Objective To explore the effects of under-expression of large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) on activation of Hippo signaling pathway and differentiation, proliferation, migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) of micein vitro.Methods mMSCs of C57BL/6 mice were divided into normal control (MSC) group, empty vector control (MSC-GFP) group, LATS1-over-expressing (MSC-LATS1) group, empty vector without LATS1 shRNA control (MSC-shControl) group and LATS1-under-expressing (MSC-shLATS1) group. Lentiviral vectors with activated,inactivated LATS1 (the key molecule of Hippo signaling pathway) modifications and empty vectors were constructed and were used to infect mMSCsin vitro. The transduction efficiencies mediated by the lentiviral vectors were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of LATS1 was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the protein expressions of LATS1, YAP (p-YAP), 14-3-3 were quantified by Western Blot to evaluate the activation of Hippo signaling pathway. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mMSCs were evaluated through measurement of Runx2, OSX and C/EBPα, PPAR-γ mRNA by qRT-PCR, as well as Alizarin Red S and Oil red O staining. Proliferation of mMSCs was evaluated using methy thiazdyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The scratch test and Transwell chamber test were used to analyze the horizontal and vertical migration ability of mMSCs.Results The transduction efficiencies mediated by the lentiviral vectors were 94.74%-96.10%. Compared with MSC-GFP group, the activation of Hippo signaling pathway was promoted in MSC-LATS1 group [LATS1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 4.37±0.21 vs. 1.20±0.04, LATS1 protein (gray value): 2.21±0.06 vs. 1.09±0.10, p-YAP/YAP protein (gray value): 1.51±0.13 vs. 0.98±0.05, 14-3-3 protein (gray value): 1.92±0.18 vs. 1.10±0.09, allP < 0.05], osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mMSCs were decreased in MSC-LATS1 group [mineralization (A value):0.13±0.02 vs. 0.40±0.03, Runx2 mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 0.51±0.02 vs. 0.98±0.09, OSX mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 0.41±0.04 vs. 1.04±0.09, lipid accumulation (A value): 0.10±0.02 vs. 0.25±0.03, C/EBPα mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 0.33±0.03 vs. 1.11±0.09, PPAR-γ mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 0.29±0.02 vs. 1.04±0.10, allP < 0.05], the proliferation rate of mMSCs at 4-7 days was decreased in MSC-LATS1 group and so were the horizontal and vertical migration of mMSCs [wound healing rate: (18.65±3.53)% vs. (40.29±1.87)%, migrated cells (cells/MP): 35.99±6.18 vs. 103.67±17.77, bothP <0.05]. Compared with MSC-shControl group, the activation of Hippo signaling pathway was inhibited in MSC-shLATS1 group [LATS1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 0.16±0.01 vs. 0.98±0.03, LATS1 protein (gray value): 0.38±0.03 vs. 1.04±0.07, p-YAP/YAP protein (gray value): 0.58±0.04 vs. 1.05±0.06, 14-3-3 protein (gray value): 0.14±0.02 vs. 1.02±0.09, allP < 0.05], osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mMSCs were increased in MSC-shLATS1 group [mineralization (A value): 0.93±0.13 vs. 0.44±0.05, Runx2 mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 1.44±0.12 vs. 0.95±0.04, OSX mRNA (2-ΔΔCT):1.67±0.06 vs. 1.10±0.11, lipid accumulation (A value): 0.47±0.06 vs. 0.28±0.04, C/EBPα mRNA (2-ΔΔCT):3.98±0.61 vs. 0.99±0.10, PPAR-γ mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 3.05±0.36 vs. 0.98±0.14, allP < 0.05], the proliferation rate of mMSCs at 3-7 days was increased in MSC-shLATS1 group and so were the horizontal and vertical migration of mMSCs [wound healing rate: (80.18±6.98)% vs. (46.18±1.01)%, migrated cells (cells/MP): 212.69±41.21 vs. 115.87±35.15, bothP < 0.05].Conclusions Under-expression of LATS1 promotes the differentiation, proliferation, migration of mMSCs by inhibition of Hippo signaling pathwayin vitro.

Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of implantation of umbilical blood mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)on rats with cerebral infarction. Methods Umbilical blood MSCs were cultured in vivo,flow cytometry was ap-plied to test cytometric immunophenotype, and model of rat cerebral infarction was made by suture method; 120 rats were randomly assigned to MSCs implantation group and control group; rats' neurological function was evaluated;western-blot was applied to test the expression of GFAP protein. Fluorescence microscope was applied to observe changes of hippocampal formation in rats as well as the distribution of MSCs in rats' brain. Results According to the test of neurological function, the score of neurological function in the experiment group was reduced, and the score in the control group was improved. The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Expression of GFAP in MSCs im-plantation group was increased with a peak in the 7th day,while no significant changes in the control group(P<0.05). According to the observation of immunofluorescence microscopy, the distribution of MSCs in rats' brain was good in MSCs implantation group, and the hippocampal formation showed clear layers in the experiment group. Hippocampal structures in the control group were chaotic, and synapses and organelles were dissolved and compromised. Conclu-sion MSCs are able to promote the repair of hippocampal structures after cerebral infarction in rats, strengthen neuro-plasticity and promote the recovery of neurological functions.

Objective To explore the effects of Hippo pathway on differentiation, proliferation, and migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro. Methods BMSCs of C57BL/6 mice were identified using fluorescence-activated cellsorting analysis and the capabilities of osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation were evaluated. The differentiation of BMSCs to typeⅡalveolar epithelial cells (AECⅡ) was induced by indirect co-culture with mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) and small airway epithelial cell growth medium (SAGM). The Hippo pathway was regulated by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and 9E1, the effects of 2-DG and 9E1 on the expression of BMSCs surface proteins (SPB, SPC and SPD) mRNA and pro-SPC protein were detected by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot. The effect of Hippo pathway on differentiation of BMSCs to AECⅡ cells was evaluated. The effect of Hippo pathway on the proliferation of BMSCs was evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay (intervention of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 mmol/L 2-DG). The scratch test and Transwell chamber test were used to analyze the effect of Hippo pathway on migration ability of BMSCs to conditioned medium of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) lung tissue. Results 2-DG could activate Hippo pathway in a dose-dependent manner and promote the differentiation to AECⅡ and proliferation of BMSCs, the maximum effects were observed after 5 mmol/L of 2-DG treatment [SPB mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 2.42±0.28 vs. 1.89±0.11, SPC mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 8.06±0.68 vs. 6.59±0.79, SPD mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 6.45±0.37 vs. 5.27±0.28, pro-SPC/β-actin: 5.80±1.86 vs. 4.93±1.18, proliferation rate:(145.46±18.18)% vs. (98.91±4.36)%, all P < 0.05], but 9E1 could reverse those effects through inhibition of Hippo pathway [SPB mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 1.32±0.17 vs. 1.89±0.11, SPC mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 3.91±0.34 vs. 6.59±0.79, SPD mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 3.38±0.25 vs. 5.27±0.28, pro-SPC/β-actin: 2.48±0.17 vs. 4.93±1.18, proliferation rate: (80.00±7.27)% vs. (98.91±4.36)%, all P < 0.05]. The ability of horizontal migration [wound healing: (27.17±3.53)% vs. (52.45±6.52)%, P < 0.05] and homing BMSCs to conditioned medium of ARDS lung tissue [cell count (fold, relative to control): 2.77±0.21 vs. 1.90±0.19, P < 0.05] were increased after activation of Hippo pathway by 2-DG treatment, but those effects were reversed after inhibition of Hippo pathway by 9E1 treatment [wound healing: (79.89±8.42)% vs. (52.45±6.52)%, cell count (fold, relative to control): 1.69±0.13 vs. 1.90±0.19, both P < 0.05]. Conclusion Activation of Hippo pathway could enhance differentiation of BMSCs to AECⅡ, promote proliferation and ability of horizontal migration and homing BMSCs to conditioned medium of ARDS lung tissue in vitro.

Objective To explore the influence of transcutaneous oximetry on septic shock-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU).Methods Forty-nine patients with septic shock admitted in the ICU of Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were enrolled from January 2013 to December 2015.The 10 min oxygen challenge test was conducted using transcutaneous oximetry just before (0 h) and 6 h after initiation of fluid resuscitation,and 10 min oxygen challenge test data (10 min OCT) at 0 h and 6 h were then calculated,respectively.The enrolled patients were divided into low 10 min OCT group (10 min OCT ＜ 66 mmHg,L group) or high 10 min OCT group (10 min OCT ≥66 mmHg,H group) according to the 10 min OCT value at 6 h.The hemodynamic variables [mean arterial pressure (MAP),central venous pressure (CVP)],oxygen metabolism indexes [central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2),arterial lactate (Lac)],dose of vasoactive agents,10 min OCT at 0 h and 6 h were recorded.APACHE Ⅱ score,incidence and severity of septic shock-associated AKI,frequency of CRRT,ICU mortality and 28 d mortality were compared between groups using SPSS 22.0 software,risk factors associated with prognosis were analyzed using COX regression model.Results There were 27 cases in L group and 22 cases in H group.The MAP,CVP,ScvO2,lactate level and dose of vasoactive agents were comparable between groups at 0 h or 6 h (P ＞ 0.05),while 10 min OCT at 6 h was higher in H group than that inLgroup [(77.6±18.5) mmHgvs.(51.3 ±21.6) mmHg,P＜0.05].The incidence of septic shock-associated AKI (77.8％ vs.50.0％,P ＜ 0.05),proportion of phase 3 AKI (44.4％vs.22.7％,P ＜0.05) and frequency of CRRT (48.1％ vs.22.7％,P ＜0.05) was higher in L group than those in H group,and similarly were the ICU mortality (51.8％ vs.22.7％,P ＜0.05) and 28 d mortality (63.0％ vs.31.8％,P ＜ 0.05).Therefore,the 6 h 10 min OCT ≥66 mmHg was a protective factor to improve the ICU mortality (RR =0.01,95％ CI:0.001-0.39,P ＜ 0.05) and 28 d mortality (RR =0.01,95％CI:0.001-0.27,P＜0.05) in patients with septic shock-associated AKI.Conclusions 10 min OCT imposes substantial influence on the incidence,severity and prognosis of patients with septic shockassociated AKI,oxygen challenge test could improve the treatment of septic shock-associated AKI.

Objective To explore the effects of Hippo signaling on anti-oxidative stress of mouse marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) in vitro. Methods mMSCs derived from C57BL/6 mice were identified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis and the capabilities of osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation were evaluated. 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) or XMU-MP-1 was used to modulate Hippo signaling. Oxidative stress was induced by H2O2treatment and the effect of oxidative stress induced by H2O2on survival of mMSCs was evaluated using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The effect of oxidative stress induced by H2O2on Hippo signaling and the effect of Hippo signaling on capability of anti-oxidative stress of mMSCs were analyzed through apoptosis-regulated proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) using Western Blot. Results Hippo signaling was activated by 2-DG in a concentration-dependent manner and the effect was most prominent by 5 mmol/L of 2-DG [compared with the blank control group, large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) protein (grey value): 2.33±0.25 vs. 0.98±0.03, phosphorylated Yes-associated protein (p-YAP)/YAP protein ratio (grey value): 2.30±0.35 vs. 1.01±0.05, 14-3-3 protein (grey value):2.19±0.40 vs. 0.99±0.04, all P < 0.05]; Hippo signaling was inhibited by 100 nmol/L of XMU-MP-1 [compared with the blank control group, LATS1 protein (grey value): 0.69±0.10 vs. 0.98±0.03, p-YAP/YAP protein ratio (grey value):0.65±0.06 vs. 1.01±0.05, 14-3-3 protein (grey value): 0.75±0.11 vs. 0.99±0.04, all P < 0.05]. Death of mMSCs was induced by H2O2in a concentration-dependent manner and the minimal effective concentration was 0.1 mmol/L [compared with the blank control group, survival rate of mMSCs: (81.25±11.85)% vs. (100.44±12.39)%, P < 0.05]. Inhibition of Hippo signaling was induced by H2O2in a concentration-dependent manner and the minimal effective concentration was also 0.1 mmol/L [compared with the blank control group, LATS1 protein (grey value): 0.75±0.06 vs. 1.01±0.09, p-YAP/YAP protein ratio (grey value): 0.69±0.05 vs. 0.98±0.05, both P < 0.05], those effects might associate with reduction of Bcl-2/Bax ratio (grey value: 0.48±0.18 vs. 1.06±0.09, P < 0.05). Compared with the treatment of 0.1 mmol/L of H2O2, activation of Hippo signaling by 5 mmol/L of 2-DG [ LATS1 protein (grey value):0.95±0.05 vs. 0.64±0.06, p-YAP/YAP protein ratio (grey value): 0.87±0.03 vs. 0.45±0.16, both P < 0.05] improved survival of mMSCs [(92.80±9.43)% vs. (75.47±9.43)%, P < 0.05] through an increase of Bcl-2/Bax ratio (grey value:1.14±0.16 vs. 0.77±0.12, P < 0.05); however, inhibition of Hippo signaling by 100 nmol/L of XMU-MP-1 [ LATS1 protein (grey value): 0.39±0.03 vs. 0.64±0.06, p-YAP/YAP protein ratio (grey value): 0.28±0.04 vs. 0.45±0.16, both P < 0.05] decreased survival of mMSCs [(57.54±4.59)% vs. (75.47±9.43)%, P < 0.05] through an decrease of Bcl-2/Bax ratio (grey value: 0.63±0.20 vs. 0.77±0.12, P < 0.05). Compared with normal lung tissue, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) lung tissue markedly activate Hippo signaling in mMSCs [LATS1 protein (grey value): 1.71± 0.08 vs. 1.00±0.10, p-YAP/YAP protein ratio (grey value): 2.46±0.39 vs. 1.01±0.04, 14-3-3 protein (grey value):2.27±0.52 vs. 1.01±0.08, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion Hippo signaling could affect survival and capability of anti-oxidative stress of mMSCs via modulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio in vitro.

Objectives To determine the effect of Hippo signaling pathway on lung injury repair of bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) in murine lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Methods C57BL/6 mouse bone marrow-derived MSC (mMSCs) cell lines with low expression of large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS 1) were constructed by lentiviral vector transfection.ARDS was modeled by intratracheally injection of 2 mg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)50 μL.C57BL/6 mice were randomly(random number) divided into four groups (n=36):normal control group,ARDS group,ARDS mice transplanted with mMSCs transfected with blank lentivirus vector (MSC-shcontrol group) or sh-LATS 1 lentivirus vector (MSC-shLATS 1 group).Mice were sacrificed at 3,7,and 14 d after modeling,and lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected.Near-infrared fluorescence imaging,immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to evaluate retention and differentiation of mMSCs in lung tissue.Lung tissue wet weight/body weight ratio (LWW/BW) and total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in BALF were determined to reflect pulmonary edema.The expression of Occludin protein in lung epithelium was tested by Western blot.The levels of interleukins (IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10) in BALF were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Lung injury score and pulmonary fibrosis score in lung tissue were assessed.Results The retention ofmMSCs at 3,7 and 14 d in the MSC-shLATS1 group were significantly higher than those in the MSC-shcontrol group [(26.25±4.58) vs (12.13±3.75) cells/HP,(20.49±3.86) vs (9.97±2.76) cells/HP,and (13.77±3.55) vs (6.89±2.10) cells/HP.all P＜0.05],so was the differentiation of mMSCs into type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells at 14 d [(64.12±15.29)％ vs (19.64±3.71)％,P＜0.05].LWW/BW and TP and ALB in BALF at 3 and 14 d in the MSC-shLATS1 group [(9.85±1.51),(6.11±0.83) (mg/g) and (5.12±0.87),(3.05±0.87) (mg/mL)and (0.44±0.18),(0.33±0.04) (mg/mL)] were higher than those in the MSC-shcontrol group [(14.88± 1.74),(8.04±l.70)(mg/g) and (8.08±1.72),(5.94±1.20) (mg/mL) and (0.71±0.21),(1.07±0.29) (mg/mL)] (all P＜0.05),so was the relative expression of Occludin protein[(0.79±0.11) vs (0.49±0).19),(P＜0.05)].The levels of IL-1β and IL-6(pg/mL) in BALF in the MSC-shLATS1 group [(60.11±8.58),(101.74±11.55)] was lower than those in the MSC-shcontrol group [(99.26±14.32),(145.54±13.29)] (all P＜0.05),but the levels of IL-10 in BALF in the MSC-shLATS 1 group (316.65±37.88)pg/mL was higher than those in the MSC-shcontrol group (190.83±22.61)pg/mL (P＜0.05).Lung injury scores at 3 and 14 d in the MSC-shLATS1 group [(7.18±1.12),(3.33±0.49)] was lower than those in the MSC-shcontrol group [(9.72±1.45),(5.11±0.86)] (all P＜0.05),so was pulmonary fibrosis score at 14 d [(0.68±0.12) vs (1.47±0.18),P＜0.05].Conclusion Inhibition of Hippo signaling pathway through underexpression of LATS1 could improve the therapeutic effects of mMSCs in murine LPS-induced ARDS.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Hippo signaling pathway on lung injury repair of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and its mechanism. METHODS: Mouse bone marrow-derived MSC (mMSCs) cell lines with low expression of large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) were constructed by lentiviral vector transfection. Male C57BL/6 mice aging 6-8 weeks old were divided into four groups according to random number table (n = 36). The ARDS animal model (ARDS group) was reproduced by intratracheally injection of 2 g/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 50 μL, the normal saline (NS) control group was injected with an equal volume of NS. After 4 hours of model reproduction, 5×10⁴ mMSCs transfected with blank lentivirus vector (MSC-shcontrol group) or shLATS2 lentivirus vector (MSC-shLATS2 group) were transplanted intratracheally, while NS control group and ARDS group were injected with equal volume of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Mice were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 14 days after modeling, and lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging, immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot were used to track mMSCs in lung tissue. Retension and proportion of mMSC differentiation into type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II) were evaluated. Lung tissue wet weight/body weight ratio (LWW/BW) and total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in BALF were determined to reflect pulmonary edema. The expression of Occludin protein in lung epithelium was tested by Western Blot to reflect permeability of epithelium. The levels of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) in BALF were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to reflect lung inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and modified Masson staining were carried out, and the scores were assessed to reflect lung injury and evaluate pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS: The signal intensity of isolated lung fluorescence images at 3 days in the MSC-shLATS2 group was significantly higher than that in the MSC-shcontrol group (fluorescence intensity: 0.039±0.005 vs. 0.017±0.002, P < 0.05), the number of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cells in lung tissue was also significantly higher than that in the MSC-shcontrol group (cells/HP: 29.65±6.98 vs. 17.50±4.58, P < 0.05), but they all decreased with time; and the proportion of mMSCs differentiated into AEC II was significantly increased [(64.12±15.29)% vs. (19.64±3.71)%, P < 0.05]. Compared with the NS control group, the levels of surface active protein C (SPC) and Occludin protein in the ARDS group were significantly decreased, LWW/BW ratio and TP, ALB and inflammatory factors levels in BALF were significantly increased; extensive alveolar and interstitial edema, hemorrhage and diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration were found in lung tissue, and the lung injury score was significantly increased; collagen fibers were deposited in alveolar septum and alveolar cavity, and pulmonary fibrosis score was also increased significantly. Compared with the ARDS group, the expression levels of SPC and Occludin at 14 days in the MSC-shcontrol group and the MSC-shLATS2 group were significantly increased (SPC/β-actin: 0.51±0.12, 0.68±0.10 vs. 0.27±0.08, Occludin/β-actin: 0.49±0.19, 0.79±0.11 vs. 0.25±0.08, all P < 0.05), TP, ALB, IL-1β, IL-6 levels in BALF at 3 days were significantly decreased [TP (g/L): 8.08±1.72, 5.12±0.87 vs. 12.55±2.09; ALB (g/L): 0.71±0.21, 0.44±0.18 vs. 1.18±0.29, IL-1β (ng/L): 99.26±14.32, 60.11±8.58 vs. 161.86±25.17, IL-6 (ng/L): 145.54±13.29, 101.74±11.55 vs. 258.79±27.88, all P < 0.05], and IL-10 was significantly increased (ng/L: 190.83±22.61, 316.65±37.88, both P < 0.05). Furthermore, all the above parameters in the MSC-shLATS2 group were significantly improved as compared with those in the MSC-shcontrol group (all P < 0.05). LWW/BW ratio in the MSC-shLATS2 group was significantly lower than that in the ARDS group and the MSC-shcontrol group (mg/g: 9.85±1.51 vs. 16.78±1.92, 14.88±1.74, both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Inhibiting Hippo signaling pathway by low expression of LATS2 could promote the retention of mMSCs in lung tissue and differentiation into AEC II cells of ARDS mice, improve pulmonary edema and alveolar epithelial permeability, regulate pulmonary inflammatory response, and alleviate pathological damage and fibrosis of lung tissue.
Animals ; Hippo Signaling Pathway ; Lung Injury/prevention & control* ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction

Objective:To investigate the influence of trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO)on the development of early neurological deterioration(END)in diabetic patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 108 type 2 diabetes patients with acute ischemic stroke treated at the Department of Neurology in the Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between October 2019 and November 2020 were consecutively recruited.END was defined as an increase in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)≥ 2 points and exclusion of intracranial hemorrhage or bleeding transformation in cranial imaging evaluation within 5 days of initial deterioration of neurological dysfunction.The patients were divided into 2 groups, an END(n=36)group and a non-END group(n=72). Fasting plasma TMAO was measured using isotope dilution liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.Results:Of the 108 patients, 36(33.3%)were diagnosed with END, and their plasma TMAO levels were significantly higher compared with patients without END( Z=-3.500, P<0.001). For prediction of END, the area under the ROC curve for plasma TMAO levels was 0.707(95% CI: 0.603-0.811, P<0.001). The frequencies of END in subjects grouped via tertiles of TMAO were 22.2%, 19.4% and 58.3%, respectively, with significant differences between the 3 groups( χ2=14.979, P=0.001). Univariate analysis showed that elevated TMAO( OR=1.160, 95% CI: 1.050-1.282, P=0.004)was associated with END.A multivariate logistic regression model further confirmed the association between TMAO and END( OR=1.145, 95% CI: 1.033-1.269, P=0.010). Conclusions:Increased plasma TMAO levels are associated with END in diabetic patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates from whole blood stored at 4℃,and provide theoretical basis for the components preparation.Methods The collected 400 mL ACD-B antico-agulant whole blood was randomly divided into two groups,stored at 4℃and room temperature.The buffy coat was prepared within 6 hours and store at 22℃until next day to prepare leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates.Platelet samples on day 1,3,5 and 7 were taken for the blood cell count and related parameter detection.The pH,glucose and lactic acid con-tent were determined to reflect the metabolic status,and the thromboelastography,platelet aggregation rate and PAC-1 and CD62P expression were determined to reflect the function and activation of platelets.The difference in platelets between two groups were analyzed.Results With the extension of storage time,the count of leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concen-trates decreased gradually,but the platelets distribution width(PDW),mean platelet volume(MPV)and platelet-larger cell ratio(P-LCR)increased gradually in two groups,with no statistical significance(P＞0.05).The pH and glucose con-tents in two groups gradually decreased,but the lactic acid content gradually increased,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).The thrombelastogram showed MA value that reflecting platelet function has no significant change during the storage,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).The aggregation rates decreased while the expres-sion of PAC-1 and CD62P increased gradually with the prolongation of preservation time,with no significant difference be-tween the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion There is no significant difference in platelet count,function and activation between whole blood stored at 4℃and at room temperature within 6 hours.Whole blood stored at 4℃within 6 hours can be considered as the raw material for leucocyte-reduced pooled platelet concentrates.

The conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrP) to the misfolded pathogenic scrapie prion protein (PrP) is the biochemical hallmark of prion replication. So far, various chemical compounds that inhibit this conformational conversion have been identified. Here, we report the novel anti-prion activity of SGI-1027 and its meta/meta analogue (M/M), previously known only as potent inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). These compounds effectively decreased the level of PrP in cultured cells with permanent prion infection, without affecting PrP at the transcriptional or translational levels. Furthermore, SGI-1027 prevented effective prion infection of the cells. In a PrP aggregation assay, both SGI-1027 and M/M blocked the formation of misfolded PrP aggregates, implying that binding of these compounds hinders the PrP conversion process. A series of binding and docking analyses demonstrated that both SGI-1027 and M/M directly interacted with the C-terminal globular domain of PrP, but only SGI-1027 bound to a specific region of PrP with high affinity, which correlates with its potent anti-prion efficacy. Therefore, we report SGI-1027 and related compounds as a novel class of potential anti-prion agents that preferentially function through direct interaction with PrP.