Explore the vast range of titles available.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. At present, there is no simple and effective screening method for early-stage GC, and the treatment results and prognosis are poor. With the continuous improvement of molecular biology techniques, research on circular RNA (circRNA) has gradually expanded over time. Much data supports the role of circRNA in tumorigenesis. Moreover, due to its structural specificity and biological stability, circRNA is anticipated to be a potential biomarker for tumor diagnosis. Studies have confirmed that circRNA can participate in the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis of GC. These findings will lead to novel directions for the diagnosis and treatment of GC. This article reviews the structure and function of circRNA, summarizes the current studies on circRNA, and discusses the potential diagnostic value of circRNA in GC.

Background To date, the clinical equivalence between branded and generic medications remains debate and may sometimes be a reason why psychiatrists are hesitant to prescribe generic medications. Depression is recognized to exacerbate suicide risk globally and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine are common treatment options. Therefore, this study aimed to explores differences in suicidal risks between users of branded and generic fluoxetine in Taiwan. Methods This cohort study used Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, encompassing 2 million individuals covered by National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The full cohort consisted of 32,298 fluoxetine new users. Then, 7,380 branded and 7,380 propensity score matched (PSM) generic fluoxetine new users were identified. The study further utilized Cox proportional hazards models to assess risk of 5-year suicidal ideation, suicide mortality, and all-cause mortality. Results The study revealed that the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for suicidal ideation, suicide mortality and all-cause mortality in branded users were 0.766 (95% CI, 0.497 − 1.181), 0.660 (95% CI, 0.447 − 0.975), and 0.942 (95% CI, 0.849 − 1.045), respectively, when compared with matched generic fluoxetine users. Stratified and sensitivity analyses showed the lower risk of suicide mortality in specific subgroups, such as male (adjusted HRs = 0.536, 95% CI = 0.306–0.939) and young branded users (adjusted HRs = 0.549, 95% CI = 0.334–0.904). Conclusion This study observed trends in the prevention effects of suicide-related risks. However, only suicide mortality was statistically significant, especially in males and those aged < 40 years. These insights may assist clinicians and policymakers in decision-making. Clinical trial number NA (This study is a cohort study utilizing the national health insurance database, not a clinical trial).

Background Air pollution is widely associated with allergic diseases, including asthma. Although previous studies have suggested an epidemiological link between air pollution and asthma, the combined effects of air pollutants and polygenic risk scores (PRSs) on asthma risk remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of air pollutants and PRS on asthma risk among patients in a Taiwan medical institution. Methods This retrospective matched case-control study utilized data from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI) project to compare asthma patients with a non-asthmatic control group. Participants were stratified into quartiles based on their asthma PRS, while air pollutant exposure was assessed by both duration and concentration. Conducted at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, the study followed participants from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2021. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships between air pollution exposure, genetic risk, and asthma incidence. Results A total of 9,756 participants were included (3,252 asthma patients and 6,504 controls). Individuals in the highest PRS quartile demonstrated a significantly increased asthma risk (odds ratio = 1.532, 95% CI = 1.333–1.762, p  < 0.0001). Long-term exposure to low levels of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , Mn, and O 3 further elevated asthma risk, with the association becoming more pronounced under conditions of high air pollution. Conclusion Long-term exposure to low concentrations of air pollutants significantly increases asthma risk, especially among individuals with high genetic susceptibility. These findings emphasize the importance of personalized health management for individuals with elevated PRS. Trial registration Not applicable.

The relationship between 24-hour rest-activity rhythms (RARs) and risk for dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains an area of growing interest. Previous studies were often limited by small sample sizes, short follow-ups, and older participants. More studies are required to fully explore the link between disrupted RARs and dementia or MCI in middle-aged and older adults. We leveraged the UK Biobank data to examine how RAR disturbances correlate with the risk of developing dementia and MCI in middle-aged and older adults. We analyzed the data of 91,517 UK Biobank participants aged between 43 and 79 years. Wrist actigraphy recordings were used to derive nonparametric RAR metrics, including the activity level of the most active 10-hour period (M10) and its midpoint, the activity level of the least active 5-hour period (L5) and its midpoint, relative amplitude (RA) of the 24-hour cycle [RA=(M10-L5)/(M10+L5)], interdaily stability, and intradaily variability, as well as the amplitude and acrophase of 24-hour rhythms (cosinor analysis). We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the associations between baseline RAR and subsequent incidence of dementia or MCI, adjusting for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, shiftwork status, and genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. During the follow-up of up to 7.5 years, 555 participants developed MCI or dementia. The dementia or MCI risk increased for those with lower M10 activity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.14-1.44, per 1-SD decrease), higher L5 activity (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.21, per 1-SD increase), lower RA (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16-1.29, per 1-SD decrease), lower amplitude (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17-1.49, per 1-SD decrease), and higher intradaily variability (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.24, per 1-SD increase) as well as advanced L5 midpoint (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, per 1-SD advance). These associations were similar in people aged <70 and >70 years, and in non-shift workers, and they were independent of genetic and cardiovascular risk factors. No significant associations were observed for M10 midpoint, interdaily stability, or acrophase. Based on findings from a large sample of middle-to-older adults with objective RAR assessment and almost 8-years of follow-up, we suggest that suppressed and fragmented daily activity rhythms precede the onset of dementia or MCI and may serve as risk biomarkers for preclinical dementia in middle-aged and older adults.

Background Acute postoperative pain plays an important role in the perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). The pathogenesis of PND is still unknown, but it is generally believed that peripheral and central nervous system inflammation play an important role, and acute postoperative pain is also thought to aggravate postoperative inflammatory response. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of acute postoperative pain on peripheral and central nervous system inflammation and related cognitive impairment behaviour in elderly rats after surgery. Methods Rats were assigned into four groups: control, surgery for internal fixation for tibial fracture, surgery with analgesia using intraperitoneal morphine, and morphine without surgery. Pain was assessed by the Subjective Pain Scale. The spatial memory of rats was assessed by the Morris water maze (delayed matching task) from the second day to the seventh day after surgery (POD2-POD7). In part of the rats, the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α in plasma, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and the hippocampus were determined by ELISA on the POD2. The activation of microglia and the expression of c-Fos in the hippocampal CA1 regions and mPFC were detected by the immunohistochemical method on the POD2. Results Acute postoperative pain and spatial memory impairment occurred after operation, and postoperative analgesia could significantly improve the both parameters. Additionally, on the POD2, the levels of TNF-α in plasma, hippocampus and mPFC were significantly increased, while the activation of microglia cells and the expression c-Fos in the hippocampal CA1 regions and mPFC were significantly increased. And postoperative analgesia with morphine significantly inhibited the above reactions. Conclusion Our data suggest that acute postoperative pain increases the incidence of perioperative neurocognitive disorders. Peripheral and central nervous system inflammation may be involved in this cognitive impairment. And reducing the intensity of acute postoperative pain may be one of the main preventive strategies for PND.

Recent studies have revealed the significant role of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in human diseases. However, systematic analysis of the ceRNA mechanism in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is limited. In this study, we constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and identified a potential regulatory axis in CRSwNP based on bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. We obtained lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus. After analysis of CRSwNP patients and the control groups, we identified 565 DE-lncRNAs, 23 DE-miRNAs, and 1799 DE-mRNAs by the DESeq2 R package or limma R package. Enrichment analysis of 1799 DE-mRNAs showed that CRSwNP was associated with inflammation and immunity. Moreover, we identified 21 lncRNAs, 8 miRNAs and 8 mRNAs to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. A potential MIAT/miR-125a/IRF4 axis was determined according to the degree and positive correlation between a lncRNA and its competitive endogenous mRNAs. The GSEA results suggested that IRF4 may be involved in immune cell infiltration. The validation of another dataset confirmed that MIAT and IRF4 were differentially expressed between the CRSwNP and control groups. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of MIAT and IRF4 was 0.944. The CIBERSORT analysis revealed that eosinophils and M2 macrophages may be involved in the CRSwNP process. MIAT was correlated with dendritic cells and M2 macrophages, and IRF4 was correlated with dendritic cells. Finally, to validate the key genes, we performed in-silico validation using another dataset and experimental validation using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. In summary, the constructed novel MIAT/miR-125a/IRF4 axis may play a critical role in the development and progression of CRSwNP. We believe that the ceRNA network and immune cell infiltration could offer further insight into novel molecular therapeutic targets for CRSwNP.

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy and has a high mortality rate. The current chemotherapeutic drugs have the disadvantages of drug resistance and side effects. Myricetin, a kind of natural compound, has the advantages of easy extraction, low price, and fewer side effects. Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of myricetin. However, its impact on OC is still unknown and needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which myricetin suppresses transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OC through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of myricetin on cell proliferation and apoptosis using CCK8 assay, plate clonal formation assay, and flow cytometry. Western blot was employed to evaluate the expression levels of caspase-3, PARP, and the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Wound healing, transwell, western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect TGF-β-induced cell migration, invasion, EMT and the levels of Smad3, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was established to verify the effects of myricetin on OC in vivo . Results: Myricetin inhibited OC proliferation through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses demonstrated that myricetin promoted apoptosis by increasing the expression of cleaved-PARP and cleaved-caspase-3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in OC. Furthermore, myricetin suppressed the TGF-β-induced migration and invasion by transwell and wound healing assays. Mechanistically, western blot indicated that myricetin reversed TGF-β-induced metastasis through Smad3, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo , myricetin significantly repressed OC progression and liver and lung metastasis. Conclusion: Myricetin exhibited inhibitory effects on OC progression and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro . And it also reversed TGF-β-induced EMT through the classical and non-classical Smad signaling pathways.

To study the regulatory and functional differentiation between the mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS) cells of maize (Zea mays), we isolated large quantities of highly homogeneous M and BS cells from newly matured second leaves for transcriptome profiling by RNA sequencing. A total of 52,421 annotated genes with at least one read were found in the two transcriptomes. Defining a gene with more than one read per kilobase per million mapped reads as expressed, we identified 18,482 expressed genes; 14,972 were expressed in M cells, including 53 M-enriched transcription factor (TF) genes, whereas 17,269 were expressed in BS cells, including 214 BS-enriched TF genes. Interestingly, many TF gene families show a conspicuous BS preference in expression. Pathway analyses reveal differentiation between the two cell types in various functional categories, with the M cells playing more important roles in light reaction, protein synthesis and folding, tetrapyrrole synthesis, and RNA binding, while the BS cells specialize in transport, signaling, protein degradation and posttranslational modification, major carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen metabolism, cell division and organization, and development. Genes coding for several transporters involved in the shuttle of C 4 metabolites and BS cell wall development have been identified, to our knowledge, for the first time. This comprehensive data set will be useful for studying M/BS differentiation in regulation and function.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a public health problem that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics. Incorrect knowledge of antibiotics may lead to their inappropriate use, hinder their effectiveness, and cause antibiotic resistance. Population-based educational campaigns have been found to have either mixed or no effect on improving knowledge and appropriate antibiotic practices, suggesting the need for more targeted approaches in tailoring education for specific subpopulations. Women are the primary caregivers of their families and are more willing to contact healthcare providers. They had greater knowledge of antibiotics and better adherence to the completion of the antibiotic regimen. Therefore, they are suitable for prioritization in a campaign program. Objective: This study examined the knowledge and practices of female visitors to health centers in Malang, Indonesia with respect to antibiotic use. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Malang, Indonesia, in July and August 2018. Data were collected from 677 women. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the potential factors associated with antibiotic knowledge, self-medication, and completion of antibiotic regimens. Results: Overall, 82.7% of respondents were aware that antibiotics are used against bacteria, while 38.4% reported self-medication with antibiotics and 51.7% reported completing antibiotic regimens. Women with higher education, previous antibiotic use experience, and very easy accessibility to primary doctors were more likely to have high antibiotic knowledge than those with primary education, no antibiotic use in the previous year, and easy/other level of accessibility to primary doctors. Subjects residing in urban areas and with less accessibility to primary doctors were more likely to self-medicate with antibiotics. Additionally, the completion of antibiotic regimens was positively associated with access to a primary care doctor and high antibiotic knowledge. Conclusion: IF Policymakers tend to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use among women. Priority advocates are recommended for urban residents who have experiences of antibiotic use in the previous year. It is therefore important to increase their awareness, particularly regarding diseases against which antibiotics are effective, and activities such as unnecessary use of antibiotics in healthy animals, which may affect their overall effectiveness among humans. More communication channels should be included in the overall scheme to improve the public awareness and accessibility of health professionals.