Three novel microRNAs based on microRNA signatures for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

This study aimed to identify novel microRNAs (miRNAs) that play crucial regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma by retrieving and analyzing the miRNA expression profile GSE23877. Differentially expressed miRNAs between gastric MALT lymphoma samples and human tonsil tissue samples as well as their target genes were identified. The transcriptional regulatory relationships between miRNAs and target genes were analyzed, and the regulatory network between them was constructed. Target genes annotated as transcription factors (TFs) were screened, and an miRNA-target gene regulatory network was established. Moreover, the expression levels of miRNAs and target genes as well as the correlation between them were verified. In total, 53 upregulated and 25 downregulated miRNAs were obtained, for which 35 and 25 experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions, respectively, were screened. Some miRNAs were significantly enriched in certain pathways; for example, miR-320a was enriched in systemic lupus erythematosus and ribosome, miR-622 in the p53 signaling pathway and chronic myeloid leukemia, and miR-429 in cancer-related pathways. In addition, upregulated miRNAs, including miR-320a, miR-940, and miR-622, and downregulated miRNAs, including miR-331-3p and miR-429, were hub nodes in the miRNA-target gene regulatory network, and the TF MYC was a co-target of miR-320a, miR-622, and miR-429. The expression trends of miR-320a and miR-429 as well as of some of their target genes were consistent with those in the results of microarray analysis. In conclusion, miR-320a, miR-622, and miR-429 are possibly novel miRNAs participating in the pathomechanism of gastric MALT lymphoma.

Effects of monobutyl phthalate on steroidogenesis through steroidogenic acute regulatory protein regulated by transcription factors in mouse Leydig tumor cells

OBJECTIVE

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is one of the most widely used phthalate esters, and it is ubiquitous in the environment. DBP and its major metabolite, monobutyl phthalate (MBP), change steroid biosynthesis and impair male reproductive function. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying the steroid biosynthesis disruption by MBP is still unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed the progesterone production, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA, protein expression, and DNA-binding affinity of transcription factors (SF-1 and GATA-4).

RESULTS

Our results reveal that MBP inhibited progesterone production. At the same time, StAR mRNA and protein were decreased after MBP exposure. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that DNA-binding affinity of transcription factors (SF-1 and GATA-4) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner after MBP treatments. Western blot tests next confirmed that protein of SF-1 was decreased, but GATA-4 protein was unchanged. However, phosphorylated GATA-4 protein was decreased with 800 μM of MBP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals an important and novel mechanism whereby SF-1 and GATA-4 may regulate StAR during MBP-induced steroidogenesis disruption.

A comparison of acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using LARS artificial ligaments: a randomized prospective study with a 5-year follow-up

PURPOSE

This prospective randomized study compared acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) artificial ligament in young active adults with a 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups based on the elapsed time between the injury and reconstruction: the acute group (3-7 weeks) and the chronic group (6-11 months). The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the Tegner activity rating, a KT-1000 Arthrometer, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring system. Isokinetic strength of the quadriceps and hamstring was assessed using the Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer.

RESULTS

Anterior laxity was decreased and quadriceps/hamstring muscle strength was increased in the acute group compared to the chronic group (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in Lysholm scores, Tegner activity scores, and the IKDC evaluation form between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that earlier ACL reconstruction using a LARS artificial ligament may provide an advantage in the treatment and rehabilitation of ACL rupture.

High-performance transparent solvent-free silicone resins with stable storage and low viscosity based on new hyperbranched polysiloxanes

Five new hyperbranched polysiloxanes, for example, methylhydrogen siloxanes (MHSis), with varying concentrations of silicon–methyl (Si-Me) groups were synthesized and characterized, and then a series of MHSi/poly(methylphenylvinylsilicone) (PSi) resins were prepared to investigate the influence of the structures and concentrations of MHSi on the integrated properties of both uncured and cured MHSi/PSi resins. The results show that the compatibility between MHSi and PSi is closely related to the concentration of Si-Me groups in the MHSi as well as the molar ratio of MHSi and PSi. If MHSi has a suitable concentration of Si-Me groups, and the molar ratios of MHSi to PSi are appropriate, transparent MHSi/PSi resins with stable compatibility can be obtained. In addition, these compatible resins show good thermal stability with dynamic mechanical and dielectric properties. They exhibit a great potential for use as high-performance solvent-free silicone resins in either vacuum pressure impregnating process or liquid-molding techniques.

The effect of guideline-consistent antiemetic therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV): the Pan European Emesis Registry (PEER)

BACKGROUND

While guidelines for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are widely available, clinical uptake of guidelines remains low. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of guideline-consistent CINV prophylaxis (GCCP) on patient outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective, observational multicenter study enrolled chemotherapy-naive adults initiating single-day highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC or MEC) for cancer. Patients completed 6-day daily diaries beginning with cycle 1 for up to three chemotherapy cycles. The primary study end point, complete response (no emesis and no use of rescue therapy) during 120 h after cycle 1 chemotherapy, was compared between GCCP and guideline-inconsistent CINV prophylaxis (GICP) cohorts using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

In cycle 1 (N=991), use of GCCP was 55% and 46% during acute and delayed phases, respectively, and 29 % for the overall study period (acute plus delayed phases). Complete response was recorded by 172/287 (59.9%) and 357/704 (50.7%) patients in GCCP and GICP cohorts, respectively (P=0.008). The adjusted odds ratio for complete response was 1.43 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.97; P=0.027) for patients receiving GCCP versus GICP.

CONCLUSION

GCCP reduces the incidence of CINV after single-day HEC and MEC.

A homogenous CS/NaCMC/n-HA polyelectrolyte complex membrane prepared by gradual electrostatic assembling

A homogenous membrane composed of chitosan (CS), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and nano hydroxyapatite (n-HA) was prepared by a gradual electrostatic assembling (GEA) method. The physical and chemical properties of the membranes with different n-HA contents and CS/NaCMC ratios were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and mechanical test. The schematic formation mechanism of the membrane was discussed. The results show that GEA is an effective method to prepare the polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) membrane, in which oppositely charged CS-NaCMC polysaccharides can assemble mildly and gradually through electrostatic interaction to form the membrane framework, while the filled n-HA crystals can regulate the structure stability of the composite membrane. The optimum preparation condition for the PEC membrane can be fixed to a content of 60 wt% n-HA, an equivalent amount of CS to NaCMC and a drying temperature of 60°C. The PEC membrane may have good prospect for guided bone regeneration.