Characterization of reproductive hormones and related gene expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the egg-laying interval in White King pigeon.

The egg-laying interval (LI) directly reflects the laying performance of breeding pigeons, influenced by reproductive hormones. This study aimed to assess reproductive hormone levels in serum and the expression of related genes and their receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in 4 stages: first (LI1), third (LI3), fifth (LI5), and seventh (LI7) days. The results showed that serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) level decreased from LI1 to LI7 (P < 0.01) and peaked in LI1. The serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels stayed at high levels from LI1 to LI5. The FSH level decreased slightly from LI5 to LI7 (P > 0.05), but the LH level decreased rapidly (P < 0.01). The prolactin (PRL) levels significantly increased in LI5 (P < 0.01) compared with LI1 and then stayed at a high level. The GnRH1 expression in the hypothalamus had no significant change in LI (P > 0.05). However, the GnRHR first decreased from LI1 to LI3 (P < 0.05) and then increased. The FSH mRNA level in the pituitary gland decreased from LI1 to LI3 and slightly increased in LI5 (P > 0.05). The change pattern of FSHR was similar to that of FSH and peaked in LI5 (P < 0.05). The LH expression level was the highest in LI5 and significantly higher than that in LI3 and LI7 (P < 0.05). However, the LHR mRNA level decreased in LI (P < 0.05). The expression patterns of PRL and PRLR were similar; they were upregulated in LI and peaked in LI7 (P < 0.01). The expression pattern of GnRHR was similar to that of FSH, LH, and FSHR, suggesting the critical role of GnRHR in LI. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes peaked in LI5, closely correlating with the maturation of the first largest follicle in pigeons. PRL-PRLR signaling inhibited GnRH activity to promote ovulation. This study provided a basis for further investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of reproduction in pigeons.

Photothermal-Controllable Microneedles with Antitumor, Antioxidant, Angiogenic, and Chondrogenic Activities to Sequential Eliminate Tracheal Neoplasm and Reconstruct Tracheal Cartilage.

The optimal treatment for tracheal tumors necessitates sequential tumor elimination and tracheal cartilage reconstruction. This study introduces an innovative inorganic nanosheet, MnO2 /PDA@Cu, comprising manganese dioxide (MnO2 ) loaded with copper ions (Cu) through in situ polymerization using polydopamine (PDA) as an intermediary. Additionally, a specialized methacrylic anhydride modified decellularized cartilage matrix (MDC) hydrogel with chondrogenic effects is developed by modifying a decellularized cartilage matrix with methacrylic anhydride. The MnO2 /PDA@Cu nanosheet is encapsulated within MDC-derived microneedles, creating a photothermal-controllable MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle. Effectiveness evaluation involved deep insertion of the MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle into tracheal orthotopic tumor in a murine model. Under 808 nm near-infrared irradiation, facilitated by PDA, the microneedle exhibited rapid overheating, efficiently eliminating tumors. PDA's photothermal effects triggered controlled MnO2 and Cu release. The MnO2 nanosheet acted as a potent inorganic nanoenzyme, scavenging reactive oxygen species for an antioxidant effect, while Cu facilitated angiogenesis. This intervention enhanced blood supply at the tumor excision site, promoting stem cell enrichment and nutrient provision. The MDC hydrogel played a pivotal role in creating a chondrogenic niche, fostering stem cells to secrete cartilaginous matrix. In conclusion, the MnO2 /PDA@Cu-MDC microneedle is a versatile platform with photothermal control, sequentially combining antitumor, antioxidant, pro-angiogenic, and chondrogenic activities to orchestrate precise tracheal tumor eradication and cartilage regeneration.

[Diagnostic value of nasal nitric oxide for children with primary ciliary dyskinesia].

Objective: To evaluate the value of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) measurement as a diagnostic tool for Chinese patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Methods: This study is a retrospective study. The patients were recruited from those who were admitted to the respiratory Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University from March 2018 to September 2022. Children with PCD were included as the PCD group, and children with situs inversus or ambiguus, cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis, chronic suppurative lung disease and asthma were included as the PCD symptom-similar group. Children who visited the Department of Child health Care and urology in the same hospital from December 2022 to January 2023 were selected as nNO normal control group. nNO was measured during plateau exhalation against resistance in three groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the nNO data. The receiver operating characteristic of nNO value for the diagnosis of PCD was plotted and, the area under the curve and Youden index was calculated to find the best cut-off value. Results: nNO was measured in 40 patients with PCD group, 75 PCD symptom-similar group (including 23 cases of situs inversus or ambiguus, 8 cases of CF, 26 cases of bronchiectasis or chronic suppurative lung disease, 18 cases of asthma), and 55 nNO normal controls group. The age of the three groups was respectively 9.7 (6.7,13.4), 9.3 (7.0,13.0) and 9.9 (7.3,13.0) years old. nNO values were significantly lower in children with PCD than in PCD symptom-similar group and nNO normal controls (12 (9,19) vs. 182 (121,222), 209 (165,261) nl/min, U=143.00, 2.00, both P<0.001). In the PCD symptom-similar group, situs inversus or ambiguus, CF, bronchiectasis or chronic suppurative lung disease and asthma were significantly higher than children with PCD (185 (123,218), 97 (52, 132), 154 (31, 202), 266 (202,414) vs. 12 (9,19) nl/min,U=1.00, 9.00, 133.00, 0, all P<0.001). A cut-off value of 84 nl/min could provide the best sensitivity (0.98) and specificity (0.92) with an area under the curve of 0.97 (95%CI 0.95-1.00, P<0.001). Conclusions: nNO value can draw a distinction between patients with PCD and others. A cut-off value of 84 nl/min is recommended for children with PCD.

[Secular trends of age at menarche and age at menopause in women born since 1951 from a county of Shandong Province, China].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the secular trends of age at menarche and age at natural menopause of women from a county of Shandong Province. METHODS: Based on the data of the Premarital Medical Examination and the Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening of the county, the secular trends of age at menarche in women born in 1951 to 1998 and age at menopause in women born in 1951 to 1975 were studied. Joinpoint regression was used to identify potential inflection points regarding the trend of age at menarche. Average hazard ratios (AHR) of early menopause among women born in different generations were estimated by performing multivariate weighted Cox regression. RESULTS: The average age at menarche was (16.43±1.89) years for women born in 1951 and (13.99±1.22) years for women born in 1998. The average age at menarche was lower for urban women than that for rural women, and the higher the education level, the lower the average age at menarche. Joinpoint regression analysis identified three inflection points: 1959, 1973 and 1993. The average age at menarche decreased annually by 0.03 (P < 0.001), 0.08 (P < 0.001), and 0.03 (P < 0.001) years respectively for women born during 1951-1959, 1960-1973, and 1974-1993, while it remained stable for those born during 1994-1998 (P=0.968). As for age at menopause, compared with women born during 1951-1960, those born during 1961-1965, 1966-1970 and 1971-1975 showed a gradual decrease in the risk of early menopause and a tendency to delay the age at menopause. The stratified analysis presented that the risk of early menopause gradually decreased and the age of menopause showed a significant delay among those with education level of junior high school and below, but this trend was not obvious among those with education level of senior high school and above, where the risk of early menopause decreased and then increased among those with education level of college and above, and the corresponding AHRs were 0.90 (0.66-1.22), 1.07 (0.79-1.44) and 1.14 (0.79-1.66). CONCLUSION: The age at menarche for women born since 1951 gradually declined until 1994 and leveled off, with a decrease of nearly 2.5 years in these years. The age at menopause for women born between 1951 and 1975 was generally delayed over time, but the trend of first increase and then decrease was observed among those with relatively higher education levels. In the context of the increasing delay in age at marriage and childbearing and the decline of fertility, this study highlights the necessity of the assessment and monitoring of women' s basic reproductive health status, especially the risk of early menopause.

Characterization of ovarian follicles, serum steroid hormone concentration, and steroidogenic gene expression profiles in the developing ovarian follicles in White King pigeons.

Paired pigeons only lay 2 eggs in a laying period, which is closely related to ovarian follicle development, but this process is not well understood. In this study, 60 pairs of 12-mo-old White King pigeons were selected and serum and follicles were collected at 4 stages of laying interval (LI), including the first (LI1), the third (LI3), the fifth (LI5), and the seventh day (LI7). Morphological results showed that paired pigeons normally had 2 preovulatory follicles and the second-largest follicle (F2) developed from LI3 and had been selected in LI5. Prehierarchical follicles were coupled and hierarchical, which was in accordance with its clutch size. The P4 concentration increased gradually from LI1 to LI5, reaching a maximum of 30.67 ng/mL in LI5 and decreasing to 27.83 ng/mL in LI7 (P < 0.05). The levels of T in LI1 and LI5 were higher than LI3 and LI7 (P < 0.05), although there was no significant difference in E2 in LI (P > 0.05), but it stayed at high levels. In the TCs of the largest follicle (F1), HSD3B1 mRNA and HSD17B1 mRNA levels peaked in LI7. The expression pattern of CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 was similar, increasing from LI3 to LI5 and then decreasing. In the TCs of F2, the expressions of HSD3B1 and CYP17A1 had no significant difference between LI5 and LI7 (P > 0.05), while the expression pattern of HSD17B1 and CYP19A1 was the opposite. In TCs of SF1, HSD3B1 mRNA level peaked in LI3 while CYP19A1 mRNA levels peaked in LI7. The expression of CYP17A1 had a minor change (P > 0.05) and the expression pattern of HSD17B1 was similar to F1. It was concluded that the morphological characteristics of follicles during the LI for the first time, including the number and diameter of small follicles (SFs) and hierarchical follicles in pigeon and the concentrations of steroid hormones and expressions of steroidogenic genes in TCs of different follicles could explain the growth and selection of 2 preovulatory follicles. This study facilitates further research into the regulation of ovulation and egg production in pigeons.

[Research progress of occupational and environmental exposure and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

Occupational and environmental exposure can directly cause specific lung diseases, and can also induce autoimmune diseases that can lead to various types of interstitial lung diseases. In recent years, it was discovered that certain occupational and environmental exposure was related to the increased risk of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) disease and progression, including metal and mineral dust, wood dust, organic dust, asbestos dust, silica dust, cigarette smoke and air pollution. IPF is a chronic progressive fibrotic lung disease of unknown etiology, with a characteristic imaging and histologic pattern called usual interstitial pneumonia. This article is a review based on the correlation and mechanism of occupational and environmental exposure in the pathogenesis and disease progression of IPF to improve the understanding of the disease and promote the formulation of treatment plans.

[Clinical phenotypes and genotypic spectrum of cystic fibrosis with pancreatic insufficiency in children].

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotypes and genotypic spectrum of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in children with cystic fibrosis. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 12 children with cystic fibrosis who presented to Children's Hospital of Fudan University from December 2017 to December 2021. Clinical features, fecal elastase-1 level, genotype, diagnosis and treatment were systematically reviewed. Results: A total of 12 children, 7 males and 5 females, diagnosis aged 5.4 (2.0, 10.6) years, were recruited. Common clinical features included chronic cough in 12 cases, malnutrition in 7 cases, steatorrhea in 7 cases, bronchiectasis in 5 cases and electrolyte disturbance in 4 cases. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were diagnosed in 8 cases,the main clinical manifestations were steatorrhea in 7 cases, of which 5 cases started in infancy; 6 cases were complicated with malnutrition, including mild in 1 case, moderate in 2 cases and severe in 3 cases; 3 cases had abdominal distension; 2 cases had intermittent abdominal pain; 4 cases showed fatty infiltration or atrophy of pancreas and 3 cases showed no obvious abnormality by pancreatic magnetic resonance imaging or B-ultrasound. All 8 children were given pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, follow-up visit of 2.3 (1.2,3.2) years. Diarrhea significantly improved in 6 cases, and 1 case was added omeprazole due to poor efficacy. A total of 20 variations of CFTR were detected in this study, of which 7 were novel (c.1373G>A,c.1810A>C,c.270delA,c.2475_2478dupCGAA,c.2489_c.2490insA, c.884delT and exon 1 deletion). Conclusions: There is a high proportion of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in Chinese patients with cystic fibrosis. The main clinical manifestations are steatorrhea and malnutrition. Steatorrhea has often started from infancy. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy can significantly improve the symptoms of diarrhea and malnutrition.

Matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12) as an adverse prognostic biomarker of vascular invasion in hepatic cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular invasion is closely associated with tumor recurrence and poor outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we evaluated the potential prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) as a biomarker of vascular invasion in HCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Gene Expression Omnibus GSE77509 and TCGA Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma datasets were analyzed to explore the relationships between genes, vascular invasion, and patient survival. The role of MMP12 in HCC was analyzed in terms of DNA methylation, immune cell infiltration, and patient survival, as well as in silico analysis. RESULTS: Overexpression of MMP12 was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients with vascular invasion. MMP12 was identified as an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) (HR 2.543; 95% CI 1.224, 5.285; p = 0.012) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 2.034; 95% CI 1.160, 3.566; p = 0.013) in multivariate Cox analysis in HCC patients. MMP12 expression, vascular invasion, tumor status, and AJCC T stage were independent predictors of OS with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.713 (95% CI, 0.671, 0.756). MMP12 expression was related to hypomethylation status and positively correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune cell-related biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of MMP12 was associated with poor prognosis and vascular invasion in HCC. These data suggest that MMP12 may have potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker in HCC.

NCAPG is a prognostic biomarker associated with vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular invasion is closely associated with tumor recurrence and poor patient outcomes in individuals diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we explored the potential value of NCAPG as a prognostic biomarker of vascular invasion in HCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE14520 - GPL3721 Subset; GSE67140 - GPL8786) were utilized to explore the relationship between genes and HCC-associated vascular invasion. Hub genes associated with vascular invasion were identified through analyses of Cytoscape using the Cytohubba plugin, and relationships between specific genes and patient survival outcomes were assessed through univariate and multivariate analyses of the TCGA-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) database. RESULTS: In total, 10 hub genes were associated with vascular invasion in the two analyzed GEO datasets. Importantly, non-SMC condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG) overexpression was correlated with poor prognosis for patients in the TCGA-LIHC database. NCAPG was identified as an independent predictor of HCC patient overall survival (OS) (HR 2.543; 95% CI 1.224, 5.285; p = 0.012) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 2.034; 95% CI 1.160, 3.566; p = 0.013) in a multivariate Cox analysis. NCAPG expression status, vascular invasion status, tumor status, and AJCC T stage were independent predictors of OS, with a concordance index (c-index) value of 0.713 (95% CI, 0.671, 0.756). NCAPG expression levels were related to hypomethylation status and were positively correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration and immune cell-related biomarker expression. CONCLUSIONS: NCAPG upregulation is associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with vascular invasion.

High HBXIP expression is related to poor prognosis in HCC by extensive database interrogation.

OBJECTIVE: The involvement of HBXIP in cancer development and cancer cell survival is well known. This work probed the potential of HBXIP as a prognostic biomarker in hepatic cell cancer (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, pan-cancer analysis of HBXIP expression was conducted using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to validate the expression of HBXIP in different cancers. The GSE14520 (GPL3721 Subset) database was used to validate HBXIP in HCC. The association between survival outcomes and prognostic factors was assessed employing univariate and multivariate survival analyses for TCGA Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. The biological function of the HBXIP Gene was annotated by gene set enrichment analysis. The relationship between HBXIP expression and immune cells and immune markers was analyzed from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. RESULTS: Malignant tissues demonstrated evident upregulation of HBXIP at transcriptional and protein levels over normal tissues (p < 0.05) with this elevated expression linked to an advanced tumor stage in HCC cohorts. Univariate analysis revealed an evident correlation emerged between prognosis and HBXIP for GSE14520 databases (p < 0.05). The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (five-year values) were lower in samples demonstrating elevated HBXIP (HR: 2.413; 95% CI 1.601, 3.638; p < 0.001) and (HR: 1.613; 95% CI 1.446, 1.844; p = 0.003), respectively vs. lower HBXIP expression. HBXIP emerged as an independent factor in OS prognosis (HR 2.184; 95% CI 1.495, 3.196; p < 0.001) and DFS (HR 1.764; 95% CI 1.261, 2.466; p < 0.001), respectively according to multivariate analysis. Further, multiple Cox analyses in the validation cohort revealed that independent factors for OS were HBXIP, AJCC T stage, vascular invasion, and tumor status with the C-index score of 0.727 (95% CI, 0.704 to 0.750). HBXIP level showed a significantly positive association with tumor immune cell infiltration, and biomarkers of immune cells; besides, the rectum Rho GTPase effectors signaling pathway was also identified. CONCLUSIONS: HCC advancement and survival involves HBXIP, which also emerged as a functional biomarker for HCC survival prediction.

[Research progress on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease animal models].

In recent years, with the changes in living standards and dietary structure, the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has been increasing year by year in China, and the incidence rate in the general population is as high as 29.81%. An increasingly epidemiological evidence suggests that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has become one of the causes of increasing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, its etiology and pathogenesis are complex and have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, establishing an appropriate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease animal models for pre-clinical research is essential to elucidate its pathogenesis. This article summarizes the latest research progress of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease animal models, which are common at home and abroad in recent years.

[Current status and challenges for taeniasis and cysticercosis control in China].

In the WHO new road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, the disease-specific targets are classified into control, elimination as a public health problem, elimination and eradication, and taeniasis and cysticercosis are targeted for control. The overall prevalence of taeniasis and cysticercosis is low in China, and varies remarkably in regions and populations; however, there are many challenges for elimination of taeniasis and cysticercosis in China. Based on previous taeniasis and cysticercosis control programs, developing a sensitive taeniasis and cysticercosis surveillance-response system, updating criteria for diagnosis of taeniasis and cysticercosis, proposing a national guideline for treatment of taeniasis and cysticercosis, and strengthening interdisciplinary and intersectoral communications and collaborations are urgently needed under the One Health concept.

Increased long non-coding RNA ARAP1-AS1 expression and its prognostic significance in human gastric cancer: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple studies have unveiled that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to oncogenesis. LncRNA ARAP1 antisense RNA 1 (ARAP1-AS1) has been demonstrated to serve as an oncogene in bladder tumor and colorectal cancer. This study attempted to explore the correlation of ARAP1-AS1 expressions with clinical progress and prognosis in gastric cancer (GC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RT-PCR was carried out to examine the levels of ARAP1-AS1 in 157 GC patients. The associations between ARAP1-AS1 expression and clinicopathologic features in GC patients were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The prognostic value of abnormally expressed ARAP1-AS1 in GC patients was further analyzed via Kaplan-Meier assays and multivariate survival assays. RESULTS: The levels of ARAP1-AS1 were dramatically increased in GC samples compared with paired adjacent non-tumor specimens (p=0.01). The upregulation of ARAP1-AS1 was distinctly associated with TNM stage (p=0.010) and lymphatic metastasis (p=0.007). Further survival study revealed that patients with higher levels of ARAP1-AS1 had shorter overall survival (p=0.0020) and disease-free survival than those with lower levels of ARAP1-AS1. Finally, multivariate survival assay identified ARAP1-AS1 upregulation as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in GC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results identified a novel GC-related factor, ARAP1-AS1 which may be a potential prognostic biomarker for GC patients.

FHL2 participates in renal interstitial fibrosis by altering the phenotype of renal tubular epithelial cells via regulating the ß-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential role of FHL2 (four and a half LIM domains protein 2) in the renal interstitial fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NRK-52E, the rat tubular epithelial cell line, was selected for the in vitro experiments. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model and phenotype changes of NRK-52E cells were induced by TGF-ß (transforming growth factor-ß) treatment. Protein and mRNA expressions of biomarkers of tubular cells and renal fibrosis in NRK-52E cells were detected. Meanwhile, phenotype changes of NRK-52E cells were detected after FHL2 overexpression. Furthermore, CD1 mice were selected for constructing the UUO mouse model. Protein and mRNA expressions of biomarkers of tubular cells and renal fibrosis in kidney tissues were detected. CD1 mice with FHL2 overexpression were constructed by tail vein injection of FHL2 plasmid for further observation of renal interstitial fibrosis. Expressions of ß-catenin pathway-related genes were detected by Western blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. RESULTS: The FHL2 expression was increased during the phenotype change of NRK-52E cells induced by TGF-ß treatment. Overexpression of FHL2 led to a significant phenotype change. Similarly, the FHL2 expression was elevated in the UUO mouse model. Renal interstitial fibrosis was exaggerated and expression levels of genes related to the ß-catenin pathway were increased after injection of FHL2 plasmid. CONCLUSIONS: FHL2 is involved in renal interstitial fibrosis by altering the phenotype of renal tubular epithelial cells via regulating the ß-catenin pathway.

[Loss of BRCA associated protein 1 expression in malignant mesothelioma and its diagnostic application].

Objective: To investigate the expression of BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1) in malignant mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer and carcinosarcoma, and its application in the differential diagnosis. Methods: Twenty-two cases of malignant mesothelioma including 17 epithelioid type, 2 sarcomatoid type and 3 biphasic type were collected.As the study control, 80 non-small cell lung cancers infringement pleural membrane(including 40 lung adenocarcinomas and 40 lung squamous cell carcinomas) and 15 carcinosarcomas were included. BAP1 expression was detected using immunohistochemical method. A differential diagnosis antibody panel, including calretinin, WT1, CK5/6, D2-40, CAM5.2, CEA, TTF1, Napsin A, p63 and p40 was tested in all cases. Results: All 80 cases of non-small cell lung cancer and 15 cases of carcinosarcoma were BAP1 positive. In contrast, 64% (14/22) of malignant mesotheliomas lost BAP1 expression (P<0.01). Addition of BAP1 to the mesothelioma marker panel, the diagnostic accuracy of malignant mesothelioma was enhanced to 93%. Focal expression of BAP1 in tumors suggested multiclonal evolution of mesothelioma. Conclusions: Loss of BAP1 expression helps to confirm the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma whereas all non-small cell lung cancer expresses BAP1. It is therefore recommended that BAP1 can be used in conjunction with other immunohistochemical markers to improve the diagnostic accuracy of malignant mesothelioma.

Invasion and metastasis ability of renal cancer cell strains 786-0: under the influence of miR-141.

This study aimed to explore the invasion and metastasis ability of miR-141 in 786-0 renal cancer tissue cells, as well as identify the key function of endogenous miR-141 in adjustment and control of malignant activities of renal cancer. The renal cancer cell strain with overexpression of miR-141 and its control renal cancer cell line were constructed; methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was adopted to measure proliferation of renal cancer cells; Transwell assay was performed to measure the invasion and metastasis ability of cells; MTT assay and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) were used for measurement of cell apoptosis and drug susceptibility. Results indicated that the expression of miR-141 in 786-0 cells could be significantly increased 400-fold by slow viruses that contained miR-141; moreover, c omprehensive functions showed that miR-141 inhibited the invasion and metastasis ability of renal cancer cells to a great extent (p less than 0.001), partially inhibited cell growth (p less than 0.05) and also induced cell cycle to be arrested in G0/G1 as well as reducing the number of cells in S phase (DNA replicative phase). Moreover, miR-141 could not induce morphologic changes of renal cancer cells, had no direct stimulating effect on cell apoptosis and could not improve the drug susceptibility of renal cancer cells to drugs such as cis-Dichlorodiamineplatinum (DDP), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and tumor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). In conclusion, miR-141 can be considered an important cancer suppressor gene of renal cancer by inhibiting proliferation and metastasis of renal cancer cells.

[Clinico-pathological characteristics and prognosis of IgA nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria and deposition of complement C3].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and pathological data and prognosis of IgA nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria and deposition of C3, and to investigate the significance of C3 deposition in IgA nephropathy with microalbuminuria. METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 127 IgA nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria confirmed by renal biopsy in the Jining No.1 People's Hospital from January 2009 to January 2015 and minimum 6-month follow-up was reviewed, and patients were divided into positive group (72 cases, 56.7%)and negative group (55 cases, 43.3%) according to the deposition of C3 in the mesangial area of glomeruli. 24 h urine quantitative protein being more than 1 g, or serum creatinine level becoming abnormal or double by renal biopsy was defined as endpoint of follow-up. Renal survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 127 IgA nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria were followed up successfully, with an average follow-up of (49.6±22.7) months. 24 h urine albumin[(261.3±47.4) vs (238.7±51.9) mg, P=0.011], serum creatinine value[98.0(56.4, 118.6) vs 85.7(51.9, 107.8) µmol/L, P=0.003], uric acid value[(384.0±93.7) vs (360.5±88.4) µmol/L, P=0.043] and serum IgA value[(3.36±1.17) vs (3.12±1.05) g/L, P=0.044] were significantly higher in the C3 positive group than those in the negative group, while the serum complement C3 was significantly lower [(0.70±0.42) vs (0.98±0.49) mg, P=0.047]. Pathological changes [Lee's grade Ⅲ and above Ⅲ: 21(16.5%) vs 11(8.7%), P=0.034], glomerular sclerosis or adhesions [29(22.8%) vs 19(15.0%), P=0.047], renal tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis [13(10.2%) vs 8(6.3%), P=0.027] and crescent formation [7(5.5%) vs 2(1.6%), P=0.035] in the complement C3 positive group were more severe than those in the negative group. 38 cases of complement C3 positive group and 14 cases of negative group accomplished the study, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the median survival time between the two groups [(52.6±8.9) vs (66.1±9.7) months, P=0.019]. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and pathological features in IgA nephropathy patients with microalbuminuria and deposition of complement C3 were more severe than those without complement C3 deposition, and the prognosis was not optimistic. Therefore, early and active intervention treatment should be considered for these patients.

Effect of recombinant human endostatin on the expression of c-Myc and bFGF in mouse gastric cancer cells.

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of re-combinant human endostatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of mouse gastric cancer cells, and explore some possible mechanisms of recom-binant human endostatin inhibition of cancer. A murine gastric cancer xenograft model was established. A total of 20 mice were divided into two groups (control and experimental groups). The expression of c-Myc and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immu-nohistochemical staining methods. Tumor volume was measured and a growth curve was calculated. The tumor diameter in the experimental group was significantly smaller than that in the control group after treat-ment with endostatin for 21 days. The expression levels of c-Myc and bFGF in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the expression of c-Myc and bFGF in the experimental group. Microvessel density was significantly inhibited in the experimental group (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that recombinant human endostatin could in-hibit tumor metastasis by inhibition of the expression of c-Myc and bFGF in gastric cancer tissue as well as by inhibition of angiogenesis.

Effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation in different stages on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and meat quality in broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of basal dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and meat quality in different stages in broiler chickens. A total of 240 Arbor Acre chickens were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups, each treatment containing 6 replicates of 10 chickens each. Group 1 was the control group without LA supplementation; Group 2 was supplied with LA in the starter period; Group 3 was supplied with LA in the grower period; and Group 4 was supplied with LA in the whole period. The results showed that LA supplementation improved average feed intake and body weight gain in all three experimental groups, especially in Group 2. LA supplementation significantly decreased abdominal fat yield in Groups 3 and 4. LA supplementation all improved hepatic total antioxidant capacity, the level of glutathione, the activities of total superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase, in particular in Group 4. LA supplementation decreased the activity of liver xanthine oxidase (XO) in all experimental groups, and that of liver monoamine oxidase in Group 3. The activities of liver CAT and XO in Group 2 were higher than that in Group 3. LA supplementation elevated the pH24 h and decreased drip loss in breast meat in Groups 3 and 4. In conclusion, LA supplementation can improve growth performance, antioxidant properties and meat quality in broiler chicken. LA supplementation in the starter period can improve growth performance and supplementation in the grower - and in the whole period can improve carcass characteristics. There was no significant difference in meat quality of broiler chickens fed on LA-supplemented diet in different stages.

Handling radiation generated during an ion source commissioning.

Radiation is an important issue, which should be carefully treated during the design and commissioning of an ion source. Measurements show that X-rays are generated around the ceramics column of an extraction system when the source is powered up to 30 kV. The X-ray dose increases greatly when a beam is extracted. Inserting the ceramic column into a metal vacuum box is a good way to block X-ray emission for those cases. Moreover, this makes the online test of an intense H(+) ion beam with energy up to 100 keV possible. However, for deuteron ion source commissioning, neutron and gamma-ray radiation become a serious topic. In this paper, we will describe the design of the extraction system and the radiation doses of neutrons and gamma-rays measured at different D(+) beam energy during our 2.45 GHz deuteron electron cyclotron resonance ion source commissioning for PKUNIFTY (PeKing University Neutron Imaging FaciliTY) project at Peking University.