[Preliminary analysis of differential expression of miRNA-423-5p and miRNA-26a-5p in lung tissue of early silicotic rats].

Objective: To screen the changes of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in lung tissues of early silicosis rats, and provide a basis for functional analysis of differential microRNA. Methods: SPF Wistar male rats were randomly divided into a negative control group and SiO(2)-exposed groups, with 30 rats in each group. The model of silicosis in rats was established by intratracheal instillation of 1 ml SiO(2) suspension, and the control rats were treated with 1mL in the same way to sterilize normal saline. The lung tissues of two group were collected at the 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 d after SiO(2)-exposed. Three of the rat lung tissues were used for pathological observation, and the other three were used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs in lung tissue by miRNA microarray technology. miRNA chip screening and RT-qPCR were used to verify the expression levels of miRNA-423-5p and miRNA-26a-5p in the two groups. miRNA-423-5p and miRNA-26a-5p are predicted by target genes and analyzed by GO (gene ontology) enrichment analysis and KEGG (kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathway analysis. Results: In the control group, the inflammatory response of lung tissue 21 and 28 days was significantly reduced compared with 1, 7 and 14 days, and the inflammatory cells infiltrated in the lung tissue of the SiO(2)-exposed rats. The rats in the control group had a small amount of collagen at 21 and 28 days, but a large amount of collagen fiber deposition began to appear in the lung tissue of rats exposed to SiO(2) after 21 days. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of micro RNA-423-5p was significantly up-regulated and the expression of microRNA-26a-5p was significantly down-regulated in the SiO(2)-exposed rats lung tissues dust at different time points (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The up-regulation of miRNA-423-5p and the down-regulation of miRNA-26a-5p in lung tissues of early silicotic rats may be related to the occurrence and development of early silicosis.

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Cheirotonus jansoni (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Cheirotonus jansoni (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), an endangered insect species from Southeast Asia. This long legged scarab is widely collected and reared for sale, although it is rare and protected in the wild. The circular genome is 17,249 bp long and contains a typical gene complement: 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 putative tRNA genes, and a non-coding AT-rich region. Its gene order and arrangement are identical to the common type found in most insect mitogenomes. As with all other sequenced coleopteran species, a 5-bp long TAGTA motif was detected in the intergenic space sequence located between trnS(UCN) and nad1. The atypical cox1 start codon is AAC, and the putative initiation codon for the atp8 gene appears to be GTC, instead of the frequently found ATN. By sequence comparison, the 2590-bp long non-coding AT-rich region is the second longest among the coleopterans, with two tandem repeat regions: one is 10 copies of an 88-bp sequence and the other is 2 copies of a 153-bp sequence. Additionally, the A+T content (64%) of the 13 protein-coding genes is the lowest among all sequenced coleopteran species. This newly sequenced genome aids in our understanding of the comparative biology of the mitogenomes of coleopteran species and supplies important data for the conservation of this species.

Correlated increase of omentin-1 and adiponectin by exenatide, avandamet and dietary change in diet-induced obese rats.

Adipokines omentin-1 and adiponectin have been reported to improve insulin resistance. It is known that insulin sensitizers exenatide, avandamet, or diet change from high-fat to normal chow ameliorate metabolic disorders. However, whether these treatments increase omentin-1 levels in high fat-diet animals and the relationship between omentin- 1 and adiponectin remain largely unknown. We investigated the effect of insulin sensitizers exenatide and avandamet, and of dietary change on these adipokine levels, body weight, and insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese rats. Obesity was induced in rats by high-fat diet feeding for 8 weeks, and then the rats were given exenatide, avandamet and diet change to normal chow, respectively, for additional 8 weeks. Compared to the high-fat control group, exenatide and avandamet treatment significantly induced adipose gene expression and elevated the circulation levels of omentin-1 and adiponectin, whereas they decreased the leptin gene expression and circulation level, which is associated with improvement of systemic insulin sensitivity and the glucose and lipid profile. Notably, there was a significant positive correlation between omentin-1 and adiponectin in the above regimens, suggesting that omentin-1 and adiponectin may contribute to the insulin-sensitizing effect of exenatide and avandamet.

[Efficacy of decitabine in patients with glucocorticoid-resistant primary immune thrombocytopenia: factors influencing treatment responses].

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of decitabine (DAC) and identify factors influencing treatment responses in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who had failed glucocorticoid therapy. Methods: Clinical data of 61 patients with glucocorticoid-resistant ITP who received DAC therapy (5 mg·m(-2)·d(-1)×3 d via intravenous infusion) for at least three cycles with 3-4-week intervals at the Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, from November 2015 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The 61 patients comprised 20 males and 41 females, with a median age of 45 years (range: 15-81 years). Among them, 43 patients were glucocorticoid-dependent (glucocorticoid-dependent group), while 18 patients were glucocorticoid-resistant (glucocorticoid-resistant group). Following DAC treatment, 12 patients (19.67% ) achieved complete response (CR), and 16 patients (26.23% ) exhibited response (R), resulting in an overall response (OR) rate of 45.90% (28/61). Comparison between the OR group (n=28) and the non-response (NR) group (n=33) revealed significant differences in responses to glucocorticoids (dependent or resistant) and platelet counts before treatment (χ(2)=8.789, P=0.003; z=-2.416, P=0.016). The glucocorticoid-dependent group showed higher platelet counts than the glucocorticoid-resistant group after the second and third cycles of DAC treatment (P=0.032, 0.024). Moreover, the OR rates after the first, second, and third cycles of DAC treatment in the glucocorticoid-dependent group were all higher than those in the glucocorticoid-resistant group (P=0.042, P=0.012, P=0.029). A significant correlation was observed between glucocorticoid dependence and responses to DAC treatment (OR=9.213, 95% CI 1.937-43.820, P=0.005) . Conclusion: DAC demonstrates definitive efficacy with mild adverse effects in a subset of patients with glucocorticoid-resistant primary ITP. Glucocorticoid dependence and higher platelet counts before treatment are associated with a favorable response to DAC therapy.

[Effect of psychological nursing based on relaxation training for the psychological state in patients with impacted third molar removal surgery].

Objective: To discuss the effect of psychological nursing based on relaxation training for the psychological state in patients with impatced third molar removal surgery. Methods: A total of one hundred patients with impacted third molar removal surgery were selected from June 2015 to June 2017 in People's Liberation Army No. 105 hospital. According to the nursing method, all patients were divided into psychological intervention group and the control group, 50 cases in each group, the control group was given routine nursing intervention and the psychological intervention group was given psychological nursing intervention based on relaxation training. Results: The after intervention Corah's modified dental anxiety scale (6.3±1.2), Stouthard dental fear scale (62.9±6.5) scores and heart rate [(76.4±5.2) bpm], systolic blood pressure [(102.5±6.3) mmHg], diastolic blood pressure [(75.3±3.1) mmHg] levels of psychological group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The once removal success rate, intraoperative relaxation sense rate of psychological group were significantly higher than those of the control group, the teeth extraction time of psychological group was significantly lower than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.013, P=0.003). Conclusions: Psychological nursing intervention based on relaxation training can effectively improve the mental state and stress state of patients with impacted third molar removal surgery, which is beneficial to the process of the surgery.

High-dose dexamethasone or all-trans-retinoic acid restores the balance of macrophages towards M2 in immune thrombocytopenia.

Essentials M1/M2 imbalance is involved in many autoimmune diseases, and could be restored. The expressions and functions of M1 and M2 were investigated in an in vitro culture system. A preferred M1 polarization is involved in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). High-dose dexamethasone or all-trans-retinoic acid restores M1/M2 balance in ITP patients. SUMMARY: Background Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder. Deficiency of immune tolerance in antigen-presenting cells and cross-communication between antigen-presenting cells and T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. Macrophages can polarize into proinflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes in response to different environmental stimuli, and have diverse immunologic functions. Objectives To investigate the M1/M2 imbalance in ITP and whether high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) or all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) could restore this imbalance. Methods The numbers of M1 and M2 macrophages in the spleens of ITP patients and patients with traumatic spleen rupture were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Monocyte-derived macrophages were cultured and induced with cytokines and drugs. The expression of M1 and M2 markers and functions of M1 and M2 macrophages before and after modulation by HD-DXM or ATRA were evaluated with flow cytometry and ELISA. Results There was preferred M1 polarization in ITP spleens as compared with healthy controls. Monocyte-derived macrophages from ITP patients had increased expression of M1 markers and impaired immunosuppressive functions. Either HD-DXM or ATRA corrected this imbalance by decreasing the expression of M1 markers and increasing the expression of M2 markers. Moreover, HD-DXM-modulated or ATRA-modulated macrophages suppressed both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation and expanded CD4+ CD49+ LAG3+ type 1 T-regulatory cells. HD-DXM or ATRA modulated macrophages to shift the T-cell cytokine profile towards Th2. Treating patients with HD-DXM or ATRA revealed that macrophages induced from responders showed a predominant M2-like phenotype and immunosuppressive function. Conclusions Aberrant macrophage polarization is involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. Either HD-DXM or ATRA is able to correct this imbalance.

Participation of B-cell-activating factor receptors in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia.

UNLABELLED: ESSENTIALS: Dysfunctional B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) system is related to many autoimmune diseases. The regulatory functions of BAFF/BAFF receptors were investigated in an in vitro coculture system. Different regulatory roles of BAFF were investigated via different receptors in immune thrombocytopenia. The upregulated BAFF receptors on autoreactive lymphocytes lead to their hypersensitivity to BAFF. BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains enigmatic. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and its receptors (BAFF receptor [BAFF-R], transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor [TACI], and B-cell maturation antigen) play central roles in the integrated homeostatic regulation of lymphocytes. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the pathologic roles of BAFF receptors in regulating the bioactivities of lymphocytes in ITP. METHODS: An in vitro culture system was established by stimulating CD14(-) peripheral lymphocytes with platelet-preloaded dendritic cells in the presence of recombinant human BAFF (rhBAFF; 20 ng mL(-1)). The functions of BAFF receptors were specifically blocked with blocking antibodies. RESULTS: BAFF-R, besides prolonging the survival of B cells in both patients and healthy controls, prominently promoted the survival of CD8(+) T cells and the proliferation of B cells in patients with ITP. TACI, as a positive regulator, not only promoted the proliferation of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, but also significantly enhanced the secretion of interleukin-4 in patients with ITP, but not in controls. Besides revealing the pathologic roles of BAFF receptors, these results also indicate that lymphocytes of patients with ITP have enhanced antiapoptotic or proliferative capacity as compared with those from healthy controls when exposed under similar stimulation of rhBAFF. Further study demonstrated that activated autoreactive B cells and CD4(+) T cells from patients with ITP showed significantly higher expression of BAFF-R or TACI than those from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Both BAFF-R and TACI are pathogenic participants in ITP. Their dysregulated expression in patients with ITP may lead to hyperreactivity of activated autoreactive lymphocytes in response to rhBAFF, and thus is highly significant in the pathogenesis of ITP.

Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common human cancers with a particularly high incidence in certain regions of China. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) between the esophageal squamous carcinoma tissues and matched normal esophageal mucosal epithelial tissues can be detected by employing the gene microarray technology. This can aid the analysis of the underlying disease mechanism and can help to identify potentially critical genes as well as related molecular signalling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The potentially critical genes and related signal pathways are examined by bioinformatics analysis including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, pathway analysis and signal transduction networks. Here, we performed microarray analysis with 8 pairs of ESCC and normal esophageal mucosal epithelial tissues. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, 347 and 203 genes were found to be up-regulated and down-regulated in the experimental group, respectively. Based on pathway analysis, 52 and 51 signal transduction pathways were involved in the up-regulated and the down-regulated genes, respectively. SLC27A6, RAB11A, ABCA8, JAM2, HNMT, GSTM1, and CDKN3, which play critical roles in regulating the expression of ESCC, were identified among the key genes involved in the signal transduction networks. CONCLUSIONS: Investigation of the mechanism underlying ESCC can provide a direction for the clinical prevention and treatment of ESCC.

The perioperative use of ceftriaxone as infection prophylaxis in neurosurgery.

An open label study was conducted in the department of neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital in China to determine the incidence of postoperative infections following the use of one or two doses of ceftriaxone administered perioperatively. A total of 343 patients, who required neurosurgery and had satisfied the inclusion criteria, was recruited during a 12 month study period. Of these 343 patients, there were 97 and 107 cases of malignant and benign tumours, respectively, 52 cases of aneurysm, 34 cases of arteriovenous malformation, and 53 other cases who underwent neurosurgery for drainage of sub-dural haematoma, relief of cerebral oedema and other indications. A total of 6 (1.75%) cases of postoperative infection was observed, of which 4 were found in the malignant tumour group, and 2 in the arteriovenous malformation group. All six patients were suffering from meningitis. During the 12 month period immediately prior to the present study, when postoperative penicillin and gentamicin was administered twice daily for 5-7 days as regular prophylaxis against infection, the incidence of postoperative infection was 7.2% in the same department managed by the same staff. Results of our present study suggest that one to two doses of ceftriaxone administered perioperatively are effective in reducing the rate of postoperative infections.