A comprehensive exploration of the heterogeneity of immune cells in Han and Zang systemic lupus erythematosus patients via single-cell RNA sequencing.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune sickness with unclear pathogenesis. The goal of this research was to reveal the heterogeneity of immune cells in SLE patients of Han and Zang nationality by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bioinformatics profiling. METHODS: A total of 94,102 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from six volunteers with SLE (3 Zang, 3 Han) and six healthy controls were first conducted through scRNA-seq analysis. The immune cell subsets in the pathogenesis of SLE were analyzed as well. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to confirm the results of sc-RNA seq analysis. RESULTS: For the Tibetan samples, the ratios of Naïve CD4 RPS4Y1 cells, Naïve CD4 cells, Memory BC CD24 and Memory BC differed significantly between the SLE and control samples, while that of CD8 CTL MAL cells was significantly different between the two groups in Han nationality samples. Variable differentiation states of CD8 CTL MAL cells, CD8 CTL GZMK cells, and Naïve CD4 cells were detected through pseudotime analysis. Moreover, T-cell receptor (TCR) abundance was notably higher in Tibetan SLE specimens than that in controls, while B-cell receptor (BCR) abundance in Tibetan and Han samples was higher than in control groups. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the immune cellular heterogeneity of SLE patients both Han and Zang nationality was explored based on various bioinformatics approaches, providing new perspectives for immunological characteristics of SLE among different ethnic groups.

LiPF6 Induces Phosphorization of Garnet-Type Solid-State Electrolyte for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries.

Garnet solid electrolyte Li6.4 La3 Zr1.4 Ta0.6 O12 (LLZTO) is an excellent inorganic ceramic-type solid electrolyte; however, the presence of Li2 CO3 impurities on its surface hinders Li-ion transport and increases the interface impedance. In contrast to traditional methods of mechanical polishing, acid corrosion, and high-temperature reduction for removing Li2 CO3 , herein, a straightforward "waste-to-treasure" strategy is proposed to transform Li2 CO3 into Li3 PO4 and LiF in LiPF6 solution under 60 °C. It is found that the formation of Li3 PO4 during LLZTO pretreatment facilitates rapid Li-ion transport and enhances ionic conductivity, and the LLZTO/PAN composite polymer electrolyte shows the highest Li-ion transference number of 0.63. Additionally, the dense LiF layer serves to safeguard the internal garnet solid electrolyte against solvent decomposition-induced chemical adsorption. Symmetric Li/Li cells assembled with treated LLZTO/PAN composite electrolyte exhibit a critical current density of 1.1 mA cm-2 and a long lifespan of up to 700 h at a current density of 0.2 mA cm-2 . The Li/LiFePO4 solid-state cells demonstrate stable cycling performances for 141 mAh g-1 at 0.5 C, with capacity retention of 93.6% after 190 cycles. This work presents a novel approach to converting waste into valuable resources, offering the advantages of simple processes, and minimal side reactions.

Reduced miR-99a-3p levels in systemic lupus erythematosus may promote B cell proliferation via NCAPG and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an immunologically dysregulated disease characterized by the presence of multiple autoantibodies. In SLE, B lymphocytes contribute to the dysregulated production of autoantibodies and cytokines. Recently, we discovered that miR-99a-3p binds to both EIF4EBP1 and NCAPG mRNA and that lowering miR-99a-3p can promote B cell autophagy in SLE by increasing EIF4EBP1 expression. However, the functions of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG in SLE have not been extensively investigated. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to evaluate the levels of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG expression in SLE B cells and to determine whether the aberrant expression of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG contributes to the pathological mechanisms in SLE. METHODS: B lymphocytes were obtained through immunomagnetic negative selection. Using RT-qPCR, miR-99a-3p and NCAPG mRNA expressions in B lymphocytes and in the BALL-1 cell line were measured. To determine the relative abundance of NCAPG, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT, we normalize them to the level of ß-actin using Western blotting. Evaluation of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG's impact on cell proliferation was done utilizing CCK-8 assay. Using flow cytometry, the cell cycle and apoptosis were both measured. RESULTS: Comparing SLE B cells to healthy controls, miR-99a-3p expression was significantly downregulated. Additionally, it was observed that SLE B cells had significantly higher NCAPG mRNA expression. Blocking miR-99a-3p expression in BALL-1 cells with an antagomir elevated NCAPG expression, facilitated PI3K/AKT pathway activation, improved cell proliferation, raised the fraction of S-phase cells, and prevented cell apoptosis. The opposite effects of upregulated miR-99a-3p levels on BALL-1 cells were observed by using an agomir. Furthermore, the effect of decreased miR-99a-3p expression on cell proliferation was partially mediated by elevating NCAPG levels and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. CONCLUSION: Our research indicates that lower miR-99a-3p expression in SLE B cells appears to boost B cell number via the NCAPG and PI3K/AKT pathways.

The correlation between dermoscopy and clinical and pathological tests in the evaluation of skin photoaging.

BACKGROUND: There are no standards for evaluating skin photoaging. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive detection method that might be useful for evaluating photoaging. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between the dermoscopic evaluation of photoaging and clinical and pathological evaluations. METHODS: The age, clinical evaluation (Fitzpatrick classification, Glogau Photoaging Classification, and Chung's standardized image ruler), histopathology (Masson staining and MMP-1 immunohistochemistry), and dermoscopy (Hu's and Isik's) of 40 donor skin samples were analyzed statistically, and Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was a robust correlation between the total Hu scores and Isik dermoscopy. The correlation of dermoscopy with histopathology was higher than that of clinical evaluation methods. There is a strong correlation between telangiectases and lentigo. Xerosis, superficial wrinkle, diffuse erythema, telangiectases, and reticular pigmentation were significantly correlated with the three clinical evaluation methods. Superficial wrinkles were correlated with Masson, MMP-1, various clinical indicators, and other dermoscopic items. CONCLUSION: There is a good correlation between dermoscopy and clinical and histopathological examination. Dermoscopy might help evaluate skin photoaging.

Critical genes in human photoaged skin identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis.

Photoaging is unique to the skin and is accompanied by an increased risk of tumors. To explore the transcriptomic regulatory mechanism of skin photoaging, the epidermis, and dermis of 16 healthy donors (eight exposed and eight non-exposed) were surgically excised and detected using total RNA-Seq. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified the most relevant modules with exposure. The hub genes were identified using correlation, p-value, and enrichment analysis. The critical genes were identified using Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, then enriched using single-gene GSEA. A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and validated using qRT-PCR. Compared with non-exposed sites, 430 mRNAs, 168 lncRNAs, and 136 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the exposed skin. WGCNA identified the module MEthistle and 12 intersecting genes from the 71 genes in this module. The enriched pathways were related to muscle. The critical genes were KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2. Single-gene GSEA identified the Hippo signaling pathway, basal cell carcinoma, cell adhesion molecules, and other pathways. Six miRNAs and 18 lncRNAs related to the critical genes constituted the ceRNA network and were verified using qPCR. The differential expression of KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2 at the protein level was verified using immunohistochemistry. KLHL41, MYBPC2, and ERAP2 genes are related to skin photoaging. The prediction model based on the three critical genes can indicate photoaging. These critical genes may have a role in skin photoaging by regulating cell growth, intercellular adhesion, and substance metabolism pathways.

Bipolar Polymeric Protective Layer for Dendrite-Free and Corrosion-Resistant Lithium Metal Anode in Ethylene Carbonate Electrolyte.

The unstable interface between Li metal and ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes triggers continuous side reactions and uncontrolled dendrite growth, significantly impacting the lifespan of Li metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, a bipolar polymeric protective layer (BPPL) is developed using cyanoethyl (-CH2CH2C≡N) and hydroxyl (-OH) polar groups, aiming to prevent EC-induced corrosion and facilitating rapid, uniform Li+ ion transport. Hydrogen-bonding interactions between -OH and EC facilitates the Li+ desolvation process and effectively traps free EC molecules, thereby eliminating parasitic reactions. Meanwhile, the -CH2CH2C≡N group anchors TFSI- anions through ion-dipole interactions, enhancing Li+ transport and eliminating concentration polarization, ultimately suppressing the growth of Li dendrite. This BPPL enabling Li|Li cell stable cycling over 750 cycles at 10 mA cm-2 for 2 mAh cm-2. The Li|LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 and Li|LiFePO4 full cells display superior electrochemical performance. The BPPL provides a practical strategy to enhanced stability and performance in LMBs application.

MicroRNA152-3p Protects Against Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Bbb Destruction Possibly Targeting the MAP3K2/JNK/c-Jun Pathway.

In the current study, we reported that overexpression of miR-152-3p effectively ameliorated neurological deficits and protected blood-brain barrier(BBB) integrity in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. In an in vitro model, the level of miR-152-3p was significantly decreased in bEnd.3 cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) insult. miR-152-3p overexpressing bEnd.3 cell monolayers were protected from OGD/R-induced microvascular hyperpermeability. The miR-152-3p-mediated protective effect was associated with lower apoptosis of endothelia by negatively modulating the MAP3K2/JNK/c-Jun pathway.

Hairpin DNA-based electrochemical amplification strategy for miRNA sensing by using single gold nanoelectrodes.

A new sensor has been developed to detect miRNA-15 using nanoelectrodes and a hairpin DNA-based electrochemical amplification technique. By utilizing a complex DNA cylinder connected with hairpin DNA1, the sensor is able to absorb more methylene blue (MB) than simple double-stranded DNA. Another hairpin DNA2 is modified on an Au nanoelectrode surface and, when miRNA-15 is introduced, it triggers a chain reaction. This reaction unlocks two hairpins alternatively to polymerize into a complex structure that attaches more MB. The miRNA-15 is then replaced by DNA1 due to strand displacement reactions and continues to react with the next DNA2 to achieve circular amplification. The electrochemical signal from MB oxidation has a linear relationship with the miRNA-15 concentrations, making it possible to detect miRNA-15. Moreover, this method can be readily adapted for the detection of various other miRNA species. The newly devised nanosensor holds promising applications for the in vivo detection of miRNA-15 within biological systems, which is achieved by leveraging the advantageous characteristics of nanoelectrodes, including their low resistance-capacitance time constant, rapid mass transfer kinetics, and small diameter.

Involvement of Methoprene-tolerant and Krüppel homolog 1 in juvenile hormone-mediated vitellogenesis of female Liposcelis entomophila (End.) (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae).

Methoprene-tolerant (Met) as an intracellular receptor of juvenile hormone (JH) and the Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) as a JH-inducible transcription factor had been proved to contribute to insect reproduction. Their functions vary in different insect orders, however, they are not clear in Psocoptera. In this study, LeMet and LeKr-h1 were identified and their roles in vitellogenesis and ovarian development were investigated in Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein). Treatment with exogenous JH III significantly induced the expression of LeKr-h1, LeVg, and LeVgR. Furthermore, silencing LeMet and LeKr-h1 remarkably reduced the transcription of LeVg and LeVgR, disrupted the production of Vg in fat body and the uptake of Vg by oocytes, and ultimately led to a decline in fecundity. The results indicated that the JH signaling pathway was essential to the reproductive process of this species. Interestingly, knockdown of LeMet or LeKr-h1 also resulted in fluctuations in the expression of FoxO, indicating the complex regulatory interactions between different hormone factors. Besides, knockdown of both LeMet and LeKr-h1 significantly increased L. entomophila mortality. Our study provides initial insight into the roles of JH signaling in the female reproduction of psocids and provided evidence that RNAi-mediated knockdown of Met or Kr-h1 is a potential pest control strategy.

The serine/threonine kinase Akt gene affects fecundity by reducing Juvenile hormone synthesis in Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein).

The serine/threonine kinase Akt is an important component of the insulin signalling pathway (ISP) in regulating insect metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The psocid Liposcelis entomophila (Enderlein) is a distasteful stored products pest for its fecundity. However, the molecular mechanism of Akt that controls vitellogenesis and oviposition in L. entomophila remains obscure. In this study, the function of the Akt gene in the female reproduction of L. entomophila (designated as LeAkt) was characterized and investigated. LeAkt contains a 1587 bp open reading frame encoding a 529 amino acid protein that possesses a conserved Pleckstrin Homology domain (PH) and a Ser/Thr-type protein kinase (S_TKc) domain. The mRNA expression of LeAkt was the highest in female adult stages and peaked for 7-day female adults. In female adult tissues, LeAkt was highly expressed in the head and the ovary, indicating that LeAkt was closely correlated with female ovarian development. LeAkt transcription level was significantly suppressed by oral feeding on artificial diets mixed with dsRNA-LeAkt. RNAi-mediated silencing of LeAkt led to a severe inhibition of vitellogenein (Vg) expression and ovarian development, together with lower fecundity and hatchability compared to that of the normal feeding group, suggesting a critical role for LeAkt in L. entomophila reproduction. Further studies revealed that LeAkt silencing significantly decreased the mRNA levels of several signalling and biosynthetic genes in the juvenile hormone (JH) signalling pathway, such as methoprene-tolerant (LeMet), krüppel homolog 1 (LeKr-h1) and JH methyltransferase (LeJHAMT), leading to a severe inhibition of JH biosynthesis in L. entomophila female adults. These results suggested that LeAkt was affecting JH synthesis, thereby influencing Vg synthesis and ultimately L. entomophila reproduction.

Ventricular SK2 upregulation following angiotensin II challenge: Modulation by p21-activated kinase-1.

Effects of hypertrophic challenge on small-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+(SK2) channel expression were explored in intact murine hearts, isolated ventricular myocytes and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). An established experimental platform applied angiotensin II (Ang II) challenge in the presence and absence of reduced p21-activated kinase (PAK1) (PAK1cko vs. PAK1f/f, or shRNA-PAK1 interference) expression. SK2 current contributions were detected through their sensitivity to apamin block. Ang II treatment increased such SK2 contributions to optically mapped action potential durations (APD80) and their heterogeneity, and to patch-clamp currents. Such changes were accentuated in PAK1cko compared to PAK1f/f, intact hearts and isolated cardiomyocytes. They paralleled increased histological and echocardiographic hypertrophic indices, reduced cardiac contractility, and increased SK2 protein expression, changes similarly greater with PAK1cko than PAK1f/f. In NRCMs, Ang II challenge replicated such increases in apamin-sensitive SK patch clamp currents as well as in real-time PCR and western blot measures of SK2 mRNA and protein expression and cell hypertrophy. Furthermore, the latter were enhanced by shRNA-PAK1 interference and mitigated by the PAK1 agonist FTY720. Increased CaMKII and CREB phosphorylation accompanied these effects. These were rescued by both FTY720 as well as the CaMKII inhibitor KN93, but not its inactive analogue KN92. Such CREB then specifically bound to the KCNN2 promoter sequence in luciferase assays. These findings associate Ang II induced hypertrophy with increased SK2 expression brought about by a CaMKII/CREB signaling convergent with the PAK1 pathway thence upregulating the KCNN2 promoter activity. SK2 may then influence cardiac electrophysiology under conditions of cardiac hypertrophy and failure.

Removal of a Foley catheter misplaced into the ureter by percutaneous puncture: a rare case report.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of aberrant catheterization into a ureter is extremely low, and there is a 20% chance that the balloon cannot be deflated. Regrettably, the mechanism underlying this complication remains unknown. There has been no reported case of a Foley catheter successfully removed from the ureter via percutaneous puncture. CASE PRESENTATION: A 86-year-old man complained of increasing abdominal pain after an 18F Foley catheter was inserted into his urethra. His attending physician attempted but failed to deflate the balloon. A bedside ultrasound and CT scan revealed that the catheter tip was in the right lower ureter. Several measures, including cutting the catheter and inserting a rigid guidewire, were then attempted but failed to deflate the balloon. Finally, the inflated balloon was punctured with a PTC needle under ultrasound-guidance, and the misplaced Foley catheter was removed. Two days after the pelvic drainage tube was removed, the patient was discharged. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of a Foley catheter being removed from the ureter via percutaneous puncture. The mechanism by which the balloon is unable to deflate may be related to the passive twist of the catheter. In such a case, an overall assessment of the patient's condition should be performed, and non-invasive to invasive interventions should be phased in.

Inhibitory effect of anti-Scg3 on corneal neovascularization: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an important disease that causes blindness. Secretogranin III (Scg3) has emerged as a new influencing factor of neovascularization. This study analyzed the Scg3 antibody's inhibitory effect on CNV and and explored its preliminary mechanism. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with Scg3 and anti-Scg3. Cell proliferation, wound healing migration and tube formation assays were performed. Healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly selected to be alkali burned and establish the corneal neovascularization (CNV) model. The rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups (the high concentration group, low concentration group and control group). Different doses of anti-Scg3 and PBS were administered to the rabbits. Clinical examinations, immunostaining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting analyses were performed postoperatively. RESULTS: In the in vitro study, the Scg3 antibody mixture inhibited Scg3-induced endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In the in vivo study, significant CNV was observed in the control group. Confocal microscopy also revealed considerable active neovascularization in the control group. There was no obvious CNV growth in the high concentration group. Additionally, CD31, LYVE1 and CD45 expression was significantly inhibited after treatment with a high concentration of Scg3 antibody. The qPCR and western blotting analyses revealed that the levels of ERK in the low concentration group and high concentration group were higher than those in the control group at 7 days and 14 days. The levels of VEGF in the control group were significantly increased compared with those in the high concentration group. In all three groups, the levels of Akt were not significantly different at any time point. CONCLUSION: The expression of Scg3 could affect the growth of HUVECs in vitro. Treatment with a high concentration (0.5 µg/mL) of Scg3 antibody reduced the inflammatory response and inhibited the growth of corneal neovascularization after corneal alkali burn injury in rabbits. The MEK/ERK pathway might play an important role in the inhibitory effect of anti-Scg3.

Targeting of EIF4EBP1 by miR-99a-3p affects the functions of B lymphocytes via autophagy and aggravates SLE disease progression.

Excessive activation of immune cells plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The regulation of immune cells by miRNAs is a research hotspot. In this study, second-generation high-throughput sequencing revealed a reduction in miR-99a-3p expression in patients with SLE; however, the specific mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. After transfection with an miR-99a-3p agomir, the proliferation of Ball-1 cells decreased and the levels of their apoptosis increased. The opposite effects were observed in cells transfected with the miR-99a-3p antagomir. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-99a-3p directly targeted EIF4EBP1. Rescue experiments confirmed the proposed interaction between miR-99a-3p and EIF4EBP1. In vitro, in vivo and clinical investigations further confirmed that the miR-99a-3p agomir reduced the expression of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP-2A. In the in vivo experiments, serum levels of anti-nuclear antibodies, double-stranded DNA, IgE, IgM, IL-6, IL-10 and B lymphocyte stimulator were higher in mice from the antagomir group than those in mice from the MRL/lpr group. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP-2A, the intensity of immunohistochemical staining of EIF4EBP1, LC3B and LAMP-2A, the urinary protein levels, and the C3 immunofluorescence deposition increased in mice from the antagomir group. The upregulation of miR-99a-3p expression protected B cells from EIF4EBP1-mediated autophagy, whilst the downregulation of miR-99a-3p expression induced autophagy via the EIF4EBP1-mediated regulation of the autophagy signalling pathway in B cells isolated from individuals with SLE. Based on these results, miR-99a-3p and EIF4EBP1 may be considered potential targets for SLE treatment.

Association of four gene polymorphisms in Chinese Guangxi population with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common chronic microvascular complications of diabetes. Many studies have suggested that genetic factors are important in the context of DR. This study evaluated the associations of GWAS (Genome-wide association study) -identified DR-associated SNPs in a Chinese population in Guangxi Province with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 386 hospitalized T2DM patients without proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 316 hospitalized T2DM patients with PDR were included in this case-control study. Four tag SNPs, including rs1800896 in the IL-10 gene, rs2010963 in the VEGFA gene, rs2070600 in the RAGE gene and rs2910164 in the miR-146a gene, were examined using KASP (kompetitive allele specific PCR) genotyping assays. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies of the miR-146a polymorphism (rs2910164) between subjects with PDR and those without DR. The TC genotype of rs1800896 was determined to be associated with an increased risk of PDR (the odds ratio (OR) was 2.366, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.144 to 4.894). The CG genotypes of rs2010963 was associated with an decreased risk of PDR (the OR was 0.588, with a 95% CI ranging from 0.366 to 0.946). Regarding rs2070600, 2 genotypes (TT and CT) were associated with a decreased risk of PDR (the OR of the TT genotype was 0.180, with a 95% CI ranging from 0.037 to 0.872, and the OR of the CT genotype was 0.448, with a 95% CI ranging from 0.266 to 0.753). CONCLUSIONS: The rs1800896 polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene, rs2010963 in the VEGFA gene and rs2070600 in the RAGE gene are associated with the risk of PDR in the Han Chinese population of Guangxi Province. Our findings provide suggestive evidence that these polymorphisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of PDR and should be investigated further.

Epidemiological and virological characteristics of respiratory tract infections in children during COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of protective measures and isolation on respiratory tract infections in children during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: We extracted data on outpatient visits and respiratory infection visits, and tests of respiratory viruses (adenovirus (ADV), influenza A (FluA), influenza B (FluB) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)) from electronic healthcare records in Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine during the COVID-19 outbreak (January-April, 2020), compared with those in 2018 and 2019 during the same periods. RESULTS: We found that outpatient visits in January, 2020 was comparable with those in 2018 and 2019, but decreased by 59.9% (288,003 vs. 717,983) and 57.4% (288,003 vs. 676,704), respectively during the period of February-April, 2020, as compared with the same periods in 2018 and 2019. The total number of respiratory tract infections from January to April 2020 decreased by 65.7% (119,532 vs.348,762) and 59.0% (119,532 vs.291,557), respectively compared with the same periods in 2018 and 2019. The proportion of respiratory tract infections during the outbreak also dropped compared with the same periods in 2018 and 2019 (P<0.001). We also found significantly decreased number of completed tests for respiratory viruses and positive cases of ADV, FluA, FluB, and RSV during February-April, 2020. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that outpatient visits and respiratory tract infections in children significantly decreased during COVID-19 outbreak. Adequate protective measures and isolation in children may help to prevent respiratory virus infections in children.

Flavor of rapeseed oil: An overview of odorants, analytical techniques, and impact of treatment.

As one of the three major vegetable oils in the world, rapeseed oil is appreciated for its high nutritional value and characteristic flavor. Flavor is an essential attribute, determining rapeseed oil quality and consumer acceptance. The present manuscript provides a systematic literature review of recent advances and knowledge on the flavor of rapeseed oil, which focuses on aroma-active as well as off-flavor compounds, flavor analysis techniques (i.e., extraction, qualitative, quantitative, sensory, and chemometric methods), and effects of treatments (storage, dehulling, roasting, microwave, flavoring with herbs, refining, and oil heating) on flavor from sensory and molecular perspectives. One hundred thirty-seven odorants found in rapeseed oil from literature are listed and possible formation pathways of some key aroma-active compounds are also proposed. Future flavor analysis techniques will evolve toward time-saving, portability, real-time monitoring, and visualization, which aims to obtain a "complete" flavor profile of rapeseed oil. The changes of volatile compounds in rapeseed oil under different treatments are summarized in this view. Studies to elucidate the influence of different treatments on the formation of aroma-active compounds are needed to get a deeper understanding of factors leading to the variations of rapeseed oil flavor.

Chelerythrine suppresses proliferation and metastasis of human prostate cancer cells via modulating MMP/TIMP/NF-κB system.

Chelerythrine is a natural benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid found in many herbs and displays a wide range of antitumor activities. Here, the present study tested their effects on prostate cancer cells. The addition of chelerythrine can significantly inhibit the proliferation of androgen-independent prostate cancer DU145 and PC-3 cells at the concentration of 5 and 10 µM, but not on androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells as well as normal prostate epithelial cell line PrEC cells. Wound migration and transwell invasion assay showed the similar inhibitory effect of chelerythrine on the migration and invasion of DU145 and PC-3 cells in the same condition. Western blot analysis further confirmed that chelerythrine not only dramatically decreased MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA protein expression, but also augmented the expression of their endogenous inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) and plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAI-1 and PAI-2) in both cancer cells. Meanwhile, NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors were all suppressed as evidenced by the decline of p-p65, c-Fos, and c-Jun protein expression in both cells. Taken together, these findings suggested that chelerythrine could reduce the metastasis of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells via modulation of MMP/TIMP system and inactivation of NF-κB pathway.

Comparison of three fixation modalities for unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Three fixation modalities including suture suspensory, anchor, and titanium plate are used extensively in unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty. Nevertheless, up to now no systematic review and network meta-analysis have been published, and the differences in efficacy and safety of the three fixation modalities are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of the three fixation modalities including suture suspensory, anchor, and titanium plate in unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies which compared the three interventions in unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty were identified using the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Wanfang data. Network meta-analysis was performed using R 3.4.3 software and STATA version 14.0. The results revealed that compared with suture suspensory, titanium plate and anchor showed the same effects in Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores, operative time, and blood loss. However, titanium plate showed superiority in postoperative range of motion of cervical spine, incidence of axial symptoms, and C5 paralysis; in terms of cervical curvature, titanium plate also showed better effectiveness than suture suspensory, but similar as anchor. Our network meta-analysis suggests that titanium plate is preferable to suture suspensory or anchor with more range of motion and lower incidence of axial symptoms and C5 paralysis. However, considering the limitations of this research, high-quality trials are needed in the future to evaluate the outcomes.

Fixing tacks induced bladder erosion and recurrent stones following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hernia mesh erosion into the urinary bladder is a rare complication of hernioplasty, and mesh immigration is the most probable pathophysiology. There is no report describing mesh erosion induced by fixing tacks in inguinal hernia repair. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with frequency, urgency and odynuria for 3 months. He received open right inguinal hernia repair in September 2014, and right laparoscopic hernioplasty for recurrence of the inguinal hernia in May 2015. In February 2019, he underwent a day-case transurethral cystoscopic operation for urethral and bladder stones. Cystoscopy revealed the existence of bladder stones and part of the eroded mesh on the right anterior wall, for which an open partial cystectomy was performed. The patient was followed up for 3 months postoperatively, during which no further mesh erosion or stone recurrence was detected by cystoscopy. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report describing mesh erosion into the urinary bladder by fixing tacks following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. In such a case, the eroded mesh and tacks need to be removed completely, but the effectiveness of a single transurethral procedure needs to be verified in more cases.