BACKGROUND: The transcription factor POU2F1 regulates the expression levels of microRNAs in neoplasia. However, the miR-29b1/a cluster modulated by POU2F1 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. METHODS: Gene expression in GC cells was evaluated using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and RNA in situ hybridization. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to evaluate protein interactions. Transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to investigate the biological behavior of GC cells. MiR-29b1/a cluster promoter analysis and luciferase activity assay for the 3'-UTR study were performed in GC cells. In vivo tumor metastasis was evaluated in nude mice. RESULTS: POU2F1 is overexpressed in GC cell lines and binds to the miR-29b1/a cluster promoter. POU2F1 is upregulated, whereas mature miR-29b-3p and miR-29a-3p are downregulated in GC tissues. POU2F1 promotes GC metastasis by inhibiting miR-29b-3p or miR-29a-3p expression in vitro and in vivo . Furthermore, PIK3R1 and/or PIK3R3 are direct targets of miR-29b-3p and/or miR-29a-3p , and the ectopic expression of PIK3R1 or PIK3R3 reverses the suppressive effect of mature miR-29b-3p and/or miR-29a-3p on GC cell metastasis and invasion. Additionally, the interaction of PIK3R1 with PIK3R3 promotes migration and invasion, and miR-29b-3p , miR-29a-3p , PIK3R1 , and PIK3R3 regulate migration and invasion via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway in GC cells. In addition, POU2F1 , PIK3R1 , and PIK3R3 expression levels negatively correlated with miR-29b-3p and miR-29a-3p expression levels in GC tissue samples. CONCLUSIONS The POU2F1 - miR-29b-3p / miR-29a-3p-PIK3R1 / PIK3R1 signaling axis regulates tumor progression and may be a promising therapeutic target for GC.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement/physiology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Animals ; Mice ; Octamer Transcription Factor-1/metabolism* ; Mice, Nude ; Class Ia Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/metabolism* ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics* ; Male ; Immunohistochemistry ; Female

Objective: To observed the effect of a curcumin-based vaginal gel combined with electroporation for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida albicans. Methods: Temperature-sensitive in situ gels (ISG) were prepared using poloxamers 407 and 188 as matrices. The mass ratio of poloxamer 407 and poloxamer 188 was 7:1 with a gelation temperature of approximately 29°C and gelation time of 2.5 min. Results: Electroporation increased the transmucosal permeability of the model drug, doxorubicin and improved the antifungal effects of curcumin. In vitro antifungal experiments showed that the number of fungal colonies in curcumin ISG combined with electroporation was lower than that in pure curcumin ISG. In vivo pharmacodynamic experiments showed that, compared to the model group, curcumin ISG with electroporation inhibited the growth of C. albicans, alleviated vaginal mucosal edema, and reduced the inflammatory response. Conclusion Curcumin ISG combined with electroporation has substantial potential for the efficient clinical treatment of VVC.

Objective: To elucidate the differences in manual acupuncture effectiveness at sensitized points by investigating the mechanisms of local skin action at different sensitization points in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: Forty Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into control, model (1 mg of monoiodoacetate into the right knee joint cavity), sham operation, manual acupuncture at right Tianjing acupoint (MAR-SJ 10), and left SJ 10 groups. Safranine-O and fast green staining were used to assess the modeling. The morphological and functional changes in mast cells (MCs) were assessed during acupoint sensitization using toluidine blue and immunofluorescence staining. The levels of serotonin, histamine, substance P (SP), and tryptase at skin acupoints and serum levels of IL-β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected using ELISA. Results: After 14 days of treatment, the number of MCs and their degranulation rates were statistically higher in the model group than in the control group (both P < .001). After applying acupuncture, the levels of 5-HT, HA, and SP at skin acupoints were lower than those in the model group (all P < .05), and tryptase level was higher (both P < .05). Tryptase level was higher on the skin at the MAL-SJ 10 acupoint than that on the MAR-SJ 10 acupoint (P = .004). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the MAR-SJ 10 and MAL-SJ 10 groups were lower (all P < .05). Conclusion Acupuncture at KOA-sensitized acupoints mitigates joint injury in KOA rats and may bidirectionally regulate local MCs of these acupoints. This finding not only enhances the reference value of sensitizing points in clinical diagnosis and treatment, but also contributes to the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying acupuncture intervention at sensitizing points.

Objective:To investigate the effects of cerium oxide nanoenzyme-gelatin methacrylate anhydride (GelMA) hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as composite hydrogel) in the repair of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice.Methods:This study was an experimental study. Cerium oxide nanoenzyme with a particle size of (116±9) nm was prepared by hydrothermal method, and GelMA hydrogel with porous network structure and good gelling performance was also prepared. The 25 μg/mL cerium oxide nanoenzyme which could significantly promote the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts and had high superoxide dismutase activity was screened out. It was added to GelMA hydrogel to prepare composite hydrogel. The percentage of cerium oxide nanoenzyme released from the composite hydrogel was calculated after immersing it in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) for 3 and 7 d. The red blood cell suspension of mice was divided into PBS group, Triton X-100 group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, GelMA hydrogel group, and composite hydrogel group, which were treated with corresponding solution. The hemolysis of red blood cells was detected by microplate reader after 1 h of treatment. The bacterial concentrations of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli were determined after being cultured with PBS, cerium oxide nanoenzyme, GelMA hydrogel, and composite hydrogel for 2 h. The sample size in all above experiments was 3. Twenty-four 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were taken, and a full-thickness skin defect wound was prepared in the symmetrical position on the back and infected with MRSA. The mice were divided into control group without any drug intervention, and cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, GelMA hydrogel group, and composite hydrogel group applied with corresponding solution, with 6 mice in each group. The wound healing was observed on 3, 7, and 14 d after injury, and the remaining wound areas on 3 and 7 d after injury were measured (the sample size was 5). The concentration of MRSA in the wound exudation of mice on 3 d after injury was measured (the sample size was 3), and the blood flow perfusion in the wound of mice on 5 d after injury was observed using a laser speckle flow imaging system (the sample size was 6). On 14 d after injury, the wound tissue of mice was collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the newly formed epithelium and for Masson staining to observe the collagen situation (the sample size was both 3). Results:After immersion for 3 and 7 d, the release percentages of cerium oxide nanoenzyme in the composite hydrogel were about 39% and 75%, respectively. After 1 h of treatment, compared with that in Triton X-100 group, the hemolysis of red blood cells in PBS group, GelMA hydrogel group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, and composite hydrogel group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with that cultured with PBS, the concentrations of MRSA and Escherichia coli cultured with cerium oxide nanoenzyme, GelMA hydrogel, and composite hydrogel for 2 h were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The wounds of mice in the four groups were gradually healed from 3 to 14 d after injury, and the wounds of mice in composite hydrogel group were all healed on 14 d after injury. On 3 and 7 d after injury, the remaining wound areas of mice in composite hydrogel group were (29±3) and (13±5) mm 2, respectively, which were significantly smaller than (56±12) and (46±10) mm 2 in control group and (51±7) and (38±8) mm 2 in cerium oxide nanoenzyme group (with P values all <0.05), but was similar to (41±5) and (24±9) mm 2 in GelMA hydrogel group (with P values both >0.05). On 3 d after injury, the concentration of MRSA on the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group was significantly lower than that in control group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, and GelMA hydrogel group, respectively (with P values all <0.05). On 5 d after injury, the volume of blood perfusion in the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group was significantly higher than that in control group, cerium oxide nanoenzyme group, and GelMA hydrogel group, respectively ( P<0.05). On 14 d after injury, the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group basically completed epithelization, and the epithelization was significantly better than that in the other three groups. Compared with that in the other three groups, the content of collagen in the wound of mice in composite hydrogel group was significantly increased, and the arrangement was also more orderly. Conclusions:The composite hydrogel has good biocompatibility and antibacterial effect in vivo and in vitro. It can continuously sustained release cerium oxide nanoenzyme, improve wound blood perfusion in the early stage, and promote wound re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis, therefore promoting the healing of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice.

Objective: To find a viable alternative to reduce the number of doses required for the patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to improve efficacy and patient compliance. Methods: In this study, we used ginger oil, a phytochemical with potential therapeutic properties, to prepare ginger oil patches. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the main active component of ginger oil, 6-gingerol. Transdermal absorption experiments were conducted to optimize the various pressure-sensitive adhesives and permeation enhancers, including their type and concentration. Subsequently, the ginger oil patches were optimized and subjected to content determination and property evaluations. A PTSD mouse model was established using the foot-shock method. The therapeutic effect of ginger oil patches on PTSD was assessed through pathological sections, behavioral tests, and the evaluation of biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and melatonin (MT). Results: The results demonstrated that ginger oil patches exerted therapeutic effects against PTSD by inhibiting inflammatory responses and modulating MT and BDNF levels. Pharmacokinetic experiments revealed that ginger oil patches maintained a stable blood drug concentration for at least one day, addressing the rapid metabolism drawback of 6-gingerol and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions Ginger oil can be prepared as a transdermal drug patch that meets these requirements, and the bioavailability of the prepared patch is better than that of oral administration. It can improve PTSD with good patient compliance and ease of administration. Therefore, it is a promising therapeutic formulation for the treatment of PTSD.

Objective:To explore the chain mediating effect of anxiety and flow experience on perceived stress and mobile phone addiction in nursing college students.Methods:In December 2021, a cross-sectional design survey was conducted on 4 179 freshmen and sophomores in a nursing college in Heilongjiang Province. The Chinese perceived stress scale, generalized anxiety disorder-7, flow state scale, and mobile phone addiction tendency scale were selected separately to assess perceived stress, anxiety symptoms, flow experience and mobile phone addiction. SPSS 26.0 software was used for descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, Spearman correlation analysis, and AMOS 24.0 software was used for mediating effect test. Results:(1) Among the 3 050 nursing students, there were 714(23.41%) students who were addicted to mobile phones. (2) Spearman correlation analysis indicated that perceived stress(27.31±9.56) was positively correlated with anxiety(7.00(1.00, 10.00), r=0.441, P<0.05), flow experience((12.00±3.40), r=0.517, P<0.05), and mobile phone addiction((42.42±13.05), r=0.476, P<0.05).Anxiety was positively correlated with flow experience ( r=0.430, P<0.01) and mobile phone addiction ( r=0.538, P<0.01).Flow experience was positively correlated with mobile phone addiction ( r=0.490, P<0.01). (3) Anxiety and flow experience played seperate mediating and chain mediating roles between perceived stress and mobile phone addiction, accounting for 26.06%(0.165/0.633), 23.54%(0.149/0.633) and 3.48%(0.022/0.633) of the total effect. Conclusion:Perceived stress not only directly affects the mobile phone addiction of nursing students, but also indirectly affects mobile phone addiction through the independent and chain mediating effects of anxiety and flow experience.

Objective:To analyze the safety of reduced clinical target volume (CTV) irradiation of suspicious positive lymph nodes in IIa region in patients with N 0-N 1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and the protective effect of submandibular gland and long-term resting dry mouth, and to explore the diagnostic value of multimodal imaging for suspicious cervical lymph nodes. Methods:Clinical data of T 0-4N 0-1M 0 stage NPC patients admitted to Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from July 2015 to April 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, radiation therapy planning, multimodal imaging and other relevant data were collected. All patients were treated with an optimized regimen of IMRT with a prophylactic radiation dose of 50.4 Gy (named as CTV50) for IIa region. Imaging characteristics and treatment response of suspicious lymph nodes were monitored by MRI, MRI-DWI, PET-CT and repeated enhanced positioning CT, etc. The dosimetry of the submandibular gland between optimized and standard dose plans (CTV50 vs. CTV60) was compared by paired t-test. The long-term dry mouth degree of the patients was evaluated using advanced radiation injury from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), Jiangsu Cancer Hospital Multi-dimensional Dry Mouth Evaluation Scale and summated xerostomia inventory (SXI). The difference of dry mouth degree was analyzed by rank-sum test. Results:A total of 106 patients were included in this study, including 149 cervical lymph node negative sides, 73 sides of which had ≤3 recognizable lymph nodes, and 76 of which were>3 in Ⅱa region. Among patients with N 1 stage, 63 patients underwent contralateral single neck area optimization, and 43 patients (N 0 stage and N 1 stage patients with retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis) underwent double-neck area optimization. A total of 109 suspicious lymph nodes with a short diameter of >5 mm were found on the largest cross section, of which 105 had clear portal structure. The ratio of long to short diameter was ≥1.5 in 93 cases, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) in PET-CT was ≥2.5 in 76 cases. No lymph node recurrence was found in the CTV optimized area. There was no significant difference in the average dose of GTV in tumor target area after optimization ( P>0.05), and the D mean and V 39 Gy in submandibular gland were significantly lower than those in unoptimized plan (both P<0.01). There was no significant difference in long-term dry mouth and resting dry mouth between patients with unilateral and bilateral optimization of submandibular gland (both P>0.05). Conclusions:The optimal program of CTV50 reduction irradiation in Ⅱa area of N 0-N 1 NPC patients is safe and effective. The submandibular gland has obvious dosimetric advantages, and patients have a good subjective response to resting dry mouth. The multimodal imaging tools such as enhanced CT, MRI-DWI and PET-CT should be performed to deliver individual evaluation and treatment for suspicious lymph nodes.

Objective:To investigate the impact of elevated glucose-induced RNA oxidation on pancreatic β-cell function, activity, and underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Rat pancreatic islet β-cell tumour INS-1 cells were cultured in vitro and subjected to nucleic acid oxidation assessment using isotope dilution ultra-high performance liquid tandem mass spectrometry(ID LC MS/MS)following high glucose exposure.In vitro simulation of increased RNA oxidation in INS-1 cells was achieved using 8-oxoguanosine-5'-triphosphate(8-oxoGTP).Cell proliferation was evaluated through CCK-8 assay, apoptosis was measured via flow cytometry, and gene expression of insulin(INS), pancreatic-duodenal homologous cassette 1(PDX1), cysteine-aspartate proteinase 3(Casp3), and cysteine aspartate protease 6(Casp6)was analyzed at the mRNA level.Additionally, whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of RNA oxidation on INS-1 cells.Results:Elevated glucose levels induced an increase in RNA oxidation within INS-1 cells.This heightened RNA oxidation led to the inhibition of INS-1 cell proliferation, a reduction in mRNA levels of INS and PDX1 genes, and the promotion of apoptosis-related casp3 and casp6 gene mRNA synthesis.Transcriptome sequencing analysis unveiled that the elevated RNA oxidation caused differential expression of mRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and circRNA in INS-1 cells.This included a significant down-regulation of transcription factors such as Mafa, Pdx1, Pax6, and Mnx1, alongside an up-regulation of various miRNAs like rno-miR-124-3p, rno-miR-133a-3p, rno-miR-3120, rno-miR-212-3p, and rno-miR-7a-2-3p.These molecular changes contributed to the altered expression of associated lncRNAs, ultimately hindering insulin synthesis and secretion, as well as β-cell proliferation.Conclusions:Increased RNA oxidation down-regulates the levels of key β-cell transcription factor mRNAs, contributes to the differential expression of related non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs), particularly lncRNAs, impacts β-cell insulin synthesis and secretion, hinders cell proliferation, and serves as a significant factor in β-cell dysfunction and decreased activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy and feasibility of applying a medial plantar vein flap to repair the great toenail flap donor site.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients who underwent great toenail flap or partial great toenail flap transplantation for finger reconstruction from January 2020 to June 2021 in Longgang Orthopedic Hospital of Shenzhen. During the operation, the donor site of the great toenail flap was repaired with medial plantar venous flaps, and the donor site of the medial plantar venous flaps was repaired with a free full-thickness skin graft. The survival of the flap was observed and the appearance, sensation, and complications of the flap were followed up. The foot function was evaluated by the Maryland foot function evaluation standard.Results:A total of 6 cases were enrolled, including 5 males and 1 female with an average of 22 years, ranged from 14-28 years old. The wound area of the great toenail flap was 2.2 cm×3.7 cm-5.5 cm×7.0 cm, and the skin flap was 2.5 cm×3.8 cm-5.5 cm×7.1 cm. All flaps survived. 2 cases developed tension blisters. All patients were followed up for 3-18 months, with an average of 9 months. And all flaps had no swollen appearance, good color, texture, and no ulcers or pain. Two-point discrimination was 7-10 mm, and the second/third donor area was concealed. According to the Maryland foot function evaluation standard, all 6 cases were rated as excellent.Conclusion:The application of the medial plantar vein flap to repair the donor area of the great toenail flap is an effective repair method. The donor area is concealed, the flap is not bloated, the texture is good, the survival rate is high, and the sensation recovered satisfactory.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy and feasibility of applying a medial plantar vein flap to repair the great toenail flap donor site.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients who underwent great toenail flap or partial great toenail flap transplantation for finger reconstruction from January 2020 to June 2021 in Longgang Orthopedic Hospital of Shenzhen. During the operation, the donor site of the great toenail flap was repaired with medial plantar venous flaps, and the donor site of the medial plantar venous flaps was repaired with a free full-thickness skin graft. The survival of the flap was observed and the appearance, sensation, and complications of the flap were followed up. The foot function was evaluated by the Maryland foot function evaluation standard.Results:A total of 6 cases were enrolled, including 5 males and 1 female with an average of 22 years, ranged from 14-28 years old. The wound area of the great toenail flap was 2.2 cm×3.7 cm-5.5 cm×7.0 cm, and the skin flap was 2.5 cm×3.8 cm-5.5 cm×7.1 cm. All flaps survived. 2 cases developed tension blisters. All patients were followed up for 3-18 months, with an average of 9 months. And all flaps had no swollen appearance, good color, texture, and no ulcers or pain. Two-point discrimination was 7-10 mm, and the second/third donor area was concealed. According to the Maryland foot function evaluation standard, all 6 cases were rated as excellent.Conclusion:The application of the medial plantar vein flap to repair the donor area of the great toenail flap is an effective repair method. The donor area is concealed, the flap is not bloated, the texture is good, the survival rate is high, and the sensation recovered satisfactory.