Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence in Rural Fujian, China.

Purpose: With China's rapidly aging population and the rising proportion of obese people, an increase in the number of women suffering from urinary incontinence (UI) is to be expected. In order to identify high-risk groups before leakage occurs, we aimed to develop and validate a model to predict the risk of stress UI (SUI) in rural women. Patients and methods: This study included women aged 20-70 years in rural Fujian who participated in an epidemiologic survey of female UI conducted between June and October 2022. Subsequently the data was randomly divided into training and validation sets in a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors as well as to further construct a nomogram for risk prediction. Finally, concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and decision curve analysis were applied to evaluate the performance of the predictive models. Results: A total of 5290 rural females were enrolled, of whom 771 (14.6%) had SUI. Age, body mass index (BMI), postmenopausal status, number of vaginal deliveries, vaginal delivery of large infant, constipation and family history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and SUI were included in the nomogram. C-index of this prediction model for the training and validation sets was 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.818-0.851) and 0.829 (95% CI = 0.796-0.858), respectively, and the calibration curves and decision analysis curves for both the training and validation sets showed that the model was well-calibrated and had a positive net benefit. Conclusion: This model accurately estimated the SUI risk of rural women in Fujian, which may serve as an effective primary screening tool for the early identification of SUI risk and provide a basis for further implementation of individualized early intervention. Moreover, the model is concise and intuitive, which makes it more operational for rural women with scarce medical resources.

Reticular Chemistry Directed "One-Pot" Strategy to in situ Construct Organic Linkers and Zirconium-Organic Frameworks.

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have emerged as one of the most studied MOFs due to the unlimited numbers of organic linkers and the varying Zr-oxo clusters. However, the synthesis of carboxylic acids, especially multitopic carboxylic acids, is always a great challenge for the discovery of new Zr-MOFs. As an alternative approach, the in situ "one-pot" strategy can address this limitation, where the generation of organic linkers from the corresponding precursors and the sequential construction of MOFs are integrated into one solvothermal condition. Herein, inspired by benzimidazole-contained compounds synthesized via reaction of aldehyde and o-phenylenediamine, tri-, tetra-, penta- and hexa-topic carboxylic acids and a series of corresponding Zr-MOFs can be prepared via the in situ "one-pot" method under the same solvothermal conditions. This strategy can be utilized not only to prepare reported Zr-MOFs constructed using benzimidazole-contained linkers, but also to rationally design, construct and realize functionalities of zirconium-pentacarboxylate frameworks guided by reticular chemistry. More importantly, in situ "one-pot" method can facilitate the discovery of new Zr-MOFs, such as zirconium-hexacarboxylate frameworks. The present study demonstrates the promising potential of benzimidazole-inspired in situ "one-pot" approach in the crystal engineering of structure- and property-specific Zr-MOFs, especially with the guidance of reticular chemistry.

Covered Stent Treatment for Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas: A Meta-analysis of Efficacy and Safety Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (dCCFs) involve the abnormal shunting of blood between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The use of covered stents (CSs) has been reported for the treatment of complex carotid artery lesions. However, the efficacy and safety of CS treatment for dCCFs remain controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate these efficacy and safety endpoints. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed by comprehensively searching the Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that were related to CS treatment for dCCFs. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted to pool the efficacy and safety outcomes from these studies based on perioperative and follow-up data. RESULTS: Fourteen non-comparative studies enrolling 156 patients with 160 dCCFs met the inclusion criteria. When analyzing perioperative outcomes, the technical success rate was 98.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.948, 1.000], and the immediate complete occlusion rate was 90.9% (95% CI, 0.862, 0.959). Vasospasm and dissection occurred in 32.2% (95% CI, 0.238, 0.463) and 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000, 0.012) of patients, respectively. The in-stent acute thrombus formation rate was 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000; 0.013). Postoperatively, the mortality rate was 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000, 0.013). Based on available follow-up data, the final complete occlusion and parent artery stenosis rates were 99.3% (95% CI, 0.959, 1.000) and 18.6% (95% CI, 0.125, 0.277), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CS placement can be used to safely and effectively treat dCCFs. These results provide a reference for future clinical trials.

Knowledge about, attitudes toward and acceptance and predictors of intention to receive the mpox vaccine among cancer patients in China: A cross-sectional survey.

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge about, attitudes toward, and acceptance and predictors of receiving the mpox vaccine among Chinese cancer patients. Patients were selected using a convenience sampling method. A web-based self-report questionnaire was developed to assess cancer patients' knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance regarding the mpox vaccine. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of acceptance of the mpox vaccine. A total of 805 cancer patients were included in this study, with a vaccine hesitancy rate of 27.08%. Approximately 66% of the patients' information about mpox and the vaccine came from the mass media, and there was a significant bias in the hesitant group's knowledge about mpox and the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that retirement; chemotherapy; the belief that the mpox vaccine could prevent disease, that vaccination should be compulsory when appropriate and that the mpox vaccine prevents mpox and reduces complications; the willingness to pay for the mpox vaccine; the willingness to recommend that friends and family receive the mpox vaccine; and the belief that the mpox vaccine should be distributed fairly and equitably were factors that promoted vaccination. The belief that mpox worsens tumor prognosis was a driving factor for vaccine hesitancy. This study investigated the knowledge of cancer patients about mpox and the vaccine, evaluated the acceptance and hesitancy rates of the mpox vaccine and examined the predictors of vaccination intention. We suggest that the government scientifically promote the vaccine and develop policies such as free vaccination and personalized vaccination to increase the awareness and acceptance rate of the mpox vaccine.

Reticular chemistry guided precise construction of zirconium-pentacarboxylate frameworks with 5-connected Zr6 clusters.

Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have been extensively studied due to their very rich structural chemistry. The combination of nearly unlimited carboxylic acid-based linkers and Zr6 clusters with multiple connectivities has led to diverse structures and specific properties of resultant Zr-MOFs. Herein, we demonstrate the successful use of reticular chemistry to construct two novel Zr-MOFs, HIAM-4040 and HIAM-4040-OH, with zfu topology. Based on a thorough structural analysis of (4,4)-connected lvt-type Zr-tetracarboxylate frameworks and a judicious linker design, we have obtained the first example of a Zr-pentacarboxylate framework featuring unprecedented 5-connected organic linkers and 5-connected Zr6 clusters. Compared with HIAM-4040, a larger Stokes shift is achieved in HIAM-4040-OH via hydroxyl group induced excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). HIAM-4040-OH exhibits high chemical and thermal stability and is used for HClO detection in aqueous solution with excellent sensitivity and selectivity.

Function analysis and characterisation of a novel chitinase, MdCht9, in Musca domestica.

Insect chitinases have been proposed as potential targets for pest control. In this work, a novel group IV chitinase gene, MdCht9, from Musca domestica was found to have multiple functions in the physiological activity, including chitin regulation, development and antifungal immunity. The MdCht9 gene was cloned and sequenced, its phylogeny was analysed and its expression was determined in normal and 20E treated larvae. Subsequently, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated MdCht9 knockdown was performed, followed by biochemical assays, morphological observations and transcriptome analysis. Finally, the recombinant protein MdCht9 (rMdCht9) was purified and tested for anti-microbial activity and enzyme characteristics. The results showed that MdCht9 consists of three domains, highly expressed in a larval salivary gland. RNAi silencing of MdCht9 resulted in significant down-regulation of chitin content and expression of 15 chitin-binding protein (CBP) genes, implying a new insight that MdCht9 might regulate chitin content by influencing the expression of CBPs. In addition, more than half of the lethality and partial wing deformity appeared due to the dsMdCht9 treatment. In addition, the rMdCht9 exhibited anti-microbial activity towards Candida albicans (fungus) but not towards Escherichia coli (G-) or Staphylococcus aureus (G+). Our work expands on previous studies of chitinase while providing a potential target for pest management.

Role of MicroRNAs in Dietary Interventions for Obesity and Obesity-Related Diseases.

Obesity and related metabolic syndromes pose a serious threat to human health and quality of life. A proper diet is a safe and effective strategy to prevent and control obesity, thus maintaining overall health. However, no consensus exists on the connotations of proper diet, and it is attributed to various factors, including "nutritional dark matter" and the "matrix effect" of food. Accumulating evidence confirms that obesity is associated with the in vivo levels of miRNAs, which serve as potential markers and regulatory targets for obesity onset and progression; food-derived miRNAs can regulate host obesity by targeting the related genes or gut microbiota across the animal kingdom. Host miRNAs mediate food nutrient-gut microbiota-obesity interactions. Thus, miRNAs are important correlates of diet and obesity onset. This review outlines the recent findings on miRNA-mediated food interventions for obesity, thereby elucidating their potential applications. Overall, we provide new perspectives and views on the evaluation of dietary nutrition, which may bear important implications for dietary control and obesity prevention.

Binary Heterogroup-Templated Scaffolds of Polyoxopalladates as Precatalysts for Plasma-Assisted Ammonia Synthesis.

In addition to improving the synthetic efficiency, the template method can do a lot more in the chemistry of polyoxopalladates (POPs), such as the establishment of novel metal-oxo scaffolds. In this endeavor, a binary system comprising heterogroups of nonmetallic {As/SiO4} and metallic {VO4/5} successfully fulfills the templated growth of two POPs with unprecedented seesaw- and spindle-like prototypes. Of these, self-aggregation of heterogroups beacons an effective route to break the highly symmetrical PdII-oxo matrix and to force the arrangement of addenda in a nonconventional manner. Aside from the interest in their structural features, the as-made POPs are available for immobilization on the mesoporous SBA-15 as precatalysts for ammonia synthesis. The outer cover of heterogroups in the POP precursors contributes to the ultrafine size and uniform distribution of derived Pd0 nanoparticles (PdNPs). With the help of plasma activation on H2 and N2, such PdNPs-SBA15 catalysts significantly improve the production performance of NH3, showcasing the maximum synthesis rate of 64.42 µmol/(min·gcat) with the corresponding energy yield as high as 4.38 g-NH3/kWh.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact on Life of Female Urinary Incontinence: An Epidemiological Survey of 9584 Women in a Region of Southeastern China.

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality of life (QOL) of female urinary incontinence (UI) in a region of southeastern China. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between June 2022 and March 2023, included 9584 women aged 20-70 years who completed a standardized questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. This sample size represents almost 10% of the population in the target area. Results: The prevalence of female UI was found to be 24.8%, with stress UI being the most common subtype (12.7%), followed by mixed UI (8.0%) and urgency UI (4.1%). Notably, the prevalence of UI increased progressively with age and body mass index (BMI). The study also revealed several risk factors for UI, including urban residence, postmenopausal status, multiple vaginal deliveries, instrumental vaginal deliveries, previous delivery of macrosomia, and prior history of pelvic floor surgery as determined by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the study showed that 89.5% of women who reported UI experienced varying degrees of negative impact on their QOL. The incontinence quality of life (I-QOL) scale had an average score of 79.70±19.03, which decreased with increasing severity of UI. Despite the adverse effects on QOL, only 20.6% of women with UI had sought medical help. Conclusion: UI is common among women in the survey area. UI has been observed to have varying degrees of adverse effects on the QOL of those affected, but most of them do not seek treatment for several reasons, highlighting the urgent need for health authorities to develop effective UI intervention strategies.

Exploration on standardized management of ethical review of organ donation after citizen’s death / 器官移植

Objective To explore the standardized management mode of the Ethics Committee for organ donation after citizen’s death in hospitals. Methods The situations of ethical review before and after the standardized adjustment of the Ethics Committee of human organ donation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline data of donors before and after standardized adjustment of the Ethics Committee of human organ donation were compared. The influence of standardized adjustment of the Ethics Committee on the attendance rate of committee members and duration of ethical review were analyzed. Results No significant differences were observed in donors' ethical review data, such as gender, age and death determination, before and after standardized adjustment of Ethics Committee structure (all P>0.05). Significant difference was noted regarding the cause of death in ethical review (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the impact of Ethics Committee standardization adjustment and cause of death on the attendance rate of committee members (both P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that gender, cause of death and standardized adjustment of the Ethics Committee were the influencing factors of the attendance rate of committee members, and the attendance rate of committee members after standardized adjustment was higher than that before adjustment (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the effects of Ethics Committee standardized adjustment, attendance rate of committee members and cause of death on the duration of ethical review (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that standardized adjustment of the ethics committee was the influencing factor of the duration of ethical review, and the duration of ethics review after standardized adjustment was shorter than that before adjustment (P<0.05). Conclusions Appropriate arrangement of the total number of ethics committee members and standardizing the review process may improve the efficiency of ethical review. Scientific evaluation mechanism for ethical committee members should be established by dynamically adjusting the ethical committee members, clarifying the responsibilities and tasks of members and secretaries, aiming to further improve standardized management level of ethical review for organ donation after citizen’s death.

Effect of hydrogen on cell pyroptosis during lung injury in severely burned rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hydrogen on cell pyroptosis during lung injury in severely burned rats.Methods:Forty-eight clean-grade healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-230 g, aged 6-7 weeks, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (SH group), sham operation+ hydrogen group (SH+ H 2 group), burn group (B group) and burn+ hydrogen group (B+ H 2 group). In group B and group B+ H 2, the Ⅲ degree burn model of the back (about 40% of the total body surface area) was prepared in anesthetized animals. The back was shaved and then subjected to a perm at skin temperature in group SH and group SH+ H 2. Rats were exposed to 2% hydrogen for 1 h starting from 1 and 6 h after burn in SH+ H 2 group and B+ H 2 group, respectively. At 12 and 24 h after burn, the rats were sacrificed and lung tissues were obtained for examination of pathological changes which were scored and for determination of the contents of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-18 in lung tissues (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and Gasdermin D protein (GSDMD) in lung tissues (by Western blot). Results:Compared with SH group, the pathological scores were significantly increased at 12 and 24 h after burn in group B ( P<0.05). The pathological scores were significantly decreased at 12 and 24 h after burn in group B+ H 2 as compared with group B ( P<0.05). Compared with SH group, the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in lung tissues were significantly increased at 12 and 24 h after burn, and the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD was up-regulated in B and B+ H 2 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group B, the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in lung tissues were significantly decreased at 12 and 24 h after burn, and the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD was down-regulated in group B+ H 2 ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which hydrogen attenuates lung injury may be related to inhibition of cell pyroptosis in severely burned rats.

A Cecropin-4 Derived Peptide C18 Inhibits Candida albicans by Disturbing Mitochondrial Function.

Global burden of fungal infections and related health risk has accelerated at an incredible pace, and multidrug resistance emergency aggravates the need for the development of new effective strategies. Candida albicans is clinically the most ubiquitous pathogenic fungus that leads to high incidence and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), in this context, represent promising alternatives having potential to be exploited for improving human health. In our previous studies, a Cecropin-4-derived peptide named C18 was found to possess a broader antibacterial spectrum after modification and exhibit significant antifungal activity against C. albicans. In this study, C18 shows antifungal activity against C. albicans or non-albicans Candida species with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 4∼32 µg/ml, and clinical isolates of fluconazole (FLZ)-resistance C. tropicalis were highly susceptible to C18 with MIC value of 8 or 16 µg/ml. Additionally, C18 is superior to FLZ for killing planktonic C. albicans from inhibitory and killing kinetic curves. Moreover, C18 could attenuate the virulence of C. albicans, which includes damaging the cell structure, retarding hyphae transition, and inhibiting biofilm formation. Intriguingly, in the Galleria mellonella model with C. albicans infection, C18 could improve the survival rate of G. mellonella larvae to 70% and reduce C. albicans load from 5.01 × 107 to 5.62 × 104 CFU. For mechanistic action of C18, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cytosolic Ca2 + increased in the presence of C18, which is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Meanwhile, mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm) loss and ATP depletion of C. albicans occurred with the treatment of C18. We hypothesized that C18 might inhibit C. albicans via triggering mitochondrial dysfunction driven by ROS generation and Ca2 + accumulation. Our observation provides a basis for future research to explore the antifungal strategies and presents C18 as an attractive therapeutic candidate to be developed to treat candidiasis.

Impact of Maternal Age on Singleton Birthweight in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles.

Background: Previous studies have investigated the effect of maternal age on assisted reproductive technology success rates. However, little is known about the relationship between maternal age and neonatal birthweight in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Whether maternal age influences singleton birthweight in FET cycles remains to be elucidated. Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary care center, involving singleton live births born to women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer during the period from January 2010 to December 2017. A total of 12,565 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled and grouped into four groups according to the maternal age: <30, 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 years old. A multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to reveal the relationship between maternal age and neonatal birthweight with controlling for a number of potential confounders. Results: The highest proportions of low birthweight (LBW, 4.1%), high birthweight (1.2%), preterm birth (PTB, 5.9%), and very PTB (0.9%) were found in the group over 40 years old, but no significant difference was observed among the four groups. Additionally, the 35-39-year-old group had the highest rate of very LBW (0.6%), whereas the 30-34-year-old group had the lowest rate of small for gestational age (SGA, 2.7%). However, multivariate analyses revealed that neonatal outcomes including PTB, LBW, and SGA were similar between the different maternal age groups. Conclusion: Grouping with different maternal age was not associated with mean birthweight and Z-scores of singletons resulting from FET.

Ruxolitinib attenuates secondary injury after traumatic spinal cord injury.

Excessive inflammation post-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) induces microglial activation, which leads to prolonged neurological dysfunction. However, the mechanism underlying microglial activation-induced neuroinflammation remains poorly understood. Ruxolitinib (RUX), a selective inhibitor of JAK1/2, was recently reported to inhibit inflammatory storms caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the lung. However, its role in disrupting inflammation post-SCI has not been confirmed. In this study, microglia were treated with RUX for 24 hours and then activated with interferon-γ for 6 hours. The results showed that interferon-γ-induced phosphorylation of JAK and STAT in microglia was inhibited, and the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and cell proliferation marker Ki67 were reduced. In further in vivo experiments, a mouse model of spinal cord injury was treated intragastrically with RUX for 3 successive days, and the findings suggest that RUX can inhibit microglial proliferation by inhibiting the interferon-γ/JAK/STAT pathway. Moreover, microglia treated with RUX centripetally migrated toward injured foci, remaining limited and compacted within the glial scar, which resulted in axon preservation and less demyelination. Moreover, the protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6 were reduced. The neuromotor function of SCI mice also recovered. These findings suggest that RUX can inhibit neuroinflammation through inhibiting the interferon-γ/JAK/STAT pathway, thereby reducing secondary injury after SCI and producing neuroprotective effects.

A nomogram model can predict the risk of venous thromboembolism in postoperative patients with gynecological malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: To explore independent factors influencing the risk of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis during the postoperative period in patients with gynecological malignancies by constructing a predictive model. METHODS: In our study, we collected 573 patients with gynecological malignancies in the postoperative period between September 2016 and September 2020, who were divided into a modeling (n = 402) and verification group (n = 171) according to a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine independent factors influencing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A nomogram model was created and a risk score was calculated. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the independent factors affecting DVT among these patients included age, hyperlipidemia, abnormal uterine bleeding, degree of anemia, D-dimer, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss. By incorporating these factors into a nomogram, we determined that the C-index and calibration curve of the two groups both showed that the model distinguishes and fits well. Further comparing between the high- and low-risk groups, we found that the model has favorable predictive performance. CONCLUSION: The predictive nomogram for the risk of DVT in patients with gynecological malignancies in the postoperative period demonstrated good calibration and recognition accuracy. Further independent research is necessary to verify our results.

TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis of the effects of novel antimicrobial peptide AMP-17 against Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. With the emergence of clinical fungal resistance, there is an urgent need to develop novel antifungal agents. AMP-17, a novel antimicrobial peptide from Musca domestica, has an antifungal effect against C. albicans, but its mechanism of antifungal action remains unclear. In the current study, we performed a proteomics analysis in C. albicans using TMT technique under the treatment of AMP-17. A total of 3931 proteins were identified, of which 3600 included quantitative information. With a 1.5-fold change threshold and a t-test p-value < 0.05 as standard, 423 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were up-regulated and 180 DEPs were down-regulated in the AMP-17/control. Notably, GO enrichment revealed that DEPs associated with the cell wall, RNA and oxidative stress were significantly up-regulated, while DEPs involved in ergosterol metabolism and membrane were significantly down-regulated in the AMP-17/control. KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that DEPs involved seven significant metabolic pathways, mainly involved oxidative phosphorylation, RNA degradation, propanoate metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. These results show that AMP-17 induces a complex organism response in C. albicans, indicating that AMP-17 may inhibit growth by affecting multiple targets in C. albicans cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an important part of the innate immune system of organisms and having broad range of activity against fungi, bacteria and viruses. These AMPs are considered as probable candidate for forthcoming drugs, due to their broad range of activity, lesser toxicity and decreased resistance development by target cells. AMP-17, a novel antimicrobial peptide from M. domestica, has significant antifungal activity against C. albicans. It has been confirmed that AMP-17 can play an antifungal effect by destroying the cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans in previous studies, but its mechanism of action at the protein level is currently unclear. In the current study, using the TMT-based quantitative proteomics method, 603 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the cells of C. albicans treated with AMP-17 for 12 h, and these DEPs were closely related to cell wall, cell membrane, RNA degradation and oxidative stress. The results provide new insights into the potential mechanism of action of AMP- 17 against C. albicans. Meanwhile, it provides certain technical support and theoretical basis for the research and development of novel peptide drugs.

The inhibitory effect of ozanimod on the growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To screening new compounds that can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods　Compounds that can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus were screened from the FDA approved drug library by 96 well plates. The absorbance value of 600 nm wavelength (OD600) was measured by Microplate Reader to detect the growth of Staphylococcus aureus planktonic cells in the culture supernatant. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ozanimod against Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates were detected by micro broth dilution method. The inhibitory effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of ozanimod on the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus was detected by crystal violet staining. Results　This study found that ozanimod could significantly inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus SA113 (screening reference strain), and the MIC was 25.00 μmol/L. The MIC of ozanimod against 119 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus [65 isolates of methicillin sensitive (MSSA) and 54 isolates of methicillin resistant (MRSA)] was 12.50 or 25.00 μmol/L. The MIC50 and MIC90 of ozanimod against the 119 Staphylococcus aureus isolates all were 25.00 μmol/L. This study found that 6.25, 12.50, 25.00 μmol/L of ozanimod could significantly inhibit the biofilm formation of 2 MSSA and 2 MRSA. The sub-MIC concentration of ozanimod (12.50 μmol/L) could significantly inhibit the biofilm formation of 14 MSSA and 11 MRSA, but had no inhibitory effect on the growth of planktonic cells of these Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Conclusion　Ozanimod can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, and has good antibacterial activity. The sub-MIC concentration of ozanimod could significantly inhibit the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus.

Strategies for targeting and remodeling tumor microenvironment / 药学学报

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is composed of abnormal tumor vasculature, extracellular matrix components, endothelial cells, pericytes, tumor associated fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and immune cells, which is characterized by hypoxia, acidosis and high interstitial fluid pressure. Hypoxia and acidosis within the TME trigger an adjustment of the extracellular matrix (ECM), a response from neighbor stromal cells (e.g., fibroblasts) and immune cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), inducing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and ultimately, resulting in metastasis. What's more, the components of TME including abnormal tumor vasculature, rich composition of the ECM, and abundant stroma cells impair tumoral distribution and penetration of the drugs. At the same time, this stromal microenvironment plays a vital role in creating an immunosuppressive environment.Over the past years, more and more researches focus on targeting and remolding TME to improve therapeutic effects against tumors. Herein, we reviewed current strategies developed to target and remodel TME, including modulating tumor hypoxia, tumor vasculature, tumor associated fibroblasts, extracellular matrix components, tumor associated macrophage phenotypes and dendritic cells. Also, potential problems and future directions are pointed out in this review.

Relationship between autophagy and oxidative stress during remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in rats with incisional pain / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between autophagy and oxidative stress during remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in the rats with incisional pain.Methods:Thirty-two clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 230-250 g, aged 2-3 months, were divided into 4 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: incisional pain group (I group), remifentanil + incisional pain group (RI group), autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine + remifentanil + incisional pain group (MRI group) and autophagy agonist rapamycin group + remifentanil + incisional pain group (RRI group). The model of incision pain was developed and the equal volume of normal saline was intravenously infused simultaneously for 60 min.In RI, MRI and RRI groups, the model of incision pain was developed and remifentanil 1 μg·kg -1·min -1 was simultaneously infused for 60 min.In MRI group, 3-methyladenine 15 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 12 h before developing the model, and rapamycin 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 12 h before developing the model in RRI group.Thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) and mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) were measured at 24 h before infusion of remifentanil or normal saline (T 0) and at 2, 6, 24 and 48 h after the end of infusion (T 1-4). The rats were sacrificed after the end of behavioral testing, and the lumbar enlargement segments of the spinal cord were harvested for determination of the expression of autophagy microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), Beclin-1 and P62 (by Western blot), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (by xanthine oxidase method) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (by thiobarbital method). Results:Compared with the baseline at T 0, PWT was significantly decreased and TWL was shortened at T 1-4 in the four groups ( P<0.05). Compared with I group, MWT was significantly decreased and TWL was shortened at T 1-4, the expression of LC3 Ⅱand Beclin-1 was up-regulated, the expression of P62 was down-regulated, SOD activity was decreased, and MDA content was increased in RI group ( P<0.05). Compared with RI group, MWT was significantly decreased and TWL was shortened at T 1-4, the expression of LC3 Ⅱand Beclin-1 was down-regulated, the expression of P62 was up-regulated, SOD activity was decreased, and MDA content was increased in MRI group ( P<0.05), and MWT was significantly increased and TWL was prolonged at T 1-4, the expression of LC3 Ⅱand Beclin-1 was up-regulated, the expression of P62 was down-regulated, SOD activity was increased, and MDA content was decreased in RRI group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Autophagy is involved in the process of remifentanil-induced incisional hyperalgesia through regulating the level of oxidative stress in rats.

Identification of key genes for neuropathic pain in rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To identify the key genes for neuropathic pain in rats.Methods:The genomic data of spinal cord tissues of rats (GSE18803) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Database at the American Center for Biotechnology Information to identify differentially expressed genes associated with neuropathic pain, and key genes were obtained by further analysis of the protein-protein interaction networks.Single-cell localization and expression of the key genes were analyzed by the Tabula Muris database.Results:The protein-protein interaction networks identified 10 hub genes, including Tyrobp, Clec4a3, C1qc, Ptprc, Laptm5, Csf1r, C1qa, C1qb, Fcgr3a, Cd53. Cd53, Laptm5 and Ptprc were mainly expressed in macrophages, B cells, NK cells, monocytes and granulocytes. Clec4a3 and Csf1r were mainly expressed in monocytes, Fcgr3a in monocytes and granulocytes, and Tyrobp in macrophages, monocytes, granulocytes, and pluripotent progenitor cells. Conclusions:Ten target genes associated with neuropathic pain are identified using bioinformatics, and their distribution and expression in immune inflammatory cells are obtained through comprehensive analysis.