Search

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study explored the potential connection between adenomyosis and pregnancy outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study included data from a total of 1,208 pregnancies. The adenomyosis group included 334 pregnant women with adenomyosis, and women in the control group (n=874) had uncomplicated pregnancies. Data on pregnancy complications and maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The incidence of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and placenta previa was higher in the adenomyosis group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Adenomyosis was linked to a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage (1,000-1,500 ml) but a lower risk of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p<0.05). Diagnosis of adenomyosis correlated with increased incidence of low fetal weight (20.3% vs. 21.3%, p<0.05) and a low APGAR score at 1 min (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adenomyosis correlated with a higher incidence of gestational hypertension, placenta previa, and gestational diabetes. At the same time, adenomyosis correlated with a significantly lower incidence of PROM compared to uncomplicated pregnancy. There was a significant increase in the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and a higher risk of low fetal weight and lower APGAR score at 1 min in pregnancies with adenomyosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there are still no convincing clinical models predicting closed lower extremity fracture-associated deep vein thrombosis in patients treated through thromboprophylactic methods. We aimed at using two retrospective cohorts to develop and externally verify a clinical prediction model for deep vein thrombosis in patients treated with anticoagulants after suffering closed lower extremity fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the patients’ pre- and post-operatively, to accurately determine the predictive power of the biomarkers and clinical risk factors. Two retrospective cohorts were used for the development and external verification of a pre-operative clinical prediction model (development: n = 2,253; verification: n = 833) and post-operative clinical prediction model (development: n = 1,422; verification: n = 449), respectively. RESULTS: The C-indices were used to show the predicted incidence of objective thrombosis at the pre- and post-operative stage, which were then compared with the observed incidence of thrombosis in both cohorts. Biomarkers and clinical indicators were included in pre- and post-operative nomograms, which were adequately calibrated in both cohorts. The cross-validated C-indices of the pre- and post-operative clinical prediction models in the verification cohort were 0.706 (95% Cl, 0.67-0.74) and 0.875 (95% Cl, 0.84-0.91), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We present our findings of novel pre- and post-operative nomograms for the prediction of deep venous thrombosis in patients who received thromboprophylaxis after suffering closed lower extremity fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacodynamic mechanism of curcumin against myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/rapamycin target protein (mTOR) signalling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 min and reperfused for 3 h to establish an ischaemia-reperfusion injury model. The electrocardiogram (ECG) detection of rats was performed, and the degree of myocardial infarction was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The expression levels of serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and other related indicators were detected. The protein expressions of mTOR, phosphorylated (p)- mTOR, AKT and p-AKT were detected by Western blotting, whereas the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The results showed that compared with the model group, curcumin could improve the ECG findings, reduce the scope of myocardial infarction, reduce the expression levels of CK-MB, LDH, AST, MDA, NO and increase those of SOD and GSH. Curcumin can also down-regulate the expression of Bax and up-regulate the protein levels of Bcl2, p-mTOR and p-AKT (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that curcumin has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway and inhibition of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of femoral shaft fracture on systemic inflammation and gut microbiome in adolescent rats and evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and its regulation of intestinal flora, as well as illustrate the mechanism by which LGG ameliorates the inflammatory response and restores intestinal dysbacteriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats of 5 to 6 weeks of age were subjected to a standard femoral shaft fracture and internally fixed with LGG supplementation in advance or on the same day of injury or with saline solution for 1 week. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP were assessed using standard protocols. Furthermore, gut microbiota composition was analyzed in the fecal samples using 16S rDNA gene sequencing, and the relationship between gut microbiota variation and inflammatory response was tested. RESULTS: The serum indices of the above-mentioned inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased, and the gut microbial balance was significantly disturbed in adolescent rats by diaphyseal fractures of the femur and surgery. Moreover, L. rhamnosus strains manipulated the gut microbiota by decreasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and increasing that of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which in turn increased the levels of IL-10 and alleviated the levels of IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: L GG e xhibited a nti-inflammatory effects by alleviating the inflammatory response and regulating the gut microbiota in adolescent rats who underwent skeletal fracture and surgery. Our results suggested that the L. rhamnosus strains could be considered as an alternative dietary supplement for the prevention or treatment of skeletal injury and its associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the regulatory mechanism of circRNA UBAP2 (circUBAP2) in colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of circUBAP2, miR-199a, and VEGFA in tissues and cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR. The cell proliferation was examined by CCK8 and colony formation assays. The migration and invasion abilities were evaluated by wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase activity assay were applied to determine the interaction between genes. RESULTS: The expression of circUBAP2 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, and depletion of circUBAP2 suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC. Furthermore, miR-199a inhibitor abrogated the suppressive effect of circUBAP2 knockdown on CRC progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-199a, and overexpression of VEGFA rescued the tumor phenotypes attenuated by circUBAP2 knockdown or miR-199a overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that circUBAP2 facilitated CRC progression by sponging miR-199a to upregulate VEGFA. These findings implied that circUBAP2 may be a potential therapeutic biomarker for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long non-coding ribonucleic acid regulator of reprogramming (lncRNA ROR) on the proliferation and apoptosis of endometrial cancer (EC) cells, and to explore its possible underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of lncRNA ROR and Notch1 in EC tissues were detected via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The changes in Notch1 protein were detected via Western blotting. Subsequently, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA ROR on Notch1 was analyzed using Luciferase reporter gene assay. Moreover, the changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. RESULTS: Both lncRNA ROR and Notch1 were highly expressed in EC tissues (p<0.05). After overexpression of lncRNA ROR, HEC-1A cells had significantly enhanced proliferation (p<0.05) and weakened apoptosis (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 rose remarkably compared with those in control group (p<0.05). Luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that lncRNA ROR could bind to the Notch1 regulatory factor miR-34a and inhibit its activity. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA ROR regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of EC cells via promoting the expression of Notch1 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reviewed studies comparing survival outcomes such as overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and toxicity profile between patients treated with Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) combination and those treated with paclitaxel combination for ovarian cancer. We conducted systematic searches in various databases including Medline, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from inception until August 2019. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess the quality of published trials. We carried out a meta-analysis with random-effects model and reported pooled Hazard ratios (HR) or Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, we analysed 7 studies including 3,676 participants. All the studies were randomized controlled trials, while majority of studies had low bias risks. We did not find significant evidence for any of these outcomes except progression free survival (favoured PLD combination therapy pooled HR=0.87; 95% CI: 0.77- 0.98). Worst grade toxicities like allergy (pooled RR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.06-3.24) and neurotoxicity (pooled RR: 5.59; 95% CI: 1.43-21.84) were significantly higher among patients receiving paclitaxel combination therapy when compared to patients receiving PLD combination therapy. To summarize, PLD combination therapy is non-inferior to paclitaxel combination therapy in the management of ovarian cancer with respect to survival outcomes and worst grade toxicity profile. However, clinical recommendations cannot be made, as the evidence is not conclusive or significant enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of ZSP1603 as a novel anti-fibrotic compound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The unilateral left pulmonary fibrosis model was established in the Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The bilateral pulmonary fibrosis model was established in the C57BL/6J mice. The therapeutic treatment regimen began after the induction of pulmonary fibrosis. The preventive treatment regimen began on the first day of bleomycin administration. Animals were randomly divided into the sham, model, Nintedanib, and ZSP1603 treatment groups. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to evaluate pulmonary injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and Western blot were used to investigate the effects and mechanisms of ZSP1603 on the proliferation of primary human pulmonary fibroblasts (pHPFs). The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) in pHPFs was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULTS: ZSP1603 inhibited the proliferation of pHPFs in vitro by blocking the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGF-Râ) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling pathway. ZSP1603 also inhibited the differentiation of pHPFs by reducing the expression of TGF-â1, TIMP-1, and COL1A1. ZSP1603 significantly attenuated pulmonary injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in vivo in four independent animal studies of pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: ZSP1603 is an effective anti-fibrotic compound with clear mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of microRNA-337-5p in osteosarcoma (OS) and its underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The microRNA (microRNA-337-5p) that may be related to OS development was screened out by GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. Survival analysis and ROC curve were performed according to microRNA-337-5p expressions in OA patients. Besides, the correlation between microRNA-337-5p expression and clinical parameters was evaluated by Chi-square analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed to detect the relationship between the overall survival and clinical parameters of OA patients. Subsequently, enriched functions and pathways of microRNA-337-5p were predicted by GESA (gene enrichment sets analysis). MicroRNA-337-5p expression was detected in 65 OS tissue samples and 30 normal tissue samples by qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction). For in vitro experiments, after microRNA-337-5p mimics or microRNA-337-5p inhibitor was transfected into OS cells, proliferative and invasive abilities were detected by CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) and transwell assay, respectively. Finally, Western blot was used to explore the underlying mechanism of microRNA-337-5p in regulating OS. RESULTS: MicroRNA-337-5p was overexpressed in serum and tissue samples of OS patients, which was valuable in diagnosing OS. Besides, microRNA-337-5p expression was correlated with the overall survival and necrosis range of OA patients, whereas not correlated with age and sex. GESA indicated that microRNA-337-5p was enriched in ERBB, MAPK, and VEGF pathways. In vitro experiments indicated elevated proliferative and invasive abilities in MG63 and U2OS cells after microRNA-337-5p overexpression. Furthermore, increased expressions of ERBB2, Erk1/2, and VEGF121 were observed in OS cells after microRNA-337-5p overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-337-5p is upregulated in OS tissues, which is an independent prognostic factor in OS. Overexpressed microRNA- 337-5p can promote proliferative and invasive abilities of OS cells via activating ERBB, MAPK, and VEGF pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to make a comparison between the fixation strength of optimum placed pedicle screw (OS) and re-directionally accurate placed pedicle screw (RS) after lateral pedicle breach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 30 fresh lumbar vertebrae (L1-5) were gained from 6 male or female pigs weighing about 100 kg, which were divided into 2 groups according to different ways of pedicle screws placement: OS group (n=30) and RS group (n=30). MTS machine was employed to detect the screw loosening and axial pullout. We examined seating torque, screw-loosening force, the maximal torque and post-loosening axial pullout in each pedicle screw. RESULTS: Maximal insertion torque of OS was (111.6±8.4) N•cm and RS was (79.0±6.3) N•cm, which indicated a significant difference (Z=3.012, p=0.003). Seating torque of OS and RS were (85.9±5.6) N•cm and (60.3±4.8) N•cm separately, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.799, p=0.006). Screw loosening force of OS and RS were (75.9±7.0) N and (52.4±6.3) N respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.652, p=0.003). Post-loosening axial pullout force of OS and RS were (328.5±11.3) N and (269.1±9.6) N separately, demonstrating that the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.865, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: RS placement is an alternative for remediation following a lateral wall breach evidenced by significantly decreased seating torque, screw loosening force, the maximal torque and post-loosening axial pullout compared with OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Free-hand technique is widely used in pedicle screw placement for lumbar spine and generally safe; however, screw malposition still occurs. To develop a novel multi-level drill guide template for pedicle screw placement in lumbar spine and evaluate its accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve lumbar cadaveric specimens were randomly allocated into guide template group (n=6) and free-hand group (n=6). Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained for reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) model of each lumbar vertebra, and further an individual guide template was designed. Then the templates and their corresponding vertebra were developed by rapid prototyping (RP) technology. With the guide of the templates, screws were inserted via mini-open Wiltse approach. The positions of the screws were assessed based on postoperative CT images. RESULTS: In total, 120 pedicle screws inserted (guide template group: n=60 vs. free-hand group: n=60). For all 30 vertebras in the guide template group, all pre-designed personalized drill guide templates can be fitted into the facet joints of each vertebra well. Furthermore, our results revealed a significant improvement for the guide template group in the accuracy rate (p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Armed with advantages of minimal invasion, enhanced accuracy and safety, the novel technique of multi-level drill guide template can be properly applied in pedicle screw placement for lumbar spine and promises to be a potential option in clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plays a role in regulating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/serine/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) pathway, affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis, and inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. This study investigated the mechanism of G-CSF on angiogenesis and neural protection after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided into four groups, including sham, ICH, ICH+G-CSF, and ICH+G-CSF+LY294002 (PI3K/AKT signaling pathway specific inhibitor). Cerebral neurological dysfunction was tested by Garcia scoring. Cell apoptosis was detected by transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Angiogenesis marker CD34 expression, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and VEGF expressions were compared by IHC. Rat cerebral nerve RN-c cells were divided into four groups, including control, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), OGD+G-CSF, and OGD+G-CSF+LY294002. RESULTS: Neurological dysfunction was more evident; CD34+ cell number, VEGF expression, and cell apoptosis significantly increased; phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) and Bcl-2 levels markedly reduced in ICH group compared with sham group. G-CSF apparently up-regulated p-AKT and Bcl-2 expressions, attenuated cell apoptosis, and elevated CD34+ cell number. LY294002 significantly decreased p-AKT, Bcl-2, and VEGF expressions, and alleviated the cell apoptosis protective and angiogenesis effect induced by G-CSF. OGD treatment induced RN-c cell apoptosis, down-regulated p-AKT and Bcl-2 expressions, and enhanced the tube capacity of vascular endothelial cells (VEC). G-CSF markedly elevated p-AKT and Bcl-2 contents in RN-c cells, declined cell apoptosis, increased p-AKT and VEGF levels in VEC, and enhanced tube capacity. CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF enhanced PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activity, promoted Bcl-2 and VEGF expression, reduced nerve cell apoptosis, and enhanced tube capacity of VECs, which may be the mechanism of G-CSF in improving neurological function and angiogenesis after ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of serum FGF23 levels on blood pressure of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 128 patients with chronic kidney disease were selected from February 2013 to January 2016. Using CKD staging method, all the patients were divided into 1 to 5 stages according to the glomerular filtration rate. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum FGF23 levels of CKD patients and healthy control subjects. 24 h blood pressure monitoring method was used to monitor the mean arterial pressure of patients. Spearman- related analysis method was used to statistically analyze serum FGF23 level, mean arterial pressure and glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS: The serum FGF23 levels of CKD patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy control subjects (p<0.05). Also, FGF23 expression levels in serum were positively correlated with mean arterial pressure based on the results of the Spearman-related analysis. On the other hand, FGF23 expression levels in serum were negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate. The FGF23 expression levels in serum of the patients were significantly decreased along with the decrease of mean arterial pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Serum FGF23 level is positively correlated with mean arterial pressure and negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate. So, FGF23 has an important clinical significance that can reflect blood pressure and treatment effect of dialysis of CKD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To study the structural and functional changes in mitochondria in astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats in the simulated sepsis environment in vitro and the relationship between these changes and the biogenesis of mitochondria in astrocytes by establishing models of sepsis astrocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The structural and functional changes in mitochondria in astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats were evaluated. The ultra structural changes in the mitochondria, astrocytes, and ultrathin sections, were observed with a transmission electron microscope. The expression of the regulatory factors related to biogenesis of mitochondria in astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats was evaluated in various experimental groups. RTPCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of the regulatory factors related to biogenesis of mitochondria in astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats. The "point grid method" was used to evaluate the volume density of the mitochondria in the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats in various experimental groups. The Western blotting was used to evaluate the role of fusion and fission of mitochondria in the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats in various experimental groups in regulating the expression of the protein-OPAI and DRPI. RESULTS: In the sepsis astrocyte models established by co-incubation of LPS and IFN-γ and astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats, the mitochondria with a minor injury in the 6 h group (2.97± 0.92) increased significantly when compared with those in the 0 h group (1.08±0.95), 12 h group (1.70±1.01), and 24 h group (1.59±0.55) (p<0.05); the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats in the 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h groups increased significantly when compared with that in the 0 h group (p<0.05). PGC-1α mRNA, NRF-1 mRNA, NRF-2α mRNA, NRF-2β mRNA, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) mRNA in the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats in the 6 h and 12 h groups increased significantly when compared with those in the 0 h group (p<0.05); the concentration of TFAM mRNA (1.20±0.19) increased significantly when compared with that in the 0 h group (p<0.05). The OPAI protein concentration (1.21±0.17:1.34±0.06) and DRPI protein concentration (1.04±0.05; 1.05±0.05) in the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats in the 12 h group (1.25±0.17), 24 h group (1.33±0.24), and 6 h group increased significantly when compared with that in the 0 h group (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The experimental sepsis conditions can cause a minor injury of the ultrastructure of the mitochondria in the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats. The biogenesis of the mitochondria in the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats was strengthened to cater for the increased demand for energy of the astrocytes under the sepsis conditions and finally recover the ultrastructure of the mitochondria with a minor injury. In response to the increased mitochondrial biogenesis, the activities of the mitochondrial fusion and fission of the astrocytes of the cerebral cortex of the rats were increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression level of serum microRNA-21 (miR-21) in 69 patients with osteosarcoma, to analyze the changes in miR-21 expression in the serum and tumor tissues before and after chemotherapy in patients with osteosarcoma, and to investigate the relationship between the expression of serum miR-21 in patients with osteosarcoma and chemosensitivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of serum miR-21 in 69 patients with osteosarcoma before and after chemotherapy, and analyze the relationship between the expression of miR-21 with tumor necrosis grading and chemosensitivity. The expression level of programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) in tumor tissues of patients with osteosarcoma before and after chemotherapy was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression level of serum miR- 21 in patients with osteosarcoma was significantly higher than that in normal control subjects. The expression of serum miR-21 before and after chemotherapy was positively correlated with the expression of miR-21 in the corresponding tissues. In the group where chemotherapy was effective (the effective group), expression levels of miR-21 in patients with osteosarcoma before and after chemotherapy were significantly different. After chemotherapy, the expression level of target genes of miR-21 was increased, and the follow-up results showed that the 5-year survival rate was relatively higher after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The expression level of serum miR-21 in patients with osteosarcoma is closely related to the therapeutic effects of osteosarcoma, which can be used as one of the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and prediction of osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the expression of MALAT1 and its correlation with TNF-α production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic cardiomyocytes. Then, the effect of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on LPS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is further studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hub genes in cell response to LPS treatments was analyzed by using Affymetrix gene profiling data downloaded from GEO dataset (GSE3140). Mice model of sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. HL-1 cells were used as the in vitro cell model. MALAT1 and serum amyloid antigen 3 (SAA3) expression were measured by the qRT-PCR analysis. IL-6, TNF-α, and SAA3 concentrations were quantified by the ELISA assay. Flow cytometric analysis and TUNEL assay were performed to detect cell apoptosis. RESULTS: IL-6 is a hub gene in cell response to LPS treatment and induces MALAT1 upregulation in cardiomyocytes. MALAT1 siRNA had an inhibitive effect, while MALAT1 overexpression showed enhancing effect on LPS induced TNF-α elevation. HL-1 cells treated with LPS had significantly elevated SAA3 expression. Inhibition of SAA during LPS treatment significantly reduced the TNF-α expression, while the addition of apo SAA significantly abrogated the suppressive effect of MALAT1 siRNA on TNF-α expression. HL-1 cells transfected with MALAT1 siRNA were less susceptible to LPS-induced cell apoptosis and with a lower apoptosis rate than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 induced MALAT1 upregulation in cardiomyocytes in response to LPS treatment. MALAT1 can enhance TNF-α expression at least partly via SAA3 in LPS-treated cardiomyocytes. MALAT1 upregulation is a mechanism of cardiomyocyte death in response to the LPS stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shaking-table testing of seismic performance and dynamic interaction of prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) pipe-piles in saturated soils and unsaturated soils was conducted using a series of sine waves, typical earthquake waves, as well as artificial ground motions based on in situ measurements. The presented test results, involving the time history of water pore pressure ratio and the responding displacement related to soil liquefaction, indicated that the natural frequency of soil-pile system decreased because of gradual degradation of soil and pile shift. Moreover, the peak displacement responses of piles in saturated soil were larger than the peak displacements in unsaturated soil. In addition, prestressing in pile was beneficial to the resistance of pile damage or degradation. These experimental results were able to calibrate FE models and to provide a database for seismic design of PHC pipe-piles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1/f noise in NPN transistors as a function of total ionising dose and dose rate are investigated in this article. The results show that the base current noise increase with accumulated total dose both at dose rate of 0·1 and 10 rad(Si) s−1, and the transistors exhibit more degradation at low-dose rate (0·1 rad(Si) s−1). The radiation-induced oxide charges near the SiO2-Si interface and interface traps at the interface can contribute to the fluctuation of the base current noise. The surface base current noise model combined with the space charge model can explain the noise performance degradation and the enhanced low-dose rate sensitivity of the NPN transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1/f noise in NPN transistors as a function of total ionising dose and dose rate are investigated in this article. The results show that the base current noise increase with accumulated total dose both at dose rate of 0·1 and 10 rad(Si) s−1, and the transistors exhibit more degradation at low-dose rate (0·1 rad(Si) s−1). The radiation-induced oxide charges near the SiO2-Si interface and interface traps at the interface can contribute to the fluctuation of the base current noise. The surface base current noise model combined with the space charge model can explain the noise performance degradation and the enhanced low-dose rate sensitivity of the NPN transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (Zr0·55Al0·1Ni0·05Cu0·3)100−xNbx alloys have been prepared using an in situ suck casting method in a copper mould. The effect of Nb on the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of the (Zr0·55Al0·1Ni0·05Cu0·3)100−xNbx alloys has been investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, compressive and corrosion tests. It has been found that the appropriate addition of Nb enhanced the formation of the crystalline phases. All the alloys had excellent corrosion resistance in the alkaline solution. An appropriate addition of Nb greatly improved the corrosion resistance of the alloys in the 1N HCl solution. The average corrosion rate in the 1N HCl solution was 4·57 μg cm−2 h−1 for the Zr55Al10Ni5Cu30 alloy, 0·95 μg cm−2 h−1 for the (Zr0·55Al0·1Ni0·05Cu0·3)99Nb1 alloy, and 0·071 μg cm−2 h−1 for the (Zr0·55Al0·1Ni0·05Cu0·3)95Nb5 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FexCoNiCuCr ( x = 0·2, 0·5, 0·8, 1 and 2) high entropy alloys were prepared by arc melting in an argon atmosphere. The effects of the Fe content and heat treatments on the microstructure and hardness of the alloys were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and hardness tests. The as cast alloys consist of two FCC solid solution structures, and display a typical dendrite microstructure with Cu-rich in the interdendrite (ID) region. The heat treatment has no obvious effect on the phase constituents of the alloys, meaning that the alloys have very good thermal stability. At the annealing temperature of 1000°C, the submicrometre-size particles were observed in the dendrite region, while a further high annealing temperature of 1200°C results in the formation of the discontinuous ID phase and ball shape Cu-rich particles. The hardness of the alloys become smaller after being heated at the temperature from 400-1000°C for 5 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Insulin have been recommended to decrease glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients whose blood glucose control are unsatisfactory by using oral hypoglycemic drugs. AIM: To systematically estimate the therapeutic effect and security of insulin glargine and insulin detemir for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the Cochrane library, PubMed, EMBASE, etc databases. Quality evaluation of all randomized control tests (RCT) enrolled was conducted according to Cochrane manual, and meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan5.0 software. RESULTS: Both insulin glargine and insulin detemir can effectively control T2DM patient's blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin detemir has evident superiority on reducing body weight than insulin glargine. As the doses are concerned, daily insulin dose of insulin detemir is higher than insulin glargine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure, density, and temperature are the fundamental thermodynamic parameters. In a liquid flow field, once the local pressure drops to the saturated pressure, the liquid vapourizes and local cavitation occurs. The cavitation region of the flow is characterized by a mixture of liquid and vapour. Vapourization is an endothermic process. However, in the literature of the past several decades, this vapourization induced thermal effect was sometimes ignored in cavitating flows, and the temperature was always assumed as a constant in the whole flow field. In order to gain a deep insight into the mechanism of cavitation, temperature effects of cavitation are hereby investigated in this paper. An appreciable temperature drop has been found when cavitation occurs, which suggests that thermal effects in cavitating flows from the view of thermodynamics may be of great value to understand the mechanism of cavitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]