Based on whole-genome identification of the TPS gene family in Perilla frutescens and screening, cloning, bioinformatics, and expression analysis of the synthetic enzyme for the insect-resistant component germacrene D, this study lays the foundation for understanding the biological function of the TPS gene family and the insect resistance mechanism in P. frutescens. This study used bioinformatics tools to identify the TPS gene family of P. frutescens based on its whole genome and predicted the physicochemical properties, systematic classification, and promoter cis-elements of the proteins. The relative content of germacrene D was detected in both normal and insect-infested leaves of P. frutescens, and the germacrene D synthase was screened and isolated. Gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and expression profiling were then performed. The results showed that a total of 99 TPS genes were identified in the genome, which were classified into the TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that the TPS in P. frutescens has conserved structural characteristics within the same subfamily. Promoter cis-element analysis predicted the presence of light-responsive elements, multiple hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the TPS family of P. frutescens. Transcriptome data revealed that most of the TPS genes in P. frutescens were highly expressed in the leaves. GC-MS analysis showed that the relative content of germacrene D significantly increased in insect-damaged leaves, suggesting that it may act as an insect-resistant component. The germacrene D synthase gene was screened through homologous protein binding gene expression and was found to belong to the TPS-a subfamily, encoding a 64.89 kDa protein. This protein was hydrophilic, lacked a transmembrane structure and signal peptide, and was predominantly expressed in leaves, with significantly higher expression in insect-damaged leaves compared to normal leaves. In vitro expression results showed that germacrene D synthase tended to form inclusion bodies. Molecular docking showed that farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) fell into the active pocket of the protein and interacted strongly with six active sites. This study provides a foundation for further research on the biological functions of the TPS gene family in P. frutescens and the molecular mechanisms underlying its insect resistance.
Perilla frutescens/chemistry* ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Multigene Family ; Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/metabolism* ; Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval, we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with different testicular volumes (TVs) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles. Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%. FSH levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was <5 ml (first quartile [Q1: TV <3 ml]: 43.32 [17.92] IU l -1 vs 32.95 [18.56] IU l -1 , P = 0.048; second quartile [Q2: 3 ml ≤ TV <5 ml]: 31.31 [15.37] IU l -1 vs 25.59 [18.40] IU l -1 , P = 0.042). Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were <5 ml (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11; P = 0.011). In men with TVs ≥5 ml, larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval (adjusted OR: 0.84 per 1 ml increase; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98; P = 0.029). In conclusion, elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs <5 ml. In men with TV ≥5 ml, increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/surgery* ; Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data* ; Adult ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Retrospective Studies ; Testis/pathology* ; Microdissection ; Organ Size

This study investigated the specific immune response of BALB/c mice that was induced by a circular RNA (circRNA) vaccine expressing the herpes simplex virus type II (HSV-2) glycoprotein D (gD). The aim was to evaluate the immunological potential of this vaccine and lay a foundation for developing an mRNA vaccine against HSV-2. PCR and homologous recombination were employed to integrate the gD gene obtained from the pT7AMP-gD ectodomain plasmid into pUC57 to generate the recombinant plasmid pUC57-circ-gD, which was then sequenced and characterized. In vitro transcription and cyclization were performed on the template DNA to generate pUC57-circ-gD mRNA. To validate the formation of circular RNA, we cleaved the pUC57-circ-gD mRNA with RNase R and employed RT-PCR to validate the cyclization. The pUC57-circ-gD mRNA was then transfected into 293T cells. After 72 h, the cell supernatant was collected, and Western blotting was employed to measure the protein level of gD. Subsequently, the mRNA was encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) by microfluidic encapsulation. BALB/c mice were administrated with the encapsulated mRNA, and blood was collected from the fundus venous plexus after 21 and 35 days, and from the enucleated eyeballs after 49 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the titers of antibodies, including virus-neutralizing antibodies. After 49 days, spleens were harvested and assessed for secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunospot. The results showed successful construction and sequencing of the recombinant plasmid. RNase R digestion confirmed the presence of circular RNAs. Western blotting of the 293T cells transfected with the mRNA showed clear specific bands. The quality of the vaccine was tested by size exclusion chromatography-high performance liquid chromatography, which showed that the purity of the vaccine was about 90%. The mRNA-LNP showcased the particle size of 82.76 nm and an encapsulation rate of approximately 98%. Following three-dose vaccination, all immunized mice exhibited steady weight gain with 100% survival rate throughout the 28-day observation period, indicating no significant acute toxicity associated with the vaccine formulation. The immunized mice showed dose-dependent increases in serum IgG antibody titer and IFN-γ secretion by splenocytes and they were resistant to virus attacks. These findings indicate good immunogenicity and persistence of the pUC57-circ-gD mRNA vaccine, providing a reference for further studies on circRNA vaccines.
Animals ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; RNA, Circular ; Mice ; Humans ; Herpesvirus 2, Human/genetics* ; Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics* ; Antibodies, Viral/blood* ; HEK293 Cells ; Female ; Nanoparticles ; Plasmids

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of metal supported multi-sided versus ordinary ultra-fine drainage tube in the uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lower pulmonary lobectomy. Methods From January 2021 to June 2022, the clinical data of patients who underwent uniportal VATS lower lobectomy in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different types of ultra-fine drainage tubes used in the surgery, the patients were divided into an experimental group (using multi-sided hole 10F ultra-fine drainage tubes with metal support) and a control group (using ordinary 12F ultra-fine drainage tubes). The clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 190 patients were enrolled, including 108 males and 82 females. There were 90 patients in the experimental group aged 56.60±10.14 years; and 100 patients in the control group aged 57.07±11.04 years. The incidences of postoperative lung infection and pleural effusion in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The postoperative visual analogue scale score, the need to adjust the chest drainage tube after the surgery, the need for chest puncture after the surgery, the time of postoperative chest tube removal, and the hospitalization cost were statistically different (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay or the incidences of postoperative lung leakage, arrhythmia, and atelectasis complications (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with the ordinary ultra-fine drainage tubes, multi-sided hole ultra-fine drainage tubes with metal support can reduce the incidences of lung infection and pleural effusion complications after the uniportal VATS lower lobectomy, reduce the pain and economic burden, which can be applied in the uniportal VATS lower lobectomy.

Objective To evaluate the value of miniprobe endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)in guiding endoscopic treatment of small-diameter(maximum diameter less than 1 cm)and low-grade(G1 grade)rectum neuroendocrine neoplasm(R-NEN),and to provide evidence and clues for its clinical application and further research.Methods The clinical data of 85 cases of low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN with a maximum diameter of less than 1 cm who underwent endoscopic treatment in our center from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the EUS group(37 cases)and control group(48 cases)according to whether EUS was performed before endoscopic treatment.The positive rate of incision margin,the incidence of complications,the recurrence rate,the hospital stay,the cost of hospitalization and endoscopic therapy were compared between the two groups.Results The positive rate of incision margin in the EUS group was significantly lower than that in control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications,tumor recurrence rate,hospital stay or hospital costs between the two groups(P>0.05).There was statistically significant difference in the endoscopic therapy between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Evaluating the lesion depth of small-diameter and low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN before surgery by miniprobe EUS and selecting endoscopic surgery according to its results of can significantly reduce the residual risk of resection margin tumors.

Gallbladder carcinoma,a relatively rare malignancy within the biliary tract,presents a grave prognosis primarily due to asymptomatic early stages leading to advanced stage diagnosis and the absence of efficacious treatment options.Research has identified chronic inflammation,predom-inantly caused by gallstones,as a critical etiological factor.While surgical intervention offers potential curative outcomes in early stages,the majority of cases are identified too late for optimal surgical outcomes.Chemotherapy and targeted therapy,despite offering new therapeutic avenues,have not significantly improved overall survival rates.Thus,understanding the pathogenesis of gallbladder cancer,especially its association with key genetic and molecular pathways,is imperative for devising novel therapeutic strategies.This review delineates the epidemiology,pathogenesis,current treat-ment modalities,and research advancements in gallbladder cancer,aiming to provide innovative in-sights for clinical management and guide future research endeavors.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of acetaminophen combined with ketorolac tromethamine in pain management early after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC).Methods Ninety patients with LC under general anesthesia,42 males and 48 females,aged 18-78 years,BMI 18-28 kg/m2,ASA physical statusⅠorⅡ,were selected and randomly divided into two groups by random num-ber table method:the acetaminophen combined with ketorolac tromethamine group(group AK)and the nal-buphine group(group NA),45 patients in each group.Group AK received 500 mg(diluted to 50 ml)of acetaminophen injection and 30 mg of ketorolac tromethamine(diluted to 10 ml)injection pumped 15 mi-nutes before induction of anesthesia,and group NA received 50 ml of NS injection and 0.2 mg/kg of nalbu-phine(diluted to 10 ml)injection pumped at the same time.Postoperative pain was recorded 0.5,3,6,12,and 24 hours after surgery using VAS pain scores(the non-inferiority boundary Δ = 1.0 score).The sleep quality score on the night of surgery,the number of remedial analgesia cases within 24 hours after sur-gery,the Ramsay sedation score 0.5,3,and 6 hours after surgery,the occurrence of adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting within 24 hours after surgery,and the overall satisfaction of patients were recorded.Results Compared with group NA,the VAS pain scores 0.5 hour after surgery was reduced in group AK(P＜0.05).The sleep quality score and overall satisfaction in group AK were significantly higher than those in group NA(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the rate of remedial analgesia,the score of Ramsay sedation at different time points and the incidence of nausea and vomiting within 24 hours after surgery between the two groups.Conclusion Acetaminophen combined with ketorolac tromethamine is not less effective than nalbuphine in relieving early postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy without increasing the incidence of nausea and vomiting.Patients receiving acetaminophen combined with ketorolac tromethamine have higher sleep quality scores on the night of surgery and overall satisfaction.

Objective To investigate the expression of pepsin in vocal cord polyps and vocal cord cancer,and to compare the difference of pepsin expression.Methods From May 2020 to December 2021,27 patients with vocal cord polyp,27 patients with vocal cord cancer and 23 healthy volunteers were selected.RSI and RFS scoring scales were used for scoring,pepsin detection kit was used for saliva pepsin detection,and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of pepsin in vocal cord tissues of patients with vocal cord polyps and vocal cord cancer.Results The RSI score,RFS score and pepsin test kit results of vocal cord polyp group and vocal cord canc-er group were higher than those of non-vocal cord disease group,and the differences of the three indexes were statis-tically significant(P＜0.05).RSI score,pepsin detection kit results and pepsin immunohistochemistry results of vocal cord polyp group showed no significant difference compared with vocal cord cancer group(P＞0.05).The RFS score of vocal cord polyp group was significantly different from that of vocal cord cancer group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Pepsin may be an important pathogenic factor of vocal cord polyp and vocal cord cancer,and play an im-portant role in the occurrence of these two diseases.The difference of pepsin expression in vocal cord polyp and vo-cal cord cancer suggests that pepsin may have different pathogenesis.

The human oral microbiome harbors one of the most diverse microbial communities in the human body,playing critical roles in oral and systemic health.Recent technological innovations are propelling the characterization and manipulation of oral microbiota.High-throughput sequencing enables comprehensive taxonomic and functional profiling of oral microbiomes.New long-read platforms improve genome assembly from complex samples.Single-cell genomics provides insights into uncultured taxa.Advanced imaging modalities including fluorescence,mass spectrometry,and Raman spectroscopy have enabled the visualization of the spatial organization and interactions of oral microbes with increasing resolution.Fluorescence techniques link phylogenetic identity with localization.Mass spectrometry imaging reveals metabolic niches and activities while Raman spectroscopy generates rapid biomolecular fingerprints for classification.Culturomics facilitates the isolation and cultivation of novel fastidious oral taxa using high-throughput approaches.Ongoing integration of these technologies holds the promise of transforming our understanding of oral microbiome assembly,gene expression,metabolites,microenvironments,virulence mechanisms,and microbe-host interfaces in the context of health and disease.However,significant knowledge gaps persist regarding community origins,developmental trajectories,homeostasis versus dysbiosis triggers,functional biomarkers,and strategies to deliberately reshape the oral microbiome for therapeutic benefit.The convergence of sequencing,imaging,cultureomics,synthetic systems,and biomimetic models will provide unprecedented insights into the oral microbiome and offer opportunities to predict,prevent,diagnose,and treat associated oral diseases.