Neural network-based prediction of auto-ignition temperature of ternary mixed liquids.

Auto-ignition temperature (AIT) is one of the crucial exponents in the design of fire and explosion safety measures. Therefore, in this study, quantitative structure-property relationship approach was used to predict the AIT of ternary hybrid liquids based on molecular structure information. The optimal molecular descriptors were calculated and filtered using Mordred software. Twelve mixing rules were proposed for calculating molecular descriptors of mixtures. A prediction model for the AIT value of binary liquid mixtures was developed, validated and evaluated using a back propagation neural network (BPNN) and a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN). The relative contribution and positive and negative correlations between individual molecular descriptors and AIT in the model were interpreted using the shapley additive explanations method. The results show that BPNN and 1DCNN models using mixing rule 1 have the best fitting ability, stability and prediction ability. The determination coefficient of the BPNN and 1DCNN models in the training set were 0.996 and 0.992, the root mean square errors were 3.613 °C and 5.284 °C, the mean absolute errors were 2.483 °C and 4.144 °C, the nash efficiency coefficient was 0.996 and 0.992, respectively, the willmott index was 0.999 and 0.998. and the values of the top three molecular descriptors of relative contribution, SssCH2, SsOH and SsCH3, were negatively correlated with the AIT values. The BPNN and 1DCNN models provide an accurate and reliable method for predicting ternary mixing liquid AIT.

[Retracted] Fangchinoline suppresses growth and metastasis of melanoma cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of FAK.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the Transwell migration and invasion assay data shown in Fig. 3C and D on p. 67 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in another pair of articles written by different authors at different research institutes, one of which (subsequently retracted) had already been published elsewhere prior to the submission of this paper to Oncology Reports, with the other having been submitted for publication at around the same time. In addition, duplications of data were identified within Fig. 3C and D, such that data which had been used to represent the results from differently performed experiments had apparently been derived from the same original source. Given that the abovementioned data had already apparently been published previously, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they accepted the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 38: 63­70, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5678].

[Corrigendum] Downregulation of miR­637 promotes proliferation and metastasis by targeting Smad3 in keloids.

Subsequently to the publication of the above paper, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that the Transwell assay data shown in Fig. 4D on p. 1634 contained overlapping sections, such that these data, which were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments, were likely to have been derived from the same original source. After having examined their original data, the authors have realized that this figure was inadvertently assembled incorrectly. The corrected version of Fig. 4, now showing data in Fig. 4D from one of the repeated experiments, is shown on the next page. Note that this error did not significantly affect the results or the conclusions reported in this paper, and all the authors agree with the publication of this Corrigendum. The authors are grateful to the Editor of Molecular Medicine Reports for granting them the opportunity to publish this corrigendum, and apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 18: 1628-1636, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9099].

Comparing the Efficiency of Single-Locus Species Delimitation Methods within Trochoidea (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda).

In the context of diminishing global biodiversity, the validity and practicality of species delimitation methods for the identification of many neglected and undescribed biodiverse species have been paid increasing attention. DNA sequence-based species delimitation methods are mainly classified into two categories, namely, distance-based and tree-based methods, and have been widely adopted in many studies. In the present study, we performed three distance-based (ad hoc threshold, ABGD, and ASAP) and four tree-based (sGMYC, mGMYC, PTP, and mPTP) analyses based on Trochoidea COI data and analyzed the discordance between them. Moreover, we also observed the performance of these methods at different taxonomic ranks (the genus, subfamily, and family ranks). The results suggested that the distance-based approach is generally superior to the tree-based approach, with the ASAP method being the most efficient. In terms of phylogenetic methods, the single threshold version performed better than the multiple threshold version of GMYC, and PTP showed higher efficiency than mPTP in delimiting species. Additionally, GMYC was found to be significantly influenced by taxonomic rank, showing poorer efficiency in datasets at the genus level than at higher levels. Finally, our results highlighted that cryptic diversity within Trochoidea (Mollusca: Vetigastropoda) might be underestimated, which provides quantitative evidence for excavating the cryptic lineages of these species.

Analysis of Silver Nanoparticles for the Treatment and Prevention of Nucleopolyhedrovirus Affecting Bombyx mori.

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) causes major economic losses in sericulture. A number of agents have been employed to treat viral diseases. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have wide applications in biomedical fields due to their unique properties. The anti-BmNPV effect of AgNPs has been evaluated, however, there are insufficient studies concerning its toxicity to other organisms and the environment. We chemically synthesized biocompatible BSA-AgNPs with a diameter range of 2-4 nm and characterized their physical properties. The toxicity of AgNPs towards cells and larvae with different concentrations was examined; the results indicated a biofriendly effect on cells and larvae within specific concentration ranges. The SEM observation of the surface of BmNPV after treatment with AgNPs suggested that AgNPs could destroy the polyhedral structure, and the same result was obtained by Coomassie blue staining. Further assays confirmed the weakened virulence of AgNPs-treated BmNPV toward cells and larvae. AgNPs also could effectively inhibit the replication of BmNPV in infected cells and larvae. In summary, our research provides valuable data for the further development of AgNPs as an antiviral drug for sericulture.

miR-34a inhibits melanoma growth by targeting ZEB1.

Melanoma is a highly lethal cutaneous cancer with the tendency for early invasion and metastasis. Integrated miRNA transcriptome sequence analysis of human melanoma tumors and adjacent control tissues identified 17 miRNAs differentially expressed in melanoma tissues: let-7a-5p, let-7b-5p, let-7c, miR-374a-3p, miR-100-5p, miR-7, miR-195, miR-1908, miR-214, miR-221, miR-199a-5p, miR-21, miR-18, miR-34a, miR-199a-3p, miR-92a and miR-106b. Among these, miR-34a was most significantly down-regulated in melanoma tissues, and its expression correlated with TNM melanoma stage. miR-34a overexpression inhibited expression and activity of the transcription factor ZEB1, resulting in decreased proliferation and migration of melanoma cells. Moreover, miR-34a overexpression inhibited ZEB1 expression and melanoma tumor growth in vivo, in a melanoma nude mouse model. Together, these findings demonstrate that miR-34a inhibits melanoma growth by targeting the proto-oncogene ZEB1 and suggest the miR-34a -ZEB1 axis may serve as a novel target for melanoma treatment.

A study on the characteristics of cognitive function in patients with multiple system atrophy in China.

Nonmotor symptoms in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) have received an increasing amount of attention in recent years, but no research on MSA patients' cognitive characteristics has been conducted in China. To evaluate the cognitive function of MSA patients in China. Using a case-control study design, 256 MSA patients and 64 controls were evaluated by the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale to characterize their cognitive function. Like the controls, 60.5% of the patients with MSA had cognitive impairment, but the characteristics of cognitive impairment between the two groups were different. The cognitive impairment in MSA patients was prominent in the cognitive domains of visuospatial/executive functions, naming, attention, and orientation; particularly, the visuospatial/executive functions were the most significantly impaired, while impairment in language function was mainly seen in the controls. Besides, impairments in visuospatial/executive functions, attention, language, and orientation were more prominent in MSA-P (MSA with predominant Parkinsonism) patients than in MSA-C (MSA with predominant cerebellar ataxia). The cognitive impairments were more severe in patients with probable MSA than in patients with possible MSA. In addition, the results showed that the level of cognitive function was negatively correlated with the severity of MSA. This study, which characterized the cognitive function of MSA patients with the largest sample size known so far in China, found that patients with MSA do have cognitive impairment and display specific characteristics. Therefore, the cognitive impairment of MSA should be paid more attention.The study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (Registration No: ChiCTR1900022462).

miR-205 inhibits the development of hypertrophic scars by targeting THBS1.

Increasing evidence shows that miRNAs are involved in the growth and development of hypertrophic scars. However, the specific mechanism of miR-205 is unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between miR-205, thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) expression, and hypertrophic scars, and showed that miR-205 inhibits cell proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis. Double luciferase analysis, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that miR-205 downregulates THBS1 expression and activity. Compared to the control group, miR-205 inhibited hypertrophic scar development. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the miR-205-THBS1 pathway as a promising therapeutic target for reducing hypertrophic scars.

CO2 lattice laser reverses skin aging caused by UVB.

The carbon dioxide (CO2) lattice laser has been successfully used to treat facial skin photoaging induced by UV light. In this study, we analyzed the effect of CO2 lattice laser irradiation on skin photoaging, and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that the laser promoted collagen synthesis and proliferation of primary human skin fibroblasts, inhibited cell senescence, and induced expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the signaling protein SMAD3. In addition, this laser reversed cell cycle arrest and fibroblast apoptosis induced by UVB irradiation, and restored fibroblast proliferation inhibited by SMAD3 silencing. Using a rat model of photoaging, our results show that the laser increased collagen expression and dermal thickness, demonstrating that the CO2 lattice laser has a profound therapeutic effect on photoaged skin. Together, our in vitro and in vivo data show that the CO2 lattice laser can reverse the skin aging caused by UVB, and indicate that this effect is mediated through SMAD3.

Apigenin inhibits growth and migration of fibroblasts by suppressing FAK signaling.

The naturally occurring compound apigenin has many biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anticancer effects. Although hypertrophic scar formation is a common surgical complication, there is still no good treatment for it. In the present study, we examined the effect of apigenin on hypertrophic scar. After isolating fibroblasts from human hypertrophic scars, we assess the effects of apigenin on fibroblast cell survival, apoptosis and migration. The results showed that apigenin dose-dependently inhibited the growth and migration of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. By inhibiting FAK kinase activity and FAK phosphorylation, apigenin also inhibited activation of the FAK signaling pathway. Apigenin thus appears to inhibit the growth and migration of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by inhibiting FAK signaling. This suggests apigenin could potentially provide a new option for the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

miR-495 inhibits the growth of fibroblasts in hypertrophic scars.

Noncoding RNAs are known to be importantly involved in a variety physiological and pathophysiolgical processes. Their role in the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scars remains unclear, however. After preliminary screening of the microRNA (miRNA) gene expression profiles, we explored the role of miR-495 in the development of hypertrophic scar by comparing expression of miR-495 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) between hypertrophic scar and normal skin tissue. We also used 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assays to assess the effect of miR-495 on the proliferation and apoptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate expression of miR-495, FAK, and related proteins in the FAK pathway. Our findings show that miR-495 inhibits FAK and its downstream mediators in vitro and vivo, and suggest that miR-495 may be a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertrophic scar.

The Differential Expression of miRNAs and a Preliminary Study on the Mechanism of miR-194-3p in Keloids.

The aim of this study was to detect abnormally expressed microRNA (miRNA) in keloids and to study their functions. The differential expression of miRNAs in keloids and normal tissue was detected by gene microarray. MiRNA expression was verified by real-time PCR. A luciferase reporter gene assay, western blot, and real-time PCR were used to detect the effect of miR-194-3p on RUNX2. An MTT assay and a transwell assay were used to detect the effect of miR-194-3p in both primary cultured fibroblasts and HKF cells. Related proteins were analysed by western blot and real-time PCR. The expression of miR-194-3p was lower in keloids, and MiR-194-3p was shown to target RUNX2 directly. MiR-194-3p inhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts through the inhibition of CDK4 and MMP2. MiR-194-3p and RUNX2 may become new targets for the prevention and treatment of keloids.

miR-137 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis of Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts via Targeting Pleiotrophin.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are few effective treatment options for hypertrophic scars. MircoRNAs are a class of small, noncoding RNAs involved in multiple biological functions. METHODS: Gene chip screening was used to screen out the differential expression of miRNAs in hypertrophic scars and normal tissues. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to confirm the expression of pleiotrophin (PTN) in hypertrophic scars. After analyze the correlation between PTN and miR-137 using correlation analysis, we used miRDB software to analyze the binding sites of miR-137 and PTN. Luciferase reporter gene, western blot and real-time PCR experiments were used to detect the regulatory effect of miR-137 on PTN. MTT and transwell assay were used to detect the effect of miR-137 on proliferation and metastasis. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the regulatory effects of miR-137 on cyclin B1, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, and type-I collagen (COL1A). Finally, miR-137 inhibitor was transfected into fibroblasts which was silent PTN, and the proliferation and migration of cells were detected by MTT and transwell. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of related proteins. RESULTS: Various miRNAs was abnormal expressed in hypertrophic scars. miR-137 was decreased in hypertrophic scar, however PTN was up regulated in hypertrophic scars. miR-137 induced proliferation and metastasis in fibroblasts. This effect was accompanied by decreased expression of cyclin B1, MMP9, α-SMA, vimentin, and COL1A mediated via the target of PTN. CONCLUSION: Modulation of miR-137 expression in fibroblasts could provide an important therapeutic strategy for hypertrophic scars.

Naringin suppresses the growth and motility of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by inhibiting the kinase activity of Akt.

Hypertrophy is a very common pathologic phenomenon of scar hyperplasia after human skin injury and wound healing. In this article, we first proved that naringin could inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts by MTT experiments. Flow cytometry indicated that naringin could block the cell cycle and promote apoptosis. Transwell experiments showed that naringin could inhibit the motility activity of fibroblasts. We also found that naringin specifically inhibits the kinase activity of Akt and the phosphorylation of Akt in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by Kinase-Glo, western blot and real-time PCR assays. Subsequently, western blots and real-time PCR indicated that naringin can inhibit phosphorylation of Akt and downstream proteins of Akt. Our data demonstrated that naringin inhibits the development of hypertrophic scars, at least to a certain extent, by its inhibition of Aktp-Ser473/Thr308.

Downregulation of miR­637 promotes proliferation and metastasis by targeting Smad3 in keloids.

Keloids are a type of abnormal scar tissue. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit a pivotal role in the regulation of cell proliferation and metastasis of keloids. miRNA microarray revealed that miR­637 was one of the most frequently altered miRNAs in keloids. Furthermore, up-regulation of miR­637 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)3, one of the important proteins that affects the formation of keloids. Further studies demonstrated that miR­637 regulated the proliferation and metastasis of human keloid fibroblast (HKF) cells by mediating the Smad3 signaling pathway. Overall, the present findings suggest that miR­637 may be a promising therapeutic target in keloids.

KCNQ1OT1 promotes melanoma growth and metastasis.

Melanoma is the deadliest cutaneous neoplasm. To prevent metastasis, early diagnosis and surgical treatment is vital. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in tumors. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 in melanoma. Real time PCR demonstrated that KCNQ1OT1 expression is up-regulated in melanoma tissues and cells. KCNQ1OT1 promoted cell proliferation and metastasis in melanoma. By directly bindin to miR-153, KCNQ1OT1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to de-repress MET expression. Our results may provide the basis for a novel strategy for early detection and/or treatment of melanoma.

Fangchinoline suppresses growth and metastasis of melanoma cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of FAK.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor with high degree of malignancy, metastasis and high mortality. The etiology of melanoma has not been fully elucidated, and there is no effective drug for the complete treatment of melanoma. In recent years, many traditional Chinese herbal medicines have played an important role in clinical treatment and experimental research on cancer. As a natural product, fangchinoline has the characteristics of enhancing immune function, low toxicity and good liver protection features, so it is considered to be a new type of anticancer drug. In the present study, we found that fangchinoline has inhibitory effects on the proliferation and metastasis of A375 and A875 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Fangchinoline inhibited the proliferation of A375 and A875 cell activity with IC50 values of 12.41 and 16.20 µM. We also found that fangchinoline could significantly reduce the phosphorylation of Focal adhesion kinase (FAK). In summary, we demonstrated that fangchinoline inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of melanoma cells by suppressing FAK and its downstream signaling pathway. More importantly, we provide a novel mechanism that fangchinoline could be an effective candidate for the treatment of melanoma.

A bioartificial dermal regeneration template promotes skin cell proliferation in vitro and enhances large skin wound healing in vivo.

A novel bioartificial dermal regeneration template has been developed using platelet-rich plasma and acellular animal skin collagen sponge for the treatment of larger area and full thickness skin wounds. This platelet-rich plasma-collagen sponge keeps native skin structure and contains huge amounts of growth factors. The effect of this bioartificial dermal regeneration template was tested in vitro and in vivo via a mimic poor wound healing process by adding collagenase I into cell culture medium or the wound area. The in vitro experimental results indicated that the rat skin cells grew faster and produced more collagen in platelet-rich plasma-collagen sponge with collagenase than those treated either with collagen sponge plus collagenase, or collagenase, or control group without treatment. The in vivo experiments were performed by large rat skin wounds, 1.5 cm diameter, treated either with collagenase, or collagenase plus collagen sponge, or collagenase plus platelet-rich plasma-collagen sponge. The wound without treatment was used as a control. The wounds treated with collagenase-containing platelet-rich plasma-collagen sponge healed 4 times faster than the untreated wounds, 6 times faster than the collagenase treated wounds, 2.4 times faster than collagenase-containing collagen sponge treated wounds. The immunostaining indicated that the healed tissues in the wound areas treated with collagenase-containing platelet-rich plasma-collagen sponge were composed of collagen type I and collagen III with blood vessels and hair follicles. The results demonstrated that this collagenase-containing platelet-rich plasma-collagen sponge works as a bioartificial dermal regeneration template. The application of this collagenase-containing platelet-rich plasma-collagen sponge promotes the traumatic skin wound healing and permits the reconstitution of the inherent barrier functions of the skin.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Cocultured with Chondrocytes Promote the Proliferation of Chondrocytes.

Articular cartilage injury and defect caused by trauma and chronic osteoarthritis vascularity are very common, while the repair of injured cartilage remains a great challenge due to its limited healing capacity. Stem cell-based tissue engineering provides a promising treatment option for injured articular cartilage because of the cells potential for multiple differentiations. However, its application has been largely limited by stem cell type, number, source, proliferation, and differentiation. We hypothesized that (1) adipose-derived stem cells are ideal seed cells for articular cartilage repair because of their accessibility and abundance and (2) the microenvironment of articular cartilage could induce adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to differentiate into chondrocytes. In order to test our hypotheses, we isolated stem cells from rabbit adipose tissues and cocultured these ADSCs with rabbit articular cartilage chondrocytes. We found that when ADSCs were cocultured with chondrocytes, the proliferation of articular cartilage chondrocytes was promoted, the apoptosis of chondrocytes was inhibited, and the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of ADSCs was enhanced. The study on the mechanism of this coculture system indicated that the role of this coculture system is similar to the function of TGF-ß1 in the promotion of chondrocytes.

The Clinical Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Ultra-Pulsed Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy for Facial Rejuvenation.

Ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser is an efficient, precise, and safe therapeutic intervention for skin refreshing, although accompanied with prolonged edema and erythema. In recent years, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proven to promote wound and soft tissue healing and collagen regeneration. To investigate whether the combination of PRP and ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser had a synergistic effect on therapy for facial rejuvenation. Totally, 13 facial aging females were treated with ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser. One side of the face was randomly selected as experimental group and injected with PRP, the other side acted as the control group and was injected with physiological saline at the same dose. Comprehensive assessment of clinical efficacy was performed by satisfaction scores, dermatologists' double-blind evaluation and the VISIA skin analysis system. After treatment for 3 months, subjective scores of facial wrinkles, skin texture, and skin elasticity were higher than that in the control group. Similarly, improvement of skin wrinkles, texture, and tightness in the experimental group was better compared with the control group. Additionally, the total duration of erythema, edema, and crusting was decreased, in the experimental group compared with the control group. PRP combined with ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser had a synergistic effect on facial rejuvenation, shortening duration of side effects, and promoting better therapeutic effect.