Single-cell N6-methyladenosine-related genes function within the tumor microenvironment to affect the prognosis and treatment sensitivity in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth for morbidity and third for mortality worldwide. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation is crucial in cancer biology and progression. However, the relationship between m6A methylation and gastric tumor microenvironment (TME) remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

We combined single-cell and bulk transcriptome analyses to explore the roles of m6A-related genes (MRG) in gastric TME.

RESULTS

Nine TME cell subtypes were identified from 23 samples. Fibroblasts were further grouped into four subclusters according to different cell markers. M6A-mediated fibroblasts may guide extensive intracellular communications in the gastric TME. The m6A-related genes score (MRGs) was output based on six differentially expressed single-cell m6A-related genes (SCMRDEGs), including GHRL, COL4A1, CAV1, GJA1, TIMP1, and IGFBP3. The protein expression level was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We identified the prognostic value of MRGs and constructed a nomogram model to predict GC patients' overall survival. MRGs may affect treatment sensitivity in GC patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study visualized the cellular heterogeneity of TME at the single-cell level, revealed the association between m6A mRNA modification and intracellular communication, clarified MRGs as an independent risk factor of prognosis, and provided a reference for follow-up treatment.

Identifying mitophagy-related genes as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of gastric carcinoma by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk-RNA sequencing data

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Patients with advanced GC tend to have poor prognoses and shortened survival. Finding novel predictive biomarkers for GC prognosis is an urgent need. Mitophagy is the selection degradation of damaged mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis, which has been shown to play both pro- and anti-tumor effects. This study combined single-cell sequencing data and transcriptomics to screen mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) associated with GC progression and analyze their clinical values. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunochemistry (IHC) further verified gene expression profiles. A total of 18 DE-MRGs were identified after taking an intersection of single-cell sequencing data and MRGs. Cells with a higher MRG score were mainly distributed in the epithelial cell cluster. Cell-to-cell communications among epithelial cells with other cell types were significantly upregulated. We established and validated a reliable nomogram model based on DE-MRGs (GABARAPL2 and CDC37) and traditional clinicopathological parameters. GABARAPL2 and CDC37 displayed different immune infiltration states. Given the significant correlation between hub genes and immune checkpoints, targeting MRGs in GC may supplement more benefits to patients who received immunotherapy. In conclusion, GABARAPL2 and CDC37 may be prognostic biomarkers and candidate therapeutic targets of GC.

Long non‑coding RNAs in multiple myeloma (Review)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the three major malignancies of the hematological system in middle‑aged and older individuals. The incidence of MM increases with age and due to its drug resistance and high recurrence, MM seriously harms human health. Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA molecules with a length of >200 nt and rarely encode proteins. Numerous studies reported that lncRNAs regulate carcinogenesis and cancer progression. MM‑associated lncRNAs affect features of tumor cells, including proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion and treatment resistance. The present review aims to summarize the latest findings on the roles of lncRNAs in MM to deepen the understanding of this field and provide insight for developing specific diagnostic tools and effective treatment strategies for MM, including novel biomarkers and targeted lncRNA therapeutics.

Downregulation of miR-100-5p in cancer-associated fibroblast-derived exosomes facilitates lymphangiogenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), an aggressive gastrointestinal tumor, often has high early lymphatic metastatic potential. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are primary components in tumor microenvironment (TME), and the impact of CAFs and its derived exosomes on lymphangiogenesis remains elusive.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CAFs and the microlymphatic vessel density (MLVD) in ESCC was examined. Exosomes were extracted from primary normal fibroblast (NFs) and CAFs. Subsequently, tumor-associated lymphatic endothelial cells (TLECs) were treated with these exosomes, and the effect on their biological behavior was examined. miR-100-5p was selected as the target miRNA, and its effect on TLECs was examined. The target of miR-100-5p was predicted and confirmed. Subsequently, IGF1R, PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT expression in TLECs and tumors treated with exosomes and miR-100-5p were examined.

RESULTS

A large number of CAFs and microlymphatic vessels were present in ESCC, leading to a poor prognosis. CAF-derived exosomes promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in TLECs. Further, they also enhanced lymphangiogenesis in ESCC xenografts. miR-100-5p levels were significantly lower in CAF-derived exosomes than in NF-derived exosomes. miR-100-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation in TLECs. Further, miR-100-5p inhibited lymphangiogenesis in ESCC xenografts. Mechanistic studies revealed that this inhibition was mediated by the miR-100-5p-induced inhibition of IGF1R/PI3K/AKT axis.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our study demonstrates that CAF-derived exosomes with decreased miR-100-5p levels exhibit pro-lymphangiogenesis capacity, suggesting a possibility of targeting IGF1R/PI3K/AKT axis as a strategy to inhibit lymphatic metastasis in ESCC.

The angiogenic genes predict prognosis and immune characteristics in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Evidence from multi-omics and experimental verification

Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) is an aggressive disease with five-year overall survival (OS) <15%. The main cause is metastasis rather than local tumor, and angiogenesis plays an important role. Angiogenesis has a significant impact on tumor metastasis, treatment and prognosis. However, the expression pattern of angiogenic genes, its effect on treatment and its relationship with prognosis in ESCC have not been systematically reported. We performed the first and most comprehensive multi-omics analysis of angiogenic genes in patients with ESCC and identified four angiogenic phenotypes that vary in outcome, tumor characteristics, and immune landscape. These subtypes provide not only patient outcomes but also key information that will help to identify immune blocking therapy. In addition, angiogenesis intensity score (AIS) was proposed to quantify tumor angiogenesis ability, and its accuracy as a predictor of prognosis and immunotherapy was verified by external cohort and corresponding cell lines. Our study provides clinicians with guidance for individualized immune checkpoint blocking therapy and anti-angiogenic therapy for ESCC.

Exosomal miR-301a-3p from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells promotes angiogenesis by inducing M2 polarization of macrophages via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background

Growing evidence has indicated that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor angiogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying the pro-angiogenic switch of TAMs remains unclear. Here, we examined how exosomal miR-301a-3p secreted by esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells triggers the pro-angiogenic switch of TAMs.

Methods

We quantified miR-301a-3p levels in ESCC tumors using qRT-PCR. Macrophage phenotypes were identified using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. The pro-angiogenic ability of TAMs was measured using the CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, Transwell migration and invasion assay, and tube formation assay. The mechanism by which exosomal miR-301a-3p secreted by ESCC cells triggers the pro-angiogenic switch of TAMs was elucidated using western blots, qRT-PCR, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

We observed anomalous miR-301a-3p overexpression in ESCC tumor tissues and cell lines. Then, we verified that ESCC-derived exosomes promoted angiogenesis by inducing macrophage polarization into M2 type, and exosomal miR-301a-3p secreted by ESCC cells was responsible for this effect. Finally, we discovered that exosomal miR-301a-3p promoted M2 macrophage polarization via the inhibition of PTEN and activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, subsequently promoting angiogenesis via the secretion of VEGFA and MMP9.

Conclusion

The pro-angiogenic switch of TAMs is triggered by exosomal miR-301a-3p secreted from ESCC cells via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Although tumor angiogenesis can be regulated by a wide range of factors, exosomal miR-301a-3p could hold promise as a novel anti-angiogenesis target for ESCC treatment.

Fertility-enhancing potential of ethanol extract of Cuscuta chinensis seeds in a rat model of unilateral cryptorchidism

Purpose: To investigate the fertility-enhancing potential of the ethanol extract of Cuscuta chinensis seeds in a rat model of unilateral cryptorchidism (ULC), and the mechanism(s) of action. Methods: Healthy male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 48; mean weight = 220 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to 4 groups (12 rats/group): control, ULC, 100 mg extract/kg and 200 mg extract/kg groups. Unilateral cryptorchidism of right testis was induced via standard method using an operating microscope. Rats in the treatment groups received 100 and 200 mg of ethanol extract of Cuscuta chinensis/kg orally once a day for 60 days. Sperm count and sperm motility were determined in seminal vesicular fluid (SVF) suspension. Oxidative stress markers and histological changes in rat testis were evaluated. The levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in testicular tissue were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the protein expressions of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were determined using Western blotting. Results: Body and reproductive organ weights, sperm count, sperm motility, and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly reduced in ULC group, relative to control group, but these parameters were significantly and dose-dependently increased following extract treatment (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels were significantly higher in ULC group than in control group, but they were reduced significantly and dose-dependently after extract treatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly downregulated in ULC group, when compared with control group, but they were significantly and dose-dependently upregulated by the extract (p < 0.05). Cross sections of testicular tissues of rats in ULC group revealed narrowed and thickened seminiferous tubules (disrupted spermatogonia) characterized by increased apoptotic bodies (increased number of necrotic Sertoli and Leydig cells). However, there were few damaged or necrotic Sertoli and Leydig cells, and complete absence of thickening of seminiferous tubules in testicular tissues of rats treated with the extract. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Cuscuta chinensis seeds effectively mitigates cryptorchidism in rats via mechanisms involving the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative stress. Thus, the plant extract has potentials for further development for the management of male infertility

Relationship Between PTEN and Angiogenesis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Underlying Mechanism

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has high morbidity and mortality rates owing to its ability to infiltrate and metastasize. Microvessels formed in early-stage ESCC promote metastasis. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mediates macrophage polarization, but its effect and mechanism on early ESCC angiogenesis are unclear. To explore the molecular mechanism underlying early ESCC metastasis through blood vessels, we investigated the relationship between PTEN/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/p-AKT protein levels, number of infiltrated macrophages, and angiogenesis in ESCC and ESCC-adjacent normal esophageal mucosa tissues from 49 patients. Additionally, PTEN was overexpressed or silenced in the esophageal cancer cell line EC9706, and its supernatant served as conditioning medium for M1 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The culture medium of macrophages served as conditioning medium for esophageal tumor-associated vascular endothelial cells (TECs) to study the biological behavior of PTEN-plasmid, PTEN-siRNA, and control TECs. We found that M1 TAM infiltration in ESCC tissues was low, whereas M2 TAM infiltration was high. Microvessel density was large, PTEN was down-regulated, and the PI3K/AKT pathway was activated in ESCC specimens. These parameters significantly related to the depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and pathological staging of ESCC. Silencing of PTEN in EC9706 cells significantly activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in macrophages, promoting M1-to-M2 TAM polarization and enhancing TECs’ ability to proliferate, migrate, invade, form tubes, and secrete vascular endothelial growth factor. We believe that PTEN silencing in esophageal cancer cells activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in macrophages via the tumor microenvironment, induces M2 TAM polarization, and enhances the malignant behavior of TECs, thereby promoting ESCC angiogenesis. Our findings lay an empirical foundation for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ESCC.

Tumor-associated macrophages modulate angiogenesis and tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model of multiple myeloma

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are closely associated with poor multiple myeloma (MM) prognosis. Therefore, in-depth understanding of the mechanism by which TAM supports MM progression may lead to its effective treatment. We used the MM nude mouse subcutaneous xenograft model to evaluate the efficacy of the macrophage-depleting agent clodronate liposome (Clo) against MM and elucidate the mode of action of this therapy. At the same time, observe whether the elimination of TAM in vivo while silencing the expression of VEGFA has the same effect as in vitro experiments. We also used Clo to eliminate macrophages and reinjected M1 or M2 TAM through mouse tail veins to investigate the effects of various macrophage subtypes on MM xenograft tumor growth. We applied qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify VEGFA, CD31, and CD163 expression in tumor tissues and sera. Removal of TAMs from the tumor microenvironment impeded tumor growth. The combination of Clo plus VEGFA siRNA had a stronger inhibitory effect on tumor growth than Clo alone, and M2 and M1 macrophages promoted and inhibited tumor growth, respectively. Macrophage depletion combined with cytokine blocking is a promising MM treatment. Targeted M2 macrophage elimination together with cytokine block may be more effective at inhibiting MM growth than either treatment alone. The results of the present study lay an empirical foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for MM.

Functional characterization of the long noncoding RNA MIR22HG as a tumour suppressor in cervical cancer by targeting IGF2BP2

OBJECTIVE

Cervical cancer is the most common malignant tumour in the female reproductive tract, ranking second in the global cause of female cancer and seriously endangering women's health. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to cervical cancer are unclear. Previous studies have reported the roles and general underlying mechanisms of the long noncoding RNA MIR22HG (MIR22HG) in multiple types of tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we describe the functional role of MIR22HG as a tumour suppressor lincRNA by regulating metastasis, growth and invasion by performing a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Our data suggested that MIR22HG dramatically promoted cervical cancer apoptosis and inhibited invasion by targeting IGF2BP2.

CONCLUSIONS

The long noncoding RNA MIR22HG targets IGF2BP2 as a tumour suppressor in cervical cancer. Our findings will be helpful for developing potential therapeutics for cervical cancer.

Prognostic value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in critically ill patients with cancer: a propensity score matching study

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has shown a good prognostic value in many different type of malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between NLR and the outcome of critically ill patients with cancer.

METHODS

We performed a single-institution, retrospective study of 1317 adult critically ill patients with cancer and determined the optimal cut-off for NLR by X-tile software. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probabilities of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to control confounders. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship between NLR and 28-day, 6-month and 1-year all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier method, subgroup analysis, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were applied to assess the prognostic value of NLR.

RESULTS

The cut-off value for NLR was 17.6. Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that high NLR (> 17.6) was independently associated with 28-day, 6-month and 1-year all-cause mortality with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.58 (1.29, 1.94), 1.51 (1.28, 1.77) and 1.45 (1.25, 1.69), respectively. The results were consistent with survival analyses (p < 0.001, log-rank test). The ROC analyses showed that the discrimination abilities of NLR were better than other blood-based biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

NLR is a promising prognostic indicator of survival in unselected critical ill patients with cancer.

[Clinical application effects of portable visual retractor in superficial temporal fascia flap harvesting]

Objective: To explore the clinical application effects of portable visual retractor in superficial temporal fascia flap harvesting. Methods: From January 2010 to June 2019, 27 patients meeting the inclusion criteria and planning to perform operation of superficial temporal fascia flap harvesting were admitted to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the First Clinical Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital. The patients were divided into traditional surgical method group [6 males and 3 females, aged (34±14) years], cold light source retractor group [6 males and 4 females, aged (35±16) years], and portable visual retractor group [7 males and 1 female, aged (30±14) years] according to way of superficial temporal fascia flap harvesting. The superficial temporal fascia flaps of patients in traditional surgical method group were resected by traditional way of resection, and the superficial temporal fascia flaps of patients in cold light source retractor group and portable visual retractor group were resected at assistance of cold light source retractor and portable visual retractor, respectively. Length of incision, operation time, intraoperative blood loss volume, postoperative drainage volume, and postoperative complication of patients in 3 groups were observed and recorded. Data were processed with Fisher's exact probability test, one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: The length of incision of patients in visual retractor group was (3.6±0.8) cm, significantly shorter than (12.6±1.6) cm in traditional surgical method group and (5.8±0.9) cm in cold light source retractor group (P<0.05). The incision length of patients in traditional surgical method group was significantly longer than that in cold light source retractor group (P<0.05). The operation time of patients in visual retractor group was 24.0 (23.3, 25.8) min, significantly shorter than 35.0 (30.5, 36.5) min in traditional surgical method group and 28.5 (26.8, 30.5) min in cold light source retractor group (H=16.5, 9.8, P<0.05). The operation time of patients in traditional surgical method group was significantly longer than that in cold light source retractor group (H=6.6, P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss volume was (26±3) mL of patients in visual retractor group, significantly less than (34±4) mL in traditional surgical method group and (30±6) mL in cold light source retractor group (P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss volume of patients in traditional surgical method group was significantly more than that in cold light source retractor group (P<0.05). The postoperative drainage volumes of patients in visual retractor group, cold light source retractor group, and traditional surgical method group were (33±4), (34±6), and (31±7) mL, respectively, and there were no significantly statistical differences in postoperative drainage volumes among patients in the three groups (F=0.3, P>0.05). There were no severe complications such as ischemia and necrosis of superficial temporal fascia flaps in patients of the three groups. One patient in cold light source retractor group had subcutaneous hematoma after operation, which was improved by removing stitches and hematoma. Conclusions: Superficial temporal fascia flap harvesting at the assistance of portable visual retractor has the advantages of clear visual field, simple operation, short operation time, small incision, and less intraoperative blood loss.

Efficient electrochemical generation of ferrate(VI) by iron coil anode imposed with square alternating current and treatment of antibiotics

Anode passivation is still a main challenge for the electrochemical generation of ferrate(VI, Fe(VI)), leading to the reduction of Fe(VI) production efficiency. In this study, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electronic microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to select better anode electrode configurations (iron wire, iron gauze, and iron coil). The results indicate that iron coil had the least degree of passivation. Different imposed current waveforms during the electrochemical generation of Fe(VI) were also investigated, and the iron coil imposed with square alternating current (AC) wave can mitigate the anode passivation, resulting in higher Fe(VI) production efficiency. The optimum conditions for the electrochemical generation of Fe(VI) were evaluated and the optimum temperature (40 ℃), current density (10 mA/cm²), AC cycle period (15 s) and electrolyte concentrations (14 M NaOH) were identified. As a result, 0.12 mol/L Fe(VI) concentration and over 50% of current efficiency can be achieved after 3 h electrolysis. The generated Fe(VI) solution was further applied to oxidize doxycycline(DOX) and sulfadiazine(SDZ) as typical antibiotics. Over 80% of DOX can be removed at a Fe(VI) to DOX molar ratio of 5:1 (pH = 4-9), whilst a higher Fe(VI) to SDZ molar ratio of 20:1 (pH = 7) was needed to obtain 75% SDZ removal.

Improving the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for gestational diabetes prevention: a meta-analysis and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Diet and exercise during pregnancy have been used to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with some success.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention on GDM prevention and to identify key effectiveness moderators to improve the prevention strategy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, and cross-references were searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating lifestyle interventions during pregnancy for GDM prevention.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent reviewers extracted data. A random-effects model was used to analyse the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Meta-regressions and subgroup analyses were used to investigate important moderators of effectiveness.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-seven RCTs involving 15 745 participants showed that diet and exercise during pregnancy were preventive of GDM (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87). Four key aspects were identified to improve the preventive effect: targeting the high-risk population; an early initiation of the intervention; the correct intensity and frequency of exercise; and gestational weight gain management. Although 24 RCTs targeted women who were overweight or obese, body mass index (BMI) failed to predict the effectiveness of an intervention. Instead, interventions are most effective in high-incidence populations rather than simply in women who are overweight or obese. Furthermore, exercise of moderate intensity for 50-60 minutes twice a week could lead to an approximately 24% reduction in GDM.

CONCLUSION

The best strategy to prevent GDM is to target the high-risk population predicted by risk evaluation models and to control the gestational weight gain of women through intensified diet and exercise modifications early in their pregnancy.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Four key effectiveness moderators of lifestyle interventions for GDM prevention.

Long non-coding RNA EPB41L4A-AS2 inhibited non-small cell lung cancer proliferation, invasion and promoted cell apoptosis

The aim of the research was to investigate the expression of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluate its influence on the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of NSCLC. A total of 56 NSCLC tissues and its corresponding adjacent tissues were collected. Quantitative Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to evaluate the lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS2 expression level in tissues and cell lines. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein level was determined by western blot assay. CCK8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry (FCM) and transwell assay were performed to access cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion. EPB41L4A-AS2 expression was significantly downregulated in cancer tissues and cells compared with the adjacent tissues and normal cells (P<0.05). After cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-EPB41L4A-AS2, cell viability and PCNA protein level was decreased, and cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase with higher apoptosis rate. Transwell assay showed that over-expressed EPB41L4A-AS2 could reduce cells invasion ability. Expression of low levels of EPB41L4A-AS2 is associated with poor survival in NSCLC and the over-expression of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS2 inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and promote cell apoptosis.

Multiregion whole-exome sequencing of matched primary and metastatic tumors revealed genomic heterogeneity and suggested polyclonal seeding in colorectal cancer metastasis

Background

Distant metastasis accounts for 90% of deaths from colorectal cancer (CRC). Genomic heterogeneity has been reported in various solid malignancies, but remains largely under-explored in metastatic CRC tumors, especially in primary to metastatic tumor evolution.

Patients and methods

We conducted high-depth whole-exome sequencing in multiple regions of matched primary and metastatic CRC tumors. Using a total of 28 tumor, normal, and lymph node tissues, we analyzed inter- and intra-individual heterogeneity, inferred the tumor subclonal architectures, and depicted the subclonal evolutionary routes from primary to metastatic tumors.

Results

CRC has significant inter-individual but relatively limited intra-individual heterogeneity. Genomic landscapes were more similar within primary, metastatic, or lymph node tumors than across these types. Metastatic tumors exhibited less intratumor heterogeneity than primary tumors, indicating that single-region sequencing may be adequate to identify important metastasis mutations to guide treatment. Remarkably, all metastatic tumors inherited multiple genetically distinct subclones from primary tumors, supporting a possible polyclonal seeding mechanism for metastasis. Analysis of one patient with the trio samples of primary, metastatic, and lymph node tumors supported a mechanism of synchronous parallel dissemination from the primary to metastatic tumors that was not mediated through lymph nodes.

Conclusions

In CRC, metastatic tumors have different but less heterogeneous genomic landscapes than primary tumors. It is possible that CRC metastasis is, at least partly, mediated through a polyclonal seeding mechanism. These findings demonstrated the rationale and feasibility for identifying and targeting primary tumor-derived metastasis-potent subclones for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of CRC metastasis.

[Relationship between hyperuricemia and prognosis in patients with heart failure of coronary heart disease after revascularization]

Objective: To explore the effect of hyperuricemia on prognosis in patients with heart failure of coronary heart disease (CHD) after revascularization. Methods: A single-center retrospective study of all subjects who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as revascularization for CHD at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2005 and December 2014 was performed.Patients were divided into two groups by with or without hyperuricemia.The average follow-up was 1 818 d. Results: The Logistic regression analysis revealed that hyperuricemia was independent risk factors of readmission of heart failure(P=0.018, OR=1.499, 95%CI 1.071-2.098). The Cox regression analysis revealed that hyperuricemia was independent risk factor of all-cause mortality(P=0.002, RR=1.520, 95%CI 1.166-1.982), cardiovascular (CV) mortality(P=0.001, RR=1.811, 95%CI 1.279-2.566), heart failure mortality(P=0.006, RR=2.151, 95%CI 1.247-3.711). Conclusions: There is negative correlation between level of uric acid and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The patients with heart failure of coronary heart disease complicated with hyperuricemia have high risk of readmission of heart failure, all-cause mortality, CV mortality andheart failure mortality than patients with normal uric acid level. Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for patients with heart failure of coronary heart disease after revascularization.

Chicken egg-white extracts promote OCT4 and NANOG expression and telomeres growth in 293T cells

It will have broad applications in cell biology if one of egg cell extracts has the roles to promote cell proliferation and reprogramming. It will provide a new method for easier reprogramming somatic cells and promote cell proliferation. We found chicken egg-white extracts have roles to promote cell proliferation and reprogramming. The different ingredients were then assessed for cell proliferation activity and somatic cell reprogramming. Chicken egg-white extract ingredients that were less than 3 kDa (LT3K) promoted cell proliferation. Those ingredients that were greater than 3 kDa (GT3K) promoted the increased expression of pluripotency factors in somatic cells and promote telomeres growth in 293T cells. Chicken egg-whites can be separated into ingredients of LT3K, which act to promote cell proliferation, and GT3K, which can be used to promote somatic cell reprogramming.

Tissue-specific effects of estrogen on glycerol channel aquaporin 7 expression in an ovariectomized mouse model of menopause

OBJECTIVE

Elevated fat mass and redistribution of body fat are commonly observed in postmenopausal women. Aquaporin 7 (AQP7), a unique glycerol permeable integral membrane protein, has been associated with the onset of obesity. We hypothesized that estrogen supplementation could counteract this fat accumulation and redistribution through tissue-specific modulation of AQP7.

METHODS

We measured fat depot weight, adipocyte size, and the expression of AQP7 and glycerol kinase (GK) in visceral and subcutaneous fat tissues of ovariectomized mice supplemented with or without 17β-estradiol.

RESULTS

Removal of the ovaries resulted in a significant decrease in AQP7 expression and an increase in GK expression in visceral adipocyte tissue; expression of AQP7 and GK in subcutaneous adipose tissue remained unaltered. Supplementation with estrogen significantly restored the visceral, but not subcutaneous, fat depot mass and adipocyte size to those of sham-operated mice. A marked increase in the expression of AQP7 and a reduction of GK were observed selectively in the visceral fat depots in estrogen-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that estrogen has tissue-specific effects on AQP7 expression, and modulation of AQP7 by estrogen alters the balance of adipocyte metabolism between adipose tissue depots.

Asian Immigrant Settlement and Adjustment in Australia

Asians have been the fastest growing overseas-born population inAustralia, more than doubling from 1981 to 1991. Based on the 1991 Census, this article broadly examines economic and social characteristics of the Asian-born population in Australia. Economic factors such as labor force participation, unemployment, occupation, income and housing reveal a great diversity in the settlement experience of the Asian-born, attributable to the diversity of backgrounds. The speed and success of adjustment by refugees and migrants from business, skill and family migrant streams are assisted by such social factors as English language proficiency.

Pressure-dependent isotopic composition of iron alloys

Our current understanding of Earth's core formation is limited by the fact that this profound event is far removed from us physically and temporally. The composition of the iron metal in the core was a result of the conditions of its formation, which has important implications for our planet's geochemical evolution and physical history. We present experimental and theoretical evidence for the effect of pressure on iron isotopic composition, which we found to vary according to the alloy tested (FeO, FeH(x), or Fe3C versus pure Fe). These results suggest that hydrogen or carbon is not the major light-element component in the core. The pressure dependence of iron isotopic composition provides an independent constraint on Earth's core composition.

Endometrial carcinoma tumorigenesis and pharmacotherapy research

Endometrial carcinoma is the common malignant tumor of the female genital tract, and its incidence is increasing. Two different clinicopathological subtypes are recognized based on epidemiology, genetic carcinogenesis and clinical behavior. Understanding and identifying molecular biology and genetics is essential to the development of novel therapies. This article reviews the current understanding of its risk factors, recent conceptions on its tumorigenesis and advances on its drug therapies.

[Application of susceptibility weighted imaging in revealing intratumoral blood products and grading gliomas]

OBJECTIVE

Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) is a novel imaging method that utilizes the magnetic susceptibility differences between tissues. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the application of SWI for revealing inratumoral blood products and diagnosing high-grade gliomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Conventional MR sequences and SWI were performed in 32 patients, 10 low-grade gliomas (1 grade I and 9 grade II) and 22 high-grade gliomas (8 grade III and 14 grade IV). The ability of SWI for detecting inratumral blood products was analyzed and compared with conventional MR sequences. Logistic regression and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of SWI for high-grade gliomas.

RESULTS

SWI was sensitive for showing intrtumoral blood products (P=0.00) and depicted much more micro bleeds. No statistical difference was found in detection rate of blood products between low-grade and high-grade group. According to the result of logistic regression, the frequency of blood products and the diameter of maximum blood products were significant determinants of high-grade gliomas. The result of ROC analysis indicated that with an optimal cut-off point (0.67), the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for diagnosing high-grade gliomas with blood products detected by SWI were 81.8%, 80.0%, 90.0%, and 66.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SWI can accurately detect blood products with superlative contrast. With a high-grade gliomas risk estimation model based on two variables, satisfied sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were obtained. Thus, SWI could be a useful adjunct sequence in glioma grading.

First Report of Citrus exocortis viroid from Grapevine in China

Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) can induce bark scaling, dwarfing, leaf epinasty, and fruit yield loss in susceptible hosts. In citrus, CEVd is reported from around the world, but in grape, it is reported from fewer locations (Australia, Brazil, California, and Spain [1]). In 2009, leaves were collected from 40 grapevines (of several different cultivars and species) from Henan, Hubei, Shandong, and Liaoning provinces, China. Total RNA or double-stranded RNA was extracted from the leaves by a described method (3) and subjected to reverse transcription with a random primer (Takara, Dalian, China) and then PCR with primer CEV-AM3 and CEV-AP3 (2). Results showed that the target DNA fragments of 372 bp long were amplified only from the symptomless leaves collected from two grapevines of cv. White Rose grown for approximately 26 years within a small garden in Hubei Province. Amplified products were recovered and cloned into pMD18-T (Takara) and 10 positive clones of each isolate were sequenced and aligned. For both isolates, 20% of the clones represented the same variant (CEVd-hn-g-1; GenBank Accession No. GU592444). It showed a max identity of 94 to 99% with the variants (GenBank Accession Nos. Y00328.1 and DQ471996.1) from grape registered in NCBI, 91 to 100% (GenBank Accession Nos. DQ431993.1 and DQ831485.1) from citrus, 91 to 98% (GenBank Accession Nos. EF488068.1 and EF488050.1) from broad bean, and 89 to 94% (GenBank Accession Nos. AY671953.1 and S67446.1) from tomato. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CEVd from grape in China. References: (1) M. Eiras et al. Fitopatol. Bras. 31:440, 2006. (2) H. J. Gross et al. Eur. J. Biochem. 121:249, 1982. (3) W. X. Xu et al. J. Virol. Methods 135:276, 2006.

Amino acid supplementation decreases plasmid retention in Escherichia coli

The effect of amino acid supplementation on plasmid stability in Escherichia coli B/r was tested experimentally. Comparisons of experimental results to computer-predicted values were made using a detailed, structured single-cell model. The plasmid, pDW17 (a pBR322 derivative with a mutated tac promoter controlling the beta-lactamase gene), was used. In chemostat cultures, the amino acid supplemented cultures were always less stable than those grown in minimal medium. This effect was not a growth rate effect, as increasing growth rate improves stability for both cultures in minimal medium and in amino acid supplemented medium. The computer model also predicted a decrease in stability due to amino acid supplementation. The model also predicts that amino acid supplementation, combined with moderately strong plasmid-encoded protein expression, results in a depletion of low-molecular-weight organics compared with plasmid-free cells. In minimal medium the same level of plasmid-encoded protein synthesis results in a strong reduction in amino acid pools compared with plasmid-free cells. With amino acid supplementation the growth differential between plasmid-bearing and plasmid-free cells may be due to an "energy limitation," while in minimal medium the size of the growth rate differential may be due to a "building block" limitation.

A mathematical model for the growth of a single cell of E. coli on a glucose/glutamine/ammonium medium

Extension of a single cell model of E. coli B/r to make predictions of culture response to variations in glutamine/glucose/ammonium ion concentrations is described. A biphasic glutamine transport system, a nitrogen metabolism scheme that includes glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase (GS/GOGAT), the glutaminase routes, and a transaminase mechanism for glutamine carbon usage are added to the prototype model. The predictions of the extended model with regard to nutrient concentrations and cell size compare well with the experimental data and the prototype model predictions, demonstrating the capability of the integrated kinetic model to illustrate important enzymological interactions in a biological system. The discrepancies between the experimental data and the model predictions on growth yield suggest that a more detailed regulatory system of the TCA cycle is required for a more accurate energy budget.

Space weathering on airless planetary bodies: clues from the lunar mineral hapkeite

Physical and chemical reactions occurring as a result of the high-velocity impacts of meteorites and micrometeorites and of cosmic rays and solar-wind particles are major causes of space weathering on airless planetary bodies, such as the Moon, Mercury, and asteroids. These weathering processes are responsible for the formation of their regolith and soil. We report here the natural occurrence of the mineral hapkeite, a Fe2Si phase, and other associated Fe-Si phases (iron-silicides) in a regolith breccia clast of a lunar highland meteorite. These Fe-Si phases are considered to be a direct product of impact-induced, vapor-phase deposition in the lunar soil, all part of space weathering. We have used an in situ synchrotron energy-dispersive, single-crystal x-ray diffraction technique to confirm the crystal structure of hapkeite as similar to the structure of synthetic Fe2Si. This mineral, hapkeite, is named after Bruce Hapke of the University of Pittsburgh, who predicted the presence and importance of vapor-deposited coatings on lunar soil grains some 30 years ago. We propose that this mineral and other Fe-Si phases are probably more common in the lunar regolith than previously thought and are directly related to the formation of vapor-deposited, nanophase elemental iron in the lunar soils.

Nuclear inelastic x-ray scattering of FeO to 48 GPa

The partial density of vibrational states has been measured for Fe in compressed FeO (wüstite) using nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. Substantial changes have been observed in the overall shape of the density of states close to the magnetic transition around 20 GPa from the paramagnetic (low pressure) to the antiferromagnetic (high pressure) state. The results indicate that strong magnetoelastic coupling in FeO is the driving force behind the changes in the phonon spectrum of FeO. The paper presents the first observation of changes in the density of terahertz acoustic phonon states under magnetic transition at high pressure.

[The reconstruction of laryngeal function in subtotal laryngectomy by pedicled flaps]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the possibility of subtotal laryngectomy in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer and selection of reconstruction.

METHODS

Forty patients were treated surgically by subtotal laryngectomy with preservation of arytenoid cartilage and perichondrium. The pedicled flaps between cricoid cartilage and arytenoid cartilage were sewed up. The new larynx was reconstructed by suturing the cricoid or trachea to the hyoid bone or the tongue base.

RESULTS

The 3 and 5 year survival rates were 85.0% and 76.2% respectively. Decannulation rate was 92.5%.

CONCLUSION

The reconstruction of laryngeal function in subtotal laryngectomy by pedicled flaps not only is safe and beneficial to the patients with the cancers above the cricoid, but also improves the quality of patient's life.