[Effects of miR-424 on Proliferation and Migration Abilities in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells and Its Molecular Mechanism]

背景与目的

已有的研究表明miR-424可抑制肾癌细胞增殖，抑制宫颈鳞癌细胞的迁移和侵袭能力，而其对非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）细胞的影响目前尚无系统研究。本研究探讨miR-424对NSCLC A549细胞生长和侵袭迁移能力的影响并进一步研讨其分子机制。

方法

应用CCK8检测过表达及抑制miR-424的表达对A549细胞增殖的影响。应用Transwell检测过表达及抑制miR-424的表达对A549细胞侵袭能力的影响。应用Western blot检测过表达及抑制miR-424的表达对A549细胞中MMP9和MMP2蛋白水平的影响。构建E2F6 3’UTR区的荧光素酶报告载体，验证miR-424对E2F6的靶向作用。采用Western blot检测过表达及抑制miR-424的表达后，A549细胞中E2F6的表达。

结果

过表达miR-424后，A549的生长和侵袭能力显著降低。过表达miR-424后，A549细胞的MMP-2和MMP-9表达下降。荧光素酶活性检测表明miR-424能够抑制E2F6的荧光素酶活性。过表达miR-424后，细胞内E2F6的表达降低。

结论

miR-424能够通过调控E2F6而抑制A549的生长和侵袭能力。

Distinct Dual C-Cl Isotope Fractionation Patterns during Anaerobic Biodegradation of 1,2-Dichloroethane: Potential To Characterize Microbial Degradation in the Field

This study investigates, for the first time, dual C-Cl isotope fractionation during anaerobic biodegradation of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) via dihaloelimination by Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas-containing enrichment cultures. Isotopic fractionation of 1,2-DCA (ε_bulk^C and ε_bulk^Cl) for Dehalococcoides (-33.0 ± 0.4‰ and -5.1 ± 0.1‰) and Dehalogenimonas-containing microcosms (-23 ± 2‰ and -12.0 ± 0.8‰) resulted in distinctly different dual element C-Cl isotope correlations (Λ = Δδ¹³C/Δδ³⁷Cl ≈ ε_bulk^C/ε_bulk^Cl), 6.8 ± 0.2 and 1.89 ± 0.02, respectively. Determined isotope effects and detected products suggest that the difference on the obtained Λ values for biodihaloelimination could be associated with a different mode of concerted bond cleavage rather than two different reaction pathways (i.e., stepwise vs concerted). Λ values of 1,2-DCA were, for the first time, determined in two field sites under reducing conditions (2.1 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 2.9). They were similar to the one obtained for the Dehalogenimonas-containing microcosms (1.89 ± 0.02) and very different from those reported for aerobic degradation pathways in a previous laboratory study (7.6 ± 0.1 and 0.78 ± 0.03). Thus, this study illustrates the potential of a dual isotope analysis to differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation pathways of 1,2-DCA in the field and suggests that this approach might also be used to characterize dihaloelimination of 1,2-DCA by different bacteria, which needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Current Status and Future Directions of Nanoparticulate Strategy for Cancer Immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Rapid advancement over the past few decades in cancer immunotherapy provides life-saving options for cancer patients. However, commonly used strategies including small molecules and various biomacromolecule-based therapeutics suffer from serious off-target toxicity and a lack of stability in the circulation.

OBJECTIVE

To overcome these problems, various nanoparticulate delivery systems have been developed to achieve controlled and sustained drug release, improved stability and pharmacokinetic profiles, and tumor specificity to reduce off-target adverse effects.

METHOD

We reviewed representative studies on multiple nanoparticulate platform systems for delivering therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy, and discussed the advances and perspectives for the future development of novel therapeutics in cancer immunotherapy. Results and Perspectives: Nanoparticles for the controlled delivery of immune modulating agents represents a viable approach in cancer immunotherapy. Besides seeking novel carrier systems or new materials, efforts need to be contributed to delineating the impact of intrinsic properties of nanoparticles such as material composition, morphology, size distribution, charge, and stiffness in manipulating immune responses in cancer therapy.

[Prenatal diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities and nine microdeletion syndromes using both traditional karyotyping and BoBs]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new prenatal diagnosis model of chromosomal abnormalities and nine microdeletion syndromes by using both traditional karyotyping and a newly-developed rapid prenatal diagnosis technology, BACs-on-Beads (BoBs) technique.

METHODS

From June 2012 to December 2014, 807 pregnant women with high risk after screening or with other indicators, were performed amniocentesis. Traditional karyotyping and BoBs were employed simultaneously for prenatal diagnosis.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases with chromosome aneupoidies were successfully detected both by BoBs and karyotyping, including 18 cases of trisomy 21, 6 cases of trisomy 18, 1 case of trisomy 13, and 7 cases with sex chromosome abnormality. All 8 fetuses with chromosome structural abnormalities detected by karyotyping were missed by BoBs; while BoBs contributed more in detection of five microdeletion syndrome cases, including 3 cases of DiGeorge syndromes (two with microduplication and one with microdeletion), one case of Miller-Dieker syndrome, and one case of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of traditional karyotyping and BoBs, is a rapid and effective prenatal diagnosis model that may enlarge our horizon on chromosomal diseases and should be widely used in future clinical service.

Measurement properties of the Haem-A-QoL in haemophilia clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

Patients with haemophilia on long-acting prophylactic treatment may experience an improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through reductions in breakthrough bleeds and associated complications, including long-term joint damage, compared with episodic treatment.

AIM

This analysis examined clinical trial data to understand the psychometric characteristics (reliability, validity and sensitivity to change over time) of the Haem-A-QoL Questionnaire in adult males with haemophilia.

METHODS

Two recent, multinational, Phase 3 clinical trials of new, long-acting factor concentrates (A-LONG: rFVIIIFc; B-LONG: rFIXFc) assessed HRQoL in adolescent and adult males with severe haemophilia A or B respectively. The adults' baseline assessments, via the 46-item Haem-A-QoL Questionnaire, and change over time at the 6-month assessment were used in the psychometric analyses.

RESULTS

Internal consistency reliability was adequate (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70) for nine of the 10 Haem-A-QoL domains and for 'Total Score' in both trials at baseline (A-LONG, n = 133; B-LONG, n = 73). At baseline, several Haem-A-QoL domains and 'Total Score' demonstrated known-groups and convergent validity when compared with other trial measures, including the EQ-5D (items and total scores) and joint impairment. Change score correlations (baseline to 28 weeks) between the EQ-5D and the Haem-A-QoL 'Total Score', and 'Physical Health' and 'Feelings' domains were moderate in magnitude (│r│ ≥ 0.33; P < 0.03), demonstrating sensitivity to change for these outcome measures in A-LONG.

CONCLUSION

These psychometric analyses provide evidence of the reliability, validity and ability to detect change of the Haem-A-QoL to assess the HRQoL of adult males with severe haemophilia A and B in longitudinal clinical trials.

Identification of Pb sources using Pb isotopic compositions in the core sediments from Western Xiamen Bay, China

Pb concentrations and Pb isotopic compositions (total and acid-extractable) in the core sediments collected from Western Xiamen Bay, China, were determined to investigate the Pb pollution history and trace the Pb sources. Pb concentration showed an increasing trend (from 40.3 to 64.2mgkg^-1) with obvious fluctuation from 1967 to 2013, reflected by the core sediments. The enrichment factors of Pb were between 2 and 5, indicating a moderate enrichment. The relative contributions of Pb-Zn deposit and parent material to total Pb in the core sediments were 51%-62% and 38%-49%, respectively. Acid-extractable Pb isotopic signature was more sensitive than total Pb isotopic signature in identifying anthropogenic Pb sources due to the substantial variability of acid-extractable Pb isotopic ratios exhibited in the core sediments. Based on the acid-extractable Pb isotopic ratios, Pb-Zn deposit and industrial emission were regarded as the main anthropogenic Pb contributors.

MicroRNA-376b promotes breast cancer metastasis by targeting Hoxd10 directly

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women, and metastasis formed at distant anatomic sites was the major cause of cancer-related mortality. Thus, a novel therapy target and progression biomarker for breast cancer metastasis was necessary. microRNA (miR)-376b has been demonstrated to regulate angiogenesis; however, its role in cancer metastasis remains elusive. In the present study, the expression of miR-376b in normal breast tissue, JC and 4T1 cells was determined by qPCR. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to determine the effect of miR-376b on breast cancer metastasis. The direct target of miR-376b was determined by the luciferase assay and western blotting. The results indicated that silencing of miR-376b by the miR-376-mimic significantly inhibited 4T1 cell migration and invasion in vitro. Lung metastasis was also evidently decreased after silencing of miR-376b in 4T1 cells. Moreover, the luciferase assay and western blotting identified that Hoxd10 is the direct target of miR-376b during the regulation of breast cancer metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to demonstrate the promoting breast cancer metastasis role of miR-376b by directly targeting Hoxd10. Therefore, it would be a novel therapy target and prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.

[The diagnosis and treatment of pseudoaneurysm of internal carotid artery in sphenoid sinus(a report of 7 cases)]

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics,diagnosis methods and treatment of sphenoid sinus internal jugular pseudoaneurysms.Method:Data of 7 cases were retrospectively studied from March 1995 to January 2015.Result:There were five cases had recurrent nasal bleeding, two cases suffered monocular blindness, and one case was blind of both eyes.There was a clear history of head injury in five cases. Four patients were treated with coated stent intervention treatment, one case lost followup, one case suffered right internal carotid artery isolation technique and routine clipping common carotid arteries, and one case was performed emergency right internal carotid artery embolism. Three out of four cases were recovered, and one case occurred hemiplegia.Conclusion:With the history of head injury, recurrent nasal bleeding or stuff with blood, or blindness, the diagnosis of internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms should be taken into account, and the MRI, MRA and DSA examination are necessary.

Contamination and isotopic composition of Pb and Sr in offshore surface sediments from Jiulong River, Southeast China

Concentrations and isotopic compositions of Pb and Sr in the surface sediment samples from Jiulong River, Southeast China, were determined to trace the sources of Pb and Sr. The average concentrations of Pb and Sr were 110.9 mg/kg and 69.2 mg/kg, approximately 3.2 and 2.0 times of the local soil background values, respectively. Average 62.9% of total Pb and 36.8% of total Sr in the investigated surface sediment samples were extracted by 0.5 mol/L HNO₃. Pb and Sr presented slight contamination, and Pb showed low ecological risk for most of surface sediment samples in Jiulong River according to geo-accumulation index (I_geo) and potential ecological risk index (RI). The results of Pb isotopic compositions in sediment samples and potential sources showed that the Pb accumulated in the surface sediments of Jiulong River was mainly from parent material, coal combustion and Fujian Pb-Zn deposit, with the contribution rates of 34.4%, 34.0%, and 31.6%, respectively. The results of Pb isotopic compositions in 0.5 mol/L HNO₃-extraction suggested that dilute HNO₃-extraction was more sensitive in identifying anthropogenic Pb sources than total digestion. The results of Sr isotopic compositions showed that Sr accumulated in the surface sediments of Jiulong River estuary mainly derived from external source and natural source (parent material) with the contribution rates of 48.1% and 51.9%, respectively.

Passive Paradigm Single-Tone Elicited ERPs in Tension-Type Headaches and Migraine

The active 'oddball' event-related potential (ERP) P3 is elongated or reduced in migraine and tension-type headaches, indicating a deficit of active attention in these primary headaches. It is then reasonable to study the passive attention function in these headaches through the technology of passive paradigm singletone elicited ERPs. We invited 32 patients suffering from chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), 17 from frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETH) and 32 from interictal migraine without aura, as well as 28 healthy subjects to undergo passive paradigm single-tone ERPs. There were no statistically significant differences when the mean latencies and amplitudes of N1, P2, N2 or the mean latencies of P3 of the four groups were considered. In contrast, the P3 amplitudes were significantly reduced in the patient groups when compared with healthy controls. However, no further significant difference was found between patient groups when considering P3 amplitude. Our study demonstrated a deficit of passive attention in CTTH, FETH and migraine, but could not separate these headache types in this regard. The reduced P3 in patients might be due to the head pain experienced.

Alternative splicing directs two IL-20R2 isoforms and is responsible for the incomplete gene knockout via the exon I ablation

Two heterodimeric receptors consisting of interleukin (IL)-20R2 are shared by three of the IL-20 family of cytokines, IL-19, IL-20 and IL-24. Along with IL-22, these cytokines are downstream effectors of IL-23 and have been implicated in keratinocyte functions and the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Surprisingly, whereas knocking out either the IL-23 or IL-22 gene abolished imiquimod-induced psoriatic phenotypes in mice, similar attempt for IL-20R2 had little effect. Here, we report that the apparent disparity may result from a new IL-20R2 isoform encoded by an alternatively spliced transcript which survived the previous attempt for IL-20R2 gene knockout via the exon I deletion.

Heavy metal pollution and Pb isotopic tracing in the intertidal surface sediments of Quanzhou Bay, southeast coast of China

Concentrations of 16 heavy metals and Pb isotopic ratios in the intertidal surface sediments of Quanzhou Bay were determined to study the pollution level of heavy metals and the sources of Pb. The results showed that most concentrations of Cd, Sn, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Hg, Ni, Co, Cs, Fe and V were higher than the background values, while most concentrations of Ti, Sb and Sr were lower than the background values. The mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cd exceeded the first-grade criteria of Chinese marine sediment quality. The geo-accumulation indexes revealed that the sediments had been polluted by some heavy metals. The results of Pb isotopic tracing indicated that the total Pb in the sediments were mainly from parent material, industrial emission and vehicle exhaust with the mean contributions of 38.2%, 51.3% and 10.5%, respectively, calculated by a three-end-member model of Pb isotopic ratios.

Bifidobacteria possess inhibitory activity against dipeptidyl peptidase-IV

The incretin hormones are extremely rapidly metabolized by the ubiquitous enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Therefore, DPP-IV inhibitors which can prolong the incretin effect are the newest and promising drugs for management of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether Bifidobacteria colonizing the human gut possess DPP-IV inhibitory activity. Cell-free intracellular extracts of 13 Bifidobacterium strains isolated from breast-fed infant faecal samples were prepared and screened for DPP-IV inhibitory activity, and two Bifidobacterium strains-Bif. longum BBMN68 and Bif. lactis Bb12-were used as reference strains. Most of the strains showed varying levels of DPP-IV inhibitory property (7-27%). Strains of Bifidobacterium adolescentis IF1-11 and Bifidobacterium bifidum IF3-211 showed the greatest DPP-IV inhibitory activity (27 and 25%) as well as good in vitro probiotic properties. This initial finding suggested that new beneficial function of Bifidobacteria is strain-dependent and the strains or their components may have the potential application for management of type 2 diabetes via inhibiting gastrointestinal DPP-IV activity. Further investigations into the isolation and identification of the bioactive components of Bifidobacteria are warranted.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results show that Bifidobacteria isolated from breast-fed infants' faecal samples possess DPP-IV inhibitory activity. Strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum IF3-211 and Bifidobacterium adolescentis IF1-11, which showed excellent DPP-IV inhibitory properties as well as good in vitro probiotic properties, are expected to be beneficial for application as anti-diabetic probiotics.

Elevated Ambient Temperature Differentially Affects Virus Resistance in Two Tobacco Species

Antiviral defense of plants is usually enhanced by an elevated temperature under natural conditions. In order to better understand this phenomenon, we carried out temperature shift experiments with Nicotiana glutinosa plants that were infected with Potato virus X (PVX) or the necrotic strain of Potato virus Y (PVY(N)). The virus titer of the plants was found to be much lower when they were maintained at 30°C compared with 22°C, particularly in the upper leaves. PVX resistance at 30°C persisted for a short period even when temperature was shifted back to 22°C. In contrast, N. benthamiana lost the virus resistance immediately after the temperature dropped to 22°C. Expression analysis of two RNA-dependent RNA polymerases in N. glutinosa (NgRDR) showed that a 12-day treatment at 30°C increased the expression of NgRDR1, while NgRDR6 was not affected. In addition, the NgRDR6 mRNA level correlated with the PVX titer but was unaffected by PVY(N) infection. These observations indicate that PVX and PVY(N), although they are both RNA viruses, might trigger different defense responses at elevated temperatures. Our study provides valuable data for a better understanding of the temperature-regulated host virus interaction.

Passive transfer of lipopolysaccharide-derived myeloid-derived suppressor cells inhibits asthma-related airway inflammation

OBJECTIVE

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma through inhibiting T cell response. However, the issue of whether Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-derived MDSCs regulate the immune response in an asthma environment is currently unclear. We sought to characterize the pathogenic function of various subtypes of MDSCs in asthma mediated by ovalbumin in mice model, in order to show that LPS-induced MDSCs can shift the balance back to normal in a Th2-dominant asthmatic environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subgroups of MDSCs with Ly6C+Ly6G+, Ly6C-Ly6G+, Ly6C+Ly6G- or Ly6C-Ly6G- expression were isolated by flow cytometry and were co-cultured with spleen lymphocytes. The proportion of Th1, Th2, or Treg cells in the treated spleen lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. In an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model, mice were intravenously injected (tail vein) by MDSCs with specific marker, then the lung function and tissue pathology, IL-4 content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood, and proportion of Th1, Th2, or Treg cells in peripheral blood were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ly6C+Ly6G+ MDSCs transferred into asthmatic mice via intravenous injection suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung and Th2 cytokine in BALF and blood. We observed a significant increase of Treg cells in the spleen lymphocytes co-cultured with Ly6C+Ly6G+, Ly6C-Ly6G+, Ly6C+Ly6G-, Ly6C-Ly6G- or CD11b+ MDSCs. The adoptive transfer of Ly6C+Ly6G+, Ly6C-Ly6G+, CD11b+ MDSCs resulted in decrease of Penh, total cell number, eosinophil and neutrophil percentage in BALF, and concentration of IL-4 in BALF and serum, thus improving the inflammatory injury, histopathology and lung function in the mice with asthma. The up-regulation of the Th1/Th2 ratio and Treg frequency were observed after adoptive transfer of Ly6C+Ly6G+, Ly6C-Ly6G+, Ly6C+Ly6G-, Ly6C-Ly6G- and CD11b+ MDSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The LPS-derived MDSCs with specific markers were able to suppress natural inflammatory response and improve inflammatory injury through reversing Th1/Th2 ratio, increasing Treg proportion and decreasing IL-4 concentration. These findings imply that LPS-derived MDSCs inhibit Th2 cell-medicated response against allergen. We propose that asthma may be effectively targeted using a novel MDSC-based cell therapy approach.

Observation of universal strong orbital-dependent correlation effects in iron chalcogenides

Establishing the appropriate theoretical framework for unconventional superconductivity in the iron-based materials requires correct understanding of both the electron correlation strength and the role of Fermi surfaces. This fundamental issue becomes especially relevant with the discovery of the iron chalcogenide superconductors. Here, we use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to measure three representative iron chalcogenides, FeTe_0.56Se_0.44, monolayer FeSe grown on SrTiO₃ and K_0.76Fe_1.72Se₂. We show that these superconductors are all strongly correlated, with an orbital-selective strong renormalization in the d_xy bands despite having drastically different Fermi surface topologies. Furthermore, raising temperature brings all three compounds from a metallic state to a phase where the d_xy orbital loses all spectral weight while other orbitals remain itinerant. These observations establish that iron chalcogenides display universal orbital-selective strong correlations that are insensitive to the Fermi surface topology, and are close to an orbital-selective Mott phase, hence placing strong constraints for theoretical understanding of iron-based superconductors.

A proper theoretical description for unconventional superconductivity in iron-based compounds remains elusive. Here, the authors, to capture the electron correlation strength and the role of Fermi surfaces, report ARPES measurements of three iron chalcogenide superconductors to establish universal features.