LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 inhibits trophoblast autophagy in preeclampsia by targeting microRNA-31-5p and promoting the transcription of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related complication. Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contributes to the pathogenesis of PE. The current study sought to investigate the effect of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) on trophoblast autophagy in PE. A PE mouse model was established, followed by detection of parameters such as blood pressure, proteinuria, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein, observation of alterations of mouse placenta and kidney, and detection of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein, and SNHG5 expression patterns. The expressions of LC3, Beclin-1, and p62 in the placenta of PE mice were detected. Moreover, the SNHG5 expression was downregulated in the established HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast model, followed by evaluation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. After combination treatment with 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) and si-SNHG5, the behaviors of HTR-8/SVneo cells were observed. The binding relations between SNHG5 and miR-31-5p, and miR-31-5p and SPARC were verified. The expressions of miR-31-5p and SPARC in the placenta of mice and trophoblasts were determined. Our results demonstrated a poor expression of lncRNA SNHG5 in PE mice. SNHG5 overexpression reduced the PE phenotype and tissue damage in mice. SNHG5 silencing reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblasts, but elevated apoptosis and autophagy. SNHG5 sponged miR-31-5p to promote SPARC transcription. Additionally, miR-31-5p knockdown or 3-MA treatment reverted the stimulative effect of SNHG5 silencing on trophoblast autophagy. Collectively, our study demonstrated that lncRNA SNHG5 alleviated the PE phenotype and inhibited trophoblast autophagy by sponging miR-31-5p and promoting SPARC transcription.

Multiple comparisons of the efficacy and safety for six treatments in Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The choice of the best therapeutic regimen for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture (AATR) remains controversial. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic regimens in AATR patients using a network meta-analysis of data from clinical randomized controlled trials. MATERIAL/METHODS: The studies were abstracted from Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RCTs meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software, version 14.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA). RESULTS: 38 randomized controlled trials involving 2480 participants were included. The studies were published between 1981 and 2019. A total of 6 therapeutic regimens -open repair (OR), minimally invasive repair (MIR) and nonoperative treatment (non) combined with traditional standard rehabilitation (TSR) and accelerated functional rehabilitation (AFR) - were included in the literature. The treatments were ranked based on the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) probability. In terms of the re-rupture rate, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: OR&AFR, OR&TSR, MIR&AFR, MIR&TSR, nonoperative treatment &AFR and nonoperative treatment &TSR. In terms of the wound-related complication, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: MIR&AFR, nonoperative treatment &AFR, MIR&TSR, nonoperative treatment &TSR, OR&AFR and OR&TSR. In terms of the sural nerve injury, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: non, OR and MIR. In terms of the deep venous thrombosis, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: MIR&AFR, OR&AFR, nonoperative treatment &AFR, OR&TSR, MIR&TSR and nonoperative treatment &TSR. In terms of the returning back to sport, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: MIR&TSR, OR&AFR, OR&TSR, nonoperative treatment &AFR, nonoperative treatment &TSR and MIR&AFR. CONCLUSIONS: MIR can repair the ruptured Achilles tendon and narrow the tendon gap with low risk of complications. AFR is superior to TSR without increasing the risk of rerupture. MIR&AFR is the best therapeutic regime for AATR. More RCTs focused on AATR are needed to further indicate this conclusion.

MiR-124-3p promotes trophoblast cell HTR-8/SVneo pyroptosis by targeting placental growth factor.

INTRODUCTION: MiR-124-3p is one of the aberrantly expressed miRNAs in the placentas of patients with preeclampsia (PE), a severe obstetric complication characterised by hypertension and proteinuria. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-124-3p in the invasion, migration and death of trophoblast cells and explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS: MiR-124-3p expression in placental tissues was compared with that in normal placenta. HTR8/SVneo cells were then transfected with miR-124-3p mimics to examine cellular apoptosis, migration and invasion. Furthermore, the expression of pyroptosis-related molecular NLRP3, Pro-caspase1, caspase1, IL-1ß and GSDMD was examined with Western blot. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm that placental growth factor (PLGF) is a direct target of miR-124-3p, and HTR-8/SVneo cells were transfected with small interfering RNA PLGF (siPLGF) to determine whether PLGF knockdown promotes HTR-8/SVneo pyroptosis. Finally, intracellular ROS was diminished with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) to observe whether the pro-pyroptosis effect of PLGF knockdown is alleviated. RESULTS: Results in this study showed that miR-124-3p expression was remarkably increased in the placenta of patients with PE. Moreover, the transfection of miR-124-3p mimics in trophoblastic cells significantly decreased cell migration and invasion but increased cell apoptosis and the expression of NLRP3, pro-caspase1, caspase1, IL-1ß and GSDMD. Therefore, PLGF was confirmed as a direct target of miR-124-3p. Finally, siPLGF transfection can mimic the effects of miR-124-3p, and NAC can inhibit this effect. CONCLUSION: In summary, miR-124-3p is upregulated in PE, and in vitro functional analysis revealed that this mRNA inhibits trophoblast invasion and migration but promotes cell pyroptosis partly via the PLGF-ROS pathway.

Comparison of 5 Treatment Approaches for Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

The choice of the best treatment method for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) remains controversial. Using a network meta-analysis, this study aims to evaluate the radiographic characteristics, clinical effectiveness, and incision complications of nonoperative treatment, open reduction and internal fixation, minimally invasive reduction, and fixation. The studies were abstracted from Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software. Seventeen RCTs involving 1297 participants with 1354 fractures were included. A total of 5 treatments-extensile lateral approach (ELA), minimally invasive longitudinal approach (MILA), sinus tarsi approach (STA), percutaneous reduction and fixation (PRF), and nonoperative treatment-were analyzed. The treatments were ranked based on Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) probability. In terms of recovery of Böhler's angle, the treatments were ranked as follows: MILA (75.3%), PRF (68.3%), ELA (54.7%), STA (51.6%), and nonoperative (0%). In terms of Böhler's angle after treatment, the treatments were ranked as follows: PRF (65.3%), ELA (64.0%), STA (63.5%), MILA (56.9%), and nonoperative (0.2%). In terms of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, the treatments were ranked as follows: PRF (87.0%), MILA (52.9%), STA (46.6%), ELA (40.4%), and nonoperative (23.1%). In terms of excellent and good satisfaction ratings, the treatments were ranked as follows: STA (96.2%), ELA (66.8%), PRF (34.9%), and nonoperative (2%). In terms of incision complications, the treatments were ranked as follows: PRF (84.1%), MILA (80.0%), STA (35.8%), and ELA (0.1%). Given the good results of the minimally invasive approach in terms of radiographic characteristics, clinical effectiveness and incision complications, the minimally invasive approach is a good alternative for DIACFs. More randomized controlled trials focused on DIACFs are needed to further examine this conclusion.

Investigation of the prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss based on propensity score matching: a retrospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The aetiology, management and prognosis of idiopathic Sdden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSNHL) are still uncertain despite adequate investigation. OBJECTIVE: We conducted the present study to investigate the possible relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the prognosis of ISSNHL based on PSM. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study. Data and statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical program (SPSS 19.0). PSM was performed using STATA (15.0). RESULTS: NLR = 3.42 was the cut-off value. After PSM, 84 pairs of patients were successfully matched. The number of patients in the effective group with the NLR < 3.42 and NLR < 3.42 were significantly different (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The NLR is an inexpensive and reliable index to predict the ISSNHL. We hold the view that the NLR can be a reliable factor for clinical doctors to predict the prognosis in ISSNHL. To further prove that the NLR is a powerful prognostic factor in ISSNHL, larger prospective studies are required in the future.

Effects of Bacillus Subtilis CF-3 VOCs Combined with Heat Treatment on the Control of Monilinia fructicola in Peaches and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Litchi Fruit.

In order to study the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Bacillus subtilis CF-3 combined with heat treatment on Monilinia fructicola in peach and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in litchi fruit, fruits were treated with B. subtilis CF-3 VOCs and hot air alone or in combination. The quality indexes of peach and litchi fruit after treatment and the changes in defense-related enzymes were measured. The results showed that the B. subtilis CF-3 VOCs combined with heat treatment could significantly reduce the rot index of peach and litchi fruit, and effectively maintain firmness and soluble solids content, as well as reduce weight loss of fruits. The combined treatment effectively enhanced the activity of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) than either treatment alone, and enhanced the resistance of fruit to pathogenic fungi by activating disease-resistant enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase [PAL], chitinase [CHI], ß-1, 3-glucanase [GLU]) activity. In this study, B. subtilis CF-3 VOCs combined with heat treatment maintained the quality and delayed the decline of peach and litchi fruit, providing a theoretical basis for future applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The combination of B. subtilis CF-3 VOCs and heat treatment reduce the extent of M. fructicola and C. gloeosporioides. The combination maintain the quality of peach and litchi better. The combination obviously improve the activity of defense-related enzyme in fruit.

The molecular mechanisms of LncRNA-correlated PKM2 in cancer metabolism.

Reprogrammed metabolism is an important hallmark of cancer cells. Pyruvate kinase (PK) is one of the major rate-limiting enzymes in glucose metabolism. The M2 isoform of PK (PKM2), is considered to be an important marker of metabolic reprogramming and one of the key enzymes. Recently, through the continuous development of genome-wide analysis and functional studies, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in cancer progression by acting as either potential oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Furthermore, several studies have shown that up-regulation of PKM2 in cancer tissues is associated with LncRNAs expression and patient survival. Thus, scientists have begun to unveil the mechanism of LncRNA-associated PKM2 in cancer metabolic progression. Based on these novel findings, in this mini-review, we summarize the detailed molecular mechanisms of LncRNA related to PKM2 in cancer metabolism. We expect that this work will promote a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PKM2, and provide a profound potential for targeting PKM2 to treat tumors.

Bacillus subtilis CF-3 Volatile Organic Compounds Inhibit Monilinia fructicola Growth in Peach Fruit.

In this study, we evaluated the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Bacillus subtilis CF-3 in inhibiting Monilinia fructicola in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro experiments, the effect of VOCs on the growth of the pathogenic fungi was explored by using plate enthalpy test; mycelial morphology was studied by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy; and fatty acid contents in the cell membrane were assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated that treatment with benzothiazole and CF-3 for 24 h, in the form of a fermentation broth (24hFB), significantly inhibited the germination of fungal spores, modified hyphal and cell morphology, and decreased the cell membrane fluidity and integrity. In the in vivo experiments, the effect of VOCs on the defense mechanism of peach fruit toward M. fructicola was studied, and we found that benzothiazole and CF-3 24hFB inhibited the activity of the pathogenic enzymes (pectinase, cellulase) secreted by M. fructicola to reduce the decomposition of plant tissues, activate the antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) in the fruit to eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species in order to reduce plant cell damage, and trigger the disease-resistant enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chitinases, and ß-1,3-glucanase) to enhance the resistance of peach fruit to M. fructicola and inhibit its growth. This study suggests that CF-3 VOCs could activate disease-resistant enzymes to prevent the invasion of pathogenic fungi and induce resistance in peach, thereby providing a theoretical basis for future applications.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Bacillus subtilis CF-3 reduce anthracnose and elicit active defense responses in harvested litchi fruits.

In this study, we investigated the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Bacillus subtilis CF-3 on the growth and development of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and evaluated the elicitation of active defense responses in harvested litchi fruits. In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the bacteriostatic effect of VOCs in inhibiting pathogenic fungi by means of plate enthalpy test, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and CF-3 24-h fermentation broth (24hFB) can significantly inhibit the germination of fungal spores, disrupt hyphal and cell morphology, and decrease cell membrane fluidity and integrity, resulting in the changes of indexes. In addition, the bacteriostasis of VOCs in the defensive ability of litchi fruits to C. gloeosporioides was studied, and it was shown that 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and CF-3 24hFB can inhibit the activity of the pathogenic enzymes (pectinase and cellulase) secreted by C. gloeosporioides to reduce the decomposition of plant tissues, activate antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) in the fruit to eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species in fruits in order to reduce plant cell damage and activate disease resistance enzymes (phenylalanineammonialyase, chitinases, ß-1,3-glucanase) to enhance the resistance of litchi fruits to C. gloeosporioides and inhibit its growth. This study investigated the bacteriostasis of VOCs in inhibiting C. gloeosporioides and inducing the resistance of litchi fruits, providing a theoretical basis for future applications.

Comparative evaluation of FET and FDG for differentiating lung carcinoma from inflammation in mice.

BACKGROUND: Clinical FDG/PET (2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose/positron emission tomography) studies encounter difficulties in detecting early stage lung cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of O-2-18F-fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine (FET) and FDG to differentiate between inflammation and lung carcinoma in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with 2x10(6) LLC1 lung carcinoma cells in the right hind flank on day 0 and were then injected with 0.1 mL turpentine in the left thigh muscle on day 3. The progress of inflammation and tumor in mice was longitudinally monitored by FDG/microPET. The biodistribution study, pharmacokinetic evaluation and whole-body autoradiography of FET and FDG were performed on day 8 after tumor inoculation. RESULTS: The FDG uptakes in tumor and inflammatory lesions were 4.42-fold and 3.53-fold (n = 4) higher, respectively, than that in muscle at 90 min post-injection and the tumor-to-inflammation ratio was 1.25. For FET/microPET, the tumor uptake was 2.07-fold and 2.07-fold (n = 4) higher than those in muscle and inflammatory lesions at 90 min post-injection, respectively. The distribution half-life (t1/2,alpha) and the elimination half-life (t1/2,beta) of FET were 39 min and 205 min, respectively, in mice. CONCLUSION: FDG delineated both tumor and inflammation, while FET accumulated in tumor to a significantly higher extent. Our results demonstrated the potential of FET to distinguish epidermoid lung carcinoma from inflammatory lesions in mice.