Silencing immune-infiltrating biomarker CCDC80 inhibits malignant characterization and tumor formation in gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor immune infiltration leads to poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients and seriously affects the life quality of gastric cancer patients. This study was based on bioinformatics to screen prognostic biomarkers in patients with high degree of immune invasion of gastric cancer. Meanwhile, the action of biomarker CCDC80 was explored in gastric cancer by cell and tumorigenesis experiments, to provide reference for the cure of gastric cancer patients. METHODS: Data sets and clinical massage on gastric cancer were collected from TCGA database and GEO database. ConsensusClusterPlus was used to cluster gastric cancer patients based on the 28 immune cells infiltration in ssGSEA. R "Limma" package was applied to analyze differential mRNAs between Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. Differential expression genes were screened by single factor analysis. Stemness markers (SERPINF1, DCN, CCDC80, FBLN5, SPARCL1, CCL14, DPYSL3) were identified for differential expression genes. Prognostic value of CCDC80 was evaluated in gastric cancer. Differences in genomic mutation and tumor microenvironment immune infiltration were assessed between high or low CCDC80. Finally, gastric cancer cells (HGC-27 and MKN-45) were selected to evaluate the action of silencing CCDC80 on malignant characterization, macrophage polarization, and tumor formation. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis showed that CCDC80, as a stemness marker, was significantly overexpressed in gastric cancer. CCDC80 was also related to the degree of gastric cancer immune invasion. CCDC80 was up-expressed in cells of gastric cancer. Silencing CCDC80 inhibited malignant characterization and subcutaneous tumor formation of gastric cancer cells. High expression of CCDC80 was positive correspondence with immune invasion. Silencing CCDC80 inhibited M2 polarization and promoted M1 polarization in tumor tissues. In addition, gastric cancer patients were likely to have mutations in CDH1, ACTRT1, GANAB, and CDH10 genes in the High-CCDC80 group. CONCLUSION: Silencing CCDC80, a prognostic biomarker in patients with immune invasion of gastric cancer, could effectively inhibit the malignant characterization, M2 polarization, and tumor formation of gastric cancer.

Identifying potential anti-metastasis drugs for prostate cancer through integrative bioinformatics analysis and compound library screening.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis poses the greatest threat to the lives of individuals with prostate cancer. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the underlying mechanism driving metastasis. Doing so would facilitate the detection of new diagnostic biomarkers and the advancement of treatment options for patients. METHODS: Metastasis-related modules were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis based on microarray GSE6919. Hub genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR across different prostate cell lines and clinic samples. Pivotal genes were determined through integration of RNA and transcription factor-target associated interactions. To predict drugs with potential to suppress tumor metastasis, we applied molecular networks using the DrugBank database. Drug repositioning analysis and confirmation of drug screen were conducted using the compound library. Confirmation of selective cytotoxicity of cupric oxide was carried out via invasion, transwell and apoptosis assays. RESULTS: We identified five metastasis-related modules. Of these modules, two were identified to represent core dysfunction modules in which five hub genes were determined for each module. Five of these 10 genes correlating with prostate cancer progression. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that there are 36 drugs with the potential to be active against tumor metastasis. Finally, we identified four compounds that have not previously been reported to have any association with cancer therapy. Of these, cupric oxide was determined to have the best chemotherapeutic potential in treating prostate cancer metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: By combining bioinformatics methods with compound library screening, this study proposes a valuable approach to drug discovery. Cupric oxide showed the potential in the treatment of prostate cancer metastasis and deserves further study.

Nasal drip of dexmedetomidine for optimal sedation during PICC insertion in pediatric burn care.

BACKGROUND: For peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) inserting, tranquil cooperation of children for an extended period is often required. Therefore, sedation is routinely induced clinically prior to PICC inserting. Chloral hydrate is a commonly used sedative for children. However, its clinical acceptance has remained low. And the sedation effect is non-satisfactory. Previous studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of intravenous/oral dosing or nasal dripping for sedation during the examinations of electrocardiography and computed tomography. Yet few studies have assessed the sedating efficacy of dexmedetomidine nasal drops for PICC inserting. METHODS: From a cohort of 40 hospitalized patients scheduled for PICC inserting, 15 children employing a novel sedative mode of dexmedetomidine nasal drops at a dose of 2 ug/kg were assigned into group A while group B included another 25 children sedated routinely via an enema of 10% chloral hydrate at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg. The Ramsay's scoring criteria were utilized for assessing the status of sedation. Two groups were observed with regards to success rate of sedation, onset time of sedation and occurrences of adverse reactions. RESULTS: Statistical inter-group differences existed in success rate and onset time of sedation. The success rate of group A was higher than that of group B (93.3% vs 64.0%, X2 = 4.302, P = .038 < 0.05). Group A had a faster onset of sedation than group B (14.86 ± 2.57 vs 19.06 ± 3.40 minutes, t = 3.781, P = .001 < 0.05). No inter-group difference of statistical significance existed in occurrence of adverse reactions (P = 1.000 > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the success rate of sedation in group A was higher than that in group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P = .036 < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For sedating burn children, nasal dripping of dexmedetomidine is both safe and effective during PICC inserting. Without any obvious adverse reaction, it may relieve sufferings and enhance acceptance.

Spheres Multiple Physical Network-Based Triboelectric Materials for Self-Powered Contactless Sensing.

Non-contact mode triboelectric nanogenerators effectively avoid physical contact between two triboelectric materials and achieve long-term reliable operation, providing broad application prospects in the field of self-powered sensing. However, the low surface charge density of triboelectric materials restricts application of contactless sensing. Herein, by controlling Rayleigh Instability deformation of the spinning jet and vapor-induced phase separation during electrostatic spinning, a polyvinylidene fluoride@Mxene (Ti3 C2 Tx ) composite film with spheres multiple physical network structures is prepared and utilized as the triboelectric material of a self-powered contactless sensor. The structure of the composite film and high conductivity of Ti3 C2 Tx provide triboelectric materials with high output performance (charge output and power output up to 128 µC m-2 and 200 µW cm-2 at 2 Hz) and high output stability. The self-powered contactless sensor shows excellent speed sensitivity (1.175 Vs m-1 ). Additionally, it could accurately identify the motion states such as running (55 mV), jumping (105 mV), and walking (40 mV) within the range of 70 cm, and present the signals in different pop forms. This work lays a solid foundation for the development and application of high-performance triboelectric materials, and has guiding significance for the research of self-powered contactless sensing.

Efficacy of combination of localized closure, ethacridine lactate dressing, and phototherapy in treatment of severe extravasation injuries: A case series.

BACKGROUND: The management of severe extravasation injuries is still controversial. Extravasation injuries can be treated in many ways. AIM: To present a series of patients with severe extravasation injuries due to infusion who were managed with ethacridine lactate dressing combined with localized closure and phototherapy. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the data of eight patients, including six from the Department of Burn, one (with colorectal carcinoma) from the Veteran Cadre Department, and one (with leukemia) from the Hematology Department. Of these, three patients were male and five were female. Age of the patients ranged from 10 mo to 72 years, including two children (10 and 19 mo of age). In this study, the infusion was stopped immediately when the extravasation was identified. The extravasation event was managed routinely using a blocking solution. A ring-shaped localized closure was performed using the blocking agents. Moreover, ethacridine lactate dressing and phototherapy were applied for 3-5 d. RESULTS: In this study, the drugs contained in the infusates were iodixanol, norepinephrine, alprostadil, amino acids, fat emulsion, cefoselis, cefoxitin, and potassium chloride + concentrated sodium chloride. All of the patients achieved complete healing after treatment and no obvious adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: The treatment of severe extravasation injuries using a combination of localized closure, ethacridine lactate dressing, and phototherapy resulted in satisfactory outcomes in patients.

Improved Capture and Removal Efficiency of Gaseous Acetaldehyde by a Self-Powered Photocatalytic System with an External Electric Field.

Using clean and sustainable stochastic energy from the environment to eliminate pollution caused by gaseous aldehydes would be an effective strategy to achieve the sustainable development of energy and preserve the environment. Here, a piston-based triboelectric nanogenerator (P-TENG) was used to enhance gaseous acetaldehyde absorption and photocatalytic degradation. An external electric field could be generated on a conductive substrate by the P-TENG, converting wind energy into electricity. This made it possible to efficiently degrade gaseous acetaldehyde in the photocatalytic system. Driven by a light breeze (3.0 m/s), the acetaldehyde removal rate of the system reached 63% within 30 min. The presence of an external electric field could generate more hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radicals (•O2-), and holes (h+), which has a positive effect on the photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde. The design and concept of this study not only realized the efficient conversion of renewable and sustainable random energy but also could be applied to the efficient removal of gaseous aldehydes, providing an effective way to create a cleaner environment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Xiaoai Jiedu Recipe Suppresses the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating the microRNA-29a/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Axis.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and lethal tumors affecting human health worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Xiaoai Jiedu Recipe (XJR) on HCC development and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The expression of microRNA-29a (miR-29a) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in HCC tissues and cells was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide, wound-healing, and transwell assays, respectively. The regulatory relationship between miR-29a and STAT3 in HCC was predicted by TargetScan and analyzed by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. The protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 and STAT3 was detected by Western blotting. A xenograft tumor mouse model was established, and tumor weight and volume were measured. RESULTS: The expression of miR-29a was significantly decreased in HCC tissues and cells compared with that in normal tissues and cells. The up-regulation of miR-29a was related with lymph node metastasis and tumor node metastasis stage. XJR treatment significantly increased the expression of miR-29a, decreased cell viability, migration, and invasion, and reduced the protein expression of MMP-2/9 in HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The anti-tumor effect of XJR on HCC cells was reversed by treatment with miR-29a inhibitor. STAT3 was predicted as a target of miR-29a, and its expression was negatively regulated by miR-29a. Moreover, STAT3 knockdown suppressed the malignant behavior of HCC cells, and its anti-tumor function was reversed by treatment with miR-29a inhibitor. Furthermore, XJR treatment inhibited tumor growth in mice through elevating miR-29a expression and inhibiting STAT3 expression. CONCLUSION: XJR suppressed the development of HCC via regulating miR-29a and STAT3.

Preparation and thermal stability evaluation of cellulose nanofibrils from bagasse pulp with differing hemicelluloses contents.

In this work, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are produced from bagasse pulps with differing hemicelluloses contents by ultrafine grinding and high-pressure homogenization. The results showed that hemicelluloses content in the range of 9.7-21.7 wt.% led to nanofibrils with average diameter. A decrease in hemicelluloses content can enhance the crystallinity and improve the thermal stability of the CNFs. The activation energy of the CNF samples with hemicelluloses contents of 9.7 wt.%, 12.72 wt.%, 15.7 wt.%, 18.76 wt.%, and 21.7 wt.% are 713.03, 518.93, 462.62, 421.78, and 211.11 kJ/mol, respectively, when the conversion rate is increased from 30%-90%. These results demonstrate that hemicelluloses content has a considerable influence on the properties of CNFs. This work provides a theoretical basis for high-value utilization of CNFs, and enriches useful information on the application of CNF materials.

[Biodistribution and Postmortem Redistribution of Emamectin Benzoate in Intoxicated Mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the lethal blood level, the target organs and tissues, the toxicant storage depots and the postmortem redistribution in mice died of emamectin benzoate poisoning. METHODS: The mice model of emamectin benzoate poisoning was established via intragastric injection. The main poisoning symptoms and the clinical death times of mice were observed and recorded dynamically in the acute poisoning group as well as the sub-acute poisoning death group. The pathological and histomorphological changes of organs and tissues were observed after poisoning death. The biodistribution and postmortem redistribution of emamectin benzoate in the organs and tissues of mice were assayed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 0h, 24h, 48h and 72h after death. The lethal blood concentrations and the concentrations of emamectin benzoate were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at different time points after death. RESULTS: The symptoms of nervous and respiratory system were observed within 15-30 min after intragastric injection. The average time of death was (45.8 ± 7.9) min in the acute poisoning group and (8.0 ± 1.4) d in the sub-acute poisoning group, respectively. The range of acute lethal blood level was 447.164 0-524.463 5 mg/L. The pathological changes of the organs and tissues were observed via light microscope and immunofluorescence microscope. The changes of emamectin benzoate content in the blood, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and brain of poisoning mice showed regularity within 72 h after death (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The target organs of emamectin benzoate poisoning include heart, liver, kidney, lung, brain and contact position (stomach). The toxicant storage depots are kidney and liver. There is emamectin benzoate postmortem redistribution in mice.

[Effects of cocaine on activities of ATPase, LDH and SDH in mouse splenocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of cocaine on the activities of ATPase, LDH and SDH in cultured mouse splenocytes in vitro. METHODS: The ATPase, LDH and SDH activities in mouse splenocytes were detected at day 7 after continuous culturing the mouse cells exposed to cocaine hydrochloride in final concentration of 10, 20 and 100 microg/mL in vitro. RESULTS: The activities of ATPase, LDH and SDH in mouse splenocytes exposed to cocaine hydrochloride in final concentration of 10, 20 and 100 microg/mL were significantly decreased after continuous culturing for 7 days. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that cocaine could inhibit the activities of ATPase, LDH and SDH in cultured splenocytes in vitro.