Pulmonary bacterial infection after lung transplantation: risk factors and impact on short-term mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors for pulmonary bacterial infection (PBI) after lung transplantation (LTX) and to evaluate the impact of PBI on short-term postoperative mortality. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data on 549 recipients who underwent LTX at the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China, between January 2018 and December 2021. The risk factors for PBI after LTX were explored by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of one-, two-, and three-year mortality. Subgroup analysis was performed by the time of postoperative PBI (≤7 days or 8-30 day after surgery). RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative PBI in 549 recipients was 82.70% (454/549). Preoperative history of infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria (OR 12.34, 95% CI 1.69-1572.39), Acinetobacter baumannii infection in donor (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.26-9.66), and longer cold ischemia time (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.32) were risk factors for postoperative PBI. Postoperative PBI was associated with one-year (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09-2.96), two-year (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.20-3.04), and three-year mortality (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.29-3.19). Subgroup analysis showed that PBI within 7 days after surgery was associated with one-year (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.12-3.08), two-year (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.25-3.17), and three-year mortality (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.35-3.36), while PBI at 8-30 days after surgery was not associated with short-term mortality (one-year: HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.69-2.69; two-year: HR 1.48, 95% CI 0.80-2.76; three-year: HR 1.51, 95% CI 0.82-2.77). CONCLUSIONS: Donor-recipient and surgical factors are risk factors for PBI after LTX. Active prevention and treatment of PBI within the first 7 days after surgery may improve short-term survival.

Oxytocin ameliorates cognitive impairments by attenuating excitation/inhibition imbalance of neurotransmitters acting on parvalbumin interneurons in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of sepsis, and it also induces alterations in brain neurotransmission, thereby contributing to the development of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons are pivotal contributors to cognitive processes in various central dysfunctions including SAE. Oxytocin, known for its ability to augment the firing rate of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons and directly stimulate inhibitory interneurons to enhance the tonic inhibition of pyramidal neurons, has prompted an investigation into its potential effects on cognitive dysfunction in SAE. In the current study, we administered intranasal oxytocin to the SAE mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Behavioral assessments, including open field, Y-maze, and fear conditioning, were used to evaluate cognitive performance. Golgi staining revealed hippocampal synaptic deterioration, local field potential recordings showed weakened gamma oscillations, and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated decreased PV expression in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the hippocampus following LPS treatment, which was alleviated by oxytocin. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining of PV co-localization with vesicular glutamate transporter 1 or vesicular GABA transporter indicated a balanced excitation/inhibition effect of neurotransmitters on PV interneurons after oxytocin administration in the SAE mice, leading to improved cognitive function. In conclusion, cognitive function improved after oxytocin treatment. The number of PV neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region and the balance of excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission on PV interneurons, as well as changes in local field potential gamma oscillations in the hippocampal CA1 region, may represent its specific mechanisms.

Panax notoginseng Saponins Activate Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 to Inhibit Ferroptosis and Attenuate Inflammatory Injury in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion.

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the primary medicinal ingredient of Panax notoginseng, mitigates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) by inhibiting inflammation, regulating oxidative stress, promoting angiogenesis, and improving microcirculation. Moreover, PNS activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is known to inhibit ferroptosis and reduce inflammation in the rat brain. However, the molecular regulatory roles of PNS in CIRI-induced ferroptosis remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PNS on ferroptosis and inflammation in CIRI. We induced ferroptosis in SH-SY5Y cells via erastin stimulation and oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Furthermore, we determined the effect of PNS treatment in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion and assessed the underlying mechanism. We also analyzed the changes in the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins and inflammatory factors in the established rat model. OGD/R led to an increase in the levels of ferroptosis markers in SH-SY5Y cells, which were reduced by PNS treatment. In the rat model, combined treatment with an Nrf2 agonist, Nrf2 inhibitor, and PNS-Nrf2 inhibitor confirmed that PNS promotes Nrf2 nuclear localization and reduces ferroptosis and inflammatory responses, thereby mitigating brain injury. Mechanistically, PNS treatment facilitated Nrf2 activation, thereby regulating the expression of iron overload and lipid peroxidation-related proteins and the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. This cascade inhibited ferroptosis and mitigated CIRI. Altogether, these results suggest that the ferroptosis-mediated activation of Nrf2 by PNS reduces inflammation and is a promising therapeutic approach for CIRI.

Health communication on social media at the early stage of the pandemic: Examining health professionals' COVID-19 related tweets.

Focusing on health professionals' tweets regarding COVID-19, this study examines whether and how those tweets are unique based on their identity as health experts. The data revealed that the infusion of health communication with political opinions, whether pro- or against certain political parties or health policies, reflects values and may deviate from the original purpose of health communication. In addition, sentiment analysis countered the intuitive thought that health experts merely fulfill their role as neutral encyclopedias without excessively carrying sentiment. We conclude by reflecting on the meaning of health communication in relation to the political stances of professionals.

Protoberberine alkaloids: A review of the gastroprotective effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Stomach diseases have become global health concerns. Protoberberine alkaloids (PBAs) are a group of quaternary isoquinoline alkaloids from abundant natural sources and have been shown to improve gastric disorders in preclinical and clinical studies. The finding that PBAs exhibit low oral bioavailability but potent pharmacological activity has attracted great interest. PURPOSE: This review aims to provide a systematic review of the molecular mechanisms of PBAs in the treatment of gastric disorders and to discuss the current understanding of the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of PBAs. METHODS: The articles related to PBAs were collected from the Web of Science, Pubmed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases using relevant keywords. The collected articles were screened and categorized according to their research content to focus on the gastroprotective effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of PBAs. RESULTS: Based on the results of preclinical studies, PBAs have demonstrated therapeutic effects on chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer by activating interleukin-4 (IL-4)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) pathway and suppressing transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Janus kinase-2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The major PBAs exhibit similar pharmacokinetic properties, including rapid absorption, slow elimination, and low bioavailability. Notably, the natural organ-targeting property of PBAs may account for the finding of their low blood levels and high pharmacological activity. PBAs interact with other compounds, including conventional drugs and natural products, by modulation of metabolic enzymes and transporters. The potential tissue toxicity of PBAs should be emphasized due to their high tissue accumulation. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the gastroprotective effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of PBAs and will contribute to the evaluation of drug properties and clinical translational studies of PBAs, accelerating their transfer from the laboratory to the bedside.

LRRC75A-AS1 drives the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer by binding IGF2BP1 and inhibiting SYVN1-mediated NLRP3 ubiquitination.

Cervical cancer severely affects women's health with increased incidence and poor survival for patients with metastasis. Our study aims to investigate the mechanism by which lncRNA LRRC75A-AS1 regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical cancer through modulating m6A and ubiquitination modification. In this study, tumor tissues were collected from patients to analyze the expression of LRRC75A-AS1 and SYVN1. Migratory and invasive capacities of HeLa and CaSki cells were evaluated with wound healing and transwell assays. CCK-8 and EdU incorporation assays were employed to examine cell proliferation. The interaction between LRRC75A-AS1, IGF2BP1, SYVN1, and NLRP3 was evaluated through RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, FISH, and Co-IP assays, respectively. MeRIP-qPCR was applied to analyze the m6A modification of SYVN1 mRNA. A subcutaneous tumor model of cervical cancer was established. We showed LRRC75A-AS1 was upregulated in tumor tissues, and LRRC75A-AS1 enhanced EMT through activating NLRP3/IL-1ß/Smad2/3 signaling in cervical cancer. Furthermore, LRRC75A-AS1 inhibited SYVN1-mediated NLRP3 ubiquitination by destabilizing SYVN1 mRNA. LRRC75A-AS1 competitively bound to IGF2BP1 protein and subsequently impaired the m6A modification of SYVN1 mRNA and its stability. Knockdown of LRRC75A-AS1 repressed EMT and tumor growth via inhibiting NLRP3/IL-1ß/Smad2/3 signaling in mice. In conclusion, LRRC75A-AS1 competitively binds to IGF2BP1 protein to destabilize SYVN1 mRNA, subsequently suppresses SYVN1-mediated NLRP3 ubiquitination degradation and activates IL-1ß/Smad2/3 signaling, thus promoting EMT in cervical cancer. Implications: LRRC75A-AS1 promotes cervical cancer progression, and this study suggests LRRC75A-AS1 as a new therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Expression and functional study of cholecystokinin-A receptors on the interstitial Cajal-like cells of the guinea pig common bile duct.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that interstitial Cajal-like cell (ICLC) abnormalities are closely related to a variety of dynamic gastrointestinal disorders. ICLCs are pacemaker cells for gastrointestinal movement and are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. AIM: To elucidate the expression profile and significance of cholecystokinin-A (CCK-A) receptors in ICLCs in the common bile duct (CBD), as well as the role of CCK in regulating CBD motility through CCK-A receptors on CBD ICLCs. METHODS: The levels of tyrosine kinase receptor (c-kit) and CCK-A receptors in CBD tissues and isolated CBD cells were quantified using the double immunofluorescence labeling technique. The CCK-mediated enhancement of the movement of CBD muscle strips through CBD ICLCs was observed by a muscle strip contraction test. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence showed co-expression of c-kit and CCK-A receptors in the CBD muscularis layer. Observations of isolated CBD cells showed that c-kit was expressed on the surface of ICLCs, the cell body and synapse were colored and polygonal, and some cells presented protrusions and formed networks adjacent to the CBD while others formed filaments at the synaptic terminals of local cells. CCK-A receptors were also expressed on CBD ICLCs. At concentrations ranging from 10-6 mol/L to 10-10 mol/L, CCK promoted CBD smooth muscle contractility in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, after ICLC removal, the contractility mediated by CCK in CBD smooth muscle decreased. CONCLUSION: CCK-A receptors are highly expressed on CBD ICLCs, and CCK may regulate CBD motility through the CCK-A receptors on ICLCs.

Systematic review of deep learning image analyses for the diagnosis and monitoring of skin disease.

Skin diseases affect one-third of the global population, posing a major healthcare burden. Deep learning may optimise healthcare workflows through processing skin images via neural networks to make predictions. A focus of deep learning research is skin lesion triage to detect cancer, but this may not translate to the wider scope of >2000 other skin diseases. We searched for studies applying deep learning to skin images, excluding benign/malignant lesions (1/1/2000-23/6/2022, PROSPERO CRD42022309935). The primary outcome was accuracy of deep learning algorithms in disease diagnosis or severity assessment. We modified QUADAS-2 for quality assessment. Of 13,857 references identified, 64 were included. The most studied diseases were acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, vitiligo, urticaria. Deep learning algorithms had high specificity and variable sensitivity in diagnosing these conditions. Accuracy of algorithms in diagnosing acne (median 94%, IQR 86-98; n = 11), rosacea (94%, 90-97; n = 4), eczema (93%, 90-99; n = 9) and psoriasis (89%, 78-92; n = 8) was high. Accuracy for grading severity was highest for psoriasis (range 93-100%, n = 2), eczema (88%, n = 1), and acne (67-86%, n = 4). However, 59 (92%) studies had high risk-of-bias judgements and 62 (97%) had high-level applicability concerns. Only 12 (19%) reported participant ethnicity/skin type. Twenty-four (37.5%) evaluated the algorithm in an independent dataset, clinical setting or prospectively. These data indicate potential of deep learning image analysis in diagnosing and monitoring common skin diseases. Current research has important methodological/reporting limitations. Real-world, prospectively-acquired image datasets with external validation/testing will advance deep learning beyond the current experimental phase towards clinically-useful tools to mitigate rising health and cost impacts of skin disease.

Hydrogen attenuates postoperative pain through Trx1/ASK1/MMP9 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a serious clinical problem with a poorly understood mechanism, and lacks effective treatment. Hydrogen (H2) can reduce neuroinflammation; therefore, we hypothesize that H2 may alleviate postoperative pain, and aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Mice were used to establish a postoperative pain model using plantar incision surgery. Mechanical allodynia was measured using the von Frey test. Cell signaling was assayed using gelatin zymography, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. Animals or BV-2 cells were received with/without ASK1 and Trx1 inhibitors to investigate the effects of H2 on microglia. RESULTS: Plantar incision surgery increased MMP-9 activity and ASK1 phosphorylation in the spinal cord of mice. MMP-9 knockout and the ASK1 inhibitor, NQDI-1, attenuated postoperative pain. H2 increased the expression of Trx1 in the spinal cord and in BV-2 cells. H2 treatment mimicked NQDI1 in decreasing the phosphorylation of ASK1, p38 and JNK. It also reduced MMP-9 activity, downregulated pro-IL-1ß maturation and IBA-1 expression in the spinal cord of mice, and ameliorated postoperative pain. The protective effects of H2 were abolished by the Trx1 inhibitor, PX12. In vitro, in BV-2 cells, H2 also mimicked NQDI1 in inhibiting the phosphorylation of ASK1, p38, and JNK, and also reduced MMP-9 activity and decreased IBA-1 expression induced by LPS. The Trx1 inhibitor, PX12, abolished the protective effects of H2 in BV-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, the results of our study confirm that H2 can be used as a therapeutic agent to alleviate postoperative pain through the Trx1/ASK1/MMP9 signaling pathway. MMP-9 and ASK1 may be the target molecules for relieving postoperative pain.

Phenotype and genotype analyses of two pedigrees with inherited fibrinogen deficiency / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To analyze the phenotype and genotype of two pedigrees with inherited fibrinogen (Fg) deficiency caused by two heterozygous mutations. We also preliminarily probed the molecular pathogenesis. Methods: The prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and plasma fibrinogen activity (Fg∶C) of all family members (nine people across three generations and three people across two generations) were measured by the clotting method. Fibrinogen antigen (Fg:Ag) was measured by immunoturbidimetry. Direct DNA sequencing was performed to analyze all exons, flanking sequences, and mutated sites of FGA, FGB, and FGG for all members. Thrombin-catalyzed fibrinogen polymerization was performed. ClustalX 2.1 software was used to analyze the conservatism of the mutated sites. MutationTaster, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, SIFT, and LRT online bioinformatics software were applied to predict pathogenicity. Swiss PDB Viewer 4.0.1 was used to analyze the changes in protein spatial structure and molecular forces before and after mutation. Results: The Fg∶C of two probands decreased (1.28 g/L and 0.98 g/L, respectively). The Fg∶Ag of proband 1 was in the normal range of 2.20 g/L, while it was decreased to 1.01 g/L in proband 2. Through genetic analysis, we identified a heterozygous missense mutation (c.293C>A; p.BβAla98Asp) in exon 2 of proband 1 and a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.1418C>G; p.BβSer473*) in exon 8 of proband 2. The conservatism analysis revealed that Ala98 and Ser473 presented different conservative states among homologous species. Online bioinformatics software predicted that p.BβAla98Asp and p.BβSer473* were pathogenic. Protein models demonstrated that the p.BβAla98Asp mutation influenced hydrogen bonds between amino acids, and the p.BβSer473* mutation resulted in protein truncation. Conclusion: The dysfibrinogenemia of proband 1 and the hypofibrinogenemia of proband 2 appeared to be related to the p.BβAla98Asp heterozygous missense mutation and the p.BβSer473* heterozygous nonsense mutation, respectively. This is the first ever report of these mutations.

Polydatin Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis.

Cisplatin is widely used in the treatment of solid tumors, but its application is greatly limited due to its nephrotoxicity; thus, there is still no effective medicine for the treatment of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (Cis-AKI). We previously identified that polydatin (PD) exerts nephroprotective effects by antioxidative stress in AKI models. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress-induced molecular events overlap with the process of ferroptosis and that there are common molecular targets, such as glutathione (GSH) depletion and lipid peroxidation. Nevertheless, whether the nephroprotective effect of PD is related to anti-ferroptosis remains unclear. In this study, the inhibitory effect of PD on ferroptosis was observed in both cisplatin-treated HK-2 cells (20 µM) in vitro and a Cis-AKI mouse model (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) in vivo, characterized by the reversion of excessive intracellular free iron accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and GSH depletion, and an increase in glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx4) activity. Remarkably, PD dose-dependently alleviated cell death induced by the system Xc- inhibitor erastin (10 µM), and the effect of the 40 µM dose of PD was more obvious than that of ferrostatin-1 (1 µM) and deferoxamine (DFO, 100 µM), classical ferroptosis inhibitors. Our results provide insight into nephroprotection with PD in Cis-AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis via maintenance of the system Xc--GSH-GPx4 axis and iron metabolism.

Understanding the experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during COVID-19 pandemic in China: A qualitative research study.

AIM: To explore the experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A qualitative research study. METHODS: Using a phenomenological approach, we enrolled 22 patients with cancers in the Hunan Cancer Hospital from 20 February 2020 to 10 April 2020. The interviews were conducted face-to-face and were analysed by Colaizzi's 7-step method. This study aligns with the COREQ checklist. RESULTS: The experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic can be categorized into four major themes: (1) emotional changes; (2) delays in visiting hospital; (3) barriers to accessing medical care services, and (4) inconvenience related to logistics services.

An investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of dental zirconia manufactured by digital light processing 3D printing.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of dental zirconia manufactured by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing and the clinical application prospects of this material. METHODS: The experiment (DLP) group was zirconia manufactured by DLP 3D printing, and the control (MILL) group was milled zirconia. The density, grain size, and phase composition were measured to study the microstructure. Flexural strength was measured by using three-point bending tests, while Vickers hardness was determined through a Vickers hardness tester. Fracture toughness was tested using the single-edge V-notched beam method. RESULTS: Zirconia density of the DLP group was (6.019 8±0.021 3) g·cm-3, and the average grain size was (0.603 0±0.032 6) µm, but without statistical difference with the corresponding values of the MILL group (P>0.05). Tetragonal phase was found in the X-ray diffraction patterns of the DLP and MILL groups. The flexural strength of the DLP group was (1 012.7±125.5) MPa, and Vickers hardness was (1 238.5±10.8) HV1, which was slightly lower than that of the MILL group (P<0.05). The fracture toughness of the DLP group was (7.22±0.81) MPa·m1/2, which was not statistically different from that of the MILL group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia manufactured by DLP 3D printing had microstructure and mechanical properties similar to those of the milled zirconia. Only the flexural strength and the Vickers hardness of the experimental zirconia were slightly lower than those of the milled zirconia. Therefore, DLP-manufactured zirconia has a promising future for clinical use.

[Protective effect of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress].

To explore the protective effect and mechanism of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Tunicamycin was used to establish the damage model in L02 cells. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) colorimetric assay was used to investigate the survival rate of ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata in L02 cells injury induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress; the protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecule glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78), PKR-like ER kinase(PERK), eukaryotic initiation factor-2(eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4(ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bal-2 associated X apoptosis regulator(Bax) were examined by Wes-tern blot. The expressions of the above proteins were also detected after endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor(4-phenyl butyric acid) and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added. The expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP in L02 cells were observed by immunofluorescence method. The results showed that ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata could significantly increase the survival rate of L02 cell injury caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress in a dose and time-dependent manner(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). After endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added, the expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results showed that the expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP were consistent with the Western blot method. In conclusion, ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata has a significant protective effect on the damage of L02 cells caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the down-regulation of apoptosis in cells through the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway.

Development of a Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR Assay for Detection of Bovine Rhinitis B Virus.

Bovine rhinitis B virus (BRBV) has been frequently identified in cattle diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in recent years, suggesting its potential contribution to BRDC. The goal of this study was to develop a TaqMan-based real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay for efficient BRBV detection. A pair of primers and a probe were designed based on the 3D gene of the BRBV genome. The assay was specific for BRBV and able to exclude bovine rhinitis A virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus and Senecavirus A. The limit of detection of the assay was 4.46 copies per reaction. A standard curve was plotted, with a coefficient of determination of 0.999 in the concentration range of 100-108 copies/µl. The reproducibility of the assay was acceptable, with the standard deviations of cycle threshold values lower than 1.00 in both intra- and inter-assay. Of 200 samples collected from 150 head of cattle in recent years in China, 11% (22/200) of the samples tested positive in the assay, i.e., 4.6% (7/150) of the cattle were BRBV positive. This study provides an efficient diagnostic tool for the epidemiological investigations of BRBV.

An acoustic field-based conformal transfection system for improving the gene delivery efficiency.

Ultrasound-activated microbubble destruction is a promising platform for gene delivery due to the low toxicity, non-invasiveness, and high specificity. However, the gene transfection efficiency is still low, especially for suspension cells. It is desirable to develop a universal gene delivery tool that overcomes the drawbacks existing in ultrasound-mediated methods. Here, we present a three-dimensional acoustic field-based conformal transfection (AFCT) system by designing a Sono-hole that can fit the three-dimensional acoustic field to maximally utilize the acoustic energy from bubble cavitation, thus greatly promoting the gene delivery efficiency. Surprisingly, compared with the traditional two-dimensional transfection system, the gene transfection efficiency of the AFCT system increased by more than 3 times, achieving nearly 30%. The parameters including acoustic pressure, duration, duty cycle, DNA concentrations, and bubble kinds were optimized to obtain higher gene transfection. In conclusion, our study provides an effective ultrasound-based gene delivery approach for gene transfection, especially for suspension-cultured cells.

Impact of simethicone on bowel cleansing during colonoscopy in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND: Four-liter polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions are effective for bowel cleansing, but their large volume might hinder patient compliance. Due to the unique features of Asians, 4 L PEG might be a suboptimal bowel preparation in predominantly ethnically Asian countries. In view of this, a balance should be achieved between the volume and effectiveness. The ideal bowel cleansing regimen for a colonoscopy has yet to be determined in a Chinese population. AIM: To compare the cleansing efficacy of 3 L PEG plus simethicone with 4 L PEG. METHODS: A total of 291 patients were randomly allocated to two groups: Group 1 (n = 145) received 4 L split-dose PEG (4-P); group 2 (n = 146) received 3 L split-dose PEG plus simethicone (3-PS). Bowel-cleansing efficacy was evaluated by endoscopists using the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) and the bubbles score. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences in the total BBPS score or the adequate rate of bowel preparation between the two groups, the BBPS score of the right-side colon was significantly higher in the 3-SP group (2.37 ± 0.54 vs 2.21 ± 0.78; P = 0.04). Moreover, the use of simethicone significantly reduced bubbles in all colon segments (P < 0.001). The mean withdrawal time was significantly shorter in the 3-PS group (8.8 ± 3.4 vs 9.6 ± 2.3; P = 0.02). Furthermore, significantly more proximal adenomas were detected in the 3-PS group (53.6% vs 45.7%; P = 0.03). In addition, the proportions of patients with nausea and bloating were significantly lower in the 3-SP group (P < 0.01 for both). More patients in the 3-PS group expressed willingness to repeat the bowel preparation (87.7% vs 76.6%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Three-liter PEG shows satisfactory bowel cleansing despite the decrease in dosage, and addition of simethicone with better bubble elimination and enhanced patient acceptance offers excellent potential impact on the detection of proximal adenomas in Chinese patients.

An investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of dental zirconia manufactured by digital light processing 3D printing / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study was performed to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of dental zirconia manufactured by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing and the clinical application prospects of this material.@*METHODS@#The experiment (DLP) group was zirconia manufactured by DLP 3D printing, and the control (MILL) group was milled zirconia. The density, grain size, and phase composition were measured to study the microstructure. Flexural strength was measured by using three-point bending tests, while Vickers hardness was determined through a Vickers hardness tester. Fracture toughness was tested using the single-edge V-notched beam method.@*RESULTS@#Zirconia density of the DLP group was (6.019 8±0.021 3) g·cm@*CONCLUSIONS@#Zirconia manufactured by DLP 3D printing had microstructure and mechanical properties similar to those of the milled zirconia. Only the flexural strength and the Vickers hardness of the experimental zirconia were slightly lower than those of the milled zirconia. Therefore, DLP-manufactured zirconia has a promising future for clinical use.

Protective effect of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress / 中国中药杂志

To explore the protective effect and mechanism of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Tunicamycin was used to establish the damage model in L02 cells. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) colorimetric assay was used to investigate the survival rate of ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata in L02 cells injury induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress; the protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecule glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78), PKR-like ER kinase(PERK), eukaryotic initiation factor-2(eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4(ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bal-2 associated X apoptosis regulator(Bax) were examined by Wes-tern blot. The expressions of the above proteins were also detected after endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor(4-phenyl butyric acid) and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added. The expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP in L02 cells were observed by immunofluorescence method. The results showed that ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata could significantly increase the survival rate of L02 cell injury caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress in a dose and time-dependent manner(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). After endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added, the expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results showed that the expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP were consistent with the Western blot method. In conclusion, ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata has a significant protective effect on the damage of L02 cells caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the down-regulation of apoptosis in cells through the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway.