Search

In this study, we investigated the effect of a short deletion in the DNA-binding domain of STAT3 (STAT3del) on the transcriptional activation of STAT3 target genes and its relationship with colon carcinogenesis. We used the CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing system to delete a short sequence encoding amino acids 400-411 in the DNA-binding domain (amino acid sequence: 317-567) from STAT3 gene in SW480, SW620 and HCT116 colon cancer cells. ChIP sequencing analysis showed that STAT3del occupancy was significantly reduced in 1029 genes and significantly increased in 475 genes compared to wild-type STAT3. The mutation altered the DNA motifs recognized by STAT3del as compared to the wild-type STAT3. We observed a strong correlation between expression of the STAT3 target genes and the loss or gain of STAT3del binding to their promoters. CCK-8, wound healing, and TUNEL assays showed reduced proliferation, migration, and survival of SW480, SW620 and HCT-116 cells expressing STAT3del as compared to the corresponding controls. These findings demonstrate that a short deletion in the DNA-binding domain of STAT3 alters its genome-wide DNA-binding and transcriptional profile of STAT3-target proteins, and suppresses the growth, progression and survival of colon cancer cells.

Objective To evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through comparisons with those of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 and pinaverium bromide. Patients and Methods This multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted at 7 hospitals in China and enrolled participants who met the Rome III diagnostic criteria for IBS between May 3, 2015, and June 29, 2018. Participants were first stratified into constipation-predominant or diarrhea-predominant IBS group. Participants in each group were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive acupuncture (18 sessions) or PEG 4000 (20 g/d, for IBS-C)/pinaverium bromide (150 mg/d, for IBS-D) over a 6-week period, followed by a 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome was change in total IBS-Symptom Severity Score from baseline to week 6. Results Of 531 patients with IBS who were randomized, 519 (344 in the acupuncture group and 175 in the PEG 4000/ pinaverium bromide group) were included in the full analysis set. From baseline to 6 weeks, the total IBS-Symptom Severity Score decreased by 123.51 (95% CI, 116.61 to 130.42) in the acupuncture group and 94.73 (95% CI, 85.03 to 104.43) in the PEG 4000/pinaverium bromide group. The between-group difference was 28.78 (95% CI, 16.84 to 40.72; P Conclusion Acupuncture may be more effective than PEG 4000 or pinaverium bromide for the treatment of IBS, with effects lasting up to 12 weeks. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trials Register, ChiCTR-IOR-15006259.

To explore the bidirectional regulation of acupuncture based on a subgroup analysis of multicenter randomized controlled trial of acupuncture withA total of 519 patients were included in the analysis, including 137 patients with constipation type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) (92 cases in the acupuncture group and 45 cases in the polyethylene glycol [PEG] group), and 382 patients with diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) (252 cases in the acupuncture group and 130 cases in the pinaverium group). The patients in the acupuncture group were given acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29), Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3) once every other day, 3 times a week. The patients in the PEG group received polyethylene glycol 4000 powder orally, and the pinaverium group received pinaverium bromide tablets orally. All were treated for 6 weeks. The IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) was assessed at baseline, treatment period (2, 4, 6 weeks of treatment) and 12 weeks of follow-up, and the IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) score was evaluated at the baseline period, 6 weeks of treatment and 12 weeks of follow-up.The total IBS-SSS scores of the two groups of IBS-C patients at 2, 4, 6 weeks of treatment and follow-up of 12 weeks were lower than those in the baseline period (Acupuncture with

Background Worldwide, colorectal cancer is ranked as the third most prevalent cancer. The natural compound, pancratistatin, extracted from the spider lily, has previously been shown to target apoptosis in cancer cells lines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pancratistatin in human colorectal cancer cells in vitro. Material/Methods Human colorectal cancer cell lines, including HTC-15 cells, were compared with a normal human colonic fibroblast cell line, CDD-18Co. Cells were treated with increasing doses of pancratistatin. The MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. Fluorescence microscopy using DAPI and Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) was used to detect cell apoptosis. Cell autophagy was detected by electron microscopy. Cell migration was evaluated using a wound healing assay, and Western blot determined the expression levels of cell cycle proteins. Results Pancratistatin inhibited the growth of the colorectal cancer cells with an IC50 ranging from 15–25 μM, but had a limited effect in normal CCD-18Co cells, with an IC50 of >100 μM. Pancratistatin reduced HCT-15 cell migration. Growth inhibition due to pancratistatin was associated with morphological changes of HCT-15 cells and included autophagy and apoptosis, and increased expression the autophagic proteins, LC3II, beclin-1, and Bax. Pancratistatin induced arrest of HCT-15 cells at G2/M of the cell cycle and inhibited phosphorylation of cdc2/cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and Cdc25c and the expression of cyclin B1. Conclusions Pancratistatin inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells in vitro by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and G2/M cell cycle arrest.

PURPOSE To determine the safety and efficacy of percutaneous lumbar discectomy (PLD) and percutaneous disc cementoplasty (PDCP) for painful lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in patients >60 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixteen older patients (mean age, 71.00 ± 6.24 years) with painful LDH were treated with PLD and PDCP. The outcome data (the Macnab criteria, visual analog scale score, and Oswestry disability index) were collected preoperatively; at 1 week postoperatively; at posttreatment months 1, 3, and 6; and every 6 months thereafter. In addition, treatment duration, injection volume of bone cement, length of hospital stay, and complications were assessed. RESULTS Treatment was successful in all patients. The pain relief rate at the last follow-up was 87.5%. Six, 8, and 2 patients showed excellent, good, and fair results, respectively; no patient showed a poor result. The average visual analog scale for back and leg pain decreased from 6.75 ± 1.06 and 7.00 ± 0.89 before the procedure to 2.81 ± 1.60 and 2.87 ± 1.75 at 1 month, 2.79 ± 1.58 and 2.71 ± 1.64 at 6 months, and 2.90 ± 1.73 and 3.00 ± 1.76 at 1 year, respectively. The scores were 2.44 ± 1.63 and 2.44 ± 1.71, respectively, at the last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index also changed after the procedure, with significant differences between baseline scores and those at each follow-up (P < .001). The mean procedure duration, injection volume of bone cement, and length of hospital stay were 55.69 ± 5.86 minutes, 2.50 ± 0.63 mL, and 7.06 ± 2.41 days, respectively. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS The combination of PLD and PDCP is feasible, safe, and effective for older patients with painful LDH.

To compare the curative effect on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) between acupuncture for regulatingA total of 231 patients with IBS-D were randomized into an acupuncture group (154 cases) and a western medication group (77 cases) at the ratio of 2 to 1. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to acupoint regimen for regulatingAfter treatment and in follow-up, the total scores of IBS-SSS in the patients of the two groups were all reduced as compared with those before treatment (Acupuncture for regulating

BACKGROUND Worldwide, colorectal cancer is ranked as the third most prevalent cancer. The natural compound, pancratistatin, extracted from the spider lily, has previously been shown to target apoptosis in cancer cells lines. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pancratistatin in human colorectal cancer cells in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human colorectal cancer cell lines, including HTC-15 cells, were compared with a normal human colonic fibroblast cell line, CDD-18Co. Cells were treated with increasing doses of pancratistatin. The MTT assay was used to assess cell viability. Fluorescence microscopy using DAPI and Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) was used to detect cell apoptosis. Cell autophagy was detected by electron microscopy. Cell migration was evaluated using a wound healing assay, and Western blot determined the expression levels of cell cycle proteins. RESULTS Pancratistatin inhibited the growth of the colorectal cancer cells with an IC₅₀ ranging from 15-25 µM, but had a limited effect in normal CCD-18Co cells, with an IC₅₀ of >100 µM. Pancratistatin reduced HCT-15 cell migration. Growth inhibition due to pancratistatin was associated with morphological changes of HCT-15 cells and included autophagy and apoptosis, and increased expression the autophagic proteins, LC3II, beclin-1, and Bax. Pancratistatin induced arrest of HCT-15 cells at G2/M of the cell cycle and inhibited phosphorylation of cdc2/cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and Cdc25c and the expression of cyclin B1. CONCLUSIONS Pancratistatin inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells in vitro by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and G2/M cell cycle arrest.

The following four species from Jiangxi Province are new to science: Homoneura ( Homoneura ) jiangxiensis sp. nov., H . ( H .) martini sp. nov., H . ( H .) pangae sp. nov. and H . ( H .) stepheni sp. nov.. For each species, a diagnosis and description are provided, along with photographs of the habitus and certain characters, and figures of male genitalia. These species belong to the Homoneura ( Homoneura ) henanensis group (Diptera: Lauxaniidae: Homoneurinae). A key to the species of this species group is presented. This represents the first report of the genus Homoneura for Jiangxi Province. All type specimens for the new species are deposited in the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Washington D.C., USA (USNM).

The relationship between the total relaxation time at the glass transition τ T g tot and Glass Forming Ability (GFA) of Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMG) has been discussed. Subsequently τ T g tot is applied to estimate the GFA of Zr52.5Al10Ni14.6Cu17.9Ti5 and Zr57Al10Ni12.6Cu15.4Nb5 BMGs. The result indicates that the GFA of the former is greater than that of the latter, which is also demonstrated by the widely accepted criteria of both supercooled liquid region ΔTx and reduced glass transition temperature Trg. That testifies the relaxation time of glass transition ( τ T g tot ) is feasible for depicting GFA of BMGs. As a criterion estimating GFA, τ T g tot could be easily obtained in practice, and then the occurrence of this criterion will promote exploring new bulk glassy composition. In addition, when τ T g tot and ΔTx are calculated, the characteristic temperatures are determined by a electrical resistivity method besides DSC method. The values obtained from electrical resistivity method agree well with those from DSC method, which proves that the electrical resistivity method is applicable for determining the characteristic temperatures of BMGs.

Through the theoretical study of concentration-dependent thermodynamic and microscopic functions in some reports, chemical short-range orders (CSROs) have been proved to persist in Cu–Sn melts. However, it is not clear insofar in which concentration and temperature ranges do these CSROs exist in melts, and how they change with temperature. This study investigates the liquid structure with temperature of Cu–Sn alloys by electrical resistivity and DSC. The results show that some CSROs inheriting solid structures bring abnormal transition of resistivity at a temperature hundreds of degrees above the liquidus for all the studied Cu–Sn melt. Especially for the melts with 50 to 70% Cu, there also exist ‘associates’ of unlike atoms, which reduce continuously with increasing temperature after melting and result in negative temperature coefficients of resistivities (TCRs). In the figures of DSC-temperature, some endothermic peaks consistent with the temperatures of resistivity transitions verify these abnormal tra...

An investigation of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity (ρ–T) of Sn–Sb alloys is carried out, using the DC four-probe method. A clear turning point is observed in some compositions of the Sn–Sb melt, but not at every composition, at which the resistivity–temperature coefficient increases rapidly. The anomalous variation of the resistivity at certain temperatures for the Sn–Sb melt may be due to the remaining covalent and heterogeneous bonds and also the difference in bonding ability between Sn and Sb atoms, which might yield temperature-induced structure changes in some compositions of liquid Sn–Sb alloys. Besides this, analysis of the composition dependence of the resistivity is also included in this paper.

The electrical resistivity of liquid In–Sn alloy was measured by a dc four-probe method. In a relatively low-temperature zone above liquidus, resistivity changes discontinuously; only the changing trend is altered, whereas resistivity changes sharply in the high-temperature zone and the changing pattern is completely different from the ones at low temperature. The unusual change of resistivity reflects the alteration of the mean free path L0 of conduction electrons and also the electron transport properties. Consequently, we assume that structural changes might occur in the continuous heating process. Transition temperatures are different for In–Sn melts with various compositions. The resistivity behaviour of eutectic composition is distinguished from others and its transition temperature is the lowest.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an uncommon benign disease, characterized by a combination of symptoms, clinical findings and histological abnormalities. Ulcers are only found in 40% of the patients; 20% of the patients have a solitary ulcer, and the rest of the lesions vary in shape and size, from hyperemic mucosa to broad-based polypoid. Men and women are affected equally, with a small predominance in women. SRUS has also been described in children and in the geriatric population. Clinical features include rectal bleeding, copious mucus discharge, prolonged excessive straining, perineal and abdominal pain, feeling of incomplete defecation, constipation, and rarely, rectal prolapse. This disease has well-described histopathological features such as obliteration of the lamina propria by fibrosis and smooth muscle fibers extending from a thickened muscularis mucosa to the lumen. Diffuse collage deposition in the lamina propria and abnormal smooth muscle fiber extensions are sensitive markers for differentiating SRUS from other conditions. However, the etiology remains obscure, and the condition is frequently associated with pelvic floor disorders. SRUS is difficult to treat, and various treatment strategies have been advocated, ranging from conservative management to a variety of surgical procedures. The aim of the present review is to summarize the clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods and treatment strategies associated with SRUS.

In the modern economic society, the status and function of the real estate industry is very prominent in the national economy. In this paper, it introduces the method of real estate bubble on the basic of the definition of the real estate bubble and the analysis of the bubble’s causes. Especially, it describes two real estate bubble methods in detail, which are the standard value of the housing price to income ratio and the real estate price growth rate/GDP growth rate. Furthermore, it does empirical analysis on Beijing’s real estate bubble with two kinds of measuring methods. On the basis of the analysis, there are some problems in the process of Beijing’s real estate development. Finally, this paper puts forward five policy suggestions to solve the problem of real estate bubble.

A genomic DNA fragment encoding a putative maltooligosyltrehalose trehalohydrolase (NfMTH) for trehalose biosynthesis was cloned by the degenerate primer- PCR from cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme. The ORF of NfMTH is 1,848 bp in length and encodes 615 amino acid residues, constituting a 70 kDa protein. The deduced amino acid sequence of NfMTH contains 4 regions highly conserved for MTHs. By expression of NfMTH in E. coli, the function of this protein was demonstrated, where the recombinant protein catalyzed the hydrolysis of maltooligosyl trehalose to trehalose. The expressions of MTH and maltooligosyltrehalose synthase in the filaments of N. flagelliforme were upregulated significantly under dehydration stress, NaCl stress, and high temperature-drought stress. The accumulations of both trehalose and sucrose in the filaments of N. flagelliforme were also improved significantly under the above stresses. Furthermore, trehalose accumulated in smaller quantities than sucrose did when under NaCl stress, but accumulated in higher quantities than sucrose did when under temperature-drought stress, indicating that both trehalose and sucrose were involved in N. flagelliforme adapted to stresses and different strategies conducted in response to various stress conditions.

To investigate the biological effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on HGF gene-transfected Raji cells.Total RNA was extracted from human hepatic tissue, HGF gene cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR, and then cloned into vector pVITRO2-mcs to construct recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pVITRO2-mcs-HGF. The recombinant vector was transfected to Raji cells, and the stably transfected cells were selected by homomycin B in serial passages, and confirmed by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, ELISA, immunocytohistochemistry. The biological features of transfected Raji cells were evaluated by semisolid culture.RT-PCR results showed that Raji cells were transfected successfully with recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pVITRO2-mcs-HGF. HGF mRNA and protein were expressed successfully in Raji cells. Expression of HGF gene enhanced proliferation, metastasis and invasion of Raji cells.HGF gene has been cloned and recombined to construct recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pVITRO2-mcs-HGF successfully. Transfected HGF may change the biological features of Raji cells.

By means of high resolution field emission scanning electron microcopy (FESEM) and image analysis (IA), microscopic morphologies and the number-size and volume-size distributions of different types of individual inhalable particles collected in Macao in summer of 2007 were investigated. The results showed that the soot aggregates and mineral particles were ubiquitous in the PM10 of Macao in July, 2007. The mineral particles mostly showed an irregular morphology and the soot aggregates displayed chain-like and fluffy morphology. The soot aggregates accounted for approximately 30%-40% in average by number, and the mineral particles accounted for approximately 20%. The relatively higher percentages of more soot aggregates implied that emission from motor vehicle exhausts was serious in Macao during summer. The number-size distributions revealed that the majority of the particles in PM10 of Macao were fine particles, with the equivalent diameter being concentrated in a range from 0.2-0.4 microm. A distinct spatial difference existed in the types of particles collected at different sampling sites. Soot particles dominated the busy transportation sites and the tunnel site, while the mineral particles had a higher proportion at the dock site.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) holds high postoperative morbidity. How to resolve this issue is challenged. An additional anastomosis (Braun enteroenterostomy) following PD may decrease the postoperative morbidity, but holds conflicting results. The objective of this study is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of Braun enteroenterostomy in PD. Clinical studies compared perioperative outcomes between the Braun group and the non-Braun group following PD before December 21, 2014 were retrieved and filtered from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Chinese electronic databases (VIP database, WanFang database, and CNKI database). Relevant data were extracted according to predesigned sheets. Blood loss, operating time, and postoperative mortality and morbidity were evaluated using odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference, or standard mean difference (SMD). Ten studies concerning 1614 patients were included. No significant differences between the Braun and the non-Braun group were identified in mortality (OR: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–1.60), intraoperative blood loss (SMD: −0.035, 95% CI: −0.253 to 0.183), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.35–1.67), bile leakage (OR: 0.537, 95% CI: 0.287–1.004), postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.578–2.385), intraabdominal abscesses (OR: 0.793, 95% CI: 0.444–1.419), wound complications (OR: 0.806, 95% CI: 0.490–1.325), and hospital stay (SMD: −0.098, 95% CI: −0.23 to 0.033). Braun enteroenterostomy extended operating time (SMD: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.02–0.78), but it was associated with lower reoperation rate (OR: 0.380, 95% CI: 0.149–0.968), lower morbidity rate (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.91), lower clinically relevant delayed gastric emptying (Grades B and C) (OR: 0.375, 95% CI: 0.164–0.858), lower nasogastric tube reinsertion (OR: 0.436, 95% CI: 0.232–0.818), and less postoperative vomiting (OR: 0.444, 95% CI: 0.262–0.755). Braun enteroenterostomy can be safely performed during PD. It is beneficial for patients and could be recommended in PD from the current published data. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015016198.

Up to now, there have been few studies of the temperature-induced liquid?liquid structure transition (LLST) kinetics for atomic systems. In this paper, through isothermal and heating experiments, we have investigated the kinetics of the LLST process in Pb?Sn61.9?wt% melt by measuring the electrical resistivity and heat flux. The time evolution of the heat flux and electrical resistivity can be described by the Johnson?Mehl?Avrami model with an Avrami exponent of 3.87, which is an indication of nucleation-growth-type ordering of the nonconserved order parameter. What is more, we have calculated the reaction rate constant KT and apparent activation energy ?E, and deduced the reason for the characteristics of temperature-induced LLST. The result of this research could be beneficial for a further understanding of the essence of LLST.