MiRNA-30a-5p/VCAN Arrests Tumor Metastasis via Modulating the Adhesion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Previous research indicated that the dysregulation of miRNA-30a-5p has a correlation with cell metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). But the study about the molecular regulatory mechanism of miRNA-30a-5p in LUAD cell metastasis is limited. Thus, we discussed the mechanism of miRNA-30a-5p and its biological function in LUAD cells. By utilizing bioinformatics analysis, how miRNA-30a-5p was expressed in LUAD tissue was determined and its downstream target genes were predicted. The signaling pathways where these target genes enriched were analyzed. Several in vitro experiments were applied for cell function detection: dual-luciferase assay for validating the targeting relationship between miRNA-30a-5p and its target gene; quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for testing the expression of miRNA-30a-5p and its target gene in LUAD cells; MTT, transwell, cell adhesion, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays for examining the capabilities of LUAD cells to proliferate, migrate, invade, adhere, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) effect; Western blot for determining the expression of adhesion-related proteins and EMT-related proteins. Down-regulated miRNA-30a-5p was discovered in LUAD cells, but on the contrary, VCAN was upregulated. MiRNA-30a-5p overexpression notably repressed the virulent progression of LUAD cells. Besides, dual-luciferase assay validated the targeting relationship between miRNA-30a-5p and VCAN. MiRNA-30a-5p, by negatively regulating VCAN, was capable of hindering LUAD cell proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, viability and EMT. It was illustrated that miRNA-30a-5p could downregulate VCAN to retard the malignant progression of LUAD cells, which provides novel insights into LUAD pathogenesis, suggesting that miRNA-30a-5p/VCAN axis can be a promising anti-cancer target for LUAD.

Iodine nutrition status and influencing factors of thyroid volume of children aged 8 - 10 years in Shiyan City, Hubei Province / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To study the iodine nutrition status and influencing factors of thyroid volume of children aged 8 - 10 years in Shiyan City, Hubei Province.Methods:From June 2019 to October 2020, in 8 counties (cities, districts) under the jurisdiction of Shiyan City, Hubei Province, each county (city, district) was divided into 5 districts according to the east, west, south, north, and center. One township (street) was selected in each district, and 40 children aged 8 to 10 years from one primary school (age balanced, half male and half female), were selected in each township (street), and their home salt samples and once random urine sample were taken to detect salt iodine and urinary iodine levels. At the same time, thyroid volume measurements and physical examination were performed.Results:A total of 3 172 salt samples were collected from children's homes, with a salt iodine content of 23.68 mg/kg. The iodine salt coverage rate was 99.81% (3 166/3 172), and the qualified iodine salt consumption rate was 96.72% (3 068/3 172). A total of 3 172 urine samples were collected from children, with a median urinary iodine level of 241.87 μg/L, indicating that iodine nutrition was at a super optimal level. There were statistically significant differences in the median urinary iodine among children of different genders and regions ( Z = - 3.63, H = 160.83, P < 0.001). The thyroid of 1 191 children was examined, and the goiter rate was 0.67% (8/1 191), and there were statistically significant differences in the goiter rate of children of different ages and regions (χ 2 = 6.41, 11.91, P = 0.040, 0.002). The correlation analysis results showed that there was a negative correlation between urinary iodine and thyroid volume in children ( r = - 0.08, P = 0.025); according to age stratification, there were positive correlation between height, weight, body surface area, and thyroid volume in children aged 8, 9 and 10 years ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The iodine nutrition of 8 - 10 years old children in Shiyan City is in an over appropriate level, and the goiter rate is low. Urinary iodine, height, weight, and body surface area of children are all factors influencing thyroid volume.

Relationship between Fok polymorphism of vitamin-D receptor gene and hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy in Han nationality of Qinghai province / 解剖学报

[ Abstract] Objective To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Fok (rs2228570 / rs10735810) of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP) in Han nationality women of Qinghai province. Methods A total of 137 Han nationality HDCP subjects (HDCP group) and 146 Han nationality normal pregnant subjects (control group) were selected from Qinghai province. The Fok polymorphism typing in HCDP group and control group was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) . The mutation was confirmed by sequencing. SPSS 19. 0 statistical software was used to test whether there were significant differences between two groups in general clinical data, genotype and allele frequency distribution. Results The frequency of FF Ff ff genotype of Fok in HDCP group and control group were 51. 82%, 37. 96%, 10. 22% and 34. 93%, 43. 15%, 21. 92% respectively (

Analysis of iodine nutrition monitoring results of key population in Shiyan City, Hubei Province from 2017 to 2020 / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To learn about the current status of iodine nutrition of key populations in Shiyan City, Hubei Province, and to provide basis for guiding key populations to supplement iodine scientifically.Methods:According to the requirements of the "National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Surveillance Program (2016 Edition)", pregnant women and school-age children aged 8 - 10 (age balanced, half male and half female) in 8 counties (cities, districts) under the jurisdiction of Shiyan City, Hubei Province were selected from 2017 to 2020. Their household edible salt samples and urine samples were collected to detect salt iodine and urinary iodine contents, respectively. At the same time, the thyroid gland of children was examined by B-ultrasonic and the goiter rate was calculated.Results:In total, 3 198 household edible salt samples of pregnant women were tested, the median salt iodine was 23.7 mg/kg, the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.9% (3 196/3 198), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 96.0% (3 068/3 196), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 95.9% (3 068/3 198). Totally 2 898 urine samples of pregnant women were tested, and the median urinary iodine was 198.2 μg/L. In total, 6 363 household edible salt samples of children were tested, the median salt iodine was 23.8 mg/kg, the coverage rate of iodized salt was 99.8% (6 352/6 363), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 95.5% (6 067/6 352), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 95.3% (6 067/6 363). Totally 5 764 urine samples of children were tested, and the median urinary iodine was 259.8 μg/L. Totally 2 188 children were examined, and the goiter rate was 0.4% (9/2 188).Conclusions:From 2017 to 2020, the coverage rates of iodized salt (≥95%), consumption rates of qualified iodized salt ( > 90%) of key populations and the goiter rate of children ( < 5%) in Shiyan City of Hubei Province are in line with the national standards for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders. Pregnant women are generally at an appropriate level of iodine (150 - 249 μg/L) and children are generally at the super appropriate level of iodine (200 - 299 μg/L). It is necessary to continue to strengthen the monitoring of iodine nutrition in key populations and implement the strategy of "adjusting measures to local conditions, classified guidance and scientific iodine supplementation".

Plasma Heat Shock Protein 90 Alpha: A Valuable Predictor of Early Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND Heat shock protein-90 alpha (HSP90a) is more abundant in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients than in control individuals. However, whether it can reflect chemotherapy efficacy remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association of HSP90a with chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated data from patients admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, from September 2016 to September 2018 with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC and administered 4 cycles of third-generation platinum-based combination chemotherapy (2 drugs simultaneously). Based on the RECIST1.1 criteria, complete remission (CR), partial response (PR), and stable disease (SD) in 60 cases were determined before and after chemotherapy. Before chemotherapy and after 1, 2, and 4 cycles of chemotherapy, plasma HSP90alpha levels were quantitated by ELISA. Chest CT was performed before and after 2 and 4 cycles of chemotherapy. RESULTS After 1-4 cycles of chemotherapy, plasma HSP90alpha levels were significantly lower than pre-chemotherapy levels (P<0.05). The sums of the longest tumor diameters after 2 and 4 cycles of chemotherapy were decreased compared with pre-chemotherapy values (P<0.05). Plasma HSP90alpha levels and tumor size showed no significant correlation before and after chemotherapy (r=0.244, P=0.06). CONCLUSIONS Plasma HSP90alpha can be considered a valuable predictor of early chemotherapy effectiveness in advanced NSCLC, and is positively correlated with tumor remission after chemotherapy. However, plasma HSP90alpha level is not correlated with tumor diameter and pathological type.

Minocycline Induces Autophagy and Inhibits Cell Proliferation in LPS-Stimulated THP-1 Cells.

Excessive activation and proliferation of inflammatory cell and uncontrolled release of cytokines and chemokines, also known as cytokine storm, is considered to be the main cause of sepsis. Accumulating evidence has indicated that autophagy may play an important role in regulating immune response and controlling excessive inflammation. Recent studies have showed that minocycline has immunomodulatory effects on cytokine and chemokine production. It has also been reported that minocycline can induce autophagy, suggesting that autophagy may be involved in the process of minocycline regulating inflammation and immune response. However, the precise mechanism is unclear. In the present study, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to measure the production of cytokines following minocycline treatment of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated THP-1 cells. Western blotting analysis was performed to confirm autophagy and the mTOR signal pathway. Cell proliferation was measured by WST-1 cell proliferation assay. We demonstrated that LPS induced autophagy in a tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α-mediated manner, and simultaneously, LPS induced the release of TNF-α to trigger inflammation and activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to potentiate cell proliferation. Minocycline, which induces autophagy by inhibiting mTOR, suppresses cytokine production and cell proliferation and protects THP-1 cells from LPS toxicity. Further study demonstrated that there might be an intimate crosstalk between the inhibitor kappa B kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and autophagy flux in modification of inflammatory responses. In addition, rapamycin, the mTOR inhibitor, has cooperative effect with minocycline on suppression of TNF-α release and induction of autophagy by repressing mTOR. Our data brought a novel clue to evaluate minocycline using as a potential therapeutic medicine for sepsis.

The Functional Effects of Key Driver KRAS Mutations on Gene Expression in Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer is a common malignant cancer. Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene (KRAS) mutations have been considered as a key driver for lung cancers. KRAS p.G12C mutations were most predominant in NSCLC which was comprised about 11-16% of lung adenocarcinomas (p.G12C accounts for 45-50% of mutant KRAS). But it is still not clear how the KRAS mutation triggers lung cancers. To study the molecular mechanisms of KRAS mutation in lung cancer. We analyzed the gene expression profiles of 156 KRAS mutation samples and other negative samples with two stage feature selection approach: (1) minimal Redundancy Maximal Relevance (mRMR) and (2) Incremental Feature Selection (IFS). At last, 41 predictive genes for KRAS mutation were identified and a KRAS mutation predictor was constructed. Its leave one out cross validation MCC was 0.879. Our results were helpful for understanding the roles of KRAS mutation in lung cancer.

[Effects of different drugs on bronchial stenosis by TGF-ß/mTOR signaling pathway in rabbit model].

Objective: To investigate the effect of different drugs on tracheal stenosis caused by transforming growth factor-ß/rapamycin target protein (TGF-ß/mTOR) signaling pathway. Methods: Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into normal control group, normal saline group, penicillin group, budesonide group and erythromycin group. The normal control group was not treated,and tracheal stenosis models were established in the other groups. From the 1st to 10th day after modeling, each group was respectively administered with normal saline (0.75 ml/kg, 2 times/d), intramuscular injection of penicillin (40 000 U/kg, 2 times/d), gastric administration of erythromycin (12.5 mg/kg, 2 times/d), inhalation of budesonide (0.05 mg/kg, 2 times/d). Rabbits were sacrificed on the 11th day after surgery, and tracheal specimens were collected to measure the degree of tracheal stenosis. Relative mRNA expression level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), Type Ⅰ collagen (COL-1), Type Ⅲ collagen (COL-3), and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1) were detected by Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); protein expression of mTOR, phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),SIRT-1 were detected by immunohistochemical analysis; protein expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB),phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (p-NF-κB),protein kinase B (AKT),p-AKT,mTOR were detected by Western blotting. Results: The degree of stenosis of normal control group was (14.02±2.86)%, saline group was (64.14±3.21)%, penicillin group was (49.11±2.96)%, budesonide group was (39.52±2.09)%, erythromycin group was (32.60±4.27)%. The differences between any two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Except between erythromycin group and normal control group, the differences in relative expression of IL-6 mRNA between any two groups (1.00±0.00, 9.02±1.50, 4.25±0.87, 2.53±0.17, 1.31±0.56) was statistically significant (all P<0.05), and the differences in relative expression of TGF-ß mRNA among all groups (1.00±0.00, 6.92±0.84, 3.83±0.44, 2.13±0.25, 1.40±0.15) were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The relative expression of SIRT-1 mRNA among all the groups (1.000±0.000, 0.209±0.042, 0.375±0.034, 0.555±0.028, 0.667±0.032) was statistically significant different (all P<0.05); except between erythromycin group and budesonide group,the protein levels of SIRT-1 among all other groups (16.93±2.28, 4.77±1.45, 7.70±0.61, 10.76±1.04, 11.03±1.10) were statistically significant different (all P<0.05). The protein levels of mTOR (9.28±4.56, 58.18±8.12, 44.75±5.56, 32.82±5.99, 24.73±3.56) and p-AKT (16.57±4.86, 61.79±6.66, 42.98±5.99, 32.79±5.34, 24.00±4.40) determined through immunohistochemistry of all groups were statistically significant different (all P<0.05). The protein levels of NF-κB, p-NF-κB, AKT, p-AKT and mTOR determined through Western blotting had the same trend as that of determined through immunohistochemistry. The protein expression of NF-κB,AKT and mTOR in saline group were significantly higher than other groups; those protein expression of erythromycin group was lower than budesonide group and penicillin group. Except between the erythromycin group and the normal control group, the protein expression of mTOR in other groups was statistically significant different (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Penicillin,erythromycin and budesonide can alleviate inflammation by increasing SIRT-1, alleviate tracheal scar hyperplasia induced by TGF-beta/mTOR pathway, and reduce the degree of tracheal stenosis in rabbits.

Nanocombing Effect Leads to Nanowire-Based, in-Plane, Uniaxial Thin Films.

The fabrication of thin films comprising ordered nanowire assemblies with emerging, precisely defined properties and adjustable functionalities enables highly integrated technologies in the fields of microelectronics and micro system technology, as well as for efficient power generation, storage, and utilization. Shear force, theoretically, is deemed the most promising method for obtaining in-plane, uniaxial thin films comprising nanowires. The success depends largely on the assembly process, and uniform structural control throughout multiple length scales can be achieved only if a rational strategy is executed. Here, we report that in shearing processes dopants such as lyotropic cellulose nanorods can give rise to the uniaxial alignment of V2O5· nH2O nanowires. Our systematic study indicates that this finding, namely, the nanocombing effect, can be a general principle for the continuous production of uniaxial thin films comprising densely packed nanowires varying in chemical composition and aspect ratios. Conversion of the V2O5· nH2O constituents via in situ oxidative polymerization leads to in-plane, uniaxial polyaniline (PANI) thin films with anisotropic electric and optical properties, which are otherwise difficult to fabricate due to the poor processability of PANI. The uniaxial PANI thin films can be utilized to fabricate flexible gas sensors for distinguishing various analytes, including similar homologues such as methanol and ethanol. We expect the methodology to be applied to a broad spectrum of synthetic and biogenic nanowires for the integration of their collective properties in high-performance electronic devices.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Elastography Differentiates Intrathoracic Lymph Nodes: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the clinical significance of endobronchial ultrasound elastography for differentiating malignant and benign intrathoracic lymph nodes. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of endobronchial ultrasound elastography in diagnosing intrathoracic lymph nodes. Publications before October 1, 2017, were included for analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and other variables were pooled using the bivariate mixed-effects regression model. RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85 to 0.97), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90), 6.3 (95% CI, 4.2 to 9.2), 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.18), and 74 (95% CI, 33 to 168), respectively. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91 to 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed endobronchial ultrasound elastography is a new technique with high sensitivity and specificity. It has a fine performance in diagnosing intrathoracic lymph nodes.

A Hydrogel of Ultrathin Pure Polyaniline Nanofibers: Oxidant-Templating Preparation and Supercapacitor Application.

Although challenging, fabrication of porous conducting polymeric materials with excellent electronic properties is crucial for many applications. We developed a fast in situ polymerization approach to pure polyaniline (PANI) hydrogels, with vanadium pentoxide hydrate nanowires as both the oxidant and sacrifice template. A network comprised of ultrathin PANI nanofibers was generated during the in situ polymerization, and the large aspect ratio of these PANI nanofibers allowed the formation of hydrogels at a low solid content of 1.03 wt %. Owing to the ultrathin fibril structure, PANI hydrogels functioning as a supercapacitor electrode display a high specific capacitance of 636 F g-1, a rate capability, and good cycling stability (∼83% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles). This method was also extended to the preparation of polypyrrole and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) hydrogels. This template polymerization method represents a rational strategy for design of conducing polymer networks, which can be readily integrated in high-performance devices or a further platform for functional composites.

[Clinical features of community-acquired bloodstream infection due to Gram-negative bacilli in patients with liver cirrhosis].

Objective: o investigate the features of pathogenic bacteria for community-acquired bloodstream infection due to Gram-negative bacilli in patients with liver cirrhosis and optimal therapeutic strategy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients with liver cirrhosis who were admitted to 302 Hospital of PLA due to community-acquired bloodstream infection from January 2010 to December 2015, and a statistical analysis was performed for their clinical features, pathogenic bacteria, and results of drug sensitivity test. The Pearson chi-square test was used for comparison of rates, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison of ranked data. Results: A total of 240 patients (including 178 male patients) with liver cirrhosis caused by various reasons were enrolled, with a mean age of 51.7 ± 11.1 years, an overall clinical remission rate of 80.42%, and an ineffective/mortality rate of 19.58%. The patients who used sensitive antibiotics within 12 hours after the onset of community-acquired bloodstream infection achieved a significantly higher improvement rate than those who used such drugs at more than 12 hours after onset (88.2% vs 58.1%, P < 0.001). The improvement rate achieved by the application of sensitive antibiotics at more than 12 hours after onset decreased with the increase in the Child-Pugh grade (P < 0.05). A total of 245 strains of Gram-negative bacilli were isolated, among which the six most common ones were 135 strains of Escherichia coli (55.1%), 62 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae (25.3%), 16 strains of Aeromonas (6.5%), 4 strains of non-typhoidal Salmonella (1.6%), 3 strains of Enterobacter cloacae (1.2%), and 2 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii (0.8%). These Gram-negative bacilli had the highest sensitivity to meropenem (98.5%), followed by imipenem (97.9%), amikacin (97.5%), piperacillin/tazobactam (94.7%), cefmetazole (93.7%), and cefoperazone/sulbactam (93%). Different bacteria had different sensitivities to antibiotics. Conclusion: Once community-acquired bloodstream infection occurs in patients with liver cirrhosis, highly sensitive antibiotics should be used as early as possible. Cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem, and meropenem can be used as first-line empirical antibiotics, and drug combination should be considered when necessary.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Polyaniline/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for High-Performance Planar Supercapacitor.

We apply direct ink writing for the three-dimensional (3D) printing of polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide (PANI/RGO) composites with PANI/graphene oxide (PANI/GO) gel as printable inks. The PANI/GO gel inks for 3D printing are prepared via self-assembly of PANI and GO in a blend solvent of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and water, and offer both shaping capability, self-sustainability, and electrical conductivity after reduction of GO. PANI/RGO interdigital electrodes are fabricated with 3D printing, and based on these electrodes, a planar solid-state supercapacitor is constructed, which exhibits high performance with an areal specific capacitance of 1329 mF cm-2. The approach developed in this work provides a simple, economic, and effective way to fabricate PANI-based 3D architectures, which leads to promising application in future energy and electric devices at micro-nano scale.

The synergic effects of CTLA-4/Foxp3-related genotypes and chromosomal aberrations on the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion among a Chinese Han population.

The current study was aimed to investigate the association of CLTA-4/Foxp3 polymorphisms and chromosomal abnormalities with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) risk in a Chinese Han population. Altogether, 1284 RSA women and 1046 women with normal pregnancy were incorporated in this study. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was implemented to genotype the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within CTLA4 and Foxp3. Moreover, the cytogenetic diagnosis was performed in line with the standards of G banding karyotype. As a consequence, rs231775 and rs3087243 of CTLA4, as well as rs2232365 and rs2232368 of Foxp3, all appeared to modify the risk of RSA. Besides, significant differences were found between the ratio of structural abnormality and that of numerical abnormality (P < 0.038), and chromosome abnormality was associated with higher miscarriage frequency (>3) than normal karyotypes. Of note, the synergic effects of the genotypes and chromosomal abnormality all tallied with the sub-multiplication model (ORchromosome × ORSNP > ORchromosome+SNP), while rs2232365 GG and chromosomal aberration impacted the RSA risk in a super-multiplicative way that ORchromosome × ORSNP < ORchromosome+SNP. In conclusion, susceptibility to RSA was subject to the synthetic regulation of chromosomal aberrations and genetic mutations within CLTA-4 and Foxp3, suggesting that the conduction of karyotype analysis and genetic detection for RSA patients could effectively guide effective RSA counseling and sound child rearing.

A high-performance electrochemical supercapacitor based on a polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide electrode and a copper(ii) ion active electrolyte.

Active electrolyte enhanced supercapacitors (AEESCs) have received increasing attention because of their large specific capacitance and easy fabrication process. The better matching between the active electrolyte and the counter electrode and the slow self-discharge rate are the challenges of this type of supercapacitor. In this paper, a novel AEESC with polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide hydrogel (PANI/RGOHG) as the anode and Cu(ii) ions as the cathodic active electrolyte is constructed. Experimental results demonstrate that the electrode potentials of PANI and Cu(ii) can match perfectly, thus the device has a wide working voltage range. Because of the large specific capacitance of both PANI and Cu(ii), a high average specific capacitance of a single electrode of 1120 F g-1 at 2.6 A g-1 is achieved. Meanwhile, self-discharge is also suppressed because the reduction product of Cu(ii) is immobilized on the electrode. These results demonstrate that the performance of AEESCs strongly depends on the choice of a suitable electrode material, and also reveal that Cu(ii) is a promising cathodic active electrolyte for AEESCs.

Benzoyl Peroxide as an Efficient Dopant for Spiro-OMeTAD in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Although organic small molecule spiro-OMeTAD is widely used as a hole-transport material in perovskite solar cells, its limited electric conductivity poses a bottleneck in the efficiency improvement of perovskite solar cells. Here, a low-cost and easy-fabrication technique is developed to enhance the conductivity and hole-extraction ability of spiro-OMeTAD by doping it with commercially available benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The experimental results show that the conductivity increases several orders of magnitude, from 6.2×10-6  S cm-1 for the pristine spiro-OMeTAD to 1.1×10-3  S cm-1 at 5 % BPO doping and to 2.4×10-2  S cm-1 at 15 % BPO doping, which considerably outperform the conductivity of 4.62×10-4  S cm-1 for the currently used oxygen-doped spiro-OMeTAD. The fluorescence spectra suggest that the BPO-doped spiro-OMeTAD-OMeTAD layer is able to efficiently extract holes from CH3 NH3 PbI3 and thus greatly enhances the charge transfer. The BPO-doped spiro-OMeTAD is used in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells, which exhibit enhancement in the power conversion efficiency.

[Effect of low dose erythromycin on the proliferation of granulation tissue after tracheal injury].

Objective: To investigate the effect of low dose erythromycin on the proliferation of granulation tissue after tracheal injury. Methods: Forty-two rabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups (n=6 each), group A (saline control group), group B (penicillin group), group C (low dose erythromycin group), group D (low dose erythromycin and penicillin group), group E (budesonide group), group F (low dose erythromycin and budesonide group), group G (low dose erythromycin, penicillin and budesonide group). All rabbits received tracheotomy, and the tracheal mucosa was scraped with a nylon brush 20 times for tracheal stenosis model. Rabbits were treated with corresponding drugs from a week before operation to 9 days after operation. The serum concentrations of transforming growth factor - beta 1 (TGF-ß(1)), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL) -6, IL-8 were determined and the tracheal specimens were harvested for measuring degree of stenosis on the 10th day after operation. Results: Serum concentrations of TGF-ß(1) in group A, B, C, D, E, F and G were (17.6±1.3), (18.2±3.1), (13.0±1.1), (14.0±1.0), (21.0±6.1), (13.6± 3.5), (8.2±1.3) ng/L; VEGF were (88.1±4.1), (85.8±4.3), (58.1±6.3), (56.5±2.4), (87.8±2.8), (57.0±3.7), (34.3±6.7) ng/L; IL-6 were (67.8±4.0), (66.1±3.5), (54.1±4.8), (52.1±3.2), (64.6±4.9), (49.4±4.2), (35.9±3.7) ng/L; IL-8 were (112.8±5.2), (116.6±4.1), (88.0±6.2), (85.5±3.5), (114.4±4.6), (82.6±3.8), (55.9±6.0) ng/L, respectively. The serum concentrations of TGF-ß(1), VEGF, IL-6 and IL-8 in group C, D, F and G were significantly lower than those in group A, B and E (all P<0.05). Compared with the other groups, the serum concentrations in group G were the lowest (all P<0.05). All 42 rabbits had tracheal stenosis with different degrees of proliferation of granulation tissue. The degree of tracheal stenosis in Group A, B, C, D, E, F and G were (53.3±4.4)%, (48.2±5.0)%, (24.3±4.4)%, (29.5±3.2)%, (47.8±6.5)%, (27.9±3.1)%, (15.6±2.0)%, respectively. The degree of tracheal stenosis in group C, D, F and G was significantly lower than that in group A, B and E, which had statistical differences (all P<0.05). Compared with the other groups, the degree of tracheal stenosis in group G was the lowest (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Low dose of erythromycin can effectively inhibit the proliferation of granulation tissue after tracheal injury in rabbits. And it has better effectiveness when combined with other antibiotics and hormone.

[Expression and significance of autophagy in rabbit model of tracheal stenosis].

Objective: To investigate the expression and significance of autophagy in rabbit model of tracheal stenosis. Methods: A total of 18 rabbits were equally divided into 3 groups (blank control group, saline group, erythromycin group) in accordance with the random number table. After rabbit model of tracheal stenosis was established, no treatment was done with blank control group. Saline group was atomized with saline (0.54 mg/kg, 2 times/day), and erythromycin group was fed on erythromycin (7.5 mg/kg, 2 times/day) for 7 days before and 10 days after the operation. On the eleventh day, rabbits were executed, and their trachea were collected. The proportion of collagen fiber area of tracheal lamina propria (LP) and epithelium (EP) was assessed by Masson staining. The mRNA of autophagy associated gene-3 (ATG3) and autophagy associated gene-5 (ATG5) of tracheal mucosa were assessed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The protein of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain ß(3) (LC3B), ATG3 and ATG5 were assessed by Western blot. Results: The proportion of collagen fiber area of tracheal LP and EP of blank control group was (6.79±0.67)%, saline group was (40.55±5.40)%, erythromycin group was (27.48±0.43)%. The differences between any two groups was all statistically significant (all P<0.01). The relative value of ATG3 mRNA and ATG5 mRNA in saline group were significantly lower than blank control group (all P<0.01). Those value in erythromycin group were significantly higher than the saline group (all P<0.01). The protein levels of LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ, ATG3 and ATG5 in saline group were significantly lower than blank control group (all P<0.01). After low dose of erythromycin intervention, all the protein levels were significantly higher than the saline group (all P<0.01). Conclusions: The expression of autophagy is decreased in rabbit model of trachea stenosis. Low dose of erythromycin could increase the expression of autophagy and at the same time alleviate the degree of fibrosis of the tracheal mucosa. Autophagy may alleviate tracheal fibrosis through up-regulating its expression level and play a protective role.

Effect of human papillomavirus 16 E6 gene on the expression of E-cadherin in human cervical cancer cell line SiHa / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To investigate the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6 gene on the expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) in cervical cancer cell line SiHa. Methods HPV16 E6 expression system was established in the cervical cancer cell line SiHa by using transient transfection system, MTT method was used to detect SiHa cell proliferation activity, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot method was used respectively to detect E-cad mRNA and protein expression level in cells after HPV16 E6 transfection. Results Compared with the blank control group (non-transfected plasmid) and the vector group (the addition of pcDNA3.1), the cell viability rate of the E6 group (pcDNA3-1-HPV16 E6) was significantly increased (P<0 .05), while there was no significant difference between the vector group and the blank control group (P>0.05). The relative expressions of E-cad mRNA in the E6 group, the vector group and the blank control group were 0.26±0.12, 0.82±0.14, 0.83±0.21 respectively, then the protein relative expressions in the three groups were 0.62±0.02, 1.33±0.04, 1.31±0.05 respectively. The expressions level of E-cad mRNA and protein in E6 group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the vector group and the blank control group (both P>0.05). Conclusion The instantaneous transfection of HPV16 E6 gene can reduce the expression of E-cad in cervical cancer cells, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of cervical cancer.

Effect of human papillomavirus 16 E6 gene on the expression of E-cadherin in human cervical cancer cell line SiHa / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To investigate the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6 gene on the expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) in cervical cancer cell line SiHa. Methods HPV16 E6 expression system was established in the cervical cancer cell line SiHa by using transient transfection system, MTT method was used to detect SiHa cell proliferation activity, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot method was used respectively to detect E-cad mRNA and protein expression level in cells after HPV16 E6 transfection. Results Compared with the blank control group (non-transfected plasmid) and the vector group (the addition of pcDNA3.1), the cell viability rate of the E6 group (pcDNA3-1-HPV16 E6) was significantly increased (P<0 .05), while there was no significant difference between the vector group and the blank control group (P>0.05). The relative expressions of E-cad mRNA in the E6 group, the vector group and the blank control group were 0.26±0.12, 0.82±0.14, 0.83±0.21 respectively, then the protein relative expressions in the three groups were 0.62±0.02, 1.33±0.04, 1.31±0.05 respectively. The expressions level of E-cad mRNA and protein in E6 group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (all P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the vector group and the blank control group (both P>0.05). Conclusion The instantaneous transfection of HPV16 E6 gene can reduce the expression of E-cad in cervical cancer cells, which is closely related to the occurrence and development of cervical cancer.