Abstract Backgroud Homocitrulline (Hcit), is involved in the pathological processes of some diseases. However, the role and function of Hcit (CBL) in human skin remains largely obscure. Objective To investigate the correlation of the level of Hcit in seborrheic keratosis, skin aging, and its clinical significance. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the level of Hcit in skin lesions of seborrheic keratosis (SK), unaffected skin (distant 0.5 centimeters from SK lesion), and normal skin of healthy subjects in the control group. ELISA test was used to detect the serum level of CBL in SK patients and healthy subjects of different ages. Results Hcit was mainly localized in the nucleus of epidermal cells. In healthy control skin, the expression of Hcit increased with age and showed a positive correlation with age (the correlation coefficient was 0.806, p = 0.0002). The expressional level of Hcit in SK lesions was higher than that in healthy control skin (Z = −3.703, p = 0.0002). The serum level of CBL in healthy subjects and in SK patients increased with age (the correlation coefficient were 0.5763, p = 0.0032; 0.682, p = 0.004. respectively). The serum level of CBL in SK patients was higher than that in healthy subjects (Z = −2.19, p = 0.030). Study limitations The small serum sample size in the study. Conclusion The high expressional level of Hcit is correlated with seborrheic keratosis and skin aging. HCit may be one of the potential biomarkers of skin aging.

SUMMARY: Gastrin plays a vital role in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Its expression is up-regulated in GC tissues and several GC cell lines. Yet, the underlying mechanism remains to be investigated. Here, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of gastrin in GC proliferation. Gastrin-overexpressing GC cell model was constructed using SGC7901 cells. Then the differentially expressed proteins were identified by iTRAQ analysis. Next, we use flow cytometry and immunofluorescence to study the effect of gastrin on the mitochondrial potential and mitochondria-derived ROS production. Finally, we studied the underlying mechanism of gastrin regulating mitochondrial function using Co-IP, mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence. Overexpression of gastrin promoted GC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. A total of 173 proteins were expressed differently between the controls and gastrin- overexpression cells and most of these proteins were involved in tumorigenesis and cell proliferation. Among them, Cox17, Cox5B and ATP5J that were all localized to the mitochondrial respiratory chain were down-regulated in gastrin-overexpression cells. Furthermore, gastrin overexpression led to mitochondrial potential decrease and mitochondria-derived ROS increase. Additionally, gastrin-induced ROS generation resulted in the inhibition of cell apoptosis via activating NF-kB, inhibiting Bax expression and promoting Bcl-2 expression. Finally, we found gastrin interacted with mitochondrial membrane protein Annexin A2 using Co-IP and mass spectrometry. Overexpr ession of gastrin inhibits GC cell apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction through interacting with mitochondrial protein Annexin A2, then up-regulating ROS production to activate NF-kB and further leading to Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decrease.

RESUMEN: La gastrina juega un papel vital en el desarrollo y progresión del cáncer gástrico (CG). Su expresión está regulada al alza en tejidos de CG y en varias líneas celulares de CG. Sin embargo, el mecanismo subyacente aun no se ha investigado. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el papel y el mecanismo de la gastrina en la proliferación de CG. El modelo de células CG que sobre expresan gastrina se construyó usando células SGC7901. Luego, las proteínas expresadas diferencialmente se identificaron mediante análisis iTRAQ. A continuación, utilizamos la citometría de flujo y la inmunofluorescencia para estudiar el efecto de la gastrina en el potencial mitocondrial y la producción de ROS derivada de las mitocondrias. Finalmente, estudiamos el mecanismo subyacente de la gastrina que regula la función mitocondrial utilizando Co-IP, espectrometría de masas e inmunofluorescencia. La sobreexpresión de gastrina promovió la proliferación de células CG in vitro e in vivo. Un total de 173 proteínas se expresaron de manera diferente entre los controles y las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina y la mayoría de estas proteínas estaban implicadas en la tumorigenesis y la proliferación celular. Entre estas, Cox17, Cox5B y ATP5J, todas localizadas en la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial, estaban reguladas a la baja en las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina. Además, la sobreexpresión de gastrina provocó una disminución del potencial mitocondrial y un aumento de las ROS derivadas de las mitocondrias. Por otra parte, la generación de ROS inducida por gastrina resultó en la inhibición de la apoptosis celular mediante la activación de NF-kB, inhibiendo la expresión de Bax y promoviendo la expresión de Bcl-2. Finalmente, encontramos que la gastrina interactuaba con la proteína de membrana mitocondrial Anexina A2 usando Co-IP y espectrometría de masas. La sobreexpresión de gastrina inhibe la apoptosis de las células CG al inducir la disfunción mitocondrial a través de la interacción con la proteína mitocondrial Anexina A2, luego regula el aumento de la producción de ROS para activar NF-kB y conduce aún más a la disminución de la relación Bax/Bcl-2.

Abstract Aplastic anemia (AA), a rare disorder, is associated with bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). Presently, AA treatment is of great difficulty. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP) in AA. Busulfan was used to induce AA in BALB/c mice; blood cell count and Ray’s Giemsa staining were used to assess the severity of hematopoietic failure; HE was performed to assess the pathological state of the marrow cavity; ELISA was performed to assess IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, VEGF, and EPO; and WB was performed to evaluate the effects of RGP on the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Significant downregulation of hemocyte levels in the blood and nucleated cells in the bone marrow was reversed by RGP and Cyclosporine A (CA). Compared with the AA group, dilating blood sinusoids, inflammation, hematopoiesis, decreased bone marrow cells and megakaryocytes were alleviated by RGP and CA, and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling was inhibited too. Notably, RGP was more effective when used in combination with CA. In this study, we established a relationship between BMM and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway and found that RGP regulates BMM by suppressing the activation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Thus, RGP exerts a pharmacological effect on AA.

Abstract Objectives: The Lateral Arm Free Flap (LAFF) offers advantageous features like variable thickness and minimal hair growth. LAFF is primarily used in orofacial and pharyngeal reconstructions, with limited reports on tracheal/esophageal applications. Also, the psychological prognosis and quality of life in patients with LAFF reconstruction are lacking. Methods: This retrospective case series presents outcomes of LAFF reconstruction for head and neck surgical defects which included 19 patients. The disease type, location of reconstruction, TNM staging, tumor size, chemoradiation status, anxiety, depression, quality of life and detailed perioperative information of the LAFF reconstruction surgery were presented in a descriptive pattern. Subgroup analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Pearson r test Conclusions: The lateral arm free flap exhibits remarkable versatility and multifunctionality, providing advantageous outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Level of evidence: Level 4 according to OCEBM.

Abstract Diabetes is a worldwide metabolic diseases that requires adjustments in the blood glucose. Cornstarch is one kind of resistant starch, which helps to control postprandial glucose, and is a desired alternatives of carbohydrates for developing functional food. Herein, a cornstarch-based functional diet (CFD) was developed, and in this study we investigated the effects of CFD supplemented with tea polyphenols and EGCG on blood glucose and intestinal flora in diabetic mice. The results showed that diabetic mice had significant weight loss and serious hyperglycemia. The CFD or CFD supplemented with tea polyphenols and EGCG resulted in a trend toward reduced fasting blood glucose. Furthermore, diabetes had significant intestinal flora disturbance, with particularly increased levels of Bacteroidaceae, Helicobacteraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Rikenellaceae and Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis, and decreased Prevotellaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae. Interesting, CFD supplemented with EGCG significantly increased levels of Prevotellaceae and Coriobacteriaceae, and decreased Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacteraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis compared to controls. CFD supplemented with tea polyphenols significantly increased the Coriobacteriaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae. The comprehensive analysis indicated that tea polyphenols and EGCG supplementation improved glucose metabolism, and reversed the sick changes of intestinal flora, suggesting they are two valuable additions to promote nutritional value of CFD.

Abstract Fast food is becoming increasing popular as a social phenomenon, and it usually contains high fat contents. Matcha is one versatile tea, and its application in food brings lots of new consumers. Herein, a high-fat diet containing matcha was prepared, and in this study we investigated the effects of such a diet on lipid metabolism and intestinal flora of normal and diabetic mice. Results showed that diabetes had significant weight loss, hyperphagia, hyperlipidemia and intestinal flora disturbance, with particularly significantly increased Alistipes, Prevotella, Helicobacter, Acetatifactor and Bacteroides, and decreased Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus, Allobaculum and Akkermansia. In diabetes, matcha decreased serum triglyceride and LDL-C, increased HDL-C, reversed those bacteria trends besides Alistipes, Prevotella and Akkermansia. In normal mice, matcha decreased serum LDL-C, increased Parabacteroides, Bacteroidales_unclassified, Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified and Barnesiella, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, and decreased Helicobacter and Clostridium XlVa. Most importantly, matcha increased Porphyromonadaceae_unclassified, Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, Prevotella and Allobaculum; and decreased Bacteroides and Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified in diabetes, however these changed bacteria in normal mice showed an opposite trend from diabetes. Intestinal flora balance is vital important to host, matcha helps to improve the balance of lipid metabolism and intestinal flora according to different character of host, and is a valuable addition to develop functional food.

RESUMEN La alta concentración de sal de cromo ha causado una grave contaminación al medio ambiente desde su producción. El residuo de cromo de larga data ha contaminado el suelo y la concentración total de cromo de algunos suelos contaminados ha alcanzado los 30000 mg / kg. Para la remediación de suelos contaminados con cromo se propuso el método electrodinámico mejorado. Para mejorar la eficiencia de la remediación electrocinética de suelos contaminados con cromo se propusieron dos tecnologías mejoradas de remediación electrocinética: Tecnología de remediación mejorada por oxidación electrocinética y tecnología de remediación mejorada por oxidación electrocinética. Cr (III) en el suelo fue contaminado por óxido de cromo oxidante para aumentar el contenido de Cr(VI) disuelto, para mejorar la eficiencia de la reparación eléctrica, para encontrar un medio PRB adecuado como un gran avance para mejorar la eficiencia de la reparación. Los resultados experimentales muestran que, en comparación con la tecnología electrodinámica tradicional, el método electrodinámico mejorado puede mejorar eficazmente la tasa de eliminación del cromo total en el suelo y proporcionar apoyo técnico para la remediación electrodinámica mejorada del suelo contaminado con cromo. El sistema de control de pH hace que el pH del electrolito del ánodo y del cátodo siempre se mantenga ácido, y la velocidad de migración del H+ es más rápida que la del OH-, y el pH del suelo cerca del ánodo es más bajo que el del cátodo.

ABSTRACT High concentration of chromium salt has caused serious pollution to the environment since its production. The long-standing chromium residue has polluted the soil, and the total chromium concentration of some polluted soil has reached 30000 mg / kg. For the remediation of chromium contaminated soil, the enhanced electrodynamic method was proposed. In order to improve the efficiency of electrokinetic remediation of chromium contaminated soil, two enhanced electrokinetic remediation technologies were proposed: Electrokinetic oxidation enhanced remediation technology and electrokinetic enhanced remediation technology. Cr(III) in soil was polluted by oxidant chromium oxide to increase the content of dissolved Cr(VI),so as to improve the efficiency of electric repair, in order to find a suitable PRB medium as a breakthrough to improve the repair efficiency. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional electrodynamic technology, the enhanced electrodynamic method can effectively improve the removal rate of total chromium in the soil, and provide technical support for the enhanced electrodynamic remediation of chromium contaminated soil. The pH control system makes the pH of anode and cathode electrolyte always maintain acidic, and the H+ migration speed is faster than that of OH-, and the pH of soil near the anode is lower than that near the cathode.

Abstract Background: Demethylzeylasteral (T-96) is a pharmacologically active triterpenoid monomer extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) that has been reported to exhibit anti-neoplastic effects against several types of cancer cells. However, the potential anti-tumour effects of T-96 against human Prostate cancer (CaP) cells and the possible underlying mechanisms have not been well studied. Results: In the current study, T-96 exerted significant cytotoxicity to CaP cells in vitro and induced cell cycle arrest at S-phase in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, T-96 promoted the initiation of autophagy but inhibited autophagic flux by inducing ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which subsequently activated the extrinsic apoptosis pathway in CaP cells. These findings implied that T-96-induced ER stress activated the caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway to inhibit proliferation of CaP cells. Moreover, we observed that T-96 enhances the sensitivity of CaP cells to the chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin. Conclusions: Taken together, our data demonstrated that T-96 is a novel modulator of ER stress and autophagy, and has potential therapeutic applications against CaP in the clinic.

Abstract Abscisic acid (ABA) is known to impact many areas of plant growth and development and is also assumed to facilitate plant stress regulation. ABA is also involved in the rapid suberization of wounds and is the essential dormancy release regulator. The direct application of DNA markers to plant populations enables the use of mapping to help determine the regulation of a quantitatively inherited trait isolated in a population. QTLs represent a chromosomal region that is linked to a marker gene and that significantly affects the quantitative trait under review. In the present study, we investigated the ABA content after harvest and after sprouting in a diploid population. The most noticeable QTLs related to ABA were found on chromosomes I and IV, and these QTLs fully explained 6.5% and 7% of the entire phenotypic variance, respectively. The acquired information advances our understanding of the inheritance of traits applicable for variety development.

Abstract Biofertilizer Ning shield was composed of different strains of plant growth promotion bacteria. In this study, the plant growth promotion and root-knot nematode disease control potential on Trichosanthes kirilowii in the field were evaluated. The application of Ning shield significantly reduced the diseases severity caused by Meloidogyne incognita, the biocontrol efficacy could reached up to 51.08%. Ning shield could also promote the growth of T. kirilowii in the field by increasing seedling emergence, height and the root weight. The results showed that the Ning shield could enhance the production yield up to 36.26%. Ning shield could also promote the plant growth by increasing the contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter, and increasing the contents of leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment. Moreover, Ning shield could efficiently enhance the medicinal compositions of Trichosanthes, referring to the polysaccharides and trichosanthin. Therefore, Ning shield is a promising biofertilizer, which can offer beneficial effects to T. kirilowii growers, including the plant growth promotion, the biological control of root-knot disease and enhancement of the yield and the medicinal quality.

Resumo Fundamentos: A influência da anatomia da veia pulmonar (VP) na criocinética durante a ablação por criobalão (CB) não está clara. Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre a anatomia da VP e a criocinética durante a ablação com CB para fibrilação atrial (FA). Métodos: sessenta pacientes consecutivos foram matriculados. Foram avaliados em imagens de tomografia computadorizada multidetectora (TCMD) pré-procedimento a anatomia da VP, incluindo diâmetros dos óstios (longo, curto e corrigido), relação entre diâmetros curtos e longos, forma do óstio (redondo, oval, triangular e estreito) e padrão de drenagem (típico, com tronco comum, antro comum, ramo ostial e VP supranumerária). Os parâmetros criocinéticos [tempo de congelamento de balão de 0 a -30ºC (TCB), temperatura do nadir do balão (TNB) e tempo de aquecimento do balão de -30 a + 15ºC (TAB)] foram registrados durante o procedimento. Todos os valores de p são bicaudais, com valores de p < 0,05 considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: o ciclo de congelamento foi realizado 606 vezes. Correlação negativa moderada foi documentada entre o TNB e o diâmetro VP corrigido (r = - 0,51, p < 0,001) ao usar CBs de 23 mm e correlação negativa leve (r = - 0,32, p = 0,001) foi encontrada ao usar 28- mm CBs. A análise de regressão logística multivariada revelou que o diâmetro corrigido do óstio da VP (OR, 1,4; p = 0,004) previu um TNB < -51ºC ao usar CB de 23 mm, enquanto a forma oval do óstio VP (OR, 0,3; p = 0,033) e as localizações da VP (VP inferior: OR, 0,04; p = 0,005; VP superior direito: OR, 4,3; p = 0,025) previram TNB < -51ºC ao usar CBs de 28 mm. Conclusões: A TCMD pode fornecer uma avaliação precisa da anatomia da VP antes da ablação por CB. A anatomia da VP está associada à criocinética durante a ablação.

Abstract Background: The influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy on cryo kinetics during cryoballoon (CB) ablation is unclear. Objective: To investigate the relationship between PV anatomy and cryo kinetics during CB ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Sixty consecutive patients were enrolled. PV anatomy, including ostial diameters (long, short and corrected), ratio between short and long diameters, ostium shape (round, oval, triangular, and narrow), and drainage pattern (typical, with common trunk, common antrum, ostial branch and supernumerary PV) were evaluated on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images pre-procedure. Cryo kinetics parameters [balloon freeze time from 0 to -30ºC (BFT), balloon nadir temperature (BNT) and balloon warming time from -30 to +15ºC (BWT)] were recorded during procedure. All p values are two-sided, with values of p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results: 606 times of freezing cycle were accomplished. Moderate negative correlation was documented between BNT and corrected PV diameter (r = -0.51, p < 0.001) when using 23-mm CBs, and mild negative correlation (r = - 0.32, p = 0.001) was found when using 28-mm CBs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PV corrected ostial diameter (OR, 1.4; p = 0.004) predicted a BNT < -51ºC when using 23-mm CBs, while PV ostium oval shape (OR, 0.3; p = 0.033) and PV locations (left inferior PV: OR, 0.04; p = 0.005; right superior PV: OR, 4.3; p = 0.025) predicted BNT < -51ºC when using 28-mm CBs. Conclusions: MDCT can provide PV anatomy accurate evaluation prior CB ablation. PV anatomy is associated with cryo kinetics during ablation.

ABSTRACT To demonstrate the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in yaks (Bos grunniens), we characterized the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) mRNA and protein. The level of GnRHR mRNA in the hypothalamus was higher than that in the pineal gland, pituitary gland, and ovary during estrus. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that GnRHR was expressed in the pinealocyte, synaptic ribbon, and synaptic spherules of the pineal gland and that melatonin interacts with GnRHR via nerve fibers. In the hypothalamus, GnRHR was expressed in the magnocellular neurons and parvocellular neurons. In the pituitary gland, GnRHR was expressed in acidophilic cells and basophilic cells. In the ovary, GnRHR was present in the ovarian follicle and Leydig cells. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor is located in the pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonad during estrus of yaks and is mainly expressed in the hypothalamus and ovaries during the estrus period.

OBJECTIVES: No studies have compared monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screws with regard to the von Mises stress of the instrumentation, intradiscal pressures of the adjacent segment and adjacent segment degeneration. METHODS: Short-segment monoaxial/polyaxial pedicle screw fixation techniques were compared using finite element methods, and the redistributed T11-L1 segment range of motion, largest maximal von Mises stress of the instrumentation, and intradiscal pressures of the adjacent segment under displacement loading were evaluated. Radiographic results of 230 patients with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures treated with these fixations were reviewed, and the sagittal Cobb’s angle, vertebral body angle, anterior vertebral body height of the fractured vertebrae and adjacent segment degeneration were calculated and evaluated. RESULTS: The largest maximal values of the von Mises stress were 376.8 MPa for the pedicle screws in the short-segment monoaxial pedicle screw fixation model and 439.9 MPa for the rods in the intermediate monoaxial pedicle screw fixation model. The maximal intradiscal pressures of the upper adjacent segments were all greater than those of the lower adjacent segments. The maximal intradiscal pressures of the monoaxial pedicle screw fixation model were larger than those in the corresponding segments of the normal model. The radiographic results at the final follow-up evaluation showed that the mean loss of correction of the sagittal Cobb’s angle, vertebral body angle and anterior vertebral body height were smallest in the intermediate monoaxial pedicle screw fixation group. Adjacent segment degeneration was less likely to be observed in the intermediate polyaxial pedicle screw fixation group but more likely to be observed in the intermediate monoaxial pedicle screw fixation group. CONCLUSION: Smaller von Mises stress in the pedicle screws and lower intradiscal pressure in the adjacent segment were observed in the polyaxial screw model than in the monoaxial pedicle screw fixation spine models. Fracture-level fixation could significantly correct kyphosis and reduce correction loss, and adjacent segment degeneration was less likely to be observed in the intermediate polyaxial pedicle screw fixation group.

ABSTRACT Allelopathic suppression of the growth of co-occurring plant species in invaded ecosystems is an important factor in some plant invasions. This study uses leaf extracts of the invasive plant species Conyza canadensis to determine its allelopathic effects along a latitudinal gradient, and under different cover classes and degrees of invasion, on seed germination and growth of Lactuca sativa, a sensitive bioindicator of allelochemicals. The allelopathic effects of C. canadensis on seedling height, root length, seedling biomass, germination percentage, germination potential, germination index, germination rate index, and vigor index of L. sativa increased significantly with increasing latitude. A possible explanation is that the leaves of plants growing in high latitudes secrete a higher concentration of allelochemicals than do leaves of plants growing in low latitudes. The allelopathic effects of C. canadensis on seedling height, seedling biomass, germination potential, germination index, germination rate index, and vigor index of L. sativa decreased with increasing degree of invasion. The more intense allelopathic effects of C. canadensis at lower degrees of invasion may enable it to establish populations in ecosystems by inhibiting the seed germination and growth of co-occurring species.