Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment. microRNA-146a is known to regulate inflammatory responses, and excessive inflammation is a primary characteristic of MPP. Methods Children with MPP received conventional symptomatic therapy along with intravenous administration of azithromycin for one week. Serum levels of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA kits, respectively. The correlation between microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was analyzed by the Pearson method. Pulmonary function indexes were assessed using a pulmonary function analyzer, and their correlation with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors after treatment was evaluated. Children with MPP were divided into effective and ineffective treatment groups, and the clinical significance of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results Serum microRNA-146a was downregulated in children with MPP but upregulated after azithromycin treatment, contrasting with the trend observed for pro-inflammatory factors. MicroRNA-146a showed a negative correlation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pulmonary function parameters were initially reduced in children with MPP, but increased after treatment, showing positive/inverse associations with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors. Higher microRNA-146a and lower pro-inflammatory factors predicted better efficacy of azithromycin treatment. MicroRNA-146a, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) were identified as independent factors influencing treatment efficacy. Conclusion Azithromycin treatment in children with MPP upregulates microRNA-146a, downregulates pro-inflammatory factors, and effectively improves pulmonary function.

Abstract Background Fibrous scars frequently form at the sites of bone nonunion when attempts to repair bone fractures have failed. However, the detailed mechanism by which fibroblasts, which are the main components of fibrous scars, impede osteogenesis remains largely unknown. Results In this study, we found that fibroblasts compete with osteogenesis in both human bone nonunion tissues and BMP2-induced ectopic osteogenesis in a mouse model. Fibroblasts could inhibit the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via direct and indirect cell competition. During this process, fibroblasts modulated the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs. Knocking down YAP could inhibit osteoblast differentiation of MSCs, while overexpression of nuclear-localized YAP-5SA could reverse the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation of MSCs caused by fibroblasts. Furthermore, fibroblasts secreted DKK1, which further inhibited the formation of calcium nodules during the late stage of osteogenesis but did not affect the early stage of osteogenesis. Thus, fibroblasts could inhibit osteogenesis by regulating YAP localization in MSCs and secreting DKK1. Conclusions Our research revealed that fibroblasts could modulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs, thereby inhibiting their osteoblast differentiation. Fibroblasts could also secrete DKK1, which inhibited calcium nodule formation at the late stage of osteogenesis. failed However unknown study BMP2induced BMPinduced BMP2 induced BMP model (MSCs competition process nuclearcytoplasmic nuclear cytoplasmic nuclearlocalized localized YAP5SA YAPSA 5SA SA Furthermore DKK1 DKK Thus

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation on jaundice in premature infants undergoing phototherapy. Methods In this article, the authors reviewed 100 hospitalized jaundiced premature infants under 35 weeks of gestational age. All infants were assigned to a control group (n= 45) and a treatment group (n= 55) randomly. The infants in the treatment group received S. boulardii supplementation by undergoing phototherapy and the infants in the control group were only treated by phototherapy. The total serum bilirubin levels were detected before and at the end of phototherapy, and transcutaneous bilirubin levels were measured on the 1st, 4th, 8th and 15th day of treatment. The duration of jaundice resolution and phototherapy, stool frequency, and characteristics were compared after phototherapy. Results The duration of jaundice resolution and phototherapy were shortened. Total serum bilirubin level was lower than the control group at the end of phototherapy (p < 0.05). Transcutaneous bilirubin levels decreased more significantly on the 8th and 15th day of treatment (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences on the post-treatment 1st and 4th day (p > 0.05). In addition, bowel movements including stool frequency and Bristol Stool Form Scale ratings of stools also improved after treatment. Conclusions S. boulardii in combination with phototherapy is effective and safe in reducing bilirubin levels and duration of phototherapy, accelerating jaundice resolution in premature infants with jaundice. The procedure also provided an ideal therapeutic effect of diarrhea induced by phototherapy to promote compliance and maternal-infant bonding.

Abstract Introduction: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease in which there is excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes due to hepatoprotective factors. Objectives: to assess the association of the triglyceride-glucose index with the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and mortality in elderly inpatients. To identify the TyG index as a predictive factor of NAFLD. Methods: this prospective observational study included elderly inpatients admitted to the Department of Endocrinology at the Linyi Geriatrics Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong Medical College, between August 2020 and April 2021. The TyG index was calculated according to an established formula: TyG = Ln [triglycerides (TG) (mg/dl) × Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dl) / 2]. Result: a total of 264 patients were enrolled, with 52 (19.7 %) cases occurred NAFLD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TyG (OR = 3.889; 95 % CI: 1.134-11.420; p = 0.014) and ALT (OR = 1.064; 95 % CI: 1.012-1.118; p = 0.015) were independently associated with the occurrence of NAFLD. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of TyG was 0.727, with sensitivity = 80.4 % and specificity = 57.8 % at cut off = 8.71. A Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that, after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes TyG > 8.71 (HR = 3.191; 95 % CI: 1.347 to 7.560; p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for mortality in the elderly. Conclusions: the TyG index can predict non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and mortality in elderly Chinese inpatients.

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA) es una enfermedad en la que una cantidad excesiva de grasa se acumula en los hepatocitos debido a factores hepatoprotectores. Objetivos: evaluar la asociación entre el índice glucemia-triglicéridos con la presencia de hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA) y mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados de avanzada edad. Identificar el índice TyG como factor predictivo de la EHGNA. Métodos: este estudio observacional y prospectivo incluyó a pacientes de avanzada edad hospitalizados en el Departamento de Endocrinología del Hospital de Geriatría de Linyi, Afiliado al Colegio Médico de Shandong, entre agosto de 2020 y abril de 2021. El índice TyG se calculó según una fórmula establecida: TyG = Ln [triglicéridos (TG) (mg/dl) × Glucosa en sangre en ayunas (FPG) (mg/dl) / 2]. Resultado: se incluyeron 264 pacientes, con 52 (19,7 %) casos de EHGNA. El análisis de regresión logística multivariante mostró que el TyG (razón de momios (OR) = 3,889; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,134-11,420; p = 0,014) y ALT (razón de momios (OR) = 1,064; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,012-1,118; p = 0,015) se asociaban de forma independiente con la aparición de EHGNA. Además, el análisis de la curva de características operativas del receptor (ROC) mostró que el área bajo la curva (AUC) de TyG era de 0,727, con una sensibilidad del 80,4 % y una especificidad del 57,8 % en el punto de corte de 8,71. El modelo de regresión de riesgos proporcionales de Cox mostró que, tras ajustar por edad, sexo, tabaquismo, consumo de alcohol, hipertensión y diabetes tipo 2, un TyG > 8,71 (HR = 3,191; intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 1,347 a 7,560; p < 0,001) era un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad para los paciente de edad avanzada. Conclusiones: el índice TyG puede predecir la enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico y la mortalidad en pacientes chinos hospitalizados de avanzada edad.

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain typically refers to the pain caused by somatosensory system injury or diseases, which is usually characterized by ambulatory pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. Nitric oxide produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the spinal dorsal cord might serve a predominant role in regulating the algesia of neuropathic pain. The high efficacy and safety, as well as the plausible ability in providing comfort, entitle dexmedetomidine (DEX) to an effective anesthetic adjuvant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DEX on the expression of nNOS in spinal dorsal cord in a rat model with chronic neuropathic pain. Methods Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into three groups: sham operation group (sham), (of the sciatic nerve) operation (CCI) group, and dexmedetomidine (DEX) group. Chronic neuropathic pain models in the CCI and DEX groups were established by sciatic nerve ligation. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) was measured on day 1 before operation and on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 after operation. Six animals were sacrificed after TWL measurement on day 7, and 14 days after operation, in each group, the L4–6 segment of the spinal cords was extracted for determination of nNOS expression by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the sham group, the TWL threshold was significantly decreased and the expression of nNOS was up-regulated after operation in the CCI and DEX groups. Compared with the CCI grou[, the TWL threshold was significantly increased and the expression of nNOS was significantly down-regulated on day 7 and 14 days after operation in the DEX group. Conclusion Down-regulated nNOS in the spinal dorsal cord is involved in the attenuation of neuropathic pain by DEX.

Resumo Antecedentes A dor neuropática refere-se tipicamente à dor causada por lesões ou doenças do sistema somatossensorial. De modo geral, é caracterizada por dor à ambulação, alodinia e hiperalgesia. O óxido nítrico produzido pela enzima óxido nítrico sintase neuronal (nNOS) na medula espinhal dorsal pode ter um papel predominante na regulação da dor neuropática. A alta eficácia e segurança, bem como a plausível capacidade de proporcionar conforto, faz com que a dexmedetomidina (DEX) seja um adjuvante anestésico eficaz. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da DEX na expressão de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal em um modelo de ratos com dor neuropática crônica. Métodos Ratos Sprague Dawley (SD) machos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo de cirurgia simulada (sham), grupo de cirurgia (do nervo ciático; CCI) e grupo dexmedetomidina (DEX). Os modelos de dor neuropática crônica nos grupos CCI e DEX foram estabelecidos por ligadura do nervo ciático. A latência de retirada térmica (TWL) foi medida no dia 1 antes da cirurgia e nos dias 1, 3, 7 e 14 após o procedimento. Seis animais de cada grupo foram eutanasiados após a medida de TWL nos dias 7 e 14 após a cirurgia e o segmento L4-6 da medula espinhal foi extraído para determinação da expressão de nNOS por imuno-histoquímica. Resultados Em comparação ao grupo sham, o limiar de TWL diminuiu significativamente e a expressão de nNOS foi regulada de maneira positiva após a cirurgia nos grupos CCI e DEX. Comparado ao grupo CCI, o limiar de TWL aumentou de forma significativa e a expressão de nNOS caiu significativamente diminuída nos dia 7 e 14 após a cirurgia no grupo DEX. Conclusão A regulação negativa de nNOS na medula espinhal dorsal está envolvida na atenuação da dor neuropática pela DEX.

Abstract Vincetoxicum mongolicum Maxim. (1876), is a perennial medicinal herb, widely distributed in the Loess Plateau of China. Here, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of V. mongolicum, and compared the highly variable gene regions and phylogenetic positions between V. mongolicum and other related species. Results showed that the complete cp genome of V. mongolicum was 160,157 bp in length, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 91,263 bp, a pair of inverted repeats (IR) region of 23,892 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) region of 21,110 bp. The GC content accounts for 37.8%, and we annotated 131 single genes, which include 86 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. By comparing and analyzing the variable region of the cp gene of V. mongolicum and other Vincetoxicum, we found that the variable sequences of rpoC1-rpoB, ycf4-cemA, ndhF, ndhF-rpl32, and rpl32-ccsA fragments were highly significant, which could be targeted as the DNA barcodes for evidence of V. mongolicum and its relatives in Apocynaceae. Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree analysis elucidated that V. mongolicum was sister to V. pycnostelma with strong support. Our results provide useful information for future phylogenetic studies and plastid super-barcodes of the family Apocynaceae.

Abstract The differences of volatile odorants of rice at different roasting levels were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) using fingerprints combined with principal component analysis (PCA). GC-IMS and PCA could distinguish the different roasting levels of rice and the results showed that a total of 47 representative flavor compounds were detected in four samples from all roasting stages. The aroma components of roasted rice are mainly aldehydes and ketones, furans and pyrroles, as well as a large number of phenols, esters and alcohols, which make up the special aroma flavor of roasted rice. It can be seen that the flavor characteristics of roasted rice can be reflected more fully when the rice is roasted in medium (18 min), and can have more fruit wood, cream and roasted aromas. The PCA based on the signal intensity of the detected volatile compounds revealed effective differentiation of samples from different stages into comparatively independent spaces. Thus, the differences of volatile compounds from different roasting stages of rice were determined, and the flavor fingerprints of that can be successfully established using HS-GC-IMS and PCA.

Abstract The current developmental trend is to evaluate the quality of Yongchuan Xiuya tea rapidly. After spectrum pre-processing, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with synergy interval partial least squares (siPLS), principal component analysis (PCA) and back propagation-artificial neural network (BP-ANN) was applied to rapidly and non-destructively predict the quality of Yongchuan Xiuya tea. External Yongchuan Xiuya tea samples were used for the actual application of the proposed model. The best pre-processing method was multiple scattering correction coupled with second derivative, and the characteristic spectral regions selected by siPLS were 4381.5-4755.6 cm-1, 4759.5-5133.6 cm-1, 6266.6-6637.8 cm-1 and 7389.9-7760.2 cm-1. The cumulative contribution rate was 99.05% for the first three principal components of the characteristic spectra regions. The transfer function, root mean square error and determinant coefficient of the best BP-ANN prediction model were the tanh function, 0.384 and 0.977, respectively. The root mean square error and determinant coefficient of the external 10 Yongchuan Xiuya tea samples were 0.406 and 0.969, respectively. These results showed that NIRS combined with BP-ANN algorithm can be used to evaluate the quality of Yongchuan Xiuya tea rapidly and accurately.

Abstract Palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7, POA), a 16-carbon ω-7 monounsaturated functional fatty acid, has been demonstrated a variety of beneficial properties to human health and a wide range of applications in nutrition, medical and chemical industries. Lipozyme® RM IM (Rhizomucor Miehei lipase), a Sn-1,3 specific lipase, was used to catalyze the hydrolysis of seabuckthorn fruit oil and produce monoglycates rich in palmitoleic acid. The fruit oil of seabuckthorn was used as the research object, the dosage of enzyme taking 10% wt.% oil, the influence of water/oil ratio, pH value and reaction temperature to hydrolysis rate were investigated, and then the response surface methodology was applied for optimizing the process conditions. Further, the relationship between the hydrolysis rate and the content of monoacylglycerol was studied under the optimal hydrolysis conditions. The result indicated that the optimal combined condition is as follows: the reaction temperature is 55°C, the pH is 7, the water-oil quality ratio is 1:1. The hydrolysis rate achieved 79.59% within 12 h in the condition above. Under the optimal conditions, the hydrolysis rate was positively correlated with the content of monoester, and the correlation coefficient was 0.999 within the first 10 h of the reaction. The hydrolysis rate was 66.76% at 10 h, and the content of monoglyceride reached the highest of 61.11%. Hereafter, the hydrolysis of monoglyceride began if the reaction continued. The content of palmitoleic acid increased from 27.11% to 40.84%, and that of linoleic acid increased from 4.51% to 33.34%, so the total amount of the two functional fatty acids reached 74.18%. Enzymatic hydrolysis can be an effective way to improve the function of seabuckthorn fruit oil.

As an important component of solid tumors, mast cells show specific phenotypes in various tumor microenvironments. However, the precise mechanism of mast cell accumulation and the phenotypic features of thyroid cancer (TC) remain largely unknown. Here, we found that mast cells were obviously recruited to tumor tissue by TC-derived stem cell factor (SCF). With tumor progression, mast cell levels increased gradually. In addition, intratumoral mast cells expressed higher levels of the immunosuppressive molecule galectin-9, which effectively suppresses CD8+ T-cell antitumor immunity in vitro. Blocking galectin-9 on tumor-infiltrating mast cells reversed the immunosuppression of CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, our data elucidated novel protumorigenic and immunosuppressive roles of mast cells in TC. In addition, our results indicated that blocking mast cells may impede tumor progression and ameliorate the prognosis of TC patients.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower body perfusion (LBP) is a technique used to provide blood perfusion to distal organs and spinal cord during circulatory arrest. However, the effect of LBP on the prognosis of aortic arch surgery, especially on postoperative renal function, remains unclear. Methods: A total of 304 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation between May 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into LBP group (group L, n=85) and non-LBP group (group NL, n=219). Routine lower body circulatory arrest was applied during operation in group NL, and antegrade LBP combined was applied during operation in group L. Perioperative data were recorded. Propensity score matching was used for statistical analysis. Results: After propensity score matching, 85 pairs of patients were successfully matched. Two groups significantly differed in circulatory arrest time (six minutes vs. 30 minutes, P=0.000), cross-clamping time (101 minutes vs. 92 minutes, P=0.010), minimum nasopharyngeal temperature (29.4ºC vs. 27.2ºC, P=0.000), and highest lactate value during cardiopulmonary bypass (2.3 μmol/L vs. 4.1 μmol/L, P=0.000). Considering the postoperative indicators, the drainage volume (450 mL vs. 775 mL, P=0.000) and the incidence of level I acute kidney injury (23.5% vs. 32%, P=0.046) in group L was lower than those in group NL. Conclusion: LBP resulted as a safe and feasible approach in aortic arch surgery, as it could significantly shorten the circulatory arrest time, which might reduce the incidence of postoperative level I acute kidney injury.

Abstract This work studied the effects of different time and temperature combinations [100 °C for 50 min (T1), 110 °C for 50 min (T2), 118 °C for 50 min (T3) and 121 °C for 30 min (T4)] of sterilization on the sensory quality and lipid oxidation of Dezhou braised chicken. Compared to T1, T3 and T4 groups, the T2 group had the highest colour and lower hardness. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the electronic-tongue results showed that there were distinct differences in taste between the treatment groups. Free amino acids (FAA) analysis showed that the T2 group had the highest amino acid contents. In summary, the T2 might be a more reasonable sterilization condition for Dezhou braised chicken, due to its positive effects on maintaining sensory quality. The results of this study could guide Dezhou braised chicken industry to produce better quality products.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower body perfusion (LBP) is a technique used to provide blood perfusion to distal organs and spinal cord during circulatory arrest. However, the effect of LBP on the prognosis of aortic arch surgery, especially on postoperative renal function, remains unclear. Methods: A total of 304 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation between May 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into LBP group (group L, n=85) and non-LBP group (group NL, n=219). Routine lower body circulatory arrest was applied during operation in group NL, and antegrade LBP combined was applied during operation in group L. Perioperative data were recorded. Propensity score matching was used for statistical analysis. Results: After propensity score matching, 85 pairs of patients were successfully matched. Two groups significantly differed in circulatory arrest time (six minutes vs. 30 minutes, P=0.000), cross-clamping time (101 minutes vs. 92 minutes, P=0.010), minimum nasopharyngeal temperature (29.4ºC vs. 27.2ºC, P=0.000), and highest lactate value during cardiopulmonary bypass (2.3 μmol/L vs. 4.1 μmol/L, P=0.000). Considering the postoperative indicators, the drainage volume (450 mL vs. 775 mL, P=0.000) and the incidence of level I acute kidney injury (23.5% vs. 32%, P=0.046) in group L was lower than those in group NL. Conclusion: LBP resulted as a safe and feasible approach in aortic arch surgery, as it could significantly shorten the circulatory arrest time, which might reduce the incidence of postoperative level I acute kidney injury.

Abstract Objectives: The incidence of cerebellar Glioblastoma Multiforme (cGBM) is rare. Database like TCGA have not distinguish cGBM from GBM, our knowledge on cGBM gene expression characteristics is limited. The expression status of Oligodendrocyte Lineage Transcription factor 2 (OLIG2) and its clinical significance in cGBM is still unclear. Methods: The clinical data and tissue specimens of 73 cGBM patients were retrospectively studied. The association between OLIG2 expression level and the demographic characteristics of cGBM patients was identified by the Chi-Square test. The survival curves were drawn by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The independent prognostic factors was calculated according to Cox regression analysis. Results: The OLIG2 high expression was observed in about 57.5% (42/73) of the cGBM patients. Patients with high OLIG2 expression levels had a higher alive ratio at the end of follow-up (alive ratio: 70.6% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.04). The median survival time was 21 months and 13 months for high and low expression of OLIG2 (p < 0 .05). Univariate analysis and Multivariate analysis indicated that EOR (HR = 3.89, 95% CI 1.23−12.26, p = 0.02), low OLIG2 expression (HR = 5.26, 95% CI 1.13−24.59, p = 0.04), and without adjuvant therapy (HR = 4.95, 95% CI 1.22−20.00, p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for the OS of cGBM patients. Conclusion: High expression level of OLIG2 could be used as an independent favorable prognosis indicator in cGBM patients and be recognized as a characteristic biomarker of cGBM.

Objective: Mortality rate is a general indicator which can be used to measure care and management of schizophrenia. This cohort study evaluated the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of all-cause mortality and life-years lost (LYLs) in patients with schizophrenia under a community care program in China. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Community Care Program System for Severe Mental Disorders. A total of 99,214 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were enrolled before December 2014 and followed between 2015 and 2019. A total of 9,483 patients died. Crude mortality rates (CMRs) and SMRs were then stratified by natural vs. unnatural causes, and major groups of death were standardized according to the 2010 National Population SMRs. The corresponding LYLs at birth were also calculated by gender and age. Results: The SMRs of patients with schizophrenia were significantly elevated during the study period, with an overall SMR of 4.98 (95%CI 2.67-7.32). Neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, external injuries, and poisonings were the most significant causes of death among patients with schizophrenia compared to the general population. The mean LYLs of patients with schizophrenia were 15.28 (95%CI 13.26-17.30). Males with schizophrenia lost 15.82 life-years (95%CI 13.48-18.16), and females lost 14.59 life-years (95%CI 13.12-16.06). Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia under community care had a high mortality rate in our study, even though mental health services have been integrated into the general healthcare system in China to narrow treatment gaps in mental health for > 10 years. In terms of mortality outcome indicators, effective and quality mental health services still have a long way to go. The current study demonstrates the potential for improved prevention and treatment of individuals with schizophrenia under community care.