Correlation analysis between vitamin A, D, and E status with altitude, seasonal variation, and other factors, among children aged 0-6 years in a Chinese population living in the Tibetan plateau of Ganzi prefecture.

OBJECTIVE: We attempted to understand the status of vitamin (Vit) A, D, and E in children aged 0-6 living in the Tibetan plateau areas of Ganzi prefecture, to provide the basis for relevant government departments to carry out physical examinations of these children and to prevent and cure four key diseases (Infantile diarrhea, nutritional anemia, rickets, and infantile pneumonia). METHODS: Serum retinol and tocopherol levels were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum levels of 25-(OH)D were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The polynomial logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of age, season, altitude, and gender on Vit A, D, and E levels. RESULTS: Vit A and D had the lowest mean serum levels before the age of 1 year and with the most significant deficiency rates. The lowest Vit E levels were seen in the Toddlerhood group. The rates of deficiency and insufficiency were the highest. Vit A, D, and E levels were significantly affected by seasonal changes and were significantly higher in the summer than in any other season. Vit A and D were significantly affected by altitude, and their levels were lowest above 4 km. CONCLUSION: The overall levels of Vit A, D, and E in children aged 0-6 in the Tibetan plateau areas of Ganzi prefecture were lower than those in the plain's areas.

lncRNA SNHG14 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid tumour cells by regulating miR-93-5p.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert vital functions in the occurrence and development of various tumours. The aim of this study was to examine the regulatory effect and underlying molecular mechanism of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) on the proliferation, invasion and migration of thyroid tumour cells. The expression of SNHG14 in thyroid tumour cell lines was determined using qRT-PCR. CCK-8 and western blot were used to detect the effects of SNHG14 on proliferation and apoptosis of thyroid tumour cells. The effect of SNHG14 on the migration and invasion of thyroid tumour cells was analyzed using immunofluorescence, wound-healing and transwell assays. A targeting relationship between SNHG14 and miR-93-5p was determined using bioinformatics software and luciferase reporter assays. In addition, CCK-8, immunofluorescence, wound-healing and transwell assays were applied to demonstrate that SNHG14 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of thyroid tumour cells by targeting miR-93-5p. The biological function of SNHG14 in vivo was explored through a xenograft model and immunohistochemistry. SNHG14 was upregulated in thyroid tumour cells compared with normal cells. Downregulation of SNHG14 effectively reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of TPC-1 cells, and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, SNHG14 directly targeted miR-93-5p and there was a negative correlation between them. Further functional experiments illustrated that miR-93-5p overexpression dramatically reversed the promoting role of SNHG14 in proliferation, migration and invasion of TPC-1 cells. Our results demonstrated that SNHG14 promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of thyroid tumour cells by downregulating miR-93-5p.

Dissipation, occurrence, and risk assessment of 12 pesticides in Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo.

The residual behaviors and dietary risk probability of 12 pesticides in Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo cultivated at two representative locations under green house conditions were investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Field trials showed that the half-lives of 12 pesticides ranged from 0.9 to 14.4 days in fresh D. officinale stems. Based on maximum residue levels (MRLs), the ultimate residues of imidacloprid, dimethomorph, metalaxyl, tebuconazole, and cyazofamid at a pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 28 days were within acceptable limits. For abamectin, indoxacarb, and difenoconazole, 35-day PHIs were needed. The PHIs of trifloxystrobin and fluopyram were 42 days, the time required for their residues to be reduced to an MRL of 4 mg/kg. The chronic and acute risk quotients of target pesticides at PHIs of 28-42 days were below 5.929% and 0.532%, respectively, showing that the evaluated D. officinale exhibited an acceptably low dietary risk to the general population.

An integrated strategy for the establishment of a protoberberine alkaloid profile: Exploration of the differences in composition between Tinosporae radix and Fibraurea caulis.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate species and content identification of major active components in herbals are the guarantee of the safety and effectiveness for medical and commodity purposes. OBJECTIVES: In this study, an integrated strategy used to establish the protoberberine alkaloid profile was applied to explore the differences in composition between the pieces of Tinosporae radix and Fibraurea caulis, both of which had morphological similarities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, an in-house library including possible protoberberine alkaloids based on different substituents was predicted by systematic literature survey. Meanwhile, diagnostic fragments of protoberberine alkaloids were investigated using the corresponding standards. Second, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) was used to obtain multidimensional mass spectral data. Then, the identifications were confirmed by targeted filter of the acquired data based on the library. RESULTS: As a result, 10 protoberberine alkaloid molecules including 46 isomers were identified or characterised. The qualitative distribution and relative content of protoberberine alkaloids revealed the fundamental difference between Tinosporae radix and Fibraurea caulis. 25 alkaloids were present in both herbals, while five compounds were detected only in Tinosporae radix. Furthermore, the contents of four alkaloids in Tinosporae radix were significantly higher than those in its adulterant, Fibraurea caulis. CONCLUSION: The five unique ingredients in Tinosporae radix can be used as a better indicator for distinguishing the pieces of Tinosporae radix and Fibraurea caulis. The protoberberine alkaloid profile established in this study can be applied to quality evaluation of the two herbals or other herbals containing major protoberberine alkaloids.

[Antagonistic effect of modified Dahuang Zhechong Granule against the apoptosis of epididymal spermatogenic cells in varicocele rats based on Nrf2/HO-1 pathways].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of modified Dahuang Zhechong Granule (DZG) on the epididymal tissue of varicocele (VC) rats and the expressions of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into six groups of an equal number: sham operation, VC model control, aescuven forte (AF) and low-, medium- and high-dose DZG. The VC model was established by ligation of the left renal vein with the Turner's method, followed by intragastrical administration of normal saline to the rats in the sham operation and VC model control groups, AF Tablets at 54 mg/kg to those in the AF group, and modified DZG at 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 g/ml to those in the low-, medium- and high-dose DZG groups respectively, all once daily for 8 weeks. Then, all the animals were sacrificed and their left epididymides harvested for examination of semen quality, observation of local ultrastructural changes, measurement of the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells by Annexin V-FITC, and determination of the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the epididymal tissue by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Evident pathological damage was observed in the left epididymal tissue of the VC model controls, with significantly reduced numbers of spermatogenic cells and sperm at all levels, partially destroyed cellular structure, and disappearance of some subcellular structures such as the lysosome, mitochondrion, endoplasmic reticulum, nucleus and cell membrane, which were all improved to some extent in the DZG and AF group. Sperm concentration and motility in the left epididymis were significantly higher in the medium- and high-dose DZG and AF groups than in the VC model controls (P < 0.05), even more significantly in the high-dose DZG than in the AF group (P < 0.05). The apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells was markedly higher in the VC model control than in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), but lower in the medium- and high-dose DZG and AF groups than in the VC model controls (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed positive expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins, brown, scattered and with a low luminance of the cells, in the left epididymis tissue of the VC model control rats, but with a significantly higher cell luminance in the high-dose DZG and AF groups. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Dahuang Zhechong Granule can effectively repair pathological damage to the epididymis of varicocele rats, increase the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins, antagonize the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells and provide a favorable condition for sperm maturation.

Long-term infection of SARS-CoV-2 changed the body's immune status.

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2-associated pneumonia, a disease called COVID-19, has caused a pandemic worldwide. To investigate the immune responses after infection of SARS-CoV-2 in non-critical patients may help to better understand the disease progression. We collected 334 confirmed COVID-19 cases including 212 still in hospital with nucleic acid test positive on halfway for SARS-CoV-2 and 122 discharged from hospital, compared specific antibodies, immune cells, and cytokine changes between the hospitalized and discharged patients. The hospitalized patients had a longer illness time compared with discharged patients. Analysis of viral loads explained long-term or persistent infection of SARS-CoV-2, which existed with the median time of 18.5 days of the positive nucleic acid test. Serum analysis showed that the specific anti-N IgG antibody was positive in all detected patients after infection of two weeks. Neutrophils, Monocytes, NK cells, and CD4+ T cells significantly increased, while total lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells decreased from non-critical hospitalized patients after longer-term infection. Further analysis of the cytokines showed that IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 from the hospitalized patients were significantly higher, indicating a potential of the increased CD4+ T cell differentiation.

Obesity is a potential risk factor contributing to clinical manifestations of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Since December 2019, novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)-induced pneumonia (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, and rapidly spread throughout China. COVID-19 patients demonstrated significantly different outcomes in clinic. We aimed to figure out whether obesity is a risk factor influencing the progression and prognosis of COVID-19. METHODS: 95 patients with COVID-19 were divided into obesity group and non-obesity group according to their body mass index (BMI). The demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, and chest computed tomography (CT) were collected, analyzed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: Our data showed that COVID-19 patients with obesity had more underlying diseases and higher mortality rate compared to those without obesity. Furthermore, patients with obesity also demonstrated more severe pathological change in lung and higher blood lymphocytes, triglycerides, IL-6, CRP, cystatin C, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which may greatly influence disease progression and poor prognosis of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: It suggest that obesity contributes to clinical manifestations and may influence the progression and prognosis of COVID-19 and it is considered as a potential risk factor of the prognosis of COVID-19. Special medical care and appropriate intervention should be performed in obesity patients with COVID-19 during hospitalization and later clinical follow-up, especially for those with additional other comorbidities.

Application of PICCO During Anesthesia of Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Ventricular Isolation Plasty Due to Left Ventricular Aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular aneurysm is a common complication type of myocardial infarction. Percutaneous ventricular restoration (PVR) is a new and minimally invasive surgical method for left ventricular aneurysm. Due to its complication and high demand on the surgeon, careful cooperation of anesthesia work is of great significance for the successful implementation of the operation. CASE PRESENTATION: During anesthesia, Pulse Index Continuous Cardiac Output (PICCO) not only monitors general hemodynamic parameters, but also displays parameters such as cardiac output, myocardial contractility, pre-cardiac load, etc., which provides important guidance for the anesthetic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This study aimed to explore the application of PICCO in the anesthesia of patients by analyzing the clinical anesthesia management of 3 cases of patients undergoing transcatheter ventricular partitioning restoration (TVPR) due to left ventricular aneurysm in the case of analysis.

[Intervention effect of Modified Dahuang Zhechong Granule on epididymal morphological changes in experimental varicocele rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Modified Dahuang Zhechong Granule (MDZG) on the development and maturation of epididymal sperm in experimental varicocele (VC) rats. METHODS: Sixty SD male rats were randomly divided into six groups of equal number, sham operation, VC model, Aescuven forte, and low-, medium- and high-dose MDZG. The model of left VC was made by the Turner method in all the rats except those of the sham operation group, followed by treatment with 0.9% normal saline for the animals in the sham operation and VC model groups, Aescuven forte tablets at 54 mg per kg of the body weight for those in the Aescuven forte group, and MDZG at 0.6, 1.2 and 2.4 g/ml for those in the low-, medium- and high-dose MDZG groups, all administered intragastrically qd for 8 successive weeks. Then, all the rats were sacrificed and their left epididymides harvested for examination of the quality of the epididymal sperm and the local microscopic and ultrastructural changes of the epididymal tissue. RESULTS: The VC model rats showed significant apoptosis of the epididymal sperm cells, interstitial edema, microvascular dilatation, degeneration and degeneration of the epithelial cells, degeneration of some principal cells and basal cell vacuoles, and immature spermatids in the lumen. Sperm motility was significantly increased in the Aescuven forte and low-, medium- and high-dose MDZG groups as compared with the VC models (P <0.01). Both sperm concentration and motility were markedly higher in the high-dose MDZG than in the Aescuven forte group (P <0.05). Remarkable apoptosis of epididymal sperm cells was observed in the microenvironment of sperm development in the VC models, which exhibited no statistically significant difference from that in the rats of the medium- and high-dose MDZG groups. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental varicocele induced local apoptosis of epididymal sperm cells, interstitial edema and microvascular dilatation in the rat epididymis, while Modified Dahuang Zhechong Granule could improve the stability of epididymal sperm maturation and contribute to their development.

Residual behavior and risk assessment of the mixed formulation of benzene kresoxim-methyl and fluazinam in cucumber field application.

Benzene kresoxim-methyl (BKM) is a new strobilurin fungicide mixed with fluazinam (Flu) into 40 % suspension concentrate (SC) formulation to improve fungicidal efficacy and to reduce the risk of resistance on cucumber. However, the fate of the fungicide residues in a cucumber plantation remains unclear. Thus, an efficient method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe sample preparation was developed to simultaneously determine the BKM and Flu residues in cucumber and soil samples to investigate their residual behavior and risk assessment in the cucumber plantation. This analytical method revealed that the detection limits of BKM and Flu were 1.64 × 10(-3) and 1.82 × 10(-3) mg L(-1), respectively, and their average recoveries in the cucumber and soil samples were 77.5-106.9 %. The respective half-lives of BKM and Flu were 2.2-3.4 and 1.0-2.5 days in cucumber; in soil, the half-lives of BKM and Flu were 2.6-5.0 and 2.4-5.3 days, respectively. Seven days after application, the terminal residues of BKM and Flu in cucumber were less than 0.02 mg kg(-1). The residual profiles of BKM and Flu suggested that these fungicides could rapidly degrade in cucumber plantations. Their hazard quotient values were all less than 1 on the preharvest intervals of 3, 5, and 7 days, indicating that the dietary risk of BKM and Flu 40 % SC with the recommended usage on cucumber is negligible.

[Antioxidating and energy metabolism improving effects of Qiangjing Decoction on oligospermia and asthenospermia: An experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms of Qianjing Decoction in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia (OAS). METHODS: We randomly divided 100 SPF male rats into five groups of equal number: normal, model, Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qiangjing. OAS models were established in the animals followed by intragastrical administration of normal saline, ornidazole, Huangjingzanyu Capsules (200 mg per kg body weight per day), levocarnitine (100 mg per kg body weight per day), and Qianjing Decoction (10 g per kg body weight per day), respectively, qd, for 4 successive weeks. Then, we detected the concentration and motility of the epididymal sperm, obtained the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), α-glucosidase, and fructose in the epididymis, and determined the mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the epididymal tissue of the rats by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The concentration and motility of the epididymal sperm in the model, Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qianging groups were (35.34 ± 4.22) x 10(6)/ml and (40.04 ± 7.05)%, (48.12 ± 5.56) x 10(6)/ml and (62.46 ± 7.12)%, (47.14 ± 4.87) x 10(6)/ml and (63.23 ± 6.34)%, and (50.25 ± 5.08) x 10(6)/ml and (66.34 ± 7.58)%, respectively, all significantly lower than in the normal group ([53.05 ± 4.55] x 10(6)/ml and [70.20 ± 8.54]%) (P < 0.05), but remarkably higher in the Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qiangjing groups than in the model rats (P < 0.05). Compared with the thinned epididymal lumen walls, decreased sperm count, and disorderly and loose arrangement of the lumens in the OAS models, the rats in the Huangjingzanyu, levocarnitine, and Qiangjing groups showed evidently thicker epididymal lumen walls, with the lumens full of sperm cells and arranged regularly and compactly, similar to those of the normal rats. The levels of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly lower but that of MDA markedly higher in the model rats ([84.12 ± 23.25], [10.56 ± 3.02], and [14.04 ± 2.06] nmol/mg) than in the normal group ([110.04 ± 19.56], [17.25 ± 3.56], and [8.87 ± 1.35] nmol/mg) (P < 0.05), while the former two indexes remarkably higher and the latter one significantly lower in the animals treated with Qiangjing Decoction ([120.56 ± 23.68], [16.34 ± 3.12], and [8.45 ± 1.56] nmol/mg), Huangjingzanyu Capsules ([115.34 ± 21.35], [15.23 ± 3.67], and [8.33 ± 1.54] nmol/mg), and levocarnitine ([116.67 ± 22.67], [15.35 ± 3.45], and [8.05 ± 1.78] nmol/mg) than in the models (P < 0.05). The levels of fructose, LDH and α-glucosidase were decreased markedly in the OAS models ([100.22 ± 12.12] mg/[ ml x g], [322 ± 46.13] U/[ ml x g], and [10.48 ± 2.33] U/[ml x g]) as compared with the normal rats ([128.12 ± 13.45] mg/[ml x g], [428 ± 35.12] U/[ml x g], and [15.34 ± 3.12] U/[ ml x g]) (P < 0.05), remarkably higher in the rats treated with Qiangjing ([130.23 ± 13.67] mg/[ml x g] [455 ± 51.50] U/[ml x g], and [18.56 ± 4.67] U/[ml x g]), Huangjingzanyu ([124.16 ± 14.02] mg/[ml x g], [ 419 ± 43.14] U/[ml x g], and [17.64 ± 4.08] U/[ml x g]), and levocarnitine ([123.34 ± 14.02] mg/[ml x g], [430 ± 31.80] U/ [ml x g], and [16.85 ± 5.55] U/[ml x g]) than in the models (P < 0.05). The Nrf2 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the models as compared with the normal rats (P < 0.05) but remarkably increased in the Huangingzanyu, Qiangjing and levocarnitine groups as compared with the model and normal animals (P < 0.05). The SDH mRNA expression was significantly lower in the model than in the normal rats (P < 0.05) but markedly elevated in the Huangjingzanyu, Qiangjing and levocarnitine groups as compared with the model and normal animals (P < 0.05), remarkably higher in the Qiangjing than in the Huangjingzanyu group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ornidazole induces OAS in rats, which is closely associated with excessive oxidation and energy metabolism dysfunction. Qiangjing Decoction can improve and even reverse ornidazole-induced OAS in rats as well as improve the ultrastructure of their testicular and epididymal tissues. Antioxidation and improvement of energy metabolism are probably the action mechanisms of Qiangjing Decoction in the treatment of OAS.

Neuroprotectin/protectin D1: endogenous biosynthesis and actions on diabetic macrophages in promoting wound healing and innervation impaired by diabetes.

Dysfunction of macrophages (MΦs) in diabetic wounds impairs the healing. MΦs produce anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving neuroprotectin/protectin D1 (NPD1/PD1, 10R,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13E,15Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid); however, little is known about endogenous NPD1 biosynthesis by MΦs and the actions of NPD1 on diabetic MΦ functions in diabetic wound healing. We used an excisional skin wound model of diabetic mice, MΦ depletion, MΦs isolated from diabetic mice, and mass spectrometry-based targeted lipidomics to study the time course progression of NPD1 levels in wounds, the roles of MΦs in NPD1 biosynthesis, and NPD1 action on diabetic MΦ inflammatory activities. We also investigated the healing, innervation, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress in diabetic wounds treated with NPD1 or NPD1-modulated MΦs from diabetic mice. Injury induced endogenous NPD1 biosynthesis in wounds, but diabetes impeded NPD1 formation. NPD1 was mainly produced by MΦs. NPD1 enhanced wound healing and innervation in diabetic mice and promoted MΦs functions that accelerated these processes. The underlying mechanisms for these actions of NPD1 or NPD1-modulated MΦs involved 1) attenuating MΦ inflammatory activities and chronic inflammation and oxidative stress after acute inflammation in diabetic wound, and 2) increasing MΦ production of IL10 and hepatocyte growth factor. Taken together, NPD1 appears to be a MΦs-produced factor that accelerates diabetic wound healing and promotes MΦ pro-healing functions in diabetic wounds. Decreased NPD1 production in diabetic wound is associated with impaired healing. This study identifies a new molecular target that might be useful in development of more effective therapeutics based on NPD1 and syngeneic diabetic MΦs for treatment of diabetic wounds.

China's policies: post-COVID-19 challenges for the older population.

On 7 December 2022, the State Council of China released 'Measures to Further Optimize the Implementation of the Prevention and Control of the New Coronavirus Epidemic'. The previous three-year dynamic zero epidemic prevention policy was then replaced with a full liberalization policy. On 5 May 2023, the World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 no longer constituted a 'public health emergency of international concern.' However, given the ongoing prevalence of coronavirus, emerging mutations, and the liberalization of restrictions, there are increased risks of vulnerable people contracting new variants. Low vaccination coverage among older people with compromised immune systems, puts them at further risk. The policy shift will increase pressure on already stretched health infrastructure and medical resources. This short article adds to the current debate arguing that the Chinese government should take commensurate preventive measures, including strengthening medical facilities and equipment and targeting ongoing vaccination in older people.

Paper ContextThe COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected older people.This short paper discusses the consequences of China's liberalization policy on the older population.It suggests that the Chinese government should have taken targeted measures to mitigate health risks occurring under the changed circumstances.

Characterize the Growth and Metabolism of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans under Electroautotrophic and Chemoautotrophic Conditions.

Acidophiles are capable of surviving in extreme environments with low pH. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a typical acidophilic bacterium that has been extensively studied when grown chemoautotrophically, i.e., when it derives energy from oxidation of Fe2+ or reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs). Although it is also known to grow with electrons supplied by solid electrodes serving as the sole source of energy, the understanding of its electroautotrophic growth is still limited. This study aimed to compare the growth characteristics of A. ferrooxidans under electroautotrophic (ea) and chemoautotrophic (ca) conditions, with an attempt to elucidate the possible mechanism(s) of extracellular electron flow into the cells. Jarosite was identified by Raman spectroscopy, and it accumulated when A. ferrooxidans used Fe2+ as the electron donor, but negligible mineral deposition occurred during electroautotrophic growth. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that A. ferrooxidans possesses more pili and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) under electroautotrophic conditions. A total of 493 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 297 genes being down-regulated and 196 genes being up-regulated in ea versus ca conditions. The genes known to be essential for chemoautotrophic growth showed a decreased expression in the electroautotrophic condition; meanwhile, there was an increased expression of genes related to direct electron transfer across the cell's outer/inner membranes and transmembrane proteins such as pilin and porin. Joint analysis of DEGs and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) showed that galactose metabolism is enhanced during electroautotrophic growth, inducing A. ferrooxidans to produce more EPSs, which aids the cells in adhering to the solid electrode during their growth. These results suggested that electroautotrophy and chemoautotrophy of A. ferrooxidans have different extracellular electron uptake (EEU) pathways, and a model of EEU during electroautotrophic growth is proposed. The use of extracellular electrons as the sole energy source triggers A. ferrooxidans to adopt metabolic and subsequently phenotypic modifications.

Novel lipid mediator 7S,14R-docosahexaenoic acid: biogenesis and harnessing mesenchymal stem cells to ameliorate diabetic mellitus and retinal pericyte loss.

Introduction: Stem cells can be used to treat diabetic mellitus and complications. ω3-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) derived lipid mediators are inflammation-resolving and protective. This study found novel DHA-derived 7S,14R-dihydroxy-4Z,8E,10Z,12E,16Z,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid (7S,14R-diHDHA), a maresin-1 stereoisomer biosynthesized by leukocytes and related enzymes. Moreover, 7S,14R-diHDHA can enhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) functions in the amelioration of diabetic mellitus and retinal pericyte loss in diabetic db/db mice. Methods: MSCs treated with 7S,14R-diHDHA were delivered into db/db mice i.v. every 5 days for 35 days. Results: Blood glucose levels in diabetic mice were lowered by 7S,14R-diHDHA-treated MSCs compared to control and untreated MSC groups, accompanied by improved glucose tolerance and higher blood insulin levels. 7S,14R-diHDHA-treated MSCs increased insulin+ ß-cell ratio and decreased glucogan+ α-cell ratio in islets, as well as reduced macrophages in pancreas. 7S,14R-diHDHA induced MSC functions in promoting MIN6 ß-cell viability and insulin secretion. 7S,14R-diHDHA induced MSC paracrine functions by increasing the generation of hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, 7S,14R-diHDHA enhanced MSC functions to ameliorate diabetes-caused pericyte loss in diabetic retinopathy by increasing their density in retina in db/db mice. Discussion: Our findings provide a novel strategy for improving therapy for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy using 7S,14R-diHDHA-primed MSCs.

Recent advances in molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensors.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are the equivalent of natural antibodies and have been widely used as synthetic receptors for the detection of disease biomarkers. Benefiting from their excellent chemical and physical stability, low-cost, relative ease of production, reusability, and high selectivity, MIP-based electrochemical sensors have attracted great interest in disease diagnosis and demonstrated superiority over other biosensing techniques. Here we compare various types of MIP-based electrochemical sensors with different working principles. We then evaluate the state-of-the-art achievements of the MIP-based electrochemical sensors for the detection of different biomarkers, including nucleic acids, proteins, saccharides, lipids, and other small molecules. The limitations, which prevent its successful translation into practical clinical settings, are outlined together with the potential solutions. At the end, we share our vision of the evolution of MIP-based electrochemical sensors with an outlook on the future of this promising biosensing technology.

[Effects of mammalian-target-of-rapamycin pathway on lapatinib resistance in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a lapatinib resistance cell line for elucidating the mechanisms of drug resistance of lapatinib in human breast cancer cells. METHODS: The human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed in an incremental dose of lapatinib to establish a lapatinib resistance rMDA-MB-231 cell line. The assay of methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) was used to detect the cytotoxic activity of lapatinib against MDA-MB-231 and rMDA-MB-231 cells. The protein expression was detected by Western blot. Small interfering RNA was used to specifically knock down mammalian-target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) in rMDA-MB-231 cells. Apoptosis was determined by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The human breast cancer lapatinib resistance cell line rMDA-MB-231 was induced by lapatinib. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of lapatinib against MDA-MB-231 and rMDA-MB-231 cells were (6.1 ± 0.6) and (34.9 ± 2.7) µmol/L respectively (P < 0.01). Compared with MDA-MB-231 cells, the protein expression of mTOR in rMDA-MB-231 cells was significantly up-regulated. The protein expression of mTOR was significantly down-regulated by specific siRNA duplexes in rMDA-MB-231 cells. After siRNA interference, 20 µmol/L lapatinib was added into control, negative siRNA control and mTOR-targeted siRNA groups respectively. The percents of cell apoptosis in control, negative control and targeted siRNA groups were 13.4% ± 2.5%, 14.2% ± 2.8% and 34.6% ± 5.8% respectively, there was no significance between the first two groups (P > 0.05) , and there was significant difference between the control and targeted siRNA group (P < 0.01) . CONCLUSIONS: The up-regulation of mTOR plays an important role in the lapatinib-resistant phenotype of human breast cancer rMDA-MB-231 cells. And the down-regulation of mTOR increases the apoptotic death of lapatinib against rMDA-MB-231 cells.

Construction of public health core competence and the improvement of its legal guarantee in China.

Public health core capacity, first established by the 58th United Nations General Assembly in 2003 and recognized by the World Health Organization when "the International Health Regulations" were revised, refers to the basic and necessary capacity to allocate human, financial, and material resources for the prevention and control of public health events that a country or region should have. It includes national and regional levels, and its constituent elements and their basic requirements differ, but public health core capacity building at both national and regional levels requires certain legal safeguards. At present, there are still some problems, including the imperfect legal system, conflicting legal norms, the non-sufficient supply of local legislation, and the weak operability of legislation in the legal guarantee of public health core capacity building in China. China should make improvements in terms of comprehensive cleaning of existing public health laws, strengthening their post-legislative evaluation, adopting parcel legislation, strengthening legislation in key areas of public health, and promoting the supply of local legislation. The goal is to provide a perfect and comprehensive legal system to guarantee the construction of China's core capacity in public health.

Expression and immunogenicity of recombinant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus Nsp9.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes acute diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and high mortality in newborn piglets, which leads to significant economic losses. Coronavirus nonstructural protein 9 (Nsp9) is an essential RNA binding protein for coronavirus replication, which renders it a promising candidate for developing antiviral drugs and diagnosis targeting PEDV. In this study, PEDV Nsp9 protein fused with MBP protein and His-tag were expressed and purified in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, immunization of MBP-Nsp9 enhances both humoral and cellular immunity responses as compared with that of His-Nsp9 protein. Finally, the swine immunization showed that Nsp9 protein could stimulate the swine immunity system to carry out humoral immunity, and the generated antibody could inhibit the proliferation of PEDV in Vero cells. Altogether, our data provide direct evidence for the immunogenicity of PEDV Nsp9, which sheds light on the future developments of anti-PEDV drugs and vaccines for PED prevention.

Consensus of Chinese experts on strengthening personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Up to now, there has not yet been guidance or consensus from Chinese experts in the field of personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. In view of the above, the endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of Chinese Non-government Medical Institutions Association, the integrated endocrinology diabetes Professional Committee of the integrated medicine branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and the diabetes education and microvascular complications group of the diabetes branch of the Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts to discuss and reach the "Chinese expert consensus on strengthening personalized prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes" for reference in clinical practice.