Heralded Three-Photon Entanglement from a Single-Photon Source on a Photonic Chip.

In the quest to build general-purpose photonic quantum computers, fusion-based quantum computation has risen to prominence as a promising strategy. This model allows a ballistic construction of large cluster states which are universal for quantum computation, in a scalable and loss-tolerant way without feed forward, by fusing many small n-photon entangled resource states. However, a key obstacle to this architecture lies in efficiently generating the required essential resource states on photonic chips. One such critical seed state that has not yet been achieved is the heralded three-photon Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (3-GHZ) state. Here, we address this elementary resource gap, by reporting the first experimental realization of a heralded 3-GHZ state. Our implementation employs a low-loss and fully programmable photonic chip that manipulates six indistinguishable single photons of wavelengths in the telecommunication regime. Conditional on the heralding detection, we obtain the desired 3-GHZ state with a fidelity 0.573±0.024. Our Letter marks an important step for the future fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing, leading to the acceleration of building a large-scale optical quantum computer.

Transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells ameliorates autoimmune pathogenesis in MRL/lpr mice : Modulation of the balance between Th17 and Treg.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells characterized by immunomodulatory properties and are therefore considered a promising tool for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) affects the autoimmune pathogenesis in MRL/lpr mice. METHODS: Fifteen 12-week-old MRL/lpr mice were randomly divided into three groups: ADSC, cyclophosphamide (CTX), and control groups, with five mice in each group. ADSC and control groups were injected with 1â€¯× 106 ADSCs or PBS, respectively, via the tail vein, once a week for 8 weeks. The CTX group was injected with CTX at a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight, once a week for 2 weeks, and this was repeated after 2 weeks rest. Proteinuria, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, and serum creatinine levels were then measured. The populations of Th17 and Treg cells in the spleen were detected by flow cytometry. All statistical analyses were performed using least square difference. RESULTS: Eight weeks after treatment, the 24 h proteinuria, anti-dsDNA antibody levels, and serum creatinine were decreased significantly with transplantation of mouse ADSCs. ADSCs markedly reduced the number of TH17 cells, increased Treg cells, and improved renal pathology. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that transplantation of ADSCs could significantly inhibit autoimmune progression in MRL/lpr mice and the efficacy of ADSCs was comparable to that of CTX.

Ocnus is essential for male germ cell development in Drosophila melanogaster.

The ocnus (ocn) gene encodes a protein abundant in the testes, implying its role in testis development. When Drosophila melanogaster is infected with the endosymbiont wMel Wolbachia, which affects the spermatogenesis of its hosts, ocn is downregulated in the third-instar larval testes, suggesting a role of ocn in spermatogenesis. In this study, we knocked down ocn in the testes and found that the hatch rates of embryos derived from ocn-knockdown males were significantly decreased, and 84.38% of the testes were much smaller in comparison to controls. Analysis of the smaller testes showed no germ cells but they had an extended hub. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), we identified 69 genes with at least a twofold change (q-value < 5%) in their expression after ocn knockdown; of these, eight testes-specific and three reproduction-related genes were verified to be significantly downregulated using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Three genes (orientation disruptor, p24-2 and CG13541) were also significantly downregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. Furthermore, 98 genes were not expressed when ocn was knocked down in testes. These results suggest that ocn plays a crucial role in male germ cell development in Drosophila, possibly by regulating the expression of multiple spermatogenesis-related genes. Our data provide important information to help understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis.

Flunarizine versus topiramate for chronic migraine prophylaxis: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic migraine (CM) is a prevalent and devastating disorder with limited therapeutic options. This study explored the efficacy of 10 mg/d flunarizine for CM prophylaxis as compared with 50 mg/d topiramate. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial. Patients with CM were randomized to flunarizine and topiramate treatment. The primary outcomes assessed were the reductions in the total numbers of headache days and migraine days after 8 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes were reductions in the numbers of days of acute abortive medication intake and acute abortive medication tablets taken, and the 50% responder rate. RESULTS: Sixty-two subjects were randomized (n=31/group). Patients treated with flunarizine showed significant reductions in the numbers of total headache days (-4.9 vs -2.3, P=.012) and migraine days (-4.3 vs -1.4, P=.001) compared with those treated with topiramate. Patients treated with flunarizine also showed significant reductions in the numbers of days of acute abortive medication intake (-2.3 vs -0.2, P=.005) and acute abortive medication tablets taken (-4.6 vs -0.5, P=.005) and had a higher 50% responder rate in terms of total headache days (58.6% vs 25.9%, P=.013) and migraine days (75.9% vs 29.6%, P=.001), compared with topiramate-treated patients. Flunarizine was generally well tolerated and had a safety profile comparable to that of topiramate. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, in an 8-week study, 10 mg/d flunarizine is more effective than 50 mg/d topiramate for CM prophylaxis.

Network meta-analysis of Chinese herb injections combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Research has indicated that some Chinese herb injections (CHIs) might be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy, including remedies that might be used as effective chemosensitizers and radiosensitizers, or as palliative therapy. Here, we carried out a network meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of CHIs combined with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX) for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE.com, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Database and Chinese Journal Full-text Database were searched from inception to 31 December 2014, to identify relevant randomized controlled trails (RCTs). The risk of bias in included RCTs was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0. Standard pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed to compare the efficacy and safety of different CHIs combined with FOLFOX. Data were analysed using STATA 12.0 and WinBUGS1.4 software. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We identified 63 eligible studies (with 4837 patients in total), involving 9 CHIs. Pairwise meta-analysis showed that compared with FOLFOX alone, combinations with Aidi injection and compound matrine injection could significantly improve the overall response rate and quality of life and reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting (III-IV), diarrhoea (III-IV), thrombocytopenia (III-IV), leukopenia (III-IV) and peripheral neurotoxicity (III-IV). According to results of indirect comparison, there were no statistically significant differences for most of comparison groups. Aidi+FOLFOX, shenqifuzheng+FOLFOX and compound matrine+FOLFOX had the greatest probability of being the best treatment in clinical efficacy and safety, considering the small sample size. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Most of the included studies were of low quality, and there was a scarcity of eligible trials and numbers of participants. Based on currently limited evidence, aidi, shenqifuzheng and compound matrine were superior to other CHIs in patients receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy for advanced CRC. More studies are required to confirm the efficacy of CHIs in combination with FOLFOX for advanced CRC.

20-hydroxyecdysone transcriptionally regulates humoral immunity in the fat body of Helicoverpa armigera.

20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) increases its titre level during the wandering stage and influences innate immunity in many holometabolous insects. However, the function of 20E as an immune-activator or -suppressor needs to be determined. Here, the transcriptome of the peptidoglycan-challenged fat body of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, was analysed using Illumina sequencing technology. Overall, 32 073 unigenes were assembled with a mean length of 643 nucleotides. Gene expression dynamics in the fat body during the wandering stage and of peptidoglycan-challenged individuals were investigated by the digital gene expression system. Pattern recognition receptors [such as peptidoglycan recognition protein B (PGRP B), PGRP S2 precursor, C-type lectin 5, hemolin and ß-1,3-glucan recognition protein 2a] and antimicrobial peptides (namely attacin, gloverin, gloverin precursor, gloverin-like, cecropin 2, cecropin D, cecropin D-like and i-type lysozyme) significantly increased their mRNA levels during the wandering stage. 20E treatment significantly induced the expression of these genes. Antibacterial activities were also enhanced during the wandering stage and after 20E injections. Bacillus subtilis peptidoglycan induced the expression of PGRP D, PGRP B, PGRP S2 precursor, gloverin, gloverin precursor, gloverin-like, cecropin 2, cecropin D and lebocin-like genes. These results demonstrate that 20E acts by enhancing humoral immunity in H. armigera.

Recent trend of pylephlebitis in Taiwan: Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess as an emerging etiology.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pylephlebitis (septic thrombophlebitis of the portal venous system) is a rare complication of intra-abdominal infection. We aimed to investigate the recent trend of its etiology, clinical manifestation, and prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the etiology, clinical manifestation, and outcome by reviewing the medical records of all imaging-confirmed pylephlebitis cases diagnosed during the period 2002-2011 in a university hospital in Taiwan. To identify the risk factors for pylephlebitis, we randomly selected 160 patients with intra-abdominal infections but without pylephlebitis as the comparison group. RESULTS: We identified 35 cases of pylephlebitis. Most patients were men [29/35 (83 %)]. The median age of the patients was 57 years (range 35-90 years). Unspecified abdominal pain (18/35) and fever (10/35) were the most common clinical manifestations. Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess (7/35) and cholangitis (7/35) were the most common etiologies. Liver abscess was a risk factor for pylephlebitis (13/35 vs. 27/160, P = 0.01). With antibiotic therapy, there was no in-hospital mortality, but pylephlebitis was still associated with an excess hospital stay (22.2 ± 17.6 vs. 9.8 ± 7.1 days, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggested a different pattern of pylephlebitis from previous Western literature. K. pneumoniae liver abscess (7/35) is an emerging etiology of pylephlebitis in Taiwan.

Pedobarography - a novel screening tool for diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic significance of foot plantar pressure distribution abnormalities in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 107 patients were divided into normal control (28 participants, 56 feet), non-DPN (56 patients, 112 feet), and DPN groups (23 patients, 46 feet). Foot plantar pressure was measured while patients walked at a constant speed over a flat floor using F-Scan pressure insoles. Recordings of six middle strides were averaged to evaluate the characteristics of foot plantar pressure distribution. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the time of contact (TOC) was longer in non-DPN (p < 0.05) and DPN groups (p < 0.01). The foot to floor force-time integral (FTI) was increased in DPN group (p < 0.01). The forefoot plantar force ratio increased in non-DPN and DPN patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, in DPN patients, the ratio of lateral foot plantar force increased (p < 0.05). The examination of the correlations between biomechanical parameters of the foot plantar and electrophysiological parameters of the lower limbs showed foot plantar biomechanical abnormalities correlated with abnormal sensory conduction of the sural nerve and motor conduction of the common peroneal nerve. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area under FTI curve was 0.714 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The plantar pressure was shifted towards the side of the forefoot in DPN patients. The foot plantar biomechanical changes were closely correlated with lower limb paresthesia and contraction abnormalities of lower-limb extensor muscles. Foot plantar pressure measurement might be used as a screening tool for early diagnosis of DPN.

Ophthalmic manifestations and treatments of proteus syndrome: a case report and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Proteus syndrome (PS) is an extremely rare disorder with ocular manifestations. In this study, we aimed to describe the ophthalmic characteristics and the clinical course of an unusual PS patient to acquire a comprehensive and intensive understanding of ocular PS and highlight the importance of collaborative treatment by ophthalmologists. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of PS with atypical ocular features and syndromes was observed in a Chinese female. Her proptosis and vision impairment were relieved after Endoscope-Navigation system (ENS)-aided optic canal decompression. A 1.5-year follow-up showed that the treatment was temporarily effective, but the disease continued to develop. A review of the literature was conducted: forty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Although ocular manifestations play important roles in PS diagnosis, only a limited number of cases have been reported to have ocular abnormalities. And to date, almost none of these reports have described the treatment in detail. Therefore, PS patients with ocular manifestations were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: PS is a complex disorder with variable characteristics and progressive imbalances. In this paper, the clinical symptoms, molecular characteristics, and differential diagnosis of PS are introduced. More importantly, the ocular manifestations, treatment, and prognosis of PS cases to date are summarized and discussed. This study aimed to acquire a comprehensive and intensive understanding of ocular PS and to reveal the importance of collaborative treatment by ophthalmologists.

Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of male lupus nephritis in China.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to assess clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with male lupus nephritis in a cohort of Chinese patients. METHODS: Clinical, pathological and outcome data of lupus nephritis patients with different gender were retrospectively analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Among 315 patients with renal biopsy-proven lupus nephritis, 45 were male and 270 were female. The average ages of disease onset of the male and female patients were comparable. The interval between presentation of lupus nephritis and diagnosis was significantly longer in the male group than in female group (p = 0.003). Clinical presentation was similar except that males had a significantly lower proportion of alopecia (p = 0.005). In laboratory data, male lupus nephritis patients had higher hemoglobin (p = 0.023) and higher serum creatinine (p < 0.001) than female patients. As for pathological classification and index, no significant difference was found between the two groups. The male patients presented with significantly lower ratios of complete remission and partial remission, and higher ratios of treatment failure and relapse than the female group. Regarding long-term survival and renal outcome, male patients had significantly worse prognosis than females (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The male lupus nephritis presented with later diagnosis, worse renal function, lower remission rate and higher relapse rate compared with female patients. The male patients had significantly higher mortality and poorer renal outcome.

Altered microRNA expression profile with miR-27b down-regulation correlated with disease activity of oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the altered miRNA expression profile in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and determine the miR-27b expression. METHODS: We compared miRNA expression patterns in oral biopsy specimens from patients with OLP (n=3) with those from normal controls (n=3) using microarray technology. We further assessed the miR-27b expression in specimens from patients with OLP (n=53) against controls (n=34) using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR), and miR-27b expression in specimens from patients with OLP (n=15) against controls (n=12) using in situ hybridization (ISH). RESULTS: Using microarray analysis, a total of 46 differentially expressed miRNAs with more than 2-fold change were identified, including 8 up-regulated and 38 down-regulated miRNAs. Both RT-QPCR and ISH analyses revealed that miR-27b was significantly down-regulated in OLP tissue, and miR-27b expression was even more suppressed in atrophic-erosive OLP than in reticular OLP. In addition, miR-27b was found to be expressed in the epithelial keratinocyte layer of both normal and OLP tissues. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that miRNAs may be the novel candidate biomarkers for the implication of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of OLP.

Correlations of IL-18 and IL-6 gene polymorphisms and expression levels with onset of glioma.

OBJECTIVE:   The aim of this study was to explore the correlations of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-6 gene polymorphisms and expression levels with the onset of glioma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The differences in the expression levels of IL-18 and IL-6 between glioma patients and normal people in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases were analyzed. A total of 200 glioma patients and 200 healthy people were taken as the research subjects. Peripheral blood was collected to extract deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs). IL-18 and IL-6 gene polymorphisms were detected and analyzed combined with haplotype analysis and gene expression levels of IL-18 and IL-6, as well as their levels in serum. RESULTS: Both IL-18 and IL-6 were highly expressed in tumor tissues of glioma patients, whereas they were lowly expressed in normal cerebral tissues, with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences in the allele distributions of IL-18 gene polymorphisms rs371411440 (p=0.041) and rs371828055 (p=0.002) and IL-6 gene polymorphisms rs201211345 (p=0.000) and rs201439472 (p=0.003) were observed between disease group and control group (p<0.05). Genotype distributions of IL-18 gene polymorphism rs371828055 (p=0.005) and IL-6 gene polymorphisms rs201211345 (p=0.000) and rs201439472 (p=0.019) in disease group were significantly different from those in control group (p<0.05). Disease group exhibited significantly higher frequencies of genotype GG of IL-18 gene polymorphism rs371828055, genotype AA of IL-6 gene polymorphism rs201211345 and genotype TT of IL-6 gene polymorphism rs201439472 than control group (p<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the distributions of the dominant model AA+AC of IL-6 gene polymorphism rs201211345 (p=0.016) and the recessive model GT+TT of IL-18 gene polymorphism rs371828055 (p=0.010) between the two groups (p<0.05). Differences in the distributions of haplotypes CC (p=0.001) and GT (p=0.027) of IL-18 gene polymorphisms rs371411440 and rs371828055 and haplotypes AC (p=0.009), AT (p=0.000) and CT (p=0.000) of IL-6 gene polymorphisms rs201211345 and rs201439472 were observed between disease group and control group (p<0.05). In addition, a high degree of linkage disequilibrium was detected between IL-6 gene polymorphisms rs201211345 and rs201439472 (D'=0.583). The genotypes of IL-18 gene polymorphism rs371828055 were evidently correlated with the gene expression of IL-18 (p=0.000). Meanwhile, patients with genotype GT had a distinctly lower expression level of IL-18 (p<0.05). The genotypes of IL-6 gene polymorphism rs201211345 were obviously associated with the expression of IL-6 (p=0.002). The expression of IL-6 was markedly down-regulated in patients carrying genotype AA (p<0.05). Consistent with the expression levels of IL-18 and IL-6, the genotypes of IL-18 gene polymorphism rs371828055 were associated with the content of serum IL-18 (p<0.05). Moreover, patients carrying genotype GT had distinctly lower content of serum IL-18 (p<0.05). Additionally, the genotypes of IL-6 gene polymorphism rs201211345 were evidently correlated with the content of serum IL-6 (p<0.05), and the content of serum IL-6 declined distinctly in patients with genotype AA (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-18 and IL-6 gene polymorphisms and expression levels are significantly correlated with the onset of glioma.

An intubation method for mono-pulmonary ventilation in patients with difficult airway.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the clinical effect between thermal softening PVC double-lumen tube (DLT) and single-lumen tube (SLT) guided by laryngoscope and bronchoscopy in patients with difficult airways. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 72 patients with chest surgery in need of mono-pulmonary ventilation, aged 20-70 years old, with ASA rating I-III and Arné scoring ≥ 11, were enrolled. Patients were categorized randomly into two groups with 36 patients in each: the D group (DLT was used) and the S group (SLT was used). Bronchoscopy was used for guiding the intubation and aligning in both groups. Laryngoscope would also be used immediately after failure in two trials of intubation. Intubation resistance, intubation success rate, laryngoscopy assist rate, time for intubation, time for alignment, incidence of catheter dislocation, VAS score for post-operative throat pain, and the damage extent of vocal cord were recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen between two the groups in terms of intubation resistance, intubation success rate, laryngoscopy assist rate, time for intubation, VAS score for post-operative throat pain, and the damage extent of vocal cord. However, shorter time for alignment and lower incidence of catheter dislocation were observed in the D group than in the S group (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For intubation in patients with difficult airway, the thermal softening DLT was as safe as the SLT, but simpler in alignment and had a lower dislocation incidence. Meanwhile, video laryngoscope could increase the success rate of intubation with either tube.

Percutaneously placed lumbar interspinous stabilization devices - a review of current clinical research.

OBJECTIVE: There are generally two categories of interspinous stabilization devices widely used in clinics: (1) Static spacing systems, such as X-STOP, Wallis. (2) Dynamic stabilization systems, such as Coflex, DIAM, stenofix. However, with the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, interspinous stabilization devices paced through percutaneous minimally invasive approach have been invented and applied in daily clinic. Its advantages, such as simple operation, small trauma and short hospitalization time are gradually recognized by doctors and patients. Percutaneous minimally invasive approach will become the future direction in the field of interspinous stabilization devices. This paper therefore reviewed the current clinical research progress of interspinous stabilization devices performed under percutaneous minimally invasive approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched studies related to percutaneously placed lumbar interspinous stabilization devices from PubMed, since January 1, 2007. RESULTS: The main types and characteristics of currently used and percutaneously placed interspinous stabilization devices were summarized. Meanwhile, clinical studies relevant to currently used and percutaneously placed interspinous stabilization devices were also summarized. CONCLUSIONS: The future of interspinous stabilization devices is bright, we would like to see more advanced and newly invented percutaneously placed interspinous stabilization devices, meanwhile, it is fundamentally crucial to enroll more clinical studies with long-term follow-up to determine the best indications for each device therefore to achieve more satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Inducing-apoptotic activity of the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica Focke on treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis.

This study explores the inducing-apoptotic activity of the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica Focke on treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis. Cell models were employed and divided into 4 groups: normal group, virus group, Duchesnea indica group and dexamethasone group. Cytopathic effect examination was employed to detect apoptosis of PC-12 and BV-2 cells. ELISA was used to measure TNF-α, IL-1ß, and Greiss method to measure NO secretion. Flow cytometry assay for caspase-3 expressions was performed. As a result, the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica could protect the neuron cell model from impairment by virus. In the cell model of microglia stimulated by herpes simplex virus (HSV), with the ethanol extract intervention, TNF-α, IL-1ß and NO levels were significantly decreased and cell death of BV-2 cells were markedly increased. The expression level of caspase-3 was notably elevated after the extract intervention. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of Duchesnea indica can reduce HSV-induced inflammatory injury on neuron due to the induction of microglia apoptosis.

Short-term hyperglycaemia causes non-reversible changes in arterial gene expression in a fully 'switchable' in vivo mouse model of diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Irreversible arterial damage due to early effects of hypo- or hyperglycaemia could account for the limited success of glucose-lowering treatments in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. We hypothesised that even brief hypo- or hyperglycaemia could adversely affect arterial gene expression and that these changes, moreover, might not be fully reversible. METHODS: By controlled activation of a 'switchable' c-Myc transgene in beta cells, adult pIns-c-MycER(TAM) mice were rendered transiently hypo- and then hyperglycaemic, after which they were allowed to recover for up to 3 months. Immediate and sequential changes in aortic global gene expression from normal glycaemia through hypo- and hyperglycaemia to recovery were assessed. RESULTS: Gene expression was compared with that of normoglycaemic transgenic and tamoxifen-treated wild-type controls. Overall, expression of 95 genes was significantly affected by moderate hypoglycaemia (glucose down to 2.5 mmol/l), whereas over 769 genes were affected by hyperglycaemia. Genes and pathways activated included several involved in atherogenic processes, such as inflammation and arterial calcification. Although expression of many genes recovered to initial pre-exposure levels when hyperglycaemia was corrected (74.9%), in one in four genes this did not occur. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and immunohistochemistry verified the gene expression patterns of key molecules, as shown by global gene arrays. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Short-term exposure to hyperglycaemia can cause deleterious and persistent changes in arterial gene expression in vivo. Brief hypoglycaemia also adversely affects gene expression, although less substantially. Together, these results suggest that early correction of hyperglycaemia and avoidance of hypoglycaemia may both be necessary to avoid excess CVD risk in diabetes.

Circulating microRNA-146a and microRNA-146b exhibit potential to serve as markers for acute pancreatitis management and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association of microRNA(miR)-146a and miR-146b expressions with risk, severity, in-hospital death of acute pancreatitis (AP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 severe AP (SAP) patients, 50 moderate-severe AP (MSAP) patients, 50 mild AP (MAP) patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Plasma samples were collected after the enrollment, then miR-146a and miR-146b expressions were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Ranson's score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as in-hospital mortality were assessed in AP patients. RESULTS: Both miR-146a and miR-146b expressions were the highest in SAP patients, followed by MSAP patients, MAP patients and HCs. Meanwhile, they distinguished SAP, MSAP, MAP patients from HCs, and also distinguished SAP, MSAP and MAP patients from each other. In SAP, MSAP and MAP patients, MiR-146a positively correlated with Ranson's score, APACHE II score, SOFA score and CRP. Besides, miR-146b positively correlated with Ranson's score, APACHE II score, SOFA score and CRP in SAP patients; correlated with Ranson's score, APACHE II score and CRP in MSAP patients; and correlated with Ranson's score and SOFA score in MAP patients. Notably, miR-146a predicted increased in-hospital death risk of both SAP and MSAP patients, while miR-146b predicted raised in-hospital death risk of SAP patients but not MSAP patients. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating miR-146a and miR-146b exhibit potential as markers for AP management and prognosis.

MiR-34a-5p inhibits fibroblast­like synoviocytes proliferation via XBP1.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease mainly manifested by joint damage. Its mechanism is not completely clear at present. Previous studies have found that microRNA-34a-5p (miR-34a-5p) is involved in the development of many inflammatory diseases. In this study, we intended to study the role and mechanism of miR-34a-5p in the development of RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We predicted that miR-34a-5p could directly inhibit the expression of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1). We analyzed whether miR-34a-5p could inhibit XBP1 expression by Real-time Quantitative PCR. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the proliferation of fibroblast­like synoviocytes (FLS). Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secreted by FLS were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay. Western blot was used to detect the expression of XBP1 and Luciferase assay was used to verify the interaction between miR-34a-5p and XBP1. RESULTS: We found that miR-34a-5p expression is lower in RA synovial tissue compared to osteoarthritis (OA). Moreover, miR-34a-5p inhibited the proliferation of FLS and inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by FLS. According to the prediction, we found that miR-34a-5p may bind to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of XBP1, thereby inhibiting its expression. Through functional experiments and Luciferase experiments, we showed that miR-34a-5p can directly target XBP1, thereby inhibiting its expression. CONCLUSIONS: In short, miR-34a-5p can directly inhibit the expression of XBP1, ultimately inhibit the proliferation of FLS, and inhibit the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by FLS. This study can provide new ideas for the treatment of RA.