Epigenetic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis Induced by Cigarette Smoke: An Overview

Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of carcinogenesis. Direct genotoxicity induced by cigarette smoke leads to initiation of carcinogenesis. Nongenotoxic (epigenetic) effects of cigarette smoke also act as modulators altering cellular functions. These two effects underlie the mechanisms of tumor promotion and progression. While there is no lack of general reviews on the genotoxic and carcinogenic potentials of cigarette smoke in lung carcinogenesis, updated review on the epigenetic effects and molecular mechanisms of cigarette smoke and carcinogenesis, not limited to lung, is lacking. We are presenting a comprehensive review of recent investigations on cigarette smoke, with special attentions to nicotine, NNK, and PAHs. The current understanding on their molecular mechanisms include (1) receptors, (2) cell cycle regulators, (3) signaling pathways, (4) apoptosis mediators, (5) angiogenic factors, and (6) invasive and metastasis mediators. This review highlighted the complexity biological responses to cigarette smoke components and their involvements in tumorigenesis

Gene expression profile indicates involvement of NO in Camellia sinensis pollen tube growth at low temperature

DEGs identified from the comparison between control (CsPT-CK) and 4 °C-treated (CsPT-LT) pollen tbues. All of the samples were replicated three times. CK and LT FPKM: fragments per kb per million reads for each unigene in the CK and LT libraries, respectively. The log2Ratio (LT/CK): ratio between the FPKM of LT and CK. The absolute values of log2Ratio > 1 and probability > 0.7 were used as threshold for assigning significance. Annotation of DEGs against NR, NT, Swiss-Prot protein, KEGG, COG and GO were all reported in the tables. “-”: no hit. (XLS 381 kb

In Vivo bone tissue induction by freeze-dried collagen-nanohydroxyapatite matrix loaded with BMP2/NS1 mRNAs lipopolyplexes

Messenger RNA (mRNA) activated matrices (RAMs) are interesting to orchestrate tissue and organ regeneration due to the in-situ and sustained production of functional proteins. However, the immunogenicity of in vitro transcribed mRNA and the paucity of proper in vivo mRNA delivery vector need to be overcome to exert the therapeutic potential of RAM. We developed a dual mRNAs system for in vitro osteogenesis by co-delivering NS1 mRNA with BMP2 mRNA to inhibit RNA sensors and enhance BMP-2 expression. Next, we evaluated a lipopolyplex (LPR) formulation platform for in vivo mRNA delivery and adapted the LPRs for RAM preparation. The LPR formulated BMP2/NS1 mRNAs were incorporated into an optimized collagen-nanohydroxyapatite scaffold and freeze-dried to prepare ready-to-use RAMs. The loaded BMP2/NS1 mRNAs lipopolyplexes maintained their spherical morphology in the RAM, thanks to the core-shell structure of LPR. The mRNAs release from RAMs lasted for 16 days resulting in an enhanced prolonged transgene expression period compared to direct cell transfection. Once subcutaneously implanted in mice, the BMP2/NS1 mRNAs LPRs containing RAMs (RAM-BMP2/NS1) induced significant new bone tissue than those without NS1 mRNA, eight weeks post implantation. Overall, our results demonstrate that the BMP2/NS1 dual mRNAs system is suitable for osteogenic engagement, and the freeze-dried RAM-BMP2/NS1 could be promising off-the-shelf products for clinical orthopedic practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Phase retrieval in x-ray imaging based on using structured illumination

A different x-ray phase contrast imaging technique based on the combination of structured illumination and an optimized hybrid input-output algorithm for phase and amplitude retrieval is presented and discussed. Based on a modified and flexible experimental setup, compared to standard propagation-based x-ray imaging setups, the method we propose here represents a real advance in the phase-contrast imaging technique relating to the determination of the phase and amplitude distribution. Moreover, in coherent diffractive imaging applications, the proposed technique may yield high spatial resolution with currently available imaging detectors

Persistent Tissue Kinetics and Redistribution of Nanoparticles, Quantum Dot 705, in Mice: ICP-MS Quantitative Assessment

Background: Quantum dots (QDs) are autofluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals that can be used for in vivo biomedical imaging. However, we know little about their in vivo disposition and health consequences. Objectives: We assessed the tissue disposition and pharmacokinetics of QD705 in mice. Methods: We determined quantitatively the blood and tissue kinetics of QD705 in mice after single intravenous (iv) injection at the dose of 40 pmol for up to 28 days. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurement of cadmium was the primary method of quantification of QD705. Fluorescence light microscopy revealed the localization of QD705 in tissues. Results: Plasma half-life of QD705 in mice was short (18.5 hr), but ICP-MS analyses revealed QD705 persisted and even continued to increase in the spleen, liver, and kidney 28 days after an iv dose. Considerable time-dependent redistribution from body mass to liver and kidney was apparent between 1 and 28 days postdosing. The recoveries at both time points were near 100%; all QD705s reside in the body. Neither fecal nor urinary excretion of QD705 was detected appreciably in 28 days postdosing. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated deposition of QD705 in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Conclusion: Judging from the continued increase in the liver (29–42% of the administered dose), kidney (1.5–9.2%), and spleen (4.8–5.2%) between 1 and 28 days without any appreciable excretion, QD705 has a very long half-life, potentially weeks or even months, in the body and its health consequences deserve serious consideration

Frequency of health care provider recommendations for HPV vaccination: a survey in three large cities in China

IntroductionHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection, an important pathogenic factor for cervical cancer, can be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Health care provider (HCP) recommendations contribute to improve HPV vaccination coverage. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of HCP recommendations for HPV vaccination and associated factors.MethodsFrom Nov 8 to Dec 6 in 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted through online questionnaires among HCPs (n = 1,371) from hospitals in three large cities in China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen). Data on demographic characteristics, the frequency of HPV vaccination recommendations, HPV knowledge and related attitudes were collected through the questionnaires.ResultsAmong 1,371 participants, only 30.2% reported that they frequently recommended HPV vaccination. Multivariate analyses indicated that female sex, being employed in obstetrics or gynecology departments and community health service centers, and having higher self-reported and actual knowledge of HPV were factors associated with a higher recommendation frequency. Factors including a self-perceived non-obligation to provide recommendations and difficulties in discussing sexual topics were significantly correlated with less frequent recommendations. Employment in a community health service center (OR = 2.068, 95% CI: 1.070–3.999) was the strongest factor associated with the frequency of HCPs’ recommendations for HPV vaccination.DiscussionThe frequency of HCPs’ recommendations for HPV vaccination in China was much lower than that in many developed countries. To enhance the recommendation frequency, medical institutions should help HCPs gain more knowledge of HPV and master communication skills. At the same time, the government should take measures to enhance the accessibility of HPV vaccines. The media should help to alleviate people’s concerns and encourage them to face up sexual health

Experimental investigation on the reinforcement of a high-pressure jet grouting pile for an ultra-shallow tunnel in a strongly weathered stratum

In this paper, the performance of a high-pressure grouting material and consolidation body, the key parameters of tunnel surrounding rock reinforcement, and the field reinforcement effect are compared and studied. The results show that 1) the compressive strength, elastic modulus, and seepage resistance of the consolidation body are related to the water–cement ratio. The permeability of the consolidation body increases with increasing water–cement ratio under the constant head; under the condition of a certain water–cement ratio, the strength increases with an increase in cement content. To meet the construction requirements and the slurry stability, a small water–cement ratio is appropriate. 2) Slurry pressure, rotary spray speed, and lifting speed on the single pile static load bearing capacity have a significant impact. Under the same static load conditions, the greater the slurry pressure, the lower the cumulative settlement value of the single pile, the cumulative settlement value increases less, and the amount of change in rebound is the same; with the increase in the rotational speed of the rotary spray, the lower the cumulative settlement value of the single pile, and the rate of change of the cumulative settlement value of the single pile decreases; and with the increase in the lifting speed, the cumulative settlement value of the single pile increases and the rate of change of the cumulative settlement value decreases. 3) The pile body cement soil is more uniform, has high strength, and is brittle, and the stratum where the slurry part is located is a loose powder clay layer and sandy layer. 4) After high-pressure jet grouting pile reinforcement, the top surrounding rock is more stable after the excavation of an ultra-shallow buried tunnel, the fissures between the surrounding rocks are filled with cement soil consolidation, and the integrity is improved. Certain piles also play a certain role in stopping water; high-pressure jet grouting pile reinforcement to improve the integrity of the surrounding rock played a role in consolidating the weak soil layer above the tunnel vault, creating conditions for the safe excavation of the shallow buried section of the tunnel

Quasi-static test study of tunnel with resistance-limiting shock absorption layer in high-intensity seismic

The Sichuan-Tibet Railway is faced with risks of active faults, unfavorable geological conditions, high in-situ stress levels, and a high potential for Traditional tunnel seismic measures that can no longer guarantee the safety of tunnel structures in high-intensity earthquake areas. The new shock absorption capacity layer with resistance-limiting is proposed in this paper and the resistance-limiting shock absorption principle. To study the safety of the new anti-shock lining structure, a large-scale quasi-static model test was carried out based on the improved static-dynamic coupling shear force. The test analyzes the response rules of strain, structural internal force, and lining failure form of tunnel lining, taking into consideration three influencing factors including layer layout position, layout density, and tunnel buried depth. The results showed that: 1) Under the action of low-cycle reciprocating shear strain, the failure mode of the shallow buried tunnel is mainly the tensile failure of the arch waist and the failure of the arch waist and the side wall, and the failure mode of the deeply buried tunnel is mainly the compression failure of the arch waist; 2) Compared with the case of no shock absorption layer, the lining tensile stress on the inner side of the arch waist position is significantly reduced. Under the high shear strain (0.20%), the increased tensile stress trend was slowed down on the inner side walls; 3) The main working area of the resistance-limiting layer can effectively improve the lining stress distribution underground vibration and protects the tensile damage on the arch waist to the side wall. The width and depth of the crack are weakened and the seismic bearing capacity of the width and depth of the crack is weakened and the seismic bearing capacity of the lining structure is greatly strengthened; 4) The lining cracks without the resistance limiting layer develop violently, and the crack at the arch waist runs The lining structure failure mode of the resistance limiting layer arranged at the arch waist is similar to The lining structure failure mode of the resistance limiting layer

Health Consequences Among COVID-19 Convalescent Patients 30 Months Post-Infection in China

The health consequences among COVID-19 convalescent patients 30 months post-infection were described and the potential risk factors were determined. In August 2022 we recruited 217 COVID-19 convalescent patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in February 2020. These convalescent patients were residents of multiple districts in Wuhan, China. All convalescent patients completed a detailed questionnaire, laboratory testing, a 6-min walk test, a Borg dyspnea scale assessment, lung function testing, and had a chest CT. The potential risk factors for health consequences among COVID-19 convalescent patients 30 months post-infection were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. The majority of convalescent patients were in good overall health and returned to work 30 months post-infection; however, 62.2% of the convalescent patients had long COVID symptoms. The most common symptoms were chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness or headaches. The convalescent patients with severe symptoms had a significantly higher proportion of depression disorder ( P = 0.044) and lower health-related quality of life ( P = 0.034) compared to the convalescent patients with mild symptoms. Compared to convalescent patients who were not vaccinated, convalescent patients who received three vaccines had significantly less fatigue, lower anxiety and depression scores, and had a better health-related quality of life (all P < 0.05). Older age was associated with a higher risk of long COVID (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.16–2.02) and chest CT abnormalities (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.33–2.36). Female gender was associated with a higher risk of anxiety (OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.24–9.16) and depression disorders (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.11–5.92). Exercise was associated with a lower risk of anxiety (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.18–0.93). Notably, vaccination protected convalescent patients from developing long COVID symptoms (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.06–0.50), anxiety disorders (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07–0.71), and depression disorders (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.12–0.92). The majority of COVID-19 convalescent patients were in good overall health 30 months post-infection and returned to work. More attention should be paid to convalescent patients who are older, female, physically inactive, and not vaccinated