Preliminary construction of non-coding RNAs and ceRNA regulatory networks mediated by exosomes in porcine follicular fluid.

BACKGROUND: Follicles are fundamental units of the ovary, regulated intricately during development. Exosomes and ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) play pivotal roles in follicular development, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing exosomes remain elusive. RESULTS: High-throughput sequencing was employed to evaluate the complete transcript expression profiles of six samples (three porcine ovarian granulosa cells-exosome co-culture samples (GCE) and three porcine ovarian granulosa cells (POGCs) samples). Differential expression analysis revealed 924 lncRNAs, 35 circRNAs, 49 miRNAs, and 9823 mRNAs in the GCE group. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses indicated enrichment of differentially expressed transcripts in pathways related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, a ceRNA regulatory network comprising 43 lncRNAs, 6 circRNAs, 11 miRNAs, and 126 mRNAs was constructed based on intergene co-expression correlations. Seven miRNAs associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis regulation were identified within this network, encompassing 92 subnet pairs as candidate genes for further exploration of exosome regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, preliminary verification at the cellular level demonstrated that exosomal miR-200b enhances the viability of POGCs. CONCLUSIONS: Transcriptome analysis unveiled a pivotal candidate ceRNA network potentially implicated in exosome-mediated regulation of granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis, thereby influencing porcine follicular development. These findings offer insights into the molecular mechanisms of follicular fluid exosome regulation, encompassing both coding and non-coding RNA perspectives.

Association of diarrhea or constipation with urinary incontinence in adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between diarrhea or constipation and urinary incontinence (UI) in adults. METHODS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2009-2010 was used to include 4686 adults aged 20 and over in the analysis. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) were used as outcome variables, with diarrhea and constipation as exposure factors. We first compared the baseline characteristics of those with and without SUI, as well as those with and without UUI. The impact of diarrhea or constipation on SUI and UUI was assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. To ensure the stability of the results, subgroup and stratified analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of UUI and SUI were 22.49% and 23.39%, respectively. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of UUI was increased by either diarrhea (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.36-2.04) or constipation (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.11-1.83). The risk of SUI was also elevated by either diarrhea (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.67) or constipation (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.06-1.63). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in the interaction tests between constipation or diarrhea and UI. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that both constipation and diarrhea increase the risk of UUI and SUI.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Objective Sleep-related Traits Identifies Novel Risk Loci in Han Chinese Individuals.

Rationale: Previous genetic studies of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have limitations in terms of precise case definition, integrated quantitative traits, and interpretation of genetic functions; thus, the heritability of OSA remains poorly explained. Objectives: To identify novel genetic variants associated with OSA and objective sleep-related traits and to explore their functional roles. Methods: A genome-wide association study was performed in 20,590 Han Chinese individuals (5,438 OSA and 15,152 control samples). Human samples and point mutation knockin mice were used for follow-up investigation of gene functions. Measurements and Main Results: Two characteristic study-wide significant loci (P < 2.63 × 10-9) for OSA were identified: the PACRG intronic variant rs6455893 on 6q26 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.89; P = 6.98 × 10-10) and the missense variant rs3746804 (p.Pro267Leu) in the riboflavin transporter SLC52A3 on 20p13 (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88; P = 7.57 × 10-10). In addition, 18 genome-wide significant loci associated with quantitative OSA and objective sleep-related traits were identified, 5 of which exceeded the study-wide significance threshold. Rs3746804 was associated with elevated serum riboflavin concentrations, and the corresponding mutation in mice increased riboflavin concentrations, suggesting that this variant may facilitate riboflavin uptake and riboflavin-dependent physiological activity. Conclusions: We identified several novel genome-wide significant loci associated with OSA and objective sleep-related traits. Our findings provide insight into the genetic architecture of OSA and suggest that SLC52A3 might be a therapeutic target, whereas riboflavin might be a therapeutic agent.

The immune response to arterial damage in a mouse model of intermittent hypoxia: a transcriptomics analysis.

PURPOSE: Mice can develop arterial damage and even atherosclerosis under intermittent hypoxia (IH); however, the specific mechanism of arterial damage induced by IH remains unclear. Hence, this research aimed to illustrate the underlying mechanism linking IH to arterial injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The differential gene expression of the thoracic aorta under normoxia or IH mice was analyzed utilizing RNA sequencing. Furthermore, GO, KEGG pathway, and CIBERSORT analyses were carried out. For verification of the expression of candidate genes affected by IH, quantitative RT-qPCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining revealed immune cell infiltration in the thoracic aorta. RESULTS: The thickness of the intima-media of the mouse aorta was increased, and the fiber structure was disordered under IH. Transcriptomics analysis showed that in the aorta, 1137 upregulated genes and 707 downregulated genes were affected by IH, significantly related to the activation of the immune system and cell adhesion. Furthermore, B cell infiltration around the aorta was observed under IH. CONCLUSIONS: IH might lead to structural changes in the aorta by activating the immune response and enhancing cell adhesion.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Tachyarrhythmias After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Tachyarrhythmias after cardiac surgery is a common occurrence in clinical practice, which can be life threatening. We searched 6 databases, including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang, and Sinomed, to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on tachyarrhythmias after adult cardiac surgery. The primary end point was the number of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery. The secondary end points included the number of patients with supraventricular tachycardia or with ventricular tachycardia or with ventricular fibrillation or with myocardial infarction or deceased patients, the duration of mechanical ventilation, the intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and the number of patients with bradycardia and those with hypotension. Among the 1388 retrieved studies, 18 studies (n = 3171 participants) met our inclusion criteria. Dexmedetomidine reduced the incidence of AF by 17% [relative risk (RR) = 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73-0.93; P = 0.002]. Through subgroup analysis, we found that when the maintenance dose of dexmedetomidine was >0.7 µg·kg-1·h-1, the effect of preventing AF was obvious (RR = 0.58; 95%CI 0.43-0.78; P = 0.0003). Dexmedetomidine also reduced the incidence of supraventricular tachycardia by approximately 70% (RR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.77; P = 0.01) and the incidence of ventricular tachycardia by approximately 80% (RR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08-0.63; P = 0.004) but had no effect on ventricular fibrillation (RR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.14-7.31; P = 0.99). The major side effect of dexmedetomidine was bradycardia. Dexmedetomidine can reduce the incidence of AF (especially high dosages), supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia after cardiac surgery in adults, but it does not affect the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation.

Multiple genetic variations of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps are associated with respiratory parameters in men with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the relationship between CRSwNP and OSA remains unclear. The aim of this research study was to evaluate the association of multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in CRSwNP with sleep- and breath-related parameters in men with OSA. METHODS: We included eight CRSwNP SNPs in 2320 participants after strict screening. For each participant, the genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated based on the cumulative effect of multiple genetic variants of CRSwNP. A bivariate correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between CRSwNP genetic polymorphisms and polysomnography parameters in men with OSA. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the risk of OSA and CRSwNP genetic polymorphisms. RESULTS: In moderate OSA, rs28383314 was related to the oxygen desaturation index, and rs4807532 was positively associated with the microarousal index (r = 0.09, P = 0.03 and r = 0.11, P = 0.01, respectively). The CRSwNP GRS was positively correlated with the oxygen desaturation index and cumulative time percentage with SpO2 < 90% in moderate OSA (r = 0.13, P < 0.001 and r = 0.1, P = 0.01, respectively). There was no association between the CRSwNP GRS and the risk of OSA (OR = 1.007; 95% CI, 0.973-1.042; P = 0.702). CONCLUSION: In men with moderate OSA, single CRSwNP genetic variations correlated with sleep-related parameters, and the cumulative effects of CRSwNP genetic variations were associated with the hypoxic index. CRSwNP may be a predisposing condition for sleep disorders in men with moderate OSA.

The Expression and Regulation of Na+-K+-ATPase in Nasal Epithelial Cells of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

OBJECTIVE: Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) is essential in maintaining cell permeability, reserving potential energy, and preventing cellular edema. Nevertheless, how NKA expression is altered and regulated in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) remain uncertain. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the expression and regulation of NKA in CRSwNP. METHODS: NKA immunolabeling was assessed by the immunohistochemistry method, NKA protein levels were detected with the Western blotting method, and mRNA levels of NKA and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) were assayed by real-time PCR in nasal tissues from CRSwNP and control subjects. The co-localization of NKA with inflammatory cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were cultured and stimulated using various stimulators to evaluate the regulation of NKA. RESULTS: We found significantly decreased NKA positive cells, NKA protein levels, and mRNA levels of NKA and AQP5 in nasal tissues from CRSwNP patients compared to control subjects, especially in eosinophilic CRSwNP. Furthermore, NKA mRNA levels in HNECs were downregulated by staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), inflammatory cytokine (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-1ß. CONCLUSION: NKA and AQP5 expressions were decreased in CRSwNP. NKA in HNECs could be suppressed by SEB, LPS, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-1ß. Impairment of NKA may contribute to the genesis and development of CRSwNP via inducing AQP5 downregulation and edema.

Evidence for role of acid-sensing ion channel 1a in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

PURPOSE: A variety of inflammatory cells are infiltrated histologically in sinonasal mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), especially CRSwNP with asthma. Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is essential in the process of sensing acidification and triggering inflammation. Whereas, its role and mechanism in CRSwNP remain uncertain. The present study aimed to explore the roles and mechanism of ASIC1a in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. METHODS: Nasal secretions from control subjects, patients with CRSwNP with or without asthma were collected for measuring pH values. Western blotting, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to assess ASIC1a expression in nasal tissue samples from included subjects. The co-localization of ASIC1a with inflammatory cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Then, dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs) were cultured under acidified condition (pH 6.0), with or without ASIC1a inhibitor amiloride. Western blotting, real-time PCR, LDH activity kit, and ELISA were performed to assess the effects and mechanisms of stimulators on the cells. RESULTS: The pH values were significantly lower in the nasal secretions from patients with CRSwNP with asthma. Significant upregulation of ASIC1a protein, mRNA levels, and positive cells was found in CRSwNP with asthma. ASIC1a was detected in a variety of inflammatory cells. In cultured DNPCs, significant alterations of ASIC1a levels, LDH activity, HIF-1α levels, and inflammatory cytokines were found under acidified condition (pH 6.0), but were prevented by amiloride. CONCLUSION: Upregulation of ASIC1a might be essential in the process of sensing acidification and triggering inflammatory response via enhancing HIF-1α expression and LDH activity to activate inflammatory cells in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP, especially in CRSwNP with asthma.

Contrast-Enhanced MRI Combined With the Glycerol Test Reveals the Heterogeneous Dynamics of Endolymphatic Hydrops in Patients With Menière's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The sensitivity of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) to the glycerol test varies in patients with Menière's disease (MD). PURPOSE: To explore the features of EH and its glycerol-induced dynamics in MD. STUDY TYPE: Case-control study. POPULATION: Twenty patients with MD (24 affected ears) were included. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0T 3D-FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) MRI and late gadolinium enhancement. ASSESSMENT: Intratympanic gadolinium-enhanced MRI was performed in the MD-affected ears before and after the glycerol test. The borders of the endolymphatic and total lymphatic space were contoured on the axial MRI slices to evaluate the volume of hydrops in both the cochlear and vestibular regions. STATISTICAL TESTS: Paired and unpaired t-tests, the Mann-Whitney U-test, linear discriminant analysis, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression. RESULTS: After glycerol ingestion, vestibular EH decreased in all patients, whereas cochlear EH significantly decreased only in patients with positive glycerol test results (all P < 0.01). At baseline, cochlear EH in the positive result group was greater than in the negative result group (P = 0.007). Unexpectedly, in the positive result group a drastic glycerol-induced dehydrating effect was observed in patients whose pretest cochlear EH ratio was >16% (P = 0.011). Moreover, the dehydrating role of glycerol was positively correlated with the baseline cochlear hydrops level (r = 0.7691, P < 0.001). DATA CONCLUSION: MRI provides evidence that glycerol administration improves the hearing threshold via dehydrating the EH. In the cochlear region, the baseline level of cochlear EH is a closely related factor for the validity of the glycerol test, whereas EH is consistently dehydrated in the vestibular component. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1066-1073.

Radiofrequency Coblation-Assisted Resection of Skull Base Neoplasms Using an Endoscopic Endonasal Approach.

OBJECTIVES: We describe our early experiences with resecting skull base tumors using a radiofrequency ablation-assisted endoscopic endonasal approach. Ninety-seven patients with skull base tumors who were admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology department at Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital between January 2014 and December 2016 were operated on using a radiofrequency ablation-assisted endoscopic endonasal approach. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. This paper describes the operative technique and presents the degree of resection, complications, and early clinical outcomes. METHODS: We investigated the safety and feasibility of the technique and assessed preliminary treatment outcomes. RESULTS: No patients experienced a new neurological deficit, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or meningitis after surgery. No deaths related to skull base tumors were observed during the follow-up period (14-50 months). The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 100-1,200 mL (median 350 mL), the duration of operation was 40-510 min (median 180 min), and the hospital stay was 6-65 days (median 18). CONCLUSIONS: Our limited experience indicates that this technique is feasible and safe for complete resection of some skull base tumors in selected cases and in the future will have an increasing role to play in endoscopic sinonasal and skull base tumor dissection.

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage in Current Practice.

As delayed diagnosis and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage are common in current practice, this study was performed to determine associated factors and discuss appropriate strategies to deal with these problems. A retrospective analysis of all cases of CSF leakage in our hospital from 2007 to 2018, including 41 patients with CSF rhinorrhea and 5 with CSF otorhinorrhea, was performed. Symptoms, associated diseases, misdiagnoses, history of skull base repair surgical, previous medical costs, and number of hospital visits before visiting our institution were reviewed. The diagnoses, surgical reconstruction methods, and prognoses of the patients were analyzed. In 18 patients, CSF leakage was spontaneous, in 14 the cause was trauma, and in the remaining 14 the origin was iatrogenic. Twelve patients had been misdiagnosed with allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, or otitis media. Twelve cases had intracranial infection and 14 suffered airway infection. Six had undergone unsuccessful craniotomy, endonasal endoscopic surgery, or ear surgery for treatment of CSF leakage before visiting our institute. This resulted in an average of 5.13 ±â€Š1.32 referrals and medical costs of up to 20,795.7 ±â€Š4553.80 RMB. The success rate was 97.83% after repairing CSF fistulae in our hospital. The septal floor flap (SFF) method (based on ethmoidal arteries) to treat CSF rhinorrhea showed a success rate of 100% in 12 patients. Therefore, early localization, clinical diagnosis, and appropriate repair surgery can avoid the occurrence of delayed events. Pedicled flaps, including SFF, are recommended to manage challenging CSF rhinorrhea.

HiMeter: Telling You the Height Rather than the Altitude.

The altitude of a moving user is important context information for mobile technologies and applications. However, with the increasing pervasiveness of smartphones and abundant mobile applications, developers and users have gradually discovered that the height is more useful than altitude in many situations. The height is often a relative value, which is the vertical distance to the ground rather than the vertical distance to sea level, and we believe that it is useful in many applications, such as localization/navigation, sport/health and tourism/travel. In this paper, we first carried out a nation-wide online survey to confirm the desirability for the height information in mobile applications, and the result is positive. Then, we proposed HiMeter, an effective and accurate approach to calculating the height of the smartphone. HiMeter makes use of a low-power barometer on the smartphone and does not require GPS or back-server support. We concentrate on the vertical moving pattern of the user and designed several novel techniques, resulting in HiMeter not needing any reference points, and the complex process of calculating the absolute altitude can be avoided. The field studies show that HiMeter can achieve an accuracy of within 5 m in 90% of cases indoors and an accuracy of 10 m in 83% of cases outdoors. Compared to the existing works, HiMeter is more accurate and practical and is more suitable for usage in many mobile applications.

Canoe: An Autonomous Infrastructure-Free Indoor Navigation System.

The development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has accelerated research in indoor navigation systems, a majority of which rely on adequate wireless signals and sources. Nonetheless, deploying such a system requires periodic site-survey, which is time consuming and labor intensive. To address this issue, in this paper we present Canoe, an indoor navigation system that considers shopping mall scenarios. In our system, we do not assume any prior knowledge, such as floor-plan or the shop locations, access point placement or power settings, historical RSS measurements or fingerprints, etc. Instead, Canoe requires only that the shop owners collect and publish RSS values at the entrances of their shops and can direct a consumer to any of these shops by comparing the observed RSS values. The locations of the consumers and the shops are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation. In doing this, the direction of the target shop relative to the current orientation of the consumer can be precisely computed, such that the direction that a consumer should move can be determined. We have conducted extensive simulations using a real-world dataset. Our experiments in a real shopping mall demonstrate that if 50% of the shops publish their RSS values, Canoe can precisely navigate a consumer within 30 s, with an error rate below 9%.

The role of China in protecting the Arctic against pollutions from vessels: a legal perspective.

In the past decade, global climate change and the rapid melting of polar ice have dramatically transformed the Arctic landscape from a vast ice-covered area to a seasonally navigable sea. This accessibility has sparked increased commercial activity, posing a threat from various pollutants, particularly from vessel sources. Given China's profound interests in Arctic shipping, its involvement may face resistance from Arctic states, and therefore, it is important for China to ensure that its presence benefits local communities and states. This study explores China's role in shaping the international legal landscape to protect the Arctic from vessel-source pollutions. The intricate interplay between China's economic interests, maritime security concerns, and environmental commitments in the Arctic underscores China's potential role. By aligning with existing international legal structures, such as UNCLOS and MARPOL, China has already started to demonstrate its commitment to preserving the Arctic environment. This study assesses and discusses the potentially strategic importance of China's involvement in influencing legal regimes, offering a crucial contribution to global efforts to preserve this vital region.

Multiple Allergic Rhinitis Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Variants are Associated with Sleep-Breathing Parameters in Men with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Large-Scale Study.

Background: Sleep-disordered breathing is more prevalent in individuals with allergic rhinitis (AR) than in those without AR. In addition to increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing, AR is associated with greater severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms. The aim of this research study was to evaluate the association of multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in AR with sleep- and breathing-related parameters in men with OSA. Methods: Men who had complained of snoring were consecutively enrolled in the Shanghai Sleep Health Study of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from 2007 to 2018. After rigorous screening, 5322 men were included in the analysis. Anthropometric, fasting biochemical, and polysomnographic parameters, along with 27 AR-associated SNPs were analyzed. The associations between AR-related genetic polymorphisms and OSA were determined via linear, binary, and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: Rs12509403 had significantly positive associations with most sleep-breathing parameters. While the risk for OSA was increased by rs12509403, it was decreased by rs7717955 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.341, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.039-1.732, P = 0.024; OR = 0.829, 95% CI = 0.715-0.961, P = 0.013, respectively]. A graded increase in the risk of being in the highest quartile (Q4) vs the reference category (Q1) for sleep breathing indicators, especially REM-AHI and NREM-AHI, was identified by rs12509403 (OR = 1.496, 95% CI = 1.175-1.904, P = 0.001; OR = 1.471, 95% CI = 1.151-1.879, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The association of multiple AR SNPs with OSA-related hypoxia and sleep indices provides a genetic explanation for the higher AR susceptibility of OSA patients. Understanding the AR-related genetic underpinnings of OSA may lead to more personalized treatment approaches.

Mechanisms underlying taurine protection against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.

Taurine appears to exert potent protections against glutamate (Glu)-induced injury to neurons, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. The possibly protected targets consist of the plasma membrane and the mitochondrial as well as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes. Protection may be provided through a variety of effects, including the prevention of membrane depolarization, neuronal excitotoxicity and mitochondrial energy failure, increases in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i), activation of calpain, and reduction of Bcl-2 levels. These activities are likely to be linked spatially and temporally in the neuroprotective functions of taurine. In addition, events that occur downstream of Glu stimulation, including altered enzymatic activities, apoptotic pathways, and necrosis triggered by the increased [Ca2+]i, can be inhibited by taurine. This review discusses the possible molecular mechanisms of taurine against Glu-induced neuronal injury, providing a better understanding of the protective processes, which might be helpful in the development of novel interventional strategies.

Bilirubin induces auditory neuropathy in neonatal guinea pigs via auditory nerve fiber damage.

Bilirubin can cause temporary or permanent sensorineural deafness in newborn babies with hyperbilirubinemia. However, the underlying targets and physiological effects of bilirubin-induced damage in the peripheral auditory system are unclear. Using cochlear functional assays and electron microscopy imaging of the inner ear in neonatal guinea pigs, we show here that bilirubin exposure resulted in threshold elevation in both compound action potential (CAP) and auditory brainstem response (ABR), which was apparent at 1 hr and peaked 8 hr after drug administration. The threshold elevation was associated with delayed wave latencies and elongated interwave intervals in ABR and CAP. At 72 hr postinjection, these measures returned to control levels, except for the CAP amplitude. Cochlear microphonics remained unchanged during the experiment. Morphological abnormalities were consistent with the electrophysiological dysfunction, revealing fewer auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) in the basal turn, myelin sheath lesions of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and ANFs, and loss of type 1 afferent endings beneath inner hair cells (IHCs) without loss of hair cells at 8 hr posttreatment. Similar to the electrophysiological findings, morphological changes were mostly reversed 10 days after treatment, except for the ANF reduction in the basal turn. These results suggest that hyperbilirubinemia in neonatal guinea pigs impaired auditory peripheral neuromechanisms that targeted mainly the IHC synapses and the myelin sheath of SGNs and their fibers. Our observations indicate a potential connection between hyperbilirubinemia and auditory neuropathy.

Role of miR-490-3p in blocking bladder cancer growth through targeting the RNA-binding protein PCBP2.

MiR-490-3p is regarded as a tumor suppressor in many cancers, but whether miR-490-3p is involved in the development of bladder cancer remains unknown. BALB/c nude mice (male, 15-20 g) were used to investigate the role of MiR-490-3p in bladder cancer. The relationship between miR-490-3p and PCBP2 involved in bladder cancer regulation were determined. Cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle were estimated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) detection, and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. In animal experiments, lentivirus was transfected into bladder cancer cells to overexpress miR-490-3p, which were then injected into mice and the change of tumor volume was assessed. Principal findings: The expression of MiR-490-3p was decreased in bladder cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-490-3p inhibited bladder cancer cell viability and proliferation. Moreover, overexpression of miR-490-3p caused cell cycle arrest in bladder cancer cells. The inhibitory effect of miR-490-3p on bladder cancer cells growth could be counteracted by enhancing PCBP2 expression. In vivo, bladder cancer growth in mice was blocked by miR-490-3p upregulation. MiR-490-3p suppressed bladder cancer growth and bladder cancer cell proliferation by down-regulating PCBP2 expression.

Emerging functions of circular RNA in the regulation of adipocyte metabolism and obesity.

As noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently enclosed endogenous biomolecules in eukaryotes that have tissue specificity and cell specificity. circRNAs were once considered a rare splicing byproduct. With the development of high-throughput sequencing, it has been confirmed that they are expressed in thousands of mammalian genes. To date, only a few circRNA functions and regulatory mechanisms have been verified. Adipose is the main tissue for body energy storage and energy supply. Adipocyte metabolism is a physiological process involving a series of genes and affects biological activities in the body, such as energy metabolism, immunity, and signal transmission. When adipocyte formation is dysregulated, it will cause a series of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes. In recent years, many noncoding RNAs involved in adipocyte metabolism have been revealed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the basic structure and biosynthetic mechanism of circRNAs, and further discusses the circRNAs related to adipocyte formation in adipose tissue and liver. Our review will provide a reference for further elucidating the genetic regulation mechanism of circRNAs involved in adipocyte metabolism.

Effect of single-port inflatable mediastinoscopy simultaneous laparoscopic-assisted radical esophagectomy on respiration and circulation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We previously developed a new surgical method, namely, single-port inflatable mediastinoscopy simultaneous laparoscopic-assisted radical esophagectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of carbon dioxide inflation on respiration and circulation using this approach. METHODS: From April 2018 to October 2020, 105 patients underwent this novel surgical approach. The changes in respiratory and circulatory functions were reported when the mediastinal pressure and pneumoperitoneum pressure were 10 and 12 mmHg, respectively. Data on blood loss, operative time, and postoperative complications were also collected. RESULTS: 104 patients completed the operation successfully, except for 1 patient who was converted to thoracotomy because of intraoperative injury. During the operation, respectively, the heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, peak airway pressure, end-expiratory partial pressure of carbon dioxide and partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased in an admissibility range. The pH and oxygenation index decreased 1 h after inflation, but these values were all within a safe and acceptable range and restored to the baseline level after CO2 elimination. Postoperative complications included anastomotic fistula (8.6%), pleural effusion that needed to be treated (8.6%), chylothorax (0.9%), pneumonia (7.6%), arrhythmia (3.8%) and postoperative hoarseness (18.2%). There were no cases of perioperative death. CONCLUSIONS: When the inflation pressure in the mediastinum and abdomen was 10 mmHg and 12 mmHg, respectively, the inflation of carbon dioxide from single-port inflatable mediastinoscopy simultaneous laparoscopic-assisted radical esophagectomy did not cause serious changes in respiratory and circulatory function or increase perioperative complications.