The effects of long-term high-altitude exposure on cognition: A meta-analysis.

Long-term high altitudes (HA) exposure's impact on cognition has yielded inconsistent findings in previous research. To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis of 49 studies (6,191 individuals) to comprehensively evaluate this effect. Moderating factors such as cognitive task type, altitude (1,500-2,500m, 2,500-4,000m, and above 4,000m), residential type (chronic and lifelong), adaptation level and demographic factors were analyzed. Cognitive tasks were classified into eight categories: perceptual processes, psychomotor function, long-term memory, working memory, inhibitory control, problem-solving, language, and others. Results revealed a moderate negative effect of HA on cognitive performance (g = -.40, SE =.18, 95% CI = -.76 to -.05). Psychomotor function and long-term memory notably experience the most pronounced decline, while working memory and language skills show moderate decreases due to HA exposure. However, perceptual processes, inhibitory control, and problem-solving abilities remain unaffected. Moreover, residing at altitudes above 4,000m and being a HA immigrant are associated with significant cognitive impairment. In summary, our findings indicate a selective adaptation of cognitive performance to HA conditions.

Circ_0068631 sponges miR-139-5p to promote the growth and metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating HOXB7.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are often dysregulated in cancers and closely related to cancer progression, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). However, the role and mechanism of circ_0068631 in CSCC progression have not been reported. METHODS: The expression of circ_0068631, microRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p), and homeobox B7 (HOXB7) was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and colony formation assay were used to measure cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Cell migration was detected by transwell assay. The interaction between miR-139-5p and circ_0068631 or HOXB7 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. A xenograft tumor model was established to confirm the function of circ_0068631 in vivo. RESULTS: Circ_0068631 was upregulated in CSCC tissues and cells, and its silencing could inhibit CSCC cell proliferation and metastasis while promoting apoptosis in vitro, as well as restrain CSCC tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0068631 acted as a sponge of miR-139-5p, and miR-139-5p inhibition reversed the repressive effect of circ_0068631 knockdown on CSCC cell progression. Furthermore, HOXB7 was a target of miR-139-5p, and miR-139-5p inhibited the malignant behaviors by downregulating HOXB7 expression in CSCC cells. Further, circ_0068631 sponged miR-139-5p to regulate HOXB7 expression. CONCLUSION: Circ_0068631 functioned as a novel oncogene in CSCC progression by regulating miR-139-5p/HOXB7 axis, suggesting that circ_0068631 may be a potential target for CSCC treatment. HIGHLIGHTS: Circ_0068631 was overexpressed in CSCC tissues and cells. Circ_0068631 downregulation suppressed CSCC progression via miR-139-5p. Circ_0068631 regulated HOXB7 via sponging miR-139-5p.

Surgical treatment of bipolar segmental clavicle fracture: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder injuries caused by trauma are common, including clavicle fractures. Even so, bipolar segmental fracture of the clavicle is extremely rare and seldom reported. Therefore, there is still a controversial issue about how to treat these bipolar segmental clavicle fractures. CASE SUMMARY: A 56-year-old security guard arrived at our emergency room after falling on his electric bicycle. There was no loss of consciousness or other pain. He had no numbness in his fingers. X-rays and 3D computed tomography revealed that the patient's right shoulder had a bipolar segmental clavicle fracture. The surgical procedure included both open reduction and internal fixation. At the 1-year follow-up, he had a full range of motion and minimal discomfort in the injured shoulder. CONCLUSION: We provide a rare case of bipolar clavicle facture in the right clavicle. We hold the opinion that such patients would get better clinical and radiological outcomes by early and correct operation.

Effects of different modified starches and gums on the physicochemical, functional, and microstructural properties of tapioca pearls.

The effects of different modified starch and gums on the physicochemical, functional, and microstructural properties of tapioca pearls were investigated. The addition of starch acetate (SA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) improved the springiness, hardness, cooking properties, and overall acceptability of pearls. Samples added with CMC presented higher peak viscosities, breakdown viscosities, onset gelatinization temperature, and lower enthalpy of gelatinization values compared to control pearls. Furthermore, Rheology and LF-NMR results indicated that all five kinds of modifiers promoted the formation of tighter network structures in products. SEM showed that the addition of SA and hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP) could fill the voids in the internal gel network of the pearls, thus promoting the formation of a continuous phase network. This study proved SA, HDP, and CMC as modifiers could have tremendous potential to improve the quality of pearls before and after cooking.

The first complete mitochondrial genome of Matsucoccidae (Hemiptera, Coccoidea) and implications for its phylogenetic position.

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used to better understand the phylogenetic relationships within the hemipteran suborder Sternorrhyncha, but sequenced mitogenomes remain unavailable for the entire family Matsucoccidae to date. To address this, here we sequenced the complete mitogenome of Matsucoccusmatsumurae; the first for this family. The mitogenome is 15,360 bp in size and comprises the typical set of 37 mitochondrial genes and a large non-coding region (AT-rich region). Gene order, nucleotide composition and codon usage of protein-coding genes (PCGs) of M.matsumurae differ considerably from those of the other two sequenced Coccidae species. All PCGs were initiated by the ATN start codons and ended with the TAA/G or single T-- stop codons. Nine transfer RNA genes could be folded into typical clover-leaf secondary structures. The length and AT content of the ribosomal RNA genes are highly conserved in the Coccoidea mitogenomes. In contrast, the AT-rich control region is highly variable in size and in the number of tandem repeats. The sliding window analysis showed that the cox1 gene is the most conserved amongst the 13 PCGs, while the ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates indicated that the evolution of this mitogenome has been dominated by positive selection. Phylogenetic analyses, based on nucleotide sequence data of 37 mitochondrial genes and amino acid sequence data of 13 PCGs using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood methods, showed that Matsucoccidae diverged before the Coccidae.

Data of ant community compositions and functional traits responding to land-use change at the local scale.

Aim: Off-reserve conservation is a major contributor to China biodiversity conservation efforts, biodiversity conservation being achieved within afforestation and low-intensity agriculture in fragmented landscapes. Functional trait is more strongly related to ecological processes than taxonomic diversity and reflects ecosystem functioning and species responses to environmental changes. In this study, we selected five habitats that differ in degree of disturbance to explore the effects of land use on ant community compositions, traits distributions and functional diversity change. We assessed how habitat disturbance affects the ant community compositions and traits distributions and asked if ant functional diversity respond to disturbance at the local scale? Location: Lüchun County, Yunnan Province, southwest China. Methods: Pitfall traps were used to survey ant communities. Additionally, we measured four ant morphological traits (eyes diameter, distance between eyes, femur length of the hind-leg and Weber's length) to assess the functional traits distributions and functional diversity. Shade plot of ant relative abundance was used to explore species distribution amongst different habitats. Kernel density plot was used to explore ant traits distribution patterns amongst different habitats. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling ordination, based on ant Weber's length, was used to explore the ant traits compositions amongst different habitats. The fourth corner model was used to evaluate the association between ant traits and environmental variables. The FRic, RaoQ and FEve indices were selected as three complementary measures of the multivariate functional traits space and functional redundancy of different habitats. Results: We collected 14258 ants, representing 89 species, 40 genera and seven subfamilies. Aphaenogasterschurri and Tetramoriumciliatum were the common species of secondary forest; P.sagei, P.pieli, Cardiocondylawroughtonii, Recurvidrisnuwa, Tapinnomamelanocephalum, Monomoriumpharaonis and M.orientale were the common species in plantations; and Iridomyrmexanceps and Cardiocondylanuda were the common species in managed farms. Ants had medium eye diameters, narrow distances between eyes, medium leg lengths and smaller body sizes in greatly-disturbed habitats; and ants had an increasing eye diameter and narrowing of the space between eyes, while the leg length and Weber's length became shorter in moderately-disturbed habitats. Ant trait composition, based on Weber's length, showed significantly differences amongst five habitats. The fourth corner analysis indicated that ant species traits were significantly correlated with environmental variables. The functional diversity of secondary forest, lac plantation and lac plantation-corn agroforest were higher than those in dryland farm and rice paddy. Functional diversities were significantly negatively correlated with bare ground cover and significantly positively correlated with leaf-litter cover, leaf-litter thickness and plant cover. Main conclusion: Our results indicated that ant traits distribution patterns were affected by land-use changes, followed by anthropogenic disturbance pressures at the local scale. Ant traits compositions in greatly-disturbed habitats also differed from the habitats with less disturbance. It is unfavourable for the survival of the large body-size ants in more open habitats with more anthropogenic disturbance. Compared with secondary forest, dryland farm and rice paddies were less resistant and more vulnerable and lac plantations had approximately functional diversity of ant communities, suggesting that lac plantations might be resistant as secondary forest to species loss.

The complete mitogenome of Curculiochinensis (Chevrolat, 1878) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae).

The mitogenome of Curculiochinensis (Chevrolat, 1878) was sequenced and annotated to better identify C.chinensis and related species. The mitogenome is 18,680 bp in length, includes the 37 typical mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and 22 transfer RNA genes) and two control regions (total length: 3,879 bp). Mitogenome organisation, nucleotide composition and codon usage are similar to the previously sequenced Curculio mitogenomes. All 13 protein-coding genes use ATN or TTG as start codon and end with TAA/G or incomplete stop codons (single T-). Twenty-one transfer RNA genes have the typical clover-leaf structure, while the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm of trnS1 is missing. In Curculio mitogenomes, the size of the control region is highly variable. Both ML and BI analyses, based on the 13 PCGs and two rRNAs from six species of Curculioninae, strongly supported the monophyly of Curculio. In Curculio, the relationships amongst included species were inferred as ((C.chinensis + Curculio. sp.) + (Curculiodavidi + Curculioelephas)), with C.chinensis and C. sp. forming a clade (BS = 100; PP = 1).

Identification and Validation of Immune- and Stemness-Related Prognostic Signature of Melanoma.

Purpose: Our aim was to construct a signature that accurately predicted the prognostic and immune response of melanoma. Methods: First, the weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithm was used to identify the hub genes related to clinical phenotypes of melanoma in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Nest, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was used to dimensionality reduction of these hub genes and constructed a prognostic signature to predict the prognosis and immunosuppressive response of melanoma. Result: Through in-depth analysis, we constructed a 5-mRNA prognostic signature and verified its prognostic value in internal (TCGA-SKCM, n = 452) and external independent datasets (GSE53118, n = 79). Based on this signature, the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) of melanoma was characterized, and the result was found that patients in the high-risk group had lower CD8 T cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4), as well as higher M0/M2 macrophage infiltration. Our results also found the risk score based on a 5-mRNA signature was significantly associated with tumor mutational burden (TMB) and tumor stem cell markers (CD20, CD38, ABCB5, CD44, etc.). Lastly, we built a nomogram for clinician prediction for the prognosis of patients with melanoma. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the 5-mRNA signature has an important predictive value for the overall survival of melanoma. By analyzing the tumor immune microenvironment and tumor stem cell marker between different groups, a new method is provided for the stratified diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

The characteristics of stem cells in human degenerative intervertebral disc.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify which possessed the best stem-cell-like characteristics in 3 kinds of cell in human degenerative intervertebral disc: NPSCs (nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells), AFSCs (annulus fibrosus-derived stem cells), or CESCs (cartilage endplate-derived stem cells). METHODS: We separated the disc samples obtained from 15 surgically treated patients with disc degenerative diseases into nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate. After cultivating, we used the cell counting kit-8 to analysis the cell activity of 3 kinds of disc tissue-derived stem cell separately; different stem cells were defined with multilineage (osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic) differentiation. We extracted the total RNA and detected the expression of different lineage differentiation-related genes with the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Cell morphology of NPSCs, AFSCs, and CESCs did not show significant difference. Cell proliferation capacity of NPSCs and AFSCs was stronger than that of CESCs. The differentiation outcomes showed that osteocyte-like cells were stained red by Alizarin red S, chondrocyte-like cells blue by toluidine blue, and adipocyte-like red by oil red O. The RT-PCR reflected that the expression of different lineage differentiation-related genes of AFSCs was stronger than NPSCs and CESCs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found that the cell morphology was not significantly different among NPSCs, AFSCs, and CESCs. Both differentiation and RT-PCR tests demonstrated that AFSCs had the best stem-cell-like characteristics in the human degenerative intervertebral disc.

Association of polymorphisms in WWOX gene with risk and outcome of osteosarcoma in a sample of the young Chinese population.

The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene is a tumor suppressor gene, the abnormal expression of which will lead to osteosarcoma tumorigenesis. Polymorphisms of the WWOX gene are associated with the risk of several malignancies. We hypothesized that genetic variations in the WWOX gene were related to osteosarcoma risk and outcome. In this case-control study, we recruited 276 young osteosarcoma patients and 286 controls from the East Chinese population and genotyped seven tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the WWOX gene (rs10220974C>T, rs12918952G>A, rs3764340C>G, rs1074963C>G, rs383362G>T, rs1424110A>G, and rs12828A>G). We discovered that two SNPs (rs3764340C>G and rs383362G>T) were associated with osteosarcoma risk. The CG genotype and dominant model of rs3764340 indicated elevated risk of osteosarcoma, and similar results were found for rs383362. Furthermore, rs3754340C>G was also related to grade and metastasis risk of osteosarcoma. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that WWOX gene polymorphisms have the potential to be predictive factors for assessing risk and outcome of osteosarcoma.

[Interlocking intramedullary nailling and micro-invasive internal fixation with plate for multiple segmental tibiofibular fractures: a case-control study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of interlocking intramedullary nail and micro-invasive internal fixation with plate for the treatment of multiple segmental tibiofibular fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 39 patients with multiple segmental tibiofibular fractures received treatment from January 2010 to June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. In the 39 patients, 18 cases were treated by the interlocking intramedullary nail (intramedullary nail group), there were 12 males and 6 females with the mean age of (40.6 ± 9.7) years old (ranged, 24 to 60 years);7 cases were type C2.1, 11 were type C2.2 according to the AO classification. The other 21 cases were treated by micro-invasive internal fixation with plate(plate group), there were 13 males and 8 females with the mean age of (41.7 ± 8.1) years old (ranged, 22 to 52 years), 7 cases were type C2.1, 13 were type C2.2, 1 was type C2.3. Preoperative preparation time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, fracture healing time were compared between two groups. Johner-Wruhs evaluation criteria was used to evaluate the clinical effect at last follow-up. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up from 10 to 28 months with an average of 15.2 months. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss in intramedullary nail group were (62.1 ± 5.8) min, (70.9 ± 7.1) ml, respectively; in plate group were (64.3 ± 7.7) min, (74.1 ± 8.5) ml,respectively. There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between two groups (P > 0.05). However, preoperative preparation time, fracture healing time in intramedullary nail group were (5.3 ± 0.7) days, (11.1 ± 1.9) months, in plate group were (7.1 ± 0.8) days, (14.1 ± 2.2) months, respectively. No postoperative complications were found in intramedullary nail group, and five cases developed with complications in plate group. There was significant difference in preoperative preparation time, postoperative complications and fracture healing time between two groups (P < 0.05). According to Johner-Wruhs criteria at last follow-up, 11 cases got excellent results, 4 good, 3 fair in intramedullary nail group; 11 excellent, 5 good, 2 poor in plate group. CONCLUSION: Interlocking intramedullary nail has advantages of shorter preoperative preparation time, less postoperative complications and faster fracture healing time in treating multiple segmental tibiofibular fractures. But the application scope of interlocking intramedullary nail was inferior to micro-invasive internal fixation with plate , and its indications should be strictly controlled.

[Case-control study on double screws system and compressed three canulated screws in treating femoral neck fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of double screws system and compressed three canulated screws in treating femoral neck fractures. METHODS: From January 2007 to June 2009, the clinical data of 67 patients with femoral neck fractures underwent operation were retrospectively analyzed. There were 38 males and 29 females,aged from 31 to 71 years with an average of 50.6 years, left was in 41 cases and right was in 26 cases. The patients were divided into two groups (group A and B) based on the different fixation method. Of them, 30 cases (group A,19 males and 11 females) were treated with double screws system and 37 cases (group B, 19 males and 18 females) with compressed three canulated screws. In group A, Pauwells angle was more than or equal 50 degrees in 16 cases and Pauwells angle less 50 degrees in 14 cases; in group B, Pauwells angle was more than or equal 50 degrees in 22 cases and Pauwells angle less 50 degrees in 15 cases. Duration of hospitalization, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative time in bed, infection of incision, postoperative complication, quality of fracture reduction, position of internal fixation, incidence of non-union and femoral head necrosis, incidence of failure fixation, joint function (Harris score) were compared between two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 30 to 59 months with an average of 42 months. There was no significant differences in aspect of duration of hospitalization, infection of incision, intraoperative blood loss, walking time, postoperative complications between two groups(P>0.05). Operative time of group A [(31.1 +/- 9.7) min]was less than that of group B [(40.4 +/- 12.7) min] (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in quality of fracture reduction, position of internal fixation, incidence of non-union and femoral head necrosis between two groups (P>0.05). In the patients with Pauwells angle more than or equal 50 degrees in group A, there was no retreated screws, broken screws, screw cut-off from the femoral head;a head;and in group B, retreated screws occurred in 2 cases, screw cut-off from the femoral head occurred in 2 cases, screws not completely getting in femoral head occurred in 2 cases; there was significant differences between two groups (P<0.05). The patients with Pauwells angle less 50 degrees in group A, screw loosening occurred in one case; and in group B, screw retreating occurred in one cases; there was no significant differences between two groups (P>0.05). All patients who suffered from screw loosening, retreating or cut-off from the femoral head were more than 65 years old. There was no significant differences in the joint function between two groups at 6 and 30 months after operations (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Double screws system has advantages of minimal invasion, easy operation, reliable fixation in treatment of femoral neck fractures. Compared with the traditional compressed three canulated screws,double screws system has less fixation failure rate and higher hip function scoring. It has a good clinical effect especially for the patients with Pauwells angle more than or equal 50 degrees.

[Medial plus anterolateral approaches for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving three columns].

OBJECTIVE: To study surgical outcomes of medial plus anterolateral approaches for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving three columns. METHODS: From March 2010 to March 2012,20 patients with tibial plateau fractures involving three columns were treated with internal fixation by using T-shape, L-shape plate, or distal radius T-plate through medial plus anterolateral approaches. Among the patients, 13 patietns were male and 7 patients were female,ranging in age from 29 to 52 years old with an average of 39.4 years old. The intervals between injury and operation ranged from 8 to 12 days, with a mean of 9 days. At the latest follow-up,the American Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS) was used to evaluate clinical effect,and the average loateau angle,posterior slope angle and femorotibial angle of tibia were measured on the X-ray films. RESULTS: The average operation time was 2.11 hours; average intraoperative blood loss was 452 ml and average hospital stay was 22.3 days. All the patients were followed up,and the duration ranged from 12 to 20 months,averaged 14.6 months. The fracture healing time ranged from 3 to 8 months, with a mean of 6.1 months. The average loateau angle, posterior slope angle and femorotibial angle of tibia at 3 days after operation were (86.1 +/- 2.7) degrees, (10.7 +/- 1.6) degrees and (168.0 +/- 4.7) degrees respectively; and (84.1 +/- 3.2) degrees, (13.7 +/- 1.9) degrees, (170.0 +/- 5.8) degrees respectively at 1 year after operation (P > 0.05). According to HSS, 11 patietns got an excellent result, 6 good, 2 poor and 1 bad. There were no postoperaive neural and vascular injuries, no plate lossening or broken. One patient had local infection. One patient had skin flap partial necrosis and was cured by conservative treatment. Four patients had postoperative numbness below the inside leg. CONCLUSION: Medial plus anterolateral approaches for the treatment of fractures involving three columns are effective to get good anatomic reduction and stable fixation without changing body position, which is helpful to early functional rehabilition of knee joint.