Identification of Candidate Genes Related to Hybrid Sterility by Genomic Structural Variation and Transcriptome Analyses in Cattle-yak.

Hybrids between closely related but genetically incompatible species are often inviable or sterile. Cattle-yak, an interspecific hybrid of yak and cattle, exhibits male-specific sterility, which limits the fixation of its desired traits and prevents genetic improvement in yak through crossbreeding. Transcriptome profiles of testicular tissues have been generated in cattle, yak, and cattle-yak; however, the genetic variations underlying differential gene expression associated with hybrid sterility have yet to be elucidated. We detected differences in the cellular composition and gene expression of testes from yak and cattle-yak at 3 mo of age, 10 mo of age and adulthood. Histological analysis revealed that the most advanced germ cells were gonocytes (prospermatogonia) at 3 mo and spermatocytes at 10 mo. Complete spermatogenesis occurred in the seminiferous tubules of adult yak, whereas only spermatogonia and a limited number of spermatocytes were detected in the testis of adult cattle-yak. Transcriptome analysis revealed 180, 6310, and 6112 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in yak and cattle-yak at each stage, respectively. Next, we examined the spermatogenic cell types in the backcross generation (BC1) and detected the appearance of round spermatids, indicating the partial recovery of spermatogenesis in these animals. Compared with those in cattle-yak, 272 DEGs were identified in the testes of BC1 animals. Notably, we discovered that the expression of X chromosome-linked (X-linked) genes was upregulated in the testis of cattle-yak compared with yak, suggesting a possible abnormality in the process of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) in hybrid animals. We next screened DEGs harboring structural variations (SVs) and identified a list of SV genes associated with spermatogonial development, meiotic recombination, and double-strand break (DSB) repair. Furthermore, we found that the SV genes ESCO2 (establishment of sister chromatid cohesion N-acetyltransferase 2) and BRDT (bromodomain testis associated) may be involved in meiotic arrest of cattle-yak spermatocytes. Overall, our research provides a valuable database for identifying structural variant loci that contribute to hybrid sterility.

Stability analysis of deep foundation pit with a double-row cast-in-place piles and diagonal steel lattice braces under sloped excavation conditions.

Existing deep foundation pit support structures are commonly composed of external earth-retaining structures, internal horizontal bracings, and vertical columns. A closed bracing system, often formed by a horizontal support through a bracket board, frequently impedes vertical excavation and soil removal operations in the foundation pit, and the processes of assembly and dismantling are complex and time-consuming. This study presents a combined support system and construction method consisting of cast-in-place piles and diagonal steel lattice braces. For sloped excavation, diagonal braces were constructed by slotting through the reserved soil, allowing the use of a single layer of support within the excavation depth. This approach significantly optimizes the construction process, reducing both project duration and overall cost. The field monitoring results indicated that the support method effectively controlled the lateral displacement of the pile bodies. Field monitoring results demonstrated that the proposed support system effectively controlled the lateral displacement of the pile bodies. The adoption of a support-first, excavation-second approach significantly controlled the settlement of the ground surface around the foundation pit, thereby preventing excessive increments in the axial force of the supports due to the large longitudinal depth excavation. The calculation results of the three-dimensional finite element model for foundation pit excavation and support indicate that the proposed support method results in a decreasing ratio of the maximum lateral deformation depth of the pile body, denoted as δh-m, to the excavation depth He as the excavation depth increases. This implied that the displacement of the pile body was strictly controlled. When the depth of the foundation pit excavation exceeded 10 m, the maximum lateral deformation occurred below 10 m along the pile shaft. The diagonal steel lattice braces transferred the load to the top of the cast-in-place piles at the bottom of the pit, where the stress concentration occurred. During construction, special attention must be paid to the strength of the connection between the pile top and the connecting beams.

Comparative proteomic analysis of regenerative mechanisms in mouse retina to identify markers for neuro-regeneration in glaucoma.

The retina is part of the central nervous system (CNS). Neurons in the CNS and retinal ganglion cells lack the ability to regenerate axons spontaneously after injury. The intrinsic axonal growth regulators, their interaction and roles that enable or inhibit axon growth are still largely unknown. This study endeavored to characterize the molecular characteristics under neurodegenerative and regenerative conditions. Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry was used to map the comprehensive proteome of the regenerative retina from 14-day-old mice (Reg-P14) and adult mice after lens injury (Reg-LI) both showing regrowing axons in vitro, untreated adult mice, and retina from adult mice subjected to two weeks of elevated intraocular pressure showing degeneration. A total of 5750 proteins were identified (false discovery rate < 1%). Proteins identified in both Reg-P14 and Reg-LI groups were correlated to thyroid hormone, Notch, Wnt, and VEGF signaling pathways. Common interactors comprising E1A binding protein P300 (EP300), CREB binding protein (CBP), calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) were found in both Reg-P14 and Reg-LI retinas. Proteins identified in both regenerating and degenerative groups were correlated to thyroid hormone, Notch, mRNA surveillance and measles signaling pathways, along with PD-L1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway. Common interactors across regenerative and degenerative retinas comprising NF-kappa-B p65 subunit (RELA), RNA-binding protein with serine-rich domain 1 (RNPS1), EP300 and SIN3 transcription regulator family member A (SIN3A). The findings from our study provide the first mapping of regenerative mechanisms across postnatal, mature and degenerative mouse retinas, revealing potential biomarkers that could facilitate neuro-regeneration in glaucoma.

Comparative analysis and validation of posterior cruciate ligament management in mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty: Meta-analysis and animal study.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment for end-stage knee joint diseases. The debate over preserving or sacrificing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in mobile-bearing TKA (MB TKA) still needs to be solved due to the lack of high-quality evidence, particularly meta-analyses comparing these techniques. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of PCL retention (CR) and PCL sacrifice (PS) in terms of clinical and functional knee scores, range of motion, complication rates, and revision rates and to validate these findings through animal experiments. A comprehensive search was conducted using MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Relevant studies were selected for the meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3. Additionally, an animal experiment using Sprague-Dawley rats simulated MB TKA to compare the effects of PCL retention and sacrifice surgeries. 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. No significant differences were found between CR and PS techniques regarding HSS, KSS, KSFS, WOMAC, ROM, and medial/lateral instability. However, CR MB showed slight superiority in NKJS, while PS MB had better outcomes in complication and revision rates. In the animal study, CR rats exhibited significant early postoperative inflammation, but both groups' knee structures gradually normalized. The meta-analysis indicates that PCL retention (CR MB) and sacrifice (PS MB) have similar effects on various clinical and functional knee scores. However, PS MB is significantly better at reducing complications and revision rates. The animal experiment confirms PS MB's advantages in reducing inflammation and promoting joint recovery. Despite the strong evidence, long-term follow-up and larger-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

Injectable decellularized Wharton's jelly hydrogel containing CD56+ umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for meniscus tear healing and cartilage protection.

Traditional meniscectomy or suture for meniscal tear usually leads to failed self-healing, cartilage degeneration and worse osteoarthritis. The strategies that facilitate the healing process of torn meniscus and safeguard knee cartilage against degeneration will be promising for clinical therapy. The CD56+ umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCSCs) (CD56+UCSCs) were sorted from Wharton's jelly using flow cytometer. Then, the modified decellularized Wharton's Jelly hydrogel (DWJH) was combined with isolated CD56+Exos from CD56+UCSCs to fabricate DWJH/CD56+Exos. The in vitro studies were performed to characterize the DWJ (decellularized Wharton's Jelly). The injectability and rheological properties were assessed by shear rate and frequency sweep analysis. The biocompatibility and chondrogenic differentiation inducibility of DWJH/CD56+Exos were performed on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and RAW 264.7 cells. The release dynamics was evaluated in vitro and in vivo experiments. As for the in vivo experiments, the operated rats that subjected to a 2 mm full-thickness longitudinal tear in right medial anterior meniscus were injected a single dose of DWJH/CD56+Exos. At 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, torn meniscus healing and articular cartilage degeneration were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), safranin O/fast green (SO&FG), and Sirius red staining. In in vitro experiments, the injectable DWJH/CD56+Exos demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, exosome releasing efficiency, injectable property and chondrogenic inducibility. The results of in vivo experiments revealed that DWJH/CD56+Exos degraded over time, promoted meniscal chondrogenesis, organized meniscal extracellular matrix remodeling, safeguard articular cartilage and inhibited secondary cartilage degeneration, which accelerated further facilitated torn meniscus healing. The novel injectable DWJH/CD56+Exos promoted meniscal tear healing by promoting meniscal chondrogenesis, safeguarding articular cartilage, and inhibiting secondary cartilage degeneration.

Research progress in the biosynthesis of xylitol: feedstock evolution from xylose to glucose.

Xylitol, as an important food additive and fine chemical, has a wide range of applications, including food, medicine, chemical, and feed. This review paper focuses on the research progress of xylitol biosynthesis, from overcoming the limitations of traditional chemical hydrogenation and xylose bioconversion, to the full biosynthesis of xylitol production using green and non-polluting glucose as substrate. In the review, the molecular strategies of wild strains to increase xylitol yield, as well as the optimization strategies and metabolic reconfiguration during xylitol biosynthesis are discussed. Subsequently, on the basis of existing studies, the paper further discusses the current status of research and future perspectives of xylitol production using glucose as a single substrate. The evolution of raw materials from xylose-based five-carbon sugars to glucose is not only cost-saving, but also safe and environmentally friendly, which brings new opportunities for the green industrial chain of xylitol.

Uncovering the impact and mechanisms of air pollution on eye and ear health in China.

Increasing air pollution could undermine human health, but the causal link between air pollution and eye and ear health has not been well-studied. Based on four-week-level records of eye and ear health over 1991-2015 provided by the China Health and Nutrition Survey, we estimate the causal effect of air pollution on eye and ear health. Using two-stage least squares estimation, we find that eye or ear disease possibility rises 1.48% for a 10 µg/m3 increase in four-week average PM2.5 concentration. The impacts can last about 28 weeks and will be insignificant afterward. Females, individuals aged 60 years and over, with high exposure environments, relatively poor economic foundations, and low knowledge levels are more vulnerable to such negative influences. Behavioral channels like more smoking activities and less sleeping activities could partly explain this detrimental effect. Our findings enlighten how to minimize the impact of air pollution and protect public health.

Magnetically Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Mild Alkaline Electrolytes by Building Catalysts on Magnetic Frame.

Under large current densities, the excessive hydroxide ion (OH) consumption hampers alkaline water splitting involving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). High OH concentration (≈30 wt.%) is often used to enhance the catalytic activity of OER, but it also leads to higher corrosion in practical systems. To achieve higher catalytic activity in low OH concentration, catalysts on magnetic frame (CMF) are built to utilize the local magnetic convection induced from the host frame's magnetic field distributions. This way, a higher reaction rate can be achieved in relatively lower OH concentrations. A CMF model system with catalytically active CoFeOx nanograins grown on the magnetic Ni foam is demonstrated. The OER current of CoFeOx@NF receives ≈90% enhancement under 400 mT (900 mA cm-2 at 1.65 V) compared to that in zero field, and exhibits remarkable durability over 120 h. As a demonstration, the water-splitting performance sees a maximum 45% magnetic enhancement under 400 mT in 1 m KOH (700 mA cm-2 at 2.4 V), equivalent to the concentration enhancement of the same electrode in a more corrosive 2 m KOH electrolyte. Therefore, the catalyst-on-magnetic-frame strategy can make efficient use of the catalysts and achieve higher catalytic activity in low OH concentration by harvesting local magnetic convection.

Quantitative separation of CEST effect by Rex-line-fit analysis of Z-spectra.

The process of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is quantified by evaluating a Z-spectra, where CEST signal quantification and Z-spectra fitting have been widely used to distinguish the contributions from multiple origins. Based on the exchange-dependent relaxation rate in the rotating frame (Rex), this paper introduces an additional pathway to quantitative separation of CEST effect. The proposed Rex-line-fit method is solved by a multi-pool model and presents the advantage of only being dependent of the specific parameters (solute concentration, solute-water exchange rate, solute transverse relaxation, and irradiation power). Herein we show that both solute-water exchange rate and solute concentration monotonously vary with Rex for Amide, Guanidino, NOE and MT, which has the potential to assist in solving quantitative separation of CEST effect. Furthermore, we achieve Rex imaging of Amide, Guanidino, NOE and MT, which may provide direct insight into the dependency of measurable CEST effects on underlying parameters such as the exchange rate and solute concentration, as well as the solute transverse relaxation.

The effects of primary cilia-mediated mechanical stimulation on nestin+-BMSCs during bone-tendon healing.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical stimulation has been proven to promote bone-tendon interface (BTI) healing, but the mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of mechanical stimulation on the biological behavior of nestin+-bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) during the BTI healing, and to reveal the mechanisms of mechanical stimulation affecting BTI healing by primary cilia on the nestin+-BMSCs. METHODS: Transgenic tracing mice (nestin creERT2:: IFT88fl/fl/ROSA26 YFP) with primary cilia on nestin+-BMSCs conditioned knocked out were constructed, and the littermates (nestin creERT2:: ROSA26 YFP) with normal cilia on nestin+-BMSCs were the control. After establishing mouse supraspinatus insertion injury models, samples were collected at week-2 (n = 5 per group), 4 and 8 (n = 15 per group, respectively). In vivo, the repair efficiency was evaluated by histology, imaging, biomechanics, and the migration of nestin+-BMSCs, detected by immunofluorescence staining. In vitro, nestin+ BMSCs were sorted and stimulated by tensile force to study the mechanisms of primary cilium-mediated mechanosensitive basis. RESULTS: Mechanical stimulation (MS) accelerated the recruitment of nestin+-BMSCs and promoted osteogenic and chondrogenic capacity. Histological, imaging and biomechanical results showed that the BTI healing quality of the IFT88+/+, MS group was better than that of the other groups. After the conditionally knockout IFT88 in nestin+-BMSCs, the repair ability of the BTI was obviously deteriorated, even though mechanical stimulation did not increase significantly (IFT88-/-, MS group). In vitro results showed the tensile loading enhanced the proliferation, migration and osteogenic or chondrogenic gene expression of nestin+-BMSCs with normal cilia. On the other hand, osteogenesis and chondrogenic expression were significantly decreased after inhibiting actin- Hippo/YAP pathway components. CONCLUSION: The primary cilia mediated mechanical stimulation regulated osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential of nestin+-BMSCs through the actin- Hippo/YAP pathway, and then promoted the BTI healing process.

Evaluation of phage-based decontamination in respiratory intensive care unit environments using ddPCR and 16S rRNA targeted sequencing techniques.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), primarily spread through environmental contamination in hospitals. The effectiveness of current chemical disinfectants is waning due to emerging resistance, which poses environmental hazards and fosters new resistance in pathogens. Developing environmentally friendly and effective disinfectants against multidrug-resistant organisms is increasingly important. Methods: This study developed a bacteriophage cocktail targeting two common carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains, ST11 KL47 and ST11 KL64. The cocktail was used as an adjunctive disinfectant in a hospital's respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) via ultrasonic nebulization. Digital PCR was used to quantify CRKP levels post-intervention. The microbial community composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the intervention's impact on overall diversity. Results: The phage cocktail significantly reduced CRKP levels within the first 24 hours post-treatment. While a slight increase in pathogen levels was observed after 24 hours, they remained significantly lower than those treated with conventional disinfectants. 16S rRNA sequencing showed a decrease in the target pathogens' relative abundance, while overall species diversity remained stable, confirming that phages selectively target CRKP without disrupting ecological balance. Discussion: The findings highlight the efficacy and safety of phage-based biocleaners as a sustainable alternative to conventional disinfectants. Phages selectively reduce multidrug-resistant pathogens while preserving microbial diversity, making them a promising tool for infection control.

High-Capacity Zinc Anode Enabled by a Recyclable Biomass Bamboo Membrane Separator.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries have gained attention as viable energy storage systems, yet the occurrence of detrimental side reactions and Zn dendrite formation undermines the efficiency of Zn anodes. Controlling water activity have proven to be an effective strategy in mitigating these challenges. However, strategies such as electrolyte design and electrode protection layer show weakness to varying degrees. Here, a new oxygen-functionalized biomass bamboo membrane separator (denoted as BM) is proposed to restrain the activity of water molecules. This BM separator features a unique, multi-tiered 2D interlayer that facilitates rapid ion diffusion. Additionally, the oxygen functional groups of the BM separator can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, effectively transforming water molecules from a free state to a bound state. Consequently, the Zn/Zn asymmetric coin cell using BM can work at the ultrahigh rate and capacity of 30 mA cm-2 and 30 mAh cm-2 for more than 80 h while its counterparts using glass fiber can barely work. Moreover, full cells using BM separator exhibited a capacity retention of 89.7% after 1000 cycles at 10 A g-1. This study reveals the important influence of water-limited activity on Zn anode protection and provides an avenue for the design of novel separator.

Post-hoc analysis of clinicopathological factors affecting lateral lymph node metastasis based on STELLAR study for rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: In post-hoc analyses of phaseIII randomized controlled study(STELLAR), to analyzethe prognostic impact oflateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN)metastasis in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). METHODS: LPLN metastasis was defined as a short diameter > 7 mm on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The studyincluded 591 patients with LARC.All patients received neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy combined withradical resection. RESULTS: Among 591 patients, 99 (16.8 %) were diagnosed with LPLN metastasis, mostly with unilateral metastasis (79.8 %), with internal iliac lymph node metastasis being more common (81.8 %).Significant differences were found among with and without LPLN metastasis in rectal segmentation (P=0.001),N disease (P<0.001), mesenteric LN metastasis or not (P=0.030). The median follow-up timewas 34.0 months, three-year disease-free survival (DFS),overall survival (OS), andmetastasis-free survival (MFS)were significantly lower in LPLN metastaticgroup than those in LPLN non-metastaticgroup (51.4 % vs. 68.2 %, P<0.001; 71.8 % vs. 84.2 %, P=0.006; 60.8 % vs. 80.1 %,P<0.001), respectively; while there were no significant differences in locoregional recurrence(11.4 % vs. 8.5 %, P=0.564). Multivariate analysis found that LPLN metastasis was an independent prognostic factor affecting DFS (P=0.005), OS (P=0.036),MFS (P=0.001).No significantly survival benefit was observed for the short-term radiotherapy based total neoadjuvant therapy compared to long-term concurrent chemoradiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: LPLN metastasis observed byMRI should be considered in LARC patients, especially in populations with lowrectal cancer, N2 disease, and mesenteric LN metastasis. LPLN metastasis diagnosed by MRI is a significant and independent risk factor and is associated with worse DFS, OS, MFS.

Fluorescence array sensor based on lanthanide complex for pattern recognition detection of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, a class of animal and human useful antibiotics, are widely utilized in numerous fields including biomedical science, animal husbandry, and aquatic finfish farming. Its high demand and wide application have directly or indirectly led to substantial consumption and discharge of antibiotics, affecting not only the environment but also endangering human health through bioaccumulation. Hence, rapid and precise detection of trace antibiotics in water, food, and biological samples is critically important. This research synthesized Tb3+/Eu3+ complexes with dual emission centers, and a fluorescence sensor array was constructed with the fluorescence intensity ratio F1/F2 of the two emission centers as a signal. Different sensitization effect of fluoroquinolone antibiotics towards lanthanide complexes aided in differentiating five fluoroquinolone antibiotics from two others. Additionally, the sensor array can effectively detect fluoroquinolone antibiotics in real samples, suggesting its reliability and practicality of complex sample analysis. The excellent qualitative and quantitative analysis ability of this strategy for fluoroquinolone antibiotics offers a novel perspective for antibiotic residue detection, showcasing a new opportunity for lanthanide complex application in sensor arrays.

Simultaneous extraction of oil, protein and polysaccharide from Idesia polycarpa Maxim cake meal using ultrasound combined with three phase partitioning.

This study explored the potential of ultrasonic-assisted three-phase partitioning (UTPP) to simultaneously extract lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides from Idesia polycarpa Maxim (IPM) cake meal, a significant byproduct of oil extraction. The impact of variables such as inorganic salt type, solid-liquid ratio, salt concentration, pH, ultrasonic time, temperature, and volume of dimethyl carbonate was examined. Based on the single-factor tests and response surface methodology (RSM), optimal conditions were identified as 30 % ammonium citrate, a 1:26 solid-liquid ratio, pH 3, 31 min of ultrasonic time, 30 °C temperature, and 15 mL of dimethyl carbonate. These conditions achieved extraction rates of 8.10 % for lipids, 5.03 % for proteins, and 10.03 % for polysaccharides, with recovery rates of 91.62 %, 83.08 %, and 93.95 % respectively. Chemical analysis showed the lipid fraction rich in linoleic acid, and the protein fraction high in glutamic acid, aspartate, and serine. The polysaccharide fraction, mainly RG-I pectin with a molecular weight of 226.58 kDa, exhibited strong thermal stability and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and glycation, suggesting potential for functional food and dietary supplement applications. This highlights UTPP as a sustainable method for effectively utilizing valuable compounds from IPM cake meal, outperforming traditional extraction techniques.

The combination of HSI and NMR techniques with deep learning for identification of geographical origin and GI markers of Lycium barbarum L.

Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum) is renowned worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Rapid and accurate identification of L.barbarum's geographic origin is essential because its nutritional content, medicinal efficacy, and market price significantly vary by region. This study proposes an innovative method combining hyperspectral imaging (HSI), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and an improved ResNet-34 deep learning model to accurately identify the geographical origin and geographical indication (GI) markers of L.barbarum. The deep learning model achieved a 95.63% accuracy, surpassed traditional methods by 6.26% and reduced runtime by 29.9% through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)-based feature selection. Pearson correlation analysis between GI markers and HSI characteristic wavelengths enhanced the interpretability of HSI data and further reduced runtime by 33.99%. This work lays the foundation for portable multispectral devices, offering a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective solution for quality assurance and market regulation of L.barbarum products.

Investigation into Antioxidant Mechanism of Lycium barbarum Extract in Carbendazim-Induced PC12 Cell Injury Model through Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses.

Lycium barbarum L., an important functional food in China, has antioxidant and antiaging activity. However, the exact antioxidant activity mechanism of Lycium barbarum extracts (LBE) is not well understood. Therefore, a carbendazim (CBZ)-induced PC12 cell injury model was constructed and vitrificated to study the antioxidant activity of fresh LBE on the basis of extraction parameter optimization via the full factorial design of experiments (DOE) method. The results showed that the pretreatment of PC12 cells with LBE could reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 14.6% and inhibited the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decline by 12.0%. Furthermore, the integrated analysis revealed that LBE played an antioxidant role by activating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and restoring MMP, maintaining the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle stability, and regulating the GSH metabolic pathway. The results of the present study provide new ideas for the understanding of the antioxidant function of LBE from a global perspective.

DEAD/H-box helicase 11 is transcriptionally activated by Yin Yang-1 and accelerates oral squamous cell carcinoma progression.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral malignancy. DEAD/H-box helicase 11 (DDX11), a DNA helicase, has been implicated in the progression of several cancers. Yet, the precise function of DDX11 in OSCC is poorly understood. The DDX11 expression in OSCC cells and normal oral keratinocytes was evaluated in the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE146483 and GSE31853). SCC-4 and CAL-27 cells expressing doxycycline-inducible DDX11 or DDX11 shRNA were generated by lentiviral infection. The role of DDX11 in OSCC cells was determined by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, TUNEL staining, and western blot. The effects of DDX11 on tumor growth were explored in a xenograft nude mouse model. The relationship between DDX11 and transcription factor Yin Yang-1 (YY1) was researched using the dual luciferase report assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. DDX11 expression was significantly upregulated in OSCC cells. Knockdown of DDX11 inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and suppressed PI3K-AKT pathway, while DDX11 overexpression showed opposite effects. The number of apoptotic cells was increased in DDX11 silenced cells. DDX11 upregulation or knockdown accelerated or suppressed tumor growth in vivo, respectively. Moreover, the YY1 bound and activated the DDX11 promoter, resulting in increasing DDX11 expression. Forced expression DDX11 reversed the anticancer effects of YY1 silencing on OSCC cells. DDX11 has tumor-promoting function in OSCC and is transcriptionally regulated by YY1, indicating that DDX11 may serve as a potential target for the OSCC treatment.

[Evaluation of efficacy of denture occlusal plate combined with comprehensive physical therapy for temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction].

PURPOSE: To explore the efficacy of denture occlusal plate combined with comprehensive physical therapy for temporomandibular joint disc displacement without reduction(ADDwoR). METHODS: Sixty patients of ADDwoR and dentition defect or severely worn teeth who visited the Department of Orthodontics and Prosthodontics of Hengshui People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected and randomly divided into denture occlusal plate group (group A) and denture occlusal plate + comprehensive physical therapy group (group B) according to the treatment methods. Maximum mouth opening (MMO) and visual analog pain score(VAS) among all patients were recorded before treatment and every three weeks during three months of treatment. Cone-beam CT(CBCT) was taken before and 3 months after treatment. The changes in clinical efficacy indicators before and after treatment and CBCT data between the two groups were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26.0 software package. RESULTS: The differences of VAS of group A and B were statistically significant from before treatment to three weeks after treatment(P＜0.05), and group B decreases more. From 3 weeks after treatment, there was a significant difference of group B for MMO and VAS before treatment (P＜0.05). From 9 weeks after treatment, there was a significant difference of group A for MMO before treatment (P＜0.05), but there was no significant difference in MMO and VAS between group A and B(P＞0.05). CBCT showed narrowed anterior joint space, widened posterior joint space, enlarged superior joint space, decreased horizontal angle of the condyle and increased slope of joint nodules (P＜0.05). The difference between joint depth, anteroposterior diameter of the condyle, internal and external diameter was not significant (P＞0.05). There was significant differences in anterior, superior, and posterior joint space, condylar level angle, and slope of joint nodules of group B compared with group A(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Denture occlusal plate can effectively improve symptoms of ADDwoR, and denture occlusal plate combined with comprehensive physical therapy can quickly improve mouth opening and reduce pain in the joint area.