Buffalo yogurt fermented with commercial starter and Lactobacillus plantarum originating from breast milk lowered blood pressure in pregnant hypertensive rats.

Nutritional therapy, which may have advantages over medication, is being investigated as a novel treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension. Several studies have shown that probiotic yogurt supplementation during pregnancy has beneficial effects on maternal and fetal health. In this study, fermented buffalo milk was produced with yogurt culture and Lactobacillus plantarum B, a probiotic isolated from healthy breast milk with high angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The fermentation conditions under which the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity reached 84.51% were optimized by the response surface method as follows: 2 × 106 cfu/mL of L. plantarum B, yogurt culture 2.5 × 105 cfu/mL, and 8 h at 37°C. The distribution of ACE inhibitory peptides from fermented buffalo milk and fermented cow milk were further analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. By searching according to the structural features of ACE inhibitory peptides, 29 and 11 peptides containing ACE inhibitory peptide features were found in fermented buffalo milk and fermented cow milk, respectively. To investigate the in vivo antihypertensive activity of fermented buffalo milk, 18 pregnant rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 6 in each group) and administered 10 mL of normal saline, yogurt (20 mg/kg), or labetalol hydrochloride (4 mg/kg) daily from the beginning of pregnancy to parturition. To induce hypertension, methyl nitrosoarginine (125 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously every day from d 15 of pregnancy to the day of delivery. Blood pressure was not significantly changed in the yogurt and labetalol groups after induction of hypertension and was lower compared with the normal saline group, but there was no difference between the yogurt and labetalol groups. This implied that the buffalo yogurt had a preventive and antihypertensive effect in the pregnancy-induced hypertensive rat model. Further studies to determine the mechanism of action, as well as a randomized control trial, are warranted.

Comparative analysis of the endophytic bacteria inhabiting the phyllosphere of aquatic fern Azolla species by high-throughput sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Azolla is a small floating fern living in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and provides a variety of important ecosystem benefits. Previous studies have presented that Azolla harbors diverse bacteria that may play a key role in host fitness and productivity. However, the characteristics of endophytic bacteria inhabiting the phyllosphere of different species of Azolla have not yet been fully understood. RESULTS: In this study, the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) V5-V7 region of bacteria was determined by Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform to study the diversity and richness of endophytic bacterial communities in the phyllosphere of five Azolla species collected from different countries. A total of 1150 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected for the endophytic bacteria community. According to the α diversity indices, the diversity of bacteria was ordered as Azolla imbricata > A. pinnata > A. filiculoides > A. mexicana > A. caroliniana. The PCoA results displayed that the bacterial communities of A. mexicana and A. caroliniana shared the highest similarity, followed by the similarity between A. pinnata and A. imbricata, and they were significantly distinct from the community of A. filiculoides. The dominant bacteria of Azolla mainly belonged to the phylum of Proteobacteria, followed by Actinobacteria, Chlorobillobacteria, and Firmicutes. In detail, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in A. imbricata was 52.23%, whereas it was more than 80.00% in the other four species of Azolla. Notably, Herbaspirillum (45.91%, 44.08%) and Methylophilus (29.97%, 37.96%) were the main genera inhabiting A. mexicana and A. caroliniana respectively. Ferrovibrio (18.54%) and Rhizobium (16.68%) were the dominant genera inhabiting A. filiculoides. The group of unidentified genera (41.63%, 44.92%) consisted most of the bacteria in A. imbricata and A. pinnata respectively. Further analysis suggested that the significant different bacteria identified in LDA Effect Size analysis existed Azolla species-specific patterns. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, all results suggested that the diversity and composition of the endophytic bacterial communities were different in Azolla species.

Anti-Fungal Analysis of Bacillus subtilis DL76 on Conidiation, Appressorium Formation, Growth, Multiple Stress Response, and Pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae.

In recent years, biological control has gained more attention as a promising method to combat plant disease. Such severe diseases cited include rice blasts caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. However, more effective microbial strains with strong adaptability still need to be identified. Therefore, we sought to assess the conidia germination, and formation of appressorium of DL76 in Magnaporthe oryzae. Besides, we also aimed at understanding the growth, multiple stress response and pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae. We isolated Bacillus subtilis DL76 from a rice farm, which observed a strong antimicrobial effect on M. oryzae. The sterilized culture filtrate of DL76 inhibited the growth of M. oryzae, which motivated us to deduce the influence of DL76 on the pathogenicity of M. oryzae. We screened the effect of Bacillus subtilis DL76 on M. oryzae guy11. It demonstrated that sterilized culture filtrate (1 × 107 CFU/mL) of DL76 can delay and even suppress the germination of conidia and (1 × 107 and 1 × 106 CFU/mL) prevent the formation of appressorium in vitro and in vivo. DL76 became hypersensitive to osmotic, oxidative, and cell wall degrading agents. In addition, the relative transcript levels of stress-responsive genes oxidative and osmotic were down-regulated by DL76 except for sod1, cat1, and cat2. In vivo assessment of the antifungal activity of Bacillus subtilis using conidia suspension of DL76 reduced the incidence and severity of rice blast. Conclusively, our results show that DL76 is essential for controlling rice blast by inhibiting conidiation, growth, multiple stress tolerance, and pathogenicity in M. oryzae.

[Effect of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on energy metabolism in prefrontal cortex of rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder based on "static Yin and dynamic Yang" theory].

The present study investigated the effect of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata(RRP) on the energy metabolism of prefrontal cortex(PFC) of spontaneously hypertensive rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) based on the "static Yin and dynamic Yang" theory.Thirty spontaneously hypertensive male rats aged 3 weeks were randomly divided into a model group, a methylphenidate(MPH) group(2 mg·kg~(-1)), and an RRP group(2.4 g·kg~(-1)).Wistar-Kyoto(WKY) male rats of the same age were assigned to the normal group.Rats were treated with corresponding drugs twice per day, and those in the model group and the normal group received the same volume of 0.9% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC-Na) solution by gavage.The open-field test was performed to evaluate the spontaneous and impulsive behaviors of rats before treatment and on the 4~(th) week after treatment.Four weeks after treatment, PFC was isolated and mitochondria were prepared.The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), adenosine diphosphate(ADP), and adenosine monophosphate(AMP) in the PFC was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), and energy charge(EC) was calculated.The parameters related to mitochondrial respiratory function were measured by the Clark oxygen electrode, specifically, state 3 respiration(ST3), state 4 respiration(ST4), and respiratory control rate(RCR).Enzymatic activities of succinate dehydrogenase(SDH), cytochrome C oxidase(COX), Na~+-K~+-ATPase, and Ca~(2+)-Mg~(2+)-ATPase were measured by chemical colorimetry.Mitochondrial permeability transition pore(mPTP) opening was measured by spectrophotometry.Protein expression of glucose transporter 1(GLUT1) and GLUT3 in PFC was tested by Western blot.Compared with the results in the model group, RRP could significantly reduce the total distance of movement, vertical times, and distance in the central area in the open field test(P<0.05 or P<0.01), increase the content of ATP and EC, decrease the content of AMP(P<0.05), elevate ST3 and RCR(P<0.05), potentiate activities of SDH, COX, Na~+-K~+-ATPase, and Ca~(2+)-Mg~(2+)-ATPase(P<0.05 or P<0.01), inhibit the opening of mPTP, and increase the expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT3 proteins(P<0.05).It was inferred that RRP could inhibit hyperacti-vity and impulsivity by improving the energy metabolism disorder in PFC of ADHD rats, and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of mitochondrial respiratory function, potentiation of Na~+-K~+-ATPase, Ca~(2+)-Mg~(2+)-ATPase, and mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, inhibition of the opening of mPTP, and up-regulation of the expression of glucose transporter proteins.This study initially reveals the biological connotation of the "static Yin and dynamic Yang" theory in ADHD.

Computed tomography helps pre-operative evaluation before laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst: A case report.

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital foregut dysplasia that occur mostly in the lungs and mediastinum. Here, we report a rare case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst, the location, relationship to adjacent structures and blood supply of which were determined by computed tomography (CT) recombination technology and resected by laparoscope. The case was a 41-year-old female patient. The patient came to the hospital because of intermittent lumbar back discomfort for 1 month. CT scanning revealed a cystic mass of 3.9 cm × 3.2 cm × 3.0 cm behind the left peritoneum. The mass was close to the left adrenal gland, and a branch artery from the left renal artery was revealed to supply the mass. The cystic mass was excised by laparoscopy and confirmed as bronchogenic cyst on histopathology.

COLEC12 regulates apoptosis of osteosarcoma through Toll-like receptor 4-activated inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of COLEC12 in osteosarcoma and observe the relationship between COLEC12 knockdown and the inflammation of osteosarcoma. Then, further explore whether the process is regulated by TLR4. METHOD: GEPIA and TCGA systems were used to predict the potential function of COLEC12. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to analyze the protein expression, or mRNA level, of COLEC12 in different tissue or cell lines. The occurrence and development of osteosarcoma were observed by using COLEC12 knockdown lentivirus. The inflammation indexes of osteosarcoma, in vitro and in vivo, were explored. TLR4 knockdown lentivirus was applied to the relationship between COLEC12 and TLR4. RESULTS: COLEC12 expression in SARC tumor tissue was higher than in normal, and a high expression of COLEC12 in SARC patients had a worse prognostic outcome. Pairwise gene correlation analysis revealed a potential relationship between COLEC12 and TLR4. The COLEC12 expression and mRNA level in the tumor or Saos-2 cells were increased. COLEC12 knockdown lentivirus could inhibit osteosarcoma development, in vivo and vitro, through reducing tumor volume and weight, weakening tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion, and enhancing apoptosis. Furthermore, COLEC12 knockdown could increase inflammation of osteosarcoma, in vivo and in vitro, through inducing myeloperoxidase (MPO), TLR4, NF-κB, and C3, and expression of related inflammatory factors. Finally, TLR4 knockdown lentivirus inhibits the progress of inflammation after COLEC12 regulation, in vivo and vitro. CONCLUSION: COLEC12 may be able to regulate apoptosis and inflammation of osteosarcoma, and TLR4 may be the downstream target factor of COLEC12 in inflammation.

Polysulfide Coordination Clusters of the Lanthanides.

The reaction of [(DippForm)2 Ln(thf)2 ] with an excess of elemental sulfur in toluene resulted in the formation of the trinuclear polysulfide coordination clusters [(DippForm)3 Ln3 S12 ] (Ln=Sm, Yb; DippForm=N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)formamidinate). These are the first f element coordination clusters (Lnn Sx ) with a larger polysulfide unit (n and x>2). The formation of the coordination clusters can be rationalized by the reductive cleavage of S8 with divalent lanthanides.

Natural product solasodine-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside inhibits the virulence factors of Candida albicans.

Candida albicans undergoes yeast-to-hyphal transition that has been recognized as a virulence factor as well as the key point for the development of mature biofilm. In this study, we found that a natural product, solasodine-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (SG), a steroidal alkaloid glycoside, isolated from Solanum. nigrum L., could attenuate the virulence of C. albicans by inhibiting the adhesion and morphological transition. Moreover, SG dramatically inhibited the biofilm formation and displayed killing activity against the mature biofilm. In vivo study using Caenorhabditis elegans showed that SG prolonged the survival time of C. albicans infected worms. The mechanism investigation revealed that SG could inhibit the expression of adhesions and hyphae-specific genes by regulating Ras-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. The inhibitory effects on yeast-to-hyphal conversion and biofilm formation caused by SG could be rescued by addition of exogenerous cAMP, suggesting that the retarded cAMP synthesis is responsible for these actions. Taken together, our work uncovers the underlying mechanism of SG-dependent inhibition of the yeast-to-hyphal switch and biofilm formation and provides a potential application in treating relevant fungal infections.

Low Serum Amylase is Associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: The association between low serum amylase levels and type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome has been clearly disclosed. However, the relationship between serum amylase levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to assess the association of serum amylase with GDM. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among 878 Chinese pregnant women who underwent detailed prenatal visits in Hangzhou, China. RESULTS: A total of 108 (12.30%) subjects fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of GDM. Patients with GDM had significantly lower levels of serum amylase than those without GDM. The prevalence rate of GDM decreased across serum amylase increasing tertiles (p for trend < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that serum amylase level was negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose, 1hPG, 2hPG, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, free fatty acid, and thyroid stimulating hormone (all with p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed that low serum amylase level predicted increased risk of GDM. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that low serum amylase level is significantly associated with increased risk of GDM.

Dinuclear ytterbium(III) benzamidinate complexes with bridging S32-, Se22- and Te22- ligands: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties.

Treatment of Yb(II) complex [L2Yb(THF)2] (L = PhC(NSiMe3)2) with elemental sulfur, selenium or tellurium resulted in the isolation of a series of dinuclear Yb(III) complexes featuring side-on bound S32- (1), Se22- (2) or Te22- (3) moieties, respectively. Magnetic study on these complexes revealed that 3 is a rare lanthanide telluride single-molecule magnet (SMM).

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory effects of Morchella esculenta in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway by network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Morchella esculenta is an edible fungus with a uniquely delicious flavor and remarkable benefits for health. Herein, the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of Morchella esculenta was elucidated using molecular docking and network pharmacology. NPASS, Super-pred, SEA, Swiss Target Prediction, GeneCards, DisGeNET, Omim database, and STRING platform were used to select anti-inflammatory targets and construct target protein interaction networks using the active ingredients of Morchella esculenta. The OmicShare cloud platform was used to analyze GO functions and KEGG pathways related to the target, and the AutoDock Vina software was used to perform molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on the main target. Based on Cytoscape's "Network Analysis", the degree was used to identify potential key targets, and different inflammatory transcriptome data sets were used to evaluate core targets showing clinical significance. The active ingredient of Morchella esculenta identified from the NPASS database was EOYA, which had 43 anti-inflammatory targets, including NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, CYP4F2, CYP3A4, TLR4, MAPK1, PLA2G4A, and PTPN11, and was mainly implicated in arachidonic acid metabolism, vascular endothelial growth factor signal pathway, and sphingomyelin signal transduction pathway, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effects of EOYA were mainly related to these biological processes. The degree was used to select 9 potential effective targets, namely NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, CYP4F2, CYP3A4, TLR4, MAPK1, PLA2G4A, and PTPN11, among which NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, PLA2G4A, MAPK1, CYP3A4, and TLR4 showed clinical significance. Molecular docking results showed that (E)-Octadec-11-En-9-Ynoic Acid (EOYA) could spontaneously bind to the 9 core targets, and the binding fractions of NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, CYP4F2, and CYP3A4 were the highest. The MD simulation results showed that EYOA did indeed bind well NR1I2 to PTGS2, and the complex has high stability. Morchella esculenta can regulate the activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase, and affect the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thereby impacting the metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid.

[Clinical study of double plate system in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical outcomes of anteromedial combined with lateral locking plate for complex proximal humeral fractures in the eldery. METHODS: From June 2018 to October 2020, 30 patients who underwent surgical treatment for Neer grade 3 to 4 proximal humeral fractures, including 8 males and 22 females, aged from 51 to 78 years old with an average of (61.5±7.5) years old. Of them, 15 patients had fractures fixed with anteromedial combined with lateral locking plate(ALLP group), whereas 15 received internal fixation with proximal humerus locking plate only(PHLP group). The clinical data, simple shoulder test (SST), humeral head height loss, varus angle and shoulder range of motion were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All fractures were healed. The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 24 months, with an average of(14.3±2.9) months. The operation time of ALLP group was longer than that of PHLP group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in SST score between the two groups at 1, 3 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). In terms of radiographic measurement, there was no significant difference in humeral head height loss and varus angle between the two groups at 1 and 3 months after operation (P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, the height loss and varus angle of humeral head in ALLP group were lower than those in PHLP group (P<0.05). In shoulder range of motion, the range of forward elevation in ALLP group was larger than that in PHLP group 1 year after operation(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in external rotation between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anteromedial combined with lateral locking plate in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly can increase the stability of the medial column and obtain a good fracture prognosis. But there are also disadvantages such as longer operation time, so it should be individualized according to the fracture type of the patient.

Relationships of Low Serum Levels of Interleukin-10 With Poststroke Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Clinical Acute Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The relationships among interleukin (IL)-10 levels, anxiety, and cognitive status after stroke remain controversial. We aimed to determine the associations of serum IL-10 levels with poststroke anxiety (PSA) and poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). METHODS: We recruited 350 patients with stroke, of whom only 151 completed a 1-month follow-up assessment. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assess the cognitive status and anxiety, respectively. Serum IL-10 levels were measured within 24 hours of admission. RESULTS: IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the PSA group than in the non-PSA group, and they were negatively associated with HAMA scores (r=-0.371, p<0.001). After adjusting for all potential confounders, IL-10 levels remained an independent predictor of PSA (odds ratio=0.471, 95% confidence interval=0.237-0.936, p=0.032). IL-10 levels were strongly correlated with behavior during interviews, psychic anxiety, and somatic anxiety. Patients without PSCI had higher IL-10 levels were higher in non-PSCI patients than in PSCI patients, and they were positively associated with MMSE scores in the bivariate correlation analysis (r=0.169, p=0.038), and also with memory capacity, naming ability, and copying capacity. However, IL-10 did not predict PSCI in the univariable or multivariable logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Low IL-10 levels were associated with increased risks of PSA and PSCI at a 1-month follow-up after stroke. Serum IL-10 levels may therefore be helpful in predicting PSA.

Targeting CD43 optimizes cancer immunotherapy through reinvigorating antitumor immune response in colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with dramatically increasing incidence and mortality for decades. However, current therapeutic strategies for CRC, including chemotherapies and immunotherapies, have only demonstrated limited efficacy. Here, we report a novel immune molecule, CD43, that can regulate the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and serves as a promising target for CRC immunotherapy. METHODS: The correlation of CD43 expression with CRC patient prognosis was revealed by public data analysis. CD43 knockout (KO) CRC cell lines were generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and a syngenetic murine CRC model was established to investigate the in vivo function of CD43. The TIME was analyzed via immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry and RNA-seq. Immune functions were investigated by depletion of immune subsets in vivo and T-cell functional assays in vitro, including T-cell priming, cytotoxicity, and chemotaxis experiments. RESULTS: In this study, we found that high expression of CD43 was correlated with poor survival of CRC patients and the limited infiltration of CD8+ T cells in human CRC tissues. Importantly, CD43 expressed on tumor cells, rather than host cells, promoted tumor progression in a syngeneic tumor model. Loss of CD43 facilitated the infiltration of immune cells and immunological memory in the TIME of CRC tumors. Mechanistically, the protumor effect of CD43 depends on T cells, thereby attenuating T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cDC1-mediated antigen-specific T-cell activation. Moreover, targeting CD43 synergistically improved PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy for CRC. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that targeting tumor-intrinsic CD43 could activate the antitumor immune response and provide particular value for optimized cancer immunotherapy by regulating the TIME in CRC patients.

Two large novel alpha-globin gene cluster deletions causing alpha(0)-thalassemia in two Chinese families.

INTRODUCTION: Monosomy of terminal 16p13.3 is a relatively common subtelomeric abnormality, most affected individuals presented α-thalassemia, some also have mental retardation, developmental abnormalities and/or speech delay and facial dysmorphism, which is termed ATR-16 syndrome. Here, we reported two novel 16p13.3 deletions involving the α-globin gene cluster and multispecies conserved sequences (MCSs), causing only a phenotype of α-thalassemia. METHODS: Samples were collected from members of the two families and were subjected to haematological and comprehensive genetic analysis. RESULTS: The novel 108 Kb deletion in family A extends from the non-protein coding RNA gene (WASIR2) to the NPRL3 gene, removing MCS-R1 to R3. This deletion should arise de novo because it wasn't detected in both parents. The novel 336 Kb deletion in family B should extend from telomere to âˆ¼ chr16:336000, removing the entire α-globin gene cluster. Carriers of these two deletions presented with microcytosis and hypochromic red cells, in accordance with a phenotype of α0-thalassemia carrier. CONCLUSION: Our study increases the mutation spectrum of α-thalassemia. MCSs deletion should be considered in clinical practice of thalassemia screening and diagnosis.

Variation in Global Spinal Sagittal Parameters in Asymptomatic Adults with 11 Thoracic Vertebrae, four Lumbar Vertebrae, and six Lumbar Vertebrae.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of 11 thoracic vertebrae (TVs), four lumbar vertebrae (LVs) and six LVs among asymptomatic Chinese volunteers, and the influence of spine variations on the global spinal sagittal parameters. METHODS: A total of 389 asymptomatic Chinese volunteers were recruited. Each subject underwent a full-spine X-ray examination with measurement of global spinal sagittal parameters. The radiographs were examined by a spine surgeon and a radiologist to determine the variation in the number of vertebrae. These parameters were used to compare individuals with five LVs to those with 11 TVs, four LVs, and six LVs. RESULTS: The study population included 12 individuals (3.1%) with seven cervical vertebrae (C) + 11 thoracic vertebrae (T) + five lumbar vertebrae (L), 8 (2.1%) with 7C + 11T + 6L, 8 (2.1%) with 7C + 12T + 4L, and 15 (3.9%) with 7C + 12T + 6L. Compared to the 7C + 12T + 5L individuals, those with 7C + 11T + 5L had significantly lower C6 -T5 Cobb values (P < 0.05); 7C + 12T + 4L individuals had significantly greater thoracic inlet angles (P < 0.05) and significantly lower pelvic tilt (P < 0.05); individuals with 7C + 12T + 6L had significantly greater sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and L1-5 Cobb values (all P < 0.05), but significantly lower thoracic inlet angle (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any of the parameters examined between the 7C + 11T + 6L group and the 7C + 12T + 5L group. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic adults with 7C + 12T + 6L, 7C + 12T + 4L, and 7C + 11T + 5L presented with different spinal sagittal alignment compared to those with 7C + 12T + 5L. Compared to variation in the number of LVs, the variation in the number of TVs had less effect on global spinal sagittal parameters. Spinal surgeons and researchers should be aware of the effects of variation in numbers of TVs and LVs on global spinal parameters and sagittal balance.

Caffeic acid dimethyl ether alleviates alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis via microRNA-378b-mediated CaMKK2-AMPK pathway.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), with its increasing morbidity and mortality, has seriously and extensively affected the health of people worldwide. Caffeic Acid Dimethyl Ether (CADE) significantly inhibits alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis in vivo through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, but its in-depth mechanism remains unclear. This work aimed to clarify further mechanism of CADE in improving hepatic lipid accumulation in ALD through the microRNA-378b (miR-378b)-mediated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2)-AMPK signaling pathway. Here, we reported that the hepatic or serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were sharply escalated by ethanol while prominently decreased by CADE. Ethanol sharply up-regulated miR-378b expression while CADE effectively prevented the elevation of miR-378b in vivo. And treatment of CADE surely increased mRNA and protein expression of CaMKK2 as a kinase of AMPK and reduced lipid accumulation in the livers of alcohol-fed C57BL/6 mice. MiR-378b escalation exacerbated hepatic steatosis and inhibited CaMKK2-AMPK signaling, while miR-378b deficiency alleviated lipid accumulation and activated the CaMKK2 cascade. Furthermore, CADE alleviated the lipid deposition and reversed the disorder of CaMKK2-AMPK signaling pathway induced by miR-378b over-expression. However, knockdown of miR-378b eliminated the beneficial effect of CADE on lipid metabolism. In brief, our results showed that CADE ultimately improved hepatic lipid deposition by regulating the CaMKK2-AMPK signaling pathway through miR-378b.

High resolution imaging and quantification of the nailfold microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and capillaroscopy: a preliminary study in healthy subjects.

Background: A wide range of diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, can be diagnosed by imaging the nailfold microcirculation, which is conventionally performed using capillaroscopy. This study applied optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as a novel high resolution imaging method for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the nailfold microvasculature, and compared OCTA imaging with capillaroscopy. Methods: For qualitative assessment, high resolution OCTA imaging was used to achieve images that contained a wide field of view of the nailfold microvasculature through mosaic scanning. OCTA imaging was also used to observe the characteristic changes in the microvasculature under external compression of the upper arm. For quantitative evaluation, the capillary density and the capillary diameter of the nailfold microvasculature were assessed with both OCTA and capillaroscopy by repeated measurements over 2 days in 13 normal subjects. The results were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: OCTA imaging showed the typical nailfold microvasculature pattern, part of which was not directly seen with the capillaroscopy. OCTA imaging revealed significant changes in the nailfold microvasculature when a large external pressure was applied via arm compression, but no significant changes were observed using capillaroscopy. The capillary density measured by OCTA and capillaroscopy was 6.8±1.5 and 7.0±1.2 loops/mm, respectively, which was not significantly different (P=0.51). However, the capillary diameter measured by OCTA was significantly larger than that measured using capillaroscopy (19.1±2.5 vs. 13.3±2.3 µm, P<0.001). The capillary diameter measurements using OCTA and capillaroscopy were highly reproducible (ICC =0.926 and 0.973, respectively). While the capillary diameter measured with OCTA was significantly larger, it was rather consistent with the diameter measured using capillaroscopy (ICC =0.705). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that OCTA is a potentially viable and reproducible tool for the imaging and quantification of the capillaries in the nailfold microvasculature. The results of this study provide a solid basis for future applications of OCTA in qualitative and quantitative assessment of nailfold microcirculation in vivo.

High selectivity of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO based on terpyridine ligand supported CuI metal organic framework.

In this work, a 4'-(4-cynaophenyl)-4,2':6',4-terpyridine supported CuI MOFs photocatalyst (Cu I MOF) was applied to the photocatalytic CO2 reduction for the first time. The micro-structural and physicochemical properties of the Cu I MOF were systematically studied by the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-Vis diffuse spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), ns-level photoluminescence spectra (ns-level PL), Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and N2 adsorption-desorption test (BET-BJH). Moreover, the in situ diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) was applied to investigate the adsorption and reaction intermediates of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. As a result, Cu I MOF exhibited good performance and outstanding selectivity toward photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO under full-spectrum and visible light illumination. Notably, 100% selective photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CO was achieved. Thus, the study presents the high selectivity and CO2 reduction efficiency of Cu I MOF as a potential family of photocatalysts.

Hyperhaemolysis in a pregnant woman with a homozygous ß0 -thalassemia mutation and two genetic modifiers.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with a homozygous ß0 -thalassemia mutation usually have a transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia major phenotype. However, some ß-thalassemia patients present with a relatively mild and even normal phenotype and always have a high level of Hb F induced by genetic modifiers. METHODS: In this study, we identified a homozygous ß0 -thalassemia mutation (HBB: c.126_129delCTTT) in a 36-year-old pregnant woman. She had not presented any clinical symptoms of ß-thalassemia since birth. To investigate her unexpected mild phenotype, known genetic modifiers that ameliorate the severity of ß-thalassemia were analysed. Besides, we described the haematological changes during pregnancy. RESULTS: Two genetic modifiers (a heterozygous KLF1: c.519_525dup mutation; and two homozygous HBS1L-MYB locus SNP variants: rs7776054 and rs9399137) were identified. However, she showed a gradually decreased level of Hb during pregnancy, and serious transfusion complication of hyperhaemolysis was induced and complicated the pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This report is in accordance with previous findings that genetic modifiers can ameliorate the clinical severity of ß-thalassemia, even without obvious clinical symptoms in a prolonged steady state. However, the steady state can be disrupted during pregnancy. In addition, raising awareness of hyperhaemolysis among clinicians treating patients with thalassemia is necessary.