CD36-mediated accumulation of MDSCs exerts abscopal immunosuppressive responses in hepatocellular carcinoma after insufficient microwave ablation.

The immune landscape of distant unablated tumors following insufficient microwave ablation (iMWA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be clarified. The objective of this study is to define the abscopal immune landscape in distant unablated tumor before and after iMWA for HCC. Two treatment-naive patients were recruited for tumor tissue sampling, of each with two HCC lesions. Tumor samples were obtained at before and after microwave ablation in distant unablated sites for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Mouse model with bilateral hepatoma tumors were developed, and distant unablated tumors were analyzed using multicolor immunofluorescence, RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. The scRNA-seq revealed that a reduced proportion of CD8+ T cells and an increased proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were observed in the distant unablated tumor microenvironment (TME). A notable disruption was observed in the lipid metabolism of tumor-associated immune cells, accompanied by an upregulated expression of CD36 in tumor-infiltrating immune cells in distant unablated tumor. The administration of a CD36 inhibitor has been demonstrated to ameliorate the adverse effects induced by iMWA, primarily by reinstating the anti-tumor responses of T cells in distant unablated tumor. These findings explain the recurrence and progression of tumors after iMWA and provide a new target of immunotherapy for HCC.

Hijacking host cell vesicular transport: New insights into the nutrient acquisition mechanism of Chlamydia.

Chlamydia infection is an important cause of public health diseases, and no effective vaccine is currently available. Owing to its unique intracellular lifestyle, Chlamydia requires a variety of nutrients and substrates from host cells, particularly sphingomyelin, cholesterol, iron, amino acids, and the mannose-6-phosphate receptor, which are essential for inclusion development. Here, we summarize the recent advances in Chlamydia nutrient acquisition mechanism by hijacking host cell vesicular transport, which plays an important role in chlamydial growth and development. Chlamydia obtains the components necessary to complete its intracellular developmental cycle by recruiting Rab proteins (major vesicular trafficking regulators) and Rab effector proteins to the inclusion, interfering with Rab-mediated multivesicular trafficking, reorienting the nutrition of host cells, and reconstructing the intracellular niche environment. Consequently, exploring the role of vesicular transport in nutrient acquisition offers a novel perspective on new approaches for preventing and treating Chlamydia infection.

Synchronous improvement of methane production and digestate dewaterability in sludge anaerobic digestion by nanobubble.

The subsequence anaerobic digestion (AD) of dewatered sludge (DWS) from wastewater treatment plants necessitates an emphasis on enhancing methane production and dewaterability. The effect of different nanobubble water (NBW) on AD of DWS was investigated under mesophilic conditions. Cumulative methane production was improved by 9.0-27.8% with the addition of different NBW (Air, CO2, He, and N2). NBW improved methanogenic performance by significantly enhancing the hydrolysis of sludge AD. Results from the digestate, the capillary suction time, specific resistance to filtration, and moisture content could be decreased by 14.6-18.2%, 18.8-29.6%, and 13.6-19.5%, respectively. The addition of NBW can improve the dewaterability of digestate by reducing the digestate particle size and increasing the zeta potential of digestate. The addition of NBW significantly increased methane production and improved dewaterability in AD; Air-NBW showed the best improvement.

Spinal microglial M1 polarization contributes paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by triggering cells necroptosis.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that is widely used for the treatment of several types of tumors. However, PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is an adverse effect generally induced by long-term PTX use that significantly impairs the quality of life. Necroptosis has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders. Necroptosis of dorsal root ganglion neurons triggers the pathogenesis of PIPN. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the role of spinal neuronal necroptosis in PIPN. It also explores the potential role of microglial polarization in necroptosis. We established rat models of PIPN via quartic PTX administration on alternate days (accumulated dose: 8 mg/kg). PTX induced obvious neuronal necroptosis and upregulated the expression of receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) in the spinal dorsal horn. These effects were inhibited with a necroptosis pathway inhibitor, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1). The effect of microglial polarization on the regulation of spinal necroptosis was elucidated by administering minocycline to inhibit PTX-induced M1 polarization of spinal microglia caused by PTX. We observed a significant inhibitory effect of minocycline on PTX-induced necroptosis in spinal cord cells, based on the downregulation of RIP3 and MLKL expression, and suppression of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-ß synthesis. Additionally, minocycline improved hyperalgesia symptoms in PIPN rats. Overall, this study suggests that PTX-induced polarization of spinal microglia leads to RIP3/MLKL-regulated necroptosis, resulting in PIPN. These findings suggest a potential target for the prevention and treatment of neuropathic pain.

The value of vesical imaging reporting and data system combined with tumor-wall contact length in diagnosing muscle invasive bladder cancer / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the value of vesical imaging reporting and data system(VI-RADS)combined with absolute tumor-wall contact length(ABTCL)and actual tumor-wall contact length(ACTCL)in diagnosing muscle invasive bladder cancer(MIBC).Methods The MRI data of 113 patients with pathologically confirmed bladder cancer(BCa)were analyzed retrospectively.All patients underwent conventional MRI,diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)and dynamic contrast enhanced(DCE)MRI before sur-gery.Two radiologists independently evaluated MRI images based on VI-RADS score,and measured quantitative parameters,inclu-ding ABTCL and ACTCL.The Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of VI-RADS scores between MIBC and non-mus-cle invasive bladder cancer(NMIBC).Quantitative parameters between MIBC and NMIBC were compared by Mann-Whitney U test.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of VI-RADS,quantitative parameters and VI-RADS combined with quantitative parameters in the diagnosis of MIBC.Results VI-RADS,ABTCL and ACTCL had significant differences between MIBC and NMIBC(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for VI-RADS,ABTCL and ACTCL in diagno-sing MIBC were 0.89,0.76 and 0.77,respectively.There was no significant difference between the AUC for ABTCL and ACTCL(P＞0.05).The AUC for VI-RADS combined with ABTCL or ACTCL in diagnosing MIBC was 0.93,higher than that of only VI-RADS(P＜0.05).Conclusion The combination of VI-RADS with either ABTCL or ACTCL can effectively improve the diagnostic performance of MIBC.ABTCL obtainedby linear measurement is easier to implement in clinical practice than ACTCL obtained by curved measurement.

The mediating effect of mother-infant attachment on the relationship between maternal body image during pregnancy and postpartum depression / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the current status of maternal body image during pregnancy, mother-infant attachment and postpartum depression and explore the mediating effect of mother-infant attachment on maternal body image during pregnancy and postpartum depression, in order to effectively reduce the incidence of postpartum depression and provide reference and guidance for alleviating depressive symptoms.Methods:A total of 362 pregnant women admitted to obstetric wards in Women′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were selected for a cross-sectional investigation by applying the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale and the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale by convenient sampling from July to September 2022. Model 4 in the SPSS macro program PROCESS was used to test the mediating effect of maternal infant attachment between body image and postpartum depression.Results:Totally 362 valid questionnaires were retrieved including 194 individuals aged ≤30 years old and 168 individuals aged >30 years old. The scores of maternal body image during pregnancy, mother-infant attachment and postpartum depression were (89.24 ± 15.56), (71.40 ± 8.05), 7.50 (4.00, 11.00) points.Conclusions:Body image during pregnancy can not only directly predict postpartum depression, but also indirectly predict postpartum depression through the mediating effect of mother-infant attachment. In order to prevent or reduce the occurrence of postpartum depression, nursing staff should carry out intervention research based on influencing the path of postpartum depression from the perspective of positive psychology.

Preparation,characterization,and application of acylated collagen with anhydride / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Collagen is a biomedical material with good biocompatibility,low toxicity,low immunoactivity,and high cellular affinity.However,the defects such as hydrophilicity and poor thermal stability are the key technical problems that need to be solved urgently in biomedical,tissue engineering,and other applications. OBJECTIVE:To elaborate on the preparation method,characterization,and application progress of acylated collagen. METHODS:PubMed,X-mol,and CNKI databases were used to search the literature on acylated collagen preparation methods,characterization,and application.The search time was from January 1992 to May 2023.The English search terms were"acylated collagen,modified collagen,water-soluble collagen,acetic anhydride".Chinese search terms were"acylated collagen,modified collagen,water-soluble collagen".After an initial screening of all articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,53 articles with high relevance were retained for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The preparation of acylated collagen is mainly obtained by the acylation reaction of acid anhydride,and the reaction sites are mainly ε-amino and N-terminus-amino of collagen,and the reaction environment of acylation reaction needs to be carried out in an alkaline environment.(2)Succinic anhydride is the preferred reactant of acylated collagen.Carbonic anhydride,citric anhydride,and bifunctional modifiers with acylation ability have been excavated in recent years to meet various requirements,but it is still limited to laboratory preparation;complex preparation process is difficult to industrialize,and follow-up research is needed to continuously improve.(3)The characterization methods of acylated collagen are similar to those of collagen,but there is still a lack of standards for the water-soluble characterization of acylated collagen.(4)In recent years,acylated collagen has been gradually used in the preparation of lenses,hydrogels,and dressings,as well as cosmetic raw materials.However,there is still little research on the application of acylated collagen,and there is a lack of complete in vivo experiments to verify the practicality of acylated collagen.

Clinical characteristics of children reintubated within 48 hours in pediatric intensive care unit / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics of patients within 48 hours in pediatric intensive care unit（PICU）,and investigate causes and prognosis of extubation failure in reintubation children.Methods:A single-center retrospective study was conducted.Patients who were reintubated within 48 hours after extubation in PICU at Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 1，2019 to December 31，2022 were retrospectively enrolled.Patients with unplanned extubation for various reasons which include re-intubation due to surgery and replacement of tracheal intubation were excluded.We analyzed the clinical characteristics，causes of extubation failure and prognosis.Main outcome measures included principal diagnosis，pediatric critical illness score（PCIS），the reason of intubation，the glasgow coma scale（GCS），the direct cause of reintubation，aeration time，hospitalization period，outcomes at PICU discharge and whether to extubate successfully.Results:During the study period，a total of 2 652 patients were extubated in PICU,and a total of 87 children were enrolled.Finally，63（72.4%）patients survived at PICU，nine（10.3%）patients died in hospital，and 15（17.2%）patients were discharged automatically.In the survival group，38（60.3%）patients were decannulated and 25（39.7%）patients underwent tracheotomy.The top three principal diagnosis in 87 cases were central nervous system disease[34（39.1%）cases]，lower airway disease[18（20.7%）cases] and sepsis[nine（10.3%）cases].Of the 87 children，28（32.2%）patients were reintubated due to central respiratory failure，21（24.1%）patients were reintubated due to lower airway disease，20（23.0%）patients were reintubated due to upper airway obstruction，14（16.1%）patients were reintubated due to cough weakness and/or swallowing disturbance，and four（4.6%）patients were reintubated for other reasons.In children with mechanical ventilation duration ≥7 days before first extubation，central nervous system diseases were the most common primary diseases，and it accounts for 55.6%.Central respiratory failure was the main direct cause of reintubation，accounting for 40.0%，and more patients(40.0%) had GCS scores＜8 before the first intubation.Compared with the successful decannulation group，the extubation failure group had the higher proportion of children with GCS＜8（32.7% vs.10.5%， P＜0.05），the longer median duration of mechanical ventilation before the first extubation[239（123，349）h vs.68.5（19，206）h， P＜0.05]and the longer median length of ICU stay[38（23，54）d vs.24（12，43）d， P＜0.05].After comparing the three groups including survival group，in-hospital death group and automatic discharge group，the PCIS score of the survival group was the highest，and the in-hospital death group was the lowest( P＜0.05). Conclusion:The rate of reintubation at 48 h after extubation in PICU is 3.3%.The immediate causes of reintubation mainly included central respiratory failure，lower airway disease，upper airway obstruction，cough weakness and/or dysphagia.The mortality rate of reintubation in critically ill children is high and the prognosis is poor.

Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Bairui Granules （百蕊颗粒） in Treating Patients with Acute Pharyngitis with Wind-Heat Syndrome： A Multi-Center， Double-Blind， Double-Simulation， Randomized Controlled Trial / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Bairui Granules （百蕊颗粒） in the treatment of acute pharyngitis with wind-heat syndrome. MethodsA multicenter， double-blind， double-simulation， randomised controlled trial was conducted， in which 162 patients with acute pharyngitis and wind-heat syndrome from 7 centers were recruited， and each center was divided into trial group and control group on the ratio of 2∶1. In the trial group， 108 cases were orally administered with Bairui Granules plus Reyanning Granules （热炎宁颗粒） simulant， and in the control group， 54 cases were orally administered with Reyanning Granules plus Bairui Granules simulant for 5 days， with a follow-up visit on the 6th day. Full analysis set （FAS） analysis and per protocol set （PPS） were used for analysis， respectively. The primary efficacy index was the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment； the secondary efficacy indexes were the disappearance rate of sore throat after 3-day treatment， as well as the visual analogue score （VAS） of sore throat before treatment， every day during the treatment， and follow-up on day 6， and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score was performed before treatment and at the follow-up on day 6. The effectiveness on TCM syndrome was evaluated at the follow-up on day 6， and the changes of vital signs， blood routine， urine routine， liver functions， kidney function， the adverse events before and after the treatment were recorded， and safety analysis set （SS） was analysed. Results162 patients entered the FAS and SS analyses， and 158 cases （105 cases in the trial group and 53 cases in the control group） entered the PPS analysis. FAS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.56% （87/108） in the trial group and 64.81% （35/54） in the control group， and the difference between groups was statistically significant （χ2 = 5.10， P = 0.0239）. PPS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.00% （84/105） in the trial group and 64.15% （34/53） in the control group， and the difference between groups was statistically significant （χ2 =4.85， P = 0.0277）. FAS and SS analyses both showed that the difference in disappearance rate of sore throat between groups on 3-day treatment was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. Compared with those before treatment， the VAS scores of sore throat were lower in both groups during treatment on day 2， 3， 4， 5， and follow-up on day 6 （P＜0.01）， but the difference between groups at each time point was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. TCM syndrome scores of both groups at the follow-up were lower than that before treatment， and those of the trial group were lower than those of the control group （P＜0.01）. The cure rate and effective rate of TCM syndrome of the trial group were significantly higher than those of the control group （P＜0.01）. There was no significant difference in blood routine， urine routine， liver function， kidney function between groups before and after treatment （P＞0.05）， and no serious adverse events occured in both groups. ConclusionBairui Granules showed clinical effectiveness in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of wind-heat syndrome， and it could significantly improve the clinical symptoms， accelerate the disappearance time of sore throat with good safety.

Establishment of a rat model of myocardial hypertrophy by a modified abdominal aortic coarctation method / 解剖学报

Objective To compare effectiveness between the modified and traditional pressure-overload myocardial hypertrophy(POMH) model by abdominal aorta coarctation (AAC) method. Methods Totally 45 rats were divided into three groups(n = 15 per group), sham group, traditional group, and modified group. In the traditional group, the diameter ol the abdominal aorta was narrowed to 0. 70 mm through a midline incision for 4 weeks; in the modified group, the diameter of the abdominal aorta was narrowed above the left kidney to 0. 45 mm for 1 week, and then the narrowing was lifted postoperatively. The cardiac index, heart weight (HW) /body weight (BW) and left ventricular index, left ventricular weight (LVW)/BW were measured from the heart specimens, and the cross-sectional area of cardiac myocytes, myocardial collagen area, and myocardial collagen area Iraction were measured in the pathological sections by HE staining and Masson staining. Results Compared with the sham group, the differences in end-systolic interventricular septum thickness (IVSs), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), HW/BW, LVW/BW, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, myocardial collagen area, myocardial collagen area fraction, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression levels were statistically significant (P0. 05). Conclusion The modified abdominal aortic constriction method used in this experiment is time-saving, stable, homogeneous and easy to replicate, and is a more ideal approach to establish a rat model of POMH.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage:a randomized controlled exploratory clinical study / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus 2(anti-SARS-CoV-2)monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)combined with renal damage.Methods Patients with COVID-19 and renal damage who visited the PLA General Hospital from January to February 2023 were selected.Subjects were randomly divided into two groups.Control group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy,while trial group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy combined with F61 injection.A 15-day follow-up was conducted after drug administration.Clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,electrocardiogram,and chest CT of pa-tients were performed to analyze the efficacy and safety of F61 injection.Results Twelve subjects(7 in trial group and 5 in control group)were included in study.Neither group had any clinical progression or death cases.The ave-rage time for negative conversion of nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in control group and trial group were 3.2 days and 1.57 days(P=0.046),respectively.The scores of COVID-19 related target symptom in the trial group on the 3rd and 5th day after medication were both lower than those of the control group(both P＜0.05).According to the clinical staging and World Health Organization 10-point graded disease progression scale,both groups of subjects improved but didn't show statistical differences(P＞0.05).For safety,trial group didn't present any infusion-re-lated adverse event.Subjects in both groups demonstrated varying degrees of elevated blood glucose,elevated urine glucose,elevated urobilinogen,positive urine casts,and cardiac arrhythmia,but the differences were not statistica-lly significant(all P＞0.05).Conclusion F61 injection has initially demonstrated safety and clinical benefit in trea-ting patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage.As the domestically produced drug,it has good clinical accessibility and may provide more options for clinical practice.

Differential expression and significance of serum miR-155 and miR-23b in idiopathic granulomatous mastitis and breast cancer / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To investigate the roles of miR-155 and miR-23b in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis(IGM)and breast cancer(BC).Methods A total of 32 patients with IGM(the ICM group)and 40 patients with BC(the BC group)admitted to our hospital from October 2018 to November 2021 were selected.All patients were confirmed by biopsy.In addition,33 healthy women were included as the control group.The clinical data of patients were compared.The expression levels of serum miRNAs were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The diagnostic value of serum miR-155 and miR-23b for IGM and BC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The Pearson correlation coefficient method was used to evaluate the correlation.Results There were statistically significant differences in the levels of CRP,WBC,Hb,Hct,CA19-9,CA15-3 and CA125 among the three groups(P<0.05).The expression levels of serum miR-155,miR-16-5p,miR-21-5p,miR-210-3p,miR-222-3p and miR-29c-3p in the IGM group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.001),and the expression level of serum miR-23b was lower than that in the control group(P<0.001).The expression levels of the above miRNAs of serum in the BC group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.001).The expression level of serum miR-155 in the BC group was lower than that in the IGM group(P<0.001),and the expression level of serum miR-23b was higher than that in the IGM group(P<0.001).The area under the ROC curve(AUC)for the differential diagnosis of IGM and BC by serum miR-155 and miR-23b levels were 0.722(95%CI:0.601 to 0.843)and 0.765(95%CI:0.657 to 0.874),respectively,with sensitivity of 81.00%and 77.50%,and specificity of 65.00%and 59.40%,respectively.The AUC of combined differential diagnosis was 0.869(95%CI:0.786 to 0.951),and the sensitivity and specificity were 84.10%and 92.50%,respectively.Serum miR-155 was positively correlated with WBC and CRP levels in the IGM group(P<0.05),while serum miR-23b was negatively correlated with WBC and CRP levels(P<0.05).Conclusion Serum miR-155 and miR-23b are helpful in distinguishing IGM from BC,and can be used as targets for early differential diagnosis of IGM and BC.

Enhancement Effect of Pre-Treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT Radiomic Features in Prognostic Evaluation of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To investigate the predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomic features before treatment for progression free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Materials and Methods A total of 135 patients with pathologically proven DLBCL in Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging prior to treatment were retrospectively collected.Patients were randomly divided into training set and test set using 8∶2,and then the training set was divided into training set and verification set using 8∶2 to construct the model.Semi-automatically delineated patients'lymphoma lesions as regions of interest and extracted the features.Univariate COX and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to screen the features,and the non-zero radiomic features were obtained and the weight coefficients were used to calculate the Radscore value of each patient,and the predictive value of Radscore on PFS and OS was analyzed.Three models were established using traditional prognostic indicators(metabolic parameters and clinical factors),Radscore and combination.C-index,time-dependent area under the curve and decision curve were used to evaluate the model prediction efficiency.Finally,based on the optimal model,a column diagram was drawn,and the calibration curve was used to verify the efficiency of the column diagram.Results The combined model predicted PFS and OS at 3 and 5 years better than the traditional prognostic index model and Radscore model(Z=0.962 1-2.253 9,all P<0.05).Decision curve showed that the combined model achieved the greatest clinical net benefit.The calibration curve showed that the predicted values of the nomogram were in good agreement with the observed values.Conclusion Radscore is an independent prognostic factor for survival in DLBCL patients.The combined model has great application value in guiding the formulation of clinical individualized treatment plan.

Structural elucidation and targeted valorization of untractable lignin from pre-hydrolysis liquor of xylose production via a simple and robust separation approach.

Effective separation of lignin macromolecules from the xylose pre-hydrolysates (XPH) during the xylose production, thus optimizing the separation and purification process of xylose, is of great significance for reducing the production costs, achieving the high value-added utilization of lignin and increasing the industrial revenue. In this study, a simple and robust method (pH adjustment) for the separation of lignin from XPH was proposed and systematically compared with the conventional acid-promoted lignin precipitation method. The results showed that the lignin removal ratio (up to 60.34 %) of this simple method was higher than that of the conventional method, and the proposed method eliminated the necessity of heating and specialized equipment, which greatly reduced the separation cost. Meanwhile, this simple method does not destroy the components in XPH (especially xylose), ensuring the yield of the target product. On the other hand, the obtained lignin was nano-scale with less condensed structures, which also possessed small molecular weights with narrow distribution, excellent antioxidant activity (8-14 times higher than commercial antioxidants) and UV protection properties. In conclusion, the proposed simple separation method could effectively separate lignin from XPH at low cost, and the obtained lignin had potential commercial applications, which would further enhance the overall profitability of industrial production.

Identification of NOX4 as a New Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Effect on Sorafenib Therapy.

To improve the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are urgently needed. In this study, the GEO and TCGA dataset were used to explore the differential co-expressed genes and their prognostic correlation between HCC and normal samples. The mRNA levels of these genes were validated by qRT-PCR in 20 paired fresh HCC samples. The results demonstrated that the eight-gene model was effective in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients in the validation cohorts. Based on qRT-PCR results, NOX4 was selected to further explore biological functions within the model and 150 cases of paraffin-embedded HCC tissues were scored for NOX4 immunohistochemical staining. We found that the NOX4 expression was significantly upregulated in HCC and was associated with poor survival. In terms of function, the knockdown of NOX4 markedly inhibited the progression of HCC in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies suggested that NOX4 promotes HCC progression through the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment was obviously decreased after NOX4 overexpression. Taken together, this study reveals NOX4 as a potential therapeutic target for HCC and a biomarker for predicting the sorafenib treatment response.

Future targets for migraine treatment beyond CGRP.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a disabling and chronic neurovascular headache disorder. Trigeminal vascular activation and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of migraine. This knowledge has led to the development of CGRP(-receptor) therapies. Yet, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to these treatments. Therefore, alternative targets for future therapies are warranted. The current narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological role of these possible non-CGRP targets in migraine. FINDINGS: We covered targets of the metabotropic receptors (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), amylin, and adrenomedullin), intracellular targets (nitric oxide (NO), phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) and -5 (PDE5)), and ion channels (potassium, calcium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC)). The majority of non-CGRP targets were able to induce migraine-like attacks, except for (i) calcium channels, as it is not yet possible to directly target channels to elucidate their precise involvement in migraine; (ii) TRP channels, activation of which can induce non-migraine headache; and (iii) ASICs, as their potential in inducing migraine attacks has not been investigated thus far. Drugs that target its receptors exist for PACAP, NO, and the potassium, TRP, and ASIC channels. No selective drugs exist for the other targets, however, some existing (migraine) treatments appear to indirectly antagonize responses to amylin, adrenomedullin, and calcium channels. Drugs against PACAP, NO, potassium channels, TRP channels, and only a PAC1 antibody have been tested for migraine treatment, albeit with ambiguous results. CONCLUSION: While current research on these non-CGRP drug targets has not yet led to the development of efficacious therapies, human provocation studies using these targets have provided valuable insight into underlying mechanisms of migraine headaches and auras. Further studies are needed on these alternative therapies in non-responders of CGRP(-receptor) targeted therapies with the ultimate aim to pave the way towards a headache-free future for all migraine patients.

Resveratrol Improves Paclitaxel-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice by Activating SIRT1/PGC-1α Pathway to Regulate Neuronal State and Microglia Cell Polarization.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol (Res) on paclitaxel (PTX)-induced cognitive impairment and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was used to evaluate the mice's spatial learning and memory abilities. Western blotting was applied to detect protein expression of receptor-interacting protein (RIP3), mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), silencing information regulator 2 related enzyme 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor coactivator-1 (PGC-1α), NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), NOX4, postsynaptic density zone 95 (PSD95), arginase-1 (Arg-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Immunofluorescence of RIP3, MLKL, Arg-1, Iba-1 and iNOS was conducted to observe the apoptosis of hippocampal cells and the polarization of microglia. qRT-PCR was performed to detect BDNF mRNA expressions. DHE staining was used to assess the level of oxidative stress response. Golgi-Cox staining and dendritic spine counting were applied to visualize synaptic structural plasticity. Postsynaptic density was performed by transmission electron microscope. ELISA was used to detect the contents of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1ß, IL-4, and IL-10. Results: PTX-induced cognitive impairment model was constructed after the application of PTX, represented as longer latency to platform and less platform crossing times over the whole period in PTX group. After Res treatment, the above indicators were reversed, indicating that cognitive function was improved. Moreover, Res reduced neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress through SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in mice, manifesting as down-regulated expression of RIP3, MLKL, NOX2 and NOX4. Meanwhile, Res increased the density of dendritic spines and the expression of PSD95 and BDNF, thereby ameliorating the PTX induced synaptic damage. Besides, M2 microglia was in the majority, eliciting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 after Res treatment in PTX+Res group, while immunofluorescence images results demonstrated an decrease in the proportion of M2 microglia a following SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527. Conclusion: Res improves PTX-induced cognitive impairment in mice by activating SIRT1/PGC-1α pathways to regulate neuronal state and microglia cell polarization.

Primary headache epidemiology in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is the most prevalent neurological manifestation in adults and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In children and adolescents, headaches are arguably responsible for a remarkable impact on physical and psychological issues, yet high-quality evidence is scarce. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched cross-sectional and cohort studies in Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from January 1988 to June 2022 to identify the prevalence of headaches in 8-18 years old individuals. The risk of bias was examined with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scale. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of pediatric headache. Subgroup analyses based on headache subtypes were also conducted. RESULTS: Out of 5,486 papers retrieved electronically, we identified 48 studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of primary headaches was 11% for migraine overall [95%CI: 9-14%], 8% for migraine without aura (MwoA) [95%CI: 5-12%], 3% for migraine with aura (MwA) [95%CI:2-4%] and 17% for tension-type headache (TTH) [95% CI: 12-23%]. The pooled prevalence of overall primary headache in children and adolescents was 62% [95% CI: 53-70%], with prevalence in females and males of 38% [95% CI: 16-66%] and 27% [95% CI: 11-53%] respectively. After the removal of studies ranked as low-quality according to the JBI scale, prevalence rates were not substantially different. Epidemiological data on less common primary headaches, such as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, were lacking. CONCLUSION: We found an overall remarkably high prevalence of primary headaches in children and adolescents, even if flawed by a high degree of heterogeneity. Further up-to-date studies are warranted to complete the picture of pediatric headache-related burden to enhance specific public interventions.

Based on the metabolic mechanism of UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS Hippocampus to delay the aging of Drosophila melanogaster / 药学学报

Based on the UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS metabonomics technology, the effect of Hippocampus kuda Bleeker on the life span of Drosophila melanogaster was studied, and the change rule of endogenous metabolites in the aging process of Drosophila melanogaster after the intervention of Hippocampus kuda Bleeker japonicus was explored to clarify the anti-aging mechanism of Hippocampus. The natural aging model of Drosophila melanogaster was used. Different doses of raw Hippocampus and fried Hippocampus were given to observe the effects on the life span, climbing ability, sexual activity, and antioxidant enzyme activity of Drosophila melanogaster. Based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS metabolomics technology, the metabolic profile of the aging Drosophila melanogaster was analyzed using metabonomics technology to explore the mechanism of Hippocampus kuda Bleeker delaying the aging of Drosophila melanogaster. The results showed that raw Hippocampus and crispy Hippocampus (1, 4 mg·mL-1) could significantly prolong the average life span, median life span and maximum life span of male fruit flies, and significantly improve the climbing ability and sexual vitality of fruit flies. Catalase (CAT) and aldehyde content were increased, while malonaldehyde (MDA) content was decreased. Through metabonomics technology, it was identified that the Hippocampus can significantly recall 16 metabolites and participate in the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, starch and sucrose metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and histidine metabolism. The anti-aging mechanism is related to amino acid metabolism and sugar metabolism, which provides a substantial scientific basis for the development and utilization of Hippocampus and clarifying its role in senile diseases. The animal experiment of this study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanxi University (approval number: SXULL2021028).

Comparative and phylogeny analysis of Asarum caudigerum and A. cardiophyllum complete chloroplast genomes / 药学学报

The complete chloroplast genome of medicinal plant Asarum caudigerum Hance and its close relative A. cardiophyllum Franchet were sequenced using Illumina Hiseq technology, and assembled, annotated, and characterized by bioinformatic methods in this study. Then phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of A. caudigerum, A. cardiophyllum, and twelve published species was conducted. The results indicated that the chloroplast genomes ranged from 186 215-186 985 bp in length, with a large single copy (LSC, 89 445-90 169 bp) and two inverted repeats (IRa/IRb, 48 387-48 408 bp). The overall GC content was 37.4%-37.5%. A total of 144 chloroplast genes were annotated, including 98 protein coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. In addition, complex genomic rearrangements were detected in the chloroplast genome of Asarum. Meanwhile, visual evaluation of the discrete type of the sequence indicated that the variation level of non-coding region was higher than that of coding region. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that A. caudigerum and A. cardiophyllum were clustered into a single clade and A. cardiophyllum, A. sieboldii var. seoulense, A. misandrum and A. maculatum were clustered into another single branch. These two clade were sister species. This study provides a scientific basis for the identification, phylogenetic relationship, molecular breeding of Asarum species.