Integrated analysis of differentially m6A modified and expressed lncRNAs for biomarker identification in coronary artery disease.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mammals. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of m6A in coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing to obtain a genome-wide profile of m6A-modified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells either exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein treatment or not, and the characteristics of the expression profiles were explored using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The predictive effects of seven selected lncRNAs on CAD were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The differentially m6A-modified and expressed lncRNAs related genes were predominantly enriched in small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, ErbB signaling, and Rap1 signaling. Additionally, the expression levels of uc003pes.1, ENST00000422847, and NR_110155 were significantly associated with CAD, with uc003pes.1 identified as an independent risk factor and NR_110155 as an independent protective factor for CAD. NR_110155 and uc003pes.1 in PBMCs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for predicting CAD.

Changes of intestinal barrier in the process of intestinal inflammation induced by Aeromonas hydrophila in snakehead (Channa argus).

Bacterial intestinal inflammation frequently occurs in cultured fish. Nevertheless, research on intestinal barrier dysfunction in the process of intestinal inflammation is deficient. In this study, we explored the changes of intestinal inflammation induced by Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) in snakehead and the relationship between intestinal barrier and inflammation. Snakehead [(13.05 ± 2.39) g] were infected via anus with A. hydrophila. Specimens were collected for analysis at 0, 1, 3, 7 and 21 d post-injection. The results showed that with the increase of exposure time, the hindgut underwent stages of normal function, damage, damage deterioration, repair and recovery. Relative to 0 d, the levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α in serum, and the expression of nod1, tlr1, tlr5, nf-κb, tnf-α and il-1ß in intestine were significantly increased, and showed an upward then downward pattern over time. However, the expression of tlr2 and il-10 were markedly decreased, and showed the opposite trend. In addition, with the development of intestinal inflammation, the diversity and richness of species, and the levels of phylum and genus in intestine were obviously altered. The levels of trypsin, LPS, AMS, T-SOD, CAT, GPx, AKP, LZM and C3 in intestine were markedly reduced, and displayed a trend of first decreasing and then rebounding. The ultrastructure observation showed that the microvilli and tight junction structure of intestinal epithelial cells experienced normal function initially, then damage, and finally recovery over time. The expression of claudin-3 and zo-1 in intestine were significantly decreased, and showed a trend of first decreasing and then rebounding. Conversely, the expression of mhc-i, igm, igt and pigr in intestine were markedly increased, and displayed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The above results revealed the changes in intestinal barrier during the occurrence and development of intestinal inflammation, which provided a theoretical basis for explaining the relationship between the two.

CircTMEM87A promotes the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer by regulating the miR-1276/SLC7A11 axis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with high incidence and mortality, and its pathogenesis involves the regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, the molecular mechanism of circTMEM87A in GC malignant progression is uncertain. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expressions of circTMEM87A, miR-1276, and solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11). Western blot was applied to detect protein expression levels of EMT-related proteins (vimentin and E-cadherin) and SLC7A11. Cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK8) and thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) were performed to assess cell proliferation. Apoptosis was investigated using flow cytometry. Transwell assay and wound healing assay were carried out to examine the migration of MKN-7 and AGS cells. The Cellular ROS Assay Kit, Iron Assay Kit, and GSH/GSSG Ratio Detection Assay Kit were utilized to monitor lipid ROS level, iron level, and GSH/GSSG ratio, respectively. The interaction between miR-1276 and circTMEM87A or SLC7A11 was investigated using dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to explore the function of circTMEM87A in tumor formation in vivo. RESULTS: CircTMEM87A and SLC7A11 were upregulated, while miR-1276 was downregulated in GC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circTMEM87A suppressed the proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis and ferroptosis of GC cells. CircTMEM87A served as a sponge for miR-1276, and miR-1276 inhibitor relieved the circTMEM87A knockdown-induced effects on GC cell phenotypes. Similarly, SLC7A11, a downstream gene of miR-1276, rescued miR-1276 overexpression-induced effects on GC cell function. Furthermore, circTMEM87A knockdown inhibited GC cell tumor phenotypes in vivo. CONCLUSION: CircTMEM87A promoted the proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis and ferroptosis of GC cells by increasing SLC7A11 expression through binding to miR-1276.

Application of targeted nursing intervention in patients undergoing synchronous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of targeted nursing intervention on the short-term prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease and carotid artery stenosis undergoing synchronous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: A total of 58 patients who received OPCABG + CEA from February 2018 to May 2021 at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital were selected as the study subjects. They were randomly divided into two groups, with 29 patients in each group. The control group received routine postoperative nursing care, while the observation group received targeted nursing intervention in addition to the routine care. The incidence of postoperative stroke and the length of postoperative stay were observed. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups. Postoperative acute stroke occurred in 2 cases (6.9%) in the control group and 0 cases in the observation group, although this difference was not statistically significant. The median postoperative hospital stay was 13 days in the control group, with the earliest discharge at 10 days. In the observation group, the median postoperative hospital stay was 10 days, with the earliest discharge on the 8th day. This difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted nursing intervention can improve the short-term prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease and carotid artery stenosis undergoing OPCABG + CEA, and it can also shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay.

Observation of the Therapeutic Effect of Hydrogel Combined with Alginate Dressings for a Patient with Grade 4 Acute Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: In this case report, the authors summarize their experience of using hydrogel combined with alginate dressings in the wound care of a patient with grade 4 acute radiation dermatitis. With the combination of hydrogel and alginate dressings, the authors achieved autolytic debridement of the wound and created a moist healing environment to facilitate wound closure. Hydrogel helps the dressing adhere better to the wound bed, ensuring that it does not easily detach during the wound healing process. It also eliminates the need for traditional adhesive tapes for fixation, thus avoiding damage to the fragile skin in the radiation field.The wound gradually decreased in size from an area of 10 × 12 cm, and exudate decreased continuously. The wound completely healed in 20 days with a total of 17 dressing changes. As the wound gradually healed, the patient's psychological burden decreased and comfort level increased. The patient expressed satisfaction and hope for the gradual healing of the wound.Thus, the treatment of severe acute radiation dermatitis with hydrogel combined with alginate dressings yields remarkable results, aligning the noninvasive, low-adhesive, absorbent, conformable, and comfortable attributes of optimized wound care. This experience provides a practical foundation for wound management in acute radiation dermatitis and supports clinical application and promotion of the approach.

Circular RNA ZBTB46 depletion alleviates the progression of Atherosclerosis by regulating the ubiquitination and degradation of hnRNPA2B1 via the AKT/mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: CircZBTB46 has been identified as being associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and has the potential to be a diagnostic biomarker for CAD. However, the specific function and detailed mechanism of circZBTB46 in CAD are still unknown. METHODS: The expression levels and properties of circRNAs were examined using qRT‒PCR, RNA FISH, and subcellular localization analysis. ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet were used to establish an atherosclerosis model. HE, Masson, and Oil Red O staining were used to analyze the morphological features of the plaque. CCK-8, Transwell, and wound healing assays, and flow cytometric analysis were used to evaluate cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. RNA pull-down, silver staining, mass spectrometry analysis, and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to identify the interacting proteins of circZBTB46. RESULTS: CircZBTB46 is highly conserved and is significantly upregulated in atherosclerotic lesions. Functional studies revealed that knockdown of circZBTB46 significantly decreased the atherosclerotic plaque area, attenuating the progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, silencing circZBTB46 inhibited cell proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, circZBTB46 physically interacted with hnRNPA2B1 and suppressed its degradation, thereby regulating cell functions and the formation of aortic atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, circZBTB46 was identified as a functional mediator of PTEN-dependent regulation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and thus affected cell proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Our study provides the first direct evidence that circZBTB46 functions as an important regulatory molecule for CAD progression by interacting with hnRNPA2B1 and regulating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Dietary α-lipoic acid alleviates deltamethrin-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress in northern snakehead (Channa argus) via Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The goal of the study was to determine the ameliorative effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) on deltamethrin (DEL)-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress in northern snakehead (Channa argus). The northern snakeheads (15.38 ± 0.09 g) were exposed to DEL (0.242 µg/L) and fed with diets supplemented α-LA at 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg. After the 28-day exposure test, we obtained the following results: i) α-LA alleviates DEL-induced liver injury by reversing the increase of the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver cytochrome P450 enzymes (Cytochrome P450 (cyp)1a and cyp1b) expression levels. ii) α-LA can reverse the DEL-induced reduction of serum complement 4 (C4), C3, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and lysozyme (LYS) levels and the increase of liver and intestine nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κb) p65, tumor necrosis factor (tnf)-α, interleukin (il)-1ß, il-8, and il-6 gene expressions, while il-10 expression levels showed the opposite result. iii) α-LA reversed the reduction of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in the liver and intestine induced by DEL, while malondialdehyde (MDA) showed the opposite result. iv) α-LA reversed the reduction of Cu/Zn sod, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (nrf2), NAD (P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (nqo)1, and heme oxygenase (ho)-1 antioxidant gene expression levels in the liver and intestine induced by DEL. Therefore, our study indicated that optimal α-LA (600 mg/kg) could attenuate DEL-induced toxicity (including liver damage, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress) in northern snakehead via Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway. This is the first research that explores the alleviated effects of α-LA on DEL-induced toxicity damage in fish. This study provides a positive measure to reduce the toxicity damage caused by DEL to aquatic animals, and provides a theoretical basis for exploring the regulation mechanism of α-LA in toxic substances.

Coherent control of spatial and angular Goos-Hänchen shifts with spontaneously generated coherence and incoherent pumping.

We propose an efficient scheme to manipulate the Goos-Hänchen (GH) shift of a reflected beam from a metal-clad waveguide, where a coherent atomic medium with a Λ-type configuration is employed as the substrate. Using experimentally achievable parameters, we identify the conditions under which spontaneously generated coherence (SGC) allows us to enhance the spatial and angular GH shifts of the reflected beam. With the help of SGC, the relative phases of the probe and control fields can alter the absorption gain and refractive index of the atomic medium, thereby manipulating the magnitudes, signs, and positions of the spatial and angular shifts. Furthermore, the spatial and angular GH shifts can be coherently controlled via adjusting the incoherent pumping rate and the intensity of the control field. Our proposal provides an avenue for the manipulation of spatial and angular GH shifts and potential applications in optical switching and optical steering.

Stent placement combined with intraluminal radiofrequency ablation and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancers with biliary obstruction: a multicentre, retrospective, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of stent placement combined with intraluminal radiofrequency ablation (intra-RFA) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for patients with advanced biliary tract cancers (Ad-BTCs) and biliary obstruction (BO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data for patients with Ad-BTCs and BO who underwent stent placement with or without intra-RFA and HAIC in three centres between November 2013 and November 2018. The stent patency time (SPT), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 135 enrolled patients, 64 underwent stent placement combined with intra-RFA and HAIC, while 71 underwent only stent placement. The median SPT was significantly longer in the combination group (8.2 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.1-9.3) than in the control group (4.3 months, 95% CI: 3.6-5.0; p < 0.001). A similar result was observed for OS (combination: 13.2 months, 95% CI: 11.1-16.5; control: 8.5 months, 95% CI: 7.6-9.6; p < 0.001). The incidence of AEs related to biliary tract operation was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). The most common AE and serious AE related to HAIC were alanine aminotransferase elevation (24/64; 37.5%) and thrombocytopenia (8/64; 12.5%), respectively. All AEs were tolerable, and there was no death from AEs. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement combined with intra-RFA and HAIC may be a safe, potential treatment strategy for patients with Ad-BTCs and BO. KEY POINTS: • Advanced biliary cancers (Ad-BTCs) with biliary obstruction (BO) can rapidly result in liver failure and cachexia with an extremely poor prognosis. • Stent placement combined with intraluminal radiofrequency ablation and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy may be safe and effective for patients with Ad-BTCs and BO. • The long-term efficacy and safety of the combined treatment is promising.

An enhanced recovery programme improves the comfort and outcomes in children with obstructive sleep apnoea undergoing adenotonsillectomy: A retrospective historical control study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme on postoperative rehabilitation in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) during the perioperative period of adenotonsillectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective historical control study. SETTING: Service improvement project. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 394 children with OSA (207 males, 187 females; age range, 2.5 years to 14 years) who underwent adenotonsillectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The children who had undergone adenoidal ablation and bilateral tonsillectomy were divided into an ERAS group (208 patients) treated with the combined optimisation measures and a control group (186 patients) treated with traditional measures during the perioperative period. The postoperative incidence of complications, pain scores, anxiety scores and postoperative diets in the two groups were assessed. RESULTS: Patients in the ERAS group had significantly a lower overall complication rate and incidence of fever for 2 weeks of follow-up when compared to patients in the control group through the application of perioperative optimisation measures. Furthermore, patients in the ERAS group had less post-surgical pain, had better dietary intake at days 1, 3 and 7 after surgery and had lower preoperative anxiety scores after admission education and while waiting in the operation room. CONCLUSION: The ERAS programme consisting of combined optimisation measures can reduce physical and psychological trauma during the perioperative period of adenotonsillectomy performed for children with OSA.

Identification of the Nrf2 in the fathead minnow muscle cell line: role for a regulation in response to H2O2 induced the oxidative stress in fish cell.

The Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) plays a central role in cell protection against a wide variety of environmental stressors through the Nrf2-Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) pathway, but its involvement in modulation of antioxidant system of fish cell is still largely unexplored. The present study focused on the molecular cloning and silencing of the Nrf2 in the fathead minnow muscle cell line (FHM) in response to the oxidative stress induced by H2O2. A full-length cDNA of coding Nrf2 was cloned from FHM cells by RT-PCR and RACE approaches. The obtained cDNA covered 2578 bp with an open reading frame (1770 bp) of encoding 589 amino acids. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of conservation (51-86%) among 16 fishes. Based on the cloned Nrf2 sequence, the siRNA-242 of targeting Nrf2 with the best knocking down efficiency was designed and detected. Then, the mRNA levels of Keap1, Nrf2, Maf (musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene), and HO-1 (haemoxygenase-1); the activities of T-SOD (total superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and GSH-PX (glutathione peroxidase); the levels of GSH (glutathione) and MDA (malonaldehyde); and the cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed to investigate the molecular responses after H2O2 exposure. These results showed a coordinated transcriptional regulation of Keap1, Maf, and HO-1 and antioxidants (T-SOD, GSH, CAT, and GSH-PX) and MDA levels after H2O2 exposure, leading to oxidative damage and apoptosis. These findings provided an insight to understand the mechanisms of Nrf2 against oxidative stress in fish.

Galectin-3 exacerbates ox-LDL-mediated endothelial injury by inducing inflammation via integrin ß1-RhoA-JNK signaling activation.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-induced endothelial cell injury plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS). Plasma galectin-3 (Gal-3) is elevated inside and drives diverse systemic inflammatory disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact role of Gal-3 in ox-LDL-mediated endothelial injury remains unclear. This study explores the effects of Gal-3 on ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, Gal-3, integrin ß1, and GTP-RhoA in the blood and plaques of AS patients were examined by ELISA and western blot respectively. Their levels were found to be obviously upregulated compared with non-AS control group. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that Gal-3 significantly decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis in ox-LDL-treated human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). The upregulation of integrinß1, GTP-RhoA, p-JNK, p-p65, p-IKKα, and p-IKKß induced by ox-LDL was further enhanced by treatment with Gal-3. Pretreatment with Gal-3 increased expression of inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and IL-1ß), chemokines(CXCL-1 and CCL-2) and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1). Furthermore, the promotional effects of Gal-3 on NF-κB activation and inflammatory factors in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs were reversed by the treatments with integrinß1-siRNA or the JNK inhibitor. We also found that integrinß1-siRNA decreased the protein expression of GTP-RhoA and p-JNK, while RhoA inhibitor partially reduced the upregulated expression of p-JNK induced by Gal-3. In conclusion, our finding suggests that Gal-3 exacerbates ox-LDL-mediated endothelial injury by inducing inflammation via integrin ß1-RhoA-JNK signaling activation.

Astaxanthin protects lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in Channa argus through inhibiting NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of astaxanthin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in Channa argus in vivo and ex vivo. Primary hepatocytes were exposed to different concentrations of LPS for 24 h to induce an inflammatory response, and the protective effects of astaxanthin against LPS-induced inflammation were studied ex vivo and in vivo. Hepatocytes exposed to LPS (5-20 µg mL-1) alone for 24 h resulted in a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase release (LDH), Nitric oxide (NO) production and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, 10 µg mL-1 LPS could induced inflammatory response in hepatocytes. Gene expression of TLR4, NFkBp65, MAPKp38, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß mRNA expression were also enhanced ex vivo (p < 0.05). In vivo test demonstrated that pretreatment with astaxanthin prevented the LPS-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß. Besides, astaxanthin blocked the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and then suppressed the phosphorylation of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and degradation inhibitor of NF-κBα (IκBα). Further study showed that astaxanthin could suppress the phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest that astaxanthin played an anti-inflammatory role by regulating TLR4 and the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in C. argus.

L-carnitine regulated Nrf2/Keap1 activation in vitro and in vivo and protected oxidized fish oil-induced inflammation response by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in Rhynchocypris lagowski Dybowski.

Nrf2/Keap1 pathway is associated with oxidative stress. l-carnitine is currently under preclinical evaluation as a antioxidant, but the use of l-carnitine in aquaculture has been poorly evaluated and so far no mechanism has been demonstrated. Here, we explored the effects of l-carnitine in vitro and in vivo and discussed the possible molecular mechanisms involved. Firstly, Nrf2-siRNA significantly knocked down the mRNA level of Nrf2 in FHM cells. Thus, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (T-SOD, CAT, GSH-PX) and the level of antioxidant substance (GSH) and the level of MDA showed that Nrf2-siRNA pretreatment weakened the protective effect of l-carnitine. Moreover, the mRNA levels of Keap1, Nrf2, Maf and HO-1 indicated that l-carnitine regulated Nrf2/Keap1 activation. Furthermore, oxidized fish oil remarkably suppressed growth in Rhynchocypris lagowski Dybowski, and the lower antioxidant capacity was also observed in liver. According to the results of immune related indexes (the levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, LZM, AKP) in serum and the mRNA levels of immune related genes (NF-κB, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10 and TGF-ß) in liver, oxidized fish oil also induced inflammatory response in fish. Also, l-carnitine supplementation can relieve this bad condition. In conclusion, l-carnitine regulated Nrf2/Keap1 activation in vitro and in vivo and protected oxidized fish oil-induced inflammation response by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in Rhynchocypris lagowski Dybowski.

Effects of dietary Allium mongolicum Regel polysaccharide on growth, lipopolysaccharide-induced antioxidant responses and immune responses in Channa argus.

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary Allium mongolicum Regel polysaccharide (AMRP) on growth, lipopolysaccharide-induced antioxidant responses and immune responses in Channa argus. A basal diet was supplemented with AMRP at 0, 1, 1.5 or 2 g/kg feed for 56 days. After the 56 days feeding period, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly increased or decreased (P < 0.05) by dietary AMRP, with the highest WG, SGR and the minimum FCR occurring in 1.5 g/kg AMRP group. Furthermore, AMRP supplementation conferred significant protective effects against LPS challenge by preventing alterations in the levels of complements 3 (C3) and complements 4 (C4), lysozyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) while regulating the expression of immune-related genes including heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), SOD, GST, IL-1 and TNF-α. Finally, AMRP supplementation significantly increased serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations and reduced mortality after LPS challenge. Taken together, our results suggest that the administration of AMRP could attenuate LPS-induced negative effects in C. argus, with 1.5 g/kg considered a suitable dose.

Polysaccharides from Citrus grandis L. Osbeck suppress inflammation and relieve chronic pharyngitis.

Chronic pharyngitis, a common inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, is often caused by bacteria, viruses, alcohol abuse, overuse of the voice and cigarettes. This study aimed to explore the effects of polysaccharides of Citrus grandis L. Osbeck (PCG) in relieving chronic pharyngitis and illustrate the underlying mechanisms. Polysaccharides were obtained from PCG by column chromatographic extraction. Six clinical symptom scores, such as the severity of itchy throat, hoarseness, pain, odynophagia, cough and otalgia were evaluated in chronic pharyngitis patients after the oral intake of PCG. The effects of polysaccharides on chronic pharyngitis were investigated in ammonia-stimulated rabbits through pathology analysis. The levels of inflammatory markers in the peripheral blood T cells were analyzed by ELISA. The total and phosphorylated levels of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 were assessed by Western blot. Protein amount of IKKα and p65, IKKα/ß activity and p65 activity were evaluated by Western blot and luciferase assay. The clinical studies presented that PCG significantly relieved the six symptoms of chronic pharyngitis patients. Pathology analysis of chronic pharyngitis animals showed that the PCG treatment groups showed a significant decrease in the number of pathologic cells and the reduction of pathologic cells was dose-dependent (p < 0.01). ELISA analysis showed that PCG significantly inhibited the αCD3-induced increase of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Western blot and luciferase assay suggested that the phosphorylation of IKKα/ß in peripheral blood T cells was inhibited by the administration of PCG. These results indicate that polysaccharides exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IKKs, subsequently suppressing the NF-κB pathway activation and decreasing the expression of inflammatory mediators.

Plasma SCF/c-kit Levels in Patients with Dipper and Non-Dipper Hypertension.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between peripheral plasma stem cell factor (SCF)/c-kit levels and the types of dipper and non-dipper hypertension in hypertensive patients. Methods This cross-sectional study included newly diagnosed hypertensive patients who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) between January 2009 and 2012 in Jiangning city. Patients were divided into the dipper group and the non-dipper group according to ABPM measurements. The levels of SCF and its receptor c-kit, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The serum levels of glucose and lipid were examined as well. The levels of SCF/c-kit were compared between the dippers and the non-dippers; and their correlation with 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure (MSBP), 24-hour mean diastolic blood pressure (MDBP), TNF-α and IL-6 were investigated using linear regression analyses statistically. Results A total of 247 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension were recruited into the study, including 116 non-dippers and 131 dippers. The levels of peripheral plasma SCF were higher in non-dipper group (907.1±52.7 ng/L vs. 778.7±44.6 ng/L; t=2.837, P<0.01), and the levels of c-kit were higher in non-dipper group too (13.2±1.7 µg/L vs 9.57±1.4 µg/L; t=2.831, P<0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed that SCF/c-kit levels were significantly positively correlated with MSBP, MDBP, plasma TNF-α, and IL-6 levels (all P<0.01). Conclusions Peripheral plasma SCF/c-kit levels are higher in patients with non-dipper hypertension than those with dipper one, and significantly correlate with 24-hour MSBP, 24-hour MDBP, serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels.

Modulatory role of L-carnitine against microcystin-LR-induced immunotoxicity and oxidative stress in common carp.

Microcystin-LR (MCLR), one of the most popular microcystins (MCs) found in many field water bodies around the world, poses great health risks to animals and humans. In the present study, healthy common carp (initial weight 24.8 ± 2.3 g) were randomly assigned to five groups. Group I was fed on normal diet as control. Group II was maintained on normal diet and received MCLR intraperitoneal injection (150 µg kg-1 BW). Common carp in groups III, IV, and V were daily pretreated with L-carnitine (LC) at doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g kg-1 of the diet for 4 weeks prior to MCLR intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that MCLR alone led to a significant downregulation in immune response, including serum complement C3, lysozyme, and bactericidal activity. However, oxidative stress response: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were significantly increased. Similarly, gene expressions of inflammatory IL-1ß, TNF-α, IFN I, and heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) were also upregulated after challenged with MCLR. However, LC pretreated group caused a significant elevation in immune response (C3, lysozyme, and bactericidal activity) and gene expressions of inflammatory IL-1ß, TNF-α, IFN I, and heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) after MCLR stress. Antioxidant activities (CAT, SOD, GSH, GPx, and LPO) were returned to background levels at 96 h after MCLR challenge. Strikingly, LC supplementation at 2.0 g kg-1 has been considered the optimum for common carp since it exhibited enhancement of immune response and antioxidant activity over the level 0.5 and 1.0 g kg-1, and even better than that of control level. It was concluded that LC as a functional feed additive significantly inhibited the progression of MCLR-induced immunotoxicity and oxidative stress in common carp.

[Stellar Alpha Element Abundance Estimation Using LASSO Algorithm].

In this paper, a new method based on LASSO algorithm is studied for the estimation of stellar alpha element abundance. The information of alpha elements (O, Mg, Ca, Si, and Ti) of massive stars will help us to better understand the evolution of the galaxy. Presently the main method of determining the alpha element abundances from the low resolution spectra is the template matching method. However, it is difficult for us to optimize the algorithm parameters and the algorithm is sensitive to the noise. Thus, it is necessary to study the new method to determine the abundance. The experimental results show that the accuracy of LASSO algorithm on ELODIE spectra is 0.003 (0.078) dex. To explore the impact of the spectral resolution variation, we use ELODIE spectra to generate the spectral data sets with following resolutions: 42 000, 21 000, 10 500, 4 200 and 2 100 by using the Gaussian convolution. The results of the LASSO algorithm on these data sets are 0.003 3 (0.078) dex, -0.05 (0.059) dex, -0.007 (0.069) dex and -0.004 5 (0.067) dex, respectively. These results show that the LASSO algorithm is not sensitive to the change of the resolution. In order to verify the robustness of LASSO algorithm against the change of SNRs, we use ELODIE to generate the spectral data sets with following SNRs: 30, 25, 20, 15 and 5. The results of LASSO algorithm on the above data sets are: -0.002 (0.076) dex, -0.090 (0.073) dex, 0.003 6 (0.075) dex, 0.007 6 (0.078) dex and -0.009 (0.080) dex, respectively. Thus, LASSO algorithm is not sensitive to the change of SNR. Therefore, the LASSO algorithm is suitable for low resolution and low SNR spectra such as LAMOST and SDSS spectra. The accuracy of Lasso algorithm on the SDSS spectra is 0.003 7 (0.097) dex, and the results of LASSO on globular and open clusters show good agreement with literature values (within 1σ). Therefore, the LASSO algorithm can be used to estimate the alpha element abundances of stars.

Mechanism of resonant perfect optical absorption in dielectric film supporting metallic grating structures.

The mechanism of resonant perfect optical absorbers is quantitatively revealed by the coupled mode method for the air/grating/dielectric film/air four region system. The sufficient and necessary conditions of the perfect optical absorption are derived from the interface scattering coefficients analyses. The coupling of the Fabry-Perot modes in the grating slits and non-zero order quasi waveguide modes in the dielectric film play a key role for the perfect optical absorption when the light is incident from the grating side. The analytical sufficient and necessary conditions of the perfect optical absorption provide an efficient tool towards geometry design for the perfect optical absorption at the specific wavelengths. The advantages of a widely tunable perfect optical absorption wavelength, a high Q factor and the confined energy loss on metal surfaces make the air/grating/film/air structures promising for applications in sensing, modulation and detection.