Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with an External Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 30.

Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are strong candidates for next-generation display and lighting technologies due to their high color purity and low-cost solution-processed fabrication. However, PeLEDs are not superior to commercial organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in efficiency, as some key parameters affecting their efficiency, such as the charge carrier transport and light outcoupling efficiency, are usually overlooked and not well optimized. Here, ultrahigh-efficiency green PeLEDs are reported with quantum efficiencies surpassing a milestone of 30% by regulating the charge carrier transport and near-field light distribution to reduce electron leakage and achieve a high light outcoupling efficiency of 41.82%. Ni0.9 Mg0.1 Ox films are applied with a high refractive index and increased hole carrier mobility as the hole injection layer to balance the charge carrier injection and insert the polyethylene glycol layer between the hole transport layer and the perovskite emissive layer to block the electron leakage and reduce the photon loss. Therefore, with the modified structure, the state-of-the-art green PeLEDs achieve a world record external quantum efficiency of 30.84% (average =  29.05 ± 0.77%) at a luminance of 6514 cd m-2 . This study provides an interesting idea to construct super high-efficiency PeLEDs by balancing the electron-hole recombination and enhancing the light outcoupling.

Analysis of potential biomarkers and immune infiltration in autism based on bioinformatics analysis.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by both environmental and genetic factors. However, its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to establish an immune-related diagnostic model for ASD using bioinformatics methods and to identify ASD biomarkers. Two ASD datasets, GSE18123 and GSE29691, were integrated into the gene expression Database to eliminate batch effects. 41 differentially expressed genes were identified by microarray data linear model (limma package). Based on the results of the immune infiltration analysis, we speculated that neutrophils, B cells naive, CD8+ T cells, and Tregs are potential core immune cells in ASD and participate in the occurrence of ASD. Finally, the differential genes and immune infiltration in ASD and non-ASD patients were compared, and the most relevant genes were selected to construct the first immune correlation prediction model of ASD. After the calculation, the model exhibited better accuracy. The calculations show that the model has good accuracy.

Resveratrol protects against postmenopausal atherosclerosis progression through reducing PCSK9 expression via the regulation of the ERα-mediated signaling pathway.

Elevated circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) levels are an important contributor to postmenopausal atherosclerosis (AS). We have previously reported that resveratrol (RSV), as a phytoestrogen, reduces hepatocyte steatosis and PCSK9 expression in L02 cells. This study aimed to investigate how RSV reduces PCSK9 expression to inhibit postmenopausal AS progression. Here, we found that treatment of Ovx/ApoE -/- mice with RSV significantly reduced dyslipidemia, plasma PCSK9 concentration and aortic plaque area. In addition, RSV significantly inhibited liver fat accumulation and improved the hepatocyte ultrastructure. Further studies showed that RSV upregulated estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression, while reduced the liver X receptor α (LXRα) expression and sterol regulatory-element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) transcriptional activity. In vitro, RSV inhibited insulin-induced elevated intracellular/extracellular PCSK9 levels, enhanced receptor-mediated uptake of low-density lipoproteins in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, RSV attenuated the activity of the SRE-dependent PCSK9 promoter. However, these effects can be partially reversed by the antiestrogen ICI 182,780. Attenuation of these changes with ERα inhibition suggest that RSV may prevent the progression of postmenopausal AS by reducing PCSK9 expression in hepatocytes through ERα-mediated signaling.

Machine learning predictive models for grading bronchopulmonary dysplasia: umbilical cord blood IL-6 as a biomarker.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the predictive value of umbilical cord blood Interleukin-6 (UCB IL-6) for the severity-graded BPD and to establish machine learning (ML) predictive models in a Chinese population based on the 2019 NRN evidence-based guidelines. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we included infants born with gestational age <32 weeks, who underwent UCB IL-6 testing within 24 h of admission to our NICU between 2020 and 2022. We collected their medical information encompassing the maternal, perinatal, and early neonatal phases. Furthermore, we classified the grade of BPD according to the 2019 NRN evidence-based guidelines. The correlation between UCB IL-6 and the grades of BPD was analyzed. Univariate analysis and ordinal logistic regression were employed to identify risk factors, followed by the development of ML predictive models based on XGBoost, CatBoost, LightGBM, and Random Forest. The AUROC was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of each model. Besides, we generated feature importance distribution plots based on SHAP values to emphasize the significance of UCB IL-6 in the models. Results: The study ultimately enrolled 414 preterm infants, with No BPD group (n = 309), Grade 1 BPD group (n = 73), and Grade 2-3 BPD group (n = 32). The levels of UCB IL-6 increased with the grades of BPD. UCB IL-6 demonstrated clinical significance in predicting various grades of BPD, particularly in distinguishing Grade 2-3 BPD patients, with an AUROC of 0.815 (95% CI: 0.753-0.877). All four ML models, XGBoost, CatBoost, LightGBM, and Random Forest, exhibited Micro-average AUROC values of 0.841, 0.870, 0.851, and 0.878, respectively. Notably, UCB IL-6 consistently appeared as the most prominent feature across the feature importance distribution plots in all four models. Conclusion: UCB IL-6 significantly contributes to predicting severity-graded BPD, especially in grade 2-3 BPD. Through the development of four ML predictive models, we highlighted UCB IL-6's importance.

Establishment of a predictive model for purulent meningitis in preterm infants.

Background: Purulent meningitis (PM) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in the newborn population throughout the world. The subtle of specific clinical signs and low success rates of lumbar puncture make diagnosis of PM more difficult in preterm than in older children. The objective of this study was to establish a predict model for preterm PM in hopes of helping clinicians develop new diagnostic and treatment strategies. Methods: Premature infants who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2017 to March 2020 were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent lumbar puncture. We collected data encompassing maternal diseases and neonatal clinical features. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture is the gold standard for diagnosing meningitis. The PM was diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria. All statistical analyses were performed using R 3.63 (https://www.r-project.org/). Logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were used to establish a risk prediction model of PM. The Brier score, calibration slope, and concordance (C)-index were used to verify the accuracy of prediction model. Results: A total of 168 preterm infants were enrolled in this study, 80 boys and 88 girls, the gestational age (GA) was 26.43-36.86 weeks (32.45±2.79 weeks), the birth weight (BW) was 700-3,400 g (1,814.05±568.84 g). There were 77 preterm infants with PM while 91 without. We identified seven variables as independent risk factors for PM in preterm infants by LASSO analysis [the optimal λ was 0.080960, and log(λ) = -2.5138], including procalcitonin (PCT) on the 1st day after birth, prenatal glucocorticoid use, albumin, the 1-minute Apgar score, the use of non-invasive biphasic positive airway pressure, hemoglobin, and sex. These were used to construct a risk prediction nomogram and verified its accuracy. The Brier score was 0.17, the calibration slope was 0.966, and the concordance index was 0.82018. Conclusions: Our prediction model could predict the risk of PM in preterm infants. Using this prediction model, it may be able to provide reference to determine whether lumbar puncture is performed and whether antibiotics are applied as soon as possible.

The Relationship Between Cord Blood Cytokine Levels and Perinatal Characteristics and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: To establish the association between serial levels of inflammatory cytokines in cord blood and perinatal characteristics and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Methods: 147 premature infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks who were born and hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between July 2019 and August 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective case-control study. Multiple microsphere flow immunofluorescence was used to detect seven cytokines in cord blood collected within 24 h of birth. Demographics, delivery characteristics, maternal factors, neonatal characteristics, and clinical outcomes were collected for the two groups. An unconditional logistic regression model was used in this study to assess the clinical variables. Results: IL-6 cord blood levels at birth were significantly higher in the BPD group than in the non-BPD group, but the odds ratio (OR) was very small (OR = 1). No differences in other cytokine concentrations were observed between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increased maternal white blood cell (WBC) count on admission and lower birth weight increased the risk of BPD progression. Conclusions: Increased IL-6 cord blood levels at birth in preterm infants may have trivial significance for predicting BPD. Furthermore, higher maternal WBC count on admission and lower birth weight increased the risk of BPD.

Development of a DNAzyme-based colorimetric biosensor assay for dual detection of Cd2+ and Hg2.

A colorimetric biosensor assay has been developed for Cd2+ and Hg2+ detection based on Cd2+-dependent DNAzyme cleavage and Hg2+-binding-induced conformational switching of the G-quadruplex fragment. Two types of multifunctional magnetic beads (Cd-MBs and Hg-MBs) were synthesized by immobilizing two functionalized DNA sequences on magnetic beads via avidin-biotin chemistry. For Cd2+ detection, Cd-MBs are used as recognition probes, which are modified with a single phosphorothioate ribonucleobase (rA) substrate (PS substrate) and a Cd2+-specific DNAzyme (Cdzyme). In the presence of Cd2+, the PS substrate is cleaved by Cdzyme, and single-stranded DNA is released as the signal transduction sequence. After molecular assembly with the other two oligonucleotides, duplex DNA is produced, and it can be recognized and cleaved by FokI endonuclease. Thus, a signal output component consisting of a G-quadruplex fragment is released, which catalyzes the oxidation of ABTS with the addition of hemin and H2O2, inducing a remarkably amplified colorimetric signal. To rule out false-positive results and reduce interference signals, Hg-MBs modified with poly-T fragments were used as Hg2+ accumulation probes during the course of Cd2+ detection. On the other hand, Hg-MBs can perform their second function in Hg2+ detection by changing the catalytic activity of the G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme. In the presence of Hg2+, the G-quadruplex structure in Hg-MBs is disrupted upon Hg2+ binding. In the absence of Hg2+, an intensified color change can be observed by the naked eye for the formation of intact G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzymes. The biosensor assay exhibits excellent selectivity and high sensitivity. The detection limits for Cd2+ and Hg2+ are 1.9 nM and 19.5 nM, respectively. Moreover, the constructed sensors were used to detect environmental water samples, and the results indicate that the detection system is reliable and could be further used in environmental monitoring. The design strategy reported in this study could broadly extend the application of metal ion-specific DNAzyme-based biosensors.

Development of a Nomogram for Moderate-to-Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Death: Role of N-Terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide as a Biomarker.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the clinical value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in predicting moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)/death, and to establish an effective clinical predictive nomogram. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed very low birth weight infants (VLBWs) with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks. The NT-proBNP values were determined on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after birth. The correlation between NT-proBNP level and moderate-to-severe BPD/death was evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the prediction ability. Then, we used multivariable logistic regression to build the prediction model and nomogram, and calibration of the model was assessed by calibration curve. Results: In total, 556 VLBWs were involved, among whom 229 developed BPD (mild: n = 109; moderate: n = 68; severe: n = 52) and 18 died. The NT-proBNP level in the moderate-to-severe BPD/death group was significantly higher than that in the no-to-mild BPD group from the 3rd to 28th day (P < 0.001). When the natural logarithm of the serum NT-ProBNP level increased by 1 unit at day 7 (±2 days) of life, the risk of moderate and severe BPD/death was the highest (OR = 3.753; 95% CI: 2.984~4.720), and ROC analysis identified an optimal cutoff point of 3360 ng/L (sensitivity: 80.0%; specificity: 86.2%; AUC: 0.861). After adjusting for confounding factors, the level of NT-proBNP at day 7 (±2 days) of life still had important predictive value for the development of moderate-to-severe BPD/death, significantly improving the predictive ability of the model. Conclusion: The level of NT-proBNP at day 7 (±2 days) of life can be used as an early promising biomarker for VLBWs to develop moderate-to-severe BPD/death. We constructed an early predictive nomogram to help clinicians identify high-risk populations.

A Good Way to Reduce Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity: Development of the ROP Model in a China Preterm Population.

Importance: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a preventable cause of blindness in children. Without treatment, more than 45% of eyes may suffer permanent vision loss. Current ROP screening guidelines, which include a range of birth weights (BWs) and gestational ages (GAs), may require screening many low-risk preemies who might develop severe ROP. Method: All high-risk infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2017 to 2021 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Each of the 27 candidate risk factors was evaluated in univariate analysis and adjusted for known risk factors (i.e., GA and BW). The significant results were analyzed in a backward selection multivariate logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and a nomogram were drawn. Results: The study included 2,040 infants who underwent ROP screening. The weight gain rate [OR, 2.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.49-1.21 ≤ 12 g/d vs. > 18 g/d; P = 0.001], blood transfusion (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.14-3.64; P = 0.017), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.15-2.66; P = 0.009) and N-terminal segment of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) ≥ 25,000 ng/L (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.00-2.28; P = 0.048) were four new statistically independent risk factors in addition to GA and BW. The area under the curve (AUC) of the final multivariate model was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.88-0.92; P < 0.001). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings add to our understanding of ROP screening because they include all eligible infants rather than only high-risk infants, as in previous studies. Under the control of BW and GA, low weight gain rate, increased number of blood transfusion, invasive mechanical ventilation and NT-proBNP ≥ 25,000 ng/L were "new" statistically independent risk factors for ROP. The ROP risk can be calculated manually or represented by a nomogram for clinical use.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a common pulmonary disease in newborns and is one of the main causes of death. The aim of this study was to build a new simple-to-use nomogram to screen high-risk populations. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study performed from January 2017 to December 2020, we reviewed data on very-low-birth-weight infants whose gestational ages were below 32 weeks. LASSO regression was used to select variables for the risk model. Then, we used multivariable logistic regression to build the prediction model incorporating these selected features. Discrimination was assessed by the C-index, and and calibration of the model was assessed by and calibration curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results: The LASSO regression identified gestational age, duration of ventilation and serum NT-proBNP in the 1st week as significant predictors of BPD. The nomogram-illustrated model showed good discrimination and calibration. The C-index was 0.853 (95% CI: 0.851-0.854) in the training set and 0.855 (95% CI: 0.77-0.94) in the validation set. The calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test results showed good calibration between the predictions of the nomogram and the actual observations. Conclusion: We demonstrated a simple-to-use nomogram for predicting BPD in the early stage. It may help clinicians recognize high-risk populations.

Association Between NT-proBNP and Prolonged Length of Stay in Hospital Among Preterm Infants Born at 28-31 Weeks' Gestation.

OBJECTIVE: In the early life of preterm infants, the relationship between heart function and length of hospitalization is unclear. This study aims to examine the association between serum NT-proBNP level on the 7th day (NT-proBNP7) after birth and length of hospitalization among preterm infants. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients included 709 preterm infants born at 28-31 weeks' gestational age (GA) admitted to the NICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between December 20, 2016, to April 31, 2021. Main outcome: Late discharge (postmenstrual age at discharge was in the fourth quartile (highest) among infants born at the same GA). Exposure factor: NT-proBNP7. RESULTS: We observed increased prevalence ratios for late discharge among the tertile of logarithm of NT-proBNP7 level (LnNT-proBNP7) which was positive. Compared with the lowest tertile, infants in the highest tertile of LnNT-proBNP7 had an 8.4-fold increased probability of late discharge, and the results were consistent for the subgroups. Next, a non-linear (S-shaped) relationship between LnNT-proBNP7 and late discharge was observed, whose turning points were 7.5 and 9. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals on the left of the first turning point, between two turning points and on the right of the second turning point, were 0.6 (95% CI, 0.2-1.6), 5.0 (95% CI, 2.4-10.6), and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.2-6.1), respectively. In addition, the prevalence of BPD, NEC, nosocomial infection, or any of them was highest in the group of LnNT-proBNP7 ≥ 9, lowest in the group of LnNT-proBNP7 < 7.5. CONCLUSION: Higher NT-proBNP7 levels were associated with longer hospitalization. The relationship between LnNT-proBNP7 and late discharge was S-shaped. LnNT-proBNP7 was positively related with late discharge when LnNT-proBNP7 was between 7.5 and 9.

LncRNA NORAD accelerates the progression and doxorubicin resistance of neuroblastoma through up-regulating HDAC8 via sponging miR-144-3p.

The dysregulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) often caused aberrant cell behaviors. In the present study, we focused on the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) in the development of neuroblastoma (NB). The enrichment of NORAD, miRNA-144-3p (miR-144-3p) and histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) was measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The proliferation, chemoresistance, apoptosis, metastasis and autophagy of NB cells were determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, transwell migration and invasion assays and Western blot assay, respectively. The target relationship between miR-144-3p and NORAD or HDAC8 was predicted by Starbase software and validated through dual-luciferase reporter assay, RIP and RNA-pull down assays. The protein expression of HDAC8 was measured by Western blot assay. Murine xenograft model was used to verify the function of NORAD in vivo. We found that the level of NORAD was up-regulated in NB tissues and cells, and the level of NORAD was negatively correlated with the prognosis of NB patients. NORAD promoted the proliferation, metastasis and doxorubicin (DOX) resistance while inhibited the apoptosis and autophagy of NB cells. MiR-144-3p was a target of NORAD in NB cells, and NORAD accelerated the progression and DOX resistance of NB through sponging miR-144-3p. HDAC8 was a direct target of miR-144-3p in NB cells, and miR-144-3p suppressed the progression of NB through down-regulating HDAC8. NORAD up-regulated the expression of HDAC8 through sponging miR-144-3p in NB cells. NORAD accelerated the growth of NB tumors at least partly through miR-144-3p/HDAC8 signaling in vivo. In conclusion, NORAD promoted the progression and DOX resistance of NB through miR-144-3p/HDAC8 axis in vivo and in vitro.

Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome Caused by a Novel Hemizygous CHAT Mutation.

Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a neuromuscular transmission disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding neuromuscular junction proteins. CMS due to choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) gene mutation is characterized by episodic apnoea. To date, 52 cases of CMS caused by CHAT gene mutations have been reported. Here, we report a neonate with the third hemizygous mutation [a 4.9 Mb deletion [10q11.22-10q11.23 (chr10: 46123781-51028772)] containing the whole CHAT gene and c.1976A>T (p.Gln659Leu in the CHAT gene)]. The c.1976A>T (p.Gln659Leu) variant had not been reported in the ExAC or gnomAD databases and was predicted to be pathogenic. The alignment of amino acid sequences revealed that glutamine at codon 659 is highly conserved in different species and causes structural changes in the substrate-binding site. Our female patient with neonate-onset CMS presented with apnoea, dyspnoea, feeding difficulties, weak crying, and seizure-like episodes, and her respiration was ventilator dependent. The prostigmine test was positive. This case may help to further elucidate clinical features and treatment methods in neonate-onset CMS caused by CHAT gene mutations.

Increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage in preterm infants with OPRM1 gene A118G polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between the OPRM1 gene A118G polymorphism and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in premature infants and identify the relevant genes in disease occurrence. METHODS: In the present case study analysis, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect the genotype and allele frequencies of the OPRM1 gene All8G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a case group of premature infants with ICH (n=167) and a control group of premature infants (n=163) without ICH. RESULTS: In the case group, 73 (43.7%) wild type A118 homozygous (A/A), 82 (49.1%) mutant heterozygous (A/G), and 12 (7.2%) mutant G118 homozygous (G/G) individuals were observed. The frequencies of A and G alleles were 68.3% and 31.7% respectively. In the control group, 89 (54.6%) wild type A118 homozygous (A/A), 68 (41.7%) mutant heterozygous (A/G), and 6 (3.7%) mutant G118 homozygous (G/G) individuals were observed. The frequencies of A and G alleles were 75.5% and 24.5% respectively. There was no significant difference in the frequency distribution of the OPRM1 gene A118G polymorphism between the two groups (χ2=4.839, P=0.089). There was a significant difference in the positive rate of wild-type AA and mutant-type (A/G + G/G) between the two groups (χ2=3.913, P=0.048). Carrying the G allele of the individual was 1.5 times more frequent suffering from the risk of ICH than carrying the A allele [odds ratio (OR): 1.549; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003-2.391], indicating that the OPRM1 118G allele was positively correlated with ICH and can increase the risk of ICH occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The OPRM1 gene A118G polymorphism is associated with ICH in premature infants. The OPRM1 gene A118G may play a critical role in the occurrence of ICH.

miR-34a inhibits progression of neuroblastoma by targeting autophagy-related gene 5.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common pediatric malignancy with high mortality in childhood. Although many attentions have been gained, novel biomarkers for NB diagnosis and prognosis are still needed. microRNAs (miRNAs) played important roles in NB progression and miR-34a is a tumor suppressor in NB. However, the mechanism that underlies miR-34a regulating proliferation, migration, invasion and autophagy in NB remains poorly understood. In this study, cell proliferation was investigated by MTT and colony assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by caspase 3 activity assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected by trans-well analysis. Autophagy was measured via GFP-LC3 puncta fluorescence assay and western blots (WB). The expression of miR-34a was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effect of miR-34a on autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) was detected by qRT-PCR and WB. The interaction between miR-34a and ATG5 was probed by luciferase activity and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Results showed that miR-34a expression was inhibited in NB tissues and cells with low survival rate. Addition of miR-34a suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and autophagy but promoted apoptosis in NB cells, whereas miR-34a deficiency played opposite roles in NB progression. Intriguingly, ATG5 was directly targeted by miR-34a. Moreover, ATG5 restoration attenuated miR-34a-mediated inhibitory effect on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and autophagy. These results indicated miR-34a suppressed proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and autophagy in NB cells by targeting ATG5, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for NB treatment.

miR-149 inhibits cell proliferation and enhances chemosensitivity by targeting CDC42 and BCL2 in neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of most common childhood tumors with high mortality among children worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play essential roles in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of NB. However, the role of miR-149 and its mechanism remain poorly understood. MAIN METHODS: The expression levels of miR-149, cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) were measured in NB tissues or cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell proliferation was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Chemosensitivity of NB cells to doxorubicin (Dox) was analyzed by MTT assay. The interaction between miR-149 and CDC42 or BCL2 was explored by luciferase activity and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses. RESULTS: Our data indicated that low expression of miR-149 was displayed in NB tissues and cells and associated with poor survival rate. Overexpression of miR-149 inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation but promoted cell apoptosis and chemosensitivity to Dox in NB cells. Moreover, CDC42 and BCL2 were targeted by miR-149. Additionally, CDC42 and BCL2 mRNA levels were elevated in NB tissues and cells and restoration of CDC42 or BCL2 reversed the regulatory effect of miR-149 on NB progression. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that miR-149 suppressed cell proliferation and improved Dox chemosensitivity by regulating CDC42 and BCL2 in NB, providing a novel avenue for treatment of NB.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N1-(isoquinolin-5-yl)-N2-phenylpyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxamide derivatives as potent TRPV1 antagonists.

Reported herein is the design, synthesis, and pharmacologic evaluation of a class of TRPV1 antagonists constructed on a N1-(isoquinolin-5-yl)-N2-phenylpyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxamide platform that evolved from a 5-aminoisoquinoline urea lead. Advancing the SAR of this series led to the eventual identification of 3b, comprising a p-Br substituted phenyl. In a TRPV1 functional assay, using cells expressing recombinant human TRPV1 channels, 3b displayed potent antagonism activated by capsaicin (IC50 = 0.084 µM) and protons (IC50 = 0.313 µM). In the preliminary analgesic and body temperature tests, 3b exhibited good efficacy in capsaicin-induced and heat-induced pain models and without hyperthermia side-effect. On the basis of its superior profiles, 3b could be considered as the lead candidate for the further development of antinociceptive drugs.

Responses of microbial capacity and community on the performance of mesophilic co-digestion of food waste and waste activated sludge in a high-frequency feeding CSTR.

To understand the relationship between microbes and digester performance of high-frequency feeding CSTR, which could achieve stable CH4 production at high OLR by easing instantaneous feeding shock, attentions were paid on the variations of methanogenic capacity (MC) and microbial community with OLR increasing. Results showed that the MC for feedstock degradation could satisfy the need of effective conversion from feedstock to CH4 when the OLR remained below 16.4 g-TS/L/d. Furthermore, the MC for acetate, propionate and butyrate degradation increased by 73.8%, 303%, and 164%, respectively, with OLR increasing from 3.03 g-TS/L/d 12.6 g-TS/L/d. The evolution of both bacterial and archaeal communities provided additional information on the adaptation of functional microbes to environmental factors. The significant increase of abundance of Methanoculleus and Methanomassiliicoccus likely promoted the utilization of H2, thus facilitating syntrophic methanogenesis, and consequently ensuring efficient CH4 production in stable stage.

Phenotypic and functional characterization of cytokine-induced killer cells derived from preterm and term infant cord blood.

Cord blood has gradually become an important source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the human, particularly in pediatric patients. Adoptive cellular immunotherapy of patients with hematologic malignancies after umbilical cord blood transplant is crucial. Cytokine­induced killer (CIK) cells derived from cord blood are a new type of antitumor immune effector cells in tumor prevention and treatment and have increasingly attracted the attention of researchers. On the other hand, it has been suggested that preterm infant cord blood retains an early differentiation phenotype suitable for immunotherapy. Therefore, we determined the phenotypic and functional characterization of CIK cells derived from preterm infant cord blood (PCB-CIK) compared with CIK cells from term infant cord blood (TCB-CIK). Twenty cord blood samples were collected and classified into two groups based on gestational age. Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) were isolated, cultured and induced to CIK cells in vitro. We used flow cytometry to detect cell surface markers, FlowJo software to analyze the proliferation profile and intracellular staining to test the secretion of cytokines. Finally, we evaluated the antitumor activity of CIK cells against K562 in vitro. Compared with TCB-CIK, PCB-CIK cells demonstrated faster proliferation and higher expression of activated cell surface markers. The secretion of IL-10 was lower in PCB-CIK cells while the expression of perforin and CD107a had no significant difference between the two cell groups. PCB-CIK cells exhibited a high proliferation rate while the cytotoxic activity had no difference between the PCB-CIK and TCB-CIK cells. Hence preterm infant cord blood may be a potential source for immunotherapy.