Macrophage KLF15 prevents foam cell formation and atherosclerosis via transcriptional suppression of OLR-1.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage-derived foam cells are a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Scavenger receptors, including lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 (OLR-1), are the principal receptors responsible for the uptake and modification of LDL, facilitating macrophage lipid load and the uptake of oxidized LDL by arterial wall cells. Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes by binding to the promoter during transcription. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the precise role of macrophage KLF15 in atherogenesis. METHODS: We used two murine models of atherosclerosis: mice injected with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding the Asp374-to-Tyr mutant version of human PCSK9, followed by 12 weeks on a high-fat diet (HFD), and ApoE-/-- mice on a HFD. We subsequently injected mice with AAV-KLF15 and AAV-LacZ to assess the role of KLF15 in the development of atherosclerosis in vivo. Oil Red O, H&E, and Masson's trichome staining were used to evaluate atherosclerotic lesions. Western blots and RT-qPCR were used to assess protein and mRNA levels, respectively. RESULTS: We determined that KLF15 expression was downregulated during atherosclerosis formation, and KLF15 overexpression prevented atherosclerosis progression. KLF15 expression levels did not affect body weight or serum lipid levels in mice. However, KLF15 overexpression in macrophages prevented foam cell formation by reducing OLR-1-meditated lipid uptake. KLF15 directly targeted and transcriptionally downregulated OLR-1 levels. Restoration of OLR-1 reversed the beneficial effects of KLF15 in atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: Macrophage KLF15 transcriptionally downregulated OLR-1 expression to reduce lipid uptake, thereby preventing foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Thus, our results suggest that KLF15 is a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Effect of comprehensive nursing methods in postoperative ICU of children with CHD.

To explore effect of comprehensive nursing in postoperative ICU of children with CHD. The subjects were 50 cases of children with CHD treated in our hospital: 25 cases in the control group: routine nursing, and 25 cases in the observation group: comprehensive nursing intervention. The effective rate of 92.00% in the observation group was significantly higher. The serum-free calcium value (1.07 ± 0.11) mmol/L of the observation group on the first day after surgery was significantly lower, and the observation group's creatine phosphate, the daily average dosage of creatine phosphate per unit body weight was significantly higher. 96.00% of patients in the observation group were significantly higher in nursing satisfaction. The complication rate of 8.00% in observation group was significantly lower. In order to successfully complete the operation schedule and improve the postoperative recovery effect of children, high requirements are placed on nursing staff. The comprehensive nursing method used in the postoperative ICU of children with CHD can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve nursing satisfaction.

A Ground-Based Electrostatically Suspended Accelerometer.

In this study, we have developed an electrostatically suspended accelerometer (ESA) specifically designed for ground use. To ensure sufficient overload capacity and minimize noise resulting from high suspension voltage, we introduced a proof mass design featuring a hollow, thin-walled cylinder with a thin flange fixed at the center, offering the highest surface-area-to-mass ratio compared to various typical proof mass structures. Preload voltage is directly applied to the proof mass via a golden wire, effectively reducing the maximum supply voltage for suspension. The arrangement of suspension electrodes, offering five degrees of freedom and minimizing cross-talk, was designed to prioritize simplicity and maximize the utilization of electrode area for suspension purposes. The displacement detection and electrostatic suspension force were accurately modeled based on the structure. A controller incorporating an inverse winding mechanism was developed and simulated using Simulink. The simulation results unequivocally demonstrate the successful completion of the stable initial levitation process and suspension under ±1g overload.

Evaluation of seven rapid diagnostic tests for detection of hepatitis C virus antibodies in China.

Rapid diagnostic tests as an attractive alternative to enzyme immunoassay could identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected persons more expeditiously. The availability of high performing and quality-assured rapid diagnostic tests are essential to scale-up HCV screening. The study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of seven domestic HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits. The kits were evaluated by using HCV serum panels, including HCV basic panel, analytical specificity panel, mixed titre performance panel, characteristic panel, seroconversion panel, and genotype qualification panel. The results showed that clinical sensitivity, clinical specificity and analytical specificity of seven rapid diagnostic tests kits ranged from 94% (95% CI: 83.2-98.6) to 100% (95% CI: 91.5-100). Furthermore, specimens with HCV genotypes 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6 could be detected by HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits, whereas specimens with genotypes 1a and 2b could not be detected. Additionally, most HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits had great performance in diagnosing different titres and/or different bands samples, but some low S/CO value specimens may not be fully detected by few rapid diagnostic test kits. In conclusion, seven HCV rapid diagnostic tests reagents presented high sensitivity, specificity, good anti-interference and detection ability of early infection, which could meet the requirements of clinical HCV antibody screening.

LncRNA SNHG15 Knockdown Protects Against OGD/R-Induced Neuron Injury by Downregulating TP53INP1 Expression via Binding to miR-455-3p.

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is the common symptom of ischemic stroke, which poses a heavy burden to human health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is indicated to be a critical regulator in cerebral ischemia. This study aims to reveal the effects of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) on oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuron injury and underlying mechanism. The expression levels of SNHG15, microRNA-455-3p (miR-455-3p) and tumour protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1) mRNA were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction in P12 cells. The protein levels of TP53INP1, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 and BCL2-associated x protein (Bax) were detected by western blot in P12 cells. Cell viability and apoptosis were revealed by cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively, in P12 cells. Caspase-3 activity, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were severally determined by caspase-3 activity assay, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ROS detection assay in P12 cells. The binding relationship between miR-455-3p and SNHG15 or TP53INP1 was predicted by starbase online database, and identified by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down or RNA immunoprecipitation assay. SNHG15 expression and the mRNA and protein levels of TP53INP1 were dramatically upregulated, while miR-455-3p expression was apparently downregulated in OGD/R-induced PC12 cells. SNHG15 silencing hindered the effects of OGD/R treatment on cell viability, apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative in PC12 cells; however, these impacts were restored after miR-455-3p inhibitor transfection. Additionally, SNHG15 acted as a sponge of miR-455-3p and miR-455-3p bound to TP53INP1. SNHG15 contributed to OGD/R-induced neuron injury by regulating miR-455-3p/TP53INP1 axis, which provided a novel insight to study lncRNA-directed therapy in ischemia stoke.

Ablation of TMEM126B protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced injuries of PC12 cells via maintaining mitochondrial anti-apoptotic functions.

Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury is a key contributing factor to the pathogenic mechanism involved in cerebral infarction. Transmembrane protein 126b (TMEM126B), a mitochondrial complex I assembly factor, has been reported to have an intimate association with disease progression, but is little known in ischemia stroke. The present study was designed to explore the effects of TEME126B on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal PC12 cells. The mRNA level of TMEM126B was determined using qRT-PCR. The levels of ROS, MDA, and SOD, as well as inflammatory cytokines, were measured using corresponding commercial kits. Cell apoptosis rate was assayed by flow cytometry analysis, and the apoptosis-related proteins were measured using western blotting. ATP production measured by colorimetric reaction and mitochondrial membrane potential measured by JC-1 staining were conducted to determine mitochondrial dysfunction. The results showed that TMEM126B was upregulated upon I/R injury in vitro and in clinical, and was positively corrected with the degree of oxidative stress. TMEM126B knockdown significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in OGD/R-induced PC12 cells. TMEM126B knockdown also attenuated cell apoptosis rate, accompanied with increased expressions of Bcl-2, XIAP and cleaved PARP-1, and decreased expressions of Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9. Furthermore, TMEM126B knockdown exhibited cytoprotective roles through alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction, as assessed by ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential. Collectively, this study indicates that TMEM126B knockdown protects against OGD/R-induced neuronal injuries through relieving oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondria dysfunction, which provides a promising target for ischemic stroke treatment.

An innovative vending machine-based HIV testing and intervention service in China: anonymous urine collection kits distributed at universities.

To find more effective test and intervention measures, and to achieve the first 90 of the 90-90-90 target, this study was conducted for the first time to develop and assess an innovative HIV anonymous urine test service-based vending machine and Internet at universities of China. From June to December 2016, 11 vending machines were placed in 7 pilot universities in Beijing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces. A total of 957 HIV urine collection kits were dispensed free and also through vending machines and 378 (39.5%) urine samples were returned and 376 (99.5%) of them were qualified to be tested for HIV antibody in professional laboratories. Participants searched for confidential test results using an ID code online. Only seven (1.86%) urine samples were positive. Monitoring data showed 67.8% (255/376) participants searched for test results online, 72.2% of kits were purchased in dormitory buildings and 27.8% were purchased in teaching buildings and 88.9% were purchased between 21:00 and 24:00. In conclusion, this study analyzes the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of HIV testing and intervention service.

Feasibility of an internet-based HIV testing service: anonymous urine collection from men who have sex with men.

A large proportion of people who are HIV positive do not know their serostatus because facility-based provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling, and voluntary counseling and testing, have not been efficiently implemented in China. Therefore, a new HIV testing strategy must be developed to improve testing services so that more HIV infections can be detected earlier. In this study, we established an anonymous internet-aided urine-based HIV testing service for men who have sex with men (MSM) from 1 April 2016 to 20 January 2017. In total, 3092 urine sample collection packs were distributed by grassroots organizations to MSM; 1977 (69.3%) packs were mailed back to the laboratory; and 1911 (96.7%) eligible samples were tested for HIV antibody. The rate of HIV antibody positivity was 7.1% (135/1901), excluding 10 previously-identified HIV infections. Of those tested, 65.4% (1243/1901) participants obtained their results from our website, 94 (69.6%) of 135 newly-identified urine HIV antibody-positive participants were contacted by CDC staff, and 61.7% (58/94) reported undergoing blood HIV antibody confirmation testing after learning of their urine HIV antibody test results. Of those who were tested for venous HIV antibody, 84.5% (49/58) reported being confirmed HIV antibody positive. Thirty-six of the newly diagnosed participants were successfully referred to a hospital to receive antiretroviral therapy. The rate of confirmed HIV antibody positivity was estimated to be 72.8-89.2 times of that of routine HIV antibody testing. In conclusion, this approach offers an alternative efficient HIV testing strategy to identify HIV positive persons in vulnerable populations.

Vaccination demonstration zone successfully controls rabies in Guangxi Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Guangxi is the province most seriously affected by rabies virus (RABV) in China. Those most affected by RABV each year are people in rural areas, where dogs are the main cause of human infection with the virus. METHODS: In this study, we established a rabies vaccination demonstration program that included eradication, core, and peripheral areas. This program was implemented for 9 years and comprised three stages: 12 counties in the first stage (2008-2010), 21 counties in the second stage (2011-2013), and then extending to all counties of Guangxi Province in the third stage (2014-2016). The program included a dog vaccination campaign, surveillance of clinically healthy dogs who may be potential RABV carriers, monitoring anti-RABV antibody titers in vaccinated dogs, and compiling and reporting statistics of human rabies cases. RESULTS: The target effectiveness was achieved in the eradication, core, and peripheral areas in all three stages. The vaccination demonstration program successfully promoted RABV vaccination of domestic dogs throughout Guangxi Province by drawing upon the experience gained at key points. Compared with a vaccination coverage rate of 39.42-46.85% in Guangxi Province overall during 2003-2007, this rate gradually increased to 48.98-52.67% in 2008-2010, 60.24-69.67% in 2011-2013, and 70.09-71.53% in 2014-2016, thereby meeting World Health Organization requirements. The total cases of human rabies in the province decreased from 602 in 2004 to 41 cases in 2017. CONCLUSIONS: The present pilot vaccination program obviously increased the rabies vaccination and seroconversion rates, and effectively reduced the spread of rabies from dogs to humans as well as the number of human rabies cases, thus successfully controlling rabies in Guangxi.

Evolutionary analysis of rabies virus isolates from Guangxi Province of southern China.

BACKGROUND: Rabies is a severe epidemic in Guangxi province, China, with hundreds of deaths occurring each year. In the past six decades, rabies has emerged three times in Guangxi, and the province has reported the largest number of rabies cases in China. The domestic dog is the principal vector for rabies, and 95% of human cases are associated with transmission from dogs. RESULTS: To understand the genetic relationship between street rabies virus (RABV) from Guangxi, genetic diversity analysis was performed using RABV isolates collected between 1999 and 2012. The N gene of 42 RABV isolates, and the P and M genes, as well as fragments of the 3' terminus (L1-680) and the polymerase activity module of the L gene (Lpam) of 36 RABV isolates were sequenced. In addition, whole genome sequencing was performed for 5 RABV isolates. There was evidence of topological discrepancy in the phylogenetic trees based on different genes of the RABV isolates. Amino acid variation of the deduced N protein exhibited different patterns to those obtained from the P and M proteins reported here, and the previously reported G protein (Tang H. et al., PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 8(10): e3114, 2014), and L1-680 and Lpam. These RABV isolates were divided into three main branches against fixed strains. CONCLUSION: RABV is prevalent in Guangxi province and strains collected over the last two decades belong mainly to three groups (I, II, III). These RABV isolates reveal genetic diversity. Individual RABV genes from Guangxi exhibit different evolutionary characteristics. The results will have benefits for continuing comprehensive rabies surveillance, prevention and control in China.

Quality improvement on half-fin anchovy (Setipinna taty) fish sauce by Psychrobacter sp. SP-1 fermentation.

BACKGROUND: A method of improving fish sauce quality during fermentation was investigated. Psychrobacter sp. SP-1, a halophilic protease-producing bacterium, was isolated from fish sauce with flavor-enhancing properties and non-biogenic amine-producing activity. The performance of Psychrobacter sp. SP-1 in Setipinna taty fish sauce fermentation was investigated further. RESULTS: The inoculation of Psychrobacter sp. SP-1 did not significantly affect pH or NaCl concentration changes (P > 0.05), although it significantly increased total moderately halophilic microbial count, protease activity, total soluble nitrogen content and amino acid nitrogen content, and also promoted the umami taste and meaty aroma (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the inoculation of Psychrobacter sp. SP-1 significantly decreased total volatile basic nitrogen content and biogenic amines content (P < 0.05), which were regarded as harmful compounds in foods. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrate that Psychrobacter sp. SP-1 can be used as a potential starter culture for improving fish sauce quality by fermentation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Reduction of salt content of fish sauce by ethanol treatment.

Fish sauce is a traditional condiment in Southeast Asia, normally containing high concentration of salt. The solubility of salt is lower in ethanol than in water. In the present study, fish sauce was desalted by ethanol treatment (including the processes of ethanol addition, mixing, standing and rotary evaporation). The salt concentration of fish sauce decreased significantly from 29.72 to 19.72 g/100 mL when the treated ethanol concentration was 21% (v/v). The addition of more than 12% (v/v) of ethanol significantly reduced dry weight, total soluble nitrogen content and amino acids nitrogen content. Besides, the quality of fish sauce remained first grade if no more than 21% (v/v) of ethanol was used. Furthermore, sensory analyses showed that ethanol treatment significantly reduced the taste of salty and the odor of ammonia. This study demonstrates that ethanol treatment is a potential way to decrease salt content in fish sauce, which meanwhile limits the losses of nutritional and sensorial values within an acceptable range.

Heterogeneous nucleation from a supercooled ionic liquid on a carbon surface.

Classical molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the nucleation of the crystal phase of the ionic liquid [dmim+][Cl-] from its supercooled liquid phase, both in the bulk and in contact with a graphitic surface of D = 3 nm. By combining the string method in collective variables [Maragliano et al., J. Chem. Phys. 125, 024106 (2006)], with Markovian milestoning with Voronoi tessellations [Maragliano et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 5, 2589-2594 (2009)] and order parameters for molecular crystals [Santiso and Trout, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 064109 (2011)], we computed minimum free energy paths, the approximate size of the critical nucleus, the free energy barrier, and the rates involved in these nucleation processes. For homogeneous nucleation, the subcooled liquid phase has to overcome a free energy barrier of ∼85 kcal/mol to form a critical nucleus of size ∼3.6 nm, which then grows into the monoclinic crystal phase. This free energy barrier becomes about 42% smaller (∼49 kcal/mol) when the subcooled liquid phase is in contact with a graphitic disk, and the critical nucleus formed is about 17% smaller (∼3.0 nm) than the one observed for homogeneous nucleation. The crystal formed in the heterogeneous nucleation scenario has a structure that is similar to that of the bulk crystal, with the exception of the layers of ions next to the graphene surface, which have larger local density and the cations lie with their imidazolium rings parallel to the graphitic surface. The critical nucleus forms near the graphene surface separated only by these layers of ions. The heterogeneous nucleation rate (∼4.8 × 1011 cm-3 s-1) is about one order of magnitude faster than the homogeneous rate (∼6.6 × 1010 cm-3 s-1). The computed free energy barriers and nucleation rates are in reasonable agreement with experimental and simulation values obtained for the homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation of other systems (ice, urea, Lennard-Jones spheres, and oxide glasses).

Decoupling Control of Micromachined Spinning-Rotor Gyroscope with Electrostatic Suspension.

A micromachined gyroscope in which a high-speed spinning rotor is suspended electrostatically in a vacuum cavity usually functions as a dual-axis angular rate sensor. An inherent coupling error between the two sensing axes exists owing to the angular motion of the spinning rotor being controlled by a torque-rebalance loop. In this paper, a decoupling compensation method is proposed and investigated experimentally based on an electrostatically suspended micromachined gyroscope. In order to eliminate the negative spring effect inherent in the gyroscope dynamics, a stiffness compensation scheme was utilized in design of the decoupled rebalance loop to ensure loop stability and increase suspension stiffness. The experimental results show an overall stiffness increase of 30.3% after compensation. A decoupling method comprised of inner- and outer-loop decoupling compensators is proposed to minimize the cross-axis coupling error. The inner-loop decoupling compensator aims to attenuate the angular position coupling. The experimental frequency response shows a position coupling attenuation by 14.36 dB at 1 Hz. Moreover, the cross-axis coupling between the two angular rate output signals can be attenuated theoretically from -56.2 dB down to -102 dB by further appending the outer-loop decoupling compensator. The proposed dual-loop decoupling compensation algorithm could be applied to other dual-axis spinning-rotor gyroscopes with various suspension solutions.

Distribution and phylogenetic analysis of Culex flavivirus in mosquitoes in China.

Culex flavivirus (CxFV) is an insect-specific virus of the genus Flavivirus. CxFV strains have been isolated from Cx. pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and other Cx. species in Asia, Africa, North America, Central America and South America. CxFV was isolated for the first time in China in 2006. As this is a novel flavivirus, we explored the distribution and genetic characteristics of Culex flavivirus in China. A total of 46,649 mosquitoes were collected in seven provinces between 2004 and 2012 and were analysed in 871 pools. 29 CxFV RNAs from Cx. pipiens, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Anopheles Sinensis, and Culex spp. tested positive for CxFV in real-time RT-PCR. 6 CxFV strains were isolated from Cx. species collected in Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces, while no virus or viral RNA was detected in samples from Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, and Fujian. Phylogenetic analysis of the envelope gene indicated that Chinese strains formed a robust subgroup of genotype 1, together with viruses from the United States and Japan. This study demonstrates that the geographic distribution of CxFV in China is widespread, but geographical boundaries to spread are apparent. Our findings suggest that CxFV can infect various mosquito species in nature.

Molecular simulation of homogeneous nucleation of crystals of an ionic liquid from the melt.

The homogeneous nucleation of crystals of the ionic liquid [dmim(+)][Cl(-)] from its supercooled liquid phase in the bulk (P = 1 bar, T = 340 K, representing a supercooling of 58 K) was studied using molecular simulations. The string method in collective variables [Maragliano et al., J. Chem. Phys. 125, 024106 (2006)] was used in combination with Markovian milestoning with Voronoi tessellations [Maragliano et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 5, 2589-2594 (2009)] and order parameters for molecular crystals [E. E. Santiso and B. L. Trout, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 064109 (2011)] to sketch a minimum free energy path connecting the supercooled liquid and the monoclinic crystal phases, and to determine the free energy and the rates involved in the homogeneous nucleation process. The physical significance of the configurations found along this minimum free energy path is discussed with the help of calculations based on classical nucleation theory and with additional simulation results obtained for a larger system. Our results indicate that, at a supercooling of 58 K, the liquid has to overcome a free energy barrier of the order of 60 kcal/mol and to form a critical nucleus with an average size of about 3.6 nm, before it reaches the thermodynamically stable crystal phase. A simulated homogeneous nucleation rate of 5.0 × 10(10) cm(-3) s(-1) was obtained for our system, which is in reasonable agreement with experimental and simulation rates for homogeneous nucleation of ice at similar degrees of supercooling. This study represents our first step in a series of studies aimed at understanding the nucleation and growth of crystals of organic salts near surfaces and inside nanopores.

Characterization of the biological properties and complete genome sequence analysis of a cattle-derived rabies virus isolate from the Guangxi province of southern China.

In this study, a street rabies virus isolate, GXHXN, was obtained from the brain of one rabid cattle in Guangxi province of southern China. To characterize the biological properties of GXHXN, we first evaluated its pathogenicity using 4-week-old adult mice. GXHXN was highly pathogenic with a short incubation period and course of disease. Its LD50 of 10(-6.86)/mL is significantly higher than the LD50 of 10(-5.19)/mL of GXN119, a dog-derived rabies virus isolate. It also displayed a higher neurotropism index than the rRC-HL strain. However, the relative neurotropism index of GXHXN was slightly lower than that of GXN119. Analyzing antigenicity using anti-N and anti-G monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), all tested anti-N MAbs reacted similarly to GXHXN, CVS, and rRC-HL, but the reaction of anti-N MAbs to GXHXN was slightly different from GXN119. Moreover, 2/11 tested anti-G mAbs showed weaker reactivity to GXHXN than rRC-HL, whereas 4/11 showed stronger reactivity to GXHXN than CVS and GXN119, indicating that the structures of G might differ. In order to understand its genetic variation and evolution, the complete GXHXN genome sequence was determined and compared with the known 12 isolates from other mammals. A total of 42 nucleotide substitutions were found in the full-length genome, including 15 non-synonymous mutations. The G gene accounts for the highest nucleotide substitution rate of 0.70 % in ORF and an amino acid substitution rate of 0.95 %. Phylogenetic trees based on the complete genome sequence as well as the N and G gene sequences from 37 known rabies isolates from various mammals demonstrated that the GXHXN is closely related to the BJ2011E isolate from a horse in Beijing, the WH11 isolate from a donkey in Hubei, and isolates from dogs in the Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. These findings will be helpful in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying interspecies transmission and the genetic variation of the rabies virus in different mammal species.

Inhibition of IGF2BP1 attenuates the progression of endometriosis through PTBP1.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis (EMs), manifested by pain and infertility, is a chronic inflammatory disease. The precise pathophysiology of this disease remains uncertain. Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) have both been found to regulate proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IGF2BP1/PTBP1 in treating EMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: qRT-PCR and western blotting were employed to quantify IGF2BP1 and PTBP1 expression in six patients with EMs (mean age 33.83 years). The correlation analysis, STRING database prediction, and RNA immunoprecipitation were utilized to identify the relationship between IGF2BP1 and PTBP1. Ectopic endometrial volume, weight, HE staining, and IGF2BP1 silencing were utilized to estimate the effects of IGF2BP1 in EMs model rats. qRT-PCR, CCK-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) labeling, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were utilized to assess the effects of IGF2BP1/PTBP1 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (eESCs). Furthermore, western blotting was employed to evaluate expressions of PCNA, VEGF, and E-cadherin in EMs rats and eESCs. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of IGF2BP1 and PTBP1 in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of EMs patients were significantly increased. RNA immunoprecipitation revealed a close interaction of IGF2BP1 with PTBP1. Additionally, the endometrial volume, weight, and histopathologic scores in rats were significantly reduced after IGF2BP1 silencing. IGF2BP1 silencing also decreased the expression of PCNA and VEGF, and increased E-cadherin expression in endometrial tissues of EMs rats. Moreover, IGF2BP1 silencing inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis through PTBP1 in eESCs. CONCLUSIONS: IGF2BP1 exhibits potential beneficial properties in the management of EMs by interacting with PTBP1, thereby highlighting IGF2BP1 as a promising therapeutic target for EMs.

Preservation of Simmental bull sperm at 0°C in Tris dilution: effect of dilution ratio and long-distance transport.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of the dilution ratio of Tris diluent, storage at 0°C, and long-distance transportation on the spermatozoa of Simmental cattle. It also validated the feasibility of the regional distribution of fresh semen. METHODS: In experiment 1, semen was diluted at four dilution ratios (1:6, 1:9, 1:12, and 1:15) to determine the optimal dilution ratio of Tris diluent. In experiment 2, we assessed sperm viability, progressive motility (objectively assessed by computer-assisted sperm analyzer), and acrosome intactness in Tris dilutions kept at constant 0°C for 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. We compared them to Tianshan livestock dilutions (Commercial diluent). In experiment 3, semen was diluted using Tris diluent, and sperm quality was measured before and after long-distance transport. Artificial insemination of 177 Simmental heifers compared to 156 using Tianshan Livestock dilution. RESULTS: The outcomes demonstrated that 1:9 was the ideal Tris diluent dilution ratio. The sperm viability, Progressive Motility, and acrosome integrity of both Tris and Tianshan dilutions preserved at 0°C gradually decreased over time. sperm viability was above 50% for both dilutions on d 9, with a flat rate of decline. The decrease in acrosome integrity rate was faster for Tianshan livestock dilutions than for Tris dilutions when stored at 0°C for 1 to 6 days. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in sperm viability between semen preserved in Tris diluent after long-distance transportation and semen preserved in resting condition. The conception rates for Tris dilution and Tianshan livestock dilution were 49.15% and 46.15% respectively, with no significant difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This shows that Tris diluent is a good long-term protectant. It has been observed that fresh semen can be successfully preserved for long-distance transport when stored under 0°C conditions. Additionally, it is feasible to distribute semen regionally.

Simultaneous natural attenuation of Cr(VI) and nitrate in the hyporheic zone sediments from an upstream tributary of the Jinsha River in the Sichuan Basin.

The coexistence of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and nitrate (NO3-) in groundwater and surface water presents a considerable challenge for the natural attenuation of these two contaminants because their interactions in nature remain contentious. This study investigated the interplay between Cr(VI) and NO3- in hyporheic zone (HZ) sediments by integrating Cr(VI) reduction kinetics, NO3- transformation, microbial community structure, and a three-rate model. The concurrent natural attenuation of Cr(VI) and NO3- in the sediments was significantly influenced by their initial concentrations and redox conditions. The reduction of low concentrations of Cr(VI) (37.1 and 96.2 µM) was slightly enhanced by NO3-, while inhibitory effects were observed at high concentrations of Cr(VI) (200.0 µM). However, except for an initial low concentration of Cr(VI) (37.1 µM) and NO3- (450 µM), the reduction of NO3- was adversely affected by Cr(VI). The reduction rates and efficiencies of Cr(VI) and NO3- were noticeably lower under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions. This phenomenon can be attributed to the presence of O2, which decreased the selectivity of sediments-associated Fe(II) towards Cr(VI) and NO3- and induced alterations in the microbial community structure, leading to subsequent changes in NO3- transformation. Furthermore, the three-rate model represents a robust approach for elucidating the reduction of Cr(VI) in the presence of co-contaminants, such as NO3- contamination under diverse redox conditions. This study provides further insights into the interaction mechanism between Cr(VI) and NO3- within the HZ, necessitating the consideration of the microbial toxicity of Cr(VI) and electron competition among Cr(VI), NO3-, and O2.