Relation of microchannel identified by optical coherence tomography to clinical, angiography and other plaque morphological characteristics in ST-segment Elevation myocardial infarction patients

Background

Previous studies have suggested that Microchannel (MC) is associated with plaque progression and vulnerability. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) could provide a chance to directly visualize plaque neovascularization in vivo.

Methods

1268 STEMI patients who underwent OCT examination of culprit lesion were included and divided into MC group (the culprit plaque with MC, n=560) and no-MC group (the culprit plaque without MC, n=708). MC was defined as a no-signal tubuloluminal structure on the cross-sectional optical coherence tomographic image. Clinical, angiography and other plaque morphological characteristics were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of MC in overall. In addition, the difference of predictors on MC was found in plaque rupture (PR) and plaque erosion (PE).

Results

Significant differences between MC group and no-MC group were found in the frequency of thin-cap fibroatheroma (74.6% vs 64.4%, p<0.001), lipid plaque (91.8% vs 82.9%, p<0.001), lipid core length (13.7±6.5mm vs 12.6±6.3mm, p=0.006) and the minimal lumen area (MLA, 1.95±0.98mm2 vs 2.10±1.58mm2, p=0.046). In MC group, the other vulnerable plaque morphological characteristics, such as macrophage (88.8% vs 75.1%, p<0.001), cholesterol crystal (39.6% vs 32.9%, p=0.013), spotty calcification (38.6% vs 29.5%, p<0.001) were more frequent. And compared with MLA the more locations of the culprit lesion in MC group was proximal (proximal, 47.3% vs 38.1%, at MLA, 38.2% vs 44.2%, distal, 14.5% vs 17.7%, p=0.004).The difference of Hemoglobin (Hb, 147.5±16.9g/L vs 144.1±18.2g/L, p<0.001), lipidemia (TC, 188.7±43.6mmol/L vs 180.8±40.0mmol/L, p<0.001, LDL-C, 121.5±37.4mmol/L vs 115.7±36.8mmol/L, p=0.005, and TC/HDL, 4.0±1.6 vs 3.8±1.0, p<0.001), and hypertension (50.7% vs 44.2%, p=0.021) between 2 groups was statistically significant. Multivariable logistic regression models showed 7 independent parameters associated with MC in culprit plaque of overall: hypertension, Hb, TC, MLA, lesion location (compared with MLA), lipid core length, macrophage, spotty calcification. In addition, Hb, TC and MLA were common predictors of MC in PR and PE, however, the predictive effect of MLA on MC was opposite in PR [OR (95% CI)=1.266 (1.095–1.463), p=0.001] and PE [OR (95% CI)=0.742 (0.597–0.922), p=0.007].

Conclusions

MC in culprit plaque is associated with more lipid (especially cholesterol), higher Hb, hypertension, lesion location (compared with MLA) and the other vulnerable plaque morphological characteristics. The predictors of MC were different in plaque rupture and plaque erosion.

Flow chart

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China (81827806, 81801861); National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFC1301100)

[One case of extremely severe burn combined with stillbirth and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in the third trimester of pregnancy]

One 24 years old female patient who suffered extremely severe burn in the third trimester of pregnancy was admitted to the Department of Burns and Skin Repair Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University on 9th May, 2015. Intrauterine distress occurred after injury and stillbirth was confirmed within 12 hours. In cooperation with the obstetrician, the labor was induced on post injury day (PID) 5. Septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome occurred on PID 8. Through treatments including anti-infection, ventilator-assisted ventilation, cardiotonic diuresis, and escharectomy and skin grafting, the patient was finally cured. This case indicates that it is crucial to grasp the right time and choose a reasonable induction of labor to deal with stillbirth. The scheme of transvaginal induction of labor after shock is a worthy question to explore. The main characteristics of this patient include the extreme paroxysmal changes in breath, circulation, and urine volume within 24 hours after induced labor, which should be monitored dynamically for effective and timely adjustment of respiratory circulation support. This may be another key point for the rescue of this type of patient. To seize the opportunities to perform escharectomy, cover the wound with xenogenic skin graft, and perform skin grafting in time for wound repair remain the top priority.

[Characteristics of HIV-1 genotype and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming, 2018]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming in 2018. Methods: A total of 193 plasma samples were collected from the newly reported HIV-1 infected MSM in Kunming from January to December 2018. Viral RNA was extracted, and the gag, pol, env gene segments were amplified by nested PCR. HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance were also analyzed. Subsequently, the evolutionary characteristics of CRF55_01B and CRF68_01B among MSM in Kunming were analyzed by Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Results: Multiple HIV-1 genotypes were identified among these 193 samples, including CRF07_BC (39.4%, 76/193), CRF01_AE (34.2%, 66/193), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (20.2%, 39/193), CRF08_BC (3.1%, 6/193), CRF55_01B (1.6%, 3/193), subtype B (1.0%, 2/193) and CRF68_01B (0.5%, 1/193). Results from the Bayesian evolutionary analysis showed that CRF55_01B started to spread locally after being imported from other provinces, while CRF68_01B was likely to have been brought in from the eastern provinces of China. Prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strains was 2.6%(5/190) before antiviral treatment, with mutation rates resistant to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors being the highest (2.1%, 4/190) among MSM in Kunming, 2018. Conclusion: The diversity of HIV-1 was increasing among MSM in Kunming. Although the resistance rate on pretreatment drug was relatively low, the emergence of multiple resistant strains to first-line antiviral drugs posed a challenge to antiretroviral therapy, in Kunming.

[Analysis on characteristics of HIV-1 molecular networks in men who have sex with men in Kunming, 2016-2018]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular network in men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2016 to 2018 in Kunming, Yunnan province, explore the risk factors associated with HIV-1 transmission network and provide evidence for the effective implementation of intervention. Methods: A total of 540 samples of newly reported HIV-1 positive MSM were consecutively collected in Kunming from 2016 to 2018, the pol gene fragments were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HIV-1 molecular networks were constructed according to the bootstrap value of the maximum likelihood evolutionary tree over 95% and the genetic distance less than 3%. The factors associated with the subjects entering network and network growth were further analyzed. Results: Among 459 successfully sequenced samples, seven genotypes were found, in which CRF07_BC (49.2%, 226/459) and CRF01_AE (40.3%, 185/459 ) were predominant. Other genotypes included URFs (4.8%, 22/459), CRF08_BC (3.1%, 14/459), CRF55_01B (1.7%, 8/459), B (0.7%, 3/459) and CRF68_01B (0.2%, 1/459). A total of 163 sequences entered the network, with an entry rate of 35.5%(163/459), forming 56 clusters with the number of individuals in the cluster was between 2 and 13. The analysis of the factors associated with entering network showed that the MSM who married and had multiple homosexual partners were more likely to be found in HIV-1 molecular networks. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of sexual partners was the factor for the growth of HIV-1 molecular network. According to the criteria for the emergence of three or more newly reported cases in every year, six transmission clusters were judged as active transmission clusters, in which MSM who were not Kunming natives, had sexually transmitted diseases (STD), were divorced and students were the key targets of intervention. Conclusions: HIV-1 genotypes in MSM in Kunming were becoming complex, the risk factors associated with transmission networks in MSM in Kunming included being married and having multiple partners, the intervention targets in active transmission clusters included MSM who were not Kunming natives, had STD, were divorced and students. This study provided the basis for applying HIV-1 molecular networks to real-time intervention in this population.

Effect of condylar osteochondroma resection through an intraoral approach on the masticatory functions: a preliminary evaluation based on occlusion and temporomandibular joint functions

With this research, we aimed to evaluate the effect of condylar osteochondroma (OC) resection through an intraoral approach on the masticatory functions. Resection of condylar OC was carried out via an intraoral approach with the help of three-dimensional (3D) design, endoscope, and navigation system. The T-Scan III computerised occlusal analysis system was used to evaluate the occlusal force distribution, recorded at pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment (T2) intervals. Records of the clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including maximal interincisal opening, mandibular lateral and forward movements, were also collected. Ten patients with condylar OC were enrolled in this study. The difference of force distribution between bilateral occlusion was reduced in T2 compared with T1 (11.92% ± 4.41% vs 48.52 % ± 28.37%, p<0.05), indicating better occlusal force distribution obtained after surgery. There was no significant difference in functions of the TMJ, such as maximal interincisal opening, and mandibular lateral and forward movements between T2 and T1 (p>0.05). Accordingly, condylar OC resection through an intraoral approach would obtain a satisfactory occlusal balance with no impairment of the temporomandibular joint functions.

Photolithography allows high-Q AlN microresonators for near octave-spanning frequency comb and harmonic generation

Single-crystal aluminum nitride (AlN) possessing both strong Pockels and Kerr nonlinear optical effects as well as a very large band gap is a fascinating optical platform for integrated nonlinear optics. In this work, fully etched AlN-on-sapphire microresonators with a high-Q of 2.1 × 10⁶ for the TE₀₀ mode are firstly demonstrated with the standard photolithography technique. A near octave-spanning Kerr frequency comb ranging from 1100 to 2150 nm is generated at an on-chip power of 406 mW for the TM₀₀ mode. Due to the high confinement, the TE₁₀ mode also excites a Kerr comb from 1270 to 1850nm at 316 mW. In addition, frequency conversion to visible light is observed during the frequency comb generation. Our work will lead to a large-scale, low-cost, integrated nonlinear platform based on AlN.

Genomic Signature of Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Areca Nut-Related Oral Cancer

Areca nut (AN) chewing contributes to an increase of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases in South and Southeast Asia; however, genomic events underlying the carcinogenesis process of AN-related OSCC remain unclear. Here, we comprehensively describe the genomic and transcriptome alterations of 113 Chinese OSCC patients (89 AN related and 24 AN negative) by whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing, and we compared the genomic differences between AN-related and AN-negative samples by integrating sequencing data of 325 OSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and 50 from a published Taiwanese study. We identified 11 significantly mutated genes for OSCC, including 4 novel ones (ATG2A, WEE1, DST, and TSC2), of which WEE1 and ATG2A mutated with significantly higher rates in AN-related samples (P = 0.04 and P = 0.003, respectively). Mutational signature analysis revealed that AN-related OSCCs were specially characterized by the genomic signature of mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), which could also predict the prognosis status of AN-related OSCC. In addition, an elevated PD-L1 expression was also observed in both AN-related patients (P = 3.71 × 10^-11) and those with a high dMMR level (P = 1.99 × 10^-4). Further differential expression analysis and in vitro experiments confirmed the role of dMMR in the development of OSCC induced by AN exposure. Taken together, this study first revealed the molecular profiles and highlighted the role of dMMR in AN-related OSCC among the Chinese population and identified that AN-related OSCC may represent a potential cohort for effective anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy.

Highly Integrated In Situ Photoenergy Gas Sensor with Deep Ultraviolet LED

According to the demands of the Internet of Things (IoTs), a gas sensor is demanded to be small, portable, and easy to integrate with the environment or structure in its application. Herein, an ingenious form of in situ photoenergy gas sensor integrated with a deep ultraviolet light-emitting diode (LED) has been designed to achieve ppb level NO₂ gas detection at room temperature. In this gas sensor, the deep ultraviolet LED based on AlGaN materials, which has a wider band gap and higher photoexcitation energy, acts as the substrate with emission at 280 nm. The ZnO nanorods of the gas-sensing material were directly grown on 2 inch AlGaN-based LEDs containing thousands of independent light-emitting chips, leading to photosensitive materials with uniform and controllable, as well as a sensor with low power consumption and mass manufacture with low cost. The result shows that responses of over 500% to 500 ppb of NO₂ were observed by in situ irradiation of just 3 mW optical power. Meanwhile, sensitivity without real-time photoenergy is defined as the ratio of the resistance change rate in pollutant to that in air has been presented. Interestingly, the prototype gets in situ photoenergy charge for 5 min and then has responses of over 200% to 500 ppb of NO₂ for 5 days in the dark. It may open a new avenue for the integrated microchip design of a gas sensor and give a novel sight into the sensitivity study without real-time assisted energy.

Dual roles of misshapen/NIK-related kinase (MINK1) in osteoarthritis subtypes through the activation of TGFβ signaling

OBJECTIVE

To identify the role of misshapen/NIK-related kinase (MINK1) in age-related Osteoarthritis (OA) and injury-induced OA, and the effects of enhanced TGFβ signaling in these progresses.

DESIGN

The effect of MINK1 was analyzed with MINK1 knock out (Mink1-/-) mice and C57BL/6J mice. OA progress was studied in age-related OA and instability-associated OA (destabilization of the medial meniscus, DMM) models. The murine knee joint was evaluated through histological staining, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores, immunohistochemistry, and μCT analysis. Primary chondrocytes were isolated from wild type and Mink1-/- mice and subjected to osteogenic induction and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

MINK1 is highly expressed during cartilage development and in normal cartilage. Mink1-/- mice displayed markedly lower OARSI scores, aggrecan degradation neoepitope positive cells and increased Safranin O and pSMAD2 staining in aging-related OA model. However, in injury-induced OA, loss of MINK1 accelerates extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction, osteophyte formation, and subchondral bone sclerosis. Accelerated subchondral bone remodeling in Mink1-/- mice was accompanied with increased numbers of nestin-positive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osterix-positive osteoprogenitors. pSMAD2 staining was increased in the subchondral bone marrow of Mink1-/- mice and overexpression of MINK1 inhibited SMAD2 phosphorylation in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows for the first time that activation of TGFβ/SMAD2 by MINK1 deficiency plays opposite roles in aging-related and injury-induced OA. MINK1 deficiency protects cartilage from degeneration in aging joints through increased SMAD2 activation in chondrocytes, while accelerating OA progress in injury-induced model through enhanced osteogenesis of MSCs in the subchondral bone. These findings provide insights for developing precision OA therapeutics targeting TGFβ/SMAD2 signaling.

LncRNA SNHG7 promotes the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells and inhibits its apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

Our research studied the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG7 in esophageal cancer cells and tissues. The effect of lncRNA SNHG7 on proliferation and apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells has been discussed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Si-SNHG7 was transfected into esophageal cancer cells, and qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of lncRNA SNHG7 in esophageal cancer cells and tissues. The effect of SNHG7 on the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells was measured by CCK8 assay and plate cloning assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of SNHG7 on the cell cycle and apoptosis rate of esophageal cancer cells. Changes in expression of downstream protein p15 and p16 after si-SNHG7 intervention were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

QRT-PCR showed that the expression of SNHG7 in esophageal cancer tissues and cells was significantly up-regulated. After the si-SNHG7 intervention, the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells was inhibited, the apoptosis rate increased, and the cell cycle was blocked in G1-G0 phase. QRT-PCR and Western blot showed that, after the si-SNHG7 intervention, the expression of p15 and p16 increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of SNHG7 in the tissues and cells of esophageal cancer is significantly up-regulated. SNHG7 can partly promote the development of esophageal cancer by regulating the expression of p15 and p16.

Long non-coding RNA DUXAP8 regulates proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous cell cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to detect the expression of long non-coding RNA DUXAP8 in esophageal cancer, and to explore its underlying mechanism in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collected 78 pairs of esophageal cancer tissues and normal adjacent tissues. The mRNA level of DUXAP8 in these esophageal cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues was detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between DUXAP8 expression and the prognosis of esophageal cancer was analyzed. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was applied to reduce the expression of DUXAP8 in ESCC cell lines (TE-1 and KYSE520). Meanwhile, the specific effect of DUXAP8 on the biological functions of ESCC cells was analyzed by CCK-8 assay (cell counting kit-8), colony formation assay and transwell assay, respectively. Furthermore, the regulatory effect of DUXAP8 on Wnt/β-catenin pathway was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

DUXAP8 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues than that of normal adjacent tissues. DUXAP8 expression was positively correlated to tumor stage and lymph node metastasis, whereas negatively correlated to the survival rate of ESCC patients. Cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion abilities were significantly decreased after knockdown of DUXAP8 in ESCC cells. Western blot results showed that DUXAP8 could regulate the occurrence of ESCC via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

DUXAP8 expression was significantly correlated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. DUXAP8 may promote the occurrence of ESCC via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

MicroRNA-210 promotes spinal cord injury recovery by inhibiting inflammation via the JAK-STAT pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of microRNA-210 on the spinal cord injury (SCI) and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mouse SCI model was established. Mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups, namely the sham operation group (sham group), surgery group (SCI group), surgery+NC group (SCI+NC group) and surgery+microRNA-210 overexpression group (SCI+microRNA-210 mimics group). The mRNA levels of microRNA-210 and the key genes in the JAK-STAT pathway of the four groups were detected by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) at different time points. Protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in mice of the four groups were detected by Western blot. To investigate the role of microRNA-210 in SCI recovery, changes in the motor function of mice were detected.

RESULTS

Grip strengths of right and left forelimbs in mice from the sham group were temporarily decreased at the early stage after surgery, which were gradually recovered to the preoperative levels on the 3rd postoperative day. However, mice in SCI group were unable to complete the grip strength determination at the early stage after surgery. Mice in SCI group were capable of grasping on the 7th postoperative day. Besides, grip strengths of mice in SCI group were remarkably lower than those of sham group until the end-point (on the 50th day). Furthermore, mRNA levels of microRNA-210 in mice of SCI group were decreased in a time-dependent manner (p<0.05). Higher grip strengths were observed in mice of SCI+microRNA-210 mimics group in comparison with those of SCI group and SCI+NC group (p<0.05). In addition, Western blot showed that protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in mice of SCI group were increased in a time-dependent manner (p<0.05). Moreover, protein levels of JAK2, STAT3, and MCP-1 in mice of SCI+NC group were remarkably higher than those in the sham group and SCI+microRNA-210 mimics group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-210 is down-regulated in SCI mice. Grip strengths of SCI mice can be recovered after microRNA-210 overexpression via inhibiting inflammatory response by the JAK-STAT pathway.

Increased expression of long noncoding RNA HMMR-AS1 in epithelial ovarian cancer: an independent prognostic factor

OBJECTIVE

Evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) may have significant roles in cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern and prognostic value of a noncoding RNA named as HMMR antisense RNA 1 (HMMR-AS1) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Differences in the expression of HMMR-AS1 between EOC and matched normal tissues were analyzed using RT-PCR. The correlation between HMMR-AS1 levels and the clinicopathological factors of the EOC patients was analyzed by x2-test. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were explored to reveal the correlations of HMMR-AS1 expression with survival of patients.

RESULTS

HMMR-AS1 was significantly upregulated in human EOC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.01). Clinicopathologic analysis revealed that high expression of HMMR-AS1 was associated with advanced FIGO stage (p = 0.013) and positive lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.010). Moreover, patients with higher HMMR-AS1 expression displayed shorter overall survival time (p = 0.0075) and progression-free survival time (p = 0.0013) than those with lower HMMR-AS1 expression. More importantly, multivariate analysis suggested that high expression of HMMR-AS1 was an independent prognostic indicator for EOC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that HMMR-AS1 may be considered a novel prognostic factor in EOC and a specific diagnostic indicator for patients with EOC.

Application of Mismatch Negative in Evaluation of Severity of Mental Disorders due to Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective To explore the applied value of mismatch negative （MMN） in evaluation of severity of mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury. Methods Thirty-five patients（case group） that conform to the diagnostic criteria of organic （traumatic brain injury） mental disorder in ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders criteria were selected. Twenty-four healthy subjects （normal control group） that matched the case group in terms of gender, age composition ratio and educational level were selected. All subjects were evaluated by Activity of Daily Living Scale （ADL） and Social Disability Screening Schedule （SDSS） and then examined by Event-Related Potential （ERP）. A statistical analysis of the data was made by SPSS 22.0 software. Results The 32 patients and 24 normal control subjects completed the study. The scores of ADL and SDSS were significantly higher in the case group than in the normal control group （P<0.05）. The latency of Fz, FCz, Cz and Pz in the case group was significantly longer than that in the normal control group （P<0.05）. In the case group, the latency of Fz, FCz, Cz and Pz was positively correlated with the scores of ADL and SDSS （P<0.05）. The equation can be well fitted with the scores of ADL and SDSS. The latency and amplitude of Fz, FCz, Cz and Pz were used as concomitant variables and whether or not the subjects had mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury as dependent variables. Conclusion The latency of MMN can be used as an indicator in potential evaluation of the severity of mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury, which means that the longer the latency of MMN is, the more severe mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury may be. The combined application of ADL, SDSS and MMN can be an objective indicator in preliminary judgment of mental disorders due to traumatic brain injury.

Enhanced Performance of AlGaN-Based Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes with Chirped Superlattice Electron Deceleration Layer

AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) suffer from electron overflow and insufficient hole injection. In this paper, novel DUV LED structures with superlattice electron deceleration layer (SEDL) is proposed to decelerate the electrons injected to the active region and improve radiative recombination. The effects of several chirped SEDLs on the performance of DUV LEDs have been studied experimentally and numerically. The DUV LEDs have been grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and fabricated into 762 × 762 μm² chips, exhibiting single peak emission at 275 nm. The external quantum efficiency of 3.43% and operating voltage of 6.4 V are measured at a forward current of 40 mA, indicating that the wall-plug efficiency is 2.41% of the DUV LEDs with ascending Al-content chirped SEDL. The mechanism responsible for this improvement is investigated by theoretical simulations. The lifetime of the DUV LED with ascending Al-content chirped SEDL is measured to be over 10,000 h at L50, due to the carrier injection promotion.

High levels of long non-coding RNA DICER1-AS1 are associated with poor clinical prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

Long noncoding RNA DICER1-AS1 (DICER1-AS1) has been reported to be upregulated in osteosarcoma cells and to serve as a tumor promoter. However, the clinical significance of DICER1-AS1 in osteosarcoma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of DICER1-AS1 expression with prognosis of osteosarcoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of DICER1-AS1 was measured in 214 osteosarcoma samples and normal bone samples by using Real-time PCR. The correlations between DICER1-AS1 expression and clinical features were statistically analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were examined using Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the prognostic significance of DICER1-AS1 expression.

RESULTS

It was found that the expression levels of DICER1-AS1 in osteosarcoma tissues were significantly higher than those in corresponding noncancerous bone tissues (p < 0.01). Higher DICER1-AS1 had significant association with clinical stage (p = 0.005) and distant metastasis (p = 0.000). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high DICER1-AS1 expression had a shorter OS and DFS compared with the low DICER1-AS1 expression group (p = 0.007 and p < 0.0001). In a multivariate Cox model, our results showed that DICER1-AS1 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for both 5-year OS (HR = 3.236, 95% CI: 1.148-5.347; p = 0.004) and 5-year DFS (HR = 3.935, 95% CI: 1.556-6.349; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DICER1-AS1 is up-regulated in osteosarcoma and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for osteosarcoma.

MiR-137 attenuates spinal cord injury by modulating NEUROD4 through reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of microRNA (miR) 137 in spinal cord injury and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The model of spinal cord injury in mice was established to detect the recovery differences of grip strength in upper and lower limbs of mice. The expressions of miR-137 and neuronal differentiation 4 (NEUROD4) were detected at the same time. The inflammation level and the oxidative stress response after spinal cord injury were subsequently detected after overexpression of miR-137. Target genes of miR-137 were identified by bioinformatics. Finally, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to identify the target genes of miR-137.

RESULTS

By establishing the model of spinal cord injury in mice, the strength of upper and lower limbs recovered after 7 days of injury in mice. The expression of miR-137 in spinal cord injury was found to decrease in a time-dependent manner by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while the expression of NEUROD4 gradually increased. Inflammation indicators and oxidative stress level were found to be significantly higher after spinal cord injury. However, the inflammation level and oxidative stress were significantly reduced after transfection of miR-137. Finally, we predicted the target gene of miR-137 through bioinformatics website and found that NEUROD4 was a potential target gene of miR-137. Using dual luciferase reporter assays, we found that NEUROD4 bound to miR-137. After overexpression of miR-137, the expression of NEUROD4 was significantly reduced. Overexpression of NEUROD4 could promote spinal cord injury inflammation and oxidative stress. After intracellular transfection of NEUROD4 and miR-137 at the same time, the inflammation level and oxidative stress of spinal cord injury decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that miR-137 promoted the recovery of spinal cord injury by degrading NEUROD4 to relieve the spinal cord inflammation and the progression of oxidative stress, thus promoting the recovery of spinal cord injury.

Strain modulated nanostructure patterned AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet multiple-quantum-wells for polarization control and light extraction efficiency enhancement

AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet (DUV) multiple-quantum-wells (MQWs) incorporating strain-modulated nanostructures are proposed, demonstrating enhanced degree of polarization (DOP) and improved light extraction efficiency (LEE). The influence of Al composition and bi-axial strains on the optical behaviors of the DUV-MQWs were carefully examined. Compared with planar DUV-MQWs, strain-modulated nanostructure patterned MQWs show three times higher photoluminescence and increased DOP from -0.43 to -0.16. Moreover, nanostructure patterned DUV-MQWs under compressive strains further illustrate higher DOP and LEE values than those under tensile strains due to more efficient diffraction of the guided modes of the transverse electric (TE) polarized light. Our work demonstrates, for the first time, that a combination of compressive in-plane strain and surface nanostructure show unambiguous advantages in facilitating TE mode emission, thus have great promises in the design and optimization of highly efficient polarized DUV optoelectronic devices.

MicroRNA-125b promotes the regeneration and repair of spinal cord injury through regulation of JAK/STAT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe trauma to the central nervous system. Long non-coding RNAs have been reported to play essential roles in spinal cord injury. This study mainly explored the role of micro-125 in the regulation of spinal cord injury by regulating STAT3.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The stable mouse model of cervical spinal cord contusion was established by Infinite Horizon spinal cord striker, and the model mice' motor function was analyzed. Bioinformatics databases were used to screen the target mRNAs of micro-125b. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of micro-125b and its target genes in injury area of mice' spinal cord. Western Blot and ELISA were introduced to detect the expression of inflammation and apoptosis-related proteins in each group. The recovery status of spinal cord after SCI was assessed by motor function scores and axon counts of mice in each group.

RESULTS

Micro-125b appeared to be significantly down-regulated over-time after SCI. JAK1 and STAT1, two important neuregulin proteins, were predicted to be the target genes of micro-125b, and overexpression of micro-125b induced the decrease of phosphorylated JAK1 and STAT1. Enhanced micro-125b expression also allowed axons from the injury area of spinal cord to extend into the outer periphery of the damaged area, thus improving the motor function of the injured rats. Besides, overexpression of micro-125b demonstrated significant neuronal protective effects by reducing apoptosis and inflammatory responses in neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data revealed that micro-125b was down-regulated in injured spinal cord, and overexpression of micro-125b promoted the repair and regeneration following spinal cord injury through the regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway.