Integrated transcriptome and DNA methylome analysis reveal the biological base of increased resistance to gray leaf spot and growth inhibition in interspecific grafted tomato scions.

BACKGROUND: Grafting is widely used as an important agronomic approach to deal with environmental stresses. However, the molecular mechanism of grafted tomato scions in response to biotic stress and growth regulation has yet to be fully understood. RESULTS: This study investigated the resistance and growth performance of tomato scions grafted onto various rootstocks. A scion from a gray leaf spot-susceptible tomato cultivar was grafted onto tomato, eggplant, and pepper rootstocks, creating three grafting combinations: one self-grafting of tomato/tomato (TT), and two interspecific graftings, namely tomato/eggplant (TE) and tomato/pepper (TP). The study utilized transcriptome and DNA methylome analyses to explore the regulatory mechanisms behind the resistance and growth traits in the interspecific graftings. Results indicated that interspecific grafting significantly enhanced resistance to gray leaf spot and improved fruit quality, though fruit yield was decreased compared to self-grafting. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that, compared to self-grafting, interspecific graftings triggered stronger wounding response and endogenous immune pathways, while restricting genes related to cell cycle pathways, especially in the TP grafting. Methylome data revealed that the TP grafting had more hypermethylated regions at CHG (H = A, C, or T) and CHH sites than the TT grafting. Furthermore, the TP grafting exhibited increased methylation levels in cell cycle related genes, such as DNA primase and ligase, while several genes related to defense kinases showed decreased methylation levels. Notably, several kinase transcripts were also confirmed among the rootstock-specific mobile transcripts. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that interspecific grafting alters gene methylation patterns, thereby activating defense responses and inhibiting the cell cycle in tomato scions. This mechanism is crucial in enhancing resistance to gray leaf spot and reducing growth in grafted tomato scions. These findings offer new insights into the genetic and epigenetic contributions to agronomic trait improvements through interspecific grafting.

Accuracy of 14 intraocular lens power calculation formulas in extremely long eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of 14 formulas in calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power in extremely long eyes with axial length (AL) over 30.0 mm. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 211 eyes (211 patients) with ALs > 30.0 mm were successfully treated with cataract surgery without complications. Ocular biometric parameters were obtained from IOLMaster 700. Fourteen formulas were evaluated using the optimized A constants: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Kane, Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO) 2.0, PEARL-DGS, T2, SRK/T, Holladay 1, Holladay 2, Haigis and Wang-Koch AL adjusted formulas (SRK/Tmodified-W/K, Holladay 1modified-W/K, Holladay 1NP-modified-W/K, Holladay 2modified-W/K, Holladay 2NP-modified-W/K). The mean prediction error (PE) and standard deviation (SD), mean absolute errors (MAE), median absolute errors (MedAE), and the percentage of prediction errors (PEs) within ± 0.25 D, ± 0.50 D, ± 1.00 D were analyzed. RESULTS: The Kane formula had the smallest MAE (0.43 D) and MedAE (0.34 D). The highest percentage of PE within ± 0.25 D was for EVO 2.0 (37.91%) and the Holladay 1NP-modified-W/K formulas (37.91%). The Kane formula had the highest percentage of PEs in the range of ± 0.50, ± 0.75, ± 1.00, and ± 2.00 D. There was no significant difference in PEs within ± 0.25, ± 0.50 ± 0.75 and ± 1.00 D between BUII, Kane, EVO 2.0 and Wang-Koch AL adjusted formulas (P > .05) by using Cochran's Q test. The Holladay 2modified-W/K formula has the lowest percentage of hyperopic outcomes (29.38%). CONCLUSIONS: The BUII, Kane, EVO 2.0 and Wang-Koch AL adjusted formulas have comparable accuracy for IOL power calculation in eyes with ALs > 30.0 mm.

Improving the accuracy of the SRK/T formula in Chinese with implanting less than 10 D IOL calculated by the SRK/T formula: the SRK/T-Li formula.

PURPOSE: To explore the accuracy of the improved SRK/T-Li formula in eyes following implantation of intraocular lens (IOL) of less than 10 D as calculated by using the SRK/T formula in Chinese. METHODS: A total of 489 eyes from 489 patients with cataracts were included in this study. These patients were divided into a training set (271 patients) and a testing set (218 patients). The IOL power calculated by using SRK/T was less than 10 D. We evaluated the accuracy of the modified SRK/T-Li formula (P = PSRK/T × 0.8 + 2 (P = implanted IOL power; PSRK/T = IOL power calculated by SRK/T)). We evaluated the mean absolute error (MAE), percentage of prediction error (PE) within ± 0.25, ± 0.50, and ± 1.00 D, and the percentage of postoperative hyperopia. RESULTS: The MAE values in order of lowest to highest were as follows: 0.412 D (SRK/T-Li), 0.414 D (Barrett Universal II, (BUII)), 0.814 D (SRK/T), and 1.039 D (Holladay 1). The percentage of PE within ± 0.25 D, ± 0.50 D, and ± 1.00 D was 38.99%, 69.27% and 92.66% (BUII), 40.83%, 69.27% and 94.04% (SRK/T-Li), 20.64%, 41.28% and 71.56% (SRK/T), and 7.34%, 16.51% and 53.21% (Holladay 1), respectively. SRK/T-Li had the smallest postoperative hyperopic shift. CONCLUSIONS: For Chinese patients with an IOL power of less than 10 D as calculated by using the SRK/T, the SRK/T-Li has good accuracy and is the best choice to reduce postoperative hyperopic shift.

Relationship between serum HBV-RNA levels and intrahepatic viral as well as histologic activity markers in entecavir-treated patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In diagnostics, serum hepatitis B virus (HBV)-RNA levels are valuable when the HBV-DNA load in circulation is effectively suppressed by nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapy. This study aimed to determine the intrahepatic viral replication activity reflected in serum HBV-RNA and whether HBV-RNA contributes to liver histological changes in patients treated with NUC. METHODS: A cross-sectional set of serum and liver biopsy samples was obtained from patients treated with entecavir, who had undetectable levels of serum HBV-DNA. The correlations between serum HBV-RNA concentration and levels of peripheral and intrahepatic viral replicative forms, as well as histological scores, were analyzed. Quasispecies of serum HBV-RNA and intrahepatic viral replicative forms were examined by deep sequencing. HBV-RNA-positive hepatocytes were visualized by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Serum HBV-RNA was detected in 35 of 47 patients (74.47%, 2.33-4.80log10copies/ml). These levels correlated not only with the intrahepatic HBV-RNA level and the ratio of intrahepatic HBV-RNA to covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), but also with the histological scores for grading and staging. Regarding quasispecies, serum HBV-RNA was dynamic and more genetically homogenous to simultaneously sampled intrahepatic HBV-RNA than to the cccDNA pool. In situ histology revealed that HBV-RNA-positive hepatocytes were clustered in foci, sporadically distributed across the lobules, and co-localized with hepatitis B surface antigen. CONCLUSION: Serum HBV-RNA levels reflect intrahepatic viral transcriptional activity and are associated with liver histopathology in patients receiving NUC therapy. Our study sheds light on the nature of HBV-RNA in the pathogenesis of chronic HBV infection and has implications for the management of chronic hepatitis B during NUC therapy. LAY SUMMARY: Serum HBV-RNA levels are indicative of the intrahepatic transcriptional activity of covalently closed circular DNA and are associated with liver histological changes in patients with chronic B hepatitis who are receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.

[Influence of environmental factors on the migratory birds population with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of environment factors on the migratory birds population with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (MDCOPD). METHODS: A total of 82 stable MDCOPD patients from Beijing area, who went to Hainan Branch of PLA General Hospital and the People's Hospital of Sanya for treatment between September 2012 and May 2014, were recruited in this study.At Sanya, from October to April of the following year (wintertime), all the patients were evaluated by COPD assessment test (CAT) and modified medical research council (mMRC) questionnaire, and follow-up was performed every 2 months.From May to September (summertime), when the MDCOPD patients came back to Beijing area, the patients were evaluated by CAT and mMRC questionnaire again, and still follow-up was performed every 2 months.The scores of before and after living environment changed were compared.Acute exacerbations or hospitalizations were recorded if any occurred in the patients during the follow up period, and the patients were reevaluated by the two questionnaires 1 month later after they became stable.At the same time, the daily air quality index (AQI) from the national urban air quality publishing platform and the temperature and relative humidity from the local weather network were recorded. RESULTS: The score of CAT in Sanya was significantly lower than that in Beijing ((20.0 ± 8.0) vs (26.4 ± 7.1) scores, P < 0.001); the score of mMRC in Sanya was also significantly lower than Beijing ((1.9 ± 0.8) vs (2.9 ± 0.9) scores, P = 0.001). Based on the latest guidelines, the classification of COPD patients changed from D (in Beijing) to C (in Sanya) according to mMRC scores, while the CAT scores from the two cities did not cause the change of classification.The difference of temperature between wintertime of Sanya and summertime of Beijing was not significant ((23.1 ± 4.2) vs (24.3 ± 2.3) °C, P = 0.674); the wintertime's AQI in Sanya was significantly lower than the summertime's AQI in Beijing ((49.4 ± 8.9) vs (113.1 ± 14.2) µg/m³, P < 0.001); the relative humidity of wintertime in Sanya was significantly higher than that of summertime in Beijing ((90.6 ± 4.9)% vs ((58.0 ± 10.0)%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: When the MDCOPDs live in the area where has a better air quality and higher relative humidity, their quality of life and activity tolerance can be improved obviously.

Identification of four novel serum protein biomarkers in sepsis patients encoded by target genes of sepsis-related miRNAs.

The goal of the present study was to identify novel protein biomarkers from the target genes of six serum miRNAs that we identified previously in patients with sepsis. The target genes were predicted by bioinformatics analysis; the levels of the respective proteins in the sera of patients with sepsis were detected by ELISA. ACVR2A (activin A receptor, type IIA), FOXO1 (forkhead box O1), IHH (Indian hedgehog), STK4 (serine/threonine kinase 4) and DUSP3 (dual specificity phosphatase 3) were predicted to be the targets of the six miRNAs, and their encoded proteins were used for biomarker identification. Levels of ACVR2A (P<0.01) and FOXO1 (P<0.01) were significantly different among normal controls, patients with sepsis, patients with severe sepsis and patients with septic shock. Furthermore, levels of ACVR2A (P=0.025), FOXO1 (P<0.001), IHH (P=0.001) and STK4 (P=0.001) were differentially expressed in survivors and non-survivors. DUSP3 levels were not significantly different between any groups. Conjoin analysis of the four differentially expressed proteins showed that the area under the curve of the predictive probabilities was 0.875 [95% CI (confidence interval): 0.785-0.965], which was higher than the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) scores. When the value of predictive probabilities was 0.449, the four proteins yielded a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 91%. Dynamic changes in ACVR2A, FOXO1 and IHH levels showed differential expression between survivors and non-survivors at all time points. On the basis of a combined analysis of the four identified proteins, their predictive value of 28-day mortality of patients with sepsis was better than the SOFA or APACHE II scores.

Serum miR-122 levels are related to coagulation disorders in sepsis patients.

BACKGROUND: Coagulation abnormalities may have a major impact on the outcome of sepsis in patients. This study aimed to explore the relationship between miRNA levels and coagulation disorders during sepsis. METHODS: Blood samples from 123 sepsis patients were collected on the day of admission and another 45 sepsis patients on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 following admission to the intensive care unit. miR-223, miR-15a, miR-16, miR-122, miR-193b*, and miR-483-5p levels were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Based on the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) score, sepsis patients were divided into coagulation abnormal (CA) group and coagulation normal (CN) group. RESULTS: Only the levels of miR-122 were significantly higher in CA patients than in CN patients (p<0.001). Serum levels of miR-122 were correlated to the serum activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) ratios (R=0.426, p=0.008) and the fibrinogen (FIB; R=0.398, p=0.008) and antithrombin III (R=0.913, p<0.001) levels. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficients for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with miR-122 were 0.663 (p<0.001) and 0.445 (p=0.001), respectively. In the 45 patients, the miR-122 levels were significantly higher on day 1, 3, 7, and 10 in the CA group than in the CN group, and no difference in the ISTH-DIC scores was evident. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of miR-122 were correlated to the coagulation disorder in sepsis patients.

Sex Differences in the Association Between LDL/HDL with Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background: Lipids have a significant impact on the development and functioning of the nervous system, but the sex differences between the association of LDL/HDL, which reflects lipid metabolic status, and cognitive impairment remains unclear. Objective: We aimed to determine if there were sex differences between the association of LDL/HDL and cognitive function in US older adults. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 cycles. The main outcome was poor cognitive performance defined by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) <  34 based on published literature. Results: A total of 1,225 participants were included in the study, with a cognitive impairment incidence of 25.6% (314/1,225). Multivariate regression models demonstrated a significant association between cognitive decline and each 1-unit increase in LDL/HDL, after adjusting for all covariates (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.67). Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed an interaction between LDL/HDL and cognitive impairment in sex subgroups. Conclusions: LDL/HDL was associated with cognitive impairment in the US older adult population in adjusted models, although the significance of this association was not observed in females.

FERONIA homologs in stress responses of horticultural plants: current knowledge and missing links.

Owing to its versatile roles in almost all aspects of plants, FERONIA (FER), a receptor-like kinase of the Catharanthus roseus receptor-like kinase 1-like (CrRLK1L) subfamily, has received extensive research interests during the past decades. Accumulating evidence has been emerged that FER homologs in horticultural crops also play crucial roles in reproductive biology and responses to environmental stimuli (abiotic and biotic stress factors). Here, we provide a review for the latest advances in the studies on FER homologs in modulating stress responses in horticultural crops, and further analyze the underlying mechanisms maintained by FER. Moreover, we also envisage the missing links in current work and provide a perspective for future studies on this star protein.

Diagnostic value of dynamics serum sCD163, sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP in differentiating sepsis, severity assessment, and prognostic prediction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dynamics changes of sCD163, soluble serum triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) during the course of sepsis, as well as their outcome prediction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An SIRS group (30 cases) and a sepsis group (100 cases) were involved in this study. Based on a 28-day survival, the sepsis was further divided into the survivors' and nonsurvivors' groups. Serum sTREM-1, sCD163, PCT, CRP, and WBC counts were tested on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. RESULTS: On the ICU admission, the sepsis group displayed higher levels of sTREM-1, sCD163, PCT, and CRP than the SIRS group (P < 0.05). Although PCT and sTREM-1 are good markers to identify severity, sTREM-1 is more reliable, which proved to be a risk factor related to sepsis. During a 14-day observation, sCD163, sTREM-1, PCT, and SOFA scores continued to climb among nonsurvivors, while their WBC and CRP went down. Both sCD163 and SOFA scores are risk factors impacting the survival time. CONCLUSION: With regard to sepsis diagnosis and severity, sTREM-1 is more ideal and constitutes a risk factor. sCD163 is of a positive value in dynamic prognostic assessment and may be taken as a survival-impacting risk factor.

Effects of vitamin b6 therapy for sepsis patients with linezolid-associated cytopenias: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The common adverse effects of linezolid for treating septic patients with gram-positive cocci is anemia and thrombocytopenia, which limit its clinical application. OBJECTIVES: We determined the effects of vitamin B6 adjunctive therapy on linezolid-associated cytopenias, and retrospectively studied 75 septic patients who received at least 7 days of linezolid treatment. METHODS: Patients were divided into a linezolid treatment group (LTG; n = 41) that received linezolid only and a combination treatment group (CTG; n = 34) that received both linezolid and vitamin B6. Each group was further subdivided into those with sepsis and those with severe sepsis. Each patient had red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and platelet (PLT) measurements at baseline (day 0) and every other day for 2 weeks during treatment; these parameters were compared between the groups and assessed for time-dependent trends. RESULTS: For patients in the LTG, RBC, Hb, and Hct values showed statistically significant reductions over time, and these values were lower compared with the values in the CTG. The CTG also showed downward trends, except on the first day of treatment. The PLT count also decreased in both groups. Patients with severe sepsis had lower PLT counts in both treatment groups compared with the septic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Septic patients who received a combination treatment of linezolid and vitamin B6 might show positive effects for linezolid-associated reductions in some hematologic parameters (RBC, Hb, and Hct). This combined treatment might also slow PLT reduction, which was more evident in patients with severe sepsis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01295801.

[Assessment of prognostic and influencing factors in elderly patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily assess the prognosis of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODSE) and analyze their influencing factors. METHODS: The clinical data of 365 MODSE patients admitted into Chinese PLA General Hospital during January 2009 to June 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. According to 28-day outcomes, they were divided into 2 groups (28-day survival and non-survival) while 4 groups according to age. Then these prognosis were evaluated with the current scoring systems ((acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII and III), sample acute physiological score (SAPSII) and multiple organ dysfunction score (MODS)). The predictive powers were compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Finally a binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relevant influencing prognostic factors of MODSE. RESULTS: The mean age was (77.8 ± 9.1) years, mean number of failed organs (3.6 ± 1.2) and a 28-day mortality 45.8%. The ages of non-survival group were older than those of survival group ((78.1 ± 9.1) vs (76.7 ± 11.0) years). The number of organ failures ((4.3 ± 1.1) vs (3.1 ± 1.0)) and scores (APACHEII: (28 ± 7) vs (20 ± 8), APACHE III: (106 ± 27) vs (75 ± 31), SAPSII: (64 ± 16) vs (46 ± 18), MODS: (9 ± 3) vs (6 ± 3)) of non-survivals were significantly higher than that of survivals. The area under ROC curve of these four score systems were 0.790, 0.781, 0.780 and 0.780 respectively. Compared to the above systems, SAPSII had the best performance in sensitivity while APACHEII was more valuable in specificity. All clinical data underwent binary Logistic regression and the results showed that plasma concentration of albumin and mean arterial pressure (MAP) offered beneficial outcomes while age and number of organ failures had unfavorable prognosis. The greater patient age, the higher their mortality. CONCLUSIONS: All four scoring systems have accurate prognostic predictions of MODSE patients. And the predictive power of APACHEII is the best. Plasma concentration of albumin, MAP, age and organ failure number are independent prognostic factors in MODSE patients.

[Study of using an individualized treatment strategy to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcomes of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with antiviral regimens of interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) using individualized doses and durations. METHODS: This study was designed as an open-label, prospective clinical trial to analyze the virological responses of 169 CHC patients who received individualized dosages of IFNa-2b or pegylated (Peg)IFNa-2a combined with RBV based on their weight ( less than 60 kg or more than or equal to 60 kg), age (less than 65 years or 65-75 years), morbid state (liver cirrhosis or not), and complications (such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder). Treatment duration was calculated using the time required to induce HCV RNA negativity. The rates of virological response and adverse effects among the different groups were compared. RESULTS: The IFNa-2b treatment was given to 116 patients, and PegIFNa-2a was given to 53 patients. Compared to the IFNa-2b group, the PegIFNa-2a group showed significantly higher rates of complete early virological response (cEVR; 76.7% vs. 92.5%, P less than 0.05) and sustained virological response (SVR; 53.6% vs. 92.3%, P less than 0.05) among the patients who had completed their course of treatment; the rapid virological response (RVR) rate was also higher for the PegIFNa-2a group but the difference did not reach statistical significance (48.7% vs. 60.4%, P more than 0.05). Seventy-eight patients received the routine dose, and 91 patients received the low dose; there were no significant differences between these two groups for RVR (53.8% vs. 58.9%, P more than 0.05), cEVR (78.0% vs. 80.8%, P more than 0.05), or SVR (65.5% vs. 58.3%, P more than 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of an individualized antiviral treatment strategy designed according to the patient's baseline condition, early viral kinetics, and tolerability to adverse reactions can achieve a high rate of SVR, as well as improve the safety, prognosis, and cost-effectiveness associated with treating CHC patients.

Value of soluble TREM-1, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein serum levels as biomarkers for detecting bacteremia among sepsis patients with new fever in intensive care units: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM-1), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels for differentiating sepsis from SIRS, identifying new fever caused by bacteremia, and assessing prognosis when new fever occurred. METHODS: We enrolled 144 intensive care unit (ICU) patients: 60 with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and 84 with sepsis complicated by new fever at more than 48 h after ICU admission. Serum sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP levels were measured on the day of admission and at the occurrence of new fever (>38.3°C) during hospitalization. Based on the blood culture results, the patients were divided into a blood culture-positive bacteremia group (33 patients) and blood culture-negative group (51 patients). Based on 28-day survival, all patients, both blood culture-positive and -negative, were further divided into survivor and nonsurvivor groups. RESULTS: On ICU day 1, the sepsis group had higher serum sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP levels compared with the SIRS group (P <0.05). The areas under the curve (AUC) for these indicators were 0.868 (95% CI, 0.798-0.938), 0.729 (95% CI, 0.637-0.821), and 0.679 (95% CI, 0.578-0.771), respectively. With 108.9 pg/ml as the cut-off point for serum sTREM-1, sensitivity was 0.83 and specificity was 0.81. There was no statistically significant difference in serum sTREM-1 or PCT levels between the blood culture-positive and -negative bacteremia groups with ICU-acquired new fever. However, the nonsurvivors in the blood culture-positive bacteremia group had higher levels of serum sTREM-1 and PCT (P <0.05), with a prognostic AUC for serum sTREM-1 of 0.868 (95% CI, 0.740-0.997). CONCLUSIONS: Serum sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP levels each have a role in the early diagnosis of sepsis. Serum sTREM-1, with the highest sensitivity and specificity of all indicators studied, is especially notable. sTREM-1, PCT, and CRP levels are of no use in determining new fever caused by bacteremia in ICU patients, but sTREM-1 levels reflect the prognosis of bacteremia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT01410578.

Evidence for serum miR-15a and miR-16 levels as biomarkers that distinguish sepsis from systemic inflammatory response syndrome in human subjects.

BACKGROUND: Serum microRNAs may be useful biomarkers for diagnosing human diseases. We investigated serum levels of miR-15a and miR-16 in patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) without infection. METHODS: We enrolled 166 sepsis patients, 32 SIRS patients, and 24 normal controls. Serum miR-15a and miR-16 expression levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Serum miR-15a (p<0.001) and miR-16 (p<0.05) were both significantly higher in sepsis patients compared with normal controls, and miR-15a (p<0.001) and miR-16 (p<0.01) levels in SIRS patients were also significantly higher than those in normal controls. Serum miR-15a and miR-16 levels were not correlated with white blood cell counts. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that miR-15a had the highest area under the curve of 0.858 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.800-0.916] for the diagnosis of sepsis compared with C reactive protein and procalcitonin with areas under the curve of 0.572 (95% CI 0.479-0.665; p=0.198) and 0.605 (95% CI 0.443-0.767; p=0.168), respectively. When its cut-off point was set at 0.21, serum miR-15a had a sensitivity of 68.3% and a specificity of 94.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Serum miR-15a and miR-16 can both distinguish sepsis/SIRS from normal controls. miR-15a may be a biomarker that distinguishes between sepsis and SIRS.

Fuzheng Huayu recipe prevents nutritional fibrosing steatohepatitis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Fuzheng Huayu recipe (FZHY), a compound of Chinese herbal medicine, was reported to improve liver function and fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B virus infection. However, its effect on nutritional fibrosing steatohepatitis is unclear. We aimed to elucidate the role and molecular mechanism of FZHY on this disorder in mice. METHODS: C57BL/6 J mice were fed with methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet for 8 weeks to induce fibrosing steatohepatitis. FZHY and/or heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) chemical inducer (hemin) were administered to mice, respectively. The effect of FZHY was assessed by comparing the severity of hepatic injury, levels of hepatic lipid peroxides, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the expression of oxidative stress, inflammatory and fibrogenic related genes. RESULTS: Mice fed with MCD diet for 8 weeks showed severe hepatic injury including hepatic steatosis, necro-inflammation and fibrosis. Administration of FZHY or hemin significantly lowered serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, reduced hepatic oxidative stress and ameliorated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. An additive effect was observed in mice fed MCD supplemented with FZHY or/and hemin. These effects were associated with down-regulation of pro-oxidative stress gene cytochrome P450 2E1, up-regulation of anti-oxidative gene HO-1; suppression of pro-inflammation genes tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6; and inhibition of pro-fibrotic genes including α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor beta 1, collagen type I (Col-1) and Col-3. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the protective role of FZHY in ameliorating nutritional fibrosing steatohepatitis. The effect was mediated through regulating key genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrogenesis.

Diagnostic value of urine sCD163 levels for sepsis and relevant acute kidney injury: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common syndrome in critically ill patients and easily leads to the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI), with high mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of urine soluble CD163 (sCD163) for identification of sepsis, severity of sepsis, and for secondary AKI, and to assess the patients' prognosis. METHODS: We enrolled 20 cases with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 40 cases with sepsis (further divided into 17 sepsis cases and 23 severe sepsis cases) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 20 control cases. Results for urine sCD163 were recorded on the day of admission to the ICU, and AKI occurrence was noted. RESULTS: On the day of ICU admission, the sepsis group exhibited higher levels of urine sCD163 (74.8 ng/ml; range: 47.9-148.3 ng/ml) compared with those in the SIRS group (31.9 ng/ml; 16.8-48.0, P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-0.94, P < 0.001) the sensitivity was 0.83, and the specificity was 0.75 (based on a cut-off point of 43.0 ng/ml). Moreover, the severe sepsis group appeared to have a higher level of sCD163 compared with that in the sepsis group (76.2; 47.2-167.5 ng/ml vs. 74.2; 46.2-131.6 ng/ml), but this was not significant. For 15 patients with AKI, urine sCD163 levels at AKI diagnosis were significantly higher than those of the remaining 35 sepsis patients upon ICU admission (121.0; 74.6-299.1 ng/ml vs. 61.8; 42.8-128.3 ng/ml, P = 0.049). The AUC for urine sCD163 was 0.688 (95% CI: 0.51-0.87, P = 0.049). Sepsis patients with a poor prognosis showed a higher urine sCD163 level at ICU admission (98.6; 50.3-275.6 ng/ml vs. 68.0; 44.8-114.5 ng/ml), but this was not significant. Patients with AKI with a poor prognosis had higher sCD163 levels than those in patients with a better prognosis (205.9; 38.6-766.0 ng/ml vs. 80.9; 74.9-141.0 ng/ml), but this was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows, for the first time, the potential value of urine sCD163 levels for identifying sepsis and diagnosing AKI, as well as for assessment of patients' prognosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-ONC-10000812.

Land Use Transition and Eco-Environmental Effects in Karst Mountain Area Based on Production-Living-Ecological Space: A Case Study of Longlin Multinational Autonomous County, Southwest China.

The linkage mechanisms and optimization strategies between land use transition and eco-environmental effects that occur in the production-living-ecological space of karst mountain areas remain under-explored in the current literature. Based on county data collected in Longlin Multinational Autonomous County of Guangxi, which is located in the rocky desertification area of Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou, this study contributes a county-level analysis on land use transition and eco-environmental effects by addressing two research questions: (1) Which factors of land use transition are related to the eco-environmental effects of production-living-ecological space? (2) What are the key land allocation mechanisms behind the interventions of local rocky desertification regulation policies? We conducted two sets of analyses to answer these two questions: quantitative analyses of the spatial and temporal evolution between land use transition, rocky desertification, and its eco-environmental effects, and qualitative analyses of policy interventions on production-living-ecological land development and rocky desertification management. The findings show that the occurrence of rocky desertification accompanied by unreasonable land use structure transition and its important factor is caused by ecological land being restricted by production-living land. Specifically, urbanization strategies coordinating ecological and socio-economic effects is significant to karst mountain areas. Moreover, the orderly increase of woodland slows down rocky desertification. Policies of "returning farmland to forest" and "afforestation of wasteland" have significantly reduced rocky desertification that can be applied to other geographical situations.

Novel image features of optical coherence tomography for pathological classification of lung cancer: Results from a prospective clinical trial.

Background: This study aimed to explore the characteristics of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions and different pathological types of lung cancer in bronchial lesions and to preliminarily evaluate the clinical value of OCT. Methods: Patients who underwent bronchoscopy biopsy and OCT between February 2019 and December 2019 at the Chinese PLA General Hospital were enrolled in this study. White-light bronchoscopy (WLB), auto-fluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB), and OCT were performed at the lesion location. The main characteristics of OCT imaging for the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions and the prediction of the pathological classification of lung cancer in bronchial lesions were identified, and their clinical value was evaluated. Results: A total of 135 patients were included in this study. The accuracy of OCT imaging for differentiating between benign and malignant bronchial lesions was 94.1%, which was significantly higher than that of AFB (67.4%). For the OCT imaging of SCC, adenocarcinoma, and small-cell lung cancer, the accuracies were 95.6, 94.3, and 92%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of OCT were higher than those of WLB. In addition, these main OCT image characteristics are independent influencing factors for predicting the corresponding diseases through logistic regression analysis between the main OCT image characteristics in the study and the general clinical features of patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a non-biopsy technique, OCT can be used to improve the diagnosis rate of lung cancer and promote the development of non-invasive histological biopsy.

Polymorphisms in interleukin-6-6331 influences the susceptibility of a Chinese population to gastric cancer.

We investigated the association of Interleukin (IL)-6-6331 polymorphisms with susceptibility to gastric cancer in 375 patients with gastric cancer and 386 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. After adjustment for the potential confounding effects of gender and age, IL-6-6331TC genotype was associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer compared with the CC genotype. Further stratification analyses indicated that the protective effect of TC genotype was also observed in poorly differentiated gastric cancer, noncardia gastric cancer, and intestinal-type gastric cancer, respectively. These results suggest that the IL-6-6331 polymorphism is involved in susceptibility to developing gastric cancer.