Characterization of the MicroRNA profile in rheumatoid arthritis plasma exosomes and their roles in B-cell responses.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes derived from the blood plasma of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and explore their clinical significance and biological roles. METHODS: Illumina high-throughput sequencing was employed to measure miRNA expression levels in plasma exosomes, followed by validation using qRT-PCR. The correlation between exosomal miRNAs and disease activity was systematically analyzed. Additionally, the pathogenic effects of RA exosomes were investigated through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: Significantly reduced levels of exosomal miR-144-3p and miR-30b-5p were observed in RA patients, which were negatively correlated with DAS28 scores and anti-CCP antibody levels. ROC curve analysis showed that miR-144-3p and miR-30b-5p in plasma exosomes could effectively distinguish RA patients from healthy controls, with AUC values of 0.725 and 0.773, respectively. Combining bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments, it was demonstrated that plasma exosomes contribute to ongoing autoantibody production in RA by promoting B-cell differentiation and antibody production. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that plasma exosomes from RA patients may be potentially pathogenic. Exosomal miR-144-3p and miR-30b-5p exhibit significant decreases in RA patients and are associated with disease activity, suggesting their potential as valuable biomarkers for RA.

Characterization of the MicroRNA profile in rheumatoid arthritis plasma exosomes and their roles in B-cell responses

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes derived from the blood plasma of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and explore their clinical significance and biological roles. Methods: Illumina high-throughput sequencing was employed to measure miRNA expression levels in plasma exosomes, followed by validation using qRT-PCR. The correlation between exosomal miRNAs and disease activity was systematically analyzed. Additionally, the pathogenic effects of RA exosomes were investigated through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments. Results: Significantly reduced levels of exosomal miR-144-3p and miR-30b-5p were observed in RA patients, which were negatively correlated with DAS28 scores and anti-CCP antibody levels. ROC curve analysis showed that miR-144-3p and miR-30b-5p in plasma exosomes could effectively distinguish RA patients from healthy controls, with AUC values of 0.725 and 0.773, respectively. Combining bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments, it was demonstrated that plasma exosomes contribute to ongoing autoantibody production in RA by promoting B-cell differentiation and antibody production. Conclusion: The present study indicates that plasma exosomes from RA patients may be potentially pathogenic. Exosomal miR-144-3p and miR-30b-5p exhibit significant decreases in RA patients and are associated with disease activity, suggesting their potential as valuable biomarkers for RA.

Late evening snack and oral amino acid capsules improved respiratory quotient and Fischer ratio in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Appropriate nutritional support may improve energy metabolism in alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) patients. We explored the effect of a late evening snack (LES) and oral amino acid (OAA) capsules on energy metabolism and the Fischer ratio in ALC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-one ALC patients were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups: 31 patients in the LES and OAA group, 32 in the LES group, and 28 controls. Respiratory quotient (RQ), carbohydrate oxidation rate (CHO%), fat oxidation rate (FAT%), serum isoleucine and the Fischer ratio were measured at baseline and at months 1, 3, and 6 of follow-up. RESULTS: The RQ in the LES and OAA group was 0.79 ± 0.06, 0.80 ± 0.04, 0.82 ± 0.04, and 0.82 ± 0.04 at baseline and at months 1, 3, and 6 of follow-up, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those in the LES group (P < 0.05). The RQ in the LES group was significantly higher than that in the control group at month 1 and month 6 (P < 0.05). CHO% in the LES and OAA group was significantly increased and FAT% was significantly decreased at month 3 of follow-up (P < 0.05). In the LES and OAA group, serum isoleucine and the Fischer ratio were markedly increased compared with the LES group and control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LES can significantly increase the RQ in ALC. LES and OAA were more effective than LES alone in improving serum isoleucine and the Fischer ratio.

Dietary and circulating vitamin D and risk of renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of observational studies

ABSTRACT Objective: This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the associations of circulating and dietary intake of vitamin D with risk of risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our findings showed that higher circulating vitamin D level and dietary vitamin D intake were associated with a reduced risk of RCC. The possible explanation might be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell differentiation and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from their inception points through December 2018 for observational studies. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was employed to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: A total of 9 publications were included in this meta-analysis. An overall analysis of the highest versus lowest intake levels revealed that circulating vitamin D level was protectively associated with risk of RCC 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64-0.89, P=0.001), with no evidence of heterogeneity (I2=38.8%, P=0.162). In addition, dietary vitamin D intake was associated with a reduced risk of RCC (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 75-0.99, P=0.030). Statistical heterogeneity was not identified (I2=28.8%, P=0.199). Subgroup analyses results showed the gender differences, and the associations were significant in results with women participants (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.55-0.88) and case-control studies (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95). Conclusion: Higher circulating vitamin D level and higher dietary vitamin D intake both might be associated with a reduced risk of RCC. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required in the future to confirm our results.

Dietary and circulating vitamin D and risk of renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the associations of circulating and dietary intake of vitamin D with risk of risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our findings showed that higher circulating vitamin D level and dietary vitamin D intake were associated with a reduced risk of RCC. The possible explanation might be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell differentiation and apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from their inception points through December 2018 for observational studies. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was employed to assess the quality of the included studies. RESULTS: A total of 9 publications were included in this meta-analysis. An overall analysis of the highest versus lowest intake levels revealed that circulating vitamin D level was protectively associated with risk of RCC 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64-0.89, P=0.001), with no evidence of heterogeneity (I2=38.8%, P=0.162). In addition, dietary vitamin D intake was associated with a reduced risk of RCC (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 75-0.99, P=0.030). Statistical heterogeneity was not identified (I2=28.8%, P=0.199). Subgroup analyses results showed the gender differences, and the associations were significant in results with women participants (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.55-0.88) and case-control studies (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95). CONCLUSION: Higher circulating vitamin D level and higher dietary vitamin D intake both might be associated with a reduced risk of RCC. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required in the future to confirm our results.

Thawing Rate Predicts Acute Pulmonary Vein Isolation after Second-Generation Cryoballoon Ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether thawing rate could be a novel predictor of acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and explore the predictive value of thawing rate as a factor ensuring long-term PVI (vagus reflex). METHODS: A total of 151 patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled in this retrospective study between January 2017 and June 2018. The thawing rate was calculated using the thawing phase of the cryoablation curve. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of the thawing rate for acute PVI and vagus reflex. RESULTS: ROC curve analyses revealed that the interval thawing rate at 15°C (ITR15) was the most valuable predictor of PVI, with the highest area under curve (AUC) value of the ROC curve. The best cut-off value of ITR15 for PVI was ≤2.14°C/S and its sensitivity and specificity were 88.62% and 67.18%, respectively. In addition, the ITR15 of the successful PVI group after cryoballoon ablation was significantly slower than the failed PVI group. ITR15 was a predictor of vagus reflex and the occurrence of vagus reflex group had a slower ITR15 compared to the non-occurrence group. CONCLUSIONS: Thawing rate was a novel predictor of acute PVI and the ITR15 was the most valuable predictor of acute PVI. In addition, ITR15 was a predictive factor ensuring long-term PVI (vagus reflex). Our study showed that thawing rate may serve in the early identification of useless cryoballoon ablation.

ADAMTS4 is upregulated in colorectal cancer and could be a useful prognostic indicator of colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: ADAMTS4 is a member of the ADAMTS4 family, which secretes proteinases. The mechanism of tumor metastasis may be correlated to its promotion of angiogenesis. It was determined whether ADAMTS4 participates in colorectal cancer progression. METHODS: The expression in clinical samples and CRC cell lines was investigated. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and RT-PCR, the expression of ADAMTS4 was determined in colorectal tumors of different cancer stages and anatomic sites, and in three cell lines of different aggressiveness. RESULTS: The overexpression of ADAMTS4 was observed in tissue samples by IHC, and this was mainly located in the cytoplasm, as detected by FISH. The qRT-PCR and western blot analyses further supported the clinical sample findings. CONCLUSION: The present data support the notion that the overexpression of ADAMTS4 in CRC might be useful as a non-invasive biomarker for detecting CRC in patients.

ADAMTS4 is upregulated in colorectal cancer and could be a useful prognostic indicator of colorectal cancer

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE ADAMTS4 is a member of the ADAMTS4 family, which secretes proteinases. The mechanism of tumor metastasis may be correlated to its promotion of angiogenesis. It was determined whether ADAMTS4 participates in colorectal cancer progression. Methods The expression in clinical samples and CRC cell lines was investigated. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and RT-PCR, the expression of ADAMTS4 was determined in colorectal tumors of different cancer stages and anatomic sites, and in three cell lines of different aggressiveness. Results The overexpression of ADAMTS4 was observed in tissue samples by IHC, and this was mainly located in the cytoplasm, as detected by FISH. The qRT-PCR and western blot analyses further supported the clinical sample findings. Conclusion The present data support the notion that the overexpression of ADAMTS4 in CRC might be useful as a non-invasive biomarker for detecting CRC in patients.

RESUMO OBJETIVO ADAMTS4 é um membro da família ADAMTS4, que secreta proteinases. O mecanismo da metástase do tumor pode ser correlacionado a sua promoção da angiogênese. Determinou-se se ADAMTS4 participa na progressão do câncer colorretal. Métodos A expressão em amostras clínicas e linhas de células CRC foi investigada. Usando a imuno-histoquímica (IHC), a hibridação fluorescente in situ (HFIS) e o RT-PCR, a expressão de ADAMTS4 foi determinada em tumores colorretais de diferentes estágios do câncer e locais anatômicos, e em três linhas de células de níveis de agressividade distintos. Resultados A superexpressão de ADAMTS4 foi observada em amostras de tecido por IHC, e esta foi localizada principalmente no citoplasma, como detectado pelo HFIS. O qRT-PCR e a análise de wester blot corroboraram os resultados clínicos da amostra. Conclusão Os dados atuais corroboram a noção de que a superexpressão de ADAMTS4 no CRC pode ser útil como um biomarcador não invasivo para a detecção de CRC em pacientes.

Thawing rate predicts acute pulmonary vein isolation after second-generation cryoballoon ablation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether thawing rate could be a novel predictor of acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and explore the predictive value of thawing rate as a factor ensuring long-term PVI (vagus reflex). METHODS: A total of 151 patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled in this retrospective study between January 2017 and June 2018. The thawing rate was calculated using the thawing phase of the cryoablation curve. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of the thawing rate for acute PVI and vagus reflex. RESULTS: ROC curve analyses revealed that the interval thawing rate at 15°C (ITR15) was the most valuable predictor of PVI, with the highest area under curve (AUC) value of the ROC curve. The best cut-off value of ITR15 for PVI was ≤2.14°C/S and its sensitivity and specificity were 88.62% and 67.18%, respectively. In addition, the ITR15 of the successful PVI group after cryoballoon ablation was significantly slower than the failed PVI group. ITR15 was a predictor of vagus reflex and the occurrence of vagus reflex group had a slower ITR15 compared to the non-occurrence group. CONCLUSIONS: Thawing rate was a novel predictor of acute PVI and the ITR15 was the most valuable predictor of acute PVI. In addition, ITR15 was a predictive factor ensuring long-term PVI (vagus reflex). Our study showed that thawing rate may serve in the early identification of useless cryoballoon ablation.

Renal expression of AQP1 in the high-fat nutritional obesity of rat / Expresión renal de AQP1 en la obesidad nutricional alta en grasas en ratas

AQP1 plays an essential role in maintaining body water balance. In the kidney, AQP1 is localized to the apical and basolateral membrane of epithelial cells in the proximal tubule and descending thin limb of Ansa nephroni (Henle's loop) where it reabsorbs the vast majority of filtered water. The growing epidemic of obesity and metabolic diseases particularly obesity-related kidney disease is getting more and more attention in this century. However, a full understanding of mechanisms involved to the progressive renal disease is still unclear, in particular AQPs in the kidney of obesity. In this paper, we examined the localization of AQP1 in renal cortex and medulla of ND (normal diet) and HFD (high-fat diet) at rats. In the renal cortex and medulla, immunolight microscopy revealed weak expression of AQP1 in the apical and basolateral membrane of epithelial cells at the proximal straight/convoluted tubule of HFD compared with ND, respectively. The same result was confirmed in the thick descending limb and descending thin limb of Henle's loop. In the high-fat nutritional obesity of rats, decreased AQP1 levels may not directly cause serious obesity-related kidney disease, e.g. chronic kidney disease, even end-stage renal disease. But at least, AQPs (AQP1 in this study) was one of initially conditions to the incentive of obesity-related kidney disease.

Las acuoporinas tipo 1 (AQP1) constituyen una parte esencial en el mantenimiento del equilibrio del agua en el cuerpo. En el riñón, la AQP1 se localiza en la membrana apical y basolateral de las células epiteliales, en el túbulo proximal y en el segmento descendente del Ansa nephroni o asa nefrónica (asa de Henle), donde reabsorbe la gran mayoría de agua filtrada. La creciente epidemia de obesidad y enfermedades metabólicas en el siglo actual, hacen que la enfermedad renal relacionada con la obesidad esté recibiendo cada vez más atención. Sin embargo, aún no existe un conocimiento definitivo de los mecanismos implicados en la enfermedad renal progresiva, en particular los relacionados a las acuoporinas renales en la obesidad. En este trabajo, examinamos la localización de AQP1 en la corteza y la médula renales de la dieta normal (DN) y dieta alta en grasa (DAG) en ratas. En la corteza y médula renales, la microscopía de luz reveló una expresión débil de AQP1 en la membrana apical y basolateral de las células epiteliales en el túbulo contorneado proximal del grupo DAG en comparación con el grupo DN, respectivamente. El mismo resultado se confirmó en la porción descendente gruesa y en la porción descendente delgada del asa nefrónica. En ratas del grupo DAG, la disminución de los niveles de AQP1 pudo no ser la causa directa de una enfermedad renal grave relacionada con obesidad, como por ejemplo, enfermedad renal crónica, o una enfermedad renal terminal. No obstante, en este estudio, la expresión renal de AQP1 constituyó una de las condiciones iniciales para inducir la enfermedad renal relacionada con obesidad.

Segmental resection combined with anoplasty for the treatment of circumferential mixed hemorrhoids.

Circumferential mixed hemorrhoids are very difficult to treat non-surgically. Therefore, it is important to explore the surgical methods for its complete resolution as well as maintenance of normal anal anatomy and function. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of segmented and plastic hemorrhoidectomy (SPH) on patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids. A total of 300 patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were divided into experimental group (n=150) undergoing SPH and control group (n=150) undergoing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. There were no differences in cure and effectiveness rates between two groups. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group had shorter healing time (15.7±1.3 vs 12.5±0.7 days) and recovery to normal activity (18.5±2.7 vs 14.7±1.2 days). In addition, anal function of all patients in the experimental group was normal during short- and long-term follow-up. However, more cases in the control group showed anal dampness and itching, and poor control of intestinal liquid. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group had better outcomes in overall anal function and smoothness at 6, 12, and 18 months after operation as well as patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the rating in the visual analogue scale for defecation pain and edema in the experimental group was less than that in the control group. SPH was more effective, had fewer complications, better protection of anal function, and a better cosmetic result.

Segmental resection combined with anoplasty for the treatment of circumferential mixed hemorrhoids

Circumferential mixed hemorrhoids are very difficult to treat non-surgically. Therefore, it is important to explore the surgical methods for its complete resolution as well as maintenance of normal anal anatomy and function. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of segmented and plastic hemorrhoidectomy (SPH) on patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids. A total of 300 patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were divided into experimental group (n=150) undergoing SPH and control group (n=150) undergoing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. There were no differences in cure and effectiveness rates between two groups. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group had shorter healing time (15.7±1.3 vs 12.5±0.7 days) and recovery to normal activity (18.5±2.7 vs 14.7±1.2 days). In addition, anal function of all patients in the experimental group was normal during short- and long-term follow-up. However, more cases in the control group showed anal dampness and itching, and poor control of intestinal liquid. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group had better outcomes in overall anal function and smoothness at 6, 12, and 18 months after operation as well as patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the rating in the visual analogue scale for defecation pain and edema in the experimental group was less than that in the control group. SPH was more effective, had fewer complications, better protection of anal function, and a better cosmetic result.

The role of oxymatrine in regulating TGF-ß1 in rats with hepatic fibrosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether oxymatrine (OMT) prevents hepatic fibrosis in rats by regulating liver transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) level. METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by thioacetamide (TAA). Blood was collected at the end of week 12 to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutathione (GSH). Changes in liver tissue were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. RESULTS: Fibrosis was confirmed by Masson's collagen staining. Liver TGF-ß1 level was determined by ELISA. OMT significantly reduced serum ALT and AST but increased GSH levels in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, it significantly improved liver histology in rats with TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis. It significantly decreased liver TGF-ß1 level compared to that in the untreated group. It also significantly reduced collagen deposition in rats. CONCLUSION: Oxymatrine is effective in protecting rats from thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis by regulating TGF-ß1 expression.

The role of oxymatrine in regulating TGF-beta1 in rats with hepatic fibrosis

Purpose: To investigate whether oxymatrine (OMT) prevents hepatic fibrosis in rats by regulating liver transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) level. Methods: Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by thioacetamide (TAA). Blood was collected at the end of week 12 to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutathione (GSH). Changes in liver tissue were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Results: Fibrosis was confirmed by Massons collagen staining. Liver TGF-β1 level was determined by ELISA. OMT significantly reduced serum ALT and AST but increased GSH levels in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, it significantly improved liver histology in rats with TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis. It significantly decreased liver TGF-β1 level compared to that in the untreated group. It also significantly reduced collagen deposition in rats. Conclusion: Oxymatrine is effective in protecting rats from thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1 expression.(AU)

Expression of aquaporin 2, aquaporin 3 and aquaporin 4 in renal medulla of Bactrian camel ( Camelus bactrianus ) / Expresión de acuaporina 2, acuaporina 3 y acuaporina 4 en la médula renal del camello bactriano ( Camelus bactrianus )

SUMMARY: Aquaporins (AQPs) are members of the aquaporin water channel family that play an important role in reabsorption of water from the renal tubular fluid to concentrate urine. Using immunohistochemical staining on paraffin sections, We studied expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in renal medulla of Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). The renal medulla of cattle (Bos taurus) acted as the control. Compared with the control, strong expression of AQP2 was observed at the apical plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles, in both the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) and the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) of camel. Strong expression of AQP3 was observed at the basolateral plasma membrane of the IMCD of camel. Strong AQP4 expression, however, was observed at the basolateral plasma membrane in the OMCD of camel. Moreover, moderate AQP4 expression was detected in endothelium of capillary in medullary region of camels, whereas very weak/absent expression was detected in endothelium of capillary of cattle. We concluded that expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in the camel kidney showed some differences from cattle in renal trans-epithelial water transport. It may enhance our better understanding of special water metabolism mechanisms that enable camels to survive in extreme environments.

RESUMEN: Las acuaporinas (AQP) son miembros de las proteínas de transporte que desempeñan un papel importante en la reabsorción de agua del líquido tubular renal para concentrar la orina. Estudiamos la expresión de AQP2, AQP3 y AQP4 en la médula renal del camello bactriano (Camelus bactrianus) usando tinción inmunohistoquímica en secciones de parafina. La médula renal del bovino (Bos taurus) se usó como control. En comparación con el control, se observó una fuerte expresión de AQP2 en la membrana plasmática apical y vesículas intracelulares tanto en el conducto colector medular externo (CCME) como en el conducto colector medular interno (CCMI) del camello. Se observó una fuerte expresión de AQP3 en la membrana plasmática basolateral del CCMI del camello. También se observó una expresión fuerte de AQP4 en la membrana plasmática basolateral en el CCME de camello. Además, se detectó una expresión moderada de AQP4 en el endotelio de los capilares en la región medular de los camellos, mientras que en el endotelio de los capilares del bovino se detectó una expresión muy débil. Concluimos que la expresión de AQP2, AQP3 y AQP4 en el riñón de camello mostró algunas diferencias con el bovino en el transporte trans-epitelial de agua renal. El estudio podría mejorar nuestra comprensión de los mecanismos especiales del metabolismo del agua que permiten a los camellos sobrevivir en ambientes extremos.

The role of oxymatrine in regulating TGF-ß1 in rats with hepatic fibrosis

Abstract Purpose: To investigate whether oxymatrine (OMT) prevents hepatic fibrosis in rats by regulating liver transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) level. Methods: Hepatic fibrosis was induced in rats by thioacetamide (TAA). Blood was collected at the end of week 12 to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and glutathione (GSH). Changes in liver tissue were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Results: Fibrosis was confirmed by Masson's collagen staining. Liver TGF-β1 level was determined by ELISA. OMT significantly reduced serum ALT and AST but increased GSH levels in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, it significantly improved liver histology in rats with TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis. It significantly decreased liver TGF-β1 level compared to that in the untreated group. It also significantly reduced collagen deposition in rats. Conclusion: Oxymatrine is effective in protecting rats from thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1 expression.

Efficacy of a Novel Palivizumab Prophylaxis Protocol for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Congenital Heart Disease: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of a novel palivizumab protocol for hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (hsCHD) in subtropical areas without clear respiratory syncytial virus seasonality. STUDY DESIGN: Since July 2013, the National Health Insurance program has provided reimbursement for palivizumab prophylaxis with a novel monthly protocol in selected patients with hsCHD under 1 year of age. We performed a multicenter study to assess the trend of respiratory syncytial virus hospitalizations in patients with hsCHD from 2010 to 2016 during the prepalivizumab, transition, and postpalivizumab periods, and compared treatment and propensity-matched control groups. RESULTS: A total of 747 patients were enrolled in the study group and 809 in the control group. The male:female was 836:720. Cyanotic CHD was observed in 42.9% of patients. The mean age at diagnosis of CHD was 32.9 days. After 516 685 patient-days of follow-up and a mean of 3.9 doses of palivizumab in the treatment group, respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization rates decreased by 53% and 49% before and after match compared with the control group (P = .009 and .029, respectively). Hospitalization days and intensive care unit admission rate also decreased similarly in the treatment group. The efficacy of this protocol was more prominent in patients with cyanotic hsCHD. The annual respiratory syncytial virus-associated hospitalization rates also decreased significantly from the prepalivizumab to the palivizumab period (from 4.8% to 2.0%; P = .038). CONCLUSION: Palivizumab prophylaxis through the novel monthly protocol for patients with hsCHD is effective in reducing respiratory syncytial virus-related hospitalizations.

One-step multiplexed detection of foodborne pathogens: Combining a quantum dot-mediated reverse assaying strategy and magnetic separation.

A rapid and multiplexed immunosensor was developed based on a quantum dot (QD)-reverse assaying strategy (RAS) and immuno-magnetic beads (IMBs) for one-step and simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella. In a conventional QD-based immunosensor, the fluorescence signal of the "IMBs-target-QD" immunoconjugate is directly used as the assaying readout. However, the fluorescence signal is affected by IMBs due to light scattering and the "IMBs-target-QD" immunoconjugate needs multiple washing and re-suspension steps. To address these problems, we use the surplus QD-antibody conjugate as signal readout in the RAS, which prevents interference from the IMBs, increases the fluorescence signal, and avoids complex operations. Compared with conventional QD-based immunosensor, the sensitivity of QD-RSA immunosensor for detection of Escherichia coli O157: H7 has been improved fifty-fold, and whole analysis procedure can be finished within 1h. Therefore, this RSA strategy is promising for improving the performance of QD-based immunosensors and could greatly broaden their applications.

The role of microRNAs in enteroviral infections

ABSTRACTThe genus Enterovirus, a member of thePicornavirus family, are RNA viruses that can cause poliomyelitis, hand-food-mouth disease, viral meningitis or meningoencephalitis, viral myocarditis and so on. MicroRNAs are a class of highly conserved, small noncoding RNAs recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Recent studies found that MicroRNAs play a significant role in the infection ofEnterovirus, such as enterovirus 71, coxsackievirus B3 and other Enterovirus. Enteroviral infection can alter the expression of cellular MicroRNAs, and cellular MicroRNAs can modulate viral pathogenesis and replication by regulating the expression level of viral or host's genes. Herein, this review summarizes the role of MicroRNAs in enteroviral infection.

The role of microRNAs in enteroviral infections.

The genus Enterovirus, a member of the Picornavirus family, are RNA viruses that can cause poliomyelitis, hand-food-mouth disease, viral meningitis or meningoencephalitis, viral myocarditis and so on. MicroRNAs are a class of highly conserved, small noncoding RNAs recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Recent studies found that MicroRNAs play a significant role in the infection of Enterovirus, such as enterovirus 71, coxsackievirus B3 and other Enterovirus. Enteroviral infection can alter the expression of cellular MicroRNAs, and cellular MicroRNAs can modulate viral pathogenesis and replication by regulating the expression level of viral or host's genes. Herein, this review summarizes the role of MicroRNAs in enteroviral infection.