The residual risk of inflammation and remnant cholesterol in acute coronary syndrome patients on statin treatment undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Residual risk assessment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients after sufficient medical management remains challenging. The usefulness of measuring high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and remnant cholesterol (RC) in assessing the level of residual inflammation risk (RIR) and residual cholesterol risk (RCR) for risk stratification in these patients needs to be evaluated. METHODS: Patients admitted for ACS on statin treatment who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between March 2016 and March 2019 were enrolled in the analysis. The included patients were stratified based on the levels of hsCRP and RC during hospitalization. The primary outcome was ischemic events at 12 months, defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. The secondary outcomes included 12-month all-cause death and cardiac death. RESULTS: Among the 5778 patients, the median hsCRP concentration was 2.60 mg/L and the median RC concentration was 24.98 mg/dL. The RIR was significantly associated with ischemic events (highest hsCRP tertile vs. lowest hsCRP tertile, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.30, P = 0.046), cardiac death (aHR: 1.77, 95% CI:1.02-3.07, P = 0.0418) and all-cause death (aHR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.24-3.24, P = 0.0048). The RCR was also significantly associated with these outcomes, with corresponding values for the highest tertile of RC were 1.81 (1.21-2.73, P = 0.0043), 2.76 (1.57-4.86, P = 0.0004), and 1.72 (1.09-2.73, P = 0.0208), respectively. The risks of ischemic events (aHR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.75-4.49, P < 0.0001), cardiac death (aHR: 4.10, 95% CI: 2.18-7.70, P < 0.0001), and all-cause death (aHR: 3.00, 95% CI, 1.73-5.19, P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in patients with both RIR and RCR (highest hsCRP and RC tertile) than in patients with neither RIR nor RCR (lowest hsCRP and RC tertile). Notably, the RIR and RCR was associated with an increased risk of ischemic events especially in patients with adequate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control (LDL-C < 70 mg/dl) (Pinteraction=0.04). Furthermore, the RIR and RCR provide more accurate evaluations of risk in addition to the GRACE score in these patients [areas under the curve (AUC) for ischemic events: 0.64 vs. 0.66, P = 0.003]. CONCLUSION: Among ACS patients receiving contemporary statin treatment who underwent PCI, high risks of both residual inflammation and cholesterol, as assessed by hsCRP and RC, were strongly associated with increased risks of ischemic events, cardiac death, and all-cause death.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Mainland Chinese version of the manchester orofacial pain disability scale (MOPDS) among college students.

BACKGROUND: Orofacial pain (OFP) is a highly prevalent disorder in mainland China that predisposes to an associated physical and psychological disability. There is lack of a good properties mainland Chinese version of instrument to examine OFP. This study aims to cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate psychometrics properties of the Manchester Orofacial Pain Disability Scale (MOPDS) in mainland Chinese Mandarin context. METHODS: Translation and cross-cultural adaption of the mainland Chinese version MOPDS were conducted following accepted guidelines of self-report measures. Chinese college students (N = 1039) completed the mainland Chinese version of the MOPDS for item analysis, reliability and validity tests, and measurement invariance analysis, and after a one-month interval, around 10% of the sample (n = 110) were invited to retest. To conduct the CFA and measurement invariance analysis, Mplus 8.4 was used. IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software were used for all additional studies. RESULTS: We found that the mainland Chinese version of MOPDS contains 25 items, divided into two categories: physical disability and psychological disability. The scale demonstrated excellent internal reliability, test-retest reliability, and validity. The measurement invariance results proved that the scale could be applied to people of different gender, age, and health consultation status. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated the mainland Chinese version of MOPDS has good psychometric properties and can be used to measure the level of physical and psychological disability of Chinese OFP peoples.

Echocardiography-based machine learning algorithm for distinguishing ischemic cardiomyopathy from dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning (ML) can identify and integrate connections among data and has the potential to predict events. Heart failure is primarily caused by cardiomyopathy, and different etiologies require different treatments. The present study examined the diagnostic value of a ML algorithm that combines echocardiographic data to automatically differentiate ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: We retrospectively collected the echocardiographic data of 200 DCM patients and 199 ICM patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between July 2016 and March 2022. All patients underwent invasive coronary angiography for diagnosis of ICM or DCM. The data were randomly divided into a training set and a test set via 10-fold cross-validation. Four ML algorithms (random forest, logistic regression, neural network, and XGBoost [ML algorithm under gradient boosting framework]) were used to generate a training model for the optimal subset, and the parameters were optimized. Finally, model performance was independently evaluated on the test set, and external validation was performed on 79 patients from another center. RESULTS: Compared with the logistic regression model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.925), neural network model (AUC = 0.893), and random forest model (AUC = 0.900), the XGBoost model had the best identification rate, with an average sensitivity of 72% and average specificity of 78%. The average accuracy was 75%, and the AUC of the optimal subset was 0.934. External validation produced an AUC of 0.804, accuracy of 78%, sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 93%. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that utilizing advanced ML algorithms can help to differentiate ICM from DCM and provide appreciable precision for etiological diagnosis and individualized treatment of heart failure patients.

Tooth ultrastructure changes induced by a nonsense mutation in the FAM83H gene: insights into the diversity of amelogenesis imperfecta.

OBJECTIVES: The current research on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutation sites at different positions of the FAM83H gene and their phenotypic changes leading to amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is inconsistent. We identified a previously reported heterozygous nonsense mutation c.1192C>T (p.Q398*) in the FAM83H gene and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the dental ultrastructure and chemical composition changes induced by this mutation. Additionally, we predicted the protein feature affected by this mutation site. The aim was to further deepen our understanding of the diversity of AI caused by different mutation sites in the FAM83H gene. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the mutation sites. Physical features of the patient's teeth were investigated using various methods including cone beam computer tomography (CBCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact profilometry (roughness measurement), and a nanomechanical tester (nanoindentation measurement). The protein features of wild-type and mutant FAM83H were predicted using bioinformatics methods. RESULTS: One previously discovered FAM83H heterozygous nonsense mutation c.1192C>T (p.Q398*) was detected in the patient. SEM revealed inconsistent dentinal tubules, and EDS showed that calcium and phosphorus were lower in the patient's dentin but higher in the enamel compared to the control tooth. Roughness measurements showed that AI patients' teeth had rougher occlusal surfaces than those of the control tooth. Nanoindentation measurements showed that the enamel and dentin hardness values of the AI patients' teeth were both significantly reduced compared to those of the control tooth. Compared to the wild-type FAM83H protein, the mutant FAM83H protein shows alterations in stability, hydrophobicity, secondary structure, and tertiary structure. These changes could underlie functional differences and AI phenotype variations caused by this mutation site. CONCLUSIONS: This study expands the understanding of the effects of FAM83H mutations on tooth structure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of AI and may contribute to improved diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies for patients with FAM83H-related AI.

Factorial structure and measurement invariance of the Chinese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 among clinical populations and non-clinical populations: an evidence for public oral investigations.

OBJECTIVE: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a multidimensional concept that is commonly used to examine the impact of oral health status on quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the optimal factor model of the Chinese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire in clinical populations, measurement invariance across clinical status and gender cohorts. This would ensure equal validity of the Chinese version of OHIP-14 in different populations and further support public oral investigations. METHODS: The Chinese version of OHIP-14 was used to investigate 490 dental patients and 919 college students. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), item analysis and reliability, measurement invariance, and the t-test were used for data analyses. RESULTS: We found that the 7-factor structure had the best-fit index in the sample (CFI = 0.970, TLI = 0.952; SRMR = 0.029, RMSEA = 0.052(0.040,0.063)). The reliability of the scales was satisfactory (Cronbach's α = 0.942). The error variance invariance fitted the data adequately in measurement invariance, indicating that measurement invariance is acceptable both across the clinical and non-clinical populations (∆CFI=-0.017, ∆RMSEA = 0.010) and across genders in the clinical population (∆CFI = 0.000, ∆RMSEA=-0.003). T-test for scores showed that the clinical populations scored significantly higher than the non-clinical populations, as did the overall score (t = 7.046, p < 0.001, d = 0.396), in terms of functional limitation (t = 2.178, p = 0.030, d = 0.125), physical pain (t = 7.880, p < 0.001,d = 0.436), psychological discomfort (t = 8.993, p < 0.001, d = 0.514), physical disability (t = 6.343, p < 0.001, d = 0.358), psychological disability (t = 5.592, p < 0.001, d = 0.315), social disability (t = 5.301, p < 0.001,d = 0.304), social handicap (t = 4.452, p < 0.001, d = 0.253), and that in the non-clinical populations, females scored significantly higher than males, as did in terms of physical pain (t = 3.055, p = 0.002, d = 0.280), psychological discomfort (t = 2.478, p = 0.014, d = 0.222), and psychological disability (t = 2.067, p = 0.039, d = 0.188). CONCLUSION: This study found that the Chinese version of OHIP-14 has measurement invariance between the clinical and non-clinical populations and across genders in the clinical populations, and can be widely used in OHRQoL assessment for public oral investigations.

Machine learning to predict no reflow and in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction that underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The machine learning algorithm (MLA) was implemented to establish an optimal model to predict the no reflow (NR) process and in-hospital death that occurred in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: The data were obtained retrospectively from 854 STEMI patients who underwent pPCI. MLA was applied to predict the potential NR phenomenon and confirm the in-hospital mortality. A random sampling method was used to split the data into the training (66.7%) and testing (33.3%) sets. The final results were an average of 10 repeated procedures. The area under the curve (AUC) and the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the receiver operator characteristic were measured. RESULTS: A random forest algorithm (RAN) had optimal discrimination for the NR phenomenon with an AUC of 0.7891 (95% CI: 0.7093-0.8688) compared with 0.6437 (95% CI: 0.5506-0.7368) for the decision tree (CTREE), 0.7488 (95% CI: 0.6613-0.8363) for the support vector machine (SVM), and 0.681 (95% CI: 0.5767-0.7854) for the neural network algorithm (NNET). The optimal RAN AUC for in-hospital mortality was 0.9273 (95% CI: 0.8819-0.9728), for SVM, 0.8935 (95% CI: 0.826-0.9611); NNET, 0.7756 (95% CI: 0.6559-0.8952); and CTREE, 0.7885 (95% CI: 0.6738-0.9033). CONCLUSIONS: The MLA had a relatively higher performance when evaluating the NR risk and in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI and could be utilized in clinical decision making.

[Study on lignans from Xanthii Fructus].

This project is to investigate lignans from the dried fruits of Xanthium sibiricum (Xanthii Fructus). The chemical constituents were extract by 70% ethanol and isolated by silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, MCI column chromatography. Based on comparison of their spectral data with those reported in literature, they were elucidated as (-)-pinoresinol (1), balanophonin A (2), diospyrosin (3), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (4), 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-1-propanol (5), (-)-simulanol (6), (-)-7R,8S-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (7), chushizisin E (8), dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (9), 7R,8S-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (10), erythro-1,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-propanediol (11), leptolepisol D (12), 8-O-4' neolignan 4-O-ß-glucopyranoside (13), (-)-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-2-{2-methoxy-4-[1-(E)-propen-3-ol]phenoxyl}-propane-3-ol(14), 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy)-phenyl-2-[4-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)-2-methoxy]-phenoxy-1,3-propandiol (15), threo-dihydroxy dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (16), (-)-(2R)-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-2-{2-methoxy-4-[(E)-formylviny1]phenoxyl} propane-3-ol (17). Compound 2-17 were isolated from the genus Xanthium for the first time. Compound 1 were isolated form Xanthii Fructus for the first time.

Activation of Cdk5/p25 and tau phosphorylation following chronic brain hypoperfusion in rats involves microRNA-195 down-regulation.

Chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) is a common clinical feature of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Our previous study reported that the down-regulation of microRNA-195 (miR-195) promotes amyloidogenesis via regulation of amyloid precursor protein and ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression at the post-transcriptional level in CBH rats with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO). CBH owing to unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAO) increases tau phosphorylation levels at multiple phosphorylation sites in the brain, but the molecular mechanism is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether miR-195 could both deregulate amyloid metabolism and indirectly deregulate tau phosphorylation in CBH. We observed that 2VO leads to tau hyperphosphorylation at Ser202/Thr205, Ser262, Thr231, and Ser422 and to the conversion from cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)/p35 to Cdk5/p25 in rat hippocampi. Endogenous miR-195 was knocked down using over-expression of its antisense molecule (pre-AMO-miR-195) via a lentivirus (lenti-pre-AMO-miR-195); this knockdown increased the tau phosphorylation at Ser202/Thr205, Ser262, Thr231, Ser422, and the Cdk5/p25 activation, but over-expression of miR-195 using lenti-pre-miR-195 decreased the tau phosphorylation and Cdk5/p25 activation. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that miR-195 over-expression prevented tau hyperphosphorylation and Cdk5/p35 activity, which were increased by miR-195 inhibition. A dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-195 bound to the Cdk5r1 gene, which encodes p35 protein, in the 3'UTR and inhibited p35 expression. We concluded that tau hyperphosphorylation involves the down-regulation of miR-195, which is mediated by Cdk5/p25 activation in 2VO rats. Our findings demonstrated that down-regulation of miR-195 led to increased vulnerability via the regulation of multiple targets. Schematic diagram of miR-195 mediated Aß aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation in chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH). First, CBH results in the elevation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which binds with the promoter sequences of miR-195 and negatively regulates the expression of miR-195. Second, down-regulated miR-195 induces up-regulation of APP and BACE1 and leads to an increase in Aß levels. Third, some of the elevated Aß then enter the intracellular space and activate calpain, which promotes the conversion of Cdk5/p35 to Cdk5/p25 and catalyzes the degradation of IκB; IκB is an inhibitor of NF-κB, which activates NF-κB. Cdk5/p25 directly phosphorylates Tau. Fourth, down-regulated miR-195 induces an up-regulation of p35, which provides the active substrates of p25. Our findings demonstrated that the down-regulation of miR-195 plays a key role in the increased vulnerability to dementia via the regulation of multiple targets following CBH.

[Effect of CCM3 gene defect on lead-induced cell genotoxicity in mouse embryonic fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of CCM3 gene defection on lead induced cell genotoxicity in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. METHODS: C57 female mice were mated with CCM3 gene heterozygous male mice. E13.5 embryos were taken to isolate primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts. After genotyping, wild type and heterozygous cells were treated with different doses of lead acetate. Cell viability, genotoxicity and protein expression were detected by MTS assay, CB micronucleus method and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Mouse embryonic fibroblasts with lead acetate treatment for 24 h, wild-type cells 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate-treated group (69.16±1.36) and the control group (100.00±2.33) compared to cells decreased by 30%, CCM3 heterozygous type cell 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate-treated group (87.16±5.50) and the control group (100.00±2.06) compared to cells decreased by 13%, the difference was statistically significant (F values were 98.59, 82.63, P<0.001). Lead acetate treatment after 48 h, wild-type cells 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate-treated group (51.99±5.62) and the control group (100.00±3.11) compared to cells decreased by 50%, heterozygous type cells 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate treatment group (66.33±4.06) and the control group (100.00±5.72) compared to cells decreased by 35%, the differences were statistically significant (F values were 82.63, 36.86, P < 0.001). The results of CBMN test showed that with increased dose, micronucleus cell rate of two genotypes showed an increasing trend, in the wild-type cells, the micronucleus cell rate (/1 000) for the control group, 29.6±2.2, 6.25 µmol/L dose group 47.3±6.6, 25 µmol/L dose group 55.5±9.1, 100.00 µmol/L dose group 66.8±3.5; heterozygous cells micronucleus cell rate (/1 000) for the control group, 35.3±5.6, 6.25 µmol/L dose of 50.0±8.3, 25.00 µmol/L dose group 57.0±8.5, 100.00 µmol/L dose group 58.8±2.1. Micronucleus cell rates (/1 000) were significant differences, in 100.00 µmol/L dose groups of two genotypes. Western blot results showed that wild-type cells CCM3 expression 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate-treated group (0.70±0.03) was 1.32 times higher than the control group (0.53±0.07), heterozygous cells CCM3 expression 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate-treated group (0.48±0.02) was 1.77 times higher than control group that of 0.27±0.04, there was statistically significant difference (F values were 14.77, 25.74, P < 0.001); wild-type cells γ-H2AX expression 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate-treated group (0.69±0.03) was 1.06 times higher than the control group (0.65±0.07), heterozygous cells γ-H2AX expression 100.00 µmol/L lead acetate-treated group (0.99±0.04) was 1.55 times higher than the control group CCM3 expression levels (0.64±0.06), there was statistically significant difference (wild-type cells: F = 7.08, P = 0.012, heterozygous type cell: F = 13.49, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: CCM3 gene may play a role in lead-induced genetic toxicity of mouse embryonic fibroblasts, CCM3 gene-lead interactions effects on mouse embryonic fibroblasts cell toxicity.

[Therapeutic Material Basis of Chemical Subdivisions of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma on Anti-inflammatory and Immunomudulatory Effects].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between chemical subdivision and immune suppressive activity in order to find out the anti-inflammatory and immunomudulatory pharmacological activity material basic of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma. METHOD: C57 mice was induced by 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene to build immune inflammation which was also called contact allergic dermatitis. The influence of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma decoction and chemical subdivisions on immune organ, ear edema and the Th1/Th2 immune balance was measured by analytical balance and Elisa method. The inflammatory factor TNF-α and NO level excreted by macrophage RAW264. 7 induced by LPS were also investigated. RESULT: AA decoction, timosaponin and polysaccharides significantly reduced the immune organ index and ear edema degree (P < 0.05), protein expression of IFN-γ was inhibited by AA timosaponin fraction and polysaccharides fraction. In vitro experiments showed that the proliferation of spleen cells was inhibited by timosaponin and polysaccharides after induced by ConA (P < 0.05). The release of NO and TNF-α induced by LPS significantly decreased by Anemarrhenae Rhizoma decoction and timosaponin (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The significant anti-inflammatory and immunomudu latory effects of AA are related to timosaponin and polysaccharides.

[Exploring effective components of laxative effect of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma based on Chinese herbal processing theory].

Anemarrhena asphodeloides processed by salt and raw product was compared including both chemical composition and laxative function in order to find the possible active substance to cure constipation. Processed and raw Anemarrhenae laxative effect on experimental constipation models was observed as well as chemical composition using UPLC-MS technology and the total sugar content was determined by phenol sulfuric acid method. Processed Anemarrhenae water extract improved excrement more than raw which has significant difference compared with the blank group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the total ion flow spectrum showed no significant difference in most substance, but the total sugar content was significantly higher than raw product. Anemarrhenae ancient be recognized benefitting for draining body water in traditional Chinese medicine which has been lost in modern books because it is manifested as excellent laxative effect not diuretic effect. Saccharides carbohydrate may have closely relationship with this magically effect.

MicroRNA-195 protects against dementia induced by chronic brain hypoperfusion via its anti-amyloidogenic effect in rats.

Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) causes Aß aggregation by upregulating expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and ß-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) protein, which is accompanied by cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of microRNA on memory impairment in rats induced by CBH. We show here that CBH generated by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) significantly decreased the learning and memory ability in rats, as assessed by Morris water maze, and upregulated expression of APP and BACE1 proteins in the hippocampus and cortex of rats, as evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. In reciprocal, qRT-PCR analysis showed that microRNA-195 (miR-195) was downregulated in both the hippocampus and cortex of rats following CBH, and in the plasma of dementia patients. APP and BACE1 proteins were downregulated by miR-195 overexpression, upregulated by miR-195 inhibition, and unchanged by binding-site mutation or miR-masks, indicating that APP and BACE1 are two potential targets for miR-195. Knockdown of endogenous miR-195 by lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of its antisense molecule (lenti-pre-AMO-miR-195) elicited dementia in rats, whereas overexpression of miR-195 using lenti-pre-miR-195 reduced dementia vulnerability triggered by 2VO. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that NFκB was bound to the promoter region of miR-195 and inhibited its expression. We conclude that miR-195 may play a key role in determining dementia susceptibility in 2VO rats by regulating APP and BACE1 expression at the post-transcriptional level, and exogenous complement of miR-195 may be a potentially valuable anti-dementia approach.

Expression of amyloid-associated miRNAs in both the forebrain cortex and hippocampus of middle-aged rat.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with the gradual cognitive decline and shows the typical senile plaque formation in the brain, which results from the aggregation of beta amyloid (Aß) peptide following the abnormal proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by ß-secretase (BACE1) and γ-secretase. Accumulating evidence indicates that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) by regulating the expression of APP and BACE1 proteins. However, the cognitive ability and the expression profile of the APP- and BACE1-associated miRNAs in the middle-aged population are largely unknown. METHODS: The learning and memory ability in rats were determined by Morris Water Maze test. The protein levels of APP and BACE1 were detected by western blotting. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the miRNAs levels in forebrain cortex and the hippocampus. RESULTS: Middle-aged rats have declined learning ability without changes in the memory ability, and increased APP and BACE1 protein expression in the forebrain cortex. Computational analysis using Targetscan and Pictar databases reveals that totally 4 predicted miRNAs have conserved binding site with APP, namely miR-106b, -17-5p, -153, -101. All of them showed decreased expression in both the forebrain cortex and hippocampus. Among the 10 predicted miRNAs targeting BACE1, different expression profiles were identified in the forebrain cortex (decreased: miR-9, -19a, -135a, -15b, -16, -195, -29c, -214; increased: miR-124; no change: miR-141) and the hippocampus (decreased: miR-9, -15b, -16, -195, -29c, -124; increased: miR-19a, -135a, -214, -141) in the middle-aged rats compared with the young rats. CONCLUSION: Our results provided the first evidence that middle-aged rats have begun displaying cognitive disability with abnormal expression of APP- and BACE1-related miRNAs in the hippocampus and forebrain cortex.

High moisture extrusion of soybean protein isolate: Effect of ß-glucan on physicochemical properties of extrudates.

This study is focused on exploring the effect of twin-screw high-moisture extrusion technology on the physico-chemical properties of ß-glucan-soybean protein isolate (SPI-BG) extrudates. Different proportions (0 %, 1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 %, 5 %) of oat ß-glucan (BG) were added with soybean protein isolate (SPI) to prepare SPI-BG extrudates. Results showed that the addition of a high quantity of ß-glucan (BG) decreased the elastic properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) extrudates and then increased. The strengthening of S1-S2-S3 interactions (hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bonds) was primarily responsible for this trend. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis was conducted which revealed that BG did not significant affect random coil content of SPI. However, it was observed that α-helix content was increased significantly and the ß-sheet content was decreased. An observation was noted in the value of enthalpy (ΔH) change that increased from 115.80 J/g to 159.68 J/g.

Unlocking the Potential of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials to Optimize Intervention Strategies.

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an advanced and noninvasive technology that uses pulse stimulation to treat cognitive impairment. However, its specific effects have always been mixed with those of cognitive training, and the optimal parameter for Alzheimer's disease (AD) intervention is still ambiguous. Objective: This study aimed to summarize the therapeutic effects of pure rTMS on AD, excluding the influence of cognitive training, and to develop a preliminary rTMS treatment plan. Methods: Between 1 January 2010 and 28 February 2023, we screened randomized controlled clinical trials from five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials. gov). We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of treatment outcomes and rTMS treatment parameters. Result: A total of 4,606 articles were retrieved. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles, comprising 655 participants (308 males and 337 females), were included in the final analysis. The findings revealed that rTMS significantly enhances both global cognitive ability (p = 0.0002, SMD = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.20-0.66) and memory (p = 0.009, SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.09-0.65). Based on follow-up periods of at least 6 weeks, the following stimulation protocols have demonstrated efficacy for AD: stimulation sites (single or multiple targets), frequency (20 Hz), stimulation time (1-2 s), interval (20-30 s), single pulses (≤2500), total pulses (>20000), duration (≥3 weeks), and sessions (≥20). Conclusions: This study suggests that rTMS may be an effective treatment option for patients with AD, and its potential therapeutic capabilities should be further developed in the future.

Epidemic characteristics of local HIV-2 transmission across Hunan province, China.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the epidemiological features of HIV-2 in Hunan Province, China, utilizing sequence analysis. METHODS: Thirteen individuals diagnosed with HIV-2 infection in Hunan Province, China, from 2017 to 2023 were included in this study. Amplification of HIV-2 env and pol regions was conducted, followed by Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic and molecular transmission network analyses were performed to delineate molecular features and transmission dynamics. RESULTS: All 14 individuals contracted HIV-2 through heterosexual intercourse, comprising 7 males and 7 females, with a median age of 58 years. Among them, three couples (HN001 and HN013, HN010 and HN011, HN008 and HN009) were identified, along with commercial sexual activity engagement reported for subject HN004. Notably, subjects HN001, HN003, HN008, and HN010 engaged in commercial sexual activities at the same location as subject HN004. Phylogenetic analysis of the pol gene revealed close proximity of sequences from all subjects to reference sequences from Gambia (Sub-type A). Employing a genetic distance threshold of 1.5 %, eight out of the 14 subjects formed a molecular transmission network, with HN002 and HN004 identified as central nodes. CONCLUSION: From 2017 to 2023, all HIV-2-infected individuals in Hunan Province, China, acquired the virus through identifiable routes, indicating transmission of similar HIV-2 strains among them.

Predicting response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with chronic insomnia disorder using electroencephalography: A pilot study.

Predicting responsvienss to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can facilitate personalized treatments with improved efficacy; however, predictive features related to this response are still lacking. We explored whether resting-state electroencephalography (rsEEG) functional connectivity measured at baseline or during treatment could predict the response to 10-day rTMS targeted to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in 36 patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Pre- and post-treatment rsEEG scans and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were evaluated, with an additional rsEEG scan conducted after four rTMS sessions. Machine-learning approaches were employed to assess the ability of each connectivity measure to distinguish between responders (PSQI improvement > 25%) and non-responders (PSQI improvement ≤ 25%). Furthermore, we analyzed the connectivity trends of the two subgroups throughout the treatment. Our results revealed that the machine learning model based on baseline theta connectivity achieved the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.843) in predicting treatment response. Decreased baseline connectivity at the stimulated site was associated with higher responsiveness to TMS, emphasizing the significance of functional connectivity characteristics in rTMS treatment. These findings enhance the clinical application of EEG functional connectivity markers in predicting treatment outcomes.

Prevotella, a dominant bacterium in young people with stage â ¢ periodontitis, related to the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway.

OBJECTS: As periodontitis progresses, the oral microbiome changes dynamically. The aim of this study is to evaluate the dominant bacteria of adults with stage III periodontitis and investigate potential pathways related to the dominant bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16S rRNA sequencing was carried out to detect the differences in the oral microbiome between adult with stage Ⅰ and stage Ⅲ periodontitis and find the dominant bacteria in each group. The inhibitor of the predominant pathway for stage Ⅲ periodontitis was used to investigate the role of the dominant bacteria in periodontitis in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the α-diversity between the two groups. The results of ß-diversity showed that the samples were divided into different groups according to the stage of periodontitis. The dominant bacteria in youths with stage Ⅲ periodontitis was Prevotella and may be related to the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Administration of SKF-86002 suppressed the expression of inflammation mediators in vivo and vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Prevotella was the one dominant bacteria in young people with stage Ⅲ periodontitis and was related to the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway.

NOD2 contributes to Parvimonas micra-induced bone resorption in diabetic rats with experimental periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may affect the oral microbial community, exacerbating periodontal inflammation; however, its pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. As nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) plays a crucial role in the activation during periodontitis (PD), it is hypothesized that changes in the oral microbial community due to diabetes enhance periodontal inflammation through the activation of NOD2. METHODS: We collected subgingival plaque from 180 subjects who were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of T2DM. The composition of oral microbiota was detected by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. In animal models of PD with or without T2DM, we assessed alveolar bone resorption by micro-computerized tomography and used immunohistochemistry to detect NOD2 expression in alveolar bone. Primary osteoblasts were cultured in osteogenic induction medium with high or normal glucose and treated with inactivated bacteria. After 24 h of inactivated bacteria intervention, the osteogenic differentiation ability was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and the expressions of NOD2 and interleukin-12 (IL-6) were detected by western blot. RESULTS: The relative abundance of Parvimonas and Filifactor in the T2DM group was increased compared to the group without T2DM. In animal models, alveolar bone mass was decreased in PD, particularly in T2DM with PD (DMPD) group, compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed NOD2 in osteoblasts from the alveolar bone in both the PD group and DMPD group, especially in the DMPD group. In vitro, intervention with inactivated Parvimonas significantly reduced ALP secretion of primary osteoblasts in high glucose medium, accompanied by increased expression of NOD2 and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that T2DM leading to PD may be associated with the activation of NOD2 by Parvimonas.

Prediction of rTMS Efficacy in Patients with Essential Tremor: Biomarkers from Individual Resting-state EEG Network.

The pathogenesis of essential tremor (ET) remains unclear, and the efficacy of related drug treatment is inadequate for proper tremor control. Hence, in the current study, consecutive low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) modulation on cerebellum was accomplished in a population of ET patients, along with pre- and post-treatment resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) networks being constructed. The results primarily clarified the decreasing of resting-state network interactions occurring in ET, especially the weaker frontal-parietal connectivity, compared to healthy individuals. While after the rTMS stimulation, promotions in both network connectivity and properties, as well as clinical scales, were identified. Furthermore, significant correlations between network characteristics and clinical scale scores enabled the development of predictive models for assessing rTMS intervention efficacy. Using a multivariable linear model, clinical scales after one-month rTMS treatment were accurately predicted, underscoring the potential of brain networks in evaluating rTMS effectiveness for ET. The findings consistently demonstrated that repetitive low-frequency rTMS neuromodulation on cerebellum can significantly improve the manifestations of ET, and individual networks will be reliable tools for evaluating the rTMS efficacy, thereby guiding personalized treatment strategies for ET patients.