SLE patients, 58 HCs, and 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, we conducted bioinformatics analysis and western blotting investigating the relationships between the candidate circRNAs and SLE progression. Results: Multilayer integrative analysis of circRNA regulation showed that 84 circRNAs were upregulated and 30 were downregulated in patients with SLE compared with HCs. We then analyzed the intersection of these differentially expressed circRNAs in an SLE-stable cohort, an SLE-active cohort, and HCs. This enabled us to narrow down dysregulated circRNAs to 15 upregulated circRNAs. Only hsa_circ_0000479 was significantly upregulated in PBMCs of patients with SLE compared with HCs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the diagnostic potential of hsa_circ_0000479 expression to distinguish SLE patients from HCs and RA patients was also significantly increased in the validation-phase and external-validation-phase cohorts (P < 0.05). When distinguishing SLE patients from HCs, the diagnostic specificities of hsa_circ_0000479 were 0.619 and 1.0 in two validation cohorts, respectively (AUCs = 0.731 and 0.730, respectively). It was also significantly increased in either stable SLE patients or active SLE patients compared with HCs in these two cohorts (P < 0.05). We also used bioinformatics analysis to show that hsa_circ_0000479 regulates SLE progression by modulating metabolic pathways and the Wnt signaling pathway. Western blotting revealed that the expression of Wnt-16 protein was significantly decreased in SLE. Conclusion: Our results suggest that hsa_circ_0000479 has potential as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of SLE.