The scientometric characteristics of cheilitis researched by multidisciplinary specialists: A comparative study.

Background/purpose: Cheilitis is a relatively common lip disease with many etiologies and causes including concomitant mucocutaneous or systemic diseases, which needs multidisciplinary communication. The purpose of this study was to compare the scientometric characteristics of cheilitis publications by multidisciplinary specialists. Materials and methods: All the papers on cheilitis were comprehensively retrieved from the Scopus database, and divided into three groups (dermatologists, stomatologists, and other scholars). Results: There were 478 and 241 papers on cheilitis published by dermatologists and stomatologists, respectively. The total citation count was 5838 and the h index was 36 for cheilitis publications by dermatologists, and the total count was 2983 and the h index was 27 for cheilitis publications by stomatologists. Interestingly, we observed that dermatologists preferentially concerned contact cheilitis/dermatitis and plasma cell cheilitis, while stomatologists preferentially concerned cheilitis-related lip neoplasms including squamous cell carcinoma, dysplasia, and precancerous conditions. The most common disorder researched by both dermatologists and stomatologists was actinic cheilitis. The keywords such as patch test, cosmetic, edema, drug efficacy, toothpaste, lipstick, allergens, and granulomatous inflammation were common in dermatologists' publications; while the keywords such as protein expression, metabolism, risk factor, prevalence, malignant transformation, and carcinogenesis were common in stomatologists' publications. Conclusion: This study for the first time reported the scientometric characteristics of cheilitis as an interdisciplinary disease researched by specialists. It highlights that cheilitis-related specialists through reciprocal collaboration and communication will improve the patients' outcomes.

Effects of Rehabilitation Therapy at Different Intervention Times on Daily Living Activity and Motor Function in Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

Objectives: We investigated the impact of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) on daily living activities and motor function of TSCI patients. Methods: A total of 88 TSCI patients were randomly divided into Group A (N=44) and Group B (N=44). Group A received rehabilitation treatment 7 days after the stabilization of vital signs, and Group B received rehabilitation treatment 30 days after hospitalization. Results: The compliance rate of Group A (93.18%) was higher than that of Group B (72.73%) (χ 2 =6.510, p<.05); The scores of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in Group A were higher than those in Group B. The self-rating score of anxiety and depression was lower than that of Group B (p<.05). Conclusion: For the rehabilitation treatment of TSCI patients, it is better to choose the intervention after the vital signs are stable to improve patients' ability for daily living activities and motor function.

Adenosine receptor A2b confers ovarian cancer survival and PARP inhibitor resistance through IL-6-STAT3 signalling.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer worldwide, and the therapeutic options are limited. PARP inhibitor (PARPi) represents an effective therapeutic strategy and has been approved for maintenance therapy. However, the intrinsic or acquired resistance to PARPi becomes a big challenge. To investigate the mechanisms for PARPi resistance, we analysed public databases and established Olaparib-resistant ovarian cancer cells for exploration. Our results showed that the inflammatory pathway and adenosine receptor A2b (Adora2b/A2B ) expression were significantly increased in Olaparib-resistant cells. A2B was highly expressed in recurrent ovarian tumours and negatively correlated with the clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Olaparib treatment enhanced A2B expression through NF-κB activation. The elevated A2B contributed to Olaparib resistance by sensing adenosine signal and promoting tumour cell survival, growth and migration via IL-6-STAT3 signalling. Therefore, inhibition of A2B -IL-6-STAT3 axis could overcome Olaparib resistance and synergize with Olaparib to reduce cancer cell growth and lead to cell death. Our findings reveal a critical role of A2B signalling in mediating PARPi resistance independent of DNA damage repair, providing insights into developing novel therapies in ovarian cancers.

Development of a high specificity typing method for the detection of herpes simplex virus.

Herpes disease is caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV). It has become one of the global health problems. This paper reports a method for HSV type testing. First specific primers sequence for HSV-1 and HSV-2 were selected, designed, and synthesized. Then, these amplification products were proved by sequencing and analysis. Lastly, we optimized the reaction system and PCR reaction program by orthogonal design and sensitivity testing. Results showed that the lowest concentration in HSV-type testing is about 6.67 × 106 copies/ml. Moreover, the specificity of detection was very high. So, this method has very great potentials for HSV type testing in clinical practice.

Localization Approach for Underwater Sensors in the Magnetic Silencing Facility Based on Magnetic Field Gradients.

Localization of the underwater magnetic sensor arrays plays a pivotal role in the magnetic silencing facility. A localization approach is proposed for underwater sensors based on the optimization of magnetic field gradients in the inverse problem of localization. In the localization system, a solenoid coil carrying direct current serves as the magnetic source. By measuring the magnetic field generated by the magnetic source in different positions, an objective function is established. The position vector of the sensor is determined by a novel multi-swarm particle swarm optimization with dynamic learning strategy. Without the optimization of the magnetic source's positions, the sensors' positions, especially in the z-axis direction, struggle to meet the requested localization. A strategy is proposed to optimize the positions of the magnetic source based on magnetic field gradients in the three directions of x, y and z axes. Compared with the former method, the model experiments show that the proposed method could achieve a 10 cm location error for the position type 2 sensor and meet the request of localization.

Argonaute-integrated isothermal amplification for rapid, portable, multiplex detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

Isothermal amplification methods are a promising trend in virus detection because of their superiority in rapidity and sensitivity. However, the generation of false positives and limited multiplexity are major bottlenecks that must be addressed. In this study, we developed a multiplex Argonaute (Ago)-based nucleic acid detection system (MULAN) that integrates rapid isothermal amplification with the multiplex inclusiveness of a single Ago for simultaneous detection of multiple targets such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. Owing to its high specificity, MULAN can distinguish targets at a single-base resolution for mutant genotyping. Moreover, MULAN also supports portable and visible devices with a limit of detection of five copies per reaction. Validated by SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses and clinical samples of influenza viruses, MULAN showed 100% agreement with quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. These results demonstrated that MULAN has great potential to facilitate reliable, easy, and quick point-of-care diagnosis for promoting the control of infectious diseases.

Controlled release of ciliary neurotrophic factor from bioactive nerve grafts promotes nerve regeneration in rats with facial nerve injuries.

It is critical to repair severed facial nerves, as lack of treatment may cause long-term motor and sensory impairments. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) plays an important role in terms of enhancing nerve axon regrowth and maturation during peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. However, simple application of CNTF to the transected nerve site does not afford functional recovery, because it is rapidly flushed away by bodily fluids. The aim of the present study was the construction of a new, bioactive composite nerve graft facilitating persistent CNTF delivery to aid the reconstruction of facial nerve defects. The in vitro study showed that the bioactive nerve graft generated sustainable CNTF release for more than 25 days. The bioactive nerve graft was then transplanted into the injury sites of rat facial nerves. At 6 and 12 weeks post-transplantation, functional and histological analyses showed that the bioactive nerve graft featuring immobilized CNTF significantly enhanced nerve regeneration in terms of both axonal outgrowth and Schwann cell proliferation in the rat facial nerve gap model, compared to a collagen tube with adsorbed CNTF that initially released high levels of CNTF. The bioactive nerve graft may serve as novel, controlled bioactive release therapy for facial nerve regeneration.

m6A-seq analysis of microRNAs reveals that the N6-methyladenosine modification of miR-21-5p affects its target expression.

In eukaryotes, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant modifications on RNAs, and it plays important roles in many biological processes and diseases such as cancer. While most m6A researches focus on message RNAs and long non-coding RNAs, recent studies have reported the presence of m6A in small RNAs. Nevertheless, current knowledge about m6A prevalence in mature microRNAs (miRNA) is extremely limited and the functional significance of m6A methylation in miRNAs remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated cell-specific m6A profiles of miRNAs in A549 human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and HEK293A cells by using miRNA m6A immunoprecipitation sequencing and constructed the consensus motif in m6A-enriched miRNAs de novo. We found that miR-21-5p, an oncogenic miRNA, showed the highest m6A enrichment in NSCLC cells. Depletion of the demethylase ALKBH5 did not change the expression level of miR-21-5p, but altered the m6A abundance of miR-21-5p, thereby changing the expression levels of its target gene. We further synthesized m6A modified miR-21-5p mimics in vitro and demonstrated that in NSCLC cells, m6A marks in mature miR-21-5p could directly affect its silencing potency towards target genes, which finally impaired its promotion to proliferation and motility. Together, our findings reveal the landscape of m6A modification in mature miRNAs, and provide the first evidence that it may contribute to the mRNA responses to cancer-related miRNAs.

Metabolomics analysis of serum in pediatric nephrotic syndrome based on targeted and non-targeted platforms.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common pediatric urinary system disease. The aim in this work was to investigate the changes in pediatric NS-related metabolites through serum metabolomics, and explore the new potential metabolites and differential metabolic pathways. METHODS: Serum samples from 40 pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome and 40 healthy controls were collected. The targeted and non-targeted metabolomics analyses were performed to determine the metabolic changes in pediatric NS. Based on multivariate statistical analysis and the regression model, the serum potential metabolites were screened and different metabolic pathways were explored. RESULTS: 39 differential metabolites in pediatric NS were obtained based on the metabolomics analysis. 12 differential metabolites (serine, C18: 2 (EFA), C18: 2 (FFA), Isonuatigenin 3- [rhamnosyl- (1- > 2) -glucoside], C18: 4 (EFA), C18: 4 (FFA), caprylic acid, citric acid, methylmalonic acid, caproic acid, canavalioside and uroporphyrin were identified to establish the diagnostic model for pediatric NS. Five metabolic pathways including TCA cycle, amino acid metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, linoleate metabolism and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism were the key differential metabolic pathways. CONCLUSION: These data elucidated the metabolic alterations associated with pediatric NS and suggested a new diagnosis model for monitoring pediatric NS. The current study provides the useful information to bridge the gaps in our understanding of the metabolic alterations associated with pediatric NS and might facilitate the characterization of pediatric NS patients by performing serum metabolomics.

FHA domain of AGGF1 is essential for its nucleocytoplasmic transport and angiogenesis.

Angiogenic factor with G-patch and FHA domains 1 (AGGF1) exhibits a dynamic distribution from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in endothelial cells during angiogenesis, but the biological significance and underlying mechanism of this nucleocytoplasmic transport remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the dynamic distribution is essential for AGGF1 to execute its angiogenic function. To search the structural bases for this nucleocytoplasmic transport, we characterized three potential nuclear localization regions, one potential nuclear export region, forkhead-associated (FHA), and G-patch domains to determine their effects on nucleocytoplasmic transport and angiogenesis, and we show that AGGF1 remains intact during the dynamic subcellular distribution and the region from 260 to 288 amino acids acts as a signal for its nuclear localization. The distribution of AGGF1 in cytoplasm needs both FHA domain and 14-3-3α/ß. Binding of AGGF1 via FHA domain to 14-3-3α/ß is required to complete the transport. Thus, we for the first time established structural bases for the nucleocytoplasmic transport of AGGF1 and revealed that the FHA domain of AGGF1 is essential for its nucleocytoplasmic transport and angiogenesis.

Liquid marbles from soot films.

Soot films are the most easily available superhydrophobic surfaces. However, their cohesive forces are very weak such that they have been considered not suitable for direct use. Here we show that the seemingly undesirable mechanical weakness is actually an important property which allows a soot film to work as a superhydrophobic platform and tool, producing liquid marbles with fascinating properties and performances. A soot film is weak enough to lose component carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) on contact with water, but can adhere to a substrate stably on overturning or shaking the substrate. On this basis, we demonstrate that a liquid marble consisting of a liquid core and a CNP shell can be obtained by either rolling or an imprinting process. In addition, it is found that large-volume liquid puddles are easy to produce and manipulate with soot films by arbitrary shaking and pouring operations, without worrying about particles flying off that would occur in conventional powder-based liquid puddle production. The multifunctionality of CNPs endows soot liquid marbles/puddles with great potential in light shielding, electrical conduction, etc. This study reveals a direct application of soot films' superhydrophobicity, provides an alternative route for liquid marble production, and highlights the concept of disadvantage reversion.

Postprandial metabolomics: GC-MS analysis reveals differences in organic acid profiles of impaired fasting glucose individuals in response to highland barley loads.

The aim of our work was to use a targeted GC-MS approach to investigate the difference in organic acid profiles between individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and healthy controls and then to investigate the alterations in postprandial organic acid profiles after a meal of highland barley (HB) in IFG individuals. Firstly, 30 IFG and 30 healthy individuals were recruited and 26 organic acids were detected to characterize the organic acid profiles in the fasting serum metabolome. Secondly, 15 participants of the IFG group received three different loads: glucose (GL), white rice (WR) and HB. Serum was collected at time zero, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the test load. The results showed fasting organic acid profiles were different between the IFG group and the controls. For the postprandial changes in organic acids after the three test loads, six organic acids related to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, namely citrate, cis-aconitic acid, fumarate, succinate, pyruvate and malate, had a significant test load effect (p < 0.01) and a significant time × test load interaction effect (p < 0.01). The AUC0-120 min values for citrate, fumarate and malate after WR and HB loads were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the GL load. In addition, the AUC0-120 min value for pyroglutamic acid after WR and HB loads was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the GL load, whereas the AUC0-120 min for malonic acid after WR and HB loads was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the GL load. Altogether, these findings suggest that the HB load producing low postprandial glucose and insulin responses brings about several alterations in organic acids.

Involvement of S100A4/Mts1 and associated proteins in the protective effect of fluoxetine against MCT - Induced pulmonary hypertension in rats.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex pulmonary vasculature disease characterized by remodeling of the pulmonary vessels and a persistent increase in the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) with a poor prognosis. Serotonin increases the expression of S100A4/Mts1, which in turn stimulates the proliferation and migration of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells through the interaction with RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) and thus S100A4/Mts1 has been implicated in the development of PAH in vitro. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor has been shown to protect against PAH. The current study was designed to test whether S100A4 and its associated proteins connected in the development of PAH in vivo as well as to investigate the involvement of those proteins in the protective effect of fluoxetine against PAH. METHODS: MCT-induced PAH models were established in Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg/day) was intragastrically administered once a day for 3 weeks along with controls. The detection methods followed include Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: MCT induced pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy significantly increased the expressions of S100A4 and RAGE in the pulmonary arteries, lungs and right ventricle (RV). Fluoxetine dose-dependently inhibited MCT-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy and reduced the S100A4 and RAGE. Further analysis revealed that fluoxetine alleviated both the increase of p53, MMP13, MMP2 and MMP9 and the decrease of pp53Ser15 and MDM2 in lungs and RV tissues of MCT-induced PAH rats. CONCLUSION: From the present investigation it could be concluded that S100A4/Mts1 and its associated proteins are involved in the evolution of MCT-induced PAH in rats and fluoxetine inhibits MCT-induced PAH in rats mainly through S100A4/RAGE signaling axis and involved factors.

Cystamine slows but not inverses the progression of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats.

Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) plays an important role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previous research indicate that TG2 and protein serotonylation catalyzed by TG2 are upregulated in PAH. Serotonin transporter inhibitor fluoxetine ameliorates PAH via inhibition of protein serotonylation. It is still unknown whether PAH is inhibited through direct inhibition of TG2. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of TG2 inhibitor cystamine on monocrotaline-induced PAH in rats. Rats were treated with monocrotaline (60 mg·kg-1, i.p.) in combination with or without cystamine (20, 40 mg·kg-1·day-1, p.o.). The results showed that compared with monocrotaline alone, combination of monocrotaline with cystamine (40 mg·kg-1·day-1, p.o.) relieved right ventricle hypertrophy, inhibited pulmonary arteriolar remodeling, and downregulated protein expression of TG2, phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt), and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) at day 21. However, except for TG2 expression, these changes were not significantly inhibited by cystamine at day 35. In addition, cystamine dose-dependently enhanced the survival rate of rats injected with monocrotaline at day 35. The findings suggest that cystamine slows but not reverses monocrotaline-induced PAH in rats, which was largely associated with the inhibition of TG2 protein expression and Akt and ERK activation.

AQR is a novel type 2 diabetes-associated gene that regulates signaling pathways critical for glucose metabolism.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we performed an in-house genotyping and meta-analysis study using three independent GWAS datasets of T2DM and found that rs3743121, located 1 kb downstream of AQR, was a novel susceptibility SNP associated with T2DM. The risk allele C of rs3743121 was correlated with the increased expression of AQR in white blood cells, similar to that observed in T2DM models. The knockdown of AQR in HepG2 facilitated the glucose uptake, decreased the expression level of PCK2, increased the phosphorylation of GSK-3ß, and restored the insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the suppression of AQR inhibited the mTOR pathway and the protein ubiquitination process. Our study suggests that AQR is a novel type 2 diabetes-associated gene that regulates signaling pathways critical for glucose metabolism.

A prospective randomized trial comparing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus plate-only open-door laminoplasty for the treatment of spinal stenosis in degenerative diseases.

OBJECTIVE: For three or more involved cervical levels, there is a debate over which approach yields the best outcomes for the treatment of multilevel cervical degenerative disease. Our objective is to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of two treatments for multilevel cervical degenerative disease: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus plate-only open-door laminoplasty (laminoplasty). METHODS: Patients were randomized on a 1:1 randomization schedule with 17 patients in the ACDF group and 17 patients in the laminoplasty group. Clinical outcomes were assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, operative time, blood loss, rates of complications, drainage volume, discharge days after surgery, and complications. The cervical spine curvature index (CI) and range of motion (ROM) were assessed with radiographs. RESULTS: The mean VAS score, the mean JOA score, and the rate of complications did not differ significantly between groups. The laminoplasty group had greater blood loss, a longer operative time, more drainage volume, and a longer hospital stay than the ACDF group. There were no significant differences in the CI and ROM between the two groups at baseline and at each follow-up time point. ROM in both groups decreased significantly after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Both ACDF and laminoplasty are effective and safe treatments for multilevel cervical degenerative disease. ACDF causes fewer traumas than laminoplasty.

Hyperoside exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects in LPS-stimulated human fibroblast-like synoviocytes in vitro and in mice with collagen-induced arthritis.

AIM: Hyperoside is a flavonol glycoside mainly found in plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus, which has shown anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of hyperoside on human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in vitro and on mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in vivo. METHODS: FLSs were isolated from primary synovial tissues obtained from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and exposed to LPS (1 µg/mL). Cell viability and proliferation were measured with MTT and BrdU assay. Cell migration was assessed using wound-healing assay and Transwell assay. DNA binding of NF-κB was measured using a TransAM-NFkappaB kit. The localization of p65 subunit was detected with immunocytochemistry. CIA was induced in mice by primary immunization with Bovine Type II collagen (CII) emulsified in CFA, followed by a booster injection 3 weeks later. The arthritic mice were treated with hyperoside (25, 50 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), ip) for 3 weeks, and the joint tissues were harvested for histological analysis. RESULTS: Hyperoside (10, 50, 100 µmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced proliferation and migration of human RA FLSs in vitro. Furthermore, hyperoside decreased LPS-stimulated production of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1 and MMP-9 in the cells. Moreover, hyperoside inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα, and suppressed LPS-induced nuclear translocation of p65 and DNA biding of NF-κB in the cells. Three-week administration of hyperoside significantly decreased the clinical scores, and alleviated synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration and cartilage damage in mice with CIA. CONCLUSION: Hyperoside inhibits LPS-induced proliferation, migration and inflammatory responses in human RA FLSs in vitro by suppressing activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which contributes to the therapeutic effects observed in mice with CIA.

Novel loci and pathways significantly associated with longevity.

Only two genome-wide significant loci associated with longevity have been identified so far, probably because of insufficient sample sizes of centenarians, whose genomes may harbor genetic variants associated with health and longevity. Here we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Han Chinese with a sample size 2.7 times the largest previously published GWAS on centenarians. We identified 11 independent loci associated with longevity replicated in Southern-Northern regions of China, including two novel loci (rs2069837-IL6; rs2440012-ANKRD20A9P) with genome-wide significance and the rest with suggestive significance (P < 3.65 × 10(-5)). Eight independent SNPs overlapped across Han Chinese, European and U.S. populations, and APOE and 5q33.3 were replicated as longevity loci. Integrated analysis indicates four pathways (starch, sucrose and xenobiotic metabolism; immune response and inflammation; MAPK; calcium signaling) highly associated with longevity (P ≤ 0.006) in Han Chinese. The association with longevity of three of these four pathways (MAPK; immunity; calcium signaling) is supported by findings in other human cohorts. Our novel finding on the association of starch, sucrose and xenobiotic metabolism pathway with longevity is consistent with the previous results from Drosophilia. This study suggests protective mechanisms including immunity and nutrient metabolism and their interactions with environmental stress play key roles in human longevity.

Clinical value of self-assessment risk of osteoporosis in Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of high-risk population for osteoporosis is the key to preventing this disease. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study a continuous sample of 270 women and 89 men (age: 20-90 years) was divided into four groups by age (≤ 55 or > 55 years) and sex. Participants completed the IOF test. Low-, medium-, and high-risk grades were defined by an OSTA index of greater than -1, -1 to -4, and less than -4, respectively. RESULTS: Most participants were categorized in the low-risk group (240 people, 66.9%), followed by the medium-risk (102 people, 28.4%) and high-risk groups (17 people, 4.7%). Compared to women, men in both age groups had significantly higher OSTA index and greater numbers of positive answers on the IOF test. 64.3% individuals were susceptible to osteoporosis risk (≥1 positive answers on the IOF test). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that family history of fragility fracture (OR: 0.503, 95% CI: 0.26-0.97), height loss exceeding 3 cm (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.55-4.05), and earlier menopause (OR: 0.434, 95% CI: 0.19-0.97) were associated with higher risk grades. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of the OSTA and IOF test is a simple and effective method for assessing the risk of osteoporosis.