N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed [2 + 3] annulation reaction for the synthesis of trifluoroethyl 3,2'-spirooxindole γ-lactam.

Asymmetric catalytic processes promoted by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) hold great potential for the sustainable preparation of chiral molecules. However, catalyzing the reactions by manipulating the reactive intermediates is challenging. We report herein that the known NHC-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation reaction between ketimine and enal can also be turned into a [2 + 3] annulation reaction for the highly enantioselective direct synthesis of trifluoroethyl 3,2'-spirooxindole γ-lactams (4) through timely catalysis of the intermediates. DFT calculations revealed that this transformation included the key step of the nucleophilic attack of the Breslow intermediate M2 derived from NHC and enal (2) to the unattacked ketimine (1). Our study demonstrates that it is possible to tune the desired selectivities through the dynamic catalysts of the reactive intermediates.

The efficacy of bandage contact lens in relieving the aggravation of dry eye disease after complicated cataract or/and IOL surgery.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the bandage contact lens (BCLs) in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) after complicated cataract or/and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-centered, observational study, we collected data from 69 patients who underwent complicated cataract or/and IOL surgery. Of these, 35 cases wore their own BCLs immediately after the operation, while the other 34 cases did not have their own BCLs and were instead covered with gauze. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, slit-lamp microscope examination, keratograph analysis, and Schirmer I test were measured at baseline, 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: In the BCL group, the score of the OSDI questionnaire was significantly decreased at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively compared with baseline levels (P = 0.000, collectively). Moreover, the fluorescein staining score of the BCL group was remarkably decreased 1-week and 1-month postoperatively compared with the non-BCL group (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively). Furthermore, the redness score of the BCL group was also better compared with the non-BCL group at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (P = 0.014 and P = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Complicated cataract or/and IOL surgery would intensify the DED. Early application of BCLs postoperatively improved patients' comfort and alleviated dry eye-related symptoms and signs. Furthermore, this mechanism might involve the acceleration of corneal epithelial healing, the alleviation of ocular stress response and the stabilization of the tear film. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration ClinicalTrials, NCT04120389. Registered 10 October 2019-retrospectively registered.

Study of Dietary Emodin on Immune Defense in Megalobrama amblycephala against Aeromonas hydrophila.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of emodin on the total bacterial count and immune response in various tissues of Wuchang bream infected with A. hydrophila. The experimental diets were made by supplementing emodin at 0, 30, 100, and 150 mg kg-1 to basal (control) diet, respectively, and fed to fish with an initial weight of 50.4 ± 2.35 g. All fish were divided into five experimental groups: uninfected fish fed with basal control diet (negative control, NC), infected fish fed with the diet supplemented with 0 (positive control group, PC), 30 (30), 100 (100), and 150 mg/kg (150) of emodin. The fish were reared for 14 days and sampled at different time points. The results showed that the total bacterial count in the kidney, blood, and liver tissues of Wuchang bream infected with A. hydrophila was significantly affected by the supplementation and feeding time of emodin. At the beginning of the experiment, the difference in total bacterial count among the groups was not significant. On day 1, the total bacterial count in all groups was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the negative control group. On day 4, the total bacterial count in all the emodin groups was significantly reduced, and the best bactericidal effect was observed in the 100 mg kg-1 group. In addition, emodin had a significant effect on the immune response of Wuchang bream after infection with A. hydrophila (p < 0.05). Compared with the other groups, the respiratory burst activity, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) content, and white blood cell count (WBC) in the 100 and 150 mg kg-1 groups could be restored to normal levels in the shortest time (p < 0.05). Furthermore, this study also measured the complement alternative pathway activity (ACH50), plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the fish. The results showed that supplying 100 mg kg-1 emodin to the diet could significantly (p < 0.05) increase the ACH50 activity of the fish. Compared with the positive control (PC) group, the addition of emodin to the diet can inhibit the decrease in SOD activity and the increase in MDA content in the plasma of infected Wuchang bream. In conclusion, supplying 100 mg kg-1 emodin to the diet can enhance the ability of Wuchang bream to resist A. hydrophila infection by reducing the total bacterial count in tissues, increasing the activity of related immune enzymes, and promoting the secretion of cytokines. This provides a theoretical basis for production practice.

[Genetic Subtypes and Pretreatment Drug Resistance in the Newly Reported Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men Aged≥50 Years Old in Guangxi].

Objective To analyze the genetic subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance in the newly reported HIV-infected men in Guangxi. Methods The stratified random sampling method was employed to select the newly reported HIV-infected men aged≥50 years old in 14 cities of Guangxi from January to June in 2020.The pol gene of HIV-1 was amplified by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced.The mutation sites associated with drug resistance and the degree of drug resistance were then analyzed. Results A total of 615 HIV-infected men were included in the study.The genetic subtypes of CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC accounted for 57.4% (353/615),17.1% (105/615),and 22.4% (138/615),respectively.The mutations associated with the resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI),non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI),and protease inhibitors occurred in 8 (1.3%),18 (2.9%),and 0 patients,respectively.M184V (0.7%) and K103N (1.8%) were the mutations with the highest occurrence rates for the resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs,respectively.Twenty-two (3.6%) patients were resistant to at least one type of inhibitors.Specifically,4 (0.7%),14 (2.3%),4 (0.7%),and 0 patients were resistant to NRTIs,NNRTIs,both NRTIs and NNRTIs,and protease inhibitors,respectively.The pretreatment resistance to NNRTIs had much higher frequency than that to NRTIs (2.9% vs.1.3%;χ2=3.929,P=0.047).The prevalence of pretreatment resistance to lamivudine,zidovudine,tenofovir,abacavir,rilpivirine,efavirenz,nevirapine,and lopinavir/ritonavir was 0.8%, 0.3%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.3%, 2.8%, 2.9%, and 0, respectively. Conclusions CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC are the three major strains of HIV-infected men≥50 years old newly reported in Guangxi,2020,and the pretreatment drug resistance demonstrates low prevalence.

Chemical structure, properties and potential applications of surfactin, as well as advanced strategies for improving its microbial production.

Surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide produced by microbes belonging to the genus Bacillus, is one of the most effective biosurfactants available in many industrial fields. However, its low production and high cost have intensively constrained its commercial applications. In this review, we first summarize the molecular structure, biological properties, beneficial roles and potential applications of surfactin in the fields of medical care and food safety, highlighting the great medical and commercial values of making its industrial production into reality. Further, genetic regulation for surfactin biosynthesis and advanced strategies for enhancing its microbial production, including optimizing fermentation conditions, rational genetic engineering and synthetic biology combined with metabolic engineering approaches, are elucidated. Finally, prospects for improving surfactin biosynthesis are discussed, and the establishment of suitable chassis hosts for exogenous production of surfactin might serve as an important strategy in future research.

Streptomonospora mangrovi sp. nov., isolated from mangrove soil showing similar metabolic capabilities, but distinct secondary metabolites profiles.

A novel actinomycete, designated strain S1-112 T, was isolated from a mangrove soil sample from Hainan, China, and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Strain S1-112 T showed the highest similarity of the 16S rRNA gene to Streptomonospora nanhaiensis 12A09T (99.24%). Their close relationship was further supported by phylogenetic analyses, which placed these two strains within a stable clade. The highest values of digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 41.4%) and average nucleotide identity (ANI, 90.55%) were detected between strain S1-112 T and Streptomonospora halotolerans NEAU-Jh2-17 T. Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics demonstrated that strain S1-112 T could be distinguished from its closely related relatives. We also profiled the pan-genome and metabolic features of genomic assemblies of strains belonging to the genus Streptomonospora, indicating similar functional capacities and metabolic activities. However, all of these strains showed promising potential for producing diverse types of secondary metabolites. In conclusion, strain S1-112 T represents a novel species of the genus Streptomonospora, for which the name Streptomonospora mangrovi sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is S1-112 T (= JCM 34292 T).

Rare benign liver tumors that require differentiation from hepatocellular carcinoma: focus on diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recently, an increase in the number of asymptomatic rare benign liver tumors (BLTs) has been reported during health check-ups. It is difficult to determine the nature of partial rare BLTs and not easy to distinguish from malignant liver tumors. This study aimed to analysis clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of rare BLTs to reduce misdiagnosis and provide reference for clinical practice. METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2021, we treated 112 rare BLTs by hepatectomy, including 54 focal nodular hyperplasias, 14 hepatocellular adenomas, 28 hepatic angiomyolipomas, 3 hepatic granulomas, 2 inflammatory pseudotumors of the liver, 2 nodular regenerative hyperplasia, 2 hepatic lipomas, 1 solitary fibrous tumor of the liver, 1 hepatic schwannoma and 1 hepatic myelolipoma. RESULTS: The majority of patients were middle-aged female and asymptomatic. Single tumors were dominant. The diagnostic accuracies of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were 32.5% and 44.2%, respectively. The majority of tumors were likely to be misdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or difficult to distinguish from HCC. All patients underwent surgical treatment. Postoperative pathological and immunohistochemical examination can confirm the diagnosis. No patients without tumor recurrence or metastasis during follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Altogether, the clinical symptoms of rare BLTs lack specificity, and their preoperative diagnosis largely depends on imaging examination, with a low diagnostic accuracy rate and high chances of misdiagnosis as HCC. Diagnosis is confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical examination. Surgical resection for rare BLT is safe and effective, regular postoperative follow-up is necessary.

Hepatectomy After Conversion Therapy for Initially Unresectable HCC: What is the Difference?

Purpose: Conversion therapy gives some patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) access to surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hepatectomy after conversion therapy and how it differed from those who undergoing direct hepatectomy. Patients and Methods: From January 2018 to April 2022, 745 patients underwent hepatectomy for HCC were enrolled. Among them, 41 patients of unresectable HCC underwent hepatectomy after conversion therapy. A demographically and clinically comparable cohort was created from the remaining patients in a 1:1 ratio using propensity score matching. Results: The median duration of conversion therapy was 108 (42-298) days, 8 patients achieved complete response (CR) and 33 achieved partial response (PR). Conversion therapy resulted in some degree of myelosuppression, but liver function index remained good. Compared with the direct hepatectomy group, the conversion group had more blood loss (600 mL vs 400 mL, p=0.015), longer operative time (270 min vs 240 min, p=0.02), higher blood transfusion rates, and longer hospital stay (8 days vs 11 days, p<0.001). Patients in the conversion group had significantly more complications of any grade (82.9% vs 51.2%, p=0.002) and grade 3/4 (26.8% vs 4.9%, p=0.013), and 6 patients developed post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). There were no deaths in either group. All patients achieved R0 resection, 6 (6/41, 14.6%) achieved pathological complete response (pCR), 14 achieved major pathologic responses (MPR). During a median follow-up of 12.8 months, 14 patients in the conversion group experienced recurrence or metastasis, no deaths. Conclusion: Hepatectomy after conversion therapy was more difficult than direct hepatectomy, but accurate preoperative assessment could ensure the safety of the surgery. The damage of liver function after conversion therapy was more severe than expected, PHLF should be prevented and treated. Hepatectomy was effective and necessary, postoperative pathological examination could provide guidance for adjuvant therapy.

Efficacy of scleral-fixated 3-looped haptics intraocular lens implantation for surgical management of microspherophakia.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of scleral-fixated 3-looped haptics intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for surgical management of microspherophakia. METHODS: A retrospective case series include 10 microspherophakic patients (15 eyes) who underwent lens removal plus a modified surgical treatment of scleral-fixated 3-looped haptics IOL implantation. The primary outcomes involved visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP). Secondary outcomes were spherical equivalent (SE), anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal endothelial cell density and postoperative complications. RESULTS: After a postoperative follow-up of 17.60±15.44mo, improved visual outcomes can be observed. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA) logMAR improved from 1.54±0.59 preoperatively to 0.51±0.35 postoperatively (P=0.001), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logMAR improved from 0.97±0.91 preoperatively to 0.24±0.23 postoperatively (P=0.003). Moreover, the SE decreased from -9.58±7.47D preoperatively to -0.65±2.21 D postoperatively (P<0.001). In terms of safety profile, the average IOP decreased from 21.10±12.94 mm Hg preoperatively to 14.03±3.57 mm Hg postoperatively (P=0.044), and the previously elevated IOP of three eyes decreased to the normal range. The ACD increased from 2.25±1.45 mm preoperatively to 3.35±0.39 mm postoperatively (P=0.017). The density of corneal endothelial cells did not change significantly after surgery (P=0.140). The posterior chamber IOLs were well centered and no severe complications were found. CONCLUSION: Lens removal plus the modified surgical treatment of scleral-fixated 3-looped haptics IOL implantation can help in improvement of visual acuity, which can be regarded as a relative safe method for the surgical management of microspherophakia.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A tertiary medical center experience.

Background: Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC) still accounts for the majority of newly diagnosed HCC which with poor prognosis. In the era of systemic therapy, combination therapy with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has become mainstream. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) as a local treatment has also shown a strong anti-tumor effect. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of HAIC, PD-1 inhibitors plus TKIs for u-HCC. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with initially u-HCC between October 2020 to April 2022 who had received at least one cycle of therapy with HAIC, PD-1 inhibitors plus TKIs. The primary outcome included overall response rate (ORR), the disease control rate (DCR), surgical conversion rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and treatment-related adverse events. Results: A total of 145 patients were included in the study. The median treatment cycle of HAIC and PD-1 inhibitors were 3 and 4, respectively. According to the modified RECIST criteria, the best ORR was 57.2% (83/145), 9 had achieved complete response (CR), DCR was 89.7% (130/145). Median time to achieve CR or PR was 65 days. Surgical conversion rate was 18.6% (27/145), seven patients (7/27,25.9%) achieved pathological complete response (pCR). The median follow-up was 12.5 months (4.5-20 months), and the median PFS was 9.7 months. Subgroup analysis showed that Child-pugh A patients had higher DCR (92.2% vs 79.3%, p=0.041) than Child-pugh B patients, as well as increased successful conversion rate (22.4% vs 3.4%, p=0.019). Patients without vascular invasion and extrahepatic metastases showed higher PR (63.4% vs 43.3%, p<0.05) and ORR (73.2% vs 50.0%, p<0.05) than those with vascular invasion. The ORR (73.2% vs 45.5%, p<0.05) and DCR (95.1% vs 78.8%, p<0.05) were also significantly better than those of patients with extrahepatic metastases. HAIC regimen was not related to efficacy (All p>0.05). The incidence rate of grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs was 17.7% without fatal events. Conclusion: The triple combination therapy of HAIC and PD-1 inhibitors plus TKIs for patients with initially unresectable HCC exhibited satisfactory efficacy with tolerable toxicity.

Pseudoangiosarcomatous squamous cell carcinoma: a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma that needs to be differentiated from angiosarcoma and has a poor prognosis.

This study aimed to investigate the formation mechanism of  Pseudoangiosarcoma squamous cell carcinoma (PASCC). The researchers reviewed ten cases of PASCC and summarize their clinical outcomes, pathological morphological traits, immunophenotypes, treatment plans and the corresponding follow-up data. Results showed that the pathological morphology revealed complex reticular structures, where numerous tracts of anastomose, and lacunar structures lined with atypical neoplastic cells, which resembles the histopathological appearance of angiosarcoma. Particularly, we observed pathologic patterns that resemble Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma (or Myxoid Fibrosarcoma) in the patients who suffered a relapse. All cases present negative results for vascular markers (CD31, ERG) and positive results for epithelial markers (CK-pan, p40). The average age of the participants is 60 years old (range: 48-79), relative aged, and there is no significant difference between male and female participants (6 men and 4 women). The locations of neoplasms involve face (n=3), upper limbs (n=1), waist(n=1), cervix uteri (n=1), lungs (n=2), thyroid (n=1), and breasts (n=1). All participants had received clinical follow-ups that range from 4 to 47 months, during which the researchers observed Lymph Node Metastases developed in three participants (out of 10; 30%); Distant Metastases in five participants (out of 10; 50%); two local recurrences at the site of surgical resection; and four deaths due to disease (out of 10; 40%), with 9.5 months estimated median survival time and 9 months mean survival time. It was concluded that PASCC presents the tendency for recurrence and metastasis. Accurate pathological diagnosis and standardized medical procedures are crucial to the treatment of PASCC. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation (EMT) and P53 gene mutation are involved in the formation of PASCC.

Pseudonocardia humida sp. nov., an Actinomycete Isolated from Mangrove Soil Showing Distinct Distribution Pattern of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters.

A novel actinomycete strain, designated S2-4T, was isolated from a mangrove soil sample, and a polyphasic approach was employed to determine its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene indicated that strain S2-4T formed a unique clade next to that harboring Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190T, which shared the highest sequence similarity (98.20%) with the new isolate. Phylogenetic analysis based on core genes of genomic sequences displayed a different scenario, exhibiting closer phylogenetic relationship of strain S2-4T with several species with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 96.95 to 98.06%, which was confirmed by the phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on genomic sequences. Further, substantial differences between the genotypic properties of strain S2-4T and its closest neighbors, including digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity, and distribution patterns of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC), indicated the taxonomic position of strain S2-4T as a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia. Accordingly, strain S2-4T was observed to show a different distribution pattern of a predicted BGC encoding ectoine by comparative genomic analysis, which could be strongly linked to its unique habitat distinct from where its close neighbors were isolated. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, C21:0, and iso-C16:0. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The polar lipids were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, and two unidentified glycolipids. Here, we propose a novel species of the genus Pseudonocardia: Pseudonocardia humida sp. nov. with the type strain S2-4T (= JCM 34291T = CGMCC 4.7706T).

[Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive Mothers Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy to Prevent Mother-to-child Transmission on the Growth and Development of 18-month-old Children in Lingshan County of Guangxi].

Objective To evaluate the effects of antiretroviral therapy(ART)for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT)of acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)on the growth and development of 18-month-old children born by human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-positive pregnant women in Lingshan County,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,and provide scientific evidence for improving the ART medication plan for PMTCT.Methods Lingshan County,ranking the first in the HIV-epidemic counties of Guangxi,was selected as the research site.According to the design of retrospective case-control study,we assigned all the subjects into the case group and the control group:(1)The case group included the HIV-positive pregnant women who had received ART for PMTCT and their HIV-negative infants in Lingshan County from 2010 to 2017.The historical cards and PMTCT data of them were collected from the national PMTCT database.(2)The control group included the healthy pregnant women and their healthy babies born in the Lingshan Maternity and Infant Hospital in 2017,and the children's growth and development data were collected.The stunted growth in children was defined as at least one of the three main indicators of body height,body weight,and head circumference below the normal range.Results The number of HIV-positive mothers and their infants in the case group was 391 and 368,respectively,and 87.21%(341/391)and 95.38%(351/368)of mothers and infants respectively received ART medication.The HIV positive rate,mortality rate,and mother-to-child transmission rate of 18-month-old children were 1.36%(5/368),4.35%(16/368),and 2.01%(5/249),respectively.The incidence of stunted growth of 18-month-old children in the case group and the control group was 42.12%(155/368)and 23.06%(101/438),respectively,with significant difference(χ2=33.520,P<0.001).Conclusion After HIV-positive mothers in Lingshan County of Guangxi received ART for PMTCT,the incidence of growth stunting in 18-month-old children increased.

Sodium cantharidate induces Apoptosis in breast cancer cells by regulating energy metabolism via the protein phosphatase 5-p53 axis.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide, and despite multiple chemotherapeutic approaches, effective treatment strategies for advanced metastatic breast cancer are still lacking. Metabolic reprogramming is essential for tumor cell growth and propagation, and most cancers, including breast cancer, are accompanied by abnormalities in energy metabolism. Here, we confirmed that sodium cantharidate inhibited cell viability using the Cell Counting Kit-8, clonogenic assay, and Transwell assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis assays indicated that sodium cantharidate induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells. Additionally, proteomic assays, western blots, and metabolic assays revealed that sodium cantharidate converted the metabolic phenotype of breast cancer cells from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis identified possible roles for p53 with respect to the effects of sodium cantharidate on breast cancer cells. Western blot, docking, and phosphatase assays revealed that the regulation of p53 activity by sodium cantharidate was related to its inhibition of protein phosphatase 5 activity. Moreover, sodium cantharidate significantly inhibited tumor growth in tumor-bearing nude mice. In summary, our study provides evidence for the use of sodium cantharidate as an effective and new therapeutic candidate for the treatment of human breast cancer in clinical trials.

Steroidobacter gossypii sp. nov., isolated from cotton field soil.

A Gram-negative bacterium, designated S1-65T, was isolated from soil samples collected from a cotton field located in the Xinjiang region of PR China. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain S1-65T was affiliated to the genus Steroidobacter with its closest phylogenetic relatives being 'Steroidobacter cummioxidans' 35Y (98.4 %), 'Steroidobacter agaridevorans' SA29-B (98.3 %) and Steroidobacter agariperforans KA5-BT (98.3 %). 16S rRNA-directed phylogenetic analysis showed that strain S1-65T formed a unique phylogenetic subclade next to 'S. agaridevorans' SA29-B and S. agariperforans KA5-BT, suggesting that strain S1-65T should be identified as a member of the genus Steroidobacter. Further, substantial differences between the genotypic properties of strain S1-65T and the members of the genus Steroidobacter, including average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization, resolved the taxonomic position of strain S1-65T and suggested its positioning as representing a novel species of the genus Steroidobacter. The DNA G+C content of strain S1-65T was 62.5 mol%, based on its draft genome sequence. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The main fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c/C16:1ω7c), C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. In addition, its polar lipid profile was composed of aminophospholipid, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Here, we propose a novel species of the genus Steroidobacter: Steroidobacter gossypii sp. nov. with the type strain S1-65T (=JCM 34287T=CGMCC 1.18736T).

Genomic molecular signatures determined characterization of Mycolicibacterium gossypii sp. nov., a fast-growing mycobacterial species isolated from cotton field soil.

A Gram-positive, acid-fast and rapidly growing rod, designated S2-37 T, that could form yellowish colonies was isolated from one soil sample collected from cotton cropping field located in the Xinjiang region of China. Genomic analyses indicated that strain S2-37 T harbored T7SS secretion system and was very likely able to produce mycolic acid, which were typical features of pathogenetic mycobacterial species. 16S rRNA-directed phylogenetic analysis referred that strain S2-37 T was closely related to bacterial species belonging to the genus Mycolicibacterium, which was further confirmed by pan-genome phylogenetic analysis. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity presented that strain S2-37 T displayed the highest values of 39.1% (35.7-42.6%) and 81.28% with M. litorale CGMCC 4.5724 T, respectively. And characterization of conserved molecular signatures further supported the taxonomic position of strain S2-37 T belonging to the genus Mycolicibacterium. The main fatty acids were identified as C16:0, C18:0, C20:3ω3 and C22:6ω3. In addition, polar lipids profile was mainly composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. Phylogenetic analyses, distinct fatty aids and antimicrobial resistance profiles indicated that strain S2-37 T represented genetically and phenotypically distinct from its closest phylogenetic neighbour, M. litorale CGMCC 4.5724 T. Here, we propose a novel species of the genus Mycolicibacterium: Mycolicibacterium gossypii sp. nov. with the type strain S2-37 T (= JCM 34327 T = CGMCC 1.18817 T).

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis).

HIF-l is the earliest documented and most widely studied hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and plays a key role in the cell hypoxia signal transduction pathway. Particularly, the HIF-1α protein is sensitive to oxygen and plays a critical role in hypoxia regulation. This study is the first to report on the molecular cloning and characterization of HIF-1α in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis; anHIF-1α). The full-length cDNA of anHIF-1α was 2361 bp, and encodes an estimated 674 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 76.10 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 7.72. Moreover, the conserved basic Helix-Loop-Helix domain along with two Per-ARNT-Sim domains (A/B), and C-TAD were identified in this protein. Interestingly, the tertiary structure of the anHIF-1α protein was found to be extremely similar to that of mice. Multiple comparison and phylogenetic tree results demonstrated that anHIF-1α was highly conserved. Under normoxic conditions, anHIF-1α mRNA transcripts could be detected in all tissues examined with the highest expression level in the heart. With gradually decreasing oxygen concentrations, anHIF-1α mRNA level was upregulated significantly in the gill, liver, kidney, spleen, intestine, brain, and muscle tissues (P < 0.05). Similarly, anHIF-1α was expressed in all examined bighead carp tissues, and the results suggested that the upregulation of anHIF-1α at the transcriptional level may be an important stress response adaptation to hypoxia in bighead carp. Finally, based on the tertiary structure comparative analyses between anHIF-1α with mouse HIF-1α, we think the physiological function, and protein structure of HIF-1α could be compared between fish and mammal in the future.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in elderly patients: Difficult cannulation and adverse events.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable therapeutic technique for pancreatobiliary diseases, and its application in the elderly is no longer limited. However, a higher incidence of procedure difficulty and periprocedural adverse events might be expected in elderly patients due to the presence of other medical disorders and the poor general condition of this population. AIM: To evaluate the incidence, causes, and management of difficult biliary cannulation during ERCP in elderly patients and the role of difficult cannulation as a risk factor for adverse events. METHODS: A total of 614 patients who underwent ERCP during the study period were prospectively studied and divided into two groups based on their age. One hundred and forty-six patients were aged 80 years or older and 468 patients were aged less than 80 years. The primary outcome measurements were cannulation difficulty, cannulation success rate, ERCP procedure time, and related adverse events. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of difficult cannulation among the two groups (32.9% vs 34.4%, P = 0.765), as well as in the cannulation success rate (96.6% vs 96.8%, P = 0.54). The cannulation techniques were shown to be safe and efficient in achieving successful cannulation. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged 80 years or older were not associated with increased adverse events; however, difficult cannulation cases [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.478; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.877-6.442; P < 0.001] and patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 2 (AOR = 1.824; 95%CI: 0.993-3.349; P = 0.045) were more likely to develop adverse events. In contrast, other factors including age ≤ 65 (AOR = 3.460; 95%CI: 1.511-7.922; P = 0.003), female gender (AOR = 2.362; 95%CI=1.089-5.124; P = 0.030), difficult cannulation (AOR = 4.527; 95%CI: 2.078-9.860; P < 0.001), and patients with cholangitis (AOR = 3.261; 95%CI: 1.204-8.832; P = 0.020) were strongly associated with a higher rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: Advanced age has not been proved to be a risk factor for difficult cannulation, and secondary cannulation techniques can be safely and efficaciously utilized in this group. Patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 2 and difficult cannulation are associated with an increased overall adverse events rate, while age ≥ 80 years is not.

Correlation between leptin and IFN-γ involved in granulosa cell apoptosis in PCOS.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to explore the relationship between leptin and IFN-γ in PCOS patients, and confirmed the effect of leptin-induced IFN-γ on granulosa cells furtherly. METHODS: 29 patients with PCOS and 36 healthy controls were enrolled. Leptin level and the proportion of Th1 cells were detected and association between them were analyzed. Meanwhile, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from PCOS patients were treated with leptin and then the proportion of Th1 was analyzed. Besides that, the apoptotic level of KGN cells was monitored after IFN-γ treatment. RESULTS: In the circulation of PCOS patients, leptin level dramatically increased compared with controls. And, this was associated with upregulated Th1 cells proportion and IFN-γ level. In vitro, Th1 cells proportion increased after leptin treated PBMCs from PCOS patients. Furthermore, for KGN cells, the percentage of live cells decreased and later apoptosis cells increased after IFN-γ treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that leptin takes part in process of PCOS via inducing expression of IFN-γ. Our findings highlight the importance of the connection between leptin and inflammation in PCOS and provide new insights therapeutic strategy for this disease.

Pharmacological basis and new insights of quercetin action in respect to its anti-cancer effects.

Quercetin is a kind of flavonoid compounds that comes from nature and is widely existed in the daily diet. Previous studies have found that quercetin has many effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that quercetin can exert anti-tumor effects by altering cell cycle progression, inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis progression, and affecting autophagy. This review summarizes the evidence for the pharmacological potential and inhibition of quercetin on cancers, supporting the viewpoint that quercetin should be adequately considered as a therapeutic agent against various cancers.