Construction and evaluation of a combined diagnostic model for chronic periprosthetic joint infection based on serological tests.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (CPJI) is crucial for ensuring effective treatment and improving patient outcomes. However, many auxiliary diagnostic tests are challenging to implement on a large scale due to economic and technical constraints, making CPJI diagnosis difficult. This study aims to design and validate a combined diagnostic model based on commonly used serological tests to evaluate its diagnostic value for CPJI and develop a diagnostic nomogram. METHODS: A retrospective study from January 2019 to February 2024 involving 170 patients undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty revision for CPJI and aseptic loosening (AL) was conducted across two medical centers. These patients were divided into the training set and validation set. Patients were categorized into CPJI and AL groups based on infection status. Serological tests conducted upon admission were collected, and single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent diagnostic factors for early infection. These factors were integrated to construct a nomogram model. The model's performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC), Hosmer-Lemeshow test, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve, with external validation conducted on the validation set. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and Platelet count/mean platelet volume ratio (PVR) were independent diagnostic factors for CPJI (p < 0.05). The AUCs for diagnosing CPJI using these individual factors were 0.806, 0.616, and 0.700 (p < 0.05), respectively, while their combined detection achieved an AUC of 0.861 (p < 0.05). The DCA clinical impact curve shows the combined model has good clinical utility when the threshold probability of infection presence is between 0.16 and 0.95. Similar results were obtained in the external validation cohort, with the combined detection having an AUC of 0.893. CONCLUSION: The combined diagnostic model of CRP, PCT, and PVR significantly improves the The combined diagnostic model of CRP, PCT, and PVR significantly improves the diagnostic performance for CPJI compared to individual serum biomarkers. It exhibits good sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability, providing valuable references for CPJI diagnosis.

Understanding autoimmune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the pathogenesis/mechanisms of long COVID.

COVID-19 posed a major challenge to the healthcare system and resources worldwide. The popularization of vaccines and the adoption of numerous prevention and control measures enabled the gradual end of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, successive occurrence of autoimmune diseases in patients with COVID-19 cannot be overlooked. Long COVID has been the major focus of research due to the long duration of different symptoms and the variety of systems involved. Autoimmunity may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of long COVID. Here, we reviewed several autoimmune disorders occurring after COVID-19 infection and the pathogenesis of long COVID.

High Throughput Screening of Transcription Factor LysG for Constructing a Better Lysine Biosensor.

The biosensors based on transcription factors (TFs) are widely used in high throughput screening of metabolic overproducers. The unsatisfactory performances (narrow detection and dynamic ranges) of biosensors limit their practical application and need more improvement. In this study, using the TF LysG (sensing lysine) as an example, a biosensor optimization method was constructed by growth-coupled screening of TF random mutant libraries. The better the performance of the biosensor, the faster the strain grows under screening pressure. A LysGE15D, A54D, and I164V-based biosensors were obtained, which were about 2-fold of the control in the detection and dynamic ranges. A lysine high-producer was screened effectively using the optimized biosensor with the production at 1.51 ± 0.30 g/L in flasks (2.22-fold of the original strain). This study provided a promising strategy for optimizing TF-based biosensors and was of high potential to be applied in the lysine high-producers screening process.

[Screening and engineering of a protocatechuic acid decarboxylase for efficient biosynthesis of catechol].

Catechol (CA) is an important chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate with wide applications. At present, CA is produced by phenol hydroxylation with non-renewable petrochemical resources, which causes serious environmental pollution. Hence, the biosynthesis of CA attracts much attention recently. However, due to the low activities of protocatechuic acid (PCA) decarboxylases, the production efficiency of biosynthetic catechol is too low to meet the requirements of large-scale industrial production. To improve the yield of CA, we screened 21 PCA decarboxylases from different species. RbAroY originated from Rikenellaceae had the best catalytic performance. The whole-cell biocatalyst ER11 with RbAroY was able to produce CA at a titer of 13.54 g/L. Then, the online tool HotSpot Wizard was employed to measure the enzyme stability, which revealed 10 potential mutation sites causing significant decreases in Gibbs free energy. The whole-cell biocatalyst ERT01 with the mutated RbAroYG99A could produce CA at a titer of 15.16 g/L, which increased by 12% compared with that of the wild-type whole-cell biocatalyst. After optimization of the biocatalytic conditions, the whole-cell biocatalyst ERT01 was able to produce CA at a titer of 25.70 g/L with PCA as the substrate. Finally, with the fermentation broth of 3-dehydroshikimate as the substrate, the whole-cell biocatalyst DER03 expressing both 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase and PCA decarboxylase realized the production CA at a titer of 29.55 g/L, which is currently the highest biosynthetic titer reported. This study provides a reference for the industrial production of CA by biosynthesis.

Efficient extraction of nickel from chloride system using a cleaner extractant: Taking the example of processing nickel-aluminum slag remaining from spent hydroprocessing catalysts.

The efficient recovery of nickel from chloride systems has long presented a challenge in the field. While solvent extraction is a viable approach, conventional extractants have been associated with drawbacks such as a high requirement for chloride ions and substantial consumption of acids and alkalis. In response to these challenges, this investigation developed and synthesized a novel thiazole-based extractant, N, N-Bis(4-thiazolylmethyl)octylamine (NNBT), tailored for the selective extraction of nickel from chloride systems. Findings from the study indicate that the nitrogen atom situated on the benzylamine framework within NNBT can interact synergistically with the chelating thiazole ring, facilitating effective nickel extraction and notably reducing the need for chloride ions. Furthermore, the extractant can be regenerated using deionized water, thereby obviating the necessity for additional consumption of acids and alkalis. Following the validation of NNBT as an environmentally sustainable and efficient nickel extractant within the chloride ion system, it was successfully employed to selectively and effectively extract nickel from the nickel-aluminum slag of spent HDP catalyst. The extracted nickel and aluminum were subsequently processed into electroplated nickel chloride and polyaluminum chloride, respectively, meeting the national standards of China. These outcomes underscore the eco-friendliness and promise of NNBT for nickel extraction from chloride systems.

Screening signal peptidase based on split-GFP assembly technology to promote the secretion of alkaline protease AprE in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

Improving the ability of bacteria to secrete protein is essential for large-scale production of food enzymes. However, due to the lack of effective tracking technology for target proteins, the optimization of the secretory system is facing many problems. In this study, we utilized the split-GFP system to achieve self-assembly into mature GFP in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and successfully tracked the alkaline protease AprE. The split-GFP system was employed to assess the signal peptidases, a crucial component in the secretory system, and signal peptidase sipA was identified as playing a role in the secretion of AprE. Deletion of sipA resulted in a higher accumulation of the precursor protein of AprE compared to other signal peptidase deletion strains. To explore the mechanism of signal peptidase on signal peptide, molecular docking and calculation of free energy were performed. The action strength of the signal peptidase is determined by its binding affinity with the tripeptides at the C-terminal of the signal peptide. The functions of signal peptides YdbK and NucB rely on sipA, and overexpression of sipA by integrating it into genome of B. amyloliquefaciens increased the activity of extracellular AprE by 19.9 %. These findings provide insights into enhancing the secretion efficiency of chassis strains.

Construction and application of 3-fucosyllactose whole-cell biosensor for high-throughput screening of overproducers.

Biosensor-based high-throughput screening is efficient for improving industrial microorganisms. There is a severe shortage of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) biosensors. This study established a 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL, a kind of HMOs) whole-cell biosensor by coupling cell growth with production. To construct and optimize the biosensor, an Escherichia coli 3-FL producer was engineered by deleting the manA, yihS and manX genes, directing the mannose flux solely to 3-FL synthesis. Then, an α-L-fucosidase was introduced to hydrolyze 3-FL to fucose which was used as the only carbon source for cell growth. Using the biosensor, the 3-FL production of a screened mutant was improved by 25 % to 42.05 ± 1.28 g/L. The productivity reached 1.17 g/L/h, the highest level reported by now. The csrB mutant obtained should be a new clue for the 3-FL overproduction mechanism. In summary, this study provided a novel approach to construct HMOs biosensors for strain improvement.

Targeted therapy of kidney disease with nanoparticle drug delivery materials.

With the development of nanomedicine, nanomaterials have been widely used, offering specific drug delivery to target sites, minimal side effects, and significant therapeutic effects. The kidneys have filtration and reabsorption functions, with various potential target cell types and a complex structural environment, making the strategies for kidney function protection and recovery after injury complex. This also lays the foundation for the application of nanomedicine in kidney diseases. Currently, evidence in preclinical and clinical settings supports the feasibility of targeted therapy for kidney diseases using drug delivery based on nanomaterials. The prerequisite for nanomedicine in treating kidney diseases is the use of carriers with good biocompatibility, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, liposomes, micelles, dendrimer polymers, adenoviruses, lysozymes, and elastin-like polypeptides. These carriers have precise renal uptake, longer half-life, and targeted organ distribution, protecting and improving the efficacy of the drugs they carry. Additionally, attention should also be paid to the toxicity and solubility of the carriers. While the carriers mentioned above have been used in preclinical studies for targeted therapy of kidney diseases both in vivo and in vitro, extensive clinical trials are still needed to ensure the short-term and long-term effects of nano drugs in the human body. This review will discuss the advantages and limitations of nanoscale drug carrier materials in treating kidney diseases, provide a more comprehensive catalog of nanocarrier materials, and offer prospects for their drug-loading efficacy and clinical applications.

High-efficiency recovery of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries: Optimization of SO2 pressure leaching and selective extraction of trace impurities.

The recovery of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is crucial for environmental protection and resource optimization. In the traditional recovery process of spent LIBs, the leaching of high-valence metals has the problems of high cost and limited reagent utilization, and some valuable metals are lost in the subsequent purification process of the leaching solution. To reduce the cost of reagents, this study proposes the use of low-cost SO2 as a reagent combined with pressure leaching to efficiently recover high-valence metals from delithiated materials of spent LIBs, while selective solvent extraction is used to remove trace impurities in the leaching solution to avoid the loss of valuable metals. Experimental results demonstrated that by optimizing the conditions to 0.25 MPa SO2 partial pressure and 60 min reaction time at 70 °C, the leaching efficiencies for Ni, Co, and Mn reached 99.6%, 99.3%, and 99.6%, respectively. The kinetic study indicated that the leaching process was diffusion-controlled. Furthermore, the delithiated materials were used to completely utilize the residual SO2 in the solution to obtain a high concentration Ni-Co-Mn rich solution. Subsequently, Fe and Al impurities were deeply removed through a synergistic extraction of Di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) without loss of valuable metals, achieving a high-purity Ni-Co-Mn solution. The process developed based on this work has the characteristics of environmental friendliness, high valuable metal recovery, and high product purity, providing a reference technical method for the synergistic treatment of waste SO2 flue gas with spent LIBs and the deep purification of impurities in spent LIBs.

Structure-Guided Engineering of a Protease to Improve Its Activity under Cold Conditions.

Bacillus proteases commonly exhibit remarkably reduced activity under cold conditions. Herein, we employed a tailored combination of a loop engineering strategy and iterative saturation mutagenesis method to engineer two loops for substrate binding at the entrance of the substrate tunnel of a protease (bcPRO) from Bacillus clausii to improve its activity under cold conditions. The variant MT6 (G95P/A96D/S99W/S101T/P127S/S126T) exhibited an 18.3-fold greater catalytic efficiency than the wild-type (WT) variant at 10 °C. Molecular dynamics simulations and dynamic tunnel analysis indicated that the introduced mutations extended the substrate-binding pocket volume and facilitated extra interactions with the substrate, promoting catalysis through binding in a more favorable conformation. This study provides insights and strategies relevant to improving the activities of proteases and supplies a novel protease with enhanced activity under cold conditions for the food industry to maintain the initial flavor and color of food and reduce energy consumption.

Sequence composition and location of CRE motifs affect the binding ability of CcpA protein.

Bacillus catabolite control protein (CcpA) mediates carbon catabolite repression (CCR) by binding with catabolite response elements (CREs) of genes or operons. Although numerous CREs had been predicted and identified, the influence of the changes in sequence and structure of CREs on recognition and binding for CcpA has yet to be unclear. This study aimed at revealing how CcpA could bind such diverse sites and focused on the analysis of multiple mutants of the CRE motif derived from the α-amylase promoter. Molecular docking and free energy calculation insights into the binding ability between the CRE sequences composition and CcpA protein. Disruption of conserved nucleotides in the CRE motifs, as well as altering the symmetric structure of the CRE sequences and the relative position of the displaced CRE motifs near the transcription start site contribute to some extent to weakening the strength of CcpA - dependent regulation. These main factors contribute to the understanding of the subtle changes in CRE motifs leading to differential regulatory effects of CcpA. Finally, an engineered promoter with a high level of transcription was obtained, and elevated extracellular enzyme activity was achieved in the expression system of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, including alkaline protease, keratinase, aminopeptidase and acid-stable alpha amylase. The study also provides a reference for the application of other promoters with CRE motifts.

RRAGB-mediated suppression of PI3K/AKT exerts anti-cancer role in glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) has a high degree of invasiveness, which is largely attributed to the invalidation of current therapy and the unclear tumor growth mechanism. Ras related GTP binding B (RRAGB) is a family member of the Ras-homologous GTPases. The effect of RRAGB on tumor growth has been recognized, but its influences on GBM progression are ill-defined. Here, in our research, a significantly decreased expression of RRAGB in GBM tissues by using TCGA databases and glioma samples is observed. According to Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, RRAGB low expression leads to a significant decrease of overall survival rate of patients, and is associated with the classification of WHO grade, histological type and age increase. Functional enrichment analysis reveals that the pathway of enrichment includes cell cycle arrest, extracellular matrix (ECM) processes and PI3K/AKT signal. Thereafter, our cell experiments confirm an obvious decrease of RRAGB in several GBM cell lines. It should be noted that RRAGB promotion strongly reduces the proliferation, migration and invasion of GBM cells and induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. RRAGB up-regulation significantly decreases the expression of PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, mTOR and S6K in GBM cell lines. Surprisingly, we further find that RRAGB-restrained proliferative, migratory and invasive properties of GBM cells are markedly offset after promoting AKT activation, accompanied with restored phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K, elucidating that AKT signaling blockage is partially indispensable for RRAGB to play its anti-cancer role in GBM. Animal studies confirmed that RRAGB over-expression obviously inhibits the tumor growth both in the xenograft and orthotopic mouse glioma models, along with improved overall survival rates. In short, we provide evidence that RRAGB is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker for GBM treatment.

Azvudine therapy of common COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients.

There is no antiviral study on hemodialysis patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially on the application of 2'-deoxy-2'-ß -fluoro-4'-azidocytidine (Azvudine, FNC) antiviral therapy. We conducted a multicenter observational study involving 1008 hemodialysis patients. After matching for age, sex, and other factors, 182 patients in the basic treatment group and 182 in the FNC group were included. The negative nucleic acid conversion rate of the FNC group was significantly higher than that of the basic treatment group, and viral loads, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein were significantly lower than those of the basic treatment group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in liver function, renal function, or the number of adverse events between the two groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our study has provided novel evidence suggesting that the FNC scheme may be safe and effective compared to the basic treatment of hemodialysis patients with common COVID-19.

Transcriptomic analysis of B cells suggests that CD70 and LY9 may be novel features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dysfunction of B-cell subsets is critical in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is a great diversity of B-lineage cells, and their features and functions in SLE need to be clarified. In this study, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bulk transcriptomic data of isolated B-cell subsets from patients with SLE and healthy controls (HCs). We preformed scRNA-seq analysis focused on the diversity of B-cell subsets and identified a subset of antigen-presenting B cells in SLE patients that highly expressed ITGAX. A list of marker genes of each B-cell subset in patients with SLE was also identified. Comparison of bulk transcriptomic data of isolated B-cell subpopulations between SLE patients and HCs revealed the upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for each B-cell subpopulation in SLE. Common genes identified using these two methods were considered to be upregulated marker genes of B cells in SLE. The scRNA-seq data of SLE patients and HCs revealed that CD70 and LY9 were overexpressed in B cells vs. other cell types from SLE patients, and this pattern was validated by RT‒qPCR. Because CD70 is the cellular ligand of CD27, previous studies on CD70 have focused mainly on T cells from SLE patients. LY9 appears to have different functions in mice and humans: its expression is decreased in lupus-prone mice but is increased in T cells and some B-cell subpopulations in SLE patients. Here, we describe the overexpression of two costimulatory molecules, CD70 and LY9, which may be a novel feature of B cells in SLE patients.

Hofmeister anion effects synergize with microbial transglutaminase to enhance the techno-functional properties of pea protein.

Pea protein are emerging as the most potential alternative for meat products, but its application was hindered by their weaker gelling properties. Here, the feasibility of combining the Hofmeister anion (CO32-, Citrate3-, and SO42-) effect with microbial transglutaminase (MTG) cross-linking strategy to improve the techno-functional properties of pea protein was studied. Hofmeister anions or/and MTG treatment of pea protein caused a clear shift in far-UV CD spectra towards ß-turn and random coil structures. Furthermore, Hofmeister anion and MTG-induced crosslinking caused a reduction of surface hydrophobicity in contrast with anions-treated. Compared to CO32- and SO42-, Citrate3- treatment can better improve the efficiency of MTG-crosslinking, as demonstrated by a reduction in free amino group contents and an increase in mean diameter size. Using MTG in combination with Hofmeister anions showed significantly improved foam property and gel hardness as well as decrease gelation temperature of pea protein, specifically Citrate3- treatment. Thus, this research provides a novel and effective method to improve the effect of MTG-cross-linked pea protein, which will play an essential role in future food production.

Insights into new-onset autoimmune diseases after COVID-19 vaccination.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in more than 670 million infections and almost 7 million deaths globally. The emergence of numerous SARS-CoV-2 has heightened public concern regarding the future course of the epidemic. Currently, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has rapidly become globally dominant in the COVID-19 pandemic due to its high infectivity and immune evasion. Consequently, vaccination implementation is critically significant. However, growing evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccination may cause new-onset autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune glomerulonephritis, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and autoimmune hepatitis. Nevertheless, the causal relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and these autoimmune diseases remains to be demonstrated. In this review, we provide evidence that vaccination induces autoimmunity and summarize possible mechanisms of action, such as molecular mimicry, activation by bystanders, and adjuvants. Our objective is not to refute the importance of vaccines, but to raise awareness about the potential risks of COVID-19 vaccination. In fact, we believe that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the possible risks and encourage people to get vaccinated.

Application effect of preoperative chemoradiotherapy combined with rehabilitation nursing in patients with rectal cancer surgery.

To study the effect of preoperative chemoradiotherapy combined with rehabilitation nursing in patients with rectal cancer surgery. 106 cases of rectal cancer patients in our hospital were selected. 53 cases in each group were treated with surgical treatment combined with rehabilitation nursing treatment and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined with surgical treatment and rehabilitation nursing treatment in the study group. The T stage (ypT) and N stage (ypN) downgrading rates of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 were compared between the two groups after treatment. The 5-year cumulative survival rate, recurrence rate and the positive rate of Bax and antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki-67 (Ki-67) expression were detected. T stage downgrading rate and N stage downgrading rate were 77.36% (41/53) 35.85% (19/53) in control group and 94.34% (50/53) 64.15% (34/53) in research group, respectively. The CEA and CA19-9 levels measured at the end of surgery and one month after nursing in both groups were lower than those before treatment. After treatment, scores of quality of life indicators in both groups increased. The positive rates of Bax and Ki-67Ki-67 were significantly different between the two groups after treatment (P < 0.05). Preoperative chemoradiotherapy combined with rehabilitation nursing has obvious effect on patients with rectal cancer surgery, and has obvious advantages in inhibiting tumor growth, destroying tumor survival immune environment and reducing surgical complications, which can improve the prognosis and is worthy of clinical application. It could provide a potential treatment for patients with rectal cancer.

Classification of Signature-Based Phenotypes of Aging-Related Genes to Identify Prognostic and Immune Characteristics in HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which has become one of the most significant malignancies causing cancer-related mortality, presents genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity that makes predicting prognosis challenging. Aging-related genes have been increasingly reported as significant risk factors for many kinds of malignancies, including HCC. In this study, we comprehensively dissected the features of transcriptional aging-relevant genes in HCC from multiple perspectives. We applied public databases and self-consistent clustering analysis to classify patients into C1, C2, and C3 clusters. The C1 cluster had the shortest overall survival time and advanced pathological features. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was adopted to build the prognostic prediction model based on six aging-related genes (HMMR, S100A9, SPP1, CYP2C9, CFHR3, and RAMP3). These genes were differently expressed in HepG2 cell lines compared with LO2 cell lines measured by the mRNA expression level. The high-risk score group had significantly more immune checkpoint genes, higher tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion score, and stronger chemotherapy response. The results indicated that the age-related genes have a close correlation with HCC prognosis and immune characteristics. Overall, the model based on six aging-associated genes demonstrated great prognostic prediction ability.

[Effect of hemX gene deletion on heme synthesis in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens].

Heme, which exists widely in living organisms, is a porphyrin compound with a variety of physiological functions. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is an important industrial strain with the characteristics of easy cultivation and strong ability for expression and secretion of proteins. In order to screen the optimal starting strain for heme synthesis, the laboratory preserved strains were screened with and without addition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). There was no significant difference in the heme production of strains BA, BAΔ6 and BAΔ6ΔsigF. However, upon addition of ALA, the heme titer and specific heme production of strain BAΔ6ΔsigF were the highest, reaching 200.77 µmol/L and 615.70 µmol/(L·g DCW), respectively. Subsequently, the hemX gene (encoding the cytochrome assembly protein HemX) of strain BAΔ6ΔsigF was knocked out to explore its role in heme synthesis. It was found that the fermentation broth of the knockout strain turned red, while the growth was not significantly affected. The highest ALA concentration in flask fermentation reached 82.13 mg/L at 12 h, which was slightly higher than that of the control 75.11 mg/L. When ALA was not added, the heme titer and specific heme production were 1.99 times and 1.45 times that of the control, respectively. After adding ALA, the heme titer and specific heme production were 2.08 times and 1.72 times higher than that of the control, respectively. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR showed that the expressions of hemA, hemL, hemB, hemC, hemD, and hemQ genes at transcription level were up-regulated. We demonstrated that deletion of hemX gene can improve the production of heme, which may facilitate future development of heme-producing strain.

Circ_0073228 serves as a competitive endogenous ribonucleic acid to facilitate proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by the miR-139-5p/deoxyribonuclease II axis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy and has extremely poor prognosis and outcome. Homo sapiens deoxyribonuclease II (DNASE2) has been reported to participate in HCC progression. Here, the role of DNASE2 in HCC cells and the putative upstream circRNA that mediates DNASE2 expression was investigated. METHODS: The expression of RNAs in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) samples was analyzed by bioinformatic analysis. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and gene expression in HCC cells were investigated using a Cell Counting Kit -8, colony formation, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing, transwell, western blotting, and a quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. The binding relationship among circ_0073228, miR-139-5p and DNASE2 was measured by RNA pulldown and luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: DNASE2 knockdown inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells, whereas DNASE2 overexpression showed the opposite results. miR-139-5p targeted DNASE2 and suppressed its expression. Overexpression of miR-139-5p inhibited malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. RPS23-derived circ_0073228, which bound to miR-139-5p, was found to be upregulated in HCC cells. Inhibition of miR-139-5p or overexpression of DNASE2 counteracted the inhibitory effects of circ_0073228 knockdown on HCC cell progression. CONCLUSIONS: circ_0073228 serves as an oncogene to facilitate growth and inhibit apoptosis of HCC cells by regulating the miR-139-5p/DNASE2 axis.