Trichinella spiralis-Secreted Products Promote Collagen Capsule Formation through TGF-ß1/Smad3 Pathway.

Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) muscle larvae colonize in the host's skeletal muscle cells, which are surrounded by collagen capsules. The mechanism underlying muscle stage larva-induced collagen capsule formation remains unknown. To clarify the mechanism, a T. spiralis muscular-infected mouse model was established by a single lateral tail vein injection with 20,000 T. spiralis newborn larvae (NBL). The infected mice were treated with or without SB525334 (TGF-ß1 receptor type I inhibitor). Diaphragms were obtained post-infection, and the expression levels of the TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway-related genes and collagen genes (type IV and VI) were observed during the process of collagen capsule formation. The changes in myoblasts under stimulation of the excretory-secretory (ES) products of NBL with or without SB525334 were further investigated. Results showed that the expression levels of type IV collagen gene, type VI collagen gene, Tgfb1, and Smad3 were significantly increased in infected mice muscle cells. The expression levels of all the above genes were enhanced by the products of NBL in myoblast cells. These changes were reversed by co-treatment with SB525334 in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway can be activated by T. spiralis infection in muscle cells. The activated TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway can stimulate the secretion of collagens by myocytes and plays a promoting role in the process of collagen capsule formation. The research has the limitation that the protein identification of the products of NBL has yet to be performed. Therefore, the specific components in the T. spiralis ES products that induce collagen synthesis should be further investigated.

Recent advancements in encapsulation of chitosan-based enzymes and their applications in food industry.

Enzymes are readily inactivated in harsh micro-environment due to changes in pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Developing suitable and feasible techniques for stabilizing enzymes in food sector is critical for preventing them from degradation. This review provides an overview on chitosan (CS)-based enzymes encapsulation techniques, enzyme release mechanisms, and their applications in food industry. The challenges and future prospects of CS-based enzymes encapsulation were also discussed. CS-based encapsulation techniques including ionotropic gelation, emulsification, spray drying, layer-by-layer self-assembly, hydrogels, and films have been studied to improve the encapsulation efficacy (EE), heat, acid and base stability of enzymes for their applications in food, agricultural, and medical industries. The smart delivery design, new delivery system development, and in vivo releasing mechanisms of enzymes using CS-based encapsulation techniques have also been evaluated in laboratory level studies. The CS-based encapsulation techniques in commercial products should be further improved for broadening their application fields. In conclusion, CS-based encapsulation techniques may provide a promising approach to improve EE and bioavailability of enzymes applied in food industry.HighlightsEnzymes play a critical role in food industries but susceptible to inactivation.Chitosan-based materials could be used to maintain the enzyme activity.Releasing mechanisms of enzymes from encapsulators were outlined.Applications of encapsulated enzymes in food fields was discussed.

The median effective concentration of propofol in combination with different doses of esketamine during gastrointestinal endoscopy in adults.

We designed a four-arm randomized controlled trial to investigate the median effective concentration (EC50) of propofol in combination with different doses of esketamine inducing appropriate depth of anaesthesia during gastrointestinal endoscopy in adults. One hundred patients aged 18-65 years planning for gastrointestinal endoscopy were divided into four groups randomly: esketamine 0, 0.15, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg groups (n = 25). Propofol doses followed the Dixon and Massey up-and-down method with different starting between groups. The primary endpoint was the EC50 of propofol. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative dose of propofol, the duration of the procedure, recovery time, and adverse effects. The EC50 (median, 95% confidence interval) of propofol was significantly less in the esketamine 0.5 mg/kg group compared with the esketamine 0, 0.15, and 0.25 mg/kg groups [1.34 (1.15, 1.54) vs. 3.48 (3.25, 3.71), 2.82 (2.58, 3.07), and 2.36 (2.11, 2.61), respectively; p < 0.001]. The total dose of propofol (mean ± SD) required for the whole procedure was significantly less in the esketamine 0.5 mg/kg group compared with the esketamine 0, 0.15, and 0.25 mg/kg groups [95.5 ± 43.1 vs. 277.4 ± 49.0, 207.8 ± 31.6, and 135.1 ± 27.7, respectively; p < 0.001]. The recovery time was significantly longer in esketamine 0 and 0.5 mg/kg group compared with other two groups (p < 0.001). More patients in the esketamine 0.5 mg/kg group experienced visual disturbance compared with the other groups (p = 0.016). Additionally, the incidence of hypotensionin the esketamine 0 mg/kg group after inducation was higher compared with other groups (p < 0.001). In summary, the administration of esketamine significantly and dose-dependently reduced the dose of propofol required to accomplish procedures.

G-Quadruplex DNAzyme-Substrated CRISPR/Cas12 Assay for Label-Free Detection of Single-Celled Parasitic Infection.

Early diagnosis of parasitic diseases can dramatically alleviate medical, economic, and social burdens. Herein, we report a sensitive and label-free assay for diagnosing single-celled parasitic infections using G-quadruplex (G4) DNAzyme as a reporter for CRISPR/Cas12. The substitution of a fluorescent DNA reporter with G4 DNAzyme increased the sensitivity for detecting Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) by 5 times and obviated the need for using chemically labeled DNA probes. The G4 DNAzyme-substrated CRISPR/Cas12 (GsubCas12) assay yielded a limit of detection of 3.1 parasites in the detection of cultured L. donovani and was further applied to analyze L. donovani in infected mice. The results showed that the GsubCas12 assay could positively detect L. donovani in spleen samples from infected mice about 2 weeks after low-dose inoculation, nearly 2 weeks earlier than that of parasitological analysis. GsubCas12 assay is promising as a diagnostic tool for parasitic infection in resource-limited regions.

Molecular Mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao Pill for Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder and Its Correlation With Immune and Inflammatory Signaling Pathways Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

To investigate the molecular mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao Pill in the treatment of perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) from the perspective of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Active ingredients of Xingnao Kaiqiao Pill were screened from the traditional Chinese medicine database and analysis platform, and the putative targets were predicted. The GeneCards database was searched to obtain PND-related targets. The genes corresponding to the targets were searched and annotated on the UniProt database. The VennDiagram package in R was employed to obtain common target genes. The overlap genes were introduced into STRING to obtain a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network; thus, key targets were screened. The target relationship network of "Xingnao Kaiqiao Pill-traditional Chinese medicine-compound-common target" was constructed by Cytoscape software. Using R language package Bioconductor, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway, KEGG Pathway) were performed on the common target genes. A total of 45 active ingredients of Xingnao Kaiqiao Pill were screened, with 182 potential targets, and 1,579 PND-related targets were retrieved from the GeneCards databases (Score ≥ 1). Using VennDiagram, 132 overlap genes were gotten. Xingnao Kaiqiao Pill mainly acted on targets, such as MAPK and JUN. GO enrichment analysis displayed G protein-coupled amine receptor activity, nuclear receptor activity, ligand-activated transcription factor activity, G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptor activity, steroid hormone receptor activity, and cytokine receptor activity. KEGG enrichment analysis exhibited 157 signaling pathways. The regulation of interleukin 17, tumor necrosis factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and MAPK signaling pathways affected central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory response, cellular immunity, tumor-related signaling pathways, protected neurons, and inhibited PND. The active ingredients of Xingnao Kaiqiao Pill adjust interleukin 17, tumor necrosis factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and MAPK signaling pathways by acting on cell targets, such as JUN, MAPK, AKT1, etc., and finally exert a therapeutic effect on PND.

Changes in the physicochemical properties and in vitro protein digestibility of peanut hulls treated via mechanical activation.

In this study, peanut hulls powder (PHP) was treated via mechanical activation (MA) and divided into three groups (control, PHP150 and PHP250). Physicochemical properties including mean particle size distribution (MPSD), powder properties, solubility and in vitro protein digestibility of PHP were then investigated. The results showed that MA could decrease the particle size of PHP by destroying its crystal structure, resulting in an increase of amorphization and a decrease of crystallinity and crystalline size. The results of in vitro protein digestibility and crude fiber contents showed that MA increased the protein digestibility of PHP by 43.32% and 74.70% (P < 0.05), while crude fiber content was decreased by 0.42% and 26.65% (P < 0.05). These findings indicated a large application potential of MA in PHP treatment. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01084-1.

EETs/sEHi alleviates nociception by blocking the crosslink between endoplasmic reticulum stress and neuroinflammation in a central poststroke pain model.

BACKGROUND: Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a chronic and intolerable neuropathic pain syndrome following a cerebral vascular insult, which negatively impacts the quality of life of stroke survivors but currently lacks efficacious treatments. Though its underlying mechanism remains unclear, clinical features of hyperalgesia and allodynia indicate central sensitization due to excessive neuroinflammation. Recently, the crosslink between neuroinflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been identified in diverse types of diseases. Nevertheless, whether this interaction contributes to pain development remains unanswered. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs)/soluble epoxy hydrolase inhibitors (sEHi) are emerging targets that play a significant role in pain and neuroinflammatory regulation. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that EETs are effective in attenuating ER stress. In this study, we hypothesized that ER stress around the stroke site may activate glial cells and lead to further inflammatory cascades, which constitute a positive feedback loop resulting in central sensitization and CPSP. Additionally, we tested whether EETs/sEHi could attenuate CPSP by suppressing ER stress and neuroinflammation, as well as their vicious cycle, in a rat model of CPSP. METHODS: Young male SD rats were used to induce CPSP using a model of thalamic hemorrhage and were then treated with TPPU (sEHi) alone or in combination with 14,15-EET or 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE, the EET antagonist), tunicamycin (Tm, ER stress inducer), or 4-PBA (ER stress inhibitor). Nociceptive behaviors, ER stress markers, JNK and p38 (two well-recognized inflammatory kinases of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling) expression, and glial cell activation were assessed. In addition, some healthy rats were intrathalamically microinjected with Tm or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to test the interaction between ER stress and neuroinflammation in central pain. RESULTS: Analysis of the perithalamic lesion tissue from the brain of CPSP rats demonstrated decreased soluble epoxy hydrolase (sEH) expression, which was accompanied by increased expression of ER stress markers, including BIP, p-IRE, p-PERK, and ATF6. In addition, inflammatory kinases (p-p38 and p-JNK) were upregulated and glial cells were activated. Intrathalamic injection of sEHi (TPPU) increased the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT), reduced hallmarks of ER stress and MAPK signaling, and restrained the activation of microglia and astrocytes around the lesion site. However, the analgesic effect of TPPU was completely abolished by 14,15-EEZE. Moreover, microinjection of Tm into the thalamic ventral posterior lateral (VPL) nucleus of healthy rats induced mechanical allodynia and activated MAPK-mediated neuroinflammatory signaling; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration led to activation of ER stress along the injected site in healthy rats. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that the interaction between ER stress and neuroinflammation is involved in the mechanism of CPSP. Combined with the previously reported EET/sEHi effects on antinociception and neuroprotection, therapy with agents that target EET signaling may serve as a multi-functional approach in central neuropathic pain by attenuating ER stress, excessive neuroinflammation, and subsequent central sensitization. The use of these agents within a proper time window could not only curtail further nerve injury but also produce an analgesic effect.

An excellent water-stable 3D Zn-MOF with 8-fold interpenetrated diamondoid topology showing "turn-on/turn-off" luminescent detection of Al3+ and SNT in aqueous media.

The effective detection of Al3+ and antibiotics pollutants is crucial for environmental protection and human health due to their high toxicity and nondegradability, but it is still currently challenging. In this work, a methyl-decorated acylamide-containing dicarboxylate ligand H2L was elaborately designed and successfully synthesized, which was further employed to react with Zn(ii) ions and dpe ligands to construct a new luminescent Zn-MOF, namely {[Zn(L)(dpe)]·DMF·3H2O} n (1). X-ray crystallography reveals that MOF 1 is a 3D 8-fold [4 + 4] interpenetrated diamondoid framework with isolated DMF and water molecules in the pores, in which the uncoordinated acylamide groups are found and facilitate the Zn-MOF to recognize analyte molecules. The activated solvent-free MOF sample (denoted as 1a) exhibits excellent water stability and good luminescent performance. The luminescence sensing experiments show that 1a could behave as a bi-responsive chemical sensor for "turn-on" and "turn-off" luminescent detection of Al3+ and SNT in aqueous media, respectively. The sensing mechanisms have also been discussed. Furthermore, MOF 1a was successfully applied to the effective determination of Al3+ and SNT in real water samples. This represents, to our knowledge, the first example of a MOF material for "turn-on" and "turn-off" luminescent detection of Al3+ and SNT in water, which will promote the practical application of water-stable luminescent MOF sensors in monitoring metal ions and antibiotics pollutants in the environmental water matrices.

The volatile flavor compounds of Shanghai smoked fish as a special delicacy.

In this work, the effects of substrates on volatile flavor compounds of Shanghai smoked fish (SSF) from grass carp was investigated by head space-solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) by changing the ratios of soy sauce (15%-25%) to white sugar (10%-20%) and replacing white sugar with reducing sugar (glucose, fructose, and ribose). The results showed the key volatile flavor compounds (ROAV ≥ 1) of SSF were 2,4-decadienal, p-xylene, nonanal, and 1-octen-3-ol with the relative contents of 10.33, 1.14, 4.84, and 1.76%, respectively. Furthermore, the existence of soy sauce had an enhancing role in the production of pyrazines, but no significant difference in white sugar. The contents of isovaleraldehyde and benzeneacetaldehyde were increased when white sugar was replaced with glucose, octanol, and 2-pentyl furan for fructose, no obvious difference in ribose. Moreover, the optimal ratios of soaking solutions were 20% soy sauce and 15% white sugar based on the scoring method of sensory evaluation. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the formation of volatile flavor compounds of SSF. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Grass carp usually grows in freshwater such as pond or lake, but bacteria with earthy smell are easily attached to plankton such as diatom and cyanobacteria leading to the accumulation of bad odor substances through the food chain. Shanghai smoked fish (SSF) deeply loved by public is a traditional special dish with crispy crust and delicious taste. The attractive flavor of grass carp could be increased with the help of the Maillard reaction (MR) and seasonings. Therefore, the effect of the MR on the volatile flavor compounds of SSF was investigated by HS-SPME-GC/MS in this work. A detailed study on the volatile flavor compounds of Shanghai smoked fish could not only enrich the theoretical knowledge of flavor chemistry of freshwater fish, but have a profound contribution to the development of freshwater fish processing techniques.

Molecular targets of Yangyin Fuzheng Jiedu Prescription in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology analysis.

BACKGROUND: Yangyin Fuzheng Jiedu Prescription (YFJP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) indicated for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its potential targets and molecular mechanisms are not clear. Therefore, this study intends to explore the molecular mechanism of YFJP based on network pharmacology analysis and in vitro validation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Through univariate and multivariate analyses and survival analysis in HCC patients with or without YFJP treatment we found that drinking alcohol, alfafeto protein ≥ 400 ng/l, baseline portal vein tumor thrombus and total bilirubin level ≥ 18.8 µM) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis, while red blood cell count ≥ 4 × 109/l and TCM treatment were independent protective factors. Besides, YFJP prolonged the cumulative survival of HCC patients. Using online pharmacological methods, we obtained 58 relevant compounds and molecular 53 targets. By using scratch test, Transwell assay, EdU assay, and TUNEL staining, we found that YFJP-containing serum repressed the migration, invasion and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro, and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, YFJP diminished the gene expression of TP53, CCND1, p-EGFR, EGF, VEGFA, JUN, IL6, COX-2, AKT1, and MAPK1 in HCC cells, but elevated the expression of ESR1 and CASP3. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, results showed that YFJP attenuated HCC progression through mediating effects on HCC-related genes.

Microglia induce the transformation of A1/A2 reactive astrocytes via the CXCR7/PI3K/Akt pathway in chronic post-surgical pain.

BACKGROUND: Activated astrocytes play important roles in chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). Recent studies have shown reactive astrocytes are classified into A1 and A2 phenotypes, but their precise roles in CPSP remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the roles of spinal cord A1 and A2 astrocytes and related mechanisms in CPSP. METHODS: We used a skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) model to establish a rat CPSP model. Microglia, CXCR7, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways were regulated by intrathecal injections of minocycline (a non-specific microglial inhibitor), AMD3100 (a CXCR7 agonist), and LY294002 (a specific PI3K inhibitor), respectively. Mechanical allodynia was detected with von Frey filaments. The changes in microglia, A1 astrocytes, A2 astrocytes, CXCR7, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Microglia were found to be activated, with an increase in interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and complement component 1q (C1q) in the spinal cord at an early stage after SMIR. On day 14 after SMIR, spinal cord astrocytes were also activated; these were mainly of the A1 phenotype and less of the A2 phenotype. Intrathecal injection of minocycline relieved SMIR-induced mechanical allodynia and reverted the ratio of A1/A2 reactive astrocytes. The expression of CXCR7 and PI3K/Akt signaling was decreased after SMIR, while they were increased after treatment with minocycline. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of AMD3100 also relieved SMIR-induced mechanical allodynia, reverted the ratio of A1/A2 reactive astrocytes, and activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, similar to the effects produced by minocycline. However, intrathecal injection of AMD3100 did not increase the analgesic effect of minocycline. Last, LY294002 inhibited the analgesic effect and A1/A2 transformation induced by minocycline and AMD3100 after SMIR. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that microglia induce the transformation of astrocytes to the A1 phenotype in the spinal cord via downregulation of the CXCR7/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during CPSP. Reverting A1 reactive astrocytes to A2 may represent a new strategy for preventing CPSP.

Incorporation of lysozyme into cellulose nanocrystals stabilized ß-chitosan nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial activity.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were added to lysozyme (Lys) loaded ß-chitosan (ß-CS) nanoparticles (NPs) based on ionic gelation technique for enhancing their antibacterial stability. Particle size of CNCs stabilized Lys loaded low (L) and high (H) molecular weight (MW) ß-CS NPs reached 140.93 and 284.03 nm with encapsulation efficacy (EE) of 59.38 and 51.23 %, respectively. CNCs stabilized Lys loaded LMW ß-CS NPs with smaller particle size showed higher antibacterial activity against E. coli and L. innocua than that of LMW ß-CS NPs and Lys loaded LMW ß-CS NPs. Inhibition zones (IZ) of CNCs stabilized Lys loaded LMW ß-CS NPs against E. coli and L. innocua were 13.29 and 15.29 mm, respectively. in vitro release study conducted at pH 4.5 and 7.4 showed that CNCs stabilized Lys loaded ß-CS NPs sustained the release of Lys over 12 h. CNCs, as stabilizers and fillers, enhanced and extended antibacterial property of Lys loaded ß-CS NPs through electrostatic interaction and colloidal stability. It was demonstrated that CNCs stabilized Lys loaded ß-CS NPs could be used as packaging material for shelf life extension.

Liproxstatin-1 Attenuates Morphine Tolerance through Inhibiting Spinal Ferroptosis-like Cell Death.

Morphine tolerance is a classic, challenging clinical issue. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Recently, studies have shown that ferroptosis correlates with drug resistance. Therefore, this study investigated whether spinal cord ferroptosis contributes to morphine tolerance. C57BL/6 mice were continuously subcutaneously injected with morphine, with or without the ferroptosis inhibitor liproxstatin-1. We found that chronic morphine exposure led to morphine antinociception tolerance, accompanied by loss of spinal cord neurons, increase in the levels of iron, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species, and decreases in the levels of superoxide dismutase. Additionally, inflammatory response and mitochondrial shrinkage, processes that are involved in ferroptosis, were observed. Simultaneously, we found that 10 mg/kg of liproxstatin-1 could alleviate iron overload by balancing transferrin receptor protein 1/ferroportin expression and attenuate morphine tolerance by increasing glutathione peroxidase 4 levels, while reducing the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. It also downregulated the expression of extracellularly regulated protein kinases that had been induced by chronic morphine exposure. Our results indicate that spinal cord ferroptosis contributes to morphine tolerance, while liproxstatin-1 attenuates the development of morphine tolerance. These findings suggest that ferroptosis may be a potential therapeutic target for morphine tolerance.

Dexmedetomidine and sufentanil combination versus sufentanil alone for postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that dexmedetomidine improves the quality of postoperative analgesia. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to quantify the effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to sufentanil for postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials in which dexmedetomidine was used as an adjuvant for PCA with sufentanil. In the retrieved studies, we quantitatively analyzed pain intensity, sufentanil consumption, and drug-related side effects. RESULTS: Nine studies with 907 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with sufentanil alone, dexmedetomidine-sufentanil for postoperative intravenous PCA reduced pain intensity at 24 h (mean difference (MD) = - 0.70points; 95% confidence interval (CI): - 1.01, - 0.39; P < 0.00001) and 48 h postoperatively (MD = -0.61points; 95% CI: - 1.00, - 0.22; P = 0.002). Moreover, dexmedetomidine-sufentanil reduced sufentanil consumption during the first 24 h (MD = -13.77 µg; 95% CI: - 18.56, - 8.97; P < 0.00001) and 48 h postoperatively (MD = -20.81 µg; 95% CI: - 28.20, - 13.42; P < 0.00001). Finally, dexmedetomidine-sufentanil improved patient satisfaction without increasing the incidence of side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to sufentanil for postoperative PCA can reduce postoperative pain score and sufentanil consumption.

VivaSight™ single-lumen tube guided bronchial blocker placement for one-lung ventilation in a patient with a tracheal tumor under video-assisted transthoracic surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted transthoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure that has been reported as a valid method for tracheal resection and reconstruction. However, for patients with tracheal tumors, one-lung ventilation during VATS is difficult to achieve, and utilizing a double-lumen tube is not applicable in these types of situations. When using a bronchial blocker, a fiberoptic bronchoscope is required to verify the position of bronchial blocker, though the repeated use of the fiberoptic bronchoscope increases the risk of tumor rupture and hemorrhage. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case with a middle tracheal tumor received tracheal resection and reconstruction under VATS, in which VivaSight™ single-lumen tube guided bronchial blocker placement was used for achieving one-lung ventilation. The VivaSight™ single-lumen tube can provide real-time and continuous monitoring of the position of bronchial blocker. Moreover, it does not require the aid of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: VivaSight™ single-lumen tube combined with a bronchial blocker is a feasible choice for one-lung ventilation in this type of surgery.

Alleviation of Mechanical Allodynia by 14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid in a Central Poststroke Pain Model: Possible Role of Allopregnanolone and δ-Subunit-Containing Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptors.

Central poststroke pain (CPSP) is a neuropathic pain syndrome arising after a lesion of the central nervous system owing to cerebrovascular insult. Impaired daily activities and reduced quality of life in people suffering from CPSP justify the need for improved treatment. The detailed mechanism of CPSP is not well understood, but central disinhibition has been suggested. Recent reports indicated that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), the cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid, promoted neuronal survival after stroke, displayed antinociception in peripheral inflammatory pain, and reduced neuronal excitability in seizure model. Here, we tested the hypothesis that 14,15-EET may attenuate CPSP by suppressing thalamic disinhibition through neurosteroids-δ-subunit-containing gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors (δGABAAR) signaling. In this study, we used a rat model of thalamic hemorrhagic stroke to induce CPSP. Pain behavioral tests revealed that CPSP rats exhibited mechanical allodynia, starting at day 7 postlesion and lasting at least 4 weeks. Analysis of the perithalamic lesion tissue from the brain of CPSP rats demonstrated a decrease of 14,15-EET content, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression, and allopregnanolone (AP) production. This was accompanied by reduced δGABAAR expression in the medial thalamus at 4 weeks postlesion. Intrathalamic injection of exogenous 14,15-EET into the ventral posterior lateral nucleus attenuated mechanical allodynia, induced a marked increase in the abundance of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and AP along the lesion site and a concomitant increase in δGABAAR expression in the medial thalamus under CPSP condition. However, this antinociceptive effect could be eliminated by the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride or dutasteride or GABAAR antagonist bicuculline. Moreover, compared with the current first-line drug gabapentin for central neuropathic pain, an early treatment of EET showed greater efficacy in the secondary prevention of CPSP. Taken together, this study provided a proof of concept that EETs may have anti-CPSP effect by reserving normal thalamic inhibition through AP-δGABAAR signaling. PERSPECTIVE: Agents targeting EETs may serve as potential therapeutic options for stroke, the use of which at the initial period could not only block further nerve damage but also prevent the occurrence of CPSP.

The synthesis of hierarchical high-silica beta zeolites in NaF media.

An aerosol-assisted hydrothermal method has been applied to synthesizing hierarchical beta zeolites with SiO2/Al2O3 ratios ranging from 44 to 392 in NaF media. Two different morphologies, including nano-aggregates with interparticle mesopores and plate-like zeolites with intracrystalline mesopores, can be formed depending on the SiO2/Al2O3 ratios of the synthesis gels. A possible mechanism for the formation of the beta zeolites has been proposed. The obtained beta zeolites show hierarchical pores, good Al species distribution and less internal defect sites. Evaluation, by the cracking of 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene (1,3,5-TIPB), is consistent with the acidic properties and the pore structure of beta zeolites with different ratios of SiO2/Al2O3.

Celastrol attenuates incision-induced inflammation and pain associated with inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway via SARM.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate whether celastrol (CEL) could alleviate incision-induced pain and decipher its possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: naïve, vehicle, CEL (5 µg/paw, 10 µg/paw and 20 µg/paw). CEL or vehicle was administered intraplantarly before plantar surgical incision. Histological examinations of skin tissues were performed after HE staining. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining, RT-PCR and western blot were performed to analyse macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines, SARM and NF-κB expression, respectively. Moreover, the previous mentioned factors were re-evaluated after suppressing SARM expression by shRNA. KEY FINDINGS: The plantar incision rats displayed pain-related behaviours and inflammatory infiltration in the skin. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNFα were significantly upregulated in the skin of surgical rats. The expression of sterile α- and armadillo-motif-containing protein (SARM) was downregulated and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was activated. Interestingly, CEL could partially restore the pain-related behavioural changes. Furthermore, molecular mechanism of CEL was explored, that included significantly reduction of proinflammatory cytokines mRNA expressions, a significant decrease of p-p65 and p65 levels and a markedly increase of SARM and IkBα expressions in skin tissues. However, supression SARM by shRNA partially eliminated those protective effect of CEL. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data suggest that intraplantarly administration of CEL attenuates inflammatory and acute pain. This finding could be attributed to regulation of the NF-κB signalling pathway via SARM. These results provide pre-clinical evidence supporting the use of CEL in the treatment of surgical pain.

Predictive value of excision repair cross-complementing rodent repair deficiency complementation group 1 and ovarian cancer risk.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the association between excision repair cross-complementing rodent repair deficiency complementation group 1 (XRCC1) and ovarian cancer risk. METHODS: We performed a hospital-based case-control study with 155 cases and 313 controls in China. All Chinese cases with newly diagnosed primary ovarian cancer between May 2005 to May 2010 in our hospital were invited to participate within 2 months of diagnosis. Controls were randomly selected from people who requested general health examinations in the same hospital during the same period. SNPs in EXCC1, ERCC1 C8092A and ERCC1 T19007C, were analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: We observed a non-significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer among individuals with ERCC1 8092TT compared with those with the 8092CC genotype (adjusted OR=1.55, 95% CI%=0.74-2.97). Moreover, 19007TT genotype carriers also showed a non-significant increased risk of ovarian cancer over those with the 19007CC genotype (adjusted OR=1.78, 95% CI%=0.91-3.64). CONCLUSION: Our firstly investigation of links between polymorphisms in the ERCC1 gene and the risk of ovarian cancer in Chinese population demonstrated no significant association. Further large sample studies in Chinese populations are needed.