Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with 3D neural network based on multi-scale attention mechanism.

This paper presents a novel multi-scale attention residual network (MAResNet) for diagnosing patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) by computed tomography (CT) images. First, a three-dimensional (3D) network structure is applied in MAResNet based on the continuity and correlation of nodal features on different slices of CT images. Secondly, MAResNet incorporates the residual module and Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to reuse the shallow features of CT images and focus on key features to enhance the feature distinguishability of images. In addition, multi-scale inputs can increase the global receptive field of the network, extract the location information of PTB, and capture the local details of nodules. The expression ability of both high-level and low-level semantic information in the network can also be enhanced. The proposed MAResNet shows excellent results, with overall 94% accuracy in PTB classification. MAResNet based on 3D CT images can assist doctors make more accurate diagnosis of PTB and alleviate the burden of manual screening. In the experiment, a called Grad-CAM was employed to enhance the class activation mapping (CAM) technique for analyzing the model's output, which can identify lesions in important parts of the lungs and make transparent decisions.

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics to study Tuina reverses capsule fibrosis in frozen shoulder: a research report based on rats.

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common disorder often treated with Tuina, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. We employed proteomics and phosphoproteomics to investigate the mechanisms associated with the treatment of capsule fibrosis in FS rats. We used a method composed of three weeks of cast immobilization to establish a model of FS. We then administered Tuina once daily for 14 days, evaluated glenohumeral range of motion (ROM), assessed histological changes, and identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using proteomics and phosphoproteomics. This study demonstrated that Tuina could improve glenohumeral ROM and reserve capsule fibrosis in FS rats. Proteomics revealed proteins regulated by Tuina belonging to the PI3K-AKT and ECM receptor interaction signaling pathways. Phosphoproteomics detected differentially phosphorylated proteins regulated by Tuina to be enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. The combination of proteomics and phosphoproteomics for Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of Myh3 and Srsf1 with a node degree larger than the average degree were considered the central regulatory protein modulated by Tuina to reverse capsule fibrosis. Thbs1, Vtn, and Tenascin-W were significantly enriched in PI3K-AKT and ECM receptor interaction signaling pathways and highly expressed in model rats. Tuina resulted in reduced expression of these proteins. Our findings demonstrated some of mechanisms behind the reversal of FS capsule fibrosis following Tuina, a scientific medical therapy for FS patients.

Potential Application of Self-Assembled Peptides and Proteins in Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer.

Ongoing research is gradually broadening the idea of cancer treatment, with attention being focused on nanoparticles to improve the stability, therapeutic efficacy, targeting, and other important metrics of conventional drugs and traditional drug delivery methods. Studies have demonstrated that drug delivery carriers based on biomaterials (e.g., protein nanoparticles and lipids) and inorganic materials (e.g., metal nanoparticles) have potential anticancer effects. Among these carriers, self-assembled proteins and peptides, which are highly biocompatible and easy to standardize and produce, are strong candidates for the preparation of anticancer drugs. Breast cancer (BC) and cervical cancer (CC) are two of the most common and deadly cancers in women. These cancers not only threaten lives globally but also put a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Despite advances in medical care, the incidence of these two cancers, particularly CC, which is almost entirely preventable, continues to rise, and the mortality rate remains steady. Therefore, there is still a need for in-depth research on these two cancers to develop more targeted, efficacious, and safe therapies. This paper reviews the types of self-assembling proteins and peptides (e.g., ferritin, albumin, and virus-like particles) and natural products (e.g., soy and paclitaxel) commonly used in the treatment of BC and CC and describes the types of drugs that can be delivered using self-assembling proteins and peptides as carriers (e.g., siRNAs, DNA, plasmids, and mRNAs). The mechanisms (including self-assembly) by which the natural products act on CC and BC are discussed. The mechanism of action of natural products on CC and BC and the mechanism of action of self-assembled proteins and peptides have many similarities (e.g., NF-KB and Wnt). Thus, natural products using self-assembled proteins and peptides as carriers show potential for the treatment of BC and CC.

Myc-Associated Zinc Finger Protein Promotes Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Myc-associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) plays a role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of MAZ in thyroid cancer have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the clinical significance of MAZ in thyroid cancer tissues, and clarify its mechanism in the occurrence and development of thyroid cancer. METHODS: The expression level of MAZ protein in thyroid cancer tissues was detected by bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship between the expression level of MAZ and clinicopathological characteristics of thyroid cancer patients was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression level of MAZ in thyroid cancer cell lines. After MAZ knockdown cell lines were constructed, wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the migratory and invasive abilities of cancer cells. RESULTS: The results of IHC showed that the expression level of MAZ protein in thyroid cancer tissues was higher than that in normal adjacent thyroid tissues (p < 0.05), which was consistent with the high expression level of MAZ in thyroid cancer tissues found in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the expression level of MAZ was correlated with tumor diameter and tumor capsule of thyroid cancer patients. Moreover, patients with the high MAZ expression level had shorter overall and disease-free survival compared with thyroid cancer patients with the low MAZ expression level (p < 0.05). Further cell function assays indicated that downregulation of MAZ expression level could inhibit the migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cell lines. Moreover, the expression level of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factor fibronectin 1 (FN1) was obtained from the RNA-seq of MAZ knockdown in thyroid cancer cells. RT-qPCR confirmed that the expression level of FN1 was elevated in MAZ knockdown cell lines (p < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the expression level of FN1 was upregulated in thyroid cancer tissues and had a negative relationship with the expression level of MAZ, as evidenced by correlation analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A high expression level of MAZ in thyroid cancer tissues was associated with a poor prognosis of patients. MAZ could affect the progression of thyroid cancer by inducing the EMT process.

Tuina Intervention in Rabbit Model of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is mainly characterized by degenerative changes in the knee joint's cartilage and surrounding soft tissues. The efficacy of Tuina in treating KOA has been confirmed, but the underlying mechanism needs to be investigated. This study aims to establish a scientifically feasible KOA rabbit model treated with Tuina to reveal the underlying mechanisms. For this, 18, 6-month-old normal-grade male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into sham, model, and Tuina groups, with 6 rabbits in each group. The KOA model was established by injecting 4% papain solution into the knee joint cavity. The Tuina group was intervened with Tuina combined with the knee joint rotary correction method for 4 weeks. Only the standard grasping and fixation were performed in sham and model groups. At the end of the 1-week intervention, the knee joint range of motion (ROM) was observed, and cartilage hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was done. The study shows that Tuina could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis, repair cartilage tissue, and restore knee joint ROM. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the scientific feasibility of Tuina treatment for KOA model rabbits, highlighting its potential application in the study of KOA and similar knee joint-related conditions.

Tuina in a Frozen Shoulder Rat Model: An Efficient and Reproducible Protocol.

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common condition with no defined optimal therapy. Tuina therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique used to treat FS patients in Chinese hospitals, has demonstrated excellent results, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. Building on a previous study, this work aimed to develop a Tuina protocol for an FS rat model. We randomly divided 20 SD rats into control (C; n = 5), FS model (M; n = 5), FS model Tuina treatment (MT; n = 5), and FS model oral treatment (MO; n = 5) groups. This study used the cast immobilization method to establish the FS rat model. The effect of Tuina and oral dexamethasone on the glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) was evaluated, and the histological findings were assessed. Our study showed that Tuina and oral dexamethasone were able to improve shoulder active ROM and preserve the structure of the capsule, with Tuina therapy proving to be more effective than oral dexamethasone. In conclusion, the Tuina protocol established in this study was highly effective for FS.

Effect of Jin three needles combined with Tong Qiao and blood activation Tang on neurological function, coagulation function and serum level in stroke patients.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of Jin three needles combined with Tong Qiao Wu Blood-streaming Tang in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), this retrospective study analyzed the data of patients with AIS between January 2017 and December 2022. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, blood neuron-specific enolase, S100ß protein (S100ß), fibrinogen (FIB), cerebral infarct volume, D-dimer (D-D), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, hypersensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and homocysteine (Hcy) were compared between the 2 groups. The treatment effect was significantly better in the observation group than in the comparison group (P < .05). The NIHSS score, neuron-specific enolase, S100ß, and cerebral infarct volume were significantly lower in both groups after treatment than before treatment (P < .05). FIB and D-D levels were significantly lower and APTT and PT levels were significantly higher in both groups after treatment than before treatment (P < .05). TNF-α, hs-CRP, and Hcy were significantly lower in both groups after treatment than before treatment, and TNF-α, hs-CRP and Hcy were significantly lower in the observation group than in the comparison group (P < .05). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions occurred between the 2 groups (P > .05). Combining Jin three needles can improve the therapeutic effect in patients with AIS, promote the recovery of neurological function, improve coagulation function, and reduce the inflammatory response with good safety.

Safety and effectiveness of the combination of remimazolam tosilate and propofol in gastroscopy: a multicenter, randomized controlled, single-blind clinical trial.

Remimazolam tosilate (RT) is a new short-acting γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors agonist. However, its optimal use mode and dosage still remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the safety and effectiveness of the combination of RT and propofol in gastroscopy. This was a prospective, single-blind, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group study. All eligible 256 patients were randomized into the following 3 groups. Patients were anesthetized with propofol (Group P), RT (Group R) or the combination of RT and propofol (Group RP). The primary efficacy endpoints were: body movement score; satisfaction of gastroscopy doctors; success rate of sedation and effects on sleep status. Sedation induction time, time to be fully alert and adverse events were also recorded. The probability of complete immobility was lower in group R (33.73%) than in group P (86.67%) and RP (83.13%). The rate of doctors' satisfaction was much lower in group R (28.92%) than in group P (77.78%) and RP (72.29%). The success rate of sedation and sleep outcome score has no difference in the three groups. The time to adequate sedation was longer in group RP (77.27 ± 18.63 s) than in group P (64.47 ± 24.36 s), but much shorter than that in group R (102.84 ± 46.43s). The time to be fully alert was shorter in group R (6.30 ± 1.52 min) and RP (6.54 ± 1.13 min) than in group P (7.87 ± 1.08 min). The proportion of sedative hypotension was significantly higher in group P (41.11%) than in group R (1.20%) and group RP (3.61%) (p < 0.001). The incidence of respiratory depression was much higher in group P (17.78%) than in group R (no patient) and group RP (1.2%). The incidence of adverse events was lower in groups R (4.82%) and RP (9.64%) than in group P (31.11%). The combination of RT and propofol takes effect quickly, makes patients alert quickly, provides a sufficient depth of sedation, reduces body movement, does not inhibit circulation and respiratory function, does not affect sleep, and is the preferred mode for gastroscopy doctors and anesthesiologists.

Analysis of the impact of traditional ethnic villages in Hani area on sustainable development.

Rapid economic development and accelerated urbanization have seriously affected the development of traditional ethnic villages in China. We used the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model based on land use, landscape pattern, and ecosystem service value (ESV) to evaluate the spatio-temporal dynamics of sustainable development in Hani traditional ethnic villages from 1995 to 2020. By analyzing changes in sustainability indicators in the Hani area and different buffer zones, this paper aims to assess the impact of ethnic villages in the Hani Area on sustainable development and provide recommendations for the sustainable development of traditional ethnic Hani villages. The results indicated that: (1) The area of construction land and landscape fragmentation in the Hani area significantly increased and the value of ecosystem services and levels of sustainable development decreased each year during the study period; (2) The area of cropland in the 2 km buffer zone of the traditional ethnic villages increased, the degree of landscape fragmentation, the value of ecosystem services, and the level of sustainable development were lower than in the 4 km buffer zone during the study period. This is due to population increases in traditional ethnic Hani villages, as well as the intensive reclamation of cropland, increased construction land, and landscape fragmentation. We suggest that the Hani should implement scientific land planning and management policies to protect the local ecosystem and realize the sustainable development of traditional ethnic Hani villages.

Quantifying the impact of the Grain-for-Green Program on ecosystem service scarcity value in Qinghai, China.

Studying the impact of large-scale ecological projects, such as the Grain-for-Green Program (GGP), on ecosystem services (ES) is currently a frontier and hot topic of ecological research. The GGP can directly change land use and land cover, thus affecting ES. By comparing the changes of ecosystem service value (ESV) and ecosystem service scarcity value (ESSV) in Qinghai before and after the implementation of the GGP, this paper clarified the impact of the GGP on Qinghai from the angles of ecology and economics. This paper quantified and evaluated the land use dynamics, ESV, and ESSV in Qinghai from 1995 to 2020. The results showed that in the past 25 years, the total annual Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of Qinghai showed a trend of sustained growth. From 1995 to 2020, the ESV increased by 6.80%. After considering supply and demand, the ESSV showed a continuous upward trend, increasing by 719.38%. After implementation of the GGP, the increase of NDVI inhibited the increase of the ESSV. These findings from evaluation of the effect of the GGP implementation provide a theoretical basis for future policy implementation and, in particular, a reference for the evaluation of the ESV and the ESSV in Qinghai.

Molecular Characteristics, Functional Definitions, and Regulatory Mechanisms for Cross-Presentation Mediated by the Major Histocompatibility Complex: A Comprehensive Review.

The major histocompatibility complexes of vertebrates play a key role in the immune response. Antigen-presenting cells are loaded on MHC I molecules, which mainly present endogenous antigens; when MHC I presents exogenous antigens, this is called cross-presentation. The discovery of cross-presentation provides an important theoretical basis for the study of exogenous antigens. Cross-presentation is a complex process in which MHC I molecules present antigens to the cell surface to activate CD8+ T lymphocytes. The process of cross-representation includes many components, and this article briefly outlines the origins and development of MHC molecules, gene structures, functions, and their classical presentation pathways. The cross-presentation pathways of MHC I molecules, the cell lines that support cross-presentation, and the mechanisms of MHC I molecular transporting are all reviewed. After more than 40 years of research, the specific mechanism of cross-presentation is still unclear. In this paper, we summarize cross-presentation and anticipate the research and development prospects for cross-presentation.

Molecular Characteristics of Cell Pyroptosis and Its Inhibitors: A Review of Activation, Regulation, and Inhibitors.

Pyroptosis is an active and ordered form of programmed cell death. The signaling pathways of pyroptosis are mainly divided into canonical pathways mediated by caspase-1 and noncanonical pathways mediated by caspase-11. Cell pyroptosis is characterized by the activation of inflammatory caspases (mainly caspase-1, 4, 5, 11) and cleavage of various members of the Gasdermin family to form membrane perforation components, leading to cell membrane rupture, inflammatory mediators release, and cell death. Moderate pyroptosis is an innate immune response that fights against infection and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of the normal function of the immune system. However, excessive pyroptosis occurs and leads to immune disorders in many pathological conditions. Based on canonical pathways, research on pyroptosis regulation has demonstrated several pyroptotic inhibitors, including small-molecule drugs, natural products, and formulations of traditional Chinese medicines. In this paper, we review the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, summarize inhibitors of pyroptosis, and propound that herbal medicines should be a focus on the research and development for pyroptosis blockers.

Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Pyroptosis Activities of Mangiferin via Suppressing NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD Signaling Cascades.

Mangiferin (MF), a xanthone that extensively exists in many herbal medicines, processes significant activities of anti-inflammation and immunomodulation. The potential regulatory effect and mechanism of mangiferin on cell pyroptosis remain unclear. In this study, mouse bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stimulated with 1 µg/mL LPS to induce cell pyroptosis and were treated with 10, 50, or 100 µg/mL MF for regulating pyroptosis. The cell supernatants TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-18 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18, Caspase-1, Caspase-11, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) was tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and protein expression levels of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC), nod-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, caspase-11, GSDMD, and NF-κB were detected by Western blot. The results showed that MF significantly inhibited the secretion and gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-18 that were elevated by LPS. Moreover, MF significantly suppressed the gene expression of Caspase-1, Caspase-11, and GSDMD, and decreased the protein levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, full-length GSDMD (GSDMD-FL), GSDMD N-terminal (GSDMD-N), and NF-κB. In conclusion, mangiferin has a multi-target regulating effect on inflammation and pyroptosis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, suppressing inflammatory caspase-mediated pyroptosis cascades, and reducing GSDMD cleavage in LPS-induced BMDMs.

Orientational disorder in sulfur hexafluoride: a neutron total scattering and reverse Monte Carlo study.

The orientational disorder in crystalline sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, has been studied using a combination of neutron total scattering and the reverse Monte Carlo method. Analysis of the atomic configurations has shown the extent of the disorder through the evaluation of the S-F bond orientational distribution function, consistent with, but improving upon, the results of earlier neutron powder diffraction data. The correlations between orientations of neighbouring molecules have been studied through analysis of the distributions of F-F distances, showing that nearest-neighbour F-F close contacts are avoided, consistent with previous molecular dynamics simulation results. The results present a new case study of the application of neutron total scattering and the reverse Monte Carlo methods for the study of orientational disorder, where in this instance the disorder arises from orientational frustration rather than from a mismatch of molecular and site symmetries.

Strain modulation on the spin transport properties of PTB junctions with MoC2 electrodes.

Based on MoC2 nanoribbons and poly-(terphenylene-butadiynylene) (PTB) molecules, we designed MoC2-PTB molecular spintronic devices and investigated their spin-dependent electron transport properties by using spin-polarized density functional theory and the non-equilibrium Green's function method. As a typical MXene material, it is found that the magnetic contribution of MoC2 nanoribbons mainly comes from the delocalized 3d electron of edge Mo atoms. Owing to the obvious spin-splitting near the Fermi level of the MoC2 nanoribbon electrode, the spin states can be effectively injected into the central scattering region under an external bias voltage. In addition, we also studied the effects of z-axis strain on the spin transport properties of the PTB molecular device, where the strain was controlled within the range of -9% to 9%. Under a compressed strain, spin current increases obviously, and the spin-filtering efficiency (SFE) decreases slightly. Nevertheless, under a tensile strain, we found that the SFE increases but spin current decreases. Moreover, z-axis strain can induce a negative differential resistance (NDR) effect at a high bias point. This work would expand the potential applications of new two-dimensional (2D) materials in the field of molecular spintronic devices.

[Expression of glucocorticoid receptor in prostate cancer and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the PCa tissue and its correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of PCa. METHODS: Using immunohistochemical staining, we determined the expression of GR in the PCa tissue and analyzed its correlation with the clininicopathological features and prognosis of the malignancy. RESULTS: The positive expression of GR in the PCa tissue was 64%, of which the strongly positive rate was 34.7%. The GR expression was positively correlated with preoperative androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) (χ2 = 22.307, P < 0.01), Gleason grades (χ2 = 16.534, P = 0.002) and clinical stages of the tumor (χ2 = 9.969, P = 0.041). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the GR expression was correlated not with the overall survival (P = 0.156), but with the PSA progression-free survival rate of the PCa patients (P = 0.042), with a shorter PSA progression-free survival time in those with a higher GR expression. Multivariate COX regression analysis revealed that the expression of GR was not an independent prognostic factor for PSA progression-free survival of the PCa patients. CONCLUSION: The expression of GR is related with preoperative ADT, and closely with the biological behavior of the malignancy and treatment resistance of the patients. GR is expected to be a new effective therapeutic target and a prognostic biomarker for PCa.

Bai-Hu-Tang regulates endothelin-1 and its signalling pathway in vascular endothelial cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bai-Hu-Tang (BHT) is traditionally used to treat human and animal fever syndrome with four symptoms: large and vigorous pulse, large thirst, high sweat, and high heat. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mechanism of vasodilation regulation of Bai-Hu-Tang in primary vascular endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hydrophilic concentrate of BHT was prepared, and the main components of mangiferin and timosaponin BⅡ were determined by HLPC analysis. The rabbit fever model was constructed by intravenous injection of LPS (15 µg/kg body weight), and BHT was gavaged to treat febrile rabbits. After treatment for 6 h, animal peripheral blood was collected, and serum was isolated for endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Rabbit vascular endothelial cells (RVECs) were isolated and stimulated with 1 µg/mL LPS, and then inflammatory cells were treated with 125 or 250 µg/mL BHT for 24 h. The supernatant cytokines TNF-ɑ, IL-1ß, IL-6, and ET-1 were detected by ELISA kits. Gene expression levels of endothelin receptor type B (ETB receptor) were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and protein expression levels of PI3K and Akt were detected by Western blot. A nitrite assay was used to measure intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was measured by the T-NOS colorimetric method. RESULTS: Animal experiments demonstrated that BHT significantly restored ET-1 and NO in animal peripheral blood, which were disordered in LPS-induced fever rabbits. Moreover, a cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that BHT ≤700 µg/mL is innoxious to RVECs. BHT significantly repressed cellular TNF-α, IL-1ß, and ET-1, which were originally elevated by LPS in RVECs. Meanwhile, BHT elevated the gene expression level of the ETB receptor and promoted NOS and NO production in RVECs induced by LPS. CONCLUSION: BHT can inhibit excessive ET-1 secretion induced by LPS in vascular endothelial cells and activate the classic ET-1 signalling pathway to promote NO production, which may facilitate vasodilation of smooth muscle cells.

Orientational order and phase transitions in deuterated methane: a neutron total scattering and reverse Monte Carlo study.

We report a study of the orientational order and phase transitions in crystalline deuterated methane, carried out using neutron total scattering and the reverse Monte Carlo method. The resultant atomic configurations are consistent with the average structures obtained from Rietveld refinement of the powder diffraction data, but additionally enable us to determine the C-D bond orientational distribution functions (ODF) for the disordered molecules in the high-temperature phase, and for both ordered and disordered molecules in the intermediate-temperature phase. We show that this approach gives more accurate information than can been obtained from fitting a bond ODF to diffraction data. Given the resurgence of interest in orientationally-disordered crystals, we argue that the approach of total scattering with the RMC method provides a unique quantification of orientational order and disorder.

Increasing of matrix metalloproteinase 3 in bovine endometritis.

Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), a key member of the MMPs family, is involved in the modulation of endometrial inflammation and innate immunity. However, the role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis remains unknown. To investigate the role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis, endometrial MMP3 expression were determined in uterine biopsies from twenty 40-60 days postpartum dairy cows, which six were healthy cows and fourteen were endometritic cows. Moreover, MMP3 expression were also detected at different intensity of inflammatory response, which was induced by graded concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10 µg/ml) of LPS in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) in vitro. RT-qPCR was used to test the mRNA levels of MMP3 in tissues or cells. Western blot was conducted to measure protein levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for TNF-α and IL-1ß in cell supernatant. Results showed that MMP3 mRNA and protein levels significantly increased and positive correlative with severity of endometritis in vivo. Likewise, MMP3 expression also positive correlative with intensity of LPS inflammatory response in BEECs in vitro. These results indicate that increasing of MMP3 directly correlates with bovine endometritis, and its increasing may contribute to progression of bovine endometritis.

Genetic and environmental factors in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and promising therapeutic intervention via fecal microbiota transplantation.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neuronal impairment and loss of function, and with the major shared histopathological hallmarks of misfolding and aggregation of specific proteins inside or outside cells. Some genetic and environmental factors contribute to the promotion of the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, there are no effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. It has been revealed that bidirectional communication exists between the brain and the gut. The gut microbiota is a changeable and experience-dependent ecosystem and can be modified by genetic and environmental factors. The gut microbiota provides potential therapeutic targets that can be regulated as new interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss genetic and environmental risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases, summarize the communication among the components of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and discuss the treatment strategy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT is a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, and restoration of the gut microbiota to a premorbid state is a novel goal for prevention and treatment strategies.