Antigen Specific VNAR Screening in Whitespotted Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) with Next Generation Sequencing.

IgNAR exhibits significant promise in the fields of cancer and anti-virus biotherapies. Notably, the variable regions of IgNAR (VNAR) possess comparable antigen binding affinity with much smaller molecular weight (∼12 kDa) compared to IgNAR. Antigen specific VNAR screening is a changeling work, which limits its application in medicine and therapy fields. Though phage display is a powerful tool for VNAR screening, it has a lot of drawbacks, such as small library coverage, low expression levels, unstable target protein, complicating and time-consuming procedures. Here we report VANR screening with next generation sequencing (NGS) could effectively overcome the limitations of phage display, and we successfully identified approximately 3000 BAFF-specific VNARs in Chiloscyllium plagiosum vaccinated with the BAFF antigen. The results of modelling and molecular dynamics simulation and ELISA assay demonstrated that one out of the top five abundant specific VNARs exhibited higher binding affinity to the BAFF antigen than those obtained through phage display screening. Our data indicates NGS would be an alternative way for VNAR screening with plenty of advantages.

Comparison between intramedullary nail and conventional plate for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the intramedullary nail and conventional plate for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures from clinical comparative trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of English databases was carried out in the Springer, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases until September 2023. Studies on calcaneal fractures treated by an intramedullary nail or a plate were considered for inclusion. Endpoints included duration of operation, length of hospital stay, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, postoperative functional score, radiological parameters, and complications. The mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD) as the combined variables, as well as the 95% confidence intervals, (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Five retrospective controlled studies covering 473 feet at the one-year follow-up met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that there were significant differences in the duration of operation (MD: -10.81; 95% CI: -16.32, -5.31; p=0.0001), length of hospital stay (MD: -3.65; 95% CI: -4.35, -2.95; p<0.00001). No significant differences were found regarding postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (MD: 0.36; 95% CI: -3.89, 4.61; p=0.87), VAS (MD: 1.95; 95% CI: -0.30, 4.21; p=0.09), or postoperative Böhler angle (MD: 0.94; 95% CI: -0.04, 1.92; p=0.06) between the two groups. The incidence of total complications (RD: -0.31; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.17; p<0.0001) and wound-healing complications (RD: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.03; p=0.02) were lower in the intramedullary nail group. There were no significant differences in the incidences of revision surgery, implant removal, superficial wound infection, deep infection, and nonunion. CONCLUSION: Compared to conventional plates, the intramedullary nail showed a shorter duration of operation, reduced length of hospital stay, and fewer postoperative total complications and wound-healing complications in treating displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

The CDK4/6 Inhibitor Palbociclib Induces Cell Senescence of High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Through Acetylation of p53.

Cell senescence is an anti-cancer strategy following DNA repair and apoptosis, which is associated with the initiation, progression, and treatment of ovarian cancer. The CDK4/6 inhibitor alters cell cycle and induces cell senescence dependent on retinoblastoma (RB) family proteins. Objective Herein, we aimed to explore the effects of Palbociclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor) on cellular senescence of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Cell viability and cell cycle were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry. Cell senescence was analyzed using the SA-ß-gal staining assay. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype was assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Senescence-related markers were tested using western blot. The role of Palbociclib in vivo was clarified using xenograft tumor. Acetylation of p53 was evaluated by qPCR and western blot. The results showed that Palbociclib inhibited cell viability, blocked cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and induced cell senescence. A rescue study indicated that knockdown of p53 reversed the effects on cell cycle and senescence induced by Palbociclib. Moreover, we found that Palbociclib promotes P300-mediated p53 acetylation, thus increasing p53 stability and transcription activity. Moreover, Palbociclib suppressed tumor growth in vivo with increased p53 and acetylated p53 levels. In conclusion, Palbociclib induced cell senescence of HGSOC through P300-mediated p53 acetylation, suggesting that Palbociclib may have the effect of treating HGSOC.

Non-negligible impact of microplastics on wetland ecosystems.

There has been much concern about microplastic (MP) pollution in marine and soil environments, but attention is gradually shifting towards wetland ecosystems, which are a transitional zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This paper comprehensively reviews the sources of MPs in wetland ecosystems, as well as their occurrence characteristics, factors influencing their migration, and their effects on animals, plants, microorganisms, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was found that MPs in wetland ecosystems originate mainly from anthropogenic sources (sewage discharge, and agricultural and industrial production) and natural sources (rainfall-runoff, atmospheric deposition, and tidal effects). The most common types and forms of MPs identified in the literature were polyethylene and polypropylene, fibers, and fragments. The migration of MPs in wetlands is influenced by both non-biological factors (the physicochemical properties of MPs, sediment characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions) and biological factors (the adsorption and growth interception by plant roots, ingestion, and animal excretion). Furthermore, once MPs enter wetland ecosystems, they can impact the resident microorganisms, animals, and plants. They also have a role in global warming because MPs act as unique exogenous carbon sources, and can also influence GHG emissions in wetland ecosystems by affecting the microbial community structure in wetland sediments and abundance of genes associated with GHG emissions. However, further investigation is needed into the influence of MP type, size, and concentration on the GHG emissions in wetlands and the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the accumulation of MPs in wetland ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, human health, and global climate regulation. Understanding the effects of MPs on wetland ecosystems is essential for developing effective management and mitigation strategies to safeguard these valuable and vulnerable environments.

Non-canonical regulation of the reactivation of an oncogenic herpesvirus by the OTUD4-USP7 deubiquitinases.

Deubiquitinases (DUBs) remove ubiquitin from substrates and play crucial roles in diverse biological processes. However, our understanding of deubiquitination in viral replication remains limited. Employing an oncogenic human herpesvirus Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) to probe the role of protein deubiquitination, we found that Ovarian tumor family deubiquitinase 4 (OTUD4) promotes KSHV reactivation. OTUD4 interacts with the replication and transcription activator (K-RTA), a key transcription factor that controls KSHV reactivation, and enhances K-RTA stability by promoting its deubiquitination. Notably, the DUB activity of OTUD4 is not required for K-RTA stabilization; instead, OTUD4 functions as an adaptor protein to recruit another DUB, USP7, to deubiquitinate K-RTA and facilitate KSHV lytic reactivation. Our study has revealed a novel mechanism whereby KSHV hijacks OTUD4-USP7 deubiquitinases to promote lytic reactivation, which could be potentially harnessed for the development of new antiviral therapies.

Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 retards platelet-derived growth factor-BB-evoked phenotypic transition of airway smooth muscle cells by decreasing YAP/TAZ activity.

Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (Csrp2) has emerged as a key factor in controlling the phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells. The phenotypic transition of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is a pivotal step in developing airway remodeling during the onset of asthma. However, whether Csrp2 mediates the phenotypic transition of ASMCs in airway remodeling during asthma onset is undetermined. This work aimed to address the link between Csrp2 and the phenotypic transition of ASMCs evoked by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB in vitro. The overexpression or silencing of Csrp2 in ASMCs was achieved through adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. The expression of mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time-PCR. Protein levels were determined through Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was detected by EdU assay and Calcein AM assays. Cell cycle distribution was assessed via fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay. Cell migration was evaluated using the scratch-wound assay. The transcriptional activity of Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was measured using the luciferase reporter assay. A decline in Csrp2 level occurred in PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMCs. Increasing Csrp2 expression repressed the PDGF-BB-evoked proliferation and migration of ASMCs. Moreover, increasing Csrp2 expression impeded the phenotypic change of PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMCs from a contractile phenotype into a synthetic/proliferative phenotype. On the contrary, the opposite effects were observed in Csrp2-silenced ASMCs. The activity of YAP/TAZ was elevated in PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMCs, which was weakened by Csrp2 overexpression or enhanced by Csrp2 silencing. The YAP/TAZ activator could reverse Csrp2-overexpression-mediated suppression of the PDGF-BB-evoked phenotypic switching of ASMCs, while the YAP/TAZ suppressor could dimmish Csrp2-silencing-mediated enhancement on PDGF-BB-evoked phenotypic switching of ASMCs. In summary, Csrp2 serves as a determinant for the phenotypic switching of ASMCs. Increasing Csrp2 is able to impede PDGF-BB-evoked phenotypic change of ASMCs from a synthetic phenotype into a synthetic/proliferative phenotype through the effects on YAP/TAZ. This work implies that Csrp2 may be a key player in airway remodeling during the onset of asthma.

PD-1 signaling negatively regulates the common cytokine receptor γ chain via MARCH5-mediated ubiquitination and degradation to suppress anti-tumor immunity.

Combination therapy with PD-1 blockade and IL-2 substantially improves anti-tumor efficacy comparing to monotherapy. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the synergistic effects of the combination therapy remain enigmatic. Here we show that PD-1 ligation results in BATF-dependent transcriptional induction of the membrane-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH5, which mediates K27-linked polyubiquitination and lysosomal degradation of the common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc). PD-1 ligation also activates SHP2, which dephosphorylates γcY357, leading to impairment of γc family cytokine-triggered signaling. Conversely, PD-1 blockade restores γc level and activity, thereby sensitizing CD8+ T cells to IL-2. We also identified Pitavastatin Calcium as an inhibitor of MARCH5, which combined with PD-1 blockade and IL-2 significantly improves the efficacy of anti-tumor immunotherapy in mice. Our findings uncover the mechanisms by which PD-1 signaling antagonizes γc family cytokine-triggered immune activation and demonstrate that the underlying mechanisms can be exploited for increased efficacy of combination immunotherapy of cancer.

Perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for special types of renal tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic): an evidence-based analysis of comparative outcomes.

Purpose: This study aims to perform a pooled analysis to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between complex tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic) and non-complex tumors (nonhilar, exophytic, or solid) and evaluate the effects of renal tumor complexity on outcomes in patients undergoing RAPN. Methods: Four databases were systematically searched, including Science, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies published in English up to December 2022. Review Manager 5.4 was used for statistical analyses and calculations. The study was registered with PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42023394792). Results: In total, 14 comparative trials, including 3758 patients were enrolled. Compared to non-complex tumors, complex tumors were associated with a significantly longer warm ischemia time (WMD 3.67 min, 95% CI 1.78, 5.57; p = 0.0001), more blood loss (WMD 22.84 mL, 95% CI 2.31, 43.37; p = 0.03), and a higher rate of major complications (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.50, 3.67; p = 0.0002). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in operative time, length of stay, transfusion rates, conversion to open nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy rates, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, intraoperative complication, overall complication, positive surgical margins (PSM), local recurrence, and trifecta achievement. Conclusions: RAPN can be a safe and effective procedure for complex tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic) and provides comparable functional and oncologic outcomes to non-complex tumors. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=394792, identifier CRD42023394792.

The deubiquitinase OTUD4 inhibits the expression of antimicrobial peptides in Paneth cells to support intestinal inflammation and bacterial infection.

Dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier causes microbial invasion that would lead to inflammation in the gut. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of the intestinal epithelial barrier, while the regulatory mechanisms of AMPs expression are not fully characterized. Here, we report that the ovarian tumor family deubiquitinase 4 (OTUD4) in Paneth cells restricts the expression of AMPs and thereby promotes experimental colitis and bacterial infection. OTUD4 is upregulated in the inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients and in the colon of mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS). Knockout of OTUD4 promotes the expression of AMPs in intestinal organoids after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan (PGN) and in the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of mice after DSS treatment or Salmonella typhimurium (S.t.) infection. Consistently, Vil-Cre;Otud4fl/fl mice and Def-Cre;Otud4fl/fl mice exhibit hyper-resistance to DSS-induced colitis and S.t. infection compared to Otud4fl/fl mice. Mechanistically, knockout of OTUD4 results in hyper K63-linked ubiquitination of MyD88 and increases the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs to promote the expression of AMPs. These findings collectively highlight an indispensable role of OTUD4 in Paneth cells to modulate AMPs production and indicate OTUD4 as a potential target for gastrointestinal inflammation and bacterial infection.

USP33 enhances cell survival and stemness by deubiquitinating CTNNB1 in BXPC-3 and SW1990 cells.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 33 (USP33) has been implicated in various cancers, but its biological function and mechanism of action remain unknown in pancreatic cancer (PCa) as a deubiquitinating enzyme. Herein, we report that USP33 silencing inhibits PCa cell survival and self-renewal. USPs highly expressed in spherical PCa cells were screened by comparing the levels of ubiquitin-specific proteases in spherical PCa cells and adherent PCa cells. After silencing USP, the effect of USP on the proliferation of PCa cells was detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assay, and the effect of USP on cell stemness was detected by tumor sphere formation assay, flow analysis, and western blot analysis. The interaction of USP with CTNNB1 and the effect of USP on the ubiquitination of CTNNB1 were verified by coimmunoprecipitation assay. After replenishing CTNNB1, cell proliferation and cell stemness were examined. USP33 is upregulated in spheric BXPC-3, PCNA-1, and SW1990, compared with adherent BXPC-3, PCNA-1, and SW1990. USP33 interacts with CTNNB1, and stabilizes CTNNB1 by suppressing its degradation. Furthermore, cell proliferation, colony-forming, and self-renewal abilities of PCa cells in vitro, and the expression of stem cell markers EpCAM and CD44, C-myc, Nanog, and SOX2, were suppressed when USP33 was knocked down, which was reversed when CTNNB1 was ectopically expressed in PCa cells. Thus, USP33 promotes PCa cell proliferation and self-renewal by inhibiting the degradation of CTNNB1. USP33 inhibition may be a new treatment option for PCa patients.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of natural prenylated flavonoids.

Prenylated flavonoids are a special kind of flavonoid derivative possessing one or more prenyl groups in the parent nucleus of the flavonoid. The presence of the prenyl side chain enriched the structural diversity of flavonoids and increased their bioactivity and bioavailability. Prenylated flavonoids show a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective effects, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities. In recent years, many compounds with significant activity have been discovered with the continuous excavation of the medicinal value of prenylated flavonoids, and have attracted the extensive attention of pharmacologists. This review summarizes recent progress on research into natural active prenylated flavonoids to promote new discoveries of their medicinal value.

LINC00543 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by driving EMT and inducing the M2 polarization of tumor associated macrophages.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between the tumor-microenvironment (TME) and the cancer cells has emerged as a key player in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. A small proportion of CRC cells which undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) facilitate the reshaping of the TME by regulating various cellular ingredients. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA Antisense Purification (RAP), dual luciferase assays were conducted to investigate the biological function and regulation of LINC00543 in CRC. A series in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to clarify the role of LINC00543 in CRC metastasis. RESULTS: Here we found that the long non-coding RNA LINC00543, was overexpressed in colorectal cancer tissues, which correlated with advanced TNM stage and poorer prognosis of CRC patients. The overexpression of LINC00543 promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis of CRC cells by enhancing EMT and remodeling the TME. Mechanistically, LINC00543 blocked the transport of pre-miR-506-3p across the nuclear-cytoplasmic transporter XPO5, thereby reducing the production of mature miR-506-3p, resulting in the increase in the expression of FOXQ1 and induction of EMT. In addition, upregulation of FOXQ1 induced the expression of CCL2 that accelerated the recruitment of macrophages and their M2 polarization. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that LINC00543 enhanced EMT of CRC cells through the pre-miR-506-3p/FOXQ1 axis. This resulted in the upregulation of CCL2, leading to macrophages recruitment and M2 polarization, and ultimately stimulating the progression of CRC.

IgNAR characterization and gene loci identification in whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) genome.

Single domain antibodies (sdAb) are promising candidates in cancer and anti-virus biotherapies for their unique structure characters. Though VHH and IgNAR have been discovered in camelidae and nurse shark (Ginlymostoma cirratum) respectively serval decades ago, expense of these large animals still limits the studies and applications of sdAb. Recently, IgNAR has been found in whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum), a small-sized sharks, while how to characterize and achieved the IgNAR of whitespotted bamboo shark is still unclear. In our research, we identified four IgNAR coding gene loci in whitespotted bamboo shark chromosome 44 (NC_057753.1), and primers were designed for single domain variable regions of IgNAR (VNAR) libraries preparation. Following sequencing results revealed that all plasmids constructed with our predicted VNAR libraries contained VNAR coding sequences, which confirmed the specificities of our primers in VNAR amplification. To our surprise, ≥90% VNAR sequences were encoded by IgNAR1, which suggests IgNAR1 is the most active IgNAR transcription locus in whitespotted bamboo shark. Interestingly, we found IgNAR(ΔC2-C3) were encoded by IgNAR3. Our findings gave a new sight of whitespotted bamboo shark IgNAR, which would broad the way of IgNAR studies and applications in biotherapies.

Cytotoxic phenyl polyketides from Hypericum curvisepalum N. Robson.

(±)-Hypecurvone A (1) and B (2), two new undescribed phenyl polyketides, along with seven known analogues (3-9) were isolated from the whole plant of Hypericum curvisepalum. Chiral separation of 1 and 2 yielded two pairs of enantiomers 1a/1b and 2a/2b, respectively. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and ECD spectra simulations. All isolates exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells, and compound 3 also showed weak cytotoxicity toward MGC-803 cells. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was found to be related to enhanced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inhibition of the G2/M phase of the cell cycle.

Hierarchically porous nickel foam supported Fe-Ni3S2 electrode for high-current-density alkaline water splitting.

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) offers a promising route for green hydrogen production. However, its industrial application is impeded by unsatisfactory energy conversion efficiency. Herein, a robust electrode composed of porous nickel foam (PNF) and Fe-doped Ni3S2 (Fe-Ni3S2) nanosheet arrays was fabricated and applied for industrial AWE. By conducting a scalable dynamic bubble-template method, PNF with high loading of active catalysts was prepared. The superhydrophilicity of PNF facilitates bubble detachment and promotes mass transfer, especially at high current densities. In addition, Fe-Ni3S2 with optimized electronic structure is featured with enhanced electrical conductivity, sufficient exposure of active sites, and optimized adsorption of intermediates. Benefiting from the concerted advantages of PNF and Fe-Ni3S2, the obtained Fe-Ni3S2/PNF-5 electrode with an optimal Fe content of 5 mol% exhibits high catalytic activity for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Compared with the Pt/C/NF||IrO2/NF couple, the Fe-Ni3S2/PNF-5||Fe-Ni3S2/PNF-5 couple delivers a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at a low cell voltage of 1.50 V for AWE. Under industrial conditions, a competitive cell voltage of 1.75 V is needed for achieving a high current density of 400 mA cm-2. Besides, the couple can operate stably for 120 h, outperforming the commercial RN||RN couple. This work provides a novel strategy to elevate the loading amount of catalysts and improve the electrochemical performance of the electrode for practical AWE application.

Analysis of gene expression profile of peripheral blood in alveolar and cystic echinococcosis.

RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) is a versatile, high-throughput technology that is being widely employed for screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in various diseases. Echinococcosis, a globally distributed zoonosis, has been reported to impose a heavy disease burden in pastoral areas of China. Herein we aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying echinococcosis. In this study, peripheral blood samples were collected from six patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE), six patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE), and six healthy controls. RNA-Seq (mRNA) was performed to detect gene transcript and expression levels, and DEGs were subjected to bioinformatic analyses. In comparison with healthy controls, 492 DEGs (270 upregulated, 222 downregulated) were found in the AE group and 424 DEGs (170 upregulated, 254 downregulated) were found in the CE group (|log2 (fold change)| > 1 and P < 0.05). Further, 60 genes were upregulated and 39 were downregulated in both the AE and CE groups. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were mainly involved in molecular functions, including extracellular space, extracellular region, organ and system development, and anatomical structure development. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to depict the complex relationship between DEGs and interacting proteins.

Effect of 3D Slicer Preoperative Planning and Intraoperative Guidance with Mobile Phone Virtual Reality Technology on Brain Glioma Surgery.

Objective: To explore the effect of 3D Slicer preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance with mobile phone virtual reality (VR) technology on brain glioma surgery. Methods: By means of retrospective study, the data of 77 brain glioma patients treated in the neurosurgery departments at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College and Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2015 to January 2022 were analyzed, and the patients were divided into the experimental group (EG, n = 38) and the control group (CG, n = 39) according to the surgical modalities. Before surgery, all patients received positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. For patients in EG, the DICOM format images acquired from PET-CT and MRI examinations were imported with the 3D Slicer software for 3D visual fusion reconstruction, acquiring VR images, and developing detailed preoperative planning. Then, the reconstructed images were imported into the Sina software on a mobile phone, and the surgery was performed with the assistance of VR technology; for patients in CG, traditional 2D images were used for tumor contour drawing by the subjective visual method, and the craniotomy was performed under a traditional microscope. Patients' surgery indicators and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores were compared between the two groups. Results: The number of cases with total resection, rate of total resection, hospital stay after surgery, and surgery time were significantly better in EG than in CG (P < 0.05); after treatment, the KPS score was significantly higher in EG than in CG (75.66 ± 4.01 vs 65.36 ± 5.23, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Combining 3D Slicer preoperative planning with intraoperative mobile phone VR technology can promote the accuracy of brain glioma surgery, which is conducive to effectively removing tumors while protecting patients' neural function.

Bioactive polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum scabrum.

Eighteen polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols were isolated from the whole plant of Hypericum scabrum Linn., including six new compounds (1-6). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses. The evaluation of their cytotoxic activities was carried out against SMMC-7721 and MGC-803 cell lines. We found that most tested compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against SMMC-7721 cell line except for 11 and 12, while compounds 1, 5-7, 13 and 16 also showed cytotoxic activities on MGC-803 cells. Besides, Bacillus subtilis, MRSA and MDPRA were also used to test inhibitory activity of these compounds. Our results showed that only compounds 12 and 13 presented weak inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis, while compounds 7, 13 and 14 also inhibited MRSA weakly.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a mannan from Helvella leucopus.

A new polysaccharide fraction HLP-1 (2.55 × 105 Da) was obtained from the fruiting bodies of Helvella leucopus. Structural characterization of HLP-1 was elucidated by infrared spectroscopy, monosaccharide composition analysis, methylation analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Congo red assay. HLP-1 was a mannan with a backbone of →6)-α-D-Manp(1 â†’ 4)- α-D-Manp(1 â†’6)-α-D-Manp(1 â†’ 3)-α-D-Manp(1 â†’ 4)-α-D-Manp(1 â†’ 3)-α-D-Manp(1→, which branched at the O-6 position and terminated with T-ß-D-Manp. Moreover, HLP-1 could significantly improve the proliferation and neutral red phagocytosis of RAW264.7. Besides, HLP-1 could stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO), ROS, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). HLP-1 induced macrophage activation via NF-κB signal pathway. These findings indicated that HLP-1 was a potential immune enhancement agent applied in functional foods.