Alfalfa xeno-miR159a regulates bovine mammary epithelial cell proliferation and milk protein synthesis by targeting PTPRF.

Milk protein content is an important index to evaluate the quality and nutrition of milk. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in bovine lactation, but little is known regarding the cross-kingdom regulatory roles of plant-derived exogenous miRNAs (xeno-miRNAs) in milk protein synthesis, particularly the underlying molecular mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanism of alfalfa-derived xeno-miRNAs on proliferation and milk protein synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). Our previous study showed that alfalfa miR159a (mtr-miR159a, xeno-miR159a) was highly expressed in alfalfa, and the abundance of mtr-miR159a was significantly lower in serum and whey from high-protein-milk dairy cows compared with low-protein-milk dairy cows. In this study, mRNA expression was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and casein content was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, western blot, and flow cytometry. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the regulation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type F (PTPRF) by xeno-miR159a. We found that xeno-miR159a overexpression inhibited proliferation of BMEC and promoted cell apoptosis. Besides, xeno-miR159a overexpression decreased ß-casein abundance, and increased α-casein and κ-casein abundance in BMECs. Dual-luciferase reporter assay result confirmed that PTPRF is a target gene of xeno-miR159a. These results provide new insights into the mechanism by which alfalfa-derived miRNAs regulate BMECs proliferation and milk protein synthesis.

A study of self-precaution against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of risk perception attitude theory and social support.

BACKGROUND: In this research, the factors that influence the self-precautionary behavior during the pandemic are explored with the combination of social support and a risk perception attitude framework. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among 429 members to collect information on demographic data, social support, perceptions of outbreak risk, health self-efficacy, and self-precautionary behaviors with the guide of the Social Support Scale, the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale, the Health Self-Efficacy Scale and the Self-precautionary Behavior Scale. RESULTS: The research shows that among the three dimensions of social support, both objective support and support utilization negatively predict risk perception, while subjective support positively predicts health self-efficacy; health self-efficacy and risk perception significantly predict self-precautionary behavior; the relationship between risk perception and self-precautionary behavior is significantly moderated by health self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The combined influence of social capital and risk perception attitudinal frameworks on self-precautionary behavior is highlighted in this study, with the relationship between the public's risk perception, health self-efficacy, and self-precautionary behavior intentions examined against the background of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These findings contribute to understanding the impact of social capital factors on risk perception and health self-efficacy, which provides insight into the current status and influencing factors of the public's precautionary behavior and facilitates early intervention during a pandemic.

Expression and role of EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS in laryngocarcinoma tissues.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclin D1 and KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS) genes serve roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. The aim of the current study was to investigate the expression levels of EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS in laryngocarcinoma tissues and their association with clinical features. In addition, correlation between the expression levels of EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS was analyzed in laryngocarcinoma tissues. The expression levels of EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS in 46 patients with laryngocarcinoma and 20 patients with vocal cord polyps as the control group were determined using Super Vision immunohistochemical staining assay kits. The differences in clinical and pathological parameters between groups were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. The expression rates of EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS were 71.7, 52.2 and 39.1%, respectively in laryngocarcinoma tissues, and 10.0, 5.0 and 10.0%, respectively in vocal cord polyps. There was a positive correlation between the expression levels of EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS. The expression of these genes was also closely associated with the clinical stage, treatment response and prognosis of patients with laryngocarcinoma. Multivariate analysis of prognosis using the Cox regression model indicated that EGFR expression in laryngocarcinoma tissues and the clinical stage of patients with laryngocarcinoma were closely associated with patient prognosis. The results of the current study indicated that EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS were synergistically involved in the occurrence and development of laryngocarcinoma, directly affecting the prognosis of patients. Additionally, high expression of EGFR, cyclin D1 and KRAS facilitated the invasion and metastasis of laryngocarcinoma cells. The expression of EGFR in laryngocarcinoma tissues and clinical stage were two independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients.

Interactions between dendritic cells and T lymphocytes in pathogenesis of nasal polyps.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the functional status of dendritic cells (DCs) in nasal polyps (NP) and their interactions with T lymphocytes. The interactions between DC and T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of NP was also studied. The expression of cluster of differentiation (CD)1a and CD83 in NP was detected using immunohistochemistry and the ratio of CD83 DC/CD1a+DC was counted. The distribution of DCs in NP and normal inferior turbinate mucosa (nITM) was evaluated using double immunostaining (CD1a/CD40) and low illumination fluorescence microscopy. The number of CD1a+ cells, CD83+ cells and CD1a/CD40-dual positive cells in was significantly higher in NP tissues compared with nITM. Furthermore, the density of DCs observed in NP was significantly greater than that observed in nITM. The ratio of CD83 DC/CD1a+DC in NP was significantly higher compared with in nITM tissues. The results of the present study revealed significant infiltration of DCs in NP, with the majority being mature DCs. DCs are able to interact with T cells via the CD40/CD40L costimulatory factor, thus serving an important role in the development and progression of NP.

Expression and distribution of dendritic cells in nasal polyps.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression, distribution and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and to study their role in nasal polyps. The study involved 55 participants, 45 of whom had nasal polyps and were the study group and 10 who had normal inferior turbinates and were the control group. Immunohistochemical staining was used to visualize the expression and distribution of the S-100 protein. A double immunostaining method was used to visualize the CD1a and CD40 expression and the images were analyzed with Axioplan 2 microscopy. The expression level of the S-100 protein in the nasal polyps was higher than that in the normal inferior turbinates with a significant difference (P<0.01). The distribution area, number and density of the double stained cells in the nasal polyps were all greater than in the normal inferior turbinates (P<0.01). The S-100 protein and double stained cells were mainly located in the lamina propria below the mucous membrane. The present study demonstrates that DCs are involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps and the presence of CD40-positive DCs suggests that this was related to the reciprocal interaction between the DCs and T lymphocytes.

[Analysis of prognostic factors of primary mucosal melanoma in nasal and oral cavity].

OBJECTIVE: Primary mucosal melanoma of nasal and oral cavity is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. This study aims to summarize the clinical features and survival status and then to evaluate the prognostic factors. METHOD: Clinical data of 66 patients with mucosal melanoma in nasal and oral cavity treated from Jan. 1980 to Jan. 2005, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received the surgery. The following parameters: gender, age, primary location, tumor size, presence of ulcer, presence of pigment aggravation, lymph node metastasis, treatment mode and initially treatment outcome were investigated to evaluate their potential impact on survival. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for multivariate analysis. RESULT: The primary locations were nasal cavity (34 cases), oral cavity (23 cases) and paranasal sinuses (9 cases). All patients received surgery. Thirty-seven patients received post-operative adjuvant treatments. Of which, 12 received adjuvant chemotherapy. 8 received adjuvant immunotherapy, 5 received adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy, 8 received adjuvant radiotherapy and 4 received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Local recurrence, lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis appeared in 15 patients at 6 months after the primary treatment. The distant metastasis rate was 15.2% (10/66). The average survival time was 77.9 months, the median survival time was 33.7 months. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 41.4% and 31.1% respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, lymph node metastasis and initially treatment outcome were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of mucosal melanoma in nasal and oral cavity is poor. Tumor size, lymph node metastasis, initially treatment outcome are independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The effect of post-operative adjuvant treatments is not clear, and further studies are needed.

Clinical outcome of window partial laryngectomy for stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the operative impact and therapeutic value of window partial laryngectomy for the treatment of stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma. METHODS: From October 2000 to December 2006, window partial laryngectomy and laryngeal reconstruction were performed on 48 appropriately selected patients with stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinomas. Twenty-nine males and 19 females were included. Before the operation and in the sixth month after the operation, degree of hoarseness, vocal fold mobility and symmetry, glottal width during quiet breathing, degree of glottal closure during phonating, respiratory function, and swallowing function were surveyed. In addition, tumor recurrence and metastasis and patient survival time were monitored. RESULTS: With the exception of vocal fold mobility (P=0.343), there were significant differences between the two treatment groups in all areas that were investigated, including degree of hoarseness (all P<0.01), vocal fold symmetry (P=0.000), glottal width during quiet breathing (P=0.001), degree of glottal closure during phonating (P=0.001), and respiratory function (P=0.001). Swallowing function was not influenced (P=0.310). There was recurrence in one case (2.1%), cervical lymph node metastasis in one case, and hepatic metastasis in one case. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 96.9% and 88.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that window partial laryngectomy was successful for treating properly selected stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma. This operation was effective for reducing surgical invasion and facilitated the resumption of respiratory and vocal function.

[Clinical analysis on 28 cases of head-neck malignant fibrous histiocytoma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical feature and treatment of head-neck malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). METHOD: A retrospective analysis on the clinical data of 28 cases of MFH were carried out, of which 9 were in the maxilla, 3 in the nasal cavity, 5 in the larynx, 3 in the parotid, 3 in the temporal bone, 1 in the hypothyroid, and 4 in the head and neck region. All of the cases underwent immune histochemistry: 4 cases of surgery alone, 23 cases of surgery followed by radiotherapy, and 1 case of radiotherapy alone. RESULT: Except 5 cases lost follow-up after 1 year, all the other cases were followed-up over 3 years, the survival rate for 1 or 3 years was respectively 96.4% (27/28) and 57.1% (16/28); 23 cases were followed up for 5 years, the survival rate was 26.1% (6/23). The recurrent rate in 3 years was 60.7% (17/28), with 1 to 7 times recurrence at a mean interval of 5.6 months. Twelve recurrent cases were adopted expanded resection of non-defined operation except 1 case with radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of MFH depends on the technology of immune histochemistry. Early diagnosis, expanded resection, and integrated therapy could reduce the recurrence and increase the survival rate; the recurrence could adopt expanded resection of non-defined operation to prolong the life.

[Window partial laryngectomy for the treatment of stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the operative effect and value of window partial laryngectomy for the treatment of stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma. METHODS: From Oct. 2000 to Dec. 2006, the stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma of 48 patients by properly selected were performed with window partial laryngectomy and laryngeal reconstruction. Twenty nine males and 19 females were included. Their ages ranged from 43 to 78 years (median 57.0 years). Before operation and in the 6 months after operation, these targets including auditory mental evaluation of hoarse degree, active degree and symmetry of vocal cord, glottic width in the time of quiet breathing, glottic closing degree in the time of phonating, respiratory function and swallowing function were surveyed. In addition, the things of recurrence and metastasis of tumors together with survival time of patients were following investigated. RESULTS: All patients were decannulated successfully and incisions were healed smoothly. No operative complication occurred. Except active degree of vocal cord (P = 0.343), there were respectively significant difference between two group targets of auditory mental evaluation of hoarse degree (all P <0.01), symmetry of vocal cord (P = 0.000), glottic width in the time of quiet breathing (P = 0. 001), glottic closing degree in the time of phonating (P = 0.001) and respiratory function (P=0.001) those were investigated before operation and after operation. The swallowing function wasn't influenced (P= 0.310). There were laryngostenosis in 1 case, recurrence in 1 case (2.1%), cervical lymph node metastasis in 1 case and hepatic metastasis in 1 case. Two cases died. 3-year and 5-year overall survival rate were respectively 96.9% and 88.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that window partial laryngectomy was successful for treating stage T2-3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma by properly selected. This operation was effective for reducing surgical invasion and beneficial to resume respiratory and vocal function.

[Diagnosis and treatment of serious adult airway obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of serious adult airway obstruction. METHOD: Eighty six adult cases admitted to our hospital for serious airway obstruction from 1995 to 2006, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULT: Among the 86 cases, 34 cases (39.5%) had inflammatory diseases, 32 cases (37.2%) had neoplastic diseases and 9 cases (10.5%) had traumatic diseases. In addition, 3 cases of laryngeal spasm, 6 cases of laryngeal stricture, 2 cases of bilateral laryngeal paralysis and 1 case of asphyxia with aspiration were also include in this study. The patients who had laryngeal or tracheal obstruction were 60 cases (69.8%) and 13 cases (15.1%). In addition, 46 cases (53.5%) and 4 cases (4.7%) had tracheotomy or endotracheal intubation. Twenty six cases were only adopted medical treatment to relieve dyspnea. The final diagnosis of the 86 cases was made and the serious airway obstruction was was relieved within 2 hours. While 14 cases (16.3%) had serious complications and 6 cases (6.9%) had operative complications occurred. One cases (0.2%) died. CONCLUSION: The causes of serious adult airway obstruction could be complicated, the site and character of obstruction would change constantly. Quick diagnosis, timely removal of the obstruction should be critical factors to improve curative effect.

[Resection of invasive head and neck neoplasms involving skull base].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the operative methods of invasive head and neck neoplasms involving skull base. METHOD: Thirty-two cases with invasive head and neck neoplasms involving anterior and lateral skull base, from 1997 to 2005, were treated with surgical resection. Nine surgical approaches including endoscopic transnasal approach for five cases, combined craniofacial approach for three cases, maxillary resection approach for 15 cases, transpalatal approach for one case, transmandibular approach for one case, lateral neck-mandibular incision approach for two cases, combined retroauricular and neck approach for one case, frontotemporal approach for two cases, and facial translocation approach for two cases were used to resect the tumors. RESULT: Four cases with nasal sinus mucocele were only applied drainage and one case with chordoma was subtotally resected. The tumors of the rest 27 cases were totally removed. Although one case complicated with cerebrospinal fluid leak and recovered within one week, no one died from the operation and no serious cranium-cerebrum complication occurred. Eight cases with benign tumor were followed up for six months to eight years without recurrence and no one died. For 24 cases with malignant tumor, survival rates of three and five years were 63.2% (12/19), 41.7% (5/12) respectively. CONCLUSION: Surgical approach must be designed according to the pathological change's characters, site and invasive range. Favorable curative effect could be achieved by resecting tumors totally as possible, protecting important constitutions, and adopting proper reparative techniques.

[Diagnosis and treatment of serious pediatric airway obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of serious pediatric airway obstruction. METHODS: Seventy three pediatric cases with serious airway obstruction, admitted to Shantou hospital from 1995 to 2005, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 73 cases, 28 cases (38.4%) with inflammatory disease and 33 cases (45.2%) with foreign body. In addition, 8 cases of laryngeal papilloma, 3 cases of laryngotracheobronchial spasm and 1 case of pharyngeal dysembryoma were also included in this study. The patients who had endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy were 39 cases (53.4%) and 27 cases (36.9%) respectively. Ten cases received non-surgery treatment. Seventy two cases diagnosis was confirmed and the related serious airway obstruction condition got stable within 12 hours. While serious complications occurred in 23 cases (31.5%) and operative complications occurred in 3 cases (4.1%). Four cases ( 5.5%) died and 68 cases (93.2%) were cured. One case refused to be treated. CONCLUSIONS: The condition of serious pediatric airway obstruction patients is usually critical, the related causes could be complicated, quick diagnosis and timely removal of the obstruction factors are imperative.

[Surgical treatment for laryngeal condyloma acuminata in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic methods of laryngeal condyloma acuminata in children. METHOD: Operative treatment was performed in 43 cases of laryngeal condyloma acuminata in children. Direct laryngoscopy with removal of laryngeal tumor under surface anesthesia was performed in 26 cases, and trachea cannula, retaining laryngoscopy with removal of laryngeal tumor under general anesthesia were performed in 17 cases, hypodermic implantation of the removal condyloma acuminata at medial upper arm and submucous injection of interferon at vocal fold were performed in 13 cases at the same time. RESULT: Cases were followed-up, 26 cases were cured, 7 cases were improved, 2 cases were dead, 7 cases needed tracheotomy, 3 cases had difficulty of decannulation. CONCLUSION: Wide affected part and high recurrence rate are characters of this disease, the tumor can be removed more accurately and the recurrence rate can be decreased when performing self-retaining laryngoscopy with removal of laryngeal tumor combined with hypodermic implantation of the removal condyloma acuminata at medial upper arm and submucous injection of interferon at vocal fold. Difficulty of decannulation can also be avoided after tracheotomy.

[Surgical treatment for patients with late-stage thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of surgical treatment for patients with late-stage thyroid carcinoma. METHOD: Eleven cases of late-stage thyroid carcinoma underwent radical neck lymphnode dicission of the affected side plus functional neck lymphnode dicission on the opposite side. Three of them received lobectomy of the affected sides and excission of the isthmus. Six cases received lobectomy of affected sides, excission of isthmus and subtotal thyroidectomy of the opposite side; 2 of them received total thyroidectomy and parathyroid transpiantation. RESULT: With 9 cases followed up, 8 cases survived without recurrence and advancing. One for 6 years, 1 for 5 years, 2 for 3 years, 3 for 2 years and 1 for 1 year. The other one died, suffered from papillary adenocarcinoma combined with metastatic adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: For patients with late-stage thyroid carcinoma, operation should be performed as possible. Postoperative thyroid hormone administration could inhibit the development of the primary and metastatic lesions effectively. Preservation of parathyroid glands could improve the patient's life quality.

[Clinical analysis of primary head and neck non-Hodgkin's ].

OBJECTIVE: To research the clinical features of primary head and neck non-Hodgkin's lymphoms (NHL). METHOD: 62 patients with primary head and neck NHL were analyzed in the positions of focuses, clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment. RESULT: Tonsilla palatina(25.8%), cervical lymphonodi (19.4%), nasal cavity and nasal sinuses(12.9%) were the common place of the origin of NHL which had various clinical manifestations. High-grade malignant lymphomas represented 75.8% of these cases whose I E stage and II E stage were 38.7% and 24.2% respectively. The complete response, partial response, and response rate were 75.8%, 14.5%, and 90.3%, respectively. Some patients had been long-term survival without tumor. CONCLUSION: Head and neck NHL is generally high degree malignancy. It often originates from outside lymph node and easily metastasizes to lymph node. Accurate surgical biopsy linking immunohistochemical test will be advantageous to make a definite diagnosis. Combining Chemotherapy and radiotherapy or operation should be put into practice to improve prognosis.