DBH-YOLO: a surgical instrument detection method based on feature separation in laparoscopic surgery.

PURPOSE: Accurately locating and analysing surgical instruments in laparoscopic surgical videos can assist doctors in postoperative quality assessment. This can provide patients with more scientific and rational solutions for healing surgical complications. Therefore, we propose an end-to-end algorithm for the detection of surgical instruments. METHODS: Dual-Branched Head (DBH) and Overall Intersection over Union Loss (OIoU Loss) are introduced to solve the problem of inaccurate surgical instrument detection, both in terms of localization and classification. An effective method (DBHYOLO) for the detection for laparoscopic surgery in complex scenarios is proposed. This study manually annotates a new laparoscopic gastric cancer resection surgical instrument location dataset LGIL, which provides a better validation platform for surgical instrument detection methods. RESULTS: The proposed method's performance was tested using the m2cai16-tool-locations, LGIL, and Onyeogulu datasets. The mean Average Precision (mAP) values obtained were 96.8%, 95.6%, and 98.4%, respectively, which were higher than the other classical models compared. The improved model is more effective than the benchmark network in distinguishing between surgical instrument classes with high similarity and avoiding too many missed detection cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, the problem of inaccurate detection of surgical instruments is addressed from two different perspectives: classification and localization. And the experimental results on three representative datasets verify the performance of DBH-YOLO. It is shown that this method has a good generalization capability.

TFCNet: A texture-aware and fine-grained feature compensated polyp detection network.

PURPOSE: Abnormal tissue detection is a prerequisite for medical image analysis and computer-aided diagnosis and treatment. The use of neural networks (CNN) to achieve accurate detection of intestinal polyps is beneficial to the early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Currently, image detection models using multi-scale feature processing perform well in polyp detection. However, these methods do not fully consider the misalignment of information in the process of feature scale change, resulting in the loss of fine-grained features, and eventually cause the missed and false detection of targets. METHOD: To solve this problem, a texture-aware and fine-grained feature compensated polyp detection network (TFCNet) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, design Texture Awareness Module (TAM) to excavate the rich texture information from the low-level layers and utilize high-level semantic information for background suppression, thereby capturing purer fine-grained features. Secondly, the Texture Feature Enhancement Module (TFEM) is designed to enhance the low-level texture information in TAM, and the enhanced texture features were fused with the high-level features. By making full use of the low-level texture features and multi-scale context information, the semantic consistency and integrity of the features were ensured. Finally, the Residual Pyramid Splittable Attention Module (RPSA) is designed to balance the loss of channel information caused by skip connections, and further improve the detection performance of the network. RESULTS: Experimental results on 4 datasets demonstrate that the TFCNet network outperforms existing methods. Particularly, on the large dataset PolypSets, the mAP@0.5-0.95 has been improved to 88.9%. On the small datasets CVC-ClinicDB and Kvasir, the mAP@0.5-0.95 is increased by 2% and 1.6%, respectively, compared to the baseline, showcasing a significant superiority over competing methods.

The Characteristic Aroma Compounds of GABA Sun-Dried Green Tea and Raw Pu-Erh Tea Determined by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Relative Odor Activity Value.

We aim to improve the product quality of GABA raw Pu-erh tea during development and processing. In this study, headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technology combined with relative odor activity evaluations was used to compare the volatile compounds of GABA sun-dried green tea and GABA raw Pu-erh tea. Sensory evaluation showed a higher aroma score of GABA raw Pu-erh tea than that of GABA sun-dried green tea, with significant differences in aroma type and purity. A total of 147 volatile compounds of 13 categories were detected, which differed in composition and quantity between the two teas. 2-Buten-1-one,1-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadien-1-yl)-,(E)- and beta.-myrcene largely contributed to the aroma formation of both teas. Five volatile compounds were screened as potential markers for tea aroma. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that monoterpenoid biosynthesis may be beneficial to the formation of flowery and fruity aromas in the teas. We suggest that the findings of this study may provide important guidance for the processing and optimization of GABA tea.

Immunogenic chemotherapy: great potential for improving response rates.

The activation of anti-tumor immunity is critical in treating cancers. Recent studies indicate that several chemotherapy agents can stimulate anti-tumor immunity by inducing immunogenic cell death and durably eradicate tumors. This suggests that immunogenic chemotherapy holds great potential for improving response rates. However, chemotherapy in practice has only had limited success in inducing long-term survival or cure of cancers when used either alone or in combination with immunotherapy. We think that this is because the importance of dose, schedule, and tumor model dependence of chemotherapy-activated anti-tumor immunity is under-appreciated. Here, we review immune modulation function of representative chemotherapy agents and propose a model of immunogenic chemotherapy-induced long-lasting responses that rely on synergetic interaction between killing tumor cells and inducing anti-tumor immunity. We comb through several chemotherapy treatment schedules, and identify the needs for chemotherapy dose and schedule optimization and combination therapy with immunotherapy when chemotherapy dosage or immune responsiveness is too low. We further review tumor cell intrinsic factors that affect the optimal chemotherapy dose and schedule. Lastly, we review the biomarkers indicating responsiveness to chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy treatments. A deep understanding of how chemotherapy activates anti-tumor immunity and how to monitor its responsiveness can lead to the development of more effective chemotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy, thereby improving the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Metabolomic pathway regulation for prevention and control of granule sludge bulking in thiosulfate-driven denitrification.

The performance of thiosulfate-driven denitrification (TDD) granule reactor and the mechanism of granule sludge bulking were investigated in this study. The results showed that TDD granule bulking occurred under 12 kgNm-3d-1 of nitrogen loading rate (NLR). The higher NLR promoted accumulation of intermediates in the carbon fixation pathway, including citrate, oxaloacetate, oxoglutarate and fumarate. The carbon fixation improved amino acids biosynthesis, which increased proteins (PN) in extracellular polymers (EPS) to 134.6 ± 11.8 mg/gVSS. The excessive PN altered the content, components and chemical groups of EPS, leading to change of granule structure and decline in settling property, permeability and nitrogen removal. By adopting the strategy of intermittently reducing NLR, excess amino acids in sulfur-oxidizing bacteria was consumed through microbial growth-related metabolism instead of EPS synthesis. Therefore, the nitrogen removal rate increased to 10.23 kg-Nm-3d-1 and maintained stable in the long term. The EPS contents decreased from 168.8 ± 13.5 mg/gVSS to 93 ± 11.5 mg/gVSS and the SVI5 decreased from 66 ± 3.5 ml/g to 25 ± 1.5 ml/g. These findings provide an effective strategy to prevent granule bulking and guide practical application of TDD process.

Investigate the multipath erasure of nitrobenzene over nanoscale zero-valent-iron/N-doped biochar hybrid with extraordinary reduction performance.

In this study, the facile carbothermal reduction method was enforced using urea as dopant to modify the structure and chemical composition of nanoscale zero-valent-iron/biochar hybrid thereby boosting its reduction performance. Through fine-tuning the N-doped amount, the optimal nZVI/N-doped BC was obtained, which exhibited more active sites (nZVI, persistent free radicals (PFRs), pyrrolic-N) and superior electrochemical conductivity. With these blessings, the electrons originating from galvanic cell reaction could zip along the highway within the hybrid. Taking nitrobenzene (NB) as the target pollutant, the quantitative analysis revealed that the NB reduction and adsorption removal efficiency were dramatically improved by 2.42 and 2.78 times, respectively. What's more, combining the in-situ experimental detection and theoretical calculations, unexpected NB reductive multipath with respect to PFRs and pyrrolic-N accelerating the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle within the nZVI/N-doped BC system was decoded. The enhancement of Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle improved the electron utilization efficiency and maintained the reduction reactivity of the hybrid. This work raised awareness of the mechanisms regarding the reduction performance of nZVI/N-doped BC elevated by N-doped and the pollutant reductive pathway within the system, uncovered the dusty roles of PFRs and N-species during the reduction process.

The prognostic implications of SIRTs expression in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sirtuins (SIRTs) have key roles in cancer progression. However, the prognostic implications of SIRTs in breast cancer (BC) remains a subject of debate and controversy. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to identify the precise prognostic value of SIRTs in BC patients. METHODS: Systematic literature searching was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association of SIRTs expression and survival outcomes in BC patients. RESULTS: A total of 22 original studies with 6317 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. The results showed that in patients with BC, elevated SIRTs levels were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) both in univariate (HR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.21-2.00; HR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.32-2.12, respectively) and multivariate analysis models (HR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.48-3.00; HR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.20-2.39, respectively). Notably, further subgroup analysis revealed that overexpression of SIRT1 and SIRT6 predicted poor OS (HR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.54-4.56; HR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.64-3.90, respectively) and DFS (HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.07-2.56; HR = 2.74; 95% CI 1.88-4.01, respectively) in BC. CONCLUSIONS: Our data has elucidated that SIRT1 and SIRT6 could serve as prognostic biomarkers for patients with BC and may contribute to refined patient management.

Upregulation of INHBA mediated by the transcription factor BHLHE40 promotes colon cancer cell proliferation and migration.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is highly prevalent, and cell proliferation and migration are major reasons for its progression to malignancy. The upregulation of INHBA, a glycoprotein hormone that regulates the secretion of pituitary hormones, is documented to be oncogenic in numerous cancers, consisting of breast, gastric, and ovarian cancer. Herein, we assessed the role of INHBA in the proliferation along with the migration of colon cancer cells. METHODS: TCGA datasets were used to assess INHBA expression and its correlation with prognosis in colon cancer patients. Analyses on JASPAR, PROMO, and ENCODE databases, uncovered high correlation between INHBA and BHLHE40. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis were used to determine protein and mRNA levels. Cell transfection inhibited the expression of INHBA and BHLHE40. Cell proliferation rates were determined using CCK8 analysis. Wound healing assays were adopted to explore cell migration. RESULTS: INHBA is markedly elevated in colon cancer tissues along with cells and is a predictive factor for patient's prognosis with colon cancer. INHBA silencing suppressed colon cancer cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, we confirmed the association of INHBA with BHLHE40 in colon cancer cells. BHLHE40 could directly modulates INHBA expression. Here, we show that BHLHE40 modulates the expression of INHBA, which influences the proliferation, and migration of colon cancer cells. CONCLUSION: INHBA acts as an oncogene in colon cancer and it can be regulated by the transcription factor BHLHE40.

New insights into iron/nickel-carbon ternary micro-electrolysis toward 4-nitrochlorobenzene removal: Enhancing reduction and unveiling removal mechanisms.

The ternary micro-electrolysis material iron/nickel-carbon (Fe/Ni-AC) with enhanced reducibility was constructed by introducing the trace transition metal Ni based on the iron/carbon (Fe/AC) system and used for the removal of 4-nitrochlorobenzene (4-NCB) in solution. The composition and structures of the Fe/Ni-AC were analyzed by various characterizations to estimate its feasibility as reductants for pollutants. The removal efficiency of 4-NCB by Fe/Ni-AC was considerably greater than that of Fe/AC and iron/nickel (Fe/Ni) binary systems. This was mainly due to the enhanced reducibility of 4-NCB by the synergism between anode and double-cathode in the ternary micro-electrolysis system (MES). In the Fe/Ni-AC ternary MES, zero-iron (Fe0) served as anode involved in the formation of galvanic couples with activated carbon (AC) and zero-nickel (Ni0), respectively, where AC and Ni0 functioned as double-cathode, thereby promoting the electron transfer and the corrosion of Fe0. The cathodic and catalytic effects of Ni0 that existed simultaneously could not only facilitate the corrosion of Fe0 but also catalyze H2 to form active hydrogen (H*), which was responsible for 4-NCB transformation. Besides, AC acted as a supporter which could offer the reaction interface for in-situ reduction, and at the same time provide interconnection space for electrons and H2 to transfer from Fe0 to the surface of Ni0. The results suggest that a double-cathode of Ni0 and AC could drive much more electrons, Fe2+ and H*, thus serving as effective reductants for 4-NCB reduction.

Precise control of the degree and regioselectivity of functionalization in nitro- and amino-functionalized di(trispyrazolylborato)iron(II) spin crossover complexes.

Di(trispyrazolylborato)iron(II) ([Tp2Fe]) complexes represent one of the most robust classes of spin-crossover complexes. Their stability renders them particularly suitable for integration in nanoscale devices, e.g. as sensors or information storage units. While prior studies of the functionalization of those derivatives have been focused on the electronic and steric effects of alkyl and -CF3 groups in position 3, a pyrazole exchange reaction between nitropyrazole and either trispyrazolylborate or its iron complex allows the regioselective installation of nitro substituents in positions 3, 4 and 5 of the [Tp2Fe] complexes. The degree of substitution can be varied from 1 to 4 functionalized pyrazoles per complex. The amine-functionalized analogues are accessed by reduction of the nitro analogues under hydrogen transfer conditions. With the exception of di- and tetra-3-NO2 substituted complexes, all derivatives display spin crossover properties in the solid state, with transition temperatures ranging from 180 to 380 K and showing different degrees of abruptness but no hysteresis. The Slichter-Drickamer model was used to extract the empirical thermodynamic transition parameters, allowing a systematic investigation of the influence of stoichiometry, position, and electronic nature of the substitution on the magnetic properties of the complexes. The steric effects dominate for substitution in position 3 but the electronic effects are significant for the other positions.

Correction: MicroRNA-126 inhibits tumor proliferation and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by down-regulating EGFL7 expression.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11877.].

DAPT suppresses proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the extracellular matrix and inhibiting the Hes1/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor properties of N-(N-[3,5-difluorophenacetyl]-1-alanyl)-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay were used to determine the expression of Notch1 in HCC tissues. The expression of Notch1 in 3 HCC cell lines was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation ability of cells was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry and Transwell assay were used to check the apoptosis and migration of HepG2 cells, respectively. Western blot was used to determine the expression level of Notch1, Hes1, Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylated mTOR, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion protein 1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and focal adhesion kinase in cells and tumor tissues. A HepG2 xenograft experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vivo antitumor properties of DAPT. RESULTS: Notch1 was found to be significantly upregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines. DAPT significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied by the suppression of Notch1/Hes1 signaling, inactivation of AKT/mTOR signaling, downregulation of MMPs, and decreased expression of adhesion molecules. The activation of Notch1/Hes1 or AKT/mTOR signaling removed the inhibitory effect of DAPT on the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells, as well as the inhibitory properties of DAPT on the expression of MMPs and adhesion molecules. The antitumor properties and regulatory effect of DAPT against the extracellular matrix (ECM) and Hes1/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling were verified by the HepG2 xenograft experiments. CONCLUSIONS: DAPT could suppress the proliferation and migration of HCC by regulating the ECM and inhibiting the Hes1/PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

miR-3677-5p promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and is associated with prognosis.

MicroRNA (miRNA/miR)-3677 has been indicated to be negatively associated with the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database. However, as a novel miRNA, the role of miR-3677-5p in HCC has remained to be elucidated. In the present study, the expression of miR-3677-5p was assessed in HCC tissues and cell lines using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Furthermore, the prognostic significance of miR-3677-5p was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. The effects of miR-3677-5p on cell proliferation, as well as migration and invasion capacities, were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8, crystal violet and Transwell assays. The results demonstrated that the level of miR-3677-5p expression was upregulated in human HCC tissues and cell lines and that miR-3677-5p expression was closely associated with tumor size, TNM stage and vascular invasion. Furthermore, high miR-3677-5p expression was significantly associated with unfavorable clinical prognosis for patients with HCC. Overexpression of miR-3677-5p was indicated to significantly promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells, whereas knockdown of miR-3677-5p was observed to have an inhibitory effect. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-3677-5p acts as an oncogene that has a critical role in the regulation of HCC proliferation and progression. Hence, miR-3677-5p may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and may be developed as a promising therapeutic target for HCC.

MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in liver surgery: Diagnostic and therapeutic merits.

BACKGROUND: Hepatectomy and liver transplantation (LT) are the two most commonly performed surgical procedures for various hepatic lesions. microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been gradually unveiled their roles as either biomarkers for early diagnosis or potentially therapeutic tools to manipulate gene expression in many disease entities. This review aimed to discuss the effects of miRNA or lncRNA in the hepatectomy and LT fields. DATA SOURCES: We did a literature search from 1990 through January 2018 to summarize the currently available evidence with respect to the effects of miRNA and lncRNA in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, as well as their involvement in several key issues related to LT, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, allograft rejection, tolerance, recurrence of original hepatic malignancies, etc. RESULTS: Certain miRNAs and lncRNAs are actively involved in the regulation of various aspects of liver resection and transplantation. During the process of liver regeneration after hepatectomy, the expression of miRNAs and lncRNAs shows dynamic changes. CONCLUSIONS: It is now clear that miRNAs and lncRNAs orchestrate in various aspects of the pathophysiological process of LT and hepatectomy. Better understanding of the underlying mechanism and future clinical trials may strengthen their positions as either biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets in the management of complications after liver surgery.

Clinical characteristics on low-dose high-resolution computed tomography and serum tumor markers of malignant pulmonary solid small nodules and postoperative survival analysis.

PURPOSE: To observe the clinical features of low-dose, high-resolution computed tomography (LDCT) and changes in serum tumor markers in malignant pulmonary solid small nodules (MPSSN), and to analyze the difference in survival of patients with malignant and benign PSSN 3 years after surgery. METHODS: Patients were enrolled from the thoracic surgery department of three hospitals. According to pathological diagnosis, all patients were divided into the case group (MPSSN, n=157) and the control group (BPSSN, n=75). There were no significant differences in gender, smoking habit, and family disease history. All subjects were subjected to LDCT. Four serum tumor markers (CEA, SCC, NSE, ProGRP) were examined simultaneously. Two independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U rank sum test and Pearson chi-square test were used for comparsions. Two-category logistic regression was performed to analyze LDCT index and serum tumor markers levels of the two groups. ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of relevant indicators. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank and generalized Wilcoxon test were used to analyze the survival rate of patients after surgery. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, age, nodule size, bronchial aeration sign, bronchial truncation sign, burr sign, smooth sign and lobulated sign, SCC, NSE, and ProGRP were significantly different between two groups (p<0.05 or 0.01). In the regression analysis, there was a significant correlation between MPSSN and age (X1) [95%CI (1.272, 5.257), p=0.009], nodule size (X2) [95%CI (1.066, 2.746), p=0.041], bronchial aeration sign (X3) [95%CI (1.384, 11.425), p=0.010], bronchial truncation sign (X4) [95 %CI (1.269, 13.444), p=0.018] and burr sign (X5) [95%CI (0.054, 0.661), p=0.009], ProGRP (X10) [95%CI (1.302, 2.439), p=0.040]. The stepwise regression equation is Logistic(p)=-3.014+0.950 X1+0.064 X2+1.380 X3+1.419 X4-1.666 X5+0.263 X10. Log-rank and generalized Wilcoxon test analysis showed no difference in survival rate between the two groups (log rank p=0.271, generalized Wilcoxon, p=0.139). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of CEA, SCC, NSE and ProGRP in MPSSN were increased; age, nodule size, bronchial aeration sign, bronchial truncation sign and burr sign had predictive value for MPSSN. Patients with PSSN had better survival rates at 3 years after surgery.

Analysis of risk factors for stage I lung adenocarcinoma using low-dose high-resolution computed tomography.

Risk factors for stage I lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed using low-dose high-resolution computed tomography (CT). The patients were divided into case group (stage I lung adenocarcinoma patients) and control group (benign pulmonary nodules patients). All patients were subjected to low-dose high-resolution CT. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the CT imaging features of the two groups. Stage I lung adenocarcinoma patients were significantly associated with nodular site (X3, upper left lobe) [95% CI (1.796, 54.695), p=0.008], nodule type (X4) (p<0.001), nodule size (X5) [95% CI (0.614, 0.803), p<0.001], spicule sign (X7) [95% CI (0.029, 0.580), p=0.008], lobulation sign (X8) [95% CI (0.048, 0.673), p=0.011]. The stepwise regression equation is: Logistic (p) =-12.009 + 2.294X3 - 0.327X4 - 0.354X5 - 2.042X7 - 1.713X8. Risk factors of low-dose and high-resolution CT imaging for patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma are nodular site (upper left lobe), nodule type, nodule size, spicule sign, and lobulation sign.

Predictors of Treatment Failure After 2-Stage Reimplantation for Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty: A 2- to 10-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify risk factors which may lead to treatment failure following 2-stage reimplantation for chronic infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 106 patients (108 knees) who underwent consecutive 2-stage revision for chronic PJI of the knee at our institution between January 2005 and December 2015. A total of 31 risk factors, including patient characteristics, comorbidities, surgical variables, and microbiology data, were collected. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were used to calculate survival rates and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of treatment failure. RESULTS: Within the cohort, 16 of the 108 2-stage reimplantations (14.8%) had treatment failure. The treatment success for 2-stage reimplantation was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-1.0) at 2 years and 84% (95% CI 0.8-0.9) at 5 and 10 years. Multivariate analysis provided the strongest predictors of treatment failure, including body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (adjusted HR 9.3, 95% CI 2.7-31.8, P < .001), operative time >4 hours (adjusted HR 11.3, 95% CI 3.9-33.1, P < .001), gout (adjusted HR 13.8, 95% CI 2.9-66.1, P = .001), and the presence of Enterococcus species during resection arthroplasty (adjusted HR 14.1, 95% CI 2.6-76.3, P = .002). CONCLUSION: Our study identified 4 potential risk factors that may predict treatment failure following 2-stage revision for chronic knee PJI. This finding may be useful when counseling patients regarding the treatment success and prognosis of 2-stage reimplantation for infected TKA.

MicroRNA-126 inhibits tumor proliferation and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by down-regulating EGFL7 expression.

This study aims to explore the effects of microRNA-126 (miR-126) on tumor proliferation and angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by targeting EGFL7. HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 71 HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to detect expressions of EGFL7 and VEGF and the micro-vessel density (MVD). HCC cell lines were collected and assigned into the blank, miR-126 mimics, miR-126 inhibitors, miR-126 mimics negative control (NC), miR-126 inhibitors NC, si-EGFL7, and miR-126 inhibitors + si-EGFL7 groups. Expressions of miR-126 and EGFL7 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR assay. The protein expressions of EGFL7 and VEGF were measured by Western blotting. MTT assay was used to measure the proliferation of HCC cells. Tumor xenograft model in nude mice was utilized to evaluate the influence of miR-126 on tumor growth. HCC tissues had higher miR-126 expression and lower EGFL7 mRNA expression than adjacent normal tissues. Compared with the blank, miR-126 mimic NC, miR-126 inhibitor NC and miR-126 inhibitors + si-EGFL7 groups, the protein expressions of EGFL7 and VEGF and cell proliferation were reduced in the miR-126 mimics and si-EGFL7 groups, while the opposite trend was found in the miR-126 inhibitors group. Compared with the blank and miR-126 inhibitors + siRNA-EGFL7 groups, tumor size, tumor weight, and MVD of transplanted tumors in nude mice were significantly reduced in the miR-126 mimics and siRNA-EGFL7 groups, while the opposite trend was found in the miR-126 inhibitors group. In conclusion, miR-126 could inhibit tumor proliferation and angiogenesis of HCC by down-regulating EGFL7 expression.

Loss of miR-1258 contributes to carcinogenesis and progression of liver cancer through targeting CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 1B.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. The number of deaths is proportional to the global incidence, which highlights the aggressive tumor biology and lack of effective therapies. Dysregulation of microRNAs has been implicated in carcinogenesis and progression of liver cancer. Here, we identified that miR-1258 was significantly downregulated in HCC and associated with poor patients' survival. Overexpression of miR-1258 significantly inhibits liver cancer cell growth, proliferation and tumorigenicity through increasing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and promotes cell apoptosis. Interestingly, stable overexpression of miR-1258 suppresses cell migration, stemness and increases sensitivity of HCC cells to chemotherapy drug like doxorubicin. The CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 1B (CKS1B) was identified as a functional downstream target of miR-1258. Re-expression of CKS1B overcomes miR-1258 induced apoptosis and increases stemness of HCC cells, suggesting that loss of miR-1258 contributes to carcinogenesis and progression of liver cancer through targeting CKS1B . Therefore, loss of miR-1258 may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and blocking miR-1258-CKS1B axis is a potential therapeutic strategy in HCC.