[Analysis of the short-and medium-term curative effect of TIPS approach combined with AngioJet thrombus aspiration technology treatment in acute portal vein thrombosis].

Objective: To evaluate the short- and medium-term clinical efficacy of TIPS approach combined with AngioJet thrombus aspiration technology treatment in acute portal vein thrombosis. Methods: 63 cases with acute portal vein thrombosis treated in our center from May 2017 to July 2019 were studied retrospectively, including 49 males and 14 females, aged 35-61 (46 ± 5) years. TIPS approach (with/without) combined with Angiojet thrombus aspiration and gastroesophageal varices embolization was performed simultaneously according to the patient's condition. Regular follow-up for 3-33 (22 ± 3) months after surgery was used to observe the curative effect. Results: The technical success rate was 100%. Portal vein and superior mesenteric vein blood flow were returned to normal after the operation. Two cases of biliary tract injury were untreated. Simultaneously, two cases of intrahepatic arteriovenous fistula were treated with superselective arterial embolization. During the follow-up period, 47 cases (74.61%) had complete portal vein recanalization, 13 cases (20.63%) had partial recanalization, 3 cases (4.76%) had complete portal cavernoma, 7 cases (11.11%) had symptomatic hepatic encephalopathy, 1 case had received artificial liver treatment (1.59%), 1 case had peptic ulcer (11.11%), 6 cases (9.52%) had lost to follow-up, and there was no portal hypertension-related bleeding or death. Conclusion: TIPS approach combined with AngioJet thrombus aspiration technology is safe, effective and feasible in the treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis, and the short- and medium-term clinical effects are satisfactory.

[Research of SIRT1 on promoting the proliferation, migration and lipid metabolism of nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective: To analyze the differential expression of silent information regulator transcript-1 (SIRT1) in tissues and cells of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), to explore the effects of SIRT1 on the proliferation and migration of NPC cells, as well as the effects on and mechanisms of lipid metabolism in NPC cells. Methods: Experimental subjects: In this study, tissue specimens were obtained from patients who visited the Department of Otolaryngology and performed nasopharyngeal tissue biopsy in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from 2019 to 2020. Among them, 6 cases were male, 6 cases were female, age range: 27-72 years old, including 7 cases of NPC diagnosed by pathology and 5 cases of normal nasopharyngeal mucosa. Experimental methods and outcome measures: Western Blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1. CNE2 cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. Cell viability and migratory ability were evaluated by CCK8, wound healing and Transwell assays respectively. Animal xenograft tumor model was used to explore the role of SIRT1 inhibitor Ex527 on tumor growth in nude mice. Oil red and Bodipy were used to stain intracellular lipids. For the mechanical investigation, the interactions between SIRT1 and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were analyzed by immunoprecipitation (IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Finally, statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 26.0 software, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The levels of SIRT1 protein (1.005±0.168) and mRNA (5.829±2.395) in NPC tissues were higher than those in normal nasopharyngeal mucosa (0.181±0.042,1.995±1.605). Differences were statistically significant (t values were 6.438 and 2.759, both P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of CNE1, CNE2, 5-8F and 6-10B cell lines were also higher than those in normal nasopharynx epithelial cell line NP69. Besides, overexpression of SIRT1 correlated with the proliferation and migration of NPC cells. The tumorigenesis ability of nude mice in the Ex527 group was lower than that in the control group. The low SIRT1 expression reduced the protein level of the key enzymes of liposynthesis in NPC cells, improved the expression of lipolysis enzymes, while HIF-1α overexpression promoted lipid synthesis enzymes in NPC cells. SIRT1 inhibited HIF-1α transcription by enhancing deacetylation levels. The binding ability of HIF-1α to SIRT1 promoter regions decreased when NPC cells were hypoxic. Conclusions: SIRT1 promotes the proliferation, migration and lipid metabolism of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, which might be expected to provide new theoretical basis for prognosis judgment and gene therapy.

Effect of miR-21 on rat thoracic aortic aneurysm model by regulating the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism underlying micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-21 in the invasion of rat aortic aneurysm cells in vitro by regulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, model group, and miR-21 group. Real Time fluorescence quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was adopted to detect the levels of miR-21 in each group of cells, transwell assay was performed to measure the effect of miR-21 on the invasion of aortic aneurysm cells. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of PTEN, which is the predicted target of miR-21 in aortic aneurysm cells, as well as the expressions of invasion-related proteases, MMP-2 and MMP-9. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-21 in thoracic aortic aneurysm cells in model group was significantly higher than that in normal group (p<0.05), and that in miR-21 group was remarkably higher than that in model group (p<0.05). MiR-21 group had evidently more aortic aneurysm cells and stronger cell invasion ability than normal group and model group (p<0.05). In addition, the expression level of PTEN in model group was significantly higher than that in normal group (p<0.05), while that in miR-21 group notably declined compared to model group, (p<0.05). Compared with normal group and model group, the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were markedly increased in miR-21 group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In aortic aneurysm cells of rats, miR-21 could suppress the expression of PTEN and activate MMP-2 and MMP-9 signals to promote the proliferation and migration of aortic aneurysm cells.

LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion as well as induced apoptosis in breast cancer via regulating miR-143-3p.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, studies have shown that lncRNA plays an essential regulatory role in biological life activities. In disease and cancer research, the function of lncRNA is closely related to inflammatory response, tumor formation and cellular metabolism. Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. The research on the pathogenesis of breast cancer is the focus of current research. Although the regulatory mechanisms of some lncRNAs have been proven, the complexity of cancer regulation has led to incomplete research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of LOXL1-AS1 and miR-143-3p was measured using qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect CDK, Cyclin D1, MMP-2, MMP-9, Bcl-2, Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. MTT assay and transwell assay were applied to analyze cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. Cell apoptosis rate of transfected cells was measured with flow cytometry. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify the relationship between LOXL1-AS1 and miR-143-3p. RESULTS: In this study, we found that LOXL1-AS1 expression was induced while miR-142-3p expression was decreased in breast cancer tissues and cells, implying that LOXL1-AS1 and miR-143-3p play an important role in cell progression of breast cancer. Further investigation showed that silencing LOXL1-AS1 inhibited proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and decreased the capacity of cell migrated and invasive in breast cancer cells. The analysis of luciferase reporter assay determined that LOXL1-AS1 directly targeted miR-143-3p in breast cancer cells. The rescue experiments further proved that miR-143-3p reversed the inhibited effects of si- LOXL1-AS1 on breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we verified that LncRNA LOXL1-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion as well as induced apoptosis in breast cancer via regulating miR-143-3p, providing a novel therapeutic target and improving understanding of the regulatory mechanism of cell progression in breast cancer.

Two-dimensional tricycle arsenene with a direct band gap.

Based on a comprehensive investigation including ab initio phonon and finite-temperature molecular dynamics calculations, we find that two-dimensional tricycle-shaped arsenene (T-As) is robust and even stable under high temperature. T-As is energetically comparable to previously reported chair-shaped arsenene (C-As) and more stable than stirrup-shaped arsenene (S-As). In contrast to C-As and S-As, the monolayer T-As is a direct band gap semiconductor with an energy gap of 1.377 eV. Our results indicate that the electronic structure of T-As can be effectively modulated by stacking, strain, and patterning, which shows great potential of T-As in future nano-electronics. Moreover, by absorbing H or F atoms on the surface of T-As along a specific direction, nanoribbons with desired edge type and even width can be obtained, which is suitable for the fabrication of nano-devices.

Prediction of two planar carbon allotropes with large meshes.

Two novel two-dimensional (2D) carbon allotropes named C(y) and C(z) with large meshes are predicted based on first-principles calculations. Their formation energies are lower than that of graphdiyne, which was recently synthesized in an experiment. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that C(y) and C(z) are stable even when the temperature is over 1000 K. The calculated Poisson's ratios of C(y) and C(z) show their anisotropic mechanical properties. The electronic structure calculations indicate that C(y) is a metal, while C(z) behaves as a semiconductor. Moreover, C(z) shows conductive anisotropy suggesting its potential in nanoelectronic devices. Meanwhile, their well-defined mesh structures are suitable for molecular sieves.

Stability of two-dimensional PN monolayer sheets and their electronic properties.

Three two-dimensional phosphorus nitride (PN) monolayer sheets (named as α-, ß-, and γ-PN, respectively) with fantastic structures and properties are predicted based on first-principles calculations. The α-PN and γ-PN have a buckled structure, whereas ß-PN shows puckered characteristics. Their unique structures endow these atomic PN sheets with high dynamic stabilities and anisotropic mechanical properties. They are all indirect semiconductors and their band gap sensitively depends on the in-plane strain. Moreover, the nanoribbons patterned from these three PN monolayers demonstrate a remarkable quantum size effect. In particular, the zigzag α-PN nanoribbon shows size-dependent ferromagnetism. Their significant properties show potential in nano-electronics. The synthesis of the three phases of the PN monolayer sheet is proposed theoretically, which is deserving of further study in experiments.

A new phase of phosphorus: the missed tricycle type red phosphorene.

We predict a new two-dimensional allotrope of phosphorus, which we call red phosphorene, by restructuring the segments of the previously proposed blue and black phosphorenes. Its atomic and electronic structures as well as the thermodynamic and dynamic stabilities are systematically studied by first-principles calculations. The results indicate that the red phosphorene is dynamically stable and possesses remarkably thermodynamical stability comparable to that of the black one. Because of the sp(3)-hybridization and the formation of a localized lone pair, red phosphorene is a semiconductor with an indirect band gap of about 1.96 eV, which can be effectively modulated by in-plane strains due to its wave-like configuration. We find that the red, black and blue phosphorenes show evident distinction in their layer thicknesses, surface work functions, and possible colors, based on which one can distinguish them in future experiments.

Magnetic exchange coupling and anisotropy of 3d transition metal nanowires on graphyne.

Applying two-dimensional monolayer materials in nanoelectronics and spintronics is hindered by a lack of ordered and separately distributed spin structures. We investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of one-dimensional zigzag and armchair 3d transition metal (TM) nanowires on graphyne (GY), using density functional theory plus Hubbard U (DFT + U). The 3d TM nanowires are formed on graphyne (GY) surfaces. TM atoms separately and regularly embed within GY, achieving long-range magnetic spin ordering. TM exchange coupling of the zigzag and armchair nanowires is mediated by sp-hybridized carbon, and results in long-range magnetic order and magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic coupling mechanism is explained by competition between through-bond and through-space interactions derived from superexchange. These results aid the realization of GY in spintronics.

Microvascular decompression by the retrosigmoid approach for idiopathic hemifacial spasm: experience with 300 cases.

Three hundred patients with idiopathic hemifacial spasm who underwent microvascular decompression through the retrosigmoid approach are reported. Vascular compression was found in every patient on operation. The results of 1 to 6 years of follow-up show that 276 patients are free of the symptom, 4 patients have markedly diminished spasms and a decreased episode rate, 10 patients have no significant relief from the operation, and 9 have had recurrences of the symptom since the operation. The cure rate in this group is 92%. Complications were sensorineural hearing loss in 13 patients (7 temporary cases, 6 permanent), tinnitus in 7 (4 temporary cases, 3 permanent), temporary postoperative facial weakness in 16, and postoperative meningitis in 10 (9 cases were controlled with antibiotics and 1 patient died).

Microvascular decompression by retrosigmoid approach for trigeminal neuralgia: experience in 200 patients.

Trigeminal neuralgia is often seen in elderly persons. Two hundred patients with trigeminal neuralgia were submitted to microvascular decompression by a retrosigmoid approach. The surgical procedure is described. Vascular compression of the nerves was noticed in all these patients at operation. One hundred ninety-seven had relief of symptoms postoperatively, for a 98.5% cure rate. In addition, we suggest that another important cause is arteriosclerosis.

The application of modified platysma pedicle flap and osteomyocutaneous flap in the head and neck reconstructive surgery.

The authors reported the reconstruction of the postoperative defect in 9 cases of cancer of buccal mucosa, oropharynx, tongue, and the floor of the mouth with a modified platysma pedicle flap and another 3 cases of defects after total maxillectomy with platysma osteomyocutaneous flap. The results were satisfactory.