Identification and validation of iron metabolism genes in osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in humans. Exploring the expression difference of iron metabolism-related genes in osteoporosis can provide a new target for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: First, we used online databases to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to iron metabolism in patients with osteoporosis. The differential genes were comprehensively analyzed by bioinformatics method (GO, KEGG, GSEA, immune infiltration analysis, PPI). The expression levels of hub genes and important signaling pathways were verified by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: A total of 23 iron metabolism-related genes with significant differences were identified, which were enriched in "regulation of protein dephosphorylation" and "negative regulation of protein dephosphorylation". The GSEA results, heme metabolism and Myc targets v1 were among the top two pathways, both upregulated. The immune infiltration analysis revealed that the expressions of genes such as ABCA5, D2HGDH, GNAI2, and CTSW were correlated with the infiltration degree of significantly different cells. The PPI network contained 12 differentially expressed iron metabolism-related genes. Additionally, YWHAE, TGFB1, PPP1R15A, TOP2A, and CALR were mined as hub genes using the Cytoscape software. qRT PCR showed that the expression of TGF-ß1, YWHAE, TOP2A and CALR increased. We also verified the expression of related proteins and genes in the oxidative stress signaling pathway by qRT PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that Mob1, YAP and TAZ molecules were highly expressed at the gene and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: These differentially expressed iron metabolism-related genes could provide new potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

Constructing a Photocatalyst for Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde by Photo-Fenton-like Catalysis.

A photoactive metal-organic framework (MOF), [K(H2O)][Cu(DPNDI)][Cu(DPNDI)(CH3CN)(H2O)] [Cu1.5(DPNDI)1.5H1.5P2W18O62]·2H2O (Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI), was prepared by combining a functional photosensitizer N, N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)naphthalene diimide (DPNDI), copper(I) ions, and an oxidation catalyst [P2W18O62]6- into a single framework via a hydrothermal process. Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI exhibited a stable structure, strong light absorption capacity, a suitable band gap, and photoelectric properties, which provided favorable conditions for photocatalysis. In the confined space, the well-aligned Cu(I) ions and POM polyanions played a synergetic effect in the electron-transfer process and reactive oxygen species generation. By coupling photocatalysis and heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysis, Cu(Ι)W-DPNDI displayed high efficiency for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols, with up to >99% selectivity and 75% yield.

Hydroxyl radical-dominated selective oxidation of ethylbenzene over a photoactive polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework.

Realizing photo-promoted saturated C-H functionalization is a significant challenge. [CuI3(H2O)6(TPT)2][H2BW12O40]·28H2O was assembled by combining electron reservoir [BW12O40]5- with photosensitizer TPT. The continuous coordination bonds and π-π stacking interactions facilitate hole-electron separation and electron transfer, and allow it to exhibit high photocatalytic activity toward ethylbenzene oxidation with O2/H2O as oxidants.

Experimental study on shear strength of saturated remolded loess.

Loess has the characteristics of large porosity, loose structure, uniform composition and strong collapsibility. When encountering heavy rainfall and irrigation prone to saturation, resulting in loess landslides, roadbed subsidence and dam instability. In order to study the effect of dry density and shear rate on the shear strength of saturated remolded loess, the consolidated undrained (CU) test was carried out in Yan'an City by using SLB-6A stress-strain controlled triaxial shear permeability test instrument. The shear rate, confining pressure and dry density were controlled during the test. The dry densities of the samples were 1.5 g / cm3, 1.6 g / cm3 and 1.7 g / cm3, respectively. CU tests of saturated remolded loess were carried out at different shear rates under the confining pressures of 100 kPa, 150 kPa and 200 kPa, respectively. It is found that the stress-strain curve of saturated remolded loess gradually moves upward with the increase of dry density. With the increase of dry density, the cohesion and internal friction angle of remolded saturated loess samples increase. At the same shear rate, with the increase of dry density, the deviatoric stress of the specimen increases significantly.

Designing a Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Metal-Organic Framework for Reduction of Nitroarenes to Anilines by Sequential Proton-Coupled Electron Transfers.

Developing new photocatalysts for reduction of nitroarenes to anilines under mild conditions is very significant. Herein, a new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF), {[Co(H2O)]2[Co2(H2O)6(TPT)][Co(TPT)PW11O39]}·3H2O·TPT (namely, CoW-TPT, TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine), was prepared by incorporating Co(II)-substituted Keggin-type anions [PCoW11O39]5- and a photosensitizer (TPT) into a framework. In this structure, the direct coordination bond between [PCoW11O39]5- and TPT ligand and π···π interactions between TPT molecules are beneficial for the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers, thus improving the photocatalytic activity of CoW-TPT. The combination of both photosensitizer TPT and the electron-storable component [PCoW11O39]5- in a cooperative photocatalysis fashion is conducive to the photocatalytic multielectron reduction of nitroarenes. CoW-TPT provided a high conversion of 94.71% in the photocatalytic reduction of nitroarenes to anilines utilizing triethanolamine as the proton source and electron donor by sequential proton-coupled electron transfers.

Photocatalytic Multielectron Reduction of Nitroarenes to Anilines by Utilizing an Electron-Storable Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework.

A powerful approach to generate photocatalysts for the highly selective reduction of nitrobenzene using light as the driving force is a combination of photosensitizers and electron-storable components in a cooperative photocatalysis fashion. Herein, a new precious metal-free photocatalyst, {ZnW-TPT}, was prepared by incorporating a Zn-substituted monovacant Keggin polyanion [SiZnW11O39]6- and a photoactive organic bridging link 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPT) into a framework. In this structure, the direct coordination bond between [SiZnW11O39]6- and the TPT ligand and the π-π interactions between TPT molecules help separate and migrate photogenerated carriers, which improves the photocatalytic activity of {ZnW-TPT}. The photoelectrochemical properties of {ZnW-TPT} were well studied by solid UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, transient photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. {ZnW-TPT} efficiently converts using hydrazine hydrate with 99% conversion and 99% selectivity for anilines under mild conditions.

Research on crack evolution law and macroscopic failure mode of joint Phyllite under uniaxial compression.

In order to explore the fracture mechanism of jointed Phyllite, the TAJW-2000 rock mechanics test system is used to carry out uniaxial compression tests on different joint inclination Phyllites. The influence of joint inclination of Phyllite failure mode is discussed, and the progressive failure process of Phyllite is studied. The test results show that the uniaxial compressive strength anisotropy of jointed Phyllite is remarkable. As the inclination increases, it exhibits a U-shaped change; When 30° ≤ α ≤ 75°, the tensile and shear failures along the joint inclination mainly occurs. the joint inclination controls the failure surface form of the Phyllite; The crack initial stress level of the joint Phyllite is 0.30-0.59σf, the crack failure stress level is 0.44-0.86σf. When α = 90°, the σcd value is the largest, and σcd with α = 90° can be used as the maximum reliable value of uniaxial compressive strength of Phyllite. Using the theory of fracture mechanics, it is analyzed that under uniaxial compression of the rock, the crack does not break along the original crack direction, but extends along the direction at a certain angle to the original crack. The joint effect coefficient is proposed to show the influence of the joint inclination on the uniaxial compressive strength of the phyllite. Both the test and simulation results show that when the joint inclination is 60°, the joint effect coefficient is the largest. The compressive strength is the smallest. Numerical simulation analyses the crack evolution law of phyllite under different joint inclination under uniaxial compression, which verifies that there are different failure modes of joint phyllite under uniaxial compression.

Effect of intensity-modulated radiation therapy on sciatic nerve injury caused by echinococcosis.

Conventional radiotherapy has a good killing effect on femoral echinococcosis. However, the sciatic nerve around the lesion is irreversibly damaged owing to bystander effects. Although intensity-modulated radiation therapy shows great advantages for precise dose distribution into lesions, it is unknown whether intensity-modulated radiation therapy can perfectly protect the surrounding sciatic nerve on the basis of good killing of femoral echinococcosis foci. Therefore, this study comparatively analyzed differences between intensity-modulated radiation therapy and conventional radiotherapy on the basis of safety to peripheral nerves. Pure-breed Meriones meridiani with bilateral femoral echinococcosis were selected as the research object. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy was used to treat left femoral echinococcosis of Meriones meridianus, while conventional radiotherapy was used to treat right femoral echinococcosis of the same Meriones meridianus. The total radiation dose was 40 Gy. To understand whether intensity-modulated radiation therapy and conventional radiotherapy can kill femoral echinococcosis, trypan blue staining was used to detect pathological changes of bone Echinococcus granulosus and protoscolex death after radiotherapy. Additionally, enzyme histochemical staining was utilized to measure acid phosphatase activity in the protoscolex after radiotherapy. One week after radiotherapy, the overall structure of echinococcosis in bilateral femurs of Meriones meridiani treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy disappeared. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate of protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus between the bilateral femurs of Meriones meridiani. Moreover, there was no significant difference in acid phosphatase activity in the protoscolex of Echinococcus granulosus between bilateral femurs. To understand the injury of sciatic nerve surrounding the foci of femoral echinococcosis caused by intensity-modulated radiation therapy and conventional radiotherapy, the ultrastructure of sciatic nerves after radiotherapy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, apoptosis of neurons was examined using a terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in sciatic nerve tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay. Our results showed that most neurons in the left sciatic nerve of Meriones meridiani with echinococcosis treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy had reversible injury, and there was no obvious apoptosis. Compared with conventional radiotherapy, the number of apoptotic cells and Bax expression in sciatic nerve treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy were significantly decreased, while Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased. Our findings suggest that intensity-modulated radiation therapy has the same therapeutic effect on echinococcosis as conventional radiotherapy, and can reduce apoptosis of the sciatic nerve around foci caused by radiotherapy. Experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China (Approval No. 20130301A41) on March 1, 2013.

MicroRNA-194-3p inhibits the metastatic biological behaviors of spinal osteosarcoma cells by the repression of matrix metallopeptidase 9.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, but only 3%-5% of cases occur in the spine. Spinal osteosarcoma presents a significant challenge, and most patients die in spite of aggressive surgery. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that have a pivotal role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-194-3p and to identify its potential mechanism in spinal osteosarcoma. Here, spinal osteosarcoma tissues showed down-regulated expression of miR-194-3p compared to adjacent non-tumorous tissues. The level of miR-194-3p was negatively correlated with metastasis in patients with spinal osteosarcoma. MiR-194-3p over-expression in spinal osteosarcoma cells significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, mechanistic analyses showed that MMP-9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9) is a direct target of miR-194-3p, and the ectopic expression of miR-194-3p inhibits MMP-9 expression by directly binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the MMP-9 gene. In summary, our results demonstrate that miR-194-3p suppresses migration and invasion of spinal osteosarcoma cells by targeting MMP-9, indicating miR-194-3p may serve as a promising novel target for spinal osteosarcoma therapy.

Three-dimensional conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy of left femur foci does not damage the sciatic nerve.

During radiotherapy to kill femoral hydatid tapeworms, the sciatic nerve surrounding the focus can be easily damaged by the treatment. Thus, it is very important to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy on the surrounding nervous tissue. In the present study, we used three-dimensional, conformal, intensity-modulated radiation therapy to treat bilateral femoral hydatid disease in Meriones meridiani. The focus of the hydatid disease on the left femur was subjected to radiotherapy (40 Gy) for 14 days, and the right femur received sham irradiation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, electron microscopy, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling assays on the left femurs showed that the left sciatic nerve cell structure was normal, with no obvious apoptosis after radiation. Trypan blue staining demonstrated that the overall protoscolex structure in bone parasitized with Echinococcus granulosus disappeared in the left femur of the animals after treatment. The mortality of the protoscolex was higher in the left side than in the right side. The succinate dehydrogenase activity in the protoscolex in bone parasitized with Echinococcus granulosus was lower in the left femur than in the right femur. These results suggest that three-dimensional conformal intensity-modulated radiation therapy achieves good therapeutic effects on the secondary bone in hydatid disease in Meriones meridiani without damaging the morphology or function of the sciatic nerve.

A rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS assay for the quantitation of deacetyl mycoepoxydiene in rat plasma with application to preclinical pharmacokinetics studies.

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for analysis of the deacetyl mycoepoxydiene in rat plasma. The analyte and internal standard (I.S.), benorilate, were extracted from rat plasma by precipitation protein and separated on a C(18) column using acetonitrile-0.5% formic acid as mobile phase. Detection was performed using a turbo-spray ionization source and mass spectrometric positive multi-reaction-monitoring-mode (+MRM) at an ion voltage of +4800 V. The assay was linear over the concentration range 5-5000 ng/mL with the lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 5 ng/mL. The method also afforded satisfactory results in terms of the sensitivity, specificity, precision (intra- and inter-day, RSD<5.8%), accuracy, recovery as well as the stability of the analyte under various conditions. The method was successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study in rats after a single intravenous administration of deacetyl mycoepoxydiene 10 mg/kg.

[Case-control study on the clinical characteristics of senile-osteoporotic Colles fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To analysis and compare the clinical characteristics of Colles fractures between patients with osteoporotic and without osteoporotic. METHODS: From June 2007 to June 2009, 260 patients with Colles fracture were reviewed, including 60 males and 200 females, with a mean age of 66.5 years old. According to Cooney classification: 44 patients were type I, 83 patients were type II, 92 patients were type III and 41 patients were type IV. Among the patients, 96 patients were osteoporotic Colles fractures, and 164 patients without osteoporotic. The general information, invalidiation rate and short-term clinical results were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There were no statistically difference of age, gender and fracture position between the two groups. There were more patients with type III and type IV, and higher invalidiation rate in osteoporotic Colles fracture group compared to those of no osteoporotic Colles fracture group (P<0.01). At the 6 months after treatment, the clinical effects of no osteoporotic Colles fracture group was better than that of osteoporotic Colles fracture group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The senile-osteoporotic Colles fracture has different clinical characteristics, which should be given special treatment, frequent review and communication between doctors and patients during the period of treatment.