Long noncoding RNA FEZF1-AS1 promotes the motility of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of noncoding RNA nucleotides >200 bp, has been demonstrated to play vital role in the development of cancer. FEZ family zinc finger 1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1-AS1) has been reported as an lncRNA which acts as a tumor-promoting effect in some cancers. However, the role of it in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its potential regulatory mechanism was unclear now. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect the levels of FEZF1-AS1 and mRNA CTNNB1 (β-catenin) in ESCC tissues and cells. Cell transfection experiments were used to knock down or overexpress the level of FEZF1-AS1 in EC1 and EC9706 cell lines. WST-1 assays, cell cycle assays, scratch wound assays, migration, and invasion assays were used to evaluate the function of FEZF1-AS1 in ESCC progression. Results: FEZF1-AS1 was remarkably upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Silencing of FEZF1-AS1 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of ESCC cells, while overexpression of FEZF1-AS1 notably accelerated ESCC migration and invasion. Meanwhile, the levels of FEZF1-AS1 had no effect on ESCC cell proliferation and cell cycle. We also found that β-catenin was upregulated in ESCC tissues, and the level of it was positively correlated with the expression of FEZF1-AS1. Silencing of FEZF1-AS1 could decrease the mRNA and protein level of β-catenin, while overexpression FEZF1-AS1 could lead to the contrary. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the expression of lncRNA FEZF1-AS1 played an important role in ESCC progression, especially the motility of the tumor. FEZF1-AS1 may provide us with a new sight for ESCC treatment.

Multiple parametric nanoscale measurements with high sensitivity based on through-focus scanning optical microscopy

High-throughput through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) involves defocusing along the optical axis and capturing a series of defocus images and is useful in optical nanoscale measurement. However, TSOM is usually affected by its optical and mechanical noises. In this study, the issue of sensitivity and application in three-dimensional (3D) multiple parameter measurement of TSOM is investigated. First, a TSOM system with objective scanning and its relative simulation algorithm are proposed. Second, based upon the system and algorithm, an experiment on an isolated Au line is performed and the corresponding matching library is established. Comparing the experimental TSOM image and simulated TSOM images of the library, 3D multiple parameter results of the Au line are extracted. Third, the precision of the system is analysed through a fidelity test particular for through-focus images. According to this study, the system is robust to the optical and mechanical noises and hence could be useful in 3D multiple parametric measurement and high-volume nanomanufacturing.

Biohybrid catalysts for sequential one-pot reactions based on an engineered transmembrane protein

A two-step one pot reaction sequence consisting of artificial metalloprotein olefin metathesis and hydrogenation was performed yielding 1,2-diphenylethane derivatives.

Accuracy of interferon-γ-induced protein 10 for diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Effective diagnostic methods for detecting latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are important for its eradication. A number of studies have evaluated the use of interferon-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10), which is elevated after tuberculosis infection, as a biomarker for LTBI, but conclusive results regarding its effectiveness have not been reported.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to assess the diagnostic value of IP-10 for LTBI.

DATA SOURCES

We searched the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases to find eligible studies.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies that evaluated IP-10 in LTBI participants in comparison with tuberculin skin tests (TST) and interferon-γ release assays (IGRA).

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with LTBI and uninfected participants.

INTERVENTIONS

IP-10 (index test) compared with TST and IGRA (reference standard) for diagnosing LTBI.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched up to June 2018. A hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model was used to evaluate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and HSROC curve for the diagnostic efficiency of IP-10.

RESULTS

Twelve studies including 1023 participants and 1122 samples were included. The overall pooled sensitivity was 0.85 (95% CI 0.80-0.88), specificity was 0.89 (95% CI 0.84-0.92), PLR was 7.55 (95% CI 5.20-10.97), NLR was 0.17 (95% CI 0.13-0.22) and DOR was 44.23 (95% CI 28.86-67.79), indicating a high accuracy for diagnosing LTBI. Based on a meta-regression analysis, high-burden countries, study design, IP-10 method, reference standard and the IP-10 cut-off could not explain the heterogeneity (p >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that IP-10 is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of LTBI.

[Killing effect of Robo1 targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor modified NK92 cells against glioma and neuroblastoma cells]

Objective: To study the cytotoxicity of Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells against U87-MG and SH-SY5Y cells, to explore the effects of IL-15, IL-21 and dexamethasone on the proliferation, survival and cytotoxicity of Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells and to optimize the culture protocol. Methods: Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells were constructed by lentivirus transfection.The Robo1 car positive cells were sorted, expanded and detected by flow cytometry.The levels of Robo1 expression in SH-SY5Y and U87-MG cells were examined by flow cytometry.The cytotoxicity of Robo1-CAR-NK92 or NK92 cells against target cells was tested by CCK-8 and live cell imaging. The levels of cytokines in the supernatant of cultured cells during the cytotoxicity assay were quantified by the multiplex bead-array assay.NK92 and Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells (4×10(4)/ml) were treated with 25 ng/ml of IL-15, 25 ng/ml of IL-21 and/or 50 nmol/L dexamethasone for 3 days and were stained with trypan blue to acquire the viable cell numbers and survival rates. Results: Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells were constructed and tested 98.89% positive after sorting and expansion. While 88.14% of U87-MG cells were Robo1 positive, there were 99.75% of Robo1 positive SH-SY5Y cells.The specific lysis of Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells against target cells was significantly higher than that of NK92 cells (P<0.05). Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells obviously secreted more cytokines including IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ than parental NK92 cells during cytotoxic activity against U87-MG cells (P<0.05). IL-15 significantly increased the proliferation and survival of Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells, but IL-21 played the opposite role.Remarkably, IL-21 and IL-15+ IL-21 enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK92 and Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells.The combination of dexamethasone and interleukins dramatically promoted the proliferation and survival but obviously impaired the cytotoxicity of NK92 and Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells (except that IL+ 15 and dexamethasone have no effect on the cytotoxicity of Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells). Conclusions: Compared to parental NK92 cells, Robo1-CAR-NK92 cells exhibited more potent targeted killing against glioma and neuroblastoma cells.Collectively, treatment of IL-15 and dexamethasone was the optimized protocol for culture of Robo1 CAR NK cells during our experimental time.

Apical U-shape splitting technique for undercut areas of the anterior alveolar ridge: a prospective non-randomized controlled study

The aim of this study was to investigate a novel apical U-shape splitting technique for horizontal bone augmentation in undercut areas and to compare its efficacy with that of guided bone regeneration (GBR). This was a prospective non-randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 36 patients, who presented with a labial undercut that was not able to house a normally inclined implant, underwent the new technique or GBR. Radiographic and clinical data were obtained preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. Pairwise comparisons of changes in ridge width gain, marginal bone loss, and pink aesthetic score were performed; correlations with pristine ridge morphology were investigated. The results showed similar marginal bone loss in the two groups. The overall ridge width gains in the new technique group (2.56±1.92mm) and GBR group (0.73±1.21mm) differed significantly (P<0.05). The pink aesthetic score was higher for the new technique group (11.75±1.22) than for the GBR group (9.25±1.86) (P<0.01). The morphology of the concavity had different impacts on regeneration in the two groups. The apical U-shape splitting technique, as a safe and effective alternative to GBR, provided a significant increase in bone volume gain where labial fenestration was inevitable during implant placement.

Long non-coding RNA FTH1P3 regulated metastasis and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through SP1/NF-kB pathway

AIMS：: Recent research showed that Long non-protein coding RNA ferritin heavy chain 1 pseudogene 3 (FTH1P3) plays a crucial role in the course of tumor formation. The present study was aimed to explore its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

MAIN METHODS

Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression levels of FTH1P3, mRNA SP1 and NF-kB in ESCC samples and cell lines. The impact of FTH1P3 knockdown was evaluated by WST-1 assays, colony formation assays, scratch wound assays, migration and invasion assays.

KEY FINDINGS

FTH1P3 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and cells (P < 0.001). Knockdown of FTH1P3 notably decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of ESCC cells. Silencing of FTH1P3 decreased the expression of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and NF-kB (p65) in EC9706 and EC1.

SIGNIFICANCE

FTH1P3 plays a crucial role in ESCC tumorigenesis, and can be used as a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Nonmechanical and multiview 3D measurement microscope for workpiece with large slope and complex geometry

Due to the large slope and complex geometry, it is difficult to measure the three-dimensional parameters of cutting tools and drill bits by using general optical measurement method. A method that combines the multiview rotation scanning and nonmechanical focus variation by using a liquid lens is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the workpiece is rotated by using a rotation unit, and in every rotation position, a sequence of images of the workpiece are captured in the axial direction. Secondly, the relative degree of focus is measured for all pixels by using focus measure operators to obtain the depth value corresponding to each pixel. Thirdly, a multiview registration algorithm is designed to combine all the individual data sets at each rotation position into a whole three-dimensional point cloud. Finally, the three-dimensional parameters of the rake angle and clearance angle of the gear, screw tap and drills are measured. The proposed method is lateral shift-free and no light intensity variation, so it can obtain better accuracy. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the axial measurement reaches 2.4 μm (2σ, Nikon 5×/0.1).

LAY DESCRIPTION

This article is about a method that combines the multi-view rotation scanning and non-mechanical focus variation by using a liquid lens.

Ovarian cancer stem cells promote tumour immune privilege and invasion via CCL5 and regulatory T cells

Emerging evidence indicates a link between the increased proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs ) and reduced survival in patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been indicated to play a vital role in tumour initiation, drug resistance and recurrence. However, the relationship between Tregs and CSCs remains largely unknown. Here, we sorted out ovarian cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells and CD133+ cells to investigate the influence of ovarian CSCs on Tregs . Among the various immune-related molecules that we assessed, C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) was the most elevated in ovarian CSCs relative to that in the non-CSCs. The expression of its receptor, C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), was also increased on the surface of Tregs in ovarian cancer patients. This receptor-ligand expression profile indicated that ovarian CSCs recruit Tregs via CCL5-CCR5 interactions. We further assessed the expression of interleukin (IL)-10 in Tregs cultured with different cancer cells. Tregs cultured in conditioned medium (CM) from ovarian CD133+ cells expressed a higher level of IL-10 than Tregs cultured in CM from CD133- cells, indicating that Tregs exert pronounced immune-inhibitory functions in CSC-rich environments. Furthermore, co-culture with ovarian cancer cell lines induced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in Tregs which, in turn, enhanced the degradation of the extracellular matrix and enabled the invasion of tumour cells, thereby facilitating tumour metastasis. For the first time, to our knowledge, our findings describe the relationship between ovarian CSCs and Tregs , and demonstrated that these two cell populations co-operate to promote tumour immune tolerance and enhance tumour progression.

YAP Inhibits the Apoptosis and Migration of Human Rectal Cancer Cells via Suppression of JNK-Drp1-Mitochondrial Fission-HtrA2/Omi Pathways

Background/Aims: The Hippo-Yap pathway is associated with tumor development and progression. However, little evidence is available concerning its role in cancer cell apoptosis and migration via mitochondrial homeostasis. Here, we identify mitochondrial fission as a regulator of the Hippo–Yap pathway in human rectal cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Methods: In this study, we performed loss-of function assays concerning Yap in RCC via shRNA. Cellular viability and apoptosis were measured via MTT, the TUNEL assay and trypan blue staining. Mitochondrial function was assessed via JC1 staining, the mPTP opening assay, mitochondrial respiratory function analysis, electron microscopy and immunofluorescence analysis of HtrA2/Omi. Mitophagy and mitochondrial fission were assessed via western blots and immunofluorescence. Cell migration was evaluated via the Transwell assay, wound-healing assay and immunofluorescence analysis of F-actin. The interaction between JNK and Yap was detected via co-immunoprecipitation and Yap recombinant mutagenic plasmid transfection. Western blots were used to analyze signaling pathways in conjunction with JNK inhibitors or HtrA2/Omi siRNA. Results: Yap is upregulated in human rectal cancer cells, where its expression correlates positively with cell survival and migration. Functional studies established that silencing of Yap drove JNK phosphorylation, which induced Drp1 activation and translocation to the surface of mitochondria, initiating mitochondrial fission. Excessive mitochondrial fission mediated HtrA2/Omi leakage from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, where HtrA2/Omi triggered cellular apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Moreover, released HtrA2/Omi also phosphorylated cofilin and inhibited cofilin-mediated F-actin polymerization. F-actin collapse perturbed lamellipodia formation and therefore impaired cellular migration and invasion. Conclusion: Collectively, our results demonstrate that Hippo-Yap can serve as a tumor promoter in human rectal cancer and acts by restricting JNK/Drp1/mitochondrial fission/ HtrA2/Omi, with potential implications for new approaches to human rectal cancer therapy.

SIRT1 rs10823108 and FOXO1 rs17446614 responsible for genetic susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy

SIRT1 and FOXO1 play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the association between genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to type 2 DN (T2DN) has not been explored. In this study, a total of 1066 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (413 without and 653 with DN) were enrolled. The genotypes of three htSNPs (rs3818292, rs4746720, rs10823108) within SIRT1 and two htSNPs (rs2721068, rs17446614) in FOXO1 were determined by PCR-RFLP. HbA1C, LDL, HDL, TC, and TG levels were also examined. SIRT1 rs10823108 AA genotype was significantly associated with a decreased risk of DN (OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.38–0.97), while GA genotype (OR = 1.77, 95%CI: 1.33–2.35) and AA genotype (OR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.25–4.34) of FOXO1 rs17446614 was associated with an increased T2DN risk. The interactions among rs1744 6614, BMI and duration of diabetes (OR: 2.63, 95%CI: 1.23–4.31) were also observed. Subsequent haplotype analysis revealed that two haplotype defined by AC (OR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.15–1.94) and AT (OR: 1.79, 95%CI: 1.06–2.80) within FOXO1 gene may increase the risk of T2DN. In conclusion, genetic variant rs10823108 in SIRT1 and variant rs17446614 in FoxO1 may contribute to the risk of DN in T2DM patients.

MicroRNA-16-5p overexpression suppresses proliferation and invasion as well as triggers apoptosis by targeting VEGFA expression in breast carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNA molecules, can manipulate the expressions of endogenous tumor-related genes, and are implicated in the development and progression of a wide type of tumors. In this study, the investigation from real-time quantitative PCR revealed that miRNA-16-5p was downregulated in breast carcinoma tissues and cells, coupled with the elevations of HIF-α and VEGFA protein expressions, compared with normal tissues. Lentiviral armed with miR-16-5p markedly increased the miR-16-5p levels in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, compared to blank and NC groups, and miR-16-5p overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Besides, miR-16-5p upregulation markedly induced apoptosis and reduced invasion ability in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, VEGFA was direct target of miR-16-5p. Stepwise investigation from in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that miR-16-5p overexpression suppressed tumor growth and reduced HIF-α and VEGFA expressions in breast carcinoma cells and nude mice tumor tissues. These findings provide novel insights into molecular mechanism involved in the roles of miR-16-5p in tumor development and progression of breast carcinoma, and thus manipulation of miR-16-5p may be a novel potential therapeutic target for future therapies of the patients with breast carcinoma.

[Perioperational management of gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications: a serial of 37 clinical cases]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of perioperational management of gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications. Methods: We collected 37 cases of gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications who were hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital from Jan. 2010 to Nov. 2014. All of the cases were planned to move to ICU right after operation based on the preoperational assessment of anesthetist and physician. The median age was 69.4 years, and 25 cases (68%,25/37) of them were over 70 years old. The pathological types, preoperational complications, preoperational preparation, process of anesthesia and surgery, post-operational short-term morbidity were retrospectively analyzed. Results: (1) Pathological type: among 37 cases of gynecological cancer patients, 16 cases of endometrial cancer, 12 cases of ovarian cancer, 5 cases of vulvar cancer, 3 cases of uterine sarcoma and 1 case of fallopian cancer. (2) Preoperational complication: all the patients had more than 2 types of internal complications, 34 cases (92%, 34/37)of them had no less than 3 types of internal complications. The preoperational complications mainly included 25 cases of hypertension, 13 cases of coronary heart disease and 5 cases of arrhythmia, 5 cases of history of cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, 19 cases of diabetes and 1 case of obesity, 6 cases of allergic asthma and history of pulmonary embolism. (3) Preoperational preparation: medication were taken according to internal physicians to make blood pressure lower than 140/90 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), fasting blood glucose lower than 8.0 mmol/L, postprandial blood glucose lower than 10.0 mmol/L and cardiac function return to a generally normal status. (4) Process of anesthesia and surgery: 37 cases completed operation successfully after preoperational anesthetic assessment and internal medication. No perioperational death was observed. (5) Post-operational morbidity: 17 cases of post-operational short-term morbidity were observed before discharge, including 9 cases of poor wound healing, 5 cases of gastro-intestinal dysfunction and 3 cases of pulmonary infection. All of them were improved or cured. Conclusion: Surgery is safe and applicable to gynecological cancer patients with severe internal medical complications on the compressive management of anesthesia assessment, perioperational internal adjustment and post-operational multi-discipline treatment.