Dietary lauric acid promoted antioxidant and immune capacity by improving intestinal structure and microbial population of swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus).

Lauric acid (LA), a saturated fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms, is widely regarded as a healthy fatty acid that plays an important role in disease resistance and improving immune physiological function. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary lauric acid on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and intestinal microbiology, and evaluate the potential of lauric acids an environmentally friendly additive in swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) culture. A total of 192 swimming crabs with an initial body weight of 11.68 ± 0.02 g were fed six different dietary lauric acid levels, the analytical values of lauric acid were 0.09, 0.44, 0.80, 1.00, 1.53, 2.91 mg/g, respectively. There were four replicates per treatment and 8 juvenile swimming crabs per replicate. The results indicated that final weight, percent weight gain, specific growth rate, survival and feed intake were not significantly affected by dietary lauric acid levels; however, crabs fed diets with 0.80 and 1.00 mg/g lauric acid showed the lowest feed efficiency among all treatments. Proximate composition in hepatopancreas and muscle were not significantly affected by dietary lauric acid levels. The highest activities of amylase and lipase in hepatopancreas and intestine were found at crabs fed diet with 0.80 mg/g lauric acid (P < 0.05), the activity of carnitine palmityl transferase (CPT) in hepatopancreas and intestine significantly decreased with dietary lauric acid levels increasing from 0.09 to 2.91 mg/g (P < 0.05). The lowest concentration of glucose and total protein and the activity of alkaline phosphatase in hemolymph were observed at crabs fed diets with 0.80 and 1.00 mg/g lauric acid among all treatments. The activity of GSH-Px in hepatopancreas significantly increased with dietary lauric acid increasing from 0.09 to 1.53 mg/g, MDA in hepatopancreas and hemolymph was not significantly influenced by dietary lauric acid levels. The highest expression of cat and gpx in hepatopancreas were exhibited in crabs fed diet with 1.00 mg/g lauric acid, however, the expression of genes related to the inflammatory signaling pathway (relish, myd88, traf6, nf-κB) were up-regulated in the hepatopancreas with dietary lauric acid levels increasing from 0.09 to 1.00 mg/g, moreover, the expression of genes related to intestinal inflammatory, immune and antioxidant were significantly affected by dietary lauric acid levels (P < 0.05). Crabs fed diet without lauric acid supplementation exhibited higher lipid drop area in hepatopancreas than those fed the other diets (P < 0.05). The expression of genes related to lipid catabolism was up-regulated, however, and the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis was down-regulated in the hepatopancreas of crabs fed with 0.80 mg/g lauric acid. Lauric acid improved hepatic tubular integrity, and enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing peritrophic membrane (PM) thickness and upregulating the expression of structural factors (per44, zo-1) and intestinal immunity-related genes. In addition, dietary 1.00 mg/g lauric acid significantly improved the microbiota composition of the intestinal, increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and Rhodobacteraceae, and decreased the abundance of Vibrio, thus maintaining the microbiota balance of the intestine. The correlation analysis showed that there was a relationship between intestinal microbiota and immune-antioxidant function. In conclusion, the dietary 1.00 mg/g lauric acid is beneficial to improve the antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of swimming crab.

Exploration of neuron heterogeneity in human heart failure with dilated cardiomyopathy through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the heterogeneity of neurons in heart failure with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of patients with DCM and chronic heart failure and healthy samples from GSE183852 dataset were downloaded from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus, in which neuron data were extracted for investigation. Cell clustering analysis, differential expression analysis, trajectory analysis, and cell communication analysis were performed, and highly expressed genes in neurons from patients were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and validated by GSE120895 dataset. RESULTS: Neurons were divided into six subclusters involved in various biological processes and each subcluster owned its specific cell communication pathways. Neurons were differentiated into two branches along the pseudotime, one of which was differentiated into mature neurons, whereas another tended to be involved in the immune and inflammation response. Genes exhibited branch-specific differential expression patterns. FLNA, ITGA6, ITGA1, and MDK interacted more with other gene-product proteins in the PPI network. The differential expression of FLNA between DCM and control was validated. CONCLUSION: Neurons have significant heterogeneity in heart failure with DCM, and may be involved in the immune and inflammation response to heart failure.

IL1RAP Exacerbates Sepsis-Induced Pulmonary and Spleen Injury Through Regulating CD4+ T Lymphocyte Differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Complex pathophysiological the specific mechanism of sepsis on CD4+ T-cell responses is less well understood. IL1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) was found to be involved in activating host immune responses. METHOD: Cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) was utilized to build a mouse sepsis model. The experiment was randomly divided into four groups: Sham, CLP, CLP + shNC, and CLP + shIL1RAP group. RESULTS: qRT-PCR suggested mRNA levels of IL1RAP were decreased when IL1RAP was knocked down with the mRNA levels of IL-1ß, NF-κB, and p38 decreased. Histopathology showed severe pathological damage with alveolar integrity lost, red blood cells in the alveoli, massive inflammatory cell infiltration, and the alveolar wall was thickening in the CLP group. The inflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ were elevated in CLP mice by ELISA. The counts of CD4+ T cells were decreased in sepsis mice in peripheral blood, spleen, and BALF by flow cytometry. However, the above was blocked down when using shIL1RAP. Western blot suggested sh IL1RAP inhibited IL-1ß, NF-κB, and p38 protein expressions. CONCLUSIONS: We defined IL1RAP as a new target gene through NF-κB/MAPK pathways regulating CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation mediated the progression of sepsis, which is potentially exploitable for immunotherapy.

Emergency Nursing Based on PEWS can Improve the Condition of Children with Acute Asthma.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of emergency nursing interventions, specifically those based on the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS), on children diagnosed with acute asthma, to promote the recovery of children with asthma and improve the quality of care for children with asthma. Methods: A total of 80 children, Acute asthma attacks under the age of 12, diagnosed with acute asthma and admitted to the Emergency Department of Hebei Children's Hospital between June 2018 and June 2019 were selected as participants for this study. They were randomly assigned to either the control group or the PEWS group. There was no significant statistical difference in age, gender, course of disease, and disease severity between the two groups of children. In the control group, children received standard emergency nursing interventions, while in the PEWS group, children received emergency nursing interventions based on the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS). To evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions, several outcome measures were compared between the two groups. This included assessing the duration for symptoms to disappear, analyzing pulmonary function indicators and respiratory dynamics indicators, measuring scores from the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), and evaluating nursing satisfaction. Results: Following the implementation of the nursing interventions, 1. The average cough disappearance time of children in the PEWS group was 1.97 days shorter than that in the control group, the average wheezing disappearance time was 0.97 days shorter, the average dyspnea disappearance time was 0.64 days shorter, and the average lung wheezing disappearance time was 1.19 days shorter, which indicated that emergency care based on PEWS shortened the duration of symptoms in children with asthma. 2. The average FEV1 of children in the PEWS group was 9.87% higher than the control group, the average FVC was 0.62L higher, the average PEF was 9.84% higher, the average V70 was 0.91% higher, the average V50 was 0.43% higher , and the average V25 was 0.37% higher, when compared with control group. These results indicates that emergency care based on PEWS enhances the lung function of children with asthma. 3. The average respiratory rate of children in the PEWS group was 8.05 times/min lower, and the average dynamic respiratory system compliance was 6.91 mL/cmH2O higher, than that in the control group, which indicated that emergency care based on PEWS improved respiratory dynamics indicators in children with asthma. 4. The average PAQLQ symptom dimension score of children in the PEWS group was 0.84 points higher, the average activity dimension score was 0.34 points higher, and the average emotional dimension score was 0.47 points higher when compared with the control group. This indicated that emergency care based on PEWS improves the quality of life of children with asthma. 5. The nursing satisfaction of children in the PEWS group was 95%, higher than 72.5% in the control group, indicating that emergency care based on PEWS improved the satisfaction of asthma children with the nursing process. Conclusion: The implementation of PEWS based emergency care in pediatric asthma patients has important clinical significance in promoting recovery and improving the quality of care for asthma patients. The implementation of emergency nursing interventions based on the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) for children with acute asthma has been found to be effective in promoting the recovery of their condition, enhancing their quality of life, and improving nursing satisfaction.

The impact of long-term aspirin use on the patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although aspirin is increasingly utilized to reduce the event of severe perioperative complications, the effect of long-term aspirin use (L-AU) on perioperative complications in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (SA) has not been well studied. The goal of the present study is to identify the influence of L-AU on perioperative complications in individuals undergoing SA. METHODS: We selected data from the National Inpatient Sample database between 2010 and 2019, to identify adult patients with SA. Patients were subsequently categorized into L-AU and whole non-L-AU cohorts according to the presence of aspirin use. The demographic and comorbidity characteristics were matched using propensity score matching (PSM). The Pearson chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank test and logistic regression were utilized to assess the association of L-AU with perioperative complications. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2019, a total of 162,418 SA patients satisfied the inclusion criteria, with 22,659 (13.95%) using aspirin on a long-term basis. The vast majority of the patients with pre-existing L-AU were aged 65-74 years, female, White and had Medicare insurance. L-AU before surgery was linked to increased risks of perioperative complications, such as blood transfusion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.339), genitourinary disease (aOR: 1.349), acute renal failure (aOR: 1.292), acute myocardial infarction (aOR: 1.494), higher total charge (L-AU vs. the whole non-L-AU vs. matched non-L-AU: $66,727.15 vs. $59,697.08 vs. $59,926.32), and prolonged hospitalization stay (LOS) (aOR: 0.837). However, L-AU was considered a protective factor of acute cerebrovascular disease (aOR: 0.722) and stroke (aOR: 0.725). CONCLUSIONS: Our study is based on the largest open-access all-payer inpatient database, revealing a noteworthy finding of aspirin's protective and adverse impact on different postoperative complications in the US population, such as acute cardiovascular disease, and stroke, etc. Further studies assessing the optimum preoperative aspirin duration and dosage to meet the best benefit quantity for patients with planned joint arthroplasties are suggested.

Yeast Metabolic Engineering for Biosynthesis of Caffeic Acid-Derived Phenethyl Ester and Phenethyl Amide.

Caffeic acid (CA)-derived phenethyl ester (CAPE) and phenethyl amide (CAPA) are extensively investigated bioactive compounds with therapeutic applications such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. To construct microbial cell factories for production of CAPE or CAPA is a promising option given the limitation of natural sources for product extraction and the environmental toxicity of the agents used in chemical synthesis. We reported the successful biosynthesis of caffeic acid in yeast previously. Here in this work, we further constructed the downstream synthetic pathways in yeast for biosynthesis of CAPE and CAPA. After combinatorial engineering of yeast chassis based on the rational pathway engineering method and library-based SCRaMbLE method, we finally obtained the optimal strains that respectively produced 417 µg/L CAPE and 1081 µg/L CAPA. Two screened gene targets of ΔHAM1 and ΔYJL028W were discovered to help improve the product synthesis capacity. This is the first report of the de novo synthesis of CAPA from glucose in an engineered yeast chassis. Future work on enzyme and chassis engineering will further support improving the microbial cell factories for the production of CA derivatives.

Aprepitant attenuates NLRC4-dependent neuronal pyroptosis via NK1R/PKCδ pathway in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death mediated by inflammasomes. Previous studies have reported that inhibition of neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1R) exerted neuroprotection in several neurological diseases. Herein, we have investigated the role of NK1R receptor inhibition using Aprepitant to attenuate NLRC4-dependent neuronal pyroptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), as well as the underlying mechanism. METHODS: A total of 182 CD-1 mice were used. ICH was induced by injection of autologous blood into the right basal ganglia. Aprepitant, a selective antagonist of NK1R, was injected intraperitoneally at 1 h after ICH. To explore the underlying mechanism, NK1R agonist, GR73632, and protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), were injected intracerebroventricularly at 1 h after ICH induction, and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for NLRC4 was administered via intracerebroventricular injection at 48 h before ICH induction, respectively. Neurobehavioral tests, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed. RESULTS: The expression of endogenous NK1R and NLRC 4 were gradually increased after ICH. NK1R was expressed on neurons. Aprepitant significantly improved the short- and long-term neurobehavioral deficits after ICH, which was accompanied with decreased neuronal pyroptosis, as well as decreased expression of NLRC4, Cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD (gasdermin D), IL-1ß, and IL-18. Activation of NK1R or PKCδ abolished these neuroprotective effects of Aprepitant after ICH. Similarly, knocking down NLRC4 using siRNA produced similar neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSION: Aprepitant suppressed NLRC4-dependent neuronal pyroptosis and improved neurological function, possibly mediated by inhibition of NK1R/PKCδ signaling pathways after ICH. The NK1R may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of ICH.

Activation of LRP6 with HLY78 Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis via GSK3ß/Sirt1/PGC-1α Pathway after ICH.

Background: Oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis have important roles in the pathogenesis after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Previous studies have reported that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) exerts neuroprotection in several neurological diseases. Herein, we investigate the role of LRP6 receptor activation with HLY78 to attenuate oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis after ICH, as well as the underlying mechanism. Methods: A total of 199 CD1 mice were used. ICH was induced via injection of autologous blood into the right basal ganglia. HLY78 was administered via intranasal injection at 1 h after ICH. To explore the underlying mechanism, LRP6 siRNA and selisistat, a Sirt1 selective antagonist, were injected intracerebroventricularly at 48 h before ICH induction. Neurobehavioral tests, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed. Results: The expression of endogenous p-LRP6 was gradually increased and expressed on neurons after ICH. HLY78 significantly improved the short- and long-term neurobehavioral deficits after ICH, which was accompanied with decreased oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis, as well as increased expression of p-GSK3ß, Sirt1, and PGC-1α, as well as downregulation of Romo-1 and C-Caspase-3. LRP6 knockdown or Sirt1 inhibition abolished these effects of HLY78 after ICH. Conclusion: Our results suggest that administration of HLY78 attenuated oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and neurobehavioral impairments through the LRP6/GSK3ß/Sirt1/PGC-1α signaling pathway after ICH.

Screening of Important Factors in the Early Sepsis Stage Based on the Evaluation of ssGSEA Algorithm and ceRNA Regulatory Network.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to pathogens. Delay in sepsis diagnosis has become a primary cause of patient death. This study determines some factors to prevent septic shock in its early stage, contributing to the early treatment of sepsis. METHODS: The sequencing data (RNA- and miRNA-sequencing) of patients with septic shock were obtained from the NCBI GEO database. After re-annotation, we obtained lncRNAs, miRNA, and mRNA information. Then, we evaluated the immune characteristics of the sample based on the ssGSEA algorithm. We used the WGCNA algorithm to obtain genes significantly related to immunity and screen for important related factors by constructing a ceRNA regulatory network. RESULT: After re-annotation, we obtained 1708 lncRNAs, 129 miRNAs, and 17 326 mRNAs. Also, through the ssGSEA algorithm, we obtained 5 important immune cells. Finally, we constructed a ceRNA regulation network associated with SS pathways. CONCLUSION: We identified 5 immune cells with significant changes in the early stage of septic shock. We also constructed a ceRNA network, which will help us explore the pathogenesis of septic shock.

Kcnk3, Ggta1, and Gpr84 are involved in hyperbaric oxygenation preconditioning protection on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) preconditioning on cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury (CIRI). GSE23160 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from striatum between the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion and sham rats. The gene clusters with continuous increase and decrease were identified by soft clustering analysis in Mfuzz, and functional enrichment analysis of these genes was performed using clusterProfiler package. The intersection set of the genes with significantly altered expression at post-reperfusion 2, 8, and 24 h were screened in comparison to 0 h (sham group), and the expression of these genes was detected in the MCAO/reperfusion model and HBO preconditioning groups by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and western blotting. A total of 41 upregulated DEGs, and 7 downregulated DEGs were detected, among which the expression of Gpr84 and Ggta1 was significantly upregulated at each reperfusion phase as compared to the sham group, while the expression of Kcnk3 was significantly downregulated except in the postreperfusion 8 h in the striatum group. RT-PCR and western blotting analyses showed that the expression of Ggta1, Gpr84, and Kcnk3 genes between the MCAO/reperfusion and sham rats were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. In addition, the HBO preconditioning reduced the expression of Ggta1 and Gpr84 and increased the expression of Kcnk3 in MCAO/reperfusion rats. Kcnk3, Ggta1, and Gpr84 may play a major role in HBO-mediated protection of the brain against CIRI.

Neurokinin Receptor 1 (NK1R) Antagonist Aprepitant Enhances Hematoma Clearance by Regulating Microglial Polarization via PKC/p38MAPK/NFκB Pathway After Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice.

Hematoma clearance is an important therapeutic target to improve outcome following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Recent studies showed that Neurokinin receptor-1 (NK1R) inhibition exerts protective effects in various neurological disease models, but its role in ICH has not been explored. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of NK1R and its relation to hematoma clearance after ICH using an autologous blood injection mouse model. A total of 332 adult male CD1 mice were used. We found that the expression levels of NK1R and its endogenous ligand, substance P (SP), were significantly upregulated after ICH. Intraperitoneal administration of the NK1R selective antagonist, Aprepitant, significantly improved neurobehavior, reduced hematoma volume and hemoglobin levels after ICH, and promoted microglia polarization towards M2 phenotype. Aprepitant decreased phosphorylated PKC, p38MAPK, and NFκB p65, and downregulated M1 markers while upregulating M2 markers after ICH. Intracerebroventricular administration of the NK1R agonist, GR73632 or PKC agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) reversed the effects of Aprepitant. To demonstrate the upstream mediator of NK1R activation, we performed thrombin injection and found that it increased SP. Inhibiting thrombin suppressed SP and decreased M1 markers while increasing M2 microglia polarization. Thus, NK1R inhibition promoted hematoma clearance after ICH by increasing M2 microglial polarization via downregulating PKC/p38MAPK/NFκB signaling pathway, and thrombin may be a key upstream mediator of NK1R activation. Therapeutic interventions inhibiting NK1R signaling may be a new target for the treatment of ICH.

Recombinant CCL17-dependent CCR4 activation alleviates neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT/Foxo1 signaling pathway after ICH in mice.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a devastating subtype of stroke, is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Neuroinflammation is an important factor leading to ICH-induced neurological injuries. C-C Chemokine Receptor 4 (CCR4) plays an important role in enhancing hematoma clearance after ICH. However, it is unclear whether CCR4 activation can ameliorate neuroinflammation and apoptosis of neurons following ICH. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of recombinant CCL17 (rCCL17)-dependent CCR4 activation on neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis in an intrastriatal autologous blood injection ICH model, and to determine whether the PI3K/AKT/Foxo1 signaling pathway was involved. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-six adult (8-week-old) male CD1 mice were randomly assigned to sham and ICH surgery groups. An intrastriatal autologous blood injection ICH model was used. rCCL17, a CCR4 ligand, was delivered by intranasal administration at 1 h, 3 h, and 6 h post-ICH. CCL17 antibody was administrated by intraventricular injection at 1 h post-ICH. C021, a specific inhibitor of CCR4 and GDC0068, an AKT inhibitor were delivered intraperitoneally 1 h prior to ICH induction. Brain edema, neurobehavioral assessments, western blotting, Fluoro-Jade C staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and immunofluorescence staining were conducted. RESULTS: Endogenous expression of CCL17 and CCR4 were increased following ICH, peaking at 5 days post-induction. CCR4 was found to co-localize with microglia, neurons, and astrocytes. rCCL17 treatment decreased brain water content, attenuated short- and long-term neurological deficits, deceased activation of microglia/macrophages and infiltration of neutrophils, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis in the perihematomal region post-ICH. Moreover, rCCL17 treatment post-ICH significantly increased the expression of CCR4, PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and Bcl-2, while Foxo1, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and Bax expression were decreased. The neuroprotective effects of rCCL17 were reversed with the administration of C021 or GDC0068. CONCLUSIONS: rCCL17-dependent CCR4 activation ameliorated neurological deficits, reduced brain edema, and ameliorated neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, at least in part, through the PI3K/AKT/Foxo1 signaling pathway after ICH. Thus, activation of CCR4 may provide a promising therapeutic approach for the early management of ICH.

Investigation of the potential mechanism of farnesol in protecting the intestinal epithelium barrier from invasion by Candida albicans via untargeted metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of farnesol in the protection of the intestinal epithelium barrier from invasion by Candida albicans (C. albicans) via untargeted metabolomics. METHODS: The C. albicans reference strain SC5314 and Caco-2 cells were used in this study. The effect of different concentrations of farnesol on the co-culture of C. albicans and Caco-2 cells was investigated using the CCK-8 assay. The effect of farnesol on C. albicans biofilm formation was also observed. There were 4 treatment groups, including the Caco-2 + C. albicans (group 1), Caco-2 (group 2), Caco-2 + C. albicans + farnesol (group 3), and a quality control (QC group) for metabolite extraction, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis and bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: Farnesol treatment significantly reduced the adhesion of C. albicans and inhibited the formation of C. albicans biofilm. A total of 22 differential metabolites were identified in group 1 vs. group 2, such as acetylcarnitine, linoleic acid, spermidine, and glutathione disulfide. These differential metabolites were involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and glutathione metabolism. There were 18 differential metabolites identified in group 3 vs. group 1, including acetylcarnitine, hypoxanthine, L-glutamate, and linoleic acid, which were enriched in fatty acid biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: C. albicans can damage the intestinal barrier by affecting the metabolism of acetylcarnitine, linoleic acid, glutathione. Farnesol may protect the intestinal epithelium barrier from the invasion of C. albicans by regulating the metabolism of acetylcarnitine, linoleic acid, and L-glutamate.

Effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride on the photosynthetic system and metabolism of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are widely used in various chemical processes. However, a growing number of studies have found that ILs are potentially toxic to different types of living organisms, including crops. The present study analysed the effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) on the photosynthetic system and metabolism of maize seedlings. Results showed that [C4mim]Cl could significantly reduce maize leaf chlorophyll level and cause extensive leaf bleaching. The activity of photosystem II (PSII) was significantly inhibited when seedlings exposed to higher concentration of [C4mim]Cl. The maximum quantum yield of PSII and the potential efficiency of PSII were reduced by 63% and 88% under 800 mg/L [C4mim]Cl treatment in comparison with the control treatment. The RNA sequencing analysis performed to examine gene expression profiles of maize leaves under [C4mim]Cl treatment revealed 639 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 115 of which were categorized into different metabolic pathways. Among these DEGs, the seven genes involved in the photosynthetic Calvin cycle were down-regulated by [C4mim]Cl exposure. For carbohydrates and amino acids metabolism, the genes for starch synthesis were down-regulated, while the genes for amino acids and protein degradation were up-regulated. The changes observed in these major metabolic pathways might be an important reason for [C4mim]Cl toxicity.

Antibiotics De-Escalation in the Treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Study on Propensity Score Matching Method.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial de-escalation refers to starting the antimicrobial treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, followed by narrowing the drug spectrum according to culture results. The present study evaluated the effect of de-escalation on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in trauma patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on trauma patients with VAP, who received de-escalation therapy (de-escalation group) or non-de-escalation therapy (non-de-escalation group). Propensity score matching method was used to balance the baseline characteristics between both groups. The 28-day mortality, length of hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit stay, and expense of antibiotics and hospitalization between both groups were compared. Multivariable analysis explored the factors that influenced the 28-day mortality and implementation of de-escalation. RESULTS: Among the 156 patients, 62 patients received de-escalation therapy and 94 patients received non-de-escalation therapy. No significant difference was observed in 28-day mortality between both groups (28.6% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.620). The duration of antibiotics treatment in the de-escalation group was shorter than that in the non-de-escalation group (11 [8-13] vs. 14 [8-19] days, P = 0.045). The expenses of antibiotics and hospitalization in de-escalation group were significantly lower than that in the non-de-escalation group (6430 ± 2730 vs. 7618 ± 2568 RMB Yuan, P = 0.043 and 19,173 ± 16,861 vs. 24,184 ± 12,039 RMB Yuan, P = 0.024, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, high injury severity score, multi-drug resistant (MDR) infection, and inappropriate initial antibiotics were associated with patients' 28-day mortality, while high APACHE II score, MDR infection and inappropriate initial antibiotics were independent factors that prevented the implementation of de-escalation. CONCLUSIONS: De-escalation strategy in the treatment of trauma patients with VAP could reduce the duration of antibiotics treatments and expense of hospitalization, without increasing the 28-day mortality and MDR infection.

Borrelia burgdorferi basic membrane protein A could induce chemokine production in murine microglia cell line BV2.

Lyme neuroborreliosis is a nervous system infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi). It has been demonstrated that cytokines induced by B. burgdorferi are related to Lyme neuroborreliosis. Microglia is known as a key player in the immune responses that occur within the central nervous system. In response to inflammation, it will be activated and generate cytokines and chemokines. Experiments in vitro cells have showed that B. Burgdorferi membrane protein A (BmpA), a major immunogen of B. Burgdorferi, could induce Lyme arthritis and stimulate human and murine lymphocytes to produce inflammatory cytokines. In our study, the murine microglia BV2 cell line was used as a cell model to explore the stimulating effects of recombinant BmpA (rBmpA); Chemokine chip, ELISA and QPCR technology were used to measure the production of chemokines from microglial cells stimulated by rBmpA. Compared with the negative control group, CXCL2, CCL22, and CCL5 concentrations in the cell supernatant increased significantly after the rBmpA stimulation; the concentration of these chemokines increased with rBmpA concentration increasing; the mRNA expression levels of chemokines (CXCL2, CCL22, and CCL5) in murine BV2 cells increased significantly with 10 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL rBmpA stimulation; CXCL13 was not change after the rBmpA stimulation. Our study shows that chemokines, such as CXCL2, CCL22, and CCL5 were up-regulated by the rBmpA in the BV2 cells. The production of chemokines in Lyme neuroborreliosis may be mainly from microglia cells and the rBmpA may be closely related with the development of Lyme neuroborreliosis.

Enterogenous infection of Candida albicans in immunocompromised rats under severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Opportunistic infection of Candida albicans (C. albicans) has become a serious problem in immunocompromised patients. The study aimed to explore the mechanism of enterogenous infection of C. albicans in immunocompromised rats under severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n=100) were randomly assigned into 5 groups as the following: blank group, cyclophosphamide+ceftriaxone+SAP group, cyclophosphamide+ceftriaxone group, cyclophosphamide+SAP group, and cyclophosphamide group. The rats were sacrificed at 5 and 10 days, and their jejunum, colon, mesenteric lymph nodes, pancreas, intestinal content, and blood were quickly collected to detect C. albicans. A region of the 25S rRNA gene was chosen and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to differentiate C. albicans genotypes. The amplified products were further sequenced and compared to judge their homology. RESULTS: Compared with the Cyclophosphamide group, the combination of immunosuppressants and broad-spectrum antibiotics significantly increased the colonization of C. albicans in intestine in 5 and 10 days. Pure SAP stress did not increase the opportunistic infection of C. albicans. The PCR products of C. albicans isolates all belonged to the genotype A family, and sequence alignment showed that the amplified fragments were homologous. CONCLUSION: The damage of immune system and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are important risk factors for opportunistic fungal infection. Intestinal tract is an important source for genotype-A C. albicans to translocate and invade into bloodstream.

Structure-based design and confirmation of peptide ligands for neuronal polo-like kinase to promote neuroregeneration.

Neuronal polo-like kinase (nPLK) is an essential regular of cell cycle and differentiation in nervous system, and targeting nPLK has been established as a promising therapeutic strategy to treat neurological disorders and to promote neuroregeneration. The protein contains an N-terminal kinase domain (KD) and a C-terminal Polo-box domain (PBD) that are mutually inhibited by each other. Here, the intramolecular KD-PBD complex in nPLK was investigated at structural level via bioinformatics analysis, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding affinity scoring. From the complex interface two regions representing separately two continuous peptide fragments in PBD domain were identified as the hot spots of KD-PBD interaction. Structural and energetic analysis suggested that one (PBD peptide 1) of the two peptides can bind tightly to a pocket nearby the active site of KD domain, which is thus potential as self-inhibitory peptide to target and suppress nPLK kinase activity. The knowledge harvesting from computational studies were then used to guide the structural optimization and mutation of PBD peptide 1. Consequently, two of three peptide mutants separately exhibited moderately and considerably increased affinity as compared to the native peptide. The computationally modeled complex structures of KD domain with these self-inhibitory peptides were also examined in detail to unravel the structural basis and energetic property of nPLK-peptide recognition and interaction.

Anatomic variations in the anterior circulation of the circle of Willis in cadaveric human brains.

OBJECTIVE: The Cycle of Willis unites the internal carotid and vertebrobasilar system and maintains the stability of blood supply to the brain. This present study aims to analyze the anatomic variations in the anterior part of the Cycle of Willis. METHODS: Forty five formalin-preserved human brains (90 cerebral hemispheres) with intact dura mater from Chinese adults were dissected under the surgical microscope. The anterior components of the Circle of Willis were observed and measured. Anatomic variations of this segment were observed and photographed. The data collected in this investigation was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In approximately 13.3% (6/45) of all cerebral samples, a caliber difference of ≥ 0.5 mm was noted between the left A1 and the right segments. The A2 segments of left and right hemispheres were derived from the contralateral A1 segment in 6.7% (3/45) of the brain specimens. Simple anterior communicating artery (ACoA) was observed in 37.8% (17/45) whereas complex ACoA was noted in 60% (27/45) of cerebral samples. CONCLUSION: As it demonstrates the anatomic variations of ACAC, all surgical approaches should be performed after angiographic demonstrations. Understanding of these anatomic variations plays a pivotal role in neurovascular procedures.

Structure-based grafting and identification of kinase-inhibitors to target mTOR signaling pathway as potential therapeutics for glioblastoma.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a key mediator of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, has recently emerged as a compelling molecular target in glioblastoma. The mTOR is a member of serine/threonine protein kinase family that functions as a central controller of growth, proliferation, metabolism and angiogenesis, but its signaling is dysregulated in various human diseases especially in certain solid tumors including the glioblastoma. Here, considering that there are various kinase inhibitors being approved or under clinical or preclinical development, it is expected that some of them can be re-exploited as new potent agents to target mTOR for glioblastoma therapy. To achieve this, a synthetic pipeline that integrated molecular grafting, consensus scoring, virtual screening, kinase assay and structure analysis was described to systematically profile the binding potency of various small-molecule inhibitors deposited in the protein kinase-inhibitor database against the kinase domain of mTOR. Consequently, a number of structurally diverse compounds were successfully identified to exhibit satisfactory inhibition profile against mTOR with IC50 values at nanomolar level. In particular, few sophisticated kinase-inhibitors as well as a flavonoid myricetin showed high inhibitory activities, which could thus be considered as potential lead compounds to develop new potent, selective mTOR-inhibitors. Structural examination revealed diverse nonbonded interactions such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic forces and van der Waals contacts across the complex interface of mTOR with myricetin, conferring both stability and specificity for the mTOR-inhibitor binding.