lncRNA RMST Suppressed GBM Cell Mitophagy through Enhancing FUS SUMOylation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in post-translational modifications of proteins, yet the importance of lncRNAs for SUMOylation is unknown. rhabdomyosarcoma 2 associated transcript (RMST) expression in glioma tissues and normal brain tissues was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. The functional roles of RMST in astrocytomas were demonstrated by a series of in vitro experiments. The potential mechanisms of RMST for SUMOylation were investigated by RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, western blotting, and coimmunoprecipitation assays. We first demonstrated the oncogenic activity of lncRNA RMST by inhibiting glioma cells mitophagy. We also first determined that RMST is an enhancer of FUS SUMOylation, especially boosting SUMO1 modification at K333. SUMOylation induced by RMST contributes to the interaction between FUS and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D (hnRNPD) and stabilized their expression and cells mitophagy. Importantly, lncRNA RMST could serve as a promising prognostic factor for glioma patients. Our results demonstrated a previously unknown function of lncRNAs worked as an enhancer in FUS SUMOylation, and RMST will be a significant guide for the development of medications targeting gliomas.

[Establishment of patient derived xenograft model of high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei accompanied with signet ring cells and identification of biological characteristics]

Objective: To establish the patient derived xenograft (PDX) model of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), and identify the key characteristics of tumor biology of this model, in order to provide a reliable model for studying the pathological mechanisms and new therapeutic strategies of PMP. Methods: PMP tumor tissue was obtained from surgery and cut into pieces after washing. Then tumor pieces were implanted subcutaneously in BAL B/c-nu mice for 6 stable passages. In the 7th passage, tumor tissue was implanted orthotopically into abdomen. Subcutaneous tumor and orthotopic tumor were then homogenized to make tumor cell suspension, implanted into abdomen of 10 BAL B/c-nu mice through midline laparotomy, 100 μl for each. The key experimental parameters including body weight changes in the observation period, experimental peritoneal cancer index (ePCI) score at the autopsy, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics, and gene expression profiles by high-throughput whole-genome exon sequencing were detected and recorded. Results: The successful rate of established orthotopic PDX model of human PMP was 100% (10/10). The animals showed smooth body weight increases after tumor inoculation until day 27, then the body weight began to decrease steadily. Widespread tumor dissemination of PMP tumor through the whole abdomen was found by autopsy, including the diaphragm, liver, spleen, stomach, kidney, parietal peritoneum, bowel and mesenterium. Gelatinous ascites was also observed in abdominopelvic cavity. The ePCI score ranged from 5 to 9, with a 8 of median ePCI. Histopathological studies showed peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis accompanied with signet ring cells (PMCA-S), obvious tumor cell atypia and parenchymal invasion.Immunohistochemistry showed the expressions of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, CEA, CA199, CK20, CDX-2 and Ki-67 were positive, MUC6, CK7 and p53 were negative. Whole-exome sequencing identified that the most significant genetic alteration is the exon10 missense mutation c. 1621A>C of KIT gene, the mutation abundance was 89.7%. Conclusion: PDX model of PMCA-S is successfully established, which displays the characters of high-degree malignancy, high proliferation and strong aggressiveness.

Exposure to sodium salicylate disrupts VGLUT3 expression in cochlear inner hair cells and contributes to tinnitus

To examine whether exposure to sodium salicylate disrupts expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) and whether the alteration in expression corresponds to increased risk for tinnitus. Rats were treated with saline (control) or sodium salicylate (treated) Rats were examined for tinnitus by monitoring gap-pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex (GPIAS). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was applied to evaluate hearing function after treatment. Rats were sacrificed after injection to obtain the cochlea, cochlear nucleus (CN), and inferior colliculus (IC) for examination of VGLUT3 expression. No significant differences in hearing thresholds between groups were identified (p>0.05). Tinnitus in sodium salicylate-treated rats was confirmed by GPIAS. VGLUT3 encoded by solute carrier family 17 members 8 (SLC17a8) expression was significantly increased in inner hair cells (IHCs) of the cochlea in treated animals, compared with controls (p<0.01). No significant differences in VGLUT3 expression between groups were found for the cochlear nucleus (CN) or IC (p>0.05). Exposure to sodium salicylate may disrupt SLC17a8 expression in IHCs, leading to alterations that correspond to tinnitus in rats. However, the CN and IC are unaffected by exposure to sodium salicylate, suggesting that enhancement of VGLUT3 expression in IHCs may contribute to the pathogenesis of tinnitus.

Linear polarization grating combining a circular polarization grating with a special cycloidal diffractive quarter waveplate

We introduce and demonstrate a switchable novel linear polarization grating (LPG) consisting of a circular polarization grating (CPG) and a special cycloidal diffractive quarter waveplate (CQWP). The CQWP is developed that marvelously matches the polarization-state of beams passing through the CPG. Such an LPG is so polarization-sensitive that it can split an incident linear polarized beam into two proportionally controllable left- or right-handed circularly polarized lights. We establish rigorous simulation model based on finite element method to investigate near-field polarization-state distribution of CPGs. Furthermore, LPGs are demonstrated and the diffraction properties are obtained with simulation and Jones Matrix analysis. The combination of CPGs and CQWPs is achieved with polymerizable liquid crystal. The experimental results of deflection angle and polarization selectivity of LPGs are consistent with those of simulation.

Bone mass density and bone metabolism marker are associated with progression of carotid and cardiac calcified plaque in Chinese elderly population

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases often coexist in the same elderly individuals. Does this suggest some potential correlation between the two diseases? Low bone mass and change of bone biomarker are associated with a higher risk of carotid and cardiac calcification plaques.

INTRODUCTION

Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism marker may contribute to the progression of carotid and cardiac arterial calcifications. The aim of this study was to investigate whether low bone mass and the change of bone biomarker are associated with the prevalence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque in elderly Chinese.

METHODS

We conducted a five-year prospective study. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning. Carotid and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) was conducted using a 64-multidetector row scanner to assess carotid and cardiac arterial plaque at baseline and during follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 1571 community residents over 60 years of age, 184 (11.7%) subjects developed carotid calcified plaque, 510 (32.5%) subjects developed cardiac calcified plaque and 97 (6.2%) subjects developed co-existence calcified plaques in carotid and cardiac arteries. After adjustment for age and all relevant confounders, Q1, Q2 quartile of BMD, and osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin (OC), and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were associated with increased risk of calcified plaques.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that lower BMD and change of bone metabolism biomarker were associated with a higher risk of carotid and cardiac calcified plaque development.

Two-dimensional symmetrical radial sub-aperture coherence and the local precision defect elimination method for high-precision beam steering

Sub-aperture coherence (SAC) is a classical phase control method for high-precision beam steering using liquid crystal optical phased arrays (LCOPA). On this basis, radial sub-aperture coherence (RSAC) and symmetrical radial sub-aperture coherence (SRSAC) were proposed, which guarantee the stability of steering angles when the beam aperture and incident position fluctuate. In this article, the pre-existing one-dimensional SRSAC was firstly extended to a more universal 2D phase generation algorithm. Meanwhile, for the intractable problem of local precision defects caused by the basic two-dimensional variable period grating (2D-VPG) algorithm, we tracked their locations accurately and designed a targeted elimination method carefully. So these remarkable error peaks could be thoroughly removed by using 2D-SRSAC optimized by the local precision defect elimination method. Since then, all the excellent performance of 1D-SRSAC can be perfectly transplanted to 2D, which makes the non-mechanical beam steering technology using LCOPA more mature and competitive in the applications required ultra-high precision.

Three-dimensional printing of metals for biomedical applications

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has received great attention in the past decades in both academia and industry because of its advantages such as customized fabrication, low manufacturing cost, unprecedented capability for complex geometry, and short fabrication period. 3D printing of metals with controllable structures represents a state-of-the-art technology that enables the development of metallic implants for biomedical applications. This review discusses currently existing 3D printing techniques and their applications in developing metallic medical implants and devices. Perspective about the current challenges and future directions for development of this technology is also presented.

[Dynamic analysis of the academic influence in Chinese Journal of Hepatology from 2010 to 2016]

Objective: To dynamically analyze the discipline status, influence factors and key issues of Chinese Journal of Hepatology from 2010 to 2016 and explore the development rules of citation indexes. Methods: We collected information published by the China Institute of Scientific and Technological Information [China Science and Technology Journal Citation Report (Core Edition)] and Wanfang Database Periodicals statistical analysis platform from 2010 to 2016. A bibliometric analyses on article volume, citation frequency, citation rate, h-index, ratio of fund-aided papers, periodical influence, key number published period, number of relevant articles, and so on were analyzed for annual's impact factor. Results: According to the data released by the China Institute of Science and Technology Information, from 2010 to 2011, the impact factor of Chinese Journal of Hepatology was at leading level in the field of internal medicine and ranked sixth in the Journal of Internal Medicine. From 2012 to 2016, the overall comprehensive assessment score and citation frequency score of Chinese Journal of Hepatology were ranked first in the Journal of Gastroenterology. Core impact factors kept the discipline ahead. Indexes such as immediacy index, h- index, cited half-life and all other indicators were increased. Citation rate was >90% and cited issue number had greatly increased. Conclusion: Chinese Journal of Hepatology has a leading position in the Journal of Gastroenterology and credited by inland readers and authors of digestive and infectious fields. It has played a positive role in promoting the development of the discipline.

[Correlation between serum uric acid and risk of new-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a 5-year observational cohort study]

Objective: To investigate the association between serum uric acid and the risk of new-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted in a hospital for five years. 856 patients without NAFLD who took physical examination in the hospital physical examination center in 2011 were selected as study subjects. According to the baseline level of serum uric acid, subjects were divided into 4 groups (F1, F2, F3, and F4). After 5-years of follow-up, the incidence of NAFLD in each group was observed in 2016.Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, Total cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Triglycerides, Fasting blood glucose and Imaging findings were examined. The cumulative incidence rate of NAFLD in each group was compared and the effect of baseline serum uric acid level on new-onset NAFLD was analyzed by Logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the diagnostic value of uric acid level in NAFLD. Results: The cumulative incidence rate of NAFLD was 19.16%, and the cumulative incidence increased with the increase of baseline uric acid. The incidence rates of F1, F2, F3 and F4 were 7.90%, 13.54%, 20.32% and 34.07% respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence rate of NAFLD in F2, F3 and F4 groups were 1.637 (0.856 ~ 3.344) times, 2.745 (1.345 ~ 5.211) times and 5.465 (2.977 ~ 9.843) times higher than those in F1 group (P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of NAFLD increased with the increase of serum uric acid level, and the serum uric acid level was an independent risk factor for NAFLD with a relative risks (RR) value of 1.654. The ROC curve analysis of serum uric acid levels had no diagnostic value for NAFLD. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that increased serum uric acid level is an independent risk factor for the development of NAFLD and could be used as an investigative indicator to assess the risk.

Stature Estimation of Sichuan Han Females Based on X-ray Photography of Total Lower Limbs

OBJECTIVES

To establish a mathematical model of stature estimation for Sichuan Han females on the basis of the relationship between lower limbs and individual height, thus to provide evidence for forensic identification.

METHODS

Samples were collected from 171 Sichuan Han females. Large flat panel multi-function digital photography system was used to take the full-body X-ray films of the lower limbs. Indexes of long bones and stature of the subjects were measured, respectively. A linear regression analysis was carried out on the correlation between them, and a mathematical model of the stature calculation was established. Then the mathematical model was used to calculate the stature of another 29 Sichuan Han females to test its accuracy.

RESULTS

The maximum length of femur （x₁） had the highest correlation with stature. A total of 13 linear regression equations were established （P<0.05）, with the correlation coefficient （R） 0.821-0.897 and the standard error of the estimation （SEE） 2.994-3.812 cm. The backtesting showed that the equation y=41.604+1.205 x₁+1.318 x₆+2.444 x₁₂+1.852 x₁₃-2.388 x₁₄ had the smallest mean absolute deviation （2.485 years old） and the highest accuracy of ±2SEE （92.9%）, and that the equation y=48.783+2.568 x₁ had the highest accuracy of ±1SEE （60.7%）.

CONCLUSIONS

The stature estimation is high by using the long bones of the lower limbs has high accuracy.

[A real-world study of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C]

Objective: To recognize the efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C who were admitted to the People's Hospital of Henan Province, Huashan Hospital of Shanghai and the Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China between November 2017 to August 2018 were enlisted. All patients received OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV antiviral therapy. HCV RNA levels were measured at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 24, then 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after completion of treatment; patients' comorbidity, concomitant medications, and clinical adverse events were recorded. Results: 108 patients were enrolled in the study, with an average age of 49.1 years, 44 patients were male (40.8%), 96.3% (104/108) were newly diagnosed, and four patients had previous treatment history, of whom three were treated with IFN and one with IFN + DAA. Ninety-eight cases completed 12 weeks treatment and 89 cases were in follow up for 12 weeks, after discontinuation of the drug. Overall, 89 cases (100%) achieved SVR12.One patient treated with PR and DAA had HCV RNA level of 869175 IU/mL at 4 weeks of treatment, which was significantly higher than the baseline HCV RNA level (301776IU/ML), and was judged as failure of treatment; and follow-up was discontinued. Of all enrolled patients, 19 (17.6%) had underlying diseases and 15 (13.9%) had combined medications. During treatment, adverse events (AE) occurred in 11 patients (10.1%). The main adverse events were pruritus and elevated bilirubin. Conclusion: Combined antiviral therapy (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) of 12 weeks are highly effective with good safety profile in the treatment of Chinese patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C.

Radial sub-aperture coherence method used to achieve beam steering with high precision and stability

Sub-aperture coherence (SAC) algorithm, which is based on the classical phase modulation method called variable period grating (VPG), was usually used to control liquid crystal optical phased arrays (LCOPA) to achieve agile beam steering with high precision. However, the beam steering angle of SAC is severely affected by the beam aperture, which limits the generality of the algorithm distinctly. In this article, two kinds of new phase modulation method have been proposed to solve this problem, which were named as radial sub-aperture coherence (RSAC) and symmetrical radial sub-aperture coherence (SRSAC). By using RSAC, the holistic drift of steering angle, which is caused by the variation of beam aperture, can be effectively avoided. In addition, a series of equidistant steering points with ultra-high precision can be obtained. Upon this basis, SRSAC greatly enhances the steering angle's stability in the presence of system alignment error and relative vibration. Thus, the practicability of LCOPA for beam steering can be improved effectively.

[Hepatitis B core antigen promotes invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2.2.15 via Toll-like receptor 4]

Objective: To investigate the effect of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) in promoting the invasion of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2.2.15 and the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the mechanism. Methods: TLR4 mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells and HepG2.2.15 cells was measured by reverse transcription real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. HepG2.2.15 cells were transfected with TLR4 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence TLR4 expression, and stimulated by recombinant HBcAg in culture. The invasion of cells was measured by Transwell invasion assay. The expression of TLR4 signaling pathway-related proteins in the cultured cells and proinflammatory cytokines in the supernatant was also determined. The student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and SNK-q test were used for statistical analysis. Results: TLR4 mRNA and protein expression in HepG2.2.15 cells was significantly higher than that in HepG2 cells. TLR4 siRNA transfection remarkably down-regulated TLR4 expression in HepG2.2.15 cells. Inhibiting TLR4 expression and/or HBcAg stimulation did not affect the proliferation of HepG2.2.15 cells. However, HBcAg stimulation significantly increased the invasion ability of HepG2.2.15 cells and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines [including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α]. Inhibiting TLR4 expression significantly reduced HBcAg-induced cellular invasion. Meanwhile, HBcAg stimulation elevated the expression of MyD88 and TRIF in HepG2.2.15 cells. TLR4 silencing inhibited HBcAg-induced increase in the expression of MyD88, while it showed no significant impact on TRIF expression. Conclusion: HBcAg can promote the invasion of HepG2.2.15 cells. The TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway may be involved in this process by inducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

[Effects of crystalline silica with different exposure patterns on lung fibrosis in rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects of crystalline silica with different exposure patterns on lung fibrosis in rats. Methods: A total of 20 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups consisting of five animals each and received intratracheal instillation of sterile saline or silica suspension in different patterns: saline once at day 0, saline once/week, crystalline silica 50 mg at day 0, crystalline silica 6.25 mg/week. The rats were sacrificed at 8 weeks. The lung tissues were collected for pathological analyses, and determining mRNA and protein levels of related fibrogenic molecules. Results: The collagen deposition induced by crystalline silica in lung tissues were increased. The mRNA levels of IL-1β and Col I in group c were significantly elevated than those in group saline once at day 0 (all P<0.05). Compared with group saline once/week, the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TGF-β, Col I, Col III and CTGF were significantly increased in group crystalline silica 6.25 mg/week (P<0.05) . The mRNA levels of Col I and CTGF were significantly increased in group crystalline silica 6.25 mg/week in comparison with those in group crystalline silica 50 mg at day 0 (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Given the same cumulative dose of crystalline silica, multiple exposures were likely to induce more severe lung fibrosis.

Systematic review of risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance

There is no consensus about factors that increase risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with chronic hepatitis B who have achieved seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). To assess the available evidence about risk factors for HCC after HBsAg seroclearance, Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published through 15 September 2017. A total of 28 studies involving more than 105 411 patients with chronic hepatitis B were included. HBsAg seroclearance occurred spontaneously in 7656, while it occurred after interferon or nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in 1248. The rate of HBsAg seroclearance was 6.77%. Incidence of HCC was significantly lower among patients who experienced HBsAg seroclearance than among those who remained HBsAg-positive (1.86% vs 6.56%, P < .001). Risk factors of HCC occurrence included cirrhosis (incidence with vs without: 9.51% vs 1.66%), male gender (2.34% vs 0.64%) and age ≥ 50 year at HBsAg seroclearance (2.34% vs 0.63%) (all P < .001). The available evidence suggests that HCC can develop at a low rate after HBsAg seroclearance, so periodic surveillance is recommended, especially for male patients, patients with cirrhosis and patients who experience HBsAg seroclearance when at least 50 years old.