BACKGROUND:Endometrial receptivity is a key factor in embryo implantation in northwest Tibetan cashmere goats,and the expression of genes related to endometrial receptivity and their variable splicing are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To analyze and explore genes and variable splicing events related to endometrial receptivity in northwest Tibetan cashmere goats. METHODS:On days 5 and 15 of pregnancy(representing pre receptive endometrium group and receptive endometrium group),three northwest Tibetan cashmere goats were randomly selected.Endometrial tissue was collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe tissue morphology.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of endometrial receptive marker proteins leukemia inhibitory factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.After the total RNA was extracted and the quality test was qualified,transcriptome sequencing was performed to search differentially expressed mRNAs,lncRNAs,circRNAs,and miRNAs,perform functional prediction,and analyze alternative splicing mRNAs and lncRNAs related to endometrial receptivity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the pre receptive endometrium group,the expression levels of leukemia inhibitory factor and vascular endothelial growth factor proteins in the endometrial tissue of the receptive endometrium group were significantly increased.(2)The sequencing results showed that the differentially expressed genes were mostly mRNA and lncRNA genes,including 250 upregulated mRNAs,193 upregulated lncRNAs,135 downregulated mRNAs,and 123 downregulated lncRNAs,which were significantly enriched in the Wnt,Hedgehog,and Hippo signaling pathways.(3)Alternative splicing event analysis uncovered 8 differentially expressed variable splicing transcripts,which were all mRNA transcripts,including 2 downregulated and 6 upregulated,and were significantly associated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling,cell motility,and embryonic development.

ObjectiveBased on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated the brain activity characteristics of gross motor tasks in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and motor dysfunctions (MDs) to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of MDs in children with ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 children with ASD accompanied by MDs were recruited into the ASD group and 40 children with typically developing (TD) into the TD group. The fNIRS device was used to collect the information of blood oxygen changes in the cortical motor-related brain regions during single-handed bag throwing and tiptoe walking, and the differences in brain activation and functional connectivity between the two groups of children were analyzed from the perspective of brain activation and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared to the TD group, in the object manipulative motor task (one-handed bag throwing), the ASD group showed significantly reduced activation in both left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and right secondary visual cortex (V2) (P<0.05), whereas the right pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC&SMA) had significantly higher activation (P<0.01) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, there was a significant decrease in the strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and V2. In the body stability motor task (tiptoe walking), the ASD group had significantly higher activation in motor-related brain regions such as the DLPFC, SMC, and PMC&SMA (P<0.05) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, the ASD group had lower strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with PMC&SMA and V2. ConclusionChildren with ASD exhibit abnormal brain functional activity characteristics specific to different gross motor tasks in object manipulative and body stability, reflecting insufficient or excessive compensatory activation of local brain regions and impaired cross-regions integration, which may be a potential reason for the poorer gross motor performance of children with ASD, and meanwhile provides data support for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of MDs in the context of ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective.

Dipsaci Radix is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine in China, with triterpenoid saponins as the main active components. β-Amyrin synthase, a member of the oxidosqualene cyclase superfamily, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins. Asperosaponin Ⅵ is an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin. To explore the β-amyrin synthase genes involved in the biosynthesis of asperosaponin Ⅵ in Dipsacus asper, this study screened the candidate genes from the transcriptome data of D. asper. Two β-amyrin synthase genes, Da OSC1 and Da OSC2, were identified by phylogenetic analysis and correlation analysis. The coding sequences of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were 2 286 bp and 2 295 bp in length, encoding 761 and 764 amino acids,respectively. Multiple sequence alignments showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had three conserved motifs( DCTAE, QW, and MWCYCR) unique to the oxidosqualene cyclase family. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had the highest expression levels in the roots. Compared with normal growth conditions, the low-temperature treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in the production of β-amyrin, which suggested that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were able to catalyze the synthesis of β-amyrin. This study clarified the catalytic functions of two β-amyrin synthases in D. asper, analyzed their expression patterns in different tissue and at low temperatures. The findings provide a foundation for further studying the biosynthetic pathway and regulatory mechanism of asperosaponin Ⅵ in D. asper.
Intramolecular Transferases/chemistry* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Dipsacaceae/classification* ; Saponins/metabolism* ; Oleanolic Acid/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the MYH9 gene sequence of a patient with hereditary thrombocytopenia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and his family members, and to explore the relationship between MYH9 gene and tumors. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients and their family members for complete blood count analysis. The platelet morphology was observed under microscope. The MYH9 gene sequence was analyzed by Whole Exon Sequencing and Sanger Sequencing. RESULTS: The mutation site c.279C>A:p.(Asn93Lys) in exon 2 of the MYH9 gene were found in patient and his family members, both presenting as thrombocytopenia. The platelet count was significantly increased after the administration of Avatrombopag. CONCLUSION A novel mutation of MYH9 was found in this study, and the case was sensitive to Avatrombopag, by exploring the relationship between the MYH9 gene and tumors, suggesting that the MYH9 gene may be associated with the development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Humans ; Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics* ; Thrombocytopenia/genetics* ; Mutation ; Male ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/genetics* ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics* ; Molecular Motor Proteins/genetics* ; Pedigree

Homo- or heterodimeric compounds that affect dimeric protein function through interaction between monomeric moieties and protein subunits can serve as valuable sources of potent and selective drug candidates. Here, we screened an in-house dimeric natural product collection, and panepocyclinol A (PecA) emerged as a selective and potent STAT3 inhibitor with profound anti-tumor efficacy. Through cross-linking C712/C718 residues in separate STAT3 monomers with two distinct Michael receptors, PecA inhibits STAT3 DNA binding affinity and transcription activity. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the key conformation changes of STAT3 dimers upon the di-covalent binding with PecA that abolishes its DNA interactions. Furthermore, PecA exhibits high efficacy against anaplastic large T cell lymphoma in vitro and in vivo, especially those with constitutively activated STAT3 or STAT3^Y640F. In summary, our study describes a distinct and effective di-covalent modification for the dimeric compound PecA to disrupt STAT3 function.

In recent years,the incidence of heat-related diseases has been on a steady upward trend,which is closely associated with environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution.Exposure to a hot environment and/or strenuous physical activities can progress to heat stroke(HS),an acute disease that can lead to death.Current research indicates that gut injury occupies the most crucial initiating position in the pathophysiological changes and pathogenesis of HS.Probiotics can reduce the incidence and mortality of HS through maintaining the health of the gut microbiota,regulating the intestinal immune system,and other effects.In addition,the gut microbiota can construct axis systems to interact with multiple organs such as the liver,lungs,and brain,which is of great significance for alleviating the damage to distant organs caused by HS.This paper reviews the regulation of the gut microbiota by probiotics to improve the intestinal heat tolerance ability and barrier function,aiming to provide references for the prevention and treatment of heat stroke in clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of varying doses of methylprednisolone(MP)on mice with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)induced with influenza A virus(IAV).Methods Mouse model of COPD was established using LPS combined with smoking for 12 weeks,and then these COPD mice were treated with administration of 40 μL IAV via nasal drip to establish a AECOPD model.A total of 15 AECOPD mice were randomly divided into low-,medium-and high-dose MP groups,oseltamivir group and blank group.The body weight and survival time were monitored within 10 d after IAV infection.On days 1,3,and 5 post-treatment,lung function was assessed using whole-body plethysmography(WBP),inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were quantified with ELISA,viral titers in BALF were determined using plaque assays,and colony-forming units were evaluated with blood agar plates.Immunofluorescence analysis:① Pulmonary immunofluorescence assay:Mice were randomly categorized into(n=4):LPS 1-day group,LPS 3-day group,and LPS+MP treatment group.All groups received an initial dose of LPS via atomization;subsequently,the LPS+MP treatment group received a single gavage dose of MP.Lung tissues were harvested from the 1-day LPS group on 1 d post-treatment,and from the 3-day LPS and LPS+MP groups on 3 d for immunofluorescence staining.② Cellular immunofluorescence assay:Mouse bone marrow neutrophils were classified into blank control(no intervention),LPS stimulation(LPS group),MP intervention with LPS stimulation(LPS+MP group),and MP intervention alone(MP group).The above cells were collected in 4 h after corresponding interventions for subsequent cellular immunofluorescence analysis.Results ①The medium-dose MP group demonstrated the most significant improvement in survival rate,weight recovery,and lung function when compared to other groups(P＜0.05).② Treatment of medium-dose MP obviously reduced the levels of IL-6 and neutrophil extracellular traps(NETs)(P＜0.05),while,elevated inflammatory factors and NETs were observed in the high-dose MP group on day 5 post-treatment.③ Notable decline in the lung injury score was found in the medium-dose MP group than the other groups(P＜0.05).④The high-dose MP group exhibited substantial bacterial proliferation and delayed viral clearance since day 5 after treatment.Conclusion Medium-dose MP shows best efficacy in treatment of IAV-induced AECOPD,and the dose neither delays viral clearance nor increases the risk of bacterial infection following viral infection.

Objective To explore the relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and re-fractive error in preschool children.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the visual acuity of 2,915 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years using a questionnaire.Results After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as parental education level,premature birth,birth weight,family structure,only-child status,screen-watching,outdoor activity time,and sleep time u-sing a Logistic regression equation,compared with a breastfeeding duration of less than 6 months,a breastfeeding duration of 6 to 12 months(OR=0.683,95％CI:0.516 to 0.903)and＞12 months(OR=0.628,95％CI:0.451 to 0.874)were found to be protective factors against refractive error.Further stratified analysis revealed that a breastfeeding duration of 6 to 12 months(OR=0.640,95％CI:0.459 to 0.892)and＞12 months(OR=0.519,95％CI:0.347 to 0.777)had a protective effect on the visual acuity of preschool children aged 3 to 4 years.Conclusion The duration of breastfeed-ing is a protective factor against refractive error in preschool children aged 3 to 4 years,and prolonging the duration of breastfeeding is beneficial for reducing the occurrence of refractive error.

Objective To investigate the morphological typing and clinical significance of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis fibular notch based on CT images. Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion ceiteria‚ the imaging data of patients undergoing ankle joint CT examination were analyzed‚ and the inferior tibiofibular joint fibula notch was classified according to the morphological characteristics. The measurements included 8 distances. There were 123 males and 102 females‚ all of whom were Han nationality‚ aged 18-60 years old. Results Retrospectively analyzed the result of 225 patients from December 2013 to December 2022. The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis fibular notch was divided into four types according to morphological characteristics‚ C-shaped (50. 67%)‚ V-shaped (26. 67%)‚ flat-shaped (15. 11%) and L-shaped (7. 56%). The angle between the anterior and posterior facets of the flat shape (145. 56 ± 9. 25)° was the largest and the angle between the anterior and posterior facets of the L shape (125. 07 ± 13. 54)° was the smallest(P< 0. 05); the depth of the notch in the flat shape (3. 11 ± 0. 83) mm was the smallest and in the L shape (4. 47±1. 11) mm was the largest(P<0. 05);The posterior facet length (13. 06 ± 3. 56) mm and anterior tibiofibular gap (3. 83±1. 49) mm on left were larger than on the right side (P<0. 05); The posterior facet length (13. 36 ± 3. 46) mm‚ fibular notch depth (3. 93 ± 1. 10) mm and vertical distance of tibiofibular overlap (9. 10 ± 2. 55) mm larger in men than in women (P<0. 05). Conclusion In this study‚ the data related to the inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis notch were measured and divided into four types according to the shape. The flat inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis notch is more likely to have chronic ankle instability‚ and the fibula is more likely to move forward during anatomical reduction. The inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis of L-shaped and C-shaped notches is more prone to posterior displacement of fibula or poor rotation reduction during anatomical reduction.

Objective:To investigate a new method for the reconstruction of hemifacial microsomia by sagittal osteotomy of the affected mandibular outer cortex combined with bone graft of mandibular outer cortex from healthy side.Methods:From March 2006 to March 2023, the clinical data of patients with hemifacial microsomia admitted to the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative diagnosis and surgical design were performed based on clinical manifestations and imaging findings. All cases were operated under general anesthesia. The affected mandibular outer cortex was previously split by an intraoral approach, and then the mandibular outer cortex of appropriate shape and size on the healthy side was harvested and grafted into the split bone space according to the preoperative design, following by internal rigid fixation. Complications, facial appearance improvement, and patient satisfaction were followed up. Photographs were taken preoperative, immediately postoperative and at the long-term(last) postoperative follow-up, and the severity of the deformity was analyzed. CT data from preoperative, immediate postoperative, and long-term follow-up visits were imported into Surgicase Proplan medical three-dimensional image workstation in Dicom format. The mandible was reconstructed using Segmentation, and the thickness of the mandible was measured during pre-operative, immediate post-operative and long-term follow-up visits. Anova with repeated measurement design was used to compare measurements and LSD test was used for multiple comparisons. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test were used to statistically analyze malformation severity. P< 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 39 patients were included in this study, including 13 females and 26 males, with an average age of (22.21±4.57) years (15-27 years). All patients were followed up for an average of (45.56±39.41) months (6-153 months) after surgery. The grafted mandibular outer cortex grows well with the adjacent bone tissue, and the mandibular angle and mandibular body are significantly wider. Of the 39 cases, 1 developed an infection 1 year after surgery, the titanium plate was exposed, and the patient healed after debridement and removal of the immobilizing splint. The facial appearance of the other patients improved significantly. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and long term follow up of mandibular thickness measurements were compared in pairs, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The patient’s appearance satisfaction score: the preoperative score was [2.0(1.5, 2.0)] points, the immediate postoperative score was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points, the score of the last postoperative follow up was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points. There was statistical difference in satisfaction among the three groups ( P<0.01). The preoperative scores were compared with the scores of the immediate postoperative and the last postoperative follow-up respectively, and the differences were statistically significant( P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in satisfaction between the immediate postoperative score and the score of the last postoperative follow up ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The sagittal splitting osteotomy of the mandibular outer cortex is consistent with the features of mandibular anatomy, and provides a good condition for the grafting and healing of autogenous bone. Removing the outer cortex of the mandible on the healthy side not only increases the thickness of the affected side, but also decreases the width of the angle of the mandible on the healthy side, so as to effectively correct the asymmetric deformity of the mandible. The method is simple, with few complications and good results, and is one of the ideal treatments to correct hemofacial microsomia.