Cisplatin-based miRNA delivery strategy inspired by the circCPNE1/miR-330-3p pathway for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are ideal biomarkers of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) because of their highly stable closed-loop structure, and they can act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate OSCC progression. By analyzing clinical samples, we identified circCPNE1, a dysregulated circRNA in OSCC, and its expression level was negatively correlated with the clinical stage of OSCC patients. Gain-of-function assays revealed the tumor-suppressive effect of circCPNE1, which was then identified as a miR-330-3p sponge. MiR-330-3p was recognized as a tumor promoter in multiple studies, consistent with our finding that it could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. These results indicated that selective inhibition of miR-330-3p could be an effective strategy to inhibit OSCC progression. Therefore, we designed cationic polylysine-cisplatin prodrugs to deliver antagomiR-330-3p (a miRNA inhibitory analog) via electrostatic interactions to form PP@miR nanoparticles (NPs). Paratumoral administration results revealed that PP@miR NPs effectively inhibited subcutaneous tumor progression and achieved partial tumor elimination (2/5), which confirmed the critical role of miR-330-3p in OSCC development. These findings provide a new perspective for the development of OSCC treatments.

Specific convulsions and brain damage in children hospitalized for Omicron BA.5 infection: an observational study using two cohorts.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate over time, and reports on children infected with Omicron BA.5 are limited. We aimed to analyze the specific symptoms of Omicron-infected children and to improve patient care. METHODS: We selected 315 consecutively hospitalized children with Omicron BA.5 and 16,744 non-Omicron-infected febrile children visiting the fever clinic at our hospital between December 8 and 30, 2022. Specific convulsions and body temperatures were compared between the two cohorts. We analyzed potential associations between convulsions and vaccination, and additionally evaluated the brain damage among severe Omicron-infected children. RESULTS: Convulsion rates (97.5% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001) and frequencies (median: 2.0 vs. 1.6, P < 0.001) significantly differed between Omicron-infected and non-Omicron-infected febrile children. The body temperatures of Omicron-infected children were significantly higher during convulsions than when they were not convulsing and those of non-Omicron-infected febrile children during convulsions (median: 39.5 vs. 38.2 and 38.6 °C, both P < 0.001). In the three Omicron-subgroups, the temperature during convulsions was proportional to the percentage of patients and significantly differed ( P < 0.001), while not in the three non-Omicron-subgroups ( P = 0.244). The convulsion frequency was lower in the 55 vaccinated children compared to the 260 non-vaccinated children (average: 1.8 vs. 2.1, P < 0.001). The vaccination dose and convulsion frequency in Omicron-infected children were significantly correlated ( P < 0.001). Fifteen of the 112 severe Omicron cases had brain damage. CONCLUSIONS: Omicron-infected children experience higher body temperatures and frequencies during convulsions than those of non-Omicron-infected febrile children. We additionally found evidence of brain damage caused by infection with omicron BA.5. Vaccination and prompt fever reduction may relieve symptoms.

Sorbitol Destroyed Intestinal Microfold Cells (M Cells) Development through Inhibition of PDE4-Mediated RANKL Expression.

Objective: Microfold cells (M cells) are specific intestinal epithelial cells for monitoring and transcytosis of antigens, microorganisms, and pathogens in the intestine. However, the mechanism for M-cell development remained elusive. Materials and Methods: Real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were performed to analyze the effect of sorbitol-regulated M-cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro, and luciferase and chromatin Immunoprecipitation were used to reveal the mechanism through which sorbitol-modulated M-cell differentiation. Results: Herein, in comparison to the mannitol group (control group), we found that intestinal M-cell development was inhibited in response to sorbitol treatment as evidenced by impaired enteroids accompanying with decreased early differentiation marker Annexin 5, Marcksl1, Spib, sox8, and mature M-cell marker glycoprotein 2 expression, which was attributed to downregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-В ligand (RANKL) expression in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, in the M-cell model, sorbitol stimulation caused a significant upregulation of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) phosphorylation, leading to decreased protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) activation, which further resulted in CREB retention in cytosolic and attenuated CREB binds to RANKL promoter to inhibit RANKL expression. Interestingly, endogenous PKA interacted with CREB, and this interaction was destroyed by sorbitol stimulation. Most importantly, inhibition of PDE4 by dipyridamole could rescue the inhibitory effect of sorbitol on intestinal enteroids and M-cell differentiation and mature in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: These findings suggested that sorbitol suppressed intestinal enteroids and M-cell differentiation and matured through PDE4-mediated RANKL expression; targeting to inhibit PDE4 was sufficient to induce M-cell development.

Highly Stretchable and Multimodal MXene/CNTs/TPU Flexible Resistive Sensor with Hierarchical Structure Inspired by Annual Ring for Hand Rehabilitation.

With the advent of the intelligent age and people's higher pursuit of health, wearable sensors with functions of health monitoring and assisting physical rehabilitation are increasingly favored by consumers. Wherein, highly stretchable flexible sensors show promising potential, but the unstable conductivity under large strains remains a great challenge to develop flexible wearable sensors with both a wide work range and strain insensitivity. Based on this, a MXene/CNTs/TPU flexible resistive sensor (MCT/FRS) with hierarchical structure inspired by the annual ring was proposed. Benefiting from the bioinspired structure with tightly warped inner layers and deformable spring structure outside, the MCT/FRSs enable stable sensing over a wide working range of up to 700% under the stretching mode, as well as superior durability (7500 cycles). It also possessed linear and adjustable piezoresistive properties under the compression mode. Finally, the sensor was not only successfully employed for monitoring various human movements but also was utilized to assist hand rehabilitation in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome in both stretching and compression modes. This work provides promising and attractive solutions for flexible wearable devices and intelligent medical care.

Identification of ACAA1 and HADHB as potential prognostic biomarkers based on a novel fatty acid oxidation-related gene model in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the importance of fatty acid oxidation (FAO)-related genes in predicting the progression and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: The FAO-related gene prognostic model was established employing Cox regression analyses, during which accuracy and sensitivity of the gene model were evaluated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) internal testing and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) external validation cohorts. Ultimately, hub genes were identified among 13 model genes using STRING and Cytoscape, with preliminary validation carried out through immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The model, which comprised 13 genes (ABCD2, ACAA1, ACACB, AKT1, CNR1, CPT1C, CROT, ECHDC2, ETFA, HADHB, IRS2, LONP2, and SLC25A17), was established. On the basis of the median risk score, the two cohorts were grouped into low-and high-risk groups in the subsequent test and validation, and the former exhibited significantly higher survival rates than the latter. Nomograms were established based on prognostic factors, including stage and risk score, and individualized for the prediction of HNSCC patients. Ultimately, immunohistochemical staining showed that ACAA1 and HADHB were significantly under-expressed in HNSCC, with a favorable prognosis associated with low HADHB and high ACAA1. CONCLUSIONS: The gene prognostic model has illustrated promising capability in predicting the prognosis, and ACAA1 and HADHB might serve as potential therapeutic biomarkers for HNSCC patients.

Integrative metabolome and transcriptome analyses reveal the differences in flavonoid and terpenoid synthesis between Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) leaves and roots.

Licorice from Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots is used in foods and medicines. Although we are aware that licorice roots and leaves have distinct material compositions, the specific reasons for these differences remain unknown. Comparison of the metabolomes and transcriptomes between the leaves and roots revealed flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins were significantly different. Isoflavones were enriched in roots because of upregulation of genes encoding chalcone isomerase and flavone synthase, which are involved in isoflavone synthesis. Six triterpenoid saponins were significantly enriched only in the roots. The leaves did not accumulate glycyrrhetinic acid because of low expression levels of genes involved in its synthesis. A gene encoding a UDP glycosyltransferase, which likely catalyzes the key step in the transformation of glycyrrhetinic acid to glycyrrhizin, was screened. Our results provide information about the differences in flavonoid and triterpenoid synthesis between roots and leaves, and highlight targets for genetic engineering. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01467-y.

Novel ratio-expressions of genes enables estimation of wound age in contused skeletal muscle.

Given that combination with multiple biomarkers may well raise the predictive value of wound age, it appears critically essential to identify new features under the limited cost. For this purpose, the present study explored whether the gene expression ratios provide unique time information as an additional indicator for wound age estimation not requiring the detection of new biomarkers and allowing full use of the available data. The expression levels of four wound-healing genes (Arid5a, Ier3, Stom, and Lcp1) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and a total of six expression ratios were calculated among these four genes. The results showed that the expression levels of four genes and six ratios of expression changed time-dependent during wound repair. The six expression ratios provided additional temporal information, distinct from the four genes analyzed separately by principal component analysis. The overall performance metrics for cross-validation and external validation of four typical prediction models were improved when six ratios of expression were added as additional input variables. Overall, expression ratios among genes provide temporal information and have excellent potential as predictive markers for wound age estimation. Combining the expression levels of genes with ratio-expression of genes may allow for more accurate estimates of the time of injury.

The novel mechanism of human norovirus induced diarrhea: Activation of PKD2 caused by HuNoVs destroyed AQP3 expression through AP2γ in intestinal epithelial cells.

Our previous work has demonstrated protein kinase D2 (PKD2) played a critical influence in experimental colitis in animal. However, the role of PKD2 in human norovirus (HuNoVs)-induced diarrhea remained unknown. Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) expression, a critical protein mediating diarrhea, was assessed by western blot, qRT-PCR in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Luciferase, IF, IP and ChIP assay were used to explore the mechanism through which HuNoVs regulated AQP3. Herein, we found that AQP3 expression was drastically decreased in IECs in response to VP1 transfection, the major capsid protein of HuNoVs, or HuNoVs infection. Mechanistically, HuNoVs triggered phosphorylation of PKD2 through TLR2/MyD88/IRAK4, which further inhibited AP2γ activation and nuclear translocation, leading to suppress AQP3 transactivation in IECs. Most importantly, PKD2 interacted with MyD88/IRAK4, and VP1 overexpression enhanced this complex form, which, in turn, to increase PKD2 phosphorylation. In addition, endogenous PKD2 interacted with AP2γ, and this interaction was enhanced in response to HuNoVs treatment, and subsequently resulting in AP2γ phosphorylation inhibition. Moreover, inhibition of PKD2 activation could reverse the inhibitory effect of HuNoVs on AQP3 expression. In summary, we established a novel mechanism that HuNoV inhibited AQP3 expression through TLR2/MyD88/IRAK4/PKD2 signaling pathway, targeting PKD2 activity could be a promising strategy for prevention of HuNoVs-induced gastroenteritis.

Hypoxia induced cell dormancy of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma through miR-922/DEC2 axis.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia has been shown to induce cancer cells to become dormant meanwhile these cells inclined to disseminate and eventually cause metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism is still elusive. The purpose is to explore whether dormancy-associated microRNAs (DmiRs) get involved in hypoxia-induced cell dormancy of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study performed multi-perspective investigation of the biological effects of miR-922/DEC2 on SACC based on clinical samples, 2D and 3D in vitro model and nude mice in vivo model, based on our previous study of overexpression of DEC2 inducing SACC cellular dormancy. RESULTS: According to the existing microRNA array of SACC tissue, we found that miR-922 was upregulated in SACC tissue and was inversely correlated with DEC2, suggesting that miR-922 might participate in the activation of SACC cell dormancy as a DmiR. Then, we found miR-922 low SACC cells exhibited cell dormancy and a low level of fatty acid oxidation with propensity for lipid droplets accumulation through DEC2. Moreover, HIF1a downregulated the level of miR-922 to induce SACC cell dormancy. In addition, in xenografts of nude mice the inhibition of miR-922 attenuated the growth of primary tumor and the lung metastasis of SACC. CONCLUSIONS: miR-922/DEC2 axis was necessary to hypoxia-induced cell dormancy and played an important role in the lipid metabolism reprogramming of SACC.

Carcinosarcoma of the deep lobe of the parotid gland in the parapharyngeal region: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Salivary carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor containing both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal constituents. This article reports a rare case of carcinosarcoma with salivary duct carcinoma and osteosarcoma as the tumor components. The clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis are discussed in conjunction with the literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old man presented with a complaint of a mass in the right parotid region. Osteosarcoma was first considered for assessment by fine-needle aspiration cytology. Physical examination revealed a mass measuring approximately 4 cm × 3.5 cm × 3 cm. The mass, the whole lobe of the right parotid gland, and the right mandible were completely removed during surgery. Postoperative histopathology confirmed carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland. CONCLUSION: A definite diagnosis of salivary gland carcinosarcoma can only be obtained after complete surgical resection.

M1 macrophages induce PD-L1hi cell-led collective invasion in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via TNF-α/CDK4/UPS14.

BACKGROUND: Although the roles of PD-L1 in promoting tumor escape from immunosurveillance have been extensively addressed, its non-immune effects on tumor cells remain unclear. METHODS: The spatial heterogeneity of PD-L1 staining in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues was identified by immunohistochemistry. Three-dimensional (3D) specific cell-led invasion assay and 3D cancer spheroid model were used to investigate the roles of PD-L1hileader cells in collective invasion. The impact of M1 macrophages on specific PD-L1 expression in leader cells and its mechanisms were further studied. Finally, the effect of combination therapy of anti-PD-L1 and CDK4 inhibitor on HPV-positive tumors were evaluated on a mice model. RESULTS: Here, we observed a distinctive marginal pattern of PD-L1 expression in HPV-positive HNSCC tissues. By mimicking this spatial pattern of PD-L1 expression in the 3D invasion assay, we found that PD-L1hi cells led the tumor collective invasion. M1 macrophages induced specific PD-L1 expression in leader cells, and depletion of macrophages in tumor-bearing mice abrogated PD-L1hileader cells and collective invasion. Mechanistically, TNF-α secreted by M1 macrophages markedly increased the abundance of PD-L1 via CDK4/ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14-mediated deubiquitination of PD-L1. We also found that suppression of CDK4 enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy in an E6/E7 murine model. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified TNF-α/CDK4/ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14-mediated PD-L1 stability as a novel mechanism underlying M1 macrophage-induced PD-L1hileader cells and collective tumor invasion, and highlighted the potential of the combination therapy of anti-PD-L1 and CDK4 inhibitor for HPV-positive HNSCC.

Robust Piezoelectric Biomolecular Membranes from Eggshell Protein for Wearable Sensors.

Flexible and wearable devices are drawing increasing attention due to their promising applications in energy harvesting and sensing. However, the application of wearable devices still faces great challenges, such as flexibility, repeatability, and biodegradability. Biopiezoelectric materials have been regarded as favorable energy-harvesting sources due to their nontoxicity and biocompatibility. Here, a wearable and biodegradable sensor is proposed to monitor human activities. The proposed sensor is fabricated via a low-cost, facile, and scalable electrospinning technology from nanofibers composed of eggshell membranes mixed with polyethylene oxide. It is shown that the sensor exhibits excellent flexibility, outstanding degradability, and mechanical stability over 3000 cycles under periodic stimulation. The device displays multiple potential applications, including the recognition of different objects, human motion monitoring, and active voice recognition. Finally, it is shown that the composite nanofiber membrane has good degradability and breathability. With excellent sensing performance, environmental friendliness, and ease of processing, the eggshell membrane-based sensor could be a promising candidate for greener and more environmentally friendly devices for application in implantable and wearable electronics.

GAD1-mediated GABA elicits aggressive characteristics of human oral cancer cells.

Studies suggest that the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and GABA receptors are involved in tumor progression. However, the underlying mechanisms of high expression and potential functions of GAD1 and GABA in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are not known. In this study, we found that the expressions of GAD1 and GABA were considerably increased in OSCC samples, which were closely associated with clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. The knockdown of GAD1 expression significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of OSCC cells by reducing the expression of GABA-mediated GABAB receptors, which could be reversed by exogenous GABA, but did not cause excessive OSCC cell proliferation. And GABA secreted by OSCC cells promoted M2 macrophage polarization for inhibiting anti-tumor immunity by activating GABBR1/ERK/Ca2+. In addition, GABA/GABABR promoted the proliferation and progression of OSCC xenograft tumor. Altogether, our results showed that GAD1 synthetized GABA to promote the malignant progression of OSCC and limits the anti-tumor immunity of macrophages, thereby targeting GABA can be a novel strategy for treating OSCC.

Paresthesia in dentistry: The ignored neurotoxicity of local anesthetics.

Local anesthetics are frequently used by dentists to relieve localized discomfort of the patient and improve treatment conditions. The risk of paresthesia after local anesthesia is frequently encountered in dental clinics. The neurotoxicity of local anesthetics is a disregarded factor in paresthesia. The review summarizes the types of common local anesthetics, incidence and influencing factors of paresthesia after local anesthesia, and systematically describes the neurotoxicity mechanisms of dental local anesthetic. Innovative strategies may be developed to lessen the neurotoxicity and prevent paresthesia following local anesthesia with the support of a substantial understanding of paresthesia and neurotoxicity.

Tumour follower cells: A novel driver of leader cells in collective invasion (Review).

Collective cellular invasion in malignant tumours is typically characterized by the cooperative migration of multiple cells in close proximity to each other. Follower cells are led away from the tumour by specialized leader cells, and both cell populations play a crucial role in collective invasion. Follower cells form the main body of the migration system and depend on intercellular contact for migration, whereas leader cells indicate the direction for the entire cell population. Although collective invasion can occur in epithelial and non­epithelial malignant neoplasms, such as medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, the present review mainly provided an extensive analysis of epithelial tumours. In the present review, the cooperative mechanisms of contact inhibition locomotion between follower and leader cells, where follower cells coordinate and direct collective movement through physical (mechanical) and chemical (signalling) interactions, is summarised. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of follower cell invasion and metastasis during remodelling and degradation of the extracellular matrix and how chemotaxis and lateral inhibition mediate follower cell behaviour were analysed. It was also demonstrated that follower cells exhibit genetic and metabolic heterogeneity during invasion, unlike leader cells.

Perineural invasion: A potential driver of cancer-induced pain.

Perineural invasion (PNI) is the process through which tumors invade and interact with nerves. The dynamic changes in the nerves caused by PNI may induce disturbing symptoms. PNI-related cancer pain in neuro-rich tumors has attracted much attention because the occurrence of tumor-induced pain is closely related to the invasion of nerves in the tumor microenvironment. PNI-related pain might indicate the occurrence of PNI, guide the improvement of treatment strategies, and predict the unresectability of tumors and the necessity of palliative care. Although many studies have investigated PNI, its relationship with tumor-induced pain and its common mechanisms have not been summarized thoroughly. Therefore, in this review, we evaluated the relationship between PNI and cancer-associated pain. We showed that PNI is a major cause of cancer-related pain and that this pain can predict the occurrence of PNI. We also elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNI-induced pain. Finally, we analyzed the possible targets for alleviating PNI-related pain or combined antitumor and pain management. Our findings might provide new perspectives for improving the treatment of patients with malignant tumors.

Vitronectin Destroyed Intestinal Epithelial Cell Differentiation through Activation of PDE4-Mediated Ferroptosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Objective: Vitronectin (VTN) has been reported to trigger cell pyroptosis to aggravate inflammation in our previous study. However, the function of VTN in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains to be addressed. Methods: Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to analyze VTN-regulated intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) differentiation through ferroptosis, and immunofluorescence (IF), luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to identify whether VTN-modulated ferroptosis is dependent on phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4)/protein kinase A (PKA)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element-binding protein (CREB) cascade pathway. In vivo experiment in mice and a pilot study in patients with IBD were used to confirm inhibition of PDE4-alleviated IECs ferroptosis, leading to cell differentiation during mucosal healing. Results: Herein, we found that caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2-mediated IECs differentiation was impaired in response to VTN, which was attributed to enhanced ferroptosis characterized by decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 expression. Inhibition of ferroptosis in IECs rescued the inhibitory effect of VTN on cell differentiation. Further analysis showed that VTN triggered phosphorylation of PDE4, leading to inhibit PKA/CREB activation and CREB nuclear translocation, which further reduced GPX4 transactivation. Endogenous PKA interacted with CREB, and this interaction was destroyed in response to VTN stimulation. What is more, overexpression of CREB in CaCO2 cells overcame the promotion of VTN on ferroptosis. Most importantly, inhibition of PDE4 by roflumilast or dipyridamole could alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice and in a pilot clinical study confirmed by IF. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that highly expressed VTN disrupted IECs differentiation through PDE4-mediated ferroptosis in IBD, suggesting targeting PDE4 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with IBD.

TIM-3/Galectin-9 and CD160 expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Investigating T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), Galectin 9 (Gal-9), CD160 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). METHODS: Sixty cases of SACC were detected by immunohistochemical staining to evaluate TIM-3, Gal-9, and CD160 expression and analyze the correlation between TIM-3, Gal-9, CD160 expression and clinicopathologic features by rank-sum test. The association of TILs with TIM-3, Gal-9, and CD160 expression in SACC stromal was done by Chi-square test. RESULTS: TIM-3 and CD160 overexpression were correlated with recurrence of SACC (p = 0.029, p = 0.007, respectively). High Gal-9 expression was correlated with pathological classification (p = 0.018). The average percentage of TILs was 18.2% in SACC and most of TILs were more likely to occur in minor salivary glands (p = 0.038). Pairwise positive correlations were observed between the expression of TIM-3, Gal-9, and CD160 in tumor cells as well as in TILs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Low density of TILs was characteristic of the SACC microenvironment, with upregulation of TIM-3, Gal-9, and CD160 all occurring. However, TIM-3, Gal-9, and CD160 expression in the stromal dependent on the number of TILs represent potential therapeutic targets in SACC.

Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric intestinal metaplasia through activation of IRF3-mediated kynurenine pathway.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic reprogramming is a critical event for cell fate and function, making it an attractive target for clinical therapy. The function of metabolic reprogramming in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-infected gastric intestinal metaplasia remained to be identified. METHODS: Xanthurenic acid (XA) was measured in gastric cancer cells treated with H. pylori or H. pylori virulence factor, respectively, and qPCR and WB were performed to detect CDX2 and key metabolic enzymes expression. A subcellular fractionation approach, luciferase and ChIP combined with immunofluorescence were applied to reveal the mechanism underlying H. pylori mediated kynurenine pathway in intestinal metaplasia in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Herein, we, for the first time, demonstrated that H. pylori contributed to gastric intestinal metaplasia characterized by enhanced Caudal-related homeobox transcription factor-2 (CDX2) and mucin2 (MUC2) expression, which was attributed to activation of kynurenine pathway. H. pylori promoted kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT2)-mediated kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, leading to XA production, which further induced CDX2 expression in gastric epithelial cells. Mechanically, H. pylori activated cyclic guanylate adenylate synthase (cGAS)-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) pathway in gastric epithelial cells, leading to enhance IRF3 nuclear translocation and the binding of IRF3 to KAT2 promoter. Inhibition of KAT2 could significantly reverse the effect of H. pylori on CDX2 expression. Also, the rescue phenomenon was observed in gastric epithelial cells treated with H. pylori after IRF3 inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, phospho-IRF3 was confirmed to be a clinical positive relationship with CDX2. CONCLUSION: These finding suggested H. pylori contributed to gastric intestinal metaplasia through KAT2-mediated kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism via cGAS-IRF3 signaling, targeting the kynurenine pathway could be a promising strategy to prevent gastric intestinal metaplasia caused by H. pylori infection. Video Abstract.

Analysis of dental clinic and dental chair distribution in Sichuan.

OBJECTIVES: To thoroughly understand the current dental chair equipment status of dental clinics in Sichuan Province and provide a reference for administrative departments. METHODS: Data were collected from a health administrative department and a regional social development yearbook. The number of existing dental clinics and dental chairs in Sichuan Province was investigated. RESULTS: In Sichuan Province, 7 103 dental clinics were determined to be equipped with 21 760 dental chairs. The Gini coefficients of per capita dental clinics in the province were 0.50, 0.22, and 0.06, and the Gini coefficients of per capita dental chairs were 0.68, 0.31, and 0.15; these coefficients had the same distribution as that reflected by the Lorenz curve. In consideration of geographic distribution, the Theil index for the distribution of dental clinics and dental chairs among cities and states were 0.690 7 and 0.822 3, respectively. The overall Theil index va-lues for the distribution of dental clinics and dental chairs in the province were 0.902 4 and 1.079 4, respectively. The difference in the distribution of dental clinics and dental chairs among cities and states in the province contributed 0.765 4 and 0.761 8 to the total difference, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The allocation of oral health resources in Sichuan Pro-vince is relatively equitable in terms of population and economic distribution but uneven in geographical distribution.