Application of the modified cytosine base-editing in the cultured cells of bama minipig.

Bama minipig is a unique miniature swine bred from China. Their favorable characteristics include delicious meat, strong adaptability, tolerance to rough feed, and high levels of stress tolerance. Unfavorable characteristics are their low lean meat percentage, high fat content, slow growth rate, and low feed conversion ratio. Genome-editing technology using CRISPR/Cas9 efficiently knocked out the myostatin gene (MSTN) that has a negative regulatory effect on muscle production, effectively promoting pig muscle growth and increasing lean meat percentage of the pigs. However, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology is based on random mutations implemented by DNA double-strand breaks, which may trigger genomic off-target effects and chromosomal rearrangements. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 to improve economic traits in pigs has raised biosafety concerns. Base editor (BE) developed based on CRISPR/Cas9 such as cytosine base editor (CBE) effectively achieve targeted modification of a single base without relying on DNA double-strand breaks. Hence, the method has greater safety in the genetic improvement of pigs. The aim of the present study is to utilize a modified CBE to generate MSTN-knockout cells of Bama minipigs. Our results showed that the constructed "all-in-one"-modified CBE plasmid achieved directional conversion of a single C·G base pair to a T·A base pair of the MSTN target in Bama miniature pig fibroblast cells. We successfully constructed multiple single-cell colonies of Bama minipigs fibroblast cells carrying the MSTN premature termination and verified that there were no genomic off-target effects detected. This study provides a foundation for further application of somatic cell cloning to construct MSTN-edited Bama minipigs that carry only a single-base mutation and avoids biosafety risks to a large extent, thereby providing experience and a reference for the base editing of other genetic loci in Bama minipigs.

Gene expression analysis of porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cell in response to immune stimulation of Poly I:C.

Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) is an analogue of natural double strand RNA (dsRNA), which can simulate the viral dsRNA and stimulate the immune response. In the present study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from piglets of Dapulian and Landrace with different disease resistance, and stimulated with 20 µg/mL Poly I:C for 24 hours in vitro culture. The expression of several cytokines (IL6, IL8, TNFα, IL10, IRF3, IFNα and IFNγ) and three pattern recognition receptors (TLR3, TLR4 and RIG1) was determined by qRT-PCR. The results showed that, most of the cytokines or receptors had obvious expression change compared with the control (without Poly I:C stimulation), especially the three cytokine genes IL6, IL8 and IL10, whose average expression change times were 20.71, 10.87 and 5.18, respectively. Expression comparison between breeds and among individuals of the same breed indicated that there was obvious difference not only between Dapulain and Landrace (Dapulain higher than Landrace) but also among the three individuals of the same breed. Our study simulated the infection of dsRNA to host cells using Poly I:C, and provided experimental foundation for further study on selecting the immune genes in response to Poly I:C stimulation and identifying the unique disease-resistance genes of Dapulian.

The GGCT and REST positive feedback loop promotes tumor growth in Glioma.

BACKGROUND: γ-Glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT), an enzyme crucial in glutathione metabolism, has emerged as a participant in tumorigenesis. The present study is designed to elucidate the biological role and molecular mechanisms underlying GGCT in glioma. METHODS: Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and PrognoScan online databases were utilized to examine the expressions and clinical prognosis of GGCT and REST in glioma. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, Wound healing, and Flow cytometric assays, and RNA-sequencing analysis were employed to uncover the molecular role of GGCT and REST. Prediction of Differentially expressed microRNA (DE-miRNAs) and miRNAs targeting GGCT 3' Untranslated Region (UTR) was performed using miRanda online datasets. Finally, Real time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot and dual luciferase reporter gene activity analysis were employed to confirm a positive feedback loop involving GGCT/REST/miR-34a-5p in glioma cells. RESULTS: High expression of GGCT was correlated with poor prognosis in glioma. GGCT silencing demonstrated inhibitory effects on the proliferation, migration, and induction of apoptosis in T98G and U251 cells. Mechanistically, GGCT downregulated REST expression and modulated cancer-associated pathways in glioma cells. High expression of REST was associated with poor prognosis in glioma. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that REST overexpression restored the repression of proliferation, invasion, migration, and xenograft tumor formation induced by GGCT knockdown. Furthermore, the study uncovered that REST inhibited miR-34a-5p mRNA expression, and miR-34a-5p suppressed GGCT expression by targeting its 3'UTR, forming a positive regulatory loop in glioma. Notably, the inhibitor of miR-34a-5p restored the role of REST silencing in decreasing GGCT expression in glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS: GGCT/REST/miR-34a-5p axis holds promising potential as a therapeutic target, offering a potential breakthrough in the treatment of glioma.

Single-Cell Transcriptome Reveals Cell Type-Specific Molecular Pathology in a 2VO Cerebral Ischemic Mouse Model.

Post-ischemia memory impairment is a major sequela in cerebral ischemia patients. However, cell type-specific molecular pathology in the hippocampus after ischemia is poorly understood. In this study, we adopted a mouse two-vessel occlusion ischemia model (2VO model) to mimic cerebral ischemia-induced memory impairment and investigated the single-cell transcriptome in the hippocampi in 2VO mice. A total of 27,069 cells were corresponding 14 cell types with neuronal, glial, and vascular lineages. We next analyzed cell-specific gene alterations in 2VO mice and the function of these cell-specific genes. Differential expression analysis identified cell type-specific genes with altered expression in neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes in 2VO mice. Notably, four subtypes of oligodendrocyte precursor cells with distinct differentiation pathways were suggested. Taken together, this is the first single-cell transcriptome analysis of gene expression in a 2VO model. Furthermore, we suggested new types of oligodendrocyte precursor cells with angiogenesis and neuroprotective potential, which might offer opportunities to identify new avenues of research and novel targets for ischemia treatment.

Synergistic use of photocatalysis and convergent paired electrolysis for nickel-catalyzed arylation of cyclic alcohols.

The merging of transition metal catalysis with electrochemistry has become a powerful tool for organic synthesis because catalysts can govern the reactivity and selectivity. However, coupling catalysts with alkyl radical species generated by anodic oxidation remains challenging because of electrode passivation, dimerization, and overoxidation. In this study, we developed convergent paired electrolysis for the coupling of nickel catalysts with alkyl radicals derived from photoinduced ligand-to-metal charge-transfer of cyclic alcohols and iron catalysts, providing a practical method for site-specific and remote arylation of ketones. The synergistic use of photocatalysis with convergent paired electrolysis can provide alternative avenues for metal-catalyzed radical coupling reactions.

[Characteristics of VOCs and Assessment of Emission Reduction Effect During the Epidemic Lockdown Period in Shenzhen Urban Area].

To prevent disease spreading during the COVID-19 epidemic, Shenzhen adopted lockdown measures in March of 2022. This provided an opportunity to study the response of changes in anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (AVOCs) in Shenzhen to emission reduction and to evaluate the effectiveness of current emission reduction measures. This study analyzed the variety of AVOCs before, during, and after the epidemic lockdown based on the online observation data of pollutants at Lianhua Station in Shenzhen from March 7, 2022 to March 27, 2022. Additionally, the sensitivity of ozone formation and the assessment of the reduction effect of precursors was conducted by an observation based model(OBM). The results showed that:affected by regional influences and the interference of meteorological conditions, the average value of AVOCs in Shenzhen urban areas did not drop significantly during the lockdown period compared to that before the lockdown. However, the peak of AVOCs at the morning peak time under the influence of "sea and land wind" during the epidemic lockdown period dropped by 46% on average compared with that during the non-lockdown period, and the aromatic hydrocarbon component dropped the most by 59%. Additionally, under the influence of continuous easterly wind, or during the accumulation and increase of AVOCs affected by regional transmission, aromatic components also decreased by an average of 25% and 21%, respectively. During the lockdown period of the epidemic in Shenzhen, the O3 formation in urban areas was still AVOCs-limited. Increasing the emission reduction ratio of AVOCs was the most effective measure to reduce O3 in the short term. In order to ensure the effectiveness of emission reduction, it was recommended that the coordinated emission reduction ratio of AVOCs and NOx should be greater than 1:2. It was only possible to enter the downward channel of O3 if the deep emission reduction was more than 60%. This study revealed that the emission reduction of AVOCs during the morning traffic peak during the epidemic lockdown period was conducive to inhibiting the formation of O3, whereas the control of NOx would promote it. Strengthening the control of local aromatic hydrocarbon components during the regional impact process could also significantly reduce O3 production. At this stage, Shenzhen should strengthen the management and control of industrial solvents, especially to reduce the aromatic hydrocarbon components in the solvent source that have a greater impact on the generation of O3. Further, Shenzhen should continue to promote the reform of the energy structure of motor vehicles to reduce the emission of VOCs in fuel combustion.

EZH2 Contributes to Anoikis Resistance and Promotes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis by Regulating m6A.

OBJECTIVE: Histone modification has a significant effect on gene expression. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) contributes to the epigenetic silencing of target chromatin through its roles as a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme. The development of anoikis resistance in tumor cells is considered to be a critical step in the metastatic process of primary malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of anoikis resistance in ovarian adenocarcinoma peritoneal metastasis. METHODS: In addition to examining EZH2 protein expression in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues, we established a model of ovarian cancer cell anoikis and a xenograft tumor model in nude mice. Anoikis resistance and ovarian cancer progression were tested after EZH2 and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels were modified. RESULTS: EZH2 expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer omental metastatic tissues than in normal ovarian tissues. Reducing the level of EZH2 decreased the level of m6A and ovarian cancer cell anoikis resistance in vitro and inhibited ovarian cancer progression in vivo. M6a regulation altered the effect of EZH2 on anoikis resistance. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that EZH2 contributes to anoikis resistance and promotes ovarian adenocarcinoma abdominal metastasis by m6A modification. Our findings imply the potential of the clinical application of m6A and EZH2 for patients with ovarian cancer.

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 activates cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1, an unfavorable prognostic biomarker, and promotes glioblastoma in vitro.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common and malignant brain tumors. Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1) is a member of the IL-6 superfamily. However, the clinical significance, potential role, and molecular mechanism of CLCF1 in GBM remain obscure. Here, the expression and prognostic significance of CLCF1 was investigated in GBM. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) GBM and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) datasets were downloaded and analyzed by using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Next, 3 shRNAs targeting CLCF1 were designed, and silencing efficiency was examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, transwell, and wound healing assays were used to study the function of CLCF1 in glioma cells. Results: We found increased expression of CLCF1 as an unfavorable prognostic marker in GBM. Functionally, down-regulation of CLCF1 significantly reduced cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle G2 phase arrest, and weakened the migration and invasion of GBM cells. Downstream pathway analysis was conducted, and potential targets in cytokine receptors, extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors, apoptosis, and the cell cycle were uncovered. Finally, transcriptional regulators were analyzed, and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) was found to activate CLCF1 in GBM. Conclusions: CLCF1, transcriptionally activated by BRD4, promotes glioma and serves as an unfavorable marker in GBM.

Immune-related lncRNAs, LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2, as favorable prognostic markers for glioma inhibition.

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and fatal tumor in the central nervous system. Recent studies have found that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and play an important role in GBM by regulating immune responses. The aim of the present study was to identify lncRNAs with immune relevance and functions in GBM. Methods: We analyzed GBM datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to obtain 356 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs), 4,951 DE-mRNAs, and 34 DE-miRNAs in GBM, respectively. For mRNAs, 369 DE-mRNAs were identified as immune-related genes in the ImmPort database. For DE-lncRNAs, univariate analysis identified 39 DE-lncRNAs with prognostic significance, and 9 DE-lncRNAs were included in the ImmLnc database. Combined analysis was then conducted by integrating 9 immune-related DE-lncRNAs, 369 immune-related DE-mRNAs, and 34 DE-miRNAs. A ceRNA network composed of 2 upregulated lncRNAs (LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2), 3 downregulated miRNAs, and 5 upregulated mRNAs was generated. Results: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 serve as independent favorable prognostic markers in GBM. LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 overexpression was conducted in GBM cell U251. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), Transwell assay, and scratch healing assay indicated that LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 inhibit GBM cell line, U251, proliferation, invasion, and migration. Conclusions: LINC01268 and CTB-31O20.2 are independent prognostic immune-related markers, and reduce cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in GBM.

Gail Model Improves the Diagnostic Performance of the Fifth Edition of Ultrasound BI-RADS for Predicting Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The sonographic appearance of benign and malignant breast nodules overlaps to some extent, and we aimed to assess the performance of the Gail model as an adjunctive tool to ultrasound (US) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) for predicting the malignancy of nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2018 to 2019, 2607 patients were prospectively enrolled by 35 health care facilities. An individual breast cancer risk was assessed by the Gail model. Based on B-mode US, color Doppler, and elastography, all nodules were evaluated according to the fifth edition of BI-RADS, and these nodules were all confirmed later by pathology. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the Gail model, age, tumor size, tumor shape, growth orientation, margin, contour, acoustic shadowing, microcalcification, presence of duct ectasia, presence of architectural distortion, color Doppler flow, BI-RADS, and elastography score were significantly related to breast cancer (all p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) for combining the Gail model with the BI-RADS category were 95.6%, 91.3%, 85.0%, 97.6%, 92.8%, and 0.98, respectively. Combining the Gail model with the BI-RADS showed better diagnostic efficiency than the BI-RADS and Gail model alone (AUC 0.98 vs 0.80, p < 0.001; AUC 0.98 vs 0.55, p < 0.001) and demonstrated a higher specificity than the BI-RADS (91.3% vs 59.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Gail model could be used to differentiate malignant and benign breast lesions. Combined with the BI-RADS category, the Gail model was adjunctive to US for predicting breast lesions for malignancy. For the diagnosis of malignancy, more attention should be paid to high-risk patients with breast lesions.

[Pollution Characteristics and Source Analysis of Atmospheric VOCs in the Coastal Background of the Pearl River Delta].

As an important precursor of ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have attracted much attention. This study analyzed the temporal variation and composition of atmospheric VOCs in the coastal background of the Pearl River Delta, using real-time online monitoring data of VOCs obtained at the Yangmeikeng Ecological Environment Monitoring Station from August 2019 to July 2020. The major sources of VOCs were identified using a receptor model based on the PMF (positive matrix factorization) and HYSPLIT (hybrid single particle Lagrangian integrated trajectory) models. The results showed that the annual mean concentration of anthropogenic VOCs in the coastal background area of the Pearl River Delta was 9.30×10-9(volume fraction). There was obvious seasonal variation of VOCs in this area, with higher values in autumn and winter and lower values in summer. The coastal background area of the Pearl River Delta exhibited a different diurnal variation pattern to that of cities and other backgrounds. While the peak of VOCs concentration mainly occurred in the morning, from 10:00 to 11:00, concentration remained at a low level during the early morning and after 15:00. Ethylene, propylene, toluene, isopentane, isoprene, m/p-xylene, n-butane, and acetylene were the key species that affected the chemical composition of VOCs. The air masses affecting the coastal background area of the Pearl River Delta were mainly short-distance air masses from elsewhere in the province (25%), ocean air masses (27%), coastal air masses (31%), and inland air masses outside the province (17%). Among them, the average concentration of VOCs was lowest under the influence of ocean air masses, which is mainly affected by the mixed source of ship emissions and aging VOCs, gasoline volatilization, and vehicle emissions. In comparison, the concentration level of VOCs increased by 70.1% to 148.8% under the influence of other air masses. The transmission effects of industrial sources, LNG and LPG volatiles, and petrochemical sources were more prominent. Generally, the atmosphere of coastal background areas was severely affected by anthropogenic pollution, especially by air pollution masses transported from the land, while the impact of pollution by ships near shore and tourist traffic cannot be ignored.

Can Combined Screening of Ultrasound and Elastography Improve Breast Cancer Identification Compared with MRI in Women with Dense Breasts-a Multicenter Prospective Study.

Objectives: To assess the performance of elastography (ES) and ultrasound (US) in predicting the malignancy of breast lesions and to compare their combined diagnostic value with that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: The study prospectively enrolled 242 female patients with dense breasts treated in 35 heath care facilities in China between November 2018 and October 2019. Based on conventional US and elastography, radiologists classified the degree of suspicion of breast lesions according to the US Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) criteria. The diagnostic value was compared between US BI-RADS and MRI BI-RADS, with pathological results used as the reference standard. Results: The results demonstrated that irregular tumor shape, a nonparallel growth orientation, indistinct margins, angular contours, microcalcifications, color Doppler flow and ES score on US imaging were significantly related to breast cancer in dense breasts (P=0.001; P=0.001; P=0.008; P<0.001; P=0.019; P=0.008; P=0.002, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy and AUC of US BI-RADS category were 94.7%, 90.7%, 95.8%, 88.0%, 93.4% and 0.93 (95%CI, 0.88-0.97), respectively, while those of MRI BI-RADS category were 98.2%, 57.5%, 84.3%, 83.3%, 86.0% and 0.78 (95%CI, 0.71-0.85), respectively. MRI BI-RADS showed a significantly higher sensitivity than US BI-RADS (98.2% vs 94.7%, P=0.043), whereas US BI-RADS showed significantly higher specificity (90.7% vs 57.5%, P<0.001). US BI-RADS showed better diagnostic efficiency in differentiating nodules in dense breasts than MRI BI-RADS (AUC 0.93 vs 0.78, P<0.001). Conclusion: By combining the use of ES and conventional US, US BI-RADS had better diagnostic efficiency in differentiating nodules in dense breasts than MRI. For the diagnosis of malignant tumors in patients with dense breasts, MRI and US BI-RADS can be used as supplemental diagnostic tools to detect lesions, with US BI-RADS considered the preferred adjunctive resource.

3-Chloro-5-meth-oxy-2,6-dinitro-pyridine.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(6)H(4)ClN(3)O(5), the two nitro groups are twisted with respect to the pyridine ring, making dihedral angles of 33.12 (13) and 63.66 (14)°.

Colorimetric detection of Cr (VI) based on the leaching of gold nanoparticles using a paper-based sensor.

Herein, we have developed a simple, sensitive and paper-based colorimetric sensor for the selective detection of Chromium (Ⅵ) ions (Cr (VI)). Silanization-titanium dioxide modified filter paper (STCP) was used to trap bovine serum albumin capped gold nanoparticles (BSA-Au NPs), leading to the fabrication of BSA-Au NPs decorated membrane (BSA-Au NPs/STCP). The BSA-Au NPs/STCP operated on the principle that BSA-Au NPs anchored on the STCP were gradually etched by Cr (VI) as the leaching process of gold in the presence of hydrobromic acid (HBr) and hence induced a visible color change. Under optimum conditions, the paper-based colorimetric sensor showed clear color change after reaction with Cr (VI) as well as with favorable selectivity to a variety of possible interfering counterparts. The amount-dependent colorimetric response was linearly correlated with the Cr (VI) concentrations ranging from 0.5µM to 50.0µM with a detection limit down to 280nM. Moreover, the developed cost-effective colorimetric sensor has been successfully applied to real environmental samples which demonstrated the potential for field applications.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Relation to the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent all over the world and dietary intakes of vitamin D are very low in China. In this study we aimed to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients aged over 50 y. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured in a cross-sectional sample of 270 T2DM patients aged over 50 y from Zhejiang. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometry and other variables were collected. The mean of serum 25(OH)D was 22.93 ng/mL, and percentages of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 43.71% and 39.63%, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with MetS than in those without MetS (21.74 vs 24.96 ng/mL, p=0.001), and the prevalence of MetS significantly increased according to tertiles of serum 25(OH)D concentrations. After adjusting for multivariate factors, the adverse effect of lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations was significant (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.03-7.34; p=0.044) in the group with BMI≥24 kg/m2 while the change in OR of MetS for each 10 ng/mL decrease in the serum 25(OH)D concentrations was 2.03 (95% CI: 1.10-3.79). These results suggest that serum 25(OH)D deficiency may be a risk factor of MetS among Chinese type 2 diabetic patients, especially in the T2DM with BMI≥24 kg/m2. The challenge is determining the mechanisms of vitamin D action for recommendation of vitamin D supplementation that reduces the risks of MetS and progression to T2DM.

An outbreak of adult measles by nosocomial transmission in a high vaccination coverage community.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of an outbreak of measles in adults and to provide scientific measures for putting forward a measles elimination program. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional investigation during the measles outbreak to identify a possible communication link. RESULTS: From November 1, 2011 to January 26, 2012, the town reported 11 cases of measles in total. The case study identified an obvious propagation chain, which showed ordered and intimate exposure between cases. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital exposure 1-2 weeks before infection with measles was the main cause of the measles outbreak. We must be fully aware of the possibility of nosocomial infection in an outbreak of measles; controlling nosocomial infections is a vital step in the prevention and control of the propagation of measles.

Reduction cranioplasty with the aid of simulated computer imaging for the treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly.

OBJECT: The occurrence of hydrocephalic macrocephaly is uncommon. When the condition does occur, it is usually seen in infants and young children. Patients with this disorder have an excessively enlarged head and weak physical conditions. Various surgical techniques of reduction cranioplasty for the treatment of these patients have been reported. In this study, a revised surgical procedure with the aid of simulated computer imaging for the treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly is presented. METHODS: Five cases of hydrocephalic macrocephaly in children ranging in age from 16 to 97 months were reviewed. These patients underwent surgical treatment at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University over a period of 4 years from January 2007 to January 2011. After physical examination, a 3D computer imaging system to simulate the patient's postoperative head appearance and bone reconstruction was established. Afterward, for each case an appropriate surgical plan was designed to select the best remodeling method and cranial shape. Then, prior to performing reduction remodeling surgery in the patient according to the computer-simulated procedures, the surgeon practiced the bone reconstruction technique on a plaster head model made in proportion to the patient's head. In addition, a sagittal bandeau was used to achieve stability and bilateral symmetry of the remodeled cranial vault. Each patient underwent follow-up for 6-32 months. RESULTS: Medium-pressure ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery or shunt revision procedures were performed in each patient for treating hydrocephalus, and all patients underwent total cranial vault remodeling to reduce the cranial cavity space. Three of the 5 patients underwent a single-stage surgery, while the other 2 patients underwent total cranial vault remodeling in the first stage and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation 2 weeks later because of unrecovered hydrocephalus. All patients had good outcome with regard to hydrocephalus and macrocephaly. CONCLUSIONS: There are still no standard surgical strategies for the treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly. Based on their experience, the authors suggest using a computer imaging system to simulate a patient's postoperative head appearance and bone reconstruction together with total cranial vault remodeling with shunt surgery in a single-stage or 2-stage procedure for the successful treatment of hydrocephalic macrocephaly.

Associations between hsa-miR-603 polymorphism, lifestyle-related factors and colorectal cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Accumulated studies have suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs are associated with risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). OBJECTIVE: We tested our hypothesis that rs11014002 in hsa-miR-603 may be associated with CRC risk with a crosstalk of life-related factors. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study which included 102 CRC patients and 204 matched cancer-free controls in Xiaoshan County. RESULTS: We observed that subjects with rs11014002 CT/TT genotype had an increased susceptibility for CRC (CT vs. CC: odds ratio (OR)=2.352, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.142-4.840, P=0.020; CT+TT vs. CC: OR=2.031, 95% CI: 1.063-3.883, P=0.032). After stratification by lifestyle-related factors, similar results were found among nonsmokers (CT vs. CC: OR=2.753, 95% CI: 1.085-6.983, P=0.033; CT+TT vs. CC: OR=2.971, 95% CI: 1.188-7.435, P=0.020) and non-alcohol drinkers (CT+TT vs. CC: OR=3.279, 95% CI: 1.071-10.033, P=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that hsa-miR-603 may be involved in colorectal tumorigenesis, and the genetic polymorphism in hsa-miR-603 is associated with CRC susceptibility.

A B3LYP and MP2(full) theoretical investigation into the cooperativity effect between dihydrogen-bonding and H-M∙∙∙π (M = Li, Na, K) interactions among HF, MH with the π-electron donor C2H2, C2H4 or C6H6.

The DFT-B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,2p) and MP2(full)/6-311++G(3df,2p) calculations were carried out on the binary complex formed by HM (M = Li, Na, K) and HF or the π-electron donor (C2H2, C2H4, C6H6), as well as the ternary system FH∙∙∙HM∙∙∙C2H2/C2H4/C6H6. The cooperativity effect between the dihydrogen-bonding and H-M∙∙∙π interactions was investigated. The result shows that the equilibrium distances R(H∙∙∙H) and R(M∙∙∙π) in the ternary complex decrease and both the H∙∙∙H and H-M∙∙∙π interactions are strengthened when compared to the corresponding binary complex. The cooperativity effect of the dihydrogen bond on the H-M∙∙∙π interaction is more pronounced than that of the M∙∙∙π bond on the H∙∙∙H interaction. Furthermore, the values of cooperativity effect follow the order of FH∙∙∙HNa∙∙∙π > FH∙∙∙HLi∙∙∙π > FH∙∙∙HK∙∙∙π and FH∙∙∙HM∙∙∙C6H6 > FH∙∙∙HM∙∙∙C2H4 > FH∙∙∙HM∙∙∙C2H2. The nature of the cooperativity effect was revealed by the analyses of the charge of the hydrogen atoms in H∙∙∙H moiety, atom in molecule (AIM) and electron density shifts methods.