Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum is a precious animal-derived Chinese medicinal material, while there are often adulterants derived from animals not specified in the Chinese Pharmacopeia in the market, which disturbs the safety of medication. This study was conducted with the aim of strengthening the quality control of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum and standardizing the medication. To achieve digital identification of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum from different sources, a digital identification model was constructed based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QTOF-MS~E) combined with an adaptive boosting algorithm(Adaboost). The young furred antlers of sika deer, red deer, elk, and reindeer were processed and then subjected to polypeptide analysis by UHPLC-QTOF-MS~E. Then, the mass spectral data reflecting the polypeptide information were obtained by digital quantification. Next, the key data were obtained by feature screening based on Gini index, and the digital identification model was constructed by Adaboost. The model was evaluated based on the recall rate, F_1 composite score, and accuracy. Finally, the results of identification based on the constructed digital identification model were validated. The results showed that when the Gini index was used to screen the data of top 100 characteristic polypeptides, the digital identification model based on Adaboost had the best performance, with the recall rate, F_1 composite score, and accuracy not less than 0.953. The validation analysis showed that the accuracy of the identification of the 10 batches of samples was as high as 100.0%. Therefore, based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS~E and Adaboost algorithm, the digital identification of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum can be realized efficiently and accurately, which can provide reference for the quality control and original animal identification of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum.
Animals ; Algorithms ; Antlers/chemistry* ; Boosting Machine Learning Algorithms ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Deer ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Quality Control ; Reindeer ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Tissue Extracts/analysis*

The aim of this investigation was to determine the optimal storage medium for testicular hypothermic transportation and identify the ideal concentration for the application of the protective agent 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the protective effects of 5-ALA. First, we collected and stored mouse testicular fragments in different media, including Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS; n = 5), Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 (DMEM/F12; n = 5), and alpha-minimum essential medium (αMEM; n = 5). Storage of testicular tissue in HBSS preserved the integrity of testicular morphology better than that in the DMEM/F12 group ( P < 0.05) and the αMEM group ( P < 0.01). Testicular fragments were subsequently placed in HBSS with various concentrations of 5-ALA (0 [control], 1 mmol l -1 , 2 mmol l -1 , and 5 mmol l -1 ) to determine the most effective concentration of 5-ALA. The 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA group ( n = 3) presented the highest positive rate of spermatogonial stem cells compared with those in the control, 1 mmol l -1 , and 5 mmol l -1 5-ALA groups. Finally, the tissue fragments were preserved in HBSS with control ( n = 3) and 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA ( n = 3) under low-temperature conditions. A comparative analysis was performed against fresh testes ( n = 3) to elucidate the underlying mechanism of 5-ALA. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for WikiPathways revealed that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was downregulated in the 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA group compared with that in the control group (normalized enrichment score [NES] = -1.57, false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.229, and P = 0.019). In conclusion, these data suggest that using 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA in HBSS effectively protected the viability of spermatogonial stem cells upon hypothermic transportation.
Male ; Animals ; Testis/cytology* ; Aminolevulinic Acid/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Organ Preservation/methods* ; Organ Preservation Solutions/pharmacology* ; Cryopreservation/methods*

Objective:To determine the optimal irradiation energy and frequency for the establishment of melasma mouse model using simple ultraviolet irradiation, and to provide guidance on animal strains and irradiation protocols for the successful establishment of melasma model.Methods:Animal models of melasma were established using BALB/c female mice and C57BL/6JNifdc female mice. BALB/c female mice were divided into 4 groups using a simple randomization method: A, B, C and G, with 5 mice in each group. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice were divided into 4 groups: D, E, F and H, with 5 mice in each group. All mice were irradiated with 8.428 mW/cm 2 of ultraviolet light. The irradiation time was 15 s (single irradiation energy of 0.13 J/cm 2) in groups A and D, 15 min (single irradiation energy of 7.59 J/cm 2) in groups B and E, and 30 min (single irradiation energy of 15.17 J/cm 2) in groups C and F. Each cycle consisted of 5 consecutive days of irradiation followed by 2 days of cessation, totaling 4 cycles of irradiation. Groups G and H were not irradiated. At the end of irradiation, all mice were kept under normal conditions. One week later, 3 mice from each group were selected for HE, Masson-Fontana, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative analysis was performed to measure the thickness of the acanthocyte layer, melanin granules, collagen percentage, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels. The remaining mice were kept for an additional week, depilated and photographed to observe the changes in coloration. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 software, measurement data that did not conform to normal distribution were represented by M( Q1, Q3) and comparisons between groups were made using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Results:During the entire irradiation process, no visible discoloration was observed in the BALB/c female mice in all groups. In contrast, varying sizes of discoloration appeared in the C57BL/6JNifdc female mice in groups D, E, and F after irradiation in the second week. However, by the third week, the discoloration in group D gradually disappeared, while the discoloration in group E was more obvious than before. At the same time, group F exhibited significant discoloration, with some mice exhibited signs of skin peeling, burning and breakage on their backs. After the 4th week of irradiation, no new discoloration was formed in group D. The discoloration was more obvious in group E, and most mice in group F showed skin burn breakage. Two weeks after the completion of irradiation, there was no obvious discoloration on the dorsal skin of BALB/c female mice in all groups. In C57BL/6JNifdc female mice, group D showed no obvious discoloration, group E exhibited lighter discoloration compared to the 4th week post-irradiation, and group F had crusted skin at the burn sites with lighter discoloration than before. However, the discoloration in groups E and F was still obviously visible to the naked eye. HE staining showed that the difference in the thickness of the echinocyte layer was not statistically significant in groups A, B, C, and G ( H=1.08, P=0.782); whereas the difference was statistically significant in groups D, E, F and H ( H=12.85, P=0.005). The thickness of the echinocyte layer decreased gradually with the extension of the irradiation time. Additionally, there was a disruption in the arrangement of epidermal spindles in group F, and this situation was not observed in groups D and E. Masson-Fontana staining revealed no significant pigmentation in any of the BALB/c female mice. The difference in melanin granule counts between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.77, P=0.051). In contrast, C57BL/6JNifdc female mice exhibited more noticeable pigmentation in the epidermis and dermis in groups E and F. The difference in melanin particle counts among groups D, E, F and H was statistically significant ( H=17.61, P<0.001), with melanin deposition increasing gradually with the duration of irradiation. Masson staining showed that the difference in collagen percentage between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.26, P=0.064). However, significant disorganization of fibers and a loose structure were observed in groups E and F. The difference in collagen percentage between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=8.65, P=0.034). Immunohistochemical results showed that the difference in IL-1 expression levels between groups A, B, C, and G was statistically significant ( H=17.86, P<0.001); also between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=14.19, P=0.003), suggesting that ultraviolet irradiation stimulated an inflammatory response in the skin of mice. Conclusion:BALB/c female mice are not suitable for melasma models under the frequency and duration of irradiation in this experiment. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice are irradiated with a single irradiation energy dose of 7.59 J/cm 2 five days a week for 4 weeks, which can establish stable animal models of melasma with a specific level of pigmentation that persisted for at least 2 weeks.

Objective:To determine the optimal irradiation energy and frequency for the establishment of melasma mouse model using simple ultraviolet irradiation, and to provide guidance on animal strains and irradiation protocols for the successful establishment of melasma model.Methods:Animal models of melasma were established using BALB/c female mice and C57BL/6JNifdc female mice. BALB/c female mice were divided into 4 groups using a simple randomization method: A, B, C and G, with 5 mice in each group. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice were divided into 4 groups: D, E, F and H, with 5 mice in each group. All mice were irradiated with 8.428 mW/cm 2 of ultraviolet light. The irradiation time was 15 s (single irradiation energy of 0.13 J/cm 2) in groups A and D, 15 min (single irradiation energy of 7.59 J/cm 2) in groups B and E, and 30 min (single irradiation energy of 15.17 J/cm 2) in groups C and F. Each cycle consisted of 5 consecutive days of irradiation followed by 2 days of cessation, totaling 4 cycles of irradiation. Groups G and H were not irradiated. At the end of irradiation, all mice were kept under normal conditions. One week later, 3 mice from each group were selected for HE, Masson-Fontana, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative analysis was performed to measure the thickness of the acanthocyte layer, melanin granules, collagen percentage, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels. The remaining mice were kept for an additional week, depilated and photographed to observe the changes in coloration. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 software, measurement data that did not conform to normal distribution were represented by M( Q1, Q3) and comparisons between groups were made using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Results:During the entire irradiation process, no visible discoloration was observed in the BALB/c female mice in all groups. In contrast, varying sizes of discoloration appeared in the C57BL/6JNifdc female mice in groups D, E, and F after irradiation in the second week. However, by the third week, the discoloration in group D gradually disappeared, while the discoloration in group E was more obvious than before. At the same time, group F exhibited significant discoloration, with some mice exhibited signs of skin peeling, burning and breakage on their backs. After the 4th week of irradiation, no new discoloration was formed in group D. The discoloration was more obvious in group E, and most mice in group F showed skin burn breakage. Two weeks after the completion of irradiation, there was no obvious discoloration on the dorsal skin of BALB/c female mice in all groups. In C57BL/6JNifdc female mice, group D showed no obvious discoloration, group E exhibited lighter discoloration compared to the 4th week post-irradiation, and group F had crusted skin at the burn sites with lighter discoloration than before. However, the discoloration in groups E and F was still obviously visible to the naked eye. HE staining showed that the difference in the thickness of the echinocyte layer was not statistically significant in groups A, B, C, and G ( H=1.08, P=0.782); whereas the difference was statistically significant in groups D, E, F and H ( H=12.85, P=0.005). The thickness of the echinocyte layer decreased gradually with the extension of the irradiation time. Additionally, there was a disruption in the arrangement of epidermal spindles in group F, and this situation was not observed in groups D and E. Masson-Fontana staining revealed no significant pigmentation in any of the BALB/c female mice. The difference in melanin granule counts between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.77, P=0.051). In contrast, C57BL/6JNifdc female mice exhibited more noticeable pigmentation in the epidermis and dermis in groups E and F. The difference in melanin particle counts among groups D, E, F and H was statistically significant ( H=17.61, P<0.001), with melanin deposition increasing gradually with the duration of irradiation. Masson staining showed that the difference in collagen percentage between groups A, B, C, and G was not statistically significant ( H=7.26, P=0.064). However, significant disorganization of fibers and a loose structure were observed in groups E and F. The difference in collagen percentage between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=8.65, P=0.034). Immunohistochemical results showed that the difference in IL-1 expression levels between groups A, B, C, and G was statistically significant ( H=17.86, P<0.001); also between groups D, E, F, and H was statistically significant ( H=14.19, P=0.003), suggesting that ultraviolet irradiation stimulated an inflammatory response in the skin of mice. Conclusion:BALB/c female mice are not suitable for melasma models under the frequency and duration of irradiation in this experiment. C57BL/6JNifdc female mice are irradiated with a single irradiation energy dose of 7.59 J/cm 2 five days a week for 4 weeks, which can establish stable animal models of melasma with a specific level of pigmentation that persisted for at least 2 weeks.

The process of semen collection plays a key role in the quality of semen specimens. However, the association between semen collection time and semen quality is still unclear. In this study, ejaculates by masturbation from 746 subfertile men or healthy men who underwent semen analysis were examined. The median (interquartile range) semen collection time for all participants was 7.0 (5.0-11.0) min, and the median time taken for semen collection was lower in healthy men than that in subfertile men (6.0 min vs 7.0 min). An increase in the time required to produce semen samples was associated with poorer semen quality. Among those undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), the miscarriage rate was positively correlated with the semen collection time. After adjusting for confounders, the highest quartile (Q4) of collection time was negatively associated with semen volume and sperm concentration. A longer time to produce semen samples (Q3 and Q4) was negatively correlated with progressive and total sperm motility. In addition, there was a significant negative linear association between the semen collection time and the sperm morphology. Higher risks of asthenozoospermia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-3.25, P = 0.002) and teratozoospermia (adjusted OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.10-3.55, P = 0.02) were observed in Q3 than those in Q1. Our results indicate that a higher risk of abnormal semen parameter values was associated with an increase in time for semen collection, which may be related to male fertility through its association with semen quality.
Male ; Humans ; Semen Analysis ; Semen ; Sperm Motility ; Sperm Count ; Asthenozoospermia ; Spermatozoa

Objective: To clarify the phenotypes of the newborns with SLC26A4 single-allele mutation in deafness genetic screening and second variant; to analyze the SLC26A4 genotype and hearing phenotype. Methods: 850 newborns born in Beijing from April 2015 to December 2019 were included and there were 468 males and 382 females. They received genetic deafness screening for 9 or 15 variants, with the result of SLC26A4 single-allele mutation. Firstly, three step deafness gene sequencing was adopted in this work, i.e., the first step was "SLC26A4 gene whole exons and splice sites" sequencing; the second step was "SLC26A4 gene promoter, FOXI1 gene and KCNJ10 gene whole exons" sequencing; and the third step was detection for "SLC26A4 gene copy number variation". Secondly, we collected the results of newborn hearing screening for all patients with the second mutation found in the three step test, and conducted audiological examinations, such as acoustic immittance, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response. Thirdly, for novel/VUS mutations, we searched the international deafness gene database or software, such as DVD, ClinVar and Mutation Taster, to predict the pathogenicity of mutations according to the ACMG guideline. Lastly, we analyzed the relationship between genotype and phenotype of newborns with SLC26A4 single allele mutation. Results: Among 850 cases, the median age of diagnosis was 4 months. In the first step, 850 cases were sequenced. A total of 32 cases (3.76%, 32/850) of a second variants were detected, including 18 cases (2.12%, 18/850) with identified pathogenic variants; 832 cases were sequenced and 8 cases of KCNJ10 gene missense variants were detected among the second step. No missense mutations in the FOXI1 gene and abnormal SLC26A4 gene promoter were detected; the third step sequencing results were all negative. Genotypes and hearing phenotypes included 18 cases combined with the second clear pathogenic variant, 16 cases (16/18) referred newborn hearing screening and 2 cases (2/18) passed in both ears; degree of hearing loss consisted of 18 profound ears (18/36), 13 severe ears (13/36) and 5 moderate ears (5/36); audiogram patterns comprised 17 high frequency drop ears (17/36), 14 flat ears (14/36), 3 undistinguished ears (3/36), and 2 U shaped ears (2/36); 11 cases underwent imaging examination, all of which were bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueduct. As for 22 cases of other genotypes, all passed neonatal hearing screening and the hearing diagnosis was normal, including 9 cases with VUS or possibly novel benign variants, 8 cases with KCNJ10 double gene heterozygous variants, and 5 cases with double heterozygous variants. Conclusions: The probability of individuals with SLC26A4 single-allele variant who merge with a second pathogenic variant is 2.12%, all of which are SNV, which can provide scientific basis for the genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling of SLC26A4 variants. Those who have merged with second pathogenic variant are all diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with KCNJ10 gene mutations do not manifest hearing loss during the infancy, suggesting the need for further follow-up.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Alleles ; Deafness/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Genotype ; Hearing Loss/genetics* ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics* ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Sulfate Transporters/genetics* ; Vestibular Aqueduct ; Infant, Newborn ; Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/genetics*

Deficiencies in the clearance of peripheral amyloid β (Aβ) play a crucial role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have shown that the ability of blood monocytes to phagocytose Aβ is decreased in AD. However, the exact mechanism of Aβ clearance dysfunction in AD monocytes remains unclear. In the present study, we found that blood monocytes in AD mice exhibited decreases in energy metabolism, which was accompanied by cellular senescence, a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and dysfunctional phagocytosis of Aβ. Improving energy metabolism rejuvenated monocytes and enhanced their ability to phagocytose Aβ in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, enhancing blood monocyte Aβ phagocytosis by improving energy metabolism alleviated brain Aβ deposition and neuroinflammation and eventually improved cognitive function in AD mice. This study reveals a new mechanism of impaired Aβ phagocytosis in monocytes and provides evidence that restoring their energy metabolism may be a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.
Animals ; Mice ; Alzheimer Disease ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; Monocytes ; Cognition ; Energy Metabolism ; Phagocytosis

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant hereditary disease. Its early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the patient's quality of life. However, there are few types of research on the FH pathogenic genes in China. METHODS: In this study, we recruited a family diagnosed with FH and used whole exome sequencing (WES) to analyze the proband variants. Intracellular cholesterol level, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and the expression of pyroptosis-related genes were detected after overexpression of wild-type or variant LDLR in L02 cells. RESULTS: A heterozygous missense variant predicted to be deleterious to LDLR (c.1879G > A, p.Ala627Thr) was identified in the proband. Mechanistically, intracellular cholesterol level, ROS level, and the expression of pyroptosis-related genes, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and components (caspase 1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and NLRP3), gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin (IL) -18, IL-1β was elevated in the variant LDLR group, which was attenuated by inhibition of ROS. CONCLUSIONS FH is associated with a variant (c.1879G>A, p.Ala627Thr) in the LDLR gene. Regarding the mechanism, the ROS/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in hepatic cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of the LDLR variant.

Currently, the resistance of first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs has made the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis increasingly difficult, posing a serious threat to global public health. Several studies have shown that efflux pumps are one of the important causes for bacteria to develop multi-drug resistance and extremely-drug resistance, and efflux pump inhibitors can inhibit the efflux of antibacterial drugs, thereby reducing bacterial drug resistance. Numerous natural products and synthetic compounds have been reported to possess efflux pump inhibitory activity, but they have not been applied in clinical settings because of their toxicity, pharmacokinetic properties, etc. Therefore, we summarized the efflux pump inhibitory activity, antimicrobial activity, and structure-activity relationships of reported efflux pump inhibitors against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in recent years, providing references for the development of new efflux pump inhibitors with better activity and lower toxicity.

Objective: To investigate the clinical and biological characteristics of familial platelet disorder (FPD) with germline Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) 1 mutations. Methods: Patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1 mutations from February 2016 to December 2021 in Wuhan No.1 Hospital underwent pedigree analysis and were screened for gene mutations (somatic and germline). Patients diagnosed with FPD with germline RUNX1 mutations were enrolled and evaluated in terms of clinical characteristics and biological evolution. Bioinformatics analysis was used to assess the pathogenicity of mutations and to analyze the effect of mutated genes on the function of the corresponding protein. Results: Germline RUNX1 mutations were detected in three out of 34 patients suffering from MDS/AML who had RUNX1 mutations. A pedigree of FPD with RUNX1 (RUNX1-FPD) c.562A>C and RUNX1 c.1415T>C mutations was diagnosed, and the mutations were of patrilineal origin. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the locus at positions 188 and 472 in the AML-1G type of RUNX1 was highly conserved across different species, and that variations might influence functions of the proteins. The mutations were evaluated to be highly pathogenic. Of the nine cases with germline RUNX1 mutations: two patients died due AML progression; one case with AML survived without leukemia after transplantation of hemopoietic stem cells; four patients showed mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia; two cases had no thrombocytopenia. During the disease course of the proband and her son, mutations in RUNX1, NRAS and/or CEBPA and KIT appeared in succession, and expression of cluster of differentiation-7 on tumor cells was enhanced gradually. None of the gene mutations correlated with the tumor were detected in the four cases not suffering from MDS/AML, and they survived until the end of follow-up. Conclusions: RUNX1-FPD was rare. The mutations c.562A>C and c.1415T>C of RUNX1 could be the disease-causing genes for the family with RUNX1-FPD, and these mutations could promote malignant transformation. Biological monitoring should be carried out regularly to aid early intervention for family members with RUNX1-FPD.
Humans ; Female ; Germ-Line Mutation ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Blood Platelet Disorders/complications* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*