Effects of nitrogen supply rate on photosynthesis, nitrogen uptake and growth of seedlings in a Eucalyptus/Dalbergia odorifera intercropping system

The introduction of N₂ -fixing species into a Eucalyptus plantation resulted in a successful planting system. It is essential to understand the contribution of nitrogen (N) competition and photosynthetic efficiency to plant dry matter yield to shed more light on the growth mechanism of the Eucalyptus/legume system. We compared N competition, photosynthesis and dry matter yield of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis and the N₂ -fixing tree species Dalbergia odorifera in intercropping and monoculture systems under different N levels. The photosynthesis of E. urophylla × E. grandis was improved, while that of D. odorifera was inhibited in the intercropping system. Intercropped E. urophylla × E. grandis increased the N utilization and the dry matter yield by 6.57-48.46% and 7.59-97.26%, and decreased those of D. odorifera by 10.21-30.33% and 0.48-13.19%, respectively. Furthermore, N application enhanced the competitive ability of E. urophylla × E. grandis relative to D. odorifera and changed the N contents and chlorophyll synthesis to optimize the photosynthetic structure of both species. Our results reveal Eucalyptus for photosynthesis, N absorption and increasing the growth benefit from the introduction of N₂ -fixing species, which hence can be considered to be an effective sustainable management option of Eucalyptus plantations.

Screening, Diagnosis and Management of Sarcopenia and Frailty in Hospitalized Older Adults: Recommendations from the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR) Expert Working Group

Sarcopenia and frailty are highly prevalent conditions in older hospitalized patients, which are associated with a myriad of adverse clinical outcomes. This paper, prepared by a multidisciplinary expert working group from the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR), provides an up-to-date overview of current evidence and recommendations based on a narrative review of the literature for the screening, diagnosis, and management of sarcopenia and frailty in older patients within the hospital setting. It also includes suggestions on potential pathways to implement change to encourage widespread adoption of these evidence-informed recommendations within hospital settings. The expert working group concluded there was insufficient evidence to support any specific screening tool for sarcopenia and recommends an assessment of probable sarcopenia/sarcopenia using established criteria for all older (≥65 years) hospitalized patients or in younger patients with conditions (e.g., comorbidities) that may increase their risk of sarcopenia. Diagnosis of probable sarcopenia should be based on an assessment of low muscle strength (grip strength or five times sit-to-stand) with sarcopenia diagnosis including low muscle mass quantified from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis or in the absence of diagnostic devices, calf circumference as a proxy measure. Severe sarcopenia is represented by the addition of impaired physical performance (slow gait speed). All patients with probable sarcopenia or sarcopenia should be investigated for causes (e.g., chronic/acute disease or malnutrition), and treated accordingly. For frailty, it is recommended that all hospitalized patients aged 70 years and older be screened using a validated tool [Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Hospital Frailty Risk Score, the FRAIL scale or the Frailty Index]. Patients screened as positive for frailty should undergo further clinical assessment using the Frailty Phenotype, Frailty Index or information collected from a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). All patients identified as frail should receive follow up by a health practitioner(s) for an individualized care plan. To treat older hospitalized patients with probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia, or frailty, it is recommended that a structured and supervised multi-component exercise program incorporating elements of resistance (muscle strengthening), challenging balance, and functional mobility training be prescribed as early as possible combined with nutritional support to optimize energy and protein intake and correct any deficiencies. There is insufficient evidence to recommend pharmacological agents for the treatment of sarcopenia or frailty. Finally, to facilitate integration of these recommendations into hospital settings organization-wide approaches are needed, with the Spread and Sustain framework recommended to facilitate organizational culture change, with the help of 'champions' to drive these changes. A multidisciplinary team approach incorporating awareness and education initiatives for healthcare professionals is recommended to ensure that screening, diagnosis and management approaches for sarcopenia and frailty are embedded and sustained within hospital settings. Finally, patients and caregivers' education should be integrated into the care pathway to facilitate adherence to prescribed management approaches for sarcopenia and frailty.

Effect of Li+/Na+ exchange on mechanical behavior and biological activity of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic

Lithium disilicate (LD) glass-ceramics with a stoichiometric composition were ion-exchanged in pure NaNO₃ or mixed NaNO₃ + KNO₃ molten salt baths below the glass transition temperature (T_g). The microstructures, surface morphologies, mechanical properties and bioactivities of the ion-exchanged glass-ceramics were studied in detail. It was found that the strength and toughness of LD glass-ceramic could be enhanced from 175 MPa to 0.96 MPa m^1/2 before ion-exchange to 546 MPa and 4.31 MPa m^1/2 respectively under a lowered ion-exchange temperature because the less stress relaxation. In addition, a gradient of Na⁺ rich layer in the surface of glass-ceramic was induced by Li⁺/Na⁺ exchange, which could be beneficial to the formation of HA (Hydroxyapatite) with nano-size porous after soaking in SBF (Simulated Body Fluid) solution and exhibited better bioactivity compared with the original LD glass-ceramic. The results might provide a reference for the strengthening and biological activation of LD glass-ceramics in bone restoration applications.

Search for Active-Sterile Antineutrino Mixing Using Neutral-Current Interactions with the NOvA Experiment

This Letter reports results from the first long-baseline search for sterile antineutrinos mixing in an accelerator-based antineutrino-dominated beam. The rate of neutral-current interactions in the two NOvA detectors, at distances of 1 and 810 km from the beam source, is analyzed using an exposure of 12.51×10^{20} protons-on-target from the NuMI beam at Fermilab running in antineutrino mode. A total of 121 of neutral-current candidates are observed at the far detector, compared to a prediction of 122±11(stat.)±15(syst.) assuming mixing only between three active flavors. No evidence for ν[over ¯]_{μ}→ν[over ¯]_{s} oscillation is observed. Interpreting this result within a 3+1 model, constraints are placed on the mixing angles θ_{24}<25° and θ_{34}<32° at the 90% C.L. for 0.05  eV^{2}≤Δm_{41}^{2}≤0.5  eV^{2}, the range of mass splittings that produces no significant oscillations at the near detector. These are the first 3+1 confidence limits set using long-baseline accelerator antineutrinos.

Does an empowerment-based self-care supportive intervention save cost for improving self-care and health service utilization among heart failure patients

Background

Heart failure (HF) evolves as a global pandemic and strains the over-stretched hospital service. Ineffective self-care remains the key factor to explain the avoidable hospital admission. Patient empowerment is as a theory-based strategy to optimize the patients' self-care changes for disease management [1]. Its cost-effectiveness to enhance self-care and health service utilization has yet to be determined.

Purpose

This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial to compare the effects and cost-effectiveness of a 12-week empowerment self-care program with a didactic education program on self-care maintenance and management as well as health service utilization among the community-dwelling HF patients.

Methods

A total of 236 HF patients were recruited from the specialist clinics of the Department of Cardiology in two regional hospitals. They were randomized to receive either the 12-week empowerment self-care program (Figure 1) or the 12-week didactic education. Outcome evaluation using the Self-care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) at baseline, post-intervention (T1) and three months thereafter (T2), with record on the number of emergency room (ER) attendance and hospital admission. Cost effectiveness analyses were performed on total cost (medical, intervention and societal costs) incurred in both interventions as well as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) expressed as incremental cost per 1) a reflected clinically meaningful improvement in self-care (i.e. a half standard deviation increase in SCHFI), 2) an ER attendance reduced, 3) a day of hospital stay reduced.

Results

As compared with the education group, the empowerment group reported significantly greater improvement in self-care management at T1 [B=13.77 (95% CI=6.07, 21.46), p&lt;0.001] and T2 [B=10.98 (95% CI=3.21, 18.75), p=0.006]. For cost-effective analysis, The ICER (empowerment-education) was −USD220/0.5 SD increase in SCHFI, indicating the mean cost saved per patient for making a clinically significant improvement in self-care was USD 220. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed patients were willing to pay at USD 207- 441 for a 80–90% chance of improved self-care, indicating that the empowerment approach was a cost saving strategy. Although the empowerment approach was associated with a lower risk of ER attendance [IRR=0.55, 95% CI=0.31–0.95)] and hospital admission [IRR=0.38 (95% CI=0.31–0.95)], it is not cost saving for reducing hospital service utilization.

Conclusions

The empowerment-based self-care program is a cost-saving strategy to produce a clinical significant change in HF-related self-care. Although it is associated with lower risk for hospital service utilization, its effect is not significant enough to be cost-saving. Future care model may explore the need to integrate dyadic science [2] and e-health [3] to strengthen the care continuity and effects of self-care intervention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Figure 1

MiRNA-128-3p induces osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via activating the Wnt3a signaling

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the biological function of miRNA-128-3p in influencing the progression of osteoporosis by inducing osteogenic differentiation of MSCs via activating the Wnt3a signaling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Dynamic expression levels of miRNA-128-3p in osteogenically differentiated MSCs at the different time points were detected by qRT-PCR. The binding sites in the seed sequence of miRNA-128-3p and Wnt3a were predicted using the bioinformatic tool, and their interaction was further confirmed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. Co-regulation of miRNA-128-3p and Wnt3a on relative levels of osteogenesis-associated genes, ALP activity and mineralization ability in glucocorticoid-induced MSCs were assessed.

RESULTS

MiRNA-128-3p was gradually upregulated with the prolongation of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Overexpression of miRNA-128-3p reversed the declines in glucocorticoid-induced expression levels of osteogenesis-associated genes (Bglap, RUNX2 and BMP-2), ALP activity and mineralization ability in MSCs. Wnt3a was able to bind miRNA-128-3p. Its level was positively regulated by miRNA-128-3p in MSCs. Enhanced ALP activity and mineralization ability in glucocorticoid-induced MSCs overexpressing Wnt3a were partially abolished by knockdown of miRNA-128-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

By positively regulating Wnt3a, miRNA-128-3p alleviates the progression of osteoporosis through inducing osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.

Mineral deposition intervention through reduction of phosphorus intake suppresses osteoarthritic lesions in temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVE

To explore the suppressing impact of low phosphorus intake on osteoarthritic temporomandibular joint and the possible mechanisms of nuclear acid injury in the insulted chondrocytes.

DESIGN

Chondrocytes were loaded with fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) with or without low phosphorus medium. Seventy-two mice (sampled at 3-, 7- and 11-wk, n = 6) and forty-eight rats (sampled at 12-wks for different testing purpose, n = 6) were applied with unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) with or without low phosphorus diet. In the FFSS model, the Ca and P content, molecules related to nucleic acid degradation and the mineral-producing responses in chondrocytes were detected. The effect of culture dish stiffness on chondrocytes osteogenic differentiation was measured. In the UAC model, the content of Ca and P in serum were tested. The condylar cartilage ossification and stiffness were detected using micro-CT, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope.

RESULTS

FFSS induced nucleic acid degradation, Pi accumulation and mineral-producing responses in the cultured chondrocytes, all were alleviated by low P medium. Stiffer dish bottoms promoted the osteogenic differentiation of the cultured chondrocytes. UAC stimulated cartilage degeneration and chondrocytes nucleic acid damage, increased PARP 1 and serum P content, and enhanced ossification and stiffening of the cartilage, all were suppressed by low phosphorus diet (all, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nucleic acid damage takes a role in phosphorus production in osteoarthritic cartilage, contributing to the enhanced mineralization and stiffness of the cartilage that in turn promotes cartilage degradation, which can be alleviated by low phosphorus intake.

Characterization of serum adiponectin and leptin in healthy perinatal dairy cows or cows with ketosis, and their effectson ketosis involved indices

We investigated changes in concentrations of ADP (adiponectin), LEP (leptin), BHBA (beta-hydroxybutyric acid), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acid), Glucose (Glu) and INS (insulin) in serum of healthy perinatal dairy cows and cows with ketosis. Twenty-one healthy cows and seventeen cows with ketosis from a herd of a total 60 Holstein cows (near dry period i.e. 56 days antepartum) were selected. Blood was collected through the tail vein every 7 days, from 56 day antepartum to 56 day postpartum. Serum ADP, LEP, BHBA, NEFA, Glu, and INS concentrations were determined, and ketosis was diagnosed through serum BHBA (≥1.2 mmol/L). We showed the concentration of serum adipokines and energy balancing indices were stable during antepar- tum period. However, ADP concentration increased while LEP decreased, and there were a significant increase in cows with ketosis compared to that of in healthy cows. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased significantly at first, and then gradually decreased in both healthy cows and cows with ketosis. However, cows with ketosis showed higher concentrations of BHBA and NEFA which restored later. The serum concentration of Glu in both healthy dairy cows and cows with ketosis showed a decreasing trend. INS concentration in healthy cows was decreased while it was increased in cows with ketosis. The results reflect the extent of hypo- glycemia and lipid mobilization postpartum, suggest IR exists in cows with ketosis while serum ADP and LEP might play roles in the development of ketosis.

Orthodontic Force-Induced BMAL1 in PDLCs Is a Vital Osteoclastic Activator

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) depends on periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) sensing biomechanical stimuli and subsequently releasing signals to initiate alveolar bone remodeling. However, the mechanisms by which PDLCs sense biomechanical stimuli and affect osteoclastic activities are still unclear. This study demonstrates that the core circadian protein aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (BMAL1) in PDLCs is highly involved in sensing and delivering biomechanical signals. Orthodontic force upregulates BMAL1 expression in periodontal tissues and cultured PDLCs in manners dependent on ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and AP1 (activator protein 1). Increased BMAL1 expression can enhance secretion of CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine 2) and RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) in PDLCs, which subsequently promotes the recruitment of monocytes that differentiate into osteoclasts. The mechanistic delineation clarifies that AP1 induced by orthodontic force can directly interact with the BMAL1 promoter and activate gene transcription in PDLCs. Localized administration of the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126 or the BMAL1 inhibitor GSK4112 suppressed ERK/AP1/BMAL1 signaling. These treatments dramatically reduced osteoclastic activity in the compression side of a rat orthodontic model, and the OTM rate was almost nonexistent. In summary, our results suggest that force-induced expression of BMAL1 in PDLCs is closely involved in controlling osteoclastic activities during OTM and plays a vital role in alveolar bone remodeling. It could be a useful therapeutic target for accelerating the OTM rate and controlling pathologic bone-remodeling activities.

POS0833 A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH ADULT POLYMYOSITIS AND DERMATOMYOSITIS: RISK OF COMORBIDITIES AND SUBCLASSIFICATION USING MACHINE LEARNING

Background:

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), also known as myositis, refers to a group of heterogeneous disorders including polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), inclusion body myositis and immune-mediated necrotising myopathy. Phenotype, pathogenesis, and prognosis vary due to multi-organ involvement and comorbidities. With the clinical application of MSAs, a new classification system for myositis was explored to reduce confusion between subgroups. But it is far from showing the full picture of myositis due to high heterogeneity. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically evaluate the relevant risk factors of myositis for ILD, other rheumatic diseases, and malignancy for better clinical vigilance. And further exploring the subclassification of myositis is critical.

Objectives:

To identify the risk factors in Chinese patients with adult polymyositis and dermatomyositis for their comorbidities and explore a subclassification system.

Methods:

Clinical records of 397 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors for interstitial lung disease (ILD), other rheumatic diseases, and malignancy after bivariate analysis. Hierarchical clustering and decisional tree were utilized to identify subgroups and explore a subclassification system.

Results:

A total of 119 polymyositis and 191 dermatomyositis patients were included. Anti-PM/Scl, anti-Ro52, anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and anti-MDA5 (adjusted odds ratios (AOR)=4.779, 1.917, 5.092 and 7.714 respectively) antibodies were risks (p<0.05), whereas overlapping malignancy was protective (AOR=0.107; p=0.002) for ILD across polymyositis, dermatomyositis and the total group. In subgroup models, Raynaud’s phenomenon, arthralgia and semi-quantitative anti-nuclear antibody (AOR=51.233, 4.261, 3.047 respectively) were risks for other overlapping rheumatic diseases (p<0.05). For overlapping malignancy, male and anti-TIF1γ antibodies (AOR=2.533, 16.949) were risks (p<0.05), whereas disease duration and combination of ILD (AOR=0.954, 0.106) were protective in the total group (p<0.05); while anti-NXP2 antibodies were identified as risk factors (AOR=73.152; p=0.038) in polymyositis. Hierarchical clustering suggested a subclassification with 6 subgroups: malignancy overlapping dermatomyositis, classical dermatomyositis, polymyositis with severe muscle involvement, dermatomyositis with ILD, polymyositis with ILD, and overlapping of myositis with other rheumatic diseases according to the characteristics of grouped patients. Accuracy of the classification and regression trees model was 0.768 (95% CI 0.711 to 0.819) on training set and 0.633 (95%CI 0.499 to 0.754) on test set.

Conclusion:

Accompanying ILD, other rheumatic diseases and malignancy are strongly associated with clinical manifestation and myositis-specific or myositis-associated autoantibodies among Chinese polymyositis and dermatomyositis patients. The subclassification system proposed a more precise phenotype defining toward stratified treatments.

Acknowledgements:

The study was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China [No. 81803932] and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province [No. 2018030310025 and 2017A030313868]. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

[Clinicopathological features and survival analysis of gastric cancer patients with neuroendocrine differentiation after radical resection]

Objective: To compare the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients with and without neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) after radical gastrectomy plus D2 lymph node dissection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients who underwent radical resection of gastric cancer plus D2 lymph node dissection and were confirmed as gastric adenocarcinoma by postoperative pathology and received immunohistochemical examination of neuroendocrine markers Syn and/or CgA; (2) patients aged 20 to 75 years with normal organ function; (3) patients who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy before operation; (4) patients with postoperative pathological stage I to III according to the 8th edition of tumor staging system of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC); and (5) patients who completed adjuvant chemotherapy according to the postoperative pathological stage. Those who had other malignant tumors in the past 5 years and who could not be followed up according to the required rules were excluded. According to the above criteria, the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer patients who underwent radical resection plus D2 lymph node dissection in Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from January 2010 to June 2017 were collected and compared. All patients were followed up till June 2020. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between the patients with and without NED were compared, and the effect of NED on the prognosis was corrected by Cox proportional hazards model. The propensity score matching method was used for sensitivity analysis. Results: A total of 539 patients were enrolled in this study, including 35 with NED and 504 without NED. Compared with the patients without NED, the patients with NED were older [(65.0±7.5) years vs. (54.5±11.3) years, t=-7.681, P<0.001], had higher proportion of undergoing proximal gastrectomy [22.9% (8/35) vs. 7.6% (36/504), χ(2)=10.335, P=0.006], higher proportion of intestinal-type based on Lauren classification [77.1% (27/35) vs. 42.5% (214/504), χ(2)=14.553, P<0.001], and higher proportion of pathologic stage III [65.7% (23/35) vs. 27.6% (139/504), χ(2)=25.653, P<0.001]. The 3-year DFS of patients with NED and those without NED was 48.9% (95% CI: 33.8%-70.8%) and 37.4% (95% CI: 32.9%-42.5%) respectively, and no significant difference was found (P=0.44). The 3-year OS was 56.1% (95% CI: 39.9%-79.1%) and 64.3% (95% CI: 59.3%-69.7%) respectively, and no significant difference was found as well (P=0.32). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that NED was not an independent risk factor for DFS and OS (all P>0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no significant difference in DFS and OS between the two groups after propensity score matching. Conclusion: Compared with patients without NED, patients with NED were older at onset, had a higher proportion of proximal gastrectomy, intestinal-type, and later diagnostic stage, but the survival prognosis had no significant difference with that of patients without NED.

Initiation and progression of dental-stimulated temporomandibular joints osteoarthritis

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a site that is often impacted by osteoarthritis (OA), is biomechanically linked with dental occlusion. Tissue responses in TMJ condyle to biomechanical stimulation could be investigated by intervention of the dental occlusion in animals. Unilateral anterior crossbite, an experimental malocclusion, has been demonstrated to induce TMJ-OA lesions, showing primarily as enhanced cartilage calcification and subchondral cortical bone formation at the osteochondral interface, causing the osteochondral interface thickening and stiffening. The changed interface would worsen the local biomechanical environment. At the cartilage side, the matrix degenerates. In the case of insufficient restoration of the matrix, the cells in the deep zone flow into the ones undergoing autophagy, apoptosis, and terminal differentiation while the cells in the superficial zone are promoted to differentiate to supply the loss of the deep zone cells. At the meantime, the bone marrow stromal cells are stimulated to bone formation in the subchondral cortical region which is uncoupled with the sites of the osteoclast-mediated resorption process that is predominantly observed at the subchondral trabecular bone region. Overall, the thickening and stiffening osteochondral interface, due greatly to the enhanced endochondral ossification in deep zone cartilage, should be a central pathological process that links with cartilage decay and subchondral bone remodelling in OA joints. The residual chondrocytes locating in the cartilage superficial zone have the progenitor-like qualities that can proliferate, and also differentiate into the deep zone chondrocytes, thus should be critical in progression and rehabilitation of TMJ-OA.

Autophagy related 4B, upregulated by HIF-1α, attenuates the sensitivity to cisplatin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence has shown that autophagy related proteins and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) are both involved in the malignant progress of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and HIF-1α plays an emerging role in the chemosensitivity of NPC cells. However, it is still unknown whether autophagy related proteins are associated with HIF-1α in regulating the chemosensitivity of NPC cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) was applied to determine mRNA levels of HIF-1α and the autophagy related proteins, such as ATG3, ATG4B, ATG5, Beclin1, ATG7, ATG10, ATG12 and ATG16L1. Western blot was applied to determine protein levels of HIF-1α, ATG4B and cleaved Caspase-3. Cell viability and death were investigated by cell counting kit-8 and trypan blue exclusion assay. In addition, Caspase-3 activity was detected to reflect apoptosis. Furthermore, Luciferase reporter assay was applied to explore the mechanism by which HIF-1α transcriptionally upregulated ATG4B expression.

RESULTS

Our study reveals that HIF-1α increased ATG4B expression in NPC cells, and in turn upregulated the cisplatin (DDP)-induced protective autophagy, resulting in enhanced killing effect of DDP to NPC cells. In mechanism, reporter assay showed that HIF-1α upregulated ATG4B expression by activating its gene promoter region. The binding site (-225 to -216) was required for HIF-1α-induced increase of ATG4B gene promoter activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that HIF-1α elevates ATG4B via promoting its transcription, which alleviates the sensitivity of DDP in NPC cells through enhancing protective autophagy, suggesting that ATG4B, upregulated by HIF-1α, may be a novel target for DDP sensitization in the treatment of NPC in clinic.

Long non-coding RNA SNHG5 promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating miR-363-3p/RNF38 axis

OBJECTIVE

The involvement of long non-coding RNA (LncRNAs) in HCC development has been widely recognized in recent decades. LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) has been identified to be implicated in the development of many tumors, and this study aimed to explore the role of SNHG5 in HCC tumorigenesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of SNHG5, miR-363-3p, and Ring Finger Protein 38 (RNF38) were measured by using quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot assay, respectively. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to investigate cell apoptosis. Cell migration and invasion abilities were detected by transwell assay. The relationship among SNHG5, miR-363-3p, and RNF38 was confirmed using bioinformatics analysis and Luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

The expression of SNHG5 and RNF38 was elevated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and highly expressed SNHG5 and RNF38 could induce apoptosis and repress proliferation, migration, as well as invasion in HCC cells. Further investigations showed that SNHG5 might act as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-26a-5p and thereby cause the derepression of the downstream target RNF38. Moreover, rescue experiments indicated that SNHG5 silence inhibited the progression of HCC cells by regulating miR-363-3p, and the facilitated effects of RNF38 in the progression of HCC cells were regulated by miR-363-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA SNHG5 may promote human HCC progression by regulating the miR-363-3p/RNF38 axis, providing a novel insight into the pathogenesis of HCC and therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.

Hsp60 expression and localization in different tissues and testis development of male cattle (cattle-yak and yak)

BACKGROUND

Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) play important roles in protecting testicular development and production of sperms. This study was conducted to investigate Hsp60 gene expression and localization in testicular development to ascertain its influence on infertility and in different tissues of the male cattle-yak and yak. A total of 54 cattle (24 cattle-yak and 30 yak) were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hsp60 mRNA of cattle-yak was cloned first and amino acid variations were found leading to differences at protein spatial structure compare with the yak. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that Hsp60 mRNAs expression were different in cattle-yak and yak.

RESULTS

The results showed disparity in Hsp60 expression among different tissues and in different developmental stages of the testis. High Hsp60 expression was observed in juvenile and adult testicles. Moreover, Hsp60 expression in cattle-yak was significantly higher than yak (p < 0.01). The location of Hsp60 in tissue and testis was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). The results demonstrated that Hsp60 proteins located in epithelial cells, spermatocytes, sperm cells and mesenchymal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hsp60 proteins are expressed in different tissues, and the highest expression level was observed in the testis of the cattle-yak, which suggests that infertility of cattle-yak have some correlation with up-regulation of Hsp60.

PTH promotes rabbit tibial fracture healing via the Notch signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the expression of Jagged1 in the rabbit tibial fracture healing, and its function and mechanism in this process via the Notch signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n=30) and experimental group (n=30). Then, a rabbit tibial fracture model was established. After surgery, the rabbits in experimental group were given 10 μg/kg PTH (1-34) once a day for 5 days a week, while those in control group were given an equal volume of normal saline. Six rabbits were randomly selected from each group at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery to collect right tibia specimens. Next, X-ray examination, bone mineral density (BMD) test, histological detection, and serum biochemical test were performed. Additionally, the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of Notch1 and Jagged1 in the Notch signaling pathway were measured via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Their protein levels were detected through Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

The healing and BMD in experimental group were better than those in control group since cortical and medullary bridging was observed in the rabbits of experimental group at the 6th week after surgery. Plasma level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), P content, and the product of Ca and P significantly increased (p<0.05) in experimental group. The pathological morphology of the calluses stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) in experimental group was overtly superior to that in control group. The PCR results revealed that both mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Jagged1 were lower in control group than those in experimental group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PTH (1-34) promotes the rabbit tibial fracture healing by regulating Jagged1 ligand molecules in the Notch signaling pathway.

Tunable interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in symmetrical Au/[Fe/Au]n multilayers

The interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (i-DMI) has been exploited in as-made symmetrical Au/[Fe/Au]n structures. By tailoring the chirality of the i-DMI at the Au/Fe interface, an overall enhancement of the i-DMI can be obtained in such a symmetrical structure. Furthermore, the tunability of the i-DMI was realized by changing the stacking number n. Compared to the top of Fe, a large tensile stress at the bottom of Fe due to lattice mismatch was responsible for the chirality change in the sub/Au/Fe system. Layer-resolved DMI calculations revealed that the sign of the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) energy was changed for Au near the interface of Au/Fe under tensile stress, subsequently reversing the chirality of the i-DMI from left-handed to right-handed. Our findings provide a simplest way to tune the i-DMI in a multilayer system, further benefiting the application of skyrmion-based devices.