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The extensive middle Cambrian evaporite platform dolostone represents a significant area for hydrocarbon exploration in the Tarim Basin with recent advances indicating promising exploration prospects. However, owing to its considerable depth and the limited exploration, the genesis and distribution of evaporite-related dolostone reservoirs from the middle Cambrian remain poorly understood. This study includes detailed field investigations along with petrological, mineralogical and geochemical analyses to characterise the secondary porosity of the middle Cambrian Shaelek Formation evaporite platform dolostone and to explore the origin of the diagenetic fluids responsible for these features. The results show that gypsum dissolution vugs are the main secondary porosity in the evaporite platform dolostone reservoirs, with their development and distribution strongly controlled by sedimentary facies. Meteoric dissolution during the penecontemporaneous period is responsible for this secondary porosity. The frequent fluctuation in sea-levels and the transient exposure of the dolostone reservoirs provide favourable conditions for the dissolution of unstable gypsum. The multiple stages of calcite filling in the vugs result from supersaturated precipitation from fluids during the late stage of meteoric diagenesis. Variations in δ13C, δ18O and rare earth element compositions between the two types of calcite reflect different stages of fluid evolution and varying degrees of water–rock reaction. The vug-filling fluorite is of non-hydrothermal genesis but results from the highly evaporative concentrated seawater and terrigenous input. The highly concentrated F– in evaporative seawater, combined with F– from fluvial input (if any) during subaerial exposure, most likely provides the F– necessary for fluorite precipitation. A model of reservoir formation and evolution has been established that will be beneficial for hydrocarbon exploration and prediction of the deeply buried Cambrian evaporite platform dolostone reservoir. KEY POINTS: Two types of vug-filling calcite represent the different stages of meteoric diagenesis. Non-hydrothermal fluorite occurs in the middle Cambrian evaporite platform dolostone. Meteoric dissolution, rather than hydrothermal dissolution, is responsible for the vugs in the evaporite platform dolomite. An evolution model for the middle Cambrian evaporite platform dolomite reservoir is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the influence of laser power density on the stability of laser welding 5083 Al alloy with 5183 Al alloy filler wire, experiments with different laser powers and levels of defocus, which are related to laser density, were carried out. A high speed camera, appearance inspection and macroscopic metallography were used to analyse the effects of laser power and defocus on the stability of welding wire melting, droplet transfer, molten pool fluctuation and weld solidification. The results showed that a small curvature curl would appear at the end of the wire if the laser power could evaporate the wire instantly. A large curvature curl would occur in the low power of the laser beam, which is too small to melt the wire. The droplet transition mode has gone through three stages of droplet transition liquid bridge transition-droplet transition, as the laser power was changed from 1600 to 2000 W, or the focus changed from -9 to +15 mm. Compared to the defocus, the laser power has a greater effect on the power density and the stability of the laser welding with filler wire. The droplet transition would occur when the diameter of the droplet exceeded the diameter of the wire. The weld metal surface had irregular flat areas periodically, while it was smooth during the liquid bridge transition. The violently fluctuating molten pool, splashes and holes would be appeared in the weld seam, when the molten pool had a high power density; however, when the molten pool had a low power density, asymmetric weld reinforcement would be found due to the small volume pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the role of LINC00641 in inducing the malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through the miRNA-424-5p/PLSCR4 feedback loop. PATIENTS AND METHODS: LINC00641 levels in paired CRC and non-tumoral tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Its prognostic potential in CRC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Changes in proliferative and migratory abilities of HCT116 and SW620 cells transfected with si-LINC00641 were evaluated by 5-Ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (EdU), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay. The feedback loop LINC00641/miRNA-424-5p/PLSCR4 was identified through Dual-Luciferase reporter assay and its involvement in CRC progression was finally explored by rescue experiments. RESULTS: LINC00641 was upregulated in CRC tissues, which was an unfavorable factor to the overall survival of CRC. Proliferative and migratory abilities of HCT116 and SW620 cells were inhibited by knockdown of LINC00641. LINC00641 could competitively bind miRNA-424-5p, thereby abolishing its inhibitory effect on PLSCR4 expression. Knockdown of PLSCR4 could inhibit proliferative and migratory abilities of HCT116 and SW620 cells. CONCLUSIONS: LINC00641 stimulates proliferative and migratory abilities of CRC through the miRNA-424-5p/PLSCR4 feedback loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at observing the correlation between microRNA-766 expression and the efficacy of platinum-containing chemotherapy in patients with stage IV gastric cancer (GCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tissue specimens were obtained from 100 patients with stage IV GCa who received platinum-based chemotherapy, and microRNA-766 expression in these samples was examined by quantitative real- time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. Survival analysis was carried out through Kaplan-Meier test. The influencing factors of survival were assessed through COX univariate and multivariate regression. RESULTS: GCa tissues contained significant lower expression of microRNA-766 than adjacent tissues. The degree of tumor differentiation and peritoneal metastasis were confirmed to have great relevance to microRNA-766 level. Patients with high microRNA-766 expression have better chemotherapy efficacy and longer progression- free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows for the first time that the highly expressed microRNA-766 in tumor tissues of patients with stage Ⅳ GCa predicts better platinum-containing chemotherapy efficacy and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association between circ- CSPP1 and the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cancer (GC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detected circ-CSPP1 expression in GC tissues and cells. Subsequently, siRNA was transfected to suppress circ-CSPP1 expression in vitro. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assay were performed to examine the proliferation of GC cells. Meanwhile, transwell assay was conducted to determine the invasion and migration of GC cells. Furthermore, Western blot assay was conducted to analyze the protein expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. RESULTS: Circ-CSPP1 expression was significantly up-regulated both in GC tissues and cells. GC cells with low expression of circ- CSPP1 showed significantly reduced proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities. In addition, up-regulated E-cadherin protein expression, along with down-regulated N-cadherin and Vimentin protein expressions were observed in GC cells with circ-CSPP1 siRNA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Circ-CSPP1 promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenesis of pregnancy toxemia (PT) is believed to be associated with the disruption of lipid metabolism. The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of lipid metabolism disorder in the livers of ewes with PT. In total, 10 pregnant ewes were fed normally (control group) whereas another 10 were subjected to 70% level feed restriction for 15 days to establish a pathological model of PT. Results showed that, as compared with the controls, the levels of blood β -hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and cholesterol were greater (P <0.05) and blood glucose level was lower (P <0.05) in PT ewes. The contents of NEFAs, BHBA, cholesterol and triglyceride were higher (P <0.05) and glycerol content was lower (P <0.05) in hepatic tissues of PT ewes than those of the controls. For ewes with PT, excessive fat vacuoles were observed in liver sections stained with hematoxylin–eosin; furthermore, inner structures of hepatocytes including nuclei, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were damaged seriously according to the results of transmission electron microscope. Real-time PCR data showed that compared with the controls, the expression of hepatic genes involved in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and triglyceride synthesis (TGS) was enhanced (P <0.05) whereas that related to acetyl-CoA metabolism (ACM) was repressed (P <0.05) in PT ewes. Generally, our results showed that negative energy balance altered the expression of genes involved in FAO, ACM and TGS, further caused lipid metabolism disorder in livers, resulting in PT of ewes. Our findings may provide the molecular basis for novel therapeutic strategies against this systemic metabolic disease in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical alloying of Al65Cu20Ti15 powder blend has been carried out by high energy vibrating ball mill. The process of amorphisation in the mechanically alloyed Al65Cu20Ti15 powder and the stability of the amorphous phase during ball milling were investigated. Almost completely amorphous powder was achieved after 25 h ball milling. Examination of the microstructural constituents using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy shows that the amorphisation process was controlled by the transformation of both Al based solid solution and intermetallic compounds (Al2Cu, Cu9Al4 and AlCu2Ti). However, that prolonging the ball milling time to 30 h led to the appearance of Cu9Al4, the Al65Cu20Ti15 composite comprising nanocrystalline and amorphous phases could be stable after 50 h ball milling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anisotropic dynamic mechanical behavior of the W fiber/Zr-based bulk metallic glass composites (Wf/BMGCs) with different W fiber orientations (θf) were investigated by split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and finite element method (FEM). The composites exhibited the most excellent mechanical properties at θf of 0° while the poorest at θf of 45°. The composites failed by longitudinal splitting at θf of 0°, shearing at θf of 45°, a mixture of shearing and splitting during 0° < θf < 45° or 45° < θf < 90°, and a mixture of shearing and transverse splitting at θf of 90°. Strain rate sensitivity of the composites also varied with θf, exhibiting positive strain rate sensitivity at θf of 0°, 15°, 60°, and 75° ranging from the strain rate of 10- 3 to 2.1 × 10³ s- 1, positive strain rate sensitivity with the strain rate ranging from 10- 3 to 10- 2 s- 1 but negative strain rate sensitivity from 10- 2 to 2.1 × 10³ s- 1 at θf of 30° and 90°, and even strain rate insensitivity at θf of 45°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To diagnose a large family of patients with hereditary angioedema, and to study its inheritance pattern and gene locus. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out from August 2021 to February 2022 in a proband (female, 48 years old) and 12 family members who underwent medical history collection and laboratory examinations in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. The clinical data of members and non-affected members [including 7 males and 5 females, aged 12-78 (median 24) years old], were drawn a family map while confirming the diagnosis. Whole exome sequencing technology was used to detect the genetic sequence of the proband and to verify its family members to map the genetic pedigree of the mutation. Results: The inheritance pattern of the family was autosomal dominant, and 8 members of the family were diagnosed with hereditary angioedema by laboratory examination, including 7 cases of type I and 1 case of type Ⅱ. Whole exome sequencing analysis was performed on 2 patients with 2 phenotypes, and it was found that they both carried the same pathogenic mutation locus, which was c.890-2A>G. The family members were verified by next-generation sequencing, and it was found that all members of the family who had a history of edema contained this mutation site, while the younger brother of the proband who had no history of edema did not have this mutation. Conclusion: Both type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ phenotypes are present in this hereditary angioedema family, and the mutation of SERPING1 gene c.890-2A>G causes the onset of each patient in this family.

Twenty pure cultures isolated from formation waters of the Daqing oil field were studied with respect to their capacity to produce surface-active compounds in media with individual hydrocarbons, lower alcohols, and fatty acids. Aerobic saprotrophic bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Rhodococcus, Dietzia, Kocuria, Gordonia, Cellulomonas, Clavibacter, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter decreased the surface tension of cultivation media from 55-63 to 28-44 mN/m. Strains of Bacillus cereus, Rhodococcus ruber, and Bacillus licheniformis produced biosurfactants most actively. Bacteria of the genera Rhodococcus, Dietzia, Kocuria, and Gordonia produced exopolysaccharides in media with hydrocarbons. Culture liquids of the strains of R. ruber and B. licheniformis exhibited oil-releasing effect. Thus, the Daqing oil field is inhabited by aerobic bacteria capable of producing effective oil-releasing agents.

17 kinds of conditioned media were selected by plating tests, propagation and other tests with two cell lines, C-19-2 and MESPU-13. The results suggested that the rat heart cells conditioned media (RH-CM) can inhibit the spontaneous differentiation effectively, maintain the normal diploid karyotypes and promote adherence and proliferation of mouse ES cells. The ES cells were propagated in RH-CM to the 20th passage remaining their pluripotent in vivo and in vitro differentiation ability. RH-CM can be used as supplement of ES cell media. ES cells which are cultured in media containing 70% RH-CM and on PMEF feeder can maintain their undifferentiation state and diploid karyotype. RT-PCR detection suggested that there was mLIF expression in rat heart cells.

A high molecular weight complex or aggregate of inhibition was obtained by chromatography of porcine follicular fluid in Fractogel TSK65F. Recovery of activity was good (usually 80-100%), but only 30-60% was recovered as a high molecular weight complex (greater than 160,000) free of albumin and gamma globulin (the two major proteins in follicular fluid). The balance of the activity was distributed in the gamma globulin-albumin region of the chromatogram (i.e., 160,000 down to 65,000 daltons). Distribution in this region of the chromatogram in part reflected the prior processing of the sample (e.g., it was augmented by ethanol or acetone precipitation prior to chromatography). The utility of Fractogel chromatography lies in its ability to resolve a large portion of the inhibin activity from the major proteins (albumin and gamma globulin), plus an efficient recovery of activity. Maximum purification on the Fractogel chromatograms was approximately 20-fold. This product and the other Fractogel fractions were tested for protease activity by a sensitive slab gel procedure. All fractions contained detectable protease activity that could potentially affect inhibin activity during further fractionations. This was shown with a protease fraction isolated from porcine follicular fluid by affinity chromatography. When added to a partially purified inhibin preparation, this protease fraction destroyed 77% of the inhibin activity.