Multi-Omics Characteristics of Ferroptosis Associated with Colon Adenocarcinoma Typing and Survival.

BACKGROUND: Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, plays a crucial role in the progression of various cancers, including colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). However, the multi-omics signatures relevant to ferroptosis regulation in COAD diagnosis remain to be elucidated. METHODS: The transcriptomic, miRNAomic, and methylomic profiles of COAD patients were acquired from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Ferroptosis activity in these patients was determined, represented by a ferroptosis score (FS), using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) based on the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. RESULTS: Results showed that the COAD patients with high-FS displayed favorable survival outcomes and heightened drug sensitivity. They also exhibited an up-regulation of genes involved in immune-related pathways (e.g., tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway), suggesting a correlation between immunity and ferroptosis in COAD progression. Furthermore, three survival prediction models were established based on 10 CpGs, 12 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 14 microRNAs (miRNAs), respectively. These models demonstrated high accuracy in predicting COAD survival, achieving areas under the curve (AUC) >0.7. The variables used in the three models also showed strong correlations at different omics levels and were effective at discriminating between high-FS and low-FS COAD patients (AUC >0.7). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified different DNA methylation (DNAm), lncRNA, and miRNA characteristics between COAD patients with high and low ferroptosis activity. Furthermore, ferroptosis-related multi-omics signatures were established for COAD prognosis and classification. These insights present new opportunities for improving the efficacy of COAD therapy.

Sensory Symptoms and Effects on Health-related Quality of Life of Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lumbar degenerative spine diseases (LDSDs) commonly report sensory symptoms before and after lumbar spine surgery. AIM: To explore the changing patterns of sensory symptoms-namely pain, numbness, stinging, itching, and burning-and investigate the influences of sensory symptom changes on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients who experienced lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: All sensory symptoms (i.e., pain, numbness, paresthesia) were measured using a visual analog scale. The Chinese versions of the Oswestry Disability Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale, and EuroQol-five dimensions (EQ-5D) Scale were used to assess patients 1 week prior to surgery and 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. A generalized estimating equation was used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients with mean age of 58.38 years were included. All sensory symptoms declined significantly over time (all p < .05) with the exception of itching (feeling on toes and thighs). Patients experiencing moderate-to-severe pain had poorer QoL over time, even after controlling for other sensory symptoms and potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory symptoms gradually declined after surgery, but itching symptom did not. Moderate-to-severe pain was the only sensory symptom that influenced HRQoL over time in patients with LDSDs.

Recombinant human thrombopoietin treatment in patients with chronic liver disease-related thrombocytopenia undergoing invasive procedures: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease (CLD) related thrombocytopenia increases the risk of bleeding and poor prognosis. Many liver disease patients require invasive procedures or surgeries, such as liver biopsy or endoscopic variceal ligation, and most of them have lower platelet counts, which could aggravate the risk of bleeding due to liver dysfunction and coagulation disorders. Unfortunately, there is no defined treatment modality for CLD-induced thrombocytopenia. Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) is commonly used to treat primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura and thrombocytopenia caused by solid tumor chemotherapy; however, there are few reports on the use of rhTPO in the treatment of CLD-related thrombocytopenia. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of rhTPO in the treatment of patients with CLD-associated thrombocytopenia undergoing invasive procedures. METHODS: All analyses were based on the retrospective collection of clinical data of patients with CLD who were treated in the Department of Infectious Diseases at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2020 and December 2021. Fifty-nine male and 41 female patients with liver disease were enrolled in this study to assess the changes in platelet counts and parameters before and after the use of rhTPO for thrombocytopenia. Adverse events related to treatment, such as bleeding, thrombosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, were also investigated. RESULTS: Among the enrolled patients, 78 (78%) showed a platelet count increase after rhTPO use, while 22 (22%) showed no significant change in platelet count. The mean platelet count after rhTPO treatment in all patients was 101.53 ± 81.81 × 109/L, which was significantly improved compared to that at baseline (42.88 ± 16.72 × 109/L), and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, patients were further divided into three subgroups according to their baseline platelet counts (< 30 × 109/L, 30-50 × 109/L, > 50 × 109/L). Subgroup analyses showed that the median platelet counts after treatment were significantly higher (P < 0.001, all). Ninety (90%) patients did not require platelet transfusion partially due to an increase in platelet count after treatment with rhTPO. No serious adverse events related to rhTPO treatment were observed. Overall, rhTPO demonstrated good clinical efficacy for treating CLD-associated thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION: rhTPO can improve platelet count, reduce the risk of bleeding, and decrease the platelet transfusion rate, which may promote the safety of invasive procedures and improve overall survival of patients with CLD.

Effects of osteoporosis on the biomechanics of various supplemental fixations co-applied with oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF): a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is an important surgical modality for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease. Various supplemental fixations can be co-applied with OLIF, increasing OLIF stability and reducing complications. However, it is unclear whether osteoporosis affects the success of supplemental fixations; therefore, this study analyzed the effects of osteoporosis on various supplemental fixations co-applied with OLIF. METHODS: We developed and validated an L3-S1 finite element (FE) model; we assigned different material properties to each component and established models of the osteoporotic and normal bone lumbar spine. We explored the outcomes of OLIF combined with each of five supplemental fixations: standalone OLIF; OLIF with lateral plate fixation (OLIF + LPF); OLIF with translaminar facet joint fixation and unilateral pedicle screw fixation (OLIF + TFJF + UPSF); OLIF with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (OLIF + UPSF); and OLIF with bilateral pedicle screw fixation (OLIF + BPSF). Under the various working conditions, we calculated the ranges of motion (ROMs) of the normal bone and osteoporosis models, the maximum Mises stresses of the fixation instruments (MMSFIs), and the average Mises stresses on cancellous bone (AMSCBs). RESULTS: Compared with the normal bone OLIF model, no demonstrable change in any segmental ROM was apparent. The MMSFIs increased in all five osteoporotic OLIF models. In the OLIF + TFJF + UPSF model, the MMSFIs increased sharply in forward flexion and extension. The stress changes of the OLIF + UPSF, OLIF + BPSF, and OLIF + TFJF + UPSF models were similar; all stresses trended upward. The AMSCBs decreased in all five osteoporotic OLIF models during flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The average stress change of cancellous bone was most obvious under extension. The AMSCBs of the five OLIF models decreased by 14%, 23.44%, 21.97%, 40.56%, and 22.44% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For some supplemental fixations, the AMSCBs were all reduced and the MMSFIs were all increased in the osteoporotic model, compared with the OLIF model of normal bone. Therefore, the biomechanical performance of an osteoporotic model may be inferior to the biomechanical performance of a normal model for the same fixation method; in some instances, it may increase the risks of fracture and internal fixation failure.

Biomechanical study of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented with different types of instrumentation: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: To explore the biomechanical differences in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented by different types of instrumentation. METHODS: A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of an intact L3-S1 lumbar spine was built and validated. The intact model was modified to develop five OLIF surgery models (Stand-alone OLIF; OLIF with lateral plate fixation [OLIF + LPF]; OLIF with unilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF + UPSF]; OLIF with bilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF + BPSF]; OLIF with translaminar facet joint fixation + unilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF + TFJF + UPSF]) in which the surgical segment was L4-L5. Under a follower load of 500 N, a 7.5-Nm moment was applied to all lumbar spine models to calculate the range of motion (ROM), equivalent stress peak of fixation instruments (ESPFI), equivalent stress peak of cage (ESPC), equivalent stress peak of cortical endplate (ESPCE), and equivalent stress average value of cancellous bone (ESAVCB). RESULTS: Compared with the intact model, the ROM of the L4-L5 segment in each OLIF surgery model decreased by > 80%. The ROM values of adjacent segments were not significantly different. The ESPFI, ESPC, and ESPCE values of the OLIF + BPSF model were smaller than those of the other OLIF surgery models. The ESAVCB value of the normal lumbar model was less than the ESAVCB values of all OLIF surgical models. In most postures, the ESPFI, ESPCE, and ESAVCB values of the OLIF + LPF model were the largest. The ESPC was higher in the Stand-alone OLIF model than in the other OLIF models. The stresses of several important components of the OLIF + UPSF and OLIF + TFJF + UPSF models were between those of the OLIF + LPF and OLIF + BPSF models. CONCLUSIONS: Our biomechanical FE analysis indicated the greater ability of OLIF + BPSF to retain lumbar stability, resist cage subsidence, and maintain disc height. Therefore, in the augmentation of OLIF, bilateral pedicle screws fixation may be the best approach.

Marine Natural Products and Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease is the major cause of mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income earners. To not only reduce angina symptoms and exercise-induced ischemia but also prevent cardiovascular events, pharmacological intervention strategies, including antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulant drugs, statins, and other lipid-lowering drugs, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, are conducted. However, the existing drugs for coronary artery disease are incomprehensive and have some adverse reactions. Thus, it is necessary to look for new drug research and development. Marine natural products have been considered a valuable source for drug discovery because of their chemical diversity and biological activities. The experiments and investigations indicated that several marine natural products, such as organic small molecules, polysaccharides, proteins, and bioactive peptides, and lipids were effective for treating coronary artery disease. Here, we particularly discussed the functions and mechanisms of active substances in coronary artery disease, including antiplatelet, anticoagulant, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.

The effect of cervical intervertebral disc degeneration on the motion path of instantaneous center of rotation at degenerated and adjacent segments: A finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: The motion path of instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) is a crucial kinematic parameter to dynamically characterize cervical spine intervertebral patterns of motion; however, few studies have evaluated the effect of cervical disc degeneration (CDD) on ICR motion path. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CDD on the ICR motion path of degenerated and adjacent segments. METHOD: A validated nonlinear three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a healthy adult cervical spine was used. Progressive degeneration was simulated with six FE models by modifying intervertebral disc height and material properties, anterior osteophyte size, and degree of endplate sclerosis at the C5-C6 level. All models were subjected to a pure moment of 1 Nm and a compressive follower load of 73.6 N to simulate physical motion. ICR motion paths were compared among different models. RESULTS: The normal FE model results were consistent with those of previous studies. In degenerative models, average ICR motion paths shifted significantly anterior at the degenerated segment (ß = 0.27 mm; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.32) and posterior at the proximal adjacent segment (ß = -0.09 mm; 95% CI: -0.15, -0.02) than those of the normal model. CONCLUSION: CDD significantly affected ICR motion paths at the degenerated and proximal adjacent segments. The changes at adjacent segments may be a result of compensatory mechanisms to maintain the balance of the cervical spine. Surgical treatment planning should take into account the restoration of ICR motion path to normal. These findings could provide a basis for prosthesis design and clinical practice.

Parametric study of anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (APECD).

Anterior percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy (APECD) is a common treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). In this study, the effects of various channel diameters and approach angles on cervical vertebrae on postoperative outcomes in APECD surgery were explored. A finite element model of intact cervical C3-C7 was constructed and then modified to obtain six surgical models. Range of motion (ROM) and intradiscal pressure (IDP) were calculated under different conditions of flexion (Fle), extension (Ext), lateral bending, and axial rotation. During Fle and bending to the left (LB), the ROM was closer to the intact model when the angle of approach was 90°. During bending to the left (LB) and rotation to the left (LR), the ROM changed considerably (43.2%, 33.7%, respectively) where the angle of approach was 45°. As the surgical channel diameter increased, the extent of the change in ROM compared with the intact model also increased. IDP decreased by 48% and 49%, respectively, compared with the intact model at the C5-C6 segment where the angle of approach was 45° and 60° during Fle, while it changed little at 90°, by less than 10%. The IDP was increased noticeably by 117.6%, 82.1%, and 105.8%, for channel diameters of 2, 3 and 4 mm, respectively. And declined noticeably during LB and LR (LB: 27.1%, 27.1%, 38.5%; LR: 37.4%, 35.5%, 48.7%). The results demonstrated that the shorter the surgical path, the smaller surgical diameter, the less the biomechanical influence on the cervical vertebra.

Does oblique lumbar interbody fusion promote adjacent degeneration in degenerative disc disease: A finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: The number of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) procedures has continued to rise over recent years. Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) is a common complication following vertebral body fusion. Although the precise mechanism remains uncertain, ASD has gradually become more common in OLIF. Therefore, the present study analyzed the association between disc degeneration and OLIF to explore whether adjacent degeneration was promoted by OLIF in degenerative disc disease. METHODS: A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the L3-S1 lumbar spine was developed and validated. Three lumbar spine degeneration models with different degrees of degeneration (mild, moderate and severe) and a model of OLIF surgery were constructed at the L4-L5 level. When subjected to a follower compressive load (500 N), hybrid moment loading was applied to all models of the lumbar spine and the range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), facet joint force (FJF), average mises stress in the annulus (AMSA), average tresca stress in the annulus (ATSA) and average endplate stress (AES) were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy lumbar spine model, the ROM, IDP, FJF, AMSA, ATSA and AES of the segments adjacent to the degenerated segment increased in each posture as the degree of disc degeneration increased. In different directions of motion, the ROM, IDP, FJF, AMSA, ATSA and AES in the OLIF model in the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments were higher than those of the healthy model and each degenerated model. Compared with the healthy model, the largest relative increase in biomechanical parameters above (ROM, IDP, FJF, AMSA, ATSA or AES) was observed in the L3-L4 segment in the OLIF model, of 77.13%, 32.63%, 237.19%, 45.36%, 110.92% and 80.28%, respectively. In the L5-S1 segment the corresponding values were 68.88%, 36.12%, 147.24%, 46.00%, 45.88% and 51.29%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both degenerated discs and OLIF surgery modified the pattern of motion and load distribution of adjacent segments (L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments). The increases in the biomechanical parameters of segments adjacent to the surgical segment in the OLIF model were more apparent than those of the degenerated models. In summary, OLIF risked accelerating the degeneration of segments adjacent to those of a surgical segment.

Application of Simulation Methods in Cervical Spine Dynamics.

Neck injury is one of the most frequent spine injuries due to the complex structure of the cervical spine. The high incidence of neck injuries in collision accidents can bring a heavy economic burden to the society. Therefore, knowing the potential mechanisms of cervical spine injury and dysfunction is significant for improving its prevention and treatment. The research on cervical spine dynamics mainly concerns the fields of automobile safety, aeronautics, and astronautics. Numerical simulation methods are beneficial to better understand the stresses and strains developed in soft tissues with investigators and have been roundly used in cervical biomechanics. In this article, the simulation methods for the development and application of cervical spine dynamic problems in the recent years have been reviewed. The study focused mainly on multibody and finite element models. The structure, material properties, and application fields, especially the whiplash injury, were analyzed in detail. It has been shown that simulation methods have made remarkable progress in the research of cervical dynamic injury mechanisms, and some suggestions on the research of cervical dynamics in the future have been proposed.

Biomechanical Effect of L4 -L5 Intervertebral Disc Degeneration on the Lower Lumbar Spine: A Finite Element Study.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the biomechanical effects of a degenerated L4 -L5 segment on the lower lumbar spine through a comprehensive simulation of disc degeneration. METHODS: A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of a normal L3 -S1 lumbar spine was constructed and validated. This normal model was then modified such that three degenerated models with different degrees of degeneration (mild, moderate, or severe) at the L4 -L5 level were constructed. While experiencing a follower compressive load (500 N), hybrid moment loads were applied to all models to determine range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), maximum von Mises stress in the annulus, maximum shear stress in the annulus, and facet joint force. RESULTS: As the degree of disc degeneration increased, the ROM of the L4 -L5 degenerated segment declined dramatically in all postures (flexion: 5.79°-1.91°; extension: 5.53°-2.62°; right lateral bending: 4.47°-1.46°; left lateral bending: 4.86°-1.61°; right axial rotation: 2.69°-0.74°; left axial rotation: 2.69°-0.74°), while the ROM in adjacent segments increased (1.88°-8.19°). The largest percent decrease in motion of the L4 -L5 segment due to disc degeneration was in right axial rotation (75%), left axial rotation (69%), flexion (67%), right lateral bending (67%), left lateral bending right (67%), and extension (53%). The change in the trend of the IDP was the same as that of the ROM. Specifically, the IDP decreased (flexion: 0.592-0.09 MPa; extension: 0.678-0.334 MPa; right lateral bending: 0.498-0.205 MPa; left lateral bending: 0.523-0.272 MPa; right axial rotation: 0.535-0.246 MPa; left axial rotation: 0.53-0.266 MPa) in the L4 -L5 segment, while the IDP in adjacent segments increased (0.511-0.789 MPa). The maximum von Mises stress and maximum shear stress of the annulus in whole lumbar spine segments increased (L4 -L5 segment: 0.413-2.626 MPa and 0.412-2.783 MPa, respectively; adjacent segment of L4 -L5 : 0.356-1.493 MPa and 0.359-1.718 MPa, respectively) as degeneration of the disc progressively increased. There was no apparent regularity in facet joint force in the degenerated segment as the degree of disc degeneration increased. Nevertheless, facet joint forces in adjacent healthy segments increased as the degree of disc degeneration increased (extension: 49.7-295.3 N; lateral bending: 3.5-171.2 N; axial rotation: 140.2-258.8 N). CONCLUSION: Degenerated discs caused changes in the motion and loading pattern of the degenerated segments and adjacent normal segments. The abnormal load and motion in the degenerated models risked accelerating degeneration in the adjacent normal segments. In addition, accurate simulation of degenerated facet joints is essential for predicting changes in facet joint loads following disc degeneration.

Network Analyses of the Differential Expression of Heat Shock Proteins in Glioma.

Heat shock protein (HSP) is a family of highly conserved protein, which exists widely in various organisms and has a variety of important physiological functions. Currently, there is no systematic analysis of HSPs in human glioma. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of HSPs through constructing protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) considering the expression level of HSPs in glioma. After the identification of the differentially expressed HSPs in glioma tissues, a specific PPIN was constructed and found that there were many interactions between the differentially expressed HSPs in glioma. Subcellular localization analysis shows that HSPs and their interacting proteins distribute from the cell membrane to the nucleus in a multilayer structure. By functional enrichment analysis, gene ontology analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, the potential function of HSPs and two meaningful enrichment pathways was revealed. In addition, nine HSPs (DNAJA4, DNAJC6, DNAJC12, HSPA6, HSP90B1, DNAJB1, DNAJB6, DNAJC10, and SERPINH1) are prognostic markers for human brain glioma. These analyses provide a full view of HSPs about their expression, biological process, as well as clinical significance in glioma.

The effect of follower load on the range of motion, facet joint force, and intradiscal pressure of the cervical spine: a finite element study.

Follower loads are used to simulate physiological compressive loads on the human spine. These compressive loads represent the load-carrying capacity of the human cervical spine and play an important role in maintaining its stability. However, under different follower loads the biomechanical response of the cervical spine is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of follower load on the biomechanics of the cervical spine. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the cervical spine (C3-C7) was developed and validated. Using this FE model, we evaluated the effect of different follower loads (0 N, 50 N, 100 N, and 150 N) on the range of motion (ROM), facet joint forces (FJFs), and intradiscal pressure (IDP) in the cervical spine. In addition, a moment of 1 Nm was applied in three anatomical planes (sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes) to simulate different postures. The results indicate that as follower load was increased, the ROM of the cervical spine in extension decreased (4.06°-0.95°), but increased in other postures (flexion 4.19°-6.04°, lateral bending 1.74-3.03°, axial rotation 2.64°-4.11°). Follower loads increased the FJF in all postures (0 N-52 N). In lateral bending (LB), FJFs were only generated in the ipsilateral facet joints. In axial rotation (AR), there was large asymmetry in the FJF, which increased as follower load increased. The IDP of each segment increased nonlinearly with increasing follower load in all postures (0.01 MPa-1.23 MPa). In summary, follower loads caused changes in motion and loading patterns in the cervical spine (C3-C7). Therefore, in common daily activities, we should pay attention to the muscle strength of the neck through exercise to adapt to the biomechanical changes in the cervical spine following an increase in follower load. Graphical Abstract Follower load is defined as the compressive load directed approximately along the axis of the spine. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of the follower compressive load on biomechanics of the cervical spine. To do so, a three-dimensional nonlinear FE model of the cervical spine (C3-C7) was built and validated. Using this FE model of the cervical spine, we evaluated the effect of different follower loads (0 N, 50 N, 100 N, 150 N) on range of motion, facet joint force, and IDP in the cervical spine. In this study, the follower load was applied to the finite element model by connector elements. At the same time, a moment of 1 Nm was applied in the three anatomical planes to simulate different postures.

Using finite element analysis to determine effects of the motion loading method on facet joint forces after cervical disc degeneration.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the biomechanical effects of cervical disc degeneration (CDD) on the cervical spine is fundamental for understanding the mechanisms of spinal disorders and improving clinical treatment. While the biomechanical effects of CDD on segmental flexibility and the posterior facets have been reported, a clear understanding of the effect of the motion loading method on facet joint forces after CDD is still lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of the motion loading method on facet joint forces after CDD. METHODS: A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of the cervical spine (C3-C7) was developed and validated to represent normal conditions. This normal model was modified to create six degenerative models simulating mild, moderate, and severe grades of disc degeneration at C5-C6. While under a follower compressive preload (73.6 N), a 1-Nm moment was applied to all models to determine range of motion (ROM). A displacement load was applied to all degenerative models under the same follower load, making the C5-C6 degeneration segment motion same to the ROM of C5-C6 in normal model, and facet joint forces were computed. RESULTS: Compared with the normal model, ROM of the C5-C6 degenerative segments dramatically declined in all postures with increasing degenerative pathologies in the disc. The ROM in the adjacent normal segments of the degenerative segments also declined, with the exception of C4-C5 during extension. Under a 1-Nm moment load, there were not obvious changes in facet joint forces in the C5-C6 degenerative segment with increasing grades of degeneration, but facet joint forces in the adjacent normal segments did increase. Under a displacement load, the facet joint forces of the C5-C6 degenerative segment increased with increasing grades of degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Facet joint forces were positively correlated with the ROM of the degenerative segment, demonstrating that the motion loading method had a significant effect on facet joint forces after CDD. Loading conditions must be strictly controlled in future finite element analysis studies to improve the comparability between models built by different units.

Effect of biological additives on Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) growth performance, digestive enzymes activity and immunology.

Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) has become a commercially important fish species all over the world. High-density aquaculture has led to congestion and contributed to bacterial infection outbreaks that have caused high mortality. Therefore a 56-days feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (GB-9) and Yarrowia lipolytica lipase2 (YLL2) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, innate immunity and resistance to pathogens of A. japonica. Fish growth performance was significantly affected by dietary YLL2 supplementation but not by GB-9. Fish fed diets with YLL2 at 2.0 g/kg diet in combination of high and low levels of GB-9 (5.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg) produced the highest growth. For digestive enzyme, lipase and trypsin activities was promoted by dietary containing YLL2, while amylase activities was increased by dietary containing YLL2, GB-9 single or combination. For innate immunity, the mucus lysozyme activity, leukocytes phagocytosis activity and reactive oxygen species level of skin, peroxidase and lysozyme activity of serum were enhanced in fish fed with GB-9 compared to those in control group (p < 0.05). The highest resistance to Vibrio anguillarum and Aeromonas hydrophila was determined in fish fed with 5.0 g kg-1 GB-9 + 2.0 g/kg YLL2. This study demonstrated that GB-9 and YLL2 enhanced non-specific immune defense system of A. japonica, providing them with higher resistance to pathogens. The present results suggested that the combination of these supplements could be considered as potential biological additives for aquaculture farmed fish.

OTX1 promotes colorectal cancer progression through epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1), a transcription factor containing a bicoid-like homeodomain, plays a role in brain and sensory organ development. In this study, we report that OTX1 is overexpressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and OTX1 overexpression is associated with higher stage. Functional analyses reveal that overexpression of OTX1 results in accumulation of CRC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, whereas ablation of OTX1 expression significantly inhibits the proliferative and invasive capability of CRC cells in vitro. Together, our results indicate that OTX1 is involved in human colon carcinogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for human colorectal cancer.