Mass Measurement of Upper fp-Shell N=Z-2 and N=Z-1 Nuclei and the Importance of Three-Nucleon Force along the N=Z Line.

Using a novel method of isochronous mass spectrometry, the masses of ^{62}Ge, ^{64}As, ^{66}Se, and ^{70}Kr are measured for the first time, and the masses of ^{58}Zn, ^{61}Ga, ^{63}Ge, ^{65}As, ^{67}Se, ^{71}Kr, and ^{75}Sr are redetermined with improved accuracy. The new masses allow us to derive residual proton-neutron interactions (δV_{pn}) in the N=Z nuclei, which are found to decrease (increase) with increasing mass A for even-even (odd-odd) nuclei beyond Z=28. This bifurcation of δV_{pn} cannot be reproduced by the available mass models, nor is it consistent with expectations of a pseudo-SU(4) symmetry restoration in the fp shell. We performed ab initio calculations with a chiral three-nucleon force (3NF) included, which indicate the enhancement of the T=1 pn pairing over the T=0 pn pairing in this mass region, leading to the opposite evolving trends of δV_{pn} in even-even and odd-odd nuclei.

[COL11A1 regulates PI3K/Akt/GSK-3ß pathway and promotes human lung adenocarcinoma primary cell migration and invasion].

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of COL11A1 in lung adenocarcinoma migration and invasion. Methods: Surgical pathological tissues of 4 patients with lung adenocarcinoma admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from September to November 2020 were used. Immunohistochemical methods were used to identify lung adenocarcinoma tissues, para-cancerous tissues and parallel transcriptome sequencing. Genetic prognostic analysis was conducted by TCGA and GTEx databases.The expression level of COL11A1 gene in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent tissues was detected by Western blotting.The primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells cultured. The COL11A1 siRNA was transfected into primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells, then the transcriptome sequencing of differential genes was performed,and KEGG enrichment analysis of differential gene enrichment pathway was conducted. Protein expression and phosphorylation were detected by Western blot method. Cell migration was detected by scratch healing test. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 method and invasion ability was detected by Transwell method. Results: Ten differentially expressed genes were screened by transcription sequencing in lung adenocarcinoma. Prognostic analysis of single gene showed that COL11A1 gene expression level was correlated with survival rate (P<0.001). The expression of COL11A1 in lung adenocarcinoma was higher than that in adjacent tissues by Western blot (P<0.001). Transcriptome sequencing of COL11A1 siRNA transfection into primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells showed that differential genes were concentrated in PI3K-akt pathway. The expression of tumor suppressor gene PTEN in siRNA transfection group was significantly higher than that in control group and negative transfection group by Western blot. The expression of Aktp-Akt 473 p-Akt 308 p-PTENp-PDK1p-c-Rafp-GSK-3 ß was down-regulated (all P<0.05).Compared with the negative control group, the ability of migration, proliferation and invasion of primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells in siRNA transfection group decreased (all P<0.05). COL11A1 regulates PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 ß pathway to promote migration and invasion of primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Conclusion: COL11A1 regulates PI3K/Akt/GSK-3 ß pathway to promote migration and invasion of primary human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

The association between sociodemographic status and COPD and asthma mortality, DALY and YLD in southern China, 2005-2015.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the disease burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in southern China. METHOD: We calculated the mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALY), years lived with disability (YLD) and years of life lost (YLL) for COPD and asthma in Guangdong province between 2005 and 2015. We examined the significance of trends of mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rates for COPD and asthma with the Cochran-Armitage trend test. We also analyzed their association with sociodemographic factors by negative binomial models. RESULT: The age-standardized mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rates of COPD and asthma decreased significantly in Guangdong, except for an increase of 11.3% in the age-standardized YLD rate of COPD between 2005 and 2015 (all P < 0.05). Compared with females, the respective adjusted mortality rate ratio of males was 2.11 for COPD, and 0.74 for asthma. Compared with other regions, the richest region, Pearl River Delta, had the lowest mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rate ratios (RR) of COPD and asthma (all P < 0.05). COPD and asthma mortality, DALY, YLD and YLL rates increased substantially with age. Specifically, when compared with the 25-49 years age group, the respective adjusted DALY RR of asthma was 1.91, 2.02 and 22.21 for 0-24, 50-74 and ≥75 years age group; the respective adjusted YLD RR was 2.27, 1.33 and 7.17 for 0-24, 50-74 and ≥75 years age group. CONCLUSIONS: Disease burden of COPD and asthma decreased in Guangdong province in southern China between 2005 and 2015; however, a disproportionate burden of COPD and asthma in terms of age, sex and regions was observed. The relatively high disease burden and high rate of impaired public health from the less developed regions highlight the need for focused policy making to address the problem.

A novel regulatory function for miR-29a in keloid fibrogenesis.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence has shown that microRNA-29 (miR-29) plays a central role in the progression of fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the role of miR-29 in keloid fibrogenesis remain unknown. AIM: To investigate the roles of miR-29 in dermal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of keloids. METHODS: Primary fibroblasts from 9 patients with keloid and 6 healthy controls (HCs) were cultured and pretreated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. Next, fibroblasts were transfected with precursor miRNA and anti-miR-29a miRNA. TGF-ß1-associated miR-29 alterations were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. Collagen I and collagen III protein levels were analysed by western blotting. RESULTS: miR-29a, miR-29b and miR-29c levels were significantly lower in keloid compared with healthy fibroblasts (P < 0.05), and in particular, miR-29a was especially markedly reduced (P < 0.001). Type I and type III collagen mRNA and protein levels were decreased in keloid fibroblasts transfected with pre-miR-29a (P < 0.05), whereas knockdown with anti-miR-29a increased type I and type III collagen mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05) in the fibroblasts. Interestingly, pretreatment of fibroblasts with TGF-ß1 significantly decreased miR-29a (P < 0.05), whereas miR-29b and miR-29c were reduced to a lesser extent, which was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that miR-29a exerts as a novel regulator in the fibrogenesis of keloid, suggesting that miR-29a might be a novel marker for keloid.

Altered circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with keloid.

Evidence has suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a crucial growth factor in regulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), plays a central role in keloid formation. However, the levels of circulating EPCs in patients with keloid have not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the number of circulating EPCs in patients with keloid. Circulating EPCs (defined as CD45- CD34+CD133+VEGFR2+cells) and VEGF levels from 39 patients with keloid and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. EPCs were detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with keloid. The number of circulating EPCs and the levels of plasma VEGF were significantly higher in patients with keloid than in HCs. However, no correlation was found between the number of circulating EPCs and the serum VEGF levels. This study provides the first evidence that EPCs are increased in the peripheral blood of patients with keloid. Understanding the roles of EPCs in keloid fromation may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for keloid.

Genetic diversity in fragmented populations of Populus talassica inferred from microsatellites: implications for conservation.

Populus talassica Kom. is an ecologically important species endemic to central Asia. In China, its main distribution is restricted to the Ili region in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. An understanding of genetic diversity and population structure is crucial for the development of a feasible conservation strategy. Twenty-six high-level simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were screened and used to genotype 220 individuals from three native populations. A high level of genetic diversity and low population differentiation were revealed. We identified 163 alleles, with a mean of 6.269 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.472 to 0.485 (with a mean of 0.477), and from 0.548 to 0.591 (mean 0.569), respectively. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 93% variation within populations and 7% among populations. A model-based population structure analysis divided P. talassica into two groups (optimal K = 2). These genetic data provide crucial insight for conservation management.

[Massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections after donation-after-cardiac-death kidney transplantation: clinical features, prevention and treatment experience].

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics and prevention and treatment strategies of massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections after donation-after-cardiac-death (DCD) kidney transplantation. METHODS: A total of 91 cases of DCD kidney transplantation between August 25, 2013 and June 30, 2015 in Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen Univservity were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of and prevention and treatments strategies for postoperative massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections were summarized. RESULTS: Ninety-one cases of DCD kidney transplantation were divided into 2 groups based on regimens for preventing postoperative fungal infections: fluconazole prophylaxis group: a total of 26 cases of renal transplant before June 11, 2014 received fluconazole regimen, from postoperative day 0 to 2 weeks; micafungin prophylaxis group: a total of 65 cases of renal transplant after June 11, 2014 received micafungin regimen, also for 2 weeks from postoperative day 0. Two cases in fluconazole group developed postoperative massive hemorrhage. In case 1, the hemorrhage occurred at 2 weeks after transplantation. Graft nephrectomy was performed during surgical exploration for hemostasis, yet the massive hemorrhage relapsed 2 weeks later. Endoluminal exclusion of external iliac artery using endovascular covered stent-graft at the anastomosis site was performed and the massive bleeding was successfully stopped. The patient was restored to hemodialysis and waited for second kidney transplantation. Candia albicans was detected in the culture of blood and drainage liquid from incision. The other case of hemorrhage occurred at 3 weeks after transplantation. Graft nephrectomy plus endovascular exclusion using covered stent-graft were also performed to stop the massive bleeding. Massive fungal hyphae and spores were observed at the stump of renal graft artery under microscope. The patient received second kidney transplantation after 6 months successfully. No massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections occurred in micafungin prophylaxis group. CONCLUSIONS: Massive hemorrhage cased by fungal infections after DCD kidney transplantation is usually characterized by delayed and recurrent course, and may result in graft nephrectomy or even death of patients. Endovascular exclusion using covered stent can successfully stop bleeding and rescue life of patients. Two-week preemptive prophylaxis of fungal infections using micafungin can effectively prevent delayed fungal massive hemorrhage in DCD kidney transplantation.

Fetal venous circulation in monochorionic twin pregnancies with placental insufficiency: prediction of acidemia at birth or intrauterine fetal death.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate fetal venous Doppler measurements in monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency and the relationship between fetal venous flow and acidemia at birth or intrauterine fetal death. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 18 monochorionic twin pregnancies with placental insufficiency. Inclusion criteria were monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy, abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler indices, intact membranes and absence of fetal congenital abnormalities. Cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome were excluded. The following Doppler measurements were studied: UA pulsatility index (PI), ductus venosus PI, middle cerebral artery PI and peak systolic velocity, intra-abdominal umbilical vein (UV) time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMXV) and left portal vein (LPV) TAMXV. Doppler parameters were transformed into Z-scores (SD values from the mean) or multiples of the median according to normative references. RESULTS: UA pH < 7.20 occurred in nine (25.0%) neonates, pH < 7.15 in four (11.1%) and intrauterine death in four (11.1%) fetuses. The UV-TAMXV and LPV-TAMXV Z-scores were significantly lower in the group with pH < 7.20 or intrauterine fetal death (-1.79 vs -1.22, P = 0.006 and -2.26 vs -1.13, P = 0.04, respectively). In cases with pH < 7.15 or intrauterine fetal death, UV pulsations were more frequent (50.0% vs 10.7%, P = 0.03) and UV-TAMXV Z-score was significantly lower (-1.89 vs -1.26, P = 0.003). Mixed effects logistic regression analysis, accounting for the paired nature of the outcomes for the two twins in each pregnancy, demonstrated that the UV-TAMXV Z-score significantly predicted UA pH at birth < 7.20 or intrauterine fetal death. The Doppler parameter that independently predicted pH < 7.15 or intrauterine fetal death was presence of pulsation in the UV. CONCLUSION: UV Doppler parameters may predict acidemia at birth or intrauterine fetal death in monochorionic twins complicated by placental insufficiency.

Seasonality and disturbance: annual pattern and response of the bacterial and microbial eukaryotic assemblages in a freshwater ecosystem.

High-throughput pyrosequencing of SSU rDNA genes was used to obtain monthly snapshots of eukaryotic and bacterial diversity and community structure at two locations in Lake Texoma, a low salinity lake in the south central United States, over 1 year. The lake experienced two disturbance events (i) a localized bloom of Prymnesium parvum restricted to one of the locations that lasted from January to April, and (ii) a large (17 cm), global rain event in the beginning of May, overlaid onto seasonal environmental change. Eukaryotic species richness as well as both eukaryotic and bacterial community similarity exhibited seasonal patterns, including distinct responses to the rain event. The P. parvum bloom created a natural experiment in which to directly explore the effects of an Ecosystem Disruptive Algal Bloom (EDAB) on the microbial community separated from seasonal changes. Microbial species richness was unaffected by the bloom, however, the eukaryotic community structure (evenness) and the patterns of both eukaryotic and bacterial community similarity at bloom and non-bloom sites were statistically distinct during the 4 months of the bloom. These results indicate that physical and biological disturbances as well as seasonal environmental forces contribute to the structure of both the eukaryotic and bacterial communities.

A quality assurance initiative for commercial-scale production in high-throughput cryopreservation of blue catfish sperm.

Cryopreservation of fish sperm has been studied for decades at a laboratory (research) scale. However, high-throughput cryopreservation of fish sperm has recently been developed to enable industrial-scale production. This study treated blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) sperm high-throughput cryopreservation as a manufacturing production line and initiated quality assurance plan development. The main objectives were to identify: (1) the main production quality characteristics; (2) the process features for quality assurance; (3) the internal quality characteristics and their specification designs; (4) the quality control and process capability evaluation methods, and (5) the directions for further improvements and applications. The essential product quality characteristics were identified as fertility-related characteristics. Specification design which established the tolerance levels according to demand and process constraints was performed based on these quality characteristics. Meanwhile, to ensure integrity throughout the process, internal quality characteristics (characteristics at each quality control point within process) that could affect fertility-related quality characteristics were defined with specifications. Due to the process feature of 100% inspection (quality inspection of every fish), a specific calculation method, use of cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts, was applied to monitor each quality characteristic. An index of overall process evaluation, process capacity, was analyzed based on in-control process and the designed specifications, which further integrates the quality assurance plan. With the established quality assurance plan, the process could operate stably and quality of products would be reliable.

A Programmatic Approach to Peer-Led Tutoring to Assist Students in Academic Difficulty.

Objective. To evaluate a peer-led tutoring program to assist students in academic difficulty in the didactic curriculum across multiple courses using one-on-one and large group peer-led sessions, and to evaluate the academic performance and perceptions of students in this program.Methods. This study involved first-year (P1) through fourth-year (P4) pharmacy students who served as tutors and their P1 through P3 tutees. Tutoring was offered in multiple didactic courses using one-on-one and large group peer-led sessions. Didactic curriculum completion rates and perceptions of the program were assessed.Results. A total of 463 (47%) P1 through P3 student pharmacists used the one-on-one or large group peer-led tutoring services in 28 courses across four academic years. Tutored students had a lower grade distribution compared to nontutored students, suggesting a more at-risk group for academic failures and dismissals. Despite this, the didactic curriculum completion rate was comparable between the tutored and nontutored students during the study period, suggesting that the program helped reduce academic dismissals of the at-risk tutored students. On the perceptions survey, 95% of respondents felt they improved their study habits, and 92% felt more confident in their ability to succeed.Conclusion. This peer-led tutoring program appeared to be successful in providing comparable didactic curriculum completion rates of tutored students, who represented an at-risk group for academic failures and dismissals compared with nontutored students. The tutoring program structure and design may be a useful tool for other colleges of pharmacy as they seek ways to assist students.

Risk factors of involuntary referral by police to ER psychiatric services for patients with a severe mental illness: A GEE analysis.

This study aimed to identify risk factors for involuntary referral by police to emergency room (ER) psychiatric services for community-based patients with a mental illness via a generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis. The analysis was based on data from the Management Information System of Psychiatric Care (MISPC) system for patients with a severe mental illness in Taipei, Taiwan and registered referral records of the police. Data on 6378 patients aged ≥20 years were used in this study, including 164 patients who were involuntarily referred to the ER by the police and 6214 patients who were not during the period of January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. GEEs were utilized to explore possible risk factors of repeated involuntary referral to ER psychiatric services for patients with a severe mental illness. The logistic regressions indicated that patients defined as "severe" according to the Mental Health Act of Taiwan (crude odds ratio (OR): 3.840, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 2.407-6.126), with a disability (crude OR: 3.567, 95 % CI: 1.339-9.501), with two or more family members with a psychiatric disorder (crude OR: 1.598, 95 % CI: 1.002-2.548), with a history of a suicide attempt (crude OR: 25.582, 95 % CI: 17.608-37.167), and with a history of domestic violence (crude OR: 16.141, 95 % CI: 11.539-22.579) were positively associated with involuntary referral to ER psychiatric services. However, age (crude OR: 0.971, 95 % CI: 0.960-0.983) and the MISPC score (crude OR: 0.834, 95 % CI: 0.800-0.869) were inversely associated with involuntary referral to ER psychiatric services. After adjusting for demographics and potential confounders, we found that patients defined as "severe" (Exp (ß): 3.236), with a disability (Exp (ß): 3.715), with a history of a suicide attempt (Exp (ß): 8.706), and with a history of domestic violence (Exp (ß): 8.826), as well as age (Exp (ß): 0.986) and the MISPC score (Exp (ß): 0.902) remained significantly associated with repeated involuntary referral to ER psychiatric services. In conclusion, community-based mentally ill patients with a history of a suicide attempt, with a history of domestic violence, with a severe illness, and with a profound level of disability were highly associated with involuntary referral to ER psychiatric services. We suggest that community mental health case managers identify significant factors associated with involuntary referral to ER psychiatric services to accordingly arrange case management plans.

A Scoping Review of Student Pharmacist-Led Transitions-of-Care Initiatives.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate the current literature pertaining to student pharmacist-led transitions-of-care (TOC) initiatives and to inform pharmacy educators regarding the current and future roles of pharmacy learners in TOC. FINDINGS: A total of 14 articles were identified describing student-led initiatives in care transitions to the inpatient setting and from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. In most studies, student pharmacists involved in delivering TOC services were completing either an advanced pharmacy practice experience or an introductory pharmacy practice experience and were most commonly performing services such as admission medication history and reconciliation. The studies evaluated the impact of student-led TOC services through the identification or resolution of medication-related problems, interventions, and/or discrepancies and included limited and conflicting results pertaining to patient care-based outcomes. SUMMARY: Student pharmacists are involved in delivering and leading a variety of TOC services in the inpatient setting and postdischarge period. These student-led TOC initiatives not only provide added value to patient care and the health system but also enhance students' preparation and readiness for pharmacy practice. Colleges and schools of pharmacy should incorporate learning experiences into the curriculum that equip students to contribute to TOC efforts and promote continuity of care across the health system.

Photosynthesis in response to salinity and submergence in two Rhizophoraceae mangroves adapted to different tidal elevations.

Mangrove ecosystems are vulnerable to rising sea levels. When the sea level rises, the plants are exposed to increased salinity and tidal submergence. In Taiwan, the mangrove species Kandelia obovata and Rhizophora stylosa grow in different habitats and at different elevations. To understand the response of photosynthesis to salinity and submergence in mangroves adapted to different tidal elevations, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured in K. obovata and R. stylosa under different salinity (20 and 40‰) and submergence treatments. The period of light induction of photosynthesis for the two mangrove species was >60 min. In the induction process, the increase in photosystem efficiency was faster than the increase in stomatal opening, but CO2 fixation efficiency was restricted by stomatal conductance. The constraint of stomatal opening speed is related to the conservative water-use strategy developed in response to mangrove environments. Submergence increased the photosynthetic rate of K. obovata, but not that of R. stylosa. Although R. stylosa was more salt tolerant than K. obovata, R. stylosa was not submergence tolerant in a high-salinity environment, which may be the reason for the higher intertidal elevations observed for R. stylosa in comparison with K. obovata. The photosynthetic rate and energy-dependent quenching (qE) of the two mangroves presented a negative relationship with photoinhibition, and high-salt treatment simultaneously reduced photosynthetic rate and qE. A decrease in the photosynthetic rate increased excess energy, whereas a decrease in qE decreased photoprotection; both increased photoinhibition. As the degree of photoinhibition can be easily measured in the field, it is a useful ecological monitoring index that provides a suitable reference for mangrove restoration, habitat construction and ecological monitoring.

Vitamin D: a novel therapeutic approach for keloid, an in vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D and its metabolites play an important role in calcium homeostasis, bone remodelling, hormone secretion, cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies also suggest a beneficial role of vitamin D in slowing the progression of tissue fibrosis. However, their effects on dermal fibrosis and keloids are unknown. Objectives To investigate the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis by keloid fibroblasts (KFs). METHODS: KFs were cultured and exposed to different concentrations of 1,25D in the presence or absence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1. KF phenotypes and protein production were analysed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunofluorescence and multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Collagen synthesis was evaluated by measuring (3) H-proline incorporation. The effect of 1,25D on cell proliferation and viability was evaluated by Formazan assay, proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and the colorimetric conversion of 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. RESULTS: We confirmed the presence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in cultured keloid fibroblasts. Fibroblasts transfected with a vitamin D response element reporter construct and exposed to the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25D showed increased promoter activity indicating VDR functionality in these cells. Incubation of KFs with 1,25D suppressed TGF-ß1-induced collagen type I, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin expression. 1,25D also modulated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression induced by TGF-ß1. Interestingly, 1,25D induced hepatocyte growth factor mRNA expression and protein secretion in keloid fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights key mechanistic pathways through which vitamin D decreases fibrosis, and provides a rationale for studies to test vitamin D supplementation as a preventive and/or early treatment strategy for keloid and related fibrotic disorders.

Role of caveolin-1 in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis by keloid-derived fibroblasts in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that caveolin-1 (cav-1) plays an important role in the regulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 signalling and participates in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. However, its effects on dermal fibrosis keloids are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of cav-1 in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis by keloid fibroblasts. METHODS: Keloid fibroblasts were cultured and exposed to different concentrations of cav-1 cell-permeable peptides (cav-1p) in the presence of TGF-ß1. Keloid fibroblast phenotypes and protein production were analysed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. The effect of cav-1p on cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. RESULTS: Cav-1 was markedly decreased in the keloid-derived fibroblasts. Moreover, cav-1p significantly reduced TGF-ß receptor type I levels and Smad2/3 phosphorylation in response to added TGF-ß1. Additionally, TGF-ß1 decreased cav-1 expression in human skin fibroblasts. Cav-1 was able to suppress TGF-ß1-induced extracellular matrix production in cultured keloid fibroblasts through regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Cav-1 appears to participate in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis in keloid. Restoration of cav-1 function by treatment with a cell-permeable peptide corresponding to the cav-1 scaffolding domain may be a novel therapeutic approach in keloid.

Fabrication method of high-quality Ge nanocrystals on patterned Si substrates by local melting point control.

The local melting point of a Ge thin film can be controlled by a hole-array pattern on the host Si substrate due to the variations in the stress distribution and the surface morphology induced by the pattern. A simple annealing process is developed from this effect to produce Ge NCs with a single-domain-crystal size over 20 nm, confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, from an electron-gun-evaporated Ge thin film on the patterned Si substrate. The effect of the dimensions of the hole array is also investigated. Photoluminescence observed around 1157 nm from some of the samples shows the possibility of improving the infrared emission capability by this proposed method.

Ephedrine causes liver toxicity in SD rats via oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Ephedrine abuse has spread in many parts of the world and severely threatens human health. The mechanism of ephedrine-induced toxicity still remains unclear. This study was performed to investigate the effects of ephedrine treatment on the liver and explore the underlying mechanisms. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into saline and ephedrine groups. Rats were treated with ephedrine at 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg (n = 10) by oral gavage daily for 7 days. Pathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the liver functional markers, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure gene and protein expression, respectively. Our data showed that ephedrine treatment increased hepatocellular cell apoptosis and impaired liver function. Moreover, ephedrine treatment increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which may be due to the increase of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß)/Smad3 expression. Our study demonstrated that short-term treatment of ephedrine caused liver toxicity in rats through regulating TGF-ß/Smad pathway.

T cell-tumor interaction directs the development of immunotherapies in head and neck cancer.

The competent immune system controls disease effectively due to induction, function, and regulation of effector lymphocytes. Immunosurveillance is exerted mostly by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) while specific immune suppression is associated with tumor malignancy and progression. In squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, the presence, activity, but also suppression of tumor-specific CTL have been demonstrated. Functional CTL may exert a selection pressure on the tumor cells that consecutively escape by a combination of molecular and cellular evasion mechanisms. Certain of these mechanisms target antitumor effector cells directly or indirectly by affecting cells that regulate CTL function. This results in the dysfunction or apoptosis of lymphocytes and dysregulated lymphocyte homeostasis. Another important tumor-escape mechanism is to avoid recognition by dysregulation of antigen processing and presentation. Thus, both induction of functional CTL and susceptibility of the tumor and its microenvironment to become T cell targets should be considered in CTL-based immunotherapy.

ROR1-AS1 promotes tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer via targeting Wnt/ß-catenin.

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "ROR1-AS1 promotes tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer via targeting Wnt/ß-catenin, by T. Liao, S.-L.-M. Maierdan, C. Lv, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (3 Suppl): 217-223-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201908_18650-PMID: 31389604" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18650.