[Comparative analysis of intestinal microbiota distribution characteristics based on metagenomics in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis with or without ascites].

Objective: To use metagenomic sequencing to compare the differences in intestinal microbiota species and metabolic pathways in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis with or without ascites and further explore the correlation between the differential microbiota and clinical indicators and metabolic pathways. Methods: 20 hepatitis B cirrhosis cases [10 without ascites (HBLC-WOA), 10 with ascites (HBLC-WA), and 5 healthy controls (HC)] were selected from the previously studied 16S rRNA samples. Metagenome sequencing was performed on the intestinal microbiota samples. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Spearman test were used to identify and analyse differential intestinal microbiota populations, metabolic pathways, and their correlations. Results: (1) The overall structure of the intestinal microbiota differed significantly among the three groups (R = 0.19, P = 0.018). The HC group had the largest abundance of Firmicutes and the lowest abundance of Proteobacteria at the genus level. Firmicutes abundance was significantly decreased (P(fdr) < 0.01), while Proteobacteria abundance was significantly increased (P(fdr) < 0.01) in patients with cirrhosis accompanied by ascites; (2) LEfSe analysis revealed that 29 intestinal microbiota (18 in the HBLC-WA group and 11 in the HBLC-WOA group) played a significant role in the disease group. The unclassified Enterobacteriaceae and Klebsiella species in the HBLC-WA group and Enterobacteriaceae in the HBLC-WOA group were positively correlated with the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio score and negatively correlated with albumin and hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). Escherichia and Shigella in the HBLC-WA group were positively correlated with CTP scores (P < 0.05); (3) The correlation analysis results between the KEGG pathway and 29 specific intestinal microbiota revealed that Enterobacteriaceae and arachidonic acid, α-linolenic acid, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation were positively correlated in the lipid metabolism pathway, while most Enterobacteriaceae were positively correlated with branched-chain amino acid degradation and negatively correlated with aromatic amino acid biosynthesis in the amino acid metabolic pathway. Conclusion: A significant increment of Enterobacteriaceae in the intestines of HBLC-WA patients influenced hepatic reserve function and was associated with amino acid and lipid metabolic pathways. Therefore, attention should be paid to controlling the intestinal microbiota to prevent complications and improve the prognosis in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis, especially in those with ascites.

Functional integrity of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) resistant to dieldrin γ-aminobutyric acid receptor channels conjugated with three fluorescent proteins.

To generate an efficient tool used in Xenopus oocyte expression for in situ investigation of channel receptor expression, distribution and function, the C-terminus of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) resistant to dieldrin (RDL) subunit was fused with *FP, including monomeric red, enhanced yellow or enhanced green fluorescent protein (referred to as mRFP, EYFP and EGFP, respectively). In the present study, all fused *FP-AmRDLs could be visualized using fluorescence and laser confocal microscopy in cRNA-injected oocytes. Fluorescence was distributed isotropically in the cellular membrane. The potencies of the agonist γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but not ß-alanine, and the test antagonists (fipronil, flufiprole, dieldrin, α-endosulfan, bifenazate and avermectin B1a) in the *FP-AmRDL receptor did not significantly differ from that of the untagged receptor with two-electrode voltage clamp detection. The half maximal effective concentrations (EC50 s) of GABA in AmRDL, EGFP-AmRDL, EYFP-AmRDL and mRFP-AmRDL receptors were 11.98, 12.61, 18.92 and 22.11 µM, respectively, and those of ß-alanine were 651.6, 629.6, 1643.0 and 2146.0 µM, respectively. Inhibition percentages of test antagonists against *FP-AmRDL and AmRDL were not significantly different from each other. Overall, the consistency in functional properties between *FP-AmRDL and AmRDL receptors makes pGH19-*FP a promising tool for further in situ investigation of GABA receptors.

[Research progress of cirrhosis with portal vein thrombosis].

Portal vein thrombosis refers to the formation of a thrombus in the trunk of the portal vein and /or its branches due to various causes, and is one of the common complications of cirrhosis. Synthesizing the existing evidence, this paper summaries the cirrhosis with portal vein thrombosis in terms of epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, definition and classification, clinical manifestations and complications, diagnosis and screening, treatment, follow-up and prognosis, prospects and problems.

Protease-activated receptor-2 suppresses interleukin (IL)-10 expression in B cells via upregulating Bcl2L12 in patients with allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The function of interleukin (IL)-10-producing B cells (B10 cell) is compromised in patients with allergic diseases. Protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 has immunoregulatory functions. This study aimed to elucidate the role of PAR2 in the suppression of IL-10 expression in peripheral B cells. METHODS: Peripheral blood B cells were collected from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). A correlation between the expression of Bcl2-like protein 12 (Bcl2L12) and IL-10 in the B cells was analyzed. An AR mouse model was developed. RESULTS: We observed that the expression of IL-10 was lower in the peripheral B cells from patients with airway allergy. A negative correlation was identified between the expression of IL-10 and PAR2 in B cells. Activation of PAR2 of B cells increased the expression of Bcl2L12 and suppression of LPS-induced IL-10 expression, which were inhibited by knocking down the Bcl2L12 gene. Treating B cells from AR patients with Bcl2L12-shRNA-carrying liposomes reversed the capability of IL-10 expression and the immunosuppressive function. Administration of Bcl2L12 shRNA-carrying liposomes attenuated experimental AR in mice. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of PAR2 inhibits the expression of IL-10 in B cells, which can be reversed by treating B cells with Bcl2L12 shRNA-carrying liposomes. The data suggest that regulation of Bcl2L12 may be a novel approach in the treatment for AR.

Ryanodine receptor genes of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis: Molecular cloning, alternative splicing and expression profiling.

The ryanodine receptor (RyR) of the calcium release channel is the main target of anthranilic and phthalic diamide insecticides which have high selective insecticidal activity relative to mammalian toxicity. In this study, the full-length cDNA of Chilo suppressalis RyR (CsRyR) was isolated and characterized. The CsRyR mRNA has an open reading frame (ORF) of 15,387bp nucleotides, which encodes 5128 amino acids with GenBank ID: KR088972. Comparison of protein sequences showed that CsRyR shared high identities with other insects of 77-96% and lower identity to mammals and nematodes with only 42-45%. One alternative splicing site (KENLG) unique to Lepidoptera was found and two exclusive exons of CsRyR (I /II) were revealed. Spatial and temporal expression of CsRyR mRNA was at the highest relative level in 3rd instar larvae and head (including brain and muscle), and at the lowest expression level in egg and fat body. The expression levels of whole body CsRyR mRNA were increased remarkably after injection of 4th instar larvae with chlorantraniliprole at 0.004 to 0.4µg/g. This structural and functional information on CsRyR provides the basis for further understanding the selective action of chlorantraniliprole and possibly other diamide insecticides.

[Effect of Fuzheng Huayu capsules on survival rate of patients with liver cirrhosis].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Fuzheng Huayu capsules on the survival rate of patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of the patients with various types of liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008. The data collected for these patients included their basic information, diagnosis and treatment, and results of laboratory examination. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the effect of Fuzheng Huayu capsules on the survival rate of patients with liver cancer. The starting point of observation was the first day of the patient's admission and the ending point of follow-up observation was the date of death or the end of follow-up April 1, 2014. The cut-off value was obtained if the patient did not experience any outcome event (death) at the end of follow-up. With reference to the outcome, the time when the outcome occurred, and the cut-off value, the life-table method was used to calculate survival rates and survival curves were plotted. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to calculate the arithmetic mean of survival time and median survival time, and the log-rank test was used to compare the survival data. Results: A total of 430 patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled, among whom 191 died and 239 survived or were censored. The average constituent ratio of death was 55.6% and the average constituent ratio of survival was 44.4%. The life-table method showed that the half-, 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 70%, 64%, 58%, and 48%, respectively. The median survival time was 112.1 weeks for the patients who did not take Fuzheng Huayu capsules and 351.6 weeks for those who did, and there was a significant difference in survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.000). Among 313 patients who had an etiology of hepatitis B, 164 did not take Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a median survival time of 195.9 weeks and a 5-year survival rate of 44%, and 149 took Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a median survival time of 336.9 weeks and a 5-year survival rate of 59%; there was a significant difference in survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.038). Among 117 patients who did not have hepatitis B, 68 did not take Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a median survival time of 78.1 weeks and a 5-year survival rate of 32%, and 49 took Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a median survival time of 277.4 weeks and a 5-year survival rate of 53%; there was a significant difference in survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.013). Among 92 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis, 47 did not take Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a 5-year survival rate of 65%, and 45 took Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a 5-year survival rate of 82%; both groups of patients had a median survival of 440 weeks; there was a significant difference in survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.027). Among 338 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 185 did not take Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a median survival time of 60.3 weeks and a 5-year survival rate of 33%, and 153 took Fuzheng Huayu capsules and had a median survival time of 267.7 weeks and a 5-year survival rate of 51%; there was a significant difference in survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Fuzheng Huayu capsules can improve the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and increase their survival rates and have good long-term efficacy.

Clinical and genetic analyses of Chinese patients with Gitelman syndrome.

To evaluate the genotype-phenotype relationship of Gitelman syndrome in Chinese patients. We selected patients with Gitelman syndrome presenting hypokalemia. Medical history, clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and imaging data of these patients were collected for analysis. Target gene sequencing was performed to evaluate the genotype-phenotype relationship. Gitelman syndrome was diagnosed based on medical history, clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and imaging data. The causative gene for Gitelman syndrome, SLC12A3, and the causative gene for the classic Bartter syndrome, CLCNKB, were screened for disease-causing mutations by direct sequencing. Clinical diagnoses of ten patients were consistent with Gitelman syndrome. Disease-causing mutations in the SLC12A3 gene were found in six patients. Among the variants, T60M in exon 1 was the hot spot in Chinese patients. Additionally, we found a small deletion of ACGG in exon 3 and L671P in exon 16; these have not been reported in previous studies. No disease-causing mutations were observed in the other four patients. Since mutations in the SLC12A3 and CLCNKB genes are not present in all patients with clinical manifestations of Gitelman syndrome, genetic screening after clinical diagnosis is essential.

Construction of a full-length cDNA library and preliminary analysis of expressed sequence tags from lymphocytes of half-pipe snowboarding athletes.

The genes of top athletes are a valuable genetic resource for the human race, and could be exploited to identify novel genes related to sports ability, as well as other functions. We analyzed the expressed sequence tags from top half-pipe snowboarding athletes using the SMART complementary DNA (cDNA) library construction method to elucidate the characteristics of the athlete genome and the differential expression of the genes it contains. Overall, we established a full-length cDNA library from the lymphocytes of half-pipe snowboarding athletes and analyzed the inserted gene fragments. We also classified those genes according to molecular function, biological characteristics, cellular composition, protein types, and signal paths. A total of 201 functional genes were noted, which were distributed in 27 pathways. TXN, MDH1, ARL1, ARPC3, ACTG1, and other genes measured in sequence may be associated with physical ability. This suggests that the SMART cDNA library constructed from the genetic material from top athletes is an effective tool for preserving genetic sports resources and providing genetic markers of physical ability for athlete selection.

[The principle and practice of vidian neurectomy].

The latest research findings on bidirectional regulation of neuro-immunity through traditional neural circuits shed new light on the theoretical basis of the role of vidian neurectomy (VN). This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of VN, including the history of VN, the principle of neuroimmuno-interaction, the applied anatomy of VN as well as the methods of transnasal endoscopic surgery. Additionally, we introduce the concept of the nose-brain axis, which was proposed based on the advancement in the area of neuro-immune interactions.

[Clinical features and management analysis of 11 cases of laryngocele].

Objective: To summarize clinical features and our experience of the diagnosis and treatment of laryngocele. Methods: Clinical data of 11 laryngocele patients in department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2012 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, including 9 men and 2 women, aged from 12 to 75 years, with median age of 56 years. Electronic laryngoscope was performed in 10 of all patients, laryngeal CT in 10 and cervical color ultrasound in 5 before operation.All the operations were performed under general anesthesia, and the external cervical approach was used for external and combined laryngocele. The internal laryngocele was resected by low temperature plasma through transoral endoscopy. Patients were followed up regularly after operation to evaluate the effect. Clinical feature, types of lesions, imaging findings, surgical approaches and follow-up results were analyzed through descriptive statistical method. Results: Eleven laryngocele patients were divided into mixed type (n=6), internal type (n=4) and external type (n=1).Nine patients presented with hoarseness or dysphonia, 7 with cervical mass and 1 with airway obstruction. Surgical resections were done through external cervical approach (n=7)or transoral endoscopic approach (n=4). All the operations were successful and no complication occurred. All cases were followed up from 17 to 110 months. No recurrence was encountered. Conclusions: Laryngocele is a rare lesion with atypical clinical presentation. Preoperative imaging including CT scan and electronic laryngoscope is essential to evaluate the location, and extent of the lesion, and to make the surgical plan.Complete surgical excision is required. Surgical resection is the only effective method for the treatment of laryngocele.

[Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain: a national multi-center survey of 35 566 population].

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.

[Clinical analysis of 12 cases of laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the clinical and pathological features, treatments and prognosis of laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma (LNEC). Methods: We conducted the retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 12 patients with LNEC admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2014 to December 2021, including 9 males and 3 females, aged 50-77 years. There were 4 cases of typical carcinoid tumour (highly differentiated), 5 cases of atypical carcinoid tumour (moderately differentiated) and 3 cases of neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma (hypofractionated). The clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of LNEC were analysed. Results: The clinical manifestations of LNEC varied according to the tumour type but did not correlate with the pathological types. The supraglottic type was characterized by sore throat, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, coughing, obstructive sensation when eating and choking on water. The treatments were determined according to the pathological types, lesion location and invasion scope. Of 12 patients 4 underwent horizontal partial laryngectomy plus elective lymphatic dissection plus postoperative radiotherapy/chemotherapy, 4 underwent vertical partial laryngectomy (3 of them with cervical lymphatic dissection), 3 underwent supported laryngoscopic plasma laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer, and 1 abandoned for treatment. With the follow-up of 8 -78 months, 5 patients were alive, 1 died from chemotherapy reactions, 3 died from other diseases, 1 died from lung metastasis, 1 died from lung infection and 1 was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: LNEC is clinically rare, the clinical manifestations are less specificity, diagnosis relies on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations, and treatment modalities and prognoses are closely related to the pathological subtypes of LNEC.

Specific immunotherapy suppresses Th2 responses via modulating TIM1/TIM4 interaction on dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only curable remedy for allergic disorders currently; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood yet. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of SIT on suppressing TIM4 (T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain molecule 4) expression in dendritic cells (DCs) and modulating the skewed T helper 2 (Th2) responses in patients with airway allergy. METHODS: Twenty patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) were treated with SIT for 3 months. Before and after SIT, the expression of TIM4 in peripheral DC and TIM1 in Th2 cells was examined. The role of Fc gamma receptor (FcgammaR) I and II in modulating the expression of TIM4 in DCs was investigated. RESULTS: The interaction of TIM1/TIM4 played a critical role in sustaining the polarization status of Th2 cells in AR patients. Cross-linking FcgammaRI by antigen/IgG complexes increased the production of TIM4 by dendritic cells via upregulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha in DCs. Exposure to microbial products promoted the expression of FcgammaRI in DCs that further increased the expression of TIM4. Exposure to specific antigens alone upregulated the expression of FcgammaRII in DCs, that suppressed the expression of TIM4. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that SIT suppresses the skewed Th2 responses via disrupting the interaction of TIM1/TIM4 in antigen-specific Th2 cells.