Observation of Beam Spin Asymmetries in the Process ep→e^{'}π^{+}π^{-}X with CLAS12

The observation of beam spin asymmetries in two-pion production in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering off an unpolarized proton target is reported. The data presented here were taken in the fall of 2018 with the CLAS12 spectrometer using a 10.6 GeV longitudinally spin-polarized electron beam delivered by CEBAF at JLab. The measured asymmetries provide the first opportunity to extract the parton distribution function e(x), which provides information about the interaction between gluons and quarks, in a collinear framework that offers cleaner access than previous measurements. The asymmetries also constitute the first ever signal sensitive to the helicity-dependent two-pion fragmentation function G_{1}^{⊥}. A clear sign change is observed around the ρ mass that appears in model calculations and is indicative of the dependence of the produced pions on the helicity of the fragmenting quark.

Histology-based profile of inflammatory mediators in experimentally induced pulpitis in a rat model: screening for possible biomarkers

Aim

To profile molecular changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced experimental pulpitis in a rat model and explore the feasibility of a molecular‐based diagnostic strategy for pulpitis.

Methodology

Seventy‐three maxillary incisors of Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to establish pulpitis models with LPS. Inflammatory grading was performed in four equal sections of the pulp divided from the injured site to the root apex. An antibody array was used to compare the expression of 67 molecules between control pulp and inflamed pulp 12 and 72 h after LPS application. The levels of differentially expressed molecules in the control and inflamed pulp (collected at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 72 h after LPS treatment) were examined via ELISA, and correlations between inflammatory scores and molecule expression were assessed. The molecule distributions in the pulp were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. Data were analysed with paired t‐test, one‐way anova, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlations with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils were observed in the injured site 3 h after LPS stimulation. Inflammatory infiltration peaked at 12 h and was limited to the injured site with osteodentine deposition at 72 h. Thirteen molecules were significantly differentially expressed between the control and LPS‐injured pulp. ELISA validated that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) expression dramatically peaked at 12 h (compared with other time points, P < 0.05) and returned to baseline at 72 h. The TIMP‐1 concentration was strongly correlated with inflammation severity in the apical three‐quarters of the pulp, and the strongest correlation was found in the lower‐middle quarter (r = 0.786, P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence staining revealed that in the apical three‐quarters of the pulp, TIMP‐1 expression was significantly higher in the 12 h group than in the control and 3, 6, 24 and 72 h groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study provides a molecular profile of LPS‐induced pulpitis in a rat model. TIMP‐1 had a strong positive correlation with the severity of dental pulp inflammation, verifying the feasibility of applying biomarkers to identify specific pathological conditions in pulpitis.

KCNQ1OT1 regulates osteogenic differentiation of hBMSC by miR-320a/Smad5 axis

OBJECTIVE

Osteogenic differentiation plays a crucial role in maintaining general bone homeostasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) act as important regulators during the osteogenesis process. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) in osteogenic differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the expression of KCNQ1OT1, osteonectin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), miR-320a, mothers against DPP homolog 5 (Smad5). Protein levels of OCN, OPN, RUNX2 and Smad5 were measured by Western blot assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity detection assay was performed to examine the ALP activity. The interactions among KCNQ1OT1, miR-320a and Smad5 were determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

KCNQ1OT1, OCN, OPN and RUNX2 expression were enhanced in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) treated with osteogenic medium (OM). KCNQ1OT1 positively regulated OCN, OPN and RUNX2 expression and ALP activity of hBMSCs. Furthermore, KCNQ1OT1 directly bound to miR-320a, and KCNQ1OT1 knockdown reduced OCN, OPN and RUNX2 expression and ALP activity by suppressing miR-320a expression. Moreover, Smad5 was a target of miR-320a, and miR-320a inhibition abated the effects of Smad5 silencing in OCN, OPN and RUNX2 expression and ALP activity of hBMSCs. Also, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown reduced OCN, OPN and RUNX2 expression by targeting miR-320a/Smad5 axis.

CONCLUSIONS

KCNQ1OT1 promoted osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by regulating Smad5 expression via sponging miR-320a.

Photoproduction of the f_{2}(1270) Meson Using the CLAS Detector

The quark structure of the f_{2}(1270) meson has, for many years, been assumed to be a pure quark-antiquark (qq[over ¯]) resonance with quantum numbers J^{PC}=2^{++}. Recently, it was proposed that the f_{2}(1270) is a molecular state made from the attractive interaction of two ρ mesons. Such a state would be expected to decay strongly to final states with charged pions due to the dominant decay ρ→π^{+}π^{-}, whereas decay to two neutral pions would likely be suppressed. Here, we measure for the first time the reaction γp→π^{0}π^{0}p, using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer detector at Jefferson Lab for incident beam energies between 3.6 and 5.4 GeV. Differential cross sections, dσ/dt, for f_{2}(1270) photoproduction are extracted with good precision due to low backgrounds and are compared to theoretical calculations.

Beam Spin Asymmetry in Semi-Inclusive Electroproduction of Hadron Pairs

A first measurement of the longitudinal beam spin asymmetry A_{LU} in the semi-inclusive electroproduction of pairs of charged pions is reported. A_{LU} is a higher-twist observable and offers the cleanest access to the nucleon twist-3 parton distribution function e(x). Data have been collected in the Hall-B at Jefferson Lab by impinging a 5.498-GeV electron beam on a liquid-hydrogen target, and reconstructing the scattered electron and the pion pair with the CLAS detector. One-dimensional projections of the A_{LU}^{sinϕ_{R}} moments are extracted for the kinematic variables of interest in the valence quark region. The understanding of dihadron production is essential for the interpretation of observables in single-hadron production in semi-inclusive DIS, and pioneering measurements of single-spin asymmetries in dihadron production open a new avenue in studies of QCD dynamics.

Optimal operation strategy of LWR based on the PCI online prognosis model

The pellet-cladding interaction (PCI) is one of the major issues in fuel rod during the power change operation in light water reactors (LWR). The frequent power transient will lead to the PCI failure, which results in the radioactive leakage. Unfortunately, the failure cannot be detected on time during operation. For solving this problem, the PCI results is calculated and predicted before the power transient, and the results is used for optimizing the operation strategy. As everyone knows, the calculation of the fuel is a cumbersome work, which is not fit for online evaluation. At first, we present a PCI online prognosis model in this paper by the method of radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Based on this online model, an optimal operation strategy is present then. The PCI evaluation results is treated as the feedback of the strategy, which will go to the power control system to decide to carry out the power plan or to modify it. The presented operation strategy used the fast online prognosis model to predict the PCI status, which is used as a feedback signal to the power control system. The optimal operation strategy is tested by the experimental data from the references, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness.

[Development strategies and progress of composite resin filling material]

Composite resin filling material is the first choice for tooth direct bonding restoration. Its good performance can meet the requirements of clinical tooth repair treatment. It is used to restore the structure, aesthetic and function of defected teeth with a way of minimally invasive intervention. To further improve its clinical efficacy, the fundamental strategy is to ameliorate the limitation of material properties. Based on the summary of current research progress, this article focuses on the property of improved composite resin material, and the progress of developing novel resin material including antibacterial composite resin, bioactive remineralizing resin as well as self-healing resin, so as to provide innovative ideas for the future research of new composite resin filling materials.

Association of Vitamin D or Calcium Supplementation with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

To exploring the role of vitamin D or calcium supplementation in reducing all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

The search was restricted to systematic reviews or meta-analyses published from January 1, 2010, to July 7, 2019. An additional search was performed to identify recently published randomized controlled trials (from January 1, 2015, to July 7, 2019). Homogeneous results from different studies were pooled using Revman 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies involving 89,251 participants were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. No associations were observed between the supplementation and composite cardiovascular outcomes, consisting of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and other MACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Whether used alone or in combination, vitamin D and calcium supplementation do not exert meaningful effects on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MACEs or MI among community-dwelling adults.

Mechanism of miR-122-5p regulating the activation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway on the cell proliferation and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells through targeting TP53 gene

OBJECTIVE

To explore the regulatory mechanism of microRNA-122-5p (miR-122-5) targeting tumor protein p53 (TP53) gene to mediate PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway on the proliferation and apoptosis of osteosarcoma (OS) cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

With the collection of osteosarcoma and normal adjacent tissues, the mRNA of miR-122-5p, TP53, PTEN, PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Bim, Bax, and Bcl-2 was detected by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), followed by the detection of the protein expression by Western blot. The target relationship between miR-122-5p and TP53 gene was verified. The third generation osteosarcoma cells were divided into Blank group, miR-122-5p mimic negative control (NC) group, miR-122-5p mimic group, miR-122-5p inhibitor NC group, miR-122-5p inhibitor group, rapamycin group and miR-122-5p inhibitor + rapamycin group. Furthermore, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the proliferation ability, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of each group after transfection.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-122-5p in osteosarcoma was lower than that in normal tissues (p < 0.05), TP53, PTEN, Bim and Bax expression levels were decreased (all p < 0.05), while the expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR and Bcl-2 were highly upregulated (all p < 0.05). TP53 had the lowest expression in osteosarcoma cell line U-2OS (p < 0.05), which was selected for subsequent cell experiments. TP53 was the target gene of miR-122-5p. Compared with Blank group, miR-122-5p mimic group had increased expression of miR-122-5p (all p < 0.05); besides, there were significantly increased expression of TP53, PTEN, Bim, and Bax in miR-122-5p mimic group and rapamycin group, while remarkably decreased expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, and Bcl-2 (all p < 0.05), accompanied by increased proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase, decreased cell proportion in S phase, increased cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation (all p < 0.05). The opposite trends were found in miR-122-5p inhibitor group relative to miR-122-5p mimic group and rapamycin group (all p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant difference was found in miR-122-5p inhibitor+rapamycin group when compared with that in Blank group (all p > 0.05) except for significantly decreased miR-122-5p expression (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of miR-122-5p may inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting the activation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, which may be related to the targeted up-regulation of TP53 expression.

LncRNA MALAT1 affects high glucose-induced endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on the high glucose-induced proliferation, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis of endothelial cells and its potential mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into 3 groups, including control group (medium with 5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (HG group, medium with 33.5 mmol/L glucose) and lncRNA MALAT1 knockdown group [HG + MALAT1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group, medium with 33.5 mmol/L glucose]. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to observe the proliferation of HUVECs in each group at different time points. Meanwhile, the wound-healing assay was applied to detect the migratory ability of HUVECs in each group at 0 h and 24 h. The apoptosis rate of each group of cells was measured by means of flow cytometry, and the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) was detected via immunofluorescence at the same time. In addition, the amount of neovascularization in each group of cells was observed through the tube formation assay. Finally, Western blotting was utilized to determine the expression level of proteins in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway in each group of cells.

RESULTS

Compared with that in the control group, the expression level of lncRNA MALAT1 in the HG group was elevated markedly (p<0.05). The proliferative capacity of HUVECs in the HG group was increased notably after knocking down lncRNA MALAT1 with siRNA (p<0.05). According to wound-healing assay, the knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 could prominently reverse the declined HUVECs migratory ability induced by high glucose (p<0.05). Flow cytometry results manifested that the apoptosis level of HUVECs in the HG group was increased markedly, but inhibition on lncRNA MALAT1 could lower the apoptosis level evidently (p<0.05). The results of immunofluorescence showed that the expression of Bax in the HG + MALAT1 siRNA group was remarkably lower than that in the HG group (p<0.05). It was revealed in Western blotting that the knockdown of lncRNA MALAT1 could reverse the inhibition of high glucose on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HUVECs (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibiting lncRNA MALAT1 can promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis and repress endothelial cell apoptosis simultaneously, whose mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

[Clinicopathological and molecular features of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype, molecular genetics and differential diagnosis of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS), and to evaluate the role of PAX3 and PAX8 immunohistochemical (IHC) antibodies in the diagnosis of BSNS. Methods: Nasal sinus spindle cell tumors surgically treated at the Jinling Hospital from 2000 to 2019 were collected, including three cases of BSNS, 10 cases of acinar rhabdomyosarcoma, eight cases of schwannoma, five cases of hemangiopericytoma, three cases of fibrosarcoma, and one case of triton tumor. The cases were evaluated by histology, IHC by EnVision for PAX3 and PAX 8 (including PAX8 murine monoclonal antibody, clone number OTI6H8, hereinafter referred to as PAX8-OTI6H8 antibody; PAX8 rabbit monoclonal antibody, clone number EP298, hereinafter referred to as PAX8-EP298 antibody) molecular genetic tests. Results: All three BSNS patients were elderly women with clinical manifestations of nasal congestion and bleeding. Imaging showed a soft tissue density shadow of the nasal cavity and sinuses with bone destruction. The boundaries of tumors which were covered with ciliated columnar epithelium were unclear, and mucosal invasion and squamous metaplasia could be seen. Tumor cells were spindle-shaped, arranged in a bundle-like, braided arrangement, with little cellular atypia and occasional atypical mitotic figures. The tumoral interstitial vessels were mostly thin-walled, some showing staghorn-like changes. There was focal striated muscle differentiation in two cases, and bone invasion was seen in two cases. IHC staining showed that all three cases of BSNS expressed PAX3 and PAX8-OTI6H8, but not PAX8-EP298. All eight cases of schwannoma, five cases of hemangiopericytoma, and one case of triton tumor did not express PAX3, PAX8-OTI6H8 or PAX8-EP298. Eight of the ten cases of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma expressed PAX3 and PAX8-OTI6H8, but not PAX8-EP298. Three cases of fibrosarcoma showed weak PAX3 and PAX8-OTI6H8 expression, but there was no PAX8-EP298 expression. FISH detection showed that PAX3 break apart in the tumor cells from all three patients (four specimens). Conclusions: BSNS is a distinct sinonasal low grade malignancy with dual differentiation which could be readily confused with a variety of spindle cell tumors encountered in the sinonasal cavity. The molecular genetics of PAX3 gene break is the gold standard for diagnosis of this tumor. IHC marker monoclonal PAX3 is 100% expressed in BSNS, while the specificity is limited. PAX8-OTI6H8 is also expressed in BSNS due to the cross reaction with PAX3 antibody, while PAX8-EP298 is all negative for these tumors.

A population-based study of pulmonary monitoring and toxicity for patients with testicular cancer treated with bleomycin

Background

Bleomycin is commonly used to treat advanced testicular cancer and can be associated with severe pulmonary toxicity. The primary objective of the present study was to describe the use of pulmonary function tests (pfts) and chest imaging before, during, and after treatment with bleomycin.

Methods

To identify all incident cases of testicular cancer treated with bleomycin-based chemotherapy in the Canadian province of Ontario during 2005-2010, the Ontario Cancer Registry was linked with chemotherapy treatment records. Health administrative databases were used to describe use of pfts, chest imaging, and physician visits for respiratory complaints.

Results

Of 394 patients treated with orchiectomy and chemotherapy who received at least 1 dose of bleomycin, 93% had complete chemotherapy records available. In the 4 weeks before, during, and within 2 years after finishing bleomycin-based chemotherapy, pfts were performed in 17%, 17%, and 29% of patients respectively. Chest imaging was performed in 68%, 62%, and 98% of patients in the same time periods. In the 2 years after bleomycin-based chemotherapy, 23% of treated patients had a physician visit for respiratory symptoms. That rate was substantially higher for men with greater exposure to bleomycin: 40% (24 of 60) for 10-12 doses bleomycin compared with 21% (53 of 250) for 7-9 doses and with 14% (8 of 58) for 1-6 doses (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Quality improvement initiatives are needed to increase baseline rates of chest imaging within 4 weeks of starting chemotherapy for testicular cancer; to understand why such a high proportion of men have chest imaging during bleomycin-based chemotherapy; and to mitigate the excess pulmonary toxicity seen with increasing exposure to bleomycin.

Long non-coding RNA BLACAT1 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation through sponging miR-361

OBJECTIVE

LncRNAs play a key role in the development and progression of prostate cancer. In this study, the effects of the lncRNA BLACAT1 in prostate cancer were investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of BLACAT1 and miR-361 in prostate cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues (n=25). The function of BLACAT1 was detected through proliferation assay and apoptosis assay. The interaction between BLACAT1 and miR-361 in prostate cancer was studied by luciferase assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis were performed to detect the BLACAT1 binding proteins. The xenograft mice experiment was performed to further confirm the functional significance of lncRNA BLACAT1 in vivo.

RESULTS

In patient samples and prostate cancer cell lines, BLACAT1 was down-regulated and inversely proportional to DNMT1, HDAC1, EZH2, MDM2 and miR-361 expression. Treatment with 5-azacytidine and chidamide enhanced BLACAT1 expression and decreased the levels of miR-361. The BALCAT1 promoter was methylated in prostate cancer tissue and found to interact with miR-361 via luciferase assays. BLACAT1 bound to EZH2, DNMT1 and HDAC1. ChIP-seq analysis revealed that HDAC1 interacts with STAT3, while EZH2 interacts with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) promoter.

CONCLUSIONS

Two regulatory axes of BLACAT1-EZH2-MAPK and BLACAT1-HDAC1-STAT3 were identified to be associated with the progression of prostate cancer. Both chidamide and 5-azacytidine represent promising therapeutic options in prostate cancer treatment.

Breast cancer patients have lower in-hospital mortality after acute coronary syndrome, a 5 year nationwide analysis

Background

Breast cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) share common risk factors, and breast cancer therapies are well known to cause cardiotoxicity. Prior studies highlighted the higher burden coronary artery disease and the importance to further assess its consequences on breast cancer patients.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the revascularization rate and in-hospital short-term outcomes of breast cancer patients following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared to the general female population.

Methods

We reviewed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2010 to 2014 to identify female patients with principal diagnosis of ACS (ST-elevation and non ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and unstable angina). Two subgroups were identified, women with a history of breast cancer and women without, and were propensity matched.

Multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer on primary outcome (in-hospital mortality) and secondary outcomes: occurrence of shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), mechanical ventilation (MV), and length of stay (LOS). We also compared the rate of cardiac procedures. Statistical significance of odd ratios (OR) is defined with p-value&lt;0.05 and reported 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We identified a total of 245,563 female patients with primary diagnosis of ACS, among them 10,625 (4.3%) had a history of breast cancer. The comorbidity of breast cancer was associated with statistically significant lower rates of mortality (OR 0.83, CI 0.74–0.94), shock (OR 0.87, CI 0.77–0.99), AKI (OR 0.90, CI 0.82–0.98), MV (OR 0.81, CI 0.71–0.92) and relative 5.4% decrease in LOS (CI: −7.8%, −3.0%). The cardiac procedural rates were similar for left heart catheterization (OR 0.96, CI 0.90–1.02), for percutaneous coronary intervention (OR 0.95, CI 0.89–1.02) and for CABG (OR 0.88, CI 0.78–1.00) compared to control group.

Conclusion

Breast cancer patients received a comparable catheterization and revascularization procedure rate and exhibited a statistically significant lower morbidity and mortality rates during hospitalization after an ACS event compared to the general female population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Extraction of Beam-Spin Asymmetries from the Hard Exclusive π^{+} Channel off Protons in a Wide Range of Kinematics

We have measured beam-spin asymmetries to extract the sinϕ moment A_{LU}^{sinϕ} from the hard exclusive e[over →]p→e^{'}nπ^{+} reaction above the resonance region, for the first time with nearly full coverage from forward to backward angles in the center of mass. The A_{LU}^{sinϕ} moment has been measured up to 6.6  GeV^{2} in -t, covering the kinematic regimes of generalized parton distributions (GPD) and baryon-to-meson transition distribution amplitudes (TDA) at the same time. The experimental results in very forward kinematics demonstrate the sensitivity to chiral-odd and chiral-even GPDs. In very backward kinematics where the TDA framework is applicable, we found A_{LU}^{sinϕ} to be negative, while a sign change was observed near 90° in the center of mass. The unique results presented in this Letter will provide critical constraints to establish reaction mechanisms that can help to further develop the GPD and TDA frameworks.

[Prevalence and associated factors regarding electronic cigarette smoking among adults in Shandong province]

Objective: To understand the awareness, current or past behavior on electronic cigarette smoking (ECS) and associated factors, among adults aged ≥15 years old in Shandong province. Relationship between ECS and cessation of smoking was also studied. Methods: Using the global standard questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 6 401 adults selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sample method. Electronic data was collected by handheld computer. Data were weighted and analyzed by SPSS 19.0 complex program. Results: The prevalence rates of awareness, ever or current smoking of e-cigarettes appeared as 37.6%, 3.8% and 0.6% respectively. Data from logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors for ECS were living in urban area, at younger age, being current or former cigarettes smoker and with knowledge on the risks of smoking or being encouraged to stop smoking. Among the electronic cigarettes smokers, those who tried to quit smoking (30.1%) had a significantly higher rate than that of the non-smokers (19.5%) (P<0.05), however, the successful quitting rate was much lower than that in the non-ECS users (P<0.05). Conclusions: Rates on the awareness and uptake of electronic cigarettes are on the rise. It is necessary to strengthen and standardize the monitoring programs to provide evidence for setting up targeting intervention strategies.

LncRNA ADPGK-AS1 regulated cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis via targeting miR-542-3p in osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

The functions of lncRNAs have been verified to be important biomarkers and regulators for diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. In osteosarcoma (OS), emerging evidence determined that lncRNA was associated with cell progression. However, due to the high incidence and recurrence rate of osteosarcoma, it is important to find an effective treatment for osteosarcoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of ADPGK-AS1 and miR-542-3p in tissues and cells. Western blot was applied to measure the protein expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, MMP-2, and MMP-9. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cell invasion and migration were determined using the transwell assay. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay was used to ensure the relation between ADPGK-AS1 and miR-542-3p.

RESULTS

LncRNA ADPGK-AS1 expression was induced while miR-542-3p expression was reduced in OS tissues and cells. Functional experiments showed that inhibition of ADPGK-AS1 could decrease cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as promoted cell apoptosis in OS cells. Also, miR-542-3p has been verified to be a target miRNA of ADPGK-AS1 and miR-542-3p could reverse the effects of ADPGK-AS1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in OS cells.

CONCLUSIONS

ADPGK-AS1 affected cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis via targeting miR-542-3p in OS, providing a theoretical basis and a new therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of OS.

MicroRNA-449b-5p promotes the progression of osteoporosis by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via targeting Satb2

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the role of microRNA-449b-5p in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used to detect the expression levels of microRNA-449b-5p and osteogenic markers including RUNX2, OCN during BMSCs differentiation. The microRNA-449b-5p mimic and microRNA-449b-5p inhibitors were transfected into BMSCs to achieve microRNA-449b-5p overexpression and knockdown, then the expressions of osteogenic markers were detected by qRT-PCR. The ALP activity staining and the alizarin red staining were used to detect the activity of ALP and the mineralization ability of cells after overexpression and knockdown of microRNA-449b-5p. Binding sites for microRNA-449b-5p and Satb2 were predicted by TargetScan, the PicTar and microRNAanda programs, and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The relationship between microRNA-449b-5p and Satb2 was analyzed by QRT-PCR and Western blot. The microRNA-449b-5p inhibitor and shSATB2 lentivirus were simultaneously transfected in BMSCs, and the expression levels of RUNX2, OCN and ALP were detected by qRT-PCR and ALP activity assays.

RESULTS

microRNA-449b-5p expression gradually decreased during osteogenic differentiation. Overexpression of microRNA-449b-5p inhibited BMSCs differentiation by down-regulating ALP activity, RUNX2, and OCN expression, while the opposite result was observed after knockdown of microRNA-449b-5p. MicroRNA-449b-5p can bind to the 3'UTR end of Satb2, which was involved in the osteogenic differentiation of microRNA-449b-5p-regulated BMSCs, and silencing of Satb2 can abolish the positive effect of the microRNA-449b-5p inhibitor on osteoblasts differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

microRNA-449b-5p could aggravate osteoporosis by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through targeting Satb2.

[Expression of tropomyosin 2 in aortic dissection tissue]

Objective: To investigate the expression pattern of tropomyosin 2(TPM2) in aorta of patients with aortic dissection and explore its clinical implication. Methods: Thirteen cases with acute type A aortic dissection(TAAD) diagnosed by transabdominal aortic angiography from 2015 in Tongji Hospital were included. During the operation, the aortic wall tissues of these patients were collected. Ten patients with heart transplantation were selected as control group, and normal aortic wall tissues were taken. The hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Verhoeff's Van Gieson (EVG) staining were performed to observe the morphological changes of aorta. The mRNA expression level of TPM2 was measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative-PCR, and the protein levels of TPM2 were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Image The J software was used to collect the optical density values of each point on the image, obtain the integrated optical density(IOD) value, and calculate the average density(%, IOD/area of the target distribution area). Results: HE and EVG staining revealed medial degeneration and broken elastic fiber in aorta of TAAD patients. The mRNA expression levels of TPM2 were significantly upregulated in aorta of TAAD patients as compared to the control group (P<0.05), so as the TPM2 protein expression levels ((9.73±1.20)% vs. (0.11±0.04)%, P<0.05). And TPM2 was mainly expressed in cytoplasm. Conclusion: The increased expression of TPM2 in TAAD patients hints that TPM2 might be involved in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection.

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for dysarthria in patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Approximately 89% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from dysarthria. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), a behavioral therapy, aims to improve speech and voice functions. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of LSVT compared with other/no speech interventions for dysarthria in patients with PD. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, were searched. The publication date of all included studies was before 6 March 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the LSVT intervention compared with other/no speech intervention were considered. The data obtained from the included studies were described and the mean differences were calculated. Eight RCTs were included in this meta-analysis comparing LSVT with other/no speech interventions. In the comparison of LSVT versus no intervention, vocal intensity for sustained 'Ah' phonation, reading the 'Rainbow passage', monologue and describing a picture increased by 8.87, 4.34, 3.25 and 3.31 dB, respectively, after 1 month of therapy. Compared with the respiratory therapy group, the LSVT group also showed significant improvement in vocal intensity for sustained 'Ah' phonation, reading the 'Rainbow passage' and monologue immediately after treatment (13.39, 6.66 and 3.19 dB). Positive improvement still existed after 24 months. There was no difference in the therapeutic effect between face-to-face and online LSVT. The effectiveness of LSVT for dysarthria in patients with PD was verified in these trials. However, future RCTs with sufficient participants are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of LSVT for dysarthria.