Lncrna FEZf1-as1 negatively regulates ETNK1 to promote malignant progression of renal cell carcinoma

Background: To explore the role of LncFEZF1-AS1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues and cells, and the possible molecular mechanism. Methods: Expressions of LncFEZF1-AS1 in RCC tissues and adjacent ones were detected. The association of LncFEZF1-AS1 level with clinical data of RCC patients was also analyzed. Besides, the differential expressions of LncFEZF1-AS1 in a variety of RCC cell lines were also determined. Then the LncFEZF1-AS1 knockdown model was constructed in RCC cell line to further determine the influences of LncFEZF1-AS1 on the proliferative ability and migration of RCC cells through CCK8 and Transwell experiments. Furthermore, luciferase reporter gene experiment were used to validate the combination of LncFEZF1-AS1 to ETNK1. Results: Results suggested that expression of LncFEZF1-AS1 was noticeably higher in RCC tumor tissues and the RCC cells. Clinical pathological data analysis also suggested that high LncFEZF1-AS1 expression was in correlation with the pathological stage and the incidence of distant metastasis in RCC patients, and the poor overall survival rate. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down of LncFEZF1-AS1 markedly repressed the proliferation and migration of RCC cell lines. Bioinformatics suggested that LncFEZF1-AS1 can interact with the downstream target gene ETNK1, which was confirmed by the luciferase reporter gene experiments. Western Blot results revealed that knocking down of LncFEZF1-AS1 markedly enhanced ETNK1. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that ETNK1 level was under-expressed in RCC tissues and in negative correlation with LncFEZF1-AS1. Further experiments suggested that knockdown of ETNK1 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of LncFEZF1-AS1 silencing on the proliferative and migrative abilities of RCC cells. Conclusions: LncFEZF1-AS1 could facilitation the proliferative and migration of RCC cells by regulating the expression of ETNK1. Therefore, FEZF1-AS1 might function as a cancer-promoting factor and possible new therapeutic target for RCC

Larger Thyroid Volume and Adequate Iodine Nutrition in Chinese Schoolchildren: Local Normative Reference Values Compared with WHO/IGN

Objective. Thyroid volume measured by ultrasound to define goiter needs reliable local thyroid volume reference from iodine-sufficient populations. The aim of this study is to explore the reference interval for normal thyroid volume in schoolchildren aged 8–10 years from Zhejiang Province, China. Methods. A probability-proportionate-to-size sampling method was applied to select a representative sample of 1213 children aged 8–10 years in Zhejiang Province to detect the thyroid volume, salt iodine, and urine iodine. Results. Median urinary iodine concentration in involved schoolchildren was 178.30 (125.00) μg l−1, with the percentage of samples less than 100 μg l−1 as 12.69% and more than 300 μg l−1 as 15.25%. Thyroid volume was significantly correlated with age and anthropometric measurements independently of each other. The 97th percentile of thyroid volume in our study was larger generally than the new international reference. Conclusions. The iodine nutritional status in Zhejiang Province was at an adequate level. Despite some limitations in this study, we initially established the reference values for thyroid volume in 8–10-year-old schoolchildren in Zhejiang Province, China, as a local reference to be used for monitoring iodine deficiency disorders

Identification of candidate genes and clarification of the maintenance of the green pericarp of weedy rice grains

The weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) pericarp has diverse colors (e.g., purple, red, light-red, and white). However, research on pericarp colors has focused on red and purple, but not green. Unlike many other common weedy rice resources, LM8 has a green pericarp at maturity. In this study, the coloration of the LM8 pericarp was evaluated at the cellular and genetic levels. First, an examination of their ultrastructure indicated that LM8 chloroplasts were normal regarding plastid development and they contained many plastoglobules from the early immature stage to maturity. Analyses of transcriptome profiles and differentially expressed genes revealed that most chlorophyll (Chl) degradation-related genes in LM8 were expressed at lower levels than Chl a/b cycle-related genes in mature pericarps, suggesting that the green LM8 pericarp was associated with inhibited Chl degradation in intact chloroplasts. Second, the F2 generation derived from a cross between LM8 (green pericarp) and SLG (white pericarp) had a pericarp color segregation ratio of 9:3:4 (green:brown:white). The bulked segregant analysis of the F2 populations resulted in the identification of 12 known genes in the chromosome 3 and 4 hotspot regions as candidate genes related to Chl metabolism in the rice pericarp. The RNA-seq and sqRT-PCR assays indicated that the expression of the Chl a/b cycle-related structural gene DVR (encoding divinyl reductase) was sharply up-regulated. Moreover, genes encoding magnesium-chelatase subunit D and the light-harvesting Chl a/b-binding protein were transcriptionally active in the fully ripened dry pericarp. Regarding the ethylene signal transduction pathway, the CTR (encoding an ethylene-responsive protein kinase) and ERF (encoding an ethylene-responsive factor) genes expression profiles were determined. The findings of this study highlight the regulatory roles of Chl biosynthesis- and degradation-related genes influencing Chl accumulation during the maturation of the LM8 pericarp

Health risks and respiratory intake of submicron particles in the working environment: A case study

Background: Powder-coating processes have been extensively used in various industries. The submicron particles generated during the powder-coating process in the workplace have complex compositions and can cause serious diseases. The purpose of this study was to better understand the health risks and respiratory intake of submicron particles during the powder coating process.Methods: The concentrations of and variations in submicron particles were measured using real-time instruments. The health risks of submicron particles were analyzed using the Stoffenmanager Nano model. A new computational fluid dynamics model was used to assess the respiratory intake of ultrafine particles (UFPs), which was indicated by the deposited dosage of UFPs in the olfactory area, nasal cavity, and lungs. The deposited doses of UFPs were used to calculate the average daily doses (ADDs) of workers, according to the method described by the Environmental Protection Agency.Results: The number concentration (NC), mass concentration, surface area concentration, personal NC, and lung-deposited surface area concentration of submicron particles were >105 pt/cm3, 0.2–0.4 mg/m3, 600–1,200 μm2/cm3, 0.7–1.4 pt/cm3, and 100–700 μm2/cm3, respectively. The size distribution showed that the submicron particles mainly gathered between 30 and 200 nm. The health risk of submicron particles was high. Upon respiratory intake, most UFPs (111.5 mg) were inhaled into the lungs, a few UFPs (0.272 mg) were trapped in the nasal cavity, and a small minority of UFPs (0.292 mg) were deposited in the olfactory area. The ADD of male workers with 10 years of exposure in the olfactory area, nasal cavity, and lung were 1.192 × 10–3 mg/kg·d−1, 1.11 × 10–3 mg/kg·d−1, and 0.455 mg/kg·d−1, respectively.Conclusion: Owing to the high concentrations of submicron particles, the workers involved in the powder-coating process are at a high health risk. Moreover, the respiratory intake of UFPs by workers is high, which is suggested by the highly deposited dosage of UFPs in the lungs and the corresponding high ADD in workers. Control measures, including engineering control, management control, and personal protective equipment, must be improved for the protection of workers

Assessment of radiation exposure and public health before and after the operation of Sanmen nuclear power plant

IntroductionSanmen nuclear power plant (SNPP) operates the first advanced passive (AP1000) nuclear power unit in China.MethodsTo assess the radiological impacts of SNPP operation on the surrounding environment and the public health, annual effective dose (AED) and excess risk (ER) were estimated based on continuous radioactivity monitoring in drinking water and ambient dose before and after its operation during 2014–2021. In addition, the residents' cancer incidence was further analyzed through authorized health data collection.ResultsThe results showed that the gross α and gross β radioactivity in all types of drinking water were ranged from 0.008 to 0.017 Bq/L and 0.032 to 0.112 Bq/L, respectively. The cumulative ambient dose in Sanmen county ranged from 0.254 to 0.460 mSv/y, with an average of 0.354 ± 0.075 mSv/y. There is no statistical difference in drinking water radioactivity and ambient dose before and after the operation of SNPP according to Mann–Whitney U test. The Mann-Kendall test also indicates there is neither increasing nor decreasing trend during the period from 2014 to 2021. The age-dependent annual effective doses due to the ingestion of drinking water or exposure to the outdoor ambient environment are lower than the recommended threshold of 0.1 mSv/y. The incidence of cancer (include leukemia and thyroid cancer) in the population around SNPP is slightly higher than that in other areas, while it is still in a stable state characterized by annual percentage changes.DiscussionThe current comprehensive results show that the operation of SNPP has so far no evident radiological impact on the surrounding environment and public health, but continued monitoring is still needed in the future

Sexual attitudes, pattern of communication, and sexual behavior among unmarried out-of-school youth in China

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In recent years, more adolescents are engaging in premarital sex in China. However, only a limited number of studies have explored out-of-school youth's sexual attitudes and behaviors, critical for prevention intervention development.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using data from the baseline survey of a comprehensive sex education program that was conducted in a suburb of Shanghai in 2000–2002, this study describes sexual attitudes, patterns of communication on sexual matters, and premarital sexual behavior among 1,304 out-of-school youth. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with youth's premarital sexual intercourse.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The majority (60%) of out-of-school youth held favorable attitudes towards premarital sex. Males were more likely to have favorable attitudes compared with females. Male youth generally did not communicate with either parent about sex, while one-third of female youth talked to their mothers about sexual matters. Both males and females chose their friends as the person with whom they were most likely to talk about sexual matters. About 18% of the youth reported having engaged in sexual intercourse. One-fifth of sexually active youth had always used a contraceptive method, and one-quarter had been pregnant (or had impregnated a partner). There were no gender differences in rate of premarital sex or frequency of contraceptive use. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, education, family structure, parent's discipline, attitudes towards premarital sex, pattern of communication and dating were significantly associated with youth premarital sex.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A substantial proportion of out-of-school youth engage in risky sexual behaviors. Prevention programs that empower communication and sexual negotiation skills, and promote condom use should be implemented for this vulnerable group.</p

Baicalin Improves Survival in a Murine Model of Polymicrobial Sepsis via Suppressing Inflammatory Response and Lymphocyte Apoptosis

BACKGROUND: An imbalance between overwhelming inflammation and lymphocyte apoptosis is the main cause of high mortality in patients with sepsis. Baicalin, the main active ingredient of the Scutellaria root, exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and even antibacterial properties in inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, the therapeutic effect of baicalin on polymicrobial sepsis remains unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were infused with baicalin intraperitoneally at 1 h, 6 h and 12 h after CLP. Survival rates were assessed over the subsequent 8 days. Bacterial burdens in blood and peritoneal cavity were calculated to assess the bacterial clearance. Neutrophil count in peritoneal lavage fluid was also calculated. Injuries to the lung and liver were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and IL-17, in blood and peritoneum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adaptive immune function was assessed by apoptosis of lymphocytes in the thymus and counts of different cell types in the spleen. Baicalin significantly enhanced bacterial clearance and improved survival of septic mice. The number of neutrophils in peritoneal lavage fluid was reduced by baicalin. Less neutrophil infiltration of the lung and liver in baicalin-treated mice was associated with attenuated injuries to these organs. Baicalin significantly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines but increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine in blood and peritoneum. Apoptosis of CD3(+) T cell was inhibited in the thymus. The numbers of CD4(+), CD8(+) T lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) were higher, while the number of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells was lower in the baicalin group compared with the CLP group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Baicalin improves survival of mice with polymicrobial sepsis, and this may be attributed to its antibacterial property as well as its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects

A Policy-Driven Large Scale Ecological Restoration: Quantifying Ecosystem Services Changes in the Loess Plateau of China

As one of the key tools for regulating human-ecosystem relations, environmental conservation policies can promote ecological rehabilitation across a variety of spatiotemporal scales. However, quantifying the ecological effects of such policies at the regional level is difficult. A case study was conducted at the regional level in the ecologically vulnerable region of the Loess Plateau, China, through the use of several methods including the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), hydrological modeling and multivariate analysis. An assessment of the changes over the period of 2000–2008 in four key ecosystem services was undertaken to determine the effects of the Chinese government's ecological rehabilitation initiatives implemented in 1999. These ecosystem services included water regulation, soil conservation, carbon sequestration and grain production. Significant conversions of farmland to woodland and grassland were found to have resulted in enhanced soil conservation and carbon sequestration, but decreased regional water yield under a warming and drying climate trend. The total grain production increased in spite of a significant decline in farmland acreage. These trends have been attributed to the strong socioeconomic incentives embedded in the ecological rehabilitation policy. Although some positive policy results have been achieved over the last decade, large uncertainty remains regarding long-term policy effects on the sustainability of ecological rehabilitation performance and ecosystem service enhancement. To reduce such uncertainty, this study calls for an adaptive management approach to regional ecological rehabilitation policy to be adopted, with a focus on the dynamic interactions between people and their environments in a changing world