Modelling monthly-gridded carbon emissions based on nighttime light data.

Timely and accurate implementation of carbon emissions (CE) analysis and evaluation is necessary for policymaking and management. However, previous inventories, most of which are yearly, provincial or city, and incomplete, have failed to reflect the spatial variations and monthly trends of CE. Based on nighttime light (NTL) data, statistical data, and land use data, in this study, a high-resolution (1 km × 1 km) monthly inventory of CE was developed using back propagation neural network, and the spatiotemporal variations and impact factors of CE at multiple administrative levels was evaluated using spatial autocorrelation model and spatial econometric model. As a large province in terms of both economy and population, Guangdong is facing the severe emission reduction challenges. Therefore, in this study, Guangdong was taken as a case study to explain the method. The results revealed that CE increased unsteadily in Guangdong from 2013 to 2022. Spatially, the high CE areas were distributed in the Pearl River Delta region such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan, while the low CE areas were distributed in West and East Guangdong. The Global Moran's I decreased from 2013 to 2022 at the city and county levels, suggesting that the inequality of CE in Guangdong steadily decreased at these two administrative levels. Specifically, at the city level, the Global Moran's I gradually decreased from 0.4067 in 2013 to 0.3531 in 2022. In comparison, at the county level, the trend exhibited a slower decline, from 0.3647 in 2013 to 0.3454 in 2022. Furthermore, the analysis of the impact factors revealed that the relationship between CE and gross domestic product was an inverted U-shaped, suggesting the existence of the inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve for CE in Guangdong. In addition, the industrial structure had larger positive impact on CE at the different levels. The method developed in this study provides a perspective for establishing high spatiotemporal resolution CE evaluation through NTL data, and the improved inventory of CE could help understand the spatial-temporal variations of CE and formulate regional-monthly-specific emission reduction policies.

Identification and genomic characterization of a novel HIV-1 unique recombinant form (CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC) in Zhejiang Province, China.

Mutation and recombination are important mechanisms leading to the frequent evolution and genetic diversity of viruses as HIV-1. In this study, we identified the near full-length genomic characterization of a novel HIV-1 unique recombinant form (URF) strain (Sample ID: ZJ20202195/ZJ/CHN/2020, hereafter referred to as ZJ20202195) isolated during the HIV-1 molecular surveillance in 2020 in Zhejiang Province, China, through different recombination analysis tools and phylogenetic analysis. Our results amply proved that the near full-length genome (NFLG) sequence of ZJ20202195 was a novel HIV-1 unique recombinant form (URF) consisting of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC subtype, and delimited three recombinant segments, of which the Segment I (HXB2:776-5559 nucleotide (nt)) and Segment III (HXB2:6224-9412 nt) were mainly originated from CRF01_AE cluster g4a strains prevalent in China and Segment II (HXB2:5560-6223 nt) was from CRF07_BC subtype. Overall, our findings provide insight and a scientific basis in the genetic diversity and accurate determination of HIV-1 recombinant strains in China.

First identification of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in Rex rabbits in China.

Blastocystis sp. is a common protist that colonizes the intestinal tract in both humans and animals worldwide. A total of 666 fecal samples of Rex rabbits were collected from 12 farms in three administrative regions in Henan, China. Blastocystis sp. was screened and subtyped by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal DNA. The results indicated that 31 (4.7%, 31/666) rabbits were positive for Blastocystis sp. across three farms (25.0%, 3/12). The infection rate of Blastocystis sp. in Rex rabbits was highest in Jiyuan at 9.1% (30/331), followed by Luoyang (0.5%, 1/191), with no positive infections found in Zhengzhou. The Blastocystis sp. infection rate in adults (10.2%, 14/287) was higher than that in young rabbits (4.5%, 17/379) (χ2 = 0.0027, P > 0.50). Four Blastocystis sp. subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST4, and ST17) were identified in rabbits in the present study. Among them, the subtypes ST1 (n = 15) and ST3 (n = 14) were dominant, followed by ST4 (n = 1) and ST17 (n = 1). Blastocystis sp. ST1 was the dominant subtype in adult rabbits, and ST3 was the dominant subtype in young rabbits. This study enriches the data on the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in rabbits. More studies are needed among humans, domestic animals, and wild animals to obtain a better understanding of their role in the spread of Blastocystis sp.

Synergistic Spatial Confining Effect and O Vacancy in WO3 Hollow Sphere for Enhanced N2 Reduction.

Visible-light-driven N2 reduction into NH3 in pure H2O provides an energy-saving alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesizing. However, the thermodynamic stability of N≡N and low water solubility of N2 remain the key bottlenecks. Here, we propose a solution by developing a WO3-x hollow sphere with oxygen vacancies. Experimental analysis reveals that the hollow sphere structure greatly promotes the enrichment of N2 molecules in the inner cavity and facilitates the chemisorption of N2 onto WO3-x-HS. The outer layer's thin shell facilitates the photogenerated charge transfer and the full exposure of O vacancies as active sites. O vacancies exposed on the surface accelerate the activation of N≡N triple bonds. As such, the optimized catalyst shows a NH3 generation rate of 140.08 µmol g-1 h-1, which is 7.94 times higher than the counterpart WO3-bulk.

Kruppel Like Factor 5 Enhances High Glucose-Induced Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Transdifferentiation in Diabetic Nephropathy.

Background - Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a principal reason for kidney disease worldwide. High glucose (HG) is a major factor for DN. Kruppel like factor 5 (KLF5) participates in DN development. In the present study, we aim to elaborate the role of KLF5 in HG-induced renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) transdifferentiation in DN. Methods - RTECs (HK-2 cells) were treated with HG and were transfected with si-KLF5 or oe-HMGB1. Afterwards, expression of KLF5 and HMGB1 was detected, HK cell viability was determined, and levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, vimentin, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) were assessed. Additionally, the binding relation between KLF5 and HMGB1 was analyzed. Results - In HK-2 cells with HG treatment, expression of KLF5 and HMGB1 was upregulated; levels of α-SMA, vimentin, and TGF-ß1 were increased; and E-cadherin level was decreased. Moreover, KLF5 silencing resulted in down-regulated levels of α-SMA, vimentin, and TGF-ß1 but upregulated level of E-cadherin. On the other hand, KLF5 could bind to the HMGB1 promoter and activate HMGB1 transcription. HMGB1 overexpression partially counteracted the inhibitive effect of KLF5 silencing on HG-induced HK-2 transdifferentiation. Conclusion - HG induced overexpressed KLF5 in RTECs, and as a transcription factor, KLF5 could bind to the HMGB1 promoter, thereby promoting HMGB1 transcription and RTEC transdifferentiation.

Transcriptome analysis and identification of sex pheromone biosynthesis and transport related genes in Atrijuglans hetaohei (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea).

Atrijuglans hetaohei Yang (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) is one of the major pests that can seriously damage the walnut tree, leading to harvest loss. Sex pheromones regulate mating communication and reproduction in insects and provide targets for developing a novel pest control strategy. In this study, by transcriptomic sequencing and analysis of the female pheromone gland (PG) and male genitalia of A. hetaohei, we identified 92 putative genes, of which 7 desaturases (Dess), 8 fatty acyl reductases (FARs), 4 fatty acid synthetases (FASs), 2 aldehyde oxidases (AOXs), 4 acetyltransferases (ACTs), 1 chemosensory protein (CSP), and 2 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) were predominantly expressed in the female PG, while 5 Dess, 11 FARs, 7 FASs, 6 AOXs, 1 ACT, and 1 CSP showed more robust expression in the male genitalia. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis revealed that 7 Dess and 1 FAR were grouped with genes involved in pheromone synthesis in other Lepidoptera species. Thus, we proposed that these candidate genes are possibly involved in the sex pheromone biosynthetic pathway in A. hetaohei. Our findings will provide a solid genetic basis for further exploring the function of the tissue-biased genes and may be useful to screen potential targets for interfering chemical communication in A. hetaohei.

LncRNA Dlx6os1 Accelerates Diabetic Nephropathy Progression by Epigenetically Repressing SOX6 via Recruiting EZH2.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide. To explore the pathogenesis and effective biological target of DN is beneficial to seeking novel treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of the lncRNA Dlx6os1/SOX6/EZH2 axis in DN progression. METHODS: PAS staining was performed to evaluate extracellular matrix accumulation; ELISA was carried out to assess the levels of urine microalbumin and blood glucose concentration; RT-qPCR was carried out to detect the levels of lncRNA Dlx6os1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, SOX6, and EZH2. Western blot was performed to assess the levels of Col-IV, FN, TGF-ß1, and SOX6 proteins. RIP assay was carried out to verify the interaction between lncRNA Dlx6os1 and EZH2. ChIP-qPCR was conducted to verify the interaction between EZH2 and SOX6 promoter. RESULTS: Our results illustrated that lncRNA Dlx6os1 was highly expressed in DN mice and HG-induced SV40 MES13 cells. LncRNA Dlx6os1 knockdown inhibited HG-induced SV40 MES13 cell proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammatory cytokine release. LncRNA Dlx6os1 inhibited SOX6 expression by recruiting EZH2 in HG-SV40 MES13 cells, and SOX6 mediated the effects of lncRNA Dlx6os1 on proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammatory factor release of HG-induced SV40 MES13 cells. CONCLUSION: LncRNA Dlx6os1 accelerates the progression of DN by epigenetically repressing SOX6 via recruiting EZH2.

Overexpression of HOTAIR attenuates Pi-induced vascular calcification by inhibiting Wnt/ß-catenin through regulating miR-126/Klotho/SIRT1 axis.

Vascular calcification is one of the most common effects of macrovascular complications in patients in aging with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Previous studies showed that HOTAIR attenuated vascular calcification via the Wnt/ß-catenin-signaling pathway, yet the molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the explicit molecular mechanism underlying HOTAIR regulated vascular calcification. In the phosphate (Pi)-induced calcification model of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs), we investigated whether HOTAIR was involved in the regulation of miR-126. The luciferase reporter was used to examine the effect of HOTAIR on miR-126 and miR-126 on Klotho 3'-UTR. Furthermore, we overexpressed Klotho to verify the regulation of Klotho on SIRT1, as well as their roles in mediating Pi-induced calcification in HASMCs via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Finally, the results were verified in an in vivo mice calcification model. Overexpression of HOTAIR reduced the expression of miR-126 in Pi-induced HASMCs. Additionally, knockdown of miR-126 increased SIRT1 expression by regulating Klotho expression. An increased level of Klotho inhibited Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, which eventually attenuated Pi-induced HASMCs calcification. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that HOTAIR targeted miR-126 and miR-126 could directly target Klotho. Eventually, HOTAIR overexpression reversed Pi-induced calcium calcification in vivo mouse models. This study demonstrated that HOTAIR overexpression attenuated Pi-induced calcification by regulating the miR-126/Klotho/SIRT1 axis, thereby inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. It provides new potential target genes for the clinical treatment of vascular calcification.

Post-Treatment Sevoflurane Protects Against Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Neonatal Rats by Downregulating Histone Methyltransferase G9a and Upregulating Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2).

BACKGROUND Perinatal hypoxia and subsequent reduction of cerebral blood flow leads to neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI), resulting in severe disability and even death. Preconditioning or post-conditioning with sevoflurane protects against cerebral injury. This study investigated the mechanism of sevoflurane in HIBI. MATERIAL AND METHODS The HIBI model of neonatal rats was established and the model rats were post-treated with sevoflurane. The oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model was established, and the OGD cells were transfected with NRF2-siRNA plasmid and post-treated with sevoflurane. The Morris water maze test was used to detect the motor activity, spatial learning, and memory ability of HIBI rats. Histological stainings were performed to observe the area of cerebral infarction, record the number of neurons in the hippocampus, and assess neuron apoptosis. The levels of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. The protein levels of histone methyltransferase G9a and histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) were detected by western blot assay. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS Sevoflurane post-treatment significantly shortened the escape latency of HIBI neonatal rats, increased the density of neurons, reduced the area of cerebral infarction, and decreased the levels of inflammatory factors and neuronal apoptosis. Sevoflurane post-treatment decreased G9a and H3K9me2 levels, and G9a level was negatively correlated with NRF2 level. NRF2 silencing reversed the alleviation of sevoflurane post-treatment on OGD-induced cell injury. CONCLUSIONS Sevoflurane post-treatment promotes NRF2 expression by inhibiting G9a and H3K9me2, thus alleviating HIBI in neonatal rats.

Long Non-Coding RNA (LncRNA) CASC15 Is Upregulated in Diabetes-Induced Chronic Renal Failure and Regulates Podocyte Apoptosis.

BACKGROUND CASC15 has been recently characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA. This study aimed to investigate the role of CASC15 in diabetic patients complicated with chronic renal failure (DCRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS Levels of CASC15 in plasma derived from 3 groups of participants were measured by qPCR and compared by ANOVA and Tukey test. The interaction between CASC15 and miR-34c was analyzed by performing cell transfections. Cell apoptosis assay was performed to analyze the effects of transfections on the apoptosis of CIHP-1 cells (podocytes). RESULTS We found that CASC15 in plasma was upregulated in DCRF compared with diabetic patients (no obvious complications) and healthy controls. Upregulation of CASC15 distinguished DCRF patients from healthy controls and diabetic patients. High D-glucose environment induced the upregulation of CASC15 in cells of the human podocyte cell line CIHP-1. Overexpression of CASC15 did not affect miR-34c in CIHP-1 cells, but bioinformatics analysis showed that CASC15 can sponge miR-34c. Overexpression of CASC15 led to an increased apoptotic rate of CIHP-1 cells, and miR-34c overexpression led to a decreased apoptotic rate of CIHP-1 cells. In addition, CASC15 overexpression attenuated the effects of miR-34c overexpression on cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, CASC15 is upregulated in DCRF patients and promotes the apoptosis of podocytes by sponging miR-34c. Our study adds to our understanding of the pathogenesis of DCRF and suggests that CASC15 could serve as a potential therapeutic target of DCRF.

Mutational Biases and GC-Biased Gene Conversion Affect GC Content in the Plastomes of Dendrobium Genus.

The variation of GC content is a key genome feature because it is associated with fundamental elements of genome organization. However, the reason for this variation is still an open question. Different kinds of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the variation of GC content during genome evolution. However, these hypotheses have not been explicitly investigated in whole plastome sequences. Dendrobium is one of the largest genera in the orchid species. Evolutionary studies of the plastomic organization and base composition are limited in this genus. In this study, we obtained the high-quality plastome sequences of D. loddigesii and D. devonianum. The comparison results showed a nearly identical organization in Dendrobium plastomes, indicating that the plastomic organization is highly conserved in Dendrobium genus. Furthermore, the impact of three evolutionary forces-selection, mutational biases, and GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC)-on the variation of GC content in Dendrobium plastomes was evaluated. Our results revealed: (1) consistent GC content evolution trends and mutational biases in single-copy (SC) and inverted repeats (IRs) regions; and (2) that gBGC has influenced the plastome-wide GC content evolution. These results suggest that both mutational biases and gBGC affect GC content in the plastomes of Dendrobium genus.

Screening for potential serum biomarkers in rat mesangial proliferative nephritis.

Mesangial proliferative nephritis (MesPGN) is a common kidney disease worldwide. The main feature of the disease is mesangial cell proliferation-induced injury to kidney function. In this study, we explored serum biomarkers for kidney function injury in anti-Thy1 nephritis. We found that mesangial proliferation were increased on days 5 and 7, and recovered by day 14 in anti-Thy1 nephritis. 24-h urine protein, the ratio of urine protein to urine creatine, serum creatine, and blood urea nitrogen, were increased at days 5 and 7 in the model. We found that TXN, BET1, PrRP, VGF, and NPS differed strongly from controls on days 5 and, associated with kidney injury when detected by SELDI-TOF MS. Moreover, we applied LC-MS to detect differential protein expression and found A2M, C3, ITIH4, ITIH3, VDBP, AFM, and SERPINF2 to be upregulated, and ES1, HPX, SERPINC1, SERPINA1F, SERPINA4, SERPINA3K, SPI, TF, VNN3, SERPINF1, and PON1 to be downregulated, on days 5 and 7, associated with kidney injury. The levels of VNN3 and VDBP were validated by Western blotting. Overall, this study explored a group of candidate biomarkers of mesangial proliferation inducing kidney injury, to provide the basis of an assessment model for MesPGN in the future.

Mir-451 Correlates with Prognosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients and Inhibits Cellular Proliferation of Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common cancer, accounting for about 2-3% of all adult cancers. A novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target is urgently needed. However, the function of miR-451 in RCC remains unknown. Here, we explored the role of miR-451 in RCC. MATERIAL/METHODS: MiR-451 levels in RCC tissues and cells were tested by qRT-PCR. Cells were transfected miR-451 mimics or miR-451 ASO by Lipofectamine. The cellular proliferation was tested by MTT analysis. The apoptosis rate was revealed by FACS. Bioinformatics algorithms from TargetScanHuman were used to predict the target genes of miR-451. The PSMB8 protein level was tested by Western blot. The interaction between miR-451 and PSMB8 was confirmed by dual luciferase assays. RESULTS: MiR-451 level of RCC tissues was lower than in normal tissues, which was correlated to the patients' survival rate. Low levels of miR-451 in RCC cells promoted the growth of cells and inhibited cells apoptosis and vice versa. The targeted gene of miR-451 is PSMB8. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-451 acts as an anti-oncogene in RCC. Our data offer a new therapeutic target for further research.

Constructing a MoS2 QDs/CdS Core/Shell Flowerlike Nanosphere Hierarchical Heterostructure for the Enhanced Stability and Photocatalytic Activity.

MoS2 quantum dots (QDs)/CdS core/shell nanospheres with a hierarchical heterostructure have been prepared by a simple microwave hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples are characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) and N2-sorption in detail. The photocatalytic activities of the samples are evaluated by water splitting into hydrogen. Results show that the as-prepared MoS2 QDs/CdS core/shell nanospheres with a diameter of about 300 nm are composed of the shell of CdS nanorods and the core of MoS2 QDs. For the photocatalytic reaction, the samples exhibit a high stability of the photocatalytic activity and a much higher hydrogen evolution rate than the pure CdS, the composite prepared by a physical mixture, and the Pt-loaded CdS sample. In addition, the stability of CdS has also been greatly enhanced. The effect of the reaction time on the formations of nanospheres, the photoelectric properties and the photocatalytic activities of the samples has been investigated. Finally, a possible photocatalytic reaction process has also been proposed.

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with H2O to CH4 on Cu(I) supported TiO2 nanosheets with defective {001} facets.

Highly dispersed Cu2O clusters loaded on TiO2 nanosheets with dominant exposed {001} facets are prepared by a hydrothermal treatment followed by photodeposition. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared samples are characterized carefully. The deposition position and chemical state of the Cu2O clusters are characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, and in situ CO-adsorbed FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. The results show that in situ Cu deposition leads to in situ formation of abundant oxygen vacancies (Vo) on the surface of the TiO2 nanosheets. Interestingly, the co-existence of Vo and Cu2O clusters could promote the photoactivity of CO2 reduction efficiently. The surface Vo play a significant role in the reduction of CO2. Meanwhile, the deposited Cu(I) species serve also as active sites for the formation of CH4, and then protect CH4 from degradation by generated oxidation species. For the photoreduction of CO2 to CH4, it is found that the content level of Cu2O has a significant influence on the activity. Cu-TiO2-1.0 shows the highest photocatalytic activity, which is over 30 times higher than that of the parent TiO2. This great enhancement of photocatalytic activity may be contributed by high CO2 adsorption capacity, high electron mobility, and high concentration of Vo. However, the effect of the surface area of the samples on the activity is negligible. All of this evidence is obtained by CO2-sorption, electrochemistry, in situ FTIR spectroscopy, in situ ERP techniques, etc. The reaction intermediates are detected by in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Finally, a probable mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results. It is hoped that our work could render one of the most effective strategies to achieve advanced properties over photofunctional materials for solar energy conversion of CO2.

The correlation between peripheral leukocyte telomere length and indicators of cardiovascular aging.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between telomere length in peripheral blood white cells and cardiovascular function in a healthy, aging Han Chinese population. METHODS: In 2012, peripheral blood leukocytes were obtained from 139 healthy individuals in Beijing, China, and telomere restriction fragment (TRF) length was assayed using a digoxigenin-labeled hybridization probe in Southern blot assays. Indicators of cardiovascular function were also evaluated, including electrocardiograms (ECG), (RR, P, PR, QRS, ST and T intervals); blood pressure (BP), (SBP, DBP, PP, PPI); cardiovascular ultrasound (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF); mitral early and late diastolic peak flow velocity (MVE and MVA); and lipid indices (TC, TG, HDL, LDL, LCI). The relationships of these cardiovascular indictors to telomere length were evaluated. RESULTS: No correlations were found between telomere length and ECG, BP or lipid indices even after adjustment for age. Correlations were found between TFR length and some cardiovascular ultrasound indictors (D, MVEA, MVEDT, MVES, MVEL, MVEI, IMT), but these were not seen after adjusting for age. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find that leukocyte TFR length was associated with cardiovascular ultrasound indictors, ECG, BP, or lipid indices in this population of healthy Han Chinese individuals. Telomere length may serve as a genetic factor in biological aging.

Independent causal effect of migraines on Alzheimer's disease risk: a multivariate Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The observational studies investigated the impact of migraine on Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, these findings were limited by confounding factors and reverse causation, leading to contradictory results. Methods: We utilized Univariable Mendelian Randomization (UVMR) to explore the link between migraine (13,971 cases/470,627 controls) and AD risk (Bellenguez et al., 39,106 cases/46,828 controls; FinnGen, 111,471 cases/111,471 controls). Meta-analysis was performed for comprehensive synthesis. Employing Multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MVMR), we created models incorporating migraine and 35 potential AD risk factors, examining migraine's independent impact on AD onset risk under considering these factors. Results: The meta-analysis of inverse variance weighted MR results, combining data from Bellenguez et al. (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.5717 [1.1868-2.0814], p = 0.0016) and FinnGen (OR [95% CI]: 1.2904 [0.5419-3.0730], p = 0.5646), provided evidence for a causal relationship between genetically predicted migraine and the heightened risk of AD occurrence (OR [95% CI]: 1.54 [1.18, 2.00], p < 0.01). After adjusting for Diastolic blood pressure (OR [95% CI]: 1.4120 [0.8487-2.3493], p = 0.1840) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (OR [95% CI]: 1.2411 [0.8352-1.8443], p = 0.2852), no discernible association was detected between migraine and the risk of AD. Conclusion: This study offers compelling evidence indicating a significant correlation between genetically predicted migraine and an elevated risk of AD.

A novel link between melatonin and circ_0005753/PTBP1/TXNIP regulatory network in the modulation of osteogenic potential in mesenchymal stem cells.

Labeled with pluripotent potential, the transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is considered as a promising strategy for treating osteoporosis (OP). Melatonin (MEL) has been investigated to be an essential regulator involved in bone metabolism, as well as BMSCs differentiation. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique kind of non-coding RNA and play an important regulatory role in OP. However, whether circRNAs are implicated in the effects of MEL on BMSCs osteogenic differentiation remains largely indeterminate. Expression of circ_0005753 in human BMSCs with MEL treatment, clinical specimens diagnosed with OP, either with ovariectomy (OVX)-induced mice, was measured by RT-qPCR. Western blot was conducted to analyze protein levels of osteogenesis-related molecules (Opg, RUNX2, ALP, BMP4) and TXNIP. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays were performed to validate the binding relationship among circ_0005753, PTBP1, and TXNIP. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining (ARS) were performed to evaluate osteogenic capacity of BMSCs. OP mouse model was established by ovariectomy, as evaluated pathologic changes via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Expression of circ_0005753 was remarkably decreased during MEL-induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Interestingly, not only circ_0005753 knockdown significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, but circ_0005753 overexpression also weakened osteogenic differentiation induced by MEL treatment. Mechanistically, circ_0005753 maintained the stabilization of TXNIP mRNA via recruiting PTBP1. Additionally, reinforced circ_0005753 abrogated MEL-mediated protective effects on OP pathogenesis in a mouse model. This work shows that MEL facilitates osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via the circ_0005753/PTBP1/TXNIP axis, which may shed light on the development of a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent OP.

[Retracted] Propofol modulates the proliferation, invasion and migration of bladder cancer cells through the miR­145­5p/TOP2A axis.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the tumour images shown in Fig. 6B on p. 8 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes, which had either already been published or were under consideration for publication at around the same time. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 23: 439, 2021; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12078].

Matrix metalloproteinases targeting in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common tumors affecting men all over the world. PCa has brought a huge health burden to men around the world, especially for elderly men, but its pathogenesis is unclear. In prostate cancer, epigenetic inheritance plays an important role in the development, progression, and metastasis of the disease. An important role in cancer invasion and metastasis is played by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), zinc-dependent proteases that break down extracellular matrix. We review two important forms of epigenetic modification and the role of matrix metalloproteinases in tumor regulation, both of which may be of significant value as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring. The author considers that both mechanisms have promising therapeutic applications for therapeutic agent research in prostate cancer, but that efforts should be made to mitigate or eliminate the side effects of drug therapy in order to maximize quality of life of patients. The understanding of epigenetic modification, MMPs, and their inhibitors in the functional regulation of prostate cancer is gradually advancing, it will provide a new technical means for the prevention of prostate cancer, early diagnosis, androgen-independent prostate cancer treatment, and drug research.