Multi-dimensional information sensing of complex surfaces based on fringe projection profilometry.

Multi-dimensional and high-resolution information sensing of complex surface profiles is critical for investigating various structures and analyzing their mechanical properties. This information is currently accessed separately through different technologies and devices. Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) has been widely applied in shape measurement of complex surfaces. Since structured light information is projected instead of being attached onto the surface, it holds back accurately tracking corresponding points and fails to further analyze deformation and strain. To address this issue, we propose a multi-dimensional information sensing method based on digital image correction (DIC)-assisted FPP. Firstly, colorful fluorescent markers are introduced to produce modulated information with both high-intensity reflectivity and color difference. And then, the general information separation method is presented to simultaneously acquire speckle-free texture, fringe patterns and high-contrast speckle patterns for multi-dimensional information sensing. To the best of our knowledge, this proposed method, for the first time, simultaneously realizes accurate and high-resolution 2D texture (T), 4D shape (x, y, z, t) and analytical dimensional mechanical parameters (deformation (d), strain (s)) information sensing based on the FPP system. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed method can measure and analyze 3D geometry and mechanical state of complex surfaces, expanding the measuring dimension of the off-the-shelf FPP system without any extra hardware cost.

LncRNA PTOV1-AS2 Promotes Colon Cancer Progression through the miR-145-5p/FSCN1 Axis.

Objective: The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) gene PTOV1-AS2 is a potentially oncogenic lncRNA gene. However, its role and regulatory mechanism in the occurrence and development of colon cancer are still unclear. In this study, the lncRNA PTOV1-AS2 was used as a starting point to investigate the role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory mechanisms in colon cancer. Methods: The expression of lncRNA PTOV1-AS2 mRNA in colon cancer tissues and cell lines was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and screened for differential expression in cells. We examined the effects of lncRNA PTOV1-AS2 overexpression or downregulation of its expression on various cellular processes in HCT116 and SW620 cells after the transfection with an overexpression construct or PTOV1-AS2p-specific shRNA, respectively. In particular, we examined the effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion using the cell counting kit-8 CCK-8 assay and Transwell migration and invasion assays, respectively. In addition, the binding targets of lncRNA PTOV1-AS2/miR-145-5p and miR-145-5p/FSCN1 were predicted using various bioinformatics tools and validated by a dual luciferase assay. We also examined the effect of the lncRNA PTOV1-AS2/miR-145-5p axis on FSCN1 expression by qRT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of the PTOV1-AS2/miR-145-5p/FSCN1 axis on the biological function of colon cancer cells using an in vitro colon cancer cell model with reduced expression of PTOV1-AS2 and simultaneous transfection of a miR-145-5p inhibitor or FSCN1 vector. Additionally, we established a colon cancer xenograft tumor nude mouse model and used it to investigate the effect of locally injected lncRNA PTOV1-AS2 vector on the tumor growth and survival status of tumor-bearing mice. Results: We found that PTOV1-AS2 was highly expressed in colon cancer, which was associated with worse survival. High expression of PTOV1-AS2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while low expression of PTOV1-AS2 inhibited these processes in HCT116 and SW620 cells. The microRNA miR-145-5p was found to bind to the 3'-UTR region of both PTOV1-AS2 and FSCN1. In addition, miR-145-5p decreased the protein expression of its target gene FSCN1 and reduced the PTOV1-AS2-induced expression of FSCN1 in colon cancer cell lines. Also, silencing miR-145-5p or enhancing FSCN1 expression could partially restore the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the tumorigenic capacity caused by silencing the expression of PTOV1-AS2 in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: PTOV1-AS2 promotes colon cancer progression by "sponging" miR-145-5p to upregulate FSCN1.

Betulinic acid targets drug-resistant human gastric cancer cells by inducing autophagic cell death, suppresses cell migration and invasion, and modulates the ERK/MEK signaling pathway.

The main purpose of this study was to examine the anticancer effects of betulinic acid - a plant triterpene, against gastric cancer, along with demonstrating its underlying mechanism. The MTT assay and clonogenic assays were executed to assess cellular viability in control and betulinic acid treated cells. Transmission electron microscopy and western blotting were implemented to study autophagy stimulation by betulinic acid. The ERK/MEK signaling pathway was monitored by western blotting. Migration and invasion of SGC-7901 cells was investigated via transwell chamber assay. Results of this investigation indicated that betulinic acid induced remarkable cytotoxicity against gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, in contrast to normal gastric GES-1 cells. The cytotoxicity of betulinic acid was observed due to its autophagy stimulation tendency in target cells. Autophagic cell death was supported by the data attained from western blotting showing enhanced LC3-II, and lowered LC3-I and p62 expressions. Moreover, betulinic acid was observed to block the ERK/MEK signaling pathway in SGC-7901 cells, which was associated with declined levels of expressions of the phosphorylated ERK and MEK proteins. Finally, the transwell chamber assay revealed a potential lowering of migration and invasion by betulinic acid in the SGC-7901 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that betulinic acid exhibited significant anti-gastric cancer effects mediated via autophagy induction, blocking of ERK/MEK signaling and suppression of migration and invasion. Therefore, betulinic acid may prove as a lead molecule in gastric cancer management and research.

LncRNA DLEU2 is activated by STAT1 and induces gastric cancer development via targeting miR-23b-3p/NOTCH2 axis and Notch signaling pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer (GC) has severely affected the health of patients and caused high mortality around the world. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been validated to play significant roles in biological process of multiple cancers. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were conducted to evaluate the expression levels and protein levels of related genes in GC cells. Functional assays were implemented to explore the effect of deleted in lymphocytic leukemia 2 (DLEU2). The upstream and downstream mechanisms of DLEU2 were verified by mechanism investigations. RESULTS: The expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) DLEU2 was observably high in GC cells and tissues. DLEU2 silence depressed the capacities of proliferation, migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis in GC cells. Moreover, DLEU2 was activated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and sequestered microRNA-23b-3p (miR-23b-3p) to modulate the expression of notch receptor 2 (NOTCH2), thereby stimulating Notch signaling pathway. More importantly, DLEU2 contributed to GC progression via targeting miR-23b-3p/NOTCH2 axis. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our research identified the STAT1/DLEU2/miR-23b-3p/NOTCH2/Notch axis in GC development, indicating that DLEU2 might function as a novel biomarker in GC.

lncRNA UASR1 sponges miR-107 in colorectal cancer to upregulate oncogenic CDK8 and promote cell proliferation.

lncRNA UASR1 (UASR1) has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in breast cancer. UASR1 was predicted to interact with miR-107, which serves tumor suppressive roles mainly by targeting CDK8. The present study was performed to investigate the interactions among UASR1, miR-107 and CDK8 in colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 62 patients with CRC, including 40 males and 22 females (age range, 38-67 years; mean age, 57.2±7.6 years) were enrolled at the Second Hospital of Shandong University between July 2012 and July 2014. The expression of UASR1 in tissues and cells were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The interaction between UASR1 and miR-107 was investigated by performing dual luciferase activity assay, and the effects of overexpression of UASR1, miR-107 and CDK8 on the proliferation of CR4 cells were analyzed by performing cell proliferation analysis. It was observed that UASR1 is upregulated in CRC and its high expression levels predicted poor survival in patients with CRC. RNA-RNA interaction prediction demonstrated that UASR1 may interact with miR-107. In CRC cells, overexpression of UASR1 and miR-107 did not affect each other. However, the expression of CDK8, a target of miR-107, was upregulated following overexpression of UASR1. Notably, overexpression of UASR1 decreased the inhibitory effects of miR-107 on cell proliferation and the expression of CDK8. Therefore, UASR1 may sponge miR-107 to upregulate oncogenic CDK8, thereby promoting CRC cell proliferation.

MSC-induced lncRNA HCP5 drove fatty acid oxidation through miR-3619-5p/AMPK/PGC1α/CEBPB axis to promote stemness and chemo-resistance of gastric cancer.

Chemotherapy is the first-tier treatment regime for gastric cancer (GC) patients at advance stages. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cam affect drug-resistance of GC cells in tumor microenvironment, but the detailed mechanism remains poorly understood. Present study aimed to investigate the regulation of MSC-induced long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in GC. Dysregulated lncRNAs in GC were analyzed based on GEO data. Stemness and drug-resistance of GC cells were detected by sphere formation, colony formation, CCK-8, and flow cytometry analyses. MicroRNA (miRNA)-related pathways were analyzed by online KEGG analysis tool DAVID6.8. Molecular interactions were determined by luciferase reporter assay, pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP). Results revealed that MSC co-culture improved stemness and drug-resistance of GC cells. LncRNA histocompatibility leukocyte antigen complex P5 (HCP5) was induced in GC cells by MSC co-culture, contributing to stemness and drug-resistance. Mechanistically, HCP5 sequestered miR-3619-5p and upregulated PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A), increasing transcription complex Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) coactivator-1α (PGC1α)/CEBPB and transcriptionally inducing carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), which prompted the fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in GC cells. In conclusion, MSC-induced lncRNA HCP5 drove FAO through miR-3619-5p/AMPK/PGC1α/CEBPB axis to promote stemness and chemo-resistance of GC, indicating that targeting HCP5 was a novel approach to enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in GC.

Circular RNA ATXN7 promotes the development of gastric cancer through sponging miR-4319 and regulating ENTPD4.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) which are shown as a class of RNAs exhibit the importance in the regulation of gene expression and the development of biological process. However, the expression profile and molecular mechanism of circRNA ATXN7 (circATXN7) is still mostly uncertain in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: qRT-PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression of circATXN7, miR-4319 and ENTPD4 in GC tissues and cells. CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, TUNEL and transwell assays were conducted to assess the effect of circATXN7 or miR-4319 on cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion. In vivo assays were utilized to further analyze the function of circATXN7 on the tumorigenesis and progression of GC. The interaction between miR-4319 and circATXN7 (or ENTPD4) was verified using luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. RESULTS: The results showed an upregulated circATXN7 expression in GC tissues and cell lines. Besides, silenced circATXN7 hampered the proliferation and invasion as well as promoted the apoptosis in GC cells. Moreover, low expression of miR-4319 was found in GC. It was determined that circATXN7 acted as a sponge for miR-4319 and had a negative association with miR-4319. We also found that miR-4319 upregulation restrained GC cell proliferation and migration whereas enhanced apoptosis. Subsequently, ENTPD4, the target gene of miR-4319, was found overexpressed in GC. Additionally, it was negatively correlated with miR-4319 whereas positively associated with circATXN7. In vivo experiments, circATXN7 silence was confirmed to inhibit GC tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: CircATXN7 promoted GC development through sponging miR-4319 and regulating ENTPD4, which identified circATXN7 as a new biomarker in GC.

LINC00511 accelerated the process of gastric cancer by targeting miR-625-5p/NFIX axis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a common-sighted cancer which is hard to cure over the world. Substantial researches revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were fundamental regulators in the process of cancers. Nevertheless, the biological function of LINC00511 and how LINC00511 was involved in the regulatory system in GC remained unclear. METHODS: RIP assays and luciferase reporter assays were performed to illustrate combination between LINC00511 and miR-625-5p. Loss-of-function assays were applied for identifying LINC00511 function in GC. RESULTS: In our study, LINC00511 was discovered significantly high in expression in GC tissues and cell lines. Moreover, LINC00511 showed a strong expression in I/II and III/IV stage. Knockdown of LINC00511 could inhibit the cell proliferation while enhanced cell apoptosis rate in GC. We used nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation to judge the subcellular localization of LINC00511. Furthermore, miR-625-5p was found to have binding sites for LINC00511 and negatively regulated by LINC00511. Overexpression of miR-625-5p repressed the course of GC. And knockdown of miR-625-5p could recover the effects of LINC00511 silence. Besides, NFIX was discovered as a downstream target of miR-625-5p and overexpression of NFIX could offset the influence of LINC00511 silence. The results of vivo studies manifested that down-regulation of LINC00511 could reduce the Ki67 expression and NFIX while lifted the expression of miR-625-5p. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results from our study demonstrated that LINC00511 could function as a tumor promoter by targeting miR-625-5p NFIX axis, suggesting LINC00511 could be considered as a target for GC treatment.

Simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection for multiple early gastric cancers in a low volume center.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for multiple early gastric cancers.A total of 70 solitary early gastric cancers from 70 patients and 20 multiple early gastric cancers from 10 patients were included in this retrospective study. The curative resection rate, en bloc resection rate, procedure-related complications, and local recurrence were compared between the 2 groups.There was no statistical difference in the rate of complete resection, en bloc resection, and curative resection between the 2 groups (P > .05). No significant difference was found with respect to the occurrence of postoperative bleeding (P > .05). Procedure time was significantly longer in the simultaneous group than that in the single group (87.6 ±â€Š25.1 min vs 54.6 ±â€Š22.0 min, P = .004). The overall incidence of synchronous early gastric cancer was 7.5%.Simultaneous ESD for multiple early gastric cancers is a safe and feasible choice in low-volume hospital. The entire stomach should be examined meticulously during and after ESD. Larger randomized studies are needed to validate our results.

Clinicopathological analysis of endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal mucosa lesion / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To analyze the endoscopic and clinicopathologic features of early esopheal carcinoma and precancerous lesions and evaluate the necessity, efficacy and safety of ESD in the treatment. Methods From May 2013 to April 2016, 51 consecutive patients underwent high-resolution video endoscopy and biopsy, confirmed diagnosis of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or intraepithelial neoplasia were included. There were capillary loops (IPCL), iodine-staining, preoperative and postoperative pathology, and complications to analyze. Results 51 patients had total 58 lesions, Type A, Type B1, Type B2 of IPCL classification were diagnosed in 8 (13.79%), 44 (75.86%), 6 (10.34%). Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, early esophageal carcinoma of preoperative biopsy were diagnosed in 11 (18.97%), 42 (72.41%), 5 (8.62%), low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, early esophageal carcinoma of postoperative pathology results were diagnosed in 10 (17.54%), 27 (46.55%), 21 (36.21%), concordance rate of pathological results were 60.34%. Complications included micro-perforations (0.00%), strictures (8.62%) and delayed hemorrhage (3.51%), respectively. Conclusion After endoscopic submucosal dissection, detection rate of early esophageal cancer increased significantly, preoperative biopsy had guidance significance in diagnosis and treatment, ESD treatment can reduce the missed diagnosis of early esophageal carcinoma.

Clinicopathological analysis of endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal mucosa lesion / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To analyze the endoscopic and clinicopathologic features of early esopheal carcinoma and precancerous lesions and evaluate the necessity, efficacy and safety of ESD in the treatment. Methods From May 2013 to April 2016, 51 consecutive patients underwent high-resolution video endoscopy and biopsy, confirmed diagnosis of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or intraepithelial neoplasia were included. There were capillary loops (IPCL), iodine-staining, preoperative and postoperative pathology, and complications to analyze. Results 51 patients had total 58 lesions, Type A, Type B1, Type B2 of IPCL classification were diagnosed in 8 (13.79%), 44 (75.86%), 6 (10.34%). Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, early esophageal carcinoma of preoperative biopsy were diagnosed in 11 (18.97%), 42 (72.41%), 5 (8.62%), low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, early esophageal carcinoma of postoperative pathology results were diagnosed in 10 (17.54%), 27 (46.55%), 21 (36.21%), concordance rate of pathological results were 60.34%. Complications included micro-perforations (0.00%), strictures (8.62%) and delayed hemorrhage (3.51%), respectively. Conclusion After endoscopic submucosal dissection, detection rate of early esophageal cancer increased significantly, preoperative biopsy had guidance significance in diagnosis and treatment, ESD treatment can reduce the missed diagnosis of early esophageal carcinoma.

Multiband Mucosectomy Versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Treatment of Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia of the Esophagus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We compared the efficacy and safety of multiband mucosectomy (MBM) vs endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of squamous intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 78 patients with squamous intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus who received either ESD or MBM between January 2009 and January 2011 at the Tengzhou Central People's Hospital in China. We compared rates of bloc resection and curative resection, as well as complications and local recurrence, between groups. RESULTS: Overall, there was no statistical difference in the rate of complete resection between patients who received ESD (95.8%) vs MBM (93%) (P > .05). For tumors less than 15 mm in width, ESD produced a significantly higher rate of en bloc resection (100%) and curative resection (92.3%) than MBM (44.8% and 41%; P < .05). No significant differences were found between lesions less than 15 mm. MBM had a significantly shorter procedure time (38 ± 11 min) than ESD (84 ± 35 min) (P < .05). Major bleeding occurred in 1.85% of MBM procedures and in 16.7% of ESD procedures (P > .05). ESD led to perforations in 8.3% of cases, whereas MBM did not lead to any perforations (P < .05). No significant differences were found between groups in proportions of cases with postoperative esophageal strictures (16.7% vs 14.8%; P > .05) or the 3-year rate of local recurrence (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on a retrospective comparison of patients who underwent ESD vs MBM for squamous intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus, ESD should be reserved for patients with larger neoplastic lesions (>15 mm), with respect to the success of attempted en bloc resection and the number of curative resections achieved. However, ESD has longer procedure times and higher rates of complication. MBM allows for safe and easy piecemeal resections, and is associated with similar levels of clinical success as ESD for lesions less than 15 mm. Large, randomized, controlled studies are needed to determine which endoscopic resection modality is superior for patients with high-grade intraepithelia neoplasms.

Hydrogen-rich gas production by cogasification of coal and biomass in an intermittent fluidized bed.

This paper presents the experimental results of cogasification of coal and biomass in an intermittent fluidized bed reactor, aiming to investigate the influences of operation parameters such as gasification temperature (T), steam to biomass mass ratio (SBMR), and biomass to coal mass ratio (BCMR) on hydrogen-rich (H2-rich) gas production. The results show that H2-rich gas free of N2 dilution is produced and the H2 yield is in the range of 18.25~68.13 g/kg. The increases of T, SBMR, and BCMR are all favorable for promoting the H2 production. Higher temperature contributes to higher CO and H2 contents, as well as H2 yield. The BCMR has a weak influence on gas composition, but the yield and content of H2 increase with BCMR, reaching a peak at the BCMR of 4. The H2 content and yield in the product gas increase with SBMR, whilst the content of CO increases first and then decreases correspondingly. At a typical case, the relative linear sensitivity coefficients of H2 production efficiency to T, SBMR, and BCMR were calculated. The results reveal that the order of the influence of the operation parameters on H2 production efficiency is T > SBMR > BCMR.