Ginsenoside Rg1 induces ferroptosis by regulating the focal adhesion kinase/protein kinase B-forkhead box O3A signaling pathway and alleviates sepsis-induced myocardial damage.

It is significant to note that 50% of patients with sepsis show cardiac insufficiency. Ginsenoside-Rg1 (G-Rg1) has been shown to have a cardiovascular protective effect. However, whether G-Rg1 is involved in the mechanism of action of sepsis-induced myocardial damage (SIMD) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of G-Rg1 on SIMD and to further investigate its mechanism and mechanisms of regulation of downstream pathways. An in vivo model of sepsis was established in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and mice was administered intraperitoneally 35 or 70 mg/kg G-Rg1 after surgery. The damage to cardiac tissue was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Forkhead transcription factor O subfamily member 3a (FOXO3A) in SIMD mice was detected by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis in mouse myocardial tissue was determined by TUNEL staining. The effect of G-Rg1 on SIMD cardiomyocytes was evaluated by incubating the cells with lipopolysaccharide to induce inflammation as an in vitro model of SIMD. Cardiomyocyte viability and apoptosis were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and Fe2+ markers of heart damage were detected by the kit. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) in heart tissue and H9c2 cells were determined by ELISA. The factors related to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/protein kinase B (AKT)-FOXO3A signaling pathway were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. High-dose G-Rg1 had a significant inhibitory effect on SIMD mouse model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes, reducing serum levels of LDH, CK-MB, and cTnI concentrations, which effectively alleviated SIMD. G-Rg1 restored the abnormally elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and iron ions and promoted the expression of anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory responses. In addition, G-Rg1 reversed the inhibitory effect of G-Rg1 on LPS-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury through activation of the FAK/AKT signaling pathway and up-regulation of FOXO3A. G-Rg1 promoted the activation of the FAK/AKT signalling pathway and up-regulation of the protein expression levels of pathway-associated proteins, p-FAK and p-AKT. Therefore, G-Rg1 mediated the FAK/AKT-FOXO3A signaling pathway and played a role in the treatment of SIMD. We conclude that G-Rg1 inhibited apoptosis and inflammation of cardiomyocytes induced by sepsis and reduced iron ion levels by regulating FAK/AKT-FOXO3A signaling pathway.

[Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in China from 2016 to 2021: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in China from 2016 to 2021, so as to provide insights into enterobiasis control and formulation of the enterobiasis control strategy among children. METHODS: Publications pertaining to the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children were retrieved from Wanfang Data, CNKI, VIP and PubMed databases published from January 2016 to June 2023. Eligible publications were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the publication bias was evaluated using the assessment tool for prevalence studies proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice Resources in Australia. The study period, study areas, study subjects, sample size and number of infections were extracted from publications, and a pooled analysis was performed using a meta-analysis. A meta-regression analysis was performed with the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections as an independent variable, and sample size, source of samples, study area, study method, geographical area and province as dependent variables to identify the source of the study heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 66 studies were included, covering 23 provinces (municipalities, autonomous regions) in China, and with the investigations conducted between 2016 and 2021. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 4.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): (3.1%, 6.0%)] among children in China from 2016 to 2021, and the annual prevalence was 4.1% [95% CI: (2.2%, 6.5%)], 4.2% [95% CI: (2.4%, 6.6%)], 4.2% [95% CI: (2.2%, 6.8%)], 3.2% [95% CI: (1.5%, 5.4%)], 2.3% [95% CI: (0.9%, 4.3%)] and 1.1% [95% CI: (0.4%, 2.1%)] from 2016 to 2021. The pooled prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 4.9% [95% CI: (3.4%, 6.8%)] in studies with a sample size of < 5 000 cases, which was higher than that in studies with a sample size of 5 000 cases and higher [2.1%, 95% CI: (0.2%, 3.6%)], and the pooled prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 5.2% [95% CI: (2.9%, 8.2%)] among subjects from schools, which was higher than that among subjects from communities [4.2%, 95% CI: (2.7%, 6.0%)]. The pooled prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 4.4% [95% CI: (2.8%, 6.2%)] among children included in comprehensive surveillance, which was higher than that among children included in specific surveillance [4.8%, 95% CI: (2.6%, 7.7%)], and the pooled prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 5.7% [95% CI: (3.8%, 7.8%)] among children included in county-level surveys, which was higher than that among children included in city-[4.8%, 95% CI: (2.3%, 8.0%)] and province-level surveys [1.8%, 95% CI: (0.3%, 4.7%)]. In addition, the pooled prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was higher among children in southern China [11.3%, 95% CI: (7.5%, 15.7%)] than that in central China [5.2%, 95% CI: (2.8%, 8.2%)], eastern China [5.2%, 95% CI: (2.8%, 8.2%)] and southwestern China [2.6%, 95% CI: (1.4%, 4.1%)]. Meta-regression analysis identified geographical area and survey province as factors affecting the study heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections is moderate among children in China, and the prevalence varies greatly in regions, with a high prevalence rate in southern China and presence of small-scale clusters. Enterobiasis surveillance and health education pertaining to enterobiasis control are required with adaptations to local circumstance to reduce the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children.

KCNH2A561V Heterozygous Mutation Inhibits KCNH2 Protein Expression via The Activation of UPR Mediated by ATF6.

The potassium channel protein KCNH2 is encoded by KCNH2 gene, and there are more than 300 mutations of KCNH2. Unfolded protein response (UPR) is typically initiated in response to an accumulation of unfolded and/or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The present study aimed to explore the UPR process and the role of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) in the abnormal expression of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2)A561V. The wild-type (wt) KCNH2 and A561V mutant KCNH2 was constructed with his-tag. The 293 cells were used and divided into KCNH2wt+KCNH2A561V, KCNH2wt and KCNH2A561V groups. The expression levels of ATF6 and KCNH2 in different groups were detected by Western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence and immuno-coprecipitation assays. The protein types and abundance of immuno-coprecipitation samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The proteomic analysis of the mass spectrometry results was carried out by using the reactome database and GO (Gene Ontology) tool. The mRNA expression levels of KCNH2 and ATF6 in the KCNH2wt+KCNH2A561V group were higher compared with the KCNH2A561V group. However, the full-length protein expression of ATF6 was inhibited, indicating that ATF6 was highly activated and a substantial number of ATF6 was sheared in KCNH2wt+KCNH2A561V group compared with control group. Furthermore, A561V-KCNH2 mutation leading to the accumulation of the immature form of KCNH2 (135 kDa bands) in ER, resulting in the reduction of the ratio of 155 kDa/135 kDa. In addition, the abundance of UPR-related proteins in the KCNH2A561V group was higher compared with the KCNH2wt+KCNH2A561V group. The 'cysteine biosynthetic activity' of GO:0019344 process and the 'positive regulation of cytoplasmic translation activity' of GO:2000767 process in the KCNH2A561V group were higher compared with the KCNH2wt+KCNH2A561V group. Hence, co-expression of wild-type and A561V mutant KCNH2 in 293 cells activated the UPR process, which led to the inhibition of protein translation and synthesis, in turn inhibiting the expression of KCNH2. These results provided a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of Long QT syndrome.

[Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma].

Objective: To investigate the features of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) in order to improve the preoperative diagnosis rate. Methods: CEUS images of 32 pathologically-proven cases of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma from January 2004 to August 2021 were collected. Lesions were analyzed to observe the features of enhancement mode, enhancement intensity, and distinct enhancement phases. Results: Among the 32 cases, one had a solitary lesion, 29 had multiple lesions, and two had diffuse-type lesions. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound revealed a total of 42 lesions in 32 cases. In terms of arterial phase enhancement, 18 lesions had overall enhancement, six lesions had uneven dendritic enhancement, 16 lesions had rim-like enhancement, and two lesions had just slight peripheral spot enhancement around the lesions. Among the three cases, there were multiple lesions that had overall enhancement and ring enhancement. In terms of the enhancement phase, 20 lesions showed "fast progression", 20 lesions showed "same progression", and two lesions showed "slow progression". During the late arterial or early portal venous phases with rapid washout, all lesions manifested as hypoechoic. With peaked enhanced intensity, 11 lesions had a lower enhancement intensity than the surrounding normal liver parenchyma; 11 lesions had the same enhancement degree as the surrounding normal liver parenchyma; and 20 lesions had a higher enhancement degree than the surrounding normal liver parenchyma. All 16 ring-enhancing lesions had marked hyperenhancement. In the typical enhancing lesions, four showed hyperenhancement, five showed low enhancement, and nine showed isoenhancement. In the dendrite-enhancing lesions, there were two isoenhancing and four hypoenhancing. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound delineated the boundaries of all lesions more clearly than two-dimensional ultrasound. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has certain value in the diagnosis of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

[Analysis of the core knowledge level of chronic diseases in Chinese adults and related factors].

Objective: To understand the core knowledge level and influencing factors of chronic disease prevention and control in Adults in China, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating chronic disease prevention and control measures. Methods: In this study, cross-sectional survey and quota sampling were used to recruit 173 819 permanent residents aged 18 and above from 302 counties of adult chronic diseases and nutrition surveillance in China to conduct an online questionnaire survey, including basic information and core knowledge of chronic diseases. The scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control were described by median and interquartile range, the Wilcoxon rank sum test or the Kruskal Wallis test was used for the inter-group comparison, and the correlation factors of the total score were analyzed by the multilinear regression model. Results: A total of 172 808 participants were surveyed in 302 counties and districts, of which 42.60%(73 623) were male and 57.40%(99 185) were female; The proportion of respondents aged 18-44, 45-59, and 60 years old and above was 54.74% (94 594), 30.91% (53 423) and 14.35% (24 791), respectively. The total score of the core knowledge of chronic prevention and control in the total population was 66(13), and the scores of different characteristic groups were different, and the differences were statistically significant: the eastern region had the highest score at 67(11) (H=840.66, P<0.01), the urban 66(12) was higher than the rural 65(14) (Z=-31.35, P<0.01), and the male 66(14) was lower than female 66(12) (Z=-11.66, P<0.01), 18-24 years old 64(13) was lower than other age groups(H=115.80, P<0.01), and undergraduate degree and above had the highest score compared to other academic qualifications, with 68(9) points(H=2 547.25, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that eastern (t=27.42, P<0.01), central (t=17.33, P<0.01), urban (t=5.69, P<0.01), female (t=17.81, P<0.01), high age (t=46.04, P<0.01) and high education (t=57.77, P<0.01) had higher scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control than other groups, the scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control of professional and technical personnel (t=8.63, P<0.01), state enterprises and institutions (t=38.67, P<0.01), agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery and water conservancy production (t=5.30, P<0.01), production, transportation and commercial personnel (t=24.87, P<0.01), and other workers (t=8.89, P<0.01) were higher than those of non-employed people. Conclusion: There are differences in the total scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control in different characteristics of people in China, and in the future, health education on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases should be strengthened for specific groups to improve the knowledge level of residents.

[Analysis of changes in self-efficacy and its influencing factors in type 2 diabetic patients after community-based self-management group intervention].

Objective: To analyze the changes in self-efficacy and its influencing factors in type 2 diabetic patients after community-based self-management group intervention. Methods: From August to November 2014, a 3-month community-based self-management intervention study of type 2 diabetes patients was implemented in Fangshan District, Beijing. 510 patients were recruited through posters, household inquiries and telephone notification and then were randomly divided into intervention group (260 patients) and control group (250 patients). Finally, 500 patients completed the study, including 259 in the intervention group and 241 in the control group. Self-efficacy score was measured through face-to-face interview at different time points, including pre-intervention, post-intervention, 2 years after the intervention and 5 years after the intervention, respectively. A two-level random coefficient model was fitted to analyze the long-term trend of self-efficacy and its relationship with group intervention. Results: Individual-level educational attainment, disease duration as well as their treatment plans had a positive correlation with self-efficacy of type 2 diabetic patients while gender and age did not affect their self-efficacy. Patients with junior middle school education, senior high school education and university and above education had 4.66 (P<0.05), 6.40 (P<0.05) and 11.02 (P<0.05) points higher than those with primary education, respectively. The self-efficacy of diabetic patients increased by 0.23 (P<0.05) for each additional course year. The effect of treatment plan on self-efficacy was mainly reflected in the self-efficacy of taking medication or insulin injection as prescribed and blood glucose monitoring. After controlling for the confounding factors, i.e., gender, age, disease duration, educational attainment, and treatment plan, self-efficacy scores at the post-intervention increased in both groups compared to those at the pre-intervention. The intervention group had 7.95 points higher than the control group (P<0.05). After the intervention, the self-efficacy scores of both groups decreased year by year while the intervention group declined faster, with 5.41 points (P<0.05) at 2 years after the intervention and 8.94 points (P<0.05) at 5 years after the intervention. Conclusion: Community-based self-management group intervention could improve the self-efficacy of type 2 diabetic patients while the self-efficacy decreases year by year in the absence of follow-up intervention.

[Progress in research of regional longevity level].

Regional longevity refers to a phenomenon of population age distribution in which longevity level in a certain area is significantly higher than the surrounding area at a certain point or period of time, and its longevity level is among the best in the whole country. In recent years, experts and scholars both at home and abroad have carried out multi studies of the influencing factors of individual longevity, but there are still relatively less studies to evaluate regional longevity level. This paper introduces the domestic and foreign evaluation research of regional longevity in terms of evaluation indicators and results, research scales and data sources, and proposes some advice for the future development. First, making full use of population death surveillance data to evaluate regional longevity level. Second, adopting multi-dimensional composite indexes to comprehensively, dynamically evaluate and accurately depict the regional longevity levels and its spatio-temporal change trend. Third, transforming regional longevity level evaluation to regional health and longevity level evaluation to promote healthy population aging.

First report of Fusarium proliferatum causing Root and Bulb Rot on tiller onion (Allium cepa L. var. Agrogatum Don) in China.

Tiller onion is a biennial herb and a fascicular variety of onion. Tiller onion has strong tillering ability and can produce up to ten bulbs per plant. It is widely cultivated due to nutrition and special flavor. In July 2020, we observed a disease that seriously affected the normal growth of tiller onion in Halahai Town, Nongan County, Jilin Province, China. At least 70% of tiller onions in the field were affected by this disease. Aboveground parts of the symptomatic plants showed stunted growth, wilting and drying. Underground parts of infected plants were shown that onion increase tiller number but did not grow and expand. Root appeared red lesions and rot in severe cases. The bulb disc appeared brown to dark brown rot. Symptomatic roots were cut into 0.5 cm pieces and surface-sterilized by dipping in 75% ethanol for 60 s, 3% NaOCl for 3 min, and rinsing three times with sterile distilled water. Pieces were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates and incubated at 25±1℃ for 4 days. Fifteen isolates were obtained and pure-cultured through single-sporing. On PDA plates, the colonies initially had white aerial mycelia that then turned pale purple. The color of the colonies on the back of the plates was purple. Macroconidia were hyaline, falcate and 14.4 to 38.7 × 1.2 to 3.0 µm. Microconidia were hyaline, reniform or elliptic, unicellular or bicellular and were 7.62 to 19.61 µm in length, and 3.23 to 8.41 µm in width. Based on these morphological and culture characteristics, the causal agent was tentatively identified as F. proliferatum. To confirm the pathogen identity, segments of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene ( ITS, primers ITS4 and ITS5, White et al., 1990), ß-tubulin gene (TUB2, primers T1 and T2, O'Donnell and Cigelnik, 1997), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF-1α, primers EF1 and EF2 from O'Donnell et al., 1998) were amplified by PCR. Per the BLASTN search, TEF-1α (Accession No. OL355013), TUB2 (Accession No. OL355012), and ITS (Accession No. OL355011) queries showed 99.26%, 100%, and 99.82% homology to F. proliferatum GenBank accessions KU872098, MH398224, and MH997878, respectively. Pathogenicity of fifteen isolates of F. proliferatum from tiller onion was confirmed by inoculating healthy tiller onion roots and bulb disc with a spore suspension (1 × 106 spores/ml) produced on PDA. For each treatment, five plants were injected with 5 ml of spore suspension. Control plants (n=5) were injected with sterilized water. All plants were enclosed in plastic bags for 48 h in a greenhouse at 28℃ and 12 h/d light cycle. After 10 days, inoculated plants showed similar symptoms to those on the original diseased plants, while control plants remained symptomless. F. proliferatum was successfully re-isolated from symptomatic plants to fulfill Koch's postulates. Diseases caused by F. proliferatum are only reported in A. cepa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. proliferatum in Allium cepa L. var. agrogatum Don in China. Our findings are important for informed surveillance of the disease in China as F. proliferatum infection can not only reduce the quality and yield of tiller onion but also can contaminate the bulbs with harmful mycotoxins.

[Comprehensive treatment options and influencing factors in elderly patients with breast cancer].

Objective: To investigate the treatment options for breast cancer patients aged 65 and over, and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: The clinical data of 521 elderly patients aged 65 years or older,who underwent surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to December 2015, were collected. They were all female and 65-98 years old. The patients were divided into 65-74 years old group (n=353) and ≥ 75 years old group (n=168). The differences of variables including age, functional status, treatment methods, pathological characteristics, comorbidities and survival time between the two groups were compared, and the differences of comprehensive treatment methods and their impact on clinical efficacy were analyzed. Results: The main operation methods of the two groups were modified radical mastectomy [39.1% (138/353) and 33.9% (57/168), respectively], breast conserving surgery [56.9% (201/353) and 61.3% (103/353), respectively]. Among the patients choosing adjuvant therapy, there was no significant difference between the two groups except chemotherapy (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the choice of chemotherapy was related to age, surgical methods, pathological types, tumor burden, molecular typing, functional status and comorbidities (all P<0.05). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score and the number of comorbidities were independent factors affecting the choice of chemotherapy for breast cancer in the elderly: [ECOG score: adjusted OR=0.45 (95CI: 0.26-0.75), number of comorbidities: adjusted OR = 0.63 (95CI:0.41-0.98); all P<0.05]. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of 521 elderly patients with breast cancer was 86.3%, 5-year overall survival rate was 88.8%, and the breast cancer specific survival rate was 94.3%. Conclusions: The comprehensive treatment of breast cancer patients aged 65 and above is not affected by age, but is associated with tumor burden, pathological type, molecular typing, comorbidities and ECOG score. Among them, ECOG score and the number of comorbidities are the independent factors influencing the choice of adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Chronic and non-communicable disease mortality and trends in Chinese elderly, 2004-2018].

Objective: To analyze the mortality level and trend of chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among elderly residents aged 65 and over in China from 2004 to 2018, and predict the age-standardized mortality rate of NCDs from 2019 to 2023. Methods: Data on resident death was collected from the National Mortality Surveillance data set and used to analyze the unstandardized mortality rates, age-standardized mortality rates, composition ratios and changing trends of NCDs among different genders, urban and rural areas, and geographical regions in China during 2004 to 2018. The age-standardized mortality rates were calculated based on the Year 2010 Population Census of China. The Joinpoint Regression Models were fitted by the weighted least squares method. The average annual percent change (AAPC) and its 95% confidence interval for the entire time period were calculated. Log-linear models were used to predict age-standardized mortality rates. Results: From 2004 to 2018, the age-standardized mortality rates of NCDs decreased from 4 697.05 per 100 000 to 3 555.35 per 100 000, with an average annual decline of 2.0% (95%CI: -2.7%- -1.3%). The age-standardized mortality rates among different genders, urban and rural areas, and regions showed a downward trend. The age-standardized mortality rates of eastern region (AAPC = -2.1%, 95%CI: -2.8%- -1.3%) and central region (AAPC = -2.8%, 95%CI: -3.4%- -2.1%) fell faster than that of western region (AAPC = -0.8%, 95%CI: -1.8%-0.2%). The proportion of deaths caused by NCDs increased from 89.82% to 91.41%, with an average annual increase of 0.1% (95%CI: 0.1%-0.2%). Expected to 2023, the age-standardized mortality rates for male (3 906.23 per 100 000) will be significantly higher than female's (2 708.43 per 100 000); and that in rural areas (3 283.20 per 100 000) will be approximately equal to that in urban areas (3 250.01 per 100 000); the gap of age-standardized mortality rate between the western (3 782.48 per 100 000), eastern (3 037.01 per 100 000), and central region (3 249.24 per 100 000) will be further increased. Conclusion: From 2004 to 2018, age-standardized mortality rates of NCDs of the elderly residents in China showed a downward trend, and the proportion of deaths of NCDs showed an upward trend. Male and the western region elderly residents should be the key population for prevention and control of chronic diseases in the future.

[Evaluation on the quality of 236 National Demonstration Areas for comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases betweem 2017 and 2019].

Objective: To evaluate the quality of the National Demonstration Area for Comprehensive Prevention and Control of NCDs (referred to as "the Demonstration Area"). Methods: Based on the evaluation scores of the Demonstration Area field survey from 2017 to 2019, we counted the scores of each indicator, comparing the scores among indicators and regions. x±s was used to describe the scores. The 95%CI of the score was used to test the statistical difference among regions. Each score was converted into a hundred-mark system to compare the scores among indicators. Results: Of 236 Demonstration Areas, the total score was 83.5. The scores of the first-level indicator listed from high to low appeared as Integrating System of NCD Prevention and Control (92.8), Policy Perfection (90.3), Building Supportive Environment for NCD Prevention and Control (88.4), Implementation of Health Education and Health Promotion (87.4), Whole-course Management of NCDs (78.1), Innovation and Guidance (76.5), Surveillance and Evaluation (75.1). Total scores were higher in the east (259.2±18.8) comparing to the middle (243.2±15.2) or the west (245.4±19.7) regions. Conclusions: Substantial variations on the quality in the Demonstration Area existed across different regions in China. These disparities are important to the government when developing health policies and allocating resources. Whole-course Management of NCDs, Surveillance and Evaluation, and Innovation and Guidance in the Demonstration Area also needs to be improved.

TRIM56 suppresses the malignant development of hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting RBM24 and inactivating the Wnt signaling.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the expression pattern of TRIM56 in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and its influence on the prognosis, and to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of TRIM56 in regulating HCC cell behaviors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TRIM56 levels in HCC specimens and paracancerous specimens were detected. Then, the influences of TRIM56 on clinical data and prognosis in HCC patients were assessed. Next, the regulatory effects of TRIM56 on proliferative potential in Huh7 and Bel-7402 cells were determined, and the role of TRIM56 on the Wnt signaling was examined. Finally, biological characteristics between TRIM56 and RBM24 in HCC development were illustrated by Luciferase assay and rescue experiments. RESULTS: TRIM56 was lowly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. HCC patients expressing a low level of TRIM56 suffered advanced T stage and poor survival. Besides, overexpression of TRIM56 inhibited proliferative potential of Huh7 cells, while knockdown of TRIM56 in Bel-7402 yielded the opposite result. TRIM56 was able to negatively regulate key genes in the Wnt signaling. In addition, RBM24 was proven to be the downstream target of TRIM56, which was involved in TRIM56-influenced HCC development. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulated TRIM56 in HCC samples is closely linked to pathological staging and prognosis. TRIM56 alleviates the malignant development of HCC by inactivating the Wnt signaling and targeting RBM24.

Long non-coding RNA PLAC2 suppresses the survival of gastric cancer cells through down-regulating C-Myc.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) placenta-specific protein 2 (PLAC2) on the biological behaviors of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating the expression of c-Myc gene and its mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of PLAC2 in GC tissues and different GC cell lines was detected via quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of PLAC2 on apoptosis and cycle, migration, and invasion of GC cells were detected using flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. After interference in PLAC2 expression, the changes in c-Myc expression were determined through qRT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The expression level of PLAC2 was downregulated in 38 out of 45 cases of GC tissues compared with that in normal gastric tissues, and it also declined in GC cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that after overexpression of PLAC2, the cell cycle was arrested in the G1/G0 phase, and the apoptosis rate was increased. The results of wound healing assay and transwell assay revealed that both migration and invasion of GC cells were inhibited. After overexpression of PLAC2, the mRNA and protein expression levels of c-Myc declined. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA PLAC2 affects the biological behaviors of GC cells by regulating the expression of c-Myc gene.

[Epidemic trend and control progress of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province].

Soil-transmitted nematodiasis was once widely prevalent in Jiangsu Province, which seriously threatened human health and hindered socioeconomic development. The control efforts over decades resulted in a remarkable decline in the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode human infections in Jiangsu Province, with a reduction from 59.32% in 1989 to 0.12% in 2019, and the human prevalence remains at < 0.5% since 2013. Since 1987, an integrated strategy has been adopted for the control of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province; however, the core interventions varies at different stages, which mainly include deworming, water and sanitation service improvement, health education, and monitoring and assessment. The criteria of effective soil-transmitted nematodiasis control had been achieved in all epidemic counties (districts) of Jiangsu Province by 2019. Further actions to strengthen health education and monitoring and implement precision control measures are required to consolidate the achievements of soil-transmitted nematodiasis control and eliminate the harm of soil-transmitted nematodiasis to humans. This review summarizes the epidemiology, control progress and evolution of control strategy of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province.

[Polarization of human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived macprophages induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis proteins in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the polarization of human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived macrophages induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis proteins in vitro, so as to provide insights into the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying host immune responses to hookworm infections. METHODS: The in-vitro culture of N. brasiliensis was established and maintained in the laboratory, and the third- (L3) and fifth-stage larvae (L5) were collected under a sterile condition for preparation of L3 and L5 proteins. The in-vitro culture of THP-1 cells was established, stimulated with 500 ng/mL PMA to yield M0 macrophages that were adherent to the plate wall. The LPS + IFN-γ group, IL-4 + IL-13 group, L3 protein group and L5 protein group were given stimulation with 500 ng/mL LPS plus 100 ng/mL IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 (both 100 ng/mL), L3 protein (5 mg/mL) and L5 protein (5 mg/mL), respectively, while the negative control group was given no stimulation. The cell morphology was observed using microscopy, the mRNA expression of M1/M2 macrophages-specific genes was quantified using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the surface markers of M1/M2 macrophages were detected using flow cytometry, while the levels of cytokines secreted by M1/M2 macrophages were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following stimulations, so as to examine the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages induced by N. brasiliensis proteins in vitro. RESULTS: Following stimulation with PMA, THP-1 cells appeared wall-adherent M0 macrophages, and polarized to typical M1 macrophages following stimulation with LPS + IFN-γ, and typical M2 macrophages following stimulation with IL-4 + IL-13, IL-3 protein or L5 protein. There was a significant difference in the proportion of M1 macrophages among the negative control group, the LPS + IFN-γ group, the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (χ2 = 3 721.00, P < 0.001), with the highest proportion detected in the LPS + IFN-γ group, and there was also a significant difference in the proportion of M2 macrophages among groups (χ2 = 105.43, P < 0.001). There were significant differences among groups in terms of the mRNA expression of CCL2 (F = 191.95, P < 0.001), TNF-α (F = 129.95, P < 0.001), IL-12b (F = 82.89, P < 0.001), PPARγ (F = 11.30, P < 0.001), IL-10 (F = 9.51, P < 0.001) and Mrc1 genes (F = 12.35, P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in the proportion of positive CD86 and CD206 expression among groups (χ2 = 24 004.33 and 832.50, P < 0.001). Higher IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were measured in the LPS + IFN-γ group than in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (P < 0.001), and greater TGF-ß1 and IL-10 levels were seen in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group than in the negative control group and the LPS + IFN-γ group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both L3 and L5 proteins of N. brasiliensis may induce the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages to M2 type in vitro.

[Burden of disease attributable to alcohol use and its counter measure in China].

Harmful drinking causes serious consequences to social security as well as physical and mental health of the general public. The Global Burden of Disease Study (2017) showed that the number of alcohol-related deaths in China in 2017 was 1.82 times higher than that in 1990, and the population attributable fraction increased by 44.13%. The burden of disease caused by drinking alcohol had been increasing. By comparing with the comprehensive intervention strategy of restricting harmful drinking put forward by the World Health Organization, we suggest that the current interventions that need to be improved in China should include several aspects below: (1) strengthening the control of alcohol production, marketing and circulation, (2) restricting the availability of alcohol products for minors through enterprise self-discipline, laws and regulations, parents and school health education, (3) bridging gaps in appropriate techniques and services for alcohol restriction/abstinence in the health care system, (4) providing services such as rapid screening of alcohol dependence and short abstinence interventions, (5) strengthening restrictions on alcohol advertising especially in new media (e.g., online and social media) marketing practices for alcohol products, (6) conducting scientific research and evaluation on alcohol tax-related issues, and (7) regularly reviewing alcohol prices related to inflation and income levels.

[The pH-Sensitive Potassium Channel TASK-1 Is a Chemosensor for Central Respiratory Regulation in Rats].

TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel-1 (TASK-1) is a "leak" potassium channel sensitive to extracellular protons. It contributes to setting the resting potential in mammalian neurons. TASK-1 channels are widely expressed in respiratory-related neurons in the central nervous system. Inhibition of TASK-1 by extracellular acidosis can depolarize and increase the excitability of these cells. Here we describe the distribution of TASK-1 in the rat brainstem and show that TASK-1 mRNAs are present in respiratory-related nuclei in the ventrolateral medulla, which have been proposed as neural substrates for central chemo-reception in rats. After inhalation of 8% CO2 for 30 and 60 min, TASK-1 mRNA levels in positive-expression neurons were remarkably upregulated. Injection of the TASK-1 blocker anandamide (AEA) into the rat lateral cerebral ventricle, showed a significant excitement of respiratory at 10 min posttreatment, with a marked decrease in inspiratory and expiratory durations and an increased frequency of respiration. We suggest that TASK-1 channel may serve as a chemosensor for in central respiration and may contribute to pH-sensitive respiratory effects. TASK-1 channel might be an attractive candidate for sensing H^(+)/CO2 in several respiratory-related nuclei in the brainstem. It is likely that TASK-1 participates in pH-sensitive chemical regulation in the respiratory center under physiological and pathological conditions.

Identification of potential mechanosensitive ion channels involved in texture discrimination during Drosophila suzukii egg-laying behaviour.

Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing drosophila) has become a major invasive insect pest of soft fruits in the America and Europe, causing severe yield losses every year. The female D. suzukii shows the oviposition preference for ripening or ripe fruit by cutting the hard skin with its serrated ovipositor. A recent study reported that mechanosensation is involved in the texture discrimination during egg-laying behaviour in D. suzukii. However, the underlying mechanism and molecular entity that control this behaviour are not known. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and degenerin/epithelial sodium channels (DEG/ENaC) are two candidate gene families of mechanically activated ion channels. Thus, we first identified TRP and DEG/ENaC genes in D. suzukii by bioinformatic analysis. Using transcriptome sequencing, we found that many TRP genes were expressed in the ovipositor in both D. suzukii and D. melanogaster, while some DEG/ENaCs showed species-specific expression patterns. Exposure to drugs targeting TRP and DEG/ENaC channels abolished the oviposition preference for harder texture in female D. suzukii. Therefore, mechanosensitive ion channels may play significant roles in the texture assessment of egg-laying behaviour in D. suzukii, which has promising implications to further research on the development of novel control measures.