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He J, Wang B, Tao J, Liu Q, Peng M, Qiu X, Yang Y, Ye Z, Liu D, W. li, Chen Z, Zeng Q, Fan J, Liang W. 905MO Synergistic combination of clinical, imaging and DNA methylation biomarkers improves the classification of pulmonary nodules. Ann Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Qiu X, Gu J, Yang T, Ma C, Li L, Wu Y, Zhu C, Gao H, Yang Z, Wang Z, Li X, Hu A, Xu J, Zhong L, Shen J, Huang A, Chen G. Sensitive determination of Norfloxacin in milk based on β-cyclodextrin functionalized silver nanoparticles SERS substrate. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 276:121212. [PMID: 35413530 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The norfloxacin (NFX) residue in milk will increase human resistance to drugs and pose a threat to public health. In this work, a highly sensitive method for detection of NFX was developed based on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using β-cyclodextrin functionalized silver nanoparticles (β-CD-AgNPs) as substrate. The unique spatial size and hydrophilicity of β-CD on the surface of AgNPs could selectively capture the target molecule (NFX) through some weak interactions, including hydrogen-bond interaction, electrostatic interaction, etc. The interactions were characterized by the UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, Zeta potential and DLS. The Raman signal of NFX is largely enhanced when anchored by β-CD on the surface of AgNPs due to SERS effect. Through a series of experiments and analysis, the limit of detection (LOD) in standard solution and spiked milk were calculated to be 3.214 pmol/L and 5.327 nmol/L. The correlation coefficients (R2) were 0.986 and 0.984, respectively. For milk sample determination of NFX, the recovery was 101.29% to 104.00% with the relative standard deviation (RSD) from 2.986% to 9.136%. To sum up, this developed SERS strategy is sensitive and specific to detect NFX in milk, it has practical application value and prospects.
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Shi X, Li W, Guo Z, Wu M, Zhang X, Yuan L, Qiu X, Xing Y, Sun X, Xie H, Tang J. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of maize ear heterosis during the inflorescence meristem differentiation stage. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:348. [PMID: 35843937 PMCID: PMC9290290 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03695-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterosis is widely used in many crops and is important for global food safety, and maize is one of the most successful crops to take advantage of heterosis. Gene expression patterns control the development of the maize ear, but the mechanisms by which heterosis affects transcriptional-level control are not fully understood. RESULTS In this study, we sampled ear inflorescence meristems (IMs) from the single-segment substitution maize (Zea mays) line lx9801hlEW2b, which contains the heterotic locus hlEW2b associated with ear width, as well as the receptor parent lx9801, the test parent Zheng58, and their corresponding hybrids Zheng58 × lx9801hlEW2b (HY) and Zheng58 × lx9801 (CK). After RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis, 2531 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the two hybrids (HY vs. CK). Our results showed that approximately 64% and 48% of DEGs exhibited additive expression in HY and CK, whereas the other genes displayed a non-additive expression pattern. The DEGs were significantly enriched in GO functional categories of multiple metabolic processes, plant organ morphogenesis, and hormone regulation. These essential processes are potentially associated with heterosis performance during the maize ear developmental stage. In particular, 125 and 100 DEGs from hybrids with allele-specific expression (ASE) were specifically identified in HY and CK, respectively. Comparison between the two hybrids suggested that ASE genes were involved in different development-related processes that may lead to the hybrid vigor phenotype during maize ear development. In addition, several critical genes involved in auxin metabolism and IM development were differentially expressed between the hybrids and showed various expression patterns (additive, non-additive, and ASE). Changes in the expression levels of these genes may lead to differences in auxin homeostasis in the IM, affecting the transcription of core genes such as WUS that control IM development. CONCLUSIONS Our research suggests that additive, non-additive, and allele-specific expression patterns may fine-tune the expression of crucial DEGs that modulate carbohydrate and protein metabolic processes, nitrogen assimilation, and auxin metabolism to optimal levels, and these transcriptional changes may play important roles in maize ear heterosis. The results provide new information that increases our understanding of the relationship between transcriptional variation and heterosis during maize ear development, which may be helpful for clarifying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of heterosis.
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Wan J, Wang Q, Zhao J, Zhang X, Guo Z, Hu D, Meng S, Lin Y, Qiu X, Mu L, Ding D, Tang J. Gene expression variation explains maize seed germination heterosis. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:301. [PMID: 35718761 PMCID: PMC9208091 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterosis has been extensively utilized in plant breeding, however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely elusive. Maize (Zea mays), which exhibits strong heterosis, is an ideal material for studying heterosis. RESULTS In this study, there is faster imbibition and development in reciprocal crossing Zhengdan958 hybrids than in their parent lines during seed germination. To investigate the mechanism of heterosis of maize germination, comparative transcriptomic analyses were conducted. The gene expression patterns showed that 1324 (47.27%) and 1592 (66.44%) of the differential expression genes between hybrids and either parental line display parental dominance up or higher levels in the reciprocal cross of Zhengdan958, respectively. Notably, these genes were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, including carbon metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, etc. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence for the higher expression level genes in hybrid involved in metabolic pathways acting as main contributors to maize seed germinating heterosis. These findings provide new insights into the gene expression variation of maize embryos and improve the understanding of maize seed germination heterosis.
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Shi XY, Zhang XL, Shi QY, Qiu X, Wu XB, Zheng BL, Jiang HX, Qin SY. IFN-γ affects pancreatic cancer properties by MACC1-AS1/MACC1 axis via AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1073-1085. [PMID: 35037236 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02748-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis-related in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is highly expressed in a variety of solid tumours, but its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unknown. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) affecting MACC1 expression was explored as the potential mechanism following its intervention. METHODS Expressions of MACC1 treated with IFN-γ gradient were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB). Proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of PC cells treated with IFN-γ were analysed by CCK8, EDU, colony formation, Transwell (with or without matrix gel) and wound-healing assays. Expression of antisense long non-coding RNA of MACC1, MACC1-AS1, and proteins of AKT/mTOR pathway, (pho-)AKT, and (pho-)mTOR was also assessed by qRT-PCR and WB. SiRNA kit and lentiviral fluid were conducted for transient expression of MACC1 and stable expression of MACC1-AS1, respectively. Rescue assays of cells overexpressing MACC1-AS1 and of cells silencing MACC1 were performed and cellular properties and proteins were assessed by the above-mentioned assays as well. RESULTS IFN-γ inhibited MACC1 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner; 100 ng/mL IFN-γ generally caused downregulation of most significant (p ≤ 0.05). In vitro experiments revealed that IFN-γ decreased cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities and downregulated the expression of pho-AKT and pho-mTOR (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, overexpression of MACC1-AS1 upregulated pho-AKT and pho-mTOR proteins, and reversed cellular properties (p ≤ 0.05). Rescue assays alleviated the above changes of pho-AKT/ mTOR and cellular properties. CONCLUSION IFN-γ affected PC properties by MACC1-AS1/MACC1 axis via AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which provides novel insight for candidate targets for treating PC.
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Yao Q, Liu M, Yuan K, Xin Y, Qiu X, Zheng X, Li C, Duan S, Qin J. Radiomics nomogram based on dual-energy spectral CT imaging to diagnose low bone mineral density. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:424. [PMID: 35524240 PMCID: PMC9074261 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteoporosis is associated with a decrease of bone mineralized component as well as a increase of bone marrow fat. At present, there are few studies using radiomics nomogram based fat-water material decomposition (MD) images of dual-energy spectral CT as an evaluation method of abnormally low Bone Mineral Density (BMD). This study aims to establish and validate a radiomics nomogram based the fat-water imaging of dual-energy spectral CT in diagnosing low BMD. Methods Ninety-five patients who underwent dual-energy spectral CT included T11-L2 and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to T-score, normal BMD(T ≥ -1) and abnormally low BMD (T < -1). Radiomic features were selected from fat-water imaging of the dual-energy spectral CT. Radscore was calculated by summing the selected features weighted by their coefficients. A nomogram combining the radiomics signature and significant clinical variables was built. The ROC curve was performed to evaluate the performance of the model. Finally, we used decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the model. Results Five radiomic features based on fat-water imaging of dual-energy spectral CT were constructed to distinguish abnormally low BMD from normal BMD, and its differential performance was high with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.89–1.00) in the training cohort and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.91–1.00) in the test cohort. The radiomics nomogram showed excellent differential ability with AUC of 0.96 (95%CI, 0.91–1.00) in the training cohort and 0.98 (95%CI, 0.93–1.00) in the test cohort, which performed better than the radiomics model and clinics model only. The DCA showed that the radiomics nomogram had a higher benefit in differentiating abnormally low BMD from normal BMD than the clinical model alone. Conclusion The radiomics nomogram incorporated radiomics features and clinical factor based the fat-water imaging of dual-energy spectral CT may serve as an efficient tool to identify abnormally low BMD from normal BMD well.
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Chen N, Qiu X, Wang D, Cui BQ, Chang XD. [Establishment and stress analysis of a finite element model of a marathon runner's hip joint based on material properties given by CT gray value]. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI 2022; 102:679-682. [PMID: 35249314 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20210817-01854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a finite element model of the hip joint of a marathon runner was established based on the method of assigning material properties by CT gray value, and the biomechanics of the hip joint were analyzed when standing on one foot. The results of the study demonstrated that the stress was concentrated in the arcuate line, the greater sciatic notch, the pubic comb, and the acetabular region in the pelvis model; in the femoral model, the stress was concentrated in the femoral head, medial side of femoral neck and femoral shaft. The stress is transmitted from the sacroiliac joint to the acetabular dome through the arcuate line, on one side of the femoral head, from the medial side of the femoral neck to the lower side of the lesser trochanter to the medial side of the femoral shaft, and on the other side from the upper side of the femoral neck to the lateral side of the femoral shaft. The maximum principal stress was distributed in the posterior superior of the acetabular roof (7.22 MPa) and the posterior superior of the femoral head (6.68 MPa). The displacement of the model was about 1 to 3 mm at the upper edge of the ilium, and gradually decreased along the femoral axis, and the displacement at the hip joint was about 0.1 to 0.3 mm.
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Yao Q, Liu J, Yuan K, Qiu X, Wang J, Li J, Li C, Zhu J, Qin J. Comparison of L1 CT-attenuation and cortical thickness in predicting osteoporosis by opportunistic CT. JOURNAL OF X-RAY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 30:631-640. [PMID: 35253725 DOI: 10.3233/xst-211106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vertebrae, the amount of cortical bone has been estimated at 30-60%, but 45-75% of axial load on a vertebral body is borne by cortical bone. OBJECTIVE To compare the role of L1 CT-attenuation and cortical thickness in predicting osteoporosis by opportunistic CT and explore cortical thickness value in osteoporosis. METHODS We collected data of 94 patients who underwent DXA and thoracic and/or abdominal CT to demonstrate an entire L1 for other indications in routine practice. Patients were divided into three groups according to T-score: osteoporosis, osteopenia, or normal. CT-attenuation value and cortical thickness of L1 were measured. ANOVA analysis was utilized to analyze CT-attenuation and cortical thickness among the three groups. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) predicting low BMD were determined using ROC. Pearson correlations were employed to describe relationship between L1 BMD and CT-attenuation value, BMD, as well as cortical thickness. RESULTS The mean cortical thickness was 0.83±0.11, 0.72±0.10, and 0.64±0.09 mm for normal, osteopenia, and osteoporotic subgroups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in cortical thickness and CT-attenuation value among these three subgroups. A mean CT-attenuation value threshold of > 148.7 yielded 73.0% sensitivity and 86.0% specificity for distinguishing low BMD from normal with an AUC = 0.83. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that BMD was positively correlated with CT-attenuation (r = 0.666, P < 0.001) and cortical thickness (r = 0.604, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS L1 CT-attenuation and cortical thickness measured on opportunistic CT can help predict osteoporosis. Compared with cortical thickness, CT-attenuation is a more sensitive and accurate index for distinguishing low BMD from normal.
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Qiu X, Chen H, Feng D, Dong W. [G-protein coupled receptor Smo positively regulates proliferation and migration of adult neural stem cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:1588-1592. [PMID: 34755677 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.10.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of G-protein coupled receptor Smoothened (Smo) in regulating proliferation and migration of adult neural stem cells (ANSCs) and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS Cultured ANSCs were treated with purmorphamine (PM, an agonist of Smo) or cyclopamine (CPM, an inhibitor of Smo), and the changes in cell proliferation migration abilities were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and wound healing assay, respectively. The mRNA expressions of membrane receptor Patched 1 (Ptch1), Smo, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1), axon guidance cue slit1 (Slit1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the treated cells were detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS PM significantly promoted the proliferation (P < 0.01) and migration of ANSCs (P < 0.01), and up-regulated the mRNA expressions of Ptch1, Smo, Gli1, Slit1 and BDNF. Treatment with CPM significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of ANSCs. CONCLUSION Modulating Smo activity can positively regulate the proliferation and migration of ANSCs possibly by regulating the expressions of BDNF and Slit1.
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Qiu X, Gao T, Yang J, Wang E, Liu L, Yuan H. Water-Soluble Humic Materials Modulating Metabolism and Triggering Stress Defense in Sinorhizobium fredii. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0029321. [PMID: 34479412 PMCID: PMC8552645 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00293-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved a series of mechanisms to maintain their survival and reproduction in changeable and stressful environments. In-depth understanding of these mechanisms can allow for better developing and utilizing of bacteria with various biological functions. In this study, we found that water-soluble humic materials (WSHM), a well-known environment-friendly plant growth biostimulant, significantly promoted the free-living growth and survival of Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU45436 in a bell-shaped, dose-dependent manner, along with more-efficient carbon source consumption and relief of medium acidification. By using RNA-Seq analysis, a total of 1,136 genes significantly up-/downregulated by external addition of WSHM were identified under test conditions. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in functional categories related to carbon/nitrogen metabolism, cellular stress response, and genetic information processing. Further protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and reverse genetic engineering indicated that WSHM might reprogram the transcriptome through inhibiting the expression of key hub gene rsh, which encodes a bifunctional enzyme catalyzing synthesis and hydrolysis of the "magic spot" (p)ppGpp. In addition, the root colonization and viability in soil of S. fredii CCBAU45436 were increased by WSHM. These findings provide us with new insights into how WSHM benefit bacterial adaptations and demonstrate great application value to be a unique inoculant additive. IMPORTANCE Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU45436 is a highly effective, fast-growing rhizobium that can establish symbiosis with multiple soybean cultivars. However, it is difficult to maintain the high-density effective viable cells in the rhizobial inoculant for the stressful conditions during production, storage, transport, and application. Here, we showed that WSHM greatly increased the viable cells of S. fredii CCBAU45436 in culture, modulating metabolism and triggering stress defense. The root colonization and viability in soil of S. fredii CCBAU45436 were also increased by WSHM. Our results shed new insights into the effects of WSHM on bacteria and the importance of metabolism and stress defense during the bacteria's whole life. In addition, the functional mechanism of WSHM may provide candidate genes for improving environmental adaptability and application potential of bacteria through genetic engineering.
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Lu S, Huang D, Chen X, Wang B, Xue J, Wang J, Bao Y, Liang L, Qiu X, Zhang L. 1290P RATIONALE 304: Tislelizumab (TIS) plus chemotherapy (chemo) vs chemo alone as first-line (1L) treatment for non-squamous (non-sq) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients (pts) who are smokers vs non-smokers. Ann Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.08.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Yin H, Chen M, Qiu X, Qiu X, Guo H. Can 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT predict pathological upgrading of prostate cancer from MRI-targeted biopsy to radical prostatectomy? Eur Urol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(21)01286-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Qiu X, Wang Y, Jiang Y. Dopants and grain boundary effects in monolayer MoS 2: a first-principles study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:11937-11943. [PMID: 33999067 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp00156f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of large area chemical vapor deposited monolayer MoS2 rely significantly on the presence of grain boundaries (GBs) and defects. In this study, first-principles calculations were performed to investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal doped MoS2 GBs. The experimentally observed 60° tilt GBs were demonstrated with four different atomic configurations and the nonmagnetic 4|8ud GB has the lowest formation energy among the considered models. Further calculations of 4|8ud GBs doped with TMs, such as V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni, indicate that dopants can significantly lower the formation energies of the doped GBs compared to the perfect monolayer MoS2 by occupying the GB region instead of within the grains. Magnetism can be achieved in doped GB systems by careful defect engineering. CoMo, MnMo and Niint in 4|8ud GBs are predicted to be magnetic and simultaneously energetically favorable. The electron coupling between the doped TM and surrounding GB atoms is expected to induce magnetism and high electron mobilities into the systems. This study may pave the way for optimal design of MoS2-based electronic and spintronic devices.
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Zhang T, Li W, Qiu X, Liu B, Li G, Feng C, Liao J, Lin K. [CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TEAD1 knockout induces phenotypic modulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells in diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:567-573. [PMID: 33963717 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.04.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct a corpus cavemosum smooth muscle cell (CCSMCs) line with TEAD1 knockout from diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction (ED) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and explore the role of TEAD1 in phenotypic modulation of CCSMCs in diabetic rats with ED. OBJECTIVE Models of diabetic ED were established in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. CCSMCs from the rat models were primarily cultured and identified with immunofluorescence assay. Three sgRNAs (sgRNA-1, sgRNA-2 and sgRNA-3) were transfected via lentiviral vectors into 293T cells to prepare the sgRNA-Cas9 lentivirus. CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED were infected by the lentivirus, and the cellular expression of TEAD1 protein was detected using Western blotting. In CCSMCs infected with the sgRNA-Cas9 lentivirus (CCSMCs-sgRNA-2), or the empty lentiviral vector (CCSMCs-sgRNA-NC) and the blank control cells (CCSMCs-CK), the expressions of cellular phenotypic markers SMMHC, calponin and PCNA at the mRNA and protein levels were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. OBJECTIVE The primarily cultured CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED showed a high α-SMA-positive rate of over 95%. The recombinant lentivirus of TEAD1-sgRNA was successfully packaged, and stable TEAD1-deficient CCSMC lines derived from diabetic rat with ED were obtained. Western blotting confirmed that the protein expression of TEAD1 in TEAD1-sgRNA-2 group was the lowest (P < 0.05), and this cell line was used in subsequent experiment. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed significantly up-regulated expressions of SMMHC and calponin (all P < 0.05) and down-regulated expression of PCNA (all P < 0.05) at both the mRNA and protein levels in TEAD1-deficient CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED. OBJECTIVE We successfully constructed a stable CCSMCs line with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TEAD1 knockout from diabetic rats with ED. TEAD1 gene knockout can induce phenotype transformation of the CCSMCs from diabetic rats with ED from the synthetic to the contractile type.
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He JR, Ramakrishnan R, Wei XL, Lu JH, Lu MS, Xiao WQ, Tu S, Liu X, Zhou FJ, Zhang LF, Xia HM, Qiu X. Fetal growth at different gestational periods and risk of impaired childhood growth, low childhood weight and obesity: a prospective birth cohort study. BJOG 2021; 128:1615-1624. [PMID: 33690938 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the longitudinal associations of fetal growth with adverse child growth outcomes and to assess whether maternal metabolic factors modify the associations. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study, China. POPULATION A total of 4818 mother-child pairs. METHODS Fetal growth was assessed according to estimated fetal weight (EFW) from 22 weeks of gestation until birth and the measurement of the birthweight. Fetal growth Z-scores were computed from random effects in the multilevel linear spline models to represent fetal size in early pregnancy (22 weeks of gestation) and growth in mid-pregnancy (22-27 weeks of gestation), early third trimester (28-36 weeks of gestation) and late third trimester (≥37 weeks of gestation). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Z-scores for childhood stunting, low weight, overweight or obesity, length/height for age (LAZ/HAZ), weight for age (WAZ) and body mass index for age (BMIZ) at the age of 3 years. Adjusted associations were examined using multiple Poisson or linear regression models. RESULTS Increased Z-scores of fetal size in early pregnancy and growth in mid-pregnancy and early third trimester were associated with a higher risk of childhood overweight or obesity (risk ratios 1.25-1.45). Fetal growth in each period was negatively associated with stunting and low weight, with the strongest associations observed for fetal size in early pregnancy and growth in mid-pregnancy. The results for continuous outcomes (LAZ/HAZ, WAZ and BMIZ) were similar. The associations of fetal growth with overweight or obesity in childhood were stronger among mothers who were underweight and who were overweight or obese than among mothers of normal weight. CONCLUSIONS Accelerated fetal growth before 37 weeks of gestation is associated with children who are overweight or obese, whereas the critical period for stunting and low weight occurs before 28 weeks of gestation. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Fetal growth during different periods is differentially associated with childhood stunting, underweight and overweight or obesity.
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Wang KS, Yu G, Xu C, Meng XH, Zhou J, Zheng C, Deng Z, Shang L, Liu R, Su S, Zhou X, Li Q, Li J, Wang J, Ma K, Qi J, Hu Z, Tang P, Deng J, Qiu X, Li BY, Shen WD, Quan RP, Yang JT, Huang LY, Xiao Y, Yang ZC, Li Z, Wang SC, Ren H, Liang C, Guo W, Li Y, Xiao H, Gu Y, Yun JP, Huang D, Song Z, Fan X, Chen L, Yan X, Li Z, Huang ZC, Huang J, Luttrell J, Zhang CY, Zhou W, Zhang K, Yi C, Wu C, Shen H, Wang YP, Xiao HM, Deng HW. Accurate diagnosis of colorectal cancer based on histopathology images using artificial intelligence. BMC Med 2021; 19:76. [PMID: 33752648 PMCID: PMC7986569 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-01942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate and robust pathological image analysis for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is time-consuming and knowledge-intensive, but is essential for CRC patients' treatment. The current heavy workload of pathologists in clinics/hospitals may easily lead to unconscious misdiagnosis of CRC based on daily image analyses. METHODS Based on a state-of-the-art transfer-learned deep convolutional neural network in artificial intelligence (AI), we proposed a novel patch aggregation strategy for clinic CRC diagnosis using weakly labeled pathological whole-slide image (WSI) patches. This approach was trained and validated using an unprecedented and enormously large number of 170,099 patches, > 14,680 WSIs, from > 9631 subjects that covered diverse and representative clinical cases from multi-independent-sources across China, the USA, and Germany. RESULTS Our innovative AI tool consistently and nearly perfectly agreed with (average Kappa statistic 0.896) and even often better than most of the experienced expert pathologists when tested in diagnosing CRC WSIs from multicenters. The average area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of AI was greater than that of the pathologists (0.988 vs 0.970) and achieved the best performance among the application of other AI methods to CRC diagnosis. Our AI-generated heatmap highlights the image regions of cancer tissue/cells. CONCLUSIONS This first-ever generalizable AI system can handle large amounts of WSIs consistently and robustly without potential bias due to fatigue commonly experienced by clinical pathologists. It will drastically alleviate the heavy clinical burden of daily pathology diagnosis and improve the treatment for CRC patients. This tool is generalizable to other cancer diagnosis based on image recognition.
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Lu S, Yu Y, Barnes G, Qiu X, Bao Y, Li J, Tang B. MO01.43 Examining the Impact of Tislelizumab Added to Platinum Doublet Chemotherapy on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Non-Squamous NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2020.10.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Wang X, Zhou H, Du P, Lan R, Chen D, Dong A, Lin X, Qiu X, Xu S, Ji X, Li M, Hou X, Sun L, Li D, Han L, Li Z. Genomic epidemiology of Corynebacterium striatum from three regions of China: an emerging national nosocomial epidemic. J Hosp Infect 2020; 110:67-75. [PMID: 33166588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corynebacteritum straitum has been considered as an emerging multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogen. Isolation of MDR C. striatum as the only organism from respiratory samples from hospitalized patients is increasing in China. AIM To elucidate the genomic epidemiology and evolution of C. striatum in China. METHODS A total of 260 isolates from 2016 to 2018 were collected from three hospitals in three regions of China. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on all isolates. Whole-genome sequencing was applied to all isolates to assess their genomic diversity and relationships and detect the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) and ARG cassettes. FINDINGS Almost all isolates (96.2%, 250/260) showed multi-drug-resistance. Genome sequencing revealed four major lineages with lineage IV emerging as the epidemic lineage. Most of the diversity was developed in the last 6 years. Each hospital has its own predominant clones with potential spread between Hebei and Guangdong hospitals. Genomic analysis further revealed multiple antimicrobial resistance genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that four lineages of C. striatum have spread in parallel across China, causing persistent and extensive transmissions within hospitals. MDR C. striatum infection has become a national epidemic. Antibiotic-driven selection pressure may have played significant roles in forming persistent and predominant clones. Our data provide the basis for surveillance and prevention strategies to control the epidemic caused by MDR C. striatum.
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Hu J, Hu W, Gao J, Yang J, Huang Q, Qiu X, Kong L, Lu J. Particle-Beam Radiation Therapy In The Treatment Of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.07.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Yang J, Gao J, Qiu X, Hu J, Hu W, Huang Q, Kong L, Lu J. Excellent Local Control and Survivals after Particle Beam Radiation Therapy for Skull Base Malignancies. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.07.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lu J, Zhao YJ, Zhou Y, He Q, Tian Y, Hao H, Qiu X, Jiang L, Zhao G, Huang CM. Modified staging system for gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma based on American Joint Committee on Cancer and European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society systems. Br J Surg 2020; 107:248-257. [PMID: 31971627 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic values of the AJCC staging system for gastric cancer (GC-AJCC), the AJCC staging system for gastric neuroendocrine tumours (NET-AJCC) and the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) system for gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MA)NEC remain controversial. METHODS Data on patients with (MA)NEC from 21 centres in China were analysed. Different staging systems were evaluated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and calculating the concordance index (C-index) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Based on three existing systems, a modified staging system (mTNM) was developed. RESULTS A total of 871 patients were included. In the GC-AJCC system, an overlap was noticed for pT2 and pT3 categories. Patients with stage IIIC disease had a similar prognosis to those with stage IV disease. The pT categories of the NET-AJCC system had a lower C-index and higher AIC than those of the other systems. In the ENETS system, there was a low proportion (0·2 per cent) of patients with stage IIIA and a high proportion (67·6 per cent) of stage IIIB disease. The mTNM system adopted the NET-AJCC pT and GC-AJCC pN and pM definitions, and was developed based on the ENETS stage definitions. The proportion of patients in each stage was better distributed and the mTNM system showed improved prognostic performance in predicting overall and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION The mTNM system offers more accurate prognostic value for gastric (MA)NEC than the AJCC or ENETS staging systems.
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Adamson P, Anghel I, Aurisano A, Barr G, Blake A, Cao SV, Carroll TJ, Castromonte CM, Chen R, Childress S, Coelho JAB, De Rijck S, Evans JJ, Feldman GJ, Flanagan W, Gabrielyan M, Germani S, Gomes RA, Gouffon P, Graf N, Grzelak K, Habig A, Hahn SR, Hartnell J, Hatcher R, Holin A, Huang J, Koerner LW, Kordosky M, Kreymer A, Lang K, Lucas P, Mann WA, Marshak ML, Mayer N, Mehdiyev R, Meier JR, Miller WH, Mills G, Naples D, Nelson JK, Nichol RJ, O'Connor J, Pahlka RB, Pavlović Ž, Pawloski G, Perch A, Pfützner MM, Phan DD, Plunkett RK, Poonthottathil N, Qiu X, Radovic A, Sail P, Sanchez MC, Schneps J, Schreckenberger A, Sharma R, Sousa A, Tagg N, Thomas J, Thomson MA, Timmons A, Todd J, Tognini SC, Toner R, Torretta D, Vahle P, Weber A, Whitehead LH, Wojcicki SG. Precision Constraints for Three-Flavor Neutrino Oscillations from the Full MINOS+ and MINOS Dataset. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 125:131802. [PMID: 33034464 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.131802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We report the final measurement of the neutrino oscillation parameters Δm_{32}^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} using all data from the MINOS and MINOS+ experiments. These data were collected using a total exposure of 23.76×10^{20} protons on target producing ν_{μ} and ν[over ¯]_{μ} beams and 60.75 kt yr exposure to atmospheric neutrinos. The measurement of the disappearance of ν_{μ} and the appearance of ν_{e} events between the Near and Far detectors yields |Δm_{32}^{2}|=2.40_{-0.09}^{+0.08}(2.45_{-0.08}^{+0.07})×10^{-3} eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23}=0.43_{-0.04}^{+0.20}(0.42_{-0.03}^{+0.07}) at 68% C.L. for normal (inverted) hierarchy.
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Zeng H, Deng S, Zhou Z, Qiu X, Jia X, Li Z, Wang J, Duan H, Tu L, Wang J. Diagnostic value of combined nucleic acid and antibody detection in suspected COVID-19 cases. Public Health 2020; 186:1-5. [PMID: 32731151 PMCID: PMC7351380 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nucleic acid testing is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, large numbers of false-negative results have been reported. In this study, nucleic acid detection and antibody detection (IgG and IgM) were combined to improve the testing accuracy of patients with suspected COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN The positive rate of nucleic acid detection and antibody detection (IgG and IgM) were compared in suspected COVID-19 patients. METHODS A total of 71 patients with suspected COVID-19 were selected to participate in this study, which included a retrospective analysis of clinical features, imaging examination, laboratory biochemical examination and nucleic acid detection and specific antibody (IgM and IgG) detection. RESULTS The majority of participants with suspected COVID-19 presented with fever (67.61%) and cough (54.93%), and the imaging results showed multiple small patches and ground-glass opacity in both lungs, with less common infiltration and consolidation opacity (23.94%). Routine blood tests were mostly normal (69.01%), although only a few patients had lymphopenia (4.23%) or leucopenia (12.68%). There was no statistical difference in the double-positive rate between nucleic acid detection (46.48%) and specific antibody (IgG and IgM) detection (42.25%) (P = 0.612), both of which were also poorly consistent with each other (kappa = 0.231). The positive rate of combined nucleic acid detection and antibody detection (63.38%) was significantly increased, compared with that of nucleic acid detection (46.48%) and that of specific antibody (IgG and IgM) detection (42.25%), and the differences were statistically significant (P = 0.043 and P = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Nucleic acid detection and specific antibody (IgG and IgM) detection had similar positive rates, and their combination could improve the positive rate of COVID-19 detection, which is of great significance for diagnosis and epidemic control.
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Adamson P, An FP, Anghel I, Aurisano A, Balantekin AB, Band HR, Barr G, Bishai M, Blake A, Blyth S, Cao GF, Cao J, Cao SV, Carroll TJ, Castromonte CM, Chang JF, Chang Y, Chen HS, Chen R, Chen SM, Chen Y, Chen YX, Cheng J, Cheng ZK, Cherwinka JJ, Childress S, Chu MC, Chukanov A, Coelho JAB, Cummings JP, Dash N, De Rijck S, Deng FS, Ding YY, Diwan MV, Dohnal T, Dolzhikov D, Dove J, Dvořák M, Dwyer DA, Evans JJ, Feldman GJ, Flanagan W, Gabrielyan M, Gallo JP, Germani S, Gomes RA, Gonchar M, Gong GH, Gong H, Gouffon P, Graf N, Grzelak K, Gu WQ, Guo JY, Guo L, Guo XH, Guo YH, Guo Z, Habig A, Hackenburg RW, Hahn SR, Hans S, Hartnell J, Hatcher R, He M, Heeger KM, Heng YK, Higuera A, Holin A, Hor YK, Hsiung YB, Hu BZ, Hu JR, Hu T, Hu ZJ, Huang HX, Huang J, Huang XT, Huang YB, Huber P, Jaffe DE, Jen KL, Ji XL, Ji XP, Johnson RA, Jones D, Kang L, Kettell SH, Koerner LW, Kohn S, Kordosky M, Kramer M, Kreymer A, Lang K, Langford TJ, Lee J, Lee JHC, Lei RT, Leitner R, Leung JKC, Li F, Li HL, Li JJ, Li QJ, Li S, Li SC, Li SJ, Li WD, Li XN, Li XQ, Li YF, Li ZB, Liang H, Lin CJ, Lin GL, Lin S, Ling JJ, Link JM, Littenberg L, Littlejohn BR, Liu JC, Liu JL, Liu Y, Liu YH, Lu C, Lu HQ, Lu JS, Lucas P, Luk KB, Ma XB, Ma XY, Ma YQ, Mann WA, Marshak ML, Marshall C, Martinez Caicedo DA, Mayer N, McDonald KT, McKeown RD, Mehdiyev R, Meier JR, Meng Y, Miller WH, Mills G, Mora Lepin L, Naples D, Napolitano J, Naumov D, Naumova E, Nelson JK, Nichol RJ, O'Connor J, Ochoa-Ricoux JP, Olshevskiy A, Pahlka RB, Pan HR, Park J, Patton S, Pavlović Ž, Pawloski G, Peng JC, Perch A, Pfützner MM, Phan DD, Plunkett RK, Poonthottathil N, Pun CSJ, Qi FZ, Qi M, Qian X, Qiu X, Radovic A, Raper N, Ren J, Reveco CM, Rosero R, Roskovec B, Ruan XC, Sail P, Sanchez MC, Schneps J, Schreckenberger A, Shaheed N, Sharma R, Sousa A, Steiner H, Sun JL, Tagg N, Thomas J, Thomson MA, Timmons A, Tmej T, Todd J, Tognini SC, Toner R, Torretta D, Treskov K, Tse WH, Tull CE, Vahle P, Viren B, Vorobel V, Wang CH, Wang J, Wang M, Wang NY, Wang RG, Wang W, Wang W, Wang X, Wang Y, Wang YF, Wang Z, Wang Z, Wang ZM, Weber A, Wei HY, Wei LH, Wen LJ, Whisnant K, White C, Whitehead LH, Wojcicki SG, Wong HLH, Wong SCF, Worcester E, Wu DR, Wu FL, Wu Q, Wu WJ, Xia DM, Xie ZQ, Xing ZZ, Xu JL, Xu T, Xue T, Yang CG, Yang L, Yang YZ, Yao HF, Ye M, Yeh M, Young BL, Yu HZ, Yu ZY, Yue BB, Zeng S, Zeng Y, Zhan L, Zhang C, Zhang FY, Zhang HH, Zhang JW, Zhang QM, Zhang XT, Zhang YM, Zhang YX, Zhang YY, Zhang ZJ, Zhang ZP, Zhang ZY, Zhao J, Zhou L, Zhuang HL. Improved Constraints on Sterile Neutrino Mixing from Disappearance Searches in the MINOS, MINOS+, Daya Bay, and Bugey-3 Experiments. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 125:071801. [PMID: 32857527 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.071801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Searches for electron antineutrino, muon neutrino, and muon antineutrino disappearance driven by sterile neutrino mixing have been carried out by the Daya Bay and MINOS+ collaborations. This Letter presents the combined results of these searches, along with exclusion results from the Bugey-3 reactor experiment, framed in a minimally extended four-neutrino scenario. Significantly improved constraints on the θ_{μe} mixing angle are derived that constitute the most constraining limits to date over five orders of magnitude in the mass-squared splitting Δm_{41}^{2}, excluding the 90% C.L. sterile-neutrino parameter space allowed by the LSND and MiniBooNE observations at 90% CL_{s} for Δm_{41}^{2}<13 eV^{2}. Furthermore, the LSND and MiniBooNE 99% C.L. allowed regions are excluded at 99% CL_{s} for Δm_{41}^{2}<1.6 eV^{2}.
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Mi X, Lai K, Yan L, Xie S, Qiu X, Xiao S, Wei S. miR-18a expression in basal cell carcinoma and regulatory mechanism on autophagy through mTOR pathway. Clin Exp Dermatol 2020; 45:1027-1034. [PMID: 32485050 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin carcinoma. AIM To investigate the function of key micro(mi)RNAs and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved in BCC. METHODS The microarray dataset GSE34535, which comprises seven BCC samples and seven control samples, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified. We collected tissue samples from 20 patients with BCC and 20 healthy controls (HCs), to compare the miR-18a expression in their tissue samples. Expression of miR-18a in A431 and HaCaT cells was also assayed. Following this, we upregulated and downregulated miR-18a expression in A431 cells to examine the effects on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. To further investigate the relative mechanism, the proteins LC3, Beclin 1, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. For further verification, we examined the expression of LC3 in the 20 BCC and 20 HC tissue samples. RESULTS In total, 19 DE-miRNAs (13 upregulated and 6 downregulated) that were common to the BCC and HC groups were identified. Levels of miR-18a were about three-fold higher in BCC tissues and A431 cells compared with their respective control groups. In vitro, downregulation of miR-18a was shown to inhibit cell proliferation and activate autophagy via the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, while upregulation of miR-18a promoted proliferation of these cells. LC3 was decreased in BCC compared with HC tissue samples. CONCLUSIONS Our data support an oncogenic role of miR-18a through a novel Akt/mTOR/Beclin 1/LC3 axis, and suggest that the antitumour effects of miR-18a inhibitor may make it suitable for BCC therapy.
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