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Abstract Plankton live in dynamic fluid environments. Their ability to change in response to different hydrodynamic cues is critical to their energy allocation and resource uptake. This study used a microfluidic device to evaluate the rheotactic behaviors of a model dinoflagellate species, Karlodinium veneficum, in different flow conditions. Although dinoflagellates experienced forced alignment in strong shear (i.e. “trapping”), fluid straining did not play a decisive role in their rheotactic movements. Moderate hydrodynamic magnitude (20

Abstract Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved in tumor progression, and some have been successfully targeted for cancer therapy. The expression of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4), a class IIa HDAC, was upregulated in our previous microarray screen. However, the role of HDAC4 dysregulation and mechanisms underlying tumor growth and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain elusive. Here, we first confirmed that the HDAC4 levels in primary and metastatic NPC tissues were significantly increased compared with those in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues and found that high HDAC4 expression predicted a poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Functionally, HDAC4 accelerated cell cycle G1/S transition and induced the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition to promote NPC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Intriguingly, knockdown of N-CoR abolished the effects of HDAC4 on the invasion and migration abilities of NPC cells. Mechanistically, HDAC3/4 binds to the E-cadherin promoter to repress E-cadherin transcription. We also showed that the HDAC4 inhibitor tasquinimod suppresses tumor growth in NPC. Thus, HDAC4 may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in patients with NPC.

Abstract Background Astrocytes are crucial regulators in the central nervous system. Abnormal activation of astrocytes contributes to some behavior deficits. However, mechanisms underlying the effects remain unclear. Here, we studied the activation of A1 astrocytes and their contribution to murine behavior deficits. Methods A1 astrocytes were induced by treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. The functional phenotype of astrocytes was determined by quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. To assess the role of A1 astrocytes in vivo, mice were injected intraperitoneally with LPS. Then, murine behaviors were tested, and the hippocampus and cortex were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. The function of IL-10 and fluorocitrate on A1 astrocyte activation was also examined. Results Our results show that astrocytes isolated from B6.129S6-Il10tm1Flv/J homozygotes (IL-10tm1/tm1) were prone to characteristics of A1 reactive astrocytes. Compared with their wild-type counterparts, IL-10tm1/tm1 astrocytes exhibited higher expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Whether or not they were stimulated with LPS, IL-10tm1/tm1 astrocytes exhibited enhanced expression of A1-specific transcripts and proinflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα. In addition, IL-10tm1/tm1 astrocytes demonstrated hyperphosphorylation of STAT3. Moreover, astrocytes from IL-10tm1/tm1 mice showed attenuated phagocytic ability and were neurotoxic. IL-10tm1/tm1 mice demonstrated increased immobility time in the forced swim test and defective learning and memory behavior in the Morris water maze test. Moreover, enhanced neuroinflammation was found in the hippocampus and cortex of IL-10tm1/tm1 mice, accompanying with more GFAP-positive astrocytes and severe neuron loss in the hippocampus. Pretreatment IL-10tm1/tm1 mice with IL-10 or fluorocitrate decreased the expression of proinflammatory factors and A1-specific transcripts in the hippocampus and cortex, and then alleviated LPS-induced depressive-like behavior. Conclusion These results demonstrate that astrocytes isolated from B6.129S6-Il10tm1Flv/J homozygotes are prone to A1 phenotype and contribute to the depression-like behavior and memory deficits. Inhibiting A1 astrocyte activation may be an attractive therapeutic strategy in some neurodegenerative diseases.

ObjectivesBreast malignancy is a serious threat to women’s health around the world. Following the rapid progress in the field of cancer diagnostics and identification of pathological markers, breast tumor treatment methods have been greatly improved. However, for invasive, ductal carcinomas and mammary fibroadenoma, there is an urgent demand for better breast tumor-linked biomarkers. The current study was designed to identify diagnostic and/or therapeutic protein biomarkers for breast tumors.MethodsA total of 140 individuals were included, comprising 35 healthy women, 35 invasive breast cancers (IBC), 35 breast ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS), and 35 breast fibroadenoma patients. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis was employed to characterize differentially expressed proteins for potential biomarkers in IBC, DCIS, and fibroadenomas by comparisons with their matched adjacent tissues and/or normal breast tissues. The public databases Metascape and String were used for bioinformatic analyses.ResultsUsing the proteomics approach, we identified differentially expressed proteins in tissues of different breast tumors compared to normal/adjacent breast tissues, including 100 in IBC, 52 in DCIS, and 44 in fibroadenoma. Among the 100 IBC differentially expressed proteins, 37 were found to be specific to this type of cancer only. Additionally, four proteins were specifically expressed in DCIS and four in fibroadenoma. Compared to corresponding adjacent tissues and normal breast tissues, 18 step-changing proteins were differentially expressed in IBC, 14 in DCIS, and 13 in fibroadenoma, respectively. Compared to DCIS and normal breast tissues, 65 proteins were differentially expressed in IBC with growing levels of malignancy.ConclusionsThe identified potential protein biomarkers may be used as diagnostic and/or therapeutic targets in breast tumors.

Aging is a predominant risk factor for many chronic conditions. Stem cell dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the aging process. Prelamin A, an abnormal processed form of the nuclear lamina protein lamin A, has been reported to trigger premature senescence. However, the mechanism driving stem cell dysfunction is still unclear. In this study, we found that while passaging subchondral bone mesenchymal stem cells (SCB-MSCs) in vitro, prelamin A accumulation occurred concomitantly with an increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) expression. Unlike their counterparts, SCB-MSCs with prelamin A overexpression (MSC/PLA) demonstrated decreased proliferation, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis but increased production of inflammatory factors. In a hind-limb ischemia model, MSC/PLA also exhibited compromised therapy effect. Further investigation showed that exogenous prelamin A triggered abnormal nuclear morphology, DNA and shelterin complex damage, cell cycle retardation, and eventually cell senescence. Changes in gene expression profile were also verified by microarray assay. Interestingly, we found that ascorbic acid or vitamin C (VC) treatment could inhibit prelamin A expression in MSC/PLA and partially reverse the premature aging in MSC/PLA, with reduced secretion of inflammatory factors and cell cycle arrest and resistance to apoptosis. Importantly, after VC treatment, MSC/PLA showed enhanced therapy effect in the hind-limb ischemia model. In conclusion, prelamin A can accelerate SCB-MSC premature senescence by inducing DNA damage. VC can be a potential therapeutic reagent for prelamin A-induced aging defects in MSCs.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have become one of the most promising stem cell populations for cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine and for autoimmune disorders owing to their multilineage differentiation and immunomodulatory capacities, respectively. One advantage of ASC-based therapy lies in their immunosuppressive potential. However, how to get ASCs to provide consistent immunosuppression remains unclear. In the current study, we found that miR-129-5p was induced in ASCs treated with inflammatory factors. ASCs with miR-129-5p knockdown exhibited enhanced immunosuppressive capacity, as evidenced by reduced expression of proinflammatory factors, with concurrent increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production. These cells also had an increased capacity to inhibit T cell proliferation in vitro. ASCs with miR-129-5p knockdown alleviated inflammatory bowel diseases and promoted tumor growth in vivo. Consistently, ASCs that overexpressed miR-129-5p exhibited reduced iNOS expression. Furthermore, we show that miR-129-5p knockdown in ASCs results in hyperphosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1). When fludarabine, an inhibitor of Stat1 activation, was added to ASCs with miR-129-5p knockdown, iNOS mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced. Collectively, these results reveal a new role for miR-129-5p in regulating the immunomodulatory activities of ASCs by targeting Stat1 activation. These novel insights into the mechanisms of ASC immunoregulation may lead to the consistent production of ASCs with strong immunosuppressive functions and thus better clinical utility of these cells.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the desaturase activities and the correlation of fatty acid desaturases (FADS) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with plasma fatty acid in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients in a Chinese Han population. METHODS: Plasma fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography in CAD patients (n = 505) and a control group (n = 510). Five SNPs in the FADS gene were genotyped with high-resolution melting (HRM) methods. RESULTS: After adjustment, D6D activity, assessed as arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4n-6)/linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n-6), was higher in CAD patients (pT and rs174460 C>T were different between the two groups. The rs174537 T allele was associated with a lower risk of CAD [OR 0.743, 95% CI (0.624, 0.884), p = 0.001]. Carriers of the rs174460 C allele were associated with a higher risk of CAD [OR 1.357, 95% CI (1.106, 1.665), p = 0.003]. CONCLUSIONS: We firstly report that the rs174460 C allele is associated with a higher risk of CAD, and confirm that the rs174537 T allele is associated with a lower risk of CAD. Our results indicate that FADS gene polymorphisms are likely to influence plasma fatty acid concentrations and desaturase activities.

Iron isotope compositions, along with the partial extraction of iron in its various forms, can be utilized to investigate the complex interplay of iron migration and transformation with respect to iron isotope patterns. This study investigated the iron composition of a typical loess-paleosol sequence in Northeast China and aimed to understand the influence of iron migration and transformation of the typical loess-paleosol sequence on iron isotopes and environmental and climatic changes that occurred in the region over time by analyzing the distribution and characteristics of iron compositions in sedimentary layers. Samples were collected from Chaoyang in Northeast China, and the iron isotopic composition was analyzed using the multi-receiver inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The findings revealed depth-dependent variations in the content of different iron forms, reflecting paleoclimatic shifts primarily through pedogenic transformation processes. Notably, iron migration within the section was observed to be limited. The variations in the reddening index and magnetic susceptibility of the loess-paleosol were primarily influenced by the presence of free iron (Fed), exhibiting a range of colors from yellow to red-yellow and red. The δ56Fe values for loess and paleosols ranged from 0.097 ± 0.035‰ to 0.167 ± 0.010‰, with an average of 0.133 ± 0.024‰ and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 15.66% at the stratum scale. These values indicated a systematic enrichment of heavy iron isotopes and a significant negative correlation with the slightly fluctuating total iron content. Specifically, our analysis highlighted distinct differences in δ56Fe values between paleosol (0.126 ± 0.024‰) and loess (0.146 ± 0.021‰). The δ56Fe in Fed was negative, averaging −0.101 ± 0.022‰, while the δ56Fe in silicate-bound iron was positive, averaging 0.156 ± 0.032‰. Intense pedogenesis, driven by warm and wet climates, facilitated iron transformations and migrations, resulting in the accumulation of light iron isotopes in the paleosols. These transformations and migrations were predominantly observed in microdomains characterized by iron depletions and concentrations, as reflected in the profile morphologies. However, the limited iron transformations and migrations did not result in significant Fe redistribution within the soil section, as evidenced by the limited variations in δ56Fe with soil depth at the stratum scale. Sampling from the stratum or pedogenic horizon could potentially create the illusion of the minimal fractionation of iron isotopes within the sequence. Therefore, a detailed examination of the iron isotope composition in the micro-domains of the loess-paleosol sequence is crucial to elucidate the fractionation processes and mechanisms of iron isotopes during the formation of these sequences.

Abstract Flame retardants play a crucial role in improving the flame retardant properties of polymer materials. In recent years, environmental problems caused by flame retardants have attracted widespread attention. It is urgent to use green and effective methods to prepare flame retardant polymers. Bioinspired nanocomposites with layered structures seem to provide effective ideas, but in general, their hydrophilic raw materials limit their applications in certain fields. Here, we prepared biomimetic composites with a layered “brick‐and‐mortar” structure by gravity‐induced deposition using polyimide as the polymer matrix and montmorillonite (MMT) as the filler. The well‐arranged structures of the composite material could isolate oxygen and prevent combustible gases from escaping. The gas barrier performance has been greatly improved, in which the water vapor transmission rate and the oxygen transmission rate decreased by 99.18% and three orders of magnitude, respectively. The flame retardant performance has also been improved, and its limiting oxygen index can reach 67.9%. The polyimide matrix can be converted to water‐insoluble by thermal imidization of water‐soluble poly (amic acid) salt precursors, which endows the composites with low hygroscopicity. The coating containing MMT can protect against polyurethane (PU) foam from fire. During the conical calorimetric test, the coated sample self‐extinguished, and the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production are significantly decreased by 53.39%, 40.69%, and 53.03%, respectively. Taking advantage of these properties, this work utilizes a facile method to prepare biomimetic composites with low moisture absorption, excellent gas barrier properties, and flame retardancy, which have great application potential.

AIM: To observe the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)combined with air tamponade in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD), which caused by superior break(s)following previous vitreoretinal surgery.METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the inpatients in our hospital from November 2017 to October 2019. Patients with RRD caused by superior break(s)who had underwent previous vitreoretinal surgeries and the proliferative vitreoretinopathy less than PVR-C1 were enrolled. For treatment, patients underwent PPV combined with air tamponade. During the operation, the residual vitreous cortex was fully removed, and the subretinal fluid was aspirated from retinal break(s)as much as possible. Make sure the subretinal fluid around the hole was fully drained. Then firmly laser spots were accomplished to seal the retinal break(s). Finally, filtered air was left in the vitreous cavity as tamponade agent. The patients were informed to keep a prone position for 24h postoperation. The primary outcomes were primary and final success rates, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and the secondary outcomes were rate of postoperative cataract surgery and high intraocular pressure.RESULTS: Totally 31 patients(31 eyes)with follow-up time more than 6mo were included. The range of retinal detachment was 6.7±3.8h, and the number of retinal breaks was 1.2±0.7. There are 23 eyes(74%)with macular detachment and 18 eyes(58%)with intraocular lens. 6 eyes(19%)were treated with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation together. The rate of primary retinal reattachment in enrolled patients was 87%(27/31), and the final reattachment rate was 100%(31/31). At the 6mo of postoperatively, the BCVA(LogMAR)increased from 2.17±1.27 to 0.53±0.25(P

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of parafoveal retinal massage combined with autologous whole blood cover in the treatment of refractory macular holes (MHs) and present the surgical procedure. METHODS: Patients with giant (minimum diameter ≥800 μm), recurrent or persistent MHs who underwent PPV combined with parafoveal retinal massage and autologous whole blood cover using C3F8 as tamponade agent from February 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. After surgery, all patients were informed to maintain a prone position for at least 7d. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were compared and MH closure rate was measured as the main outcome. RESULTS: A total of 13 MH patients consisted of 6 giant MHs, 4 persistent holes and 3 recurrent holes (5 men and 8 women; average age was 56.40±11.72y) were enrolled in this study. MH closure was achieved in 11 eyes by this modified surgical technique while 2 eyes failed. Revitrectomy with autologous neurosensory retinal patch transplantations was applied for those 2 patients and then both holes were closed. No intraoperative complications were observed. BCVA improved from 1.73 logMAR to 0.74 logMAR at 6mo postoperation. There was significant difference in BCVA before versus after the surgery (P

Assessment of the natural frequency of the offshore wind turbine (OWT) system is a critical task in design to avoid resonance. The natural frequency of the monopile supported OWT may change during operation and needs to be calculated regularly. Conventional numerical methods separately model different components of the OWT system using various element types, which require tedious data manipulations and are inefficient to assess the changing natural frequency of the monopile supported OWTs. This paper develops a unified beam-column element by directly integrating the soil-pile interactions in element formulation. The proposed method is applicable for different components of the OWT system, including the rotor, the tower, the transition piece, and the monopile foundation, which enables an integrated and efficient OWT analysis by using only one type of element. The pile-soil interactions are directly considered in the element formulation. The tedious soil spring elements are avoided. Definitions and formulations of the proposed element are provided and the numerical solution procedure for the natural frequency analysis of OWTs is illustrated. The accuracy of the proposed element is validated against several closed-form solutions and the distributed spring model. The proposed method is also applied to analyze the natural frequencies of six OWTs in practice. The calculated results are consistent with the field measured data.

CoCrFeNiMn high-entropy alloy (HEA) has great potential for engineering application due to its good ductility and high fracture toughness at low temperature. It can be deposited on components as coatings to take advantage of its excellent properties and reduce the cost. In this study, CoCrFeNiMn HEA coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel substrates by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) technique, and a series of transient thermal shock tests were performed. It was found that the coatings contained two main phases: a face-centered cubic (FCC) solid solution phase and a flocculent oxides phase. The elemental contents of Co, Cr, Fe, and Ni were close to equal atomic percentage in the coating, while Mn was reduced significantly. The oxygen was mainly distributed in the dark flocculent oxides phase. After transient thermal shock tests, these two phases remained stable, but some tiny cracks appeared on the surface. Meanwhile, the microhardness of the coating after transient thermal shock tests also showed stable, ∼ 420 HV. Weibull statistics were used to analyze the reliability of the microhardness, and the Weibull modulus m was distributed from 9 to 15. The CoCrFeNiMn HEA coating exhibited high phase stability and excellent properties under transient thermal shock, making it have service advantages in extreme environments, especially in the fields of the development of future nuclear and aerospace structural materials.

Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of pretreatment lymphocyteto-monocyte ratio (LMR) in locally advanced cervical cancer and its effect on overall survival. Methods: The usual blood routine test was quantitatively performed to detect LMR. Signal strengths of human papilloma virus (HPV) type DNA in detected cervical cancer samples using hybrid capture 2 were analyzed in relative light units (RLU) compared with 1 pg/mL of HPV type 16 DNA-positive control (RLLJ/PC) samples. A total of 1.0 RLU/ PC (~1 pg/mL) was used as the threshold for a positive result. The HPV-positive specimens were typed using reverse-hybridization line probe assay. Results: The LMR and HPV DNA were found to be independent prognostic markers for 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival, respectively. Their joint detection may further enhance the predictive value for OS. In the positive HR (high risk)-HPV DNA status subgroup, LMR had a positive effect on improved OS but not in the non-HR HPV DNA status subgroup. Conclusions: The LMR and HR-HPV DNA status can be identified as independent prognostic factors. The different influences of LMR in combined chemoradiotherapy on survival may be related to HR-HPV DNA status. The combined detection of LMR and HR-HPV DNA status may contribute to screening prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To explore whether plasma fatty acids and SNPs in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we utilized gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis and the high-resolution melting method to detect plasma fatty acids and SNPs respectively (rs174537G>T, rs174616C>T, rs174460T>C, and rs174450A>C) in 234 T2D, 200 CAD, 185 T2D&CAD patients, and 253 healthy controls.Results: We found that T2D&CAD patients had the highest plasma arachidonic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and delta-6 desaturase, and the lowest stearic acid, linolenic acid, and saturated fatty acids; plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid elevated in T2D patients, but significantly reduced in CAD patients. Moreover, T2D patients with rs174537 GG genotype were at risk of developing T2D&CAD (odds ratio (OR) 1.763; 95 % CI 1.143-2.718; p = 0.010), with elevated plasma LDL-cholesterol, arachidonic acid, and delta-6 desaturase.Conclusions: Our results show that SNPs in FADS gene (particularly rs174537) associate with plasma fatty acids and desaturase levels in patients with both T2D and CAD, which maybe increases the risk of CAD in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Free fatty acids (FFAs) play importance roles in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We measured serum FFA levels from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and assay the correlation between serum FFA levels and related factors. The present study was undertaken to investigate a possible relation between the changes in serum free fatty acid concentration with acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods The study population consisted of 540 healthy individuals and 103 patients with T2DM, 59 patients with AMI and 21 volunteers. Serum FFAs were measured with high pressure liquid chromatography. Blood urea nitrogen and uric acid were measured in clinical laboratory, as were glycemic, lipid and blood routine parameters. We selected 242 individuals with age over 60 years, 143 healthy individuals and 52 patients with T2DM, 47 patients with AMI were incorporated into three groups as control group, T2DM group and AMI group. Associations were analyzed with stepwise regression analysis with adjusted for age, sex, body mass index. Results Serum FFA levels were significantly higher in the age over 60 years individuals compared to 20 ∼ 50 years (logFFA μmmol/L:2.60 ± 0.16 vs. 2.73 ± 0.18, P < .001) in the healthy group. We found lower FFA levels in the AMI compared to the T2DM and control group (2.64 ± 0.22 vs. 2.72 ± 0.13&2.72 ± 0.16, respectively, P < .05&P < 0.01) in the age over 60, fasting blood glucose level higher in the AMI and T2DM (5.78 ± 1.32&7.75 ± 2.93 mmol/L vs. 4.90 ± 0.47 mmol/L, P < .01&P < .001) compared with the normal group, HDL level (1.01 ± 0.22&0.98 ± 0.18 mmol/L vs.1.30 ± 0.22 mmol/L, P < .001&P < .001). With stepwise regression analysis, the serum FFA levels was positively associated with the HDL in the control group (YlogFFA = 2.32 + 0.33XHDL, R = 0.26, P < .01) and T2MD (YlogFFA = 2.46 + 0.27XHDL, R = 0.36, P < .05), AST in AMI (YlogFFA =2.24 + 0. 015XAST, R = 0.49, P < .01). Conclusions Compared to control group, serum FFA levels were decreased only in AMI group, while HDL level was increased in both AMI and T2DM group. The serum FFA levels were positive association with the HDL level in both T2DM and control group, FFA levels were positive association with AST in AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate the role of small interference RNA interference targeted Integrin-linked kinase(ILK SiRNA)on the proliferation and apoptosis of human Tenon fibroblasts(HTFs)induced by transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2). METHODS: The HTFs were identified by immunofluorescence analysis with Vimentin and keratin. HTFs with no other addiction was as normal control; H+T group: HTFs+5μg/L TGF-β2; H+T+NC SiRNA group: HTFs+5μg/L TGF-β2+50nmol/L negtive SiRNA; H+T+ILK SiRNA group: HTFs+5μg/L TGF-β2+50nmol/L ILK SiRNA. The ILK SiRNA were transfected into HTFs by lipofectamine 2000, then the cells were stimulated with 5μg/L TGF-β2. The protein expression of ILK were analyzed by Western Blot. The proliferation levels of HTFs were analyzed by CCK-8, the apoptosis of HTFs were analyzed by Hoechst 33342/PI double staining. RESULTS: The protein ILK were expressed in both TGF-β2 treated and control groups, and TGF-β2 up-regulated the expression of ILK, ILK SiRNA inhibited the protein expression of ILK(P2 treated group increased, and in ILK SiRNA group the cell proliferation rate was suppressed after exposured to ILK SiRNA for 48h(P2 stimulated group(P>0.05), compared with the normal control group, however in the ILK SiRNA group, we found lots of apoptosis cells and a few of necrotic cells(PCONCLUSION: The ILK SiRNA attenuates the abnormal proliferation of HTFs induced by TGF-β2, thereby enhancing the apoptosis of HTFs.

Abstract: This paper introduces the advantages of LIDAR technology as an active remote sensing method, and the successful applications of flood dynamic monitoring and evaluation, soil erosion and river mapping. In this paper I introduce the airborne LIDAR technology into the monitoring and management area of water blooms by using the concentration inversion of chlorophyll as point of entry. This paper shows the application prospect of airborne LIDAR technology in monitoring and managing the data of inland water bodies by combining the production of international research, and it shows what should be taken to make the airborne LIDAR monitoring of water into practical in our country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To explore the effect of motor relearning programme (MRP) on motor function recovery of patients with hemiplegia after acute stroke. Methods A total of 64 hemiplegic patients with acute stroke (duration ≤ 14 d) were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group (N = 32) and observation group (N = 32). Control group received routine drug therapy and conventional rehabilitation training, and observation group was treated by routine therapy and MRP training. Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale - Balance (FMA - Balance), Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) and modified Barthel Index (mBI) were used to assess the motor function of patients in both groups before and after treatment. Results All patients successfully completed the rehabilitation training without severe adverse events. A few patients felt fatigue occasionally after training and recovered after rest. Compared to before treatment, the FMA-Balance score (P = 0.000), MRMI score (P = 0.000) and mBI score (P = 0.000) after treatment in both groups were significantly increased. Compared to control group, the FMA-Balance score (P = 0.031), MRMI score (P = 0.013) and mBI score (P = 0.049) after treatment in observation group were significantly increased. Conclusions MRP training in the early stage of stroke is beneficial to the recovery of motor function of patients. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2017.03.007

Objective To discuss the efficacy and safety of fastigial nucleus stimulation (FNS) in the treatment of post-stroke sleep disorders (PSSD). Methods A total of 69 cases with PSSD were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (N = 23), sham group (N = 23) and treatment group (N = 23). Control group received routine treatment, sham group received routine treatment plus sham FNS treatment, and treatment group received routine treatment plus FNS treatment. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the sleep quality of patients in 3 groups before and after 4-week treatment. Adverse reactions during the FNS treatment were also observed. Results There was statistical significance in PSQI scores among 3 groups before and after 4-week treatment (P = 0.020). PSQI score after 4-week treatment in treatment group was significantly lower than control group and sham group (P = 0.000, 0.000). Compared to before treatment, PSQI scores were significantly decreased in 3 groups after 4-week treatment (P = 0.000). Conclusions FNS safely and effectively improves the sleep quality of patients with PSSD, thus it can be used as one of the auxiliary treatments for curing PSSD. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2017.03.006

AIM: To discuss the effect of the cystotome-assisted prechop technique performed in hard nuclear cataract phacoemulsification. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six patients(158 eyes)of age-related cataracts with nucleus density at grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was performed a manual prechop technique using a surgeon-bent cystotome after the capsulorhexis, while group B was performed traditional phaco-chop without prechop technique. The average power(AP), actual ultrasonic time(U/S time), accumulated energy complex parameter(AECP)of machine, average density of endothelial cells, endothelial cells loss, uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), corneal edema and intraoperative complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: The AP, U/S time and AECP of Group A were significantly lower than that of Group B(PPCONCLUSION: Compared with traditional phaco-chop, the cystotome-assisted prechop technique presents shorter intraoperative ultrasound time and lower energy, while contributes to less corneal endothelial cell loss and better early postoperative UCVA.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the current status of self-differentiation and professional adaptability among undergraduate nursing students, to analyze the relationship between these two variables, and to provide recommendations for nursing educators. Methods: A total of 341 nursing undergraduate students at the University of South China were investigated using the Differentiation of Self Inventory and the Professional Adaptability Scale for college students. Results: The mean scores of self-differentiation and professional adaptability were 3.70 ± 0.60 and 2.87 ± 0.37, respectively, and the two variables were positively correlated (P

AIM: To investigate expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer(EMMPRIN)in retinoblastoma(Rb)and the relationships between MMP-2, EMMPRIN and tumor development.METHODS:Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRIN in 39 cases of paraffin embedded Rb samples. Quantitative analysis of expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRIN were assessed by measuring the mean gray scale of Rb tissue with LEICA IM50 Color Pathologic Analysis System. The differences of expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRIN in each clinical and pathological stage were statistically analyzed, and the same step was also undertaken to study the relationship between Rb with MMP-2 positive expression and that with EMMPRIN positive expression.RESULTS: The positive expression rate of MMP-2 was 90%(Gray value: 109.64±14.52; 35/39), and that of EMMPRIN was 85%(Gray value: 108.01±13.60; 33/39). The expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRIN were significantly higher in tumors of glaucomatous stage(Gray value: 108.21±11.47 and 107.56±14.32)than those in intraocular stage(Gray value: 121.13±11.32 and 119.34±12.66; PPPPPPCONCLUSION: The positive expression levels of MMP-2 and EMMPRIN may correlate with tumor infiltration and metastasis.

AIM: To investigate the effect of zebularine(Zeb)loaded Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)methyl ether(MePEG-PCL)nanoparticles(NPs)on the viability, attachment, and apoptosis of in vitro cultured lens epithelial cells(LECs). METHODS: In vitro cultured infant human lens tissue HLE B-3 immortalized cells were distributed randomly divided into six groups. Each group was administered with free Zeb 50μmol/L(ZebF1 group), 100μmol/L(ZebF2 group), Zeb -loaded MePEG-PCL NPs 50μmol/L(ZebNP1 group), Zeb -loaded MePEG-PCL NPs 100μmol/L(ZebNP2 group), MePEG-PCL empty NPs(NPs group)or blank medium(group C)respectively. A tetrazolium dye assay(MTT)test and modified MTT test were performed to determine cell viability and cell attachment. DNA ladder was used to detect the cell apoptosis. RESULTS: Determined by MTT colorimetric method: Cell proliferation rate of LECs were suppressed by all Zeb administration groups in a concentration-time dependent manner(PPP ZebNP1>ZebF2(PCONCLUSION: Zeb loaded MePEG-PCL NPs had better effect on suppressing the viability and attachment of in vitro cultured LECs than the free Zeb groups, as well as enhancing the apoptosis.

AIM:To observe the effects of double incision combined surgery of single-stab trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification.METHODS: Totally 28 cases(30 eyes)with glaucoma and cataract undertook the modified combined surgery of single-stab trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification. After traditional phacoemulsification, cut the bulbar conjunctiva and Tenons capsule from the 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock, then puncture into the anterior chamber in 2mm behind the corneal limbus with 3mm tunnel knife, shaping a 3mm wide, 1/3-1/4 thickness scleral tunnel. Getting into the trabecular tunnel, bite off 3 pieces of trabecular tissue about 1mm×1mm size. The changes in the imtraocular pressure(IOP)and the visual acuity before and after the surgery as well as filtering bleb(OCT confirmed)and complications were carefully observed in 3-6mo postoperatively.RESULTS: The postoperative visual acuity in 1wk postoperatively less than 0.1 was found in 3 eyes, from 0.1 to 0.3 was found in 6 eyes,from 0.3 to 0.6 in 13 eyes,from 0.6 to 0.8 in 8 eyes.One eye had malignant glaucoma, and 8 eyes had cornea edema and slightly fibrin exudation in the pupil area; In all cases maintained function conjunctival blebs of filtering, OCT confirmed this.IOP remained normal in 28 eyes in 3-6mo follow up, IOP of 2 other eyes could be controlled by anti-glaucoma eye drops.CONCLUSION:Double incision combined surgery of single-stab trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification is effective and safe,reduces the postoperative complications and is worthy of promotion.