Prospective study of using 1064-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG combined with radiofrequency-imported vitamin C on pigmented infraorbital dark circles.

Infraorbital dark circles are a common manifestation of periorbital melanosis, which is aesthetically defective and bring a negative impact on life quality. However, there is no acknowledged treatment for infraorbital dark circles. The 1064-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser (QSNYL) is commonly utilized to treat hyperpigmentation disorders. Radiofrequency (RF) therapy can improve the transdermal absorption rate of drugs. A prospective clinical trial was conducted to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of 1064-nm QSNYL combined with RF-imported vitamin C for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles. A questionnaire was used to explore the relevant factors affecting the severity of infraorbital dark circles. A total of 30 patients with pigmented infraorbital dark circles were enrolled in this clinical trial. Each participant received 4 treatments and was followed up for at least 12 months after the last treatment.We focused on the overall change in the appearance of the included participants before and after treatment, by using satisfaction evaluation.In order to reduce evaluation bias, the vivo reflectance confocal microscopy images were taken on days 1 and 120 to detect pigmentation. The questionnaire survey before treatment showed that high-frequency makeup was positively and statistically significant with the severity of infraorbital dark circles (p < 0.01). Both participants and independent evaluators found that the hyperpigmentation in the infraorbital region was significantly reduced after combined treatment with high treatment satisfaction. The density of melanin particles in the infraorbital dark circles region showed a decreased trend. No significant side effects were observed. The 1064-nm QSNYL combined with RF-imported vitamin C is a safe and effective treatment for pigmented infraorbital dark circles by reducing melanin particles.

Fondaparinux Sodium for Anticoagulant Therapy After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Single-Center Randomized Trial in China.

ABSTRACT: In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of fondaparinux sodium in postpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) anticoagulation therapy for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. There are a total of 200 patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction underwent PCI and anticoagulation therapy. They were randomly split into experimental (n = 108) and control groups (n = 92). The experimental group received postoperative fondaparinux sodium (2.5 mg q.d), while the control group received enoxaparin (4000 IU q12 h). We did not use a loading dose for enoxaparin. Bleeding incidence and major adverse cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events were monitored during hospitalization, and at 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery. The primary end points, including bleeding, mortality, and myocardial infarction during hospitalization, were not significantly different between the 2 groups. For secondary end points, the incidence of combined end point events at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). According to Cox regression analysis, the risk of bleeding in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group [hazard ratios: 0.506, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.284-0.900] (P = 0.020). The risk of mortality in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (hazard ratio: 0.188, 95% CI: 0.040-0.889) (P = 0.035). In summary, perioperative use of fondaparinux sodium during PCI in patients with STEMI in this study was associated with a lower risk of bleeding and death compared with enoxaparin use in the absence of loading dose.

Synthesis and characterization of the trans- and cis-isomers of N-acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-buten-1-yl)-L-cysteine and their attempted detection in human urine.

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is a carcinogenic air pollutant. N-acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-buten-1-yl)-L-cysteine (MHBMA3 or 4HBeMA), an urinary BD metabolite with unspecified configuration, is considered the most sensitive BD biomarker and has been used in routine biomonitoring since 2012. However, two issues remain unaddressed: why its concentrations are unusually high relative to other urinary BD biomarkers and why some authors reported no detection of the biomarker whereas other authors readily quantitated it. To address the issues, we synthesized and structurally characterized the authentic trans- and cis-isomers of MHBMA3 (designated NE and NZ, respectively), developed an isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS method for their quantification, and examined 67 urine samples from barbecue restaurant personnel (n = 47) and hotel administrative staff (n = 20). The restaurant personnel were exposed to barbecue fumes, which contain relatively high concentrations of BD. The results showed that NE and NZ had highly similar NMR spectra, and were difficult to be well separated chromatographically. The NMR data showed that the MHBMA3 isomer investigated in most previous studies was NE. We did not detect NE and NZ in any samples; however, an interfering peak with varying heights was observed in most samples. Notably, under the chromatographic conditions used in the literature, the peak exhibited indistinguishable retention time from that of NE. Thus, it is highly likely that the interfering peak has been mis-identified as NE in previous studies, providing a reasonable explanation for the high MHBMA3 concentration in urine. The contradiction in the presence of MHBMA3 in urine was also caused by the mis-identification, because the researchers who reported the absence of MHBMA3 were actually detecting NZ. Thus, we clarified the confusion on MHBMA3 in previous studies through correctly identifying the two MHBMA3 isomers. The presence of NE and NZ in human urine warrants further investigations.

Kopsileuconines A-D: Bisindole alkaloids with cytotoxic activity from Kopsia hainanensis.

Kopsileuconines A-D (1-4), four monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloids with unprecedented skeletons, along with their biosynthetically related precursors (5-8) were isolated from the roots of Kopsia hainanensis. Compound 1 possessed an undescribed C-6-C-5' dimerization pattern of aspidofractinine-type alkaloids. Compounds 2-4 were rhazinilam-kopsine (2) and rhazinilam-aspidofractinine type (3 and 4) bisindole alkaloids with undescribed skeletons, respectively. Their structures with absolute configurations were fully accomplished by extensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum-chemical calculations, and X-ray crystallography. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1-4 was proposed. Compound 2 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect against human lung cancer cell lines PC9 (EGFR mutant), with an IC50 value of 15.07 ± 1.19 µM.

The role of MDM2 in angiogenesis: implications for endothelial tip cell formation.

In the present study, we examined the role of MDM2 in the angiogenesis process and its potential association with the sprouting of endothelial tip cells. To address this, we performed hypoxia-treated gastric cancer cells (HGC-27) to quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis to measure the levels of MDM2 and VEGF-A mRNA and protein expression. Subsequently, we employed siRNA to disrupt MDM2 expression, followed by hypoxia treatment. The expression levels of MDM2 and VEGF-A mRNA and protein were subsequently reassessed. Additionally, ELISA was utilized to quantify the secretion levels of VEGF-A in each experimental group. A conditioned medium derived from HGC-27 cells treated with different agents was employed to assess its influence on the formation of EA.hy926 endothelial tip cells, using various techniques including Transwell plates migration assays, wound healing experiments, vascular formation assays, scanning electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence staining. These findings demonstrated that the in vitro knockdown of MDM2 in the conditioned medium exhibited significant inhibitory effects on endothelial cell migration, wound healing, and vascular formation. Additionally, the intervention led to a reduction in the presence of CD34+ tip cells and the formation of filopodia in endothelial cells, while partially restoring the integrity of tight junctions. Subsequent examination utilizing RNA-seq revealed that the suppression of MDM2 in HGC-27 cells resulted in the downregulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Consequently, this downregulation led to an elevation in angiogenic effects induced by hypoxia.

Analysis of Risk Factors of Sarcopenia in Patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis and Its Correlation with Emotional Status and Quality of Life.

Objective: Sarcopenia is more common in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, and the aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors associated with sarcopenia in MHD patients, along with its correlation to emotional status and quality of life. Methods: This is a cross-sectional cohort study. A total of 111 MHD patients who were treated in the Department of Nephrology of our hospital were selected as the study subjects by convenience sampling. The quality of life and emotional status were evaluated by health survey scale (SF-36), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS). Regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of sarcopenia. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between sarcopenia and quality of life and emotional status. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 59.8%. The results showed that age, gender, body mass index (BMI), dialysis time, economic status, marital status and pre-dialysis creatinine were significant factors affecting the development of sarcopenia in hemodialysis patients (p<0.05). The SF-36 total score was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group (72.05±12.28 vs 78.03±10.55) than in the non-sarcopenia group, but the anxiety scale score (52.97±4.67 vs 36.2±3.36) and depression scale score (57.67±4.58 vs 38.71±3.77) were significantly higher than those in the non-sarcopenia group (p< 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that sarcopenia was positively correlated with SAS and SDS scores and negatively correlated with SF-36 total score (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The risk of sarcopenia was higher among MHD patients who were older, male, single, with a longer MHD duration, lower economic status, lower BMI, comorbid diabetes and lower levels of creatinine.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Giardia intestinalis Infestation and Assemblage of Isolates Among Monastery Primary School Children in Yangon, Myanmar.

Giardiasis is one of the major causes of diarrhea among children. To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and genotype of Giardia intestinalis, a cross-sectional descriptive study was done on stool samples of 462 children attending three monastery primary schools from North Okkalapa Township in Yangon, Myanmar from January 2016 to February 2019. Socioeconomic data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Direct wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, and trichrome staining techniques were used for the primary identification and then molecular identification was carried out by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing assay. G. intestinalis was identified in 11.7% (54/462) of students. There was no significant association with water source (p=0.948) and drinking untreated water (p=0.595). The infection was more common in children with low-educated parents, unsanitary garbage disposal practices, and no restrooms. All isolates were G. intestinalis assemblage B. This is the first study characterizing human isolates in a lower region of Myanmar, at the molecular level [MOU1]. These findings pointed out the high prevalence of G. intestinalis among primary school children from densely populated and low-resource settings.

IGF2 contributes to the immunomodulatory effects of exosomes from endometrial regenerative cells on experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND: Exosomes derived from endometrial regenerative cells (ERC-Exos) can inherit the immunomodulatory function from ERCs, however, whether ERC-Exos exhibit such effect on inflammatory bowel diseases with mucosal immune dysregulation has not been explored. Insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ (IGF2) is considered to possess the potential to induce an anti-inflammatory phenotype in immune cells. In this study, the contribution of IGF2 in mediating the protective efficacy of ERC-Exos on colitis was investigated. METHODS: Lentiviral transfection was employed to obtain IGF2-specific knockout ERC-Exos (IGF2-/--ERC-Exos). Experimental colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were divided into the phosphate-buffered saline (untreated), ERC-Exos-treated and IGF2-/--ERC-Exos-treated groups. Colonic histopathological analysis and intestinal barrier function were explored. The infiltration of CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. The maturation and function of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in different exosome administrations were evaluated by flow cytometry, ELISA and the coculture system, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the untreated group, ERC-Exos treatment significantly attenuated DSS-induced weight loss, bloody stools, shortened colon length, pathological damage, as well as repaired the weakened intestinal mucosal barrier, including promoting the goblet cells retention, restoring the intestinal barrier integrity and enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins, while the protective effect of exosomes was impaired with the knockout of IGF2 in ERC-Exos. Additionally, IGF2-expressing ERC-Exos decreased the proportions of Th1 and Th17, increased the proportions of Treg, as well as attenuated DC infiltration and maturation in mesenteric lymph nodes and lamina propria of the colitis mice. ERC-Exos were also observed to be phagocytosed by BMDCs and IGF2 is responsible for the modulating effect of ERC-Exos on BMDCs in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Exosomes derived from ERCs can exert a therapeutic effect on experimental colitis with remarkable alleviation of the intestinal barrier damage and the abnormal mucosal immune responses. We emphasized that IGF2 plays a critical role for ERC-Exos mediated immunomodulatory function and protection against colitis.

Longitudinal reduction in fluoroscopy with continued use of 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping systems in catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia - then and now.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is a first-line treatment for symptomatic, recurrent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This study aims to demonstrate if 3D-electroanatomic mapping (EAM) during SVT ablation reduces fluoroscopy time (FT) and determine if further reductions in FT are observed longitudinally. METHODS: All cases of SVT ablation between May 2011-May 2022 at a single tertiary centre were prospectively recruited. FT between the cohorts with and without EAM were compared. Within the EAM subset, the trend of FT across the years was analysed. RESULTS: There were 1758 cases included, 563 without EAM, 1195 with EAM. EAM was associated with a longer procedure time (mean + 8.8 min, p = 0.001), but with mean reductions in FT and dose area product (DAP) by 19.6 min and 18 621 mGy*cm2 respectively (p < 0.001). There was comparable efficacy without any increase in complication rates. Over time (2011-2022), further reduction in FT of 0.9 min year on year was observed (p = 0.001). Between 2011 and 2017, there was a significant reduction in FT of 1.1 min year on year (p = 0.019), which was not observed from 2017 onwards (p = 0.061). The greatest reduction in FT was after the first year of adoption. CONCLUSION: EAM in SVT ablation reduces fluoroscopy use. FT was initially observed to reduce further over time before plateauing, likely due to increased operator experience. While there is increased interest in zero fluoroscopy SVT ablation, complementary use of fluoroscopy may still be necessary in complex cases.

Polyketides from the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium robsamsonii HNNU0006.

Seven polyketides, including an undescribed depsidone (1) and six previously reported 3,6,8-trihydroxy-1-methylxanthone (2), 7-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxypropyl)-5-methylchromone (3), methyl3-chloro-6-hydroxy-2-(4-hy-droxy-2-methoxy-6-methylphenoxy)-4- methoxybenzoate (4), xylarianin A (5), 4,5-dihydroxy-6-(6'-methylsalicyloxy)-2-hydro-xymethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (6) and alternariol (7), have been isolated from cultures of the mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium robsamsonii HNNU0006. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, all the compounds were evaluated their cytotoxic activities, and compounds 1 and 7 showed weak cytotoxicity against two cell lines Vero and A549 with IC50 values ranging from 95.6 and 296.5 µM, relative to the positive control Etoposide phosphate with IC50 values of 24.5 and 18.7 µM, respectively.

Saccharopolyspora mangrovi sp. nov., a novel mangrove soil actinobacterium with distinct metabolic potential revealed by comparative genomic analysis.

A novel mangrove soil-derived actinomycete, strain S2-29T, was found to be most closely related to Saccharopolyspora karakumensis 5K548T based on 16 S rRNA sequence (99.24% similarity) and genomic phylogenetic analyses. However, significant divergence in digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity, and unique biosynthetic gene cluster possession distinguished S2-29T as a distinct Saccharopolyspora species. Pan genome evaluation revealed exceptional genomic flexibility in genus Saccharopolyspora, with > 95% accessory genome content. Strain S2-29T harbored 718 unique genes, largely implicated in energetic metabolisms, indicating different metabolic capacities from its close relatives. Several uncharacterized biosynthetic gene clusters in strain S2-29T highlighted the strain's untapped capacity to produce novel functional compounds with potential biotechnological applications. Designation as novel species Saccharopolyspora mangrovi sp. nov. (type strain S2-29T = JCM 34,548T = CGMCC 4.7716T) was warranted, expanding the known Saccharopolyspora diversity and ecology. The discovery of this mangrove-adapted strain advances understanding of the genus while highlighting an untapped source of chemical diversity.

Torsed retroperitoneal leiomyomas: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal leiomyomas (RLs) are rare benign tumours that can occur in the pelvic and/or abdominal parietal retroperitoneum. Once torsion occurs, it causes acute abdominal pain and can even lead to serious consequences such as gangrene, peritonitis, haemoperitoneum and shock if not identified and treated promptly. Therefore, a better understanding of the characteristics of RL torsion is needed. Here, we present a case of acute pedicle torsion of an RL in the posterior peritoneum followed by a literature review. CASE SUMMARY: Herein, we report the case of a 42-year-old woman with RL torsion. The patient visited our hospital complaining of lower abdominal pain for 6 d. Pelvic examination revealed a tender mass superior to the uterus. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an anterior uterine mass, multiple uterine fibroids and slight pelvic effusion. MRI suggested the possibility of a subserosal myoma of the anterior uterine wall with degeneration. Intraoperative exploration revealed a 10 cm pedunculated mass arising from the posterior peritoneum, with the pedicle torsed two times. Pathological examination confirmed a torsed RL. CONCLUSION: In the case of a pelvic mass complicated with acute abdomen, the possibility of torsion should be considered.

Pemphigoid diseases in patients with end-stage kidney diseases: pathogenesis and treatment.

Background: Pemphigoid diseases constitute a group of autoimmune blistering disorders characterized by subepithelial blistering. The association between pemphigoid diseases and both end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and its treatment is notable. However, there is limited evidence about the management of pemphigoid diseases in patients with ESKD. This systematic review compiled case reports and relevant studies, summarized the underlying mechanisms of pemphigoid diseases in patients with ESKD, and summarized the efficacy of various therapies. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Embase was performed for articles published between 1982 to June 2, 2024. Results: Fifty-three case reports and eight relevant studies were included. Triggers for pemphigoids in patients with ESKD included materials used to treat ESKD, immune dysregulation of patients with ESKD, and rejection of renal allograft. Treatment for these patients included removing triggers, as well as administering of corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), tetracyclines, rituximab, methotrexate, dapsone, azathioprine, cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG), plasmapheresis, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Conclusion: Removing triggers is the most effective strategy. Despite their suboptimal efficacy, corticosteroids remain the most commonly used agents in this patient population. MMF, tetracyclines, and rituximab are less used but with benefits. There are significant adverse effects associated with methotrexate treatment. Other treatment may also be beneficial and require further investigation. These findings may enable clinicians to optimize the therapeutic approach for these patients.

PrG protects postovulatory oocytes aging in mice through the putrescine pathway.

Postovulatory aging of oocytes involves a series of deleterious molecular and cellular changes, which adversely affect oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Petunidin-3-O-(6-O-pcoumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside (PrG), the main active ingredient of anthocyanin, exerts antioxidant effects. This study investigated whether PrG supplementation could delay postovulatory oocyte aging by alleviating oxidative stress. Our results showed that PrG supplementation decreased the number of abnormal morphology oocytes and improved the oxidative stress of aged oocytes by facilitating the reduction of the reactive oxygen species, the increase in glutathione content, and the recovery of expression of antioxidant-related gene expression. In addition, PrG treatment recovered mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial distribution, mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate in aged oocytes. PrG-treated oocytes returned to normal levels of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial calcium. Notably, PrG inhibited early apoptosis in aged oocytes. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR results revealed that PrG ameliorated oxidative stress injury in postovulatory aging oocytes of mice via the putrescine pathway. In conclusion, in vitro PrG supplementation is a potential therapy for delaying postovulatory oocyte aging.

Prenylated Acetophenone Derivatives from the Leaves of Acronychia pedunculata and Their Anti-proliferative Activities.

Four new prenylated acetophenone derivatives, including one acetophenone dimer [acronyrone D (1)] and three acetophenone monomers [acronyrones E-G (2-4)], along with seven known analogues (5-11) were obtained from the leaves of Acronychia pedunculata. Their structures and absolute configurations were established by analysis of HRMS and NMR data, single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and quantum chemical calculations. In addition, the isolates were tested for their anti-proliferative acivity against HCT-116, RKO and SW480 cancer cell lines. Remarkably, compound 5 exhibited significant anti-proliferative effects on the three cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.24 to 5.3 µM.

Anti-neuroinflammatory andrastin-type meroterpenoids from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium chrysogenum HNNU w0032.

A new andrastin-type meroterpenoid penimerodione A (1), and three known analogues (2-4), were isolated from the culture of a marine-derived fungus Penicillium chrysogenum HNNU w0032 by the guidance of MS/MS-based molecular networking. The planar structure of 1 was established by extensive NMR spectroscopic and HRESIMS analyses, and the absolute configuration was elucidated by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 showed significant inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated BV-2 macrophages with an IC50 value of 5.9 ± 0.3 µM. The Western blot result revealed that compound 1 exerted an anti-neuroinflammatory effect via the MAPK signalling pathway.

Trifolium repens L. recruits root-associated Microbacterium species to adapt to heavy metal stress in an abandoned Pb-Zn mining area.

Root-associated microbiota provide great fitness to hosts under environmental stress. However, the underlying microecological mechanisms controlling the interaction between heavy metal-stressed plants and the microbiota are poorly understood. In this study, we screened and isolated representative amplicon sequence variants (strain M4) from rhizosphere soil samples of Trifolium repens L. growing in areas with high concentrations of heavy metals. To investigate the microecological mechanisms by which T. repens adapts to heavy metal stress in abandoned mining areas, we conducted potting experiments, bacterial growth promotion experiments, biofilm formation experiments, and chemotaxis experiments. The results showed that high concentrations of heavy metals significantly altered the rhizosphere bacterial community structure of T. repens and significantly enriched Microbacterium sp. Strain M4 was demonstrated to significantly increased the biomass and root length of T. repens under heavy metal stress. Additionally, L-proline and stigmasterol could promote bacterial growth and biofilm formation and induce chemotaxis for strain M4, suggesting that they are key rhizosphere secretions of T. repens for Microbacterium sp. recruitment. Our results suggested that T. repens adapted the heavy metal stress by reshaping rhizosphere secretions to modify the rhizosphere microbiota.