Global, regional prevalence, and risk factors of osteoporosis according to the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the global, regional prevalence, and risk factors of osteoporosis. Prevalence varied greatly according to countries (from 4.1% in Netherlands to 52.0% in Turkey) and continents (from 8.0% in Oceania to 26.9% in Africa). Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder in the elderly, usually resulting in bone pain and an increased risk of fragility fracture, but few summarized studies have guided global strategies for the disease. Therefore, we pooled the epidemiologic data to estimate the global, regional prevalence, and potential risk factors of osteoporosis. We conducted a comprehensive literature search through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus, to identify population-based studies that reported the prevalence of osteoporosis based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021285555). Of the 57,933 citations evaluated, 108 individual studies containing 343,704 subjects were included. The global prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 19.7% (95%CI, 18.0%-21.4%) and 40.4% (95%CI, 36.9%-43.8%). Prevalence varied greatly according to countries (from 4.1% in Netherlands to 52.0% in Turkey) and continents (from Oceania 8.0% to 26.9% in Africa). The prevalence was higher in developing countries (22.1%, 95%CI, 20.1%-24.1%) than in developed countries (14.5%, 95%CI, 11.5%-17.7%). Our study indicates a considerable prevalence of osteoporosis among the general population based on WHO criteria, and the prevalence varies substantially between countries and regions. Future studies with robust evidence are required to explore risk factors to provide effective preventive strategies for the disease.

[MiR-451 regulates proliferation and migration of colorectal cells by targeting MIF].

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-451 on the proliferation and migration of human colorectal cancer cell SW480 by targeting macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Methods: Microarray analysis was used to screen differentially expressed microRNAs and messenger RNA in SW480 cells. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expressions of miR-451 and MIF in SW480 cells before and after transfection. Cell clone formation assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the proliferation and invasion of SW480 cells, respectively. Cell scratch assay was used to detect the migration ability of SW480 cells. The TargetScan database was used to analyze the correlation between miR-451 and MIF. Dual luciferase reporter gene was used to detect the interaction of miR-451 and MIF. MTT assay was used to detect the viability of SW480 cells. Results: Compared with human normal colorectal mucosal cell FHC (1.00), the expression of miR-451 was down-regulated in SW480 cells ( 0.36±0.18, P<0.001). Knockdown of miR-451 promoted proliferation, and migration of SW480 cells. Compared with that in FHC cells, MIF expression was up-regulated in SW480 cells (2.28±0.45, P<0.001). MIF down-regulation inhibited SW480 cell proliferation, invasion and migration. MiR-451 specifically bind to the MIF 3'UTR and regulated the expression of MIF. Overexpression of miR-451 reduced while overexpression of MIF increased the viability of SW480 cells. Overexpression of MIF promoted the proliferation and migration of SW480 cells (P<0.01), reversed the effect of miR-451 suppressed proliferation and migration of SW480 cells. Conclusion: MiR-451 may regulate proliferation and migration of human colorectal cancer cells by targeting MIF.

[Effect of miR-513a-3p targeting MDM2 on proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells].

Objective: To investigate the effects of miR-513a-3p on proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells and its mechanism. Methods: The miR-NC (miR-negative control mimics), miR-513a-3p (miR-513a-3p mimics), anti-miR-NC, anti-miR-513a-3p, si-NC, si-MDM2 (murine double minute 2), miR-513a-3p+ pcDNA3.1 (co-transfected with miR-513a-3p and pcDNA3.1), miR-513a-3p+ pcDNA3.1-MDM2 (co-transfected with miR-513a-3p and pcDNA3.1-MDM2) were transfected into BGC-823 cells, respectively. The expression of miR-513a-3p was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the protein expressions of cyclin D1, MMP-2, p21, E-cadherin, MDM2 were detected by western blot. The viability of BGC-823 cells of each group was detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The migration and invasion of each group were detected by Transwell, the targeting relationship between miR-513a-3p and MDM2 was detected by double luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: The expression of miR-513a-3p in gastric epithelial cells GES-1 was 0.76±0.08, significantly higher than 0.21±0.02 in gastric cancer cells BGC-823 and 0.34±0.03 in MGC-803, respectively (P<0.05). The cell viabilities of the miR-NC group at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were 0.57±0.05, 1.03±0.10, 1.43±0.14, respectively, while those of the miR-513a-3p group were 0.36±0.03, 0.48±0.05, and 0.63±0.06, respectively. The migration and invasion numbers of miR-NC group were 130±11.80 and 117±10.60, respectively, those of miR-513a-3p group were 58±5.64 and 50±5.13, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The cell viabilities of the si-NC group at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were 0.53±0.05, 0.95±0.10, 1.36±0.14, respectively. Those of the si-MDM2 group were 0.39±0.04, 0.57±0.06, and 0.80±0.08, respectively. The cell migration and invasion of the si-NC group were 141±12.02 and 109±10.60, respectively, while those of the MDM2 group were 66±6.67 and 61±6.18, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The cell viabilities of the miR-513a-3p+ pcDNA3.1 group at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were 0.34±0.03, 0.46±0.05, and 0.61±0.06, respectively. Those of miR-513a-3p+ pcDNA3.1-MDM2 group were 0.48±0.05, 0.82±0.08, 1.17±0.12, respectively. The migration and invasion of miR-513a-3p+ pcDNA3.1 group were 56±5.71 and 51±5.16, respectively, while those of miR-513a-3p+ pcDNA3.1-MDM2 group were 113±10.28 and 104±10.02, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-513a-3p may inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells through targeting regulation of MDM2, which will provide new targets for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

DCLK1 promotes malignant progression of breast cancer by regulating Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed to investigate the expression of doublecortin-like kinase-1 (DCLK1) in breast cancer (BCa) tissues and cells and further study its association with clinicopathology and prognosis of BCa patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of DCLK1 in 44 BCa tumor tissues, as well as adjacent normal tissues. Also, the interplay between DCLK1 level and clinical data or the prognosis of BCa patients was analyzed. QRT-PCR was further used to verify the level of DCLK1 in BCa cell lines. In addition, the DCLK1 knockdown model was constructed using lentivirus in BCa cell lines. Next, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and cell clone formation and tranwell assays were used to analyze the effect of DCLK1 on the biological function of BCa cells. Finally, it was explored whether DCLK1 can act through the Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling pathway. RESULTS: In this research, qRT-PCR results revealed that the level of DCLK1 in BCa tumor tissues was remarkably higher than in adjacent tissues. Compared to patients with a low-level of DCLK1, the pathology grading in patients with high-level was higher and the overall survival rate was lower. Similarly, proliferation, as well as the invasion and migration ability of cells in DCLK1 knockdown group was remarkably down-regulated when compared to negative control group. Moreover, the Western Blot results revealed that silencing DCLK1 remarkably decreased the expression of key proteins in Wnt/ß-Catenin pathways such as ß-Catenin, c-myc, and cyclinD1, thereby promoting the malignant progression of BCa. In addition, the Wnt/ß-Catenin pathway inhibitor was found to be able to reverse the impact of DCLK1 overexpression on BCa cell proliferative and metastatic capacity. CONCLUSIONS: DCLK1 expression was found remarkably increased in BCa tissues and closely associated with the pathological stage, as well as poor prognosis of BCa patients. Furthermore, DCLK1 may promote the malignant progression of BCa by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-Catenin pathway.

[The usage of comprehensive geriatric assessment in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a multicenter, prospective study].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and potential value of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in elderly (≥60 years) patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in China. Methods: The CGA results of 83 newly diagnosed AML (non-APL) patients from 16 hospitals in Beijing and Tianjin between March 2016 and December 2017 were prospectively collected and analyzed. The clinical data, treatment and follow-up information were also collected. Results: Of 83 newly diagnosed elderly AML patients, 81 patients (97.6%) completed all designated CGA assessment. The median number of impaired scales of the CGA assessment in the studied population was 2(0-6). Sixteen patients (19.3%) showed no impairments according to the geriatric assessment scales implem ented by this study. The distributions of impaired scales were as follows: impairment in ADL, 55.4%; IADL impairment, 42.2%; MNA-SF impairment, 48.2%; cognitive impairment, 15.7%; GDS impairment, 31.7%; HCT-CI impairment, 19.5%, respectively. In patients with "good" ECOG (n=46), the proportion of impairment for each CGA scale ranged from 6.5% to 37.0% and 32 patients (68.9%) had at least one impaired CGA scale. Survival analysis showed that the number of impaired scales of the CGA was significantly correlated with median overall survival (P=0.050). Conclusions: CGA was a tool with feasibility for the comprehensive evaluation in elderly AML patients in China. Combined with age and ECOG, CGA may be more comprehensive in assessing patients' physical condition.

Giant dipole resonance as a fingerprint of α clustering configurations in 12C and 16O.

It is studied how the α cluster degrees of freedom, such as α clustering configurations close to the α decay threshold in (12)C and (16)O, including the linear chain, triangle, square, kite, and tetrahedron, affect nuclear collective vibrations with a microscopic dynamical approach, which can describe properties of nuclear ground states well across the nuclide chart and reproduce the standard giant dipole resonance (GDR) of (16)O quite nicely. It is found that the GDR spectrum is highly fragmented into several apparent peaks due to the α structure. The different α cluster configurations in (12)C and (16)O have corresponding characteristic spectra of GDR. The number and centroid energies of peaks in the GDR spectra can be reasonably explained by the geometrical and dynamical symmetries of α clustering configurations. Therefore, the GDR can be regarded as a very effective probe to diagnose the different α cluster configurations in light nuclei.

Hindered proton collectivity in 16(28)S12: possible magic number at Z=16.

The reduced transition probability B(E2;0(gs)(+)→2(1)(+)) for (28)S was obtained experimentally using Coulomb excitation at 53 MeV/nucleon. The resultant B(E2) value 181(31) e(2)fm(4) is smaller than the expectation based on empirical B(E2) systematics. The double ratio |M(n)/M(p)|/(N/Z) of the 0(gs)(+)→2(1)(+) transition in (28)S was determined to be 1.9(2) by evaluating the M(n) value from the known B(E2) value of the mirror nucleus (28)Mg, showing the hindrance of proton collectivity relative to that of neutrons. These results indicate the emergence of the magic number Z=16 in the |T(z)|=2 nucleus (28)S.

Laboratory tests of low density astrophysical nuclear equations of state.

Clustering in low density nuclear matter has been investigated using the NIMROD multidetector at Texas A&M University. Thermal coalescence modes were employed to extract densities, ρ, and temperatures, T, for evolving systems formed in collisions of 47A MeV (40)Ar+(112)Sn, (124)Sn and (64)Zn+(112)Sn, (124)Sn. The yields of d, t, (3)He, and (4)He have been determined at ρ=0.002 to 0.03 nucleons/fm(3) and T=5 to 11 MeV. The experimentally derived equilibrium constants for α particle production are compared with those predicted by a number of astrophysical equations of state. The data provide important new constraints on the model calculations.

Experimental demonstration of subwavelength domino plasmon devices for compact high-frequency circuit.

In optical frequency, surface plasmons of metal provide us a prominent way to build compact photonic devices or circuits with non-diffraction limit. It is attributed by their extraordinary electromagnetic confining effect. But in the counterpart of lower frequencies, plasmonics behavior of metal is screened by eddy current induced in a certain skin depth. To amend this, spoof plasmons engineered by artificial structures have been introduced to mimic surface plasmons in these frequencies. But it is less useful for practical application due to their weak field confinement as manifested by large field decaying length in the upper dielectric space. Recently, a new type of engineered plasmons, domino plasmon was theoretically proposed to produce unusual field confinement and waveguiding capabilities that make them very attractive for ultra-compact device applications [Opt. Exp. 18, 754-764 (2010)]. In this work, we implemented these ideas and built three waveguiding devices based on domino plasmons. Their strong capabilities to produce versatile and ultra-compact devices with multiple electromagnetic functions have been experimentally verified in microwaves. And that can be extended to THz regime to pave the way for a new class of integrated wave circuits.

Application of inverse, strict conformal transformation to design waveguide devices.

Integration of transformation optics with development of metamaterials offers great opportunities to create exotic material with electromagnetic functionality absent from nature. It has already led to several significant advancements in physical conceptions and technological applications such as invisible cloaking. Unfortunately practical application is often restricted by the complex requirements on material properties imposed by the general optical transformation theory. It is therefore necessary to relax the stringent requirements of materials properties in order to practicably use the power of transformation optics to design exotic optical devices. Development of new coordinate transformation mathematics to compromise between the stringent materials properties and the ultimate performance required by a useful novel device is required. In this work the authors employed strict conformal transformation to design physical materials that could guide light in a predetermined way. A simple and efficient numerical approach based on unusual inverse transformation is proposed here to quickly solve partial differential equations and construct the mapping relationship. The results showed that a transformed optical device could be made by purely using isotropic dielectric materials. Two application examples were numerically proposed to verify the versatility of conformal transformation and the robustness of the inverse approach. One was a 90 degrees waveguide beam bend, and the other was a waveguide-type beam splitter or coupler.

A laser-Compton scattering prototype experiment at 100 MeV linac of Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics.

As a prototype of the Shanghai Laser Electron Gamma Source in the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, an x-ray source based on laser-Compton scattering (LCS) has been installed at the terminal of the 100 MeV linac of the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics. LCS x-rays are generated by interactions between Q-switched Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet laser pulses [with wavelength of 1064 nm and pulse width of 21 ns (full width at half maximum)] and electron bunches [with energy of 108 MeV and pulse width of 0.95 ns (rms)] at an angle of 42 degrees between laser and electron beam. In order to measure the energy spectrum of LCS x-rays, a Si(Li) detector along the electron beam line axis is positioned at 9.8 m away from a LCS chamber. After background subtraction, the LCS x-ray spectrum with the peak energy of 29.1+/-4.4|(stat)+/-2.1|(syst) keV and the peak width (rms) of 7.8+/-2.8|(stat)+/-0.4|(syst) keV is observed. Normally the 100 MeV linac operates with the electron macropulse charge of 1.0 nC/pulse, and the electron and laser collision repetition rate of 20 Hz. Therefore, the total LCS x-ray flux of (5.2+/-2.0) x 10(2) Hz can be achieved.

The role of magnetoelastic strain on orbital control and transport properties in an LaTiO(3)-CoFe(2)O(4) heterostructure.

Epitaxial heterostructures of CoFe(2)O(4)/LaTiO(3)/LaAlO(3) have been successfully prepared by using the pulsed laser deposition technique. The magnetoresistance (MR) of the samples is negative and linear with field at H≥2 T, exhibiting no dependence on field directions. Nevertheless, when H<2 T, the MR is negative in a field parallel to the sample plane, but positive in that along the film normal. This novel observed anisotropic MR is explained in terms of the magnetic anisotropy in the ferrimagnetic layer, as well as the magnetoelastic coupling between the two. In fields of different directions, the top CoFe(2)O(4) layer contracts or expands in the sample plane due to the significant magnetostriction effect, changing its resistance accordingly and exerting compressive or tensile strains on the bottom LaTiO(3) layer. Apparently the orbital status and the one-electron bandwidth in the LaTiO(3) layer are altered, which leads to a change in resistance.

Negative refractive index of metallic cross-I-shaped pairs: origin and evolution with pair gap width.

A structured composite of the negative index of refraction was fabricated by one layer of cross-I-shaped metal pairs. In this structure, the electric and magnetic inclusions were effectively integrated into one small unit. We varied the spacing of the cross pair to control the location of the magnetic resonance mode and their intercoupling with the electric mode. The frequency dependences of permittivity, permeability, and refractive indices with different gap widths of the pairs were systematically discussed by free-space measurement as well as numerical simulation. A spacing window dependent on the geometrical parameters was found in which the real part of the refractive index could have a negative value. The one-layer cross-pair pattern proposed in this work can be extended to three-dimensional structures with well-controlled interlayer coupling that will greatly facilitate the fabrication and measurement of negative-index materials in high frequencies.

Production, purification and characterization of non-myristylated human T-cell protein tyrosine kinase in a baculovirus expression system.

A non-myristylated form (LCK M) of the human T-lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) was produced at high levels in a baculovirus expression system (BVES) using two strategies. First, LCK M was produced by direct expression of a Gly2 --> Ala mutant of LCK. Second, LCK was produced as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion, and LCK M was derived from the fusion protein by cleavage with thrombin. Both recombinant proteins (re-proteins) were produced at 5% of the total protein of infected Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells and were purified to >95% homogeneity. The enzymatic properties of the re-proteins and their inhibition by protein kinase inhibitors were comparable to the native enzyme (LCK N) derived from Jurkat cells and wild-type LCK derived from the BVES. The high production levels will facilitate the recovery of large quantities of re-protein for use in biochemical and biophysical studies.

[Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of glipizide capsules].

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of glipizide were studied in 8 healthy male volunteers after a single oral dose of 5 mg in capsule or in tablet. The plasma levels of glipizide were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography. The concentration--time curves of both preparations were fitted to a one compartment model. The pharmacokinetic parameters of glipizide in capsule and in tablet were shown in tables 2 and 3. The relative bioavailability of the capsule was 109.9% compared with the tablet.

[Clinical observation of the effect of blood gas with two different methods of sputum suction].

The authors observed the preventive effect of the oxygen supplied double channel sucker on low blood oxygen. Thirty patients with channel sputum sucker under the mechanical respiratory support were taken as the contrast group, in comparison with the experimental group A and B respectively. Patients (n = 30) with one channel sputum sucking for 15 sec. were designated as experimental group A, while the other patients (n = 30) with the oxygen supplied double channel sucking for 15 sec were the group B, Blood gas analysis was done in every patient of each group. Significant difference of PO2 was found between group A and the contrast group (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found between group B and the contrast group (P > 0.05). It shows that oxygen supplied double channel sucker has preventive effect on low blood oxygen, and is suitable for sputum sucking in severe patients.

Cardiac function and histological changes after non-dynamic cardiomyoplasty and preliminary study of dynamic cardiomyoplasty.

By means of histological method and ultrasound cardiographic (UCG) examination, the left-right ratio of transectional area of muscle fiber of latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) after non-dynamic cardiomyoplasty was 77.4 +/- 11.7% in Group I (3 weeks after operation), and 78.4 +/- 11.6% atrophy and hyperplasia of LDM, but the basical structure was retained. The ejection fraction (EF) decreased significantly after operation (P < 0.05), but the difference between two groups was non- significant. Also, dynamic cardiomyoplasty was performed on a sheep. UCG showed the increased cardiac systolic function after operation. ATPase, succinodehydrogenase (SDH) and PAS examination implied the strengthening of fatigue-resistant ability in skeletal muscles after long-term electrical stimulation. So cardiomyoplasty is suggested to be a supplementary measure in treating end-stage heart failure.

Transcriptional regulation of the murine k-FGF gene in embryonic cell lines.

Previous studies have shown that embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells express the fibroblast growth factor k-FGF; however, there is a large decrease in the expression of this gene when EC cells differentiate. In addition, it has been shown that differentiation of mouse F9 EC cells reduces the expression of a reporter gene under the control of both the putative human k-FGF promoter and an enhancer-like element that is located in the third exon of the k-FGF gene. Given the low degree of sequence similarity between the human k-FGF gene and the murine k-FGF gene upstream of the transcription start site, it was unclear whether human sequences mimic fully the regulation of the k-FGF gene in mouse cells. To address this question, we have examined the expression of gene constructs containing various regions of the murine k-FGF gene in two mouse EC cell lines and one mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line. Our results demonstrate that the mouse 5' flanking region, like the human 5' flanking region, cannot support expression of the reporter gene. In both EC cell lines and the ES cell line, expression of the reporter gene is elevated 10- to 100-fold by the addition of a 316-bp region taken from the third exon of the murine k-FGF gene. In addition, we provide evidence that octamer binding proteins are involved in the regulation of the k-FGF gene. Last, this study has identified regions upstream of the transcription start site that appear to regulate the expression of the murine k-FGF gene in EC cells and in ES cells.