Background and Aim
Circular ubiquitin‐like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1 (circUHRF1) is aberrantly upregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. However, the underlying ...molecular mechanisms remain obscure. The present study aimed at elucidating the interactive function of circUHRF1–G9a–ubiquitin‐like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) mRNA–eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3)–PDZ and LIM domain 1 (PDLIM1) network in HCC.
Methods
Expression of circUHRF1, mRNAs of G9a, UHRF1, PDLIM1, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins, and Hippo–Yap pathway components was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR), immunofluorescence, or Western blot analysis. Tumorigenic and metastatic capacities of HCC cells were examined by cellular assays including Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Molecular interactions between EIF4A3 and UHRF1 mRNA were detected by RNA pull‐down experiment. Complex formation between UHRF1 and PDLIM1 promoter was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Co‐immunoprecipitation was performed to examine the binding between UHRF1 and G9a.
Results
Circular ubiquitin‐like, containing PHD and ring finger domains 1, G9a, and UHRF1 were upregulated, while PDLIM1 was downregulated in HCC tissue samples and cell lines. Cellular silencing of circUHRF1 repressed HCC proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT. G9a formed a complex with UHRF1 and inhibited PDLIM1 transcription.
Conclusion
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 regulated circUHRF1 expression by binding to UHRF1 mRNA promoter. circUHRF1 increased the stability of G9a and UHRF1 mRNAs through recruiting EIF4A3. Overexpression of circUHRF1 aggravated HCC progression through Hippo–Yap pathway and PDLIM1 inhibition. By elucidating the molecular function of circUHRF1–G9a–UHRF1 mRNA–EIF4A3–PDLIM1 network, our data shed light on the HCC pathogenesis and suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for future HCC treatment.
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is one of the most common cerebrovascular diseases which accompanied by a disruption of aminothiols homeostasis. To explore the relationship of aminothiols with neurologic ...impairment severity, we investigated four aminothiols, homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), cysteinylglycine (CG) and glutathione (GSH) in plasma and its influence on ischemic stroke severity in AIS patients.
A total of 150 clinical samples from AIS patients were selected for our study. The concentrations of free reduced Hcy (Hcy), own oxidized Hcy (HHcy), free reduced Cys (Cys), own oxidized Cys (cysteine, Cyss), free reduced CG (CG) and free reduced GSH (GSH) were measured by our previously developed hollow fiber centrifugal ultrafiltration (HFCF-UF) method coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The concentration ratio of Hcy to HHcy (Hcy/HHcy), Cys to Cyss (Cys/Cyss) were also calculated. The neurologic impairment severity of AIS was evaluated using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The Spearman correlation coefficient and logistic regression analysis was used to estimate and perform the correlation between Hcy, HHcy, Cys, Cyss, CG, GSH, Hcy/HHcy, Cys/Cyss and total Hcy with NIHSS score.
The reduced Hcy and Hcy/HHcy was both negatively correlated with NIHSS score in AIS patients with P = 0.008, r=-0.215 and P = 0.002, r=-0.249, respectively. There was no significant correlation of Cys, CG, GSH, HHcy, Cyss, Cys/Cyss and total Hcy with NIHSS score in AIS patients with P value > 0.05.
The reduced Hcy and Hcy/HHcy, not total Hcy concentration should be used to evaluate neurologic impairment severity of AIS patient.
Damage in a rock mass is heavily dependent on the existence and growth of joints, which are also influenced by the complex stress states induced by human activities (e.g., tunneling and excavation). ...A proper representation of the loading path is essential for understanding the mechanical behaviors of rock masses. Based on the discrete element method (DEM), the influence of the loading path on the cracking process of a rock specimen containing an open flaw is examined. The effectiveness of the model is confirmed by comparing the simulation results under a uniaxial compression test to existing research findings, where wing crack initiates first and secondary cracks contribute to the failure of the specimen. Simulation results confirm that the cracking process is dependent upon both the confining pressure and the loading path. Under the axial loading test, a higher confining pressure suppresses the development of tensile wing cracks and forces the formation of secondary cracks in the form of shear bands perpendicular to the flaw. Increase of confining pressure also decreases the influence of the loading path on the cracking process. Reduction of confining pressure during an unloading test amplifies the concentration of tensile stress and ultimately promotes the appearance of a tensile splitting fracture at meso-scale. Confining pressure at the failure stage is well predicted by the Hoek-Brown failure criterion under quasi-static conditions.
Orchids are globally distributed, a feature often attributed to their tiny dustlike seeds. They were ancestrally terrestrial but in the Eocene expanded into tree canopies, with some lineages later ...returning to the ground, providing an evolutionarily replicated system. Because seeds are released closer to the ground in terrestrial species than in epiphytic ones, seed traits in terrestrials may have been under selective pressure to increase seed dispersal efficiency. In this study, we test the expectations that seed airspace—a trait known to increase seed flotation time in the air—is (i) larger in terrestrial lineages and (ii) has increased following secondary returns to a terrestrial habit. We quantified and scored 20 seed traits in 121 species and carried out phylogenetically informed analyses. Results strongly support both expectations, suggesting that aerodynamic traits even in dust seeds are under selection to increase dispersal ability, following shifts in average release heights correlated with changes in habit.
•Simple method for the preparation of highly-dispersed Co-based catalysts.•Co0.15-C2H3O2− has high Co loading (16 wt%) and small metallic particles (3.77 nm).•98.7 % toluene conversion was achieved ...at 400 °C over Co0.2-C2H3O2−.•Co0.15-C2H3O2− exhibits excellent stability during 100 h reforming test.•Co0.15-C2H3O2− help to produce 283.8 mL.gcorncob−1.gcat−1.h−1 H2 at 480 °C.
The removal of generated tar during the biomass gasification is a serious issue. Catalytic tar cracking is one of the most efficient methods to reduce tar deposition while many common tar cracking catalysts suffer problems of serious carbon deposition and active metal sintering, especially at low temperatures. Therefore, developing catalysts with both high activity and stability is critical. In this work, we aim to prepare catalysts with a high active metal contents, a small metal particle size and a high dispersion to contribute to the highly efficient tar removal at relatively low temperatures. By adjusting the type and the concentration of the Co precursor solution when lignite is used as the carbon precursor, we prepared a series of catalysts which were then applied for both activity and stability test of the steam reforming of model tar and biomass tar. The results show that Co0.15-C2H3O2− prepared with a 0.15 M solution of Co(C2H3O2)2·4H2O achieves a Co content of about 16.0 wt% with an average particle size of about 3.77 nm and a relatively high metallic Co dispersion. For steam reforming of toluene, the catalyst achieves an almost 100 % toluene conversion at 400 °C and exhibits a high stability in the 100 h test. Moreover, Co0.15-C2H3O2−, which produces approximately 283.8 mL.gcorncob−1.gcat−1.h−1 H2 catalytically, is also active and stable in biomass tar cracking. The catalyst prepared in the present study by using the economic and simple ion-exchange method also has a well-dispersed nano-metal-loaded structure and can efficiently remove the tar at a low temperature with a high stability, which will contribute to the industrial application in the future.
An equal channel reciprocating extrusion (ECRE) was proposed first to obtain a severe plastic deformation (SPD) of 7005 alloy. The microstructure and mechanical properties of one-pass ECREed (ECRE ...processed) 7005 alloy were investigated. The results show that SPD occurring in ECRE leads to a mixed microstructure. ECREed 7005 alloy exhibits a significant improvement of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation. Mechanical properties in the region undergoing a complete ECRE process are higher than those in the region undergoing an incomplete ECRE process due to larger dislocation strengthening effect. Yield strength (YS) and UTS first decrease and then increase with an increase of extrusion temperature. The YS of 359.2 MPa, UTS of 490 MPa and elongation of 17.7% are obtained after T6 treatment. Fine-grain strengthening, dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening in the T6-treated ECREed sample all play important roles in improving the mechanical properties.
Developing highly active catalysts, which possess highly dispersed small active particles, strong metal–support interaction (MSI) and abundant oxygen vacancies, has attracted much attention in the ...steam reforming of biomass tar. In this study, a series of Ce-promoted lignite-char-supported Co catalysts (Co–Ce/C) was prepared via ion exchange combined with an impregnation method. A smaller average metal particle size (4.22 nm), higher reduction degree (90%), larger number of oxygen vacancies (58%) and stronger MSI were obtained when the Ce content was 5 wt %. For steam reforming of toluene, Co-5Ce/C exhibited the highest activity, such that toluene conversion and H2 yield reached 100% and 4137 μmol·min–1·gCo –1, respectively, and good stability such that the toluene conversion remained at 92% after 100 h of continuous reaction at 450 °C. The low apparent energy (45.8 kJ/mol) was consistent with the high activity of Co-5Ce/C, while less carbon deposition and slighter growth of metal particle size (5.45 nm) over the spent catalyst corresponded to its good stability. In short, the formation of oxygen vacancies due to the introduction of Ce not only increased the dispersion of active metal but also promoted the adsorption and activation of H2O molecule and accelerated the carbon removal. The reported catalyst can be promising for highly efficient conversion of the real biomass tar, especially at relatively low temperatures.
Isolated calf deep venous thrombosis (ICDVT) includes thrombosis located at the far end of the popliteal vein, such as the anterior tibial vein, posterior tibial vein, fibular vein, and intramuscular ...vein of the soleus and gastrocnemius. This type of thrombosis has the highest incidence, accounting for approximately half of all deep vein thrombosis (DVT) cases; however, there is no consistent recommendation for ICDVT treatment across countries, and there is also no optimal management strategy. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that ICDVT can develop into proximal DVT, even causing pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, some experts suggest anticoagulant therapy for this type of DVT, while others hold an opposing attitude. Therefore, the treatment strategy for this type of DVT has become a hot and difficult research topic. The purpose of this review is to summarize the characteristics of ICDVT and the effects of different treatment strategies by analyzing recent and important classical works in the literature in an attempt to provide recommendations for the treatment of this most common type of DVT in orthopaedic clinics.
A total of 726 relevant articles were retrieved, and 36 studies were ultimately included.
Currently, accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of infection after fracture fixation (IAFF) still impose great challenges. According to the onset of infection symptoms after implantation, IAFF ...is classified as early infection (<2 weeks), delayed infection (2∼10 weeks) and late infection (>10 weeks). Confirmation of IAFF should be supported by histopathological tests of intraoperative specimens which confirm infection, cultures from at least two suspected infection sites which reveal the same pathogen, a definite sinus or fistula which connects directly the bone or the implant, and purulent drainage from the wound or presence of pus during surgery. Diagnosis of IAFF is built on comprehensive assessment of medical history, clinical signs and symptoms of the patient, and imaging and laboratory tests. The gold standard of diagnosis is histopathological tests. Treatment of IAFF consists of radical debridement, adequate irrigation, implant handling, systematic and local antibiotics, reconstruction of osseous and/or soft tissue defects, and functional rehabilitation of an affected limb. Early accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of IAFF play a key role in increasing the cure rate, reducing infection recurrence and disability risk, restoring limb function and improving quality of life of the patient.
Objective
To describe the epidemiological features of major joints fracture‐dislocations between 2015 and 2019.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled patients with majorintra‐articular ...fracture‐dislocations who were treated in the third hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019. A total of 582 patients (389 66.84% males and 193 33.16% females) were identified. The distribution characteristics of intra‐articular fracture‐dislocations involving shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle joints were included. The potential associations between fractures with concomitant dislocations and related factors, such as age, gender and sites were explored.
Results
There were 92 cases (15.81%) of shoulder joints, 67 cases (11.51%) of elbow joints, 45 cases (7.73%) of wrist joints, 181 cases (31.10%) of hip joints, 42 cases (7.22%) of knee joints, and 155 cases (26.63%) of ankle joints. The overall male‐to‐female ratio was 2.02:1.The highest proportion age group of the six types intra‐articular fracture‐dislocations included the ages 25‐34 years. For males, the highest proportion age group was 25‐34 years, for females, it was 45–54 years. For male patients, hip was the most common, accounted for 35.48%, but ankle fracture‐dislocation was the most common for females, accounted for 30.57%. The highest proportion age group of shoulder fracture‐dislocation included the ages 55‐64 years(22.83%), with a male to female ratio of 1.24:1. While the age group with the highest risk of elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle fracture‐ dislocation was 25‐34 years (28.36%) with a male to female ratio of 2.19:1, 25‐34 years (31.11%) with a male to female ratio of 8:1, 45‐54 years (27.07%) with a male to female ratio of 3.21:1, 15‐24 years (45.24%) with a male to female ratio of 0.75:1, 25‐44 years (43.87%) with a male to female ratio of 1.63:1, respectively. The most common site of joint fracture‐dislocation in different age groups was corresponding as follows, 0‐14 years(elbow), 15‐24 years(knee), 25‐34 years(hip), 35‐44 years(hip), 45‐54 years(hip), 55‐64 years(ankle), 65‐74 years(shoulder), ≥75 years(shoulder).
Conclusion
Major joints fracture‐dislocations were most common in the hip and the least common in the knee, and there were more men than women. Hip was the most common affected joint in men while ankle in women. Age and sex factors can significantly affect the location of intra articular fracture and dislocation. The current study could aid orthopaedic surgeons in a better understanding of this injury and help to implement targeted preventive measures.
The current study revealed the age and gender epidemiological characteristics of major joints fracture‐dislocations, which could aid orthopaedic surgeons in a better understanding of this injury and help to implement targeted preventive measures.
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