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Objective. To use the logistic regression model to evaluate the value of ultrasound characteristics in the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System ultrasound lexicon in determining ovarian solid component-containing mass benignancy/malignancy. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 172 patients with adnexal masses discovered by ultrasound, and diagnosis was confirmed by postoperative pathological tests from January 2019 to December 2021. Thirteen ovarian tumor-related parameters in the benign and malignant ovarian tumor groups were selected for univariate analyses. Statistically significant parameters were included in multivariate logistic regression analyses to construct a logistic regression diagnosis model, and the diagnostic performance of the model in predicting ovarian malignancies was calculated. Results. Of the 172 adnexal tumors, 104 were benign, and 68 were malignant. There were differences in cancer antigen 125, maximum mass diameter, maximum solid component diameter, multilocular cyst with solid component, external contour, whether acoustic shadows were present in the solid component, number of papillae, vascularity, presence/absence of ascites, and presence/absence of peritoneal thickening or nodules between the benign ovarian tumor and malignancy groups ( p < 0.05 ). Logistic regression analyses showed that maximum solid component diameter, whether acoustic shadows were present in the solid component, number of papillae, and presence/absence of ascites were included in the logistic regression model, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this regression model in predicting ovarian malignancy was 0.962 (95% confidence interval: 0.933~0.990; p < 0.001 ). Logit p ≥ − 0.02 was used as the cutoff value, and the prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values were 93.6%, 86.8%, 98.1%, 96.7%, and 91.9%, respectively. Conclusion. The logistic regression model containing the maximum solid component diameter, whether acoustic shadows were present in the solid component, number of papillae, and presence/absence of ascites can help in determining the benignancy/malignancy of solid component-containing masses.

In mammals, Yin Yang 1 (YY1), a pervasively expressed transcription factor related to many biological processes as an activator or inhibitor of the transcription of various genes, plays a critical role in the development of male gonads and spermatogenesis. Although the role of YY1 on the development of male gonads and spermatogenesis in mammals has been reported, its function on chicken testis are yet to be clarified. In this study, we used immunofluorescence analysis to investigate the location of YY1 in chicken testis. In embryo testis, YY1 was detected in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, while in adult testis, YY1 was shown to be expressed in spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells, but not in spermatozoa. Furthermore, we investigated the regulatory functions of YY1 in chicken testicular Sertoli cells by combining overexpression with RNA-sequencing. Overexpression of YY1 in Sertoli cells revealed a total of 2955 differentially expressed genes involved in various biological processes, such as male gonad development and seminiferous tubule development. Overexpression of YY1 also caused significant differences in the expression of the androgen receptor gene and the inhibin βA gene, two major genes involved in the regulation of spermatogonia in Sertoli cells. These observations indicate that YY1 may regulate the development and function of the gonads by affecting the secretion of cytokines and hormones in Sertoli cells to mediate the production and differentiation of spermatogonia.

The direct α-Csp3–H functionalization of simple ethers is a vital strategy among radical reactions. This review discusses their applications according to the starting materials: (1) reactions with alkenes or alkynes; (2) reactions with other unsaturated compounds; and (3) reactions with nucleophilic partners. Mechanisms like radical addition, C–H activation, elimination, metal-catalyzed coupling, cyclization, oxidation, and rearrangement will be analyzed herein.1 Introduction2 Reactions with Alkenes or Alkynes3 Reactions with Other Unsaturated Compounds4 Reactions with Nucleophilic Partners5 Oxidation of Ethers6 Conclusions

The improvement of reproductive capacity of poultry is important for the poultry industry. The existing studies on reproductive capacity mainly focus on the testis tissue, but few reports on regulationary effect of brain neuroendocrime on reproductive capacity have been available. The hypothalamus–pituitarium–gonad (HPG) axis is an important pathway regulating spermatogenesis and sexual behavior. This study analyzed the gene expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary tissues of male ducks in high-semen-quality group (DH), low-semen-quality group (DL), and non-response group (DN) by RNA-sequencing. A total of 1980 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and significantly less DEGs were found in pituitary gland than in hypothalamus. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in nerve-related and synapse-related biological processes, mitochondrial inner membrane formation pathway, and ribosome structure pathway. Notably, the neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction pathway significantly enriched in all three comparisons (DH vs. DL, DH vs. DN, and DL vs. DN) was related to different reproductive performance such as semen quality and sexual response. Furthermore, six genes, including POMC, CPLX2, HAPLN2, EGR4, TOX3, and MSH4, were identified as candidate genes regulating reproductive capacity. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation mechanisms underlying the reproductive performance of male poultry, and offer a valuable reference for duck breeding programs aimed at promoting reproductive capacity.

M2 macrophage is critical in maintaining an immune-suppressive microenvironment inside the tumor. Here we developed a LILRB2 antagonist antibody KA-1769 for reprogramming M2 macrophage to M1 phenotype. KA-1769 binds to LILRB2 with higher affinity (KD=0.67nM) than MK-4830 (KD=7.4nM). And it also binds to LILRB1 with weak affinity (KD=41nM) but not to other LILR family members. KA-1769 blocks bindings of HLA-G to both LILRB1 and LILRB2. Macrophage derived from monocyte with M-CSF stimulation polarizes to M1 phenotype in the presence of KA-1769 by increasing expression of CD86, MHCII, and TNF-α and decreasing expression of CD14, CD206, CD163, and IL-10. KA-1769 accelerates T cell proliferation when co-cultured with macrophage. In a syngeneic Lewis lung carcinoma murine model with LILRB2-transgenic mice, injection of KA-1769 significantly suppressed tumor growth. It decreased the tumor's myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg population. Based on these preclinical data, KA-1769 is an excellent therapeutical antibody for enhancing antitumor immunity. Citation Format: Chen Su, Yanping Feng, Hui Zhao, Meng Zhang, Longtan Luo, Feng Hao, Jinying Ning, Guojin Wu. Therapeutical antibody against LILRB2 enhances antitumor immunity by reprogramming M2 macrophage [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 592.

Drawing upon the underdeveloped literature on online food-delivery (OFD) services, this exploratory study investigated how OFD services impact hotel catering businesses. Methods of focus groups and...

This study investigates the information sources of the Chinese outbound tourists traveling to Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS have the least experience with Chinese tourism in t...

The mitigation of mechanical anisotropy is observed in 2:17 type SmCo magnets by adjusting the Zr content. This behavior is supposed to be closely related to the density of lamellar phase, the density of which is enhanced obviously with increasing Zr content. The other reasons which could cause the reduction of the mechanical anisotropy is discussed from the Zr-rich impurity phase to the atom substitutions and crystal lattice distortion. The observation of crack in nanoscale that clearly forms angles of 60° and 90° with respect to the lamellar phase, indicates that the probable cleavage planes are crystal faces ( 10 1 ¯ 1 ) and ( 10 1 ¯ 0 ). The results of investigation can deepen the understanding of mechanical anisotropy and cleavage fracture in the SmCo magnets.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) participates in adipocyte differentiation and maintenance, including the promotion of lipid storage in mammals. In the present study, 3 duck PPARgamma small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression plasmids were constructed to investigate the effect of downregulating the expression of PPARgamma on adipogenesis and fat accumulation in ducks. The results indicate that the 3 siRNA specific for conserved regions of PPARgamma can effectively inhibit expression of PPARgamma. It was demonstrated that the expression of lipoprotein lipase and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein in duck adipose tissue is repressed when the expression of PPARgamma is downregulated by siRNA. At the same time, the weight of abdominal fat at 21 and 35 d of age is decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the control. However, the triglyceride levels in serum and muscle are not affected when the mRNA of PPARgamma is repressed. The current study indicates that the suppression of PPARgamma reduces abdominal fat deposition and regulates adipogenesis in ducks.

Embayments on large lakes may be affected by water exchange with the lake that, in turn, impact water quality in the embayment. In this study we examine the influence of hydrodynamic factors that may play a role in controlling water quality in Sodus Bay, the largest enclosed embayment on the U.S. shoreline of Lake Ontario. The motivation for this study was the occurrence of a blue-green algal (cyanobacterial) bloom in 2010, and the need to understand the factors that influence this and other water quality issues. A hydrodynamic model with high spatial and temporal resolution was applied and calibrated to field data collected in a detailed sampling program in 2013. The model, along with field data collected over several additional years, was then used to develop a comprehensive understanding of the hydrodynamic impacts on physical conditions in the bay. A primary result of this process is a determination of the importance of flow exchange between Lake Ontario and Sodus Bay, particularly during lake upwelling periods that cause colder water to enter the bay as an underflow. Hydrodynamic features identified to have played a potential role in the bloom formation of 2010 include a lake upwelling event, strong stratification, and relatively warm conditions throughout much of the summer. Lack of continuous monitoring in 2010 precludes a specific comparison of the model and data when the bloom formed, but the model clearly shows conditions that would have led to a bloom, assuming other preconditions were in place. The customized hydrodynamic model provides opportunities for future ecological modeling, hypothesis development, and what-if scenario testing. This study reinforces the importance of hydrodynamic interactions between lakes and embayments, and their impacts on water quality.

The validation of numerical models for large lakes is difficult because of sparse field observations. In this study, a Froude-Rossby scaled physical model of Lake Ontario, North America, is...

This study aimed to effectively control the disease process of hemodialysis outpatients. Hemodialysis secondary hyperparathyroidism patients were randomly divided into the control group and treatment group. The control group was treated with routine treatment, and the treatment group was treated with sodium thiosulfate based on the control group. The changes of serum calcium, phosphorus, whole parathyroid hormone, calcium-phosphorus product and coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, as well as the relief of clinical symptoms, postoperative complications and recurrence in the preoperative and postoperative periods were observed. The levels of C-reactive protein and CAC scores were significantly decreased in the treatment group after treatment. While there was no significant difference in blood calcium, blood phosphorus, PTH, calcium-phosphorus product, and CAC score in the control group after treatment. And after treatment, the proportion of skin pruritus, myasthenia, bone pain, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and other symptoms in the treatment group was significantly decreased compared with those before treatment, but there was no significant change in the control group before and after treatment. Sodium thiosulfate can reduce the high level of CAC in hemodialysis patients obviously.

Objective To analyze the metastasis rate in intraglandular lymph nodes (IGLNs) with a focus on discussing the significance of IGLN metastasis in local control (LC) of parotid gland cancer (PGC). Methods A total of 337 patients were enrolled. Information including age; sex; and pathologic variables such as tumor (T) stage, IGLN metastasis, and follow-up findings was extracted and analyzed. Results IGLN metastasis was noted in 111 (32.9%) patients. Tumor stage, pathologic nodal stage, perineural invasion, resection status, and lymphovascular invasion were significantly related to IGLN metastasis. Local recurrence was noted in 67 (19.9%) patients. IGLN metastasis was an independent predictor of LC. The 10-year LC rate was 94% for patients without IGLN metastasis, 56% for patients with metastasis in no more than two IGLNs, and 22% for patients with metastasis in more than two IGLNs. This difference was significant (P Conclusion The IGLN metastasis rate is relatively high in PGC patients and is significantly associated with disease grade and T stage. IGLN metastasis is associated with poorer local LC, and patients with more than two metastatic nodes have the worst prognosis. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 129:2309-2312, 2019.

Xinyuan Yu, Yanping Feng, Renzhong Liu, Qianxue Chen Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qianxue ChenDepartment of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 13607141618Email chen_qx2006@163.comBackground: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been proven to be protective in ischemic stroke (IS) due to its anti-inflammatory capacity. Recently, the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) has been characterized as a central regulator of neuroinflammation in IS. Here we aim to determine whether IFR4 contributes to the neuroprotective effects of TH in IS.Methods: In the present study, IRF4 knockout (IRF4−/-) and wild-type (IRF4+/+) mice were treated with or without TH after IS. Cerebral IRF4 expression, the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and macrophage polarization were determined at 8 hours after reperfusion. In addition, cerebral infarct volume and neurological function were evaluated at 7 days after IS.Results: TH attenuates IS together with enhanced IRF4 expression as well as reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, TH increased M2 macrophage polarization while inhibited M1 macrophage polarization. However, IRF4 knockout worsens neurological outcomes of stoke mice. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were markedly increased in IRF4−/- mice as compared with IRF4+/+ mice at 8 h after stroke. Moreover, IRF4 knockout driven the macrophage polarization toward M1phenotype at 8 h after stroke. Most importantly, IRF4 knockout abolished the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of TH in IS.Conclusion: Together, we report for the first time that TH attenuates neuroinflammation following IS by modulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization through the upregulation of IRF4 expression.Keywords: therapeutic hypothermia, interferon regulatory factor 4, ischemic stroke, inflammation, macrophage polarization

Yuehui He, Di Chen, Qian Guo, Pinghua Shi, Conglei You, Yanping Feng Community Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing City, 100096, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Di ChenCommunity Medicine Department, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, No. 68, Huinanbei Road, Huilongguan Town, Changping District, Beijing City, 100096, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail zr4560@163.comBackground: Studies have found the pivotal role of miRNAs in the progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP). However, the function of miRNAs in OP is unclear. This study aimed to explore the biological functions of microRNA-151a-3p in OP.Methods: RT-qPCR was employed to assess the expression of microRNA-151a-3p in serum isolated from OP patients and healthy controls. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine. The expression levels of c-Fos, NFATc1, and TRAP were tested by Western blot. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated with antago microRNA-151a-3p or antago NC, and then serum and lumbar vertebrae were collected for ELISA and bone histomorphology analysis.Results: The expression of microRNA-151a-3p in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis was significantly up-regulated, and microRNA-151a-3p level was negatively correlated with BMD. During osteoclastogenesis, microRNA-151a-3p level was obviously increased. Overexpression of microRNA-151a-3p promoted the differentiation of RANKL-induced THP-1 and RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts, whereas silencing of microRNA-151a-3p resulted in the opposite results. Silencing of microRNA-151a-3p in OVX rats altered osteoclastogenesis-related factors and raised BMD.Conclusion: MicroRNA-151a-3p could partly regulate osteoporosis by promoting osteoclast differentiation, and miRNA-151a-3p could be a potential therapeutic target for postmenopausal osteoporosis.Keywords: miRNA-151a-3p, postmenopausal osteoporosis, osteoclast differentiation, RAW264.7 cells, THP-1 cells

Nan Wang,* Yanping Feng,* Jinye Xie, Hui Han, Qian Dong, Weijia Wang Laboratory Diagnosis Center, Zhongshan People’s Hospital, Zhongshan, 528403 Guangdong, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Weijia Wang Email jiaweiw3311@163.comBackground: Zinc finger protein 667-antisense RNA 1 (ZNF667-AS1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), plays important parts in tumorigenesis and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but its function in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is unknown. Our goal here was to probe the functional mechanism of ZNF667-AS1 in AML by mediating microRNA-206 (miR-206)/A-kinase anchoring protein 13 (AKAP13) axis.Materials and Methods: The bone marrow samples from AML patients and controls were selected for microarray analysis to select significantly upregulated lncRNAs. Next, effects of ZNF667-AS1 on cell aggressiveness of AML were assessed after delivery of cells with siRNA against ZNF667-AS1. Subcellular fractionation location assay and FISH experiments were used to determine ZNF667-AS1 localization in cells. Dual-luciferase experiments detect the targeting relationships among ZNF667-AS1, miR-206 and AKAP13. Finally, tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated in vivo to determine the relevance of ZNF667-AS1/miR-206/AKAP13 axis.Results: The expression of ZNF667-AS1 was upregulated in AML patients, which predicted poor prognosis. Downregulation of ZNF667-AS1 reduced cell proliferation, invasion, tumorigenesis and metastasis. miR-20 6 inhibitor reversed the repressive role of ZNF667-AS1 knockdown in cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis, while AKAP13 silencing flattened the stimulative role of miR-206 inhibitor in AML malignant aggressiveness. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that ZNF667-AS1 functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-206. In addition, we observed that Wnt/β-catenin pathway was suppressed by ZNF667-AS1 knockdown.Conclusion: ZNF667-AS1 potentiated AML progression by targeting the miR-206/AKAP13 axis. This indicates ZNF667-AS 1 inhibition may act as a prospective therapeutic option for the treatment of AML.Keywords: long non-coding RNA ZNF667-AS1, microRNA-206, AKAP13, acute myeloid leukemia

This study aims to investigate the development of Airbnb in China from the perspective of hospitality leaders by identifying the positive and negative effects of Airbnb development in the country.,A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the current development of sharing accommodation service in China. Focus group discussions were conducted with the managers and top executives of hotels in China.,Most of the participants affirmed that the experience of local culture and authenticity are the advantages of staying in this type of informal accommodation. From the viewpoint of hoteliers, traditional accommodation is necessary to rethink their strategies by providing authentic experiences. By contrast, Airbnb service may not seamlessly fit into Chinese culture. The result also indicated that there is a need for government to regulate the informal accommodation platforms.,This study provides views towards Airbnb from the traditional accommodation sector in Mainland China, which can contribute to the future regulation of informal accommodation services.,Chinese market is the leading sector in tourism industry. With the popularity of Airbnb development around the world, Airbnb is still in a developing stage in Mainland China. This study is based on 45 hoteliers and industry professionals in China, who share their views on Airbnb development and how it should move forward. The findings of this study shed light on the informal accommodation service and its future directions in China.,爱彼迎在中国的未来：酒店业领导者的行业观点,这项研究旨在从酒店业领导者的角度调查Airbnb在中国的发展, 以确定Airbnb在中国发展的正面和负面影响。,本文采用定性方法来探索中国共享住宿服务的当前发展。研究组与中国酒店的经理和高层管理人员进行了焦点小组讨论。,大多数参与者表示, 当地文化和真实性的体验是住在Airbnb这种非正式住宿中的优势。从酒店经营者的角度来看, 传统的住宿业需要重新考虑他们的经营策略, 为顾客提供真实的体验。相比之下, Airbnb的服务可能无法无缝融入中国文化。结果还表明, 政府需要规范非正式的住宿平台。,该研究提供了中国内地传统住宿业对Airbnb的看法, 这有助于未来对非正式住宿服务的监管。,中国市场是旅游业的主导市场。Airbnb在世界范围内不断普及, 而它在中国内地市场仍处于发展阶段。参与研究的45位中国酒店业者和行业专业人士, 分享了对Airbnb开发的看法以及其之后的发展方向。这项研究的结果阐明了非正式住宿服务在中国的未来发展方向。,El futuro de Airbnb en China: perspectiva de la industria desde el punto de vista de lideres hoteleros,Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar el desarrollo de Airbnb en China desde la perspectiva de lideres hoteleros, mediante la identificacion de los efectos positivos y negativos del desarrollo de Airbnb en el pais.,Se adopto un enfoque cualitativo para explorar el desarrollo actual del servicio de alojamiento colaborativo en China. Se llevaron a cabo discusiones de grupos focales con los gerentes y altos ejecutivos de hoteles en China.,La mayoria de los participantes afirmaron que la experiencia de la cultura local y la autenticidad, son las ventajas de alojarse en este tipo de “alojamiento informal”. Desde el punto de vista de los hoteleros, es necesario que el alojamiento tradicional, repiense sus estrategias proporcionando experiencias autenticas. Por el contrario, el servicio de Airbnb puede no encajar perfectamente en la cultura China. El resultado, tambien indico que es necesario que el gobierno regule las “plataformas informales” de alojamiento.,El estudio proporciona puntos de vista hacia Airbnb desde el sector de alojamiento tradicional en China continental, que puede contribuir a la futura regulacion de los servicios de “alojamiento informal”.,El mercado chino es el sector lider en la industria del turismo. Con la popularidad del desarrollo de Airbnb en todo el mundo, Airbnb aun se encuentra en una etapa de desarrollo en China continental. Este estudio se basa en 45 hoteleros y profesionales de la industria en China al compartir sus puntos de vista sobre el desarrollo de Airbnb y como deberia avanzar. Los resultados de este estudio arrojan luz sobre el servicio de “alojamiento informal” y sus futuras direcciones en China.

In this work, the effect of Zr content on magnetic properties and electrical resistivity of Sm(CobalFe0.09Cu0.09Zrx)7.68 (x = 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035) high temperature magnets has been investigated. More Zr content results in the decrease of average cell size and the increase of the density of lamellar structure. In addition, a large number of phase boundaries between lamellar phase and cellular structure have also been formed. The intrinsic coercivity of 550 °C enhances from 3.21 kOe to 6.05 kOe with the increase of Zr content. Furthermore, electrical resistivity shows obviously different variation in different directions with increasing Zr content. At room temperature and 127 °C, the electrical resistivity improves from 68.2 μΩ cm to 91.7 μΩ cm and from 87.1 μΩ cm to 103.3 μΩ cm with increasing x from 0.020 to 0.035 in the direction parallel to c-axis, respectively. However, there is only a slight increase in the electrical resistivity in the direction perpendicular to c-axis. The rise of electrical resistivity in different directions has been discussed. Research results indicate that increasing the density of the lamellar phase is an effective way to increase electrical resistivity in the 2:17-type Sm-Co magnets.

The effect of Mn on hydrogenation behavior and magnetic properties of 2:17 type SmCo alloys was investigated. The as-cast Sm(Cobal.Fe0.2Mn x Cu0.08Zr0.025)7.2 alloys with $x = 0$ , 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12 were all decrepitated under hydrogen pressure of 0.3 MPa at room temperature. The hydrogenation ability of as-cast alloys was obviously improved with the increase of Mn content. The size of particles was decreased with the increase of Mn content due to the network structure diminishing with Mn content increasing. The phase and microstructure changes of as-cast alloys were discussed. Research results show that Mn-doped has a great effect on the grain boundary phase, which lead to the high hydrogen absorption ability and the broken of as-cast alloys. The following magnetic properties were obtained for Sm(Cobal.Fe0.2Cu0.08Mn0.04Zr0.025)7.2 magnet: $B_{r} = 10.6$ kGs, $H_{\text {cj}} = 28.35$ kOe, and $(BH)_{\mathrm {\mathbf {max}}} = 26.74$ MGOe.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common skin manifestation of lupus; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying DLE remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in discoid lupus skin and investigate their potential pathways. To identify candidate genes involved in the occurrence and development of the disease, we downloaded the microarray datasets GSE52471 and GSE72535 from the Gene Expression Database (GEO). DEGs between discoid lupus skin and normal controls were selected using the GEO2R tool and Venn diagram software (http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/webtools/Venn/). The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), Enrichr, and Cytoscape ClueGo were used to analyze the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome pathways and gene ontology. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of these DEGs were further assessed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval Interacting Genes version 10.0. Seventy three DEGs were co-expressed in both datasets. DEGs were predominantly upregulated in receptor signaling pathways of the immune response. In the PPI network, 69 upregulated genes were selected. Furthermore, 4 genes (CXCL10, ISG15, IFIH1, and IRF7) were found to be significantly upregulated in the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, from analysis of Enrichr and Cytoscape ClueGo. The results of this study may provide new insights into the potential molecular mechanisms of DLE. However, further experimentation is required to confirm these findings.

MiR-17-92 cluster consists of multifunctional miRNAs related to gonadal development in mammals. Our preliminary data showed that gga-miR-92 was male-biased in chicken embryonic gonads at E5.5 and E6.5. MiR-92(a-2) and two putative targets (ATRX and DDX3X) were highly conserved and located on mammalian Chromosome X but on autosomes in chicken. Here, we studied the expression and interaction of miR-92 and the targets (ATRX and DDX3X) in chicken embryonic gonads. What's more, male-biased miR-92 shows an opposite expression tendency with ATRX and DDX3X in eight embryonic stages and different tissues at E10.5 by qRT-PCR. To verify the regulation relationship between miR-92 and two targets, we performed dual-luciferase reporter assay in DF1, overexpression and inhibition of miR-92 in chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs). The results show that miR-92 directly targets ATRX and DDX3X by binding the 3' un-translated region (3'-UTR), and the over-expression and inhibition of miR-92 negatively regulates ATRX and DDX3X. After the identification of the expression of their downstream genes (AMH and WNT4) in mRNA level, we found that there is no regulatory relationship between ATRX and DDX3X. The overall results indicate that miR-92 may perform roles in early chicken gonadogenesis by regulating the expressions of ATRX and DDX3X, respectively.

Forkheadbox L2 (FOXL2) is a transcription factor involved in mammalian ovarian development, especially in granulosa cell differentiation. However, this factor's function in mature chicken ovary is unclear. To explore the function of FOXL2 in chicken granulosa cells, we performed RNA-seq to compare the transcriptomes of pre-hierarchical (phGCs) and pre-ovulatory granulosa cells (poGCs) by FOXL2 overexpression. We observed that focal adhesion might be one of the key pathways activated during the differentiation of granulosa cells, and FOXL2 might be involved in follicle selection by regulating the expression of cytokines and the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Interestingly, we observed that FOXL2 played different roles in phGCs and poGCs, which might contribute to homeostasis in the chicken follicle by inducing differentiation of granulosa cells in pre-hierarchal follicles and preventing premature ovulation in pre-ovulatory follicles. Taken together, the results of our study establish a framework for understanding the potential functions of FOXL2 in the chicken granulosa cell.

Background Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3b) is a multifunctional molecule, which plays a critical role in the regulation of various signaling pathways including cell proliferation, growth and development, and inflammation. However, whether GSK3b is involved in the pathological process of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis remains unknown. Methods First, western blots were performed to measure the phosphorylated level of GSK3β at Ser9 (inactive form) in an animal model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. Second, the keratitis model received the GSK3β inhibitor SB216763, and the inflammation of cornea was evaluated by clinical scores and slit photos. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines were assessed by real-time PCR, and the corneal bacterial burden was determined by plate count. Results The phosphorylated level of GSK3β at Ser9 in the cornea markedly decreased after Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The inhibition of GSK3β by SB216763 significantly ameliorated the progress of corneal disease and alleviated corneal opacity. SB216763 suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1b, but exhibited no effects on TNF-a and IL-10 expression. SB216763 dramatically decreased cornea bacterial burden at 5 days after infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions The activity of GSK3b was enhanced in Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. The inhibition of GSK3β by SB216763 promoted host resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis, via down regulating inflammatory cytokines and bacterial burden.

Several studies indicate that sexual dimorphic microRNAs (miRNAs) in chicken gonads are likely to have important roles in sexual development, but a more global understanding of the roles of miRNAs in sexual differentiation is still needed. To this end, we performed miRNA expression profiling in chicken gonads at embryonic day 5.5 (E5.5). Among the sex-biased miRNAs validated by qRT-PCR, twelve male-biased and six female-biased miRNAs were consistent with the sequencing results. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that some sex-biased miRNAs were potentially involved in gonadal development. Further functional analysis found that over-expression of miR-107 directly inhibited nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5a1), and its downstream cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP19A1). However, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was not directly or indirectly regulated by miR-107. Overall results indicate that miR-107 may specifically mediate avian ovary-development by post-transcriptional regulation of NR5a1 and CYP19A1 in estrogen signaling pathways.

Background and aim: Dyslipidaemia is the main risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Plasma lipid levels are conven­tionally used to predict coronary risk globally, but further studies are required to investigate whether the lipoprotein ratios are superior to conventional lipid parameters as predictors for CHD. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study consisting of 738 CHD patients and 157 control subjects was conducted in a Chinese Han population. Demographic characteristics and plasma lipid or apolipoprotein data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine the relationship between the lipoprotein ratios and CHD risk. Results: The CHD group had significantly higher age, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)/HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B100/apolipoprotein AI (apoB100/apoAI) than the control group (p < 0.05 for all). Moreover, the prevalence of male sex, smoking, and hypertension in the CHD group was significantly higher than in the control group. The results from univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the ratios of TC/HDL-C (OR 1.135, 95% CI 1.019–1.265), LDL-C/HDL-C (OR 1.216, 95% CI 1.033–1.431), non-HDL-C/HDL-C (OR 1.135, 95% CI 1.019–1.265), and apoB100/apoAI (OR 1.966, 95% CI 1.013–3.817) significantly increased the risk for CHD. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, the results were not materially altered and each of the four ratios was independently associated with CHD after adjustment for non-lipid coronary risk factors. ApoB100/apoAI showed the strongest association with CHD in both the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the lipoprotein ratios are superior to conventional lipid parameters as predictors for CHD. Of the ratios, apoB100/apoAI is the best to predict CHD risk.

Combining the Jacobi matrix derived by differential equivalent method with topological algorithm-SIMP, a novel structure synthesis method is proposed for the topological structure of 3-rotational DOF compliant mechanism. Referenced with the structural configuration of the parallel manipulator, Jacobi matrix is calculated derived for mapping the multi-inputs and multi-outputs of actuators and displacements, and then, it is used for the initial conditions during the optimal process. Combining the Jacobi matrix with SIMP approach, the topological model of spatial 3-rotational DOF compliant mechanism is built and solved. Numerical examples are used to further demonstrate the validity and efficacy of the proposed method.