El humo del electrocauterio, el riesgo olvidado y minimizado de la cirugía / Smoke from electrocautery, the forgotten and minimized risk of surgery

Introducción. La nueva era de la cirugía es cada vez más dependiente de la tecnología, y un ejemplo de ello es el uso generalizado de electrocauterio como parte primordial de la práctica quirúrgica. El humo quirúrgico es un subproducto de la disección y la coagulación de los tejidos producidas por los equipos de energía, que representa múltiples riesgos potenciales para la salud del grupo quirúrgico, sin embargo, se han minimizado los peligros causados por la exposición de manera frecuente y acumulativa a este aerosol. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis crítico, desde una posición reflexiva de la información disponible, estableciendo los posibles riesgos relacionados con la exposición al humo quirúrgico. Discusión. Es visible la necesidad imperativa de establecer directrices nacionales, pautas normativas y recomendaciones estandarizadas para cumplir con las exigencias dadas por los sistemas de gestión en salud ocupacional y seguridad del trabajo, cuyo objetivo principal es hacer efectivo el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas apropiadas, la implementación de programa de vigilancia epidemiológica ambiental en sala de cirugía, la priorización del uso constante de aspiradores y sistemas de evacuación, y la ejecución de programas educativos de sensibilización dirigidos al personal implicado. De igual manera, se abre la inquietud de la necesidad de nuevos estudios para definir con mayor precisión el peligro de este aerosol. Conclusión. Se recomienda de manera responsable utilizar todas las estrategias preventivas existentes para intervenir en salas de cirugía los riesgos minimizados y olvidados del humo quirúrgico.

Introduction. The new era of surgery is increasingly dependent on technology, and an example of this is the widespread use of electrocautery as a primary part of surgical practice. Surgical smoke is a byproduct of the dissection and coagulation of tissues produced by energy equipment, which represents multiple potential health risks for the surgical group; however, the dangers caused by cumulative exposure have been minimized. Methods. A critical analysis was carried out from a reflective position of the available information, establishing the possible risks related to exposure to surgical smoke. Discussion. The imperative need to establish national normative guidelines and standardized recommendations to comply with the demands given by the occupational health and work safety management systems, whose main objective is to make effective the use of appropriate surgical masks, implementation of environmental epidemiological surveillance program in the operating room, prioritizing the constant use of vacuum cleaners and evacuation systems, and carrying out educational awareness programs aimed at the personnel involved. Likewise, there is concern about the need for new studies to more precisely define the danger of this aerosol. Conclusion. It is recommended to responsibly use all existing preventive strategies to intervene in operating rooms to minimize the forgotten risks of surgical smoke.

Trimethylamine N-oxide and kidney diseases: what do we know? / N-óxido de trimetilamina e doenças renais: o que sabemos?

Abstract In the human gut, there is a metabolically active microbiome whose metabolic products reach various organs and are used in the physiological activities of the body. When dysbiosis of intestinal microbial homeostasis occurs, pathogenic metabolites may increase and one of them is trimethyl amine-N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO is thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic heart diseases, and cerebrovascular events. TMAO level is also associated with renal inflammation, fibrosis, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease. In this review, the effect of TMAO on various kidney diseases is discussed.

Resumo No intestino humano, existe um microbioma metabolicamente ativo cujos produtos metabólicos alcançam diversos órgãos e são utilizados nas atividades fisiológicas do corpo. Quando ocorre disbiose da homeostase microbiana intestinal, os metabólitos patogênicos podem aumentar, e um deles é o N-óxido de trimetilamina (TMAO). Acredita-se que o TMAO tenha um papel na patogênese da resistência à insulina, diabetes, hiperlipidemia, doenças cardíacas ateroscleróticas e eventos cerebrovasculares. O nível de TMAO também está associado à inflamação renal, fibrose, lesão renal aguda, doença renal diabética e doença renal crônica. Nesta revisão, discute-se o efeito do TMAO em diversas doenças renais.

Study on the Role and Mechanism of METTL3 Mediating the Up-regulation of m6A Modified Long Non-coding RNA THAP7-AS1 in Promoting the Occurrence of Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Lung cancer is a major threat to human health. The molecular mechanisms related to the occurrence and development of lung cancer are complex and poorly known. Exploring molecular markers related to the development of lung cancer is helpful to improve the effect of early diagnosis and treatment. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) THAP7-AS1 is known to be highly expressed in gastric cancer, but has been less studied in other cancers. The aim of the study is to explore the role and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) mediated up-regulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified lncRNA THAP7-AS1 expression in promoting the development of lung cancer.@*METHODS@#Samples of 120 lung cancer and corresponding paracancerous tissues were collected. LncRNA microarrays were used to analyze differentially expressed lncRNAs. THAP7-AS1 levels were detected in lung cancer, adjacent normal tissues and lung cancer cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The diagnostic value of THAP7-AS1 in lung cancer and the relationship between THAP7-AS1 expression and survival rate and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. Bioinformatics analysis, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (meRIP), RNA pull-down and RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to investigate the molecular regulation mechanism of THAP7-AS1. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis of SPC-A-1 and NCI-H1299 cells were determined by MTS, colony-formation, scratch, Transwell and xenotransplantation in vivo, respectively. Expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kenase B (PI3K/AKT) signal pathway related protein were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Expression levels of THAP7-AS1 were higher in lung cancer tissues and cell lines (P<0.05). THAP7-AS1 has certain diagnostic value in lung cancer [area under the curve (AUC)=0.737], and its expression associated with overall survival rate, tumor size, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). METTL3-mediated m6A modification enhanced THAP7-AS1 expression. The cell proliferation, migration, invasion and the volume and mass of transplanted tumor were all higher in the THAP7-AS1 group compared with the NC group and sh-NC group of SPC-A-1 and NCI-H1299 cells, while the cell proliferation, migration and invasion were lower in the sh-THAP7-AS1 group (P<0.05). THAP7-AS1 binds specifically to Cullin 4B (CUL4B). The cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and expression levels of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), phosphoinositide-3 kinase, catalytic subunit delta (PIK3CD), phospho-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) were higher in the THAP7-AS1 group compared with the Vector group of SPC-A-1 and NCI-H1299 cells (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#LncRNA THAP7-AS1 is stably expressed through m6A modification mediated by METTL3, and combines with CUL4B to activate PI3K/AKT signal pathway, which promotes the occurrence and development of lung cancer.

Content study of N-nitroso impurities in 5 types of β-blockers / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To determine the contents of N-nitroso impurities in raw materials/formulations of propranolol， metoprolol， atenolol， esmolol and bisoprolol， and clarify the attention threshold. METHODS Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q/Orbitrap HRMS）was adopted. An ACE Excel 3 C18-AR column was used for the separation and a mixture of 0.2% formic acid solution with 0.01 mol/L ammonium acetate and methanol was employed as the mobile phase by gradient elution， at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 40 ℃ ， and the sample size was 5 μL. The heated electrospray ionization source was employed in the positive full mass spectra-selected ion monitoring mode. The contents of N-nitroso impurities in raw materials/formulations of 15 batches of β-blockers from 10 manufacturers were determined by this method. Discovery Studio software was applied to predict the toxicity of the impurities and estimate the attention threshold. RESULTS Among 5 kinds of β-blockers， the linear ranges of N-nitroso propranolol， N-nitroso metoprolol， N-nitroso atenolol， N-nitroso esmolol and N-nitroso bisoprolol were 1.01-503.38， 1.02-508.38， 0.97-483.63， 1.11-554.27 and 1.05-523.92 ng/mL， respectively （r＞0.999）. The limits of quantitation were 1.04， 0.25， 0.05， 0.55 and 1.05 ng/mL， and the limits of detection were 0.52， 0.08， 0.02， 0.17 and 0.52 ng/mL， respectively. RSDs of precision， reproducibility， recovery， stability and durability tests were all lower than 7.5% （n＝6 or n＝5）. Among the 15 batches of samples， except for 1 batch， N-nitroso propranolol （1.07-8.91 ng/mg）， N-nitroso metoprolol （1.43-3.37 ng/mg）， N-nitroso atenolol （1.33 ng/mg）， N-nitroso esmolol （0.19 ng/mg） and N-nitroso bisoprolol （1.27 ng/mg） were detected in all other batches. According to predictions， the above 5 impurities had varying degrees of reproductive toxicity， mutagenicity and carcinogenicity， with attention thresholds of 1.0， 0.4， 4.3， 0.2 and 46.7 ng/mg， respectively. CONCLUSIONS The established method is simple， rapid， sensitive and specific， the estimated attention thresholds are clear， which can be used for the control of N-nitroso impurities in various β-blockers.

Culture of rabbit corneal stromal cells on thermo-sensitive materials by the radiation polymerization / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the synthesis of thermo-sensitive poly N-isopropylacry-lamide(PNIPAAm)and the petri dish grafted with PNIPAAm hydrogels by the electron accelerator, as well as the growth conditions and the biological characteristics of rabbit corneal stromal cells on thermo-sensitive PNIPAAm hydrogels, and the cell sheets obtained from the PNIPAAm hydrogels.METHODS: NIPAAm monomer was dissolved in 2-propanol at concentrations of 55% with 0.5% N,N'-Methylenebisacry-lamide(MBA). Solution(70 μL)was added and spread uniformly over 35 mm petri dish. These dishes were immediately subjected to irradiation. After follow-up treatment, rabbit corneal stromal cells were cultured on thermo-sensitive petri dish in vitro.RESULTS: According to the monomer formula and radiation synthesis scheme in this experiment, PNIPAAm can be synthesized on the surface of the petri dish. Rabbit corneal stromal cells grew well in the thermo- sensitive surface and can be separated into sheets.CONCLUSION: The single and multilayer carrier-free cell sheets can be obtained from the use of thermo-sensitive petri dish.

Effect and Mechanism of Menispermi Rhizoma Total Alkaloids on Antiviral Infection / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the antiviral effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids and its relationship with the type Ⅰ interferon （IFN-Ⅰ） signaling pathway. MethodThe effects of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids on the intracellular replication of influenza A virus （H1N1）， vesicular stomatitis virus （VSV）， and cerebral myocarditis virus （EMCV） were detected by fluorescent inverted microscope， flow cytometry， Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot. A mouse model infected with H1N1 was constructed， and the mice were divided into a control group， H1N1 model group， Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids groups （10， 20， 30 mg·kg-1）， and oseltamivir group （40 mg·kg-1）， so as to study the effects on the weight and survival rate of infected mice. Real-time PCR was used to detect the activation effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids on the IFN-Ⅰ pathway in cells， and the relationship between the antiviral effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids in IFNAR1 knockout A549 cells （IFNAR1-/--A549） and IFN-Ⅰ pathway was detected. ResultCompared with the control group， the virus proliferated significantly in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids could significantly inhibit the replication of H1N1， VSV， and EMCV in vitro （P<0.01）， inhibit the weight loss of the mice infected with the H1N1 in vivo， and improve the survival rate of mice （P<0.05）. In addition， Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids activated the IFN-I pathway and relied on this pathway to exert the function of antiviral infection. ConclusionMenispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids exert antiviral effects in vivo and in vitro by activating the IFN-Ⅰ pathway.

Effect and Mechanism of N-acetylcysteine in Ischemic Stroke / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

Ischemic stroke （CIS） refers to ischemic necrosis or softening of localized brain tissue caused by cerebral blood circulation disorders， ischemia and hypoxia. The incidence of CIS is the highest among cerebrovascular diseases. Reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients leads to severe loss of neurons and deficits in brain function in stroke patients. Developing treatments for ischemic stroke remains an important challenge in clinical medicine. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine （NAC） is a precursor of glutathione， and evidence from animal models of ischemic stroke and some clinical studies suggest that NAC can effectively protect the brain from ischemic damage. In this paper， the mechanism of NAC in CIS is described from various aspects， such as anti-oxidation， inhibition of inflammation， protection of cerebral nerve and mitochondrial function， stabilization of arterial plaque and thrombolytic function， aiming to explore the relationship between NAC and CIS in depth from the basic level， and to provide a theoretical basis for the further application of NAC in the prevention and treatment of patients with ischemic stroke.

Progress of Microsatellite (GT/CA)n Repeat Polymorphisms in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most important histological type of lung cancer. This disease affects a large number of patients, and the prognosis of advanced patients is poor. Although great progress has been achieved for existing treatment methods, challenges still exist. Cancer is a genetic disease, and its occurrence is accompanied by substantial genomic-sequence instability. (GT/CA)n repeat sequence is a common microsatellite sequence serving as transcriptional function-related regions, DNA-methylation modification sites, and other functional sites. Its polymorphism is closely related to the expression of EGFR, HO-1, and HIF-1α in NSCLC patients. (GT/CA)n repeat sequence is the breakthrough point to explore the molecular mechanism of NSCLC occurrence and development, develop molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis and epigenetics research. This paper summarizes the studies on (GT/CA)n repeat polymorphisms in NSCLC with the aim of providing references for relevant NSCLC research.

The neuroprotective effects of Haikun Shenxi capsule medicated serum on N2a/APP695 cells based on PINKl-Parkin mitophagy pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To research the neuroprotective effect of Haikun Shenxi (HKSX) medicated serum on N2a/ App695 cells and the underlying mechanism. Methods HKSX medicated serum was prepared and carbohydrate components in it was analyzed using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) . N2a/ App695 cells were intervened with HKSX medicated serum, the cytotoxicity of HKSX medicated serum was measured by MTT; AP[_

Function of Cortactin/N-cadherin signal axis in pathological myocardial hypertrophy / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the regulatory effect of Cortaetin on pathological myocardial hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline (ISO) and the underlying mechanism. Methods ISO was used to stimulate neonatal rat cardiomyocytes for 24 h, and myocardial hypertrophy model was established at the cellular level. C57BL/6 mice were injected subcutaneously with ISO for one week to establish myocardial hypertrophy model at animal level. RT-qPCR was used to detect the changes of mRNA and Western blot was used to detect the changes of relative protein content. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the subcellular location of Cortaetin and the change of its expression. The overex-pression of Cortaetin by adenovirus infection and the knockdown of Cortaetin by transfection of small interfering RNA were studied. Results On the cellular and animal levels, ISO-induced myocardial hypertrophy models were successfully established, and it was observed that ISO caused the decrease of Cortaetin and N-cadherin protein levels. Overexpression of Cortaetin could reverse the decrease of N-cadherin protein level and myocardial hypertrophy caused by ISO. Knockdown of Cortaetin showed the opposite effect. Conclusion Cortaetin, in combination with N-cadherin, may play a role in combating myocardial hypertrophy by enhancing the connections between cardiomyocytes.

Research progress of m6A methylation modification in ocular diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

N6-methyladenosine(m6A), the most common, abundant, and conserved RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, regulates RNA splicing, stability, output, degradation and translation through m6A methyltransferase, m6A demethylase, and m6A methylated binding proteins. Recent studies have found that abnormal m6A methylation may mediate a variety of pathological processes in eyes and participate in the occurrence and development of metabolic, inflammatory, degenerative ocular diseases and ocular tumors, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract, age-related macular degeneration and uveal melanoma. This review aims to summarize the roles of m6A methylation modification in ocular cells and ocular diseases, elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of m6A methylation in ocular diseases, so as to encourage innovative approaches in the treatment of these ocular diseases.

GLUL stabilizes N-Cadherin by antagonizing β-Catenin to inhibit the progresses of gastric cancer

Glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL, also known as glutamine synthetase) is a crucial enzyme that catalyzes ammonium and glutamate into glutamine in the ATP-dependent condensation. Although GLUL plays a critical role in multiple cancers, the expression and function of GLUL in gastric cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we have found that the expression level of GLUL was significantly lower in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, and correlated with N stage and TNM stage, and low GLUL expression predicted poor survival for gastric cancer patients. Knockdown of GLUL promoted the growth, migration, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and vice versa, which was independent of its enzyme activity. Mechanistically, GLUL competed with β-Catenin to bind to N-Cadherin, increased the stability of N-Cadherin and decreased the stability of β-Catenin by alerting their ubiquitination. Furthermore, there were lower N-Cadherin and higher β-Catenin expression levels in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. GLUL protein expression was correlated with that of N-Cadherin, and could be the independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer. Our findings reveal that GLUL stabilizes N-Cadherin by antagonizing β-Catenin to inhibit the progress of gastric cancer.

Research progress on m5C methylation and its prospects in tumor immunotherapy / 口腔疾病防治

@#Epigenetic modification plays an important role in the biological regulatory process of eukaryotic cells. Tumor immunotherapy is an important means and clinical strategy for the treatment of some cancers. 5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is an important component of the epigenetic regulatory network discovered after m6A and has become a new topic for life science research in recent years. The m5C methylation of RNA can affect the fate of the modified RNA molecules and play an important role in various biological processes, including RNA stability, protein synthesis and transcriptional regulation. Recent studies have shown that m5C writers, erasers and readers are related to a variety of cellular biological processes and systemic diseases, including the occurrence, metastasis and tumor immune microenvironment. m5C methylation can widely affect gene expression and the biological process of tumorigenesis and development at multiple levels, but its specific mechanism and potential interaction with other epigenetic modifications in tumor immunotherapy are still unclear, and its regulatory mechanism, risk assessment and role in targeted therapy for malignant tumors need to be further studied. This article will review the dynamic regulatory network of m5C, the biological role of m5C modification in solid tumors and potential targets in tumor immunotherapy.

Effects of paternal pre-conceptional n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on telomere length in the offspring / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the effects of paternal pre-conceptional n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on telomere length (TL) in the offspring. Methods Three to four-week old male C57 BL/6J mice (Father) were randomly divided into three groups and fed either an n-3 PUFA-deficient (n-3 D) (n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio = 47.2:1) diet, a diet with normal n-3 PUFA content (n-3 N) (n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio = 4.3:1), or a diet with high n-3 PUFA content (n-3 H) (n-6:n-3 ratio = 1.5:1), for 12 weeks. Then, the offspring were generated by mating the father mice with 12-week-old virgin female C57 BL/6J mice. The TL, mRNA expression of telomere transcriptase and binding proteins, as well as DNA methylation in the TERT promoter region were determined in adult offspring mice. Results Compared to n-3 N diet, paternal feeding with n-3 D diet during preconception decreased offspring TL in the peripheral blood cells, liver, adipose tissue and brain, accompanied by upregulated hepatic mRNA expression of TIN2 in the female, and downregulated hepatic expression of TERC, and binding proteins TRF2 and POT1a in the male. Meanwhile, paternal n-3 D diet shortened testis TL in offspring instead of themselves, with altered mRNA expression of TERT and binding proteins TRF1, TRF2 and POT1a. Paternal n-3 H diet showed no differences in effects on offspring TL and expressions of TERC and binding proteins with n-3 N diet, but normalized the alterations in associated parameters resulted from paternal n-3 D diet. In addition, although paternal n-3 D or n-3 H diet did not affect testis TL in themselves compared to n-3 N diet, fathers fed n-3 H diet had longer testis TL and higher expression of TRF1, TRF2, POT1a and RAP1 than those fed n-3 D diet. Finally, the DNA methylation fraction in the TERT promoter in offspring testes and male offspring liver was no difference between paternal n-3 D and n-3 N diet groups. CpG sites with altered methylation were less (1 site) between paternal n-3 H and n-3 N diet groups than those (5 sites) between paternal n-3 H and n-3 D diet groups in male offspring liver and testes. Conclusion Maintaining paternal optimal n-3 PUFA status in pre-conception increases offspring TL, probably mediated by inheritance from increased TL in father and regulation on expressions of telomere transcriptase and binding proteins in the offspring, which may be helpful for promoting offspring development and disease prevention in adulthood.

Prevention and treatment of lipoic acid-niacin on blue-light-induced retinal damage in rats / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the preventive effect and optimal drug dose of lipoic acid-niacin(N2L)against blue light-induced retinal damage in SD rats, and to explore its possible protective mechanism.METHODS: A total of 36 specific pathogen free-grade male SD rats of 150-200 g were selected and randomly divided into normal control group, blue light injury group, N2L low-dose group(1.0 mg/kg), N2L medium-dose group(2.5 mg/kg), N2L high-dose group(5.0 mg/kg), and physiological saline group, with 6 rats in each group. The normal control group was reared in a 12 h dark and light cycle, and the rest of the groups received 9 h of daily light exposure, 3 h of blue light irradiation with a wavelength of 455 nm and an intensity of 3000±50 lx, and 12 h of darkness to establish the injury model, and were exposed to light exposure for 14 d. For 14 consecutive durations, a 1 mL dose of the corresponding drug was injected intraperitoneally. The rats were reared for another 5 d with a regular 12 h light-dark cycle and were examined by electroretinography. Specimens were prepared by over anesthesia, HE staining, and the thickness of the outer nuclear layer was observed under a optical microscope; superoxide dismutases(SOD)activity was detected by CheKineTM SOD Activity Assay Kit; and the retinal Caspase-3, quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), glutathione S transferase(GST), Bcl-2, and Bax protein expression in rat retina were detected by Western blot.RESULTS: The amplitude of b-wave in dark-vision ERG 3.0 and 10.0(cd·s)/m2 stimulated light, b-wave in bright-vision ERG 3.0(cd·s)/m2 stimulated light, and the amplitude of the 2nd wave peak of oscillatory potential were significantly lower in blue light injury group than that in the normal control group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01), while the amplitude was significantly higher in the N2L medium-dose group than in the blue light injury group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), and was not statistically different from that of the normal control group; the thickness of the retina in the blue light injury group was decreased in the ONL compared with that of the normal control group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), while in the N2L medium dose group, it was thicker than that of the blue light injury group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference from the normal control group; SOD activity was significantly higher in the N2L medium-dose group than in the remaining 5 groups(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); the expression of Caspase-3, Bax, and NQO1 in the blue light injury group was higher than that of the normal control group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01), and expression of Bax and Caspase-3 was significantly lower in the N2L medium-dose group compared with the blue light injury group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), whereas GST, NQO1 and Bcl-2 were significantly increased(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01).CONCLUSION:A concentration of 2.5 mg/kg N2L can effectively antagonize the damaging effect of blue light on the retina of SD rats, and it is expected to be a preventive and curative drug for it.

Identification and Analysis of NnOMT and NnNMT Gene Families in Nelumbo nucifera / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThe biosynthetic pathways of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids（BIAs） in Nelumbo nucifera are of great theoretical and economic value. In this paper， N. nucifera O-methyltransferase（NnOMT） and N. nucifera N-methyltransferase（NnNMT） gene families were identified and analyzed by bioinformatics in order to facilitate the biosynthetic pathway of BIAs in N. nucifera. MethodBased on the whole genome of N. nucifera， UniPort and National Center for Biotechnology Information（NCBI） databases were used to identify the NnOMT and NnNMT gene families of N. nucifera， and analyze their physicochemical properties and subcellular localization， then TBtools， MEME， MEGA 11.0， FigTree 1.4.4 and other tools were used to analyze the phylogeny， sequence characteristics， gene structure， functional annotation and cis-acting elements of NnOMT and NnNMT genes identified in the previous stage. ResultA total of 61 NnOMT and NnNMT genes were identified in this paper， the number of amino acids encoded by these genes ranged from 168 aa to 580 aa， the isoelectric point ranged from 4.76 to 9.16， and the relative molecular weight ranged from 18 699.52 Da to 64 934.53 Da， most of which showed acidic and mostly hydrophilic proteins. There were 10 conserved motifs， Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） analysis enriched a total of 12 pathways， including metabolism， biosynthesis of phenylpropane and isoquinoline alkaloids， etc. And Visualization of Gene Ontology（GO） enrichment results showed that 61 NnOMT and NnNMT genes were annotated to 32 items， which included 16 molecular functions［such as reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide（NADH） activity and exopeptidase activity］ and 16 biological processes（such as metabolic process of carbon tetrachloride， anaerobic carbon tetrachloride metabolic process and responses to exogenous biological stimuli）. There were a variety of cis-acting elements in the promoter regions of NnOMT and NnNMT genes， mainly promoter and enhancer regions element， light responsive element and methyl jasmonate responsive element. ConclusionIn this study， a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of 61 NnOMT and NnNMT genes is carried out based on the genome data of N. nucifera， which lays a foundation for research on the gene structure and function of NnOMT and NnNMT gene families， and provides a reference for biosynthetic pathway elucidation of BIAs in N. nucifera.

Long-term outcomes for epidemic viral pneumonia survivors after discharge from the intensive care unit: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective To review the long-term outcomes (functional status and psychological sequelae) of survivors of critical illnesses due to epidemic viral pneumonia before the COVID-19 pandemic and to establish a benchmark for comparison of the COVID-19 long-term outcomes. Methods This systematic review of clinical studies reported the long-term outcomes in adults admitted to intensive care units who were diagnosed with viral epidemic pneumonia. An electronic search was performed using databases: MEDLINE®, Web of Science™, LILACS/IBECS, and EMBASE. Additionally, complementary searches were conducted on the reference lists of eligible studies. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The results were grouped into tables and textual descriptions. Results The final analysis included 15 studies from a total of 243 studies. This review included 771 patients with Influenza A, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It analyzed the quality of life, functionality, lung function, mortality, rate of return to work, rehospitalization, and psychiatric symptoms. The follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 144 months. We found that the quality of life, functional capacity, and pulmonary function were below expected standards. Conclusion This review revealed great heterogeneity between studies attributed to different scales, follow-up time points, and methodologies. However, this systematic review identified negative long-term effects on patient outcomes. Given the possibility of future pandemics, it is essential to identify the long-term effects of viral pneumonia outbreaks. This review was not funded. Prospero database registration: (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) under registration ID CRD42021190296.

The role of trimethylamine-N-oxide level in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy / Papel do nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina no diagnóstico da retinopatia diabética e no diagnóstico diferencial da retinopatia diabética e não-diabética

ABSTRACT Purpose: Trimethylamine N-oxide serum levels have been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. The current study aimed to find out if plasma trimethylamine N-oxide level may be a novel marker in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and if it can be used in the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy. Methods: The study included 30 patients with diabetic retinopathy, 30 patients with nondiabetic retinopathy, 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy, and 30 healthy control participants. Biochemical parameters, serum IL-6, TNF-α, and trimethylamine N-oxide levels were measured in all participants. Results: Trimethylamine N-oxide level was significantly higher in diabetic retinopathy than in the other groups (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in trimethylamine N-oxide levels between nondiabetic retinopathy and control or type 2 diabetes mellitus Groups. There was a significant positive correlation between trimethylamine N-oxide level and elevated FPG, BMI, HOMA-IR score, BUN, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Conclusion: The current study showed that the trimethylamine N-oxide level is elevated in diabetic retinopathy. These findings suggest that serum trimethylamine N-oxide level might be a novel marker for diabetic retinopathy, and it might be used in the differential diagnosis of diabetic and nondiabetic retinopathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Os níveis séricos de N-óxido de trimetilamina têm sido associados ao diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e suas complicações. O presente estudo tem como objetivo responder a duas questões, entre elas: O nível plasmático de N-óxido de trimetilamina poderia ser um novo marcador no diagnóstico de retinopatia diabética? e Ele poderia ser utilizado no diagnóstico diferencial de retinopatia diabética e não diabética? Métodos: Trinta pacientes com retinopatia diabética, 30 pacientes com retinopatia não diabética, 30 pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 sem retinopatia e 30 participantes saudáveis do grupo controle foram incluídos no estudo. Parâmetros bioquímicos, níveis séricos de IL-6, de TNF-α e de N-óxido de trimetilamina foram medidos em todos os participantes. Resultados: O nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina foi significativamente maior na retinopatia diabética do que nos outros grupos (p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa no nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina entre o grupo de retinopatia não diabética, do grupo controle ou do grupo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Houve uma correlação positiva significativa entre o nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina e os níveis elevados de FPG, IMC, HOMA-IR, BUN, IL-6 e TNF-α. Conclusão: O estudo atual mostrou que o nível de N-óxido de trimetilamina encontra-se elevado na retinopatia diabética. Esses achados sugerem que o nível sérico de N-óxido de trimetilamina pode ser um novo marcador na retinopatia diabética, podendo ser usado no diagnóstico diferencial de retinopatia diabética e não diabética.

Using guinea pig as a model for evaluation of equine influenza vaccine

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral disease, specially among 1-5 years old naive horses. Vaccination is considered the best way to control the disease spread and outbreaks. Although foals are the main animal used for evaluation of equine influenza vaccines, guinea pigs were chosen as an alternative model in the present work, as they have a negligible antibody titer against equine influenza virus and are cheaper and easier to handle than foals. Five equine influenza vaccine batches were evaluated in two animal models, foals and guinea pigs, by injection of two doses/animal with 4 weeks apart using 2 mL/animal/dose and evaluation of immune responses by hemagglutination inhibition test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. On the 7th week post vaccination, equine influenza antibodies titers reached maximum values of 9-10.2 and 8.7-10 hemagglutination inhibition units for foals and guinea pigs, respectively; sample/negative ratios were 0.126-0.464 and 0.128-0.445 for both animals, respectively. The use of guinea pigs as an animal model for the evaluation of equine influenza vaccines could be recommended instead of foals.

La gripe equina es una enfermedad viral muy contagiosa, especialmente entre los caballos jóvenes de 1 a 5 años de edad. La vacunación se considera la mejor forma de controlar la propagación y los brotes de la enfermedad. Aunque los potros son el principal animal utilizado para la evaluación de vacunas contra la gripe equina, en el presente trabajo se eligieron cobayos como modelo alternativo, ya que tienen un título insignificante de anticuerpos contra el virus de la gripe equina y son más baratos y fáciles de manejar que los potros. Se evaluaron cinco lotes de vacunas contra la gripe equina en dos modelos animales, potros y cobayos, mediante la inyección de dos dosis/animal con 4 semanas de intervalo utilizando 2 mL/animal/dosis y la evaluación de las respuestas inmunitarias mediante la prueba de inhibición de la hemaglutinación y el ensayo inmunoenzimático. En la 7ª semana posvacunación, los títulos de anticuerpos contra la gripe equina alcanzaron valores máximos de 9-10,2 y 8,7-10 unidades de inhibición de la hemaglutinación para potros y cobayos, respectivamente; las relaciones muestras/negativos fueron de 0,126-0,464 y 0,128-0,445 para ambos animales, respectivamente. Podría recomendarse el uso de cobayos como modelo animal para la evaluación de vacunas contra la gripe equina, en lugar de potros.

Encefalitis autoinmune posherpética. Caso clínico pediátrico / Autoimmune post-herpes simplex encephalitis. A pediatric clinical case report

La encefalitis por virus herpes simple (VHS) es una causa frecuente de encefalitis grave y potencialmente fatal. La encefalitis autoinmune posherpética (EAPH) afecta a un porcentaje de los pacientes que han presentado encefalitis herpética (EH) y se caracteriza por la aparición de nuevos síntomas neurológico/psiquiátricos, y/o por el empeoramiento de los déficits adquiridos durante la infección viral dentro de un lapso temporal predecible. Se produce por un mecanismo no relacionado con el VHS, sino por fenómenos autoinmunes, y es susceptible de tratamiento con inmunomoduladores. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 5 años de edad con EAPH que requirió tratamiento inmunomodulador, de primera y segunda línea, con buena evolución y remisión de los síntomas.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a common cause of severe and potentially fatal encephalitis. Autoimmune post-herpes simplex encephalitis (AIPHSE) affects a percentage of patients who developed herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) and is characterized by the onset of new neurological/psychiatric symptoms and/or worsening of deficits acquired during the herpes infection within a predictable time frame. It is caused by a mechanism not related to HSV, but by autoimmune conditions, and is susceptible to treatment with immunomodulators. Here we describe the case of a 5-year-old boy with AIPHSE who required first- and second-line immunomodulatory treatment, with an adequate course and remission of symptoms.