Linking myosin heavy chain isoform shift to mechanical properties and fracture modes in skeletal muscle tissue.

Muscle fibers play a crucial role in the mechanical action of skeletal muscle tissue. However, it is unclear how the histological variations affect the mechanical properties of tissues. In this study, the shift of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms is used for the first time to establish a linkage between tissue histological variation and passive mechanical properties. The shift of MHC isoform is found not only to induce significant differences in skeletal muscle passive mechanical properties, but also to lead to differences in strain rate responses. Non-negligible rate dependence is observed even in the conventionally defined quasi-static regime. Fidelity in the estimated constitutive parameters, which can be impacted due to variation in MHC isoforms and hence in rate sensitivity, is enhanced using a Bayesian inference framework. Subsequently, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy are used to characterize the fracture morphology of muscle tissues and fibers. The fracture mode of both MHC I and II muscle fibers exhibited shearing of endomysium. Results show that the increase in strain rate only leads to stronger rebounding of the muscle fibers during tissue rupture without changing fracture modes.

Combined LC-MS-based metabolomics and GC-IMS analysis reveal changes in chemical components and aroma components of Jujube leaf tea during processing.

Making tea from jujube leaves changed the chemical composition and aroma composition of jujube leaves. Here, Through LC-MS, GC-IMS, and GC-MS technology, we have revealed the effect of jujube leaf processing changes on metabolites. LC-MS identified 468 non-volatile metabolites, while GC-IMS and GC-MS detected 52 and 24 volatile metabolites, respectively. 109 non-volatile metabolites exhibiting more pronounced differences were screened. Most lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids, amino acids, and flavonoids increased significantly after processing. GC-IMS and GC-MS analysis revealed that the contents of aldehydes and ketones were significantly increased, while esters and partial alcohols were decreased after processing into jujube leaf tea. The main flavor substances of fresh jujube leaf and jujube leaf tea were eugenol and (E) - 2-Hexenal, respectively. Furthermore, amino acids and lipids were closely linked to the formation of volatile metabolites. Our study provided new insights into the changes in metabolites of jujube leaves processed into jujube leaf tea, and had great potential for industrial application. It laid a foundation for further research on fruit tree leaf tea.

Construction of prediction model for prognosis of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on pyroptosis gene

Purpose To assess the expression of genes that are relevant to pyroptosis and the relationship between these genes and prognosis in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). Methods The research identifies 16 pyroptosis regulators with different expressions in normal endometrium and UCEC. In accordance with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the various kinds of UCEC are classified into two sub-types. With the help of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the prognostic value of all pyroptosis-related genes for survival was assessed, and a multigene model has constructed accordingly. Ten genes were modeled by applying the minimum criteria for determining risk score selection (LASSO) Cox regression method. Meanwhile, by referring to the TCGA atlas, UCEC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk subgroups. The effects of the gene with significant differences on the proliferation of two cancer cells were also verified. Results The survival rate of UCEC cases with higher risk was higher than that with lower risk (P < 0.001). Through the median risk score of TCGA atlas, UCEC cases were ranked as patients with higher risk and patients with lower risk. The low risk has a significant relationship with the prolongation of overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001) in the low-risk subgroup. Moreover, the KEGG and gene ontology (GO) enrichment models indicated that among the patients in the high-risk subgroup, their immune-related genes were concentrated but with decreased immune status. Conclusion The apoptosis-related genes are crucial for the immunity of tumors and may forecast the prognosis of UCEC (AU)

Construction of prediction model for prognosis of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on pyroptosis gene.

PURPOSE: To assess the expression of genes that are relevant to pyroptosis and the relationship between these genes and prognosis in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). METHODS: The research identifies 16 pyroptosis regulators with different expressions in normal endometrium and UCEC. In accordance with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the various kinds of UCEC are classified into two sub-types. With the help of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the prognostic value of all pyroptosis-related genes for survival was assessed, and a multigene model has constructed accordingly. Ten genes were modeled by applying the minimum criteria for determining risk score selection (LASSO) Cox regression method. Meanwhile, by referring to the TCGA atlas, UCEC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk subgroups. The effects of the gene with significant differences on the proliferation of two cancer cells were also verified. RESULTS: The survival rate of UCEC cases with higher risk was higher than that with lower risk (P < 0.001). Through the median risk score of TCGA atlas, UCEC cases were ranked as patients with higher risk and patients with lower risk. The low risk has a significant relationship with the prolongation of overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001) in the low-risk subgroup. Moreover, the KEGG and gene ontology (GO) enrichment models indicated that among the patients in the high-risk subgroup, their immune-related genes were concentrated but with decreased immune status. CONCLUSION: The apoptosis-related genes are crucial for the immunity of tumors and may forecast the prognosis of UCEC.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Identification Based on Objective Facial and Tongue Features: A Delphi Study and a Diagnostic Nomogram for Blood Stasis Constitution.

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically summarize and form an expert consensus on the theoretical experience of tongue and facial features for the identification of nine types of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution. Additionally, we sought to explore the feasibility of TCM constitution identification through objective tongue and facial features. Methods: We used Delphi method to investigate the opinions of experts on facial and tongue feature items for identifying TCM constitution. We developed and validated a diagnostic nomogram for blood stasis constitution (BSC) based on objective facial and tongue features to demonstrate the reliability of expert consultation. Results: Eleven experts participated in two rounds of expert consultation. The recovery rates of the two rounds of expert consultation were 100.0% and 90.9%. After the first round, 39 items were screened out from 147 initial items, and 2 items were supplemented by experts. In the second round, 7 items were eliminated, leaving 34 items for 8 types of TCM constitution. The coefficient of variation in the first round was 0.11-0.49 for the 147 items and 0.11-0.29 for the included items. The coefficient of variation in the second round was 0.10-0.27 for the 41 items and 0.10-0.20 for the included items. The W value was 0.548 (P < 0.001) in the first round and 0.240 (P < 0.001) in the second round. Based on expert consultation, we selected BSC as an example and developed and validated a diagnostic nomogram consisting of six indicators: sex, hair volume, lip color-dark purple, susceptibility-facial pigmentation/chloasma/ecchymosis, zygomatic texture-red blood streaks, and sublingual vein-varicose and dark purple. The nomogram showed good discrimination (AUC: 0.917 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.877-0.956] for the primary dataset, 0.902 [95% CI, 0.828-0.976] for the validation dataset) and good calibration. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful. Conclusion: This is the first study to systematically summarize the existing knowledge and clinical experience to form an expert consensus on the tongue and facial features of nine types of TCM constitution. Our results will provide important prior knowledge and expert experience for future constitution identification research. Based on expert consultation, this study presents a nomogram for BSC that incorporates objective facial and tongue features, which can be conveniently used to facilitate the individualized identification of BSC.

Development and evaluation of short form of constitution in Chinese medicine questionnaire: a national epidemiological survey data of 21 948 case.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the best short form of constitution in Chinese medicine questionnaire (CCMQ) and evaluate its psychometric properties in Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 21 948 subjects were used to refine the short form. Correlation coefficient, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to analyze and select items to form the short form. Separate sample of 205 subjects were collected to further evaluate the short from. EFA, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), item-scale correlation, discriminant validity, internal consistency reliability and split-half reliability were carried out to evaluate the short form. RESULTS: The short form CCMQ included 26 items. Seven common factors of characteristic root > 1 were extracted to explain 58.488% of the total variation. Result of CFA was consistent with the 9-factors structure. The mean differences of Blood-stasis body constitution and Qi-stagnation body constitution had statistical significance in body mass index differentiation. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of short form CCMQ was 0.863. The split-half reliability of total scale was 0.813, and each scale was 0.568-0.770. The item-scale correlations ranged from 0.620-0.849. CONCLUSION: The short form CCMQ consisted of 26 items with good psychometric properties. The short form should be recommended for the measurement of health of Chinese population in any clinical trial.

Effect of Knowledge/Practice of COVID-19 Prevention Measures on Return-to-Work Concerns; Attitudes About the Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Survey on Supermarket Staff in Huanggang, China.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate how knowledge and practice of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention measures affected concerns about returning to work among supermarket staff. Attitudes about the ability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to prevent COVID-19 were also assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Huanggang, Hubei Province, China from April 23 to 25, 2020. Participants were invited to fill out an electronic questionnaire on their cell phones. Results: The results showed that from 2,309 valid questionnaires, 61.5% of participants were concerned about resuming work. Major concerns included asymptomatic infection (85.01%) and employees gathering in the workplace (78.96%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the female gender, having school-aged children and pregnancy were risk factors for being concerned about resuming work, while good knowledge and practice of preventive measures were protective factors. Knowledge and practice of preventive measures were positively correlated. Among preventive measures, the highest percentage of participants knew about wearing masks and washing hands. Meanwhile, 65.8% of participants expressed confidence in the ability of TCM to prevent COVID-19, where 74 and 51.3% thought there was a need and a strong need, respectively, for preventive TCM-based products. Among them, 71.5% preferred oral granules. Regarding TCM as a COVID-19 preventative, most were interested in information about safety and efficacy. Conclusion: These findings suggested that promoting knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19 prevention can help alleviate concerns about returning to work. Meanwhile, TCM can feasibly be accepted to diversify COVID-19 prevention methods. Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier: ChiCTR2000031955.

Myelin and lymphocyte protein 2 regulates cell proliferation and metastasis through the Notch pathway in prostate adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Myelin and lymphocyte protein 2 (MAL2) is a proven oncogene in some human tumors. However, currently, little is known about the function of MAL2 in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). This study sought to investigate the role of MAL2 on PRAD progression. METHODS: MAL2 expression in PRAD was first analyzed by the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. The reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay and Western blot assay were used to detect the expression of MAL2 in PRAD tissues and cell lines. Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) straining was used to detect the expression of MAL2 in PRAD pathological tissues. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, clone formation assay and Flow cytometry were performed to investigate the effect of MAL2 on PRAD cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Cell migration and invasion were measured by Transwell assay. The effect of MAL2 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and the Notch signaling pathway in PRAD was also investigated. RESULTS: MAL2 was discovered to be obviously upregulated in PRAD tissues and cell lines. The upregulation of MAL2 was closely associated with tumor, nodes and metastases (TNM) stage, the Gleason score and metastasis of PRAD patients, and affected the prognosis of PRAD patients. Functionally, the depletion of MAL2 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT progression, and promoted cell apoptosis of PRAD cells. In an in vivo experiment, MAL2 knockdown significantly suppressed tumor growth in mice. Further, inhibiting the Notch pathway reversed the effect of MAL2 knockdown on PRAD progression. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, MAL2 was found to be upregulated in PRAD, and appears to act as a carcinogen in PRAD. Additionally, MAL2 appears to regulate PRAD progression through the Notch signaling pathway.

The relationship of CCL4, BCL2A1, and NFKBIA genes with premature aging in women of Yin deficiency constitution.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) defined constitution as a health statue or physical fitness that determines individual susceptibility to diseases. Yin deficiency constitution (YinDC) is a type of constitution closely related to aging. Previous studies found that the characteristic genes of YinDC are part of the inflammatory aging signaling pathways (e.g., NF-kappa B). Therefore, the aim of the study was to further reveal the dysregulation of genes associated with inflammatory aging in YinDC women. METHODS: This study adopted the industrial standard of constitutional judgment, and screened YinDC (n = 30) and Balanced constitution (BC) (n = 30) from women between the ages of 35 to 49, a range categorized as the degenerating period by TCM. Five genes CCL4, BCL2A1, NFKBIA, TAK1, and IL-8 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Logistical regression revealed the correlation between body constitution and the expression of the five genes: the expression of NFKBIA and CCL4 mRNA was significantly up-regulated, whereas the expression of BCL2A1 mRNA was significantly down-regulated in YinDC (P < 0.05). Age or weight, when included in the model, did not affected the correlations. CONCLUSION: Increased mRNA expression of CCL4 and NFKBIA and decreased mRNA expression of BCL2A1 may be the molecular basis of premature aging of YinDC women. These results provide a mechanistic basis for early conditioning of YinDC, anti-aging, and the prevention of aging-related diseases.

Application of ultrasound-guided external jugular vein puncture in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe sepsis: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is one of the most common critical illnesses in intensive care unit (ICU) clinical practice. Intravenous infusion technology is an important method for life support. The commonly used deep vein indwelling is expensive, and the incidence of infection due to long-term placement is high. Ultrasound technology can guide clinical puncture operations in real time and greatly improve the success rate of puncture. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of ultrasound-guided external jugular vein puncture and catheterization in patients with sepsis. METHODS: From December 2018 to December 2019, a total of 61 patients with sepsis from the ICU or neurology care unit (NCU) were included in the present study and were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=30) and control group (n=31). Ultrasound-guided indwelling cannula needle was used in the experimental group, and blind indwelling cannula needle was used in the control group. The success rate of puncture at first operation, indwelling complications (e.g., bleeding, redness, infection, poor infusion), and operation time of the 2 methods were compared. RESULTS: A comparison of the patients in the control group with the experimental group indicated no significant differences in age, body mass index, sex, temperature, mean aortic pressure, sequential organ failure score, need for vasopressors, central venous pressure, leucocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, albumin, and mechanical ventilation (all P>0.05). The duration of ICU or NCU stay was 5 days in the experimental group compared with 7 days in the control group (P=0.009). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had shorter successful puncture time (4.0 vs. 6.0 min, P<0.001), higher first puncture success rate (93% vs. 71%, Ρ=0.023), and a lower incidence of complications (12.5% vs. 45.0%, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with sepsis in ICU, ultrasound-guided puncture is superior to blind manual puncture.