Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the most common cancers, and its carcinogenesis and progression is influenced by multiple long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA), especially through the miRNA sponge effect. In this study, more than 4000 lncRNAs were re‐annotated from the microarray datasets through probe sequence mapping to obtain reliable lncRNA expression profiles. As a systems biology method for describing the correlation patterns among genes across microarray samples, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis was conducted to identify lncRNA modules associated with the five stepwise stages from normal colonic samples to COAD (n = 94). In the most relevant module (R2 = −0.78, P = 4E‐20), four hub lncRNAs were identified (CTD‐2396E7.11, PCGF5, RP11‐33O4.1, and RP11‐164P12.5). Then, these four hub lncRNAs were validated using two other independent datasets including GSE20916 (n = 145) and GSE39582 (n = 552). The results indicated that all hub lncRNAs were significantly negatively correlated with the three‐stage colonic carcinogenesis, as well as TNM stages in COAD (one‐way analysis of variance P < 0.05). Kaplan‐Meier survival curve showed that patients with higher expression of each hub lncRNA had a significantly higher overall survival rate and lower relapse risk (log‐rank P < 0.05). In conclusion, through co‐expression analysis, we identified and validated four key lncRNAs in association with the carcinogenesis and progression of COAD, and these lncRNAs might have important clinical implications for improving the risk stratification, therapeutic decision and prognosis prediction in COAD patients.

Prostate cancer (PC) is recognized as a common malignancy in male patients. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been implicated in the development of PC. Recently, long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1207 (LINC01207) has been reported to regulate the carcinogenesis of multiple cancer types. However, its role in the progression of PC remains to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression profile, clinicopathological implication and molecular mechanism of action of LINC01207 in the progression of PC. LINC01207 expression levels were compared between PC tumor and paired normal tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The expression of LINC01207 was further analyzed in PC cell lines and a normal prostatic cell line. The role of LINC01207 in proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells was examined using small interfering RNA-mediated silencing. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the changes in protein levels underlying the mechanism of action of LINC01207. The role of LINC01207 in tumorigenesis was evaluated in a xenograft model. LINC01207 was upregulated in PC tumor samples from TCGA data compared with paired normal tissue. LINC01207 expression was significantly increased in PC cells and tumor tissues compared with in normal prostate cells (RWPE1) and normal prostate tissues, respectively. Furthermore, LINC01207 silencing inhibited PC cell proliferation and colony formation and induced apoptosis. Mechanistic experiments showed that LINC01207 promoted carcinogenesis by sponging miR-1182 to regulate the protein levels of AKT3 in PC cell lines. Thus, the findings of the present study indicated that LINC01207 might play a role in the tumorigenesis of PC and may serve as a therapeutic target for PC treatment.

Diagnosing wooden foreign bodies (WFBs) using computed tomography (CT) is often missed, leading to adverse outcomes. This study aims to reduce misdiagnoses by exploring the density variation of blood-saline mixtures in ex vivo models. Twenty Cunninghamia lanceolata sticks, selected as WFB models, were randomly assigned to five groups: a control group (saline) and four experimental groups immersed in blood-saline mixtures with varying concentrations. The samples were then placed in a constant-temperature water bath at 36.8 °C. CT scans were performed in the lowest and highest density areas, and the volume of the low-density areas was measured at the post-processing workstation. Finally, the effects of time and concentration on imaging were analyzed, and fitting curves were generated. The blood-saline mixture concentration and time significantly affected the CT number in the three areas. WFB images changed dynamically over time, with two typical imaging signs: the bull's-eye sign on the short axis images and the tram line sign on the long axis images. Fitting curves of the CT number in the lowest density areas with different concentrations can quantify imaging changes. The CT number of the lowest density areas increased with time, following a logarithmic function type, while the CT number of the highest density areas exhibited a fast-rising platform type. The volume of the low-density areas decreased over time. The time of damage caused by WFBs and the influence of varying blood and tissue fluid contents at the damaged site should be considered in the diagnosis. Imaging changes from multiple CT scans at different times can aid in diagnosis.