In silico analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA signatures related to Sorafenib effectiveness in liver cancer cells

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common subtype of primary liver cancer with varied incidence and epidemiology worldwide.Sorafenib is still a recommended treatment for a large proportion of patients with advanced HCC.Different patterns of treatment responsiveness have been identified in differentiated hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and metastatic HCC SNU449 cells.AIM To define the long non-codingRNA-microRNA-mRNA(lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA)predicted signatures related to selected hallmarks of cancer(apoptosis,autophagy,cell stress,cell dedifferentiation and invasiveness)in RNAseq studies using Sorafenib-treated HepG2 and SNU449 cells.Various available software analyses allowed us to establish the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes following treatment in HepG2 and SNU449 cells.METHODS HepG2 and SNU449 cells were treated with Sorafenib(10μmol/L)for 24 hours.Total RNA,including small and long RNA,was extracted with a commercial miRNeasy kit.RNAseq was carried out for the identification of changes in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes.RESULTS MALAT,THAP9-AS1 and SNGH17 appeared to coordinately regulate miR-374b-3p and miR-769-5p that led to upregulation of SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4 and FAXDC2 in HepG2 cells.SNHG12,EPB41 L4A-AS1,LINC01578,SNHG12 and GAS5 interacted with let-7b-3p,miR-195-5p and VEGFA in SNU449 cells.The axes MALAT1/hsamir-374b-3p/SMAD7 and MALAT1/hsa-mir-769-5p/TFAP4 were of high relevance for Sorafenib response in HepG2 cells,whereas PVT1/hsa-miR-195-5p/VEGFA was responsible for the differential response of SNU449 cells to Sorafenib treatment.CONCLUSION Critical lncRNAs acting as sponges of miRNA were identified that regulated mRNA expression,whose proteins mainly increased the antitumor effectiveness of the treatment(SMAD7,TIRARP,TFAP4,FAXDC2 and ADRB2).However,the broad regulatory axis leading to increased VEGFA expression may be related to the side effect of Sorafenib in SNU449 cells.

Modulation of the Nogo signaling pathway to overcome amyloid-β-mediated neurite inhibition in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurites

Neuronal cell death and the loss of connectivity are two of the primary pathological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease.The accumulation of amyloid-βpeptides,a key hallmark of Alzheimer's disease,is believed to induce neuritic abnormalities,including reduced growth,extension,and abnormal growth cone morphology,all of which contribute to decreased connectivity.However,the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms governing this response remain unknown.In this study,we used an innovative approach to demonstrate the effect of amyloid-βon neurite dynamics in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional cultu re systems,in order to provide more physiologically relevant culture geometry.We utilized various methodologies,including the addition of exogenous amyloid-βpeptides to the culture medium,growth substrate coating,and the utilization of human-induced pluripotent stem cell technology,to investigate the effect of endogenous amyloid-βsecretion on neurite outgrowth,thus paving the way for potential future applications in personalized medicine.Additionally,we also explore the involvement of the Nogo signaling cascade in amyloid-β-induced neurite inhibition.We demonstrate that inhibition of downstream ROCK and RhoA components of the Nogo signaling pathway,achieved through modulation with Y-27632(a ROCK inhibitor)and Ibuprofen(a Rho A inhibitor),respectively,can restore and even enhance neuronal connectivity in the presence of amyloid-β.In summary,this study not only presents a novel culture approach that offers insights into the biological process of neurite growth and inhibition,but also proposes a specific mechanism for reduced neural connectivity in the presence of amyloid-βpeptides,along with potential intervention points to restore neurite growth.Thereby,we aim to establish a culture system that has the potential to serve as an assay for measuring preclinical,predictive outcomes of drugs and their ability to promote neurite outgrowth,both generally and in a patient-specific manner.

Postnatal development of rat retina:a continuous observation and comparison between the organotypic retinal explant model and in vivo development

The organotypic retinal explant culture has been established for more than a decade and offers a range of unique advantages compared with in vivo experiments and cell cultures.However,the lack of systematic and continuous comparison between in vivo retinal development and the organotypic retinal explant culture makes this model controversial in postnatal retinal development studies.Thus,we aimed to verify the feasibility of using this model for postnatal retinal development studies by comparing it with the in vivo retina.In this study,we showed that postnatal retinal explants undergo normal development,and exhibit a consistent structure and timeline with retinas in vivo.Initially,we used SOX2 and PAX6 immunostaining to identify retinal progenitor cells.We then examined cell proliferation and migration by immunostaining with Ki-67 and doublecortin,respectively.Ki-67-and doublecortin-positive cells decreased in both in vivo and explants during postnatal retinogenesis,and exhibited a high degree of similarity in abundance and distribution between groups.Additionally,we used Ceh-10 homeodomain-containing homolog,glutamate-ammonia ligase(glutamine synthetase),neuronal nuclei,and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 immunostaining to examine the emergence of bipolar cells,Müller glia,mature neurons,and microglia,respectively.The timing and spatial patterns of the emergence of these cell types were remarkably consistent between in vivo and explant retinas.Our study showed that the organotypic retinal explant culture model had a high degree of consistency with the progression of in vivo early postnatal retina development.The findings confirm the accuracy and credibility of this model and support its use for long-term,systematic,and continuous observation.

News Roundup

Spring Festival Inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity The United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO)on 4 December 2024 inscribed the Spring Festival,social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year,on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“Culture time”板块教学中跨文化意识培养的策略

在新课程改革的大环境中,文化意识成为英语学科核心素养的重要组成部分。语言是文化的载体,语言与文化是相互依赖、相互影响、相互制约的。学习语言的过程也是学习文化的过程。文章主要结合译林版英语五、六年级教材中的Culture time板块的教学案例,探讨如何在英语课堂教学实践中丰富文化素材、发掘其中的文化元素和领略中西方文化异同,以帮助学生有效学习文化知识,拓宽文化视野,培养文化意识。

中国古代槟榔文化的接受与传播

作为舶来品的槟榔,在饮食、医药、赋税等方面扮演过重要的角色,具有丰厚的历史文化。梳理文献发现,两汉三国时期,槟榔视作“奇草异木”记载在各种《异物志》中,开始被接受;南北朝时期,槟榔是贵族士宦的“奢侈品”,唐代受佛教平等思想影响日渐向大众传播,宋代逐渐成为百姓家的“寻常物”。槟榔之所以能被接受与传播,并在海南用于婚俗,是因其本身的物质文化之外,还与其因贵异而用于重要的人际礼仪、文人墨客极力推崇渲染和赋予了槟榔君子品格等精神文化有着莫大的关系。

Aboveground carbon sequestration of Cunninghamia lanceolata forests:Magnitude and drivers

Understanding the spatial variation,temporal changes,and their underlying driving forces of carbon sequestration in various forests is of great importance for understanding the carbon cycle and carbon management options.How carbon density and sequestration in various Cunninghamia lanceolata forests,extensively cultivated for timber production in subtropical China,vary with biodiversity,forest structure,environment,and cultural factors remain poorly explored,presenting a critical knowledge gap for realizing carbon sequestration supply potential through management.Based on a large-scale database of 449 permanent forest inventory plots,we quantified the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of aboveground carbon densities and carbon accumulation rates in Cunninghamia lanceolate forests in Hunan Province,China,and attributed the contributions of stand structure,environmental,and management factors to the heterogeneity using quantile age-sequence analysis,partial least squares path modeling(PLS-PM),and hot-spot analysis.The results showed lower values of carbon density and sequestration on average,in comparison with other forests in the same climate zone(i.e.,subtropics),with pronounced spatial and temporal variability.Specifically,quantile regression analysis using carbon accumulation rates along an age sequence showed large differences in carbon sequestration rates among underperformed and outperformed forests(0.50 and 1.80 Mg·ha^(-1)·yr^(-1)).PLS-PM demonstrated that maximum DBH and stand density were the main crucial drivers of aboveground carbon density from young to mature forests.Furthermore,species diversity and geotopographic factors were the significant factors causing the large discrepancy in aboveground carbon density change between low-and high-carbon-bearing forests.Hotspot analysis revealed the importance of culture attributes in shaping the geospatial patterns of carbon sequestration.Our work highlighted that retaining largesized DBH trees and increasing shade-tolerant tree species were important to enhance carbon sequestration in C.lanceolate forests.

Problem identification and revitalization strategies for the recovery and reconstruction of traditional villages in the Ms 6.8 Luding Earthquake

Post-disaster reconstruction is a topic of global concern,and traditional villages have special heritage attributes and need to face more requirements and obstacles in post-disaster reconstruction.This paper summarizes four concepts based on the research on post-disaster reconstruction both domestically and internationally,as well as the recovery and reconstruction of cultural heritage.Through a field survey of traditional villages in the Ms 6.8 Luding earthquake-stricken area,it is found that there are problems such as insufficient awareness of heritage value,misalignment of scientific reconstruction technology,and insufficient protection of reconstruction elements during the reconstruction process.Traditional villages face the risk of declining or even loss of heritage value.In order to effectively protect traditional villages and inherit the carrier of regional culture,four targeted reconstruction response strategies are proposed,i.e.,to"establish special planning for traditional village preservation","emphasize recovery of the authenticity of village heritage","ensure elements for village heritage recovery"and"promote the activation and utilization of village heritage",based on the problems discovered during the survey and the four concepts summarized in the research on post-disaster reconstruction of traditional villages.The research results hope to provide useful reference for ancient cultural areas affected by earthquakes on how to protect cultural heritage during the post-disaster reconstruction process.

Preparation of lactic acid bacteria compound starter cultures based on pasting properties and its improvement of glutinous rice flour and dough

The effects of 5 lactic acid bacteria(LAB)fermentation on the pasting properties of glutinous rice flour were compared,and suitable fermentation strains were selected based on the changes of viscosity,setback value,and breakdown value to prepare LAB compound starter cultures.The results revealed that Latilactobacillus sakei HSD004 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HSD005 had apparent advantages in increasing the viscosity and reducing the setback and breakdown values of glutinous rice flour.In particular,the compound starter created using the two abovementioned LAB in the ratio of 3:1 had better performance than that using a single LAB in improving the pasting properties and increasing the water and oil absorption capacity of glutinous rice flour.Moreover,the gelatinization enthalpy of the fermented samples increased significantly.For frozen glutinous rice dough stored for 28 days,the viscoelasticity of frozen dough prepared by compound starter was better than that of control dough,and the freezable water content was lower than that of control dough.These results indicate that compound LAB fermentation is a promising technology in the glutinous rice-based food processing industry,which has significance for its application.

Eikenella corrodens isolated from pleural effusion:A case report

BACKGROUND The bacterium Eikenella,classified as a gram-negative member of the phylum Proteobacteria,is distinguished by its rarity,corrosive nature,facultative anaerobic properties,and conditional pathogenicity.It represents the sole species within its genus-Eikenella corrodens(E.corrodens)-and can be found colonizing both human and animal oral and nasopharyngeal regions.Additionally,it occasionally inhabits the gastrointestinal or urogenital tracts.However,its slow growth rate can be attributed to its high nutritional requirements.However,there is an uneven distribution of construction and diagnostic capacity in China which poses undeniable challenges for the clinical examination and analysis of this case,especially in the basic hospitals.CASE SUMMARY Here we presented a case of empyema associated with E.corrodens infection in a 67-year-old male patient without any previous history of infectious diseases in our primary hospital in Dongguan district of China.The patient was admitted due to recurrent worsening cough,sputum production,and dyspnea for 3 d,which had persisted for over 20 years.Moreover,the patient experienced a onehour episode of unconsciousness.Upon admission,immediate comprehensive examinations were conducted on the patient which subsequently led to his admission to the intensive care unit.Meanwhile,the patient presented with drowsiness and profuse sweating along with bilateral conjunctival edema observed during initiation of non-invasive ventilation,suggesting empyema.A significant amount of coffee-colored malodorous pleural fluid was drained during the procedure above and sent to the laboratory department for inspection.Finally,laboratory culture results confirmed the presence of E.corrodens infection in the pleural fluid sample.The patient received antimicrobial therapy until died on day 22 in the hospital.CONCLUSION In this report,we presented a case of empyema associated with E.corrodens infection.Multiple courses of morphological examination,viable culture analysis,and biochemical identification revealed its difficulties in detecting distinctive characteristics,as well as a detection model worth promoting.It’s just that there were still certain deficiencies in terms of morphological assessment,biochemical identification,and drug susceptibility testing.

Automatic Extraction Method of 3D Feature Guidelines for Complex Cultural Relic Surfaces Based on Point Cloud

Cultural relics line graphic serves as a crucial form of traditional artifact information documentation,which is a simple and intuitive product with low cost of displaying compared with 3D models.Dimensionality reduction is undoubtedly necessary for line drawings.However,most existing methods for artifact drawing rely on the principles of orthographic projection that always cannot avoid angle occlusion and data overlapping while the surface of cultural relics is complex.Therefore,conformal mapping was introduced as a dimensionality reduction way to compensate for the limitation of orthographic projection.Based on the given criteria for assessing surface complexity,this paper proposed a three-dimensional feature guideline extraction method for complex cultural relic surfaces.A 2D and 3D combined factor that measured the importance of points on describing surface features,vertex weight,was designed.Then the selection threshold for feature guideline extraction was determined based on the differences between vertex weight and shape index distributions.The feasibility and stability were verified through experiments conducted on real cultural relic surface data.Results demonstrated the ability of the method to address the challenges associated with the automatic generation of line drawings for complex surfaces.The extraction method and the obtained results will be useful for line graphic drawing,displaying and propaganda of cultural relics.

Natural Disaster Risk Monitoring for Immovable Cultural Relics Based on Digital Twin

Natural disaster risk monitoring is an important task for disaster prevention and reduction.In the case of immovable cultural relics,however,the feedback mechanism,risk factors,monitoring logic,and monitoring indicators of natural disaster risk monitoring are complex.How to achieve intelligent perception and monitoring of natural disaster risk for immovable cultural relics has always been a focus and a challenge for researchers.Based on the analysis of the concepts and issues related to the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics,this paper proposes a framework for natural disaster risk monitoring for immovable cultural relics based on the digital twin.This framework focuses on risk monitoring,including the physical entities of natural disaster risk for immovable cultural relics,monitoring indicators,and virtual entity construction.A platform for monitoring the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics is proposed.Using the Puzhou Ancient City Site as a test bed,the proposed concept can be used for monitoring the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics at different scales.

Between the City and Images:An Analysis of Mainstream Media’s Paths of Constructing the Cultural Memory of a City:Taking Chengdu Radio and Television’s“Hi Chengdu”as an Example

Mainstream media play a crucial role in constructing the cultural memory of a city.This study used 319 short videos released by“Hi Chengdu,”a new media product of Chengdu Radio and Television,as samples.Based on the grounded theory,a research framework encompassing“content,technology,and discourse”was established to explore the paths through which mainstream media construct the cultural memory.Regarding content,this paper emphasized temporal and spatial contexts and urban spaces,delving deep into the themes of the cultural memory and vehicles for it.In terms of technology,this paper discussed the practice of leveraging audio/visual-mode discourse to stitch together the impressions of a city and evoke emotional resonance to create a“flow”of memory.As for discourse,this paper looked at the performance of a communication ritual to frame concepts and shape urban identity.It is essential to break free from conventional thinking and leverage local culture as the primary driving force to further boost a city’s productivity,in order to excel in cultural communication.

跨文化视域下的雍古艺术——《成为艺术:探索跨文化范畴》评介

澳大利亚人类学家霍华德·墨菲(Howard Morphy)的《成为艺术:探索跨文化范畴》(Becoming Art:Exploring Cross-culture Categories)一书以澳大利亚阿纳姆地区的雍古艺术为研究对象,从时间线上梳理了雍古艺术的历史发展脉络,并从人类学的角度对雍古艺术的社会功能、文化内涵、审美形式等具体问题进行了阐释。在方法论上,因不满于阿尔弗雷德·盖尔(Alfred Gell)将审美因素排除在艺术人类学领域之外的做法,墨菲在其雍古艺术史研究中采取了语义学维度与美学维度相结合的路径,并坚持认为审美因素是艺术品与其他物品区别开来的关键因素。

Anticancer Activity of Rice Callus Suspension Cultures from Aromatic Varieties and Metabolites Regulated in Treated Cancer Cell Lines

Tissue culture techniques were used to produce large amounts of bioactive compounds with medicinal potential, overcoming space and time constraints for cancer prevention. Rice callus suspension cultures(RCSC) and seed extracts prepared from aromatic rice varieties were used to evaluate the cytotoxic impact on human colon and lung cancer cell lines, as well as a normal control cell line, using Taxol as a positive control. RCSC and seed extracts from two Indian aromatic rice varieties were applied at different concentrations to treat the cancer cell lines and normal lung fibroblasts over varying time intervals. Apoptosis was assessed in 1:5 dilutions of the A549 and HT-29 cell lines treated with RCSC for 72 h, using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. RCSC showed a more potent cytotoxic effect than seed extracts with minimal effect on the normal cell line, in contrast to Taxol. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry further confirmed the apoptotic effect of RCSC. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling identified metabolites involved in cytotoxicity and highlighted altered pathways. RCSC is proposed as an alternative source for the development of novel anticancer drugs with reduced side effects.

Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans:an overview of recent findings

Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants,in addition to having abuse potential,may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects.Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults.The present review provides an overview of recent research,conducted between 2018 and 2023,focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine,cocaine,methamphetamine,3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine,methylphenidate,caffeine,and nicotine.Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.

Exploring the unique biophysical characteristics and ecosystem services of mountains: A review

Mountains are unique terrestrial ecosystems characterized by distinct physiography,biological diversity,and socio-economic features.These ecosystems provide numerous essential goods and services to communities within and beyond the mountains.Despite their significance,comprehensive studies that thoroughly characterize the ecosystem services of mountains are lacking.Such research is crucial to advance scientific understanding of mountain characteristics and ecosystem services.This study investigates mountain regions’unique characteristics and ecosystem services using global datasets such as the U.S.Geological Survey(USGS),the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment(GMBA),NASA EARTHDATA,and other relevant databases and literature review.The focus was to explore unique physiographic and socio-economic characteristics and ecosystem services provided by mountains.The results indicate that mountain ecosystems are pivotal in offering provisional,regulatory,and supporting ecosystem services on Earth.Despite their limited geographical area,these ecosystems supply substantial amounts of freshwater to communities living within and downstream of mountainous regions.Additionally,mountain ecosystems serve as global biodiversity hotspots,harboring a significant proportion of the world's species.However,mountain ecosystems face numerous natural and anthropogenic challenges,including climate change,habitat destruction,and resource overexploitation.Current efforts towards sustainable mountain development are inadequate.Enhanced scientific research and targeted policy measures are essential to address these challenges,protect mountain biodiversity,and ensure the continuous provision of vital ecosystem services.

Analysis of the Reform of Ideological and Political Education in College English Curriculum from the Perspective of“Cultural Confidence”

With the rapid development of the education industry,higher requirements have been put forward for college English education and teaching,accelerating the pace of college English reform.Issues such as how to integrate knowledge transmission,language expression skill improvement,cultural element extraction,and ideological and political education,and present the role of curriculum education function have attracted attention.In the era of informatization,college students’thinking has undergone certain changes and gradually developed towards diversification.Therefore,universities should start from the perspective of cultural confidence,extract valuable ideological and political elements,and explore effective tourism ideological and political teaching methods.While helping college students enhance their cultural confidence,it is also beneficial for them to better inherit traditional Chinese culture.This article conducts an in-depth exploration of ideological and political education in college English courses from the perspective of“cultural confidence”and uses scientific and effective measures to solve the problems encountered,aiming to provide valuable guidelines for relevant researchers.

Effects of Different Culture Conditions and Growth States on the Structure and Hemostatic Properties of Coscinodiscus sp.

As a renewable marine inorganic material,Coscinodiscus sp.has significant potential in the field of rapid hemostasis.However,the low yield of Coscinodiscus sp.seriously limits the application.In this study,two new culture modes were adopted to increase the production of Coscinodiscus sp.,the effect of changes in culture conditions and growth status on the hemostatic activity of diatoms was detected.To prevent Coscinodiscus sp.from sinking in culture,the suspension culture mode was realized by adding0.5%agar.The semi-continuous high nutrient concentration culture mode increased the cell density of Coscinodiscus sp.to 11000cells mL^(-1)and shorten the culture cycle to 5 d.In terms of coagulation activity,the addition of frustules reduced the in vitro coagulation time by half and the activation time of coagulation by 70%.The hemolysis rate and cytotoxicity of frustules harvested in the two culture modes did not change significantly.The results showed that suspension culture mode and high nutrient concentration culture mode only changed the growth state of Coscinodiscus sp.,while the hemostatic performance remained stable.

A scoping review of autoethnography in nursing

Objective:Autoethnography combines personal experiences with cultural analysis,emerging as a response to the limitations of traditional ethnography.This review aimed to explore,describe,and delineate the utilization of autoethnography by nurses published in peer-reviewed journals.Methods:A scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey and O’Malley framework.On October 12,2023,autoethnographic studies in nursing were identified through searches of CINAHL,PubMed,PsycINFO,and Scopus.Peer-reviewed articles published in English language were retrieved.We applied no date restriction.Data were extracted on nursing,epiphany,results,style of writing,implications for nursing,and ethical considerations.Results:Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria.Mental health nursing,covered by nine articles,elucidated experiences of stigma,ethical dilemmas,and professional identity.Nursing education,represented by seven articles,highlighted identity struggles,systemic biases,and evolving pedagogies.Palliative care,addressed by three articles,provided insights into communication challenges and emotional complexities in end-of-life care.The remaining articles explored rehabilitation,cultural competence,and chronic pain management.A conceptual framework integrating ontological,epistemological,ethical,and practical dimensions was developed,emphasizing the interplay between personal and professional roles.Conclusions:This review underscores autoethnography’s value in uncovering the cultural and ethical dimensions of nursing.This framework advocates for a reflective,culturally attuned approach to healthcare,fostering transformative changes in nursing.Further research should explore underrepresented nursing specialties to harness autoethnography’s potential fully.