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OBJECTIVE: Changes in hormone levels, improper lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress all significantly contribute to the pathogenic process of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). According to earlier research, pioglitazone and alpha-lipoic acid are crucial in the emergence of PCOS. The beneficial effects of pioglitazone and alpha-lipoic acid on PCOS were examined in the current study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 120 patients with PCOS received three months of treatment in pioglitazone groups (n=40 case, 30 mg/time, 1 time/day), α-lipoic acid (n=40 case, 0.6 g/time, 1 time/day), and combination therapy (n=40 case, pioglitazone 30 mg/time, 1 time/day and α-lipoic acid, 0.6 g/time, 1 time/day). Before and after therapy, the following factors were evaluated: the hormonal profile, fasting serum insulin, body weight, body mass index (BMI), menstruation status, oxidative stress, and indications of lipid metabolism. RESULTS: The combination of pioglitazone and α-lipoic acid has a significantly improving effect on BMI, body weight, oxidative stress levels, lipid metabolism, and menstrual status. A significant increase in body weight, BMI, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were found in mice after being treated with α-lipoic acid alone. However, the use pioglitazone alone improves body weight, BMI, the calculation of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), Area under the curve (AUC)-insulin, fasting glucose/insulin (G/I) ratio, total testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in post-treatment than pre-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that pioglitazone alone has a better effect than alpha-lipoic acid in improving oxidative stress levels, BMI, and menstrual cyclicity. Additionally, treatment with pioglitazone and alpha-lipoic acid did demonstrate a greater effect than monotherapy with each medication alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraoperative consultation of donor liver is an important part of transplant evaluation and determination of liver eligibility. In this study, we describe incidental pathologic findings discovered during the pretransplant evaluation of liver donors in our Institution from 1/2010 to 12/2022. During this 13-year period 369 intraoperative consultations from 262 liver donors were performed. Of those cases, incidental findings were identified in 22 cases (5.9 %) from 19 donors (7.3 %); two donors had more than one lesion. The median age of this subset of patients was 53 years (range: 18–70) and females predominated (63 %). Sixteen of the donors had abnormal findings in the liver: 6 bile duct hamartoma (BDH), 5 hyalinized nodule with Histoplasma capsulatum , 5 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), 2 bile duct adenomas (BDA), 1 biliary cyst and 1 hemangioma. One donor had both FNH and a BDH. One BDH and 1 BDA case was misdiagnosed as malignancy during the frozen section evaluation. Three donors had extrahepatic pathologies: a pancreatic tail schwannoma, a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, and a lymph node with metastatic endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Of the 19 livers, the final organ disposition was available for 9: 6 were transplanted (67 %) and 3 were discarded (33 %). Two of the 3 discarded organs were misdiagnosed BDH and BDA cases, and one was incorrectly reported as having 90 % microvesicular steatosis during the frozen assessment. We present the clinicopathologic characteristics of liver donors with incidental findings during the pre-transplant evaluation which could lead to unwarranted graft dismissal if misdiagnosed. Additionally, incidental fungal infections can have implications for immunosuppressive therapy and the decision to use or reject the graft. • The incidental findings during donor liver assessment have not been described to date. • In 5.9 % of cases (22 of 369 cases) an incidental finding was found. • The most common incidental finding was a bile duct hamartoma. • Other common lesions included: FNH and hyalinized nodules with Histoplasma capsulatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Masseter deficits are common in craniofacial microsomia (CFM), however studies on masseter muscle involvement are limited. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology and functional involvement of the masseter muscles quantitatively. Ninety-eight patients with CFM who underwent three-dimensional computed tomography and surface electromyography were included. The mean action potential during maximum voluntary contraction in the intercuspal position was recorded. Asymmetry of the compound muscle action potential (ACMAP) was calculated as an indicator of functional involvement. Differences between the affected and unaffected sides, the correlation between morphology and function, and the relationship between ACMAP and the OMENS-Plus classification were assessed by paired t -test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Spearman correlation analysis. The masseter muscle was absent on the affected side in 11 patients. In the remaining 87 patients, the mean volumes of the affected and unaffected masseters were 5.22 ± 2.47 cm3 and 9.62 ± 3.30 cm3, respectively, with mean action potentials of 41.40 ± 28.52 uV and 73.78 ± 45.90 uV, respectively. Both morphology and the function of the masseter showed moderate correlation with the OMENS 'M' classification. No significant correlation was found between ACMAP and the OMENS-Plus soft tissue grading. A masseter function classification is proposed: type I, ACMAP < 0.2; type II, ACMAP 0.20–0.34; type III, ACMAP 0.35–0.54; type IV, ACMAP ≥ 0.55. The masseter function classification may be a beneficial tool in patients with CFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Góry Sowie Massif (GSM) in Poland represents a Devonian high-pressure–ultrahigh-pressure (HP–UHP) terrane dominated by paragneiss, with subordinate orthogneiss, metabasite and felsic granulite. Whole-rock geochemistry of four migmatitic paragneiss and five granulite samples from the northern part of the GSM was combined with U–Pb–Lu–Hf isotopic data on zircon in order to constrain the sedimentary provenance, tectonic setting and paleogeographic location of the sedimentary paleo-basins now forming the GSM. Granulite and paragneiss protoliths are geochemically analogous to flysch-like graywacke and point either to a continental arc or an active continental margin setting dominated by Cambrian felsic arc detritus. Detrital zircon age spectra record a dominant Ediacaran to Cambrian population (493–600 Ma) with rare clusters of Palaeoproterozoic to Neoarchean age (1900–2100 Ma and 2400–2700 Ma). These reflect a peri-Gondwana provenance in the vicinity of the Trans-Saharan belt and place firm constraints on the age of sedimentary protolith of paragneisses at the middle to late Cambrian. Except one sample, the felsic granulites show only late Cambrian depositional ages. The zircon overgrowth rims give two age clusters, one at c. 397–402 Ma that possibly records a HP metamorphic event, and the other at c. 379–393 Ma that probably records the timing of a high-temperature event including migmatization during exhumation. This tectono-thermal event was coeval with emplacement of Devonian ophiolitic rocks that surround the GSM. The GSM rock association, degree and timing of metamorphism and coeval ophiolite emplacement resemble closely the Galicia-Trás-os-Montes middle and upper allochthonous units in NW Iberia and in the Münchberg Massif in Germany. We suggest that all these massifs were in close spatial proximity before the Devonian and may form part of a single, now tectonically dismembered, terrane or archipelago, which was located along the northern periphery of the Gondwana margin during the Cambro–Ordovician. Image 1 • Geochemical and geochronological study of high-grade rocks from the Góry Sowie Massif • High-grade rocks represent graywacke deposition in a continental island arc setting. • Detrital zircon spectra reveal a dominant Ediacaran to Cambrian felsic arc detritus. • Obtained data leads to a paleogeographic location of GSM along the Gondwana margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early Paleozoic Terskey Suture zone, located in the southern part of the Northern Tien Shan domain in Kyrgyzstan, comprises tectonic slivers of dismembered ophiolites and associated primitive volcanics and deep-marine sediments. In the Lake Songkul area, early-middle Cambrian pillow basalts are crosscut by the Songkultau intrusion of coarse-grained gneissose quartz diorites and tonalites with geochemical characteristics typical for high-SiO 2 adakites (SiO 2 ​> ​56 ​wt.%, Al 2 O 3 ​> ​15 ​wt.%, Na 2 O ​> ​3.5 ​wt.% and high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios). The Songkultau granitoids have positive initial ε Nd (+3.8 to +6.4) and ε Hf (+12.3 to +13.5) values indicating derivation from sources with MORB-like isotopic signature. Volcanic formations, surrounding the Songkultau intrusion, have geochemical affinities varying from ocean floor to island arc series. This rock assemblage is interpreted as a relic of an early–middle Cambrian primitive arc where the adakite-like granitoids were derived from partial melting of young and hot subducted oceanic crust. An age of 505 ​Ma, obtained for the Songkultau intrusion, shows that hot subduction under the Northern Tien Shan continued until middle Cambrian. The primitive arc complexes were obducted onto the Northern Tien Shan domain, where the Andean type continental magmatic arc developed in Cambrian and Ordovician. Formation of the Andean type arc was accompanied by uplift, erosion and deposition of coarse clastic sediments. A depositional age of ca. 470 Ma, obtained for the gravellites in the Lake Songkul area, is in agreement with the timing of deposition for lower Ordovician conglomerates elsewhere in the Northern Tien Shan, and corresponds to the main phase of the Andean type magmatism. The Songkultau adakites in association with surrounding ocean floor and island arc formations constitute a relic of a primitive Cambrian arc and represent a juvenile domain of substantial size identified so far within the predominantly crustal-derived terranes of Tien Shan. On a regional scale this primitive arc can be compared with juvenile Cambrian arcs of Kazakhstan, Gorny Altai and Mongolia. Image 1 • The composition of granitoids similar to high-SiO 2 ​adakites. • Granitoids characterized by juvenile Nd and Hf isotopic signature. • Adakites formed in a primitive Cambrian arc by melting of subducted oceanic crust. • The rocks define a dominantly juvenile domain in western Tien Shan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Recovery of blood flow after ischemic cardiomyopathy can lead to aggravation of myocardial injury. This is very detrimental to the patient's prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We made the myocardial IRI model in rats and detected the expression of miR-140-5p. Anta-miR-140-5p was administered intravenously in the tail of rats. Then, we used 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, cardiac function test, and histological experiment to observe the changes in myocardial infarct size, cardiac function, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats. In in vitro experiments, we induced the damage of H9c2 cells by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model and detected the effects of miR-140-5p on the proliferation ability and apoptosis level of H9c2 cells. TargetScan database was used to predict the binding target of miR-140-5p and we verified the effect of miR-140-5p on the target through Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: MiR-140-5p is highly expressed in myocardial tissue of IRI rats and anta-miR-140-5p can reduce myocardial infarct area, improve cardiac function, and reduce the rate of myocardial cells apoptosis in rats. The expression of miR-140-5p in H/R-induced H9c2 cells was higher than that in the control group. MiR-140-5p inhibitor was found to promote the proliferation and decrease the apoptosis level of H9c2 cells, while miR-140-5p mimic was the opposite. The TargetScan system predicts the presence of binding sites for miR-140-5p and B-cell lymphoma-2 like 1 (BCL2L1). The Dual-Luciferase reporter assay found that miR-140-5p can bind to BCL2L1 and promote its degradation. In addition, the inhibition of BCL2L1 was found to promote apoptosis in H9c2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: In myocardial IRI, miR-140-5p targets BCL2L1 and promotes its degradation, thereby inducing myocardial apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents new original data on the Devonian felsic volcanism of the NW Rudny Altai (Russia) in the west of Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) – the front part of the Altai convergent margin of the Siberian continent. Two geochemical types of subvolcanic rhyolites were emplaced synchronously with the bimodal rhyolite-basalt association, which began to form in the end-Emsian, and clearly manifested on the border of the Givetian and the Frasnian. The rhyolites yield zircon U-Pb ages of ca. 390 Ma (R1-type) and 380 Ma (R2- and R3-types), reflecting two peaks of the volcanic activity. Most of these rocks have extreme petrochemical characteristics of high SiO 2 contents and have contrast Na/K ratios. Their compositions are transition between calc-alkaline and tholeiite series: (La/Yb) n ~ 2–7, Zr/Y ~ 4 (Zr < 350 ppm) and La/Sm ~ 0.55–1. Rhyolites bear the distinctive geochemical signature of A -type felsic magma, such as enrichments in Zr, Nb, Y and Ce (>350 ppm), Zr (>250 ppm), and high Ga/Al (>2.6) values. The island-arc-like R1-rhyolite formed immediately after the beginning of rifting due to widespread crustal melting under reduced conditions. The generation of rift-like R2- and R3-rhyolites took place under non-equilibrium conditions, synchronously with the rise in the upper crust of Givetian-Frasnian basic magmas, as a result of the active lithospheric extension and high thermal input from the underlying hot mantle. We propose an extension regime in the transition area between the island-arc and back-arc basin for the origin of rhyolites. The study of the Devonian volcanism of the Rudny Altai gives important information about the processes that occurred at the initial stage of the formation of the Altai convergent margin. In the front of the Altai convergent margin (NW Rudny Altai) of the Siberian continent two different geochemical types of subvolcanic rhyolites were emplaced consistently between ~390 and 380 Ma. Progressive rifting is assumed, as indicated by consistent generation, first island-arc-like rhyolites (R1), and then rift-like rhyolites (R2 and R3). The arc-like R1-rhyolite formed immediately after the beginning of rifting due to widespread crustal melting under reduced conditions. The R2- and R3-rhyolite was generated under non-equilibrium conditions, synchronously with the rise of basalts in the upper crust, as a reflection of the prolonged lithospheric extension and high thermal input from underlying hot mantle. Unlabelled Image • Early Devonian tectono-thermal evolution in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt • The rift-related bimodal-type rhyolites volcanism in a rear-arc/back-arc basin setting • Two different geochemical types of rhyolites were emplaced between ~390 and 380 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are a subtype of breast cancer lacking of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human EGF-like receptor 2 (HER2). MiR-193 always acted as an oncogene and promoted toxic aldehyde accumulation and tyrosine hydroxylase dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to explore the function of miR-193 in triple-negative breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to examine the mRNA level of miR-193 expression in 50 cases of TNBC tissues and para-cancerous specimens. Also, the relation between miR-193 level and the overall survival of TNBC patient was analyzed. MiR-193 mimic and miR-193 inhibitor oligos, as well as the corresponding negative control, were synthesized from RiboBio (Guangzhou, China). RESULTS: MiR-193 expression was higher in triple-negative breast cancer tissues and cell lines than the corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues and normal cell lines. Upregulation of miR-193 predicted poor prognosis of TNBC patients. Overexpression of miR-193 promoted cell proliferation and invasion, while that was suppressed by the knockdown of miR-193. MiR- 193 binds to the 3'-UTR of an inhibitor of growth family member 5 (ING5) mRNA to mediate the expression of ING5 in TNBC cells. The knockdown of miR-193 inhibited cell invasion-mediated epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, the knockdown of miR-193 suppressed cell proliferation through the ING5/phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signal pathway. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-193 enhanced cell invasion- mediated EMT and improved cell proliferation through the ING5/PI3K/AKT signal pathway in triple-negative breast cancer. The newly identified miR-193/ING5/PI3K/AKT axis provides novel insight into the pathogenesis of triple- negative breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of butorphanol on myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats through the mitogen- activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The I/R model in Sprague-Dawley rats was established. The rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=20), myocardial I/R model group (model group, n=20), and butorphanol treatment group (treatment group, n=20). Next, the liver function indicators such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the myocardial function index creatine kinase (CK) in rats were detected. ELISA was carried out to measure the relative levels of tumor necrosis factor-gamma (TNF-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1α in serum samples of rats. The cardiac function indexes were examined via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography (ECG). Besides, the pathological changes of the myocardial tissues were detected through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of the relative genes in the MAPK signaling pathway in the rat myocardial tissues. RESULTS: The serum levels of ALP, ALT, and CK in I/R model group were significantly higher than those in the normal group. In I/R model group, the relative levels of TNF-γ, IL-6, and IL-1α, as well as left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd), were remarkably higher, while the fractional shortening (FS, %) and the ejection fraction (EF, %) were lower in comparison with those in the normal group. The HE staining results showed that the myocardial tissues in the I/R model group exhibited severe injury. The expression levels of Caspase3, MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were clearly higher in the I/R model group than those in the treatment group (p<0.05), while the expression level of extracellular regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) was remarkably lower (p<0.05). The protein level of MAPK in the treatment group was overtly reduced compared with that in the I/R model group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Butorphanol can modulate the recovery of the myocardial injury in the rats after the myocardial I/R by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: High-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the major causes for most anal and penile cancers and oropharyngeal cancers in men, and vaccination against HPV is recommended for the prevention of these cancers. Data on HPV infection in Chinese men is still limited, which requires further investigation to guide vaccine development and assess the effectiveness of HPV vaccines. We thus studied the HR-HPV genotype distribution in HPV-infected men in Northern China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genital specimens were obtained from male patients (≥18 years old) at the clinic for sexually transmitted infections of the Shandong Provincial Hospital between January 2016 and December 2018. Samples were analyzed for 15 HR-HPV genotypes, and 2 low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) genotypes using a multiplex real-time quantitive polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. RESULTS: Of 1,163 participants enrolled, 426 patients were diagnosed as verruca acuminata (CA) and 737 were asymptomatic men. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 42% (489/1,163), and 27.4% (319/1,163) were positive for HR-HPV. HPV 16 (5.2%, 61/1,163) was the most common HR genotype overall, followed by HPV 52 (4.6%, 54/1,163), 51 (4.3%, 50/1,163), 18 (4.1%, 48/1,163), and 39 (4.0%, 47/1,163). Genotypes 16, 52, 39, 51, and 18 were most prevalent in CA patients, and 16, 51, 18, 59, and 39 in asymptomatic men. Prevalence of genotypes 31, 33, and 45 covered by the 9-valent HPV prophylactic vaccine was low in the assessed region. CONCLUSIONS: HPV 16, 52, 51, 18, 39, and 59 were the most common HR genotypes detected in men in Northern China. Importantly, HPV 39, 51, and 59 are not currently covered by either the 4-valent or 9-valent HPV vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) was found to play crucial roles in the carcinogenesis of multiple human cancers. This study was aimed to investigate the biological function of miR-885-5p and associated mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reverse Transcription- quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to measure miR-885-5p level in GC cell lines and normal cell line. The effects of miR-885-5p expression on cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion were investigated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Furthermore, Luciferase activity reporter assay and Western blot were conducted to validate Yippee-like-1 (YPEL1) as a direct target of miR-885-5p. RESULTS: We found that miR-885-5p expression level was elevated in GC cell lines compared with normal cell line. Additionally, the knockdown of miR-885-5p inhibits GC cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell invasion in vitro. Notably, rescue experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of YPEL1 partially reversed the effects of miR-885-5p on GC cell growth and invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that miR-885-5p regulates GC proliferation, colony formation, and invasion via targeting YPEL1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of astaxanthin on the neurological function of the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice and its possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The male C57BL/6 mice were selected to establish the model of MCAO via electrocoagulation, and they were randomly divided into 4 groups: the sham operation group (Sham group), the cerebral ischemia model group (MCAO group), the astaxanthin intervention group (gavage with 30 mg/kg astaxanthin for 28 days, twice a day; Ast group), and astaxanthin + H89 group (Ast + H89 group). At 3, 7, 14, and 28 d after the operation, the Rotarod test and the balance beam footstep error test were performed. The brain tissues were taken for immunofluorescence to observe the expression of the growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) in the cortex around the infarction. The GAP43 protein and mRNA levels in the cortex around the infarction were detected via Western blotting, and the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) in the bilateral cerebral cortex were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the PKAc and phosphorylated-cAMP-response element-binding protein (p-CREB) levels in the bilateral cerebral cortex were detected via Western blotting. Biotin dextran amine (BDA) was injected at 14 d after the operation, and the brain was taken at 28 d. The BDA-labeled neurons or axons were observed in the bilateral cortex via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and the colocalization of BDA and GAP43 in the cortex around the infarction was observed using double immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Compared with those in the MCAO group, the mean residence time in the Rotarod test was significantly increased, and the times of the footstep error on the balance beam were significantly reduced in the Ast group. In the Ast group, the expression of GAP43 in the cortex around the infarction, the GAP43 protein, and the mRNA levels were all significantly elevated. Immunofluorescence showed that in the Ast group, the number of the labeled neurons and axons in the bilateral cortex was slightly larger than that in the other groups, and the number of labeled axonal fibers in the ischemic cortex was significantly increased. The colocalization area of BDA and GAP43 was observed, and it was found that the positive area in the Ast group was significantly larger than that in the MCAO group. The cAMP level was higher in the Ast group and Ast + H89 group at 7, 14, and 28 d after operation, while the PKA level was lower in the Ast + H89 group at 7 and 14 d after operation and higher in the Ast group at 7, 14, and 28 d after operation. The results of the Western blotting manifested that the PKAc and p-CREB levels were upregulated in the Ast group at 7, 14, and 28 d after the operation, and downregulated in the Ast + H89 group at 7, 14, and 28 d after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Astaxanthin activates the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway by increasing the cAMP concentration in brain tissues, ultimately promoting the axonal regeneration in the cerebral cortex and improving the motor function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in eclampsia patients, and to explore the correlation between COX-2 polymorphism and incidence of eclampsia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2016 to January 2018, a total of 280 pregnant women diagnosed in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of our hospital were selected for this study. All patients were divided into two groups, including normal pregnancy control group (n=120) and eclampsia group (n=160). The expression of COX-2 in placenta and umbilical cord tissues of eclampsia group and normal group was detected via Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1526172, rs1245231 and rs2198532) in the promoter region of the COX-2 gene were typed via conformation difference gel electrophoresis. Whether the distribution frequency of COX-2 genotypes met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law was detected via the Chi-square test. Meanwhile, the correlation between COX-2 alleles and gene polymorphisms and the incidence of eclampsia was analyzed. RESULTS: The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels of COX-2 in the eclampsia group were significantly higher than those of the normal group (p<0.05). According to the analysis, three polymorphisms of COX-2 gene were all in line with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium distribution (p>0.05). Gene association analysis revealed that only polymorphisms (rs1526172 and rs1245231) and alleles were correlated with the incidence of eclampsia (p<0.05). However, polymorphism rs2198532 and alleles were not correlated with the incidence of eclampsia (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Rs1526172 and rs1245231 in the promoter region of COX-2 are correlated with the incidence of eclampsia, while rs2198532 has no correlation with eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The takeoff-mass of a two-stage-to-orbit Rocket-Based Combined Cycle Engine-Rocket (RBCC-RKT) launch vehicle is a crucial factor in its comprehensive performance. This paper optimizes the takeoff-mass together with the trajectory by reformulating it to a nonlinear optimal control problem. The range of the second stage rocket mass is considered as a process constraint. When the scopes of initial and terminal states are specified, the problem can be solved by using the Gauss pseudo-spectral method (GPM). In order to reduce the convergent difficulty caused by using table data, the data in different stages are utilized by employing an integrated interpolation strategy through the optimization. Simulation results show that the mass can be effectively optimized to meet the inertia mass ratio constraint of the first-stage, and the separation of Mach number and altitude can be optimized at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Selenium (Se) plays pivotal roles in maintaining optimal health. Nevertheless, how Se influences the metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM) in cartilage remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to observe protein dimethylation by certain Se-sensitive PRMT and to elucidate its effects on the key transcriptional factor in cartilage.Methods: We observed the expression of selenoproteins and markers of ECM metabolism in chondrocytes and articular cartilage of the rats under Se-deficiency by RT-qPCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Then, we analyzed the expression of total dimethylated protein by using specific antibody under different Se statuses. After Se sensitive PRMT was identified, we used siRNA or PRMT inhibitor or stably overexpressing vector to intervene in the PRMT expression and identified the key transcriptional factor. Co-immunoprecipitation was applied to verify the interaction between PRMT and the key transcriptional factor. Finally, we measured the half-life time of the key transcriptional factor by immunoblotting after cycloheximide treatment.Results: In chondrocytes and cartilage of the rats with Se deficiency, we found an aberrant metabolism manifesting decreased expression of Col2a1 and increased expression of Mmp-3. Then, we identified that PRMT5 was the unique type II PRMT, sensitive to Se status. PRMT5 upregulation led to the increased COL2A1 expression but decreased MMP-3 expression in chondrocytes. Furthermore, we revealed that PRMT5 improved SOX9 stability by dimethylating the protein, which contributed to maintain the matrix metabolic homeostasis of the chondrocytes.Conclusions: Se-sensitive PRMT5 increases the half-life of SOX9 protein via PTM and helps to maintain ECM homeostasis of the articular cartilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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OBJECTIVE: Exposure to volatile anesthetics in neonatal rats could induce neurotoxicity, learning deficits and abnormal social behaviors. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postnatal day 7 (P7) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were continuously exposed to 2% sevoflurane plus 40% oxygen/ air for 2 h. We used Morris water maze (MWM) to examine subsequent neurobehavioral performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the histopathological changes in the hippocampus. RESULTS: Neonatal exposure to 2% sevo- flurane for 2 hours impaired short-term spatial working memory but not reference memory at P25. It induced synaptic ultrastructure impairments in the CA3 region of hippocampal, including fewer numbers of synapses, thinner thickness of postsynaptic dense, broader synaptic cleft width and smaller synaptic curvature. Our results also showed that all synaptic ultrastructure impairments and neurocognitive deficits had almost completely recovered at P53. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that a single sevoflurane exposure to neonatal rats led to temporary spatial working memory deficits. It might be associated with synaptic ultrastructure impairments in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, including fewer numbers of synapses, thinner thickness of PSD and broader synaptic cleft width. Fortunately, all the neurotoxicity and neurocognitive deficits were reversible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Suitable seed cells and selection of bioactive scaffold materials are the main research contents of bone tissue engineering. It was showed that autologous oxygen release nano bionic scaffold could promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The role of microRNA- 106a (miR-106a) in regulating BMSCs differentiation has not been reported. We intend to investigate the role of autologous oxygen release nano bionic scaffold composite miR-106a in inducing BMSCs constructing tissue engineering bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat BMSCs were isolated and transfected by using miR-106a scramble or miR-106a inhibitor. Healthy male Sprague-Dawly (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups, including bone fracture group established as rat tibial fracture model, negative control group implanted by autologous oxygen release nano bionic scaffold composite miR-106a scramble BMSCs, and miR-106a inhibitor group implanted by autologous oxygen release nano bionic scaffold composite miR-106a inhibitor BMSCs. Callus growth was observed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) expression was tested by Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay. Collagen II production was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Autologous oxygen release nano bionic scaffold composite BMSCs significantly increased local bone mineral density, promoted callus healing, facilitated ALP secretion, elevated collagen II expression, and up-regulated BMP-2 mRNA and protein levels compared with fracture group (p<0.05). Autologous oxygen release nano bionic scaffold composite miR-106a induced BMSCs exhibited more significant effect on bone repair (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Autologous oxygen release nano bionic scaffold composite miR-106a induced BMSCs enhanced osteoblast conversion and promoted bone repair through regulating BMP-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway is related to tumor invasion and metastasis that can regulate matrix metalloproteninase-9 (MMP-9) expression. MicroRNA-124 (MiR-124) was found downregulated in renal cell carcinoma. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the complementary binding site between miR-124 and 3'-UTR of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). This study investigated the role of miR-124 in regulating Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT3 activity, MMP-9 expression, and renal cell carcinoma invasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Luciferase assay was used to test the targeting regulatory effect of miR-124 on STAT3. MiR-124, STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), and MMP-9 expressions were compared in HK-2, 769-P, and OS-RC-2 cells. Transwell assay was applied to evaluate cell invasion. OS-RC-2 cells were divided into control, miR-NC, miR-124 mimic, STAT3 inhibition, and miR-124 mimic+Stattic groups. RESULTS: MiR-124 targeted inhibited STAT3 expression. OS-RC-2 cells exhibited the strongest invasive ability, followed by 769-P and HK-2 cells. STAT3, p-STAT3, and MMP-9 expressions were highest in OS-RC-2 cells, followed by 769-P and HK-2 cells. MiR-124 demonstrated the opposite expression trend. MiR-124 mimic and/or Stattic treatment attenuated cell invasion through reducing STAT3, p-STAT3, and MMP-9 levels. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-124 down-regulation was associated with renal cancer cell OS-RC-2 invasion enhancement. Over-expression of miR-124 attenuated OS-RC-2 cell invasion by down-regulating STAT3 and MMP-9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of curcumin concentrations on the proliferation and invasion of endometrial cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endometrial cancer cells were cultured with 0, 15, and 30 µmol/l curcumin, and were divided into control group, low concentration group, and high concentration group. The treatment included the silencing and overexpression of MMP-2. The expression of MMP-2 and E-cadherin were detected by Western blot and the expression level changes were recorded after MMP-2 was silenced and overexpressed. Pearson's analysis was used to determine the relationship of curcumin concentration between MMP-2 mRNA. CCK-8 was used to detect the optical density of cancer cells in three groups. Transwell invasion assay was performed to analyze the invasion inhibition rate in the three groups. RESULTS: Western blot and qPCR results: MMP-2 expression levels were lower and E-cadherin was higher in high concentration group than that in the low concentration group (p<0.01). MMP-2 protein and mRNA decreased after ShRNA and increased after overexpression (p<0.01). Pearson analysis revealed that the curcumin concentration was negatively correlated with the MMP-2 mRNA (r=-0.497, p=0.036). Cell optical density was lower with curcumin and the lowest was in high concentration group (p<0.01). After MMP-2 silencing, optical cell density decreased and this value increased after overexpression (p=0.000). Cell invasion results: Curcumin improves the rate of cell invasion (p<0.01). After silencing of MMP-2, cell invasion inhibition rate increased, while the invasion inhibition rate decreased after overexpression (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin can downregulate MMP-2, inhibit the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a bone marrow malignancy. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial carcinoma- associated 1 (UCA1) plays an important role in several cancers. However, the role of lncRNA UCA1 in AML remained unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LncRNA UCA1 expressions in different cell lines were determined by RT-PCR. In human myelogenous leukemia (ML) cell lines K562 and HL60, effects of lncRNA UCA1 knockdown on cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed, respectively. Binding effects between lncRNA UCA1 and microRNA (miR)-126, and between miR-126 and RAC1 3'UTR were detected by RTPCR and luciferase activity assay. Involvements of miR-126 and RAC1 in lncRNA UCA1-mediated cell bioactivities were assessed. RESULTS: We found that lncRNA UCA1 was upregulated in ML cell lines. Knockdown of lncRNA UCA1 inhibited cell viability, migration, invasion, and prompted apoptosis of ML cells in vitro. LncRNA UCA1 could bind with miR- 126 and downregulate miR-126 expression. Simultaneously, the anti-growth and anti-metastasis actions of lncRNA UCA1 knockdown on ML cells were reversed by miR-126 suppression. RAC1 was a target gene of miR-126, and the anti-ML actions of miR-126 were abolished by RAC1 overexpression. Moreover, PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were blocked by miR-126 overexpression while were activated by RAC1 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, this study elucidates a novel UCA1-miR-126-RAC1 regulatory network in ML cells, which may provide the feasibility for use lncRNA-based therapy in AML treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury remains an unresolved and complicated situation in clinical practice. In this study, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were subjected to curcumin (Cur) treatment in the absence or presence of the silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) inhibitor 3-TYP and were then subjected to IR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H9c2 cells and male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were cultured. MTT assay was performed to assess H9c2 cell viability. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL assay. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, SIRT3, and AcSOD2 were measured by Western- blotting. The activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA were determined using commercially available kits. The myocardial infarct size was evaluated using TTC staining. RESULTS: Cur significantly increased H9c2 cell viability, decreased the cell apoptotic index, and altered several biochemical parameters, including upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, downregulation of the proapoptotic protein Bax and AcSOD2, activation of SIRT3, increase in SOD and GSH-Px activity, and decrease in MDA content. In isolated rat hearts, Cur significantly improved cardiac function, decreased infarct size, and lowered lactate dehydrogenase levels. These protective effects induced by Cur were reversed by treatment with the SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that Cur protects cardiomyocytes and that rat hearts were exposed to IRI by activating SIRT3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the application value of continuous nursing in improving the effects of home oxygen therapy for patients in the stable phase of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients in the stable phase of COPD (n=106) were selected and divided into the control group and observation group based on parity digit of their admission number. There were 53 cases in each group. The patients in the control group received COPD health education at discharge, while the observation group received continuous nursing. The effect of home oxygen therapy in both groups after 3 months was compared. RESULTS: The compliance in the observation group for home oxygen therapy was significantly higher than that in the control group. Blood gas analysis and various indicators of pulmonary function in the control group at follow-up visits were not changed compared with those before. In contrast, partial pressure of blood oxygen and blood oxygen saturation of the observation group were lower than those before discharge. With the increasing partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, the indicators of pulmonary function became lower than before. Comparing the various indexes between both groups at follow-up visits, the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The selfcare ability and quality of life scores of patients in the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: By establishing health records and network platforms, continuous nursing can provide continuous health education and supervision for patients with COPD, which can effectively improve oxygen therapy compliance, self-care ability and quality of life. It has good application and promotional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: General anesthesia impairs spatial learning and memory in neonatal rats. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Wnt pathway was involved in neonatal isoflurane and sevoflurane exposure-induced neurocognitive impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to administration isoflurane or sevoflurane for 6 hours at postnatal 7 days. Wnt inhibitor XAV 939 was administrated 30 min before anesthesia. Morris water maze was used to test the learning and memory at 5-week and 10-week. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain was performed to evaluation the neuronal death in the hippocampus. Quantitative Real-time PCR (q-PCR) and Western blot assays were used to measure mRNA and proteins expression levels of the Wnt3a, GSK 3β and β-catenin, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that isoflurane or sevoflurane could significantly increase neonatal death and cell lost in the developing brain and the Wnt inhibitor could improve the cell degeneration. It demonstrated that isoflurane or sevoflurane could impair the P7 rats learning and memory capability, while these effects were reduced over time. When rats treated Wnt inhibitor at 30 min before anesthesia, the impairment of brain could relieve. q-PCR and Western blot demonstrated that isoflurane or sevoflurane affects expression levels of Wn-t3a, GSK 3β and β-catenin. These results suggested that impairment of learning and memory in P7 rats may be related to the Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested general anesthesia treatment led to increased brain cell degeneration and impaired learning and memory in P7 rats via Wnt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Local tumour ablation (LTA) may yield better perioperative outcomes than partial nephrectomy (PN), however the impact of each treatment on perioperative mortality and health care expenditures is unknown. The aim of the study was to compare mortality, morbidity and health care expenditures between LTA and PN. Patients and methods A population-based assessment of 2471 patients with cT1a kidney cancer treated with either LTA or PN, between 2000 and 2009, in the SEER-Medicare database was performed. After propensity score matching, 30-day mortality, overall and specific complication rates, length of stay, readmission rates and health care expenditures according to LTA or PN were estimated. Multivariable logistic and linear models addressed the effect of each specific LTA approach on overall complication rates, length of stay, readmission rates and health care expenditures. Results The 30-day mortality was <2% after either LTA or PN (OR 2.27, p = 0.2). The overall complication rate was 21% after LTA and 40% after PN (OR 0.38, p < 0.001). Blood transfusions, infection/sepsis, wound infections, respiratory complications, gastrointestinal complications, acute kidney injury, and accidental puncture or laceration/foreign body left during procedure rates resulted lower after LTA relative to PN (all p < 0.05). Similarly, length of stay and health care expenditures resulted lower after LTA relative to PN (all p < 0.05). Conversely, readmission rate was not significantly different in LTA relative to PN (p = 0.1). Conclusions Despite similar perioperative mortality, LTA is associated with lower complications rate, shorter length of stay and lower health care expenditure relative to PN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Withaferin-A (WF-A) is a well-known dietary compound isolated from Withania somnifera. It has marked pharmacological potential and has been shown to exhibit antiproliferative activity against several types of cancerous cells. Currently, the main focus of anti- cancer therapeutic development is to identify apoptosis-inducing drug-like molecules. Osteosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer affecting humans. The objective of the present study was therefore to evaluate the antitumor potential of WF-A against several osteosarcoma cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assay was used to evaluate WF-A against osteosarcoma cell lines and to calculate the IC50. DAPI staining was used to confirm the apoptosis-inducing potential of WF-A. Mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and Western blotting were used to confirm the basis of apoptosis. RESULTS: The results of the present study revealed that WF-A exhibited strong antiproliferative activity against all the cells lines, with IC50 ranging from 0.32 to 7.6 μM. The lowest IC50 (0.32 μM) was observed against U2OS cell line and, therefore, it was selected for further analysis. DAPI staining indicated that WF-A exhibited antiproliferative activity via induction of apoptosis. Moreover, WF-A induced a ROS-mediated reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner and activation of caspase-3 in osteosarcoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that WF-A may prove a potent therapeutic agent for inducing apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines via generation of ROS and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study is to explore the expression of cyclic AMP (cAMP) dependent protein kinase inhibitor (PKIB) in human breast cancer and the correlation with phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt) expression in the tumor tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical removal of the tissue samples from 148 patients with primary breast cancer from 2011-2015 were selected, and then we detected the PKIB, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and proto oncogene (HER2) by using immunohistochemical technique and the Allred score classification standard. The clinical pathological factors such as tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis and tumor stage, etc. were analyzed statistically. Then we detected that the PKIB and pAkt respectively of immunohistochemical expression and cellular localization of four subtypes in patients which were luminal A, luminal B, HER2+/ER-type and triple negative breast cancer type. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry staining showed when pAkt was positive and there were significant correlations with the expression of PKIB (p<0.05). Both positive staining reactions occurred in the cytoplasm of the tumor. Histopathological type, tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, tumor stage and other clinical pathological factors were not significantly associated with the expression of PKIB. In addition, the expression of PKIB was also significantly associated with the triple negative breast cancer in the four subtypes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of PKIB in the cytoplasm of tumor is closely related to pAkt and the triple negative breast cancer. It was concluded that the PKIB promoted the occurrence and development of breast tumors by regulating the Akt signaling pathway. PKIB will be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of triple negative breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]