Objective To investigate the common molecular features of immunothrombosis, thus enhancing the comprehension of thrombosis triggered by immune and inflammatory responses and offering crucial insights for identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Methods Differential gene expression analysis and functional enrichment analysis were conducted on datasets of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The intersection of differentially expressed genes in SLE and VTE with those of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) yielded cross-talk genes (CG) for SLE-NET and VTE-NET interaction. Further analysis included functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network assessments of these CG to identify hub genes. Venn diagrams and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to pinpoint the most effective shared diagnostic CG, which were validated using a graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) dataset. Results Differential expression genes in SLE and VTE were associated with distinct biological processes, whereas SLE-NET-CG and VTE-NET-CG were implicated in pathways related to leukocyte migration, inflammatory response, and immune response. Through PPI network analysis, several hub genes were identified, with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and S100 calcium-binding protein A12 (S100A12) emerging as the best shared diagnostic CG for SLE (AUC: 0.936 and 0.832) and VTE (AUC: 0.719 and 0.759). Notably, MMP9 exhibited good diagnostic performance in the GVHD dataset (AUC: 0.696). Conclusion This study unveils the common molecular features of SLE, VTE, and NET, emphasizing MMP9 and S100A12 as the optimal shared diagnostic CG, thus providing valuable evidence for the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies related to immunothrombosis. Additionally, the expression of MMP9 in GVHD highlights its critical role in the risk of VTE associated with immune system disorders.
Humans ; Computational Biology/methods* ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology* ; Protein Interaction Maps/genetics* ; Venous Thromboembolism/therapy* ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics* ; Extracellular Traps/metabolism* ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Thrombosis/immunology* ; Graft vs Host Disease/genetics* ; Gene Expression Profiling

Taking the Ligustrum lucidum extract as an example, this study investigated the influence of external mechanical forces under different processing conditions on the crystallographic solid form and the key parameter of drug dissolution rate, so as to provide guidance for the preparation and quality control of traditional Chinese medicine preparations. Under different pulverization and tableting conditions, the change of crystallographic solid form of L. lucidum extract was observed by polarizing light microscope. Meanwhile, the effect of this change on the dissolution rate was investigated, and the mathematical relationship between crystal content and dissolution rate was analyzed. The results showed that the process of ball milling and tableting had a significant impact on the crystallographic solid form of L. lucidum extract. The amorphous extract displayed crystal transformation, which induced a significant decline in dissolution rate. Further studies revealed that there was a negative linear relationship between crystal content and dissolution rate. The results of this study indicated that the crystallographic solid form transformation of traditional Chinese medicine extracts might occur during the preparation process, which may cause potential risks to the quality of traditional Chinese medicine preparations. It is suggested that we should pay attention to and strengthen the investigation of the crystallographic solid form during the preparation process, so as to guarantee the safety, effectiveness, and quality controllability of traditional Chinese medicine preparations.

Objective:To investigate the association of serum uric acid (SUA) with the outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) at one year after onset.Methods:Patients with AIS admitted to the Department of Neurology, Dagang Hospital, Tianjin Binhai New Area were included retrospectively. According to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 1 year after onset, patients were divided into a good outcome group (0-2) and a poor outcome group (>2). They were also divided into a survival group and a death group based on their survival status at 1 year after onset. The clinical baseline data and laboratory tests were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associations of SUA with poor outcome and death in patients with AIS. Results:A total of 651 patients were enrolled, including 430 males (66.1%) aged 67.5±11.7 years. Four hundred and fourteen patients (63.6%) were in the good outcome group, and 237 (36.4%) were in the poor outcome group. There were 568 patients (87.3%) in the survival group and 43 (16.7%) in the death group. Univariate analysis showed that there were differences in age, atrial fibrillation, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and pre-admission mRS score between the poor outcome group and the good outcome group. The homocysteine, SUA, white blood cell count, and creatinine in the poor outcome group were higher than those in the good outcome group, while the red blood cell count and hemoglobin were lower than those in the good outcome group (all P<0.05). There were differences in age, history of ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, baseline NIHSS score, pre-admission mRS score, and stroke etiology classification between the survival group and the death group. Hemoglobin and triglycerides in the survival group were higher than those in the death group, while the white blood cell count and creatinine were lower than those in the death group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SUA was an independent risk factor for poor outcome in patients with AIS (odds ratio 1.004, 95% confidence interval 1.001-1.006; P<0.01), but there was no independent correlation with death. Conclusion:Higher SUA is an independent risk factor for poor outcome at one year after onset in patients with AIS.

Objective:To investigate the association of urinary cadmium levels with peripheral leukocyte classification counts among middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years in selected areas of China.Methods:The research was based on the survey of the impact of soil quality of agricultural land on human health in typical areas conducted in 2019-2020. A total of 5 600 middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years were included by using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. Baseline characteristics of the subjects were collected and physical examinations were performed. Random midstream urine was collected to measure urinary cadmium and urinary creatinine and fasting venous blood was collected to measure the leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count and eosinophil count. The linear mixed effect model was used to analyse the association of urinary cadmium levels with leukocyte classification counts, and the dose-response relationship between them was analyzed by using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) function.Results:The age of the subjects was (63.17±12.02) years; 2 851 (50.91%) were males; and the M ( Q 1, Q 3) of urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels was 2.69 (1.52, 4.69) μg/g·creatinine. After adjusting for confounding factors, the results of linear mixed effects model analysis showed that for each 1-unit increase in urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium level, the percentage change [% (95% CI)] of leukocyte count and lymphocyte count was -1.70% (-2.61%, -0.79%) and -1.57% (-2.86%, -0.26%), respectively. RCS function showed a negative linear relationship between urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels and leukocyte counts and lymphocyte counts, respectively (all Pnon-linear>0.05). Conclusion:Urinary cadmium levels are negatively associated with leukocyte count and lymphocyte count among middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years in selected areas of China.

Background::The conversion of adenosine (A) to inosine (I) through deamination is the prevailing form of RNA editing, impacting numerous nuclear and cytoplasmic transcripts across various eukaryotic species. Millions of high-confidence RNA editing sites have been identified and integrated into various RNA databases, providing a convenient platform for the rapid identification of key drivers of cancer and potential therapeutic targets. However, the available database for integration of RNA editing in hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic malignancies is still lacking.Methods::We downloaded RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of 29 leukemia patients and 19 healthy donors from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and RNA-seq data of 12 mouse hematopoietic cell populations obtained from our previous research were also used. We performed sequence alignment, identified RNA editing sites, and obtained characteristic editing sites related to normal hematopoietic development and abnormal editing sites associated with hematologic diseases.Results::We established a new database, "REDH", represents RNA editome in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancy. REDH is a curated database of associations between RNA editome and hematopoiesis. REDH integrates 30,796 editing sites from 12 murine adult hematopoietic cell populations and systematically characterizes more than 400,000 edited events in malignant hematopoietic samples from 48 cohorts (human). Through the Differentiation, Disease, Enrichment, and knowledge modules, each A-to-I editing site is systematically integrated, including its distribution throughout the genome, its clinical information (human sample), and functional editing sites under physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, REDH compares the similarities and differences of editing sites between different hematologic malignancies and healthy control.Conclusions::REDH is accessible at http://www.redhdatabase.com/. This user-friendly database would aid in understanding the mechanisms of RNA editing in hematopoietic differentiation and malignancies. It provides a set of data related to the maintenance of hematopoietic homeostasis and identifying potential therapeutic targets in malignancies.

Epitranscriptomics focuses on the RNA-modification-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The past decade has witnessed tremendous progress in our understanding of the landscapes and biological functions of RNA modifications, as prompted by the emergence of potent analytical approaches. The hematopoietic system provides a lifelong supply of blood cells, and gene expression is tightly controlled during the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The dysregulation of gene expression during hematopoiesis may lead to severe disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Emerging evidence supports the involvement of the mRNA modification system in normal hematopoiesis and AML pathogenesis, which has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors that target N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) modification machinery as treatments. Here, we summarize the latest findings and our most up-to-date information on the roles of m 6A and N7-methylguanine in both physiological and pathological conditions in the hematopoietic system. Furthermore, we will discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of cancer treatments targeting m 6A.

Objective:To analyze the association between zygomatic change and bone setback or resection and propose a quantitative guidance for L-shaped reduction malarplasty by linear regression analysis based on computed tomographic (CT) scan images.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent L-shaped reduction malarplasty with mortice and tenon joint at the zygomatic arch in Department of Orthognathic and Temporomandibular Joint Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from January 2017 to September 2022. Bone setback and resection were performed in cases required a classical L-shaped osteoectomy with oblique bone resection (Group Ⅰ). Bone setback was performed in cases required a modified L-shaped osteotomy without bone resection (Group Ⅱ). Wound healing and the occurrence of complications were followed up after operation. The amount of bone setback and resection were calculated by using preoperative and postoperative CT scan images. The unilateral width changes of the anterior, middle, and posterior zygomatic regions(ΔZBP-MFP, ΔZMP-MFP, ΔZAP-MFP, respectively) as well as zygomatic protrusion change(Δzygomatic protrusion) were also evaluated. SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The measurement data was expressed as Mean±SD. Zygomatic width and protrusion change of the two groups was compared by independent t-test. Comparison of complication rates between the two groups was performed using the χ2 test. Correlation analysis using Pearson correlation coefficients was performed between bone resection or setback and zygomatic width or protrusion change. Linear regression analysis was also performed. Results:A total of 80 patients were enrolled. Group Ⅰ consisted of 40 patients [6 males and 34 females; aged (25.2±3.8) years, ranging from 19 to 33 years] who underwent a classical L-shaped osteotomy with both bone setback and resection, while Group Ⅱ consisted of 40 patients [10 males and 30 females; aged (26.0±3.0) years, ranging from 20 to 35 years] who underwent a modified L-shaped osteotomy with bone setback but without bone resection. All patients healed uneventfully during the follow-up period[(12.5±3.3) months, ranging from 5 to 20 months]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as infection, transient paresthesia, severe swelling and hematoma between the two groups ( P>0.05). No severe complications, such as facial asymmetry, sagging cheek, bone nonunion, were observed. All patients significantly improved facial contours. There was a statistically significant difference (all P<0.01) in ΔZBP-MFP [ (2.52±0.76) mm vs. (1.85±0.40) mm], ΔZMP-MFP [ (3.30±0.54) mm vs. (2.94±0.51) mm] and Δzygomatic protrusion [ (4.42±1.20) mm vs. (3.59±0.84) mm] between Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ. No statistical difference was found in ΔZAP-MFP ( P>0.05). Significant correlation was observed between the bone setback or resection and the changes of anterior, middle zygomatic width as well as protrusion in both the two groups ( r=0.60-0.92, all P<0.01), and the linear regression equation was established. The correlation between bone setback or resection and the posterior zygomatic width change was not significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:There are linear correlations between the unilateral anterior, middle zygomatic width change, zygomatic protrusion change and the unilateral bone setback or resection. The linear regression equations can be used as a quantitative guidance for preoperative surgical planning.

Objective:To analyze the association between zygomatic change and bone setback or resection and propose a quantitative guidance for L-shaped reduction malarplasty by linear regression analysis based on computed tomographic (CT) scan images.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent L-shaped reduction malarplasty with mortice and tenon joint at the zygomatic arch in Department of Orthognathic and Temporomandibular Joint Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from January 2017 to September 2022. Bone setback and resection were performed in cases required a classical L-shaped osteoectomy with oblique bone resection (Group Ⅰ). Bone setback was performed in cases required a modified L-shaped osteotomy without bone resection (Group Ⅱ). Wound healing and the occurrence of complications were followed up after operation. The amount of bone setback and resection were calculated by using preoperative and postoperative CT scan images. The unilateral width changes of the anterior, middle, and posterior zygomatic regions(ΔZBP-MFP, ΔZMP-MFP, ΔZAP-MFP, respectively) as well as zygomatic protrusion change(Δzygomatic protrusion) were also evaluated. SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The measurement data was expressed as Mean±SD. Zygomatic width and protrusion change of the two groups was compared by independent t-test. Comparison of complication rates between the two groups was performed using the χ2 test. Correlation analysis using Pearson correlation coefficients was performed between bone resection or setback and zygomatic width or protrusion change. Linear regression analysis was also performed. Results:A total of 80 patients were enrolled. Group Ⅰ consisted of 40 patients [6 males and 34 females; aged (25.2±3.8) years, ranging from 19 to 33 years] who underwent a classical L-shaped osteotomy with both bone setback and resection, while Group Ⅱ consisted of 40 patients [10 males and 30 females; aged (26.0±3.0) years, ranging from 20 to 35 years] who underwent a modified L-shaped osteotomy with bone setback but without bone resection. All patients healed uneventfully during the follow-up period[(12.5±3.3) months, ranging from 5 to 20 months]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as infection, transient paresthesia, severe swelling and hematoma between the two groups ( P>0.05). No severe complications, such as facial asymmetry, sagging cheek, bone nonunion, were observed. All patients significantly improved facial contours. There was a statistically significant difference (all P<0.01) in ΔZBP-MFP [ (2.52±0.76) mm vs. (1.85±0.40) mm], ΔZMP-MFP [ (3.30±0.54) mm vs. (2.94±0.51) mm] and Δzygomatic protrusion [ (4.42±1.20) mm vs. (3.59±0.84) mm] between Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ. No statistical difference was found in ΔZAP-MFP ( P>0.05). Significant correlation was observed between the bone setback or resection and the changes of anterior, middle zygomatic width as well as protrusion in both the two groups ( r=0.60-0.92, all P<0.01), and the linear regression equation was established. The correlation between bone setback or resection and the posterior zygomatic width change was not significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:There are linear correlations between the unilateral anterior, middle zygomatic width change, zygomatic protrusion change and the unilateral bone setback or resection. The linear regression equations can be used as a quantitative guidance for preoperative surgical planning.

Objective:To investigate the effect of N-acetylserotonin (NAS) on the retinal microglia polarization in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) rats and explore its mechanism via nucleotide-bound oligomeric domain 1 (NOD1)/receptor interacting protein 2 (Rip2) pathway.Methods:Healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into Sham ( n=21), RIRI ( n=21) and NAS (injected intraperitoneally 30 min before and after modeling with NAS, 10 mg/kg, n=18) groups, using random number table. And the right eye was used experimental eye. The RIRI model of rats in RIRI group and NAS group was established by anterior chamber high intraocular pressure method. Rats in NAS group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg NAS before and 30 min after modeling, respectively. The retinal morphology and the number of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) in each group were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. The effect of NAS on polarization of retinal microglia was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Transcriptome sequencing technology was used to screen out the differentially expressed genes between Sham and RIRI groups. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to examine the differentially expressed genes. Immunohistochemical staining, Western blot and RT-PCR were used to investigate the effect of NAS on the expression of NOD1 and Rip2 protein and mRNA in retinal tissue and microglia of rats. General linear regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the number difference of NOD1 + cells and the number difference of M1 and M2 microglia in retinal tissues of rats in NAS group and RIRI group. Results:A large number of RGC were observed in the retina of rats in Sham group. 24 h after modeling, compared with Sham group, the inner retinal thickness of rats in RIRI group was significantly increased and the number of RGC was significantly decreased. The thickness of inner retina in NAS group was significantly thinner and the number of RGC was significantly increased. Compared with Sham group, the number of retinal microglia of M1 and M2 in RIRI group was significantly increased. Compared with RIRI group, the number of M1 microglia decreased significantly and the number of M2 microglia increased significantly in NAS group. There was statistical significance in the number of M1 and M2 microglia in the retina of the three groups ( P<0.05). Transcriptome sequencing results showed that retinal NOD1 and Rip2 were important differential genes 24 h after modeling. The mRNA and protein relative expressions of NOD1 and Rip2 in retina of RIRI group were significantly higher than those of Sham group, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). The number of NOD1 + and Rip2 + cells and the relative expression of mRNA and protein in retinal microglia in RIRI group were significantly higher than those in Sham group, and NAS group was also significantly higher than that in Sham group, but lower than that in RIRI group, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). The number of Iba-1 +/NOD1 + and Iba-1 +/Rip2 + cells in retinal microglia in RIRI group was significantly increased compared with that in Sham group, and the number of Iba-1 +/Rip2 + cells in NAS group was significantly decreased compared with that in RIRI group, but still significantly higher than that in Sham group, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis results showed that the difference of retinal NOD1 + and Rip2 + cells in NAS group and RIRI group was positively correlated with that of M1 microglia ( r=0.851, 0.895), and negatively correlated with that of M2 microglia ( r=-0.797, -0.819). The differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:NAS can regulate the microglial polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype, the mechanism is correlated with the NOD1/Rip2 pathway.

Objective:To investigate the association of urinary cadmium levels with peripheral leukocyte classification counts among middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years in selected areas of China.Methods:The research was based on the survey of the impact of soil quality of agricultural land on human health in typical areas conducted in 2019-2020. A total of 5 600 middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years were included by using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. Baseline characteristics of the subjects were collected and physical examinations were performed. Random midstream urine was collected to measure urinary cadmium and urinary creatinine and fasting venous blood was collected to measure the leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count and eosinophil count. The linear mixed effect model was used to analyse the association of urinary cadmium levels with leukocyte classification counts, and the dose-response relationship between them was analyzed by using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) function.Results:The age of the subjects was (63.17±12.02) years; 2 851 (50.91%) were males; and the M ( Q 1, Q 3) of urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels was 2.69 (1.52, 4.69) μg/g·creatinine. After adjusting for confounding factors, the results of linear mixed effects model analysis showed that for each 1-unit increase in urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium level, the percentage change [% (95% CI)] of leukocyte count and lymphocyte count was -1.70% (-2.61%, -0.79%) and -1.57% (-2.86%, -0.26%), respectively. RCS function showed a negative linear relationship between urinary creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels and leukocyte counts and lymphocyte counts, respectively (all Pnon-linear>0.05). Conclusion:Urinary cadmium levels are negatively associated with leukocyte count and lymphocyte count among middle-aged and older adults aged 40 to 89 years in selected areas of China.