Intracranial tuberculomas diagnosed with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded brain tissues and treated with an optimized antituberculosis regimen: A case report.

Diagnosis of intracranial tuberculoma remains a challenge due to its rarity, non-specific clinical presentation, and radiological findings. Herein, we describe a case of intracranial tuberculomas in a male diabetic patient who presented headache and vomiting on admission. Neuroimaging findings indicated multiple ring contrast-enhanced lesions with extensive perilesional edema. However, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination was normal. When a biopsy of brain lesions was performed, pathological characteristics of tuberculosis were absent and acid-fast staining was negative. A tuberculosis diagnosis was subsequently obtained from an Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded brain tissue. The patient was treated with an optimized anti-tuberculosis regimen which included high-dose intravenous administration of rifampicin and isoniazid, and oral administration of linezolid. The patient recovered well and exhibited marked clinical improvement. This case report demonstrates that when CSF analysis does not indicate the presence of intracranial tuberculomas, analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded brain tissue specimens with the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay may be able to confirm a diagnosis. Furthermore, a high dose of rifampicin and isoniazid plus linezolid may improve patient outcome.

Data independent acquisition reveals in-depth serum proteome changes in uremic pruritus.

Introduction: Uremic pruritus (UP) is a prevalent symptom in patients suffering from uremia, yet its underlying etiology and mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Given the significant incidence of UP, identifying specific alterations in proteins present in the blood of UP patients could offer insights into the potential biological pathways associated with UP and facilitate the exploration of biomarkers. Methods: In this study, we employed LC-MS/MS-based data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode to analyze serum samples obtained from 54 UP patients categorized as DKD-UP, HN-UP, and GN-UP (n = 18 for each subgroup), along with 18 uremic patients without pruritus (Negative) and 18 CKD patients without pruritus (CKD). Through DIA mode analysis, a total of 7075 peptides and 959 proteins were quantified. Within these, we identified four upregulated and 13 downregulated Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) in DKD-UP versus Negative, five upregulated and 22 downregulated DEPs in HN-UP versus Negative, and three upregulated and 23 downregulated DEPs in GN-UP versus Negative. Furthermore, we conducted an intersection analysis of the DEPs across these three comparison groups to derive a set of common DEPs (COMP). Subsequently, a total of 67 common DEPs were identified in the three UP groups when compared to the CKD group, with 40 DEPs showing upregulation and 27 DEPs displaying downregulation. Results: Following Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analyses, we observed that the DEPs distinguishing UP from CKD were primarily associated with mitochondrial function (MT-CYB, PRDX2, TOMM22), inflammation (CD59, CSF1), renal injury (WFDC2), and neural function (CAP1, VGF). Discussion: Our findings contribute to a potential molecular comprehension of UP pathogenesis, shedding light on the identification of these DEPs as plausible biomarkers for UP.

Hemp seeds attenuate loperamide-induced constipation in mice.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease that seriously affects human physical and mental health. Studies have reported that hemp seeds can improve constipation, however the specific mechanism is still unclear. This study investigates that hemp seed (HS) and its water-ethanol extract (HSE) attenuates loperamide-induced constipation in mice. The research results show that: the fecal water content and small intestinal transit rate of mice in the hemp seed group and hemp seed hydroalcoholic extract group were significantly increased compared with MC group, and the first red feces defecation time was significantly shortened; HS and HSE significantly influence serum levels of Gastrin (Gas), motilin (MTL), substance P (SP), and endothelin (ET), potentially mediating their effects on gastrointestinal motility. HS and HSE can improve colon inflammation in constipated mice with H&E staining. Compared with the model of constipation group, the content of short-chain fatty acids in the HS group and HSE group increased significantly. Gut microbiome studies have shown that the structure and abundance of intestinal flora are altered. HS and HSE changed the abundance of Odoribacter, Bacteroide, Lactobacillus and Prevotella. Together, these results suggest that HS have the potential to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial gut microbes and promote intestinal motility, thereby improving gut health and relieving symptoms of constipation.

WITHDRAWN: Effects of hydraulic retention time and cultivation on nutrients removal and biomass production in wastewater by membrane photobioreactor: Modeling and optimization by machine learning and response surface methodology.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the Editor-in-Chief.

(Ni1/3Nb2/3)4+-Improved High-K Ba3Ti4Nb4O21 Microwave Dielectric Ceramics for Miniaturized All-Ceramic Radomes with 5G Beam-Splitting Function.

With the rapid development of 5G communication technology, microwave dielectric ceramics with high dielectric constants are very conducive to the miniaturization of passive devices. Here, Ba3Ti4-x(Ni1/3Nb2/3)xNb4O21 (BTN ∼ NN, 0.03 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) ceramics with hexagonal phases are synthesized via the solid-phase route. The composite (Ni1/3Nb2/3)4+ ion substitution strategy can substantially improve the microwave dielectric properties of the Ba3Ti4Nb4O21 (BTN) ceramic. The εr and Q × f values depend on the ionicity (Nb-O bonds) and lattice energies (Nb(1)-O3 and Nb(1)-O2(1) bonds). The microwave dielectric properties of the BTN ∼ NN (x = 0.09) ceramic sintered at 1250 °C are εr = 60.3, Q × f = 22073 GHz, and τf = 78.1 ppm/°C. A miniaturized all-ceramic radome (@400 mm × 400 mm × 8 mm) for 5G beam-splitting function is designed and demonstrated using this ceramic. Compared to other radomes designed for other work utilizing low εr, the size of this radome has been reduced by 3/7. The reflection coefficients of the beam splitting function are all 0.73, and the phase shifts are all 360°. This work contributes to the development of miniaturized passive devices from a materials point of view.

Mono-2-ethylhexylphthalate (MEHP) is a potent agonist of human TRPA1 channel.

Phthalates are extensively used as plasticizers in diverse consumer care products but have been reported to cause adverse health effects in humans. A commonly used phthalate, di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) causes developmental and reproductive toxicities in humans, but the associated molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Mono-2-ethylhexylphthalate (MEHP), a hydrolytic product of DEHP generated by cellular esterases, is proposed to be the active toxicant. We conducted a screen for sensory irritants among compounds used in consumer care using an assay for human Transient Receptor Potential A1 (hTRPA1). We have identified MEHP as a potent agonist of hTRPA1. MEHP-induced hTRPA1 activation was blocked by the TRPA1 inhibitor A-967079. Patch clamp assays revealed that MEHP induced inward currents in cells expressing hTRPA1. In addition, the N855S mutation in hTRPA1 associated with familial episodic pain syndrome decreased MEHP-induced hTRPA1 activation. In summary, we report that MEHP is a potent agonist of hTRPA1 which generates new possible mechanisms for toxic effects of phthalates in humans.

Digital technology and its application in supply chain management: new evidence from China's economy.

The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that practices using information technology (IT) have on the development of a competitive advantage across the supply chain. An organization has a competitive advantage when it has qualities that give the required foundations for it to separate itself from other organizations that are also in its industry. Pressure is applied to the corporate environment as a result of competition and ongoing changes, such as the introduction of new products and technical advancements, the decline of product lifestyles, and the proliferation of products. In order to maintain a competitive edge and achieve financial success in business, organizations are necessary for responding to changes in the market. Through the use of supply chain markets, companies are able to react quickly to unforeseen shifts in the market, and these shifts may be turned into lucrative business possibilities. One of the most significant things that firms can do to assist themselves is make use of information technology to improve their supply chain management agility. From March 2021 through January 2022, the area of China will have a total sample size of 247 persons fill out a questionnaire as part of the data collection process. In each and every questionnaire, the measurements were taken using a Likert scale with five points. The partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach is used to the causal model in order to assess the model's reliability and validity. This technique is used to evaluate the causal model. The findings indicate that information technology has a favorable impact on the adaptability of supply chain management systems. In addition, the findings that were collected have shown that there are four factors that influence the SCM systems. These factors are the IT skills and knowledge, the integration of IT-based systems, the IT infrastructure, and the design of global position system and geographic information systems. In addition, this research offers practitioners recommendations for implementing digital technology for supply chain management and building suitable business strategies at various stages of digitalization.

Resonant Enhancement of Polymer-Cell Optostimulation by a Plasmonic Metasurface.

Organic semiconductors have shown great potential as efficient bioelectronic materials. Specifically, photovoltaic polymers such as the workhorse poly(thiophene) derivatives, when stimulated with visible light, can depolarize neurons and generate action potentials, an effect that has been also employed for rescuing vision in blind rats. In this context, however, the coupling of such materials with optically resonant structures to enhance those photodriven biological effects is still in its infancy. Here, we employ the optical coupling between a nanostructured metasurface and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to improve the bioelectronic effects occurring upon photostimulation at the abiotic-biotic interface. In particular, we designed a spectrally tuned aluminum metasurface that can resonate with P3HT, hence augmenting the effective field experienced by the polymer. In turn, this leads to an 8-fold increase in invoked inward current in cells. This enhanced activation strategy could be useful to increase the effectiveness of P3HT-based prosthetic implants for degenerative retinal disorders.

Intestinal TLR4 deletion exacerbates acute pancreatitis through gut microbiota dysbiosis and Paneth cells deficiency.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been identified as a potentially promising therapeutic target in acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the role of intestinal TLR4 in AP and AP-associated gut injury remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between intestinal TLR4 and gut microbiota during AP. A mouse AP model was establish by intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine. Pancreatic injury and intestinal barrier function were evaluated in wild-type and intestinal epithelial TLR4 knockout (TLR4ΔIEC) mice. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Quadruple antibiotics were applied to induce microbiota-depleted mice. Differentially expressed genes in gut were detected by RNA sequencing. L. reuteri treatment was carried out in vivo and vitro study. Compared with wild-type mice, AP and AP-associated gut injury were exacerbated in TLR4ΔIEC mice in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and number of Paneth cells remarkably decreased in TLR4ΔIEC mice. The KEGG pathway analysis derived from RNA sequencing suggested that genes affected by intestinal TLR4 deletion were related to the activation of nod-like receptor pathway. Furthermore, L. reuteri treatment could significantly improve the pancreatic and intestinal injury in TLR4ΔIEC mice through promoting Paneth cells in a NOD2-dependent manner. Loss of intestinal epithelial TLR4 exacerbated pancreatic and intestinal damage during AP, which might be attributed to the gut microbiota dysbiosis especially the exhausted Lactobacillus. L. reuteri might maintain intestinal homeostasis and alleviate AP via Paneth cells modulation.Abbreviations: AP Acute pancreatitis, TLR4 Toll-like receptor 4, IL-1ß Interleukin-1ß, IL-6 Interleukin-6, TNF-α Tumor necrosis factor-α, SIRS Systematic inflammatory response syndrome, LPS Lipopolysaccharides, SPF Specific pathogen-free, ZO-1 Zonula occludens-1, CON Control, H&E Hematoxylin and eosin, FISH Fluorescence in situ hybridization, DAPI 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, PCoA Principal co-ordinates analysis, SCFA Short chain fatty acid, LEfSe Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size, ANOVA Analysis of variance, F/B Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, PCA Principal component analysis, NOD2 Nod-like receptor 2, ABX antibiotics, PCNA proliferating cell nuclear antigen.

Modeling the influencing factors of electronic word-of-mouth about CSR on social networking sites.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) information can now be disseminated via social networking sites. An organization's image and upcoming portfolios are directly affected by electronic word of mouth (eWOM). It generates from its customers, employees, and other stakeholders. We developed a critical model to enlighten the behavior to share and comment on a negative news story about CSR displayed on Wechat and QQ to figure out what was causing this behavior. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and the partial least squares regression (PLS) approach were used to conduct a self-administered survey of hotel customers in China. Social and environmental awareness, information usefulness, corporate image, and a company's motivation to comment and share on CSR news were all considered explanatory variables in our study. We asked 300 Wechat and QQ users to rate a fake environmental news story. We found that social and environmental awareness affects the effectiveness of information and the attitude toward behavior, which may describe the eWOM intent of the particular news. On the other hand, corporate reputation could discourage people from disseminating eWOM and sharing the news with their social linkage contacts. The findings of the study suggest having a better understanding of how specific CSR activities can increase customers' commitment, which leads to positive eWOM, will benefit the hotel industry.

Influencing Mechanism of Justice Sensitivity on Knowledge Hiding in the Chinese Context.

Good knowledge management is important for enterprises to maintain competitive advantage; however, the knowledge hiding behavior may hinder this process. Based on the conservation of resources and psychological ownership theories, using a chain intermediary model, this study investigates the effect of justice sensitivity on knowledge hiding through perceived time pressure and territoriality, and further tests the moderating role of territoriality. For the study, we collected 436 questionnaires from China through the Wenjuanxing Sample Service, of which 391 were valid. We then conducted multiple regression analysis and employed the bootstrap method for our tests. The results show that victim sensitivity has a significant effect on perceived time pressure, territoriality, and knowledge hiding, and that a chain mediating effect of perceived time pressure and territoriality is established between justice sensitivity and knowledge hiding. Further, territoriality has a positive moderating effect on perceived time pressure and knowledge hiding, while the mediating effect of perceived time pressure on justice sensitivity and knowledge hiding is also moderated by territoriality. Further, the study offers important practical implications in that enterprises should not blindly pursue results by making employees work excessively overtime. And there should have rationalized regulations in organization to ensure justice. The management should pay close attention to the psychological problems of victim and perpetrator. Instead, enterprises should have a certain degree of control, offer rationales for overtime work, and give high wages to the employees to compensate for their time, thus making the employees feel the worthiness of their overtime work and reducing the probability of engaging in knowledge hiding behaviors.

[Influence of early bolting on anatomical structure and coumarins of Peucedanum praeruptorum].

To explore the effects of early bolting on the quality of Peucedanum praeruptorum, the anatomical structures of P. praeruptorum root between bolting and no-bolting were investigated by paraffin section method, and contents of praeruptorin A, praeruptorin B, praeruptorin E, bergapten were determined by HPLC, then the differences and inter-relations were studied by comparative analysis method. The results showed that there existed great influences of early bolting on the root anatomical structures and coumarins content of P. praeruptorum.(1)The area of pericyclic parenchyma tissue and secondary phloem in P. praeruptorum without bolting are large, and have higher content of coumarins.(2) The areas of secondary phloem in bolting P. praeruptorum are large, and have lot of vessels and wood fiber, and the content of coumarins is low.(3)There are significant different of coumarins contents in P. praeruptorum with and without bolting, in their main root(MR),outside the vascular cambium(PP), inside the vascular cambium(PX), and the leaf(LF) parts, and the total content of coumarins was PP>MR>LF>PX. Accordingly, the root anatomical structure and active component of P. praeruptorum were changed after early bolting, which have an important influence on the quality of Peucedani Radix.

Association between VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms and bladder cancer: An updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the key regulator of angiogenesis in the development of various cancers. Previous studies have examined the relationship between VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms such as -2578C/A and -460C/T and bladder cancer risk; however, these results are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the association between VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms and bladder cancer risk. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published before September 2018. The methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale (NOS). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using both fixed- and random-effect model. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the relationship. In addition, the stability of our analysis was evaluated by heterogeneity, sensitivity, subgroup of ethnicity, and publication bias analysis. RESULTS: We finally included 7 case-control studies with a total of 2412 bladder cancer patients and 3157 cancer-free controls. In Asian population with the VEGF -2578C/A polymorphism, significantly higher bladder cancer risks of 1.55 (95% CI = 1.25-1.93) and 1.53 (95% CI = 1.11-2.10) were found in the heterozygous model (AC vs CC) and the dominant model (AA + AC vs CC), respectively. Though there was no statistical association between VEGF -460C/T polymorphism and bladder cancer, a tendency to higher bladder cancer risk was observed in various genetic models (T vs C; TT vs CC; TC vs CC and TT + TC vs CC). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that VEGF -2578C/A polymorphism might be a risk factor with a modest significance for bladder cancer only in Asian population. Further studies with a larger sample size and other functional polymorphisms are needed to explore the effects of VEGF gene on the risk of bladder cancer.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Craniopharyngiomas: A Series of 60 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of the management of 60 patients with craniopharyngioma with endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) and evaluate the feasibility and safety of EES for craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: The clinical data of 60 patients with craniopharyngioma who underwent EES between November 2014 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had vascularized nasoseptal flaps, and the most recent 4 patients had "in situ bone flaps" for better skull base reconstruction. Visual improvements, tumor resection extents, recurrence rates, endocrine functional changes, and surgical complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The resection rates were as follows: gross total, 68.3% (41 patients); near total (>95% of tumor removed), 15% (9 patients); subtotal (≥80% of tumor removed), 10% (6 patients); and partial (partial resection <80% of tumor removed), 6.7% (4 patients). Fifty-two patients presented with visual impairment; of these, 46 (88.5%) improved or returned to normal after surgery. Regarding the 32 patients with hypopituitarism before surgery, pituitary function was unchanged in 15 (46.8%), improved or normalized in 4 (12.5%), and deteriorated in 13 (40.6%). Eleven patients (18.3%) suffered from diabetes insipidus before treatment, and 27 more patients had this condition after surgery. Twenty-two patients had hyposmia postoperatively, and 17 patients experienced significant weight gain. Four patients had recent memory loss, and 2 of them had a temporary recent mental disorder. Three (5%) patients had cerebro-spinal fluid leakage after surgery. Three patients (5%) contracted meningitis and were cured with antibiotic treatment. One patient showed recurrence by magnetic resonance imaging re-examination, at the mean follow-up time of 22 months (range, 8-45 months; standard deviation, 11 months). CONCLUSIONS: EES can provide surgeons with excellent exposure and can achieve a high extent of removal of most craniopharyngiomas, even those with intraventricular extensions, In our view, vascularized pedicled septal flaps and in situ bony flaps were used in skull base reconstruction.

[Biocompatibility of polylactic acid-absorbable root post film].

OBJECTIVE: To study the biocompatibility of the polylactic acid (PLA)-absorbable root post film prepared by solvent evaporation film. METHODS: The PLA post film-leaching liquor was prepared by the solvent evaporation of PLA root post films, and its biocompatibility was measured. Sources of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were cultivated in vitro and identified initially by the immunohistochemistry method. The toxicity reaction, survival rate, and morphological change of HGF incubated in PLA post film-leaching liquor were observed and tested by morphological observation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and flow cytometry. The HGF were implanted on the PLA post film and observed by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. After implanting the PLA post film, the surrounding subcutaneous tissue of SD rats and the implants were removed from the back of the rats in the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks to observe the general condition of the incisions. The organization was given the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain to find the organization condition of local tissue inflammation and foreign body reaction through the infiltration degree of inflammatory fibroblasts. RESULTS: The effects of the PLA post film-leaching liquor on the proliferation of HGF and fibroblast toxicity were insignificant. The living fibroblast rate was similar to the normal control group. The HGF were able to grow on the PLA film. The results of the organization general observation and HE staining of the rats were similar to the results for the control group, which met all the demands made by biological safety. CONCLUSIONS: The PLA-absorbable root post film prepared by the solvent evaporation film has good biocompatibility and can be used for further clinical research.

[Analysis of malaria epidemic situation in Pingguo County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 1951 to 2014].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the law and distribution characteristics of malaria prevalence in Pingguo County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the targeted control strategy and measures after malaria elimination. METHODS: The data of malaria epidemic situation in Pingguo County from 1951 to 2014 were collected and analyzed with the retrospective epidemiological method. RESULTS: From 1951 to 2014, there were 71 365 malaria cases reported in the county. The malaria incidence dropped from 429.43/10 000 in 1960 to 0 in 1993. Since 2002, there was no local endogenous infection case reported. In 1993, this county achieved the standard of malaria elimination basically, and in 2014, passed the examination and evaluation of malaria elimination. CONCLUSIONS: In Pingguo County, the comprehensive malarial control strategy is effective in different stages. In the future, the monitoring of mobile population and dealing with imported malaria cases timely is the key of consolidation of malaria control achievements.

Cognitive impairment and spontaneous epilepsy in rats with malformations of cortical development.

PURPOSE: To examine the cognition, spontaneous epilepsy, and electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics of rats with malformations of cortical development (MCD) and their use as an animal model for investigating the pathogenesis of intractable epilepsy and screening novel antiepileptic drugs. METHODS: An epileptic rat model of MCD was established with the F1 generation of pregnant rats after X-irradiation with 175 cGy (Group L), 195 cGy (Group M), or 215 cGy (Group H). Long-term video-EEG monitoring was used to record the seizures in the rats with MCD. Cognition was assessed with the Morris water maze. The EEGs were recorded and analyzed in the frontal and parietal lobes and hippocampi of adult rats. Finally, the brain tissues were processed for Nissl staining. RESULTS: The model groups exhibited markedly prolonged escape latencies and distinct decrements in the percent distance traveled in the target quadrant and platform-crossing frequency. These findings were dose-dependent. Frequent interictal epileptiform discharges were observed in the frontal and parietal lobes and hippocampi of adult rats, and their incidences were markedly higher in the model groups compared with that in the normal controls, with Group M having the highest incidence. Spontaneous seizures were observed in the model groups (mean incidence, 46.7%). The daily mean frequency of seizures and the incidence of spontaneous seizures were highest in Group M. Nissl staining revealed a dose-dependent pattern of hippocampal abnormalities, cortical and subcortical nodular heterotopia, and callosal agenesis in the model groups. CONCLUSION: The 195 cGy dose was most appropriate for establishing an epileptic model of MCD with X-irradiation.

HOTAIR Interacting with MAPK1 Regulates Ovarian Cancer skov3 Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of when silencing HOTAIR in ovarian cancer skov3 cells on proliferation, migration, and invasion, and to elucidate the mechanism by which this occurs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We detected the mRNA level of HOTAIR (HOX antisense intergenic RNA) and MAPK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 1) in ovarian cancer SKOV3, ES-2, OVCAR3, A2780, and COC1 cell lines. We detected the mRNA level of HOTAIR and MAPK1 in ovarian SKOV3 when transected with miR-1, miR-214-3p, or miR-330-5p. We detected the mRNA and protein level of MAPK1 when silencing HOTAIR. We detected the expression of HOTAIR when silencing MAPK1. Then we detected the proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer skov3 after silencing HOTAIR or MAPK1. RESULTS: The expression of HOTAIR and MAPK1 in ovarian SKOV3, ES-2, and OVCAR3 increased compared with A2780 and COC1 cells (P<0.05). The mRNA level of HOTAIR and MAPK1 in ovarian SKOV3 decreased when transected with miR-1, miR-214-3p, or miR-330-5p compared to negative control (p<0.05). The mRNA and protein level of MAPK1 was decreased when silencing HOTAIR and the mRNA level of HOTAIR was decreased when silencing MAPK1 (p<0.05). The proliferation, migration, and invasion was inhibited in ovarian SKOV3 after silencing HOTAIR or MAPK1 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HOTAIR can promote proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian SKOV3 cells as a competing endogenous RNA.

Icariin delays homocysteine-induced endothelial cellular senescence involving activation of the PI3K/AKT-eNOS signaling pathway.

CONTEXT: Homocysteine-induced endothelial cellular senescence may contribute to some cardiovascular disorders. Icariin (ICA), a flavonoid derived from Epimedium sagittatum Maxim. (Berberidaceae), has been reported to increase production of nitric oxide (NO) and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of ICA on homocysteine-induced senescence and the underlying mechanisms in HUVECs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ICA at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 5 µM was added into homocysteine pretreated HUVECs. Cellular senescence was assayed by senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) staining and cumulative population doublings (CPDs). ICA (5 µM) was given orally to homocysteine-treated rats, luminal surface of aortic artery of rats was subjected to SA-ß-gal staining. Protein expression was measured by western blot. RESULTS: Homocysteine significantly increased cellular senescence both in vitro and in vivo. After treatment by ICA, the percentage of SA-ß-gal-positive cells, and the ROS level significantly decreased. The CPDs were partially restored. ICA also significantly reduced the mean density of SA-ß-gal staining in vivo. We found that NO production and phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) were elevated by ICA in HUVECs. Furthermore, the increased level of NO production was fully abolished by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059, which can inhibit phosphorylation of ERK, did not show this ability. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that ICA delays homocyteine-induced endothelial senescence in vitro and in vivo. Activation of PI3K/Akt-eNOS-dependent signaling pathway may be responsible for this efficacy of ICA.