Search

Background: Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an essential enzyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. Although G6PD‐deficient alleles appear to confer a protective effect of malaria, the link with clinical protection against Plasmodium infection is conflicting. Methods: A case–control study was conducted on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea and further genotyping analysis used to detect natural selection of the G6PD A‐ allele. Results: Our results showed G6PD A‐ allele could significantly reduce the risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection in male individuals (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–0.93; p <.05) and homozygous female individuals (AOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01–0.84; p <.05). Additionally, the parasite densities were significantly different in the individuals with different G6PD A‐ alleles and individual levels of G6PD enzyme activity. The pattern of linkage disequilibrium and results of the long‐range haplotype test revealed a strong selective signature in the region encompassing the G6PD A‐ allele over the past 6,250 years. The network of inferred haplotypes suggested a single origin of the G6PD A‐ allele in Africans. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) A‐ allele could reduce the risk of P. falciparum infection in the African population and indicate that malaria has a recent positive selection on G6PD A‐ allele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In electrochemical metallization memristor, the performance of resistive switching (RS) is influenced by the forming and fusing of conductive filaments within the dielectric layer. However, the growth of filaments, mostly, is unpredictable and uncontrollable. For this reason, to optimize ions migration paths in the dielectric layer itself in the Al/Cu x S/Cu structure, uniform Cu x S nanosheets films have been synthesized using anodization for various time spans. And the Al/Cu x S/Cu devices show a low operating voltage of less than 0.3 V and stable RS performance. At the same time, a reversible negative differential resistance (NDR) behavior is also demonstrated. And then, the mechanism of repeatable coexistence of RS effect and NDR phenomenon is investigated exhaustively. Analyses suggest that the combined physical model of space-charge limited conduction mechanism and conductive filaments bias-induced migration of Cu ions within the Cu x S dielectric layer is responsible for the RS operation, meanwhile, a Schottky barrier caused by copper vacancy at the Cu x S/Cu interface is demonstrated to explain the NDR phenomenon. This work will develop a new way to optimize the performance of non-volatile memory with multiple physical attributes in the future., (© 2022 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

Visual memory, mainly composed of visual long-term memory (VLTM) and visual working memory (VWM), is an important mechanism of human information storage. Since Baddeley proposed the multicomponent working memory model, the idea that VWM is independent of the VLTM system has been widely accepted. However, the new theoretical evidence suggested a close connection between VLTM and VWM. For instance, the three embedded components model describes the VLTM and VWM in the same framework, which suggests that VWM is only a distinct state of VLTM. On the one hand, the operating function of VWM is supported by the persistence of VLTM. On the other hand, the evidence from neuroimaging studies shows that VWM and VLTM tasks activate some same brain areas. In addition, the whole visual memory system shows a trend of processing from early visual cortex to prefrontal cortex. The present article not only reviews the current studies about the relationship between VLTM and VWM but also gives some forecasts for future studies.

Background/aims: Zinc Finger Protein 281 (ZNF281) was recently identified as a novel oncogene in several human carcinomas. However, the clinical significance of ZNF281 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the molecular mechanisms by which ZNF281 promotes the growth and metastasis of CRC remain unknown., Methods: ZNF281 expression in CRC tissues was assessed, and the outcomes were analyzed to determine the clinical importance of ZNF281 expression. Cell Transwell assays and a wound healing assay were performed to assess the effects of ZNF281 on CRC cell migration and invasion in vitro. Western blotting was applied to analyze the potential mechanisms., Results: ZNF281 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in CRC tissues compared with normal colon tissues, and high ZNF281 expression was associated with advanced T stage, N stage, TNM stage and differentiation. Therefore, ZNF281 expression might be an independent prognostic indicator in CRC patients. Moreover, knockdown of ZNF281 expression suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway., Conclusion: Our study indicates that ZNF281 plays a critical role in the progression and metastasis of CRC and could represent a potential therapeutic target for CRC., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (© Copyright by the Author(s). Published by Cell Physiol Biochem Press.)

Unlabelled: Hemipelvic resections for primary bone tumours require reconstruction to restore weight bearing along anatomic axes. However, reconstruction of the pelvic arch remains a major surgical challenge because of the high rate of associated complications. We used the pedicle screw-rod system to reconstruct the pelvis, and the purpose of this investigation was to assess the oncology, functional outcome and complication rate following this procedure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the operative indications and technique of the pedicle screw-rod system in reconstruction of the stability of the sacroiliac joint after resection of sacroiliac joint tumours. The average MSTS (Musculoskeletal Tumour Society) score was 26.5 at either three months after surgery or at the latest follow-up. Seven patients had surgery-related complications, including wound dehiscence in one, infection in two, local necrosis in four (including infection in two), sciatic nerve palsy in one and pubic symphysis subluxation in one. There was no screw loosening or deep vein thrombosis occurring in this series. Using a pedicle screw-rod after resection of a sacroiliac joint tumour is an acceptable method of pelvic reconstruction because of its reduced risk of complications and satisfactory functional outcome, as well as its feasibility of reconstruction for type IV pelvis tumour resection without elaborate preoperative customisation., Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that the dysregulation of miRNAs are frequently associated with cancer progression. Deregulation of miR-211 has been observed in various types of human cancers. However, its biological function in gastric cancer (GC) is still unknown., Methods: The expression of miR-211 in GC was detected by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The miR-211 mimics and inhibitor were designed and transfected into BGC-823 cells. Then, we explore the probable biological function of miR-211 in gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. A luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to confirm the target gene of miR-211., Results: MiR-211 was significantly down-regulated in GC. Over-expression of miR-211 inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, conversely, down-regulated expression of miR-211 promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, the sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4) is identified as a target of miR-211 in GC cells, and SOX4 expression levels was inversely correlated with miR-211. Furthermore, knockdown of Sox4 inhibited the proliferation and invasion in GC cells., Conclusion: miR-211 could inhibit GC cell proliferation and invasion partially by down-regulating SOX4. MiR-211 might be a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment in the future.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNA) have been documented playing a critical role in cancer progression. Although miR-338-3p has been implicated in several cancers, its role in gastric cancer is still unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of miR-338-3p in gastric cancer progression., Methods: Expression levels of miR-338-3p in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effect of miR-338-3p on proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell migration and invasion assays. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the target gene of miR-338-3p, and the results were validated in gastric cancer cells., Results: In the present study, we found that miR-338-3p was down-regulated in both gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. Enforced expression of miR-338-3p inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, we identified A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) gene as potential target of miR-338-3p. Importantly, ADAM17 rescued the miR-338-3p mediated inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion., Conclusions: Our study suggested that miR-338-3p is significantly decreased in gastric cancer, and inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion partially via the downregulation of ADAM17. Thus, miR-338-3p may represent a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer intervention.

Background: A large number of studies demonstrated that microRNAs play important roles in the progression and development of human cancers. However, the expression level of miR-107 and its biological function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear., Method: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression level of miR-107 in HCC tissues and cell lines. Then, we explored the function of miR-107 to determine its potential roles on HCC cell proliferation in vitro. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the target gene of miR-107, and the results were validated in cell lines., Results: miR-107 was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. The enforced expression of miR-107 was able to promote cell proliferation in HepG2 cells. At the molecular level, our results suggested that expression of Axin2 was negatively regulated by miR-107., Conclusion: Our observations suggested that miR-107 could promote HCC cells proliferation via targeting Axin2 and might represent a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Introduction: long non-coding RNA ANRIL (lncRNA ANRIL) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in cancer progression. However, its effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of lncRNA NRIL in human HCC., Methods: In this study, we determined for the first time the expression of lncRNA ANRIL in human HCC by quantitative Real-time-PCR analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional models were used to study the impact on clinical outcome. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to silence lncRNA ANRIL and to explore the effects of reduced lncRNA ANRIL expression on cell growth and metastasis., Results: lncRNA ANRIL expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher than in the adjacent non-tumor tissues (P<0.05). The expression of lncRNA ANRIL was remarkably associated with the histologic grade and TNM stage of HCC patients (P<0.05). In addition, HCC patients with higher lncRNA ANRIL expression had significantly poorer overall survival (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis suggested that high lncRNA ANRIL expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis (P<0.05). Moreover, in vitro assays revealed that the decreased expression of lncRNA ANRIL could suppress the cell proliferation, migration and invasion HCC cells., Conclusions: Our results suggest that lncRNA ANRIL may serve as an efficient clinical biomarker and a therapeutic target for HCC patients.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism can affect APOE gene transcription, serum lipid levels and repair of tissue damage, which could place individuals at serious risk of cardiovascular disease or certain infectious diseases. Recently, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was reported to be a simple, inexpensive, accurate and sensitive method for the genotyping or/and scanning of rare mutations. For this reason, an HRM analysis was used in the present study for APOE genotyping in the Southern Chinese Han and African Fang populations. A total of 100 healthy Southern Chinese Han and 175 healthy African Fang individuals attended the study. Polymerase chain reaction-DNA sequencing was used as a reference method for the genotyping of these samples. The six APOE genotypes could all be rapidly and efficiently identified by HRM analysis, and 100% concordance was found between the HRM analysis and the reference method. The allele frequencies of APOE in the Southern Chinese Han population were 7.0, 87.5 and 5.5% for ɛ2, ɛ3 and ɛ4, respectively. In the African Fang population, the allele frequencies of APOE were 24.3, 65.7 and 10.0% for ɛ2, ɛ3 and ɛ4, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between the allele frequencies between the populations (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed the molecular characterization of APOE gene polymorphism in the Han population from the Chaozhou region of Southern China and the Fang population from Equatorial Guinea. The findings of the study indicated that HRM analysis could be used as an accurate and sensitive method for the rapid screening and identification of APOE genotypes in prospective clinical and population genetic analyses.

Introduction: Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in tumor progression. The aim of our study was to explore the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of lncRNA CCAT2 expression in human gastric cancer., Methods: Expression levels of lncRNA CCAT2 in 85 pairs of gastric cancer and adjacent non-tumor tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In order to determine its prognostic value, overall survival and progression-free survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard analysis., Results: Expression levels of lncRNA CCAT2 in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent non-tumor tissues. By statistical analyses, high lncRNA CCAT2 expression was observed to be closely correlated with higher incidence of lymph node metastasis and distance metastasis. Moreover, patients with high lncRNA CCAT2 expression had shorter overall survival and progression-free survival compared with the low lncRNA CCAT2 group. Multivariate analyses indicated that high lncRNA CCAT2 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients., Conclusions: Our results suggested that up-regulation of lncRNA CCAT2 was correlated with gastric cancer progression, and lncRNA CCAT2 might be a potential molecular biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of anterior versus posterior surgical treatments of thoracolumbar fractures., Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) were identified from MEDLINE (1966 - 2006.7), EMBASE (1966 - 2006.7), PubMed (1996 - 2006.7), Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2006).We hand-searched Chinese Journal of Orthopedics (from establishment to May 2006) and Orthopaedic Journal of China (from establishment to May 2006). RCTs and CCTs were included. Data were extracted by two reviewers with designed extraction form. RevMan 4.2.8 software was used for data analysis., Results: Two RCTs and four prospective clinical trials were included. The combined results showed that compare with posterior surgical management, anterior approach in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures proved the less incidence of complications; better neurologic recovery and corrected kyphosis angle; more complete and reliable decompression of the canal. However, there was not difference between the two groups in the general status outcomes., Conclusions: To compare with posterior fixation system, anterior surgical managements in the thoracolumbar spinal trauma might be the optimal choices because the lower rates of complications and loss of corrected kyphosis angle; better neurologic recovery, also. Besides, due to the lack of Evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal injuries, the results which indicated above need further study.

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Taxillus sutchuenenisis (Lecomte) Danser., Methods: Chromatography and spectrum analysis were employed to isolated and elucidate the chemical constituents in the plant., Results: 9 compounds were isolated and identified as quercetin (I), quervetin 3-O-beta-D-galactoside (II), isoquercitrin (III), quercitrin (IV), rutin (V), gallic acid (VI), ferulic acid (VII), beta-sitosterol (VIII), daucosterol (IX), respectively., Conclusion: Compounds III-IX are isolated from this plant for the first time. The work provide evidence for the exploitation and utilization of this plant resouce.

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from dry roots of Ligusticum glaucescens Franch., Methods: Chromatography and spectrum analysis were employed to isolate and elucidate the chemical constituents in the plant., Results: 4 compounds were isolated and identified as levistolide A (I), ligustilide (II), pleuchiol (III) and ferulic acid (IV)., Conclusion: I-IV were isolated from this plant for the first time. The work provided evidence for the exploitation and utilization of this plant resource.

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) complicating exudative retinal detachment (ERD)., Methods: General health, vision, intraocular pressure, appearance of the fundus and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and the results of ultrasound examination in cases with CRVO complicating ERD were analyzed., Results: Eight patients were male and 7 patients were female. Age of those patients ranged from 18 to 42 years, averaged 25 years. Five cases combined with neovascular glaucoma. Initial vision ranged from 0.05 to light perception. There were notably edema and hemorrhage in the macular region. Extensive exudative appeared at the edge of edema and detachment region. The extent of retinal detachment was 2/12 - 5/12 quadrant at sitting position. No collateral vessels were found on the optic disk. FFA showed extensive blockage by the hemorrhages or capillary nonperfusion., Conclusions: ERD is a rare and severe complication of CRVO, which usually develops in young patients and combines with neovascular glaucoma. The appearance in fundus and FFA shows a characteristic features.