Carbonylation of Runx2 at K176 by 4-Hydroxynonenal Accelerates Vascular Calcification.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification, which is characterized by calcium deposition in arterial walls and the osteochondrogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells, is an actively regulated process that involves complex mechanisms. Vascular calcification is associated with increased cardiovascular adverse events. The role of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which is the most abundant stable product of lipid peroxidation, in vascular calcification has been poorly investigated. METHODS: Serum was collected from patients with chronic kidney disease and controls, and the levels of 4-HNE and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α were measured. Sections of coronary atherosclerotic plaques from donors were immunostained to analyze calcium deposition and 4-HNE. A total of 658 patients with coronary artery disease who received coronary computed tomography angiography were recruited to analyze the relationship between coronary calcification and the rs671 mutation in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). ALDH2 knockout (ALDH2-/-) mice, smooth muscle cell-specific ALDH2 knockout mice, ALDH2 transgenic mice, and their controls were used to establish vascular calcification models. Primary mouse aortic smooth muscle cells and human aortic smooth muscle cells were exposed to medium containing ß-glycerophosphate and CaCl2 to investigate cell calcification and the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Elevated 4-HNE levels were observed in the serum of patients with chronic kidney disease and model mice and were detected in calcified artery sections by immunostaining. ALDH2 knockout or smooth muscle cell-specific ALDH2 knockout accelerated the development of vascular calcification in model mice, whereas overexpression or activation prevented mouse vascular calcification and the osteochondrogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In patients with coronary artery disease, patients with ALDH2 rs671 gene mutation developed more severe coronary calcification. 4-HNE promoted calcification of both mouse aortic smooth muscle cells and human aortic smooth muscle cells and their osteochondrogenic differentiation in vitro. 4-HNE increased the level of Runx2 (runt-related transcription factor-2), and the effect of 4-HNE on promoting vascular smooth muscle cell calcification was ablated when Runx2 was knocked down. Mutation of Runx2 at lysine 176 reduced its carbonylation and eliminated the 4-HNE-induced upregulation of Runx2. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that 4-HNE increases Runx2 stabilization by directly carbonylating its K176 site and promotes vascular calcification. ALDH2 might be a potential target for the treatment of vascular calcification.

Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on hepatitis B and forecasting the epidemiological trend in mainland China: a causal analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain how COVID-19 outbreak influences the hepatitis B epidemics. This study aims to evaluate the effects on hepatitis B owing to the COVID-19 outbreak and forecast the hepatitis B epidemiological trend in mainland China to speed up the course of the "End viral hepatitis Strategy". METHODS: We estimated the causal impacts and created a forecast through adopting monthly notifications of hepatitis B each year from 2005 to 2020 in mainland China using the Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) method. RESULTS: The hepatitis B epidemics fluctuates irregularly during the period 2005-2007(APC = 8.7, P = 0.246) and 2015-2020(APC = 1.7, P = 0.290), and there is a downturn (APC=-3.2, 95% CI -5.2 to -1.2, P = 0.006) from 2007 to 2015 in mainland China. The COVID-19 outbreak was found to have a monthly average reduction on the hepatitis B epidemics of 26% (95% CI 18-35%) within the first three months in 2020,17% (95% CI 7.7-26%) within the first six months in 2020, and 10% (95% CI19-22%) all year as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, (probability of causal effect = 96.591%, P = 0.034) and the forecasts showed an upward trend from 2021 to 2025 (annual percentage change = 4.18, 95% CI 4.0 to 4.3, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 has a positive effect on the decline of hepatitis B cases. And the potential of BSTS model to forecast the epidemiological trend of the hepatitis B can be applied in automatic public health policymaking in mainland China.

The role of periostin in cardiac fibrosis.

Cardiac fibrosis, which is the buildup of proteins in the connective tissues of the heart, can lead to end-stage extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and ultimately heart failure. Cardiac remodeling involves changes in gene expression in cardiac cells and ECM, which significantly leads to the morbidity and mortality in heart failure. However, despite extensive research, the elusive intricacies underlying cardiac fibrosis remain unidentified. Periostin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein of the fasciclin superfamily, acts as a scaffold for building complex architectures in the ECM, which improves intermolecular interactions and augments the mechanical properties of connective tissues. Recent research has shown that periostin not only contributes to normal ECM homeostasis in a healthy heart but also serves as a potent inducible regulator of cellular reorganization in cardiac fibrosis. Here, we reviewed the constitutive domain of periostin and its interaction with other ECM proteins. We have also discussed the critical pathophysiological functions of periostin in cardiac remodeling mechanisms, including two distinct yet potentially intertwined mechanisms. Furthermore, we will focus on the intrinsic complexities within periostin research, particularly surrounding the contentious issues observed in experimental findings.

Potential prognostic and therapeutic value of ANXA8 in renal cell carcinoma: based on the comprehensive analysis of annexins family.

BACKGROUND: Annexins are a family of proteins involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration and membrane repair. However, the role of most Annexins in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remained unclear. METHODS: The differentially expressed Annexins in RCC compared with normal controls were screened applying the TCGA database. The correlation of differentially expressed Annexins with clinical stages, grades and overall survival was analyzed to explore the clinical significance of Annexins in RCC. Then ANXA8 was selected and further stained in the discover and validation RCC cohort. The correlation of ANXA8 expression with clinical parameter was verified at the protein level. To explore the potential function of ANXA8, ANXA8 was knockdown in the RCC cell line and further analyzed using transcriptome and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: mRNA expression of ANXA1, ANXA2R, ANXA4, ANXA8, ANXA8L1 and ANXA13 were significantly upregulated in RCC compared with normal kidney tissues. In contrast, ANXA3 and ANXA9 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated. Higher expression of ANXA2R, ANXA8 and ANXA8L1 were correlated with worse overall survival, while lower expression of ANXA3, ANXA9 and ANXA13 were associated with worse clinical outcomes in RCC patients. We further demonstrated that ANXA8 expression was significantly increased in RCC compared with normal renal tissues at the protein level. And higher protein expression of ANXA8 was associated with higher clinical grades. Through the bioinformatics analysis and cell cycle analysis, we found knockdown of ANXA8 mainly influenced the cell cycle and DNA replication. The top ten hub genes consist of CDC6, CDK2, CHEK1, CCNB1, ORC1, CHEK2, MCM7, CDK1, PCNA and MCM3. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple members of Annexins were abnormally expressed and associated with the prognosis of RCC. The expression of ANXA8 was significantly increased in RCC and associated with poor prognosis. ANXA8 might influence the cell cycle and could be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for RCC.

Photosensitive Dielectric 2D Perovskite Based Photodetector for Dual Wavelength Demultiplexing.

Stacked 2D perovskites provide more possibilities for next generation photodetector with more new features. Compared with its excellent optoelectronic properties, the good dielectric performance of metal halide perovskite rarely comes into notice. Here, a bifunctional perovskite based photovoltaic detector capable of two wavelength demultiplexing is demonstrated. In the Black Phosphorus/Perovskite/MoS2 structured photodetector, the comprehensive utilization of the photosensitive and dielectric properties of 2D perovskite allows the device to work in different modes. The device shows normal continuous photoresponse under 405 nm, while it shows a transient spike response to visible light with longer wavelengths. The linear dynamic range, rise/decay time, and self-powered responsivity under 405 nm can reach 100, 38 µs/50 µs, and 17.7 mA W-1 , respectively. It is demonstrated that the transient spike photocurrent with long wavelength exposure is related to the illumination intensity and can coexist with normal photoresponse. Two waveband-dependent signals can be identified and used to reflect more information simultaneously. This work provides a new strategy for multispectral detection and demultiplexing, which can be used to improve data transfer rates and encrypted communications. This work mode can inspire more multispectral photodetectors with different stacked 2D materials, especially to the optoelectronic application of the wide bandgap, high dielectric photosensitive materials.

Ultraviolet photodetector based on RbCu2I3microwire.

Copper-based halide perovskites have shown great potential in lighting and photodetection due to their excellent photoelectric properties, good stability and lead-free nature. However, as an important piece of copper-based perovskites, the synthesis and application of RbCu2I3have never been reported. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of high-quality RbCu2I3microwires (MWs) by a fast-cooling hot saturated solution method. The prepared MWs exhibit an orthorhombic structure with a smooth surface. Optical measurements show the RbCu2I3MWs have a sharp ultraviolet absorption edge with 3.63 eV optical band gap and ultra-large stokes shift (300 nm) in photoluminescence. The subsequent photodetector based on a single RbCu2I3MW shows excellent ultraviolet detection performance. Under the 340 nm illumination, the device shows a specific detectivity of 5.0 × 109Jones and a responsivity of 380 mA·W-1. The synthesis method and physical properties of RbCu2I3could be a guide to the future optoelectronic application of the new material.

A data-driven interpretable ensemble framework based on tree models for forecasting the occurrence of COVID-19 in the USA.

This prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the most serious public health crises. Tree-based machine learning methods, with the advantages of high efficiency, and strong interpretability, have been widely used in predicting diseases. A data-driven interpretable ensemble framework based on tree models was designed to forecast daily new cases of COVID-19 in the USA and to determine the important factors related to COVID-19. Based on a hyperparametric optimization technique, we developed three machine learning algorithms based on decision trees, including random forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and three linear ensemble models were used to integrate these outcomes for better prediction accuracy. Finally, the SHapley Additive explanation (SHAP) value was used to obtain the feature importance ranking. Our outcomes demonstrated that, among the three basic machine learners, the prediction accuracy was the following in descending order: LightGBM, XGBoost, and RF. The optimized LAD ensemble was the most precise prediction model that reduced the prediction error of the best base learner (LightGBM) by approximately 3.111%, while vaccination, wearing masks, less mobility, and government interventions had positive effects on the control and prevention of COVID-19.

Timing of angiography and outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Insights from the evaluation and management of patients with acute chest pain in China registry.

Objective: Although an invasive strategy has been recommended within 24 h for patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), the optimal timing of the invasive strategy remains controversial. We sought to investigate the association between the different timings of invasive strategies and clinical outcomes in patients with NSTEMI. Materials and methods: Patients admitted with NSTEMI from the Evaluation and Management of Patients with Acute ChesT pain in China (EMPACT) registry between January 2016 and September 2017 were included. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) within 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess independent risk factors for MACEs. Results: A total of 969 patients with NSTEMI from the EMPACT Registry were eligible for this study. Coronary angiography (CAG) was performed in 501 patients [<24 h, n = 150 (15.5%); ≥ 24 h, n = 351 (36.2%)]. The rate of MACEs at 30 days in all patients was 9.2%, including 54 (5.6%) deaths. Patients who underwent CAG had a lower rate of MACEs and mortality than those who did not receive CAG (MACEs: 5.6% vs. 13.0%, P < 0.001; mortality: 1.6% vs. 9.8%, P < 0.001). Nonetheless, no statistically significant difference was found in the rates of MACEs and mortality between the early (< 24 h) and delayed (≥ 24 h) CAG groups. Older age (OR: 1.036, 95% CI: 1.007, 1.065, P = 0.014), and acute heart failure (OR: 2.431, 95% CI: 1.244, 4.749, P = 0.009) increased the risk of MACEs and protective factors were underwent CAG (OR: 0.427, 95% CI: 0.219, 0.832, P = 0.012) or PCI (OR: 0.376, 95% CI: 0.163, 0.868, P = 0.022). In the multilevel logistic regression, older age (OR: 0.944, 95% CI: 0.932, 0.957, P < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (OR: 0.233, 95% CI: 0.079, 0.629, P = 0.009), pulmonary moist rales (OR: 0.368, 95% CI: 0.197, 0.686, P = 0.002), and prior chronic kidney disease (OR: 0.070, 95% CI: 0.018, 0.273, P < 0.001) was negatively associated with CAG. Conclusion: This real-world cohort study of NSTEMI patients confirmed that the early invasive strategy did not reduce the incidence of MACEs and mortality within 30 days compared with the delayed invasive strategy in NSTEMI patients.

Short-term efficacy of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor treatment in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with reduced ejection fraction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) causes a series of pathophysiological changes, including myocardial necrosis, myocardial edema, and microvascular damage. These changes eventually lead to severe cardiovascular events, such as ventricular remodeling, heart failure, and papillary dysfunction. Impaired cardiac function after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) often manifests as a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Clinical trials have shown that angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) treatment has the potential to improve LVEF in patients with STEMI after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of ARNI versus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) treatment in patients with STEMI who exhibit reduced LVEF after PPCI. METHODS: A total of 169 patients with STEMI exhibiting post-PPCI LVEF below 50% who were orally treated with ARNI between December 2017 and August 2020 were selected as the experimental group. A total of 136 patients with STEMI exhibiting post-PPCI LVEF below 50% who were orally treated with an ACEI between January 2016 and August 2020 were selected as the control group. LVEF was measured using cardiac ultrasonography during hospitalization and 3 months after discharge. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare patient demographics and hospitalization variables to evaluate the risk factors for change and rate of improvement in LVEF. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to account for confounding factors. RESULTS: After PSM, the study cohort consisted of 81 patients in the ARNI group and 123 in the ACEI group. After an average follow-up period of 3 months, no significant difference was noted in the LVEF improvement rate between the experimental and control groups (P = 0.475, 95% CI: -0.062 to 0.134). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also indicated no significant correlation between the change in LVEF and oral ARNI treatment in patients with STEMI exhibiting reduced LVEF after PPCI (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The short-term effect of ARNI treatment on the cardiac function of patients with STEMI and reduced LVEF after PPCI is not superior to that of ACEI treatment.

Posttranslational modifications of platelet adhesion receptors.

Platelets play a key role in normal hemostasis, whereas pathological platelet adhesion is involved in various cardiovascular events. The underlying cause in cardiovascular events involves plaque rupture leading to subsequent platelet adhesion, activation, release, and eventual thrombosis. Traditional antithrombotic drugs often target the signal transduction process of platelet adhesion receptors by influencing the synthesis of some key molecules, and their effects are limited. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of platelet adhesion receptors increase the functional diversity of the receptors and affect platelet physiological and pathological processes. Antithrombotic drugs targeting PTMs of platelet adhesion receptors may represent a new therapeutic idea. In this review, various PTMs, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, nitrosylation, methylation, lipidation, and proteolysis, of three platelet adhesion receptors, glycoprotein Ib-IX-V (GPIb-IX-V), glycoprotein VI (GPVI), and integrin αIIbß3, are reviewed. It is important to comprehensively understand the PTMs process of platelet adhesion receptors.

Catestatin enhances ATP-induced activation of glial cells mediated by purinergic receptor P2X4.

The activation of glial cells and its possible mechanism play an extremely important role in understanding the pathophysiological process of some clinical diseases, and catestatin (CST) is involved in regulating this activation. In this project, we found that CST could enhance the activation of satellite glial cells (SGCs) and microglial cells and that the expression of P2X4 was increased; the co-expression of the P2X4 receptor with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the P2X4 receptor with CD11b was also increased significantly in glial cells of the ATP + CST group, and TNF-α and IL-1ß also showed a rising trend; the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was also increased in the ATP + CST group. In summary, we conclude that CST could enhance ATP-induced activation of SGCs and microglial cells mediated by the P2X4 receptor and that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway may be involved in this activation process.

Time series analysis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in mainland China by using an XGBoost forecasting model.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is still attracting public attention because of its outbreak in various cities in China. Predicting future outbreaks or epidemics disease based on past incidence data can help health departments take targeted measures to prevent diseases in advance. In this study, we propose a multistep prediction strategy based on extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) for HFRS as an extension of the one-step prediction model. Moreover, the fitting and prediction accuracy of the XGBoost model will be compared with the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model by different evaluation indicators. METHODS: We collected HFRS incidence data from 2004 to 2018 of mainland China. The data from 2004 to 2017 were divided into training sets to establish the seasonal ARIMA model and XGBoost model, while the 2018 data were used to test the prediction performance. In the multistep XGBoost forecasting model, one-hot encoding was used to handle seasonal features. Furthermore, a series of evaluation indices were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the multistep forecast XGBoost model. RESULTS: There were 200,237 HFRS cases in China from 2004 to 2018. A long-term downward trend and bimodal seasonality were identified in the original time series. According to the minimum corrected akaike information criterion (CAIC) value, the optimal ARIMA (3, 1, 0) × (1, 1, 0)12 model is selected. The index ME, RMSE, MAE, MPE, MAPE, and MASE indices of the XGBoost model were higher than those of the ARIMA model in the fitting part, whereas the RMSE of the XGBoost model was lower. The prediction performance evaluation indicators (MAE, MPE, MAPE, RMSE and MASE) of the one-step prediction and multistep prediction XGBoost model were all notably lower than those of the ARIMA model. CONCLUSIONS: The multistep XGBoost prediction model showed a much better prediction accuracy and model stability than the multistep ARIMA prediction model. The XGBoost model performed better in predicting complicated and nonlinear data like HFRS. Additionally, Multistep prediction models are more practical than one-step prediction models in forecasting infectious diseases.

The P2X7 Receptor Is Involved in Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Hypersensitivity Mediated by TRPV1 in the Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion.

The purinergic 2X7 (P2X7) receptor expressed in satellite glial cells (SGCs) is involved in the inflammatory response, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) participates in the process of neurogenic inflammation, such as that in diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) and peripheral neuralgia. The main purpose of this study was to explore the role of the P2X7 receptor in DNP hypersensitivity mediated by TRPV1 in the rat and its possible mechanism. A rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus-related neuropathic pain (NPP) named the DNP rat model was established in this study. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of DNP rats were increased after intrathecal injection of the P2X7 receptor antagonist A438079, and the mRNA and protein levels of TRPV1 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were decreased in DNP rats treated with A438079 compared to untreated DNP rats; in addition, A438079 also decreased the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the DNP group. Based on these results, the P2X7 receptor might be involved in DNP mediated by TRPV1.

Detrusor underactivity influences the efficacy of TURP in patients with BPO.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of detrusor underactivity on the efficacy of TURP in patients with benign prostate obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective study of 350 patients with benign prostate obstruction who underwent TURP was carried out. Different degrees of bladder outlet obstruction were grouped by the bladder outlet obstruction index. ROC curves were used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for the bladder contractility index used to divide the DU patients into mild DU and severe DU patients. The effect of DU on the efficacy of TURP in benign prostate obstruction patients was studied by comparing the subjective and objective parameters preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively between severe DU, mild DU and non-DU benign prostate obstruction patients in two obstruction groups (20 ≤ BOOI < 40 and BOOI ≥ 40). RESULTS: According to the ROC curve, the optimal cut-off point for the bladder contractility index was 82; thus, 69 patients were considered mild DU patients (82 ≤ BCI < 100), 67 patients were considered severe DU patients (BCI < 82), and 214 patients were considered non-DU patients (BCI ≥ 100). Both the postoperative subjective and objective parameters of the non-DU, mild DU and severe DU patients significantly improved in two obstruction groups. However, in the 20 ≤ BOOI < 40 group, the successful improvement rates for the IPSS, IPSS-S, IPSS-V, QoL and fQmax in the severe DU patients were only 38.2%, 38.2%, 44.1%, 41.2% and 38.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with varying degrees of benign prostate obstruction can benefit from TURP, but for patients with severe DU in the 20 ≤ BOOI < 40 group, TURP should be considered only after deliberation.

Direct Enamido C(sp2 )-H Diphosphorylation Enabled by a PCET-Triggered Double Radical Relay: Access to gem-Bisphosphonates.

Herein we report a novel and straightforward protocol for the construction of valuable gem-BPs by means of proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET)-triggered enamido C(sp2 )-H diphosphorylation. This reaction represents a rare example of realizing the challenging double C-P bond formation at a single carbon atom, thus providing facile access to a broad variety of structurally diverse bisphosphonates from simple enamides under silver-mediated conditions. Initial mechanistic studies demonstrated that the diphosphorylation involves two rounds of PCET-initiated radical relay process.

Comparison of Two Numerical Parameters to Assess Detrusor Contractility in Prognosing Short-Term Outcome after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the influence of two numerical detrusor contractility parameters, the bladder contractility index (BCI) and the maximum Watts factor (WFmax), on transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 236 patients who had undergone urodynamic assessment preoperatively and TURP for benign prostatic obstruction. They were evaluated by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Related criteria were established to determine the overall efficacy of TURP. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were made to investigate the influence of the BCI and WFmax on TURP efficacy. RESULTS: Among the 236 patients, 195 treatments were effective and 41 ineffective. Multivariate analysis showed that both the BCI (OR 1.038) and the WFmax (OR 1.291) could influence TURP efficacy. For predicting TURP efficacy, the optimal cut-off values of the BCI and WFmax were 98.7 and 10.27 W/m2, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of the BCI were 0.722, 78.5% and 61.0%; those of the WFmax were 0.761, 73.9% and 73.2%, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To some extent, the BCI and the WFmax can predict TURP efficacy equally well. A discrimination level of 10.27 W/m2 may be a threshold value for detrusor underactivity (DU); as regards the BCI, the current threshold value is appropriate to diagnose DU.

Human Umbilical Cord Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells May Attenuate Sarcopenia in Aged Mice Induced by Hindlimb Suspension.

BACKGROUND Since the use of human umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hWJ-MSCs) to treat sarcopenia has not been explored, we studied the effects of hWJ-MSCs in aged male C57BL/6J mice with sarcopenia induced by hindlimb suspension, and explored the potential mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS Hindlimb suspension was used to induce sarcopenia in 24-month-old C57BL/6J mice and green fluorescent protein-tagged hWJ-MSCs and controls were transplanted into mice via tail vein or local intramuscular injection. After hWJ-MSC transplantation, changes in whole body muscle strength and endurance, gastrocnemius muscle weight and myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were studied. Proliferation of skeletal muscle stem cell, apoptosis, and chronic inflammation were also investigated. RESULTS We demonstrated that whole body muscle strength and endurance, gastrocnemius muscle mass, and CSA were significantly increased in hWJ-MSC-transplanted mice than in controls (P<0.05). In hWJ-MSC-transplanted mice, apoptotic myonuclei was reduced, and BrdU and Pax-7 expression indices of gastrocnemius muscles were increased (P<0.05). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were downregulated, and IL-4 and IL-10 were upregulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS hWJ-MSCs may ameliorate sarcopenia in aged male C57BL/6J mice induced by hindlimb suspension, and this may be via activation of resident skeletal muscle satellite cells, reduction of apoptosis, and less chronic inflammation.

Effect of erythropoietin combined with hypothermia on serum tau protein levels and neurodevelopmental outcome in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Although hypothermia therapy is effective to treat neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, many neonatal patients die or suffer from severe neurological dysfunction. Erythropoietin is considered one of the most promising neuroprotective agents. We hypothesized that erythropoietin combined with hypothermia will improve efficacy of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treatment. In this study, 41 neonates with moderate/severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were randomly divided into a control group (hypothermia alone for 72 hours, n = 20) and erythropoietin group (hypothermia + erythropoietin 200 IU/kg for 10 days, n = 21). Our results show that compared with the control group, serum tau protein levels were lower and neonatal behavioral neurological assessment scores higher in the erythropoietin group at 8 and 12 days. However, neurodevelopmental outcome was similar between the two groups at 9 months of age. These findings suggest that erythropoietin combined with hypothermia reduces serum tau protein levels and improves neonatal behavioral neurology outcome but does not affect long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.

Process enhancement of supercritical methanol biodiesel production by packing beds.

Continuous fixed bed reactors filled by three kinds of packing which were glass bead, glass spring and Dixon rings were investigated. The effect of temperature, pressure, the molar ratio of methanol to oil, flow rate, the size and shape of the packing were researched. The highest yield 90.84% of FAME was obtained by filling Dixon rings as packing with the condition of the temperature was 350°C, the pressure was 22MPa, the molar ratio of methanol to oil was 42:1. In addition, the reusability of Dixon rings was perfect. Numerical simulation was researched to provide theoretical basis for experimental results, besides the kinetics and thermodynamics behavior were investigated to explore the reaction mechanism.

[Concentration Characteristics and Sources of Trace Metals in PM2.5 During Wintertime in Beijing].

To study the characteristics and sources of trace metals in PM2.5 during wintertime in Beijing, PM2.5 samples were collected from December 2014 to January 2015 by a middle volume sampler in the urban area of Beijing for 30 consecutive days. The mass concentration of PM2.5 was measured by filter membrane weighting method, and 16 kinds of trace metals were determined by inductively couple plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, the pollution characteristics and sources of trace metals were analyzed by enrichment factor (EF) method and factor analysis, respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of five elements (i. e. K, Ca, Fe, Al and Mg) accounted for 90.7% of the total metal elements. The concentrations of the metal elements changed obviously between day and night. Compared with daytime, crustal elements like Mg and Al decreased by more than 30% while anthropogenic elements like Cu and Pb increased by more than 40% in nighttime. Although the concentrations of metal elements increased by nearly one time in heavy pollution days compared with clean days, the mass percent of which in PM2.5 decreased from 10.9% in clean days to 4.6% in heavy pollution days. This result suggested the accumulation of metal elements in heavy pollution days had a minor contribution to the increased mass concentration of PM2.5. As the pollution episode progressed, anthropogenic elements (Cu,Zn,As,Se,Ag and Cd) increased faster than crustal elements (Al,Mg,Ca,Mn and Fe), which showed ratios ranging from 2.9 to 5.3 for anthropogenic elements and ratios ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 for crustal elements, when compared between heavy pollution days and clean days. In addition, the EF value of anthropogenic elements was also increased in the pollution days, indicating the concentrations of these elements was further influenced by the anthropogenic sources. Factor analysis showed that metal elements of PM2.5 during wintertime of Beijing were mainly from coal combustion and biomass burning, motor vehicle and industry emissions, and re-suspension of road dust, with the contributions of 34.2%,25.5% and 17.1%, respectively.