Cod (Gadus) skin collagen peptide powder reduces inflammation, restores mucosal barrier function, and inhibits fibrosis in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. Cod (Gadus), a kind of herb from the Chinese herb. Traditionally, it has used to treat trauma, reduce swelling and relieve pain in order to exert its anti-inflammatory activity. Recent reports based on its hydrolyzed or enzymatic extracts have shown its anti-inflammatory, mucosal barrier protecting properties. However, its mechanism of improvement in ulcerative colitis is not clear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the preventive and protective effect of cod skin collagen peptide powder (CP) on mice with UC and to explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC were treated with CP by gavage, and the anti-inflammatory effects of CP were assessed using general physical, pro-inflammatory cytokine, histopathological, immunohistochemical, macrophage flow cytometry, and inflammatory signaling pathway assays. RESULTS: CP ameliorates inflammation by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and thereby decreasing the phosphorylation levels of P38 and JNK. It also polarizes macrophages in the colon towards the M2 phenotype, which helps to reduce tissue damage and promotes colon repair. At the same time, CP also inhibits the development of fibrosis, one of the complications of UC, by upregulating ZO-1, Occludin, and downregulating α-SMA, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found CP reduced inflammation in mice with UC by inducing MKP-1 expression, which caused dephosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). CP also restored mucosal barrier function and inhibited the development of fibrosis complicating UC in these mice. Taken together, these results suggested that CP improved the pathological manifestations of UC in mice, suggesting that it can play a biological role as a nutritional supplement for preventing and treating UC.

RILPL2 is associated with the progression and prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma.

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) is one of the most common tumors among females worldwide. RILPL2 was recently reported to be a promising biomarker for the treatment of breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of RILPL2 in CESC. Totally 302 CESC patients' data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. All patients were divided into high or low RILPL2 groups according to the median expression of RILPL2. Subsequently, survival analysis, multivariate Cox regression, and experimental validation were performed on all CESC patient data. The Ualcan database was used to analyze the expression level and prognostic value of RILPL2 in pan-cancer. The Gene Set Cancer Analysis database was used for drug sensitivity analysis. Functional KEGG pathways were analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis. RILPL2 was generally down-regulated in a variety of tumors, and a high level of RILPL2 was associated with a better prognosis in CESC patients. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qRT-PCR results showed that RILPL2 was significantly down-regulated in CESC cells and tissues. Besides, along with the increase of TNM Stage, the RILPL2 expression tended to decrease gradually. Patients with high RILPL2 expression showed lower resistance to small molecule drugs used in CESC progressions, such as Methotrexate, AZD7762, and Vinblastine, and a higher response rate to immunotherapy. Additionally, we identified 267 co-expressing genes of RILPL2, all of which jointly affected CESC progression through 15 complex pathways. Low RILPL2 expression was closely associated with the onset, progression, and poor prognosis of CESC. RILPL2 might be a promising optional biomarker for CESC patients' diagnosis and prognosis.

Novel Prognostic Biomarkers for Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma (CESC) Patients via Analysis of Competing Endogenous RNA (ceRNA) Network.

Background: Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) is a common malignant gynecological cancer. The ceRNA networks play important roles in many tumors, while RILPL2-related ceRNA network has been seldom studied in CESC. Methods: All CESC data was obtained from TCGA database. Differentially expressed RNAs and predicted target RNAs were cross analyzed to construct ceRNA network. RNA and clinicopathological characteristics' influence on overall survival (OS) were determined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Lasso regression was used to construct the prediction model. Coexpression analysis was performed to explore the association of gene expression with CESC. This was followed by an experimental validation based on these results. Results: Between high and low RILPL2 expression CESC patients, totally 1227 DEmRNAs, 39 DEmiRNAs, and 1544 DElncRNAs were identified. After multiple cross analyses, 1 miRNA hsa-miR-1293, 20 mRNAs, and 43 lncRNAs were maintained to construct ceRNA network. CADM3-AS1, LINC00092, and ZNF667-AS1 in ceRNA network were significantly associated with the OS of CESC patients, and patients with low expression of these lncRNAs had worse prognosis. Significant lower expressions of these lncRNAs were also observed in CESC cell line compared with normal cell line. Conclusion: Low expressions of CADM3-AS1, LINC00092, and ZNF667-AS1 in ceRNA network were probably promising poor prognostic biomarkers for CESC patients. The genes show a prospective research area for CESC-targeted treatment in the future.

Identification and Prognostic Value Exploration of Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)-Centered Chemotherapy Response-Associated Genes in Breast Cancer.

In this study, we aimed to explore cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) response-associated genes and constructed a model to predict the prognosis of breast cancer (BRCA) patients. Samples obtained from TCGA and GEO databases were subjected to Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and univariate Cox and LASSO Cox regression analysis to identify and validate the Cytoxan response-related prognostic signature. Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the independence of factors, and the nomogram model was constructed by including all the independent factors. WGCNA revealed that 159 genes are significantly correlated with Cytoxan response in BRCA samples, and the samples with a different prognosis could be effectively distinguished based on the expression of those 159 genes. Ten genes were further selected to be related to the prognosis of BRCA patients, including PCDHB2, GRIK2, FRMD7, CCSER1, PCDHGA1, PCDHA1, LRRC37A6P, PCDHGA12, ZNF486, and PCDHGB5, based on the Risk Score model. Among them, PCDHA1 expression was validated in cells and patient samples. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that the Risk Score is an independent factor. Furthermore, the nomogram model showed that the predicted survival probability is closely related to the actual survival probability. In conclusion, we identified 159 genes potentially correlated with the Cytoxan response of BRCA patients, which had prognostic value in BRCA.

Synthesis and Stability of Hydrogen Storage Material Aluminum Hydride.

Aluminum hydride (AlH3) is a binary metal hydride with a mass hydrogen density of more than 10% and bulk hydrogen density of 148 kg H2/m3. Pure aluminum hydride can easily release hydrogen when heated. Due to the high hydrogen density and low decomposition temperature, aluminum hydride has become one of the most promising hydrogen storage media for wide applications, including fuel cell, reducing agents, and rocket fuel additive. Compared with aluminum powder, AlH3 has a higher energy density, which can significantly reduce the ignition temperature and produce H2 fuel in the combustion process, thus reducing the relative mass of combustion products. In this paper, the research progress about the structure, synthesis, and stability of aluminum hydride in recent decades is reviewed. We also put forward the challenges for application of AlH3 and outlook the possible opportunity for AlH3 in the future.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3-mediated programmed cell necrosis in rats subjected to focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

In the current study, the activation of tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 1 (TNFR1) and receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) were investigated following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Sham operation group, model group and inhibitor group. The model group and inhibitor group were further divided into 4 subgroups of 6, 12, 24 and 72 h following CIRI. Using right middle cerebral artery embolization, the CIRI model was generated. To confirm that the CIRI model was established, neurological scores, TTC staining and brain water content measurements were conducted. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were conducted to investigate the expression of TNFR1 and RIP3 in the cerebral cortex. It was observed that nerve cell necrosis occurred following 6 h of CIRI. The appearance of necrotic cells was gradually increased with increasing CIRI duration. TNFR1 and RIP3 were positively expressed following 6 h of CIRI. With increasing durations of CIRI, the protein expression levels of TNFR1 and RIP3 were significantly increased. Pre­administration with Z-VAD-FMK (zVAD) significantly increased the protein level of RIP3, however, had no effect on the levels of TNFR1, and was accompanied by a reduction in necrosis. In conclusion, RIP3­mediated cell necrosis was enhanced by caspase blockade zVAD and the function of zVAD was independent of TNFR1 signaling following IR.

Activation of autophagy in rat brain cells following focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion through enhanced expression of Atg1/pULK and LC3.

The present study aimed to investigate the activation of Atg1/pULK, and LC3 in the cerebral cortex following focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CIR) injury, thereby examining its effect on autophagy in brain cells. Rat CIR models were established using the technique of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The neurological function score, TTC staining and the water content of brain tissue were used to evaluate the CIR model. Levels of autophagy in the brain cells were examined at different time­points following CIR damage using electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were also used for the qualitative and quantitative detection of levels of Atg1/pULK and LC3 in the cerebral cortex. Autophagy was observed in the early stage of CIR, and the expression of Atg1/pULK and LC3 were observed 1 h following CIR in the rats and reached peak expression levels after12 h, which following which the they gradually decreased. These results suggested Atg1/pULK and LC3 are key in the regulation of autophagy following CIR in the rat brain.

[A pilot study of ocular diseases screening for neonates in China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical strategies for the screening of newborn eye diseases and obtain information concerning the incidence of newborn ocular diseases. METHODS: Newborns in a baby-friendly nursery were evaluated for mass screening of eye diseases 2 to 7 days after birth (including reaction to light stimulation, external ocular examination and test for pupil red reflex) and those with abnormalities were subjected to diagnostic examination (external ocular examination with a hand-held slit-lamp, pupil red reflex and mydriatic examination). Newborns in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were subjected to screening 5 to 14 days after birth and then, together with those with high risk factors, received a comprehensive examination for screening and diagnostic purposes. The suspected cases were referred to department of ophthalmology for definite diagnosis. RESULTS: Among the 15,398 (91.65%) newborns who were enrolled the screening program, 12 different eye diseases (involving 1266 cases) were detected, with a prevalence of 8.22%. Of these eye diseases, 7 were congenital ocular diseases, involving 809 cases (5. 254%) and including congenital ptosis in 2 cases (0.013%), congenital corneal opacity in 6 cases (0.039%), persistent pupillary membrane in 724 cases (4.702%), congenital cataract in 15 cases (0.097%), persistent hyaloid artery in 54 cases (0.351%), obstruction of nasolacrimal duct in 7 cases (0.046%) and lacrimal gland prolapse in 1 cases (0.007%). Five different diseases (457 cases, 2. 968%) detected were acquired in nature, including neonatal conjunctivitis in 391 case (2.539%), vitreous hemorrhage in 6 cases (0.039%), retinal hemorrhage in 34 cases (0.221%), and neonatal dacryocystitis in 23 cases (0.149%). Of 27 premature babies with body weight lower than 1500 g, 3 had retinopathy of prematurity (ROP, 6 eyes involved). CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention is of great importance for the prevention and treatment of neonatal ocular diseases. The screening of newborn ocular diseases is not only feasible but also effective in the monitoring and control of the eye diseases in neonates.

[Simultaneous screening program for newborns hearing and ocular diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the model and the feasibility of newborn hearing and ocular disease simultaneous screening program and to study the birth prevalence of newborn hearing loss and newborn ocular diseases. METHODS: The universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) was performed using transient otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) in well baby nursery and by a two-stage TEOAE and auto auditory brainstem response (AABR) protocol in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The UNHS was simultaneous done with newborn ocular disease screening program. The examination technical method was following: the response to light, external inspection of the eyes and lids, pupil examination, red reflex examination, funduscope examination after pupil dilation for referral (for all newborn in NICU). The infants who were referred by two-stage hearing screening and/or had high-risk factors of hearing loss received following-up and routine audiological evaluation and personalized intervention from 6 months to 3 years of age. The cases had positive sign and (or) abnormal results of the ocular disease screening were referred for further examination by pediatric ophthalmologists. RESULTS: A total of 16 800 children born in Jinan Maternal and Child Hospital from October 1, 2002 to April 30, 2005. Of these infants, 15 398 cases (91.7%) had access to the simultaneous screening program for hearing and ocular diseases. The incidence of congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) among infants who did UNHS was 0.312% (48/15 398) in bilateral and 0.227% (35/15 398) in unilateral; Of the 4 cases of congenital SNHL complicated with newborn ocular diseases: 1 profound SNHL (bilateral), auditory neuropathy with congenital cataract (bilateral), 1 mild SNHL (bilateral) with membrana papillaris perseverance (left) and 1 mild SNHL (bilateral) with retina vein dilatation (bilateral), 1 mild SNHL (right) with persistent hyaloid artery (bilateral). In all 15 398 newborns, 15 neonates with congenital cataract were detected (22 eyes, 0.10%). Twenty seven neonates with less than 1500 g birth weight admitted to NICU, retinopathy of prematurity was detected in 3 neonates (6 eyes). CONCLUSION: Hearing loss and ocular diseases was not rare in neonatal and infancy. Newborn hearing and ocular disease simultaneous screening program was not only feasible but also effective in detecting hearing loss and (or) ocular disorders. Early intervention was important for the prevention or treatment of neonatal hearing loss and (or) ocular diseases, such as newborn hearing loss with congenital cataract, retinopathy of prematurity and so on.

[Flash visual evoked potentials on newborns and infants].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of applying flash visual evoked potentials (FVEPs) for visual function test newborns and infants and bring out the consultable laboratory values of FVEPs. The technology of FVEP could be used as diagnostic tests for those who failed the screening and the infants who were cared for in the NICU. METHODS: 41 normal neonates (