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Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been regarded as one of the most malignant tumor types. Chemotherapy (such as sorafenib) is used as common strategy for treating RCC. To date, whether long noncoding RNA KIF9-AS1 is involved in RCC progression and drug resistance remains unknown. In this investigation, we detected gene expression levels by western blot and RT-qPCR. MTT and TUNEL experiments were used to show cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. KIF9-AS1 overexpression led to enhanced cell viability, increased IC50 value of sorafenib, and decreased apoptosis. miR-497-5p acted as key interaction factor for KIF9-AS1 in RCC. More importantly, we found that transforming growth factor-β and autophagy signaling pathways were both critical effectors for mediating KIF9-AS1/miR-497-5p axis-induced drug resistance phenotypes (cell viability, IC50, apoptosis) of RCC. In conclusion, our study revealed that KIF9-AS1 played a positive role in drug resistance of RCC cells to sorafenib, potentially driving the development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutical approaches.Bluetongue is one of the most important vector-borne viral diseases that can lead to significant economic losses as a result of reduction of productivity and even death in some susceptible ruminants. However, epidemiological information on bluetongue virus (BTV) infection in cattle and goats is scarce in China. To determine the seropositive rate and risk factors of BTV infection in cattle and goats in Guangxi province, a subtropical region in Southern China, a total of 548 cattle serum samples and 6567 goat serum samples collected from 13 cities across Guangxi province during 2003-2015 were analyzed and found that the seroprevalence is 44.5% (244/548) in cattle and 28.0% (1837/6567) in goats and the main BTV serotypes are BTV-1, -2, -4, and -8. Climatic zone, age, and species are found to be the likely risk factors for BTV infection. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale serological survey for BTV infection in domestic cattle and goats in Guangxi province, Southern China.It is impossible to do justice in one review article to a researcher of the stature of Christopher Dobson. His career spanned almost five decades, resulting in more than 870 publications and a legacy that will continue to influence the lives of many for decades to come. In this review, I have attempted to capture Chris’s major contributions his early work, dedicated to understanding protein folding mechanisms; his collaborative work with physicists to understand the process of protein aggregation; and finally, his later career in which he developed strategies to prevent misfolding. However, it is not only this body of work but also the man himself who inspired an entire generation of scientists through his patience, ability to mentor, and innate generosity. These qualities remain a hallmark of the way in which he conducted his research-research that will leave a lasting imprint on science. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 89 is June 22, 2020. Please see http//www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.BACKGROUND Numerous studies have examined heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) variables during recovery both acutely (under three hours) and long-term (24, 48, and 72 hours) post-exercise. However, there is little literature examining HRV and BRS measures between these time points. METHODS Spontaneous short-term HRV and cardiac BRS measures were collected in nine participants before and zero, one, two, four, six, and eight hours after three separate conditions moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE 45-minutes at 50% heart-rate reserve), high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE 25-minutes including ten, one minute intervals at 85% heart-rate reserve), and control (30-minutes quiet rest). RESULTS HRV measures in the time-domain were only affected immediately following HIIE and MICE at hour zero (all p0.280). CONCLUSIONS The common practice of waiting 12- to 24-hours is overly conservative as the current findings demonstrate measures return to baseline ~60-minutes post-exercise. Moreover, these metrics demonstrated high levels of within- and between-day reliability. Novelty • Previously a 12-hour minimum restriction from exercise was required before participation in HRV/BRS studies • Recovery from moderate-intensity exercise for HRV and BRS metrics was less then 60 minutes; whereas, high-intensity intervals led to alterations for approximately 60 minutes • Spontaneous HRV and cardiac BRS demonstrated high levels of within-day reproducibility.Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are stimulus-responsive biopolymers derived from human elastin. Their unique properties-including lower critical solution temperature phase behavior and minimal immunogenicity-make them attractive materials for a variety of biomedical applications. ELPs also benefit from recombinant synthesis and genetically encoded design; these enable control over the molecular weight and precise incorporation of peptides and pharmacological agents into the sequence. selleck chemicals Because their size and sequence are defined, ELPs benefit from exquisite control over their structure and function, qualities that cannot be matched by synthetic polymers. As such, ELPs have been engineered to assemble into unique architectures and display bioactive agents for a variety of applications. This review discusses the design and representative biomedical applications of ELPs, focusing primarily on their use in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 22 is June 4, 2020. Please see http//www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.Microfluidic devices developed over the past decade feature greater intricacy, increased performance requirements, new materials, and innovative fabrication methods. Consequentially, new algorithmic and design approaches have been developed to introduce optimization and computer-aided design to microfluidic circuits from conceptualization to specification, synthesis, realization, and refinement. The field includes the development of new description languages, optimization methods, benchmarks, and integrated design tools. Here, recent advancements are reviewed in the computer-aided design of flow-, droplet-, and paper-based microfluidics. A case study of the design of resistive microfluidic networks is discussed in detail. The review concludes with perspectives on the future of computer-aided microfluidics design, including the introduction of cloud computing, machine learning, new ideation processes, and hybrid optimization. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 22 is June 4, 2020.