FAM196B acts as oncogene and promotes proliferation of gastric cancer cells through AKT signaling pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but the mechanisms remain unknown. Here we report that family with sequence similarity 196 member B (FAM196B) is highly expressed in primary GC tissues and the expression level is correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of GC. In this experiment, knockdown of FAM196B suppressed GC cell proliferation and induced G1/G0 to S phase cell cycle arrest by regulating Cyclin D1, Cyclin A and CDK2 expressions. Furthermore, we investigated the molecular mechanism of FAM196B action in GC. The results showed that knockdown of FAM196B inhibited the activation of AKT signaling pathway. We further revealed that activating of AKT rescued the effect of FAM196B knockdown on cell proliferation and drove cell re-enter into the S phase of the cell cycle with SC79 (a AKT activator). Our findings demonstrated that FAM196B may promote GC cell proliferation by activating AKT signaling pathway. Taken together, this study provides a new evidence that FAM196B functions as a novel oncogene and could be a potential therapeutic target in therapy of GC.

[Dietary intake status of Chinese lactating women during the first month postpartum in 2013]

Objective: To assess the dietary intake status of Chinese lactating women during the first month postpartum. Methods: Data were extracted from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance, children aged 0-5 years and lactating women (2013). A total of 55 counties from 30 provinces in China (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region) were selected using a multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. A group of 3 623 lactating women, at 1-6 months after delivery, were investigated in the study. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on frequencies and amounts of food consumed. Differences in food consumption rates and dietary intake in lactating women having different characteristics were analyzed and compared. Results: To eliminate abnormal values, 3 300 lactating women were included in the study. During the first month postpartum, food types with higher consumption rates were animal products (98.2%, 3 239) and vegetables (90.7%, 2 987), in addition to cereals (100%) and liquids (100%). The consumption rate of fruits was 67.4% (2 222) and the lowest consumption rate was for dairy products (38.3%, 1 262). The median intake of cereals, vegetables, fruits and animal products were 247.8, 150.0, 40.0 and 178.6 g/d, respectively. The daily median intake of dairy products and soybean/nut products was 0.0 g/d. Overall, the lactating women consumed 895.7 ml/d liquids. About 49.3% (1 627) of the subjects consumed less than the recommended intake for animal products in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). More than 50% of the lactating women consumed less than the recommended intakes for the other types of food, especially dairy, soybean/nut and liquids. The consumption rates for dairy products were 26.9%, 29.4%, 31.8% and 33.8% and those for soybean/nut products were 33.9% , 35.8% , 37.5% and 41.7% for the lactating women living in rural areas, with educations at junior high school level and below, with average family incomes under 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who work as household mothers, respectively. These consumption rates for dairy and soybean/nuts were significantly lower than those in women living in cities (48.4%, 55.0%), with an education level of senior high school or above (48.8%, 55.7%), with average family income over 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 (45.5%, 52.8%) and who work outside the home (43.7%, 49.4%). P values were <0.05 for all comparisons. Conclusion: The daily intake of all foods by lactating women during the first month postpartum was lower than the levels recommended in Chinese Dietary Guideline (2016). The consumption rate of dairy and soybean/nut products during this time period was low, especially for those living in rural areas, with education levels of junior high school and below, with average family incomes less than 15 000 yuan per capita in 2012 and who are housemothers.

[The status of postpartum weight retention and its associated factors among Chinese lactating women in 2013]

Objective: To analyze the status of postpartum weight retention and its associated factors among Chinese lactating women in 2013. Methods: This study was based on the databank of Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2013. Using the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method, we enrolled 12 514 women, at 0-24 months postpartum, from 55 sites in 30 provinces of China (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region). Questionnaires were used to collect data on basic characteristics, physical activity, lifestyle, food intake, pre-pregnancy weight, weight before delivery, disease history during pregnancy, delivery date, delivery mode, parity and breastfeeding information. Current body weight and height of each subject were measured. Postpartum weight retention in each subject was calculated as the difference between pre-pregnancy and current weights. High postpartum weight retention was defined as ≥5 kg. Survey sample weights were calculated according to the sampling design and number of children under 2 years old from 2010 population census data of China. Associated factors of high postpartum weight retention were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 9 972 women were included in this study. P₅₀ (P₂₅-P₇₅) of weight retention for participants was 3.6 (0.2-7.3) kg and high weight retention accounted for 41.5% of the subjects (4 134/9 972). The weighted means (SE) of weight retention was 3.5 (0.1) kg, and it was at 0 to <3, 3 to <6, 6 to <9, 9 to <12, 12 to <18 and 18 to <24 months postpartum were 5.3 (0.2), 4.5 (0.2), 3.8 (0.2), 3.1 (0.2), 2.8 (0.2) and 3.0 (0.2) kg, respectively. The weighted proportion of high postpartum weight retention was 37.4% (95%CI: 36.0%-38.9%). Compared with women aged under 25 years old, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 1.31 for women over 30 years old. Compared with women at 18 to <24 months postpartum, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 2.67, 1.61 and 1.31 for women at 0 to <3, 3 to <6 and 6 to <9 months postpartum, respectively. Compared with women having a pre-pregnant BMI from 18.5 to <25.0 kg/m², the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 1.30 and 0.67 for women having pre-pregnant BMI <18.5 kg/m² and ≥25.0 kg/m², respectively. Compared with women having appropriate gestational weight gain, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 0.47 and 2.24 for women having low and excessive gestational weight gains, respectively. Compared with farmers, the odds ratio of high postpartum weight retention was 1.44 for housewives. (P<0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: Postpartum weight retention in Chinese lactating women is at an intermediate level. High postpartum weight retention is primarily associated with age, postpartum period, pre-pregnant BMI, gestational weight gain and career. The key control factor for weight retention is gestational weight gain, and 1 year postpartum is critical period for weight recovery.

[Construction and improvement of animal models with different positional osseous metastasis of prostate cancer in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To provide an important tool for the study of diagnose and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) osseous metastasis and change of bone stress force on prostate cancer (PCa) osseous metastasis and a platform, which is more congruous to clinical process, for prevention and cure of neoplastic bone metastases, and to carry out the construction and improvement of animal models of PCa with different positional osseous metastasis in vivo.

METHODS

Different gradient concentrations of RM-1 cells were inoculated into the cavity of left femoral bone or lumbar vertebra of mice (C57BL/6) respectively. The change of mouse activity, tumor formation, tumor size and survival time were observed respectively. And the femur tissue and spinal tissue were obtained from the mice after death. The gray value of iconography were measured by imageological examination of femur tissue, and the final histopathological examination were taken to determine the tumor type in both femur and spinal tissue.

RESULTS

The tumor growth could be touched at the puncture site in all the mice after inoculated for 7 days. There were no obvious differences in the time of tumorigenesis, the rate of tumor growth and tumor size among the mice in the same group (P>0.05). As the result, the construction femoral bone and lumbar vertebra metastatic models of PCa had been confirmed by iconography and pathology detection. At the same time, the survival time of the mice inoculated with low concentrations of PCa cells was obviously longer than that of high concentrations of PCa cells ( at least 2 weeks longer).

CONCLUSION

The animal models with different positional osseous metastasis (limbs and axial skeleton) of PCa using the same PCa cells (RM-1) had been first constructed successfully in our study. At the same time, a high success rate of construction of PCa animal model with bone metastasis was obtained by femoral bone marrow cavity injection of PCa cells. The rate of tumor growth was rapid, animal survival time was appropriate, and the PCa animal model with bone metastasis can be stably reproduced by our method. These animal models can be used to explore the pathogenesis of different positional PCa bone metastasis and provide a new platform, which were more congruous to clinical process, for prevention and cure of neoplastic bone metastases.

MeCP2, a target of miR-638, facilitates gastric cancer cell proliferation through activation of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway by upregulating GIT1

Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of multiple types of cancer. However, its precise role in gastric cancer (GC) and the relevant molecular mechanism remain unknown. In the present study, we found that miR-638 levels were lower in GC tissues and GC cell lines than in adjacent normal tissues and normal gastric epithelial cell lines, respectively. Low miR-638 levels were associated with poor tumor differentiation, tumor size and lymph node metastasis. MeCP2 expression levels were higher in GC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. It was found that miR-638 inhibited GC cell proliferation, colony formation, G1–S transition and tumor growth, and induced cell apoptosis by directly targeting MeCP2. MeCP2 promoted GC cell proliferation, colony formation and G1–S cell-cycle transition, and suppressed apoptosis. Molecular mechanistic investigations were performed using an integrated approach with a combination of microarray analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and a reporter gene assay. The results showed that MeCP2 bound to the methylated CpG islands of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) promoter and upregulated its expression, thereby activating the MEK1/2–ERK1/2 signaling pathway and promoting GC cell proliferation. Taken together, our study demonstrates that MeCP2, a target of miR-638, facilitates GC cell proliferation and induces cell-cycle progression through activation of the MEK1/2–ERK1/2 signaling pathway by upregulating GIT1. The findings suggest that MeCP2 plays a significant role in GC progression, and may serve as a potential target for GC therapy.

[Texture analysis based on contrast-enhanced MRI can predict treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate whether texture analysis based on contrast-enhanced MRI can predict pathological complete response of locally advanced breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC). Methods: Forty-seven patients with breast cancer undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy from January 2015 to February 2016 were divided into pathological complete response (pCR) group or non-pathological complete response (non-pCR) group based on surgical pathology. Their parameters of texture analysis based on MRI before neoadjuvant chemotherapy and after 2 cycles of treatment were analyzed. Parameters(Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment)before and after 2 cycles of NAC between pCR and non-pCR groups were compared using Student t or Wilcoxon rank sum test. The diagnostic performance of different parameters was judged by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The post-NAC value was significantly different from that of pre-NAC (all P<0.05). Pre-treatment parameters (Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment) were 78.58×10(-5)(55.64×10(-5), 135.23×10(-5)), 10.06 ± 1.02, 7 993.91±2 428.10, (4.76±0.99) ×10(-5) and (18.10±4.13) ×10(-3) in pCR group, and 76.84×10(-5) (48.68×10(-5), 154.15×10(-5)), 10.28±1.26, 7 184.77 (4 938.03, 9 974.04), (5.21±2.01) ×10(-5) and (17.68±5.87) ×10(-3) in non-pCR group. No significant difference was found between both groups. (P>0.05 for all). At the end of the second cycle of NAC, parameters(Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment) were (542.11±361.04) ×10(-5,) 7.95±1.28, 16 765.08±97 06.56, (0.43±0.07) ×10(-5,) and (12.18±9.82) ×10(-3) in pCR group, and 133.00×10(-5) (79.80×10(-5,) 239.00×10(-5)), 9.29±1.46, 7 916.64(6 418.89, 10 934.40), (0.38±0.08) ×10(-5) and (14.80±5.06) ×10(-3) in non-pCR group. At the end of the second cycle of NAC, there was significant difference in the parameters (Energy, Entropy, Inertia, Correlation) and Δparameters (ΔEnergy, ΔEntropy, ΔInertia, ΔInverse Difference Moment) between both groups (P<0.05 for all). The area under curve (AUC) of post-treatment ΔEntropy was 0.81, which was the largest one among parameters. Sensitivity of ΔEntropy for predicting pCR was 75.0% and specificity was 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Texture analysis based on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI can predict early treatment response in primary breast cancer.

Changes in Waist Circumference and Abdominal Obesity among Chinese Adults over a Ten-year Period

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe changes in waist circumference (WC) and prevalence of abdominal obesity over a period of 10 years among Chinese adults in different socio-economic status (SES).

METHODS

Data derived from the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance during 2002 and 2010-2012. We calculated the mean WC and the prevalence of abdominal obesity by gender, place of residence, SES indicators (education, income, and marital status), and body mass index (BMI) categoriesand used pooled t-tests to assess the differences between the two time periods.

RESULTS

26.0% of men and 25.3% of women had abdominal obesity in 2010-2012. The age-adjusted mean WC increased by 2.7 cm among men and 2.1 cm among women; the age-adjusted prevalence of abdominal obesity increased by 7.7% among men and 5.3% among women. The rising trends were observed in all subgroups except for a negative growth in high-income women. People living in rural areas with low education and income and with a BMI of 18.5 to 23.9 kg/m2 had a greater absolute and relative increase in WC. People living in rural areas with low income had a greater relative increase in abdominal obesity.

CONCLUSION

The mean WC and prevalence of abdominal obesity among Chinese adults have increased during the past 10 years. Gender differences were noted using various SES indicators.

[Correlation between anatomical factors of spermatic vessels and varicocele]

Objective: To analyze the correlation between anatomy of spermatic vessels and varicocele, providing reference for the preoperative assessment and treatment of varicocele. Methods: A total of 156 patients who underwent microsurgical left subinguinal varicocelectomy at Shanghai General Hospital between May 2015 and July 2016 were included in this study. The severity of varicocele and number of spermatic vessels detected in operations were recorded. According to the number of internal spermatic arteries (ISAs), the patients were divided into three groups: single-ISA group (55 cases), double-ISAs group (63 cases) and multi-ISAs group (38 cases), to analyze the correlation among spermatic vessels and to compare varicocele grade, the volume of testes, the parameter of semen analysis, serum reproductive hormone, surgery time, and hospital stay among the three groups. Results: The number of ISAs was positively correlated with the ipsilateral internal spermatic veins (ISVs) (r=0.210; P=0.008)and lymphatic vessels (r=0.224; P=0.005); the number of lymphatic vessels was positively correlated with the ipsilateral gubernacular veins (r=0.172; P=0.032)and ISVs (r=0.296; P=0.000) . The number of ISVs in the multi-ISAs group (10.58±4.28) was significantly larger than that in the single-ISA group (8.22±3.10, P=0.003). The number of lymphatic vessels in the multi-ISAs group(4.11±1.90)was also significantly larger than that in the double-ISA group(3.76±1.40, P=0.020) and the single-ISA group(3.13±1.52, P=0.007). The number of ISVs in grade 2 varicocele patients (9.74±3.90) was significantly higher than that in grade 3 varicocele patients (8.33±3.10, P=0.013). No significant differences in varicocele grade, change of pre- and post-operative semen analysis, serum reproductive hormone, the volume of ipsilateral testes, surgery time, and hospital stay were observed among the three groups. Conclusions: There is a correlation among various kinds of spermatic vessels. Patients with grade 2 varicocele, especially who have multiple ISAs, are likely to have more ISVs and lymphatic vessels. For these patients, surgeons should pay more attention to protect spermatic arteries and lymphatics carefully while ligating varicose veins completely to prevent recurrence and complications.

[Clinical application of robotic plat form in the treatment of early ovarian cancer]

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic system in early ovarian cancer surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 131 patients with early ovarian cancer undergoing surgical treatment from November 2014 to November 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 27 cases of early ovarian cancer, of which 9 cases of robotic group, 10 cases of laparoscopic group, 8 cases of laparotomy group. Age, Body Mass Index (BMI), preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, operating time, operating method, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, pathological type, lymph node dissection, postoperative exhaust time and postoperative hospital stay of all the patients were analyzed. Results: In the robot group, the mean operating time was( 251.4±58.7) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was (208.9±202.7) ml, and the number of the main abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes was 27.8±8.9. The mean postoperative hospital stay was (11.1±3.5) days, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was( 2.0±0.5) days. All the patients were followed up for 12-24 months. There was no differences were observed among the three groups for operating time, complications, the blood loss, the number of lymph nodes, the hospital stay and survival time (P≥0.05). Conclusion: A robotic approach for the early ovarian cancer is feasible and effective. Compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy, there is no significant difference in operative effect and tumor-free survival. The robotic approach provides a new method for surgical treatment of early ovarian cancer.

[Prevalence of and risk factors for delayed onset of lactation in Chinese lactating women in 2013]

Objective: To study the prevalence of delayed onset of lactation (later than 3 days) in lactating women in China and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods: Data were extracted from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Surveillance-Mothers, from mothers with children under 2 years of age (in 2013). A total of 11 178 women who were lactating or had lactated were selected from 55 counties of 30 provinces (excluding the Tibet Autonomous Region) in China, using the multi-stage stratified cluster randomization sampling method. Basic information, including onset of lactation, initiation of breastfeeding, breastfeeding difficulties and breastfeeding knowledge were collected using a questionnaire investigation. The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation were analyzed by the weighted processing of complex sampling from the 6^th national population census data. A multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with delaged onset of lactation. Results: Among 11 178 lactating women, 3 388 had an onset of lactation later than 3 d. The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was 30.3%. After complex weighting, the prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was 31.2% (95% CI: 25.7%-36.8%) for lactating women in China. Delivery by Caesarean section (OR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.06-1.53) and initiating breastfeeding ≥4 h (OR= 2.34, 95%CI: 1.76-3.11) were the negative factors for delayed onset of lactation. Compared with those living in large cities, lactating women living in medium or small cities (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.05-1.84) had a higher risk of delayed onset of lactation. Compared with the lactating women doing housework, the risk of delayed onset of lactation was lower (P<0.05) among those whose occupations were as leaders of Enterprises/Institutions (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.47-0.99), in catering and service trades (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.43-0.86), in agriculture/forestry/fishery/herdsmen fields (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.44-0.96) and who were unemployed (OR= 0.64, 95%CI: 0.46-0.90). Breastfeeding education during pregnancy might lower the risk of delayed onset of lactation (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.98). Conclusion: The prevalence of delayed onset of lactation was relatively high for Chinese lactating mothers. Caesarean section and late initiation of breastfeeding were the primary risk factors. Lactating mothers living in medium or small cities and those doing housework appear to be high-priority groups for intervention. Based on our findings, breastfeeding education during pregnancy is recommended to lower the risk of delayed onset of lactation.

Comparison of Undernutrition Prevalence of Children under 5 Years in China between 2002 and 2013

OBJECTIVE

To describe the undernutrition status of children under 5-year in China, and study the trend between 2002 and 2013).

METHODS

The study was based on two national surveys. Undernutrition was determined against WHO's 2006 growth standards. The prevalence in 2013 and 2002 was weighted by China sixth National Population Census (2010). The relationship between undernutrition and gender/age groups/different areas use weighted logistic regression.

RESULTS

The results indicated the overall prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting of Chinese children under 5-year was 8.1%, 2.4%, and 1.9% in 2013, respectively. The prevalence of stunting was higher for children aged 12-47 month, while underweight was higher for children aged 48-59 month. The prevalence of undernutrition was higher in rural areas than in urban areas, especially in poor rural areas. There was a decline of stunting, underweight, and wasting between 2002 and 2013 among the children, with greater reduction in rural areas than in urban areas.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of undernutrition of children under 5-year remains high in rural areas especially in poor rural areas in China. It is urgent to take action to control undernutrition in the vulnerable areas and subgroups.

[Efficacy evaluation and exploration of TACE combined with CT-guided precision microwave ablation treatment for primary liver cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with CT-guided percutaneous precision microwave ablation for the treatment of primary liver cancer and its influencing factors.

METHODS

A total of 126 patients with primary liver cancer were treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with CT-guided percutaneous precision microwave ablation from Mar 2010 to Oct 2014 in our center. The treatment effect, postoperative complications and recurrence rates were observed, and the factors related to recurrence and survival time were analyzed.

RESULTS

All 126 primary liver cancer patients with 201 tumors were ablated for 177 times, and 113 cases with 185 tumors were completed ablated, the complete ablation rate was 92.0%. In all patients, 4 cases had serious complications, the incidence rate was 3.2%. 37 cases had recurrence, with a recurrence rate of 29.4%. All patients were followed up for 10 to 65 months, 17 patients died, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 95.2%, 88.1%, and 84.1%, respectively, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year progression-free-survival rates were 81.5%, 62.7% and 49.2%, respectively .Univariate analysis showed that preoperative AFP level, Child-Pugh score, BCLC stage and the largest tumor size were associated with the survival of patients who received TACE combined with CT-guided precision MWA, and the preoperative AFP level, internal medicine therapy, tumor number and the largest tumor size were associated with the progression-free-survival after the treatment (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that Child-Pugh score and BCLC stage were independent factors affecting the survival of patients with primary liver cancer patients treated with TACE combined with CT guided percutaneous MWA, and the tumor number and the maximum tumor size were independent factors affecting the progression-free-survival of the patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

TACE combined with CT-guided percutaneous precision microwave ablation therapy for primary liver cancer has reliable safety and efficacy.

MiR-30a suppresses non-small cell lung cancer progression through AKT signaling pathway by targeting IGF1R

MicroRNAs play critical roles in the development and progression of human cancers. Although miR&mdash;30a has been suggested to function as a tumor repressor in several tumors, its role in non&mdash;small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been investigated in detail. This study investigated the expression and role of miR&mdash;30a in human NSCLC. The expression of miR&mdash;30a is significantly decreased in clinical NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR&mdash;30a inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, G1/S and S/G2 transition in vitro, whereas suppression of miR&mdash;30a facilitated NSCLC cell proliferation, G1/S and S/G2 transition. Using a luciferase reporter assay, insulin&mdash;like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) was determined to be a direct target of miR&mdash;30a. Furthermore, silencing IGF1R resulted in the same biologic effects of miR&mdash;30a overexpression in NSCLC cells, which included suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and trigering cell cycle arrest through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by inhibiting cell cycle regulators (CDK2, CDK4, Cyclin A2 , Cyclin D1). These results demonstrate that miR&mdash;30a influences NSCLC progression through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting IGF1R in A549 cells, which suggest miR&mdash;30a as a novel strategy for NSCLC diagnosis and treatment.

Modeling of particulate matter dispersion from a poultry facility using AERMOD

This study evaluates the performance of AERMOD, the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory model, in simulating particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) dispersion from a poultry pullet facility. At the source, the daily mean PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations with strong diurnal patterns were estimated to be 436.01 ± 166.77 μg m⁻³ and 291.09 ± 105.81 μg m⁻³, respectively. This corresponded to daily mean emission rates of PM10 and PM2.5 as 0.067-0.073 g sec⁻¹ and 0.044-0.047 g sec⁻¹,respectively. The modeled hourly PM concentration showed acceptable accuracy relative to the measured PM concentrations downwind of the source. Increasing the averaging period from hourly to daily resulted in improved prediction. The simulations revealed that PM concentrations at and beyond the property line of the poultry facility were within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This study suggested that AERMOD is effective in predicting and assessing the impacts of PM downwind of poultry facilities.

Timing of xenon-induced delayed postconditioning to protect against spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to assess the neuroprotective effect of xenon-induced delayed postconditioning on spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and to determine the time of administration for best neuroprotection in a rat model of spinal cord IRI.

METHODS

Fifty male rats were randomly divided equally into a sham group, control group, and three xenon postconditioning groups (n=10 per group). The control group underwent spinal cord IRI and immediately inhaled 50% nitrogen/50% oxygen for 3 h at the initiation of reperfusion. The three xenon postconditioning groups underwent the same surgical procedure and immediately inhaled 50% xenon/50% oxygen for 3 h at the initiation of reperfusion or 1 and 2 h after reperfusion. The sham operation group underwent the same surgical procedure without aortic occlusion, and inhaled 50% nitrogen/50% oxygen. Neurological function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score at 4, 24, and 48 h of reperfusion. Histological examination was performed using Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry, and apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labelling staining.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the three xenon postconditioning groups showed improvements in neurological outcomes, and had more morphologically normal neurones at 48 h of reperfusion. Apoptotic cell death was reduced and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax immunoreactivity increased in xenon-treated rats compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Xenon postconditioning up to 2 h after reperfusion provided protection against spinal cord IRI in rats, but the greatest neuroprotection occurred with administration of xenon for 1 h at reperfusion.

MECP2 promotes cell proliferation by activating ERK1/2 and inhibiting p38 activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma HEPG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and currently represents the leading cause of death amongst cirrhotic patients, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this experiment, we investigated the expression of Methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in HCC, the effect of MeCP2 on the proliferation of human HCC HepG2 cells, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways. The results showed that MeCP2 expression levels was higher in human HCC tissue than normal hepatocellular tissue, and MeCP2 siRNA reduced the proliferation of HCC HepG2 cells by decreasing cell activity and cell division in vitro. After MeCP2 siRNA treatment, the proportion of G1/G0 phase cells increased, but the proportion of S and G2/M phase cells decreased, indicative of G1/G0 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the proportions of early and late apoptosis in HCC HepG2 cells were enhanced after MeCP2 siRNA treatment. It was also found that activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 signaling pathways were involved in the proliferation of HepG2 cells. After MeCP2 siRNA treatment, p-ERK1/2 levels decreased, but p-p38 levels increased. Our findings demonstrated that MeCP2 promoted the proliferation of human HCC HepG2 cells with activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathways, suggesting a novel mechanism for pharmacological study of treatment for human HCC.

Association between smoking and p53 mutation in lung cancer: a meta-analysis

AIMS

To carry out a meta-analysis on the relationship between smoking and p53 gene mutation in lung cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, ProQest and Medline were searched by using the key words: 'lung cancer or lung neoplasm or lung carcinoma', 'p53 mutation' and 'smoking'. According to the selection criteria, 15 articles were identified and methodologically analysed by stata 12.0 software package. Crude odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals calculated using the fixed-effects model were used to assess the strength of association between smoking and p53 mutation in lung cancer.

RESULTS

In total, 15 articles with 1770 lung cancer patients were identified; 69.6% of the patients were smokers, 30.4% were non-smokers. Overall, smokers with lung cancer had a 2.70-fold (95% confidence interval 2.04-3.59) higher risk for mutation than the non-smokers with lung cancer. In subgroup analyses, the increased risk of p53 mutation in smokers than in non-smokers was found in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) group (odds ratio = 2.38, 95% confidence interval = 1.71-3.32) and in the NSCLC and SCLC group (odds ratio = 3.82, 95% confidence interval = 2.19-6.69).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis strongly suggests that p53 mutation is associated with smoking-induced lung cancer. Smokers with lung cancer had a higher risk for p53 mutation than non-smokers.

The decreased self-renewal potential of NPCs during human embryonic brain development with reduced activity of MAPKs

Study of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is important for treatment of degerative diseases in central nervous system. One of the key questions in NPCs transplantation therapy is about the understanding of which stage of the NPCs in brain development is ideal. Herein we investigated survival, proliferation and apoptosis of NPCs from 12 w, 16 w and 20 w human embryonic brain, meanwhile, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling were analyzed. The results showed that the survival, proliferation and cell division of 16 w and 20 w human NPCs significantly decreased comparing with 12 w human NPCs in vitro; and the NPCs apoptosis remarkably increased. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 of 16 w and 20 w NPCs significantly decreased comparing with 12 w human NPCs, however phosphorylation of p38 MAPK increased. NPCs proliferation increase when ERK1/2 signaling is activated by PMA. The results demonstrated that self-renewal potential of NPCs decreased in culture during human embryonic brain development, the activity of ERK signaling pathway were decreased, and suggest NPCs from 12-week fetuses might be better donor for cell transplantation during the period of 12-20 weeks because of their advantage on survival and proliferation.

Antidiabetic effect of a newly identified component of Opuntia dillenii polysaccharides

The aim of this study was to determine the most effective hypoglycemic component of polysaccharides from Opuntia dillenii Haw. by preliminary screening and to specifically study the antidiabetic effects of O. dillenii polysaccharide (ODP)-Ia in mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Three kinds of ODPs - ODP-Ia, ODP-Ib, and ODP-II' - were isolated by using an ultrasonic extraction method and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sepharose fast-flow column chromatography. The mice were administered ODPs for 3 weeks. Gavage administration of ODP-Ia significantly decreased (P<0.05) their intake of food and water; the fasting levels of blood glucose (BG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA); and the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase). In contrast, it significantly increased (P<0.05) the body weights, hepatic glycogen (HG) levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and the hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in diabetic mice. However, ODP-Ia did not significantly increase insulin levels in the mice with STZ-induced diabetes. We propose that ODP-Ia exerts its antihyperglycemic effect by protecting the liver from peroxidation damage and by maintaining tissue function, thereby improving the sensitivity and response of target cells in diabetic mice to insulin.

Effect of nano-packing on preservation quality of fresh strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv Fengxiang) during storage at 4 degrees C

A novel nano-packing material with lower relative humidity, oxygen transmission rate and high longitudinal strength was synthesized by blending polyethylene with nano-powder (nano-Ag, kaolin, anatase TiO(2), rutile TiO(2)), and its effect on preservation quality of strawberry fruits (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv Fengxiang) was investigated during storage at 4 degrees C. Results showed that nano-packaging was able to maintain the sensory, physicochemical, and physiological quality of strawberry fruits at a higher level compared with the normal packing (polyethylene bags). After a 12-d storage, decreases in the contents of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid of nano-packing were significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, decay rate, anthocyanin, and malondialdehyde contents were decreased to 16.7%, 26.3 mg/100g, 66.3 micromol/g for nano-packing and 26.8%, 31.9 mg/100g, 75.4 micromol/g for normal packing; polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and pyrogallol peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly lower in nano-packing than the control. These data indicated that the nano-packaging might provide an attractive alternative to improve preservation quality of the strawberry fruits during extended storage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Nano-packing exhibited identified quality benefits applicable to the preservation of fresh strawberry. Furthermore, nano-packing has the advantages of simple processing and feasibility to be industrialized in contrast with other storages. Thus, the utilization of nano-packing will likely assist commercial producers and retailers in extending the shelf life of products over a broader range in the future.

STAT1/2 is involved in the inhibition of cell growth induced by U0126 in HeLa cells

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade plays an important role in cell life. Herein we show that small interfering RNAs targeting MAPK1 can inhibit HeLa cell growth and induce apoptosis along with up-regulation of signal transducers and activator 1 and 2 (STAT1/2). However, across-talk between the ras-raf-ERK1/2 signalling cascade and the JAK-STAT pathway remain largely unknown. Using MEK inhibitor U0126 and JAK-2 inhibitor AG490, we analyzed the relationship between ERK1/2 and STAT1/2 in HeLa cells. U0126 inhibited HeLa cell growth, arrested the cell cycle at G1/G0, and induced cell apoptosis, and AG490 partially reversed the effects of U0126. U0126 induced up-regulation of ERK1/2 and down-regulation of phosphorylated ERK1/2, increased STAT1 and STAT2 expression in a dose-dependent manner, and activated STAT1/2 via their phosphorylation. AG490 markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 and slightly increased that of ERK1/2 inhibited by U0126. We suggest that STAT1/2 is involved in the inhibition of cell growth induced by U0126 in HeLa cells.

Rational design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of rigid pyrrolidone analogues as potential inhibitors of prostate cancer cell growth

In view of its role in tumor promotion and signal transduction, protein kinase C (PKC) has proven to be an exciting target for cancer therapy. With the aid of molecular modeling, we rationally designed and stereoselectively synthesized a new class of rigidified pyrrolidone-based PKC activators. Pyrrolidone 15 was found to exhibit reasonable affinity for PKCdelta, with lower affinity for the other isozymes tested. Pyrrolidone 2 causes the dose-dependent induction of apoptosis in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. This apoptotic effect could be markedly potentiated by the use of LNCaP cells overexpressing the PKCalpha or delta isozymes.