Neural basis underlying the relation between internet addiction tendency and sleep quality: The intrinsic default-mode network connectivity pathways.

Internet addiction (IA) tendency is considered an addictive behavior that results from excessive Internet use, and severely affecting an individual's physical health, emotion, and sleep. Although previous studies indicated that IA tendency was negatively correlated with sleep quality, the underlying neural basis of this relationship remained unclear. To address this issue, we utilized resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis to identify the neural pathways of the relationship between IA tendency and sleep quality. The behavioral results indicated a positive correlation between these two factors. And RSFC results revealed that IA tendency was positively related to the strength of functional connectivity within the default-mode network (DMN), including the right precuneus-left middle temporal gyrus (rPrcu-lMTG), the left anterior cingulate-left superior frontal gyrus (lAC-lSFG), and the left inferior parietal lobe-left medial superior frontal gyrus (lIPL-lMSFG). More importantly, mediation analysis demonstrated that IA tendency could mediate the relationship between these functional couplings and sleep quality. In conclusion, our findings suggest that intrinsic DMN connectivity may be an important neural pathways underlying the effects of IA tendency on sleep quality, and provide neural evidence for understanding the relationship between IA tendency and sleep quality.

A study of relationship between social support, work values and job search behavior.

The COVID-19 outbreak has put more pressure on the labor market, reducing employment opportunities and increasing graduate unemployment. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore the relationship between social support, work values and job search behavior. The theoretical model was tested using the data collected from 560 Chinese fresh graduates (Mage = 23.45 years; standard deviation = 2.02). The participants completed questionnaires that assessed their social support, work values and job search behavior. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. The results indicated that social support was positively and directly associated job search behavior and work value mediated the association between social support and job search behavior. These findings will encourage future researchers to investigate the phenomena of job search behavior.

Effects of algal blooms on selenium species dynamics: A case study in the Changjiang Estuary, China.

The selenium cycle in the marine environment is sensitive to biological activity, but knowledge of dissolved Se species dynamics during coastal algal blooms is limited. Selenium species dynamics during diatom blooms in the Changjiang Estuary were investigated in a survey of dissolved inorganic and organic Se. Dissolved inorganic Se (Se(IV) + Se(VI)) was the predominant species in river-dominanated areas, while dissolved organic selenide (DOSe) was predominant in ocean-dominanated areas. Relationships between DOSe and chromophoric dissolved organic matter involved both humic- and protein-like components, suggesting distinct sources of DOSe in river- and ocean-dominance areas, respectively. A three-endmember-mixing model was used to describe biological processes in ocean-dominanated surface waters. In diatom-bloom areas, the co-occurrence of depletion of Se(IV) and Se(VI) (of ~90% and 30%, respectively) and a 44% increase in production of DOSe indicates that phytoplankton act as vectors for Se species transformation. A Se(IV)*P indicator was developed to quantify limiting concentrations of Se(IV) in water relative to that of phosphorus. Negative Se(IV)*P concentrations indicate that Se(IV) is limited due to biological utilization of dissolved inorganic phosphorus by diatoms, resulting in secondary uptake of Se(VI) in the Changjiang Estuary.

Distribution of Pu isotopes and 210Pb in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea: Implications for provenance and transportation.

Particle-reactive radionuclides are useful for tracing sediment dynamics in marginal seas. We collected a suite of surface sediment samples in May 2014 from the Bohai Sea (BS) and Northern Yellow Sea (NYS) to observe the spatial distribution of Plutonium (Pu) isotopes and 210Pb activities. 239+240Pu activities ranged from 0.001 to 0.288 and 0.040-0.269 Bq kg-1 in BS and NYS surface sediments, respectively. 210Pbex shows a significant correlation with 239+240Pu (r = 0.84, p < 0.01) that suggested these two nuclides were scavenged to the same grade. 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios in BS (0.173-0.256) and NYS (0.196-0.275) were slightly higher than the global fallout value of 0.18 and lower than the Pacific Proving Ground (PPG) value of 0.36, indicating that some fraction of Pu originating from the PPG was capable of being transported to the BS and NYS. Mass balance results showed that 41% of 239+240Pu (8.9 × 109 Bq yr-1) and 18% of 210Pb (2.4 × 1012 Bq yr-1) in the NYS originated in the oceanic input. In the BS, 63% of 210Pb originated from atmospheric deposition and 84% of 239+240Pu originated from riverine input. Using Pu and 210Pb as tracers, we estimate that (1.8-2.6) × 108 t yr-1 and (3.6-3.8) × 108 t yr-1 of sedimentary particles could be transported from the BS to the NYS and from the NYS to the Southern Yellow Sea, respectively. Furthermore, the 226Ra/238U activity ratio distribution suggested that sedimentary particles derived from the Yellow River could be transported to the middle of the BS and coastal areas of the NYS.

LncRNA SNHG15 Contributes to Immuno-Escape of Gastric Cancer Through Targeting miR141/PD-L1.

INTRODUCTION: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to participate in many biological processes and severs as important regulators during the progression of gastric cancer. METHODS: Here, we introduced human lncRNA SNHG15 which was highly expressed in gastric cancer and cells. Interestingly, the expression of SNHG15 was correlated with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which promotes the resistance of gastric cancer cells to immune responses. Meanwhile, SNHG15 downregulation suppressed the expression of PD-L1 and resistance of immune responses. RESULTS: Further, our results suggested that SNHG15 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (CeRNA) to sponge miR-141, which was downregulated in gastric cancers and negatively correlated to PD-L1. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that SNHG15 improved the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting miR-141, which in turn promoted the resistance of stomach cancer cells to the immune responses.

Expression profile of lncRNAs and mRNAs in intestinal macrophages.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been previously reported to serve an important role in transcription. In addition, several studies have revealed that long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have a crucial role in human diseases. However, the association between lncRNAs and inflammation­induced intestinal macrophages in the intestinal mucosal barrier has remained elusive. In the present study, intestinal macrophages from healthy Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups: The experimental group, consisting of intestinal macrophages treated with 1 mg/l lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the control group, composed of untreated cells. Differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs between the control and experimental groups were identified using microarray profiling. The levels of DE mRNAs and lncRNAs were measured by reverse transcription­quantitative PCR (RT­qPCR). Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses of DE mRNAs and lncRNAs were performed. To identify core regulatory factors among DE lncRNAs and mRNAs, a lncRNA­mRNA network was constructed. A total of 357 DE lncRNAs and 542 DE mRNAs between the LPS­treated and untreated groups were identified (fold-change >1.5; P<0.05). In addition, selected microarray data were confirmed by RT­qPCR. GO analysis of the DE mRNAs indicated that the biological functions of the upregulated mRNAs included inflammatory response, immune response, metabolic process and signal transduction, whereas those of the downregulated mRNAs were metabolic process, cell cycle, apoptosis and inflammatory response. In addition, pathway enrichment analysis of the upregulated mRNAs revealed that the most enriched pathways were the NF­κB signaling pathway, B­cell receptor signaling pathway and apoptosis, while the downregulated mRNAs were significantly involved in metabolic pathways, the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, cytokine­cytokine receptor interaction and the Toll­like receptor signaling pathway. The lncRNA­mRNA co­expression network suggested that lncRNAs NONMMUT024673 and NONMMUT062258 may have an important role in LPS­induced intestinal macrophages. The present study identified the DE profiles between LPS­ and non­LPS­treated intestinal macrophages. These DE lncRNAs and mRNAs may be used as potential targets for attenuating excessive inflammatory response in intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction.

Plutonium in Southern Yellow Sea sediments and its implications for the quantification of oceanic-derived mercury and zinc.

The spatial distributions of mercury (Hg) and zinc (Zn) concentration and the isotopic composition of plutonium (Pu) were investigated in surface sediments and sediment cores collected from the Southern Yellow Sea (SYS) during May 2014. The variation of the 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio (0.18-0.31) in the surface sediments of the SYS clearly indicated a signal of close-in fallout input from the Pacific Proving Ground (PPG). The buried 239+240Pu in the sediment of the SYS was estimated to be (4.7 ± 0.5) × 1010 Bq y-1 during the period from 2011 to 2014, of which ∼33% (1.5 × 1010 Bq y-1) was derived from the PPG by long-range transport via ocean currents (e.g., the North Equatorial Current and Kuroshio Current). The concentrations of Hg and Zn varied from 0.003 to 0.067 mg kg-1 and from 43.9 to 137 mg kg-1, respectively, and exhibited positive correlations with the 239+240Pu activity both in the surface sediments (0-1 cm) and upper layers (7 cm) of the sediment cores. Therefore, by using Pu as a tracer, we estimated that the oceanic input contributed 2.0 tons y-1 of Hg and 1.0 × 103 tons y-1 of Zn to the SYS sediments between 2011 and 2014, which accounted for 33% and 3% of total buried Hg and Zn, respectively. These findings indicate that environmental pollution control should also consider the oceanic contribution of some pollutants. The results of the present work help to elucidate the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals in marginal seas, and are helpful for managing environmental pollution in marine environments.

Tre2 (USP6NL) promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

BACKGROUND: Most colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage with poor prognosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 6 N-terminal-like protein (USP6NL) with high expression in CRC tissues regulates CRC cell proliferation via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. We hypothesized that USP6NL impacts CRC growth and inhibition of USP6NL may be a novel treatment strategy to improve CRC therapy. METHODS: USP6NL level in human CRC tissues and its association with tumor growth and metastasis were examined. Its roles and potential mechanisms in regulating tumor growth were studied by genetic and pharmacological manipulation of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Herein, we found that USP6NL was up-regulated in tumorous tissues of CRC patients. Our data suggested that knockdown of USP6NL in human CRC cell lines (HCT116 and LOVO cells) inhibited cell proliferation, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and prevented the tumorigenicity of HCT116 cells in nude mice, and which was associated with the prevention of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. On the contrary, USP6NL overexpression in human CRC cells (SW480) showed the opposite result. Our data suggested that the promoted cell proliferation, G1/S cell cycle progression, and the enhanced expression of ß-catenin Cyclin D1 and C-myc while reduced P27 induced by the overexpression of USP6NL were significantly reversed by additional treatment of XAV939, indicating that activating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway was the mechanism, by which USP6NL exerted carcinogenesis in CRC in vitro. Besides, our data suggested that knockdown of USP6NL increased the ubiquitination of ß-catenin, indicating that USP6NL may serve as a deubiquitinase that regulated ß-catenin accumulation in this process. Furthermore, 10058-F4 down-regulated USP6NL, inhibited CRC cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest. The result demonstrated a possible feedback loop between USP6NL, ß-catenin and C-myc in regulating CRC cell growth. CONCLUSION: USP6NL was an oncogene in CRC, and it may be a potential target for the treatment of CRC.

Decomposition of Spartina alterniflora and concomitant metal release dynamics in a tidal environment.

The decomposition of salt marsh plants is affected by the variation of physiochemical factors caused by the change of tide level. In the present study, plant tissues of Spartina alterniflora from controlled metal exposure experiments were subjected to a field decomposition trial at different tidal levels in a tidal flat of Chongming Island, Shanghai. The contents of the metals and Pb stable isotope ratios of the plant litter and the adjacent sediment were followed. The mass loss rate of the root and leaf litters of S. alterniflora decreased with the increase of burial time. Leaf had the highest decomposition rate (0.009 day-1 to 0.020 day-1) compared to that of the roots (0.004 day-1 to 0.005 day-1) and stems (0.002 day-1 to 0.006 day-1). Leaf had the highest decomposition rate possibly due to the significantly lower C/N ratio (16.0-44.6) compared to that of the roots (32.8-88.9) and stems (43.7-120.9). The mass loss rate of the roots and leaves of S. alterniflora was higher in the high tidal marsh than that in the low tidal marsh, especially at the late stages of decomposition. The concentrations of metals in leaf litter of S. alterniflora increased, whereas the pools of metals in most of the plant litters decreased significantly with the increasing of the decomposition time. The ratios of 207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb in the root litters decreased significantly in the first 290 days of decomposition and then increased significantly at Day 350, while the Pb isotope ratios in adjacent sediment showed no significant changes. Fast mass loss of plant litters induced the significant decrease in metals' pools at early stages of decomposition, and release of the plant tissue Pb was greatly inhibited due to the slowed mass loss at the late stages of decomposition.

[Corrigendum] Netrin­1 induces the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway and FAK activation.

During the preparation of the figures in the above article, the authors inadvertently selected images for the shCTL experiments portrayed in Fig. 5I and J (for the MGC803 and SGC7901 cell lines, respectively) that were generated from the same original data source. A corrected version of Fig. 5 is shown opposite, showing the correct data for the shCTL experiment performed in SGC7901 cells (Fig. 5J). This error did not affect the major conclusions reported in the paper. All the authors have agreed to this Corrigendum. The authors regret this error, and apologize for any confusion that it may have caused. [the original article was published in Oncol Rep 40: 2325­2333, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6614].

PLK1 as a potential prognostic marker of gastric cancer through MEK-ERK pathway on PDTX models.

BACKGROUND: PLK1 has been identified as having a great effect on cell division and maintaining genomic stability in mitosis, spindle assembly, and DNA damage response by current studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed PLK1 expression in cervical cancer tissues and cells. We have also evaluated the effects of PLK1 on gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Our results show that PLK1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Inhibition of PLK1 contributes cell cycle G2-phase arrest and inhibits the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of gastric cancer (GC) cells, whereas its overexpression promotes proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in these cells. Moreover, PLK1 inhibition reduces expression of pMEK and pERK. More importantly, in vivo by analyzing tumorigenesis in patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) models, the inhibition of PLK1 activity by BI6727 significantly decreased the volume and weight of the tumors compared with control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results found that PLK1 has a significant impact on the survival of GC cells; it may become a prognostic judge, a potential therapeutic target, and a preventative biomarker of GC.

Structure/Function Analysis of Nonwoven Cotton Topsheet Fabrics: Multi-Fiber Blending Effects on Fluid Handling and Fabric Handle Mechanics.

Greige cotton (GC) has attracted interest in recent years as an eco-friendly, functional fiber for use in nonwoven topsheet materials. GC imparts favorable fluid management and sensorial properties associated with urinary liquid transport and indices related to comfort in wearable incontinence nonwovens. Nonwoven GC has material surface polarity, an ambient moisture content, and a lipid/polysaccharide matrix that imparts positive fluid mechanic properties applicable to incontinence management topsheet materials. However, a better understanding of the connection between functionality and compositional aspects of molecular, mechanical, and material property relations is still required to employ structure/function relations beyond a priori design. Thus, this study focuses on the relation of key indices of material fluid and sensorial functions to nonwoven topsheet composition. Greige cotton, polypropylene, bleached cotton, and polyester fiber blends were hydroentangled at 60, 80, and 100 bar. Greige cotton polypropylene and bleached cotton were blended at ratios to balance surface polarity, whereas low percentages of polyester were added to confer whiteness properties. Electrokinetic and contact angle measurements were obtained for the hydroentangled nonwovens to assess surface polarity in light of material composition. Notably, materials demonstrated a relation of hydrophobicity to swelling as determined electrokinetically by Δζ, ζplateau, and contact angles greater than 90°. Subsequently, three blended nonwoven fabrics were selected to assess effects on fluid management properties including topsheet performance indices of rewet, strikethrough, and fluid handling (rate and efficiency of transport to the absorbent core). These materials aligned well with commercial topsheet fluid mechanics. Using the Leeds University Fabric Handle Evaluation System (LUFHES), the nonwovens were tested for total fabric hand. The results of the LUFHES measurements are discussed in light of fiber contributions. Fiber ratios were found to correlate well with improvement in softness, flexibility, and formability. This study provides insights that improves the understanding of the multifunctional properties accessible with greige cotton toward decisions valuable to selecting greige cotton as an environmentally friendly fiber for nonwoven topsheets.

Netrin­1 induces the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway and FAK activation.

Netrin­1 (NTN1) has been demonstrated to promote tumorigenesis in multiple types of cancer; however, its role in the growth of gastric cancer (GC) cells has not been described in detail. In the present study, the data suggested that NTN1 knockdown significantly decreased the proliferation of GC cells, whereas NTN1 overexpression had an opposing effect. Furthermore, the use of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor decreased the proliferation of GC cells. It was also revealed that NTN1 markedly induced the phosphorylation of FAK, extracellular signal­regulated kinase (ERK) and c­Jun N­terminal kinase (JNK), but did not induce the phosphorylation of P38. In addition, the expression of ERK and JNK was markedly inhibited by treatment with FAK inhibitor. Xenograft analysis using GC cells revealed that NTN1 overexpression promoted tumor growth. Furthermore, the expression of NTN1 in samples collected from nude mice was downregulated in the NTN1 knockdown group and upregulated in the NTN1 overexpression group compared with the control short hairpin RNA group. These results suggest that NTN1­induced GC cell proliferation is mediated by activating ERK/MAPK signaling cascades via the distinct activation of FAK.

Netrin-1 promotes metastasis of gastric cancer by regulating YAP activity.

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a major downstream molecular of the Hippo pathway, which plays important role in cancer development. Netrin-1 conveys oncogenic activity in many types of malignant tumors. However, the downstream signaling of netrin-1 mediating its oncogenic effects in gastric cancer (GC) is not well defined. Here, we aim to investigate the role of netrin-1 in metastasis potential of GC by regulating YAP. In this study, we showed that netrin-1 inhibition significantly decreased migration and invasion abilities of GC cells, while netrin-1 overexpression effectively reversed this effect. We also demonstrated that netrin-1 upregulated YAP expression via its transmembrane receptor neogenin. Furthermore, our in vitro and in vivo results showed that the effect of netrin-1 on GC cells migration and invasion abilities was regulated by YAP. Collectively, our results defined netrin-1 as a positive regulator of malignant tumor metastasis in GC by activating the YAP signaling, with potential implications for new approaches to GC therapy.

Giant mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare disease in clinical practice. Here, we report a case of unprecedented size that occupied the entire abdomen of a man. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old Chinese Han man presented with symptoms of abdominal distension. During a computed tomography imaging examination, a cystic-solid mass that occupied his entire abdominal cavity was detected. During exploratory laparotomy, an appendiceal tumor in his abdominal-pelvic cavity measuring 27.6 × 14.2 cm was found, and he underwent tumor resection. The pathology of the tumor identified a well-differentiated appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma with mucin infiltrating into the soft tissue of the lump edge and omentum tissue. After surgery, our patient accepted intraperitoneal infusion chemotherapy. At present, he has had no recurrence for 15 months. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the largest appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma reported. Surgical tumor resection is the preferred treatment for appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. This is supplemented by chemotherapy which can further prolong survival.

[Interferon regulatory factor 5(IRF5) regulates the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages in mice].

Objective: To investigate the expression differences of interferon regulatory factor 5( IRF5) between M1 and M2 macrophages derived from mouse bone marrow and the effects of small interfering RNA targeting IRF5 gene( IRF5siRNA) on macrophage differentiation. Methods: With the treatment of IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide( LPS),mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were differentiated into M1 macrophages; while with the treatment of IL-4,mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were differentiated into M2 macrophages. Differentiation efficiency was measured by flow cytometry. The expressions of IRF5,IL-12,tumor necrosis factor-α( TNF-α),inducible nitric oxide synthase( i NOS),arginase 1( Arg1),macrophage mannose receptor( MMR) mRNAs in M1 and M2 macrophages were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR( RT-PCR). Furthermore,macrophages were infected with IRF5 siRNA,and then the mRNA expressions of the above proteins in M1 and M2 were tested by RT-PCR,and the protein expressions were detected by Western blotting.The results were analyzed to evaluate the polarization state of macrophages. Results: The differentiation proportion of macrophages measured by flow cytometry was 81. 7%. RT-PCR showed that the expressions of IRF5,IL-12,i NOS mRNAs were obviously higher in M1 macrophages than in M2,and TNF-α mRNA was also higher in M1 macrophages. The expressions of Arg1,MMR mRNAs were obviously higher in M2 macrophages than in M1 macrophages. After silencing the IRF5 by IRF5 siRNA,the expressions of IRF5, IL-12, TNF-α and i NOS mRNAs decreased remarkably in macrophages, while the expressions of Arg-1,MMR mRNAs increased. Western blotting revealed that the expressions of IRF5,IL-12,TNF-α and i NOS proteins were significantly reduced,while the expressions of Arg1 and MMR protein were raised. The polarization of macrophages shifted to M2 state. Conclusion: IRF5 can be used as an important marker to identify M1 and M2 macrophages,and it has an important role in the regulation of macrophage differentiation.

Study on the related factors of lymph node detection number in rectal cancer patients underwent laparoscopic surgery / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the related factors of lymph node detection number in rectal cancer patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Methods 98 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery were selected from January 2014 to January 2010. All the patients general information [gender, age, body mass index (BMI)], preoperative imaging findings and pathological data (tumor size, gross type, TNM stage, distant metastasis, histological differentiation and depth of invasion, et al), surgery related data (experience of surgeon, operation time) and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were collected. Results The age, BMI, tumor size, length of specimen, invasive depth, surgeon and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy was correlated with the number of lymph nodes in patients with laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.05), but gender, TNM staging, general type, histological differentiation, operation time were not associated with the number of lymph nodes detected in minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer (P > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI, tumor size, length of specimen, invasive depth, surgeon and preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were the independent influencing factors of lymph node detection in patients with minimally invasive rectal cancer (P < 0.05). Conclusion The factors of patients, tumor status, surgical factors and preoperative chemoradiotherapy are related to the number of lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer.

IRF5 regulates lung macrophages M2 polarization during severe acute pancreatitis in vitro.

AIM: To investigate the role of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) in reversing polarization of lung macrophages during severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in vitro. METHODS: A mouse SAP model was established by intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 20 µg/kg body weight caerulein. Pathological changes in the lung were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Lung macrophages were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The quantity and purity of lung macrophages were detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). They were treated with IL-4/IRF5 specific siRNA (IRF5 siRNA) to reverse their polarization and were evaluated by detecting markers expression of M1/M2 using RT-PCR. RESULTS: SAP associated acute lung injury (ALI) was induced successfully by ip injections of caerulein, which was confirmed by histopathology. Lung macrophages expressed high levels of IRF5 as M1 phenotype during the early acute pancreatitis stages. Reduction of IRF5 expression by IRF5 siRNA reversed the action of macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype in vitro. The expressions of M1 markers, including IRF5 (S + IRF5 siRNA vs S + PBS, 0.013 ± 0.01 vs 0.054 ± 0.047, P < 0.01), TNF-α (S + IRF5 siRNA vs S + PBS, 0.0003 ± 0.0002 vs 0.019 ± 0.018, P < 0.001), iNOS (S + IRF5 siRNA vs S + PBS, 0.0003 ± 0.0002 vs 0.026 ± 0.018, P < 0.001) and IL-12 (S + IRF5 siRNA vs S + PBS, 0.000005 ± 0.00004 vs 0.024 ± 0.016, P < 0.001), were decreased. In contrast, the expressions of M2 markers, including IL-10 (S + IRF5 siRNA vs S + PBS, 0.060 ± 0.055 vs 0.0230 ± 0.018, P < 0.01) and Arg-1 (S + IRF5 siRNA vs S + PBS, 0.910 ± 0.788 vs 0.0036 ± 0.0025, P < 0.001), were increased. IRF5 siRNA could reverse the lung macrophage polarization more effectively than IL-4. CONCLUSION: Treatment with IRF5 siRNA can reverse the pancreatitis-induced activation of lung macrophages from M1 phenotype to M2 phenotype in SAP associated with ALI.

CARF activates beta-catenin/TCF signaling in the hepatocellular carcinoma.

Overactivation of Ras signaling is very common in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its constitutive active mutation, which makes it a big challenge to target Ras signaling. Therefore, identifying effectors downstream of Ras signaling would benefit the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, it was found that the expression of CARF (collaborate of ARF) was induced by oncogenic RasV12. The expression of CARF was up-regulated in both HCC mouse model (Alb-Cre; P53f/f; Loxp-Stop-Loxp-RasG12D) and human HCC clinical samples. Overexpression of CARF promoted the growth and migration of HCC cells, while knocking down the expression of CARF inhibited the growth and migration of HCC cells. In the mechanism study, CARF was found to interact with beta-catenin, impaired the interaction between beta-catenin and ICAT, and activated beta-catenin/TCF signaling. Moreover, knocking down the expression of CARF inhibited the tumorigenesis in the HCC mouse model. Taken together, this study revealed the oncogenic functions of CARF in the tumorigenesis of HCC by activating beta-catenin/TCF signaling, and suggested CARF might be a therapeutic target in the treatment of HCC.