[Analysis of clinical diagnostic characteristics of 26131 patients with pneumoconiosis in Hunan Province].

Objective: To analyze the clinical diagnostic characteristics of pneumoconiosis patients of migrant workers in Hunan Province, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In February 2022, through the Hunan Provincial Medical Treatment and Assistance Information Platform for Pneumoconiosis Migrant Workers, the cases of irresponsible subjects with pneumoconiosis that were first diagnosed clinically in Hunan Province from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected, and analyzed their gender, age, length of service, types of pneumoconiosis, stages of pneumoconiosis, and comorbidities. Results: From January 2017 to December 2021, there were a total of 26131 cases of irresponsible pneumoconiosis patients diagnosed clinically in Hunan Province, with males accounting for 99.8% (26072 cases) and an average age of (60.66±8.04) years old. Among the 26131 patients, coal workers' pneumoconiosis and silicosis were the main causes, with 16816 and 9078 cases respectively, accounting for 99.1% of the diagnosed cases. There were 8640 cases (33.1%) of stageⅠpneumoconiosis, 6601 cases (25.2%) of stage Ⅱ pneumoconiosis, and 10890 cases (41.7%) of stage Ⅲ pneumoconiosis. 2051 patients experienced complications. The average age of exposure to dust of 26131 patients was (17.81±9.69) years, and the age of exposure to dust in silicosis patients was (14.60±9.62) years. The working age of coal worker's pneumoconiosis was (19.60±9.26) years. Compared with coal workers' pneumoconiosis patients, silicosis patients had a shorter working time exposed to dust, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Coal workers' pneumoconiosis and silicosis are mainly diagnosed for the first time in migrant workers' pneumoconiosis patients in Hunan Province. Pneumoconiosis patients should be diagnosed in time, which is conducive to treatment and rehabilitation.

[Trend analysis of influenza vaccination among hospitalized elderly people in Beijing, 2013-2019].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influenza vaccination trend of hospitalized elderly people (≥ 60 years old) in Beijing from 2013 to 2019. METHODS: The influenza vaccination status and hospitalization information of elderly people were extracted from the Beijing Elderly Influenza Vaccination database (2013-2019) and the Beijing Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance database (2013-2019), se-parately. The influenza vaccine coverage rates and annual percentage change were calculated to compare the vaccination trends of elderly people hospitalized due to different diseases. The subjects in 2018-2019 influenza season were divided into different groups according to demographic status, health conditions and hospitalization outcomes to describe and compare the distribution of influenza vaccination rates. RESULTS: The influenza vaccine coverage rates among the elderly people hospitalized due to cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory diseases or diabetes mellitus were 14.6%, 13.4%, 13.4% and 11.8%, respectively. The influenza vaccination rate among those hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases remained the highest across six influenza seasons and those hospitalized for diabetes mellitus remained the lowest. The largest annual decline of influenza vaccine coverage rate was observed among the hospitalized elderly due to diabetes mellitus (-7.85%). The distribution of vaccinated population was significantly associated with age, gender, hospitalization outcome and comorbidities among the hospitalized elderly people with specific diseases in 2018-2019. Among the elderly people hospitalized due to four different diseases, the vaccination rate of the patients aged 70-79 years was higher than that of the other age groups and that of the patients aged 60-69 years was the lowest. Among the elderly people hospitalized due to respiratory diseases, the vaccination rate of men was higher than that of women, while the situation reversed among the elderly people hospitalized due to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Vaccination rates decreased among the older adults with poor hospitalization outcomes. Among the elderly people hospitalized due to diabetes mellitus, those with 0 comorbidity had the lowest vaccination rate (7.9%). CONCLUSION: The trend of influenza vaccine coverage rates among the elderly people in Beijing from 2013 to 2019 was downward. We should pay more attention to influenza vaccination in elderly people with diabetes mellitus and aged 60-69 years, and carry out more research on the protective effects of influenza vaccine to promote influenza vaccine coverage among people with chronic diseases.

[Choices of emergency treatment and surgical method for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms].

Objective: To investigate the emergency management process of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA), and analyze the perioperative mortality factors of different surgical methods. Methods: The emergency data and hospitalization data of 91 patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2010 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Twelve of the patients died preoperatively due to excessive blood loss, and the remaining 79 patients were hospitalized for open surgery (OSR) or endovascular repair (EVAR).The differences in age, time to hospital arrival, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, preoperative drop in blood pressure, preoperative use of vasoactive drugs and iliac artery involvement were compared between preoperative death group (n=12) and preoperative survival group (n=79), OSR group (n=50) and EVAR group (n=29), postoperative death group (n=23) and postoperative survival group (n=56). Results: Seventy-nine patients received open surgery or endovascular repair, and 23 died after operation. Age, time to hospital arrival, first creatinine value and emergency infusion volume were (77±11) years, (18±5)h, (469±150) µmol/L, (4 140±1 743) ml in the preoperative death group and (70±10) years, (12±8) h, (228±174) µmol/L, (1 358±1 211) ml in the preoperative survival group, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in preoperative data, intraoperative treatment and postoperative perioperative mortality between the open surgery group and the endovascular repair group (all P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time and aortic occlusion rate in the endovascular repair group were 100 (50, 175) ml, (3.2±0.9) h, 13.8%, respectively, which were better than that in the open surgery group 1700 (600, 3425) ml, (5.2±1.1) h, 100%. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Age, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, blood pressure decline rate and vasoactive drug utilization rate in the death group were (77±8) years, (4.1±1.7) h, (456±172) µmol/L, (2 024±1 687) ml, 100%, 100%, respectively, and (68±10) years, (2.7±2.2) h, (135±26) µmol/L, (1 085±825) ml, 21.4%, 12.5% in the survival group, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Age, emergency preparation time, first creatinine value, emergency infusion volume, decreased blood pressure and use of vasoactive drugs are all associated with perioperative death in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. EVAR surgery is a better choice if conditions exist.

CXCL-10/CXCR3 in macrophages regulates tissue repair by controlling the expression of Arg1, VEGFa and TNFα.

Macrophages have been reported to participate in inflammation, tissue homeostasis and tissue repair. The detailed mechanism of macrophage-mediated tissue repair is not clear. CXCL-10, secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts, mediates immune response and angiogenesis by binding to CXCR3. In this study, the expression of CXCL-10 and CXCR3 in porcine lung injury induced by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection was firstly examined. The results showed that the expression of both CXCL-10 and CXCR3 increased in the infected pig lungs. In addition, the increased expression of CXCL-10 and CXCR3 in macrophage treated by poly (I:C) was also observed, suggesting the autocrine system existed in macrophages. Furthermore, CXCL-10 treatment induced upregulation of Arg1 and VEGFa, and downregulation of TNFα in macrophage, and CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 treatment presented the contrary effects on the expression of Arg1, VEGFa, and TNFα. CXCL- 10-stimulated effects were dependent on PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Wound-healing assay showed that CXCL-10 treatment macrophage conditioned medium promoted the healing process of endothelial cells. Our results suggested that CXCL-10/CXCR3 in macrophage may mediate tissue repair by regulating the macrophage expression of Arg1, VEGFa and TNFα. Modulation of CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis in macrophage may be a potential therapeutic strategy for tissue injury and repair.

[Analysis of the diagnotic results and complications of pneumoconiosis patients with different insurance types].

Objective: By comparing the diagnotic results and complications of pneumoconiosis patients with work-related injury insurance and non-work-related injury insurance, to provide reference for improving the medical insurance of pneumoconiosis patients. Methods: In May 2019, the diagnotic results and complications of 3204 patients with pneumoconiosis who were hospitalized in the second department of Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases from January 2017 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 3204 patients, 896 cases (28.0%) were in stage I, 790 cases (24.6%) were in stage II, and 1518 cases (47.4%) were in stage III. 1490 cases (46.5%) of pneumoconiosis patients have complications, mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (42.3%, 1354/3204) and lung infection (23.6%, 755/3204) . 584 cases (18.2%) were covered by work-related injury insurance, and the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis patients was mainly in the stage I (61.0%, 356/584) . 2620 cases (81.8%) were covered by non-work-related injury insurance, and the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis patients was mainly in the stage III (56.0%, 1466/2620) . The complication rate of non-work-related injury insurance patients (50.1%, 1312/2620) was higher than that of work-related injury insurance patients (30.5%, 178/584) (χ(2)=73.72, P<0.01) . Conclusion: The inpatients with pneumoconiosis in Hunan Province are still mainly covered by non-work-related injury insurance, and the diagnotic period and complication rate are significantly higher than those of work-related injury insurance patients. Therefore, pneumoconiosis patients should be provided with medical security, early diagnosis and early intervention, to prevent and delay the occurrence of complications.

Rapid Identification of Four New Synthetic Cannabinoids in Whole Blood.

ABSTRACT: Objective To establish accurate and rapid methods to identify four new synthetic cannabinoids （JWH-203, JWH-122, 5F-APINACA and AB-CHMINACA） in blood samples. Methods The whole blood samples were extracted by acetonitrile and methanol, screened by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS） then confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS） method, and multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） mode was used for quantitative analysis. Results The GC-MS method needed 21 min to complete the analysis, while the LC-MS/MS method needed 5 min. The AB-CHMINACA, JWH-203, 5F-APINACA and JWH-122 all used quasi molecular ion peak as a parent ion. The precursor-product ion combinations were m/z 357.4→312.2, m/z 340.2→125.0, m/z 384.1→135.1 and m/z 356.4→169.2. The four synthetic cannabinoids in blood samples had good linearity in the 1-250 ng/mL mass concentration range （r>0.99）. The limits of detection （LODs） were in the range of 0.1-0.5 ng/mL, the recovery rate was 85.4%-95.2%, the RSD less than 10.0%, and the matrix effect was 80.3%-92.8%. Conclusion The GC-MS and LC-MS/MS chromatographic behaviors and mass spectrometry analysis information of four synthetic cannabinoids were obtained in this study, and the possible causes of differences in chromatographic behaviors were discussed preliminarily. Therefore this study has a suggestive effect on judging the development trend of synthetic cannabinoids. This method can be used for rapid identification of four synthetic cannabinoids in blood, which can provide reference for identification of new synthetic cannabinoids when they are proliferating at present.

Role of HMGB1 in Post-traumatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Rat Lung Tissues.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of high mobility group B1 （HMGB1） protein in the post-traumatic endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） in rat lung tissues. METHODS: The rat model of acute lung injury was established by crushing the hind limbs of rats with standard weight. The first experiment was to divide rats into postural control group and crush groups （6 h, 18 h and 30 h after crushing）. The second experiment was to divide rats into postural control group, 18 h crush group, HMGB1 inhibitor sodium butyrate （SB） group and 18 h crush+SB group. The protein expression changes of HMGB1 and ERS- related proteins （GRP78, caspase-12, CHOP and IRE1α） in rat lung tissues were detected with Western blotting. Meanwhile, the pathological changes of rat lungs were observed by HE stain. RESULTS: Compared with the postural control group, the expression levels of ERS-related proteins （GRP78, caspase-12, CHOP and IRE1α） and HMGB1 protein in rat lung tissues by crushing the hind limbs of rats were obviously increased. The protein levels reduced at 30 h after crushing but were still higher than those of postural control group and obvious pathological changes of acute lung injury were observed simultaneously in rats. Compared with the 18 h crush group, the expression levels of the ERS-related proteins and HMGB1 protein in rat lung tissues were attenuated in 18 h crush+SB group, and the pathological changes of rat lung injury began to alleviate. CONCLUSIONS: HMGB1-ERS pathway activated by traumatic stress can lead to acute lung injury in rats.

Colossal Magnetoresistance in a Mott Insulator via Magnetic Field-Driven Insulator-Metal Transition.

We present a new type of colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) arising from an anomalous collapse of the Mott insulating state via a modest magnetic field in a bilayer ruthenate, Ti-doped Ca_{3}Ru_{2}O_{7}. Such an insulator-metal transition is accompanied by changes in both lattice and magnetic structures. Our findings have important implications because a magnetic field usually stabilizes the insulating ground state in a Mott-Hubbard system, thus calling for a deeper theoretical study to reexamine the magnetic field tuning of Mott systems with magnetic and electronic instabilities and spin-lattice-charge coupling. This study further provides a model approach to search for CMR systems other than manganites, such as Mott insulators in the vicinity of the boundary between competing phases.

Element-selective resonant state in M-doped SnTe (M = Ga, In, and Tl).

The band engineering of M-doped SnTe (M = Ga, In, and Tl) is investigated by using first-principles calculations. Being consistent with experimental measurements, our calculations found that Ga doping hardly changes the valence band, while In doping introduces an obvious resonant state near the Fermi level. The resonant state is demonstrated to be from the anti-bonding of In-s and Te-p orbitals. Unexpectedly, no resonant state was observed in Tl-doped SnTe, indicating the nonmonotonic behavior of the Ga-In-Tl series. We show that the absence of the resonant state in Tl-doped SnTe is due to the downward shift of the Tl-s orbital, which may be attributed to the effect of lanthanide contraction. The increase of the Seebeck coefficient in In-doped SnTe is numerically confirmed by Boltzmann transport calculations. Moreover, we find that the mutually matched resonant state location and valence band separation is the key precondition for the combination of the resonant state and band convergence in SnTe. A further enhanced Seebeck coefficient (∼230 µV K(-1)) and ZT value (1.8 at 920 K) are predicted in codoped SnTe by In-Hg, owing to the synergy of two kinds of band engineering.

Band engineering and improved thermoelectric performance in M-doped SnTe (M = Mg, Mn, Cd, and Hg).

The electronic structures of M-doped SnTe (M = Mg, Mn, Cd, and Hg) are investigated by using first-principles calculations including spin-orbit coupling. It is found that Sn vacancy plays an important role in the band engineering of SnTe, showing a different property from its related compound PbTe. The enlarged band gap and reduced energy separation between two valence bands are in good agreement with experimental measurements. Both of the two band modifications lead to the increase of Seebeck coefficients, which is explicitly confirmed by the followed Boltzmann transport calculations. The calculated Seebeck coefficients for Mn-doped SnTe agree well with the experimental data in a broad range of carrier concentration. Owing to the improved Seebeck coefficients, Mn- and Cd-doped SnTe exhibit promising thermoelectric properties with ZT = 1.32 and 1.65 at around 800 K, respectively.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen S Gene is an Effective Carrier Molecule for Developing GnRH DNA Immunocastration Vaccine in Mice.

Relatively molecular mass of GnRH antigens is small and hence needs to couple to a large carrier molecule to enhance its immunogenicity. This study investigated whether hepatitis B surface antigen S (HBsAg-S) gene can be used as an effective carrier molecule for developing GnRH DNA immunocastration vaccine. Two copies of human GnRH gene were fused with HBsAg-S gene for constructing a recombinant plasmid pVAX-HBsAg-S-2GnRH that coded for 27 kDa target fusion protein. Ten male mice were divided into two equal groups, treatment and control. The vaccine (50 µg/mice) prepared in saline solution was injected into male mice at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4 and 7 of the experiment. Vaccine's efficacy was evaluated in terms of GnRH-specific IgG antibody response, plasma testosterone levels, testicular weight and extent of the testicular tissue damage. The specific anti-GnRH antibody titre in vaccinated animals was significantly higher than in controls in only 4th week of immunization (p < 0.05). In addition, vaccinated animals showed lower testicular weight than those of the controls (p < 0.05). Spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules in vaccinated animals was suppressed. In conclusion, in this study, the engineered plasmid to be used as a GnRH DNA vaccine induced antibody response and suppressed spermatogenesis in mice. This suggests that HBsAg-S gene can be an effective carrier molecule for developing GnRH DNA immunocastration vaccine when relatively molecular mass of the aimed antigens is small.

MicroRNA-217, down-regulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and associated with lower survival, suppresses cell proliferation and migration.

Aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently correlated with a variety of human cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In this study, we determined the expression patterns of miR-217 in ccRCC, and tested its effect on cancer cell proliferation and migration. The expression levels of miR-217 were determined in 54 ccRCC samples using Real-Time qPCR. 786-O and ACHN cells were transfected with miR-217 mimics or miRNA mimics control. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by MTT assay and scratch-wound assay, respectively. We found that miR-217 was down-regulated in ccRCC compared to paired normal tissue. Lower miR-217 expression levels were associated with higher tumor grade and stage. All patients with high miR-217 expression survived 5 years, while with low miR-217 expression, only 40% survived. Cell proliferation inhibition and decreased motility were observed in cells transfected with the miR-217 mimics. In conclusion, miR-217 plays a tumor suppressor role in ccRCC.

Identification of the isoamylase 3 gene in common wheat and its expression profile during the grain-filling period.

In higher plants, isoamylase-type starch debranching enzyme catalyzes the α-1,6-glucosidic linkages of glycogen and phytoglycogen. We cloned an isoamylase-type starch debranching enzyme ISA3 cDNA sequence (2883 bp), designated as TaISA3, from common wheat (Triticum aestivum), using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. The open reading frame of TaISA3 was found to have 2331 bp, and its deduced amino acid sequence was found to share high similarity with those of other gramineous plant ISA3 proteins. It contains a putative transit peptide (68 amino acids), N-terminus domain (107 amino acids), and a catalytic domain (173 amino acids). We extracted the expressed TaISA3 protein from Escherichia coli (BL21), and measured starch isoamylase activity. During the wheat grain-filling period, transcripts of the TaISA3 gene reached a maximum level at the early developmental stage, then declined, and increased again near the final maturation stage of the grain. We confirm that the ISA3 gene is present in common wheat; it appears to play a role in starch synthesis during early and late stages of the grain-filling period.

[Bendamustine combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease: a multicenter study].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bendamustine combined with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (BPD regimen) in the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) with extramedullary disease. Methods: This open, single-arm, multicenter prospective cohort study included 30 relapsed MM patients with extramedullary disease diagnosed in seven hospitals including Qingdao Municipal Hospital. The patients were treated with BPD regimen from February 2021 to November 2022. This study analyzed the efficacy and adverse reactions of the BPD regimen. Results: The median age of the 30 patients was 62 (47-72) years, of which 18 (60% ) had first-time recurrence. The overall response rate (ORR) of the 18 patients with first-time recurrence was 100%, of which three (16.7% ) achieved complete remission, 10 (55.5% ) achieved very good partial remission (VGPR), and five (27.8% ) achieved partial remission (PR). The ORR of 12 patients with recurrence after second-line or above treatment was 50%, including zero patients with ≥VGPR and six patients (50% ) with PR. Three cases (25% ) had stable disease, and three cases (25% ) had disease progression. The one-year progression free survival rate of all patients was 65.2% (95% CI 37.2% -83.1% ), and the 1-year overall survival rate was 90.0% (95% CI 76.2% -95.4% ). The common grade 3-4 hematology adverse reactions included two cases (6.7% ) of neutropenia and one case (3.3% ) of thrombocytopenia. The overall adverse reactions are controllable. Conclusions: The BPD regimen has good efficacy and tolerance in relapsed MM patients with extramedullary disease.

[From treatment to whole course management: envisioning comprehensive management of Talaromycosis marneffei].

Talaromycosis marneffei has been increasing in recent years. Our understanding of this disease has gradually deepened through extensive basic and clinical research, but there are still many limitations. In this article, by incorporating the latest research advancements, we discuss important issues in managing Talaromycosis marneffei trends, aiming to guide effective prevention and control of the disease, improving public health, and reducing the healthcare burden.

[A retrospective study of hemophilic pseudotumor in maxillofacial region].

Objective: To provide clinical references for the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilic pseudotumor (HPT) in maxillofacial region. Methods: Fourteen cases of HPT in maxillofacial region from the Department of Stomatology, Beijing Children's Hospital from Jan 2009 to Jan 2019 were collected. Two cases were lost for follow-up and 12 patient,all boys, were finally followed up and included in the study. The patients aged from 13 months to 10 years old. The medical history, clinic manefestitions and the features of the radiology examination were recorded. The patients were treated by using replacement treatment first. If the conservative treatment was not effective, the patients then received operation combined with pereoperation replacement thearapy. The patients were followed up for 13 months to 10 years.There were 11 cases of hemophilia A, and 1 case of hemophilia B. Two cases were severe type, the others (10/12) were mild and moderate types. Only 1 case was diagnosed as hemophilia initially. Nine cases (9/12) were misdiagnosed as malignant tumors, 1 case was misdiagnosed as osteomyelitis and 1 case was misdiagnosed as hemangioma. Only 3 cases had identified history of trauma before. Results: All cases were treated with replacement therapy first, among which 10 cases were effective, 8 cases were cured by conservative therapy, 1 case had residual soft tissue fistula after conservative treatment and 1 case recurrented after conservative treatment for 8 months. Two patients with poor efficacy to the replacement treatment were performed operations and finally were cured. Conclusions: The misdiagnosis rate of HPT in maxillofacial region was high. The conservative factor replacement therapy could achieve good results in most children and could be used as the preferred treatment. If the conservative treatment was not effective, the surgical treatment was also a safe option.

Comparisons of sperm storage tubule distribution and number in 4 strains of mature broiler breeders and in turkey hens before and after the onset of photostimulation.

The biological basis of sustained fertility in broiler and turkey hens is their capacity to store sperm in the oviductal sperm storage tubules (SST) located in the uterovaginal junction. The objectives of this study were to determine if the numbers of SST varied between 4 strains of broiler breeders and determine the number of SST in the turkey before (less than 9 d of photostimulation) and after (up to 22 d of photostimulation and laying) photostimulation. No statistical differences were observed in SST numbers in the 4 strains of broilers examined or in turkey hens before and after the onset of egg production. The mean numbers of SST for broilers and turkeys were 4,893 and 30,566, respectively. We conclude that any differences between the fertility of the 4 broiler breeder strains examined cannot be explained by differences in SST numbers. However, differences in the duration of fertility between broilers and turkeys are, in part, related to their respective numbers of number of SST. Furthermore, we conclude that turkey SST are morphologically differentiated and functional before the onset of photostimulation and while the oviduct is morphologically undeveloped.

LncRNA LINP1 promotes malignant progression of pancreatic cancer by adsorbing microRNA-491-3p.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINP1 promoted the development of pancreatic cancer (PCa). Meanwhile, the regulatory relationship between lncRNA LINP1 and microRNA-491-3p was further investigated to provide an effective theoretical basis for the treatment of this cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to examine lncRNA LINP1 and microRNA-491-3p expression in tumor tissue specimens collected from 56 PCa patients, and the interplay between lncRNA LINP1 expression and some clinical indicators, as well as prognosis of patients with PCa was also analyzed. Meanwhile, in vitro, qRT-PCR further verified lncRNA LINP1 level in PCa cell lines. In addition, lncRNA LINP1 knockdown model was constructed using lentivirus in PCa cell lines CFPAC-1 and BxPC-3, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell, and cell wound healing assays were carried out to evaluate the impact of lncRNA LINP1 on the function of PCa cells. Finally, Dual-Luciferase reporting assay and cell reverse experiments were applied to uncover the potential mechanism. RESULTS: QRT-PCR revealed that lncRNA LINP1 showed a significantly higher expression in pancreatic tumor tissue samples than in adjacent normal ones. Compared with patients with low expression of lncRNA LINP1, patients with highly expressed lncRNA LINP1 showed a higher incidence of distant metastasis, but a lower overall survival rate. In addition, compared to the sh-NC group, the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of PCa cells decreased remarkably in LINP1 knockdown group. The results of Luciferase reporting assay demonstrated that lncRNA LINP1 could be targeted by microRNA-491-3p through a specific binding site, and qRT-PCR results uncovered a negative correlation between microRNA-491-3p and lncRNA LINP1 expression in PCa tissues. Finally, the recovery experiment revealed a mutual regulation between LINP1 and microRNA-491-3p, which may jointly regulate the malignant progression of PCa. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA LINP1 is able to enhance the proliferation and metastasis of PCa cells by modulating microRNA-491-3p, thus affecting the incidence of lymph node or distant metastasis and prognosis of patients with PCa.

Silence of lncRNA BCAR4 alleviates the deterioration of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the biological function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) BCAR4 in triggering osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus mediating the progression of osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relative levels of BCAR4 in BMSCs undergoing indicated time points of osteogenic differentiation were examined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). After intervening BCAR4 levels in osteogenically differentiated BMSCs, the relative levels of serum osteocalcin (OCN) and osteopontin (OPN) were detected, as well as ALP activity and mineralization capacity. Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were classified into sham group, BMSCs group (administration with BMSCs), RNAi group (administration with BMSCs transfected with si-BCAR4), and control group, with 10 rats per group. Osteoporosis model was generated in the latter three groups by resection of bilateral ovaries. Positive expressions of procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) and ß-C-terminal telopeptide (ß-CTx), and ß-CTx in rats were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bone density in rat femurs and bone biomechanics were examined using the dual energy X-ray bone densitometer and the three-point bending test, respectively. RESULTS: BCAR4 was downregulated on the 3rd and 7th day of osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Overexpression of BCAR4 downregulated OCN and OPN. In the meantime, BCAR4 was able to weaken alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization capacity in BMSCs. The promotive effects of silenced BCAR4 on osteogenic potentials in BMSCs were abolished by overexpression of GLI2. In rats of RNAi group, positive expression of PINP and bone biomechanics were remarkably higher than BMSCs group, whereas they were lower than the sham group. Positive expression of ß-CTx was declined in RNAi group compared with that of BMSCs group, and it was still higher than that of sham group. CONCLUSIONS: BCAR4 is involved in the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The knockdown of BCAR4 can alleviate the progression of osteoporosis.

High-quality photonic crystal heterostructures fabricated by a modified self-assembly method.

High-quality three-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) heterostructures were fabricated using the modified self-assembly method, and their structural and optical properties were analyzed. Results suggest that the optical quality of heterostructures formed by depositing bigger particles on small ones is superior to that of heterostructures formed by stacking smaller particles on big ones, due to the rough interface effects in the latter structure. The roughness of the interface in the latter structure can be largely improved by introducing a thin two-dimensional planar defect layer into the PCs, and significant progress in the quality of the heterostructures is achieved. The important role of the thin planar defect layer in the quality of the heterostructures was also verified by numerical simulations.