Discovery and validation of combined biomarkers for the diagnosis of esophageal intraepithelial neoplasia and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Early diagnosis and intervention of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) can improve the prognosis. The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers for ESCC and esophageal precancerous lesions (intraepithelial neoplasia, IEN). Based on the proteomic and genomic data of esophageal tissue including previously reported data, up-regulated proteins with copy number amplification in esophageal cancer were screened as candidate biomarkers. Five proteins, including KDM2A, RAD9A, ECT2, CYHR1 and TONSL, were confirmed by immunohistochemistry on ESCC and normal esophagus (NE). Then, we investigated the expression of 5 proteins in 236 participants (60 NEs, 93 IENs and 83 ESCCs) which were randomly divided into training set and test set. When distinguishing ESCC from NE, the area under curve (AUC) of the multiprotein model was 0.940 in the training set, while the lowest AUC of a protein was 0.735. In the test set, the results were similar. When distinguishing ESCC from IEN or distinguishing IEN from NE, the diagnostic efficiency of the multi-protein models were also improved compared with that of single protein. Our findings suggest that combined detection of KDM2A, RAD9A, ECT2, CYHR1 and TONSL can be used as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ESCC and precancerous lesion development prediction. SIGNIFICANCE: Candidate biomarkers including KDM2A, RAD9A, ECT2, CYHR1 and TONSL screened by integrating genomic and proteomic data from the esophagus can be used as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesion development prediction.

Roles and challenges encountered by midwives in the management of postpartum haemorrhage following normal vaginal delivery: A scoping review.

AIMS: To establish a comprehensive understanding of the roles of midwives and the challenges they encounter in the prevention, diagnosis and management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) following normal vaginal delivery. DESIGN: We conducted a scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) recommendations. METHODS: We considered studies related to the roles of midwives and the challenges they encounter in the prevention, diagnosis and management of PPH during vaginal delivery. We excluded guidelines, consensuses, abstracts of meetings and non-English language studies. Databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Medline, Embase, JBI EBP and BIOSIS Previews, were searched on January 1, 2023, with no time limitations. RESULTS: We included 28 publications. Midwives play important roles in the prevention, diagnosis and management of postpartum haemorrhage during vaginal delivery. In the prevention of PPH, midwives' roles include identifying and managing high-risk factors, managing labour and implementing skin-to-skin contact. In the diagnosis of PPH, midwives' roles include early recognition and blood loss estimation. In the management of PPH, midwives are involved in mobilizing other professional team members, emergency management, investigating causes, enhancing uterine contractions, the repair of perineal tears, arranging transfers and preparation for surgical intervention. However, midwives face substantial challenges, including insufficient knowledge and skills, poor teamwork skills, insufficient resources and the need to deal with their negative emotions. Midwives must improve their knowledge, skills and teamwork abilities. Health care system managers and the government should give full support to midwives. Future research should focus on developing clinical practice guidelines for midwives for preventing, diagnosing and managing postpartum haemorrhage.

Case series of ovarian neuroendocrine carcinoma: overview of clinicopathological features.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian neuroendocrine carcinoma (O-NEC) is a relatively uncommon neoplasm, and the current knowledge regarding its diagnosis and management is limited. In this series, our objective was to provide an overview of the clinicopathological characteristics of the disease by analyzing clinical case data to establish a theoretical foundation for the diagnosis and management of O-NEC. CASE PRESENTATION: We included three patients in the present case series, all of whom were diagnosed with primary O-NEC based on pathomorphological observation and immunohistochemistry. Patient 1 was a 62-year-old patient diagnosed with small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pulmonary type. Post-surgery, the patient was diagnosed with stage II SCC of the ovary and underwent standardized chemotherapy; however, imaging examinations conducted at the 16-month follow-up revealed the existence of lymph node metastasis. Unfortunately, she passed away 21 months after the surgery. The other two patients were diagnosed with carcinoid tumors, one at age 39 and the other at age 71. Post-surgery, patient 2 was diagnosed with a carcinoid in the left ovary, whereas patient 3 was diagnosed with a carcinoid in her right ovary based on clinical evaluation. Neither of the cases received adjuvant therapy following surgery; however, they have both survived for 9 and 10 years, respectively, as of date. CONCLUSION: Primary O-NECs are rare and of diverse histological types, each of which has its own unique biological features and prognosis. SCC is a neoplasm characterized by high malignancy and a poor prognosis, whereas carcinoid tumors are of lesser malignancy and have a more favorable prognosis.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism of the effect of perfluorocaproic acid exposure on brain injury in Carassius auratus.

Perfluorocaproic acid (PFHxA) has received much attention as an emerging pollutant linked to neurological problems in humans and fish. However, the potential mechanism remains unknown. In this study, the pathological damage to tissue sections demonstrated that perfluorocaproic acid caused brain tissue damage, and the increased antioxidant index malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in superoxide Dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT), and Lysozyme (LZM) that perfluorocaproic acid activated antioxidant stress and caused brain damage. Transcriptome sequencing discovered 1,532 divergent genes, 931 upregulated, and 601 down-regulated. Furthermore, according to GO enrichment analysis, the differently expressed genes were shown to be involved in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. The MAPK, calcium, and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction were considerably enriched in the KEGG enrichment analysis. We then analyzed qRT-PCR and chose ten essential differentially expressed genes for validation. The qRT-PCR results followed the same pattern as the RNA-Seq results. In conclusion, our study shows that perfluorocaproic acid exposure causes oxidative stress in the brain. It establishes a theoretical foundation for future research into genes linked to perfluorocaproic acid toxicity.

Infection of epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells with spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) induces autophagy and apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is a lethal freshwater pathogen of cyprinid fish that has caused significant economic losses to aquaculture. To reduce the economic losses caused by SVCV, its pathogenic mechanism needs to be studied more thoroughly. Here, we report for the first time that SVCV infection of Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells can induce cellular autophagy and apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress. The presence of autophagic vesicles in infected EPC cells was shown by transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot results showed that p62 mRNA expression was decreased, and the expression of Beclin1 and LC3 mRNA was increased. The p62 protein was decreased, and the Beclin1 protein and LC3 were increased in the endoplasmic reticulum stress activation state. To further clarify the mode of death of SVCV-infected EPC cells, we examined caspase3, caspase9, BCL-2, and Bax mRNA, which showed that they were all increased. Apoptosis of SVCV-infected cells increased upon activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our results suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress can regulate SVCV infection-induced autophagy and apoptosis. The results of this study provide theoretical data for the pathogenesis of SVCV and lay the foundation for future drug development and vaccine construction.

Toxic effects of perfluorocaproic acid (PFHxA) on crucian carp (Carassius auratus) and the response of the intestinal microbial community.

Perfluorocaproic acid (PFHxA), a short-chain substitute for the emerging contaminant perfluorinated compounds, has been detected in the aquatic environment. However, its aquatic toxicity and health risk assessment are mainly unknown. In this study, we compared the toxic doses of 0 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 45 mg/L and 135 mg/L on the pathological damage to tissue sections, antioxidant indexes and inflammatory factor expressions in liver, spleen, kidney, Prosogaster, Mid-gut, Hid-gut as well as the changes of IgM, C3, C4, LZM, GOT, GPT in serum of crucian carp. We determined the response of the intestinal microbial community to PFHxA stress by 16S. The results showed that the growth performance of crucian carp was slowed with the increase of PFHxA dose, which caused different degrees of damage to the tissues. Meanwhile, the indexes of SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, ACP, AKP and LZM in each tissue were reduced, and the indexes of IgM, C3, C4 and LZM in serum were reduced. The levels of MDA, GOT and GPT in tissues and GOT and GPT in serum were promoted. In addition, IL-1ß, TNF-α, NF-KB, and KEAP-1 in each tissue increased compared with the control group. The levels of IL-10, Nrf2, CAT, and GPx were decreased. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that PFHxA significantly reduced the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota. It is suggested that PFHxA is likely to cause different degrees of damage to various tissues by disrupting the diversity of the intestinal flora. These results provide insights to facilitate the risk assessment of PFHxA contaminants in the aquatic environment.

Dietary supplementation of two indigenous Bacillus spp on the intestinal morphology, intestinal immune barrier and intestinal microbial diversity of Rhynchocypris lagowskii.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary administration of two indigenous Bacillus (A: basal control diet; B: 0.15 g/kg of Bacillus subtilis; C: 0.1 g/kg of Bacillus subtilis and 0.05 g/kg of Bacillus licheniformis; D: 0.05 g/kg of Bacillus subtilis and 0.1 g/kg of Bacillus licheniformis; E: 0.15 g/kg of Bacillus licheniformis) on the digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphology, intestinal immune and barrier-related genes relative expression levels, and intestinal flora of Rhynchocypris lagowskii. The results showed that the fold height, lamina propria width, and muscle layer thickness of midgut and hindgut in group C were significantly higher than that of group A (P < 0.05). The activities of protease, amylase, and lipase in group C were significantly higher than those of group A (P < 0.05). The relative expression levels of IL-1ß and IL-8 in the intestine of group C were significantly downregulated, and the relative expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-ß were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). The relative expression levels of Claudin-2 in group A significantly increased and the relative expression levels of Claudin-4 in group A significantly reduced compared with other groups (P < 0.05). The relative expression levels of ZO-1 in groups C and D were significantly higher than those of other groups (P < 0.05). The Bacillus in the intestine of group C has the highest relative abundance among all groups. Overall, it can generally be concluded that dietary supplementation of indigenous Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis (group C) can improve the intestinal morphology, digestion, and absorption enzyme activities, enhance intestinal mucosal immunity and barrier function, and maintain the intestinal microbial balance of R. lagowskii.

[Analysis of Predictive Value of Laboratory Indexes for Malignant Lymphoma Patients with Bone Marrow Involvement].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of bone marrow involvement (BMI) in patients with malignant lymphoma (ML) on laboratory indexes, and evaluate the laboratory markers that can be used to predict/diagnose BMI. METHODS: The clinical characteristics and laboratory indexes of 137 ML patients were analyzed retrospectively, from which the indexes of BMI in ML patients was studied. The logistic regression analysis and receiver operating curve (ROC) were used to evaluate independent risk factors and predictors of BMI diagnosis in ML patients. RESULTS: Compared with non-BMI group, the red blood cell distribution width, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, ß2-microglobulin, transferrin, CA153, CA125, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were increased while platelet (PLT) count was decreased in BMI group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The blood indexes related to BMI and the statistically significant indexes in the univariate regression analysis were corrected by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The corrected results showed that T cell-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (adjusted OR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.48-4.90, P＜0.001), clinical stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ (adjusted OR=3.32, 95%CI: 2.16-5.83, P＜0.001), sIL-2R (adjusted OR=4.26, 95%CI: 2.95-12.85, P＜0.001) were the risk factors for ML patients with BMI, while PLT (adjusted OR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.55-0.96, P= 0.003) was a protective factor. ROC analysis showed that the areas under the ROC curve of PLT and sIL-2R predicting BMI in ML patients was 0.712 (95%CI: 0.646-0.776, P<0.001) and 0.796 (95%CI: 0.739-0.853, P<0.001), respectively. The best cut-off point of PLT and sIL-2R was 160×109/L and 2 568 U/ml, respectively. The diagnostic specificities of the two indexes here were both greater than 80%. CONCLUSION: PLT and sIL2R show good diagnostic value for ML patients with BMI.

Complete genome analysis of a novel iflavirus from a leaf beetle, Aulacophora lewisii.

The leaf beetle Aulacophora lewisii (family Chrysomelidae, order Coleoptera) is a common insect pest of cucurbitaceous vegetables. In this study, the complete genome sequence of a novel virus from a single leaf beetle was determined using metagenomic sequencing and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. A homology search and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the new virus belongs to the genus Iflavirus, family Iflaviridae, and it was tentatively named "Aulacophora lewisii iflavirus 1" (ALIV1). ALIV1 has a single positive-stranded RNA genome of 9655 nucleotides in length (excluding the polyA tail) that is predicted to encode typical conserved domains of iflaviruses, including two picornavirus-like capsid protein domains, a helicase domain, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain. Sequence comparisons showed that the full genome sequence of ALIV1 is most similar to that of Brevicoryne brassicae picorna-like virus, with 42.4% sequence identity, and it shares 60% sequence identity in the coat protein region with its closest homolog, Watson virus. The average coverage of the ALIV1 sequence was approximately 5000X, suggesting that it might actively replicate in the host. Phylogenetic analysis based on deduced amino acid sequences suggested that ALIV1 is closely related to Dinocampus coccinellae paralysis virus. To the best of our knowledge, ALIV1 is the first virus discovered in A. lewisii and is also the first iflavirus identified in a member of the genus Aulacophora.

A New Triangular Rotation and Advancement Pulp Flap for Lateral Oblique Fingertip Defect.

The fingertip is one of the most common sites of traumatic injuries faced by hand surgeons. In cases of lateral oblique amputation, only limited alternatives are available for reconstruction. This study introduced a new method involving rotation and use of an advancement pulp flap for covering lateral oblique defect and evaluated its outcome. METHOD: A series of 12 patients with 14 lateral oblique fingertip defects were recruited in this study. All fingertips were unreplantable and were injured distal to the proximal one-third of nail bed, with phalanx exposed. All cases received surgical reconstruction using a triangular rotation and advancement pulp flap. Static 2-point discrimination, cold intolerance, pain, hypersensitivity, range of motion, and aesthetic satisfaction were evaluated 6 months to 12 months postoperation. RESULT: Bone defect was noted in 7 cases. The area of defect was 10×7-20×12 mm2, and the angle of defect was 30-60 degrees. Mean follow-up was 14.3 months. No hook nail deformity, cold intolerance, and hypersensitivity were observed. One patient complained about pain postoperation, demanding a second operation. Static 2-point discrimination was between 5 and 8 mm in all cases. Range of motion of distal interphalangeal joint recovered to 20-45 degrees at the last follow-up. No stiffness was observed in the interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints. All patients were satisfied with the appearance of the flap. CONCLUSION: The triangular rotation and advancement pulp flap is simple, safe, and reliable for treating lateral oblique defect of fingertip, providing scope for anatomical reconstruction and fair sensation and aesthetic recovery.

Transcriptome Analysis of Epithelioma Papulosum Cyprini Cells Infected by Reovirus Isolated from Allogynogenetic Silver Crucian Carp.

The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and major signal transduction pathways that were related to the immune response of epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells to reoviruses isolated from allogynogenetic silver crucian carp. The study also lays a theoretical foundation for the pathogenesis and immunity of the reovirus, which is helpful to the breeding of cyprinids fish. Reovirus infected and uninfected EPC cells were analyzed by using a new-generation high-throughput sequencing technology. DEGs were identified, annotated, and classified, and the signal pathways involved in the response to reovirus infection were identified by using bioinformatics tool. The data were assembled into 92,101 contigs with an average length of 835.24 bp and an N50 value of 1432 nt. Differential expression analysis of all the genes identified 3316 DEGs at a false discovery rate (FDR) of <0.01 and a fold-change of ≥3, of which 1691 were upregulated genes, 1625 were downregulated, and about 305 were immune-related genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis resulted in the annotation of 3941 GO terms, including 2719 biological processes (37,810 unigenes), 376 cell components (7943 unigenes), and 846 molecular functions (11,750 unigenes). KEGG metabolic pathway analysis matched the DEGs from pre-and post-infection EPC cells to 193 pathways, of which 35 were immune-related, including the Toll-like receptor, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and the JAK-STAT signaling pathways.

MicroRNA­146a/NAPDH oxidase4 decreases reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation in a diabetic nephropathy model.

The present study investigated the role of microRNA (miR)­146a in a diabetic nephropathy (DN) model, and its molecular mechanism. DN mice were given intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg/day) for 5 consecutive days as an in vivo DN model. The HK­2 human kidney cell line were exposed to 45% D­glucose as an in vitro DN model. Firstly, it was demonstrated that miR­146a expression was inhibited and NAPDH oxidase 4 (Nox4) was increased in DN mice. In HK­2 cells, overexpression of miR­146a inhibited Nox4 protein expression and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative stress and inflammation, and suppressed vascular cell adhesion molecule­1 (VCAM­1) and intracellular adhesion molecule­1 (ICAM­1) protein expression. Nacetylcysteine, a Nox4 inhibitor, was demonstrated to inhibit ROS generation, suppress VCAM­1 and ICAM­1 protein expression, and decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in HK­2 cells following overexpression of miR­146a. In conclusion, these results indicated that miR­146a/Nox4 decreases ROS generation and inflammation and prevents DN. Therefore, miR­146a may represent a novel anti­inflammatory and ­oxidative modulator of DN.

Effects of Artesunate prevent nephritis via the Toll­like receptor 4/nuclear factor­κB signaling pathway in rats.

The active ingredient in Artemisia carvifolia, artemisinin, may alleviate inflammation and toxicity. Artemisinin and its derivatives are first­line anti­malarial drugs currently, which have rapid effects on fever caused by malaria parasites with fewer side effects. The present study investigated the effects of Artesunate in a mouse nephritis model. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 500 µl pristine to induce nephritis, and were treated with 28.8 mg/kg Artesunate. Subsequently, proteinuria, renal function, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)­α and interleukin (IL)­6 levels were assessed to evaluate the effects of Artesunate on nephritis. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein expression levels of α­smooth muscle actin (SMA), TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), NF­κB p65 and transforming growth factor (TGF)­ß1 to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Artesunate on nephritis. The results demonstrated that Artesunate reduced proteinuria and preserved renal function in nephritis mice. Artesunate attenuated TNF­α and IL­6 levels, suppressed α­SMA, TLR4, MyD88, NF­κB p65 and TGF­ß1 protein expression, and decreased caspase­3 activity in nephritis mice. These results indicated that the effects of Artesunate may prevent nephritis and inhibit inflammation via the TLR4/NF­κB signaling pathway in mice. Therefore, Artesunate may be a potential therapeutic agent to prevent nephritis.

Expression of PH Domain Leucine-rich Repeat Protein Phosphatase, Forkhead Homeobox Type O 3a and RAD51, and their Relationships with Clinicopathologic Features and Prognosis in Ovarian Serous Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma can be divided into low- and high-grade tumors, which exhibit substantial differences in pathogenesis, clinicopathology, and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP), forkhead homeobox type O 3a (FoxO3a), and RAD51 protein expressions, and their associations with prognosis in patients with low- and high-grade ovarian serous adenocarcinomas. METHODS: The PHLPP, FoxO3a, and RAD51 protein expressions were examined in 94 high- and 26 low-grade ovarian serous adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry. The differences in expression and their relationships with pathological features and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: In high-grade serous adenocarcinomas, the positive rates of PHLPP and FoxO3a were 24.5% and 26.6%, while in low-grade tumors, they were 23.1% and 26.9%, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. the control specimens; low- vs. high-grade: P > 0.05). The positive rates of RAD51 were 70.2% and 65.4% in high- and low-grade serous adenocarcinomas, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. the control specimens; low- vs. high-grade: P > 0.05). Meanwhile, in high-grade tumors, Stage III/IV tumors and lymph node and omental metastases were significantly associated with lower PHLPP and FoxO3a and higher RAD51 expression. The 5-year survival rates of patients with PHLPP- and FoxO3a-positive high-grade tumors (43.5% and 36.0%) were significantly higher than in patients with PHLPP-negative tumors (5.6% and 7.2%, respectively; P< 0.05). Similarly, the 5-year survival rate of RAD51-positive patients (3.0%) was significantly lower than in negative patients (42.9%; P< 0.05). In low-grade tumors, the PHLPP, FoxO3a, and RAD51 expressions were not significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, omental metastasis, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, or prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal PHLPP, FoxO3a, and RAD51 protein expressions may be involved in the development of high- and low-grade ovarian serous adenocarcinomas, suggesting common molecular pathways. Decreased PHLPP and FoxO3a and increased RAD51 protein expression may be important molecular markers for poor prognosis, and RAD51 may be an independent prognosis factor, of high-grade, but not low-grade, ovarian serous adenocarcinomas.

[Microbial Community Structure on the Root Surface of Patients with Periodontitis.]

OBJECTIVES: To study the microbial community structure on the root surface of patients with periodontitis. METHODS: Bacterial plaque and tissues from the root neck (RN group),root middle (RM group) and root tine (RT group) of six teeth with mobility 3 in one patient with periodontitis were sampled.The V3V4 region of 16S rRNA was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform.The microbial community structure was analyzed by Mothur,Qiime and SPSS software. RESULTS: The principal component analysis (PCoA) results indicated that the RM samples had a similar microbial community structure as that of the RT samples,which was significant different from that of the RN samples.Thirteen phyla were detected in the three groups of samples,which included 7 dominant phyla.29 dominant genera were detected in 184 genera.The abundance of Bacteroidetes_[G-6] and Peptostre ptococcaceae_[XI][G-4] had a positive correlation with the depth of the collection site of samples (P<0.05),while the abundance of Prevotella,Selenomonas,Corynebacterium and Olsenella had a negative correlation with the depth of the collection site of samples (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is region-specificity of microbial community structure on the root surface of patients with periodontitis.

[Study on Microbial Diversity of Peri-implantitis Subgingival by High-throughput Sequencing].

OBJECTIVE: To study microbial diversity of peri-implantitis subgingival with high-throughput sequencing, and investigate microbiological etiology of peri-implantitis. METHODS: Subgingival plaques were sampled from the patients with peri-implantitis (D group) and non-peri-implantitis subjects (N group). The microbiological diversity of the subgingival plaques was detected by sequencing V4 region of 16S rRNA with Illumina Miseq platform. The diversity of the community structure was analyzed using Mothur software. RESULTS: A total of 156 507 gene sequences were detected in nine samples and 4 402 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found. Selenomonas, Pseudomonas, and Fusobacterium were dominant bacteria in D group, while Fusobacterium, Veillonella and Streptococcus were dominant bacteria in N group. Differences between peri-implantitis and non-peri-implantitis bacterial communities were observed at all phylogenetic levels by LEfSe, which was also found in PcoA test. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of peri-implantitis is not only related to periodontitis pathogenic microbe, but also related with the changes of oral microbial community structure. Treponema, Herbaspirillum, Butyricimonas and Phaeobacte may be closely related to the occurrence and development of peri-implantitis.

Novel calicivirus from a ferret badger (Melogale moschata) in China.

We describe the isolation and complete genome sequence of a new calicivirus, FBCV-JX12, isolated from a ferret badger (Melogale moschata). Comparison of FBCV-JX12 with other vesiviruses revealed that it shared the highest amino acid sequence identities of 71.6, 60.5, and 59.3% in the nonstructural protein, VP1, and VP2, respectively, with MCV-DL2007 (mink calicivirus). Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genomic sequence showed that it clustered most closely with MCV-DL2007 of the genus Vesivirus, but with low nucleotide similarity in the three open reading frames (62.1-68.5%).

Effects of mild induced hypothermia on hippocampal connexin 43 and glutamate transporter 1 expression following traumatic brain injury in rats.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of worldwide disability and mortality. Currently, the incidence and prevalence of TBI is markedly increasing and an effective therapy is lacking. Therapeutic hypothermia (32­35˚C) has been reported to reduce intracranial pressure and induce putative neuroprotective effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of mild induced hypothermia (MIH) on the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT­1) in the hippocampus following TBI in rats. A rat model of TBI was created using a modified weight­drop device, followed by 4 h of hypothermia (33˚C) or normothermia (37˚C). A wet­dry weight method was used to assess brain edema and spatial learning ability was evaluated using a Morris water maze. The levels of Cx43 and GLT­1 were detected by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis, respectively. The results demonstrated that MIH treatment improved TBI­induced brain edema and neurological function deficits. In addition, therapeutic MIH significantly downregulated Cx43 expression and upregulated the levels of GLT­1 in the hippocampus post­TBI. These findings suggested that treatment with MIH may provide a novel neuroprotective therapeutic strategy for TBI through reversing the increase in Cx43 protein and the decrease in GLT­1.

New and highly efficient column chromatographic extraction and simple purification of camptothecin from Camptotheca acuminata and Nothapodytes pittosporoides.

INTRODUCTION: Camptothecin, a widely used natural anti-cancer drug, is difficult to extract and purify effectively from plants. OBJECTIVE: To develop new and highly efficient extraction and purification methods for analysis and production of camptothecin from leaves and fruits of Camptotheca acuminata and Nothapodytes pittosporoides roots. METHODS: Dried materials were loaded in empty columns with fivefold 60% ethanol for leaves or 70% ethanol for fruits of C. acumnata, and sixfold 70% ethanol for N. pittosporoides roots. The columns were eluted with the same solvents at room temperature. Eluent was collected as extraction solution. Extraction solution from leaves and fruits of C. acuminata was vacuum-evaporated to remove ethanol, precipitated at pH 8.0 to remove alkaline insolubles and fractionated with chloroform at pH 3.0, which yields a crude product with 70% purity. Extraction solution from N. pittosporoides roots was concentrated to 1/10 volume and precipitated at pH 3.0, which yields a crude product with 60% purity. All crude products were purified by crystallisation. All steps were monitored by HPLC. RESULTS: Camptothecin was extracted from the three plant materials at a 98% rate with 15- or 18-fold solvent for content analysis, or at a 97% rate with five- or sixfold solvent for production. All crude products were purified to 98%. The overall recovery rates of camptothecin from plant materials to purified products reached 92% or higher. CONCLUSION: The new procedures are simple and highly efficient, and have multiple advantages for quantitative analysis and large production of camptothecin from plants.

The paradox of IL-10-mediated modulation in cervical cancer.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has opposing effects as an anti-inflammatory (potentially cancer-promoting) and antiangiogenic (potentially cancer-inhibiting) agent. The role of IL-10 in cervical cancer is also dual. Here, we review the IL-10-mediated tumor-promoting effect and tumor-inhibiting effects in cervical cancer, among which, human papilloma virus (HPV), human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) and IL-10 polymorphisms are associated with the development of cervical cancer. IL-10 is also used for the therapy of cervical cancer through enhancing proliferation, expression of immunologically important surface molecules and increasing Th1 cytokine production and cytotoxic potential in HPV-specific CD8 (+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes.