What Chinese Women Seek in Mental Health Apps: Insights from Analyzing Xiaohongshu User Posts during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Gender disparity poses a prominent obstacle to achieving effective mental health outcomes in digital healthcare. Despite women being more inclined to use mental health apps and seeking designs tailored to their specific needs, there is limited research on the factors influencing female users' engagement with these apps. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated its disproportionate impact on women's mental health. This study investigates female users' posts (n = 5538) about mental health apps during the pandemic, using data collected via a Python web crawler from Xiaohongshu, a popular female-centric social media platform in China. A mixed-methods approach used qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative descriptive statistics. Among these posts, therapeutic functionality emerged as the highest priority, followed by credibility and user experience, with specific design elements highlighted as particularly significant. These findings provide valuable insights for mental health researchers and developers, including you, aiming to create gender-tailored mobile solutions to address the mental health challenges faced by women, especially during future pandemics.

Electroacupuncture improves cognitive function in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury by regulating the SIRT-1/PGC-1α/mitochondrial pathway.

BACKGROUND: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common neurological trauma that can lead to cognitive impairment. The sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway has been reported to have neuroprotective effects in rats with craniocerebral injury. We evaluated potential mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-mediated recovery of cognitive function after mTBI, focusing on the SIRT-1/PGC-1α/mitochondrial pathway. METHODS: We included forty 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats in this study. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: controlled cortical impactor (CCI, n = 10), sham operation (sham, n = 10), electroacupuncture-treated CCI (CCI+EA, n = 10), and electroacupuncture-treated sham (sham+EA, n = 10) group. Randomization was performed by assigning a random number to each rat and using a random number table. The mTBI rat model was established using a controllable cortical impactor. Electroacupuncture therapy was performed on the back of rats, by inserting acupuncture needles to the specific acupoints and setting appropriate parameters for treatment. We evaluated spatial learning and memory functions with the Morris water maze test. We performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) determination, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (MRCC I) determination on rat hippocampal tissue. We analyzed SIRT-1/PGC-1α expression levels and the results of mitochondrial function assays, and compared differences between groups using bilateral Student's t -tests. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, SIRT-1/PGC-1α expression was downregulated in the hippocampus of CCI group ( P <0.01). Although this expression was upregulated following electroacupuncture, it did not reach the levels observed in the sham group ( P <0.05). Compared with the sham group, MRCC I and ATP levels in the CCI group were significantly reduced, and increased after electroacupuncture ( P <0.01). In the Morris water maze, electroacupuncture reduced the incubation period of rats and increased average speed and number of crossing platforms ( P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture may improve cognitive function in the mTBI rat model by regulating the SIRT-1/PGC-1α/mitochondrial pathway.

Heart Rate Response Predicts 6-Minutes Walking Distance in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Because the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) is a self-paced submaximal test, the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) is substantially influenced by individual effort level and physical condition, which is difficult to quantify. We aimed to explore the optimal indicator reflecting the perceived effort level during 6MWT. We prospectively enrolled 76 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and 152 healthy participants; they performed 2 6MWTs at 2 different speeds: (1) at leisurely speed, as performed in daily life without extra effort (leisure 6MWT) and (2) an increased walking speed, walking as the guideline indicated (standard 6MWT). The factors associated with 6MWD during standard 6MWT were investigated using a multiple linear regression analysis. The heart rate (HR) and Borg score increased and oxygen saturation (SpO2) decreased after walking in 2 6MWTs in both groups (all p <0.001). The ratio of difference in HR before and after each test (ΔHR) to HR before walking (HRat rest) and the difference in SpO2 (ΔSpO2) and Borg (ΔBorg) before and after each test were all significantly higher in both groups after standard 6MWT than after leisure 6MWT (all p <0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ΔHR/HRat rest was an independent predictor of 6MWD during standard 6MWT in both groups (both p <0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.737 and 0.49, respectively). 6MWD and ΔHR/HRat rest were significantly lower in patients than in healthy participants (both p <0.001) and in patients with cardiac functional class III than in patients with class I/II (both p <0.001). In conclusion, ΔHR/HRat rest is a good reflector of combined physical and effort factors. HR response should be incorporated into 6MWD to better assess a participant's exercise capacity.

METTL14 Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Regulating the mRNA and m6A Levels of CALD1.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) still threatens people's daily life. METTL14 is a newly discovered methyltransferase that catalyzes m6A methylation. Hence, this research was carried out to investigate the action mechanism of METTL14 in OSCC. The SCC-4 and UM2 cells, and tumorigenicity assay were utilized to investigate METTL14 roles in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out with the UCSC, TCGA database and The Human Protein Atlas. The gene expression at mRNA and protein levels were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. In addition, cell growth and metastasis was analyzed by colony formation and transwell assays. MeRIP assay was performed to test the m6A levels of CALD1. The METTL14 and CALD1 levels were prominently expressed in OSCC cells. METTL14 silencing depleted the cell growth and metastasis. Furthermore, METTL14 silencing depleted the tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, the mRNA and m6A levels of CALD1 were depleted after METTL14 silencing. Overexpressed CALD1 neutralized the si-METTL14 effects in OSCC cells. In conclusion, METTL14 participated in the OSCC progression through modulating the mRNA and m6A levels of CALD1.

SOX9 and IL1A as the Potential Gene Biomarkers of the Oral Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Oral cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the head and neck. It is easy to relapse, and the prognosis is poor. However, the molecular mechanism in the development of oral cancer is still unclear. METHODS: A total of 30 normal individuals and 30 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent surgery were recruited in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between February 2019 and November 2021. Furthermore, Human Protein Atlas (HPA) analysis, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the expression of SOX9 and IL1A. The GSE69002 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed by using the STRING, and Cytoscape software was performed for visualization. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for enrichment analysis were made via the DAVID, Metascape, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and Bin Gene Ontology (BINGO) analysis. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis was used to analyze the expression level of hub genes and pathological stage. The cBioPortal can be used for mutation analysis and pathway prediction of hub genes. Kaplan Meier Plotter was used for survival analysis of hub genes. RESULTS: The relative expression level of SOX9 (P=0.021, t=4.332) and IL1A (P=0.011, t= -4.213) in oral cancer was significantly higher than that in the standard group (P<0.05). The DEGs are mainly enriched in cell division, inflammation, interleukin-12 beta-subunit binding, and interleukin- 10 receptor binding. All the differentially expressed gene pathways eventually converge in cell growth and apoptosis. No relationship between the pathologic stage and the expression of hub genes. The poor overall survival of patients with the high expression of SOX9 (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.46, P = 0.009) and IL1A (HR = 1.49, P = 0.008). There were strong correlations between the hub genes and the head and neck neoplasms via the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). The immunofluorescence and PCR results showed that the level of SOX9 (P<0.001, t = -23.368) in the cancer group was significantly higher than that in the normal group; The level of IL1A in the cancer group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.001, t = -11.960). CONCLUSION: SOX9 and IL1A genes are highly expressed in oral cancer and might be potential therapeutic targets for oral cancer. The poor overall survival of patients with the high expression of SOX9 and IL1A.

A Comprehensive Evaluation System for the Stabilization Effect of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process.

Stabilization technology is widely used in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated farmland soil. However, the evaluation method for the remediation effect is not satisfactory. To scientifically evaluate the remediation effect, this study constructed a comprehensive evaluation system by bibliometric analysis and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Ultimately, 16 indicators were selected from three aspects of the soil, crops, and amendment. The 16 indicators are divided into three groups, namely indicators I that can be evaluated according to the national standards of China, indicators II that can be evaluated according to the classification management of farmland and Indicators III that are the dynamic change indicators without an evaluation criterion. Comprehensive scores for 16 indicators were calculated using three response models, respectively. According to the difference between the scores before and after the remediation, the remediation effect is divided into five levels, which are excellent, good, qualified, poor, and very poor. This study provides a theoretical basis and insightful information for a farmland pollution remediation and a sustainable utilization.

COL11A1 as a potential prognostic target for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant tumor occurring in the oral cavity. However, the molecular mechanism of OSCC is not clear. Bioinformatics was used to screen and identify role of collagen type X1 alpha 1 (COL11A1) on OSCC. 200 patients with OSCC were recruited. Clinical and follow-up data were recorded and COL11A1 expression levels were tested. Pearson chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze relationship between prognosis and related parameters in patients with OSCC. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression were used for further analysis, survival curve was drawn. Through bioinformatics analysis, OSCC patients with higher expression of COL11A1 have poor overall survival compare with OSCC patients with lower expression of COL11A1 (hazard ratios [HR] = 1.32, P = .047). Pearson chi-square test showed that age (P = .011), tumor grade (P = .023), COL11A1 (P < .001) was significantly correlated with prognosis of OSCC. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.102, 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]: 1.180-3.746, P = .012), tumor grade (OR = 1.919, 95%CI: 1.093-3.372, P = .023) and COL11A1 (OR = 12.775, 95%CI: 6.509-25.071, P < .001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that COL11A1 (OR = 12.066, 95%CI: 6.042-24.096, P < .001) was significantly associated with prognosis of patients with OSCC. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age (HR = 1.592, 95%CI: 1.150-2.205, P = .005), tumor grade (HR = 1.460, 95%CI: 1.067-1.999, P = .018) and COL11A1 (HR = 1.848, 95%CI: 1.340-2.548, P < .001) were significantly correlated with survival time of OSCC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor grade (HR = 1.466, 95%CI: 1.064-2.020, P = .019) and COL11A1 (HR = 1.645, 95%CI: 1.164-2.325, P = .005) were significantly correlated with survival time of OSCC patients. COL11A1 is significantly correlated with occurrence of OSCC. When COL11A1 is highly expressed, prognosis of patients with OSCC is worse and the survival time is shorter.

Corneodesmosin as a potential target of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and Corneodesmosin (CDSN) remains unclear. This study aims to explore the correlation between CDSN and the prognosis and survival time of patients with OSCC. METHODS: Bioinformatics were used to identify the hub role of CDSN in the OSCC. A total of 200 patients with OSCC were recruited. Clinical and follow-up data were recorded, and the expression level of CDSN was detected. Pearson chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze the relationship between prognosis and related parameters in patients with OSCC. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression and Cox proportional risk regression were applied for further analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve and survival curve of subjects were plotted. RESULTS: CDSN was identified as the most significant hub gene of the OSCC by the cytoHubba. By the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) analysis, there was strong relationship between the CDSN and mouth neoplasms, head and neck neoplasms, squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. The OSCC patients with low expression level of CDSN have poor overall survival compared with the high expression level of CDSN (HR = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.57-0.98, P = .036). Spearman correlation coefficient analysis showed that CDSN expression level was significantly correlated with prognosis (ρ = -0.528, P < .001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that poor prognosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.096, 95%CI: 0.049-0.189, P < .001) was significantly associated with low expression of CDSN. Cox regression analysis showed that the survival time of OSCC patients was shorter when CDSN expression was low (HR = 0.588, 95%CI: 0.420-0.823, P = .002). Strong predictive value of CDSN for the OSCC survival time was obtained by the biological process (BP)-neural network and support vector machine (SVM). CONCLUSION: CDSN was significantly correlated with OSCC, and the shorter the survival time of patients with OSCC was, the worse the prognosis was.

Anti-PD-1 Therapy is Beneficial for the Survival of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) are often overexpressed in OSCC patients, and their expression level is closely related to tumor prognosis. The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the impact of anti-PD-1 treatment on the immune system and prognosis of OSCC patients and 2) to find possible associations between T-cell immunity and anti-PD-1 therapy. Methods: A total of 120 patients (divided into two equal groups: "non-anti-PD1 therapy" and "anti-PD1 therapy") with pathologically diagnosed OSCC participated in the study. Fresh peripheral blood samples (1 mL) were collected 2 days before and 20 days after the treatment. Heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare the non-anti-PD-1 therapy and anti-PD-1 therapy groups. Results: Based on the Spearman-rho test, we found a significant correlation between anti-PD-1 treatment and survival time (P<0.001). Univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that anti-PD-1 therapy is a significant independent risk factor of 5-year overall survival (OS) in OSCC patients (HR: 0.110, 95% CI: 0.062-0.195, P<0.001). One-way ANOVA showed that the mean levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 and numbers of CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in the anti-PD-1 therapy group compared with the non-anti PD-1 therapy group (control). The was no change in the number of CD8+ cells between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier curve results showed that the OS of patients in the anti-PD-1 therapy group was significantly longer than that in the non-anti-PD-1 therapy group. Conclusion: Anti-PD-1 therapy is beneficial to the survival and prognosis of patients with OSCC, improves T-cell immunity, and enhances tumor regression.

Effect of pembrolizumab on T lymphocyte subsets in patients with advanced oral cancer and its therapeutic effect.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets before and after treatment with pembrolizumab for advanced oral cancer and its clinical sig-nificance. METHODS: 32 patients with advanced oral cancer who received pembrolizumab treatment were selected as observation group, 30 healthy people during the same period were selected as control group. Before treatment and in cycles 1, 2, 3 and 4 after treatment, fluid cytometry was used to detect changes in levels of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of patients. RESULTS: CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8 + indexes of patients with advanced oral cancer before treatment were significantly lower than those in control group (P < .05), CD8 + level was significantly increased (P < .05); After 1 cycle of pembrolizumab treatment, there was no significant difference in changes of lymphocyte subsets compared with before immunotherapy; After 2 and 3 cycles of treatment, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8 + values were higher than before the treatment (P > .05), CD8 + index was slightly lower than before treatment (P < .05); After fourth cycle of treatment, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8 + values were significantly improved compared to before treatment (P < .05), CD8 + index was significantly lower than before treatment (P < .05); In treatment process of patients with stable disease (SD)/partial response (PR), the CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8 + values of fourth cycles were higher than before treatment (P < .05), CD8 + index was lower than before treatment (P < .05); During treatment of progressive disease (PD) patients, changes of lymphocyte subsets in fourth cycles were not significantly different from those before treatment (P > .05). This article shows through analysis that expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and pathological types have no obvious influence on effect of immunotherapy. Multi-factor analysis shows that it is more meaningful to observe the changes of CD3+, CD4 + and CD8 + at the same time to predict effect of immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: Pembrolizumab can regulate changes of T lymphocyte subsets in patients with advanced oral cancer, improve immune status of patients, there is no obvious adverse reaction. Monitoring changes of lymphocyte subsets during treatment can predict effect of immunotherapy.

Factors associated with mood disorders and the efficacy of the targeted treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) are often accompanied by mood disorders (MDs). This study aimed to identify factors associated with MDs in patients with FD and evaluate the efficacy of targeted treatment plans. Methods: Relevant scales were used to assess MDs. Patients with FD having MDs and acid reflux were treated with flupentixol and melitracen (FM) and acid-suppressive therapy (AST) (histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) (group A) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (group B)), and those without acid reflux (group C) did not receive AST. Patients with FD without MDs were randomly administered H2RAs (group D) or PPIs (group E). The primary endpoints were factors associated with MDs and improvement in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and MDs in patients with FD. Results: A total of 362 patients with FD were enrolled in this study. Patients with FD having high GI score and low education were found prone to MDs. At week 2, the remission rate of overall GI symptoms and depression was significantly higher in group B than that in groups A and C [GI: 72.72% (32/44) vs. 47.73% (21/44) and 72.72% (32/44) vs. 38.94% (44/113), all P < 0.05; depression: 72.22% (26/36) vs. 41.67% (15/36) and 72.22% (26/36) vs. 41.57% (37/89), all P < 0.05]. Furthermore, the remission rate of overall GI symptoms was significantly higher in group E than that in group D [60.29% (41/68) vs. 42.65% (29/68), P < 0.05]. At week 8, similar efficacies and adverse reactions were observed in these groups. Conclusion: The risk factors for MDs were high GI scores and low literacy rates. Thus, targeted treatment (FM+PPIs for patients with MDs; PPIs for patients without MDs) can improve the efficacy of patients with FD. Clinical trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2100053126.

Sustained release of azithromycin from lipid liquid-crystalline nanoparticles laden in situ gel for the treatment of periodontitis: In vitro and efficacy study.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting teeth, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Current treatment options include surgery or oral antibiotics. Oral dosage forms shows systemic side effects due to frequent dosing and it failed to reach the therapeutic concentration in the periodontal cavity. In this work, a novel in situ gel loaded with azithromycin laden lipid liquid-crystalline nanoparticles (cubosomes) was formulated for effective treatment of periodontitis. Cubosomes were prepared using DL-α-monoolein (MO) and Pluronic®F-127, and characterized for size, zeta potential, shape, and entrapment efficacy. In situ gel laden cubosomes were evaluated for pH, drug content, viscosity, syringeability, mucoadhesive strength, texture profile, gelation temperature, gel strength, in vitro release profile, antimicrobial activity and in vivo efficacy in rat model. Cubosomal size (137-450 nm) and entrapment efficacy (74-88%) increases with increase in the level of MO. The in situ gel-cubosomal batches showed sufficient viscosity (878-956 cp), syringeability (125-150N), mucoadhesive strength (25.7-26.2 dyne/cm2), gelation temperature (34.3-35.3oC), gel strength (45-51 s), and texture profile for periodontal application. The in vitro release profiles showed sustain azithromycin release for 24h from the in situ gel-cubosomal gels compared to 4h from the marketed azithromycin gel. The in vivo studies (alveolar bone loss and histopathology) in rat model confirmed the efficacy of in situ gel to treat periodontitis at low frequency of dosing compared to marketed gel. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the potential of cubosomes to sustain the release of azithromycin from in situ gelling system for effective treatment of periodontitis.

The exploration of new biomarkers for oral cancer through the ceRNA network and immune microenvironment analysis.

The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and tumor-penetrating immune cells may be related to the prognosis of oral cancer. However, few studies have focused on the correlation between ceRNAs and immune cells. Thus, we developed a method based on a ceRNA network and tumor-infiltrating immune cells to elucidate the molecular pathways that may predict prognosis in patients with oral cancer. Download RNAseq expression data of oral cancer and control samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), obtain differentially expressed genes and establish a ceRNA network. The cox analysis and lasso regression analysis were used to screen key RNAs to establish a prognostic risk assessment model, and draw a 1.3.5-year forecast nomogram. Then the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to screen important tumor immune infiltrating cells associated with oral cancer. Another prognostic predictive model related to immune cells was established. Finally, co-expression analysis was applied to explore the relationship between key genes in the ceRNA network and important immune cells. Multiple external data sets are used to test the expression of key biomarkers. We constructed prognostic risk models of ceRNA and immune cells, which included 9 differentially expressed mRNAs and 2 types of immune cells. It was discovered from the co-expression analysis that a pair of important biomarkers were associated with the prognosis of oral cancer. T cells regulatory and CGNL1 (R = 0.39, P < .001) showed a significant positive correlation. External data set validation also supports this result. In this study, we found that some crucial ceRNAs (GGCT, TRPS1, CGNL1, HENMT1, LCE3A, S100A8, ZNF347, TMEM144, TMEM192) and immune cells (T cells regulatory and Eosinophils) may be related to the prognosis of oral cancer.

SPP1 and FN1 are significant gene biomarkers of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumor types in the oral and maxillofacial region. The etiology and pathogenesis behind TSCC is complicated. In the present study, three gene expression profiles, namely GSE31056, GSE13601 and GSE78060, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The GEO2R online tool was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TSCC and normal tissue samples. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and hub genes were validated and analyzed. A total of 83 common DEGs were obtained in three datasets, including 48 upregulated and 35 downregulated genes. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were primarily enriched in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, and proteolysis. A total of 63 nodes and 218 edges were included in the PPI network. The top 11 candidate hub genes were acquired, namely plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 13, secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), periostin, MMP1, MMP3, fibronectin 1 (FN1), serpin family E member 1 and snail family transcriptional repressor 2. Overall, 83 DEGs and 11 hub genes were screened from TSCC and normal individuals using bioinformatics and microarray technology. These genes may be used as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for TSCC. In addition, SPP1 and FNl were identified as potential biomarkers for the progression of TSCC.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and risk of sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and summarize the available literature regarding the association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sexual dysfunction (SD) in both sexes. METHODS: We retrieved relevant studies from the following databases: PubMed, Embase,Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently reviewed the studies in our sample, assessed their validity, and extracted relevant data. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to distinguish sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Our search resulted in a sample of eight eligible studies, which involved 758 patients in the SLE group and 1724 individuals in the control group. The pooled RR for the increased risk for SD compared to those in the control group was 1.80 (95%CI 1.12-2.87). Subgroup analysis by sex revealed that males (pooled RR = 2.98, 95%CI 2.41-3.68) had a higher risk of SD compared to females (pooled RR = 1.56, 95%CI 0.99-2.48). Females with SLE had significantly lower values in FSFI compared to the healthy individuals (WMD=-0.224, 95%CI -0.441 to -0.078). Age of participants and the quality of studies might influence the results. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that SLE is significantly associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. It is of great urgency to implement for active interventions that aimed to treat or prevent SD among SLE patients.

Tumor microenvironment characterization in head and neck cancer identifies prognostic and immunotherapeutically relevant gene signatures.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is of great clinical significance for predicting the therapeutic effect of tumors. Nonetheless, there was no systematic analysis of cellular interactions in the TME of head and neck cancer (HNSC). This study used gene expression data from 816 patients with HNSC to analyze the scores of 22 immune cells. On this basis, we have established a novel TMEscore-based prognostic risk model. The relationship between TMEscore and clinical and genomic characteristics was analyzed. The sample was divided into risk-H and risk-L groups based on the prognosis risk model of TMEscore, with significant differences in overall survival between the two groups (log rank p < 0.001). In terms of clinical features, the TMEscore is closely related to the T staging, Grade, and HPV. As for genomic characteristics, the genomic features of the Risk-H samples are a low expression of immune-related genes and high-frequency mutations of TP53 and CEP152. This model was validated in an external test set, in which the prognosis for Risk-H group and Risk-L group was also significantly different (log rank p = 0.017). A quantitative method of TME infiltration pattern is established, which may be a potential predictor of HNSC prognosis.

[Effect of miR-204-5p on the proliferation, migration, and invasion on tongue squamous cell carcinoma SCC25 cells by targeting bromodomain-containing protein 4].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the target relationship between miR-204-5p and bromodomain-containing protein (BRD) 4, as well as their effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in tongue squamous cell carcinoma SCC25. METHODS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect miR-204-5p and BRD4 expression levels in tongue squamous cell carcinoma and different cell lines. TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm the target relationship between miR-204-5p and BRD4. The effects of miR-204-5p on SCC25 cell proliferation were examined by cell counting kit (CCK) 8 assay, whereas those on SCC25 cell migration and invasion were determined by Transwell assay. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of miR-204-5p mimics and inhibitors on BRD4 expression. Transwell and CCK8 assays were used to detect the effects of miR-204-5p on proliferation, migration, and invasion through BRD4 regulation. RESULTS: miR-204-5p was significantly downregulated in the tissues and cells of squamous cell carcinoma, and BRD4 showed the opposite result. The increase in miR-204-5p expression can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SCC25 cells. TargetScan and luciferase test confirmed that miR-204-5p and BRD4 had a negative regulatory relationship with BRD4, respectively. Moreover, miR-204-5p mimics can inhibit BRD4 expression, and miR-204-5p inhibitors can promote BRD4 expression upregulation. When miR-204-5p and BRD4 were overexpressed in SCC25 cells, BRD4 can make up for the inhibitory effect of miR-204-5p on SCC25 cells. CONCLUSIONS: miR-204-5p could inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in tongue squamous cell carcinoma SCC25 cells by targeting BRD4 gene.

[Effect of EDTA and hyaluronic acid on the activity of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and the expression of cytokines].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on the activity of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) and the expression of cytokines. METHODS: Twelve wisdom teeth extracted due to orthodontics treatment were selected and prepared into 5 mm×4 mm root pieces, then divided into EDTA group, HA group, EDTA+HA group and untreated group according to different treatment methods. They were placed in the well plate and PDLFs inoculated on the root piece. After 24 and 48 h of inoculation, the cell proliferation of each group was detected by MTT assay. The adhesion of PDLFs was observed under microscope. The inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ß and TNF-α) levels produced by PDLFs were determined by ELLISA and Western Blot. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: After 24 h and 48 h inoculation, all the treatments promoted cell proliferation and adhesion of PDLFs compared with the untreated group, and the combined treatment promoted cell proliferation and adhesion significantly better than single treatment (P<0.05). The cell proliferation and adhesion effect of EDTA group and HA group increased with the inoculation time, without significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). The results of ELLISA and Western blot showed that compared with the untreated group, the treatment groups inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α, and promoted the expression of IL-8, and the effect of EDTA+HA group was much more significant(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EDTA+HA can significantly promote the growth of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines, which may be related to its ability to enhance the adhesion of fibroblasts and then improve their viability.

[Expression and clinical significance of Spindly and Bub3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma].

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression and significance of Spindly and Bub3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC). METHODS: Sixty-five patients with OSCC admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from March 2017 to March 2019 were enrolled. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Spindly and Bub3 mRNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues from the patients. OSCC cell line was cultured. After siRNA transfection interference with the expression of Spindly and Bub3 genes, cell viability was detected by MTT assay, and the cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 22.0 software package RESULTS: The expression levels of Spindly and Bub3 mRNA in OSCC were significantly higher in adjacent tissues(P<0.05). The expression of Spindly and Bub3 mRNA was related to TNM staging, clinical staging and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The 5-year survival rate of patients with high expression of Spindly, Bub3, Spindly/Bub3 were significantly higher than the counterparts with low expression, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with high expression of Spindly/Bub3 was significantly lower than that of patients with high expression of Spindly and Bub3(P<0.05). The expression level of Spindly in siRNA-Spindly group was significantly lower than that in Spindly negative control group and blank control group, and the expression level of Bub3 in siRNA-Bub3 group was also significantly lower than that in Bub3 negative control group and blank control group. The expression level of Spindly in siRNA-Spindly group was significantly lower than that in Spindly negative control group and blank control group, and the expression level of Bub3 in siRNA-Bub3 group was also lower than that in Bub3 negative control group and blank control group. The migration ability of cells in siRNA-Spindly group at 24 and 48 hours was significantly lower than that in Spindly negative control group and blank control group; the migration ability at 24 and 48 hours was significantly lower than that of Bub3 negative control group and blank control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Spindly and Bub3 are highly expressed in OSCC. Specific inhibition of Spindly and Bub3 gene expression can reduce the proliferation and migration of cancer cells, which might be used as one of the targets for the treatment of OSCC.

Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify key modules and hub genes in tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in head and neck, but its molecular mechanism is not clear. METHODS: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) combining with gene differential expression analysis, survival analysis to screen key modules and hub genes related to the progress of TSCC. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to identify biological pathways that might be involved. RESULTS: Weighted gene co-expression network was constructed based on dataset GSE34105. The blue module and turquoise module most related to the progress of TSCC were identified by the network. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that 2 key modules were significantly enriched in apoptosis and immunity related biological processes and pathway. Network topology analysis, gene difference analysis and survival analysis were used to screen 9 hub genes (NOC2L, AIMP2, ANXA2, DIABLO, H2AFZ, MANBAL, PRDX6, SNX14, TIMM23). The expression of hub genes was significantly correlated with the prognosis of TSCC. GSEA showed that the high expression group of hub genes was mainly enriched in olfactory transduction, neuroactive ligand receptor interaction, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and the low expression group was mainly enriched in base excision repair, cysteine and methionine metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Two key modules and 9 hub genes screened by WGCNA were closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of TSCC. Hub genes can be used as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of TSCC in the future.