[Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Derived Cell-Free DNA Modulates Stemness and Migration of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line by Inducing M2 Macrophage Polarization].

Objective: To investigate the effect of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) on the polarization of macrophages and the regulatory effect of polarized macrophages on the stemness and migration of OSCC cells. Methods: A total of 30 OSCC tissue samples, 10 dysplastic oral tissue samples, and 10 normal oral tissue samples were collected. The status of all tissue samples was confirmed by pathology analysis. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) staining were performed to examine the cell count and location of M2 macrophages in different types of oral tissue samples. The conditioned medium (CM) of OSCC cell line CAL-27 from the human tongue was collected and the cfDNA was concentrated and isolated for identification. The macrophages were treated by cfDNA and their morphological characteristics were observed under microscope. The expression levels of polarization-related indicators were determined by RT-qPCR. CAL-27 cell line was treated with macrophage CM induced by cfDNA and the expression levels of stemness-related genes were determined by RT-qPCR. Scratch-wound assay was conducted to verify that the migration ability of CAL-27 was modulated by macrophages induced by cfDNA. Results: There were more M2 macrophages in the deep connective tissue of dysplastic oral epithelium and the stroma of OSCC compared with those in the normal oral tissues ( P<0.05). OSCC cell line CAL-27 could secret cfDNA of 10000-15000 bp in length. cfDNA secreted by CAL-27 could induced in macrophages significantly higher expression of M2-macrophage-related genes ( P<0.05). cfDNA-treated macrophages induced significantly increased expression of stemness-related genes in CAL-27 cell line ( P<0.05) and promoted the migration ability of CAL-27 cell line ( P<0.05). Conclusion: OSCC-derived cfDNA promotes stemness and migration of OSCC cell line by inducing M2 macrophage polarization.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on pregnancy outcome in poor ovarian response patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ovarian reaction, egg and embryo quality, as well as pregnancy rate in poor ovarian response (POR) patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Ninety-six patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an EA group and a control group, with 48 cases in each group. Before IVF-ET, the patients in the EA group received EA, once daily, 2 or 3 treatments a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and clinical pregnancy rate were assessed in two groups. The concentrations of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinsing hormone, estradiol, progesterone and anti-mullerian hormone were detected by chemiluminescence; the contents of serum insulin-like growth factor-1, serum inhibin B (INHB) and Kisspeptin in follicular fluid were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the antral follicle counting (AFC) was detected by color Doppler ultrasonography; and the egg and embryo conditions were observed under microscope. Fourteen days after embryo transfer, the positive rate of serum hemchoriconic gonadotropin (HCG) and clinical pregnancy rate were calculated. RESULTS: After the treatment, the TCM syndrome score and level of serum FSH were reduced (P<0.05); the INHB in serum and AFC were increased (P<0.05) when compared with those before the treatment in the EA group. After the treatment, in comparison with the control group, the TCM syndrome score and level of serum FSH were lower (P<0.05); and the contents of serum INHB, AFC, the numbers of MⅡ eggs and high-quality embryos, as well as serum HCG positive rate were all increased (P<0.05) in the EA group. CONCLUSION: EA can relieve the clinical symptoms of TCM in POR patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing IVF-ET, increase the ovarian reserve, reduce the serum FSH level, and improve the content of serum INHB, and the quality of eggs and embryos. This therapy tends to improve the clinical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy outcome.

Flipped classroom improves nursing students' theoretical learning in China: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: At present, current didactic teaching delivery method help nursing students apply theory to clinical situations in an inefficient way. The flipped classroom (FC), a novel teaching mode emphasizing self-study and critical thinking, has generated interest in nursing education in China. However, there are a gap in the literature and no consistent outcomes of current studies which compared FC and lecture-based learning (LBL), and no systematic review has comprehensively compared theoretical scores as an affected outcome in FC versus LBL modes. METHODS: In this review, we analyze flipped-learning nursing students' scores, and aim to assess the efficacy and provide a deeper understanding of the FC in nursing education. Following the inclusion criteria, articles were obtained by searching PubMed, Embase and Chinese data, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP database until 3 January 2020. Data were extracted from eligible articles and quality was assessed. A meta-analysis was then performed using a random effects model with a standardized mean value (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI).32 studies were included after reviewing 2,439 citations. All studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The FC theoretical knowledge scores in FC were significantly positively affected compared to those of the traditional classroom (SMD = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02-1.64; P < 0.001). In addition, 23 studies reported skill scores, indicating significant difference between the FC mode and LBL mode (SMD = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.23-1.93; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that compared to the LBL teaching method, the FC mode dose significantly improve Chinese nursing students' theoretical scores. However, the problems of heterogeneity and publication bias in this study need to be remedied high-quality future studies.

The Effects of miR-195-5p/MMP14 on Proliferation and Invasion of Cervical Carcinoma Cells Through TNF Signaling Pathway Based on Bioinformatics Analysis of Microarray Profiling.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study is aimed at identification of miR-195-5p/MMP14 expression in cervical cancer (CC) and their roles on cell proliferation and invasion profile of CC cells through TNF signaling pathway in CC. METHODS: Microarray analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and DAVID were used to analyze differentially expressed miRNAs, mRNAs and signaling pathways. MiR-195-5p and MMP14 expression levels in CC cell were determined by qRT-PCR. Western blot was employed to measure MMP14 and TNF signaling pathway-relating protein level. Luciferase reporter system was used to confirm the targeting relationship between MMP14 and miR-195-5p. Cell proliferation and invasion was respectively deeded by CCK8, transwell. In vivo experiment was carried out to study the impact of MMP14 and miR-195-5p on CC development in mice. RESULTS: The microarray analysis and the results of qRT-PCR determined that miR-195-5p was under-expressed and MMP14 was over-expressed in CC cells. GSEA and DAVID analysis showed that TNF signaling pathway was regulated by miR-195-5p/MMP14 and activated in cervical carcinoma cells. The miR-195-5p and MMP14 have a negative regulation relation. In vivo experiment found that down-regulated MMP14 and up-regulated miR-195-5p suppressed the tumor development. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that MMP14 is a direct target of miR-195-5p, and down-regulated MMP14 and up-regulated miR-195-5p suppressed proliferation and invasion of CC cells by inhibiting TNF signaling pathway.

Intratumoral and peritumoral expression of CD68 and CD206 in hepatocellular carcinoma and their prognostic value.

The aims of the present study were to determine whether the changes in density and location of CD68-positive and CD206-positive macrophages contribute to progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate prognostic values of these cells in post-surgical patients. A retrospective study involving 268 HCC patients was conducted. CD68-positive and CD206-positive macrophage infiltration in HCC tissues and adjacent tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the relationship between the clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to calculate diagnostic accuracy. There was an increase in CD68-positive and CD206-positive macrophage infiltration in adjacent tumor tissues compared with tumor tissues. ROC curve identified their optimal diagnostic cut-off values. The survival analysis showed that increased CD68 expression in adjacent tissues conferred superior overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), while increase of CD206 in tumor yielded inferior OS and DFS. Cox regression analysis suggested both CD68-positive macrophages in adjacent area and intratumor CD206-positive macrophages as independent prognostic biomarkers for post-surgical HCC patients. Finally, a combination of CD68/CD206 and HBV-positive further improved prognostic stratification, especially in DFS. These results provide the first evidence for region- and subset-dependent involvement of CD68 and CD206 cells in HCC progression. A combination of CD68/CD206 density and HBV-positivity improves further predictive value for post-operative recurrence of HCC. Quantification of CD68/CD206 macrophages and their distribution can be exploited for better postsurgical management of HCC patients. These findings provide a basis for developing novel treatment strategies aimed at re-educating macrophages in tumor microenvironment.

MicroRNA-210 and its theranostic potential.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a set of small single-stranded noncoding RNAs with diverse biological functions. As a prototypical hypoxamir, human microRNA-210 (hsa-miR-210) is one of the most widely studied miRNAs thus far. In addition to its involvement in sophisticated regulation of numerous biological processes, miR-210 has also been shown to be associated with the development of different human diseases including various types of cancers, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and immunological diseases. Given its multi-faceted functions, miR-210 may serve as a novel and promising theranostic target for prevention and treatment of diseases. Areas covered: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of miR-210, the regulation of its expression, biological functions and molecular mechanisms, with particular emphasis on its diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Expert opinion: Although the exact roles of miR-210 in various diseases have not been fully clarified, targeting miR-210 may be a promising therapeutic strategy. Further investigations are also needed to facilitate therapeutic-clinical applications of miR-210 in human diseases.

Elevated plasma levels of TL1A in newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. Cytokine-mediated immunity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A) belongs to the TNF superfamily of cytokines and has been found to perform significantly in autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. To date, no study has discussed the expression levels of TL1A in SLE. We found that plasma levels of TL1A were significantly higher in newly diagnosed SLE patients compared with controls. Correlation analysis showed that plasma levels of TL1A were positively associated with SLE disease activity index. These data indicated that TL1A may play a role in SLE and may reflect the disease activity for SLE.

2,2'-(p-Phenyl-ene)bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium) bis-(3-nitro-benzoate).

In the title compound, C(12)H(16)N(4) (+)·2C(7)H(4)NO(4) (-), the complete 2,2'-(p-phenyl-ene)bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium) (bib) dication is generated by crystallographic inversion symmetry. The bib cations reside on crystallographic inversion centers, which coincide with the centroids of the respective benzene rings. In the cation, the imidazole ring adopts an envelop conformation with the flap atom displaced by 0.082 (3) Šfrom the plane through the other ring atoms. In the crystal, the cations and anions are linked through inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains running along the a axis. C-H⋯O inter-actions also occur. Weak π-π contacts between the imidazole rings of bib and between the benzene rings of NB [centroid-centroid distances = 3.501 (1) and 3.281 (2) Å, respectively] may further stabilize the structure.

2-[4-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phen-yl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium 4-amino-benzoate.

In the cation of the title compound, C(12)H(15)N(4) (+)·C(7)H(6)NO(2) (-), the benzene ring makes dihedral angles of 30.51 (9) and 25.64 (9)° with the imidazole and imidazolinium rings, respectively. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H⋯O and N-H⋯N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network.

Bis[2,6-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine]manganese(II) bis-(per-chlorate) acetonitrile solvate.

In the cation of the title compound, [Mn(C(11)H(13)N(5))(2)](ClO(4))(2)·CH(3)CN, the metal atom is located on a twofold rotation axis and is six-coordinated by six N atoms from two different 2,6-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine (bip) ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. The O atoms of the perchlorate anions are disordered with occupancies in the ratio 0.593 (10):0.407 (10). In the crystal, mol-ecules are stabilized by two N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming zigzag chains along the a axis, which are further inter-connected by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π-π inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.50 (1) Å] into a three-dimensional network.

1,4-Bis(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzene-4-amino-benzene-sulfonic acid-water (1/2/2).

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(12)H(14)N(4)·2C(6)H(7)NO(3)S·2H(2)O, contains one half of a centrosymmetric 1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzene (bib) molecule, one 4-amino-benzene-sulfonic acid molecule and one water mol-ecule. In the bib molecule, the imidazole ring adopts an envelope conformation. The benzene rings of bib and 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid are oriented at a dihedral angle of 21.89 (4)°. In the crystal structure, inter-molecular N-H⋯O, O-H⋯N and O-H⋯O inter-actions link the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network. Weak π-π contacts between the benzene and imidazole rings and between the benzene rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.895 (1) and 3.833 (1) Å, respectively] may further stabilize the structure.

1,4-Bis(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzene-terephthalic acid-water (1/1/4).

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(12)H(14)N(4)·C(8)H(6)O(4)·4H(2)O, consists of one half of the 1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzene (bib) mol-ecule, one half of the terephthalic acid (TA) mol-ecule and two water mol-ecules. Both the bib and the TA mol-ecules reside on crystallographic inversion centers, which coincide with the centroids of the respective benzene rings. The bib and the TA, together with the water mol-ecules, are linked through inter-molecular O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network of stacked layers. Weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O contacts support the stability of the crystal structure.

[2,6-Bis(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine]dichloridomanganese(II).

In the title compound, [MnCl(2)(C(11)H(13)N(5))], the Mn(II) ion is five-coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry, with three N atoms from the neutral tridentate 2,6-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine ligand and one chloride ion forming the basal plane and the other chloride ion in the apical position. Both dihydro-imidazole rings adopt envelope conformations. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds.

Bis[µ-1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzene-κN:N]silver(I) dinitrate dihydrate.

The reaction of 1,4-bis-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzene (bib) with silver(I) nitrate in a 1:1 molar ratio generates the metallacyclic title complex, [Ag(2)(C(12)H(14)N(4))(2)](NO(3))(2)·2H(2)O, in which the bib ligand displays a cis configuration. Each bib ligand acts as a bidentate bridging ligand connecting a pair of Ag(I) ions to form a [2 + 2] metallamacrocycle in which the Ag⋯Ag distance is 6.77 (2) Å. Each Ag(I) ion has weak contacts (2.91 Å) with the nitrate anion. The uncoordinated water mol-ecules make hydrogen bonds with nitrate O atoms, forming chains. The H atoms attached to the uncoordinated nitro-gen inter-act with these chains through N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the (11) plane.

Chlorido(pyridine-κN)bis-[2-(quinolin-2-yl)phenyl-κC,N]iridium(III) mono-hydrate.

In the neutral mononuclear iridium(III) title complex, [Ir(C(15)H(10)N)(2)Cl(C(5)H(5)N)]·H(2)O, the Ir atom is coordinated by two N atoms and two C atoms from two 2-(quinolin-2-yl)-phenyl ligands, one N atom from a pyridine ligand and one Cl atom in an octa-hedral geometry.

Trichlorido(N,N'-di-tert-butyl-benzamidinato-κN,N')silicon.

In the title mol-ecule, C(15)H(23)Cl(3)N(2)Si, the Si atom is penta-coordinated by two N atoms [Si-N = 1.780 (3) and 1.931 (3) Å] from the benzamidinate ligand and three chloride anions [Si-Cl = 2.0711 (14)-2.1449 (14) Å] in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry.

Porphyrin-carborane organometallic assemblies based on 1, 2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane (12) ligands.

The assembly of soluble, air-stable, supramolecular structures {(Zn-TPyP)[Cp*Ir{S2C2(B10H10)}]4(THF)2}(2), {(Cu-TPyP)[Cp*Ir{S2C2(B10H10)}]4(THF)2}(3) and {(Zn-TPyP)[Cp*Ir{S2C2(B10H10)}]2.6(CHCl3)}n (4), based on metal-containing moieties [Cp*Ir{S2C2(B10H10)}] (1) bridged by nitrogen-based organic spacers, are described.

Route to multicluster containing ancillary ortho-carborane-1,2-dithiolato ligands.

Multicluster molecules [Cp(*)IrS2C2(B10H10)]n(L)[n= 3 (L = tpt), 2 (L = bpy)], connected with pyridyl-based ligands, were prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography.