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We evaluated the effects of different vitrification temperatures (VTs) and cryoprotective agent concentrations (CPAs) on the viability and expressions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in bovine oocytes following vitrification at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage. Our findings provide a theoretical support for improvement of the cryopreservation technology of bovine immature oocytes (BIOs). Bovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected and randomized into five groups: fresh oocytes (control), oocytes vitrified in liquid helium (LHe; -269 °C) with 5.6 M CPAs (LHe 5.6 M), oocytes vitrified in LHe with 6.6 M CPAs (LHe 6.6 M), oocytes vitrified in liquid nitrogen (LN; -196 °C) with 5.6 M CPAs (LN 5.6 M), and oocytes vitrified in LN with 6.6 M CPAs (LN 6.6 M). Of the four vitrification groups, the LHe 5.6 M group exhibited the highest blastocyst rate (13.22%), followed by the LHe 6.6 M group (10.19%) and LN 6.6 M group (9.77%), while the LN 5.6 M group had the lowest blastocyst rate (1.87%). Then, lncRNA expressions in the five groups were profiled. A total of 18,271 lncRNAs were identified, of which 2,158 were differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) in the vitrified groups, compared to the fresh group (P 0.05; fold-change2). Co-location (cis) and co-expression (trans) prediction revealed 14 differentially expressed target genes (DETGs), which corresponded to 17 DELs. Based on grouping data and expression profiles of the DELs, we demonstrated that different VTs (-269 °C vs. -196 °C) can affect the expressions of MSTRG.12295.5, MSTRG.37123.1, MSTRG.37930.2, MSTRG.40464.9, MSTRG.8869.3 and MSTRG.26680.6. Expressions of these lncRNAs were affected by CPAs only in the condition of vitrification with LHe (-269 °C). Expressions of MSTRG.35129.6 were associated with exposures to both VTs and CPAs; while expressions of MSTRG.3578.3, MSTRG.40576.3, MSTRG.6723.5, MSTRG.32862.4, MSTRG.1184.4, MSTRG.33110.3, MSTRG.40454.2, MSTRG.41073.2, MSTRG.44732.4 and MSTRG.6729.3 might be related to vitrification. Co-expression analysis showed that MSTRG.12295.5, MSTRG.37930.2, MSTRG.40454.2, MSTRG.8869.3 and MSTRG.6723.5 expressions affect oocyte development after vitrification by regulating target gene expressions. Taken together, improvement of the developmental ability of BIOs after LHe vitrification maybe attributed to changes in expressions of some lncRNAs. Our findings elucidate on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of BIOs under different VTs and CPAs.

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.

The coordination of alkaline earth metal cations (AE2+ = Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) with inverted hexamethylcucurbit[3,3]uril {iMe6Q[3,3]} has been investigated in the presence of polychlorido cadmium anions as structure directing agent. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis has revealed that the interactions of iMe6Q[3,3] with AE2+ cations result in the formation of linear iMe6Q[3,3]-based coordination polymers from iMe6Q[3,3]-AECl2-CdCl2-HCl systems. Generally, Cd2+ cations can form [CdCl4]2− anions that serve as structure directing agent in the formation of iMe6Q[3,3]/AE2+-based coordination polymers. Moreover, iMe6Q[3,3]-AECl2-CdCl2-HCl systems exhibit high affinity for the heavier AE2+, such as Sr2+, and Ba2+.

A kind of gas nitriding method catalyzed by rare earth for 40CrNiMoA alloy steel was researched in this article. Effect of temperature on surface hardness of gas nitriding method catalyzed by rare earth, change law of layer depth with time at 500 °C were carried out and compared with normal gas nitriding. Based on these researches, gas nitriding method catalyzed by rare earth was optimized. The results show that gas nitriding catalyzed by rare earth can not only increase the nitriding speed, but also enhance the surface hardness of the nitriding layer. Using three - stage gas nitriding method catalyzed by rare earth and after 40 hours, the samples can meet the need of nitrided layer depth no less than 0.5mm, surface vickers hardness no less than 600.

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.

Scale or dimension is critical for all physical laws, and different scales might result in distinct and sometimes contradicting laws for the same phenomenon. In this study, the idea of the two-scale fractal is utilized to model the time-fractional tsunami wave traveling on an unsmooth surface. Mass and momentum conservation equations are established in a fractal space. To covert the considered fractional model into a differential equation, the fractional complex transform is used, then He’s variational iteration method is adopted to solve the resultant equation. The fractal model helps in studying the dynamic behavior of tsunami wave and their prevention through boundary control. The present study sheds new light on two-scale fluid mechanics.

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.

Asiatic acid is a natural triterpene found in Centella asiatica that acts as an effective free radical scavenger. Our previous research showed that asiatic acid delayed porcine oocyte ageing in vitro and improved preimplantation embryo development competence in vitro; however, the protective effects of asiatic acid against oxidative stress in porcine oocyte maturation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of asiatic acid on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent embryonic development competence after parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The results of the present research showed that 10 μM asiatic acid supplementation did not affect the expansion of cumulus cells or polar body extrusion of porcine oocytes, while asiatic acid application significantly increased the subsequent blastocyst formation rate and quality of porcine PA and IVF embryos. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induces oxidative stress in porcine oocytes. As expected, asiatic acid supplementation not only decreased intracellular ROS levels but also attenuated H2O2-induced intracellular ROS generation. Further analysis revealed that asiatic acid supplementation enhanced intracellular glutathione production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP generation at the end of IVM. In summary, our results reveal that asiatic acid supplementation exerts beneficial effects on porcine oocytes by regulating oxidative stress during the IVM process and could act as a potential antioxidant in porcine oocytes matured in vitro production systems.

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.

By the localization and recognition of human moving target in video image, combined with the information of human motion feature in video image, the moving target localization and visual reconstruction is realized, this paper analyzes the feature quantity of moving objects in video image, improves the training level, and proposes a moving objects positioning technology of video image based on computer vision and 3D feature point reconstruction. According to the moving feature position of human body, the 3D information modeling and image acquisition of moving target is carried out by using video information acquisition and spatial feature scanning methods. The moving feature points of the collected moving target video image are calibrated and arranged, and the 3D edge outlines feature point set of human skeleton is extracted and represented as a high dimensional vector to form the regular feature database of moving target video image. The moving points in the regular feature database of moving target video image are fusion to realize the reconstruction of moving target video image and the location of moving target. The simulation results show that the method has good real-time and accuracy in moving target location of video image, has strong ability of 3D marking of human moving points, and has high accuracy of extracting moving motion features.

The aim of the present study was to compare differences in composition between in vitro cultured early developmental embryos resulting from either in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Non-invasive metabolomic profiling of culture media was conducted with laser tweezer Raman spectroscopy (LTRS), providing molecular information that was used to aid the diagnosis or treatment of embryos that were adversely affected by ICSI treatment, ultimately improving the ICSI embryonic developmental potential. Cattle embryos were generated via ICSI and IVF with development to the 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-,32-cell, and blastocyst stages with individual in vitro culturing occurring for 4 h. The culture media for embryos in different developmental stages were separately analyzed using LTRS. The resulting composition of culture media used for culturing IVF- and ICSI-derived embryos was mainly altered in contents of carbohydrates, lipids, DNA, and proteins. Bands at 1004 cm−1 (phenylalanine) and 1529 cm−1 (-C = C-carotenoid) had specific patterns related to the metabolicactivity of embryos; using LTRS, and these may be considered as biomarkers for embryonic development. Furthermore, the vibrations of lipids at different stages increased more with assessment of ICSI culture media than in IVF media. Discriminant function analysis can be utilized for the classification of culture media used for culture of ICSI- and IVF-derived embryos. In conclusion, LTRS can be used for development of an independent assay to assess embryo status during both ICSI and IVF procedures, which provides novel insights into differences in structure and components of single cells.

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.

Many nature materials have hierarchical structure, and its last cascade is always on a molecule scale, e. g., double-stranded DNA, making the hierarchy effective with minimal building blocks. Now artificial hierarchy can begin with a nanoscale level to embody the material with remarkable and fascinating properties which can be never achieved using non-hierarchical structure. A strong desire to fabricate some biomimicking hierarchies from a molecule level has been stimulating scientists. Herein we show that molecular structure can be easily controlled by a long and narrow tube, and self-assembly of macromolecules can be achieved to improve its crystallinity with plenty of excellent properties. We anticipate this paper to be a starting point for more sophisticated fabrication of fibers with self-assembly of macromolecules.

The complex refractive index of reduced graphene oxide and CuFe2O4 composites prepared by hydrothermal method was calculated using infrared Micro-reflective spectra and K-K relation, and the calculation errors were analyzed according to its IR transmission and spectral reflectivity calculated by Fresnel formula. And then normal emissivity of the composite in IR atmospheric window was calculated by means of Fresnel formula and modified refraction angle formula. The calculation accuracy was verified by comparing measured normal total emissivity with the calculated one. The results show that complex refractive index and normal emissivity calculated by the formulas have a high accuracy. It has been found that the composite has a good absorption and radiation characteristics in IR atmospheric window and a strong scattering ability in middle IR region by analyzing its extinction, absorption and radiation properties in IR region. Therefore, it may be used as IR absorption, extinction and radiation materials in some special fields.

A fast and accurate estimation of the arsenic concentration in an electrochemical sensor is of great importance in optimization of the sensor. Legendre wavelet method was used for this purpose (Electrochimica Acta, 266(2018), 27–33), however, after a careful looking through the solution process, the model can only lead to a zero solution, this paradox can be successfully solved by a fractal modification of the surface coverage model. A simple solution process to the fractal model is elucidated.

The developmental potential and the changes in cytoskeleton structures in immature oocytes of cattle resulting from liquid helium (LHe) vitrification was evaluated in this study. Immature oocytes were randomly divided into three groups: fresh oocytes (negative control), oocytes vitrified in liquid nitrogen (LN group, positive control), and oocytes vitrified in LHe (LHe group). In Experiment 1, the proportions for normal morphology, maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst were greater in the LHe group than in the LN group (88.3% compared with 79.1%, 51.7% compared with 43.3%, 42.6% compared with 33.0%, and 11.0% compared with 4.7%, respectively; P

Natural plants offer a treasure trove of resources for anticancer drug development. Clematis are widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, studies on the active substances in Clematis are scarce. In the present study, four monomer compounds were successfully extracted from this species and their inhibitory effects on the growth of breast cancer cells were investigated using bioactivity tests. Among them, Clematis hederagenin saponin (CHS) belongs to the class of triterpenoid saponins. CHS showed cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The compound also induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells in a time-dependent manner. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of apoptosis induction in breast cancer cells showed that the compound significantly reduced mitochondrial Apaf-1 and cytochrome c proteins in breast cancer cells. In addition, it upregulated the activities of caspase-3 and -9. In conclusion, CHS induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells through regulation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. The results suggest that the hederagenin saponin extracted from Clematis ganpiniana offers great potential as a novel anti-breast cancer drug.

Background: The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway plays a vital role in driving cancer cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), which is downregulated in response to TGF-β, is able to control endothelial cell–cell tension, cell migration, and barrier formation. However, the molecular mechanism of how TGF-β regulates ZO-1 expression remains unclear. Methods: Breast cancer cells were treated with TGF-β to induce an EMT progress. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to investigate direct relationship between Snail and RNA binding motif protein 38 (RBM38). The RNA immunoprecipitation combined with RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted to testify direct relationship between RBM38 and ZO-1. The ZO-1 siRNA was transfected to breast cancer cells that overexpress RBM38 and the control, followed by transwell and Matrigel invasion assays to examine cell migratory and invasive ability. Results: Transforming growth factor-β induced a remarkable downregulation of RBM38 in breast cancer that was directly regulated by transcription repressor Snail targeting the E-box elements in promoter region of RBM38 gene. Additionally, RBM38 positively regulated ZO-1 transcript via directly binding to AU/U-rich elements in its mRNA 3′-UTR. Moreover, by magnifying RBM38 expression, cell migration and invasion mediated by knockdown of ZO-1 in breast cancer were reversed. Conclusions: All the results clarified a linear regulation relationship among Snail, RBM38, and ZO-1, implicating RBM38 as a pivotal mediator in TGF-β-induced EMT in breast cancer.

Terminologies of ovary development, by somewhat subjective describing and naming main changes of oocytes, have been criticized for confusing and inconsistency of terms and classifications, and the incurred consequences impede communication among researchers. In the present work, we developed regression between ovary development and three ribosome RNA (rRNA) indexes, namely 5S rRNA percent, 18S rRNA percent, and 5S–18S rRNA ratio, using close relationship between volume percent of primary growth stage oocytes or gonadosomatic index and rRNA content, demonstrating species-specific quantification of ovary development can be established in species with either synchronous and asynchronous oogenesis. This approach may be extended to any species with primary growth oocytes, e.g. anurans and reptiles, to predict maturity stages in females. We further confirmed that 5S rRNA percent and 5S/18S rRNA ratio can serve as markers to distinguish sexes unambiguously. A micro-invasive sampling method may be invented for non-lethal prediction of ovary development and sex because only a small amount of ovary sample (

The flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (family: Asteraceae) are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat fever, cold and swelling. However the aerial part is considered as agriculture waste and the chemical and pharmacological information is scanty. From the stems of this plant, four new compounds named as morineoliganosides A (1), B (2), C (3) and heterophyllol-1-O-β- d -glucopyranoside A (4) together with 27 known isolates (5–31), including flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods The inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase of these compounds have been determined. This research provided a scientific development and utilization of C. morifolium stems.

Sumalactones A–D (1–4), four new curvularin-type macrolides, together with two known analogues, curvularin (5) and dehydrocurvularin (6), were isolated from Penicillium Sumatrense, a marine fungus isolated from deep-sea sediments. Sumalactones C (3) and D (4) are unprecedented curvularin-type macrolides bearing a rare 11-membered macrolide skeleton. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of intensive spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of compounds 1–4 were determined by CD spectra and modified Mosher's method. Compound 6 showed significant inhibition activity towards LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 value of 0.91 μM.

This study aimed to investigate the developmental potential of and the ultrastructural changes and gene expression differences resulting from liquid helium (LHe; -269 °C) vitrification in immature bovine oocytes. Immature oocytes were randomly divided into three groups: fresh oocytes (control, negative control), oocytes vitrified in liquid nitrogen (LN group, positive control), and oocytes vitrified in LHe (LHe group). In experiment 1, the rates of normal morphology, maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst in the LHe group were higher than those in the LN group (87.1% vs. 80.5%, 51% vs. 48%, 41.7% vs. 36.8%, and 13% vs. 8.5%, respectively; P 0.05), and the rates of development in the control group (100%, 73.2%, 62%, and 39.8%) were higher than those in the treated groups (P 0.05). In experiment 2, oocytes displayed various degrees of injury at the ultrastructural level after vitrification, but more severe degeneration was observed in the LN group, such as formation of several lipid droplets, swelling of mitochondria, and absence of cortical granules. Compared with the LN group, fewer lipid droplets, relatively intact mitochondria, and clustered cortical granules were distributed in the cytoplasm of oocytes in the LHe group. In experiment 3, the mRNA expression levels of p53, CDC20, Eg5, and Npm2 were investigated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of the kinesin Eg5 and the apoptotic gene p53 expression levels were higher in the LN group compared with the control and LHe groups (P 0.05). CDC20 and Npm2 expression did not differ significantly between the LN and LHe groups (P0.05), the CDC20 expression in the LN and LHe groups were lower than control group (P0.05), the Npm2 expression in LHe group was lower than control group (P0.05), but there was no significant difference between the LN and control groups (P0.05). In conclusion, LHe vitrification decreased the negative effect of cryoinjury on the ultrastructure of some organelles and the expression of some related genes, thereby improving the viability of immature bovine oocytes compared to LN vitrification.

Understanding the reaction mechanism of phenol ozonation in coking wastewater is very important for industrial applications of the ozonation process. Ozonation of p-nitrophenol in water at 300 K was simulated by ReaxFF force field molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) employing the GPU-enabled high-performance code of GMD-Reax and a unique code of VARxMD developed in authors' group. Evolution trends of aromatic ring opening, CO2 generation, dominant radicals (center dot OH, center dot O2, center dot O), and H2O clusters were obtained. The simulated CO2 generation and reduction of aromatic ring could be described with pseudo-first-order kinetics. Moreover, the reaction pathways for the ozonation of p-nitrophenol can be divided into three stages: hydrogen abstraction, opening of the six-membered-ring structure, and the breaking of C-C bonds. The simulations revealed the important role of radicals and water clusters in the ozonation of p-nitrophenol. This work is an attempt to investigate the ozonation mechanism of phenols in aqueous solutions at room temperature using ReaxFF MD, which should be helpful for further experimental or theoretical investigation of the mechanism.

Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) education or training are considered fundamental to building and strengthening an EBP culture, as well as to encouraging evidence-based academic and clinical practice in the nursing community. However, few valid and reliable instruments are available for the assessment of EBP teaching and learning in clinical nurses in China. Translation, reliability, and validity testing of the English Evidence-Based Practice Profile Questionnaire (EBP2Q), which has strong psychometric properties, may encourage evaluation and promote the implementation of EBP in Mainland China. Methods Based on established guidelines for the development of questionnaires, the English EBP2Q was translated and cross-culturally adapted. The Chinese version of the EBP2Q (EBP2Q-C) was validated using a sample of 543 nurses. Structural validity was evaluated through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and the questionnaire was tested for convergent and criterion validity. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also evaluated. Results The content validity index demonstrated good content validity (≥0.98). An eight-factor structure was obtained in the exploratory factor analysis, and verified by a three-order factor model from the confirmatory factor analysis (χ2/df = 2.001; RMSEA = 0.065; SRMR = 0.077; and CFI = 0.884). The Spearman’s rank correlation analysis of the EBP2Q-C with the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire showed moderate correlations for Practice (0.58) and Confidence (0.68) and a low correlation for Sympathy (0.32). Criterion validity was demonstrated by significant differences in terms of nurses’ highest education, present position, EBP training, involvement in research programs, and level of understanding of English. Both the overall Cronbach’s α and the Cronbach’s α for the domains exceeded 0.70. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the domains ranged between 0.75 and 0.96, indicating satisfactory repeatability. Conclusions Except for the convergent validity of the Sympathy domain, the EBP2Q-C provided evidence of validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be applied in EBP education or training assessment in Mainland China.

Background: Mechanical ventilation joint PS replacement therapy is an effective method in treatment of NRDS recognized, PS treatment of children with early can improve the oxygenation by increasing gas exchange area, but before FiO 2 to reduce the application of PS can cause local and/or systemic hemodynamic changes, making the use of PS has some potential problems, such as increasing the incidence of the IVH, PH, PDA and so on. SR rescue therapy can be divided into early treatment and delayed treatment, but the specific boundary point of the appropriate time period has not been clear. This paper aims to compare the efficacy differences of PS administration at different time periods and provide basis for the selection of clinical application period of PS. Methods: Case-control study . 135 children diagnosed with NRDS in neonatology department of our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the use time of PS. Group A was applied within 3 hours after birth, and group B was applied 3 hours after birth. The changes of blood gas analysis parameter，mechanical ventilation time, incidence of complications, hospital stay and mortality were compared between the two groups. Results : The decrease of blood gas PaCO 2 in group A before and after treatment was more significant than that of group B (P0.05). Except PDA and BPD, there was no significant difference in the incidence of common complications between the two groups. Conclusion: PS treatment within 3 hours after birth can better improve ventilation, reduce the incidence of PDA. It can also help to reduce the death rate of high-risk children and the total duration of mechanical ventilation.

A simple chemosensor, 6-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-5,6-dihydro-benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline (1), was synthesized via simple nucleophilic addition reaction coupled with Schiff base condensation. The probe 1 is aggregation-induced emission-active and could be used as an on-off fluorescence sensor toward Cu

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the value of the ultrasound-related scoring system on pregnant patients receiving assisted reproductive technology (IVF/ICSI) and early pregnancy outcome. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 208 pregnant women receiving assisted reproductive technology (IVF/ICSI). The following ultrasound parameters were measured: gestational sac size, the proportion of the embryo and gestational sac (embryo/gestational sac), yolk sac size, and fetal cardiac activity. The above data were assigned according to the ongoing pregnancy rate (up to 14 weeks), and the score increased parallel to the pregnancy rate. All patients were grouped according to their scores. Results: Patients with a score of 4–5 had a low ongoing pregnancy rate of 14.29%, while patients with a score of 6–7 had an ongoing pregnancy rate of 55.56%. Surprisingly, patients with a score of 8–9 had an ongoing pregnancy rate of 97.22%. In addition, it was found that the ongoing pregnancy rate was 100% (36/36) in patients with a score of 9. Conversely, there was no ongoing pregnancy in patients with a score of 4. Conclusion: First, this scoring system is strongly associated with an ongoing pregnancy of over 14 weeks. Second, some reassurance can be given to patients with favorable ultrasound parameters, regardless of maternal age or previous pregnancy loss. Third, it would be meaningless to continue the pregnancy in patients with a score of 4, according to the scoring system. Fourth, patients without cardiac activity and embryos at days 33–35 after embryo transfer should discontinue the pregnancy, while patients with embryos should proceed with the pregnancy. Keywords: Gestational sac, Embryo/gestational sac, Yolk sac, Fetal cardiac activity, Ongoing pregnancy

Background Noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV), a relatively new modality, is gaining popularity despite scarce evidence. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nHFOV as respiratory support in premature infants. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception of the database to January 2019. All published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of nHFOV therapy with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or biphasic nCPAP (BP-CPAP) in newborns for respiratory support were included. All meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3. Results A total of 8 RCTs involving 463 patients were included. The meta-analysis estimated a lower risk of intubation (relative risk = 0.50, 95% confidence interval of 0.36 to 0.70) and more effective clearance of carbon dioxide (weighted mean difference = − 4.61, 95% confidence interval of − 7.94 to − 1.28) in the nHFOV group than in the nCPAP/BP-CPAP group. Conclusions Our meta-analysis of RCTs suggests that nHFOV, as respiratory support in preterm infants, significantly remove carbon dioxide and reduce the risk of intubation compared with nCPAP/BP-CPAP. The appropriate parameter settings for different types of noninvasive high-frequency ventilators, the effect of nHFOV in extremely preterm infants, and the long-term safety of nHFOV need to be assessed in large trials.