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Qiu-Yu Lin,1,* Qian-Le Qi,1,* Sen Hou,1 Zhen Chen,2 Laney Zhang,3 Hong-Guang Zhao,1 Cheng-He Lin1 1Nuclear Medicine Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City 130000, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Chengdu Xinke Pharmaceutical Co., LTD, Chengdu City 610000, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Biological Sciences at Cornell University (2022), Ithaca, NY, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Cheng-He LinNuclear Medicine Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun City 130000, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 431-88782766Email linchenghejl@163.comIntroduction: Thyroid cancer (TC) is an endocrine tumor whose risk of onset has been rising, so the deep understanding of its molecular mechanism helps formulate new treatment strategies.Methods: This paper was aimed at exploring the regulatory mechanism of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) in TC. The expression of PVT1, miR-423-5p and p21-activated kinase 3 (PAK3) in TC tissues and cell lines was detected by real-time PCR. PAK3 levels were detected by Western blot. Regulatory relationships between target genes and the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of cells and genes were analyzed.Results: PVT1 and PAK3 upregulated while miR-423-5p downregulated in the tissues and cell lines. PVT1 downregulation inhibited TC cells from malignantly proliferating and invading, and promoted their apoptosis. PVT1 specifically regulated miR-423-5p, and its overexpression could weaken the anti-tumor effect of this miR on TC cells. In addition, miR-423-5p directly targeted PAK3, and knocking down its expression could weaken the inhibitory effect of PAK3 downregulation on TC progression. Besides, PVT1 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA to sponge this miR and thus regulate PAK3 expression.Discussion: In conclusion, PVT1 can mediate the molecular mechanism of the miR-423-5p-PAK3 axis regulatory network on regulating TC, so it is a new direction of treating the disease.Keywords: PVT1, thyroid cancer, miR-423-5p, PAK3

In the current paper, we report a facile template-free route for ‘mass production’of ZnS hollow spheres with nano- and submicro-sizes, employing thiocarbamide,(CH3COO)2Zn·2H2O and water as the raw materials. ZnS hollow spheres were obtained via hydrothermal reaction at140 °C for 5 h. XRD analysis showed that the as-prepared ZnS hollow spheres wereof hexagonal phase structure. To the best of our knowledge, there were fewreports on the preparation of hexagonal ZnS crystals under low temperature(<300 °C) in the literature. Furthermore, there is no report on the hollowstructure of hexagonal phase ZnS under such low temperature(140 °C). Experimental results showed that the amount of thiocarbamide in the reaction systemhad a great impact on the size, shape, and structure of the final product. On the basis ofthe experimental results and our previous work, a possible formation mechanism wassuggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although acupuncture has been used in clinical practice for thousands of years, it remains a controversial treatment option to help alleviate pain in cancer patients. In this study, we analyzed published material on randomized trials of acupuncture from MEDLINE published up until July 31, 2018, to assess its effects on pain experienced by cancer patients. Revman 5.0 software was used to conduct meta-analysis with pain score as the index. The results of nine randomized controlled trials involving 592 patients were analyzed and showed that acupuncture can relieve the pain caused by aromatase inhibitors. Weighted mean difference of worst pain and pain severity was -3.03, 95% CI (-3.90,-2.16) and -2.69, 95% CI (-4.08,-1.30), respectively ( P < 0.01). This led us to conclude that acupuncture has pain relieving effects against pain caused by aromatase inhibitors., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022 Qing-ling Qi et al.)

Background: To investigate the protective effect of electroacupuncture combined with dexmedetomidine (EA + Dex) on oxidative stress injury in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rats., Methods: A total of 50 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham operation (sham group); I/R group; dexmedetomidine group (Dex group); electroacupuncture group (EA group); and EA + Dex group. The myocardial I/R model was established. The EA group received EA at the Neiguan acupoint [pericardium 6 (PC6)] every day for 1 week before modeling. Rats in the EA + Dex group received EA at PC6 every day for 1 week before modeling, and intraperitoneal injection of Dex was performed 15 minutes before modeling. Dex was injected intraperitoneally in the Dex group 15 minutes before modeling. The rats were sacrificed 1 hour after reperfusion, and myocardial tissue was obtained to measure the myocardial infarction area. The myocardial tissue pathologic changes were shown by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in serum was determined., Results: Compared with the sham group, the myocardial infarction area was significantly increased (P<0.01), SOD and ATP content was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and MDA and ROS content was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the I/R group; this change was significantly reduced in the Dex, EA, and EA + Dex groups (P<0.01). The indicators in the EA + Dex group were better than those in the EA and Dex groups (P<0.05). There was no significant change in the above indices in the Dex group compared with the EA group (P>0.05)., Conclusions: EA + Dex pretreatment improved the damage of myocardial I/R by increasing SOD and ATP content and reducing the generation of MDA and ROS in an oxygen-free radical system.

AHNAK nucleoprotein 2 (AHNAK2) has been proposed to have an oncogenic role in various human cancers. However, the functional role of AHNAK2 in thyroid carcinoma (TC) progression has never been explored. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were conducted to evaluate the expression of genes. The functional role of AHNAK2 was elucidated by cell count kit-8, colony-forming assay, wound-healing assay, and Transwell invasion assay. We found that AHNAK2 was highly expressed in thyroid carcinoma, and it was tightly correlated with the pathological stage in TC. The mRNA and protein levels of AHNAK2 were increased in TC cells. Silencing of AHNAK2 restricted the proliferation, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of TC cells. AHNAK2 silencing inhibited the protein expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1, and AHNAK2 overexpression had the opposite effects. Moreover, LiCl or ICG-001 exposure counteracted the effects of AHNAK2 silencing or upregulation on malignant phenotypes of TC cells. In conclusion, the knockdown of AHNAK2 restrained the proliferation, metastasis, and EMT of TC cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, providing a new potential mechanism of AHNAK2 in understanding the oncogenesis and progression of TC.

Two D-π-A-π-D type solvatochromic fluorescence probes (JT1 and JT2) based on triphenylamine have been synthesized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these probes as well as their solvatochromic behavior were studied. The Stokes shifts of JT1 and JT2 reach 175 nm (6417.0 cm -1 ) and 218.6 nm (9916.7 cm -1 ) in the acetonitrile solution, respectively. There is an excellent linear correlation between the Stokes shifts and the E T (30) solvent polarity values in different solvents. The high responsiveness of JT1 and JT2 to solvent polarity makes them promising candidates for solvatochromic fluorescence probes, especially for the detection of the polarity of non-proton solvents or the content of water in tetrahydrofuran., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Target biomolecule-immobilized magnetic beads could be used as a powerful tool for screening active compounds present in natural products. Low damage rates of the target proteins, associated with the availability of diverse automated online approaches for analysis, make it a valuable tool for affinity studies. RAW264.7 cells (a kind of murine macrophage cell line) were used in this study. These cellular membranes were immobilized onto the surface of MBs and were used for screening the active compounds of Polygonatum sibiricum. Combining this technique with HPLC led to the identification of an active compound and its biological activity was confirmed. This is the first report establishing the use of RAW264.7 cellular membrane-coated magnetic bead fishing followed by HPLC analysis for screening active compounds from natural products., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Four new steroidal saponins, 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-fucopyranosyl -(25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,17α-diol (1), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D- fucopyranosyl-(25S)-spirost-5-en-3β,17α-diol (2), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2) -β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(25R)-spirost-5-en-3β,17α-diol (3), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(25R/S)-spirost-5-en-3β,12β-diol (4), together with five known steroidal saponins were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum. Chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Anti-inflammatory activities of these new compounds were evaluated.

Objective: To analyze clinical characteristics of severe community-acquired pneumonia during pregnancy and its outcomes, and to explore the relevant risk factors. Methods: From September 2012 to September 2017, 324 398 pregnancies admitted in 7 tertiary hospitals were included. Clinical data of 33 cases of pregnancies with severe community-acquired pneumonia (severe pneumonia group) and 214 cases of pregnancies with common community-acquired pneumonia (control group) were reviewed retrospectively, including the clinical information, manifestations, laboratory examinations and pregnancy outcomes. Relevant risk factors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: (1) General data: pregnancies with severe community-acquired pneumonia accounted for 0.010% (33/324 398) of hospitalized pregnancies, the gestational age of two groups were (28±8) and (23±8) weeks, body mass index were (21.7±2.1) and (25.5±3.4) kg/m(2), rate of low income were 54.5% (18/33) and 31.8% (68/214) , respectively. The differences between two groups were all statistically significant (all P< 0.05). No significant differences were found in age, pregnancy and parity times, rate of main pregnant complications such as diabetes and hypertension, educational level, asthma and onset seasons between two groups (all P> 0.05). (2) Clinical data: the severe pneumonia group had significantly higher incidence of fever [100.0% (33/33) vs 75.2% (161/214) ], shortness of breath (90.9% vs 16.8%) compared with the control group (all P< 0.05) .The median peripheral leukocytes counts were 12.3×10(9)/L and 10.2×10(9)/L, the hemoglobin level were (84±18) and (107±14) g/L,the albumin level were (26±4) and (37±3) g/L, the median serum urea nitrogen level were 3.7 and 2.4 mmol/L, the serum creatinine level were (72±25) and (45±11) μmol/L, respectively in two groups. The differences were all statistically significant (all P< 0.05). No significantly statistical differences were found in coagulation indicator and cardiac function between two groups (all P> 0.05). (3) Treatments: in severe pneumonia group, 12 patients (36.4%,12/33) needed invasive mechanical ventilation, 9 patients (27.3%,9/33) needed non-invasive mechanical ventilation, average time of mechanical ventilation was (7±4) days;8 patients (24.2%,8/33) with septic shock needed vasoactive drugs. However, there was no patient in control group needing mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs. (4) Pregnant outcomes: one patient (3.0%,1/33) died in the severe pneumonia group, while no death occurred in the control group. The hospital stay between two groups were (15.1±4.1) and (7.0±1.9) days, the rates of abortion and stillbirth between two groups were 42.4% (14/33) and 3.3% (7/214) , the rates of premature were 10/19 and 6.3% (13/207) , the rates of cesarean were 15/19 and 43.0% (89/207) , the rates of low birth weight newborn were 17/19 and 14.0% (29/207) , the rates of infected newborn were 15/19 and 10.1% (21/207) , the birth weights were (2 165±681) and (3 102±400) g, respectively. The differences between two groups were all statistically significant (all P< 0.05). (5) Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that anemia, low body mass index, hypoproteinemia were risk factors for severe pneumonia in pregnancy (all P< 0.05) . Conclusions: Pregnancy with severe community-acquired pneumonia may be complicated by multiple organ dysfunctions, lead to adverse outcomes. Anemia, malnutrition are risk factors for pregnancy with severe pneumonia. Active and effective treatment may improve its prognosis.

Introduction: Uterine rupture is a rare complication in second trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP) with an overall incidence of up to 1.1%. There are concerns that patients with previous caesarean section(s) were at an increased risk of uterine rupture. However, there is no published data in our local population to date. This study aims to identify the incidence and contributing factors for uterine rupture in women undergoing TOP in Singapore., Study Design: This is a retrospective review of all women who had TOP between 14 +0 weeks to 23 +6 weeks gestation from January 2005 to December 2014 in a large tertiary hospital. Patients' characteristics and details of TOP were retrieved from pre-existing hospital databases. The gestation age and dose of gemeprost used were retrieved from an internal hospital audit conducted from December 2012 to July 2016., Results: A total of 3385 patients underwent TOP from 2005 to 2014. An estimated 339 patients had a scarred uterus. Seven cases of uterine rupture were identified, with an overall incidence of 0.21% (7/3385). The incidence of uterine rupture in patients with scarred uterus was 2.1% (7/339). Contributing factors identified included higher mean dose of abortifacient, usage of multiple abortifacients and methods, advanced gestation age and short interval between last caesarean section and current TOP., Conclusion: Second trimester TOP on scarred uterus warrants careful usage of abortifacient with minimal cumulative dosage and should be carried out in early second trimester gestation whenever feasible. Prostaglandin analogues appeared to be safe for TOP in unscarred uteruses., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Context: Naringin is a natural flavanone glycoside that is found in the Chinese herbal medicines and citrus fruits. Studies have demonstrated that naringin possesses numerous biological and pharmacological properties, but few reviews of these studies have been performed., Objective: The present review gathers the fragmented information available in the literature describing the extraction of naringin, its pharmacology and its controlled release formulations. Current research progress and the therapeutic potential of naringin are also discussed., Methods: A literature survey for relevant information regarding the biological and pharmacological properties of naringin was conducted using Pubmed, Sciencedirect, MEDLINE, Springerlink and Google Scholar electronic databases from the year 2007-2015., Results: Naringin modulates signalling pathways and interacts with signalling molecules and thus has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activities, as well as effects on bone regeneration, metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, genetic damage and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Information was gathered that showed the extraction of naringin can be improved using several modifications. There has been some progress in the development of controlled release formulations of naringin., Conclusion: Naringin is a promising candidate for further in vivo studies and clinical use. More detailed studies regarding its mechanism of action are required.

Objective: To explore the differences between conservative and surgical treatment for thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis on indications and clinical results., Methods: From May 2000 to June 2008, 162 cases of thoracic spinal tuberculosis patients were studied retrospectively, including 89 males and 73 females, aged from 4 to 71 years (means 43.6 years). Among them, 38 cases of onset time was short, X-ray showed a narrow cone gap and MRI showed vertebral body signal changes, the ones who had better general condition were applicated of anti-TB drugs [6HREZ (S)/6-9HRE] and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical; 51 cases with thick swollen and vertebral body marginal damage but not affect the stability of spine, were treated with spinal tuberculosis debridement surgery; 73 cases with abscess, vertebral destruction of center, spinal instability or spinal cord function associated with damage to persons, were treated with surgical debridement and interbody bone grafting and fixation. Clinical observation were evaluated according to the standard cure for bone tuberculosis., Results: Thirty-eight cases by conservative treatment, had been cured in 1 to 2 years. Focus of infection cleared in 51 cases, 3 cases occurrenced the sinus next to incision, 4 cases of kyphosis angle (Cobb) lost 5 degrees-10 degrees compared with that before treatment (means 4.5 degrees). Seventy-three cases by internal fixation obtained neurological deficiency symptoms recovery; 2 occurenced the sinus next to the incision, 3 cases appeared subcutaneous emphysema of iliac area and local pain, but need no special treatment. A total of 136 patients were followed-up from 12 to 60 months with an average of 32.8 months, and had been all clinically cured., Conclusion: Patients with early detection only on the imaging showing vertebral lesions, without obvious sequestrum, abscesses, can be selected for conservative anti-tuberculosis treatment. Patients combined with abscess, vertebral destruction on light degree and not affected the stability of the spine, can be removed by simple surgery to obtain better efficacy. Patients with abscesses, sequestrum, spinal vertebral instability leading to heavy damage associated with spinal cord or nerve function impairment,will need surgical removal of lesions of tuberculosis, give graft and spinal fixation at the same time.

Soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) is used to engineer poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDL-LA) membrane surface by a physical entrapment method to enhance cytocompatibility. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements are used to characterize SEP-modified PDL-LA membrane surface and confirm the formation of an even and stable layer of SEP on PDL-LA membrane surface. NIH3T3 cell lines are used as model cells to evaluate cytocompatibility of the SEP-modified PDL-LA membrane, which is much better than that of virgin PDL-LA membrane. The enhanced cytocompatibility facilitates potential application in tissue engineering., (Copyright 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

We studied 41 iliac bone blocks taken by biopsies from normal Chinese who were divided into several groups by age. On the schedule of 3-11-3-5 days, double tetracycline labellings were administered before bone biopsies. Ten microns undecalcified sections were made with Reichert-Jung microtome and analyzed with Zeizz MOP-Videoplan by light and fluorescent microscopy. The results showed that bone formation had a peak value at adolescence and the mean wall thickness decreased gradually with age. Bone dynamics fluctuated with age because of endocrinological changes in the intrinsic environment. The data we obtained may be used as a reference for clinical investigation of various metabolic bone disorders.