Cyclocodon lancifolius fruit prolongs the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via antioxidation and regulation of purine metabolism.

Cyclocodon lancifolius fruit is a promising commercial fruit with antioxidant activity and is rich in polyphenolic compounds. In this study, the anti-aging activity of C. lancifolius fruit extract (CF) on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was evaluated by observing the longevity, stress response, reproduction, oscillation, lipofuscin, and antioxidant enzymes of worms. Moreover, the effects and potential mechanisms of CF on delaying C. elegans senescence at the mRNA and metabolite levels were investigated. The results showed that CF treatment significantly increased the lifespan and stress resistance, decreased the levels of lipofuscin and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and improved the antioxidant system of C. elegans. The extension of the lifespan of C. elegans was remarkably correlated with the upregulation of mtl-1 and Hsp-16.2, along with the downregulation of age-1, daf-2, and akt-1. Metabolomics analysis revealed that purine metabolism is a key regulatory pathway for CF to exert anti-aging effects. The present study suggests that C. lancifolius fruit has potential for use as a functional food to enhance antioxidant capacity and delay aging.

Effect of Pilates combined with pelvic floor muscle training on continence of post-prostatectomy incontinence in patients with different body mass index.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence symptoms severely affect older people with different body mass index (BMI).To compare the efficacy of the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in patients with post-prostatectomy incontinence with different BMI. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with post-prostatectomy incontinence were included. They were divided into group A (BMI ≤ 25,12), group B (26 ≤ BMI ≤ 30,14), and group C (BMI ≥ 31,11) based on difference BMI. Three groups of patients underwent the same Pilates combined with kegel training. Participants were assessed with 1-hour pad test, the number of incontinence episodes, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire and Oxford Grading Scale. RESULTS: In the 1-hour pad test, the differences before and after training were statistically significant in all three groups of participants. Group A decreased from 81.83 ± 8.79 to 31.08 ± 5.64 g (P < 0.01). Group B decreased from 80.57 ± 8.87 to 35.85 ± 5.66 g (P < 0.01). Group C decreased from 83.55 ± 10.24 to 40.18 ± 7.01 g (P < 0.01). The number of incontinent episodes in group A decreased from 9.33 ± 1.07 to 3.25 ± 0.62 (P < 0.01). Group B decreased from 8.86 ± 1.09 to 3.79 ± 0.80 (P < 0.01). Group C decreased from 9.27 ± 1.10 to 4.09 ± 0.70 (P < 0.01). The correlation between the three groups of participants and the 1-hour pad test, with an R2 of 0.51. The correlation between the three groups of participants and the number of urinary incontinence episodes with a R2 of 0.43. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscle training can affect the recovery of urinary continence in patients with different BMI. Maintaining a lower BMI can be beneficial for improving urinary control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Date of trial registration: November 27, 2023.

Effects of staged multiple phytohormones application on capillary-driven attached Chlorella sp. biofilm.

Comparing with single phytohormone application, applying multiple phytohormones to microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems can offer more extensive growth-promoting and stress-protecting effects for microalgae, yet the advantage of stress-relieving salicylic acid (SA) under combined phytohormones application scenario has not been exploited. Employing the improved capillary-driven attached microalgae culturing device (CD-PBR) previously used for single phytohormone application, this study compared the effects of mixed and single phytohormone(s) addition under as low as 10-7 M dosage. In order to make the best of SA for its stress-relieving property, postponed SA addition combined with applying other phytohormone(s) at the beginning of microalgae cultivation was also investigated. Combination of 10-6 M 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) with 10-7 M SA was sufficient for enhancing growth-promoting effects and anti-oxidative responses for attached Chlorella sp., while indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) addition was unnecessary. Combination of 6-BA addition at the beginning while postponed SA addition on Day 4 could further sustain such beneficial effects, while removing up to 99.7% total nitrogen (TN) and 97.9% total phosphorus (TP) from the bulk liquid. These results provided innovative strategies on mixed phytohormones addition for microalgae.

Effects of environmental microplastic exposure on Chlorella sp. biofilm characteristics and its interaction with nitric oxide signaling.

Microalgal biofilm is promising in simultaneous pollutants removal, CO2 fixation, and biomass resource transformation when wastewater is used as culturing medium. Nitric oxide (NO) often accumulates in microalgal cells under wastewater treatment relevant abiotic stresses such as nitrogen deficiency, heavy metals, and antibiotics. However, the influence of emerging contaminants such as microplastics (MPs) on microalgal intracellular NO is still unknown. Moreover, the investigated MPs concentrations among existing studies were mostly several magnitudes higher than in real wastewaters, which could offer limited guidance for the effects of MPs on microalgae at environment-relevant concentrations. Therefore, this study investigated three commonly observed MPs in wastewater at environment-relevant concentrations (10-10,000 µg/L) and explored their impacts on attached Chlorella sp. growth characteristics, nutrients removal, and anti-oxidative responses (including intracellular NO content). The nitrogen source NO3--N at 49 mg/L being 20 % of the nitrogen strength in classic BG-11 medium was selected for MPs exposure experiments because of least intracellular NO accumulation, so that disturbance of intracellular NO by nitrogen availability could be avoided. Under such condition, 10 µg/L polyethylene (PE) MPs displayed most significant microalgal growth inhibition comparing with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (PA) MPs, showing extraordinarily low chlorophyll a/b ratios, and highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and intracellular NO content after 12 days of MPs exposure. PVC MPs exposed cultures displayed highest malonaldehyde (MDA) content because of the toxic characteristics of organochlorines, and most significant correlations of intracellular NO content with conventional anti-oxidative parameters of SOD, CAT (catalase), and MDA. MPs accelerated phosphorus removal, and the type rather than concentration of MPs displayed higher influences, following the trend of PE > PA > PVC. This study expanded the knowledge of microalgal biofilm under environment-relevant concentrations of MPs, and innovatively discovered the significance of intracellular NO as a more sensitive indicator than conventional anti-oxidative parameters under MPs exposure.

Elucidation of the genetic determination of clutch traits in Chinese local chickens of the Laiwu Black breed.

BACKGROUND: Egg laying rate (LR) is associated with a clutch, which is defined as consecutive days of oviposition. The clutch trait can be used as a selection indicator to improve egg production in poultry breeding. However, little is known about the genetic basis of clutch traits. In this study, our aim was to estimate genetic parameters and identify quantitative trait single nucleotide polymorphisms for clutch traits in 399 purebred Laiwu Black chickens (a native Chinese breed) using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). METHODS: In this work, after estimating the genetic parameters of age at first egg, body weight at first egg, LR, longest clutch until 52 week of age, first week when the longest clutch starts, last week when the longest clutch ends, number of clutches, and longest number of days without egg-laying until 52 week of age, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and potential candidate genes associated with clutch traits in Laiwu Black chickens. The restricted maximum likelihood method was used to estimate genetic parameters of clutch pattern in 399 Laiwu Black hens, using the GCTA software. RESULTS: The results showed that SNP-based heritability estimates of clutch traits ranged from 0.06 to 0.59. Genotyping data were obtained from whole genome re-sequencing data. After quality control, a total of 10,810,544 SNPs remained to be analyzed. The GWAS revealed that 421 significant SNPs responsible for clutch traits were scattered on chicken chromosomes 1-14, 17-19, 21-25, 28 and Z. Among the annotated genes, NELL2, SMYD9, SPTLC2, SMYD3 and PLCL1 were the most promising candidates for clutch traits in Laiwu Black chickens. CONCLUSION: The findings of this research provide critical insight into the genetic basis of clutch traits. These results contribute to the identification of candidate genes and variants. Genes and SNPs potentially provide new avenues for further research and would help to establish a framework for new methods of genomic prediction, and increase the accuracy of estimated genetic merit for egg production and clutch traits.

Characteristic volatiles fingerprints in olive vegetable stored at different conditions by HS-GC-IMS.

The olive vegetable is popular food owing to its unique flavor. This study innovatively used headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry to evaluate olive vegetables' volatiles under different conditions. A total of 57 volatile compounds were determined from olive vegetables, including 30 aldehydes, 8 ketones, 5 alcohols, 2 esters, 8 hydrocarbons, 1 furans, 3 sulfur compounds. The PCA distinguished the olive vegetable stored at different conditions by volatiles. The gallery plot showed that olive vegetables stored at 4 °C for 21 d produced more limonene, which had a desirable fruity odor. The (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-pentenal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 5-methylfurfural, and heptanal in fresh olive vegetables were lowest and increased with storage time. Furthermore, the change of volatiles was the least when the olive vegetable was stored at 0 °C. This study can provide theoretical bases for improving the flavor quality of olive vegetables and developing traditional food for standardized industrial production.

Effect of Internet combined with pelvic floor muscle training on postpartum urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urinary incontinence is one of the most common complications associated with parturition or child delivery. The Internet combined with pelvic floor training may be a good way to reduce the spread of the epidemic and treat postpartum incontinence. METHODS: A total of 38 participants were randomly assigned to Kegel alone (group A = 14), Internet plus Kegel (group B = 12), or Internet plus Pilates (group C = 12). We used the 1-h pad test, the number of episodes of incontinence, the number of pads used, the Oxford Scale, and The International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire for evaluation. RESULTS: In the 1-h pad test (g), group A decreased from 40.93 ± 4.66 to 24.00 ± 3.94, group B from 41.75 ± 3.62 to 20.67 ± 3.89, and group C from 40.33 ± 3.89 to 18.67 ± 3.55. In the number of episodes of incontinence, group A decreased from 4.71 ± 1.13 to 2.93 ± 0.62, group B from 4.92 ± 1.16 to 2.42 ± 0.52, and group C from 4.92 ± 1.08 to 2.08 ± 0.52. In the use of urinary pads, group A decreased from 7.14 ± 0.95 to 3.50 ± 0.52, group B from 7.25 ± 0.75 to 3.00 ± 0.95, and group C from 7.42 ± 1.08 to 2.50 ± 0.67. In the Oxford Scale and International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form, the difference among the three groups before and after treatment was statistically significant. After 6 weeks of pelvic floor muscle training, most patients achieved grade 3 or higher muscle strength on the Oxford scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Internet combined with pelvic floor training is a good choice during the current pandemic. Pelvic floor exercises can improve urinary incontinence symptoms.

Effect of different postures of Pilates combined with Kegel training on pelvic floor muscle strength in post-prostatectomy incontinence.

PURPOSE: Urinary incontinence seriously affects the daily ability of older males. This study compared the effect of different postures of Pilates combined with Kegel training on pelvic floor muscle strength in post-prostatectomy incontinence. METHODS: We included 38 valid samples [group A = 13 (less than 3 months after surgery), group B = 15 (4-6 months after surgery), group C = 10 (more than 6 months after surgery)] and surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record the maximum, and root mean square values of participants in the three groups under four postures. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the maximum and mean values among the three groups. In group A, the mean values were 13.04 ± 1.56, 16.98 ± 1.76, 41.58 ± 4.17, and 24.53 ± 2.45 (P < 0.01), respectively. In group B, the mean values were 13.85 ± 1.55, 18.63 ± 1.44, 45.87 ± 3.31, and 28.63 ± 2.02 (P < 0.01), respectively. In group C, the mean values were 14.80 ± 1.32, 19.59 ± 1.55, 47.85 ± 5.05, and 30.11 ± 2.26 (P < 0.01), respectively. The mean and peak values of surface EMG in the three groups correlated with the four basic movements. R2 values were 0.76 and 0.85, 0.77 and 0.88, 0.77 and 0.91, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pilates with Kegel training was superior to Kegel training alone in unit recruitment ability of the pelvic floor muscles. Pilates training in different positions is recommended according to the patient's condition.

Effects of Biofeedback Combined With Pilates Training on Post-prostatectomy Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effect of Pilates training combined with biofeedback training, Kegel training combined with biofeedback training, and Kegel training alone on post-prostatectomy incontinence in male patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. The changes occurring to the 3 groups before and after treatment and the differences between the 3 groups were assessed using a 1-hour pad test, number of incontinent episodes, the ICIQ questionnaire, and the Oxford Grading Scale. The 3 groups were required to undergo daily training for an 8-week period. RESULTS: At 8 weeks, groups A, B and C experienced a 34.3%, 61.9%, and 67% improvement in the 1-hour pad test, respectively, and 32.1%, 52.9%, and 58.8% reduction in the number of urinary incontinence episodes, respectively, and a 29.4%, 50%, and 64.7% reduction in the ICIQ Scale, respectively, and a 33.3%, 50%, and 50% in Oxford Grading Scale improvement, respectively. The graph results showed that the effect was noted after 3 weeks of treatment and a significant effect occurred by the eighth week of treatment. CONCLUSION: Three methods were shown to optimize urinary continence and pelvic floor muscle strength of patients with post-prostatectomy incontinence. The treatment effect of group C was better than group B, but there was no statistically significant difference in the 1-hour pad tests. It is particularly important to understand the time sensitivity for patient training.

Genomes of 12 fig wasps provide insights into the adaptation of pollinators to fig syconia.

Figs and fig pollinators are one of the few classic textbook examples of obligate pollination mutualism. The specific dependence of fig pollinators on the relatively safe living environment with sufficient food sources in the enclosed fig syconia implies that they are vulnerable to habitat changes. However, there is still no extensive genomic evidence to reveal the evolutionary footprint of this long-term mutually beneficial symbiosis in fig pollinators. In fig syconia, there are also non-pollinator species. The non-pollinator species differ in their evolutionary and life histories from pollinators. We conducted comparative analyses on 11 newly sequenced fig wasp genomes and one previously published genome. The pollinators colonized the figs approximately 66.9 million years ago, consistent with the origin of host figs. Compared with non-pollinators, many more genes in pollinators were subject to relaxed selection. Seven genes were absent in pollinators in response to environmental stress and immune activation. Pollinators had more streamlined gene repertoires in the innate immune system, chemosensory toolbox, and detoxification system. Our results provide genomic evidence for the differentiation between pollinators and nonpollinators. The data suggest that owing to the long-term adaptation to the fig, some genes related to functions no longer required are absent in pollinators.

[Protective effect of serum containing ginseng and Moutan Cortex on HUVEC injured by H_2O_2].

This study aimed to investigate the effect of serum containing ginseng and Moutan Cortex on human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) injured with hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2). HUVEC injured with H_2O_2 were divided into 6 groups, namely blank group, model group, ginsenoside(TGG) group, total glucosides of Moutan Cortex(TGM) group, paeonol(P) group and TGG+TGM+P group. After 24 hours of co-culture with H_2O_2, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase(SDH) and Ca~(2+)-Mg~(2+)-ATP were detected by microenzyme labeling. The apoptosis rate, intracellular Ca~(2+) concentration, reactive oxygen species(ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential(JC-1) were detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were detected by Western blot. The results showed that H_2O_2 could significantly damage HUVEC, decrease the activity of SDH and Ca~(2+)-Mg~(2+)-ATP(P<0.01), while could increase the apoptosis+necrosis rate, JC-1 decline rate, ROS increase rate and Ca~(2+) concentration increase rate(P<0.01). Serum containing ginseng and Moutan Cortex could increase the activities of SDH and Ca~(2+)-Mg~(2+)-ATP to different degrees, decrease the apoptosis+necrosis rate, JC-1 decline rate, ROS increase rate and Ca~(2+) concentration increase rate(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expressions of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, cytochrome C, and up-regulate the protein expression of Bcl-2. The results showed that serum containing ginseng and Moutan Cortex has a protective effect on vascular endothelial cell injury induced by ROS, and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of mitochondrial function and the inhibition of the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Inferring the Phylogenetic Positions of Two Fig Wasp Subfamilies of Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae Using Transcriptomes and Mitochondrial Data.

Fig wasps are a group of insects (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) that live in the compact syconia of fig trees (Moraceae: Ficus). Accurate classification and phylogenetic results are very important for studies of fig wasps, but the taxonomic statuses of some fig wasps, especially the non-pollinating subfamilies are difficult to determine, such as Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae. To resolve the taxonomic statuses of Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae, we obtained transcriptomes and mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) data for four species of fig wasps. These newly added data were combined with the data of 13 wasps (data on 11 fig wasp species were from our laboratory and two wasp species were download from NCBI). Based on the transcriptome and genome data, we obtained 145 single-copy orthologous (SCO) genes in 17 wasp species, and based on mitogenome data, we obtained 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) for each of the 17 wasp species. Ultimately, we used 145 SCO genes, 13 mitochondrial PCGs and combined SCO genes and mitochondrial genes data to reconstruct the phylogenies of fig wasps using both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses. Our results suggest that both Epichrysomallinae and Sycophaginae are more closely related to Agaonidae with a high statistical support.

Discovery of Polyoxypregnane Derivatives From Aspidopterys obcordata With Their Potential Antitumor Activity.

The bioassay-guided phytochemical study of an ethnic medicinal plant Aspidopterys obcorda ta Hemsl. var. obcordata results in the isolation of eight new polyoxypregnane derivatives, named aspidatasides A-H (1-8), along with ten known analogs (9-18). The series polyoxypregnane derivatives were screened for their cytoxic activity against HL-60 cells, and compound 2 showed the highest potency with an IC50 8.03 µM. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies displayed that the sugar chain and double bond could notably impact their biological activity.

Tracking the Distribution and Burst of Nuclear Mitochondrial DNA Sequences (NUMTs) in Fig Wasp Genomes.

Mitochondrial DNA sequences can be transferred into the nuclear genome, giving rise to nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs). NUMTs have been described in numerous eukaryotes. However, the studies on the distribution of NUMTs and its influencing factors are still inadequate and even controversial. Previous studies have suggested that Hymenoptera may be a group rich in NUMTs, in which we selected 11 species of fig wasps (Chalcidoidea, Hymenoptera) to analyze the distribution and evolution of NUMTs at the genomic level. The results showed that the contents of NUMTs varied greatly in these species, and bursts of NUMTs existed in some species or lineages. Further detailed analyses showed that the large number of NUMTs might be related to the large genomes; NUMTs tended to be inserted into unstable regions of the genomes; and the inserted NUMTs might also be affected by transposable elements (TEs) in the neighbors, leading to fragmentations and duplications, followed by bursts of NUMTs. In summary, our results suggest that a variety of genomic environmental factors can determine the insertion and post-insertion fate of NUMTs, resulting in their species- or lineage-specific distribution patterns, and that studying the evolution of NUMTs can provide good evidence and theoretical basis for exploring the dynamics of exogenous DNA entering into the nuclear genome.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Serum of Obese Patients by Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantification (iTRAQ)-Coupled 2D LC-MS.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify the differentially expressed proteins of obese patients compared with normal participants and to provide a potential target for future investigation of obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 10 obese male adults and 10 matched normal subjects. Serum samples were collected to get total protein extraction, denaturation, deoxidation, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Differentially expressed proteins were distinguished with mass spectrometry after samples were labeled with iTRAQ. RESULTS A total of 9622 differentially expressed peptides were identified, corresponding to 733 proteins; 118 proteins of these showed significant differential expression, with 15 upregulated and 103 downregulated. CONCLUSIONS iTRAQ is an effective technique to identify differentially expressed proteins in obese patients. The development of obesity is correlated with a series of complex elements and mutual effects. The proteins identified in this study may provide novel directions and targets for future pathological studies of obesity.

miR-30-5p-mediated ferroptosis of trophoblasts is implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Oxidative stress is a major cause of adverse outcomes in preeclampsia (PE). Ferroptosis, i.e. programmed cell death from iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, likely mediates PE pathogenesis. We evaluated specific markers for ferroptosis in normal and PE placental tissues, using in vitro (trophoblasts) and in vivo (rat) models. Increase in malondialdehyde content and total Fe2+ along with reduced the glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity was observed in PE placenta. While the trophoblasts experienced death under hypoxia, inhibitors of ferroptosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis increased the cell viability. Microarrays, bioinformatic analysis, and luciferase reporter assay revealed that upregulation of miR-30b-5p in PE models plays a pivotal role in ferroptosis, by downregulating Cys2/glutamate antiporter and PAX3 and decreasing ferroportin 1 (an iron exporter) expression, resulting in decreased GSH and increased labile Fe2+. Inhibition of miR-30b-5p expression and supplementation with ferroptosis inhibitors attenuated the PE symptoms in rat models, making miR-30b-5p a potential therapeutic target for PE.

Two new polyoxy steroidal glycosides from the roots of Dregea sinensis Hemsl.

Two new polyoxy steroidal glycosides, named as 11- O-α-acetyl-12-O-ß-tigloyl- 3ß,14ß-dihydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one-3-O-ß-D-oleadropyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-allopyanoside (1) and 11- O-α-acetyl -12-O-ß-benzoate-3ß, 14ß-dihydroxy-pregn-5-en- 20-one-3-O-ß-D-oleadropyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-D-6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-allopyanoside (2) were isolated from the roots of Dregea sinensis Hemsl. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic techniques including UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR. All the two compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity in vitro, and the result showed that compounds 1-2 displayed moderated cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cell line with IC50 values of 18.4 µM and 23.9 µM, respectively. [Formula: see text].

HOXD8/DIAPH2-AS1 epigenetically regulates PAX3 and impairs HTR-8/SVneo cell function under hypoxia.

The present study aimed to unravel the molecular basis underlying PAX3 down-regulation, known to be involved in pre-eclampsia (PE) occurrence and development. Data obtained from databases suggested that Pax3 methylation levels in the promoter region are high in the placentas of PE patients. However, the expression of methylation-adjusting enzymes, including DNMT1, LSD1, and EZH2, did not change. Since lncRNAs enhance the function of methylation-related enzymes independently of expression, we selected three lncRNAs, RP11-269F21.2, DIAPH2-AS1, and RP11-445K13.2, predicted to interact with methylation-adjusting enzymes. Two transcription factors, HOXD8 and Lhx3, predicted to regulate the expression of lncRNAs, were also selected. Using RNA interference technology, HOXD8 and Lhx3 were found to positively regulate DIAPH2-AS1 and RP11-445K13.2 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays determined that DIAPH2-AS1 recruited LSD1 to histone 3, increasing DNMT1 stability at H3. The HOXD8/DIAPH2-AS1 network regulated HTR-8/SVneo cell function under hypoxia by epigenetically regulating PAX3. This regulatory network may thus be responsible for PAX3 down-regulation in the placentas of PE patients.

Application of iTRAQ proteomics in identification of the differentially expressed proteins of placenta of pregnancy with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the differential protein profile of preeclampsia and identify its potential biomarker. METHODS: Around 20 pregnant women with preeclampsia (preeclampsia group) and 20 normal-term pregnancy (normal group) were collected from 2017 to 2018 in the study. Total protein of placenta tissues was extracted, denaturized, deoxidized, and enzymolyzed. The sample was labeled with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and analyzed with mass spectrum to identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS: There were 37 proteins, which were differentially expressed with significance (P < 0.05). Among them, 17 proteins were upregulated and 20 proteins were downregulated with significance in the placenta of preeclampsia group compared with control group, those proteins may have an induction or protection function during the development of preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: iTRAQ technology can effectively screen the differentially expressed proteins in the placenta, which can effectively diagnose the preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Direct visualizations of air flow in the human upper airway using in-vitro models.

A better understanding of airflow characteristics in the upper airway (UA) is crucial in investigating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particle sedimentation, drug delivery, and many biomedical problems. Direct visualization of air flow patterns in in-vitro models with realistic anatomical structures is a big challenge. In this study, we constructed unique half-side transparent physical models of normal UA based on realistic anatomical structures. A smoke-wire method was developed to visualize the air flow in UA models directly. The results revealed that the airflow through the pharynx was laminar but not turbulent under normal inspiration, which suggested that compared with turbulent models, a laminar model should be more suitable in numerical simulations. The flow predicted numerically using the laminar model was consistent with the observations in the physical models. The comparison of the velocity fields predicted numerically using the half-side and complete models confirmed that it was reasonable to investigate the flow behaviors in UA using the half-side model. Using the laminar model, we simulated the flow and evaluated the effects of UA narrowing caused by rostral fluid shift on pharyngeal resistance. The results suggested that fluid shift could play an important role in the formation of hypopnea or OSA during sleep.