ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of LncRNA GAPLINC on the cell proliferation of RA-FLSs. MethodsRA-FLSs were cultured from synovial specimens. The expression of LncRNA GAPLINC in RA-FLSs and trauma-FLSs groups was detected by qRCR. GAPLINC suppression was transfected by siRNA and the inhibition efficiency was detected by qRCR. Flow cytometry was adopted to determine the change of cell growth and cell cycle distribution. 【ResμLts】 The expression of LncRNA GAPLINC was significantly higher in RA-FLSs than that of the trauma-FLSs （P<0.05）.Transfection of GAPLINC-siRNA significantly decreased the expression of LncRNA GAPLINC. GAPLINC silence in RA-FLSs revealed significant inhibition in cell proliferation which was showed by the reduced cell number in S phase（P<0.05）. Moreover， flow cytometry assay showed GAPIINC-siRNA treatment group had an accumμLation of cells in the G0/G1 phase and decreased RA-FLSs in the S and G2/M phase（P<0.05）. After GAPLINC knockdown， mRNA and protein levels of Cyclin D1 and PCNA， which were positively correlated with proliferative phenotype， were decreased （P<0.05）， while p21， which was negatively correlated with proliferative phenotype， was up-regμLated （P<0.05）. ConclusionsThe mRNA expression of GAPLINC was higher in RA-FLSs compared with trauma-FLSs ，which was statistically significant（P<0.05）. The silence of LncRNA GAPLINC coμLd significantly inhibit RA-FLSs cell growth and suppress the cell cycle transformation， which suggests that GAPLINC may play a role in the regμLation of proliferation of RA-FLSs， leading to synovial hyperplasia and contributing to RA progression.

Betel quid dependence(BQD)is a chronic recurrent brain disease characterized by loss of self-control and compulsive repeated use of drugs, which conforms to the characterics of addictive behavior classified by the World Health Organization.Long term chewing Betel nut can increase the risk of a variety of cancers such as oral cancer.The BQD research lacks the ideal animal model whereas the mechanism of BQD is still not clear, and there is no effective treatment and prevention. Notably, neuroimaging technology has provided a non-invasive, quantitative assessment method for the neural mechanism of BQD. The author summarized the neural mechanism and imaging studies progress of BQD, and these findings provided preliminary objective evidence for the brain changes of BQD, which was helpful for the deep understanding of the neuropathic mechanism of BQD, and provided theoretical basis for the early intervention and treatment.

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) is an important biological macromolecule and widely used in immune detection, in vitro diagnostics, and drug discovery. However, the inherent properties of mAb restrict its further development, such as high molecular weight and complex structure. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternatives for mAb. Various types of miniaturized antibodies have been developed, among which the variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR) is very attractive. The shark single-domain antibody, also known as shark VNAR, is an antigen-binding domain obtained by genetic engineering technology based on the immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR) that naturally exists in selachimorpha. It has a molecular weight of 12 kDa, which is the smallest antigen-binding domain found in the known vertebrates at present. Compared with mAb, the shark VNAR exhibits various superiorities, such as low molecular weight, high affinity, tolerance to the harsh environment, good water solubility, strong tissue penetration, and recognition of the hidden epitopes. It has attracted wide attention in the fields of immunochemical reagents and drug discovery. In this review, various aspects of shark VNAR are elaborated, including the structural and functional characteristics, generating and humanization techniques, affinity maturation strategies, application fields, advantages and disadvantages, and prospects.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; immunology ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; immunology ; Antigens ; Epitopes ; metabolism ; Protein Domains ; immunology ; Receptors, Antigen ; chemistry ; immunology ; Sharks

AIM: To investigate the central corneal thickness(CCT)distribution of the children with ametropia in the non-contact tonometry(NCT), and the different intraocular pressure(IOP)measurements with Goldmann applanation tonometry(GAT)and the OCULUS Corvis ST(CST)corneal biomechanical analyzer, meanwhile, to evaluate the correlation between IOP and CCT.

METHODS: NCT was used to measure 39 children(78 eyes)of non-glaucomatous ametropia with single eye or binocular IOP higher than 21 mmHg. The IOP was measured again with CST and GAT. The two instruments were measured in random order and the CCT was measured by CST and corrected the IOP according to the CCT. The eyes were divided into the normal group and the thicker group according to the CCT. The three IOP values were analyzed by the ANOVA, and the IOP and CCT was analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS: In the normal CCT group, the IOP by CST was lower than that the GAT and NCT measurements and the difference was statistically significant(F=5.12, P=0.01). In the thicker group, the comparison of the three intraocular pressure measurement methods was statistically significant(F=15.72, P<0.001). IOP by NCT and GAT were significantly correlated with CCT(r_NCT=0.298, P_NCT=0.04; r_GAT=0.408, P_GAT=0.01). There was no significant correlation between CST corrected intraocular pressure and CCT(r_CST=0.062, P_CST=0.593).

CONCLUSION: The CCT of ametropia children with high IOP by Topcon tonometry were thicker. The corrected intraocular pressure of CST is lower than NCT and GAT. NCT and GAT were positively correlated with CCT. For children with thicker CCT, CST corrects intraocular pressure was closer to the real intraocular pressure value than NCT and GAT.

OBJECTIVES: Gonadal hormone is essential for the health of postmenopausal women, however, few studies have focused on the epidemiological distribution of gonadal hormones in postmenopausal women in very late postmenopausal women. This study aims to investigate and analyze the differences of serum gonadal hormone content and its influential factors among female centenarians in Hainan, China. METHODS: The questionnaire and physical examination data of 741 female centenarians and 401 elderly females in Hainan Province were collected, and venous blood samples were taken to detect the indexes of lipid metabolism, bone metabolism, and gonadal hormone. The differences of gonadal hormones and relavant factors in female centenarians were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The serum levels of estradiol and progesterone of female centenarians were significantly higher than those of the elderly females (both P<0.001). The serum levels of estradiol and testosterone of ethnic minority centenarians were higher than those in Han nationality (P<0.001), and the serum estradiol and testosterone concentrations were relatively higher when the daily activities were more than 10 min (both P<0.05). Serum estradiol concentration was negatively correlated with apolipoprotein A-I, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride and bone formation markers such as calcium, inorganic phosphorus and vitamin D3, and was positively correlated with the special sequence of β-collagen (markers of bone resorption) (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS For the extremely late postmenopausal women (such as centenarians), there may be characteristic expressions of gonadal hormones, especially estradiol. There is an unprotective correlation of serum estradiol with lipid metabolism index and bone metabolism index in female centenarians, so it is necessary to evaluate the estrogen content and the use of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Centenarians ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Estradiol ; Estrogens ; Ethnicity ; Female ; Humans ; Minority Groups ; Testosterone

Objective To explore the clinical features of critical cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The clinical data of nine patients who were diagnosed with critical COVID-19 in Hainan General Hospital from January 21, 2020 to February 6, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. RT-PCR testing for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was performed with multi-sites synchronize specimens including pharyngeal swab, blood, excrement, and urine. The serum levels of leucocyte, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and lactic acid between the improved group (five cases) and the deteriorated group (four cases) were compared. The t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups. Results There were eight males (88.9%) and 1 female enrolled. The patients aged 28-77 years old, with an age of (52.9±18.0) years. By March 4, 2020, all five cases in improved group were cured and discharged, three cases in deteriorated group died and 1case remained in critical condition. All multi-sites specimens of patients in improved group turned negative in 2-4 weeks of illness onset, while those of cases in deteriorated group showed sustained viral nucleic acid positive (up to 48th day of illness onset). The white blood cell counts ((13.52±8.24)×10 9 /L vs (10.49±4.46) ×10 9 /L), C-reactive protein ((139.71±87.46) mg/L vs (78.60±55.40) mg/L) and procalcitonin ((2.32±4.03) ng/mL vs (0.28±0.58) ng/mL) , lactic acid ((3.70±4.14) mmol/L vs (2.33±0.53) mmol/L) in deteriorated group were all significantly higher than those in improved group ( t =2.908, 5.009, 4.391 and 2.942, respectively, all P <0.01). A rapid rise of serum IL-6 level up to 8 500 pg/mL was observed in one patient three days prior to death. Conclusion Among the patients with critical COVID-19, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines of the death cases are higher than those of improved and discharged cases.

BACKGROUNDPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder with delayed or chronic onset caused by unusual, threatening, or disastrous psychological trauma, and it is an important manifestation of post-disaster mental and behavioral disorders. Studies have shown that IL-6 is a cytokine associated with PTSD occurrence. This study aimed to explore the role of cytokine and ethnicity in the pathogenesis of PTSD by examining levels of serum cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and cortisol in PTSD patients of Li and Han ethnic groups.

METHODSLevels of serum cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and cortisol were examined by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) method and assessed by PCL-C scale among 30 PTSD patients of Han ethnicity and 30 of Li ethnicity, and compared with 30 normal controls of Han and Li ethnicity, respectively.

RESULTSPTSD patients of Li ethnicity scored higher than PTSD patients of Han ethnicity, and normal controls of Li and Han ethnic groups in each of the re-experiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal symptoms. The differences reached statistical significance (P < 0.05). In PTSD patients of Li ethnicity compared to patients of Han ethnicity and normal controls of either Li or Han ethnicity, the levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were higher, and the level of cortisol was lower.

CONCLUSIONSThere are ethnic differences in re-experiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal symptoms among PTSD patients. The levels of serum cortisol and cytokines are strongly associated with the race.

Adult ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; Interleukin-2 ; blood ; Interleukin-8 ; blood ; Male ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; blood ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the irregular antibody positive rate and antibody specificity in children with thalassemia received long-term blood transfusion in Hainan area and analyze the causes of antibody screening positive. METHODS: Micro-column gel method was used to screen the irregular antibody in 49 children who received transfusion treatment in our hospital, and the antibody specificity of the positive samples was evaluated. RESULTS: Fourteen of 49 cases showed positive for screening. Among them, 11 cases showed Rh blood group antibody after detecting antibody specificity, 1 case showed the coexistence of irregular antibody and autoantibody. One case for anti-JK CONCLUSION Most of the antibodies produced after long-term blood transfusion in the children with thalassemia belong to Rh blood group antibodies; the children with mixed thalassemia are more likely to produce antibodies; the antibody screening positive rate of Li nationality is higher than that of Han nationality, which may be caused by the genetic difference of blood type between Li nationality and Han nationality.
ABO Blood-Group System ; Blood Grouping and Crossmatching ; Blood Transfusion ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System ; beta-Thalassemia

[Abstract] Objective: To explore whether PDGF-BB can be transmitted through exosome and verify its angiogenic function in human osteosarcoma. Methods: Exosomes from a variety of human osteosarcoma cells were isolated. The expression of PDGF-BB in cells and exosomes was detected by WB. Exosomes derived from osteosarcoma SJSA-1 cells were co-incubated with HUVEC, and the pattern of exosomal PDGF-BB entering HUVEC was observed using Immunofluorescence and confocal scanning microscope. SJSA-1 cell lines with PDGF-BB over-expression or knockdown were constructed by lentiviral infection, and the exosomes derived from transfected SJSA-1 cells were isolated and incubated with HUVEC. Microtubule formation experiment was conducted to detect their effects on angiogenesis; SJSA-1 cell transplanted xenograft model was established in nude mice, and the exosomes derived from SJSA-1 cells with PDGF-BB over-expression or knockdown were infused into nude mice to observe their effects on tumor growth. Results: The exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells were successfully isolated, in which a large amount of PDGF-BB was confirmed. The exosomes entered HUVEC by endocytosis. The SJSA-1 cell lines with PDGF-BB over-expression or knockdown were successfully constructed, and the corresponding exosomes were isolated. Compared with the control group, exosomes with high PDGF-BB content significantly promoted HUVEC angiogenesis (P < 0.01 , t=13.51) and tumor growth (P < 0.01 ), while exosomes with low PDGF-BB content reduced the angiogenesis ability of HUVEC (P < 0.01 , t=8.226) and inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.01 ). Conclusion: The exosomal PDGF-BB secreted by osteosarcoma cells can be directly absorbed by HUVEC and induce tumor angiogenesis, further promoting the growth of osteosarcoma.

To investigate the normal structures of parotid duct by using magnetic resonance(MR)hydrography. MR three-dimensional heavy T2-weighted imaging was performed in 21 normal subjects.After taking 200 mg of vitamin C orally for 3 minutes,the subjects underwent parotid duct coronal hydro-magnetic resonance imaging.The images were transferred to the GE AW4.5 workstation,on which multi-planner reformation was performed using Functool software.The numbers of the parotid duct,accessory parotid duct,segments,and its branches was counted and the length and diameter of the intra-and extra-parotid ducts were measured. Accessory ducts were found in 24 parotid glands(57.1%,24/42),with the average length being(9.54±9.98)mm and the average diameter being(0.87±0.88)mm.The intra-parotid ducts were found to be with 3 segments were in 3 cases(7.14%,3/42),with 2 segments in 19 cases(45.23%,19/42),and with 1 segment in 20 cases(47.62%,20/42).The average number of the branches of the first,second and third segment was 2.38,0.88,and 0.1,respectively.The average length of the intra-parotid duct was(36.97±7.97)mm,with its average diameter being(2.01±0.76)mm.The average length of extra-parotid duct was(34.98±10.25)mm,with its average diameter being(2.13±0.79)mm.The average length of the whole parotid duct was(71.95±11.47)mm,with its average diameter being(2.07±0.68)mm. The parotid duct,the accessory parotid duct,and the segments and their branches of the intra-parotid duct can be accurately displayed by MR hydrography.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Parotid Gland