Search

Edge-labeled graph (ELG) is an important abstract model of many practical applications, in which each edge is associated with one or more labels. Searching the minimum label spanning tree (MLST) of ELG is an important issue and proved NP-hard. In the last decade, researchers have put forward some algorithms, however, high computational cost and lower searching effectiveness are still the main obstacles, especially for large-size graphs. In this paper, we propose a heuristic to solve the strong generalized MLST problem (SGMLSTP). We decompose the SGMLSTP into two sub-problems, one is to search a sub-graph containing one or more spanning trees with the minimum labels from the original graph, and another is to search a spanning tree from the acquired sub-graph. As the latter sub-problem is already solved effectively, we focus on the former sub-problem and propose a community-based zigzag piloting algorithm: Firstly a weighted label graph is derived from the edge-labeled graph; then the label graph is partitioned and label communities are chosen in combination to form the initial solutions; finally, the zigzag piloting process is applied to make the initial solutions feasible and refined, of which the optimum one has the least labels. Label partition largely reduces the computation cost of searching the initial solutions, the zigzag piloting process help increase searching effectiveness, and experimental results on typical benchmark datasets fully verify this point and show better effectiveness and performance than that of the state-of-the-art algorithms.

Background Recently, the role of several microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) in pulmonary diseases has been described. The molecular mechanisms by which miR-214 is possibly implicated in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have not yet been addressed. Hence, this study aimed to investigate a putative role of miR-214 in alveolarization among preterm neonates with BPD. Methods Microarray-based gene expression profiling data from BPD was employed to identify differentially expressed genes. A BPD neonatal rat model was induced by hyperoxia. Pulmonary epithelial cells were isolated from rats and exposed to hyperoxia to establish cell injury models. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed in BPD neonatal rats and hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells. MiR-214 and PlGF expression in BPD neonatal rats, and eNOS, Bcl-2, c-myc, Survivin, α-SMA and E-cadherin expression in hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. The interaction between PlGF and miR-214 was identified using dual luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays. IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-6, ICAM-1 and Flt-1 expression in the rat models was measured using ELISA. Results The lung tissues of neonatal rats with BPD showed decreased miR-214 expression with elevated PlGF expression. PlGF was found to be a target of miR-214, whereby miR-214 downregulated PlGF to inactivate the STAT3 pathway. miR-214 overexpression or PlGF silencing decreased the apoptosis of hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells in vitro and restored alveolarization in BPD neonatal rats. Conclusion Overall, the results demonstrated that miR-214 could facilitate alveolarization in preterm neonates with BPD by suppressing the PlGF-dependent STAT3 pathway.

As a component of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) “writers,” KIAA1429 was reported to promote breast cancer proliferation and growth in m6A-independent manners. However, the related mechanism of KIAA1429 in breast cancer metastasis has not been reported. In the present study, we found KIAA1429 could significantly promote the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Then we demonstrated that knockdown of KIAA1429 could impede breast cancer metastasis in nude mice in vivo. The level of SNAIL expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress was positively related with KIAA1429. Furthermore, we confirmed that the suppression of cell migration, invasion, and EMT progress by knockdown of KIAA1429 could be reversed by the upregulation of SNAIL. However, structural maintenance of chromosomes 1A (SMC1A), not KIAA1429, bound with the SNAIL promoter region directly and promoted the transcription of SNAIL. Then we confirmed that KIAA1429 could bind to the motif in the 3′ UTR of SMC1A mRNA directly and enhance SMC1A mRNA stability. In conclusion, our study revealed a novel mechanism of the KIAA1429/SMC1A/SNAIL axis in the regulation of metastasis of breast cancer. Moreover, it first provided detailed investigation of how KIAA1429 regulated the targeted gene expression at posttranscriptional levels as an RNA binding protein unrelated to its m6A modification., Graphical abstract, We provided a novel mechanism of the KIAA1429/SMC1A/SNAIL axis in the regulation of breast cancer invasion and metastasis, which may be a promising therapeutic target for human breast cancer.

A new species, Physalidiella pentagona, collected on dead twigs of Lindera communis in Guizhou Province, China, is described and illustrated. The fungus is mainly characterized by differentiated conidiophores with opposite or verticillate short branches and monoblastic, percurrently extending conidiogenous cells that produce solitary, smooth, quasi-stellate or T-shaped conidia with an approximately pentagonal central cell and two smaller hemispherical lateral cells. A dichotomous key to Physalidiella species is provided.

BACKGROUND Recently, the role of several microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) in pulmonary diseases has been described. The molecular mechanisms by which miR-214 is possibly implicated in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have not yet been addressed. Hence, this study aimed to investigate a putative role of miR-214 in alveolarization among preterm neonates with BPD. METHODS Microarray-based gene expression profiling data from BPD was employed to identify differentially expressed genes. A BPD neonatal rat model was induced by hyperoxia. Pulmonary epithelial cells were isolated from rats and exposed to hyperoxia to establish cell injury models. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed in BPD neonatal rats and hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells. MiR-214 and PlGF expression in BPD neonatal rats, and eNOS, Bcl-2, c-myc, Survivin, α-SMA and E-cadherin expression in hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. The interaction between PlGF and miR-214 was identified using dual luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays. IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-6, ICAM-1 and Flt-1 expression in the rat models was measured using ELISA. RESULTS The lung tissues of neonatal rats with BPD showed decreased miR-214 expression with elevated PlGF expression. PlGF was found to be a target of miR-214, whereby miR-214 downregulated PlGF to inactivate the STAT3 pathway. miR-214 overexpression or PlGF silencing decreased the apoptosis of hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells in vitro and restored alveolarization in BPD neonatal rats. CONCLUSION Overall, the results demonstrated that miR-214 could facilitate alveolarization in preterm neonates with BPD by suppressing the PlGF-dependent STAT3 pathway.

The lotus leaf surface is modified by covering nanofibers to check its wetting property. The well-known lotus effect of the modified surface is greatly weakened, and a hydrophilic property is found. The geometric potential theory is used to ex-plain the phenomenon, it shows that the two adjacent nanofibers can produce a high geometric potential to push water molecules to move along the fibers, as a result, a hydrophilic surface is predicted after surface modification. An experiment is designed to elucidate the main factors affecting the wetting property of the modified surface of lotus leaf.

As a pentacyclic triterpene in Centella asiatica, asiatic acid (AA) is a powerful antioxidant with many bioactivities. In the present research, we investigated whether AA has the potential to rescue the decrease in porcine oocyte quality that occurs during in vitro aging (IVA). Mature porcine oocytes were collected and then continuously cultured for an additional 24 h or 48 h with or without AA in maturation medium as an IVA model. The results revealed that AA supplementation reduced the percentage of abnormal aged porcine oocytes during IVA. Furthermore, AA supplementation effectively maintained aged porcine oocyte developmental competence, both parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization. The number of sperm that bound to the zona pellucida on aged porcine oocytes was higher in the AA-supplemented group than in the non-supplemented group. Moreover, AA supplementation not only blocked IVA-induced oxidative stress but also maintained intracellular GSH levels and reduced the percentage of early apoptosis aged porcine oocytes. Mitochondrial functions were disordered during the IVA process. The intracellular ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential in aged porcine oocytes were dramatically increased by AA supplementation. Therefore, AA has beneficial effects on porcine oocyte quality and developmental potential maintenance during IVA.

PurposeBy reporting clinical characteristics and retinal image quality before and after refractive lens replacement surgery in early-onset high myopia (eoHM) patients presenting with partial cataract, we emphasized the need for an objective way to grade the severity of partial cataracts.MethodsThis retrospective, consecutive case series included six Chinese patients (nine eyes). Analysis of previous medical records, visual acuity, optometry, retinal image quality, and axial length (AXL) before surgery and after surgery was performed.ResultsFive females and one male (nine eyes) with a mean (± SD) age of 11.6 ± 7.9 years (range: 4–25 years) were included in this study. The preoperative spherical power ranged from −7.5 to −42 D. The mean follow-up time was 36 months (range: 24–48 months). Phacoemulsification was followed by in-the-bag implantation of intraocular lens. For patients who were under 6 years old, posterior capsulotomy + anterior vitrectomy were performed simultaneously. All surgeries were uneventful and no postoperative complications occurred during the entire follow-up period. All patients’ uncorrected visual acuity improved by ≥2 lines postoperatively(Snellen acuity). LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity was improved at 24-month (P = 0.042) and endpoint (P = 0.046) follow-ups. Modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTFcutoff) and objective scatter index (OSI) was significantly improved at 12-month (P = 0.025, P = 0.038), 24-month (P = 0.005, P = 0.007) and endpoint (P = 0.005, P = 0.008) follow-ups. Postoperative AXL remained stable during 2–4 year follow-ups (P > 0.05).ConclusionRefractive lens replacement surgery is safe and effective for improving functional vision in eoHM patients presenting with partial cataract. Retinal image quality could provide a useful and objective way to facilitate partial cataract severity evaluation and surgery decision making.

Background The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease of newborns, has been paradoxically rising despite medical advances. Histone deacetylase 3 (Hdac3) has been reported to be a crucial regulator in alveologenesis. Hence, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of Hdac3 in the abnormal pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD. Methods A hyperoxia-induced BPD model of was developed in newborn mice, and primary lung fibroblasts were isolated from adult mice. Hdac3 was knocked out in vivo and knocked down in vitro, while microRNA (miR)-17 was downregulated in vivo and in vitro to clarify their roles in abnormal pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization. Mechanistic investigations were performed on the interplay of Hdac3, miR-17-92 cluster, enhancer of zeste homolog 1 (EZH1), p65 and placental growth factor (Pgf). Results Hdac3 was involved in abnormal alveolarization and angiogenesis in BPD mice. Further, the expression of the miR-17-92 cluster in BPD mice was downregulated by Hdac3. miR-17 was found to target EZH1, and Hdac3 rescued the inhibited EZH1 expression by miR-17 in lung fibroblasts. Additionally, EZH1 augmented Pgf expression by recruiting p65 thus enhancing the progression of BPD. Hdac3 augmented the recruitment of p65 in the Pgf promoter region through the miR-17/EZH1 axis, thus enhancing the transcription and expression of Pgf, which elicited abnormal angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD mice. Conclusions Altogether, the present study revealed that Hdac3 activated the EZH1-p65-Pgf axis through inhibiting miR-17 in the miR-17-92 cluster, leading to accelerated abnormal pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD mice.

Background::In recent years, visual quality has been extensively investigated in various conditions. In this community-based population study, we analyzed the effects of aging, refraction, and Lens Opacification Classification System III (LOCSIII) score on retinal imaging quality in healthy Chinese adults.Methods::This cross-sectional study was conducted on sub-group subjects from The Handan Eye Study between October 2012 and January 2013. Healthy subjects over 30-years-old with logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) less than 0 were included. Retinal image quality was measured by optical quality analysis system (OQAS) and recorded as modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTF cutoff), OQAS value (OV) 100%, OV20%, OV9%, Strehl ratio (SR), and objective scatter index (OSI). The correlation between age, spherical equivalent refraction (SE), LOCSIII score, and optical quality parameters were investigated by multivariate analysis. Results::Among 1108 verified subjects, 690 subjects (1380 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. Their age ranged from 30 to 76 years, SE ranged from -4.75 to 2.75 D. They were divided into five age groups (30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and ≥70 years) for further analysis. After multivariate analysis by mixed-effect linear model, SR ( t = -3.03, P = 0.002), OV20% ( t = -2.39, P = 0.017), and OV9% ( t = -3.16, P = 0.001) significantly decreased with the increasing age, whereas logMAR BCVA ( t = 4.42, P < 0.001) and OSI ( t = 4.46, P < 0.001) significantly increased with age. As SE increased, SR ( t = 2.74, P = 0.01), OV20% ( t = 2.31, P = 0.02), and OV9% ( t = 2.79, P = 0.005) significantly elevated, and OSI ( t = -3.38, P < 0.001) significantly decreased. With the increase in cortical opacity score, all optical quality parameters except for SR significantly decreased, including MTF cutoff ( t = -2.78, P = 0.01), OV100% ( t = -2.78, P = 0.005), OV20% ( t = -2.60, P = 0.009), and OV9% ( t = -2.05, P = 0.04). As posterior sub capsular opacity score increased, MTF cutoff ( t = -2.40, P = 0.02) and OV100% ( t = -2.40, P = 0.01) significantly decreased, while OSI ( t = 7.56, P < 0.001) significantly increased. Conclusions::In healthy Chinese adult population, optical quality-related parameters significantly decrease with the increasing age, and OSI significantly increases with age. In normal BCVA subjects, optical quality is significantly impacted by cortical and posterior sub capsular opacity rather than by nuclear opacity.

To evaluate intravitreal conbercept injection for treatment of macular oedema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in Chinese patients during 1-year follow-up in the real-world setting. Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with macular oedema associated with CRVO were retrospectively reviewed. The eyes received monthly intravitreal conbercept injection (0.5 mg in 50 µl) for 3 months. From then on, the patients were followed up every month and received injection pro re nata (PRN) up to 12 months. The primary outcome measurements included changes of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline to month 3 and month 12. Other outcome measurements included proportion of patients gaining ≥15 letters in BCVA at month 3 and 12, the mean number of injections and safety concerns. The mean BCVA gain from baseline was 12.7 ± 7.6 letters at month 3 and 14.8 ± 9.6 letters at month 12. The mean CRT reduction from baseline was 374.5 ± 280.7 μm at month 3 and 428.2 ± 241.3 μm at month 12. The proportion of patients who gained ≥15 letters in BCVA was 45.1% at month 3 and 52.9% at month 12. The mean number of injections was 7.6 ± 1.5. No severe local and systemic complications occurred following injection. Intravitreal conbercept injection by three monthly loading doses followed by PRN treatment regimen was safe and efficacious for patients with macular oedema secondary to CRVO through 1-year follow-up.

Cigarette smoke will cause irreversible damage to human health and living environment. It is especially important to accurately detect and effectively prevent cigarette smoke. This paper fabricates a fiber membrane filmed with carbon nanopowders as a smoke sensor. The experiment reveals that the fabricated membrane is sensitive to the smoke, two laws are proposed to model the current change of the sensor. Fractal calculus is used to exactly predict the current property at the initial stage, and a fractal modification of the current law is proposed. The present technology provides an economic way to mass-production of smoke sensors.

Carbon materials are promising candidates for sensors to detect heavy metal ions. This paper reported an effective method of fabricating nanofiber membrane sensor for detection of heavy metal ions by electrospinning with the carbon nanoparticles and PANi (polyaniline) as additives. The results revealed that the PANi/C/PAN nanofiber membrane was the most economical approach to adsorbing and detecting metal ions with highly sensitive property. This paper sheds a light on an economic fabrication of nanofiber membrane sensor with well-defined characteristics in electrical sensors and adsorption applications.

In the original publication of this article [1], the molecular weight of RBMS3 was incorrectly noted as 38 KDa within Fig 1A, Fig 2A and Fig 2B. The figures have been updated to list the correct molecular weight of RBMS3 as 41 KDa.

In the present investigation, a new Ag–ZnO loaded carboxymethyl cellulose/K-carrageenan/graphene oxide/konjac glucomannan (Ag–ZnO@CGK) hydrogel was effectively prepared by means of a straight forward two step technique for clinical applications as wound-recuperating materials. In the first step, silver nanoparticles were synthesized with green deoxidizer mango peel extracts. The Ag–ZnO@CGK hydrogel indicated incredible swelling assimilation and impressive mechanical properties. Also, Ag–ZnO@CGK hydrogel exhibited great bactericidal movement against test microorganisms. In vitro viability testing demonstrated that fibroblast cells could endure well within the sight of Ag@CGK hydrogel, showing that Ag–ZnO@CGK hydrogel has great viability. In vivo animal models demonstrated that the Ag–ZnO@CGK hydrogel adequately quickened wound recuperating and histological examinations demonstrated that they have advanced fibroblast development and quickened epithelialization. The test results demonstrated that Ag–ZnO@CGK hydrogel has incredible potential in advanced wound healing.

Optic neuron injury caused by glaucoma and other factors commonly considered as irreversible. However, some evidences demonstrate considerable neuroplasticity in the nervous system. In this review, we try to illuminate the mechanism of neuroplasticity, and reactivate the “silent” cell and neural transmission visual experience, alternating current stimulation, eye yoga, and anti-stress program, and so on. Predict visual change after intervention using self-organizing maps.

Background: As a noninvasive respiratory support mode, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is widely used in preterm infants at neonatal care units. HFNC is often used as an alternative to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) for initial or post-extubation respiratory support. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of HFNC and NCPAP for respiratory support in preterm infants. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, Controlled-trials.com, Google Scholar, VIP, and Wang Fang for articles from their inception to December 2018. All published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating and comparing the effects of HFNC and NCPAP therapy for primary respiratory support in newborns were included. All meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3. Results: In total, 21 RCTs involving 2886 preterm infants were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed the following: (1) for primary respiratory support, the rates of treatment failure at trial entry were similar between HFNC and CPAP (relative risk 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.79–1.33), and HFNC had reduced nasal trauma (p < .00001); and (2) for respiratory support after extubation, CPAP was associated with a lower likelihood of treatment failure than HFNC (relative risk 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.50). The incidences of nasal trauma and pneumothorax in the HFNC group were significantly lower than that in the CPAP group (p < .0001 and p = .03). Serious adverse events did not significantly differ. Conclusions: HFNC had effects similar to those of CPAP regarding the failure of initial respiratory support in premature infants and was associated with reduced nasal trauma compared to CPAP. Following extubation, CPAP had fewer treatment failures than HFNC, but CPAP had a significantly increased rate of nasal trauma and pneumothorax. Further studies are needed to clarify the potential benefits of HFNC as primary respiratory support in extremely low birth weight or extremely preterm infants.

An electrospinning process is to produce nanofibers from a polymer solution by a high electrostatic force, which is used to eject jets from a Taylor cone formed on a nozzle. When a moving jet approaches to a receptor within few nanometers during the electrospinning process, a Casimir-like attraction is formed, which attracts the jet’s end to the surface of the receptor. Thousands of thousands nanofibers will be attached on the receptor’s surface or attached on each other, as a result a nanofiber membrane is formed. The geometric potential was implemented to explain the nanoscale adhesion, which is greatly affected by the attachment oscillation. Mathematical models are established to describe the attachment oscillation under the Lennard-Jones potential and the geometric potential, respectively, and their amplitude-frequency relationship is elucidated analytically. The present theory gives an alternative explanation of the gecko effect and molecule scale forces. Keywords: Lennard-Jones potential, Van der Waals force, Casimir force, Geometrical potential, Molecule oscillation, Smart adhesion, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Gecko effect, Macromolecular electrospinning

Background Metastasis remains the biggest obstacle for breast cancer treatment. Therefore, identification of specific biomarker of metastasis is very necessary. The RNA binding protein 3 (RBMS3) acts as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. Whereas, its role and underlying molecular mechanism in breast cancer is far from elucidated. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR and western blots were carried out to determine the expression of RBMS3 in breast cancer cells and tissues. Transwell and in vivo metastasis assay were conducted to investigate the effects of RBMS3 on migration, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Transcriptome sequencing was applied to screen out the differential gene expression affected by RBMS3. RNA immunoprecipitation assay combined with luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the direct correlation between RBMS3 and Twist1 mRNA. Results RBMS3 was downregulated in breast cancer and ectopic expression of RBMS3 contributed to inhibition of cell migration, invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, RBMS3 negatively regulated Twsit1 expression via directly binding to 3′-UTR of Twist1 mRNA, and thereby decreased Twist1-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Additionally, Twist1-induced cell migration, invasion and lung metastasis could be reversed by the upregulation of RBMS3. Conclusions In summary, our study revealed a novel mechanism of the RBMS3/Twsit1/MMP2 axis in the regulation of invasion and metastasis of breast cancer, which may become a potential molecular marker for breast cancer treatment.

Rocks have good chemical and thermal properties, which are widely distributed in mountainous areas and contain a great number of chemical elements. Weathered rock powders were used as an additive in an electrospun solution to fabricate rock powder-based nanofibers, and the morphology and thermal property of nanofibers were studied. The results revealed that the rock powder was the most economical approach to fabrication of nanofibers with excellent thermal property and high hydrophilicity. This paper sheds a light on rock powder-based nano-fibers with well-defined characteristics for advanced applications for high temperature filtration and absorption, fire prevention and others.

The definition of a nanofiber is discussed, and the history of the development of bubble electrospinning is briefly elucidated, its main properties are emphasized, and the morphology of its products is summarized. A geometrical interpretation of the nanofiber membrane’s adsorption is given as a natural intrinsic property of the geometrical potential of nanoscale structure. Nano-effect, Casimir effect, capillary effect, Earth’s gravity difference, Newton’s gravity, and lotus leaf’s highly selective repulsion property can all be interpreted using the geometrical potential or boundary-induced force.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hemorrhage is a potentially fatal event especially for preterm infants, which can lead to serious complications and even death. Many risk factors have been associated with the development of massive pulmonary hemorrhage. However, there is still no effective strategy to prevent massive pulmonary hemorrhage. The purpose of this study is to explore prediction model and survival strategies for massive pulmonary hemorrhage in premature infants. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included all premature infants with birth weight

Background By reporting clinical characteristics and retinal image quality before and after refractive lens replacement surgery in early-onset high myopia (eoHM) patients presenting with partial cataract, we emphasized the need for an objective way to grade the severity of partial cataracts. Methods This retrospective, consecutive case series included six Chinese patients (nine eyes). Analysis of previous medical records, visual acuity, optometry, and axial length (AXL) before surgery and 2–4 years after surgery was performed. Retinal image quality was measured by the Optical Quality Analysis System and recorded as modulation transfer function cutoff frequency (MTFcutoff) and objective scatter index (OSI) at the same time point. Results Five females and one male (nine eyes) with a mean (± SD) age of 11.6 ± 7.9 years were included in this study. The preoperative spherical power ranged from − 7.5 D to -42 D. The mean follow-up time was 36 (36–36) months (range: 24–48 months). Phacoemulsification was followed by in-the-bag implantation of intraocular lens. For younger patients who could not cooperate with postoperative laser capsulotomy, posterior capsulotomy + anterior vitrectomy were performed simultaneously. All surgeries were uneventful and no postoperative complications occurred during the entire follow-up period. Four eyes underwent YAG-laser capsulotomies at 12–18 months postoperatively. Initial spherical correction (treatment achieved) averaged 18.25 ± 11.15 D (range: 7.75-44 D). All patients’ uncorrected visual acuity improved by ≥ 2 lines postoperatively. LogMAR BCVA was significantly improved at 24-month (95%CI: 0.015–0.878, p = 0.042) and endpoint (95%CI: 0.008–0.909, p = 0.046) follow-ups. MTFcutoff and OSI was significantly improved at 12-month (p = 0.025, p = 0.038), 24-month (p = 0.005, p = 0.007) and endpoint (p = 0.005, p = 0.008) follow-ups. Postoperative AXL remained stable during 2–4 year follow-ups compared to the pre-operative value (p༞0.05). Eight eyes (0.89%) exhibited myopia shift (~-0.5 D/year except for case 3), whereas case 5 (age 25) showed hyperopic change. Conclusion Refractive lens replacement surgery is safe and effective for improving functional vision in eoHM patients presenting with partial cataract. Retinal image quality could provide a useful and objective way to facilitate partial cataract severity evaluation and surgery decision making.

Background As a component in the m6A ‘writers’, KIAA1429 was reported to promote breast cancer proliferation and growth in m6A-independent manners. However, the related mechanism of KIAA1429 in breast cancer metastasis have not been reported. Methods Western blots and quantitative real-time PCR were carried out to verify the expression of KIAA1429 in breast cancer cells SUM1315 and ZR-75-1 after KIAA1429 knockdown or overexpression. Transwell and in vivo metastasis assay were conducted to investigate the effects of KIAA1429 on migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. RIP and REMSA assay was performed to explore the direct correlation between KIAA1429 and SMC1A mRNA. ChIP assay combined with luciferase reporter assay were apply to explore the direct binding between SMC1A and SNAIL promotor region. Results KIAA1429 could significantly promote the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Knockdown of KIAA1429 could impede breast cancer metastasis in nude mice in vivo. The level of SNAIL expression and EMT progress was positively related with KIAA1429. Knockdown of KIAA1429 induced cell migration, invasion and EMT progress could be reversed by the upregulation of SNAIL. However, SMC1A, not KIAA1429 bound with SNAIL promoter region directly and promoted the transcription of SNAIL. Then, KIAA1429 could bind to the motif in the 3′-UTR of SMC1A mRNA directly and enhanced SMC1A mRNA stability. Conclusions In conclusion, our study revealed a novel mechanism of the KIAA1429/SMC1A/SNAIL axis in the regulation of invasion and metastasis of breast cancer, which may provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer. Moreover, it firstly provided compelling evidences that KIAA1429 could regulate the targeted gene expression at posttranscriptional levels as an RNA-binding protein, unrelated the m6A modification.

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is one of the most commonly used and effective traditional Chinese herbal medicines against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both Tripterygium Glycoside Tablets (TGT) and Tripterygium wilfordii Tablets (TWT) are the representative TwHF-based agents enrolled into the 2019 edition of Medicine Catalog for National Basic Medical Insurance, Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance. However, individual differences in TGT/TWT response across patients usually exist in the process of treating RA, implying that the clinical application of the two agents may not be standardized leading to the ineffective treatment and the risk of side effects. Growing evidence show that the bioactive constituents of TwHF may often have toxicity, the package insert of TGT and TWT may not be described in detail, and the therapeutic windows of the two agents are narrow. Thus, it is an urgent task to develop a standardized clinical practice guideline for TGT and TWT in the treatment of RA. In the current study, a group of clinical experts of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in the research field of rheumatism diseases, pharmacists, and methodologists of evidence-based medicine were invited to select the clinical questions, to determine the levels of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations, and to develop the recommendations and good practice points. The guideline is formed based on the combination of clinical research evidence and expert experience (evidence-based, consensus, supplemented by experience). The clinical problems which are supported by clinical evidence may form recommendations, and the clinical problems without clinical evidence may form experts’ suggestions. Both recommendations and experts' suggestions in this guideline summarized the clinical indications, usage, dosage, combined medication, and safety of TGT and TWT against RA systematically and comprehensively, which may offer a professional guidance in the context of the clinical application of the two TwHF-based agents.

Background: Standard measures that define obesity and related disorders varies widely, this study investigated the relationship between different anthropometric indices of obesity criteria and their correlation to hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia in a local adult population in China.Methods: The study participants underwent the same questionnaire survey, bio-impedance body composition analysis, and blood laboratory test. The t-test and chi-square test were used to compare the characteristics of different groups, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyse the correlation of different indicators and explore their cut-off values.Results: The study comprised 14,926 participants, of whom 39.80% (5948/14,926) were male, and the mean age of the study population was 56.75±9.74 years. The waist circumference had the greatest influence on all factors, and BMI, AVI, and BRI were similarly correlated. WHtR had the largest AUC for predicting obesity in both sexes, and in addition, we provided a recommended cut-off value of BMI, WHR, WHtR, BAI, OBD, CI, AVI, ABSI and BRI. WHtR had the largest AUC for predicting diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, while BMI also served as a good predictive indicator (all P

Background: In recent years, the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pulmonary diseases have been widely studied and researched. However, the molecular mechanism by which miR-214 affects bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains elusive and merits further exploration. Hence, this study aims to clarify the function of miR-214 in pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in preterm infants with BPD. Methods: BPD neonatal rat model was induced by hyperoxia, and pulmonary epithelial cells were isolated from rats and exposed to hyperoxia. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments were performed in BPD neonatal rats and hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells. MiR-214 and PlGF expression in BPD neonatal rats, and eNOS, Bcl-2, c-myc, Survivin, α-SMA and E-cadherin expression in hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells were detected using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. The interaction between PlGF and miR-214 was identified using dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay. ELISA was adopted to assess IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-6, ICAM-1 and Flt-1 expression in rats. Results: Decreased miR-214 expression and elevated PlGF expression were evident in the lung tissues of neonatal rats with BPD. PlGF was a target of miR-214, and miR-214 downregulated PlGF to inactivate the STAT3 signaling pathway. miR-214 overexpression or PlGF silencing decreased apoptosis of hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells and declined pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in BPD neonatal rats. Conclusions: Collectively, miR-214 can protects against pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in preterm infants with BPD by suppressing PlGF and blocking STAT3 signaling pathway.

Background To evaluate the efficacy of transient vision restoration training (tVRT) with an augmented virtual reality platform in glaucoma patients. Design: A self-control, prospective study. Methods This study recruited subjects with glaucoma. All participants were treated with tVRT which based on an augmented virtual reality platform for 20 minutes. The intraocular pressure (IOP), the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), global mean defect (MD) values, global indices mean sensitivity (MS) were evaluated and compared before and after treatment. Results While the IOP and BCVA after tVRT did not change obviously compared to baseline. However, the global MD significantly reduced, consistently the global MS changed better in the treated patients. Conclusions The glaucomatous optic neuropathy remains potentially neuroplasticity. And the training based on an augmented virtual reality platform may have a positive impact on vision restoration.

BackgroundThe incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease of newborns, has been paradoxically rising despite medical advances. Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has been reported to be a crucial regulator in alveologenesis. Hence, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of HDAC3 in the pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD.MethodsA hyperoxia-induced mouse model of BPD was constructed. The mean liner intercept (MLI) and alveolar volume were measured to evaluate the alveolarization in BPD mice. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the microvessel density (MVD) of lung tissues. Next, the expression of HDAC3 and its enrichment in the promoter region of microRNA (miR)-17-92 cluster, as well as the enrichment of p65 in the placental growth factor (Pgf) promoter region were detected by Western blot analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. The effect of HDAC3 and p65 on the activity of miR-17-92 promoter and Pgf promoter were examined by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Finally, the role of HDAC3 in angiogenesis and alveolarization through miR-17 regulated EZH1-p65-Pgf axis was validated in BPD mouse models.ResultsHDAC3 was involved in the regulation of alveolarization and angiogenesis in BPD. Results demonstrated that the expression of the miR-17-92 cluster in BPD was regulated by HDAC3. miR-17 was related to the regulatory role of HDAC3 in regulating EZH1 expression and in lung fibroblasts of BPD. Besides, results showed that EZH1 could promote Pgf expression by recruiting p65 to regulate BPD. HDAC3 regulated the expression of EZH1 through miR-17 to promote the recruitment of p65 in the Pgf promoter region, thus enhancing the transcription and expression of Pgf. HDAC3 was demonstrated to regulate Pgf through the miR-17-EZH1-p65 axis to mediate angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD mice.ConclusionAltogether, the present study revealed that HDAC3 could regulate the EZH1-p65-Pgf axis through miR-17 in the miR-17-92 cluster in the pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization of BPD mice.

In recent years, the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pulmonary diseases have been widely studied and researched. However, the molecular mechanism by which miR-214 affects bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains elusive and merits further exploration. Hence, this study aims to clarify the function of miR-214 in pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in preterm infants with BPD. BPD neonatal rat model was induced by hyperoxia, and pulmonary epithelial cells were isolated from rats and exposed to hyperoxia. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments were performed in BPD neonatal rats and hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells. MiR-214 and PlGF expression in BPD neonatal rats, and eNOS, Bcl-2, c-myc, Survivin, α-SMA and E-cadherin expression in hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells were detected using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. The interaction between PlGF and miR-214 was identified using dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay. ELISA was adopted to assess IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-6, ICAM-1 and Flt-1 expression in rats. Decreased miR-214 expression and elevated PlGF expression were evident in the lung tissues of neonatal rats with BPD. PlGF was a target of miR-214, and miR-214 downregulated PlGF to inactivate the STAT3 signaling pathway. miR-214 overexpression or PlGF silencing decreased apoptosis of hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells and declined pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in BPD neonatal rats. Collectively, miR-214 can protects against pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in preterm infants with BPD by suppressing PlGF and blocking STAT3 signaling pathway.

According to the actual teaching situation, the mode of mentor-apprentice was built by School of Materials and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering of Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University to improve the quality of undergraduates majoring materials chemistry. It was found that this mode not only can effectively solve the problem of the disconnection between theoretical teaching and practical teaching, and promotes students' spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, but also is beneficial to students' employment and postgraduate entrance examination. Accordingly, the mode of mentor-apprentice is worthy of the study and improvement of teaching staff.