Motilimonas pumila sp. nov., isolated from the gut of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus.

A facultatively anaerobic and Gram-negative bacterium, designated strain PLHSC7-2T, was isolated from the gut of sea cucumber Apostichopusjaponicus that had been collected from the coastal area of Yantai, China. The cells were rod-shaped and motile by means of polar flagella. The novel isolate grew optimally at 28-30 °C, in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0-7.5. The sole respiratory quinone was Q-8 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and C17 : 0. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PLHSC7-2T was phylogenetically affiliated with the genus Motilimonas, and exhibited sequence similarity of 96.2 % toMotilimonas eburnea YH6T. The DNA G+C content was 45.5 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic , phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, strain PLHSC7-2T (=MCCC 1K03522T=KCTC 62589T) was classified as a novel species within the genus Motilimonas, for which the name Motilimonas pumila sp. nov. is proposed.

Carboxylicivirga sediminis sp. nov., isolated from coastal sediment.

A yellow-pigmented bacterial strain (JR1T) isolated from a sediment sample was subjected to a taxonomic study, based on phenotypic, genetic and physiological characterization. Here, we describe the cultivation and characteristics of strain JR1T, a novel member of the genus Carboxylicivirga in the family Marinilabiliaceae. Cells of strain JR1T were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and facultatively anaerobic. The temperature range for growth was 15-42 °C (optimum, 33 °C) and the pH range for growth was pH 6.0-8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5). Growth occurred in the presence of 0.0-10.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.0-3.0 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis produced results with 97.4 % similarity to Carboxylicivirga taeanensisMEBiC 08903T, 96.8 % similarity to Carboxylicivirga mesophilaMEBiC 07026T, 94.9 % similarity to Carboxylicivirga linearis FB218T and 94.6 % similarity to Carboxylicivirga flava Q15T. The DNA G+C content was 42.3 mol% and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C17 : 1ω6c and iso-C17 : 0-3OH. The major polar lipids detected were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids; the major respiratory quinone detected was MK-7. The results of the phenotypical, phylogenetic and biochemical analyses between the study strain and some related type strains indicated that this strain represent a novel species of the genus Carboxylicivirga within the family Marinilabiliaceae, for which the name Carboxylicivirga sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JR1T (=MCCC 1K03323T=KCTC 52869T).

Clinical First-Trimester Prediction Models for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication that negatively impacts the health of both the mother and child. Early prediction of the risk of GDM may permit prompt and effective interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the study characteristics, methodological quality, and model performance of first-trimester prediction model studies for GDM. METHODS: Five electronic databases, one clinical trial register, and gray literature were searched from the inception date to March 19, 2022. Studies developing or validating a first-trimester prediction model for GDM were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data according to an established checklist and assessed the risk of bias by the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). We used a random-effects model to perform a quantitative meta-analysis of the predictive power of models that were externally validated at least three times. RESULTS: We identified 43 model development studies, six model development and external validation studies, and five external validation-only studies. Body mass index, maternal age, and fasting plasma glucose were the most commonly included predictors across all models. Multiple estimates of performance measures were available for eight of the models. Summary estimates range from 0.68 to 0.78 (I2 ranged from 0% to 97%). CONCLUSION: Most studies were assessed as having a high overall risk of bias. Only eight prediction models for GDM have been externally validated at least three times. Future research needs to focus on updating and externally validating existing models.

LINC01116 modulates EMT process via binding with AGO1 mRNA in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Recent researches have uncovered that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely correlated with the development of different diseases, while biological functions and hidden molecular mechanisms of antisense lncRNAs in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. Here, we identified upregulation of LINC01116 in RNA sequencing data, online database, and in OSCC and intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) specimens. Functionally, LINC01116 facilitates OSCC advancement and metastasis in vitro and vivo. Mechanistically, elevated expression of LINC01116 in OSCC cells other than tumor stroma and cytoplasmic enables it to activate AGO1 expression via complementary binding with AGO1 mRNA to facilitate EMT process of OSCC.

Endoscopic debulking resection with additive chemoradiotherapy: Optimal management of advanced inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is no remedial strategy other than definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who are not eligible to undergo surgical treatment. AIM: To introduce a novel therapy called endoscopic debulking resection (EdR) followed by additive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and evaluate its efficacy and safety. METHODS: Advanced, inoperable ESCC patients between 1 January 2015 and 30 December 2019 were investigated retrospectively. Patients who received EdR followed by CRT were deemed the EdR + CRT group and those without CRT were deemed the EdR group. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were enrolled. At a median follow-up of 36 mo (range: 1-83), the estimated 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative OS rates of patients who underwent EdR plus additive CRT were 92.6%, 85.2%, and 79.5%, respectively, which were higher than those of patients who underwent EdR alone (1-year OS, 83.3%; 2-year OS, 58.3%; 3-year OS, 50%; P = 0.05). The estimated 2-year cumulative PFS rate after EdR + CRT was 85.7%, while it was 61.5% after EdR (P = 0.043). According to the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, early clinical stage (stage ≤ IIB) and additive CRT were potential protective factors for cumulative OS. No severe adverse events were observed during the EdR procedure, and only mild to moderate myelosuppression and radiation pneumonia were observed in patients who underwent additive CRT after EdR. CONCLUSION: EdR plus CRT is an alternative strategy for selective advanced inoperable ESCC patients.

Biological and clinical implications of metastasis-associated circular RNAs in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with high morbidity and mortality as a result of early metastasis and poor prognosis. Metastasis is a multistep process, involving various signalling pathways. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of covalently closed noncoding RNAs, the aberrant expression of which is reported to be involved in several biological events, including cell transformation, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and metastasis. Several studies have reported interactions between circRNAs and metastasis-associated signalling pathways. The abundance, stability and highly specific expression of candidate circRNAs make them potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in OSCC. In this review article, we comprehensively describe metastasis-related circRNAs and their interactions with epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated molecules. We also describe the molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance of circRNAs in OSCC progression and metastasis.

A review and comparison of common maternal positions during the second-stage of labor.

The second-stage of labor is the most stressful part of childbirth process and the proper maternal position during this period is paramount for women's safe vaginal birth. Midwives play a pivotal role in managing maternal positions during the second-stage of labor. However, there is limited evidence to support an ideal maternal position during the second-stage of labor. Further, the difference between different maternal positions might not be apparent. This paper aims to review and compare the benefits and risks of common maternal positions during the second-stage of labor, thereby to provide midwives evidence-based practical guidelines.

Cerebral Blood Flow, Oxygen Delivery, and Pulsatility Responses to Oxygen Inhalation at High Altitude: Highlanders vs. Lowlanders.

Objective: To determine whether the acute cerebral hemodynamic responses to oxygen inhalation are impacted by race or acclimation to high altitude. Methods: Three groups of young healthy males, who were Tibetans (highlanders, n = 15) with lifelong exposure to high altitude, and Han Chinese (lowlanders) with five-year (Han-5 yr, n = 15) and three-day (Han-3 d, n = 16) exposures, participated in the study at an altitude of 3658 m. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was recorded for three minutes prior to and during pure oxygen inhalation (2 L/min), respectively, using a transcranial color-coded duplex (TCCD) sonography at the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The blood draw and simultaneous monitoring of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and finger arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were also performed. Results: Values are Mean ± SEM. The three groups had similar demographic characteristics and HR responses, with the group differences (P < 0.05) found in hemoglobin concentration (16.9 ± 0.9, 18.4 ± 1.3, and 15.5 ± 1.0 gm/dL), baseline BPs and HR as expected. Both the Tibetans and Han-5yr groups presented blunted BP responses to O2-inhalation when compared to the Han-3d group; more interestingly, the Tibetans showed significantly reduced responses compared with Han-5yr and Han-3d in CBFV, cerebral oxygen delivery (COD), and pulsatility index (PI) as assessed by Δ%CBFV/ΔSaO2 (-1.50 ± 0.25 vs. -2.24 ± 0.25 and -2.23 ± 0.27, P = 0.049 and 0.048), Δ%COD/ΔSaO2 (-0.52 ± 0.27 vs. -1.33 ± 0.26 and -1.38 ± 0.28, P = 0.044 and 0.031), and Δ%PI (7 ± 2 vs. 16 ± 3 and 16 ± 3 %, P = 0.036 and 0.023), respectively. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence on the Tibetans trait of a distinct cerebral hemodynamic regulatory pattern to keep more stable cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen delivery, and pulsatility in response to oxygen inhalation as compared with Han Chinese, which is likely due to a genetic adaptation to altitude.

New Iboga-Type Indole Alkaloids from Tabernaemontana divaricata.

Two hitherto unknown iboga-type indole alkaloids, namely (3R)-7,19-di-epi-3-methoxytabernoxidine (1) and (3R,19R)-19-hydroxy-3-(2-oxopropyl)voacangine (2), together with eight known alkaloids (3-10), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and circular dichroism spectrum.