Ipsilateral restriction of chromosome movement along a centrosome, and apical-basal axis during the cell cycle.

Little is known about how distance between homologous chromosomes are controlled during the cell cycle. Here, we show that the distribution of centromere components display two discrete clusters placed to either side of the centrosome and apical/basal axis from prophase to G1 interphase. 4-Dimensional live cell imaging analysis of centromere and centrosome tracking reveals that centromeres oscillate largely within one cluster, but do not cross over to the other cluster. We propose a model of an axis-dependent ipsilateral restriction of chromosome oscillations throughout mitosis.

V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 4 inhibits oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation to attenuate Parkinson's disease progression by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

OBJECTIVE: V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 4 (VSIG4) inhibits neurological dysfunction, microglial M1 polarization, and inflammation to participate in the progression of neurological disorders, but evidence regarding Parkinson's disease (PD) is scarce. The present study intended to investigate the engagement of VSIG4 in PD progression, and the potential mechanism. METHODS: BV-2 cells were treated with 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to establish PD model. MPP+ treated BV-2 cells were infected with VSIG4 overexpression adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) (oeVSIG4) and negative control AAV (oeNC), and AZD1480 (JAK2 inhibitor) was added to these cells. RESULTS: MPP+ reduced VSIG4 mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein (P < 0.05) in BV-2 cells. Interestingly, VSIG4 reduced malondialdehyde (P < 0.01), reactive oxygen species (P < 0.01), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (P < 0.05), cleaved-caspase1 (P < 0.05), tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05), and interleukin-1ß (P < 0.05), but increased glutathione (P < 0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.05), phosphorylation (p)-JAK2 (P < 0.05), and p-STAT3 (P < 0.01) in MPP+ treated BV-2 cells, which indicated that VSIG4 inhibited oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, as well as activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in PD model. Moreover, AZD1480 inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and aggravated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in PD model (all P < 0.05). Importantly, AZD1480 attenuated the influence of VSIG4 on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in PD model (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: VSIG4 suppresses oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which may be helpful in attenuating PD progression.

Considering traditional Chinese medicine as adjunct therapy in the management of chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora.

Chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Due to changes in diet, lifestyle, and the aging population, the incidence of chronic constipation has increased year by year. It has had an impact on daily life and poses a considerable economic burden. Nowadays, many patients with chronic constipation try to seek help from complementary and alternative therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often their choice. The intestinal flora play an important role in the pathogenesis of constipation by affecting the body's metabolism, secretion, and immunity. Regulating the intestinal flora and optimizing its composition might become an important prevention and treatment for chronic constipation. TCM has unique advantages in regulating the imbalance of intestinal flora, and its curative effect is precise. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between intestinal flora and chronic constipation as well as advances in research on TCM as adjunct therapy in the management of chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora. Some single Chinese herbs and their active ingredients (e.g., Rheum palmatum, Radix Astragalus, and Cistanche deserticola), some traditional herbal formulations (e.g., Jichuan decoction, Zengye decoction, and Zhizhu decoction) and some Chinese patent medicines (e.g., Maren pills and Shouhui Tongbian capsules) that are commonly used to treat chronic constipation by regulating intestinal flora are highlighted and summarized. Moreover, some external forms of TCM, and especially acupuncture, have also been found to improve intestinal movement and alleviate constipation symptoms by regulating intestinal flora. We hope this review can contribute to an understanding of TCM as an adjunct therapy for chronic constipation and that it can provide useful information for the development of more effective constipation therapies.

Metagenomic analysis revealed highly diverse carbon fixation microorganisms in a petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer.

As one of the ultimate products of hydrocarbon biodegradation, inorganic carbon always be used to evaluate hydrocarbon biodegradation rates in petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated (PHC) aquifers. The evaluation method was challenged because of the existence of carbon fixation microorganisms, which may uptake inorganic carbons and consequently cause the biodegradation rates to be underestimated. We wonder if there are carbon fixation microorganisms in PHC aquifers. Although an extremely limited number of carbon fixation microorganisms in PHC sites have been studied in previous studies, the vast majority of microorganisms that participate in carbon fixation have not been systematically identified. To systematically reveal carbon fixation microorganisms and their survival environmental conditions, high-throughput metagenomic sequencing technologies, which are characterized by culture-independent, unbiased, and comprehensive methods for the detection and taxonomic characterization of microorganisms, were introduced to analyze the groundwater samples collected from a PHC aquifer. Results showed that 1041 genera were annotated as carbon fixation microorganisms, which accounted for 49% of the total number of genera in the PHC aquifer. Carbon fixation genes involved in Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB), 3-hydroxy propionate (3HP), reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA), and Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) cycles accounted for 2%, 41%, 34%, and 23% of the total carbon fixation genes, respectively, and 3HP, rTCA, and WL can be deemed as the dominant carbon fixation pathways. Most of the identified carbon fixation microorganisms are potential hydrocarbon biodegraders, and the most abundant carbon fixation microorganisms, such as Microbacterium, Novosphingobium, and Reyranella, were just the most abundant microorganisms in the aquifer system. It's deduced that most of the microorganisms in the aquifer were facultative autotrophic, and undertaking the dual responsibilities of degrading hydrocarbons to inorganic carbon and uptaking inorganic carbon to biomass.

Ipsilateral restriction of chromosome movement along a centrosome, and apical-basal axis during the cell cycle.

Little is known about how distance between homologous chromosomes are controlled during the cell cycle. Here, we show that the distribution of centromere components display two discrete clusters placed to either side of the centrosome and apical/basal axis from prophase to G 1 interphase. 4-Dimensional live cell imaging analysis of centromere and centrosome tracking reveals that centromeres oscillate largely within one cluster, but do not cross over to the other cluster. We propose a model of an axis-dependent ipsilateral restriction of chromosome oscillations throughout mitosis.

Use of an intraoral scanner and CAD-CAM for simultaneous restoration with a personalized titanium post-core and a zirconia crown.

Customized posts-and-cores have been widely used for improved fitness within a prepared post space. However, in comparison to direct restoration, they necessitate an increased number of appointments for patients. A 24-year-old man presented with a maxillary left canine that had fractured due to trauma 10 months previously. For this case, a digital process was used for simultaneous restoration with a personalized titanium post-and-core and a zirconia crown achieved with an intraoral scanner (IOS) and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM). This workflow allowed the restoration to be completed in 2 visits, facilitating more effective and predictable treatment, with reduced time and cost for the patient.

Brain nuclei and neural circuits in neuropathic pain and brain modulation mechanisms of acupuncture: a review on animal-based experimental research.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is known to be associated with abnormal changes in specific brain regions, but the complex neural network behind it is vast and complex and lacks a systematic summary. With the help of various animal models of NP, a literature search on NP brain regions and circuits revealed that the related brain nuclei included the periaqueductal gray (PAG), lateral habenula (LHb), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC); the related brain circuits included the PAG-LHb and mPFC-ACC. Moreover, acupuncture and injurious information can affect different brain regions and influence brain functions via multiple aspects to play an analgesic role and improve synaptic plasticity by regulating the morphology and structure of brain synapses and the expression of synapse-related proteins; maintain the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons by regulating the secretion of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain tissues; inhibit the overactivation of glial cells and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins to reduce neuroinflammation in brain regions; maintain homeostasis of glucose metabolism and regulate the metabolic connections in the brain; and play a role in analgesia through the mediation of signaling pathways and signal transduction molecules. These factors help to deepen the understanding of NP brain circuits and the brain mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.

Effect of abutment design on fracture resistance of resin-matrix ceramic crowns for dental implant restoration: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance and fracture resistance of different resin-matrix ceramic materials for use in implant-supported single crowns with respect to the abutment design (crown thickness: 1 mm, 2 and 3 mm). METHODS: Forty-eight abutments and crowns were fabricated on implants in the right lower first molar. Two resin-matrix ceramic materials for dental crowns were selected for study: (1) a glass-ceramic in a resin interpenetrating matrix (Vita Enamic, Vita, Germany) and (2) a resin-based composite with nanoparticle ceramic filler (Lava Ultimate, 3 M ESPE, USA). Three types of abutments were designed: 1 mm thick crown + custom titanium abutment, 2 mm thick crown + custom titanium abutment and 3 mm thick crown + prefabricated titanium abutment. The experiment was divided into 6 groups (n = 8) according to the crown materials and abutment designs. After 10,000 thermocycles, fracture resistance was measured using a universal testing machine. The statistical significance of differences between various groups were analysed with ANOVA followed by a post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference test. The surfaces of the fractured specimens were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA revealed that the abutment design (F = 28.44, P = 1.52 × 10- 8<0.001) and the crown materials (F = 4.37, P = 0.043 < 0.05) had a significant effect on the fracture resistance of implant crown restoration. The Lava Ultimate-2 mm group showed the highest fracture resistance of 2222.74 ± 320.36 N, and the Vita Enamic-3 mm group showed the lowest fracture resistance of 1204.96 ± 130.50 N. Most of the 1 and 2 mm groups had partial crown fractures that could be repaired directly with resin, while the 3 mm group had longitudinal fracture of the crown, and the crowns were detached from the abutments. CONCLUSION: Based on the in vitro data of this study, the fracture resistance of the 2 mm thick resin-matrix ceramic crown design was higher than that of the 1 and 3 mm groups. The 2 mm thick resin-matrix ceramic crown and personalized abutment are an option to replace zirconia for implant crown restoration.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser and a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser for the treatment of freckles in Asian patients: A two-center randomized, split-face, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser is a novel laser that shows promising results in treating freckles. This study aimed to further investigate the efficacy and safety of the 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser for treating freckles in Asian patients compared with those of the 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser. METHODS: Each face of 86 participants was split into two parts and randomly assigned either one session of 730 or 755 nm picosecond-laser treatment each. Efficacy and safety were determined based on blinded visual evaluations and self-reports at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: The treatment outcomes of the 730 nm picosecond laser for the treatment of freckles were comparable to those of the 755 nm picosecond laser, with 68.99 ± 7.42% and 69.27 ± 7.75% clearance, respectively (p > 0.05). Participants achieved similar Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores (4.04 ± 0.31 vs. 4.02 ± 0.30, respectively [p > 0.05]). Additionally, the 730 nm picosecond laser was perceived to be less painful than the 755 nm picosecond laser (4.69 ± 1.63 vs. 5.65 ± 1.80 nm, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The 730 nm picosecond laser is safe and effective for the treatment of freckles in Asian patients. Besides, the 730 nm picosecond laser is less painful than the 755 nm picosecond laser.

PADI4 and IL-33 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the association between peptidyl arginine deiminase type IV (PADI4) and interleukin 33 (IL-33) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHOD: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve articles published up to January 20, 2023. Stata/SE 17.0 (College Station, TX) software was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The cohort study, case-control study focusing on the PADI4, IL-33 polymorphism, and SLE, JIA were retrieved. The data included basic information of each study and the genotypes and allele frequencies. RESULTS: Studies in PADI4 rs2240340 = 2 and 3 IL-33(rs1891385 = 3, rs10975498 = 2, rs1929992 = 4) were found in 6 articles. Overall, only the IL-33 rs1891385 show significant association between SLE in all 5 models. The results were OR (95% CI) = 1.528 (1.312, 1.778), P = .000 in Allele model (C vs A), OR (95% CI) =1.473 (1.092, 1.988), P = .000 in Dominant model (CC + CA vs AA), 2.302 (1.583, 3.349), P = .000 in Recessive model (CC vs CA + AA), 2.711 (1.845, 3.983), P = .000 in Homozygote model (CC vs AA), 5.568 (3.943, 7.863), P = .000 in Heterozygote model (CA vs AA). PADI4 rs2240340, IL-33 rs10975498, IL-33 rs1929992 were not found to be association with the risk of SLE and JIA. In gene model, statistically significant association was found between IL-33 rs1891385 and SLE in sensitivity analysis. Egger's publication bias plot showed there was no publication bias (P = .165). Only in recessive model the heterogeneity test was significant (I2 = 57.9%, P ≤ .093) of IL-33 rs1891385. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that in all 5 model, IL-33 rs1891385 polymorphism may be associated with genetic susceptibility to SLE. There was unclear association found between PADI4 rs2240340, IL-33 rs10975498, and IL-33 rs1929992 polymorphisms and SLE and JIA. Due to the limitations of included studies and the risk of heterogeneity, additional research is required to confirm our findings. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023391268.

Recent advances in Chinese patent medicines entering the international market.

As an indispensable part of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chinese patent medicines have played an important role in preventing and treating diseases in China. Since they are easy to use, easy to store, and cost-effective, Chinese patent medicines have been generally accepted and widely used in Chinese clinical practice as a vital medical resource. In recent years, as TCM has developed and it has been accepted around the world, many Chinese patent medicine companies have gained international market access and successfully registered several Chinese patent medicines as over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs in regions and countries that primarily use Western medicine such as the EU, Russia, Canada, Singapore, and Vietnam. Moreover, several Chinese patent medicines have been obtained the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval conducting phase II or III clinical trials in the US. The current work has focused on several Chinese patent medicines that have been successfully registered or that have been submitted for registration abroad. Summarized here are recent advances in the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of these Chinese patent medicines to treat respiratory infectious diseases (Lianhua Qingwen capsules, Jinhua Qinggan granules, and Shufeng Jiedu Capsules), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (Compound Danshen Dripping Pills, Huatuo Zaizao pills, and Tongxinluo Capsules), cancers (a Kanglaite injection and a Shenqi Fuzheng Injection), and gynecological diseases (Guizhi Fuling Capsules). The hope is that this review will contribute to a better understanding of Chinese patent medicines by people around the world.

Er:YAG laser removal of zirconia crowns on titanium abutment of dental implants: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to explore feasibility and the time required when erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser as a non-invasive treatment modality to retrieve different thicknesses of zirconia material bonded by two dental cements from titanium implant abutments. METHODS: Prepared 80 titanium blocks (length: 20 mm, width: 10 mm, height: 10 mm) and square zirconia sheets (length: 10 mm) with different thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm) were 20 pieces each. Resin modified glass ionomer cement (RelyX Luting 2; RXL) and resin cement (Clearfil SA luting; CSL) were used to bond zirconia sheet and titanium block. Specimens were kept in 100% humidity for 48 h. Er:YAG laser was used to retrieve the zirconia sheet and recorded the time. Universal testing machine was used to measure the residual adhesion of the samples that did not retrieve after 5 min of laser irradiation. Shear bond strength (MPa) and the time data (s) were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis Test. The bonding surface and the irradiation surface of the zirconia sheet was examined with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Within 5 min of laser irradiation, RXL group: 1 mm group all fell off, 2 mm group had 3 specimens did not fall off, there was no statistical difference in the average time between the two groups; CSL group: half of the 1 mm group fell off. Shear bond strength test results: there was no statistical difference between 1 and 2 mm in RXL group and 1 mm in CSL group, there was no statistical difference between 3 mm in RXL group and 2 mm in CSL group, and there were significant differences statistically in comparison between any two groups in the rest. SEM inspection showed that the bonding surface and the irradiation surface of the zirconia sheet had changes. CONCLUSION: In this vitro study, the following could be concluded: it is faster to remove zirconia crowns with thickness less than 2 mm from titanium abutment when luted with RelyX Luting 2 compared to Clearfil SA luting.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ectopic stromal cells via activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway in endometriosis.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissues with cancer-like features in extrauterine locations. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is a tyrosine kinase that is involved in cancer pathogenesis. This study aimed to determine the role of FGFR2 in endometriosis. A total of 29 pairs of ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues were collected from women with endometriosis. Endometrial tissues from women with hysteromyomas were considered as normal controls. Primary ectopic stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from the ectopic endometrium. The role of FGFR2 in ESCs was assessed using immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, cell counting kit-8 assay, EdU staining, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and western blotting. The following signaling pathways were detected using bioinformatic analysis and confirmed in vitro. By searching the GSE171154, GSE86543, and GSE77182 datasets, FGFR2 was identified as an upregulated overlapping gene in endometriosis. Compared to eutopic and normal endometria, FGFR2 was highly expressed in ectopic tissues. Transfection of primary ESCs with FGFR2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) repressed the viability and proliferation of cells and induced apoptosis. FGFR2 siRNA inhibited the migration, invasion, and transforming growth factor-ß1-triggered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling was found to be a downstream signaling pathway for FGFR2. The ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 was found to reverse the promoting effects of FGFR2 on ESC proliferation and invasion. FGFR2 silencing effectively inhibited the growth, migration, invasion, and EMT of ESCs. The effects of FGFR2 on endometriosis might be mediated via the activation of ERK signaling.

Comparing accuracy after guide access and microscope-assisted access for fiber post removal.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the accuracy of the guide-supported and the microscope-assisted fiber post removal systems by using the extracted teeth. These new idea and theory can be used by clinicians to remove fiber posts. METHODS: Twenty-eight human extracted premolars were randomly divided into the guide and microscope groups. After root canal treatment and fiber post restoration, the fiber posts were removed by using a digital guide and via microscope-assisted ultrasonic instrument, respectively. Mimics 10.0 was used to measure the deviation, and the accuracy of the two fiber post removal systems were compared. RESULTS: In the guide group, the apical vertical deviation was 0.99 mm±0.52 mm, the apical horizontal deviation was 0.75 mm±0.19 mm, the angle deviation was 2.32°±0.64°, and the volume loss was 8.09 mm3±1.42 mm3. In the microscope group, the apical vertical deviation was 0.44 mm±0.23 mm, the apical horizontal deviation was 0.23 mm±0.07 mm, the angle deviation was 0.64°±0.31°, and the volume loss was 15.25 mm3±3.94 mm3. No significant difference was found in the apical vertical deviation between the two groups (P>0.05), whereas the apical horizontal deviation, the angle deviation, and the volume loss were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The removal of fiber post supported by a digital guide helped reduce the volume loss of post-core restoration teeth, but its accuracy was lower than that of removal by using a microscope-assisted ultrasonic instrument.

The positive role of traditional Chinese medicine as an adjunctive therapy for cancer.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture, has been traditionally used to treat patients with cancers in China and other East Asian countries. Numerous studies have indicated that TCM not only alleviates the symptoms (e.g., fatigue, chronic pain, anorexia/cachexia, and insomnia) of patients with cancer and improves their quality of life (QOL) but also diminishes adverse reactions and complications caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted-therapy. Therefore, Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture and other alternative therapies need to be understood by TCM physicians and other health care providers. This review mainly summarizes the experimental results and conclusions from literature published since 2010, and a search of the literature as been performed in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, ScienceDirect, and China Hospital Knowledge Database (CHKD) databases. Some Chinese herbal medicines (e.g., Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, Astragali radix, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (TJ-41), Liu-jun-zi-tang (TJ-43), Shi-quan-da-bu-tang (TJ-48), and Ban-xia-xie-xin-tang (TJ-14)) and some acupuncture points (e.g., Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), Neiguan (PC6) and Baihui (GV20)) that are commonly used to treat cancer-related symptoms and/or to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted-therapy are highlighted and summarized. Through a review of literature, we conclude that TCM can effectively alleviate adverse gastrointestinal reactions (including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) to these anti-cancer therapies, decrease the incidence of bone marrow suppression, alleviate cardiotoxicity, and protect against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and radiation-induced pneumonitis. Moreover, TCM can alleviate epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)-related acneiform eruptions, diarrhea, and other adverse reactions. The hope is that this review can contribute to an understanding of TCM as an adjuvant therapy for cancer and that it can provide useful information for the development of more effective anti-cancer therapies. However, more rigorously designed trials involving cancer treatment must be conducted in the future, including complete quality control and standardized models at the cellular, organic, animal and clinical levels, in order to study TCM in multiple forms and at multiple levels.

JKAP relates to disease risk, severity, and Th1 and Th17 differentiation in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: JNK pathway-associated phosphatase (JKAP) is previously reported to regulate immune/inflammatory process via T-cell signaling, and closely involves in neurological diseases, while its implication in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation of JKAP with Th1/Th2/Th17 cells and their clinical roles in PD patients, and then further explore the effect of JKAP on regulating CD4+ T-cell differentiation in PD. METHODS: Totally 50 PD patients and 50 age-/gender-matched controls were enrolled. Their blood samples were collected and proposed to ELISA and flow cytometry assays for JKAP, Th1, Th2, and Th17 measurements. In vitro, CD4+ T cells were isolated from PD patients then transfected with JKAP overexpression and knockdown Lentivirus, followed by detection of markers (CD25+ cell proportion, CD69+ cell proportion, IFN-γ, IL10, and IL17). RESULTS: JKAP was downregulated in PD patients compared to controls, which also showed good potency to discriminate them. Besides, JKAP negatively correlated with Th1 and Th17 cell proportions, but did not associate with Th2 cell proportion in PD patients; Interestingly, JKAP did not correlated with Th1, Th2, or Th17 cell proportions in controls. Furthermore, JKAP correlated with some parts of unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. In vitro, JKAP overexpression repressed CD4+ T-cell activation and its differentiation into Th1 and Th17 cells in PD, while JKAP knockdown appeared opposite effect. INTERPRETATION: JKAP associates with disease risk and severity, correlates with Th1 and Th17 cells, and regulates CD4+ T-cell activation/differentiation in PD.

The role of the MAP kinase-kinase protein StMKK1 in potato immunity to different pathogens.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in plant immunity. Previously, we reported that the potato StMKK1 protein negatively regulates Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to Phytophthora infestans. However, the functions of StMKK1 in potato immunity are unknown. To investigate the roles of StMKK1 in potato resistance to different pathogens, such as the potato late-blight pathogen P. infestans, the bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, and the gray-mold fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, we generated StMKK1 transgenic lines and investigated the response of potato transformants to destructive oomycete, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. The results showed that overexpression and silencing of StMKK1 do not alter plant growth and development. Interestingly, we found that StMKK1 negatively regulated potato resistance to the hemibiotrophic/biotrophic pathogens P. infestans and R. solanacearum, while it positively regulated potato resistance to the necrotrophic pathogen B. cinerea. Further investigation showed that overexpression of StMKK1 suppressed potato pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and salicylic acid (SA)-related responses, while silencing of StMKK1 enhanced PTI and SA-related immune responses. Taken together, our results showed that StMKK1 plays dual roles in potato defense against different plant pathogens via negative regulation of PTI and SA-related signaling pathways.

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine external treatment for the hyperemesis gravidarum: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of frequent nausea and vomiting, inability to eat, and fluid imbalance caused by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) seriously impact the quality of life of pregnant women. In some serious cases, it is even necessary to terminate the pregnancy, and threatens the life of the pregnant woman. A great many of studies have proved that HG can be effectively treated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) external treatment. Nevertheless, its relative effectiveness and safety haven't yet been confirmed because of the variety of TCM external treatment. Therefore, we will use the method of network meta-analysis to verify the effectiveness and safety of different types of TCM external treatment for the HG. METHODS: In this study, English and Chinese literatures that meet the requirements will be searched in EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CnKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM. Regardless of whether blinding is used or not, all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using TCM external treatment for the HG will be included. Then, Stata 16.0 will be used to conduct a series of pairwise meta-analysis. WinBUGS 1.4.3 and Stata 16.0 will be used to conduct Bayesian network meta-analysis to evaluate the relative results of different TCM external treatments for the HG. The quality included in the study will be evaluated through the classification of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TCM external treatment for the HG according to the primary and secondary outcomes, and we rank different kinds of TCM external treatments in accordance with effectiveness. The primary outcomes are the intensity of nausea and vomiting. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, adverse outcome of pregnant women, adverse outcome of fetal, duration of hospitalization and so on. CONCLUSION: This study will provide more convincing and detailed information of TCM external treatment for the HG, and the reference value for clinical treatment. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY 202090089.

Qualitative Study on the Influencing Factors and Countermeasures Against Job Burnout Among Organ Donation Coordinators.

Background: Most organ donation coordinators suffer varying degrees of anxiety, depression and poor sleep caused by constant work pressure, and their professional identity is only at a medium level. All of this leads to a great risk of job burnout. Objective: To identify the influencing factors of and effective countermeasures against job burnout among organ donation coordinators. Method: Semistructured interviews were used for data collection. In-person or phone interviews were conducted from December 2017 to June 2018. Results: 12 organ donation coordinators who came from 7 different provinces and cities in China were interviewed. The interview data were sorted, and relevant topics were extracted and summarized in terms of two aspects, namely, factors that influenced job burnout in organ donation coordinators and effective countermeasures for dealing with job burnout. Conclusion: Factors influencing job burnout among organ donation coordinators include personal factors, job responsibilities, salary and benefit factors, and donor family factors. Measures to help organ donation coordinators effectively address burnout include self-regulation, social support, and positive events.

Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 and its target microRNA-125b are potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease management via interactions with FOXQ1, PTGS2 and CDK5.

This study aimed to investigate the intercorrelation among long noncoding RNA MALAT1 (lnc-MALAT1), microRNA-125b (miR-125b), FOXQ1, PTGS2 and CDK5, as well as their correlations with disease risk, severity and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In total, 120 AD patients, 120 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 120 controls were enrolled. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 50 AD patients, 50 PD patients and 50 controls; plasma samples were obtained from all participants. Lnc-MALAT1, miR-125b, FOXQ1, PTGS2 and CDK5 were detected by RT-qPCR. CSF lnc-MALAT1/FOXQ1 and plasma lnc-MALAT1 were downregulated, while CSF miR-125b/PTGS2/CDK5 and plasma miR-125b/PTGS2 were upregulated in AD patients compared to PD patients and controls, which differentiated AD patients from PD patients and controls, as demonstrated by ROC curve analyses. In AD patients, CSF/plasma lnc-MALAT1 negatively correlated with miR-125b and PTGS2 but positively correlated with FOXQ1; CSF/plasma miR-125b negatively correlated with FOXQ1 but positively correlated with PTGS2/CDK5. In addition, CSF/plasma lnc-MALAT1 and FOXQ1 correlated with alleviated disease severity, while miR-125b, PTGS2 and CDK5 correlated with exacerbated disease severity, which were manifested by their correlations with MMSE score, Aß42, t-tau and p-tau in AD patients. However, their correlations with MMSE score, Aß42, t-tau and p-tau were weak in PD patients and controls. Notably, CSF but not plasma lnc-MALAT1 and miR-125b could predict the MMSE score decline at 1 year, 2 years and 3 years in AD patients. In conclusion, lnc-MALAT1 and its target miR-125b are potential biomarkers for AD management via their intercorrelation with FOXQ1, PTGS2 and CDK5.