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The functional restoration of Brown class III maxillary defects is a challenging endeavour in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Conventional reconstruction techniques with osseous free flaps have certain limitations, such as the need for multiple operations and greater patient morbidity. This study introduces a single-stage computer-assisted approach for tumour resection and functional restoration of these defects using titanium mesh, zygomatic implants, and a vascularized anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF). Virtual surgical planning was used to simulate tumour resection, titanium mesh placement, and zygomatic implant insertion. Surgery was performed under the guidance of mixed reality and surgical navigation. The tumour was resected by total hemimaxillectomy, and the reconstruction was performed using a pre-bent patient-specific titanium mesh for the orbital floor and two zygomatic implants placed and exposed through tunnels in an ALTF. The ALTF survived without any perioperative complications. A fixed prosthesis with built-in titanium frame was delivered 4 months postoperatively. At the 1-year follow-up, there was no tumour recurrence, the implants were osseointegrated, and aesthetics and masticatory function were satisfactory. An occlusal force of 155 N was attained on the reconstructed side, compared to 127 N on the non-surgical side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum[ Sorghum bicolor (L.)Moench] is one of the most important food crops and also used as forage, brewing and industrial raw materials in China. In recent years, during field surveys a new leaf spot was detected on sorghum plants in Liaoning Province, China. The pathogen was isolated used a conventional pathogen isolation method and identified by its morphology cultural characters and phylogenetic analysis of the combined genes including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (TUB) and Large subunit (LSU) sequences, respectively. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses, the pathogenic fungus was identified as Epicoccum sorghinum. Pathogenicity test was confirmed by inoculating sorghum cultivars under greenhouse conditions. This study is the first time to confirmed E. sorghinum as the causal agent of the disease in China, and this disease represents a potential threat to sorghum productivity in China. • Leaf spot caused by Epicoccum sorghinum was observed on sorghum in China. • Pathogen was identified as Epicoccum sorghinum by morphological, phylogenetic analyses and pathogenicity tests. • This is the first report of Sorghum leaf spot caused by Epicoccum sorghinum in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Person-to-person transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a new threat to human health. Here we report an outbreak of nosocomial person-to-person transmission of SFTS. Among eight persons with face-to-face contact distance ≤50 cm and/or exposure time ≥30 min to the index patient, six became infected. Only one of the 17 persons with exposure distance ≥50 cm and exposure time ≤30 min became infected (75% vs 6.25%, P < 0.001). Epidemiological investigation revealed high viral load, bloody secretions and bleeding, exposure time, and distance as the key factors in person-to-person transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to investigate the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of synovial chondromatosis (SC) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Fourteen patients with SC of the TMJ were included in the study. Clinical and MRI features were analysed and divided into three types based on MRI classification: type I with loose bodies, type II with homogeneous masses, and type III with a mixture of loose bodies and homogeneous masses. All SCs occurred in the superior compartment of the TMJ. There were two patients (14%) categorised as type I, five (36%) as type II and seven (50%) as type III. Four patients (29%) had disc perforation, and nine had bone erosion; among those nine, seven (78%) had type III and two (22%) type II. Histological examination showed inflammation and calcification in the synovial membrane and, and cartilage of the hyaline type in all cases. MRI has advantages in the diagnosis of SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are prone to develop thromboembolic complications due to the chronic inflammatory nature of RA. Only one systematic review and meta-analysis has attempted to evaluate venous thromboembolism risk in RA patients. However, this review has become outdated due to the recent publication of several high-quality retrospective cohort studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risks of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and overall venous thromboembolism event incidence in RA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE) were systematically searched according to PRISMA guidelines for eligible studies. With the available literature, we conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to evaluate odds ratios of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism incidence in RA patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: We found 12 eligible studies detailing 272,884 RA patients and 2,280,454 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Meta-analysis revealed elevated risks for deep vein thrombosis (Odd's ratio: 2.25), pulmonary embolism (2.15), and overall venous thromboembolism incidence (2.23) in RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides evidence concerning the elevated risks of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism in RA patients. The findings herein may aid in developing clinical awareness and assisting best practice guideline development for RA patients with thromboembolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association of MUC-2 expression with clinicopathological parameters in gastric carcinoma (GC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical databases based on the study aim were searched in detail. The relative risk ratios (RRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed after eligible trials were included in the study. RESULTS: Nineteen trials involving 2,363 GC patients were included in this meta-analysis. The expression of MUC-2 showed correlation with clinical stage (I/II vs. III/IV) (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18, I2 = 24%, p = 0.194), and lymphatic invasion (present vs. absent) (RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.95, I2 = 22.3%, p = 0.252). However, no significant association was identified between the MUC-2 expression and other clinicopathological parameters, including gender (male vs. female), tumor size (>5 vs. =5 cm), Lauren's classification (intestinal vs. diffuse), tumor differentiation (poorly vs. well and moderately), lymph node metastasis (present vs. absent), vascular invasion (present vs. absent), and 5-year survival (yes vs. no) of GC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis findings suggested that MUC-2 positive cases were correlated with lower tumor stage and lower rate of lymphatic invasion. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the role of MUC-2 in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: It is reported that circular RNA plays an important role in various cancers in recent years. However, there is less investigation reported in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) about circRNA. This study aims to explore the role and molecular mechanism of circle RNA FOXP1 in LUAD procession. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The levels of circ- FOXP1 and miR-185-5p in LUAD cell lines and LUAD cancer samples were examined by RTPCR. The functions of circFOXP1 and miR-185- 5p at LUAD cells were detected by cell transfection of the overexpression or repression. The A549 and H1299 cell proliferation were detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay. And the cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. The expression levels WNT1 were measured by Western blot in A549 and H1299 cells. Furthermore, the luciferase assay detected the direct interaction between circFOXP1 and miR- 185-5p or miR-185-5p and WNT1. RESULTS: The circFOXP1 expression was increased in LUAD patients and LUAD cell lines. The downregulation of circFOXP1 significantly repressed LUAD cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, the luciferase assay results confirmed that circFOXP1 directly interacted with miR-185-5p. Overexpression of miR-185-5p could reverse the effect of circ- FOXP1 in LUAD cell. Besides, the luciferase results showed that miR-185-5p directly interacted with WNT1. miR-185-5p overexpression inhibited the WNT1 expression, while circFOXP1 repression decreased the WNT1 level in LUAD cell lines. The downregulating WNT1 could reverse the effects of miR-185-5p inhibition in LUAD cell lines. Furthermore, WNT1 was significantly upregulated in LUAD cancer tissues. In addition, circFOXP1 level was negatively correlated with miR-185-5p expression and positively correlated with WNT1 expression in LUAD cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested that circFOXP1 promoted cell proliferation and repressed cell apoptosis in LUAD by regulating miR-185-5p/WNT1 signaling pathway. It provides a novel potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: As the most common primary brain cancer in adults, glioblastoma shows an extremely poor prognosis. Glioblastoma- associated deaths account for approximately 3%-4% of all malignancy-associated deaths. Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the occurrence and progression of solid tumors. Herein, identifying functional miRNAs and the central molecular mechanisms would provide novel proofs for the development of targeted cancer therapies. In this study, we described the role of miR-449b-5p in restraining ontogenesis and progression of glioblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Human glioblastoma tissues were provided by our hospital. Human U251 glioblastoma cells were infected with lentivirus induced miR-449b-5p mimics or miR- 449b-5p siRNA. Real-time qPCR was carried out to determine miRNA expression. Tumor spheres formation, MTT assay, and BrdU cell proliferation assay were used to evaluate the growth ability of U251 cells. Western blot assay was performed to measure protein expression. ChIP was used to detect the capacity of β-catenin to recruit its downstream genes. Dual-Luciferase assay was conducted to detect the ability of miR-449b-5p to regulate the 3'UTR (untranslated regions) of WNT2B. TOP/FOP ratio was used to evaluate the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. RESULTS: Down-regulation of miR-449b-5p expression was found in both human glioblastoma tissues and cell lines, which was negatively associated with the clinical stages. Up-regulation of miR-449b-5p inhibited tumor spheres formation, cell viability and proliferation ability of glioblastoma cells. The expression levels of WNT2B and nuclear β-catenin were negatively associated with miR-449b-5p levels in glioblastoma cells. MiR-449b-5p inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting WNT2B. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-449b-5p acts as a tumor suppressor and retards the oncogenesis of glioblastoma, which is achieved via inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by directly targeting WNT2B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has officially been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Radiological examinations, especially computed tomography (CT), play an important role in the fight against COVID-19. A comprehensive and timely review of radiological role in the fight against COVID-19 remains urgent and mandatory. Hence, the aim of this review is to summarize the radiological role in the fight against COVID-19. This review of current studies on COVID-19 provides insight into the radiological role in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring for COVID-19. The typical radiological features of COVID-19 include bilateral, multifocal, and multilobar ground glass opacification with patchy consolidation, a peripheral/subpleural or posterior distribution (or both), mainly in the lower lobes. A combination of chest CT and repeat Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing may be beneficial for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in the setting of strongly clinical suspicion. Chest CT may improve the sensitivity for COVID-19 diagnosis, but patients' exposure to radiation should be kept as low as possible especially for children and pregnant women patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR) development step is to design, build, and operate a test reactor. The uncertainties of the coolant thermophysical properties range between 2% and 20%. This study determines the effects of these high uncertainties by incorporating uncertainty propagation in a thermal-hydraulic safety analysis for test reactor licensing. A hot channel thermal-hydraulic model, Monte Carlo statistical sampling uncertainty propagation, and a limiting safety systems settings (LSSS) approach are combined to ensure sufficient margin to fuel and material thermal limits during steady-state operation while incorporating margin for high-uncertainty inputs. The method calculates LSSS parameters to define safe operation. The methodology is applied to two test reactors currently considered, i.e., China's first Solid Fueled Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR-SF1) pebble bed design and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Transportable FHR prismatic core design; two candidate coolants, i.e., flibe (LiF-BeF2) and nafzirf (NaF-ZrF4); and forced flow and natural circulation conditions to compare operating regions and LSSS power (maximum power not exceeding any thermal limits). The calculated operating region accounts for uncertainty (2σ) with an LSSS power for forced flows of 25.37 ± 0.72, 22.56 ± 1.15, 21.28 ± 1.48, and 11.32 ± 1.35 MW for pebble flibe, pebble nafzirf, prismatic flibe, and prismatic nafzirf, respectively. The pebble bed has superior heat transfer with an operating region reduced ∼ 10% less when switching coolants and ∼ 50% smaller uncertainty than the prismatic. The maximum fuel temperature constrains the pebble bed while the maximum coolant temperature constrains the prismatic due to different dominant heat transfer modes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that (1) thermal conductivity and thus conductive heat transfer dominate in the prismatic design while convection is superior in the pebble bed and (2) the impact of thermophysical property uncertainties is ranked and should be considered for experimental measurements in the following order: thermal conductivity, heat capacity, density, and last, viscosity. Broadly, the methodology incorporates uncertainty propagation that can be used to evaluate parametric uncertainties to satisfy guidelines for nonpower reactor licensing applications, and its application shows that the pebble bed is more attractive for thermal-hydraulic safety. Although the method is developed and evaluated for coolant property uncertainties, it is readily applicable for other parameters of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have caught more attention for their role in the progression of many diseases. Among them, lncRNA GAS5 (Growth Inhibition Specificity 5) was studied in this research to identify how it affects the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 40 patients with AF and 30 patients with sinus rhythm (SR), the GAS5 expression of the right atrial appendage (RAA) tissues was detected by the quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, the cell proliferation assay was conducted in AC16 cells transfected with GAS5 inhibitor and mimics, respectively. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR was performed to uncover the mechanism. RESULTS: In the research, the expression of GAS5 in RAA tissues was decreased significantly in AF patients than that in SR ones. Moreover, overexpression of GAS5 inhibited cell growth in AC16 cells, while knockdown of GAS5 promoted cell growth in AC16 cells. In addition, further experiments revealed that ALK5 was a target of GAS5 and its expression in AF tissues negatively correlated to GAS5 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that GAS5 could inhibit cell proliferation of AF via suppressing ALK5, which may offer a new vision for interpreting the mechanism of AF development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To observe whether edaravone has a therapeutic and protective effect on retinal injury in diabetic rats through the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Sprague-Dawley rat model of diabetes was established and divided into diabetes model group (model group) and edaravone treatment group (treatment group). Also, normal control group (control group) was set up. After successful modeling, the blood and retinal tissues of rats were collected. Then, the blood glucose content and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected. Antioxidant indexes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the number of corneal nerve fibers was observed microscopically. Moreover, the gene and protein expressions of SOD and NF-κB pathway in tissues were detected via quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: The level of blood glucose in model group was increased compared with that in control group (p<0.05), indicating the successful modeling. The levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-1 were significantly higher in model group than those in control group. In terms of the antioxidant indexes, the level of MDA in model group was significantly higher than that in other two groups, while the level of SOD in treatment group was significantly increased and close to that in control group. Besides, the number of corneal nerve fibers significantly declined in model group, while it was increased in treatment group but still lower than that in control group. According to the gene detection results, the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 was markedly higher in model group than that in control group, and it was decreased in treatment group, while the mRNA expression of SOD showed the opposite trend. The protein expression of NF-κB p65 was remarkably higher in model group than in control group, was decreased in treatment group, and was close to that in control group, while the protein expression of SOD showed the opposite trend. CONCLUSIONS: Edaravone can affect the oxidation and antioxidation through the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby exerting a therapeutic and protective effect on retinal injury in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study was performed to review 1038 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with free vascularized bone flaps at a single institution between 2006 and 2017. Of these patients, 827 (79.67%) had fibula flaps, 197 (18.98%) had deep circumflex iliac artery perforator (DCIA) flaps, and 11 (1.06%) had scapula bone flaps. The most common pathological diagnosis was ameloblastoma (n = 366, 35.26%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (n = 278, 26.78%) and osteoradionecrosis (n = 152, 14.64%). Fifty-seven patients (5.49%) had major complications requiring surgical intervention and one patient died of a pulmonary embolism. Venous crisis was the most frequent major complication (n = 20, 1.93%), followed by haematoma (n = 17, 1.64%) and flap necrosis (n = 14, 1.35%). One-stage mandibular reconstruction was preferred whenever possible, as this generally decreases the financial and hospitalization burden. The four-segment method of jaw reconstruction appeared to achieve good aesthetic appearance results in Asian patients and this was not associated with a higher risk of segment ischemia compared with the three-segment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Detecting a single serum marker, such as Golgi protein 73 (GP73) or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), may not meet the requirements for the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to low sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a simultaneous multiplex assay of GP73 and AFP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Anti-human GP73- and AFP-coupled microsphere beads and biotin- labeled detectable antibodies were prepared to develop a multiplex assay of GP73 and AFP using the Luminex xMAP technology. The assay was evaluated for cross-reactivity, standard curve, sensitivity, range of detection, and precision. Additionally, the assay was used to determine the levels of serum GP73 and AFP in healthy controls and patients with chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and HCC. RESULTS: The multiplex assay was successfully developed to simultaneously detect GP73 and AFP without cross-reactivity. The sensitivity for GP73 detection was 0.215 ng/mL and that for AFP detection was 0.666 ng/mL. The ranges of GP73 and AFP detection were 0.98-861.08 ng/mL and 2.01-1848.73 ng/mL, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were <10%, indicating good precision, with recovery rates of 75-125%. The levels of serum GP73 in healthy controls, chronic hepatitis patients, liver cirrhosis patients, and HCC patients were 61.64 ± 30.60 ng/mL, 208.4 ± 99.42 ng/mL, 183.7 ± 82.78 ng/mL, and 214.1 ± 160.5 ng/mL, respectively. The levels of serum AFP in healthy controls, chronic hepatitis patients, liver cirrhosis patients, and HCC patients were 24.87 ± 14.52 ng/mL, 134.4 ± 216.5 ng/mL, 66.45 ± 133.4 ng/mL, and 891.4 ± 1278 ng/mL, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) results showed that the area under the curves (AUC) for the combination of GP73 and AFP was 0.972, which was larger than the AUC for each marker. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined detection of GP73 and AFP for the diagnosis of HCC were 90.91% and 98.86%, respectively. The multiplex assay demonstrated a good correlation with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with correlation coefficients of 0.818 and 0.982 for GP73 (p<0.001) and AFP (p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A multiplex assay for the simultaneous detection of GP73 and AFP with high sensitivity and accuracy was developed for the diagnosis of HCC. This assay may provide a reliable reference for the early diagnosis of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-21 in promoting fracture healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into group A (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS, n=10), group B (AntagomiR-21, n=10) and group C (AntagomiR- NC, n=10) according to the different treatments. The femoral fracture operation was performed in every rat, which was pathologically diagnosed via X-ray. After the successful modeling, 50 μL (2 nmoL) PBS, 50 μL AntagomiR-21 or 50 μL AntagomiR-NC was intraperitoneally injected into rats in group A, B or C, respectively. The above agents were injected once a week for 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, 3 rats were executed in each group, and the tissue at the fracture end was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The fracture healing of rats was evaluated via imaging at 1 and 7 weeks. At the same time, the expression of miR-21 in the three groups was detected via Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated- serine/threonine-protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the three groups was detected via Western blotting. RESULTS: According to the histological staining, the bone repair at the fracture end of rats in group B was not significant with fracture and poor continuity compared with those in group A and group C. The imaging evaluation revealed that in group B, the callus tissues were significantly reduced, the fracture line had undesirable healing. There were no displacement and loosening of internal fixation compared with group A and group C. Besides, RT-PCR showed that the miR-21 expression declined markedly in group B compared with that in group A and group C, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Western blotting manifested that the protein levels of PI3K and p-Akt also declined in group B compared with those in group A and group C, and there were statistically significant differences (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MiR-21 promotes the fracture healing in fractured rats by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the influence of roflumilast on sepsis mice through the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/ STAT) signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley mice were randomly divided into normal group (n=12), model group (n=12) and roflumilast group (n=12). Mice in the normal group were fed normally. However, mice in the model group and roflumilast group were intraperitoneally injected with endotoxin to establish the sepsis mouse model. Furthermore, mice in the model group and roflumilast group were intraperitoneally injected with 0.9% sodium chloride and roflumilast once a day, respectively. After 7 d of intervention, mice were sampled. Lung tissue morphology was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the pathological score was given. The protein expression levels of JAK and STAT-3 were detected via Western blotting. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of JAK, STAT-3, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The number of inflammatory cells in the lavage fluid was counted by a biochemical detector. RESULTS: The survival rate of mice in the roflumilast group was significantly higher than that of the model group (p<0.05). The results of HE staining revealed that lung tissue morphology in roflumilast group was significantly improved when compared with the model group. Meanwhile, the pathological score in the roflumilast group was significantly lower than that of the model group (p<0.05). Western blotting showed that the protein expression levels of JAK and STAT-3 in the roflumilast group were markedly lower than those of the model group (p<0.05). According to the results of ELISA, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the roflumilast group were remarkably lower than the model group (p<0.05). Further qPCR results manifested that the mRNA expression levels of JAK, STAT-3, IL-6 and TNF-α in the roflumilast group were significantly lower than those of the model group (p<0.05). Moreover, the number of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in the roflumilast group was significantly smaller than the model group. CONCLUSIONS: Roflumilast can improve lung tissue morphology of sepsis mice by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: MLN4924 is a second-generation small molecule inhibitor with anti-cancer activity that inhibits neddylation activation enzyme (NAE), subsequently blocking the neddylation-dependent activation of Cullin-RING E3 ligases (CRLs). Mof4 family associated protein 1 (MRFAP1) is a highly conserved, short half-life protein and one of the most up-regulated proteins in response to MLN4924 treatment. MRFAP1 has been identified as a novel cell cycle-related protein and a regulatory component monitoring and preventing genomic instability. However, whether MRFAP1 plays a role in MLN4924-mediated cancer cell death remains elusive. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of MRFAP1 in gastric cancer clinic samples was detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 system was used to knockout MRFAP1 gene in both AGS and SGC-7901 cells. The proliferation of GC cells was measured by CCK8 assay. The cell cycle distribution of GC cells was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) assay. Co-immunoprecipitation assay was used to determine the interaction between MRFAP1 and P27. RESULTS: MRFAP1 was downregulated in clinic gastric cancer samples at post-translational level. Overexpression of MRFAP1 decreased gastric cancer cells proliferation. CRISPR-mediated knockout of MRFAP1 increased the cytotoxicity of MLN4924 by augmenting MLN4924-induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis against gastric cancer cells. At the molecular level, we found that MLN4924 induced the interaction between P27 and MRFAP1, the latter associated with P27, which was further stabilized in response to MLN4924 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We showed a protective role of MRFAP1 in gastric cancer cells with MLN4924 treatment and suggested the potential possibility to combine MLN4924 with MRFAP1 inhibition to treat gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is one of the lethal cancers and one of the major causes of cancer-related mortalities across the globe. SIRT1 gene has been reported to be involved in the progression and tumorigenesis of several types of cancers. However, the role of SIRT1 gene is in the progression of lung cancer is poorly understood. Against this backdrop, the present study was designed to investigate the expression of SIRT1 gene in different lung cancer cell lines. Moreover, the relation between the expression of this gene and the sensitivity of lung cancer cell lines to the anticancer effects of cisplatin was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of SIRT1 gene was determined by quantitative RTPCR. Protein expression was examined by Western blotting. Anti-proliferative activity was determined by MTT and colony formation assay. Apoptotic populations were determined by annexin V/IP staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The results revealed that NCI-H125 showed lowest, NCI-H226 showed moderate, while as NCI-H358 exhibited the highest expression of SIRT1. The three differentially SIRT1 expressing cancer cell lines were subjected to cisplatin treatment. It was observed that cisplatin exhibited the highest anticancer activity against NCI-H125 (IC50, 1.25 μM) and lowest against NCI-H358 (IC50, 4.5 μM). Moreover, cisplatin leads to highest inhibition of colony formation and apoptosis in NCI-H125 and lowest against NCI-H358. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of SIRT1 gene determines the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to anticancer effects of cisplatin. This work will pave for understanding the role of SIRT1 gene in cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs are a kind of endogenous, non-coding RNAs, which exert a significant role in pathological processes. Previous studies have reported that microRNA- 124 is a tumor suppressor. The specific effect of microRNA-124 on esophageal cancer, however, has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the role of microRNA-124 in esophageal cancer and its underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MicroRNA-124 expressions in 75 esophageal cancer tissues, paracancerous tissues, and esophageal cancer cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction). The relationship between microRNA-124 expression, clinical progression, pathological indicators, and prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer was analyzed. For in vitro experiments, we performed CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8), colony formation and transwell assay to detect cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities after microRNA-124 overexpression in TE-1 and EC- 109 cells, respectively. Western blot was utilized to explore the regulatory role of microRNA-124 in esophageal cancer cells. RESULTS: MicroRNA-124 was downregulated in esophageal cancer tissues than that of paracancerous tissues. Patients with esophageal cancer who had lower expression level of microRNA-124 presented higher tumor stage and metastasis incidence, as well as lower survival rate. In vitro studies demonstrated a decreased cell proliferation and migration abilities after microRNA-124 overexpression. Western blot results showed upregulated PI3K and AKT, and downregulated PTEN in esophageal cancer cells after overexpression of microRNA-124. Furthermore, microRNA-124 was confirmed to negatively regulate NRP1, so as to participate in the development of esophageal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-124 is downregulated in esophageal cancer tissues, which is remarkably correlated to the development, pathological grade, and poor prognosis of esophageal cancer. Overexpressed microRNA-124 is capable of inhibiting the malignant progression of esophageal cancer via negatively regulating NRP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in post-translational gene expression. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of miR-17-5p in cervical cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen clinical cervical cancer tissue samples, as well as their paired adjacent noncancerous tissues, were collected. The microarray was performed to identify differential miRNAs in cervical cancer. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to identify the target gene of selected miRNA. SiHa was transfected with mimics, inhibitors as well as negative controls of miR-17-5p and Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor 2 (TGFBR2) open reading frame or siRNA. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and transwell experiment were performed to detect the proliferation rate and metastasis, respectively. Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were used to analyze TGFBR2 expression. Balb/c nude mice were utilized to verify the effect of miR-17-5p in vivo. RESULTS: Microarray analysis identified miR-17-5p as our interesting miRNA, and luciferase reporter assay identified TGFBR2 as its target gene. MiR-17-5p overexpression significantly enhanced cervical cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. In-vivo study also verified that miR-17-5p overexpression stimulated cervical cancer growth. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-17-5p enhances cervical cancer proliferation and metastasis via targeting TGFBR2. It is proposed that targeting miR-17-5p may be a promising therapeutic approach for cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study changes and possible roles of epigenetic modification of candidate genes in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder, and provide the basis for clinical diagnosis and analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 150 patients with bipolar disorder were enrolled in this study from January 2014 to June 2015; also, 50 healthy subjects were enrolled as control group. The patients were followed up for 18 months and followed up once every 3 months to review the methylation status. The methylation status was examined before and after treatment, and the patients were followed up every 3 months after treatment, and the follow-up period was 18 months. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy control group, there were 2075 CpG island aberrant methylation points in patients with bipolar disorder, which can be divided into 24 categories. Log-Ratio > 0.5 was used as the positive criteria, and COMT and PPIEL were identified as the genes associated with bipolar disorder. Compared with the control group, the levels of COMT and PPIEL gene methylation in the observation group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the methylation level of COMT and PPIEL gene between the two groups (p > 0.05) after 12 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The methylation level of COMT and PPIEL gene is closely related to bipolar disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic lung injury (TLI) can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, or even leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signal pathway participates in disease occurrence and progression via regulating inflammatory and oxidative stress response, but with its expression and functional roles in TLI largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, TLI group by crushing method, and Nrf2 activation group which received Nrf2 specific agonist sulforaphane 30 min before TLI treatment. Artery blood gas (ABG), wet/dry mass ratio (W/D) of lung tissues, myeloid peroxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of lung tissue were analyzed. Keap1 and ARE mRNA levels were tested by Real-time PCR, while Nrf2 protein was measured by Western blot. Inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: TLI model had lower ABG or SOD, higher W/D ratio, MPO value, elevated expressions of TNF-α, IL-2, and Keap1, plus decreased Nrf2 and ARE expression (p<0.05). Nrf2 activation significantly improved ABG, decreased W/D ratio and MPO value, enhanced SOD activity, decreased TNF-α and IL-2 secretion, suppressed Keap1 expression, and facilitated Nrf2 and ARE expressions (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signal pathway can improve TLI-related pathology via modulating oxidative stress response and suppressing inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in the peripheral blood mRNA levels of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) before and after progesterone dosing in pregnant women with threatened premature labor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 30 healthy pregnant women with 28- to 33+6-week gestational age and singleton pregnancy (group A) and from 30 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy and threatened premature labor before and 48 hours after progesterone dosing (groups B and C, respectively) for quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) assay to assess the OXTR and ZEB1 mRNA levels. RESULTS: The OXTR mRNA level was higher in the group B than in the groups A and C and the ZEB1 mRNA level was lower in the group B than in the groups A and C. Notably, no significant difference was found in the mRNA level of OXTR or ZEB1 between group A and group C. CONCLUSIONS: The peripheral blood mRNA level of OXTR was increased and that of ZEB1 was decreased in pregnant women with threatened premature labor. Progesterone helped to maintain pregnancy by readjusting the mRNA levels of OXTR and ZEB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant facial neurofibroma leads to disfigurement and functional and neurological deficits. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment and poses a great challenge to the surgeon with regard to the restoration of the defects arising from tumour resection. The cases of three male and three female patients diagnosed with giant facial neurofibroma, who underwent radical resection and reconstruction with soft tissue free flaps between 2008 and 2015, were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical data including patient sex, age, preoperative embolization of the nutrient artery, volume of blood loss, type and size of flaps used for reconstruction, and complications were recorded. Three of the six patients underwent preoperative embolization of the nutrient artery. The average volume of blood loss was 2850 ml. Reconstruction was performed with anterolateral thigh flaps in four patients and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps in two patients. All free flap reconstructions were successful. Partial necrosis of the scalp and wound dehiscence occurred in one patient each. All complications were managed successfully. In conclusion, the soft tissue free flap is a good choice for the coverage of defects after giant facial neurofibroma resection. Multi-disciplinary treatment should be strengthened to minimize the risks of complications, as well as improving quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paediatric patients with long-term mandibular continuity defects following segmental resection usually present severe functional and cosmetic deformities. Secondary mandibular reconstruction for these patients is very challenging. Literature reports on how to handle these patients are scarce. The aim of this study was to describe the authors’ experience in handling those paediatric patients who have not undergone primary reconstruction, for whom the final goal of treatment is to restore a symmetrical facial appearance, masticatory function, and speech. This was a retrospective analysis of the data of six patients who underwent radical mandible resection in childhood, without immediate bone restoration, and who then underwent a secondary mandibular reconstruction procedure after reaching adulthood, during the period 2009 to 2015. The multidisciplinary treatment procedure, selection of the donor site, and reconstructive approach are discussed. Key points in relation to secondary mandibular reconstruction with the aim of achieving not only good functional and cosmetic results, but also an improvement in the paediatric patient's psychological and social outcomes, are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guizhou, China, is known for the abundance of subterranean drainage systems with sinkholes. Sinkholes may develop when acidic water starts to dissolve the surface of bedrock or bedding planes. The dissolution characteristics of limestone play a crucial role in the development of sinkholes. The main objective of this study was to develop a quantitative tool for evaluating the dissolution ability for sinkhole formations in the karst regions of Guizhou. The present study investigates a number of properties of limestone that may influence the dissolution in the karst regions of Guizhou. Over 200 rock samples were collected and tested to determine the CaO/MgO ratio, clast content, clastic/matrix ratio, primary porosity, permeability, and fracture density. A quantitative approach was developed to synthesize the influences of these multiple factors to establish the order of the limestone solubility in different regions of Guizhou via numerical modeling using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) theory. It was found that the solubility of the karstic limestone from different geological formations was in the following descending order: Carboniferous Huanglong-Maping Formation, Permian Qixia-Maokou Formation, Cambrian Qingxudong Formation, and Triassic Yongningzhen Formation. As the water-bearing capacity of the geological formations in these regions is closely associated with underground cavern and sinkhole formations, the approach explored in the present study may have strong implications for the exploration and utilization of karst groundwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the levels of serum melatonin (MLT) and assay of 6- sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6S) of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients and study their correlation with AMD risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 58 AMD cases were selected and 58 healthy cases of the same time period were selected according to 1:1 closest matching method. ELISA method was used to test serum MLT and aMT6S level. RESULTS: Levels of MLT and aMT6S in AMD group were lower than those in the control group, and differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on analysis of AMD subgroup, differences on gender had no statistical significance compared with AMD type. For cases with smoking, cardiovascular disease and corrected visual acuity lower than 0.1, MLT and aMT6S levels were reduced at 0.05). Through the regression analysis, we concluded that smoking history, cardiovascular disease history, best corrected visual acuity, MLT and aMT6S level were independent risk factors, among which MLT [OR = 3.624 (odds ratio: OR)] and aMT6S (OR = 3.201). CONCLUSIONS: MLT and aMT6S may be related to the incidence of AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of patients with juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) remains controversial. To explore the correlations between different treatments and the patient prognosis, 15 cases of JOF of the jaw were reviewed. Five patients were male and 10 were female. Patient age at the time of disease onset ranged from 7 to 18 years (mean 10.9 years). Nine tumours were located in mandible and six in the maxilla. These cases typically manifested clinically as painless swelling of the jaw (9/15, 60%); 40% (6/15) of the cases were associated with pain, diplopia, stuffy nose, and/or rapid growth. Images of JOF can show a radiolucent, mixed, or ground glass-like appearance. Pathological examinations revealed 10 cases of juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma (JTOF) and five cases of juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (JPOF). In terms of the treatment plan, six patients initially received radical surgery; nine patients underwent conservative treatment, among whom six (6/9, 66.7%) had one or more recurrence. At the end of the follow-up period, 12 patients had no evidence of tumour recurrence and three cases were alive with a tumour. In summary, surgeons should develop the surgical plan according to the extent of the lesion, relapse status, growth rate, and family choice, and these patients should be followed up closely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medical records of patients who had undergone a free flap reconstruction after radical resection of oral cancer between January 2009 and December 2013 at the study hospital in China were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 1550 patients who underwent free flap reconstructions, 71 were explored for suspected flap compromise caused by postoperative thrombosis. Patient demographic data, clinicopathological data of the tumour, details of the free flaps, and operative findings were assessed, and the medical records were analyzed to identify the reasons for intervention and the outcomes. Of the 71 flaps in crisis, 47 (66.2%) were salvaged. Free flap failure was 6.2-times more likely to develop in patients undergoing surgical exploration after 72 h (95% confidence interval 2.090–18.197, P = 0.001). Of the 19 flaps identified as subject to delayed exploration, 14 failed and three had partial necrosis. Free flap failure was 3.4-times more likely to develop in patients with perforator flaps (95% confidence interval 1.222–9.719, P = 0.019). The early detection of free flap failure is critical to flap salvage. The salvage success rate decreases significantly at >72 h after the initial operation. It appears to be more difficult to salvage a perforator flap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]