A comprehensive analysis of CEBPA on prognosis and function in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is one of the most common tumours of the female reproductive system. CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) is a member of the transcription factor family involved in regulating processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and the immune response. However, the role of CEBPA in UCEC has not been clarified. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis to explore the expression level, prognostic value, immune infiltration and biological function of CEBPA in UCEC. In this study, we found that CEBPA expression was upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in UCEC patients. KEGG and GO analyses revealed that the genes positively correlated with CEBPA were enriched primarily in immune regulation and oxidative phosphorylation. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that CEBPA is strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration in UCEC. RT-qPCR indicated that CEBPA may regulate the OXPHOS level in Ishikawa cells. CCK-8, cell cycle, Transwell and scratch wound healing assays revealed that CEBPA promoted Ishikawa cell proliferation, invasion and migration. In addition, PPI and survival analyses suggested that CEBPG may be a potential target of CEBPA in UCEC. These results demonstrated that CEBPA may be a potential therapeutic target in UCEC.

METTL16 participates in haemoglobin H disease through m6A modification

BACKGROUND

Haemoglobin H (HbH) disease is caused by a disorder of α-globin synthesis, and it results in a wide range of clinical symptoms. M6A methylation modification may be one of the mechanisms of heterogeneity. Therefore, this article explored the role of methyltransferase like 16 (METTL16) in HbH disease.

METHOD

The results of epigenetic transcriptome microarray were analysed and verified through bioinformatic methods and qRT-PCR, respectively. The overexpression or knock down of METTL16 in K562 cells was examined to determine its role in reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle processes or iron overload. YTH domain family protein 3 (YTHDF3) was knocked down in K562 cells and K562 cells overexpressing METTL16 via siRNA to investigate its function. In addition, haemoglobin expression was detected through benzidine staining. qRT-PCR, WB, methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and (RNA Immunoprecipitation) RIP experiments were conducted to explore the mechanism of intermolecular interaction.

RESULTS

METTL16, YTHDF3 and solute carrier family 5 member 3 (SLC5A3) mRNA and the methylation level of SLC5A3 mRNA were downregulated in HbH patients. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) mRNA expression was negatively correlated with HGB content among patients with HbH-CS disease. Overexpression of METTL16 increased ROS and intracellular iron contents in K562 cells, changed the K562 cell cycle, reduced hemin-induced haemoglobin synthesis, increased the expressions of SLC5A3 and HBG and increased SLC5A3 mRNA methylation levels. Knockdown of METTL16 reduced ROS and intracellular iron contents in K562 cells. Hemin treatment of K562 cells for more than 14 days reduced the protein expressions of METTL16 and SLC5A3 and SLC5A3 mRNA methylation levels. Knockdown of YTHDF3 rescued the intracellular iron content changes induced by the overexpression of METTL16. The RIP experiment revealed that SLC5A3 mRNA can be enriched by METTL16 antibody.

CONCLUSION

METTL16 may affect the expression of SLC5A3 by changing its m6A modification level and regulating ROS synthesis, intracellular iron and cycle of red blood cells. Moreover, METTL16 possibly affects the expression of haemoglobin through IGF2BP3, which regulates the clinical phenotype of HbH disease.

Association of PM2.5 mass and its components with ovarian reserve in a northern peninsular province, China: The critical exposure period and components

BACKGROUND

A possible role of PM2.5 components on ovarian reserve has not been adequately unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between PM2.5 components and women' ovarian reserve over critical exposure periods in northern China, where the level of air pollution is among the nation's highest.

METHODS

We included 15,102 women with serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurements from the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University during 2015-2019. Concentrations of PM2.5 and its five major components (0.1° × 0.1°), including sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, organic matter, and black carbon, were assigned to each residential address. Multivariable linear mixed effect models combined with constituent-residual models were performed to estimate the effect sizes of essential components over six short- to long-term exposure periods.

RESULTS

The strength of association was stronger during the process from primary to small antral follicle compared with other longer windows. For every interquartile range increase in PM2.5 mass was associated with - 8.7% (95%CI: -12.3%, -4.9%) change in AMH and the effect size was greatest for sulfate. Women with the lower level of attained education and those living inland were more susceptible compared with other population subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to specific components of air pollution during critical exposure windows is associated with a decline in ovarian reserve. These data add to the growing body of evidence that environmental factors have adverse effects on reproductive health, particularly for vulnerable population subgroups.

miR-146b-5p downregulates IRAK1 and ADAM19 to suppress trophoblast proliferation, invasion, and migration in miscarriage†

A large proportion of miscarriages are classified as unexplained miscarriages since no cause is identified. No reliable biomarkers or treatments are available for these pregnancy losses. While our transcriptomic sequencing has revealed substantial upregulation of miR-146b-5p in unexplained miscarriage villous tissues, its role and associated molecular processes have yet to be fully characterized. Our work revealed that relative to samples from normal pregnancy, miR-146b-5p was significantly elevated in villous tissues from unexplained miscarriage patients and displayed promising diagnostic potential. Moreover, miR-146b-5p agomir contributed to higher rates of embryonic resorption in ICR mice. When overexpressed in HTR-8/SVneo cells, miR-146b-5p attenuated the proliferative, invasive, and migratory activity of these cells while suppressing the expression of MMP9 and immune inflammation-associated cytokines, including IL1B, IL11, CXCL1, CXCL8, and CXCL12. Conversely, inhibition of its expression enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Mechanistically, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 19 were identified as miR-146b-5p targets regulating trophoblast function, and silencing IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 had similar effects as miR-146b-5p overexpression, while IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 overexpression could partially reverse the inhibitory impact of this microRNA on trophoblasts. miR-146b-5p may inhibit trophoblast proliferation, migration, invasion, and implantation-associated inflammation by downregulating IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 19, participating in the pathogenesis of miscarriage and providing a critical biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for unexplained miscarriage.

MiRNA-494 induces trophoblast senescence by targeting SIRT1

OBJECTIVE

Although the mechanism underlying preeclampsia (PE) has been widely explored, the mechanisms related to senescence have not yet been fully revealed. Therefore, we investigated the role of the miR-494/longevity protein Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) axis in PE.

METHODS

Human placental tissue was obtained from severe preeclampsia (SPE) (n = 20) and gestational age-matched normotensive pregnancies (n = 20), and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SAβG) and SIRT1 expression levels were measured. The TargetScan and miRDB databases predicted candidate miRNAs targeting SIRT1, and intersected with differentially expressed miRNAs in the GSE15789 dataset (p < 0.05, |log₂FC|≥1.5). Subsequently, we showed that miRNA (miR)-494 expression was significantly elevated in SPE, revealing miR-494 as a candidate SIRT1-binding miRNA. A dual-luciferase assay confirmed the targeting relationship between miR-494 and SIRT1. The senescence phenotype, migration, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production levels and inflammatory molecule expression levels were measured after miR-494 expression was altered. We conducted a rescue experiment using SIRT1 plasmids to further demonstrate the regulatory relationship.

RESULTS

SIRT1 expression was lower(p < 0.01) and miR-494 expression was higher (p < 0.001) in SPE, and SaβG staining showed premature placental aging in SPE (p < 0.001). Dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-494 targeted SIRT1. Compared to control cells, HTR-8/SVneo cells with upregulation of miR-494 had remarkably downregulated SIRT1 expression (p < 0.001), more SAβG-positive cells (p < 0.001), cell cycle arrested (p < 0.05), and upregulated P21 and P16 expression (p < 0.01). miR-494 overexpression also decreased HTR-8/SVneo cell migration (p < 0.05) and ATP synthesis (p < 0.001), increased ROS levels (p < 0.001), and upregulated NLRP3 and IL-1β expression (p < 0.01). SIRT1-overexpressing plasmids partially reversed the effects of miR-494 overexpression in HTR-8/SVneo cells.

CONCLUSION

The miR-494/SIRT1 interaction plays a role in the mechanism of premature placental aging in PE patients.

Mersilene tape versus conventional sutures in transvaginal cervical cerclage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Mersilene tape versus alternative suture types in prolonging singleton pregnancies as well as other pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, in cases of history-, ultrasound-, and exam-indicated cervical cerclage.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant studies comparing different suture types in cervical cerclage procedures. The primary outcome of interest was preterm birth (PTB) rate < 37, <35, < 28, and < 24 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the relationship between suture type and various outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of five studies, including three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two retrospective studies, with a combined participation of 2325 individuals, were included. The pooled analysis indicated no significant association between suture type and PTB at less than 37 weeks of gestation (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.65-1.60, p < 0.01, I2 = 74%). Women who received Mersilene tape had a higher risk of PTB at 34-37 weeks (RR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.57-4.37, p = 0.69, I2 = 0%), but a lower risk of PTB at less than 34 weeks (RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28-0.66, p = 0.66, I2 = 46%). No statistically significant differences were observed for PTB before 28 weeks (RR: 1, 95% CI: 0.65-1.53, p = 0.70, I2 = 0%), before 24 weeks (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.60-1.23, p = 0.33, I2 = 0%), incidence of chorioamnionitis (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 020-4.83, p < 0.01, I2 = 95%), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.28-2.22, p = 0.08, I2 = 67%) and neonatal death (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.42-2.35, p = 0.17, I2 = 48%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that Mersilene tape does not reduce the risk of PTB before 37, 28 or 24 weeks. We observed higher risk of preterm birth between 34 and 37 weeks with Mersilene tape but lower incidence before 34 weeks, a period with higher neonatal morbidity and mortality. Due to the limited number of studies, our results and their clinical significance should be interpreted with caution.

[The facility design and operation effect of control vehicle emissions hazard in test section of automobile assembly workshop]

The hazard of vehicle emissions mainly come from the four wheel positioning, drum test and vehicle emissions test sections in automobile assembly workshop, which can lead to abnormal hemoglobin and hepatic insufficiency in workers. We researched on preventing toxic gases technologies for the vehicle emissions generated by these three sections, designed the ventilation facilities, and then detected and evaluated the operation effect, thereby improving the working environment, ensuring the occupational health of workers, and providing scientific basis for the control of vehicle emissions hazards.

Identification and verification of diagnostic biomarkers in recurrent pregnancy loss via machine learning algorithm and WGCNA

Background

Recurrent pregnancy loss defined as the occurrence of two or more pregnancy losses before 20-24 weeks of gestation, is a prevalent and significant pathological condition that impacts human reproductive health. However, the underlying mechanism of RPL remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the biomarkers and molecular mechanisms associated with RPL and explore novel treatment strategies for clinical applications.

Methods

The GEO database was utilized to retrieve the RPL gene expression profile GSE165004. This profile underwent differential expression analysis, WGCNA, functional enrichment, and subsequent analysis of RPL gene expression using LASSO regression, SVM-RFE, and RandomForest algorithms for hub gene screening. ANN model were constructed to assess the performance of hub genes in the dataset. The expression of hub genes in both the RPL and control group samples was validated using RT-qPCR. The immune cell infiltration level of RPL was assessed using CIBERSORT. Additionally, pan-cancer analysis was conducted using Sangerbox, and small-molecule drug screening was performed using CMap.

Results

A total of 352 DEGs were identified, including 198 up-regulated genes and 154 down-regulated genes. Enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were primarily associated with Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, the Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, and various metabolism-related pathways. The turquoise module, which showed the highest relevance to clinical symptoms based on WGCNA results, contained 104 DEGs. Three hub genes, WBP11, ACTR2, and NCSTN, were identified using machine learning algorithms. ROC curves demonstrated a strong diagnostic value when the three hub genes were combined. RT-qPCR confirmed the low expression of WBP11 and ACTR2 in RPL, whereas NCSTN exhibited high expression. The immune cell infiltration analysis results indicated an imbalance of macrophages in RPL. Meanwhile, these three hub genes exhibited aberrant expression in multiple malignancies and were associated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, we identified several small-molecule drugs.

Conclusion

This study identifies and validates hub genes in RPL, which may lead to significant advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies for this condition.

The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Negative Emotions Among Chinese Medical College Students: The Mediating Role of Fear of Missing Out and the Moderating Role of Resilience

Objective

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO) and the moderating role of resilience in the association between social media use and negative emotions among medical college students in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants and Methods

A cross-sectional study design was conducted, medical college students from Qiqihar Medical University, China participated in the study. A total of 470 medical college students were recruited voluntarily to complete questionnaires on social media use, FoMO, resilience, and negative emotions.

Results

Social media use was positively associated with FoMO and negative emotions among medical students (p < 0.01). The total effect of social media use on negative emotions was significant (β = 1.101, SE = 0.079, p < 0.001). Social media use had no significant direct effect on negative emotions (β = 0.168, SE = 0.096, p > 0.05), but it had an indirect effect on negative emotions via mediation of FoMO (β = 0.933, SE = 0.106, 95% CI: 0.731 to 1.149). Moreover, resilience had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between FoMO and negative emotions (β = -0.021, SE = 0.005, 95% CI: -0.032 to -0.012). FoMO had a significant positive predictive effect on negative emotions at both levels of resilience (low resilience individuals: β = 1.079, SE = 0.076, p < 0.001; high resilience individuals: β = 0.212, SE = 0.094, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Social media use and FoMO may be risk factors for increased negative emotions, and resilience should be considered in prevention and intervention strategies designed to mitigate negative emotions among medical college students.

Air pollution exposure and ovarian reserve impairment in Shandong province, China: The effects of particulate matter size and exposure window

BACKGROUND

Lack of evidence exists on whether air pollution exposure may affect ovarian reserve, especially for Chinese women.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between exposure to various air pollutants and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a predictor of ovarian reserve, over different exposure windows in Shandong Province, China.

METHODS

We enrolled 18,878 women who had AMH measurements in the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University during 2010-2019. Daily average concentrations of ambient particulate matter with diameters ≤1 μm/2.5 μm/10 μm (PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃) were developed at a spatial resolution of 0.01° × 0.01°, and assigned to the residential addresses. Three exposure windows were considered, i.e., the process from primary to small antral follicle stage (W1), from primary to secondary follicle stage (W2), and from secondary to small antral follicle stage (W3). The air pollution-AMH association was fitted using the multivariable linear mixed effect model with adjustment for potential confounders. Stratified analyses were performed by age group, overweight status, residential region, and educational level.

RESULTS

The level of AMH changed by -8.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): -12.1%, -5.3%), -2.1% (95% CI: -3.5%, -0.6%), -1.9% (95% CI: -3.3%, -0.5%), and -4.5% (95% CI: -7.1%, -1.9%) per 10 μg/m³ increase in PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂, respectively, during W1. The effect estimates were significant during W2 for PM₁, PM_2.5 and NO₂ while minimal association was observed in W3. Greater vulnerability for certain air pollutants were observed for women who lived in inland areas and were less educated.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that ovarian reserve was negatively associated with air pollution exposure for women, particularly from the primary to secondary follicle stage. The effect estimate increased by the reduction in the diameter of PMs, which also varied across population sub-groups.

Short-hairpin RNA-mediated suppression of cortactin may inhibit the migration and invasion abilities of endometrial cancer cells by reducing lamellipodia

Objectives

The prognosis of endometrial cancer (EC) is significantly affected by tumor infiltration and metastasis. Cortactin (CTTN) regulates infiltration and metastasis in other tumors. Studies on the role and mechanism of CTTN in EC are limited and further studies are needed.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect Ras-associated C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and CTTN in EC and normal tissues. The relationship between the expression of these two genes and their prognostic factors was analyzed. A CTTN-RNAi lentiviral system was constructed and transfected into EC cells. Migration and invasion were evaluated by scratch assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays. Pseudopodia formation was observed by immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of Rac1.

Results

The expression levels of Rac1 and CTTN in EC tissues were significantly higher than those in normal tissues. In the EC group, Rac1 and CTTN levels were correlated. The protein expression levels of Rac1 and CTTN were related to myometrial invasion and stage. After CTTN knockdown, the migration rate, invasiveness, and migratory ability of EC cells decreased significantly. Lamellipodia was observed to disappear with the appearance of blebs. Rac1 protein expression was decreased after CTTN knockdown.

Conclusion

CTTN may promote the invasion and migration of EC by lamellipodia. This effect may be related to the regulation of Rac1 by CTTN.

[A multicenter epidemiological study of acute bacterial meningitis in children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical epidemiological characteristics including composition of pathogens , clinical characteristics, and disease prognosis acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in Chinese children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and laboratory data of 1 610 children <15 years of age with ABM in 33 tertiary hospitals in China from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients were divided into different groups according to age,<28 days group, 28 days to <3 months group, 3 months to <1 year group, 1-<5 years of age group, 5-<15 years of age group; etiology confirmed group and clinically diagnosed group according to etiology diagnosis. Non-numeric variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, while non-normal distrituction numeric variables were compared with nonparametric test. Results: Among 1 610 children with ABM, 955 were male and 650 were female (5 cases were not provided with gender information), and the age of onset was 1.5 (0.5, 5.5) months. There were 588 cases age from <28 days, 462 cases age from 28 days to <3 months, 302 cases age from 3 months to <1 year of age group, 156 cases in the 1-<5 years of age and 101 cases in the 5-<15 years of age. The detection rates were 38.8% (95/245) and 31.5% (70/222) of Escherichia coli and 27.8% (68/245) and 35.1% (78/222) of Streptococcus agalactiae in infants younger than 28 days of age and 28 days to 3 months of age; the detection rates of Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae were 34.3% (61/178), 14.0% (25/178) and 13.5% (24/178) in the 3 months of age to <1 year of age group; the dominant pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and the detection rate were 67.9% (74/109) and 44.4% (16/36) in the 1-<5 years of age and 5-<15 years of age . There were 9.7% (19/195) strains of Escherichia coli producing ultra-broad-spectrum β-lactamases. The positive rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and blood culture were 32.2% (515/1 598) and 25.0% (400/1 598), while 38.2% (126/330)and 25.3% (21/83) in CSF metagenomics next generation sequencing and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen detection. There were 4.3% (32/790) cases of which CSF white blood cell counts were normal in etiology confirmed group. Among 1 610 children with ABM, main intracranial imaging complications were subdural effusion and (or) empyema in 349 cases (21.7%), hydrocephalus in 233 cases (14.5%), brain abscess in 178 cases (11.1%), and other cerebrovascular diseases, including encephalomalacia, cerebral infarction, and encephalatrophy, in 174 cases (10.8%). Among the 166 cases (10.3%) with unfavorable outcome, 32 cases (2.0%) died among whom 24 cases died before 1 year of age, and 37 cases (2.3%) had recurrence among whom 25 cases had recurrence within 3 weeks. The incidences of subdural effusion and (or) empyema, brain abscess and ependymitis in the etiology confirmed group were significantly higher than those in the clinically diagnosed group (26.2% (207/790) vs. 17.3% (142/820), 13.0% (103/790) vs. 9.1% (75/820), 4.6% (36/790) vs. 2.7% (22/820), χ²=18.71, 6.20, 4.07, all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the unfavorable outcomes, mortility, and recurrence between these 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The onset age of ABM in children is usually within 1 year of age, especially <3 months. The common pathogens in infants <3 months of age are Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae, and the dominant pathogen in infant ≥3 months is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Subdural effusion and (or) empyema and hydrocephalus are common complications. ABM should not be excluded even if CSF white blood cell counts is within normal range. Standardized bacteriological examination should be paid more attention to increase the pathogenic detection rate. Non-culture CSF detection methods may facilitate the pathogenic diagnosis.

MiR-135a-5p suppresses trophoblast proliferative, migratory, invasive, and angiogenic activity in the context of unexplained spontaneous abortion

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous abortions (SA) is amongst the most common complications associated with pregnancy in humans, and the underlying causes cannot be identified in roughly half of SA cases. We found miR-135a-5p to be significantly upregulated in SA-associated villus tissues, yet the function it plays in this context has yet to be clarified. This study explored the function of miR-135a-5p and its potential as a biomarker for unexplained SA.

METHOD

RT-qPCR was employed for appraising miR-135a-5p expression within villus tissues with its clinical diagnostic values being assessed using ROC curves. The effects of miR-135a-5p in HTR-8/SVneo cells were analyzed via wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry, EdU, CCK-8, and tube formation assays. Moreover, protein expression was examined via Western blotting, and interactions between miR-135a-5p and PTPN1 were explored through RIP-PCR, bioinformatics analyses and luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

Relative to normal pregnancy (NP), villus tissue samples from pregnancies that ended in unexplained sporadic miscarriage (USM) or unexplained recurrent SA (URSA) exhibited miR-135a-5p upregulation. When this miRNA was overexpressed in HTR-8/SVneo cells, their migration, proliferation, and cell cycle progression were suppressed, as were their tube forming and invasive activities. miR-135a-5p over-expression also downregulated the protein level of cyclins, PTPN1, MMP2 and MMP9. In RIP-PCR assays, the Ago2 protein exhibited significant miR-135a-5p and PTPN1 mRNA enrichment, and dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated PTPN1 to be a bona fide miR-135a-5p target gene within HTR-8/SVneo cells.

CONCLUSION

miR-135a-5p may suppress trophoblast migratory, invasive, proliferative, and angiogenic activity via targeting PTPN1, and it may thus offer value as a biomarker for unexplained SA.

Analysis of circRNAs and circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA networks in β-thalassemia

The involvement of circRNAs in β-thalassemia and their actions on fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is unclear. Here, the circRNAs in β-thalassemia carriers with high HbF levels were comprehensively analyzed and compared with those of healthy individuals. Differential expression of 2183 circRNAs was observed and their correlations with hematological parameters were investigated. Down-regulated hsa-circRNA-100466 had a strong negative correlation with HbF and HbA₂. Bioinformatics was employed to construct a hsa-circRNA-100466‑associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to identify hub genes and associated miRNAs. The hsa-circRNA-100466▁miR-19b-3p▁SOX6 pathway was identified using both present and previously published data. The ceRNA network was verified by qRT-PCR analysis of β-thalassemia samples, RNA immunoprecipitation of K562 cell lysates, and dual-luciferase reporter analysis. qRT-PCR confirmed that hsa-circRNA-100466 and SOX6 were significantly down-regulated, while miR-19b-3p was up-regulated. Hsa-circRNA-100466, miR-19b-3p, and SOX6 were co-immunoprecipitated by anti-argonaute antibodies, indicating involvement with HbF induction. A further dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-19b-3p interacted directly with hsa-circRNA-100466 and SOX6. Furthermore, spearman correlation coefficients revealed their significant correlations with HbF. In conclusion, a novel hsa-circRNA-100466▁miR-19b-3p▁SOX6 pathway was identified, providing insight into HbF induction and suggesting targets β-thalassemia treatment.

[Targeted killing of CD133+ lung cancer stem cells using paclitaxel-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles with CD133 aptamers]

OBJECTIVE

To construct a polylactic acid-glycolic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanocarrier (N-Pac-CD133) coupled with a CD133 nucleic acid aptamer carrying paclitaxel for eliminating lung cancer stem cells (CSCs).

METHODS

Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 was prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation method and characterized. CD133⁺ lung CSCs were separated by magnetic bead separation and identified for their biological behaviors and gene expression profile. The efficiency of paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 for targeted killing of lung cancer cells was assessed in vitro. SCID mice were inoculated with A549 cells and received injections of normal saline, empty nanocarrier linked with CD133 aptamer (N-CD133), paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded nanocarrier (N-Pac) or paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 (n=8, 5 mg/kg paclitaxel) on days 10, 15 and 20, and the tumor weight and body weight of the mice were measured on day 40.

RESULTS

Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed a particle size of about 100 nm with a high encapsulation efficiency (>80%) and drug loading rate (>8%), and was capable of sustained drug release within 48 h. The CD133⁺ cell population in lung cancer cells showed the characteristic features of lung CSCs, including faster growth rate (30 days, P=0.001) and high expressions of tumor stem cell markers OV6(P < 0.001), CD133 (P=0.001), OCT3/4 (P=0.002), EpCAM (P=0.04), NANOG (P=0.005) and CD44 (P=0.02). Compared with N-Pac and free paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed significantly enhanced targeting ability and cytotoxicity against lung CSCs in vitro (P < 0.001) and significantly reduced the formation of tumor spheres (P < 0.001). In the tumor-bearing mice, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed the strongest effects in reducing the tumor mass among all the treatments (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CD133 aptamer can promote targeted delivery of paclitaxel to allow targeted killing of CD133⁺ lung CSCs. N-Pac-CD133 loaded with paclitaxel may provide an effective treatment for lung cancer by targeting the lung cancer stem cells.

Upregulation of miRNA-26a Enhances the Apoptosis of Cerebral Neurons by Targeting EphA2 and Inhibiting the MAPK Pathway

Neural tube defects (NTDs) constitute the second most common congenital malformation of the central nervous system. The pathogenesis of NTDs is not entirely clear. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have become a hot spot in genetic and developmental biology research. The present study aimed to explore the potential role of miRNA-26a in NTDs and the underlying pathogenesis thereof. First, we found significantly increased miRNA-26a expression in fetuses with NTDs (p < 0.0001), which significantly downregulated EphA2 and ERK1 mRNA and protein expression levels in fetuses with NTDs compared to normal controls (p < 0.01). In addition, a dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-26a negatively regulated EphA2 by directly binding with the 3'-untranslated region of EphA2. Second, the upregulation of miRNA-26a expression increased caspase 3 and 9 protein expression levels (p < 0.01) and decreased EphA2 mRNA and protein expression levels (p < 0.01), as well as ERK1 and SRF protein expression levels (p < 0.01) in mouse neural stem cells (NE-4C) and human astroblastoma cells (U87MG). Furthermore, the upregulation of miRNA-26a inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of NE-4C and U87MG cells (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed with the MAPK inhibitor PD98059 (p < 0.01). These results suggest that miR-26a targets EphA2, modulates phosphorylation of the MAPK/ERK (MEK) pathway, regulates SRF, and participates in regulating nervous cell proliferation and apoptosis. Dysregulation of the aforementioned mechanism may be involved in the pathogenesis of NTDs.

Placental transcriptome sequencing combined with bioinformatics predicts potential genes and circular RNAs associated with hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome

AIM

Hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome (BHFS) is the most severe form of α-thalassemia. Histological alternations can be observed in placenta, but placental transcriptome profile and circular RNAs have not been studied in this disease. The aim of this study was to define the placental transcriptional changes and find relevant circular RNAs in BHFS.

METHODS

We performed high-throughput RNA sequencing to detect placental samples from fetuses affected by BHFS (n = 5) and normal fetuses (NF, n = 5), quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Sanger sequencing to validate the differentially expressed circRNAs and their potentially related miRNAs (BHFS, n = 22; NF, n = 11). Bioinformatics methods were performed for further analysis.

RESULTS

Our results showed 152 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 112 circRNAs, and 45 microRNAs that were differentially expressed. DEGs were found to be involved in Gene Ontology terms related to gas transport, cell adhesion, oxidative stress, organ development, hemopoiesis, and others. RT-qPCR results showed that hsa_circ_0003961 and hsa_circ_0006687 were upregulated (p < 0.05). The competing endogenous RNA and co-expression networks showed that hsa_circ_0003961 and hsa_circ_0006687 were connected with 3 miRNAs and some DEGs, including cell adhesion genes (e.g., CLDN19), hemoglobin related genes (e.g., SOX6 and HBZ) and angiogenesis related genes (e.g., EPHB2). Downregulations of hsa-miR-1299 and hsa-miR-625-5p in ceRNA network were also validated by RT-qPCR. Gene set enrichment analysis results for the two circRNAs showed that some gene sets associated with cell adhesion, hematopoietic system and apoptosis were significantly enriched.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study characterized the placental transcriptome of BHFS. The circRNAs hsa_circ_0003961 and hsa_circ_0006687 in placenta may be relevant to BHFS.

[A case of paralytic intestinal obstruction caused by nifedipine poisoning]

Nifedipine is a typical dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, and large doses of intake can cause poisoning. This article retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of a patient with nifedipine poisoning complicated with paralytic intestinal obstruction admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University in October 2020. When the patient was admitted to the hospital, the symptoms of poisoning were decreased blood pressure and shock, followed by severe paralytic intestinal obstruction. Finally, after active hemoperfusion combined with hemofiltration and symptomatic supportive treatment, the patient's condition improved and was discharged. There was no discomfort in the follow-up 2 months later.

Screening key genes and biomarkers in gastrointestinal metaplasia that progress to gastric cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis

This study aimed to screen the potential candidate genes and relevant biological markers associated with gastrointestinal metaplasia that progresses to gastric cancer (GIM-GC). Microarray datasets (GSE78523) were downloaded from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GIM-GC samples and healthy controls were identified. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed. STRING and Cytoscape were used to identify significant module and hub genes. Survival analysis was applied to identify key genes. A Venn diagram was built to find hub DEGs that differed in all three relevant comparisons (GIM-GC vs. healthy controls vs. GIM-NoGC). The clinical characteristics of the hub DEGs were evaluated using the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. The study found 257 DEGs (217 upregulated and 40 downregulated). The upregulated DEGs were enriched in regulation of microvillus length and phospholipid binding and were components of the apical plasma membrane. Downregulated DEGs were involved in digestion and hormone activity and were found in the extracellular space. Fat digestion and absorption as well as gastric acid secretion were the pathways enrichment. The most important gene modules related mainly to O-glycan processing, extracellular exosome, hormone activity, and vitamin and fat digestion and absorption. Eleven hub genes were identified, of which APOB, FABP1, CDX2, GCG, HNF4A, SLC26A3, CFTR, MUC5AC, OLFM4, and SI were related to the prognosis. Olfactomedin-4 (OLFM4) was the most relevant DEG to identify GIM-GC. In conclusion: DEGs and hub genes are helpful to understand the molecular mechanisms of GIM-GC. OLFM4 may be a biological marker for GIM-GC.

Circulating noncoding RNAs as early predictive biomarkers in preeclampsia: a diagnostic meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We designed a meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical significance and efficacy of circulating noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the early prediction of preeclampsia.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were used to search for literature. The combined prediction performance was evaluated by calculating the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve. The potential sources of heterogeneity were analysed by meta-regression analysis and subgroup analysis. All statistical analyses and mapping were performed by RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0.

RESULTS

A total of 41 studies from 14 articles, including 557 preeclampsia patients and 842 controls, were included in our meta-analysis. All studies collected blood before onset. NcRNAs in blood performed relatively well in predicting preeclampsia. The combined sensitivity was 0.71, the specificity was 0.84, and the area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.86. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples showed the best diagnostic accuracy. The combined AUC was 0.93. Combined detection was better than single detection, and miRNA was better than circRNA. The heterogeneity of the study was determined by sample size, lncRNA characteristics, lncRNA source and race.

CONCLUSION

Circulating ncRNAs can be valuable biomarkers used as candidates for noninvasive early predictive biomarkers of preeclampsia and have great clinical application prospects. The clinical value of ncRNAs needs to be tested by further multicentre, comprehensive and prospective studies, and the test criteria should be established.

[Cognition and related factors on the use of HIV non-occupational post-exposure prevention among men who have sex with men]

Objective: To understand the cognition and related factors on the use of HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: The snowballing method was applied to recruit research subjects who were ≥18 years old, had sex with men in the past three months, and were aware of nPEP in MSM groups in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Kunming from March 15 to April 14, 2019. Data on social demographics, behavioral characteristics, basic knowledge of nPEP, consultation, and using nPEP were collected through "i guardian Platform". The logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors affecting the use of nPEP. Results: Among 1 809 investigated, 39.8% (720 persons) were aware of the basic knowledge of nPEP, 33.4% (605 persons) had consulted nPEP, and 15.0% (271 persons) had used nPEP. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors as whether to have sex with men infected with HIV in the last three months (OR=2.58, 95%CI: 1.64-4.07), the frequency of HIV testing in the past year (OR=2.47, 95%CI: 1.28-5.11), nPEP knowledge awareness (OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.49-0.99), whether to consult nPEP (OR=70.98, 95%CI: 40.51-136.83) were related to the use of nPEP. Conclusions: MSM still have poor cognition of nPEP. It is necessary to strengthen the publicity and education of nPEP in MSM and promote the use of nPEP after HIV exposure as soon as possible.

Identification of a Four-Gene Signature With Prognostic Significance in Endometrial Cancer Using Weighted-Gene Correlation Network Analysis

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a precursor for endometrial cancer (EC). However, biomarkers for the progression from EH to EC and standard prognostic biomarkers for EC have not been identified. In this study, we aimed to identify key genes with prognostic significance for the progression from EH to EC. Weighted-gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify hub genes utilizing microarray data (GSE106191) downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The Limma-Voom R package was applied to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs; mRNAs) between cancer and normal samples. Genes with |log2 (fold change [FC])| > 1.0 and p < 0.05 were considered as DEGs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression and survival analyses were performed to identify potential prognostic genes using hub genes overlapping in the two datasets. All analyses were conducted using R Bioconductor and related packages. Through WGCNA and overlapping genes in hub modules with DEGs in the UCEC dataset, we identified 42 hub genes. The results of the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that four hub genes, BUB1B, NDC80, TPX2, and TTK, were independently associated with the prognosis of EC (Hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.591 [0.382–0.912], p = 0.017; 0.605 [0.371–0.986], p = 0.044; 1.678 [1.132–2.488], p = 0.01; 2.428 [1.372–4.29], p = 0.02, respectively). A nomogram was established with a risk score calculated using the four genes’ coefficients in the multivariate analysis, and tumor grade and stage had a favorable predictive value for the prognosis of EC. The survival analysis showed that the high-risk group had an unfavorable prognosis compared with the low-risk group (p < 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic curves also indicated that the risk model had a potential predictive value of prognosis with area under the curve 0.807 at 2 years, 0.783 at 3 years, and 0.786 at 5 years. We established a four-gene signature with prognostic significance in EC using WGCNA and established a nomogram to predict the prognosis of EC.