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Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common thyroid malignancy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the development of PTC. Here, we explored the function and mechanism of circRNA family with sequence similarity 53, member B (circ_FAM53B) in PTC pathogenesis. Circ_FAM53B, microRNA (miR)-183-5p and coiled-coil domain containing 6 (CCDC6) levels were gauged by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blotting. The direct relationship between miR-183-5p and circ_FAM53B or CCDC6 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Our data showed that circ_FAM53B expression was reduced in PTC tissues and cells. Circ_FAM53B expression restrained proliferation, migration, and invasion and triggered apoptosis of PTC cells, as well as hindered HUVEC tube formation. Circ_FAM53B repressed miR-183-5p expression. MiR-183-5p re-expression reversed the effects of circ_FAM53B on cell behaviors. MiR-183-5p targeted and inhibited CCDC6, and circ_FAM53B upregulated CCDC6 through miR-183-5p competition. MiR-183-5p knockdown repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation and facilitated apoptosis by upregulating CCDC6. Furthermore, circ_FAM53B reduced tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, our findings suggest that circ_FAM53B affects PTC cell biological behaviors via the miR-183-5p-CCDC6 axis.

We aimed to explore MRPL23-AS1’s role in the pre-metastatic microenvironment of malignancy during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Identification and verification of lncRNA-interacting proteins in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) cells were conducted via RNA-pulldown, silver staining, and Western blotting. RIP and RIP-seq were sequentially administered to verify the binding partners of lncRNA. CHIRP was performed to detect the promoter DNA in the downstream of lncRNA-protein complex. Ultimately CHIP-qPCR detected the effects of lncRNA on the binding degree of its interacting protein to the promoter DNA in the downstream genes and the methyla-tion level of histones in the promoter region. The exosomes secreted by different SACC cells were extracted from culture supernatant to measure lncRNA expression via qPCR. MRPL23-AS1 interacted with EZH2 protein and promoted EZH2 binding to E-cadherin gene promoter region along with the H3K27 methylation. MRPL23-AS1 could promote EMT of SACC cells and increase pulmonary vascular endothelial cells permeability via exosomes secretion. MRPL23-AS1 up-regulated VEGFA, while down-regulated E-cadherin and VE-cadherin in endothelial cells. Exosomes rich in MRPL23-AS1 could boost lung metastasis in vivo. MRPL23-AS1 inhibits E-cadherin level and promotes EMT of SACC cells, suggesting that it might be a biomarker and therapeutic target for lung cancer.

The metabolic sensor sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) also functions as a checkpoint in inflammation, and SRT1720 is a highly active and selective SIRT1 activator shown to alleviate inflammatory injury in several recent experimental studies. In the present study, the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of SRT1720 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fulminant hepatitis in D-galactosamine (D-Gal)-sensitized mice were investigated. The results indicated that treatment with SRT1720 inhibited LPS/D-Gal-induced elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alleviated the histological abnormalities, suppressed the induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6, mitigated the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), downregulated the activities of caspase 8, caspase 9 and caspase 3, decreased the level of cleaved caspase 3, reduced the TUNEL-positive cells, and improved the survival rate of the LPS/D-Gal-exposed mice. These data indicated that treatment with the SIRT1 activator SRT1720 alleviated LPS/D-Gal-induced fulminant hepatitis, which might be attributed to the suppressive effects of SRT1720 on TNF-α production and the subsequent activation of the apoptosis cascade.

Background Retrosternal goiter refers to when the thyroid gland extends from the neck to the substernal portion, descending below the thoracic inlet into the mediastinum. It is typically accompanied by compressive symptoms, and most patients need to undergo surgery. This retrospective study set out to analyze the surgical approach to retrosternal goiter and to evaluate perioperative complications, with the aim of recommending best surgical technique. Methods We carried out retrospective analysis of 115 patients with retrosternal goiter treated at our center between May 4, 2011 and March 19, 2019. We analyzed patient characteristics, surgical methods, and perioperative complications using SPSS. Results Of the 115 patients in our study, 112 underwent thyroidectomy by cervical approach, with only 3 requiring an extracervical approach. The median age of the patients was 52.3 years, and the majority were female (81.74%). Most of the patients (73.91%) experienced no symptoms but were diagnosed with tracheal compression during surgery or preoperative imaging examination. Ninety-eight (85.22%) of our patients underwent preoperative evaluation of their condition by CT imaging. No obvious surgical contraindications were found before thyroid function tests. The mean operation time was 115.11 min, and the average amount of bleeding during surgery was 54.43 mL. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.38 days. In 109 cases (94.78%), the goiter was found to be benign, and malignancy was diagnosed in 6 patients (5.22%). Of the 112 patients who were treated with the cervical approach, 7 (6.25%) experienced recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy; 6 of these cases were transitory and 1 was permanent. The number of patients treated by cervical and extracervical approach who experienced transient hypocalcaemia was 23 (20.54%) and 2, respectively. Transient hypoparathyroidism affected 16 patients (14.29%) treated by cervical approach. Two patients had tracheomalacia phenomenon and one patient had pleural effusion after surgery. No cases experienced permanent hypocalcemia, permanent hypoparathyroidism, postoperative hematoma, tracheostomy, or death. Conclusions Retrosternal goiter surgery is challenging for surgeons. The best surgical approach for the patient should be based on CT scan evaluation. In our study, based on preoperative CT imaging and in-operation evaluation, 50% of the tumor volume was located below the thoracic inlet and 50% of the tumor volume was located above the thoracic inlet in almost all of the patients. Both sections could be successfully removed via a cervical incision, and no obvious complications were observed during the perioperative period. With careful planning and execution before surgery and meticulous operation during surgery, most retrosternal goiters can be safely treated by cervical approach.

Polyglycerol polyricinolate (PGPR) and polyglycerol-2 dioleate were selected as model surfactants to construct water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, and the effect of interfacial rheological properties of surfactant film on the stability of emulsions were investigated based on the interfacial dilatational rheological method. The hydrophobicity chain of PGPR is polyricinic acid condensed from ricinic acid, and that of polyglycerol-2 dioleate is oleic acid. Their dynamic interfacial tensions in 15 cycles of interfacial compression-expansion were determined. The interfacial dilatational viscoelasticity was analyzed by amplitude scanning in the range of 1–28% amplitude and frequency sweep in the range of 5–45 mHz under 2% amplitude. It was found that PGPR could quickly reach adsorption equilibrium and form interfacial film with higher interfacial dilatational viscoelastic modulus to resist the deformation of interfacial film caused by emulsion coalescence, due to its branched chain structure and longer hydrophobic chain, and the emulsion thus presented good stability. However, polyglycerol-2 dioleate with a straight chain structure had lower interfacial tension, and it failed to resist the interfacial disturbance caused by coalescence because of its lower interfacial dilatational viscoelastic modulus, and thus the emulsion was unstable. This study reveals profound understanding of the influence of branched structure of PGPR hydrophobic chain on the interfacial film properties and the emulsion stability, providing experimental reference and theoretical guidance for future design or improvement of surfactant.

BACKGROUND: Scalp reconstruction has always been a challenging problem after oncological resection. Advanced surgical techniques can reconstruct any defects, but there are a large number of patients who cannot benefit from surgery for immature strategies. The authors here describe an algorithm for selecting the best reconstructive categories and minimizing complications according to the surgical defect of scalp tumors. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was conducted that included 173 patients with scalp tumors treated with surgery followed by reconstruction. Patients were identified by tumor type and nature; the location of scalp defect, size, and depth; the types of reconstructions and surgical. A systematic algorithm was developed according to our findings and current literature. RESULTS: Small defects (≤4 cm(2)) could be closed by primary closure. Medium defects (4–30 cm(2)) were reconstructed by local flaps. We routinely used skin graft for significant surgical defects (30–90 cm(2)). And the tumor’s location did not have an impact on reconstructive categories of above three types of defects. Free flaps should reconstruct very large-sized defects (>90 cm(2)) in frontal, temporal, and vertex locations while pedicle flaps suited for occipital defects due to its anatomic vicinity. The reconstruction algorithm of recurrent disease was like the management in primary tumors except for the medium size defect in the occipital region that was primarily reconstructed by a skin graft. Multiple free flaps reconstruction is the best possibility for total scalp resection. Free flap reconstruction is used mainly for composite resection of the scalp, calvarium, and dura. CONCLUSIONS: Successful scalp reconstruction requires careful preoperative assessment, flexible and precisely intraoperative management. The algorithm based on defect size, depth, and location can supply some degree of guidelines when considering choosing suitable reconstructive procedures.

We previously reported that the mechanism of quinclorac resistance in Echinochloa crus-galli var. zelayensis may be closely related to ethylene biosynthesis and the detoxification of cyanide. Differences in EcCAS gene sequences and expression levels may result in higher capacity to detoxify cyanide in resistant biotypes, which may avoid cyanide accumulation and avoid more ethylene and cyanide production and then avoid damage. In the present study, we focused on the mechanism of resistance related to ethylene biosynthesis in E. crus-galli var. zelayensis. The fresh weight of susceptible and moderately resistant biotypes were significantly reduced after treatment with quinclorac. However, AOA, an ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor, reduced the impact of quinclorac. On pretreatment with AOA, ethylene production was significantly reduced in the three biotypes. The highly resistant biotype produced less ethylene compared to the other two biotypes. Three ACS and seven ACO genes, which are the key genes in ethylene biosynthesis, were obtained. The expression levels of EcACS-like, EcACS7, and EcACO1 varied in the three biotypes upon treatment with quinclorac, which could be manipulated by AOA. In summary, it is inferred that the expression of EcACS-like, EcACS7, and EcACO1 can be stimulated to varying extent after quinclorac treatment in three E. crus-galli var. zelayensis biotypes, which consequently results in varying levels of ethylene production. Lower expression of these three genes results in more resistance to quinclorac, which may also be related to quinclorac resistance in E. crus-galli var. zelayensis.

The γ-phase cuprous iodide (CuI) emerges as a promising transparent p-type semiconductor for next-generation display technology because of its wide direct band gap, intrinsic p-type conductivity, and high carrier mobility. Two main peaks are observed in its photoluminescence (PL). One is short wavelength (410–430 nm) emission, which is well attributed to the electronic transitions at Cu vacancy, whereas the other long wavelength emission (680–720 nm) has not been fully understood. In this paper, through first-principles simulations, we investigate the formation energies and emission line shapes for various defects, and discover that the intrinsic point defect cluster V I + Cu i 2 + is the source of the long wavelength emission. Our finding is further supported by the prediction that the defect concentration decreases dramatically as the chemical condition changes from Cu-rich to I-rich, explaining the significant reduction in the red light emission if CuI is annealed in abundant I environment.

Commercial poly(L-lactide) is typically heterogeneous in chain structure due to the existence of a small amount of D-lactyl units that are produced by the racemization reactions during the synthesis. In this article, the stereochemical heterogeneity of two commercial poly(L-lactide) was investigated with temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) and successive self-nucleation/annealing (SSA) thermal fractionation. For both samples, three fractions were collected and characterized with rotatory power analysis and DSC. The fractions show distinct optical purity and DSC results, which reflect the structure differences among them directly. After SSA treatment, the observation of multiple endotherms for each physically separated fraction confirms the fractionated sample contains a heterogeneous intermolecular and intramolecular distribution of defects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012

The development and popularization of network information technology has been promoting network to be one of the most important channels and means of citizen participation and governmental decision-making as well. Under the background of netizen participation, new developing challenges are facing governmental decision-making as new opportunities being brought to it. This paper aims to discuss the choices of governmental administrative decision by taking netizen participation into consideration. With the popularity of the Internet, network is pervading every aspect of the society, which caused a revolution in our way of producing and living. For citizens, network has become a new method of expressing rights and interests, and an important channel of participating in the administrative decision of government. Therefore, the new form or activities for public participation called "Online Public Participation" emerged. Public participation in the administrative decision of government is not a new topic. Actually, it's existed in modern or ancient times, in China or elsewhere. The public participation in governmental administrative decision is a significant reflection for the political democratization of a nation. At the same time, it also reflected the governess level of government on a large scale. It can effectively facilitate the benign interaction between government and citizen, and enhance the mutual understanding and recognition on policies to bring public participation into the process of government making administrative decisions. Meanwhile, public participation in administrative decisions also play a big part in lessening the resistance, legalizing the policies, improving the scientificalness of decision making and etc. it is beneficial for both the government and citizen to allow the public participation in governmental administrative decision. 1. Pay enough political recognition to Online Public Participation The initial step we faced is how to assure the political nature and political status of Online Public Participation in governmental administrative decision so that we can make Online Public Participation in governmental administrative decision a systematic way or activities for civil participation. Political recognition mainly means that government gives understanding, affirmation and support to Online Public Participation and allows them to play a part in the political life of the nation. The political recognition is a precondition for Online Public Participation in government administrative decisions and the necessary condition for Online Public Participation to get further development. The report of seventeenth congress says: "All power in China belongs to people. We should expand the citizens' political participation in an orderly way from all classed, all fields, and mobilize and organize them on a most extensive scale to manage state and social affairs and economic and cultural undertakings according to law"; and " to improve the system of democracy, develop diverse forms of democracy, expand public participation in political affairs in an orderly way, and to ensure that the people go in for democratic elections and decision-making, exercise democratic management and supervision according to law"; and " to put decision-making on a more democratic and scientific way, to perfect the system of information management and decision- making support, to suggest the transparency and public participation during decision-making process, and to formulate