Tailoring the Heterogeneous Structure of Macro-Fibers Assembled by Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibrils for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds.

Bacterial cellulose/oxidized bacterial cellulose nanofibrils (BC/oxBCNFs) macro-fibers are developed as a novel scaffold for vascular tissue engineering. Utilizing a low-speed rotary coagulation spinning technique and precise solvent control, macro-fibers with a unique heterogeneous structure with dense surface and porous core are created. Enhanced by a polydopamine (PDA) coating, these macro-fibers offer robust mechanical integrity, high biocompatibility, and excellent cell adhesion. When cultured with endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the macro-fibers support healthy cell proliferation and exhibit a unique spiral SMC alignment, demonstrating their vascular suitability. This innovative strategy opens new avenues for advances in tissue engineering.

Chlorogenic acid improves common carp (Cyprinus carpio) liver and intestinal health through Keap-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways: Growth performance, immune response and antioxidant capacity.

In this experiment, we investigated the effects of adding chlorogenic acid (CGA) to the diet on growth performance, immune function, inflammation response, antioxidant capacity and its related mechanisms of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 600 fish were selected and randomly divided into five treatment groups and fed with CGA containing 0 mg/kg (CK), 100 mg/kg (L100), 200 mg/kg (L200), 400 mg/kg (L400) and 800 mg/kg (L800) for 56 days. The results of the experiment were as follows: addition of CGA significantly increased the WGR, SGR, FER, and PER of common carp (P < 0.05). The addition of 400-800 mg/kg of CGA significantly increased the serum levels of LZM, AKP activity, C3 and C4 concentration, and increased immune function of common carp (P < 0.05). Regarding antioxidant enzyme activities, adding CGA significantly increased SOD, CAT, and GsH-Px activities, while decreasing MDA content (P < 0.05). Compared with the CK group, the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1ß were decreased. The IL-10 and TGF-ß were increased in the liver and intestines of the CGA supplemented group. Meanwhile, the addition of CGA also significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, CAT, and GPX (P < 0.05). CGA also positively contributed to the development of the carp intestinal tract, as demonstrated by decreased serum levels of DAO, D-LA, and ET-1. And the mucosal fold height was increased significantly with increasing levels of CGA. In conclusion, the addition of CGA in the feed can enhance the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of common carp, and improve the health of the intestine and liver. According to the results of this experiment, the optimal addition amount in common carp diets was 400 mg/kg.

Bridging Component Strategy in Phosphomolybdate-Based Sensors for Electrochemical Determination of Trace Cr(VI).

Rapid and sensitive electrochemical determination of trace carcinogenic Cr(VI) pollutants remains an urgent and important task, which requires the development of active sensing materials. Herein, four cases of reduced phosphomolybdates with formulas of the (H2bib)3[Zn(H2PO4)]2{Mn[P4Mo6O31H7]2}·6H2O (1), (H2bib)2[Na(H2O)]2[Mn(H2O)]2{Mn[P4Mo6O31H6]2}·5H2O (2), (H2bib)3[Mo2(µ2-O)2(H2O)4]2{Ni[P4Mo6O31H2]2}·4H2O (3), and (H2bib)2{Ni[P4Mo6O31H9]2}·9H2O (4) (bib = 4,4'-bis(1-imidazolyl)-biphenyl) were hydrothermally synthesized under the guidance of a bridging component strategy, which function as effective electrochemical sensors to detect trace Cr(VI). The difference of hybrids 1-4 is in the inorganic moiety, in which the reduced phosphomolybdates {M[P4MoV6O31]2} (M{P4Mo6}2) exhibited different arrangements bridged by different cationic components ({Zn(H2PO4)} subunit for 1, [Mn2(H2O)2]4+ dimer for 2, and [MoV2(µ2-O)2(H2O)4]6+ for 3). As a result, hybrids 1 and 3 display noticeable Cr(VI) detection activity with low detection limits of 14.3 nM (1.48 ppb) for 1 and 6.61 nM (0.69 ppb) for 3 and high sensitivities of 97.3 and 95.3 µA·mM-1, respectively, which are much beyond the World Health Organization's detection threshold (0.05 ppm) and superior to those of the contrast samples (inorganic Mn{P4Mo6}2 salt and hybrid 4), even the most reported noble-metal catalysts. This work supplies a prospective pathway to build effective electrochemical sensors based on phosphomolybdates for environmental pollutant treatment.

Unlocking the potential of N-acetylcysteine: Improving hepatopancreas inflammation, antioxidant capacity and health in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) via the MAPK/NF-κB/Nrf2 signalling pathway.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) positively contributes to enhancing animal health, regulating inflammation and reducing stress by participating in the synthesis of cysteine, glutathione, and taurine in the body. The present study aims to investigate the effects of dietary different levels of NAC on the morphology, function and physiological state of hepatopancreas in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). 450 common carps were randomly divided into 5 groups: N1 (basal diet), N2 (1.5 g/kg NAC diet), N3 (3.0 g/kg NAC diet), N4 (4.5 g/kg NAC diet) and N5 (6.0 g/kg NAC diet), and fed for 8 weeks. The results indicated that dietary 3.0-6.0 g/kg NAC reduced hepatopancreas lipid vacuoles and nuclear translocation, and inhibited apoptosis in common carp. Simultaneously, the activities of hepatopancreas alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase progressively increased with rising dietary NAC levels. Dietary NAC enhanced the non-specific immune function of common carp, and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, dietary 3.0-6.0 g/kg NAC significantly improved the antioxidant capacity of common carp, which was associated with enhanced glutathione metabolism, clearance of ROS and the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway. In summary, NAC has the potential to alleviate inflammation, mitigate oxidative stress and inhibit apoptosis via the MAPK/NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby improving hepatopancreas function and health of common carp. The current findings provide a theoretical basis for promoting the application of NAC in aquaculture and ecological cultivation of aquatic animals.

Microsurgical reconstruction for head and neck in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Free flap transfer for head and neck defects has gained worldwide acceptance. Because flap failure is a devastating outcome, studies have attempted to identify risk factors-including renal failure. We sought to determine whether end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing dialysis are at increased risk of flap failure following microsurgical head and neck reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study's participants were patients who underwent free flap reconstruction in the head and neck region at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019. We used the National Health Insurance "Specific Diagnosis and Treatment Code" to identify patients undergoing dialysis; these patients comprised the dialysis group, whose members were matched to a non-dialysis group for age and gender. The dependent variables were flap survival rate, take-back rate, and flap failure risk between the dialysis and non-dialysis groups. RESULTS: We included 154 patients in the dialysis (n = 14) and non-dialysis (n = 140) groups. The groups were similar in terms of age and most comorbidities, except diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, which were more prevalent in the dialysis group. The dialysis and non-dialysis groups had similar flap survival rates (100% vs. 92.9%; p = .600). Twenty-three patients underwent take-back surgery, most in the non-dialysis group (14.3% vs. 15.0%; p = 1.000). Patients in the dialysis group were more likely to have prolonged intensive care unit stays; however, dialysis alone did not predict flap failure (OR: 0.83; p = .864). CONCLUSION: This study found no significant differences in free flap survival and take-back rates between patients with and without dialysis. Dialysis did not increase the risk of flap failure following microsurgical head and neck reconstruction in this study; however, prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed.

Potential protective effects of sodium butyrate on glycinin-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and growth inhibition in Cyprinus carpio.

Investigated mitigating effects of sodium butyrate (SB) on the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and growth inhibition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (2.94 ± 0.2 g) are caused by glycinin. Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were prepared, in which the basal diet was the control diet and the Gly group diet contained 80 g/kg glycinin, while the remaining 4 diets were supplemented with 0.75, 1.50, 2.25, and 3.00 g/kg SB, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 8 weeks, and the results indicated that supplementing the diet with 1.50-2.25 g/kg of SB significantly improved feed efficiency and alleviated the growth inhibition induced by glycinin. Hepatopancreas and intestinal protease activities and the content of muscle crude protein were significantly decreased by dietary glycinin, but supplement 1.50-2.25 g/kg SB partially reversed this result. SB (1.50-2.25 g/kg) increased the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the hepatopancreas and reduced the activities of AST and ALT in the serum. Glycinin significantly reduced immune and antioxidant enzyme activities, whereas 1.50-2.25 g/kg SB reversed these adverse effects. Furthermore, compared with the Gly group, supplement 1.50-2.25 g/kg SB eminently up-regulated the TGF-ß and IL-10 mRNA, and down-regulated the IL-1ß, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA in hepatopancreas, mid-intestine (MI), and distal intestine (DI). Meanwhile, supplement 1.50-2.25 g/kg SB activated the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway and upregulate CAT, SOD, and HO-1 mRNA expression in hepatopancreas, MI, and DI. Summarily, glycinin induced inflammatory response, and oxidative stress of common carp ultimately decreased the digestive function and growth performance. SB partially mitigated these adverse effects by activating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata herbal pair in promoting hepatocellular regeneration in chronic acute liver failure based on HGF/PI3K/Akt signaling axis].

Based on the hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signaling axis, this study investigated the therapeutic effect of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata(PRR-ALRP) her-bal pair on acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) rats and its impact on hepatocellular regeneration. The rat model of ACLF was constructed by subcutaneous and tail vein injection of bovine serum albumin combined with intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharides(LPS)+D-galactosamine(D-GalN). The rats were divided into normal control(NC) group, model(vehicle) group, PRR-ALRP(5.85 g·kg~(-1)) group, and hepatocyte growth factor granules(HGFG, 4.05 g·kg~(-1)) group. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in rat liver tissues. Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), and total bilirubin(TBIL) were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the positive expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), antigen identified by monoclonal antibody(Ki67), and cell cycle protein B1(CyclinB1). Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of HGF, growth factor receptor-bound protein 1(Gab1), PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), and phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt). The results showed that compared with the vehicle group, the PRR-ALRP group had reduced liver tissue pathological scores, improved liver function, and reduced inflammatory response, with enhanced PCNA, Ki67, and CyclinB1 fluorescence expression. Furthermore, compared with the model group, the PRR-ALRP group showed upregulated expression of HGF and Gab1 proteins, as well as activation of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. These findings suggest that PRR-ALRP herbal pair exerts anti-liver failure effects by alleviating hepatocyte inflammatory damage and promoting hepatocellular regeneration, and its specific regulatory mechanism may be related to the activation of the HGF/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

[Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma exerts effects on HepG2 hepatoma cells by regulating miR-1297/PTEN signaling axis].

The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma on HepG2 hepatoma cells by regulating the microRNA-1297(miR-1297)/phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN) signaling axis. Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) was carried out to determine the mRNA levels of miR-1297 and PTEN in different hepatoma cell lines. The dual luciferase reporter assay was employed to verify the targeted interaction between miR-1297 and PTEN. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was used to detect cell proliferation, and the optimal concentration and intervention time of the medicated plasma were determined. The cell invasion and migration were examined by Transwell assay and wound healing assay. Cell cycle distribution was detected by PI staining, and the apoptosis of cells was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The mRNA levels of miR-1297, PTEN, protein kinase B(Akt), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) were determined by RT-qPCR. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PTEN, Akt, p-Akt, caspase-3, caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax). The results showed that HepG2 cells were the best cell line for subsequent experiments. The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-1297 could bind to the 3'-untranslated region(3'UTR) in the mRNA of PTEN. The medicated plasma inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and the optimal intervention concentration and time were 20% and 72 h. Compared with the blank plasma, the Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma, miR-1297 inhibitor, miR-1297 inhibitor + medicated plasma all inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HepG2 cells, increased the proportion of cells in the G_0/G_1 phase, decreased the proportion of cells in the S phase, and increased the apoptosis rate. The medicated plasma down-regulated the mRNA levels of miR-1297, PI3K, and Akt and up-regulated the mRNA level of PTEN. In addition, it up-regulated the protein levels of PTEN, Bax, caspase-3, and caspsae-9 and down-regulated the protein levels of p-Akt, p-PI3K, and Bcl-2. In conclusion, Bupleuri Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba medicated plasma can inhibit the expression of miR-1297 in HepG2 hepatoma cells, promote the expression of PTEN, and negatively regulate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

PHB production from food waste hydrolysates by Halomonas bluephagenesis Harboring PHB operon linked with an essential gene.

Food wastes can be hydrolyzed into soluble microbial substrates, contributing to sustainability. Halomonas spp.-based Next Generation Industrial Biotechnology (NGIB) allows open, unsterile fermentation, eliminating the need for sterilization to avoid the Maillard reaction that negatively affects cell growth. This is especially important for food waste hydrolysates, which have a high nutrient content but are unstable due to batch, sources, or storage conditions. These make them unsuitable for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production, which usually requires limitation on either nitrogen, phosphorous, or sulfur. In this study, H. bluephagenesis was constructed by overexpressing the PHA synthesis operon phaCABCn (cloned from Cupriavidus necator) controlled by the essential gene ompW (encoding outer membrane protein W) promoter and the constitutive porin promoter that are continuously expressed at high levels throughout the cell growth process, allowing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) production to proceed in nutrient-rich (also nitrogen-rich) food waste hydrolysates of various sources. The recombinant H. bluephagenesis termed WZY278 generated 22 g L-1 cell dry weight (CDW) containing 80 wt% PHB when cultured in food waste hydrolysates in shake flasks, and it was grown to 70 g L-1 CDW containing 80 wt% PHB in a 7-L bioreactor via fed-batch cultivation. Thus, unsterilizable food waste hydrolysates can become nutrient-rich substrates for PHB production by H. bluephagenesis able to be grown contamination-free under open conditions.

Noninvasive prognostic factors and web predictive tools for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

PURPOSE: To friendly predict a reference prognostic outcome for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) patients with or without anxiety, we identified independent prognostic factors and developed practical predictive tools without invasive tests. METHODS: Patients with ISSNHL in our center were enrolled from June 2013 to December 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors of the complete recovery and the overall recovery for ISSNHL, which were subsequently utilized to develop the web nomograms. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical benefit were used to evaluate the performance of nomograms for ISSNHL. RESULTS: 704 ISSNHL patients were finally enrolled in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, time of onset, gender, affected ear, degree, and type of hearing loss were independent prognostic factors of complete recovery. Age, time of onset, affected ear, and type of hearing loss were independent prognostic factors of overall recovery. Web predictive nomograms were developed with excellent discrimination, calibration, and clinical value. CONCLUSION: Based on the patients' data with a considerable size, independent noninvasive prognostic factors of complete recovery and overall recovery of ISSNHL were identified. Integrating these prognostic factors without invasive tests, practical web predictive nomograms were developed. Using web nomograms, clinical doctors could provide reference data (the predicted recovery rate) for supporting prognostic consultation of ISSNHL patients, especially those with anxiety.

Caspofungin at sub-inhibitory concentration promotes the formation of Candida albicans persister cells.

AIMS: Low caspofungin exposure is frequently encountered in patients with invasive candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. This study aimed to investigate the effects of caspofungin on C. albicans at sub-inhibitory concentrations. METHODS AND RESULTS: First, a comparative transcriptomics analysis was performed on C. albicans receiving caspofungin at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs). The results showed that caspofungin significantly changed the mRNA expression profile in DAY185, with DE-mRNAs enriched in the functions of cell wall biosynthesis, metabolism, etc. Subsequently, cellular fitness, cell aggregation, energy metabolism activity and the proportion of persister cells of C. albicans were quantitatively and/or qualitatively assessed after sub-MIC caspofungin exposure. No significant changes in cell fitness and aggregation formation were observed during treatment of C. albicans with sub-MIC caspofungin. In C. albicans aggregation treated with sub-MIC caspofungin, we observed a decrease in respiratory metabolism and an increase in persister cells; this effect was more pronounced in als1ΔΔ than in DAY185. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-exposure to sub-MIC caspofungin suppresses C. albicans respiratory metabolism and promotes persister cell development. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Caspofungin should be used with caution in patients with C. albicans infections, as anti-infection therapy may fail due to persister cells.

Community engagement on-site rapid test for chlamydia and gonorrhea among men who have sex with men: a pioneering study in Guangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. However, compared to syphilis and HIV, the testing rate for chlamydia and gonorrhea remains low. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility for conducting rapid nucleic acid test for chlamydia and gonorrhea in MSM community-based organizations (CBO). METHOD: We recruited our participants through an MSM CBO where free HV and syphilis testing were routinely provided. We collected data including social-demographic background, sexual history, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing history, and reasons for accepting this on-site rapid testing. Urine and/or anorectal swab samples were collected and tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea on-site and the testing results were delivered in about 1.5 h. Positive cases received on-site free treatment. RESULTS: From August 2020 to October 2020, 634 MSM visited the CBO for syphilis and HIV testing and 158 (158/634, 24.9%) accepted the on-site chlamydia and gonorrhea rapid test, 135 were finally enrolled. The positive rate fo chlamydia was 16.3% (22/135) and 3.0% (4/135) for gonorrhea, respectively. Only 19.3% participants had previously undergone chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and 68.9% (93/135) participants reported that they had heard of gonorrhea, 47.4% (64/135) had heard of chlamydia. The main reason for testing was "free for charge" (66.2%), followed by "convenient, 'shorter waiting time" (45.2%) and "had high-risk sexual behavior recently" (16.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that the chlamydia and gonorrhea infection rate remains high among MSM, while the testing rate was low. On-site rapid testing is feasible and potentially preferred by MSM.

A comparison of the survival between laser surgery and radiation in T1aN0M0 glottic cancer: a population-based analysis and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the overall survival (OS) and the cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients of T1aN0M0 glottic cancer who underwent laser surgery (LS) or radiation (RT). METHODS: The data of the population-based analysis were extracted from the SEER database. The studies of the meta-analysis were identified through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Cox regression analyses, the propensity score analysis (PSM), survival analyses, and the meta-analysis were performed. RESULTS: In the population-based analysis, 2101 eligible patients were included. Multivariable Cox analyses indicated that patients accepting LS alone would obtain better OS (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.98, p = 0.03) and CSS (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.59, p = 0.001) than those of whom they accepted RT alone. Survival analyses before PSM and after PSM also indicated that patients who underwent LS alone would have better OS and CSS. In the meta-analysis, nine eligible studies were included. Results of the pooled effect showed that significant differences existed between LS and RT groups on OS (OR: 1.84, 95% CI 1.36-2.50, p < 0.001) and CSS (OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.17-12.52, p = 0.026), both distinctly favoring LS. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with RT, LS may acquire better survivals for patients with T1aN0M0 glottic cancer. Simultaneously, more multi-center randomized controlled trials would be warranted to prove the conclusion.

Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 promotes insulin resistance in adipocytes via degradation of insulin receptor substrate 1.

AIMS: Accumulating evidence indicates that serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) plays a role in the development of metabolic syndrome via a poorly understood mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the direct effect of SGK1 on insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We ectopically expressed or silenced SGK1 in adipocytes via lentiviral transfection, measured glucose uptake and evaluated insulin signalling using western blotting. In vivo insulin resistance was measured at the whole-body and adipose tissue levels in db/db mice treated with an inhibitor of SGK1. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of SGK1 inhibitor treatment, the serum insulin level and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index were significantly decreased, and AKT phosphorylation in adipose tissue was enhanced in db/db mice. Overexpression of constitutively active SGK1 in adipocytes in vitro decreased AKT phosphorylation and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Dexamethasone and oleic acid increased SGK1 expression and decreased AKT phosphorylation and insulin receptor substrate expression in adipocytes. Administration of an inhibitor of SGK1 or Lv-shSGK1 reversed the suppression of insulin signalling induced by dexamethasone and oleic acid. SGK1 overexpression increased FoxO1 phosphorylation, and administration of Lv-shSGK1 reversed an increase in FoxO1 phosphorylation induced by dexamethasone and oleic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, SGK1 mediates the effect of glucocorticoids and high-fat feeding and induces insulin resistance in adipocytes. Our data suggest that SGK1 is a possible therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome and related complications.

The Association between Changes in Low Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Cardiac Function Decline in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between changes in low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and cardiac function decline in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. METHODS: A total of 150 MHD patients were included and followed for 24 months. The enrolled patients were divided into 3 groups based on their PTH status at baseline and 24 months. Factors potentially involved in changes in the PTH level and cardiac function were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At 24 months, the presence of low PTH levels increased by 26.7%. The main independent factors for low PTH levels were a low BMI, hemoglobin, and serum albumin and high serum calcium (p < 0.05). A persistently low PTH level at 24 months was associated with a decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and increase in valvular calcification (p < 0.05). Additionally, a decrease in PTH levels from normal or high to low values was associated with a decrease in LVEF and cardiac output (CO) and an increase in valvular calcification (p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with those of the persistently low PTH level group, LVEF values were lower at 24 months in the group with a decrease from high/normal to low PTH level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Persistently low PTH levels and changes in the PTH level from high/normal to low were associated with cardiac function decline in MHD patients. Moreover, a PTH level change from high/normal to low showed a stronger correlation with cardiac function decline.

Network and pathway-based analysis of microRNA role in neuropathic pain in rat models.

The molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain (NP) remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence has suggested the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation and development of NP, but the specific effects of miRNAs in NP are largely unknown. Here, we use network- and pathway-based methods to investigate NP-induced miRNA changes and their biological functions by conducting a systematic search through multiple electronic databases. Thirty-seven articles meet the inclusion criteria. Venn analysis and target gene forecasting are performed and the results indicate that 167 overlapping target genes are co-regulated by five down-regulated miRNAs (rno-miR-183, rno-miR-96, rno-miR-30b, rno-miR-150 and rno-miR-206). Protein-protein interaction network analysis shows that 77 genes exhibit interactions, with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (degree = 11) and cAMP-response element binding protein 1 (degree = 10) having the highest connectivity degree. Gene ontology analysis shows that these target genes are enriched in neuron part, neuron projection, somatodendritic compartment and nervous system development. Moreover, analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes reveals that three pathways, namely, axon guidance, circadian entrainment and insulin secretion, are significantly enriched. In addition, rno-miR-183, rno-miR-96, rno-miR-30b, rno-miR-150 and rno-miR-206 are consistently down-regulated in the NP models, thus constituting the potential biomarkers of this disease. Characterizing these miRNAs and their target genes paves way for their future use in clinical practice.

2D Crystal-Based Fibers: Status and Challenges.

2D crystals are emerging new materials in multidisciplinary fields including condensed state physics, electronics, energy, environmental engineering, and biomedicine. To employ 2D crystals for practical applications, these nanoscale crystals need to be processed into macroscale materials, such as suspensions, fibers, films, and 3D macrostructures. Among these macromaterials, fibers are flexible, knittable, and easy to use, which can fully reflect the advantages of the structure and properties of 2D crystals. Therefore, the fabrication and application of 2D crystal-based fibers is of great importance for expanding the impact of 2D crystals. In this Review, 2D crystals that are successfully prepared are overviewed based on their composition of elements. Subsequently, methods for preparing 2D crystals, 2D crystals dispersions, and 2D crystal-based fibers are systematically introduced. Then, the applications of 2D crystal-based fibers, such as flexible electronic devices, high-efficiency catalysis, and adsorption, are also discussed. Finally, the status-of-quo, perspectives, and future challenges of 2D crystal-based fibers are summarized. This Review provides directions and guidelines for developing new 2D crystal-based fibers and exploring their potentials in the fields of smart wearable devices.

Transition metal-coordinated graphitic carbon nitride dots as a sensitive and facile fluorescent probe for ß-amyloid peptide detection.

Herein, we developed a sensitive graphitic carbon nitride quantum dot (gCNQD)-based fluorescent strategy for ß-amyloid peptide monomer (Aß) determination down to the ng mL-1 level for the first time. To realize this goal, the nanostructured gCNQDs were firstly coordinated with four transition metal ions (Cu2+, Cu+, Fe3+, Zn2+). Our findings showed that the fluorescence (FL) intensity of gCNQDs was quenched in the presence of these metal ions possibly due to the effective chelation with the nitrogen element in gCNQDs and subsequent photoinduced electron transfer (PET) of gCNQDs. The degree of fluorescence quenching was found to be the most intense with the addition of Cu2+ and therefore, we selected Cu2+ as the quencher for the following Aß determination. Through binding to Cu2+, the introduction of Aß unexpectedly induced a further decline of FL intensity. Importantly, on account of different peptide sequences coexisting in the same cerebral system, including Aß1-11, Aß1-16, Aß1-38, Aß1-40 and Aß1-42, their affinities to Cu2+ could be reflected by the distinguished declining extent of FL intensity. The possible mechanism of Aß sensing by the probe was clarified by TEM characterization. The developed fluorescent biosensor was demonstrated to give a wide linear range from 1 to 700 ng mL-1 and a low detection limit of 0.18 ng mL-1 for Aß1-42. In the end, the proposed fluorescence approach was successfully applied to monitoring of Aß1-42 variations in the cortex and hippocampus of AD rats.

Prognostic Value of Lymphovascular Invasion in Patients with Stage III Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis and tumor progression depend on lymphovascular invasion (LVI). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of LVI in patients with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) and to develop a prognostic nomogram. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study included 437 patients with stage III CRC. The impact of LVI on overall survival (OS) was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. A nomogram was constructed, and its predictive accuracy was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index) and the calibration plot. RESULTS LVI was found in 19.7% of cases of stage III CRCs and was significantly correlated with high tumor grade (poor differentiation) and advanced tumor stage (all P<0.05). Patients age, a family history of cancer in a first-degree relative, pre-treatment levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), histological tumor grade, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and LVI were independent prognostic indicators (all P<0.05). Compared with the LVI(-) group, patients in the LVI(+) group showed a 1.748-fold increased risk of death (P=0.004) and a significantly reduced OS rate (P<0.001). In the prognostic nomogram, the C-index was significantly increased with LVI compared with the TNM stage alone (0.742 vs. 0.593; P<0.001). Calibration plots showed good fitness of the nomogram for prediction of survival. Comparison of the nomograms with and without LVI showed that inclusion of LVI improved the C-index from 0.715 to 0.742. CONCLUSIONS LVI was an indicator of more aggressive biological behavior and poor prognosis in patients with stage III CRC.

1,25-Vitamin D3 protects against cooking oil fumes-derived PM2.5-induced cell damage through its anti-inflammatory effects in cardiomyocytes.

The functional role of 1,25-vitamin D3 in cooking oil fumes (COFs)-derived PM2.5-induced cell damage is largely unexplored. The present study investigated the protective role of 1,25-vitamin D3 against cell injury by possible involvement of JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes. Cell viability was measured using CCK-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and Western blot in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes treated with 1,25-vitamin D3 and COFs-derived PM2.5. Expressions of JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathway were measured by Western blot. The results suggested that treatment with COFs-derived PM2.5 significantly decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis and oxidative stress in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. 1,25-vitamin D3 pretreatment alleviated the cell injury by increasing cell viability and decreasing apoptosis in the cardiomyocytes. 1,25-vitamin D3 pretreatment also decreased the ROS level and inflammation in the cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, 1,25-vitamin D3 pretreatment alleviated COFs-derived PM2.5-evoked elevation of JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our study showed that 1,25-vitamin D3 pretreatment protected cardiomyocytes from COFs-derived PM2.5-induced injury by decreasing ROS, apoptosis and inflammation level via activations of the JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways.