Myeloperoxidase and its derivative hypochlorous acid combined clinical indicators predict new-onset atrial fibrillation in sepsis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUD: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a common complication of sepsis and linked to higher death rates in affected patients. The lack of effective predictive tools hampers early risk assessment for the development of NOAF. This study aims to develop practical and effective predictive tools for identifying the risk of NOAF. METHODS: This case-control study retrospectively analyzed patients with sepsis admitted to the emergency department of Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from September 2017 to January 2023. Based on electrocardiographic reports and electrocardiogram monitoring records, patients were categorized into NOAF and non-NOAF groups. Laboratory tests, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), were collected, along with demographic data and comorbidities. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictors. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive model's performance in identifying NOAF. RESULTS: A total of 389 patients with sepsis were included in the study, of which 63 developed NOAF. MPO and HOCl levels were significantly higher in the NOAF group compared to the non-NOAF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified MPO, HOCl, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), white blood cells (WBC), and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score as independent risk factors for NOAF in sepsis. Additionally, a nomogram model developed using these independent risk factors achieved an AUC of 0.897. CONCLUSION: The combination of MPO and its derivative HOCl with clinical indicators improves the prediction of NOAF in sepsis. The nomogram model can serve as a practical predictive tool for the early identification of NOAF in patients with sepsis.

Association between patient-reported frailty and nonhome discharge among older patients with acute stroke: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between prestroke frailty and nonhome discharge, prolonged length of stay as well as functional outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single urban teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive sample of 271 older patients admitted with acute stroke. INTERVENTION: N/A. MAIN MEASURES: A five-item FRAIL scale (0∼5 points) and the stroke severity at onset were measured. The primary outcome of interest was nonhome discharge, with secondary outcomes including prolonged length of stay and worse short-term prognosis. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for confounding factors was used to determine the association between patient-reported frailty and nonhome discharge, prolonged length of stay, worse short-term prognosis. RESULTS: The population had a median age of 68 [interquartile range (IQR), 64∼74)]years, with 50 individuals (18.5%) identified as frail. After adjusting for age, sex, Barthel index, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Mini-Mental Status Exam score at admission, patients with self-reported frailty were significantly likely to experience nonhome discharge (Odds Ratio [OR] = 4.788; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.272∼18.017; p = .021), prolonged length of stay (OR = 4.76; 95% CI = 1.80∼12.56; p = .002), mRS scores at 30 days (OR = 6.72;95% CI = 1.79∼25.20; p = .005) and three months postdischarge and three-month (OR = 8.94; 95% CI = 2.10∼38.08; p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: In older adults with stroke, frailty is associated with nonhome discharge, prolonged length of stay, and worse short-term prognosis, regardless of the stroke severity, cognition, and Barthel index score at admission. FRAIL scale can be used as a practical screening tool in acute care setting by multidisciplinary team in supporting discharge process.

Assessment in vitro of interactions between anti-cancer drugs and noncancer drugs commonly used by cancer patients.

Cancer patients often suffer from cancer symptoms, treatment complications and concomitant diseases and are, therefore, often treated with several drugs in addition to anticancer drugs. Whether such drugs, here denoted as 'concomitant drugs', have anticancer effects or interact at the tumor cell level with the anticancer drugs is not very well known. The cytotoxic effects of nine concomitant drugs and their interactions with five anti-cancer drugs commonly used for the treatment of colorectal cancer were screened over broad ranges of drug concentrations in vitro in the human colon cancer cell line HCT116wt. Seven additional tyrosine kinase inhibitors were included to further evaluate key findings as were primary cultures of tumor cells from patients with colorectal cancer. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the fluorometric microculture cytotoxicity assay (FMCA) and interaction analysis was based on Bliss independent interaction analysis. Simvastatin and loperamide, included here as an opioid agonists, were found to have cytotoxic effects on their own at reasonably low concentrations whereas betamethasone, enalapril, ibuprofen, metformin, metoclopramide, metoprolol and paracetamol were inactive also at very high concentrations. Drug interactions ranged from antagonistic to synergistic over the concentrations tested with a more homogenous pattern of synergy between simvastatin and protein kinase inhibitors in HCT116wt cells. Commonly used concomitant drugs are mostly neither expected to have anticancer effects nor to interact significantly with anticancer drugs frequently used for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Multimodal ultrasonography of male primary breast lymphoma.

① Gray scale ultrasound showed multiple hypoechoic masses of varying sizes in the right breast. The larger one was 1.8 × 0.7 cm (arrow), oval in shape, with clear boundaries, and lymphatic hilar-like structures. ② Color Doppler ultrasonography showed blood flow signals within the hypoechoic mass, and the larger (arrow) mass showed blood flow signals similar to lymphatic hilum. ③ Elastography showed the mass was soft and blue (short arrow) or green (long arrow) in texture, and the surrounding tissue was hard and red in texture. ④ Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed that after 19 s of contrast agent injection, the whole breast showed a 'snowflake' high enhancement, but no enhancement was observed in local areas (arrow). ⑤ The ultrasound-guided puncture image clearly showed the puncture needle (arrow) insert into the hypoechoic mass for biopsy. ⑥ The arrow in the pathological image (HE, 20 × 10 times) showed tumor cells.

Vitamin E performs antioxidant effect via PAP retrograde signaling pathway in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

PAP (3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphate) is a ubiquitous phosphoric acid and a natural inhibitor of the XRN (5'-3'exoribonuclease) family. It was proved to enter the nucleus through the retrograde signaling pathway and inhibit XRN2 to prevent the degradation of miRNA precursors, thus promoting the anti-oxidation miRNA level in Arabidopsis thaliana. Vitamin E (tocopherol) was proved to promote the accumulation of PAP in the plant, which facilitates PAP into the nucleus to accomplish its antioxidant function. However, the relationship between VE and PAP in animals is unclear. To identify the relationship between VE and PAP and to uncover the function of PAP in fish, we investigated the performance of VE and PAP in Nile tilapia by comparing the antioxidant indicators (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT), the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, and the miRNA expression profiles. Results showed that the antioxidant effect of VE and PAP showed similar character either in tilapia liver or in serum: the activities of GSH-Px and CAT of both groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05); the SOD activity of the VE group was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and although the result of the PAP group was not so significant (P > 0.05), PAP improved the SOD level, too. The two groups also showed similar character in the tilapia liver; both did not significantly increase the liver δ-VE content (P > 0.05). However, VE significantly increased the content of α-VE and γ-VE (P < 0.05), while the PAP group was insignificant (P > 0.05). Feed with VE and intraperitoneal injection of PAPs reagent both increased the PAP content in the liver of tilapia, and the effect of the VE group was more significant (P < 0.05) than that of the PAP group (P > 0.05). Both groups reduced the expression of Keap1 and Cullin3 genes and improved the level of HO-1 gene expression, with the improved miRNA level of Nrf2. As a logical result, they decreased the expression of XRN1 and XRN2. By profile sequencing, we further identified some antioxidant closely related miRNAs shared in the VE and PAP groups, including miR-30, miR-24, miR-19b, and miR-100. By comparing the regulating mechanism of VE and PAP of feed supply and intraperitoneal injection, we proved that VE and PAP were closely related in fish; VE promoted the gathering of PAP. The latter retrograded into the nucleus of the fish liver to inhibit the expression of XRN genes and to up-regulate antioxidant miRNA levels as it does in plants. Only the PAP can accomplish the antioxidant activities, while VE promotes the process. Our study laid the foundation for the application of PAP as a new antioxidant agent in fish farming and benefit a further understanding of the VE antioxidant function in fish.

The miR-155 regulates cytokines expression by SOSC1 signal pathways of fish in vitro and in vivo.

MiR-155 is reported as immune regulated miRNA in mammalian corresponding to immunity, antibacterial and antiviral effects regulation. However, the roles and mechanisms of the miRNA have remained largely undefined. We herein comprehensively investigated the functions of miR-155 in vitro and in vivo by miR-155 mimics, agomir and antagomir in Cyprinus carpio and Ictalurus punctatus, with the target genes in the SOSC1 pathway certified in I. punctatus via luciferase reporter assays. Results showed that the miR-155 regulated the expressions of cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10. Further research confirmed SOSC1 as one of the targets of the miRNA, and the JAK1/STAT3/SOSC1 signal pathway involved in the miR-155 effects on the expression of immune cytokines as well. Additionally, the changes of TLR2 in fish may also be related to miR-155 along with its target SOCS1, and the TLR2/MyD88 pathway may partly participate in the effects of the miR-155 on the cytokines. The research here confirmed that the miR-155 can regulate cytokines expression by SOSC1 signal pathways of fish in vitro and in vivo, which would provide resources for understanding and studying about immune regulation in fish.

A conformational switch-based aptasensor for the chemiluminescence detection of microRNA.

A simple microRNA (miRNA) aptasensor has been developed combining the conformational switch of a streptavidin aptamer and isothermal strand displacement amplification. In the presence of its target miRNA, the allosteric molecular beacon (aMB) probe immobilized on the plate can be 'switched on' and release the streptavidin aptamer. At the same time, Klenow fragment (3'→5' exo-) is utilized to initiate DNA-strand displacement, which starts the target recycling process. Based on the aptamer' high binding affinity and subsequent catalytic chemiluminescence (CL) detection, this CL strategy is highly specific in distinguishing mature miRNAs in same family. It exhibits a dynamic range of four orders of magnitude with a detection limit of 50 fM, and shows great potential for miRNA-related clinical practices and biochemical research.

A chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer strategy and its application for detection of platinum ions and cisplatin.

A novel chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) system was developed and combined with a structure-switching aptamer for the highly sensitive detection of platinum. Platinum was chosen as a model analyte to demonstrate the generality of the new CRET system. This aptameric platform consisted of a streptavidin labeled aptamer against platinum and a streptavidin-coated magnetic bead for the selective separation of platinum-bound aptamer. The platinum-aptamer probe contained several guanine (G) bases bound to the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-glyoxal (TMPG) donor group at the 5' end, a fluorescent acceptor (6-carboxy-2',4,7,7'-tetrachlorofluorescein, TET) at the 3' end, and a streptavidin aptamer sequence in which several base pairs were replaced by the G-G mismatch to induce the platinum-oligonucleotide coordination. The chemiluminescence (CL) generated by TMPG/G bases is transferred to the acceptor (TET). In the presence of platinum, the platinum-aptamer probe was folded such that the G bases at the 5' end and TET at the 3' were in close proximity. The complex was separated using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads by the addition of TMPG to form the TMPG/G bases complex. The ultraweak CL from the TMPG/G bases was strongly enhanced by TET. This novel CRET-based method can be easily performed with high limit of detection (50 ng·mL-1) and selectivity over other metal ions. This technique provides a novel method for simple, fast, and convenient point-of-care diagnostics for monitoring proteins and metal ions. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) detection of platinum(II) by Pt-base pair coordination to the aptamer. TMPG: 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-glyoxal, fluorophore TET: 6-carboxy-2',4,7,7'-tetrachlorofluorescein.

A novel Enterovirus 96 circulating in China causes hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Enterovirus 96 (EV-96) is a recently described member of the species Enterovirus C and is associated with paralysis and myelitis. In this study, using metagenomic sequencing, we identified a new enterovirus 96 strain (EV-96-SZ/GD/CHN/2014) as the sole pathogen causing hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). A genomic comparison showed that EV-96-SZ/GD/CHN/2014 is most similar to the EV-96-05517 strain (85% identity), which has also been detected in Guangdong Province. This is the first time that metagenomic sequencing has been used to identify an EV-96 strain shown to be associated with HFMD.

Reconstructing transient pressures in pipe networks from local observations by using physics-informed neural networks.

Reconstructing transient states presents significant challenges, particularly within complex pipe networks. These challenges arise due to nonlinear behaviours, inherent uncertainties in the system, and limitations in data availability. This work proposed a novel approach employing Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINN) to reconstruct transient states in pipe networks, even with limited sensor data. To integrate the complex topology of pipe network systems into neural networks, the method integrates the PINN framework with an efficient elastic water column (EWC) model which can be simply formulated across diverse pipe network configurations. The results showed the proposed PINN method can accurately reconstruct the pressure and flow variation at unmonitored locations, even provided with noisy data at a limited number of locations. One of its advantages lies in its ability to effectively capture extreme values that hold potential significance for pipe infrastructure, providing a promising avenue for pipe failure analysis and enhanced safety management. Laboratory experiments have also been conducted to validate the efficacy and reliability of this method, thus further underlining its potential for real-world applications.

Three-dimensional Ni foam supported Pt/NiFe LDH catalyst with enhanced oxygen activation for room-temperature formaldehyde oxidation.

Room-temperature catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde (HCHO) has been extensively investigated due to its high efficiency, convenience, and environmental friendliness. Herein, nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) nanosheets were synthesized in-situ on a nickel foil (NF) using a facile one-step hydrothermal method, followed by the deposition of ultra-low content (0.069 wt%) of Pt nanoparticles through NaBH4 reduction. The resulting three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical Pt/NiFe-NF catalyst exhibited exceptional activity for the complete decomposition of formaldehyde to carbon dioxide (CO2) at room temperature (∼95 % conversion within 1 h), as well as remarkable cycling stability. The 3D porous structure of Pt/NiFe-NF provides fast transport channels for the diffusion of gas molecules, making the active catalyst surfaces more accessible. Moreover, abundant hydroxyl groups in NiFe LDH serve as adsorption centers for HCHO molecules to form dioxymethylene (DOM) and formate intermediates. Furthermore, electronic interactions between NiFe LDH and Pt enhance the adsorption and activation of O2 on Pt surfaces, leading to the complete decomposition of intermediates into non-toxic products. This work presents new insights into the design and preparation of Pt-based 3D hierarchical catalysts with surface-rich hydroxyl groups for the efficient removal of indoor HCHO.

Association Between Artificial Intelligence Based Chest Computed Tomography and Clinical/Laboratory Characteristics with Severity and Mortality in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients.

Background: Some patients with COVID-19 rapidly develop respiratory failure or mortality, underscoring the necessity for early identification of those prone to severe illness. Numerous studies focus on clinical and lab traits, but only few attend to chest computed tomography. The current study seeks to numerically quantify pulmonary lesions using early-phase CT scans calculated through artificial intelligence algorithms in conjunction with clinical and laboratory helps clinicians to early identify the development of severe illness and death in a group of COVID-19 patients. Methods: From December 15, 2022, to January 30, 2023, 191 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were consecutively enrolled. All patients underwent chest CT scans and serum tests within 48 hours prior to admission. Variables significantly linked to critical illness or mortality in univariate analysis were subjected to multivariate logistic regression models post collinearity assessment. Adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals, sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, receiver-operator-characteristics (ROC) curves, and area under the curve (AUC) were computed for predicting severity and in-hospital mortality. Results: Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that myoglobin (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.005), APACHE II score (OR = 1.387, 95% CI 1.216-1.583), and the infected CT region percentage (OR = 113.897, 95% CI 4.939-2626.496) independently correlated with in-hospital COVID-19 mortality. Prealbumin stood as an independent safeguarding factor (OR = 0.965, 95% CI 0.947-0.984). Neutrophil counts (OR = 1.529, 95% CI 1.131-2.068), urea nitrogen (OR = 1.587, 95% CI 1.222-2.062), SOFA score(OR = 3.333, 95% CI 1.476-7.522), qSOFA score(OR = 15.197, 95% CI 3.281-70.384), PSI score(OR = 1.053, 95% CI 1.018-1.090), and the infected CT region percentage (OR = 548.221, 95% CI 2.615-114,953.586) independently linked to COVID-19 patient severity.

Solar-driven environmental fate of chlorinated parabens in natural and engineered water systems.

Parabens are classified as emerging contaminants in global waters, and the ubiquitous emergence of their high-risk chlorinated products generated from chlorine-based wastewater disinfection has attracted increasing attention. However, rather limited information is available on their photofate after discharging into surface waters, and their degradation behavior after solar-based engineering water treatment is unclear. Herein, the reactivity of four chlorinated parabens with different photochemically produced reactive intermediates was measured. Quantitative contribution analysis in abating such compounds showed the dominance of direct photolysis in sunlit natural freshwaters. Introducing a technical solar/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system could greatly improve the removal of chlorinated parabens. The economic analysis suggested that chlorinated parabens exhibited a minimum value of economic input as 93.41-158.04 kWh m-3 order-1 at 0.543-0.950 mM PMS. The high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of the degradation products suggested that dechlorination, hydroxylation, and ester chain cleavage were the dominant transformation pathways during photolysis and solar/PMS treatment. Furthermore, the in silico prediction indicated severe aquatic toxicity of certain products but enhanced biodegradability. Overall, this investigation filled a knowledge gap on the reactivity of chlorinated parabens with diverse reactive transients and their quantitative contributions to the photolysis and solar/PMS treatment of emerging micropollutants in water.

Physics-informed neural networks for hydraulic transient analysis in pipeline systems.

In water pipeline systems, monitoring and predicting hydraulic transient events are important to ensure the proper operation of pressure control devices (e.g., pressure reducing valves) and prevent potential damages to the network infrastructure. Simulating transient pressures using traditional numerical methods, however, require a complete model with known boundary and initial conditions, which is rarely able to obtain in a real system. This paper proposes a new physics-based and data-driven method for targeted transient pressure reconstruction without the need of having a complete pipe system model. The new method formulates a physics-informed neural network (PINN) by incorporating both measured data and physical laws of the transient flow in the training process. This enables the PINN to learn and explore hidden information of the hydraulic transient (e.g., boundary conditions and wave damping characteristics) that is embedded in the measured data. The trained PINN can then be used to predict transient pressures at any location of the pipeline. Results from two numerical and one experimental case studies showed a high accuracy of the pressure reconstruction using the proposed approach. In addition, a series of sensitivity analyses have been conducted to determine the optimal hyperparameters in the PINN and to understand the effects of the sensor configuration on the model performance.

Clemastine protects against sepsis-induced myocardial injury in vivo and in vitro.

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates; however, it lacks targeted therapies. Modulating cardiomyocyte autophagy maintains intracellular homeostasis during SIMD. Clemastine, a histamine receptor inhibitor, promotes autophagy and other effective biological functions. Nevertheless, the effect of clemastine on SIMD remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of clemastine in cardiomyocyte injury in cecum ligation and perforation (CLP)-induced rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated H9c2 cells. Clemastine (10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected after 30 min of CLP surgery. Serum cTnI levels and the 7-day survival rate were evaluated. Echocardiograms and H&E staining were used to evaluate cardiac function and structure. TEM was used to detect the mitochondrial ultrastructure and autophagosomes. Clemastine significantly improved the survival rate and reduced cTnI production in serum. Clemastine ameliorated cellular apoptosis, improved mitochondrial ultrastructure both in vivo and in vitro, increased ATP content, decreased dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) expression, and decreased mitochondrial ROS levels. Additionally, clemastine treatment increased autophagosome concentration, LC3II/LC3I rate, and Beclin 1 expression. However, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, could abolish the effect of clemastine on alleviating myocardial apoptosis. In conclusion, clemastine protected against cardiac structure destruction and function dysfunction, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and autophagy in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, clemastine attenuated myocardial apoptosis by promoting autophagy. This study provides a novel favorable perspective for SIMD therapy.

Endowing 2,6-bis-triazolyl-pyridine of poor extraction with superior efficiency for actinide/lanthanide separation at high acidity by anchoring to a macrocyclic scaffold.

Exploring nitrogen-containing extractants for recovering hazardous minor actinides that are workable in solutions of high acidity has been a challenge in nuclear waste treatment. Herein, we report our findings that 2,6-bis-triazolyl-pyridine (PyTri), which is ineffective as a hydrophobic ligand for minor actinide separation, turns into an excellent extractant that exhibits unexpectedly high efficiency and selectivity (SFAm/Eu = 172, 1 M HNO3) when attaching to pillar[5]arene platform. Surprisingly, the distribution ratio of Am(III) (DAm) is 4300 times higher than that of the acyclic PyTri ligand. The solvent extraction performance of this pillar[5]arene-achored PyTri not only far exceeds the best known pillar[5]arene ligands reported to date, but also stays comparable to other reported outstanding extractants. Slope analysis indicates that each P[5]A-PyTri can bind two metal ions, which is further corroborated by spectroscopic characterizations. Thermodynamic studies imply that the extraction process is exothermic and spontaneous in nature. Complexation investigation via EXAFS technique and DFT calculations strongly suggest that each Eu(III) ion is coordinated to three PyTri arms through a nine-coordination mode. This work provides a N-donor extractant that can operate at high acidity for minor actinide partitioning and implicates a promising approach for transforming poor extractants into superior ones.

Clinical Characteristics of H1N1 Influenza A-Associated Mild Encephalopathy with Reversible Splenial Lesion: 4 Pediatric Cases.

OBJECTIVE: Mild encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is associated with a variety of infections and anti-epileptic drug withdrawal. Here we report the clinical characteristics of H1N1 influenza A-associated MERS based on our experience of four pediatric cases. METHODS: A detailed retrospective analysis of four patients with H1N1 influenza A-associated MERS was performed at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. RESULTS: All patients exhibited mild influenza-like illness and seizures. Three patients presented with a new-onset seizure with fever after 5 years of age. 75% patients had altered mental status. For all four patients, influenza A (H1N1) viral RNA was detected in throat swab specimens at least twice. Brain magnetic resonance images revealed similar ovoid lesions in the corpus callosum, mainly in the splenium and for one patient in the splenium and genu of the corpus callosum. Only one patient had an abnormal electroencephalogram tracing. Cells and protein in the cerebrospinal fluid were normal in all patients. All patients received oseltamivir and one patient received intravenous immunoglobulin. As a result, all patients fully recovered after 2 months and showed no neurologic sequelae at discharge. CONCLUSION: This case series provides insight towards clinical features of H1N1 influenza A-associated MERS.

Blockade of C3a/C3aR axis alleviates severe acute pancreatitis-induced intestinal barrier injury.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) contributes to multiple organ dysfunction and intestine is one of the most susceptible targets. This study aims to explore the role of C3a/C3aR axis in SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, SAP, C3aRA (0.06 mg/kg) and C3aRA (0.12 mg/kg) groups. SAP rat models were established by retrograde injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate solutions into pancreatic ducts. Histopathological changes and dysfunction in pancreatitis and intestine were measured by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and detection of amylase (AMY), lipase (LIPA), endotoxins and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels in serum. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay and western blot analysis. In addition, the expressions of caudin-1, caudin-2, occludin and ZO-1 were detected by western blot assay and immunohistochemical staining. Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress levels in SAP rats were determined. The C3a/C3aR expression was increased in pancreatic and intestinal tissues of successfully established SAP rat models. C3a receptor antagonist (C3aRA) alleviated pancreatic and intestinal pathological lesions and dysfunction induced by SAP. C3aRA inhibited cell apoptosis and promoted the expressions of caudin-1, caudin-2, occludin and ZO-1 in intestinal tissues. Moreover, C3aRA repressed inflammatory cytokines by reduction of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and MCP-1 levels, and ameliorated oxidative stress through regulation of ROS, MPO and SOD activity in rats with SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury. Our findings suggested that inhibition of C3a/C3aR axis diminished pancreatic damage and SAP-induced intestinal barrier injury in vivo, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for SAP-induced intestinal injury.

Reverse transcription-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification strategy for real-time miRNA detection with phosphorothioated probes.

A novel reverse transcription-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) strategy for miRNA detection has been developed. This method consists of two stem-loop probes inspired by the dumbbell-shaped amplicons and inner primers used in conventional LAMP reactions. Termed "terminal hairpin formation and self-priming" (THSP), this reaction incorporates phosphorothioated (PS) modifications to achieve DNA folding and extension without primers. The final signal is monitored by a sequence-specific detection probe, which minimizes the background noise. We suggest that our rapid, facile, and reliable LAMP method will be a promising candidate for detecting miRNA in biomedical applications.

Recent advances and perspectives of nucleic acid detection for coronavirus.

The recent pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is posing a great threat to global public health. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic viruses plays a vital role in selecting appropriate treatments, saving people's lives and preventing epidemics. It is important to establish a quick standard diagnostic test for the detection of the infectious disease (COVID-19) to prevent subsequent secondary spread. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is regarded as a gold standard test for the molecular diagnosis of viral and bacterial infections with high sensitivity and specificity. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification is considered to be a highly promising candidate method due to its fundamental advantage in quick procedure time at constant temperature without thermocycler operation. A variety of improved or new approaches also have been developed. This review summarizes the currently available detection methods for coronavirus nucleic acid. It is anticipated that this will assist researchers and clinicians in developing better techniques for timely and effective detection of coronavirus infection.