Effectiveness of concentrated growth factor and laser therapy on wound healing, inferior alveolar nerve injury and periodontal bone defects post-mandibular impacted wisdom tooth extraction: A randomized clinical trial.

The extraction of wisdom teeth with mandibular impact frequently results in complications including damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and malformations of the bone. The objective of this research endeavour was to assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy and concentrated growth factor (CGF) in facilitating nerve recovery and wound healing in such instances. A total of thirty-one patients (mean age 27.52 ± 5.79 years) who presented with IAN injury after extraction were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group (which received oral mecobalamin), CGF group (which received CGF gel applied to the extraction sockets) and laser group (which received low-level lasers (808 nm, 30 mW, 10 J/cm2 )) at the extraction site. Patients' recovery from IAN paresthesia was evaluated seven times over the course of 14 days utilizing visual analogue scale (VAS) and the pinprick test (PP). At multiple intervals following surgery, periodontal probing and bone level measurements were utilized to assess the recovery of both soft and hard tissues. The findings revealed that, compared with the control group, both the CGF and laser treatment groups exhibited a markedly greater improvement in VAS scores and wound healing of soft tissues, as well as in PP results (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced wound healing processes. Despite these improvements, there was no significant difference in wound healing outcomes between the CGF and laser groups. Notably, the CGF group showed a statistically significant improvement in healing bone defects at 30 and 90 days post-treatment compared with the control group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively), underscoring its effectiveness in bone healing as a critical aspect of the overall wound healing process. However, in terms of other wound healing comparisons, no significant differences were observed. CGF and laser therapy significantly enhanced the healing of wounds, including soft tissue and bone recovery, in addition to accelerating the recovery of IAN injuries following mandibular wisdom tooth extraction. Although both treatments were equally effective in nerve recovery, CGF notably excelled in promoting bone healing, suggesting its pivotal role in comprehensive wound healing. This highlights that both CGF and laser therapy are viable options for not only nerve recovery but also for overall wound healing in such dental procedures.

Anionic Ni-Based Metal-Organic Framework with Li(I) Cations in the Pores for Efficient C2H2/CO2 Separation.

Acetylene (C2H2) is widely used as a raw material for producing various downstream commodities in the petrochemical and electronic industry. Therefore, the acquisition of high-purity C2H2 from a C2H2/CO2 mixture produced by partial methane combustion or thermal hydrocarbon cracking is of great significance yet highly challenging due to their similar physical and chemical properties. Herein, we report an anionic metal-organic framework (MOF) named LIFM-210, which has Li+ cations in the pores and shows a higher adsorption affinity for C2H2 than CO2. LIFM-210 is constructed by a unique tetranuclear Ni(II) cluster acting as a 10-connected node and an organic ligand acting as a 5-connected node. Single-component adsorption and transient breakthrough experiments demonstrate the good C2H2 selective separation performance of LIFM-210. Theoretical calculations revealed that Li+ ions strongly prefer C2H2 to CO2 and are primary adsorption sites, playing vital roles in the selective separation of C2H2/CO2.

Integrative analysis of genome and transcriptome reveal the genetic basis of high temperature tolerance in pleurotus giganteus (Berk. Karun & Hyde).

BACKGROUND: Pleurotus giganteus is a commonly cultivated mushroom with notable high temperature resistance, making it significant for the growth of the edible fungi industry in the tropics. Despite its practical importance,, the genetic mechanisms underlying its ability to withstand high temperature tolerance remain elusive. RESULTS: In this study, we performed high-quality genome sequencing of a monokaryon isolated from a thermotolerant strain of P. giganteus. The genome size was found to be 40.11 Mb, comprising 17 contigs and 13,054 protein-coding genes. Notably, some genes related to abiotic stress were identified in genome, such as genes regulating heat shock protein, protein kinase activity and signal transduction. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of P. giganteus' high temperature resistance. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree showed that P. giganteus was more closely related to P. citrinopileatus than other Pleurotus species. The divergence time between Pleurotus and Lentinus was estimated as 153.9 Mya, and they have a divergence time with Panus at 168.3 Mya, which proved the taxonomic status of P. giganteus at the genome level. Additionally, a comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted between mycelia treated with 40 °C heat shock for 18 h (HS) and an untreated control group (CK). Among the 2,614 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 1,303 genes were up-regulated and 1,311 were down-regulated in the HS group. The enrichment analysis showed that several genes related to abiotic stress, including heat shock protein, DnaJ protein homologue, ubiquitin protease, transcription factors, DNA mismatch repair proteins, and zinc finger proteins, were significantly up-regulated in the HS group. These genes may play important roles in the high temperature adaptation of P. giganteus. Six DEGs were selected according to fourfold expression changes and were validated by qRT-PCR, laying a good foundation for further gene function analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study successfully reported a high-quality genome of P. giganteus and identified genes associated with high-temperature tolerance through an integrative analysis of the genome and transcriptome. This study lays a crucial foundation for understanding the high-temperature tolerance mechanism of P. giganteus, providing valuable insights for genetic modification of P. giganteus strains and the development of high-temperature strains for the edible fungus industry, particularly in tropical regions.

l-Malic Acid Facilitates Stem Cell-Driven Intestinal Epithelial Renewal through the Amplification of ß-Catenin Signaling by Targeting Frizzled7 in Chicks.

l-Malic acid (l-MA) contributes to energy metabolism and nutrient digestion, which is an alternative to antibiotics for livestock; however, it is not clear whether l-MA can replace antibiotics to promote intestinal development in chicks. To investigate the effects of l-MA on intestinal stem cells (ISCs) driving epithelial renewal, we employed in vivo chick feeding experiments, chick intestinal organoid (IO) models, and in vitro chick intestinal epithelial cell models. The results showed that the feed conversion rate and diarrhea scores were decreased with improved jejunal morphology and barrier function in the 0.5% l-MA group. l-MA promoted the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs, inhibited the cell apoptosis, increased the IO formation efficiency, surface area, budding efficiency, and number of buds, suggesting that l-MA promoted the expansion of ISCs. Furthermore, l-MA treatment dramatically upregulated the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in the jejunum. Importantly, Wnt transmembrane receptor Frizzled7 (FZD7) mRNA abundance was increased in response to dietary 0.5% l-MA. In addition, molecular docking analysis using Autodock software and isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that l-MA binds to Lys91 of FZD7 with high affinity, indicating a spontaneous interaction. The chick intestinal epithelial cells treated with 10 µM l-MA significantly increased cell viability, and the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway was activated, but l-MA failed to upregulate the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling when treated with the FZD7-specific inhibitor Fz7-21 in chick intestinal epithelial cells, indicating that FZD7 is indispensable for l-MA activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Collectively, l-MA stimulated ß-catenin signaling by targeting transmembrane receptor FZD7, which promoted ISC expansion and inhibited cell apoptosis to accelerate intestinal epithelial renewal in chicks.

m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns are involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

The role of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) remains largely unclear. This study first identified differential m6A regulators between ICM and healthy samples, and then systematically evaluated the effects of m6A modification on the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in ICM, including the infiltration of immune cells, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, and HALLMARKS pathways. A total of seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15 and YTHDF3, were identified using a random forest classifier. A diagnostic nomogram based on these seven key m6A regulators could effectively distinguish patients with ICM from healthy subjects. We further identified two distinct m6A modification patterns (m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B) that are mediated by these seven regulators. Meanwhile, we also noted that one m6A regulator, WTAP, was gradually upregulated, while the others were gradually downregulated in the m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. In addition, we observed that the degree of infiltration of the activated dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) T cells, and type-17 T helper (Th17) cells gradually increased in m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. Furthermore, m6A regulators, including FTO, YTHDC1, YTHDF3, FMR1, ZC3H13, and RBM15 were significantly negatively correlated with the above-mentioned immune cells. Additionally, several differential HLA genes and HALLMARKS signalling pathways between the m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B groups were also identified. These results suggest that m6A modification plays a key role in the complexity and diversity of the immune microenvironment in ICM, and seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15, and YTHDF3, may be novel biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of ICM. Immunotyping of patients with ICM will help to develop immunotherapy strategies with a higher level of accuracy for patients with a significant immune response.

Dietary supplementation with probiotics increases growth performance, improves the intestinal mucosal barrier and activates the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activity in chicks.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics comprise effective feed additives that can replace antibiotics in animal livestock production. However, mono-strain probiotics appear less effective because of their instability. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate dietary supplementation with compound probiotics (CPP) on growth performance, diarrhea rate and intestinal mucosal barrier, as well as the possible molecular mechanism, in chicks. In total, 360 1-day-old chicks of the Hy-Line Brown Chicks were randomly divided into the control group (CON, basal diet), chlortetracycline group (500 mg kg-1 CTC) and compound probiotics group (1000 mg kg-1 CPP, consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Enterococcus faecium and yeast). The experiment period was 56 days. RESULTS: The results showed that, in comparison with the CON group, CPP significantly increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of chicks and reduced diarrhea (P < 0.05). The probiotic group exhibited increased immune organ (i.e. spleen and thymus) mass and increased levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM and IgG (P < 0.05) compared to the CTC group. In addition, the jejunal mass and morphology were improved in the probiotic group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CPP reinforced jejunal barrier function, as indicated by increased transepithelial electrical resistance, protein expression of occludin and claudin-1, and diamine oxidase levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Likewise, enhanced fluorescence signals of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeled mitotic cells and villin-labeled absorptive cells in the jejunum (P < 0.05) suggested that CPP promoted intestinal stem cells activity. Mechanistically, the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, including ß-catenin, TCF4, c-Myc, cyclin D1 and Lgr5, was amplified in the jejunum by CPP addition (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with CPP reinforced the jejunal epithelial integrity by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and enhanced immune function in chicks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

MIL-101-Cr/Fe/Fe-NH2 for Efficient Separation of CH4 and C3H8 from Simulated Natural Gas.

Adsorptive separation based on porous solid adsorbents has emerged as an excellent effective alternative to energy-intensive conventional separation methods in a low energy cost and high working capacity manner. However, there are few stable mesoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient purification of methane from other light hydrocarbons in natural gas. Herein, we report a series of stable mesoporous MOFs, MIL-101-Cr/Fe/Fe-NH2, for efficient separation of CH4 and C3H8 from a ternary mixture CH4/C2H6/C3H8. Experimental results show that all three MOFs possess excellent thermal, acid/basic, and hydrothermal stability. Single-component adsorption suggested that they have high C3H8 adsorption capacity and commendable selectivity for C3H8 and C2H6 over CH4. Transient breakthrough experiments further certified the ability of direct separation of CH4 from simulated natural gas and indirect recovery of C3H8 from the packing column. Theoretical calculations illustrated that the van der Waals force proportional to the molecular weight is the key factor and that the structural integrity and defect can impact separation performances.

Integrative identification of immune-related key genes in atrial fibrillation using weighted gene coexpression network analysis and machine learning.

Background: The immune system significantly participates in the pathologic process of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this participation are not completely explained. The current research aimed to identify critical genes and immune cells that participate in the pathologic process of AF. Methods: CIBERSORT was utilized to reveal the immune cell infiltration pattern in AF patients. Meanwhile, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify meaningful modules that were significantly correlated with AF. The characteristic genes correlated with AF were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithm. Results: In comparison to sinus rhythm (SR) individuals, we observed that fewer activated mast cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), as well as more gamma delta T cells, resting mast cells, and M2 macrophages, were infiltrated in AF patients. Three significant modules (pink, red, and magenta) were identified to be significantly associated with AF. Gene enrichment analysis showed that all 717 genes were associated with immunity- or inflammation-related pathways and biological processes. Four hub genes (GALNT16, HTR2B, BEX2, and RAB8A) were revealed to be significantly correlated with AF by the SVM-RFE algorithm and LASSO logistic regression. qRT-PCR results suggested that compared to the SR subjects, AF patients exhibited significantly reduced BEX2 and GALNT16 expression, as well as dramatically elevated HTR2B expression. The AUC measurement showed that the diagnostic efficiency of BEX2, HTR2B, and GALNT16 in the training set was 0.836, 0.883, and 0.893, respectively, and 0.858, 0.861, and 0.915, respectively, in the validation set. Conclusions: Three novel genes, BEX2, HTR2B, and GALNT16, were identified by WGCNA combined with machine learning, which provides potential new therapeutic targets for the early diagnosis and prevention of AF.

Identification of immune-related key genes in the peripheral blood of ischaemic stroke patients using a weighted gene coexpression network analysis and machine learning.

BACKGROUND: The immune system plays a vital role in the pathological process of ischaemic stroke. However, the exact immune-related mechanism remains unclear. The current research aimed to identify immune-related key genes associated with ischaemic stroke. METHODS: CIBERSORT was utilized to reveal the immune cell infiltration pattern in ischaemic stroke patients. Meanwhile, a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify meaningful modules significantly correlated with ischaemic stroke. The characteristic genes correlated with ischaemic stroke were identified by the following two machine learning methods: the support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithm and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression. RESULTS: The CIBERSORT results suggested that there was a decreased infiltration of naive CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, resting mast cells and eosinophils and an increased infiltration of neutrophils, M0 macrophages and activated memory CD4 T cells in ischaemic stroke patients. Then, three significant modules (pink, brown and cyan) were identified to be significantly associated with ischaemic stroke. The gene enrichment analysis indicated that 519 genes in the above three modules were mainly involved in several inflammatory or immune-related signalling pathways and biological processes. Eight hub genes (ADM, ANXA3, CARD6, CPQ, SLC22A4, UBE2S, VIM and ZFP36) were revealed to be significantly correlated with ischaemic stroke by the LASSO logistic regression and SVM-RFE algorithm. The external validation combined with a RT‒qPCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of ADM, ANXA3, SLC22A4 and VIM were significantly increased in ischaemic stroke patients and that these key genes were positively associated with neutrophils and M0 macrophages and negatively correlated with CD8 T cells. The mean AUC value of ADM, ANXA3, SLC22A4 and VIM was 0.80, 0.87, 0.91 and 0.88 in the training set, 0.85, 0.77, 0.86 and 0.72 in the testing set and 0.87, 0.83, 0.88 and 0.91 in the validation samples, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the ADM, ANXA3, SLC22A4 and VIM genes are reliable serum markers for the diagnosis of ischaemic stroke and that immune cell infiltration plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of ischaemic stroke.

Effects of USF1 SNPs and SNP-Environment Interactions on Serum Lipid Profiles and the Risk of Early-Onset Coronary Artery Disease in the Chinese Population.

Background: Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are significantly associated with serum lipid levels in several different ethnic groups or populations, but their association with lipid levels and the risk of early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD) has not been reported in Han populations of southern China. Methods: Six USF1 SNPs (rs3737787, rs2774276, rs2516839, rs2516838, rs1556259, and rs2516837) were genotyped by next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques in 686 control subjects and 728 patients with EOCAD. Results: The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the USF1 rs3737787 SNP were significantly different between the control and EOCAD groups. The subgroup analysis identified that the rs3737787T allele was related to a decreased risk of EOCAD, whereas the rs3737787C-rs2774276G-rs2516839A and rs3737787C-rs2774276G-rs2516839G haplotypes were related to an increased risk of EOCAD in men, and the rs3737787C-rs2774276G-rs2516839A and rs3737787T-rs2774276C-rs2516839A haplotypes were correlated with an increased risk of EOCAD in women (p < 0.05-0.01). Male rs3737787T allele carriers had lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations than the rs3737787T allele non-carriers (p < 0.01). The interactions of rs3737787 with alcohol consumption and rs2516839 with smoking affected serum TC and LDL-C levels in men, whereas the interaction of rs3737787 with alcohol consumption affected serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the rs2516839-smoking interaction affected serum TC levels in women (p I < 0.001). The expression levels of the USF1 mRNA, interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly lower in controls than in patients with EOCAD, and rs3737787T allele carriers displayed lower IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, and USF1 mRNA expression levels than the rs3737787T allele non-carriers. In addition, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression levels were significantly positively correlated with USF1 mRNA levels (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Sex-specific correlations were identified between the USF1 rs3737787T allele with blood lipid levels and the risk of EOCAD. The USF1 rs3737787T allele affects the risk of EOCAD by modulating serum lipid levels and the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6.

Nitro-Decorated Microporous Covalent Organic Framework (TpPa-NO2) for Selective Separation of C2H4 from a C2H2/C2H4/CO2 Mixture and CO2 Capture.

A nitro-decorated microporous covalent organic framework, TpPa-NO2, has been synthesized in a gram scale with a one-pot reaction. It can effectively selectively separate C2H4 from a C2H2/C2H4/CO2 mixture and capture CO2 from CO2/N2 based on ideal adsorption solution theory calculations and transient breakthrough experiments. Theoretical calculations illustrated that the hydrogen atoms of imine bonds, carbonyl oxygen, and nitro group show high affinity toward C2H2 and CO2, playing vital roles in efficient separation.

Identifying patterns of immune related cells and genes in the peripheral blood of acute myocardial infarction patients using a small cohort.

BACKGROUND: The immune system plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the exact immune related mechanism is still unclear. This research study aimed to identify key immune-related genes involved in AMI. METHODS: CIBERSORT, a deconvolution algorithm, was used to determine the proportions of 22 subsets of immune cells in blood samples. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key modules that are significantly associated with AMI. Then, CIBERSORT combined with WGCNA were used to identify key immune-modules. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) combined with cytoHubba plugins were used to identify key immune-related genes that may play an important role in the occurrence and progression of AMI. RESULTS: The CIBERSORT results suggested that there was a decrease in the infiltration of CD8 + T cells, gamma delta (γδ) T cells, and resting mast cells, along with an increase in the infiltration of neutrophils and M0 macrophages in AMI patients. Then, two modules (midnightblue and lightyellow) that were significantly correlated with AMI were identified, and the salmon module was found to be significantly associated with memory B cells. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the 1,171 genes included in the salmon module are mainly involved in immune-related biological processes. MCODE analysis was used to identify four different MCODE complexes in the salmon module, while four hub genes (EEF1B2, RAC2, SPI1, and ITGAM) were found to be significantly correlated with AMI. The correlation analysis between the key genes and infiltrating immune cells showed that SPI1 and ITGAM were positively associated with neutrophils and M0 macrophages, while they were negatively associated with CD8 + T cells, γδ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and resting mast cells. The RT-qPCR validation results found that the expression of the ITGAM and SPI1 genes were significantly elevated in the AMI samples compared with the samples from healthy individuals, and the ROC curve analysis showed that ITGAM and SPI1 had a high diagnostic efficiency for the recognition of AMI. CONCLUSIONS: Immune cell infiltration plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AMI. ITGAM and SPI1 are key immune-related genes that are potential novel targets for the prevention and treatment of AMI.

A novel lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triple network identifies lncRNA XIST as a biomarker for acute myocardial infarction.

Despite the well-established role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) across various biological processes, their mechanisms in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are not fully elucidated. The GSE34198 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which comprised 49 specimens from individuals with AMI and 47 specimens from controls, was extracted and analysed using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) package. Twenty-seven key genes were identified through a combination of the degree and gene significance (GS) values, and the CDC42 (degree = 64), JAK2 (degree = 41), and CHUK (degree = 30) genes were identified as having the top three-degree values among the 27 genes. Potential interactions between lncRNA, miRNAs and mRNAs were predicted using the starBase V3.0 database, and a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triple network containing the lncRNA XIST, twenty-one miRNAs and three hub genes (CDC42, JAK2 and CHUK) was identified. RT-qPCR validation showed that the expression of the JAK2 and CDC42 genes and the lncRNA XIST was noticeably increased in samples from patients with AMI compared to normal samples. Pearson's correlation analysis also proved that JAK2 and CDC42 expression levels correlated positively with lncRNA XIST expression levels. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of lncRNA XIST was 0.886, and the diagnostic efficacy of the lncRNA XIST was significantly better than that of JAK2 and CDC42. The results suggested that the lncRNA XIST appears to be a risk factor for AMI likely through its ability to regulate JAK2 and CDC42 gene expressions, and it is expected to be a novel and reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of AMI.

Pharmacodynamic Mechanism of Kuanxiong Aerosol for Vasodilation and Improvement of Myocardial Ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in rat models. METHODS: Totally 24 rats were radomly divided into control, ISO, KXA low-dose and high-dose groups according to the randomized block design method, and were administered by intragastric administration for 10 consecutive days, and on the 9th and 10th days, rats were injected with ISO for 2 consecutive days to construct an acute myocardial ischemia model to evaluate the improvement of myocardial ischemia by KXA. In addition, the diastolic effect of KXA on rat thoracic aorta and its regulation of ion channels were tested by in vitro vascular tension test. The influence of KXA on the expression of calcium-CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway has also been tested. RESULTS: KXA significantly reduced the ISO-induced increase in ST-segment, interventricular septal thickness, cardiac mass index and cardiac tissue pathological changes in rats. Moreover, the relaxation of isolated thoracic arterial rings that had been precontracted using norepinephrine (NE) or potassium chloride (KCl) was increased after KXA treatment in an endothelium-independent manner, and was attenuated by preincubation with verapamil, but not with tetraethylammonium chloride, 4-aminopyridine, glibenclamide, or barium chloride. KXA pretreatment attenuated vasoconstriction induced by CaCl2 in Ca2+-free solutions containing K+ or NE. In addition, KXA pretreatment inhibited accumulation of Ca2+ in A7r5 cells mediated by KCl and NE and significantly decreased p-CaMK II and p-ERK levels. CONCLUSION: KXA may inhibit influx and release of calcium and activate the CaMK II/ERK signaling pathway to produce vasodilatory effects, thereby improving myocardial injury.

Short-term efficacy of venetoclax combined with azacitidine in acute myeloid leukemia: a single-institution experience / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To explore the safety and short-term efficacy of venetoclax combined with azacitidine (Ven+AZA) in previously untreated patients unfit for standard chemotherapy and patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in China. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 60 previously untreated patients unfit for standard chemotherapy and patients with R/R AML who received Ven+ AZA (venetoclax, 100 mg D1, 200 mg D2, 400 mg D3-28; azacitidine, 75 mg/m(2) D1- 7) at the Peking University Institute of Hematology from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021. The incidence of adverse events, complete remission (CR) /CR with incomplete hematological recovery (CRi) rate, objective remission rate (ORR) , and minimal residual disease (MRD) status in patients with different risk stratification and gene subtypes were analyzed. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 (18-77) years, 33 (55.0%) were males, and the median follow-up time was 4.8 (1.4-26.3) months. Among the 60 patients, 24 (40.0%) were previously untreated patients unfit for standard chemotherapy, and 36 (60.0%) were R/R patients. The median mumber cycles of Ven+AZA in the two groups were both 1 (1-5) . According to the prognostic risk stratification of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, it was divided into 8 cases of favorable-risk, 2 cases of intermediate risk, and 14 cases of poor-risk. In previously untreated patients unfit for standard chemotherapy, after the first cycle of Ven+AZA, 17/24 (70.8%) cases achieved CR/CRi, 3/24 (12.5%) achieved partial remission (PR) , and the ORR was 83.3%. Among them, nine patients received a second cycle chemotherapy and two received a third cycle. Among CR/CRi patients, 8/17 (47.1%) achieved MRD negativity after two cycles of therapy. In the R/R group, after the first cycle of Ven+AZA, 21/36 (58.3%) cases achieved CR/CRi (7/21 achieved MRD negativity) , 3 achieved PR, and the ORR was 66.7%. Among R/R patients, 12 were treated for more than two cycles. There were no new CR/CRi patients after the second treatment cycle, and 14 cases (66.7%) achieved MRD negativity. According to the time from CR to hematological recurrence, the R/R group was divided into 12 cases in the favorable-risk group (CR to hematological recurrence ≥18 months) and 24 in the poor-risk group (CR to hematological recurrence<18 months, no remission after one cycle of therapy, and no remission after two or more cycles of therapy) . Eleven of 24 (45.8%) cases achieved CR/CRi after one cycle of Ven+AZA in the poor-risk R/R group, and 10 of 12 (83.3%) achieved CR/CRi in the favorable-risk R/R group, which was significantly superior to the poor-risk group (P=0.031) . After one cycle of treatment, 13 patients with IDH1/2 mutations and 4 that were TP53-positive all achieved CR/CRi. The CR/CRi rate of 18 patients with NPM1 mutations was 77.8%. Five patients with RUNX1-RUNX1T1 combined with KIT D816 mutation (two initial diagnoses and three recurrences) had no remission. Ven+ AZA was tolerable for AML patients. Conclusion: Ven+AZA has acceptable safety in previously untreated patients unfit for standard chemotherapy, patients with R/R AML can achieve a high response rate, and some patients can achieve MRD negativity. It is also effective in NPM1-, IDH1/IDH2-, and TP53-positive patients. The long-term efficacy remains to be observed.

Carbenoxolone enhances inhibitory effect of RSL3 against cisplatin-resistant testicular cancer cells by promoting ferroptosis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the inhibitory effect of RSL3 on the proliferation, invasion and migration of cisplatinresistant testicular cancer cells (I-10/DDP) and the effect of carbenoxolone on the activity of RSL3 against testicular cancer.@*METHODS@#MTT assay was used to evaluate the survival rate of I-10/DDP cells following treatment with RSL3 (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 μmol/L) alone or in combination with carbenoxolone (100 μmol/L) or after treatment with Fer-1 (2 μmol/L), RSL3 (4 μmol/L), RSL3+Fer-1, RSL3+carbenoxolone (100 μmol/L), or RSL3+Fer-1+carbenoxolone. Colony formation assay was used to assess the proliferation ability of the treated cells; wounding-healing assay and Transwell assay were used to assess the invasion and migration ability of the cells. The expression of GPX4 was detected using Western blotting, the levels of lipid ROS were detected using C11 BODIPY 581/591 fluorescent probe, and the levels of Fe2+ were determined with FerroOrange fluorescent probe.@*RESULTS@#RSL3 dose-dependently decreased the survival rate of I-10/DDP cells, and the combined treatment with 2, 4, or 8 μmol/L RSL3 with carbenoxolone, as compared with RSL3 treatment alone, resulted in significant reduction of the cell survival rate. The combination with carbenoxolone significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of RSL3 on colony formation, wound healing rate (P=0.005), invasion and migration of the cells (P < 0.001). Fer-1 obviously attenuated the inhibitory effects of RSL3 alone and its combination with carbenoxolone on I-10/DDP cells (P < 0.01). RSL3 treatment significantly decreased GPX4 expression (P=0.001) and increased lipid ROS level (P=0.001) and Fe2+ level in the cells, and these effects were further enhanced by the combined treatment with carbenoxolone (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Carbenoxolone enhances the inhibitory effect of RSL3 on the proliferation, invasion and migration of cisplatin-resistant testicular cancer cells by promoting RSL3-induced ferroptosis.

Effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expression of thyroid autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rats with autoimmune thyroiditis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the anti-inflammatory effect, as well as the effect on the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) and Beclin-1 of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a modeling group. The EAT rat model was prepared by a combination of antigen immunization plus iodine agent induction. After the model was prepared, rats in the modeling group were randomly and equally divided into a model group and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. In the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, moxibustion was alternately applied to two groups of points [Dazhui (GV14)-Mingmen (GV4) and Tiantu (CV22)-Guanyuan (CV4)], and the treatment continued for 30 d. Rats in the normal and model groups were only fixed identically without intervention. Histopathological manifestations of thyroid glands were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; the concentrations of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue. Results: There were massive follicular destruction, lymphocytic infiltration, and interstitial fibrous tissue hyperplasia of the thyroid glands in the model group. Some follicles of the thyroid glands were destroyed with few lymphocyte infiltrations and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the moxibustion group. Compared with the normal group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased in the model rats (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were reduced in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were increased in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue was negatively correlated with the serum levels of TPOAb and TGAb.Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion reduces the inflammatory response in the thyroid glands of EAT rats and lowers the levels of serum TPOAb and TGAb. This may be related to the regulation of mRNA and protein expression of the autophagy-associated factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rat thyroid tissue.

Current status of hypertension prevalence, treatment and control rate among young and middle-aged population in China / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension among young and middle-aged population in China. Methods: The analysis was based on the results of 2012-2015 China Hypertension Survey, which was a cross-sectional stratified multistage random sampling survey. A total of 229 593 subjects were included in the final analysis. The data including sex, age, living in urban and rural areas, prevalence of hypertension, history of stroke, family history of coronary heart disease and drinking, physical examination, heart rate were collected. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and (or) diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg, and (or) self-report a history of hypertension, and (or) use of antihypertensive medicine within 2 weeks before survey. Prehypertension was defined as SBP between 120-139 mmHg, and (or) DBP between 80-89 mmHg. Control of hypertension was considered for hypertensive individuals with SBP<140 mmHg and DBP<90 mmHg. The prevalence of prehypertension, hypertension, awareness, treatment, control rate were calculated, and the control rate among those with antihypertensive medication was also calculated. Results: The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 43.8% (95%CI: 42.3%-45.4%), and 22.1% (95%CI: 20.8%-23.3%), respectively. The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was significantly higher among male than female across different age groups. The awareness, treatment, control rate of hypertension and control rate among treated hypertensive participants were 43.8%, 33.2%, 16.7%, and 40.2%, respectively. The prevalence was higher, and the control rate was lower among individuals with higher heart rate. Conclusion: The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among young and middle-aged population is high, the awareness, treatment and control rate need to be further improved in this population. The prevention and treatment of hypertension should be strengthened in the future to improve the control rate of hypertension in China.

Electroacupuncture on motor function in patients with primary osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on motor function and muscle state in patients with primary osteoporosis (POP).@*METHODS@#A total of 60 female patients with POP were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off). On the basis of adjusting lifestyle, caltrate was given orally in the control group, 2 pills a day for 4 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, electroacupuncture was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), etc. in the observation group, with disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The time of timed up-and-go test (TUGT) and the value of 10 m maximal walking speed (10 m MWS) before and after treatment were compared in the two groups, and the Young's modulus values of bilateral multifidus muscles in prone position and sitting position before and after treatment were compared by real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the TUGT time was decreased compared before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01), and that in the observation group was shorter than the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the value of 10 m MWS test was increased compared before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Young's modulus values of bilateral multifidus muscles in prone position and sitting position were increased compared before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01); except for the left side in sitting position, the Young's modulus values of multifidus muscles in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of oral caltrate, electroacupuncture can improve the motor function and muscle state in patients with POP.