Protective Effect of CXCR7 Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a multifactorial syndrome with complex pathophysiology and prognosis. Ischaemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of induced AKI. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of upregulated CXCR7 expression on renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). HK-2 cells were divided into three groups: control group (pcDNA3.1), hypoxia/reoxygenation + pcDNA3.1 group (H/R+pcDNA3.1) and CXCR7 overexpression + hypoxia/reoxygenation group (H/R+ Flag-CXCR7). Protein levels of renal tubular epithelial cell injury-, apoptosis- and autophagy-related markers were assessed by qRT‒PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry (FCM), immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, HK-2 cells were treated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and divided into 3 groups: control group, 3-MA + pcDNA3.1 group, and 3-MA + Flag-CXCR7 group. Changes in autophagy and apoptosis in renal tubule epithelial cells were assessed by Western blotting and FCM. Compared with those in the control group, the protein and mRNA expression levels of CXCR7 in HK-2 cells were significantly lower under H/R conditions. Under H/R conditions, CXCR7 overexpression in HK-2 cells significantly downregulated the expression of NGAL. Moreover, CXCR7 overexpression significantly decreased H/R-induced cleaved PARP-1 and cleaved Caspase 3 levels, increased the level of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 and the autophagy-related molecules ATG5 and LC3B II, and significantly inhibited the expression of P62. Autophagy flow and TEM also showed that CXCR7 significantly promoted autophagy. CXCR7 significantly alleviated the 3-MA-induced inhibition of autophagy and increase in apoptosis. Upregulated CXCR7 expression can inhibit renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and damage by regulating autophagy. In conclusion, CXCR7 is a promising target for the prevention and/or treatment of AKI.

Comparative transcriptomics revealed parallel evolution and innovation of photosymbiosis molecular mechanisms in a marine bivalve.

Photosymbioses between heterotrophic hosts and autotrophic symbionts are evolutionarily prevalent and ecologically significant. However, the molecular mechanisms behind such symbioses remain less elucidated, which hinders our understanding of their origin and adaptive evolution. This study compared gene expression patterns in a photosymbiotic bivalve (Fragum sueziense) and a closely related non-symbiotic species (Trigoniocardia granifera) under different light conditions to detect potential molecular pathways involved in mollusc photosymbiosis. We discovered that the presence of algal symbionts greatly impacted host gene expression in symbiont-containing tissues. We found that the host immune functions were suppressed under normal light compared with those in the dark. In addition, we found that cilia in the symbiont-containing tissues play important roles in symbiont regulation or photoreception. Interestingly, many potential photosymbiosis genes could not be annotated or do not exhibit orthologues in T. granifera transcriptomes, indicating unique molecular functions in photosymbiotic bivalves. Overall, we found both novel and known molecular mechanisms involved in animal-algal photosymbiosis within bivalves. Given that many of the molecular pathways are shared among distantly related host lineages, such as molluscs and cnidarians, it indicates that parallel and/or convergent evolution is instrumental in shaping host-symbiont interactions and responses in these organisms.

The genome sequence of the giant clam, Tridacna gigas (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a chromosomal-level genome assembly from an individual Tridacna gigas (the giant clam; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Veneroida; Cardiidae). The genome sequence is 1,175.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 25.34 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,177 protein coding genes.

Treatment and Outcome of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children Over 10 Years of Age at the Time of Injury: A Review of 60 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the treatment and outcomes of supracondylar humeral fractures (SHFs) in children older than 10 years of age at the time of injury. METHODS: The study analyzed clinical data from 60 patients who sustained SHF, all over the age of 10 years, were analyzed. The patients included 49 males and 11 females with a mean age of 10.9 ± 0.9 years (range, 10 to 14.5). All patients underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Closed reduction (CR) and percutaneous fixation were the primary treatment, with open reduction and internal fixation being employed only in cases CR was unsuccessful. The study assessed the healing of fractures by measuring the radiographic angles, including the carrying angle (RCA), Baumann's angle (BA), and metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (MDA) on anteroposterior radiographs of the elbow joint. In addition, the study evaluated whether the anterior humeral line (AHL) appropriately passed through the middle third of the capitellum. The final follow-up visit used the Mayo Elbow Performance Index score (MEPI) and Flynn's criteria to analyze the recovery of elbow function. RESULTS: There were 15 (25%) SHF type II, 17 (28.3%) type III and 28 (46.7%) type IV. Of the 60 patients, 56 (93.3%) underwent successful CR, whereas 4 (6.7%) required open reduction and internal fixation because of an unsuccessful CR. The final follow-up showed the average BA as 72° ± 5.3°, the average MDA as 88.3° ± 2.8°, and the average RCA as 9.6° ± 3.9°. The AHL bisected accurately the capitellum in 59 cases (98.3%). The average range of elbow flexion-extension was 146.6° ± 8.6°, whereas the average MEPI score was 99.9 ± 0.6; 98.3% (n=59) were rated as excellent and 1.7% (n=1) were rated as good. According to Flynn's criteria, 86.7% had an excellent outcome (n=52), 10% had a good outcome (n=6), and 3.3% had a poor outcome (n=2). Only 1 patient (1.7%) experienced redisplacement. Eight cases of nerve injury were reported, with 7 involving the radial nerve and 1 involving the ulnar nerve; all resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: CR and percutaneous fixation have been shown to be effective in treating SHF in 93.3% of children aged 10 years old and older at the time of injury, with favorable radiographic and functional outcomes and a low risk of secondary displacement. Open reduction should only be considered when CR is ineffective.

A novel compound heterozygous variation in the FKBP10 gene causes Bruck syndrome without congenital contractures: A case report.

Background: Bruck syndrome (BS) is an extremely rare autosomal-recessive connective tissue disorder mainly characterized by bone fragility, congenital joint contracture, and spinal deformity. It is also considered as a rare form of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) due to features of osteopenia and fragility fractures. Its two forms, BS1 and BS2, are caused by pathogenic variations in FKBP10 and PLOD2, respectively. Objective: We aimed to improve the clinical understanding of BS by presenting a case from China and to identify the genetic variants that led to this case. Methods: OI was suspected in a Chinese boy with a history of recurrent long bone fractures, lumbar kyphosis, and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI). Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify pathogenic variations. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the results of the WES. In silico analysis was used to predict the pathogenicity of genetic variants. Results: WES and Sanger sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous variation in the FKBP10 gene (NM_021939, c.23dupG in exon 1, and c.825dupC in exon 5). Both variants resulted in a frameshift and premature stop codon. Of these two variants, c.23dupG has not been previously reported. The patient's parents were heterozygous carriers of one variant. In addition, zoledronic acid treatment improved the vertebral deformity and bone mineral density (BMD) significantly in this patient. Conclusions: A novel compound heterozygous variation of FKBP10, c.23dupG/c.825dupC, was identified in a patient with moderately severe OI. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with BS1 without congenital joint contractures or OI type XI. This study expands the spectrum of FKBP10 genetic variants that cause BS and OI.

Flexibility in coral-algal symbiosis is positively correlated with the host geographic range.

Generalists are thought to adapt to broader ecological conditions compared to less flexible specialists. However, few studies have systematically tested what ecological or life-history traits are associated with organisms' ecological flexibility. Here, we used stony corals to test the relative effects of host traits and ecological factors on corals' flexibility to form photosymbioses with algae. We analysed data from 211 stony coral species to test if coral's geographic distribution, depth range, symbiont transmission mode or colony morphology predict coral-algal flexibility. We report a novel positive correlation between coral-algal flexibility and coral species' geographic range. Symbiont transmission mode was also a predictor of flexibility, albeit the result is less robust against sampling bias. Coral depth range and morphology did not show significant effects. We highlight that host-symbiont dispersal abilities, interactions and evolutionary histories likely contribute to the observed patterns. We urge conservation efforts to consider the ecological implications of coral-algal flexibility.

Ti3C2Tx MXene-based hybrid nanocoating for flame retardant, early fire-warning and piezoresistive tension sensing smart polyester fabrics.

Flammability feature of textiles is a big underlying risk causing fire disasters. The fabrication of reliable fire resistant and quick fire warning fabrics is imperative but challenging. Herein, three types of early fire-warning polyester fabrics, namely, FPP@AM-X, FPP@PM-X and FPP@AX-M1, with good flame retardant and piezoresistive sensing performance were developed by fabricating polyethyleneimine (PEI), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), phytic acid (PA) and MXenes onto phosphorus-containing flame retardant polyethylene terephthalate (FRPET) via polydopamine (PDA) mediated layer-by-layer self-assembly. Owing to the improved thermoelectric properties of MXenes, FPP@A5-M1 exhibited a maximum thermoelectric voltage of 0.59 mV at a temperature difference of 130 °C and can provide an ideal cyclic early fire warning response within 4 s. In addition, due to the synergistic flame retardant effect of MXenes and APP in the coating layer, FPP@A5-M1 could be self-extinguished within 2 s after ignition and the value of peak heat release ratio and total smoke production decreased by 41.9% and 30.4%, respectively. Besides, the MXene-based hybrid coated fabric can detect the movement of human fingers and elbows, illustrating its potential application in piezoresistive tension sensing. This work provides a new route to designing and developing multi-functional and smart fire protection fabrics.

CXC chemokine receptor 7 ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting ß-catenin signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in tubular epithelial cells.

Renal fibrosis is a common feature of various chronic kidney diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) family plays a role in renal fibrosis; however, the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CXCR7 in mediating renal fibrosis. CXCR7 expression is decreased in unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI) and unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse models. Furthermore, CXCR7 was specifically expressed primarily in the Lotus Tetragonolobus Lectin-expressing segment of tubules, was slightly expressed in the peanut agglutinin-expressing segment, and was barely expressed in the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin-expressing segment. Administration of pFlag-CXCR7, an overexpression plasmid for CXCR7, significantly inhibited the activation of ß-catenin signaling and protected against the progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in a UIRI mouse model. Using cultured HKC-8 cells, we found that CXCR7 significantly downregulated the expression of active ß-catenin and fibrosis-related markers, including fibronectin, Collagen I, and α-SMA. Furthermore, CXCR7 significantly attenuated TGF-ß1-induced changes in ß-catenin signaling, EMT and fibrosis. These results suggest that CXCR7 plays a crucial role in inhibiting the activation of ß-catenin signaling and the progression of EMT and renal fibrosis. Thus, CXCR7 could be a novel therapeutic target for renal fibrosis.

Homologous proteins SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 have significantly different carcinogenic capacities in human colorectal cancer cells based on structural prediction and functional verification.

We discussed the expression and biological functions of the SAPCD2X1 protein in the HCT116 CRC cell line by bioinformatics analysis and prediction, and biological function verification. Spatial conformation models of SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 were predicted using the threading method, ensemble method, and several other protein structure prediction approaches. The conformational similarity between SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 was studied, and their functions were predicted. The biological experiments showed that SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 were overexpressed in CRC cells. SAPCD2X1-specific antibodies were prepared. The expressions of SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 were localized in cells using the immunofluorescence assay. The SAPCD2 and SAPCD2X1 overexpression models were validated using Western Blot and RT-qPCR. We successfully predicted the structures of the SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 proteins, and visualized them using the VDM software. It was predicted that the tertiary structure of SAPCD2X1 changed significantly compared with SAPCD2. Alteration of the biological functions of SAPCD2X1 was also predicted due to the changes in the spatial conformation of the protein. Anti-SAPCD2X1 antibody and SAPCD2X1-EGFP and SAPCD2-EGFP recombinant plasmids were established. The overexpression of the two proteins was induced in HCT116 cells using the recombinant plasmids, and verified by RT-qPCR and Western Blot. Meanwhile, the anti-SAPCD2X1 antibody was proved to have a high specificity. The immunofluorescence assay showed that SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 are mainly expressed in the cytoplasm. SAPCD2X1 and SAPCD2 exhibited significantly different biological functions in HCT116 cells. SAPCD2 is a carcinogenic protein, while SAPCD2X1 does not affect the proliferation, invasion, and migration of human CRC HCT116 cells.

Diversity of gut microbiome in Rocky Mountainsnail across its native range.

The animal gut microbiome is often a key requirement for host nutrition, digestion, and immunity, and can shift in relation to host geography and environmental factors. However, ecological drivers of microbiome community assembly across large geographic ranges have rarely been examined in invertebrates. Oreohelix strigosa (Rocky Mountainsnail) is a widespread land snail found in heterogeneous environments across the mountainous western United States. It is ideally suited for biogeography studies due to its broad distribution, low migration, and low likelihood of passive transport via other animals. This study aims to uncover large-scale geographic shifts in the composition of O. strigosa gut microbiomes by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on samples from across its native range. Additionally, we elucidate smaller-scale microbiome variation using samples collected only within Colorado. Results show that gut microbiomes vary significantly across broad geographic ranges. Several possible ecological drivers, including soil and vegetation composition, habitat complexity, habitat type, and human impact, collectively explained 27% of the variation across Coloradan O. strigosa gut microbiomes. Snail gut microbiomes show more similarity to vegetation than soil microbiomes. Gut microbial richness was highest in the rocky habitats and increased significantly in the most disturbed habitats (low complexity, high human impact), potentially indicating signs of dysbiosis in the snails' gut microbiomes. These small-scale environmental factors may be driving changes in O. strigosa gut microbiome composition seen across large-scale geography. This knowledge will also help us better understand how microbial associations influence species survival in diverse environments and aid wildlife conservation efforts.

Factors influencing outcomes of pelvic osteotomy for residual acetabular dysplasia following closed reduction in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

To investigate the factors influencing outcome of pelvic osteotomy (PO) for residual acetabular dysplasia (RAD) following closed reduction (CR) in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We retrospectively reviewed 91 patients (95 hips) with DDH who underwent PO for RAD. Tönnis grade, Acetabular index, Center Edge Angle, Reimer's Index (RI), and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) were assessed. Hips were divided into satisfactory (Severin I/II) and unsatisfactory group (Severin III/IV). Finally, 87 hips (91.5%) had satisfactory and 8 (8.5%) unsatisfactory outcomes. The RI before PO was significantly higher in unsatisfactory (49.6 ± 9%) than in satisfactory group (30.6%±11.8%). All patients without AVN had satisfactory outcome, while it was 78.9% of patients with AVN. Logistic regression analysis showed that higher AVN grade and RI before PO were risk factors for unsatisfactory outcome. Satisfactory outcome was obtained in all hips with RI < 33% before PO, while it was 79.5% if RI > 33% before PO (79.5%). There was no difference in the satisfactory rate between patients undergoing open reduction (66.7%) and those not undergoing (83.3%). The rate of satisfactory outcome in patients undergoing femoral osteotomy (63.6%) was lower than those without it (100%). In patients with RAD following CR, good outcome can be expected after PO alone. AVN and preoperative RI > 33% are risk factors for poor outcome. Additional open reduction and femoral osteotomy do not significantly improve outcome of PO in patients with preoperative RI > 33%.

Exogenous spermidine effectively improves the quality of cryopreserved boar sperm.

Boar sperm are less resistant to the dramatic environmental changes that occur during in vitro preservation. Spermidine has various physiological functions including the anti-oxidative effect. The main objective of this study was to clarify whether spermidine could protect boar sperm from the attack of reactive oxygen species under cryopreservation treatment. We set the concentrations of spermidine at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mmol/L and evaluated the effects of spermidine on sperm motility, viability, malformation rates, kinetic parameters, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, DNA integrity, H2 O2 content, malondialdehyde content, total antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Finally, the effects of spermidine on the sperm fertility were assessed by artificial insemination. The results showed that spermidine improved various physiological parameters of sperm in a dose-dependent manner. The quality and antioxidant capacity of sperm cryopreserved with 6 mmol/L spermidine were significantly less reduced (P < 0.05), and the contents of malformation rate, H2 O2 , and malondialdehyde content were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The significant increase in the number of litters indicated the possibility that spermidine had important practical value in pig reproduction (P < 0.05). Therefore, the addition of appropriate concentrations of spermidine to cryopreservation extenders may effectively improve the quality of boar sperm for in vitro preservation.

Computing Power Network: Multi-Objective Optimization-Based Routing.

This paper presents a novel routing planning method based on multi-objective optimization to tackle the routing problem in computing power networks. The proposed method aims to improve the performance and efficiency of routing by considering multiple objectives. In this study, we first model the computing power network and formulate the routing problem as a multi-objective optimization problem. To address this problem, we introduce a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm incorporating a ratio parameter adjustment strategy based on reinforcement learning. Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed routing algorithm. The results demonstrate significant client latency and cost reductions, highlighting the algorithm's effectiveness. By providing a comprehensive solution to the routing problem in computing power networks, this work contributes to the field by offering improved performance and efficiency. The proposed method's ability to optimize multiple objectives sets it apart from existing approaches, making it a valuable contribution to the research community.

Phosphocreatine addition to extender enhances the quality and antioxidant capacity of cryopreserved boar sperm.

Boar sperm are less resistant to drastic changes in the external environment during cryopreservation, mainly because their plasma membranes are rich in unsaturated fatty acids but lack cholesterol and are thus susceptible to lipid peroxidation caused by the attack of reactive oxygen species. This study evaluated the effect of adding phosphocreatine to cryopreservation extenders on boar sperm quality and antioxidant capacity. Different concentrations (0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 mmol/L) of phosphocreatine were added to the cryopreservation extender. After thawing, sperm were analysed for morphological parameters, kinetic parameters, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, DNA integrity and antioxidant enzyme activity. The results showed that 10.0 mmol/L phosphocreatine samples enhanced the boar sperm motility, viability, average path velocity, straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity and beat cross frequency after cryopreservation and reduced the malformation rate compared to the control group (p < .05). The acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and DNA integrity of boar sperm were higher than those of the control group after adding 10.0 mmol/L phosphocreatine to the cryopreservation extender (p < .05). Extenders containing 10.0 mmol/L phosphocreatine maintained high total antioxidant capacity; elevated the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase; reduced malondialdehyde and H2 O2 content (p < .05). Therefore, adding phosphocreatine to the extender is potentially beneficial for boar sperm cryopreservation at an optimal 10.0 mmol/L concentration.

The Generation and Application of Monoclonal Antibodies to Detect SAPCD2 Expression in Precancerous and Malignant Gastric Lesions.

Background: Suppressor APC domain containing 2 (SAPCD2) is involved in cell cycle regulation and its mRNA levels are higher in cancer tissues. But, the function of SAPCD2 in cancer development remains unclear. Objective: To generate mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to SAPCD2 and thus clarify the function of SAPCD2 in the development of gastric carcinoma (GC). Methods: Purified SAPCD2-GST immunized BALB/c mouse spleen cells were collected and fused with myeloma cells to obtain monoclonal antibody hybridoma. A group of monoclonal antibodies exhibiting high specificity and sensitivity against SAPCD2 has been generated and characterized by IHC, WB, IP, IF, and ELISA. By immunohistochemical analysis, the SAPCD2 expression was evaluated in 228 clinical samples of gastric mucosal lesions, including precancerous lesions and GC samples. Results: We identified a highly specific and sensitive clone of s12 in eukaryotic cells and performed an IHC analysis. We found that 81.3% of 107 GC tissues were SAPCD2-positive, compared with the 26.2% in the matched adjacent normal-appearing tissues (P<0.001). Furthermore, among the 121 gastritis tissues, SAPCD2 was overexpressed in precancerous gastric lesions such as dysplasia (Dys, 78.9%), intestinal metaplasia (IM, 44.7%), and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG, 6.1%) compared with that in chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG, 3.2%) (P<0.001). The SAPCD2-positivity rate was 81.3% in GC, suggesting that the expression of SAPCD2 increased with the severity of the lesion (P<0.001). Conclusion: In summary, we have described novel monoclonal antibodies against SAPCD2, which are highly expressed in GC tissues and may serve as the basis for an early clinical marker for GC development.

Methylprednisolone improves the quality of liquid preserved boar spermatozoa in vitro and reduces polymorphonuclear neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis.

After artificial insemination, immune cells such as polymorphonuclear neutrophils will be recruited into the genital tract and induce endometrial inflammation, adversely affecting the spermatozoa. This study aimed to analyze the effect of methylprednisolone (MPS) on boar spermatozoa quality of in vitro liquid preservation and chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils toward boar spermatozoa. Various concentrations of MPS were added to the extender and analyzed for their effects on spermatozoa motility, kinetic parameters, abnormality rate, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels, H2O2 content, mitochondrial membrane potential and acrosome integrity. Testing of MPS on chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils toward spermatozoa induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that an extender containing 2 × 10-7 mol/mL MPS was the most effective for preserving boar spermatozoa during in vitro liquid preservation at 17°C. It effectively improved spermatozoa motility, kinetic parameters, T-AOC levels, mitochondrial membrane potential and acrosome integrity, reducing the abnormality rate and H2O2 content. Meanwhile, the chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils toward spermatozoa under LPS induction were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, MPS has positive implications for improving in vitro liquid preserved boar spermatozoa quality, inhibiting chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils toward spermatozoa.

Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides mitigate depression-like behaviors in hypertension rats by regulating Mfn2-mediated mitophagy.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with hypertension have a risk of depression. Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOOs) have anti-depressant properties. In this study, we aimed to determine whether MOOs can improve the symptoms of depression in individuals with hypertension. METHODS: Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed with a high-salt diet were stimulated by chronic unpredictable mild stress to mimic hypertension with depression. Primary astrocytes and neurons were isolated from these rats. Astrocytes underwent LPS stimulation to simulate the inflammatory astrocytes during depression. MOOs were administrated at 0.1 mg/g/day in vivo and 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL in vitro. Mitophagy was inhibited using 5 mM 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Astrocyte-mediated neurotoxicity was detected by co-culturing astrocytes and neurons. RESULTS: MOOs decreased systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and mean arterial pressure, thereby improving depression-like behavior, including behavioral despair, lack of enthusiasm, and loss of pleasure during hypertension with depression. Furthermore, MOOs inhibited inflammation, astrocytic dysfunction, and mitochondrial damage in the brain. Then, MOOs promoted autophagosome and lysosome enriched in mitochondria in LPS-stimulated astrocytes. MOOs suppressed mitochondrial damage and the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß in astrocytes undergoing LPS stimulation. Importantly, MOOs rescued the impaired neurons co-cultured with astrocytes. The effects of MOOs on LPS-stimulated astrocytes were reversed by 3-MA. Finally, MOOs upregulated LPS-downregulated Mfn2 expression in astrocytes. Mfn2 inhibition partly reversed the effects of MOOs on hypertension with depression. Intriguingly, Mfn2 suppression activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway during MOOs treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Astrocytes develop neuroinflammation in response to mitochondrial damage during hypertension with depression. MOOs upregulated Mfn2 expression to activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-mediated mitophagy, thereby removing impaired mitochondria in astrocytes. HIGHLIGHTS: 1. MOOs have anti-hypertensive and anti-depressive properties. 2. MOOs inhibit inflammation and injury in astrocytes during hypertension with depression. 3. MOOs induce mitophagy activation in inflammatory astrocytes with mitochondrial damage. 4. MOOs upregulate Mfn2 expression in astrocytes. 5. Mfn2 activates mitophagy to resist mitochondrial damage in astrocytes.

Ulnar osteotomy and monolateral external fixator for the treatment of chronic Monteggia fractures in children: comparison between gradual and acute radial head reduction.

This study evaluated the outcomes of chronic Monteggia fractures (CMFs) treated by ulnar osteotomy and monolateral external fixator (MEF), and compare the outcome of gradual versus acute radial head reduction. Two groups of patients were identified. Group 1: gradual reduction of the radial head ( n = 13); group 2: acute reduction ( n = 6). Clinical outcome was evaluated by Kim Elbow Score, whereas radiographic outcome was assessed on plain radiographs. The effect of age, side, time from initial trauma to surgery, rate of unplanned surgery, amount of angulation and lengthening, and final outcome were evaluated. Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with good radiographic outcome. Thirteen patients underwent gradual correction of the ulna. The mean duration of correction was 43.4 days (range, 21-82); the mean angulation and lengthening of the ulna were 22.8° (range, 0°-35°) and 22.2 mm (range, 12.2-40.9), respectively. Six patients underwent acute reduction intraoperatively, the mean angulation and lengthening of the ulna were 17.2° (range, 4°-33.9°) and 5.2 mm (range, 2.5-12.2), respectively. CMF treated by ulnar osteotomy and gradual distraction had better radiological outcome (Group 1; 92.3% 12/13) than those treated by acute reduction of the radial head (Group 2; 3/6, 50%) ( P = 0.071). Reoperation rate was found to be significantly correlated with a fair or poor radiographic results ( P = 0.016). Good clinical and radiological outcomes should be expected in CMF patients treated by gradual lengthening and angulation of the ulna with a MEF.

Dexamethasone affects the chemotaxis and phagocytic activity of neutrophils for boar spermatozoa and the quality of liquid preserved boar semen in vitro.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on chemotaxis and phagocytic activity of neutrophils for spermatozoa and semen quality of preserved boar semen. The different concentrations of dexamethasone were added to boar semen dilutions to detect its effects on the chemotaxis of neutrophils and phagocytosis of neutrophils and sperm motility sperm malformation rate, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and spermatozoa motility parameters. The study results showed that the experimental groups of DEX significantly inhibited the phagocytosis and chemotaxis of PMNs for spermatozoa. With the increased concentration of DEX, there was an inhibition effect on PMNs activity. In addition, under 17 °C storage conditions, the addition of DEX 1 × 10-6 mol/mL concentration has the best preservation effect on boar semen, which can effectively improve the sperm motility, movement parameters, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, T-AOC activity, and significantly reduce the sperm malformation rate and H2O2 content. Therefore, the most suitable concentration of DEX to preserve boar semen at 17 °C is 1 × 10-6 mol/mL. The significant increase of conception rate of sows and litter size of piglets proved that DEX has practical application value. Thus, it is shown that the use of DEX to inhibit uterine inflammation is effective and feasible for sperm damage providing new methods for developing low-dose artificial insemination technology.

Incidence and risk factors for persistent acetabular dysplasia in patients with developmental dislocation of the hip treated by Pavlik Harness.

Some patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) before 6 months of age successfully treated by Pavlik Harness (PH) still had persistent acetabular dysplasia (PAD). This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for PAD in patients with DDH treated by PH. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 89 patients (109 hips; mean age, 3.2 ± 1.5 months) with DDH treated by PH. Prior to treatment, all patients underwent ultrasound examination and classified according to Graf's method. PH was terminated once the hip achieved imaging recovery criteria. At final follow-up, the acetabular index (AI), center-edge angle (CEA) of Wiberg were measured on radiograph. Overall, 67/109 hips (61.5%) had successful PH treatment. Among these 67 hips, 58 hips (86.6%) achieved satisfactory outcome, nine (13.4%) had PAD. Age of the patients with PAD (4.3 ± 1 months) was significantly higher than those without PAD (2.8 ± 1.5 months) ( P = 0.001). Hips with PAD had higher mean Graf grade than those with satisfactory outcome ( P = 0.014). Logistic regression-confirmed age and Graf classification were risk factors for PAD. Overall, 55/67 (82.1%) met imaging recovery criteria to stop PH treatment, whereas 12/67 hips (17.9%) did not. The rate of PAD at final follow-up in patients achieving recovery criteria (4/55; 7.3%) was significantly lower than those not achieving it (41.7%) ( P = 0.007). In conclusion, age and Graf classification are risk factors for PAD. If hips are not normal at the end of PH treatment, the risk of PAD increases further.