Objective: To explore glymphatic impairment in pediatric refractory epilepsy (RE) using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), assess its relationship with white-matter (WM) abnormalities and clinical indicators, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of multi-parameter MRI in discriminating RE from drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 70 patients with DSE (mean age, 9.7 ± 3.5 years; male:female, 37:33) and 26 patients with RE (9.0 ± 2.9 years; male:female, 12:14). The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as well as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and nodal efficiency values were measured and compared between patients with RE and DSE. With sex and age as covariables, differences in the FA and MD values were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics, and nodal efficiency was analyzed using a linear model. Pearson’s partial correlation was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the MRI-based machine-learning models through five-fold cross-validation. Results: In the RE group, FA decreased and MD increased in comparison with the corresponding values in the DSE group, and these differences mainly involved the callosum, right and left corona radiata, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation (threshold-free cluster enhancement, P < 0.05). The RE group also showed reduced nodal efficiency, which mainly involved the limbic system, default mode network, and visual network (false discovery rate, P < 0.05), and significantly lower DTI-ALPS index (F = 2.0, P = 0.049). The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with FA (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.32) and nodal efficiency (0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.37), and was negatively correlated with the MD (-0.24 ≤ r≤ -0.34) and seizure frequency (r = -0.47). A machine-learning model combining DTI-ALPS, FA, MD, and nodal efficiency achieved a cross-validated ROC curve area of 0.83 (sensitivity, 78.2%; specificity, 84.8%). Conclusion Pediatric patients with RE showed impaired glymphatic function in comparison with patients with DSE, which was correlated with WM abnormalities and seizure frequency. Multi-parameter MRI may be feasible for distinguishing RE from DSE.

Objective: To explore glymphatic impairment in pediatric refractory epilepsy (RE) using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), assess its relationship with white-matter (WM) abnormalities and clinical indicators, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of multi-parameter MRI in discriminating RE from drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 70 patients with DSE (mean age, 9.7 ± 3.5 years; male:female, 37:33) and 26 patients with RE (9.0 ± 2.9 years; male:female, 12:14). The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as well as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and nodal efficiency values were measured and compared between patients with RE and DSE. With sex and age as covariables, differences in the FA and MD values were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics, and nodal efficiency was analyzed using a linear model. Pearson’s partial correlation was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the MRI-based machine-learning models through five-fold cross-validation. Results: In the RE group, FA decreased and MD increased in comparison with the corresponding values in the DSE group, and these differences mainly involved the callosum, right and left corona radiata, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation (threshold-free cluster enhancement, P < 0.05). The RE group also showed reduced nodal efficiency, which mainly involved the limbic system, default mode network, and visual network (false discovery rate, P < 0.05), and significantly lower DTI-ALPS index (F = 2.0, P = 0.049). The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with FA (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.32) and nodal efficiency (0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.37), and was negatively correlated with the MD (-0.24 ≤ r≤ -0.34) and seizure frequency (r = -0.47). A machine-learning model combining DTI-ALPS, FA, MD, and nodal efficiency achieved a cross-validated ROC curve area of 0.83 (sensitivity, 78.2%; specificity, 84.8%). Conclusion Pediatric patients with RE showed impaired glymphatic function in comparison with patients with DSE, which was correlated with WM abnormalities and seizure frequency. Multi-parameter MRI may be feasible for distinguishing RE from DSE.

Objective: To explore glymphatic impairment in pediatric refractory epilepsy (RE) using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), assess its relationship with white-matter (WM) abnormalities and clinical indicators, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of multi-parameter MRI in discriminating RE from drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 70 patients with DSE (mean age, 9.7 ± 3.5 years; male:female, 37:33) and 26 patients with RE (9.0 ± 2.9 years; male:female, 12:14). The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as well as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and nodal efficiency values were measured and compared between patients with RE and DSE. With sex and age as covariables, differences in the FA and MD values were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics, and nodal efficiency was analyzed using a linear model. Pearson’s partial correlation was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the MRI-based machine-learning models through five-fold cross-validation. Results: In the RE group, FA decreased and MD increased in comparison with the corresponding values in the DSE group, and these differences mainly involved the callosum, right and left corona radiata, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation (threshold-free cluster enhancement, P < 0.05). The RE group also showed reduced nodal efficiency, which mainly involved the limbic system, default mode network, and visual network (false discovery rate, P < 0.05), and significantly lower DTI-ALPS index (F = 2.0, P = 0.049). The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with FA (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.32) and nodal efficiency (0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.37), and was negatively correlated with the MD (-0.24 ≤ r≤ -0.34) and seizure frequency (r = -0.47). A machine-learning model combining DTI-ALPS, FA, MD, and nodal efficiency achieved a cross-validated ROC curve area of 0.83 (sensitivity, 78.2%; specificity, 84.8%). Conclusion Pediatric patients with RE showed impaired glymphatic function in comparison with patients with DSE, which was correlated with WM abnormalities and seizure frequency. Multi-parameter MRI may be feasible for distinguishing RE from DSE.

Objective: To explore glymphatic impairment in pediatric refractory epilepsy (RE) using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), assess its relationship with white-matter (WM) abnormalities and clinical indicators, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of multi-parameter MRI in discriminating RE from drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 70 patients with DSE (mean age, 9.7 ± 3.5 years; male:female, 37:33) and 26 patients with RE (9.0 ± 2.9 years; male:female, 12:14). The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as well as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and nodal efficiency values were measured and compared between patients with RE and DSE. With sex and age as covariables, differences in the FA and MD values were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics, and nodal efficiency was analyzed using a linear model. Pearson’s partial correlation was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the MRI-based machine-learning models through five-fold cross-validation. Results: In the RE group, FA decreased and MD increased in comparison with the corresponding values in the DSE group, and these differences mainly involved the callosum, right and left corona radiata, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation (threshold-free cluster enhancement, P < 0.05). The RE group also showed reduced nodal efficiency, which mainly involved the limbic system, default mode network, and visual network (false discovery rate, P < 0.05), and significantly lower DTI-ALPS index (F = 2.0, P = 0.049). The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with FA (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.32) and nodal efficiency (0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.37), and was negatively correlated with the MD (-0.24 ≤ r≤ -0.34) and seizure frequency (r = -0.47). A machine-learning model combining DTI-ALPS, FA, MD, and nodal efficiency achieved a cross-validated ROC curve area of 0.83 (sensitivity, 78.2%; specificity, 84.8%). Conclusion Pediatric patients with RE showed impaired glymphatic function in comparison with patients with DSE, which was correlated with WM abnormalities and seizure frequency. Multi-parameter MRI may be feasible for distinguishing RE from DSE.

Objective: To explore glymphatic impairment in pediatric refractory epilepsy (RE) using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), assess its relationship with white-matter (WM) abnormalities and clinical indicators, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of multi-parameter MRI in discriminating RE from drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 70 patients with DSE (mean age, 9.7 ± 3.5 years; male:female, 37:33) and 26 patients with RE (9.0 ± 2.9 years; male:female, 12:14). The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as well as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and nodal efficiency values were measured and compared between patients with RE and DSE. With sex and age as covariables, differences in the FA and MD values were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics, and nodal efficiency was analyzed using a linear model. Pearson’s partial correlation was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the MRI-based machine-learning models through five-fold cross-validation. Results: In the RE group, FA decreased and MD increased in comparison with the corresponding values in the DSE group, and these differences mainly involved the callosum, right and left corona radiata, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation (threshold-free cluster enhancement, P < 0.05). The RE group also showed reduced nodal efficiency, which mainly involved the limbic system, default mode network, and visual network (false discovery rate, P < 0.05), and significantly lower DTI-ALPS index (F = 2.0, P = 0.049). The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with FA (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.32) and nodal efficiency (0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.37), and was negatively correlated with the MD (-0.24 ≤ r≤ -0.34) and seizure frequency (r = -0.47). A machine-learning model combining DTI-ALPS, FA, MD, and nodal efficiency achieved a cross-validated ROC curve area of 0.83 (sensitivity, 78.2%; specificity, 84.8%). Conclusion Pediatric patients with RE showed impaired glymphatic function in comparison with patients with DSE, which was correlated with WM abnormalities and seizure frequency. Multi-parameter MRI may be feasible for distinguishing RE from DSE.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism mediating the regulatory effect of miR-155-5p on proliferation of human submandibular gland epithelial cells (HSGECs) in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-155-5p and the PI3K/AKT pathway. In a HSGEC model of pSS induced by simulation with TRAIL and INF-γ, the effects of miR-155-inhibitor-NC or miR-155 inhibitor on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation were evaluated using CKK8 assay, flow cytometry and colony formation assay. ELISA and RT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and miR-155-5p mRNA in the cells; Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RESULTS: Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-155-5p targets the PI3K/AKT pathway via PIK3R1 mRNA. The HSGEC model of pSS showed significantly decreased cell viability, cell clone formation ability and expressions IL-10 and IL-4 and increased cell apoptosis, cell percentage in G2 phase, expressions of TNF‑α, IL-6, miR-155-5p and PIK3R1 mRNA, p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-Akt/AKT ratio, and PIK3R1 protein expression. Treatment of the cell models with miR-155 inhibitor significantly increased the cell viability, G1 phase cell percentage, colony formation ability, and expressions of IL-10 and IL-4 levels, and obviously reduced cell apoptosis rate, G2 phase cell percentage, expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, miR-155-5p and PIK3R1 mRNA, p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-AKT/AKT ratio, and PIK3R1 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS In HSGEC model of pSS, inhibition of miR-155-5p can promote cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis by targeting PI3K1 mRNA to negatively regulate the overexpression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Signal Transduction ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Sjogren's Syndrome/pathology* ; Epithelial Cells/cytology* ; Submandibular Gland/cytology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Class Ia Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase ; Cells, Cultured

The mechanical microenvironment of cells plays a critical role in regulating the physiological function of cells. Cells in vivo are often subjected to a variety of mechanical forces from their mechanical micro-environment, such as shear, tension, and compression. At the same time, cells can adhere to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through adhesion molecules (such as integrin-ligand binding), and further sense the stiffness of the ECM. Cell mechanics mainly studies the properties and behavior of living cells under mechanical forces, and how they relate to cell functions. This review summarized the advances in cell mechanics in 2022, focusing on integrin-ligand interactions and the effects of matrix stiffness and mechanical forces on cell physiological behavior and morphogenesis.

Objective:To prepare a fluorescent probe Cetuximab-IRDye800CW targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and investigate its application value in surgical navigation of glioblastoma (GBM).Methods:The fluorescence properties of Cetuximab-IRDye800CW were determined by fluorescence spectrophotometer. The specificity of Cetuximab-IRDye800CW bound to GBM cells was verified by Western blot. The competitive binding method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to prove whether the probe could achieve tumor targeting by binding to EGFR. Subcutaneous models of 6 nude mice of GBM were divided into experimental group ( n=3; injected with Cetuximab-IRDye800CW) and control group ( n=3; injected with IRDye800CW), and images were obtained at 5 min, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after injection. Differences of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and tumor to background ratio (TBR) between experimental group and control group were compared. In situ models of GBM nude mice were established ( n=6), and MRI and intraoperative navigation were conducted, which were compared with pathological distribution. Independent-sample t test was used to analyze the data. Results:The maximum emission wavelength of Cetuximab-IRDye800CW was 820 nm, which could be received by near infrared fluorescence imaging equipment. Western blot showed that Cetuximab-IRDye800CW was only bound to GBM cells. The competitive binding of ELISA showed that Cetuximab-IRdye800CW could achieve tumor targeting by binding with EGFR. At 5 min, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after injection of fluorescent materials, the MFI values of experimental group were 109.00±3.81, 73.36±9.93, 55.24±8.82, 37.71±6.11, which were higher than those of control group (91.32±4.17, 42.91±5.39, 25.08±6.05, 8.33±1.00; t values: 4.36-9.40, P values: 0.011-0.049). The TBR of experimental group was higher than that of control group at 24 h and 48 h after injection (24 h: 2.40±0.28 vs 1.57±0.07, t=4.94, P=0.039; 48 h: 2.07±0.12 vs 1.22±0.08, t=9.85, P=0.010). GBM in situ model was successfully constructed and verified by MRI, and the tumor was visualized under the fluorescence device navigation. Pathological distribution of the tumor with HE staining was consistent with fluorescence imaging. Conclusion:Cetuximab-IRDye800CW has fluorescence imaging capability and can identify tumor boundaries in intraoperative navigation of GBM, which has potential clinical application value.

Objective:To study the clinical and laboratory characteristics of neonatal isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD).Methods:An infant with neonatal ISOD admitted to our hospital was retrospectively analyzed. Using key words "isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency", "SUOX gene", "Infant, newborn", databases including CNKI, Wanfang database, National library and literature center of science and technology, China science paper online, PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE (up to January 2021) were searched and literature review was conducted. The clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.Results:Our patient was a full-term male infant with eye movement disorder, refractory seizures, feeding difficulties, increased muscle tone, developmental retardation and microcephaly. Urine sulfite paper-strip test was positive. Uric acid was normal. Whole exon sequencing (WES) revealed SUOX c.475G>T and c.1201A>G compound heterozygous mutations. Cranial MRI showed multiple encephalomalacia and brain atrophy at 5-month of age. The infant died at 8-month. In the literature review, a total of 29 articles and 32 cases of neonatal ISOD were found. 87.5% of the cases developed symptoms within 1-week after birth. All had convulsive seizures. Some of them had feeding difficulties, muscle tone changes, developmental retardation, microcephaly and ectopia lentis. Cranial imaging showed white matter cystic lesions and brain atrophy. Laboratory examination showed elevated urinary sulfite and S-sulfocysteine. Uric acid and xanthine/hypoxanthine were normal. Blood homocysteine was decreased. 23 cases received genetic testing and all of them had SUOX mutations. The treatment was mainly symptomatic relief and supportive treatment. During follow-up, 15 cases died, 13 cases survived and 4 cases were unknown. All the surviving children had drug-resistant convulsions and developmental retardation.Conclusions:Neonatal ISOD may present with refractory convulsions, feeding difficulties and developmental retardation. Cystic white matter changes and brain atrophy may be seen on cranial imaging. Elevated urinary sulfites, decreased blood homocysteine and normal uric acid are important clues for diagnosis. Genetic testing is helpful for early diagnosis.

Photorhabdus is a Gram-negative bacterium from the family Enterobacteriaceae that lives in a symbiotic association with nematode or insects. In addition to the role of being insect pathogens, one species called Photorhabdus asymbiotica (Pa) causes human infection around the world. Nevertheless, how does this transkingdom infection occur remains elusive. Here we focus on one pathogenic determinant called Photorhabdus virulence cassette (PVC) that is founded in the Pa genome and many other pathogens. The RNA-seq and qPCR data showed that the NF-κB and MAPK pathways were drastically activated in the PVC-treated mammalian macrophages. Western blotting assays using samples treated with various inhibitors of the affected pathways confirmed the results we have observed for MAPK pathway previously. p65 translocation assays validated the NF-κB activation in the macrophages after PVC treatment. Moreover, the bacterial phagocytosis by macrophage was also promoted by PVC at the early stage, and this phagocytosis was inhibited by cytoskeleton inhibitors. Thus, the results indicated that PVC is involved in the bacterial invasion by activating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway, providing a new perspective for analyzing the pathogenicity of Pa in human infections.
Animals ; Humans ; Macrophages ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Photorhabdus ; Signal Transduction ; Virulence