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Fulltext Molecular Characteristics of Burkholderia pseudomallei Collected From Humans in Hainan, China

Zhu X, Chen H, Li S, Wang LC, Wu DR, Wang XM, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2020;11:778.
PMID: 32457710 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00778

Melioidosis is a common infectious disease in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. In Hainan, several cases have been reported, but no systematic study has yet been done on the molecular epidemiology profiles of the organism. An investigation of the molecular epidemiology links and population structure of Burkholderia pseudomallei would help to better understand the clonally of the isolates and differences among them. In this study, multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were applied to examine the epidemiological relatedness and population structure of 166 B. pseudomallei isolates obtained during 2002-2014 in Hainan, China. Both the MLVA_4 and MLST approaches had high discriminatory power for this population, with diversity indices of 0.9899 and 0.9457, respectively. However, the MLVA_4 assay showed a higher discriminatory power than the MLST approach, and a variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR3 933) found by the MLVA approach was the most useful in discriminating strains from this province. A total of 166 strains yielded 99 MLVA_4 genotypes, of which 34 genotypes were shared by 101 isolates, for a clustering rate of 60.8% (101/166), which suggested that some cases may have a common source. Additionally, 65 isolates showed distinct genotypes, indicating that more than 39.2% (65/166) of melioidosis cases in Hainan had epidemiologically unrelated or sporadic characteristics. The 166 isolates were resolved into 48 STs, of which five STs (ST55, -70, -46, -50, and -58) were here found to be predominant. Phylogenetic analysis of 116 isolates conducted using the eBURST v3 segregated the 48 STs into eight groups with ST50 as predicted founder, and 21 STs were found to be singletons, which suggest that the strains in the Hainan region represent a high diversity of ST clones, indicating that many B. pseudomallei clone groups are endemic to this region. Moreover, ST50 had 5 SLV, 7 DLV, 6 TLV, and 29 satellite STs and formed a radial expansion pattern, suggesting that the melioidosis epidemic in this study was mainly caused by the clonal expansion of ST 50. Phylogenetic analysis on global scale suggests that China's isolates are closely related to isolates from Southeast Asia, particularly from Thailand and Malaysia.
A series of anionic host coordination polymers based on azoxybenzene carboxylate: structures, luminescence and magnetic properties

Feng X, Guo N, Chen H, Wang H, Yue L, Chen X, et al.

Dalton Trans, 2017 Oct 24;46(41):14192-14200.
PMID: 28990615 DOI: 10.1039/c7dt02974h

A series of coordination polymers {[Ln(aobtc)(H2O)4]·Hbipy·H2O}n (H4aobtc = azoxybenzene-2,2',3,3'-tetracarboxylic acid, bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, and Ln = Sm(1), Eu(2), Gd(3), Tb(4), Dy(5), Er(6)) have been synthesized and characterized systematically. The cationic Hbipy(+) guest incorporated polymers are isostructural sets, featuring a one-dimensional (1D) zigzag double chain edifice composed of binuclear clusters [Ln2(H4aobtc)2], with the Hbipy(+) guest being located on two sides. These 1D chains are further interlinked into a 2D layer structure, and further extended into a 3D framework through hydrogen bonding interactions. The luminescence emission spectra of polymers 2 and 3 are based on the H4aobtc acid ligands, while 1 and 4 display the characteristic f-f transitions of Ln(iii) ions. Magnetic measurements revealed the presence of ferromagnetic behavior in polymer 3. The magnetic behaviors of 4 and 6 are ascribed to the depopulation of the Stark levels and/or weak antiferromagnetic interactions within MOFs at lower temperature. Slow relaxation is observed through the alternating-current susceptibility measurements for 5 at lower temperature, and the coexistence of weak ferromagnetism corresponding to the spin-canting-like behavior.
Analyzing and mapping the research status, hotspots, and frontiers of biological wound dressings: An in-depth data-driven assessment

Shen S, Deng L, Du Y, Gao J, Zhang C, Wang Y, et al.

Int J Pharm, 2022 Dec 15;629:122385.
PMID: 36375685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122385

Wound dressings can be applied over the wound sites to provide long-lasting wound management and improve wound healing. Biological wound dressings are superior to synthetic materials due to biodegradability and biocompatibility. These biomaterials have demonstrated huge potential in the field of wound dressings. Applying bibliometric analysis combined with results-based descriptions to characterize the research status, hotspots, and cutting-edge topics, this study is the first in-depth qualitative, quantitative, data-driven overview of biological wound dressings research in recent decades. Filtered data were used to construct co-citation, heatmaps, bi-clustering, strategy maps, and other analyses and visualization. The results show that research on biological wound dressings has progressed considerably in the last 5 years with extensive global collaboration. A clear knowledge base has been developed. Chitosan hydrogels, bacterial cellulose, active agents (silver nanoparticles, growth factors, curcumin, etc.), and electrospinning fibers stand out as research hotspots. The research frontiers include novel starting materials, precise and controlled release systems, and clinical and regenerative medicine applications. We interpreted an overview of the excavated topics and expected the findings here to provide a guide and inspire innovations for developing the next generation wound dressings.
Fulltext Association of Puberty Stage and Weight Status with Cardiometabolic Risk in Children and Adolescents Living on the Texas-Mexico Border

Low EV, Lee M, Bauer C, Fisher-Hoch SP, McCormick JB, Abughosh S, et al.

Metab Syndr Relat Disord, 2022 Oct;20(8):440-450.
PMID: 35819796 DOI: 10.1089/met.2021.0151

Background: This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the interaction effect between puberty stage and weight status on individual and clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) among Mexican American children and adolescents. A total of 333 children and adolescents (aged 8-18 years) enrolled in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC) from 2014 to 2020 were included in the study. Methods: CCHC is a longitudinal, randomly recruited cohort based on the United States Census tracts/blocks of Mexican Americans living on the Texas-Mexico border. Individual CMRFs, including high blood pressure, central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin resistance (IR) were assessed. Clustering of CMRFs is defined as the presence of three or more individual CMRFs. Puberty stages were assessed using the Tanner criteria. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to assess the association of puberty, weight status, and the interaction of the two main exposures with individual and clustering of CMRFs. Results: We observed that weight status had a dominant effect on all CMRF measures. The effect was especially prominent on central obesity and clustering of CMRFs. There were 95.4% of children with central obesity and 98.4% of those with clustering of CMRF were either overweight or obese. Entering puberty was associated with an increased risk of having IR [Tanner stage 2 vs. 1: odds ratio (OR) = 3.25, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.28-8.27; Tanner stage 3 vs. 1: OR = 3.50, 95% CI 1.45-8.46] and hypertriglyceridemia (Tanner stage 2 vs. 1: OR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.11-6.45). However, the effects were not observed among those reaching the end of puberty (Tanner stage 4 and 5). Conclusions: A significant interaction effect between weight status and puberty was not detected on any individual CMRF and in the clustering of CMRFs. Other factors positively associated with individual CMRFs, especially IR, were being female and having a family history of diabetes.
Fulltext Research on Cartilage 3D Printing Technology Based on SA-GA-HA

Chen Y, Gong Y, Shan L, Tan CY, Al-Furjan MS, Ramesh S, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2023 Jul 28;16(15).
PMID: 37570016 DOI: 10.3390/ma16155312

Cartilage damage is difficult to heal and poses a serious problem to human health as it can lead to osteoarthritis. In this work, we explore the application of biological 3D printing to manufacture new cartilage scaffolds to promote cartilage regeneration. The hydrogel made by mixing sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GA) has high biocompatibility, but its mechanical properties are poor. The addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) can enhance its mechanical properties. In this paper, the preparation scheme of the SA-GA-HA composite hydrogel cartilage scaffold was explored, the scaffolds prepared with different concentrations were compared, and better formulations were obtained for printing and testing. Mathematical modeling of the printing process of the bracket, simulation analysis of the printing process based on the mathematical model, and adjustment of actual printing parameters based on the results of the simulation were performed. The cartilage scaffold, which was printed using Bioplotter 3D printer, exhibited useful mechanical properties suitable for practical needs. In addition, ATDC-5 cells were seeded on the cartilage scaffolds and the cell survival rate was found to be higher after one week. The findings demonstrated that the fabricated chondrocyte scaffolds had better mechanical properties and biocompatibility, providing a new scaffold strategy for cartilage tissue regeneration.
Rapid Thermochromic and Highly Thermally Conductive Nanocomposite Based on Silicone Rubber for Temperature Visualization Thermal Management in Electronic Devices

Yan J, Cai Y, Zhang H, Han M, Liu X, Chen H, et al.

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2024 Feb 14;16(6):7883-7893.
PMID: 38299449 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17947

Effective heat dissipation and real-time temperature monitoring are crucial for ensuring the long-term stable operation of modern, high-performance electronic products. This study proposes a silicon rubber polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based nanocomposite with a rapid thermal response and high thermal conductivity. This nanocomposite enables both rapid heat dissipation and real-time temperature monitoring for high-performance electronic products. The reported material primarily consists of a thermally conductive layer (Al2O3/PDMS composites) and a reversible thermochromic layer (organic thermochromic material, graphene oxide, and PDMS nanocoating; OTM-GO/PDMS). The thermal conductivity of OTM-GO/Al2O3/PDMS nanocomposites reached 4.14 W m-1 K-1, reflecting an increase of 2200% relative to that of pure PDMS. When the operating temperature reached 35, 45, and 65 °C, the surface of OTM-GO/Al2O3/PDMS nanocomposites turned green, yellow, and red, respectively, and the thermal response time was only 30 s. The OTM-GO/Al2O3/PDMS nanocomposites also exhibited outstanding repeatability and maintained excellent color stability over 20 repeated applications.
Fulltext Increased Expression of Phosphorylated FADD in Anaplastic Large Cell and Other T-Cell Lymphomas

Patel S, Murphy D, Haralambieva E, Abdulla ZA, Wong KK, Chen H, et al.

Biomark Insights, 2014;9:77-84.
PMID: 25232277 DOI: 10.4137/BMI.S16553

FAS-associated protein with death domain (FADD) is a major adaptor protein involved in extrinsic apoptosis, embryogenesis, and lymphocyte homeostasis. Although abnormalities of the FADD/death receptor apoptotic pathways have been established in tumorigenesis, fewer studies have analyzed the expression and role of phosphorylated FADD (pFADD). Our identification of FADD as a lymphoma-associated autoantigen in T-cell lymphoma patients raises the possibility that pFADD, with its correlation with cell cycle, may possess role(s) in human T-cell lymphoma development. This immunohistochemical study investigated pFADD protein expression in a range of normal tissues and lymphomas, particularly T-cell lymphomas that require improved therapies. Whereas pFADD was expressed only in scattered normal T cells, it was detected at high levels in T-cell lymphomas (eg, 84% anaplastic large cell lymphoma and 65% peripheral T cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified). The increased expression of pFADD supports further study of its clinical relevance and role in lymphomagenesis, highlighting phosphorylation of FADD as a potential therapeutic target.
Reciprocal expression of the endocytic protein HIP1R and its repressor FOXP1 predicts outcome in R-CHOP-treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients

Wong KK, Gascoyne DM, Brown PJ, Soilleux EJ, Snell C, Chen H, et al.

Leukemia, 2014 Feb;28(2):362-72.
PMID: 23884370 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.224

We previously identified autoantibodies to the endocytic-associated protein Huntingtin-interacting protein 1-related (HIP1R) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. HIP1R regulates internalization of cell surface receptors via endocytosis, a process relevant to many therapeutic strategies including CD20 targeting with rituximab. In this study, we characterized HIP1R expression patterns, investigated a mechanism of transcriptional regulation and its clinical relevance in DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone, R-CHOP). HIP1R was preferentially expressed in germinal center B-cell-like DLBCL (P<0.0001) and inversely correlated with the activated B-cell-like DLBCL (ABC-DLBCL) associated transcription factor, Forkhead box P1 (FOXP1). HIP1R was confirmed as a direct FOXP1 target gene in ABC-DLBCL by FOXP1-targeted silencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Lower HIP1R protein expression (≤ 10% tumoral positivity) significantly correlated with inferior overall survival (OS, P=0.0003) and progression-free survival (PFS, P=0.0148) in R-CHOP-treated DLBCL patients (n=157). Reciprocal expression with ≥ 70% FOXP1 positivity defined FOXP1(hi)/HIP1R(lo) patients with particularly poor outcome (OS, P=0.0001; PFS, P=0.0016). In an independent R-CHOP-treated DLBCL (n=233) microarray data set, patients with transcript expression in lower quartile HIP1R and FOXP1(hi)/HIP1R(lo) subgroups exhibited worse OS, P=0.0044 and P=0.0004, respectively. HIP1R repression by FOXP1 is strongly associated with poor outcome, thus further understanding of FOXP1-HIP1R and/or endocytic signaling pathways might give rise to novel therapeutic options for DLBCL.
The design of a thermoresponsive surface for the continuous culture of human pluripotent stem cells

Sung TC, Yang JS, Yeh CC, Liu YC, Jiang YP, Lu MW, et al.

Biomaterials, 2019 Nov;221:119411.
PMID: 31419657 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119411

Commonly, stem cell culture is based on batch-type culture, which is laborious and expensive. We continuously cultured human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) on thermoresponsive dish surfaces, where hPSCs were partially detached on the same thermoresponsive dish by decreasing the temperature of the thermoresponsive dish to be below the lower critical solution temperature for only 30 min. Then, the remaining cells were continuously cultured in fresh culture medium, and the detached stem cells were harvested in the exchanged culture medium. hPSCs were continuously cultured for ten cycles on the thermoresponsive dish surface, which was prepared by coating the surface with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-styrene) and oligovitronectin-grafted poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene) or recombinant vitronectin for hPSC binding sites to maintain hPSC pluripotency. After ten cycles of continuous culture on the thermoresponsive dish surface, the detached cells expressed pluripotency proteins and had the ability to differentiate into cells derived from the three germ layers in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the detached cells differentiated into specific cell lineages, such as cardiomyocytes, with high efficiency.
Enterovirus 71 from fatal and nonfatal cases of hand, foot and mouth disease epidemics in Malaysia, Japan and Taiwan in 1997-1998

Shimizu H, Utama A, Yoshii K, Yoshida H, Yoneyama T, Sinniah M, et al.

Jpn J Infect Dis, 1999 Feb;52(1):12-5.
PMID: 10808253

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), one of the major causative agents for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), is sometimes associated with severe central nervous system diseases. In 1997, in Malaysia and Japan, and in 1998 in Taiwan, there were HFMD epidemics involving sudden deaths among young children, and EV71 was isolated from the HFMD patients, including the fatal cases. The nucleotide sequences of each EV71 isolate were determined and compared by phylogenetical analysis. EV71 strains from previously reported epidemics belonged to genotype A-1, while those from recent epidemics could be divided into two genotypes, A-2 and B. In Malaysia, genotype A-2 was more prevalent, while in Japan and Taiwan, B genotype was more prevalent. Two isolates from fatal cases in Malaysia and one isolate from a fatal case in Japan were genotype A-2. However, all isolates from three fatal cases in Taiwan belonged to genotype B. The severity of the HFMD did not link directly to certain genotypes of EV71.
Fulltext Impact of the Inflow Population From Outbreak Areas on the COVID-19 Epidemic in Yunnan Province and the Recommended Control Measures: A Preliminary Study

Sun Z, He G, Huang N, Chen H, Zhang S, Zhao Z, et al.

Front Public Health, 2020;8:609974.
PMID: 33344408 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.609974

Background: COVID-19 developed into a global pandemic in 2020 and poses challenges regarding the prevention and control capabilities of countries. A large number of inbound travelers from other regions could lead to a renewed outbreak of COVID-19 in the local regions. Globally, as a result of the imbalance in the control of the epidemic, all countries are facing the risk of a renewed COVID-19 outbreak brought about by travelers from epidemic areas. Therefore, studies on a proper management of the inbound travelers are urgent. Methods: We collected a total of 4,733,414 inbound travelers and 174 COVID-19 diagnosed patients in Yunnan province from 21 January 2020 to 20 February 2020. Data on place of origin, travel history, age, and gender, as well as whether they had suspected clinical manifestations for inbound travelers in Yunnan were collected. The impact of inbound travelers on the local epidemic was analyzed with a collinear statistical analysis and the effect of the control measures on the epidemic was evaluated with a sophisticated modeling approach. Results: Of the 174 COVID-19 patients, 60.9% were not from Yunnan, and 76.4% had a history of travel in Hubei. The amount of new daily cases in Yunnan was significant correlated with the number of inbound travelers from Hubei and suspected cases among them. Using Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model analysis, we found that the prevention and control measures dropped the local R0 down to 1.07 in Yunnan province. Conclusions: Our preliminary analysis showed that the proper management of inbound travelers from outbreak areas has a significantly positive effect on the prevention and control of the virus. In the process of resettlement, some effective measures taken by Yunnan province may provide an important reference for preventing the renewed COVID-19 outbreak in other regions.
Ten-year fracture risk by FRAX and osteoporotic fractures in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases

Lai EL, Huang WN, Chen HH, Hsu CY, Chen DY, Hsieh TY, et al.

Lupus, 2019 Jul;28(8):945-953.
PMID: 31177913 DOI: 10.1177/0961203319855122

The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) has been used universally for the purpose of fracture risk assessment. However, the predictive capacity of FRAX for autoimmune diseases remains inconclusive. This study aimed to compare the applicability of FRAX for autoimmune disease patients. This retrospective study recruited rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients with bone mineral density (BMD) tests. Patients with any osteoporotic fractures were identified. Taiwan-specific FRAX with and without BMD were then calculated. In total, 802 patients (451 RA, 233 SLE and 118 pSS) were enrolled in this study. The cumulative incidences of osteoporotic fractures in the RA, SLE and pSS patients were 43.0%, 29.2% and 33.1%, respectively. For those with a previous osteoporotic fracture, T-scores were classified as low bone mass. Overall, the patients' 10-year probability of major fracture risk by FRAX without BMD was 15.8%, which then increased to 20.3% after incorporation of BMD measurement. When analyzed by disease group, the fracture risk in RA patients was accurately predicted by FRAX. In contrast, current FRAX, either with or without BMD measurement, underestimated the fracture risk both in SLE and pSS patients, even after stratification by age and glucocorticoid treatment. For pSS patients with major osteoporotic fractures, FRAX risks imputed by RA were comparable to major osteoporotic fracture risks of RA patients. Current FRAX accurately predicted fracture probability in RA patients, but not in SLE and pSS patients. RA-imputed FRAX risk scores could be used as a temporary substitute for SLE and pSS patients.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Compared with Multimodal Imaging for Diagnosing Neovascular Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Ng DS, Ho M, Chen LJ, Yip FL, Teh WM, Zhou L, et al.

Am J Ophthalmol, 2021 12;232:70-82.
PMID: 34116008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.05.029

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) compared with multimodal imaging for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) eyes and to determine the features that predicted CNV.
DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study.
METHODS: Consecutive CSC patients were recruited from retina clinic. The reference standard for CNV was determined by interpretation of multimodal imaging with OCTA, structural OCT line scan, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), ultra-widefield fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). Two independent masked graders examined OCTA without FA and ICGA to diagnose CNV. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with CNV.
RESULTS: CNV was detected in 69 eyes in 64 out of 277 CSC patients according to reference standard. The two masked graders who examined OCTA had sensitivity of 81.2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 71.9%-90.4%) and 78.3% (95% CI, 68.5%-88.0%), specificity of 97.3% (95% CI, 95.9%-98.8%) and 96.2% (95% CI, 94.5%-98.0%), positive predictive values of 82.4% (95% CI, 73.3%-91.4%) and 76.1% (95% CI, 66.1%-86.0%), and negative predictive values of 97.1% (95% CI, 95.6%-98.7%) and 96.7% (95% CI, 95.0%-98.3%). Their mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.88 with good agreement (Kappa coefficient 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.89]). Flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment on structural OCT, neovascular network on OCTA and ill-defined late leakage on FA significantly correlated with CNV in CSC from multiple regression (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: There is discordance between OCTA and multimodal imaging in diagnosing CNV in CSC. This study demonstrated the caveats in OCTA interpretation, such as small extrafoveal lesions and retinal pigment epithelial alterations. Comprehensive interpretation of OCTA with dye angiography and structural OCT is recommended.
Long-term evaluation of osteoarthritis sheep knee, treated with TGF-β3 and BMP-6 induced multipotent stem cells

Ude CC, Shamsul BS, Ng MH, Chen HC, Ohnmar H, Amaramalar SN, et al.

Exp Gerontol, 2018 04;104:43-51.
PMID: 29421350 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.01.020

BACKGROUND: Hyaline articular cartilage, which protects the bones of diarthrodial joints from forces associated with load bearing, frictions, and impacts has very limited capacities for self-repair. Over the years, the trend of treatments has shifted to regenerations and researchers have been on the quest for a lasting regeneration. We evaluated the treatment of osteoarthritis by chondrogenically induced ADSCs and BMSCs for a long time functional recovery.
METHODS: Osteoarthritis was induced at the right knee of sheep by complete resection of ACL and medial meniscus. Stem cells from sheep were induced to chondrogenic lineage. Test sheep received 5 mls single doses of 2 × 107 autologous PKH26-labelled ADSCs or BMSCs, while controls received basal medium. Functional recovery of the knees was evaluated via electromyography.
RESULTS: Induced ADSCs had 625, 255, 393, 908, 409, 157 and 1062 folds increases of collagen I, collagen II, aggrecan, SOX9, cartilage oligomeric protein, chondroadherin and fibromodullin compare to uninduced cells, while BMSCs had 702, 657, 321, 276, 337, 233 and 1163 respectively; p = .001. Immunocytochemistry was positive for these chondrogenic markers. 12 months post-treatment, controls scored 4 in most regions using ICRS, while the treated had 8; P = .001. Regenerated cartilages were positive to PKH26 and demonstrated the presence of condensing cartilages on haematoxylin and eosin; and Safranin O. OA degenerations caused significant amplitude shift from right to left hind limb. After treatments, controls persisted with significant decreases; while treated samples regained balance.
CONCLUSIONS: Both ADSCs and BMSCs had increased chondrogenic gene expressions using TGF-β3 and BMP-6. The treated knees had improved cartilage scores; PKH26 can provide elongated tracking, while EMG results revealed improved joint recoveries. These could be suitable therapies for osteoarthritis.
Fulltext Ancient forest plants possess cytotoxic properties causing liver cancer HepG2 cell apoptosis

Yue X, Ling Ma N, Zhong J, Yang H, Chen H, Yang Y, et al.

Environ Res, 2024 Jan 15;241:117474.
PMID: 37879390 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117474

Here, we collected 154 plant species in China ancient forests looking for novel efficient bioactive compounds for cancer treatments. We found 600 bioactive phyto-chemicals that induce apoptosis of liver cancer cell in vitro. First, we screen the plant extract's in vitro cytotoxicity inhibition of cancer cell growth using in vitro HepG2 cell lines and MTT cytotoxicity. The results from these initial MTT in vitro cytotoxicity tests show that the most efficient plants towards hepatoma cytoxicity is Cephalotaxus sinensis, mint bush (Elsholtzia stauntonii) and winged spindle tree (Euonymus alatus). We then used in cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) to further understand in vivo tumor growth using nude mice and GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS to analyze the composition of compounds in the extracts. Extracted chemically active molecules analyzed by network pharmacology showed inhibition on the growth of liver cancer cells by acting on multiple gene targets, which is different from the currently used traditional drugs acting on only one target of liver cancer cells. Extracts from Cephalotaxus sinensis, mint bush (Elsholtzia stauntonii) and winged spindle tree (Euonymus alatus) induce apoptosis in hepatoma cancer cell line HepG2 with a killing rate of more than 83% and a tumor size decrease by 62-67% and a killing rate of only 6% of normal hepatocyte LO2. This study highlight efficient candidate species for cancer treatment providing a basis for future development of novel plant-based drugs to help meeting several of the UN SDGs and planetary health.
Emergence and predominance of an H5N1 influenza variant in China

Smith GJ, Fan XH, Wang J, Li KS, Qin K, Zhang JX, et al.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2006 Nov 07;103(45):16936-41.
PMID: 17075062

The development of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses in poultry in Eurasia accompanied with the increase in human infection in 2006 suggests that the virus has not been effectively contained and that the pandemic threat persists. Updated virological and epidemiological findings from our market surveillance in southern China demonstrate that H5N1 influenza viruses continued to be panzootic in different types of poultry. Genetic and antigenic analyses revealed the emergence and predominance of a previously uncharacterized H5N1 virus sublineage (Fujian-like) in poultry since late 2005. Viruses from this sublineage gradually replaced those multiple regional distinct sublineages and caused recent human infection in China. These viruses have already transmitted to Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand, resulting in a new transmission and outbreak wave in Southeast Asia. Serological studies suggest that H5N1 seroconversion in market poultry is low and that vaccination may have facilitated the selection of the Fujian-like sublineage. The predominance of this virus over a large geographical region within a short period directly challenges current disease control measures.
Corrigendum to "High-throughput screening of ancient forest plant extracts shows cytotoxicity towards triple-negative breast cancer" [Environ. Int. 181 (2023) 108279]

Li Y, Ma NL, Chen H, Zhong J, Zhang D, Peng W, et al.

Environ Int, 2024 Apr 25.
PMID: 38670876 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108695
Fulltext High-throughput screening of ancient forest plant extracts shows cytotoxicity towards triple-negative breast cancer

Li Y, Ling Ma N, Chen H, Zhong J, Zhang D, Peng W, et al.

Environ Int, 2023 Nov;181:108279.
PMID: 37924601 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108279

According to the World Health Organization, women's breast cancer is among the most common cancers with 7.8 million diagnosed cases during 2016-2020 and encompasses 15 % of all female cancer-related mortalities. These mortality events from triple-negative breast cancer are a significant health issue worldwide calling for a continuous search of bioactive compounds for better cancer treatments. Historically, plants are important sources for identifying such new bioactive chemicals for treatments. Here we use high-throughput screening and mass spectrometry analyses of extracts from 100 plant species collected in Chinese ancient forests to detect novel bioactive breast cancer phytochemicals. First, to study the effects on viability of the plant extracts, we used a MTT and CCK-8 cytotoxicity assay employing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 and normal epithelial MCF-10A cell lines and cell cycle arrest to estimate apoptosis using flow cytometry for the most potent three speices. Based on these analyses, the final most potent extracts were from the Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) wood/root bark and Nigaki (Picrasma quassioides) wood/root bark. Then, 5 × 106 MDA-MB-231 cells were injected subcutaneously into the right hind leg of nude mice and a tumour was allowed to grow before treatment for seven days. Subsequently, the four exposed groups received gavage extracts from Amur honeysuckle and Nigaki (Amur honeysuckle wood distilled water, Amur honeysuckle root bark ethanol, Nigaki wood ethanol or Nigaki root bark distilled water/ethanol (1:1) extracts) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), while the control group received only PBS. The tumour weight of treated nude mice was reduced significantly by 60.5 % within 2 weeks, while on average killing 70 % of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells after 48 h treatment (MTT test). In addition, screening of target genes using the Swiss Target Prediction, STITCH, STRING and NCBI-gene database showed that the four plant extracts possess desirable activity towards several known breast cancer genes. This reflects that the extracts may kill MBD-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This is the first screening of plant extracts with high efficiency in 2 decades, showing promising results for future development of novel cancer treatments.
Fulltext Genetic Connections and Convergent Evolution of Tropical Indigenous Peoples in Asia

Deng L, Pan Y, Wang Y, Chen H, Yuan K, Chen S, et al.

Mol Biol Evol, 2022 Feb 03;39(2).
PMID: 34940850 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab361

Tropical indigenous peoples in Asia (TIA) attract much attention for their unique appearance, whereas their genetic history and adaptive evolution remain mysteries. We conducted a comprehensive study to characterize the genetic distinction and connection of broad geographical TIAs. Despite the diverse genetic makeup and large interarea genetic differentiation between the TIA groups, we identified a basal Asian ancestry (bASN) specifically shared by these populations. The bASN ancestry was relatively enriched in ancient Asian human genomes dated as early as ∼50,000 years before the present and diminished in more recent history. Notably, the bASN ancestry is unlikely to be derived from archaic hominins. Instead, we suggest it may be better modeled as a survived lineage of the initial peopling of Asia. Shared adaptations inherited from the ancient Asian ancestry were detected among the TIA groups (e.g., LIMS1 for hair morphology, and COL24A1 for bone formation), and they are enriched in neurological functions either at an identical locus (e.g., NKAIN3), or different loci in an identical gene (e.g., TENM4). The bASN ancestry could also have formed the substrate of the genetic architecture of the dark pigmentation observed in the TIA peoples. We hypothesize that phenotypic convergence of the dark pigmentation in TIAs could have resulted from parallel (e.g., DDB1/DAK) or genetic convergence driven by admixture (e.g., MTHFD1 and RAD18), new mutations (e.g., STK11), or notably purifying selection (e.g., MC1R). Our results provide new insights into the initial peopling of Asia and an advanced understanding of the phenotypic convergence of the TIA peoples.
A review of historical and recent locust outbreaks: Links to global warming, food security and mitigation strategies

Peng W, Ma NL, Zhang D, Zhou Q, Yue X, Khoo SC, et al.

Environ Res, 2020 12;191:110046.
PMID: 32841638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110046

Locusts differ from ordinary grasshoppers in their ability to swarm over long distances and are among the oldest migratory pests. The ecology and biology of locusts make them among the most devastating pests worldwide and hence the calls for actions to prevent the next outbreaks. The most destructive of all locust species is the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). Here, we review the current locust epidemic 2020 outbreak and its causes and prevention including the green technologies that may provide a reference for future directions of locust control and food security. Massive locust outbreaks threaten the terrestrial environments and crop production in around 100 countries of which Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya are the most affected. Six large locust outbreaks are reported for the period from 1912 to 1989 all being closely related to long-term droughts and warm winters coupled with occurrence of high precipitation in spring and summer. The outbreaks in East Africa, India and Pakistan are the most pronounced with locusts migrating more than 150 km/day during which the locusts consume food equivalent to their own body weight on a daily basis. The plague heavily affects the agricultural sectors, which is the foundation of national economies and social stability. Global warming is likely the main cause of locust plague outbreak in recent decades driving egg spawning of up to 2-400,000 eggs per square meter. Biological control techniques such as microorganisms, insects and birds help to reduce the outbreaks while reducing ecosystem and agricultural impacts. In addition, green technologies such as light and sound stimulation seem to work, however, these are challenging and need further technological development incorporating remote sensing and modelling before they are applicable on large-scales. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the 2020 locust outbreak is the worst in 70 years probably triggered by climate change, hurricanes and heavy rain and has affected a total of 70,000 ha in Somalia and Ethiopia. There is a need for shifting towards soybean, rape, and watermelon which seems to help to prevent locust outbreaks and obtain food security. Furthermore, locusts have a very high protein content and is an excellent protein source for meat production and as an alternative human protein source, which should be used to mitigate food security. In addition, forestation of arable land improves local climate conditions towards less precipitation and lower temperatures while simultaneously attracting a larger number of birds thereby increasing the locust predation rates.

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