Comparative Analysis of the Chloroplast Genomes of Eight Species of the Genus Lirianthe Spach with Its Generic Delimitation Implications.

Based on Sima and Lu's system of the family Magnoliaceae, the genus Lirianthe Spach s. l. includes approximately 25 species, each with exceptional landscaping and horticultural or medical worth. Many of these plants are considered rare and are protected due to their endangered status. The limited knowledge of species within this genus and the absence of research on its chloroplast genome have greatly impeded studies on the relationship between its evolution and systematics. In this study, the chloroplast genomes of eight species from the genus Lirianthe were sequenced and analyzed, and their phylogenetic relationships with other genera of the family Magnoliaceae were also elucidated. The results showed that the chloroplast genome sizes of the eight Lirianthe species ranged from 159,548 to 159,833 bp. The genomes consisted of a large single-copy region, a small single-copy region, and a pair of inverted repeat sequences. The GC content was very similar across species. Gene annotation revealed that the chloroplast genomes contained 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes, totaling 130 genes. Codon usage analysis indicated that codon usage was highly conserved among the eight Lirianthe species. Repeat sequence analysis identified 42-49 microsatellite sequences, 16-18 tandem repeats, and 50 dispersed repeats, with microsatellite sequences being predominantly single-nucleotide repeats. DNA polymorphism analysis revealed 10 highly variable regions located in the large single-copy and small single-copy regions, among which rpl32-trnL, petA-psbJ, and trnH-psbA were the recommended candidate DNA barcodes for the genus Lirianthe species. The inverted repeat boundary regions show little variation between species and are generally conserved. The result of phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the genus Lirianthe s. l. is a monophyletic taxon and the most affinal to the genera, Talauma and Dugandiodendron, in Sima and Lu's system and revealed that the genus Lirianthe s. s. is paraphyletic and the genus Talauma s. l. polyphyletic in Xia's system, while Magnolia subsection Gwillimia is paraphyletic and subsection Blumiana polyphyletic in Figlar and Nooteboom's system. Morphological studies found noticeable differences between Lirianthe species in aspects including leaf indumentum, stipule scars, floral orientation, tepal number, tepal texture, and fruit dehiscence. In summary, this study elucidated the chloroplast genome evolution within Lirianthe and laid a foundation for further systematic and taxonomic research on this genus.

Thermal-Assisted Multiscale Patterning of Nonplanar Colloidal Nanostructures for Multi-Modal Anti-Counterfeiting.

Nanotransfer printing of colloidal nanoparticles is a promising technique for the fabrication of functional materials and devices. However, patterning nonplanar nanostructures pose a challenge due to weak adhesion from the extremely small nanostructure-substrate contact area. Here, the study proposes a thermal-assisted nonplanar nanostructure transfer printing (NP-NTP) strategy for multiscale patterning of polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. The printing efficiency is significantly improved from ≈3.1% at low temperatures to ≈97.2% under the glass transition temperature of PS. Additionally, the arrangement of PS nanospheres transitioned from disorder to long-range order. The mechanism of printing efficiency enhancement is the drastic drop of Young's modulus of nanospheres, giving rise to an increased contact area, self-adhesive effect, and inter-particle necking. To demonstrate the versatility of the NP-NTP strategy, it is combined with the intaglio transfer printing technique, and multiple patterns are created at both micro and macro scales at a 4-inch scale with a resolution of ≈2757 pixels per inch (PPI). Furthermore, a multi-modal anti-counterfeiting concept based on structural patterns at hierarchical length scales is proposed, providing a new paradigm of imparting multiscale nanostructure patterning into macroscale functional devices.

Incidence of cancer for patients after bariatric surgery: evidence from 33 cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: With the rising prevalence of severe obesity, bariatric surgery has emerged as a crucial treatment option. As the number of surgeries performed worldwide increases, there has been growing interest in the impact of bariatric surgery on cancer incidence. While several studies have examined this relationship, the topic remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: We conducted this systematic review of cohort studies with meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery versus nonsurgical treatment on overall cancer incidence. However, the effects may vary when focusing on specific cancer types, surgical procedures, or gender, so we conducted additional subgroup analyses. SETTING: A meta-analysis. University hospital. METHODS: The Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies from 1 January 2000 to 1 December 2022. Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the pooled effect and further implemented subgroup analysis stratified by cancer type, operation type, and sex. RESULTS: All cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis from 18,216 studies. The overall cancer incidence demonstrated a significant decrease in the group with bariatric surgery (odds ratios [OR] = .56, P = .000, 95% CI .46 to .68). In subgroup analysis, similar decrease effect was found in 9 cancers. Furthermore, the incidence of cancer decreased significantly in male (OR = .66, P = .001, 95% CI .51 to .85) and female patients (OR = .63, P = .000, 95% CI .57 to .69) and patients undergoing gastric bypass (OR = .46, P = .000, 95% CI .33 to .63) or sleeve gastrectomy (OR = .44, P = .001, 95% CI .27 to .70). CONCLUSIONS: In the overall analysis, bariatric surgery could reduce the incidence of cancer significantly. Further large-scale well-matched studies are needed to verify the protective effect of bariatric surgery on cancer incidence.

Is No. 12a Lymph Node Dissection Compliance Necessary in Patients Who Undergo D2 Gastrectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinomas? A Population-Based Retrospective Propensity Score Matching Study.

LN dissection is essential for accurately staging and improving GC patient prognosis. However, the compliance rate for No. 12a LND in practice is low, and its necessity is controversial. Data from GC patients who underwent total gastrectomy (TG)/distal gastrectomy (DG) plus D2 lymphadenectomy between January 2000 and December 2017 at West China Hospital, Sichuan University were reviewed. No. 12a LND noncompliance's effect on the long-term prognosis of patients with GC after D2 gastrectomy was explored. Of the 2788 patients included, No. 12a LND noncompliance occurred in 1753 patients (62.9%). Among 1035 patients with assessable LNs from station 12a, 98 (9.5%) had positive LNs detected at station 12a. No. 12a LN metastasis patients (stage IV not included) had significantly better overall survival (OS) than TNM stage IV patients (p = 0.006). Patients with No. 12a LND compliance had a significantly higher OS than those without, both before (p < 0.001) and after (p < 0.001) PSM. Cox multivariate analysis confirmed that No. 12a LND noncompliance was an independent prognostic factor before (HR 1.323, 95% CI 1.171-1.496, p < 0.001) and after (HR 1.353, 95% CI 1.173-1.560, p < 0.001) PSM. In conclusion, noncompliance with No. 12a LND compromised the long-term survival of patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy for GC.

Quercetin ameliorates testosterone secretion disorder by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress through the miR-1306-5p/HSD17B7 axis in diabetic rats.

Testicular damage and testosterone secretion disorder are associated with diabetes mellitus. Quercetin,  a common flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-cancer,  and blood sugar lowering effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of quercetin on the reproductive system of male rats with diabetes in vivo and in vitro and elucidate its mechanism. Streptozotocin (STZ)  induction was used to establish a diabetes model in forty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, which were subsequently administered with 20 or 50 mg/kg of quercetin. Leydig cells of rat testes were treated by high glucose (HG) followed by 5 or 10 µM quercetin. Two doses of quercetin increased rat body weight and testicular weight, decreased blood glucose,and inhibited oxidative stress. RT-qPCR and Western blotting revealed that quercetin alleviated STZ-induced testicular damage and promoted testosterone synthesis. Both doses of quercetin reduced ROS and MDA levels, and increased SOD level in HG-treated cells. Both, in vivo and in vitro results confirmed that a high dose of quercetin was more effective. MiR-1306-5p was upregulated in testicular tissue of diabetic rats and HG-treated cells. 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B7) was a target of miR-1306-5p and HSD17B7 was downregulated in STZ-induced rat tissues and HG-treated cells. HSD17B7 overexpression reversed the increase of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78) protein levels as well as eIF2α phosphorylation level and promotion of cell apoptosis caused by miR-1306-5p overexpression. Moreover, overexpression of HSD17B7 activated the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis in HG-treated cells. In conclusion, quercetin inhibits ER stress and improves testosterone secretion disorder through the miR-1306-5p/HSD17B7 axis in diabetic rats.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Michelia balansae var. balansae (Aug. Candolle) Dandy, a timber and spices species in Magnoliaceae.

Michelia balansae var. balansae (Aug. Candolle) Dandy is a timber and spices species in Magnoliaceae, native to China and Vietnam. In this paper, the complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) and basic annotated information were reported and its phylogenetic relationship with other species in Magnoliaceae was analyzed. The size of chloroplast genome of M. balansae var. balansae is 160,134 bp, which exhibited a typical quadripartite structure comprising a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,161 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,845 bp separated by a pair identical inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26,564 bp each. The chloroplast genome contains 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that M. balansae var. balansae is most affinal to M. montana and they form a nomophyletic group with other 14 Michelia species. This Michelia clade is sister to the Aromadendron clade with high support. All genera mentioned in this analysis are nomophyletic under the system of Magnoliaceae by Sima and Lu.

Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution versus University of Wisconsin solution in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation: A propensity score matching analysis from mainland China.

ABSTRACT: To compare the difference between University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).This study included LDLT patients at the Liver Transplantation Center of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from November 2001 to June 2018. These patients were classified into 2 groups depending on the use of the different preservation solutions, and the confounding factors between the 2 groups were eliminated by propensity score matching. Finally, the incidence of complications; serum examination at postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 30; and the overall survival rate of the 2 groups were compared to observe whether there were any differences between the 2 preservation solutions.Of the 298 patients we screened, 170 were treated with UW solution and 128 with HTK solution. After propensity score matching, 106 pairs of patients were selected. In the comparison of the 2 groups, the length of intensive care unit stay in the UW group was significantly longer than that in the HTK group (P = .022), but there was no difference in the total length of hospital stay between the 2 groups (P = .277). No statistically significant difference was observed in the 2 groups in terms of the incidence of complications or postoperative examinations. However, the incidence of early allograft dysfunction in the HTK group was slightly lower than that in the UW group (HTK: UW = 14.1%: 20.7%), although the difference was not statistically significant. In terms of the overall survival rate, the 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of the HTK group were 85.5%, 70.2%, and 65.1%, respectively, while the 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of the UW group were 83.1%, 67.2%, and 59.8%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups.In conclusion, our study shows that UW solution and HTK solution are equivalent in perioperative safety, the recovery of transplanted liver function, the occurrence of postoperative complications and overall survival and can be safely and effectively applied in adult LDLT. If economic factors are taken into account, HTK can save costs to a certain extent.

Development and validation of a 14-gene signature for prognosis prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a crucial medical problem. Precise and concise prognostic models are urgently needed because of the intricate gene variations among liver cancer cells. We conducted this study to identify a prognostic gene signature with biological significance. We applied two algorithms to generate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and normal specimens in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort (training set included) and performed enrichment analyses to expound on their biological significance. A protein-protein interactions network was established based on the STRING online tool. We then used Cytoscape to screen hub genes in crucial modules. A multigene signature was constructed by Cox regression analysis of hub genes to stratify the prognoses of HCC patients in the training set. The prognostic value of the multigene signature was externally validated in two other sets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE14520 and GSE76427), and its role in recurrence prediction was also investigated. A total of 2000 DEGs were obtained, including 1542 upregulated genes and 458 downregulated genes. Subsequently, we constructed a 14-gene signature on the basis of 56 hub genes, which was a good predictor of overall survival. The prognostic signature could be replicated in GSE14520 and GSE76427. Moreover, the 14-gene signature could be applied for recurrence prediction in the training set and GSE14520. In summary, the 14-gene signature extracted from hub genes was involved in some of the HCC-related signalling pathways; it not only served as a predictive signature for HCC outcome but could also be used to predict HCC recurrence.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lirianthe hodgsonii, a tree species of Magnoliaceae as least concern.

Lirianthe hodgsonii is a tree species of Magnoliaceae as least concern. In the present paper, the complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) and basic annotated information of L. hodgsonii were reported and its phylogenetic relationship with other species in Magnoliaceae was analyzed. The size of its complete cpDNA is 159,693 bp, with a typical quadripartite structure comprising a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,546 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,848 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,753 bp. The genome contains 131 unique genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that L. hodgsonii is affinal to Lirianthe bidoupensis and they form a monophyletic group with other seven Lirianthe species. This Lirianthe clade is sister to the Dugandiodendron and Talauma clade with high support. All genera mentioned in this analysis are monophyletic under the system of Magnoliaceae by Sima and Lu.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio and the fibrosis-4 index in predicting hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma development in elderly chronic hepatitis B patients in China: A single-center retrospective study.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-platelet ratio (GPR) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index have been reported to be useful predictors in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, their predictive performances on HCC development have not been validated in elderly patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive values of the GPR and FIB-4 index on HCC in elderly CHB patients with in China.Between January 2007 and December 2016, 1011 CHB patients older than 60 years were enrolled in the study, and their data were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff points of GPR and the FIB-4 index. Cumulative HCC incidence rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect risk factors for HCC development. The prediction performances of GPR and FIB-4 index were compared based on time-dependent ROC analyses.After a median follow-up of 6.8 (interquartile range 3.9-8.4) years, 39 (3.9%) patients developed HCC. The ROC analysis of GPR and the FIB-4 index at the 5-year time point revealed that the optimal cutoff point was 0.23 for GPR and 4.15 for the FIB-4 index. When stratified by low and high GPR values and FIB-4 indices, the patients' subgroups showed significantly different cumulative incidences of HCC. The multivariate analysis revealed that high GPR (hazard ratio [HR] 4.224; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.891-9.434, P < .001) was an independent risk factor for HCC development, whereas a high FIB-4 index was not (HR 0.470; 95% CI 0.212-1.043; P = .063). In the time-dependent ROC analysis, GPR showed higher area under curve (AUC) values than the FIB-4 index did at all time points and reached statistical significance at the 5-, 7-, and 10-year time points (GPR vs FIB-4 index, AUC 0.725 vs 0.549 at 5 years, P = .005; GPR vs FIB-4 index, AUC 0.733 vs 0.578 at 7 years, P = .001; GPR vs FIB-4 index, AUC 0.837 vs 0.475 at 10 years, P < .001).In conclusion, our study suggests GPR is superior to the FIB-4 index in predicting HCC development in elderly CHB patients in China.

Enhancement in Power Conversion Efficiency of GaAs Solar Cells by Utilizing Gold Nanostar Film for Light-Trapping.

Light trapping, caused by the introduction of metallic nanoparticles, has been demonstrated to enhance photo-absorption in GaAs solar cells. In this study, we successfully synthesized gold nanostar thin film with hot spots and obtained a notable improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in single-junction and three-junction high-performance GaAs solar cells by incorporating the poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layer, which enables a much stronger light trapping capability and scattering enhancement than conventional metal nanostructures. Increases of 5.2% and 3.94% in short circuit current density (Isc) were achieved for single-junction cells and three-junction cells while the enhancement in cell PCE was 3.85 and 2.50%, respectively. The relationship between the optical characteristics, the distribution density of the gold NSs and the performance of GaAs solar cells was systemically investigated.

Minimally Invasive Cochlear Implantation Assisted by Bi-planar Device: An Exploratory Feasibility Study in vitro.

BACKGROUND: A single drilled tunnel from the lateral mastoid cortex to the cochlea via the facial recess is essential for minimally invasive cochlear implant surgery. This study aimed to explore the safety profile of this kind of new image-guided and bi-planar device-assisted surgery procedure in vitro. METHODS: Image-guided minimally invasive cochlear implantations were performed on eight cadaveric temporal bone specimens. The main procedures were: (1) temporal bone specimens were prepared for surgery and fiducial markers were registered. (2) computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for future reference. (3) CT scan images were processed and drill path was planned to minimize cochlear damage. (4) bi-planar device-assisted drilling was performed on the specimens using the registration. (5) surgical safety was evaluated by calculating the deviation between the drill and the planned paths, and by measuring the closest distance between the drilled path and critical anatomic structures. RESULTS: Eight cases were operated successfully to the basal turn of the cochlear with intact facial nerves (FNs). The deviations from target points and entrance points were 0.86 mm (0.68-1.00 mm) and 0.44 mm (0.30-0.96 mm), respectively. The angular error between the planned and the drilled trajectory was 1.74° (1.26-2.41°). The mean distance from the edge of the drilled path to the FN and to the external canal was 0.60 mm (0.35-0.83 mm) and 1.60 mm (1.30-2.05 mm), respectively. In five specimens, the chorda tympani nerves were well preserved. In all cases, no injury happened to auditory ossicles. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study demonstrated the safety of the newly developed image-guided minimally invasive cochlear implantation assisted by the bi-planar device and established the operational procedures. Further, more in vitro experiments are needed to improve the system operation and its safety.

Effects of Combined Spinal-Epidural Analgesia during Labor on Postpartum Electrophysiological Function of Maternal Pelvic Floor Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Combined spinal-epidural analgesia (CSEA) is sometimes used for difficult births, but whether it contributes to postpartum pelvic muscle disorder is unclear. This randomized controlled trial examined whether CSEA given during labor affects the electrophysiological index of postpartum pelvic floor muscle function. METHODS: A consecutive sample of primiparous women who delivered vaginally at term were randomly assigned to a CSEA group (n = 143) and control group (n = 142) between June 2013 and June 2014. All were assessed 6-8 weeks later for electrophysiological function of pelvic floor muscle. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in the degree of muscle strength, muscle fatigue, and pelvic dynamic pressure of pelvic floor muscle. The CSEA and control groups showed similar proportions of women with normal muscle strength (score ≥4) in type I pelvic fibers (23.1% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.051) and type II pelvic fibers (28.0% vs. 24.6%, P = 0.524). The groups also contained similar proportions of women who showed no fatigue in type I fibers (54.5% vs. 48.6%, P = 0.315) or type II fibers (88.8% vs. 87.3%, P = 0.699). Similarly low proportions of women in the CSEA group and control group showed normal pelvic dynamic pressure (11.2% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.321). However, women in the CSEA group spent significantly less time in labor than those in the control group (7.25 vs. 9.52 h, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CSEA did not affect the risk of postpartum pelvic muscle disorder in this cohort of primiparous women who gave birth vaginally. A significant shorter duration of labour was observed in the CSEA-group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02334150.

[Genetic diversity analysis of Andrographis paniculata in China based on SRAP and SNP].

In order to reveal genetic diversity of domestic Andrographis paniculata and its impact on quality, genetic backgrounds of 103 samples from 7 provinces in China were analyzed using SRAP marker and SNP marker. Genetic structures of the A. paniculata populations were estimated with Powermarker V 3.25 and Mega 6.0 software, and polymorphic SNPs were identified with CodonCode Aligner software. The results showed that the genetic distances of domestic A. paniculata germplasm ranged from 0. 01 to 0.09, and no polymorphic SNPs were discovered in coding sequence fragments of ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase. A. paniculata germplasm from various regions in China had poor genetic diversity. This phenomenon was closely related to strict self-fertilization and earlier introduction from the same origin. Therefore, genetic background had little impact on variable qualities of A. paniculata in domestic market. Mutation breeding, polyploid breeding and molecular breeding were proposed as promising strategies in germplasm innovation.

[Preparation, in vitro evaluation of excipient-free dry powder inhalation of extraction of Trollius chinensis].

To prepare and evaluate dry powder inhalation (DPI) of extraction of Trollius chinensis Bunge (TCB). Orthodox design was employed to optimize the parameters of spray drying to prepare micronized TCB powder, the DPI was prepared by mixing micronized TCB powder and lactose. The results showed that the fine particle fraction (FPF) and emitted dose (ED) of micronized TCB powder was (21.07 +/- 1.74)%, (75.31 +/- 21.05)%, respectively, and for DPI was (56.4 +/- 2.2)%, (95.9 +/- 3.0)%, respectively. Therefore, the prepared DPI meeted requirements in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, indicating a good application prospect.

Long interspersed nuclear element ORF-1 protein promotes proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To clarify the specific roles and mechanisms of long interspersed nuclear element-1 ORF-1 protein [human long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), ORF-1p] in chemotherapeutic drug resistance and cell proliferation regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS: MTT assays were performed to identify the effect of the chemotherapeutic drug toxicity on HepG2 cells. Cell proliferation inhibition and the IC50 were calculated by the Origin 8.0 software. Western blotting assays were performed to investigate whether LINE-1 ORF-1p modulates the expression of some important genes, including p53, p27, p15, Bcl-2, mdr, and p-gp. To corroborate the proliferation and anchor-independent growth results, the HepG2 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to investigate the effect of LINE-1 ORF-1p on the apoptosis regulation. RESULTS: LINE-1 ORF-1p contributed to the resistance to several chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin and epirubicin) in HepG2 cells. The IC50 of the epirubicin and cisplatin increased from 36.04 nmol/L to 59.11 nmol/L or from 37.94 nmol/L to 119.32 nmol/L. Repression of LINE-1 ORF-1p expression by the siRNA could markedly enhance the response of HepG2 cells to the epirubicin and cisplatin. The IC50 correspondingly decreased from 28.06 nmol/L to 3.83 nmol/L or from 32.04 nmol/L to 2.89 nmol/L. Interestingly, down-regulation of LINE-1 ORF-1p level by siRNA could promote the response of HepG2 cells to the paclitaxel. The IC50 decreased from 35.90 nmol/L to 7.36 nmol/L. However, overexpression of LINE-1 ORF-1p did not modulate the paclitaxel toxicity in HepG2 cells. Further Western blotting revealed that LINE-1 ORF-1p enhanced mdr and p-gp gene expression. As a protein arrested in the nucleus, LINE-1 ORF-1p may function through modulating transcriptional activity of some important transcription factors. Indeed, LINE-1 ORF-1p promoted HepG2 cell proliferation, anchor-independent growth and protected the cells against apoptosis through modulating the expression of p15, p21, p53, and Bcl-2 genes. CONCLUSION: LINE-1 ORF-1p promotes HepG2 cell proliferation and plays an important role in the resistance of chemotherapeutic drugs. By establishing novel roles and defining the mechanisms of LINE-1 ORF-1p in HCC chemotherapeutic drug resistance and cell proliferation regulation, this study indicates that LINE-1 ORF-1p is a potential target for overcoming HCC chemotherapeutic resistance.

[Effect of RNA interference for Lon gene silencing on growth and apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF7 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of Lon gene in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell stress response. METHODS: Small interfering RNAs (smRNAs) for Lon gene were designed using Ambion software and synthesized. The recombinant plasmid pSilencer U6 2.1/Lon was constructed with the smRNAs and pSilencer U6 2.1, followed by transfection into MCF7 cells via Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. The positive cLones were detected by RT-PCR 24 h after cell transfection. The transfected MCF7 cells were then subjected to cisplatin treatment, ultraviolet (UV) exposure and heat stress, respectively, after which the cells growth was tested with MTT assay and the measurements were plotted against time or concentration depending on the treatment administered. Apoptosis of MCF7 cells following the treatments was measured with flow cytometry. RESULTS: The mRNA of Lon gene was downregulated in cells transfected with the recombinant plasmid pSilencer U6 2.1-Lon, and RT-PCR fail to detect the specific band of Lon as could be detected in untransfected and mock-transfected MCF7 cells. MTT assay showed that pSilencer U6 2.1-Lon transfection resulted in reduced cell proliferation capacity. Stress response test revealed that MCF7 cells with Lon gene down-regulation enhanced cell sensitivity for UV and cisplatin, which was not observed for non-transfected or mock transfection group. The same changes were also observed for heat stress exposure at 41 degrees Celsius;, but not at 43 degrees Celsius; or 45 degrees Celsius;. Increased cell apoptosis rate from (1.14-/+0.79)% to (22.47-/+3.15)% occurred following pSilencer U6 2.1-Lon transfection of the cells. CONCLUSIONS: Lon gene can be significantly downregulated by introduction of siRNA in MCF7 cells to result in enhanced sensitivity of MCF7 cells to UV, cisplatin and heat stress.

[Protective effects of Hirsutella sinensis on renal interstitial fibrosis: experiment with rat model of chronic aristolochic acid nephropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects of Hirsutella sinensis on renal interstitial fibrosis in chronic aristolochic acid nephropathy (CAAN). METHODS: Eighteen male SD rats were divided into 3 equal groups: model group, given the extract of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom (AmK) by gavage in the morning everyday for 12 weeks, intervention group, given the extract of Amk in the morning and suspension of Hirsutella sinensis in the afternoon by gavage once a day for 12 weeks, and control group, receiving tap water only by gavage. Bodyweight, urinary glucose, 24 h urinary protein excretion, and serum creatinine (SCr) were measured at the ends of the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks respectively. At the end of the 12th week, all the rats were sacrificed with their kidneys taken out to undergo pathological examination. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and type I collagen (ColI) in the kidney tissues. RESULTS: Since the 1st week, the urinary protein excretion and SCr levels in the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01 or 0.05). At the end of the 12th week, the relative area of interstitial fibrosis of the model group was significantly enlarged (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression levels of TGF-beta1, CTGF, PAI-1, TIMP-1, and ColI in the model group were up-regulated by 4.19, 2.66, 6.12, 3.09, and 7.03 times respectively, and their protein expression levels were up-regulated by 2.31, 3.53, 3.17, 3.18, and 6.87 times respectively (all P < 0.01). By the end of the 12th week, the urinary protein excretion, SCr level and the relative area of interstitial fibrosis in the intervention group were all significantly lower than those in the model group (all P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of TGF-beta, CTGF, PAI-1, TIMP-1, and ColIof the intervention group were all significantly lower than those of the model group (all P < 0.05) with the inhibition rates of 45%, 41%, 47%, 48%, and the protein expression levels of TGF-beta, CTGF, PAI-1, TIMP-1, and ColI of the intervention group were all significantly lower than those of the model group (all P < 0.05) with the inhibition rates of 38%, 39%, 49%, 46%, and 61% respectively. CONCLUSION: Hirsutella sinensis can inhibit the production of TGF-beta1 and CTGF, factors that promote the extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and TIMP-1 and PAI-1, factors that antagonize ECM degradation in kidney tissues, thus alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis and improving renal function in CAAN.

[Castration affects the expression of androgen receptor and epidermal growth factor in rat submaxillary salivary gland].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of castration on the quantity of androgen receptor (AR) and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the submaxillary salivary glands of castrated rats. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats, aged 30 to approximately 60 days, were randomly divided into three groups of 20 rats: castrated, sham-operated and normal control (unoperated). The submaxillary salivary glands of the castrated rats were removed one week after surgery, and so were those of the rats in the sham-operated and the normal control groups. The homogenized salivary gland was used for Western-blots. RESULTS: The quantity of AR and EGF in the submaxillary salivary glands was decreased significantly in the castrated rats compared with that in the sham-operated and the normal control ( P < 0. 05). Moreover, EGF secreted by the submaxillary salivary glands was also decreased in the castrated rats (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Castration affected the production of androgen receptor in the salivary gland, and also, could further affect the secretion of EGF from the salivary gland.

Surface properties of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) precipitation polymerized in supercritical CO2 and the influence of the molecular weight.

In this paper, the surface properties, e.g., the total surface free energy and the related Lifshitz-van der Waals and Lewis acid-base components, of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precipitation polymerized in supercritical CO(2) have been characterized. Moreover, the influence of molecular weight varying has been also investigated. Results show that the surface properties of PAN resulting from supercritical CO(2) are different from those obtained by the conventional method. Of these data, one important finding is that the supercritical CO(2) PAN seems to decrease the surface free energy with the increased molecular weight. Based on previous recorded NMR spectra of this PAN and especially compared to commercial PAN, such phenomena are discussed and ascribed to an increase of the H-bonds and a reduction of the isotacticity in the supercritical CO(2) condition for PAN.