Effect of probiotics on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical studies have yielded controversial results regarding the effect of probiotics on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects. To clarify the efficacy of probiotics on cognition, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Instructions of the PRISMA 2020 statement were followed. Literature from the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were systematically searched and manually screened for relevant published RCTs. We performed statistical analysis using RevMan, and assessed the risk of bias using the R software. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies comprising 852 patients with MCI or AD were identified. The results of meta-analysis showed that probiotics improved global cognitive function (SMD=0.67; 95% CI, 0.32, 1.02), recall/delayed memory (SMD=0.67; 95% CI: 0.32, 1.02), attention (SMD=0.31; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.58) and visuospatial/constructional (SMD=0.24; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.42) cognitive domain. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that probiotic supplementation is associated with an improvement in cognitive performance among patients with AD and MCI. However, current evidence is limited, and more reliable large-scale RCTs with higher methodological quality are needed.

Polyamide membranes with nanoscale ordered structures for fast permeation and highly selective ion-ion separation.

Fast permeation and effective solute-solute separation provide the opportunities for sustainable water treatment, but they are hindered by ineffective membranes. We present here the construction of a nanofiltration membrane with fast permeation, high rejection, and precise Cl-/SO42- separation by spatial and temporal control of interfacial polymerization via graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The g-C3N4 nanosheet binds preferentially with piperazine and tiles the water-hexane interface as revealed by molecular dynamics studies, thus lowering the diffusion rate of PIP by one order of magnitude and restricting its diffusion pathways towards the hexane phase. As a result, membranes with nanoscale ordered hollow structure are created. Transport mechanism across the structure is clarified using computational fluid dynamics simulation. Increased surface area, lower thickness, and a hollow ordered structure are identified as the key contributors to the water permeance of 105 L m2·h-1·bar-1 with a Na2SO4 rejection of 99.4% and a Cl-/SO42- selectivity of 130, which is superior to state-of-the-art NF membranes. Our approach for tuning the membrane microstructure enables the development of ultra-permeability and excellent selectivity for ion-ion separation, water purification, desalination, and organics removal.

Effects of deguelin on the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells by regulating miR-520a-3p / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨鱼藤素通过调控miR-520a-3p表达对卵巢癌SKOV3细胞增殖和凋亡的影响。方法：将SKOV3细胞分为对照组（鱼藤素0 μmol/L）、鱼藤素低剂量（5 μmol/L）、中剂量（10 μmol/L）、高剂量（20 μmol/L）组，miR-NC组、过表达miR-520a-3p组，鱼藤素+anti-miR-NC组、鱼藤素+anti-miR-520a-3p组。CCK-8法、细胞集落形成实验、FCM以及qPCR法分别检测SKOV3细胞的增殖抑制率、细胞克隆形成数、凋亡率以及miR-520a-3p表达水平。结果：与对照组比较，鱼藤素（低、中、高剂量）组SKOV3细胞增殖抑制率、凋亡率、miR-520a-3p表达水平均显著升高（均P<0.05），细胞克隆形成数显著减少（P<0.05）。与miR-NC组比较，过表达miR-520a-3p组SKOV3细胞的增殖抑制率、凋亡率均显著升高（均P<0.05），细胞克隆形成数显著减少（P<0.05）。与鱼藤素+anti-miR-NC组比较，鱼藤素+anti-miR-520a-3p组SKOV3细胞的增殖抑制率、凋亡率均显著降低（均P<0.05），细胞克隆形成数显著增多（P<0.05）。结论：鱼藤素通过增加miR-520a-3p表达抑制卵巢癌SKOV3细胞的增殖能力，并诱导其凋亡。

Synergistically Constructed Electromagnetic Network of Magnetic Particle-Decorated Carbon Nanotubes and MXene for Efficient Electromagnetic Shielding.

Lightweight polymer-based nanostructured aerogels are crucial for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to protect electronic devices and humans from electromagnetic radiation. The construction of three-dimensional (3D) conductive networks is crucial to realize the excellent electromagnetic shielding performance of polymer-based aerogels. However, it is difficult to realize the interconnection of different conductive fillers in the polymer matrix, which limits the further improvement of their performance. Herein, 3D ordered hierarchical porous Fe3O4-decorated carbon nanotube (Fe3O4@CNT)/MXene/cross-linked aramid nanofiber (c-ANF)/polyimide (PI) aerogels were prepared via a unidirectional freezing strategy. Benefiting from the magnetic loss effect of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles, the conductive and dielectric loss effects of CNTs, and the multiple reflections induced by the 3D ordered hierarchical porous structure, the Fe3O4@CNTs/MXene/c-ANFs/PI (FMCP) aerogels with the same contents of 8 wt % of Fe3O4@CNTs and MXene exhibit a high absolute EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of up to 67.42 dB and a microwave reflection (SER) of 0.60 dB. More importantly, the phase transition of a small amount of MXene to TiO2 optimizes the impedance matching and transmission and then improves the microwave absorption. The FMCP aerogel has an outstanding normalized surface specific SE (SSE/t) which is up to 62,654 dB cm2·g-1. Meantime, the FMCP aerogels also show super-elasticity and could maintain 91.72% of the maximum stress after 1000 cycles of compression release under a fixed deformation of 60%.

Regular fecal microbiota transplantation to Senescence Accelerated Mouse-Prone 8 (SAMP8) mice delayed the aging of locomotor and exploration ability by rejuvenating the gut microbiota.

Recent evidence points out the role of the gut microbiota in the aging process. However, the specific changes and relevant interventions remain unclear. In this study, Senescence Accelerated Mouse-Prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were divided into four groups; young-FMT-group transplanted fecal microbiota from young donors (2-3°months old) and old-FMT-group transplanted from old donors (10-11°months old); additionally, other two groups either adult mice injected with saline solution or untreated mice served as the saline and blank control groups, respectively. All mice were intervened from their 7-months-old until 13-months-old. The open field test at 9 and 11°months of age showed that the mice transplanted with gut microbiota from young donors had significantly better locomotor and exploration ability than those of transplanted with old-donors gut microbiota and those of saline control while was comparable with the blank control. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the gut microbiome of recipient mice of young donors was altered at 11°months of age, whereas the alternation of the gut microbiome of old-donor recipient mice was at 9°months. For comparison, the recipient mice in the blank and saline control groups exhibited changes in the gut microbiome at 10°months of age. The hallmark of aging-related gut microbiome change was an increase in the relative abundance of Akkermansia, which was significantly higher in the recipients transplanted with feces from older donors than younger donors at 9°months of age. This study shows that fecal microbiota transplantation from younger donors can delay aging-related declines in locomotor and exploration ability in mice by changing the gut microbiome.

Nano-sponge-like liposomes remove cholesterol crystals for antiatherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cholesterol crystals in atherosclerotic plaques play an essential role in atherosclerosis progression. However, no clinical drugs have been used for removing cholesterol crystals from plaque to counter atherosclerosis. Previous studies identified the hydrophobic domain of lipid bilayer in liposomes acted as sinks for solubilizing hydrophobic cholesterol. Moreover, adjusting the composition of the lipid bilayer in liposomes can enhance its hydrophobic molecule loading capacity. Therefore, in this study, ginsenosides Rb1 (Rb1), one of main active components of ginseng which has a similar structure to cholesterol, is anchored into soy phospholipids bilayer with its hydrophobic region to prepare nano-sponge-like liposomes (Rb1-LPs), aiming to amplify the solubilization of cholesterol in lipid bilayer. For targeting delivery to atherosclerotic plaques, Annexin V (AnxV), a protein that can specifically recognize phosphatidylserine upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques, is applied to decorate the surface of Rb1-LPs by click reaction to obtain the final preparation of AnxV-Rb1-LPs. The in vitro studies showed that incorporating Rb1 into lipid bilayer remarkably increased the affinity of the lipid bilayer to free cholesterol and the solubilization of cholesterol crystals. Additionally, nano-sponge-like liposomes could efficiently reduce the accumulation of cholesterol crystals and improve cholesterol efflux, finally inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis in cholesterol-laden cells. Furthermore, AnxV-Rb1-LPs could efficiently accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques after intravenous injection, exert nano-sponge-like functions to remove intra- and extracellular cholesterol crystals, ultimately alleviating inflammation and apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaques for antiatherosclerosis. Therefore, AnxV-Rb1-LPs provide a potential strategy for removing cholesterol crystals in atherosclerotic plaques and can be further utilized in other diseases with excessive cholesterol accumulation.

Influence of Elevated Temperatures and Cooling Method on the Microstructure Development and Phase Evolution of Alkali-Activated Slag.

The performance of alkali-activated slag (AAS) under thermal treatment has received particular attention. In this study, the effect of five elevated temperatures (25, 200, 400, 600, and 800 °C) and two cooling methods (air cooling and water spraying) on the mechanical and durability properties, microstructure, and phase evolution of AAS was investigated. The results show that AAS mortars exhibit higher resistance to thermal attack than OPC in terms of strength and durability. AAS samples cooled in air show higher residual strength than those cooled by spraying water, which is mainly attributed to fewer cracks formed in the former. The resistance to carbonization of exposed AAS mortars depends on the pore size distribution, while that to chloride ion penetration depends on the porosity. Cooling methods show a minor effect on the phase evolution of reaction products, suggesting that the microstructure degradation is mainly responsible for the damage of AAS structures. This study provides fundamental knowledge for the thermally induced changes on AAS which contributes new ideas for the development of construction structures with higher fire resistance.

Circ_0000190 sponges miR-382-5p to suppress cell proliferation and motility and promote cell death by targeting ZNRF3 in gastric cancer.

This study was to explore the role of circRNA_0000190 (circ_0000190) in gastric cancer (GC) progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay were applied to measure RNA and protein expression. 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay were implemented to analyze cell proliferation ability. Transwell assays were conducted to analyze cell motility. Cell ferroptosis was assessed using commercial kit. The target relationship between microRNA-382-5p (miR-382-5p) and circ_0000190 or zinc and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3) was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Murine xenograft model was used to analyze the function of circ_0000190 in GC progression in vivo. Circ_0000190 was down-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Low expression of circ_0000190 predicted dismal prognosis in GC patients. Circ_0000190 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted Erastin- or ras selective lethal 3 (RSL3)-mediated ferroptosis in GC cells. MiR-382-5p was a target of circ_0000190, and circ_0000190 suppressed GC progression partly via serving as miR-382-5p sponge. ZNRF3 was a target of miR-382-5p, and miR-382-5p accelerated the proliferation, motility and restrained the ferroptosis of GC cells partly via regulating ZNRF3. Circ_0000190 overexpression restrained xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, Circ_0000190 suppressed GC progression via miR-382-5p-dependent regulation of ZNRF3.

Research on the influence of key structural parameters on piston secondary motion.

Piston secondary motion not only influences the side knocking of piston and frictional loss, but also influence the in-cylinder oil consumption and gas blow-by. An inline four-cylinder common rail diesel engine was chosen as the research object. Dynamic simulation model of piston assembly was built based on the piston and cylinder liner temperature field test. The impacts of pinhole offset, liner clearance and piston skirt ovality on piston secondary motion were researched. Based on the surface response method, the influence of multiple factors on friction power loss and slapping energy is estimated. The results indicate that: in-cylinder stress condition of piston will change with its structural parameters, then the secondary motion of piston will be affected as a result. Pinhole offset, liner clearance, piston skirt ovality and the interaction of the latter two all have significant effects on the friction power loss, while the slapping energy is significantly affected by liner clearance. Therefore, the parameters can be designed based on the significance level to optimize the secondary motion characteristics of the piston.

HomeoboxC6 affects the apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells and is involved in atherosclerosis.

Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) is highly important in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS). HomeboxC6 (HOXC6) is expressed in higher levels in multiple malignant tissues, and it influences the malignant biological behavior of the cancer cells. However, the effects of HOXC6 on AS and the apoptosis of VECs have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that HOXC6 expression was increased in aortic wall of AS rats and peripheral blood monocytes of patients with coronary heart disease. Furthermore, it was uncovered that BAX expression was upregulated, while BCL-2 expression was downregulated in the aortic wall of AS rats. The apoptosis of human VECs (HVECs) cultured normally or treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein in vitro was decreased after transfection with HOXC6-siRNA. Moreover, the results of Western blot analysis unveiled that the expressions of proapoptotic proteins, such as BAX, caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, and caspase-9 were reduced, while the expression of antiapoptotic protein, BCL-2, was elevated. Meanwhile, mRNA and protein expressions of phospholipase C beta (PLCß) were decreased, the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) and nuclear transcription factor-κB-p65 (NF-κBp65) and the membrane translocation of PKCζ were reduced as well. Besides, the expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18) protein was downregulated. However, after overexpression of HOXC6, the opposite trends of the abovementioned indices were observed. Furthermore, the inhibition of apoptosis induced by HOXC6-siRNA was reversed by lysophosphatidylcholine, an activator of PKCζ. Taken together, our results indicated that HOXC6 can promote the apoptosis of HVECs and may be involved in the occurrence and development of AS, which may be partially associated with the activation of PLCß/PKCζ/NF-κBp65/IL-18 signaling pathway.

[Progress in the treatment of oligometastatic prostate cancer].

Metastasis is an adverse factor in the recovery of prostate cancer, and oligometastatic prostate cancer is a disease different from localized and widespread metastatic prostate cancer. The patients may benefit from local treatment in terms of quality of life and survival time. Concerning the existing methods for the diagnosis and treatment of oligometastatic metastatic prostate cancer, researchers have advanced various views, such as "further elaboration of methodology", "specificity in the choice of treatment", and "better consideration of both local and systemic treatments". This review outlines recent advances in the studies of oligometastatic prostate cancer, hoping to provide some ideas benefiting the treatment of the malignancy.

Medium-chain triglycerides improved cognition and lipid metabolomics in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease patients with APOE4-/-: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical and animal studies suggested that medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) might be an alternative energy substrate for the brain and might benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the clinical evidence is not substantial or totally convincing. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of MCT on cognitive ability in patients with mild to moderate AD and explore the changes in peripheral blood metabolomics. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study was undertaken in 53 mild to moderate AD patients. Participants were randomized between two sequences (placebo followed by MCT or MCT followed by placebo) and took MCT jelly or placebo jelly (canola oil) by mouth three times daily (total daily fat dose: 17.3 g MCT, or 19.7 g canola oil) for 30 days per phase. The primary outcome was cognition as measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, Chinese version (ADAS-Cog-C). The secondary outcome was self-care as measured by the activities of daily living scale (ADL) and changes in plasma metabolites. RESULTS: This study showed a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in ADAS-Cog-C scores between the MCT (2.62 points below baseline) and placebo interventions (2.57 points above baseline). Data from 46 (86.8%) APOE4-/- subjects who completed the entire study were analyzed. Changes in ADL scores were not significantly different between the MCT and placebo interventions (p > 0.05). The concentrations of TC, HDL-C, ß-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate were significantly higher in the MCT group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Lysophosphatidylcholine 16:0 (LysoPC (16:0)), LysoPC (P-18:0), LysoPC (P-18:1(9Z)), LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)), and LysoPC (22:5(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z)) were significantly increased after MCT intervention, and the concentrations of LysoPC (18:0), palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes appeared after the placebo intervention. Androstenedione concentration increased after placebo intervention. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between changes in LysoPC (P-18:1(9Z)) and ADAS-Cog-C scores after MCT intervention (r = -0.1472, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MCT had positive effects on cognitive ability in mild to moderate AD patients with APOE4-/-. These effects of MCT might be related to the metabolism of LysoPC, oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid, in addition to the ketogenic effect. STUDY ID NUMBER: ChiCTR-IOR-16009737. REGISTRY WEBSITE: WHO ICTRP Search Portal - http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Default.aspx.

Effect of probiotics on lipid profiles in hypercholesterolaemic adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / Efecto de los probióticos en los perfiles lipídicos en adultos con hipercolesterolemia: metaanálisis de ensayos clinicos aleatorizados

Background: Recent clinical studies have yielded controversial results regarding the effect of probiotics on lipid profiles. To assess the efficacy of probiotics in lowering serum lipid concentrations, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Literature from the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched and screened. The effects of probiotics on lipid profiles were assessed by mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). All included studies were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). Results: A total of 19 RCTs, including 967 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Probiotic interventions reduced total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to controls (placebo or no treatment) by −0.25mmol/L (95% CI: −0.39, −0.12) and −0.17mmol/L (95% CI: −0.25, −0.09), respectively. No significant effects of probiotics on triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were found. The effects of probiotics on decreasing TC and LDL-C levels were greater for longer intervention times, certain probiotic strains, and in younger mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Conclusion: This meta-analysis revealed that the use of probiotics can significantly lower TC and LDL-C levels in hypercholesterolaemic adults, which brings hope for reducing the risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease

Antecedentes: Los resultados obtenidos por estudios clínicos recientes sobre el efecto de los probióticos en los perfiles lipídicos han generado cierta controversia. Para evaluar la eficacia de los probióticos en la reducción de las concentraciones séricas de lípidos, se realizó un metaanálisis de estudios comparativos aleatorizados (ECA). Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda y posterior cribado bibliográfico en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase y Cochrane. Se evaluaron los efectos de los probióticos en los perfiles de lípidos mediante la diferencia de medias (DM) y el intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. Todos los estudios incluidos se analizaron con Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). Resultados: Cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión un total de 19 ECA, que incluyeron 967 participantes. Las intervenciones probióticas redujeron el colesterol total (CT) y el colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (c-LDL) en −0,25mmol/l (IC 95%: −0,39, −0,12) y −0,17mmol/l (IC 95%: −0,25, −0,09), respectivamente, en comparación con los controles (placebo o ningún tratamiento). No se observaron efectos significativos de los probióticos en los niveles de triglicéridos (TG) y en el colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (c-HDL). Los efectos de los probióticos en la disminución de los niveles de CT y c-LDL fueron mayores en los casos donde la intervención duró más tiempo, en ciertas cepas probióticas y en sujetos más jóvenes con hipercolesterolemia leve. Conclusión: Este metaanálisis reveló que el uso de probióticos puede reducir significativamente los niveles de CT y c-LDL en adultos hipercolesterolémicos, lo que brinda la esperanza de reducir los factores de riesgo relativos al desarrollo de enfermedad cardiovascular

Effect of probiotics on lipid profiles in hypercholesterolaemic adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical studies have yielded controversial results regarding the effect of probiotics on lipid profiles. To assess the efficacy of probiotics in lowering serum lipid concentrations, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Literature from the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched and screened. The effects of probiotics on lipid profiles were assessed by mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). All included studies were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). RESULTS: A total of 19 RCTs, including 967 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Probiotic interventions reduced total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to controls (placebo or no treatment) by -0.25mmol/L (95% CI: -0.39, -0.12) and -0.17mmol/L (95% CI: -0.25, -0.09), respectively. No significant effects of probiotics on triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were found. The effects of probiotics on decreasing TC and LDL-C levels were greater for longer intervention times, certain probiotic strains, and in younger mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed that the use of probiotics can significantly lower TC and LDL-C levels in hypercholesterolaemic adults, which brings hope for reducing the risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease.

WITHDRAWN: A comparative effectiveness meta-analysis of photodynamic therapy and stent drainage for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and Editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.

Transcription Factor MYB26 Is Key to Spatial Specificity in Anther Secondary Thickening Formation.

Successful fertilization relies on the production and effective release of viable pollen. Failure of anther opening (dehiscence), results in male sterility, although the pollen may be fully functional. MYB26 regulates the formation of secondary thickening in the anther endothecium, which is critical for anther dehiscence and fertility. Here, we show that although the MYB26 transcript shows expression in multiple floral organs, the MYB26 protein is localized specifically to the anther endothecium nuclei and that it directly regulates two NAC domain genes, NST1 and NST2, which are critical for the induction of secondary thickening biosynthesis genes. However, there is a complex relationship of regulation between these genes and MYB26. Using DEX-inducible MYB26 lines and overexpression in the various mutant backgrounds, we have shown that MYB26 up-regulates both NST1 and NST2 expression. Surprisingly normal thickening and fertility rescue does not occur in the absence of MYB26, even with constitutively induced NST1 and NST2, suggesting an additional essential role for MYB26 in this regulation. Combined overexpression of NST1 and NST2 in myb26 facilitates limited ectopic thickening in the anther epidermis, but not in the endothecium, and thus fails to rescue dehiscence. Therefore, by a series of regulatory controls through MYB26, NST1, NST2, secondary thickening is formed specifically within the endothecium; this specificity is essential for anther opening.

Serum soluble ST2 is a promising prognostic biomarker in HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

BACKGROUND: The IL-33/ST2 axis is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and heart failure. However, studies of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) are lacking. The present study aimed to determine the prognostic role of serum IL-33/soluble ST2 (sST2) in HBV-ACLF. METHODS: Serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 in healthy controls (HC, n=18), chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n=27) and HBV-ACLF (n=51) patients at the 1st and 4th week after enrollment were detected using ELISA, and clinical data were collected. The follow-up of HBV-ACLF patients lasted for 6 months at least. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of serum IL-33 level among HC, CHB and HBV-ACLF patients at week 1. However, serum sST2 level differed significantly among the three groups: highest in the HBV-ACLF group, moderate in the CHB group and lowest in the HC group. There was a reverse correlation between serum sST2 level and the survival of HBV-ACLF patients. The level of serum sST2 in HBV-ACLF survivors was significantly declined from week 1 to week 4 following the treatment, whereas that in HBV-ACLF non-survivors remained at a high level during the same period. Furthermore, serum sST2 level was significantly correlated with laboratory parameters and the most updated prognostic scores (CLIF-C OF score, CLIF-C ACLF score and ACLF grades). The receiver operating characteristics curves demonstrated that serum sST2 level was a good diagnostic marker for predicting the 6-month mortality in HBV-ACLF patients, comparable to the most updated prognostic scores. Serum sST2 cut-off points for predicting prognosis in HBV-ACLF patients were 76 ng/mL at week 1 or 53 ng/mL at week 4, respectively. HBV-ACLF patients with serum sST2 level above the cut-off point often had a worse prognosis than those below the cut-off point. CONCLUSION: Serum sST2 may act as a promising biomarker to assess severity and predict prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF and help for the early identification and optimal treatment of HBV-ACLF patients at high risk of mortality.

Corosolic acid protects hepatocytes against ethanol-induced damage by modulating mitogen-activated protein kinases and activating autophagy.

The reactive oxygen species(ROS)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) destroyed autophagy and the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway are considered closely related to ethanol-induced hepatocellular injury. Previous work indicated that corosolic acid, the natural extracts of leaves of the banaba tree, Lagerstroemia speciosa L., could protect the liver against ethanol-induced damage, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. In the study we found that corosolic acid significantly inhibited ethanol-induced apoptosis, increased level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species accumulation in vitro. Corosolic acid inhibited ethanol-activated p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase MAPK signaling in BRL-3A and HepG2 cells as well as in experimental rats. Corosolic acid restored the ethanol-suppressed expression of autophagy-related genes, including beclin-1 and the ratio of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3II/I (LC3II/I) via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation both in vitro and in vivo. In experimental rats, corosolic acid ameliorated the detrimental histopathological findings. Corosolic acid may protect the liver against ethanol-induced injury by modulation of MAPK signaling and autophagy activation. These findings suggested that corosolic acid might be a promising agent in treatment of alcoholic liver diseases.

Long-term outcomes of radical vaginal trachelectomy and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the IB1 cervical cancer: A series of 60 cases.

OBJECTS: The present study sought to analyze the long-time clinical outcomes of the stage IB1 cervical cancer patients who had received the radical vaginal trachelectomy (RVT) and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). METHOD: This is a prospective study of 60 patients potentially selected for RVT for a clinical and radiologic cervical cancer (stages IB 1) less than 2 cm. These patients were treated with surgery combined with preoperative NACT in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PLA General Hospital. We collected the patients' general clinical information, surgical characteristics and obstetric data, and then assessed their long-term oncological outcomes. RESULTS: The average operative time of the enrolled cases was 204 min and the average blood loss was 443 mL. The average postoperative hospitalization time was 10.6 days. The postoperative pathologic results indicated that the average parametrical width was 1.99 cm; the average length of removed of cervical was 2.6 cm; the average number of excised pelvic lymph node was 20. The median of the follow-up was 43 months (range between 13month and 12 years). Only one case of recurrence was found. Thus far, totally 42 women had tried to conceive, and 36 of them had live births. The live birth pregnancy rate was 86% (36/42). CONCLUSION: The radical vaginal trachelectomy in combination with the laparoscopic lymphadenectomy surgical is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for the for IB 1 cervical cancer.