Macrophage α7nAChR alleviates the inflammation of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis through mTOR/NLRP3/IL-1ß pathway.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most prevalent and severe intestinal emergencies in newborns. The inflammatory activation of macrophages is associated with the intestinal injury of NEC. The neuroimmune regulation mediated by α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) plays an important role in regulating macrophage activation and inflammation progression, but in NEC remains unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of macrophage α7nAChR on NEC. METHODS: Mice NEC model were conducted with high-osmolarity formula feeding, hypoxia, and cold stimulation. The α7nAChR agonist PNU-282987 and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin were treated by intraperitoneal injections in mice. The expression and distribution of macrophages, α7nAChR, and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in the intestines of NEC patients and mice was assessed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. The expression of NLRP3, activated caspase-1 and IL-1ß in mice intestines was detected by flow cytometry, western blot or ELISA. In vitro, the mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was also cultured followed by various treatments. Expression of p-mTOR, NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1ß in macrophages was determined. RESULTS: Macrophages accumulated in the intestines and the expression of α7nAChR in the mucosal and submucosal layers of the intestines was increased in both the NEC patients and mice. The p-mTOR and CD68 were increased and co-localized in intestines of NEC patients. In vitro, α7nAChR agonist PNU-282987 significantly reduced the increase of NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1ß in macrophages. PNU-282987 also significantly reduced the increase of p-mTOR. The effect was blocked by AMPK inhibitor compound C. The expression of NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1ß was inhibited after mTOR inhibitor rapamycin treatment. In NEC model mice, PNU-282987 reduced the expression of p-mTOR, NLRP3, activated caspase-1, and IL-1ß in the intestine. Meanwhile, rapamycin significantly attenuated NLRP3 activation and the release of IL-1ß. Moreover, the proportion of intestinal macrophages and intestinal injury decreased after PNU-282987 treatment. CONCLUSION: Macrophage α7nAChR activation mitigates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by modulating mTOR phosphorylation, and subsequently alleviates intestinal inflammation and injury in NEC.

RNF31-mediated IKKα ubiquitination aggravates inflammation and intestinal injury through regulating NF-κB activation in human and mouse neonates.

AIMS: Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of intestine inflammatory disease, and macrophage is significantly activated during NEC development. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, particularly ubiquitination, play critical roles in immune response. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ubiquitin-modified proteins on macrophage activation and NEC, and discover novel NEC-related inflammatory proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proteomic and ubiquitin proteomic analyses of intestinal macrophages in NEC/healthy mouse pups were carried out. In vitro macrophage inflammation model and in vivo NEC mouse model, as well as clinical human samples were used for further verification the inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB kinase α (IKKα) ubiquitination on NEC development through Western blot, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry. KEY FINDINGS: We report here that IKKα was a new ubiquitin-modified protein during NEC through ubiquitin proteomics, and RING finger protein 31 (RNF31) acted as an E3 ligase to be involved in IKKα degradation. Inhibition of IKKα ubiquitination and degradation with siRNF31 or proteasome inhibitor decreased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, thereby decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and M1 macrophage polarization, resulting in reliving the severity of NEC. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study suggests the activation of RNF31-IKKα-NF-κB axis triggering NEC development and suppressing RNF31-mediated IKKα degradation may be therapeutic strategies to be developed for NEC treatment.

A nomogram for predicting hemorrhagic shock in pediatric patients with multiple trauma.

The timely detection and management of hemorrhagic shock hold paramount importance in clinical practice. This study was designed to establish a nomogram that may facilitate early identification of hemorrhagic shock in pediatric patients with multiple-trauma. A retrospective study was conducted utilizing a cohort comprising 325 pediatric patients diagnosed with multiple-trauma, who received treatment at the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China. For external validation, an additional cohort of 144 patients from a children's hospital in Taizhou was included. The model's predictor selection was optimized through the application of the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. Subsequently, a prediction nomogram was constructed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The performance and clinical utility of the developed model were comprehensively assessed utilizing various statistical metrics, including Harrell's Concordance Index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration curve analysis, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP), platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and injury severity score (ISS) as independent predictors for hemorrhagic shock. The nomogram constructed using these predictors demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, as evidenced by an impressive area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.963. The model's goodness-of-fit was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 = 10.023, P = 0.209). Furthermore, decision curve analysis revealed significantly improved net benefits with the model. External validation further confirmed the reliability of the proposed predictive nomogram. This study successfully developed a nomogram for predicting the occurrence of hemorrhagic shock in pediatric patients with multiple trauma. This nomogram may serve as an accurate and effective tool for timely and efficient management of children with multiple trauma.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of 335 patients who underwent PELD between January 2016 and January 2023. Data were derived from the Hospital Information System (HIS), and a comprehensive statistical assessment was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed a range of risk determinants, such as age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, laboratory test parameters and surgery-related variables. The incidence of SSI after PELD was 2.7% (9/335). Univariate analysis highlighted BMI, diabetes mellitus, long-term corticosteroid consumption, surgical time and cerebrospinal fluid leakage as significant predictors of SSI. Multivariate logistic regression identified BMI, diabetes mellitus, long-term corticosteroid consumption, surgical time and cerebrospinal fluid leakage as significant risk factors for SSI after PELD. High BMI, diabetes mellitus, long-term corticosteroid consumption, long surgical time and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage are predisposing factors for SSI in patients undergoing PELD. Precise interventions focused on such risk components, including careful preoperative assessment and strategic postoperative care, are essential to reduce the incidence of SSI and improve surgical efficacy.

Sexual dimorphism in the gut microbiota and sexual dimorphism in chronic diseases: Association or causation?

Understanding the sexual dimorphism in diseases is essential to investigate the pathogenesis of some chronic diseases (e.g., autoimmune diseases, etc). The gut microbiota has been found to show a notable impact on the pathology of several chronic diseases in recent years. Intriguingly, the composition of the gut microbiota varies between sexes. Here, we reviewed 'facts and fiction' regarding sexual dimorphism in chronic diseases and sexual dimorphism in the gut microbiota respectively. The association and causative relationship between them aiming to elucidate the pathological mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in chronic diseases were further explored. The development of gender-special food products based on the sexual dimorphism in the gut microbiota were recommended, which would be beneficial to facilitating the personalized treatment.

Bioinformatical analysis of the key differentially expressed genes for screening potential biomarkers in Wilms tumor.

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common pediatric renal malignant tumor in the world. Overall, the prognosis of Wilms tumor is very good. However, the prognosis of patients with anaplastic tumor histology or disease relapse is still poor, and their recurrence rate, metastasis rate and mortality are significantly increased compared with others. Currently, the combination of histopathological examination and molecular biology is essential to predict prognosis and guide the treatment. However, the molecular mechanism has not been well studied. Genetic profiling may be helpful in some way. Hence, we sought to identify novel promising biomarkers of WT by integrating bioinformatics analysis and to identify genes associated with the pathogenesis of WT. In the presented study, the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus was used to download two datasets of gene expression profiles related to WT patients for the purpose of detecting overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs were then uploaded to DAVID database for enrichment analysis. In addition, the functional interactions between proteins were evaluated by simulating the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs. The impact of selected hub genes on survival in WT patients was analyzed by using the online tool R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform. The correlation between gene expression and the degree of immune infiltration was assessed by the Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using the Expression (ESTIMATE) algorithm and the single sample GSEA. Top 12 genes were identified for further study after constructing a PPI network and screening hub gene modules. Kinesin family member 2C (KIF2C) was identified as the most significant gene predicting the overall survival of WT patients. The expression of KIF2C in WT was further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we found that KIF2C was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration in WT. Our present study demonstrated that altered expression of KIF2C may be involved in WT and serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for WT patients.

Boron Dopant Modulated Electron Localization of Tin Oxide for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate.

Sn-based electrocatalysts have great economic potential in the reduction of CO2 to HCOOH, while they still suffer from low current density, dissatisfactory selectivity, and poor stability. Inspired by electronic modification engineering, boron-doped SnO2 nanospheres (B-SnO2 ) are successfully synthesized to achieve high-efficiency CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR). It is found that the introduction of boron dopants can increase the number of active sites and facilitate the formation of the electron-rich Sn sites in its structure, thus enhancing the activation of CO2 molecules and reducing the energy barrier of *OCHO intermediates on the SnO2 surface. Thus, the B-doped SnO2 electrocatalyst exhibits a remarkable FEHCOOH above 90% within a broad potential window of -0.7 to -1.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) (600 mV) and obtains the maximum value of 95.1% (the partial current density of HCOOH is 42.35 mA cm-2 ) at -1 V versus RHE. In conclusion, this work provides a novel strategy for optimizing the intrinsic properties of electrocatalysts for CO2 RR by the method of tuning the electronic structure.

Preparation, characterization and protective effect of chitosan - Tripolyphosphate encapsulated dihydromyricetin nanoparticles on acute kidney injury caused by cisplatin.

Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a natural dihydroflavonol compound known for its diverse pharmacological benefits. However, its limited stability and bioavailability posed significant challenges for further applications. To address these issues, in this study, an ion crosslinking method was utilized to prepare chitosan nanoparticles that were loaded with DMY. The synthesized chitosan nanoparticles (CS-DMY-NPs) were spherical in shape with particle size and ζ potential of 198.7 nm and 45.05 mV, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro release experiments demonstrated that CS-DMY-NPs had sustained release and protective effects in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. CS-DMY-NPs exhibited better antioxidant activity by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity than free DMY. In vivo study showed that CS-DMY-NPs alleviated cisplatin-induced kidney damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines, and had better activity compared to DMY (free). Immunofluorescence data showed that CS-DMY-NPs activated the Nrf2 signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner to combat cisplatin-induced kidney damage. Our results demonstrate that CS-TPP has good compatibility with DMY, and CS-DMY-NPs exhibited better protective effects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) than free DMY.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Renal Function in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Surgery Under Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative renal function was investigated in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University teaching, grade A tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 70 patients scheduled to undergo cardiac valve replacement or valvuloplasty under CPB were eligible and randomly divided into groups D (n = 35) and C (n = 35) between January 2020 and March 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in group D were administered 0.6 µg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine intravenously from 10 minutes before anesthesia induction to 6 hours after surgery; normal saline was used instead of dexmedetomidine in group C. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Acute kidney injury was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (2012). It was 22.86% and 48.57% in groups D and C, respectively (p = 0.025). The secondary outcomes were intraoperative hemodynamics and various indices in serum. Ten minutes before CPB (T1), 10 minutes after CPB (T2), and 30 minutes after CPB (T3), mean arterial pressure in group D was lower than that in group C, with statistical significance (74.94 ± 8.52 v 81.89 ± 13.66 mmHg, p=0.013; 62.83 ± 11.27 v 71.86 ± 7.89 mmHg, p < 0.001; 72.26 ± 8.75 v 78.57 ± 8.83 mmHg, p = 0.004). At T1, the heart rate in group D was significantly lower than in group C (80.89 ± 14.04 v 95.54 ± 12.53 bpm, p=0.022). The tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and cystatin C levels in group D were lower than those in group C after the surgery (T4) and 24 hours after surgery (T5), with statistical significance. The duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive-care-unit stay time, and hospital stay time in group D were significantly shorter than in group C. The incidences of tachycardia, hypertension, nausea, and vomiting in group D were similar to those in group C. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine may be considered as a way to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative AKI in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass.

An empowerment-based, healthy dietary behavioral intervention to ameliorate functional constipation.

Objective: To explore the boost effect on ameliorating functional constipation in elderly patients through empowerment-based, healthy dietary behavioral intervention. Design: In this randomized parallel group study, elderly patients with functional constipation were recruited and assigned to the experimental and control groups at a ratio of 1:1. The control group received routine intervention. The experimental group received 3-month empowerment-based intervention. The results were evaluated based on the Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Control Questionnaire (HLPCQ) and Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCS). GraphPad Prism (Version 9) software was used for the statistical analysis. Setting: As the world's population ages, functional constipation in the elderly has attracted widespread attention. The practical behavioral intervention to ameliorate constipation are worth exploring. Participants: Sixty elderly patients with functional constipation. Results: The study results showed no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the scores of HLPCQ (77.90 ± 14.57 vs. 61.11 ± 13.64) and CCS (7.48 ± 3.73 vs. 9.70 ± 3.07) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that empowerment-based intervention can effectively strengthen the healthy dietary behavior of elderly patients. Through patient empowerment, the subjective initiative and willingness to communicate were boosted in the experimental group. Their symptoms of functional constipation improved considerably better than in the control group.

Combined treatment with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate improves rheumatoid arthritis in rats by regulating the gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the ameliorative effects of glucosamine (GS), chondroitin sulphate (CS) and glucosamine plus chondroitin sulphate (GC) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats, and to explore the mechanism of GS, CS and GC in improving RA based on the gut microbiota. METHODS: RA rat models were effectively developed 14 days after CFA injection, and then garaged with GS, CS and GC. Body weight and paw volume of rats were monitored at multiple time points at the beginning of CFA injection. Until D36, serum and ankle tissue specimens were used to measure levels of circulating inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, MMP-3, NO and PGE2) and local inflammatory indicators (TLR-4 and NF-κB). On D18, D25, and D36, intergroup gut microbiota was compared using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. We also performed the correlation analysis of gut bacteria, joint swelling and inflammatory indicators. RESULTS: GC, rather than GS and CS, could reduce right paw volumes, levels of TLR-4 and NF-κB in synovial tissues. In addition, enriched genera in RA model rats screened out by LEfSe analysis could be inhibited by GC intervention, including potential LPS-producing bacteria (Enterobacter, Bacteroides, Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified and Erysipelotrichaceae_uncultured) and some other opportunistic pathogens (Esherichia_Shigella, Nosocomiicoccus, NK4A214_group, Odoribacter, Corynebacterium and Candidatus_Saccharimonas.etc.) that positively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, right paw volume, and pathology scores. Furthermore, the gut microbiota dysbiosis was observed to recover before alleviating joint swelling after interventions. CONCLUSIONS: GC could inhibit potential LPS-producing bacteria and the activation of TLR-4/NF-κB pathway in RA rats, thus alleviating RA-induced joint injury.

Co-expression and interaction network analysis reveals dysregulated neutrophil and T-cell activation as the core mechanism associated with septic shock.

Septic shock as a subset of sepsis, has a much higher mortality, while the mechanism is still elusive. This study was aimed at identifying core mechanisms associated with septic shock and its high mortality by investigating transcriptome data. We screened 72 septic-shock-associated genes (SSAGs) with differential expression between septic shock and sepsis in the discovery dataset. Further gene set enrichment analysis identified upregulated neutrophil activation and impaired T-cell activation in septic shock. Co-expression analysis revealed nine co-expressed gene modules. In addition, we determined twenty-one prognostic SSAGs using cox regression analysis in an independent dataset. Moreover, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed two clusters. Among these neutrophil activation was enriched in the most positively-related modules and the cluster2 PPI network, while T-cell activation was enriched in both the most negatively-related module and one of the most positively-related modules as well as the cluster1 PPI network. ELANE, LCN2 and IFI44 were identified as hub genes with CytoHubba methods and semantic similarity analysis. Notably, ELANE was the only prognostic gene and was further validated in an external dataset. Blood neutrophil count was demonstrated to increase in septic shock and be a risky factor of prognosis based on clinical data. In conclusions, septic shock is associated with upregulated neutrophil activation and dysregulated T-cell activation. Three hub genes might have potentials as sensitive markers for the further translational research and ELANE could be a robust prognostic biomarker and effective therapeutic target.

Application of Comfort Therapy under eCASH Concept in Acute and Chronic Wound Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Given the new ideas on wound care offered by the eCASH (early Comfort using Analgesia, minimal Sedatives, and maximal Humane care) and the substantial differences in clinical treatment between acute and chronic wounds, we aimed to investigate the effect of comfort therapy under the eCASH concept on analgesic sedation and accelerated wound healing in patients with acute or chronic wounds. METHODS: This randomized clinical study was conducted in two parts: acute wounds and chronic wounds. Patients with acute wounds were allocated into the acute wound control group (AWCG) and the acute wound experimental group (AWEG). Patients with chronic wounds were allocated into the chronic wound control group (CWCG) and two experimental groups, in which they received intermittent negative pressure therapy (IPTEG) and continuous negative pressure therapy (CPTEG). On the basis of the standard treatment for patients in the control group, eCASH therapy was used in the experimental groups. In addition, pain intensity and procedural anxiety were evaluated using the visual analogue score (VAS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). In addition, clinical effects were assessed on the basis of the size of the surface area, rate of healing, and concentration of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and growth factors (VEGF, bFGF, TGF-ß1). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the VAS score and HAM-A score in the experimental groups were significantly decreased after intervention (P < 0.05). After intervention, the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in AWEG, IPTEG, and CPTEG were significantly lower than those in AWCG. In addition, the levels of VEGF, bFGF, and TGF-ß1 in IPTEG and CPTEG were significantly higher than those in CWCG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicated that comfort therapy under the eCASH concept has a significant effect on ameliorating the pain and anxiety of patients, reducing the inflammatory reaction during the period of wound healing in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: The trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200057981).

Sn Dopants with Synergistic Oxygen Vacancies Boost CO2 Electroreduction on CuO Nanosheets to CO at Low Overpotential.

Using the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) with Cu-based electrocatalysts to achieve carbon-neutral cycles remains a significant challenge because of its low selectivity and poor stability. Modulating the surface electron distribution by defects engineering or doping can effectively improve CO2RR performance. Herein, we synthesize the electrocatalyst of Vo-CuO(Sn) nanosheets containing oxygen vacancies and Sn dopants for application in CO2RR-to-CO. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the incorporation of oxygen vacancies and Sn atoms substantially reduces the energy barrier for *COOH and *CO intermediate formation, which results in the high efficiency, low overpotential, and superior stability of the CO2RR to CO conversion. This electrocatalyst possesses a high Faraday efficiency (FE) of 99.9% for CO at a low overpotential of 420 mV and a partial current density of up to 35.22 mA cm-2 at -1.03 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The FECO of Vo-CuO(Sn) could retain over 95% within a wide potential area from -0.48 to -0.93 V versus RHE. Moreover, we obtain long-term stability for more than 180 h with only a slight decay in its activity. Therefore, this work provides an effective route for designing environmentally friendly electrocatalysts to improve the selectivity and stability of the CO2RR to CO conversion.

Resilience building among Chinese family caregivers of older people with Parkinson's disease in Shanghai.

Despite a rapid increase in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) in China, studies focusing on caregiver burden remain scarce. Challenges faced by caregivers in other Asian societies are also underexplored in the PD-related research field. To addresses this gap, this study drew on the theory of resilience and examined the caregiving experiences of Chinese family caregivers for older people with PD. We conducted participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 15 family caregivers of older people with PD in Shanghai in 2018. We used thematic analysis to identify key patterns of stressors and factors affecting the capacity of caregivers to address burdens. Our analysis shows that stressors faced by Chinese PD caregivers included physical limitations, psychological and emotional problems, reduction in social connections, financial burden and lack of information and knowledge. Three levels of factors-personal, social and structural-played different roles in resilience among Chinese PD caregivers. However, resilience was unevenly developed among PD caregivers across gender, kinship, residential status and generation. Our study provides novel empirical evidence about the burden on Chinese PD caregivers. It can inform policymakers and social workers as they develop a holistic understanding of promoting resilience building in this rapidly growing group. Our study also enriches cross-cultural knowledge about factors contributing to caregivers' resilience building in Asian societies.

Gut microbiota signatures in tissues of the colorectal polyp and normal colorectal mucosa, and faeces.

Background: Colorectal polyps are the most common precursors of colorectal cancer (CRC). The close relationship has been observed between colorectal polyps and gut microbiota. However, gut microbiota signatures among sampling sites in patients with colorectal polyps and healthy adults remain elusive. Aims: To learn about gut microbiota signatures in tissues of the colorectal polyp and normal colorectal mucosa, and faeces. Methods: We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatic analysis for the microbiota in the normal colorectal mucosa, the colorectal polyps and faeces of adults with colorectal polyps (n = 24) and in faeces and normal mucosa of healthy adults (n = 16) in this preliminary trial. Results: The Ace and Chao indexes were higher in the normal colorectal mucosa and polyp tissues compared to faecal samples (P < 0.05). The composition of microbiota based on PCoA and ANOSIM analysis showed the significant differences only between faeces and tissues of the normal mucosa and polyp (P < 0.05). Based on the LEfSe analysis, the abundances of Bacteroides, Prevotella-2 and Agathobacter were higher, whereas the abundances of Haemophilus, Escherichia_Shigella, Fusobacterium and Streptococcus were lower in faeces both in patients with colorectal polyp and healthy individuals, compared with those in the normal mucosa in two groups or polyp tissues. In healthy individuals, the abundance of Fusobacterium was significantly higher in the normal colorectal mucosa than in faeces. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the abundance of Fusobacterium between the normal colorectal mucosa and polyps in patients with colorectal polyps, but it was significantly higher in the mucosa and polyps than in faeces. Remarkably, the abundance of Fusobacterium in the normal colorectal mucosa was significantly higher in healthy individuals than in the polyp group. Conclusions: The microbial structure in faeces differs from that in tissues of polyp and normal mucusa. Additionally, Fusobacterium may be a normal colonizer in colonic mucosa, and an abnormal increase of Fusobacterium detected in faeces may be related with the injury of the colorectal mucosa. The difference of the faecal microbiota and mucosal microbiota should be carefully considered in studies on gut microbiota in patients with colorectal lesions.

Improved phenotyping procedure for evaluating resistance in rice against gall midge (Orseolia oryzae, Wood-Mason).

BACKGROUND: The rice gall midge (RGM, Orseolia oryzae, Wood-Mason), an important stem-feeding pest worldwide, has caused serious production losses over the past decades. Rice production practices indicate that the most reliable method for managing RGM is the deployment of cultivars that incorporate host resistance. However, the conventional phenotypic screening method of rice resistance to RGM suggested by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has been used for approximately 30 years, and only 12 rice varieties/lines (including controls) can be evaluated in one tray. It is not suitable for high-throughput phenotyping of rice germplasm. Moreover, a suitable method to prepare samples for molecular biological studies of rice resistance against RGM is imperative with the rapid development of modern molecular techniques. RESULTS: The proper density of seedlings/RGM was determined for four seeding arrangements. A high-throughput phenotyping method (HTPM) for 60 lines/varieties infested with 36 female RGM adults in one tray, as described by method 4-3 (seeded 60 lines/varieties), was developed and verified using mutant screening. Furthermore, one RGM resistance gene flanked by markers 12RM28346 and 12RM28739 on chromosome 12 was simultaneously detected using method 2-2 (seeded 30 lines/varieties in one tray) treated with 24 RGM and analyzed using conventional and simplified grading systems. Genetic analysis of the RGM resistance gene was confirmed using a method identical to that suggested by IRRI. Finally, one bucket with 24 seedlings treated with at least five female RGM adults was efficacious and could offer adequate samples for insect development observation or molecular biological studies. CONCLUSION: A highly efficient and reliable procedure for evaluation of resistance in rice to RGM was developed and improved, and was verified through mutant screening, gene mapping, genetic analysis, and insect growth and development observations.

Bone Homeostasis and Gut Microbial-Dependent Signaling Pathways.

Although research on the osteal signaling pathway has progressed, understanding of gut microbial-dependent signaling pathways for metabolic and immune bone homeostasis remains elusive. In recent years, the study of gut microbiota has shed light on our understanding of bone homeostasis. Here, we review microbiota-mediated gut-bone crosstalk via bone morphogenetic protein/SMADs, Wnt and OPG/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand signaling pathways in direct (translocation) and indirect (metabolite) manners. The mechanisms underlying gut microbiota involvement in these signaling pathways are relevant in immune responses, secretion of hormones, fate of osteoblasts and osteoclasts and absorption of calcium. Collectively, we propose a signaling network for maintaining a dynamic homeostasis between the skeletal system and the gut ecosystem. Additionally, the role of gut microbial improvement by dietary intervention in osteal signaling pathways has also been elucidated. This review provides unique resources from the gut microbial perspective for the discovery of new strategies for further improving treatment of bone diseases by increasing the abundance of targeted gut microbiota.