FSTL1: A double-edged sword in cancer development

Flolistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1), a secreted glycoprotein that is involved in many physiological functions, has attracted much interest and has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including heart diseases and inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the involvement of FSTL1 in cancer progression has been implicated and researched. FSTL1 plays a contradictory role in cancer, depending on the cancer type as well as the contents of the tumor microenvironment. As reviewed here, the structure and distribution of FSTL1 are first introduced. Subsequently, the expression and clinical significance of FSTL1 in various types of cancer as a tumor enhancer or inhibitor are addressed. Furthermore, we discuss the functional role of FSTL1 in various processes that involve tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, immune responses, stemness, cell apoptosis, and resistance to chemotherapy. FSTL1 expression is tightly controlled in cancer, and a multitude of cancer-related signaling cascades like TGF-β/BMP/Smad signaling, AKT, NF-κB, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathways are modulated by FSTL1. Finally, FSTL1 as a therapeutic target using monoclonal antibodies is stated. Herein, we review recent findings showing the double-edged characteristics and mechanisms of FSTL1 in cancer and elaborate on the current understanding of therapeutic approaches targeting FSTL1.

Radiomics-based distinction of small (≤2 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma and precancerous lesions based on unenhanced MRI

AIM

To assess the feasibility of a radiomics model based on unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate small hepatocellular carcinoma (S-HCC) (≤2 cm) and pre-hepatocellular carcinoma (Pre-HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and fourteen histopathologically confirmed 114 hepatic nodules were analysed retrospectively. All patients had undergone MRI before surgery using a 3 T MRI system. Each nodule was segmented on unenhanced MRI sequences (T1-weighted imaging [T1] and T2WI with fat-suppression [FS-T2]). Radiomics features were extracted and the optimal features were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). The support vector machine (SVM) was used to establish the radiomics model. One abdominal radiologist performed the conventional qualitative analysis for classification of S-HCC and Pre-HCC. The diagnostic performances of the radiomics and radiologist models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULT

Radiomics features (n=1,223) were extracted from each sequence and the optimal features were selected from T1, FS-T2, and T1+FS-T2 to construct the radiomics models. The radiomics model based on T1+FS-T2 showed the best performance among the three models, with areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.95 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.875-0.986) and 0.942 (95 % CI, 0.775-0.985), accuracies of 86 % and 88.5 %, sensitivities of 94.12 % and 100 %, and specificities of 85.48 % and 85.19 %, respectively. The radiomics model on FS-T2 showed better performance on a single sequence than that of the T1-based model. The diagnostic performance for the radiomic model was significantly higher than that for the radiologist (AUC = 0.518, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that a radiomics model based on unenhanced MRI may serve as a feasible and non-invasive tool to classify S-HCC and Pre-HCC.

[Expression of endosialin in human hypertrophic scars and its regulation on fibroblast phenotype]

Objective: To explore the expression of endosialin, i.e., CD248 in human hypertrophic scars (HSs) and its regulatory effect on the phenotype of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs). Methods: The method of experimental research was used. From March to May, 2023, 3 pediatric patients with HS were admitted to the Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 2 females and 1 male, aged one year ten months to two years. The HS tissue resected during the surgery and the remaining full-thickness skin graft, i.e., normal skin tissue after full-thickness skin grafting were collected from the aforementioned pediatric patients for subsequent experiments. Using the aforementioned two types of tissue, the histological structures were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, collagen distribution was observed by Masson staining, and the expression of CD248 was observed and measured by immunohistochemical staining. The primary HSFs were isolated from HS tissue using explant culture technique, and the 3rd to 5th passages of HSFs were used in subsequent experiments. According to the random number table, HSFs were divided into immunoglobulin G78 (IgG78)-treated group and IgG control group, which were treated with 200 nmol/L human CD248 monoclonal antibody IgG78 and human IgG control antibody for 24 h, respectively. The mRNA expressions of collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in HSFs were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA in HSFs were detected by Western blotting, and the intracellular location and protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected by immunofluorescence method. The number of samples in each experiment was 3. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test and independent sample t test. Results: Compared with those in normal skin tissue, the epidermis and dermis in HS tissue were significantly thicker, with massive accumulation and disordered arrangement of collagen in the dermis. The expression of CD248 in HS tissue was significantly upregulated compared with that in normal skin tissue (t=5.29, P<0.05). At post treatment hour 24, the mRNA expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were 0.39±0.05 and 0.56±0.09, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.00±0.07 and 1.00±0.08 in IgG control group, respectively (with t values of 11.87 and 6.49, respectively, P values all <0.05). The protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were 0.617±0.011 and 0.67±0.14, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.259±0.052 and 1.23±0.16 in IgG control group, respectively (with t values of 20.92 and 4.52, respectively, P values all <0.05). At post treatment hour 24, immunofluorescence staining showed that Col Ⅰ and α-SMA mainly located in the cytoplasm of HSFs in the two groups, and the protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were obviously downregulated compared with those in IgG control group. Conclusions: The expression of CD248 is significantly upregulated in human HS. Targeted blockade of CD248 can significantly inhibit the collagen synthesis by HSFs and the transdifferentiation of HSFs into myofibroblasts.

Physical activity and depression of Chinese college students: chain mediating role of rumination and anxiety

Objective

To explore the relationship between physical activity and depression among college students, as well as the mediating role of rumination and anxiety.

Methods

A total of 1,292 Chinese college students were investigated by physical activity questionnaire, rumination scale, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and depression scale.

Results

(1) There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity and depression (r = -0.399, p < 0.01), and the direct path of physical activity on depression was significant (β = -0.399, t = -13.374, p < 0.01). (2) Physical activity negatively predicted rumination (β = -0.322, t = -10.440, p < 0.01) and anxiety (β = -0.222, t = -7.089, p < 0.01). Rumination positively predicted anxiety (β = 0.283, t = 9.017, p < 0.01) and depression (β = 0.267, t = 9.046, p < 0.01). Anxiety positively predicted depression (β = 0.262, t = 8.902, p < 0.01). (3) Rumination and anxiety play a significant mediating role between physical activity and depression. The mediating effect involves three paths: physical activity → rumination → depression (the mediating effect value: -0.076); physical activity → anxiety → depression (the mediating effect value: -0.052). Physical activity → rumination → anxiety → depression (the mediating effect value: -0.021).

Conclusion

(1) Physical activity can negatively predict the rumination, anxiety, and depression of college students, which means physical activity can reduce rumination, anxiety, and depression of college students. (2) Physical activity can not only directly affect the depression of college students, but also indirectly affect depression through the independent intermediary role of rumination and anxiety, and the chain mediation of rumination and anxiety.

Bioinformatics and experimental validation of an AURKA/TPX2 axis as a potential target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Aurora kinase A (AURKA), a serine/threonine kinase that regulates mitotic processes, has garnered significant interest given its association with the development of several types of cancer. In the present study, it was shown that AURKA expression was significantly upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and could serve as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator based on data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, AURKA was functionally associated with ESCC cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and knockdown of AURKA inhibited ESCC tumor growth in vivo. Both bioinformatics analysis and pull‑down assays demonstrated that TPX2 interacted with AURKA, and their expression was correlated. AURKA cooperated with TPX2 to regulate ESCC progression via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, AURKA or TPX2 expression levels were negatively associated with the infiltration of cytotoxic cells, CD8⁺ T cells and mast cells, but positively associated with Th2 cells. The present study provided a relatively comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic roles of AURKA in ESCC based on data obtained from TCGA combined with experimental analysis.

Exercise adherence and suicidal ideation of Chinese college students: a chain mediation model test

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between exercise adherence and suicidal ideation in college students, as well as the mediating role of meaning in life and internet addiction.

Methods

A total of 1925 college students (M_age = 19.51 years, SD_age = 2.393 years) were recruited by stratified cluster sampling method in Zhaoqing University, among which 890 were males and 1,035 were females. Exercise adherence, meaning in life, internet addiction and suicidal ideation were assessed by using standard scales. Data were analyzed by Pearson Correlation Analysis, and bias-correction percentile Bootstrap method.

Results

(1) There is a significant correlation between exercise adherence, meaning in life, internet addiction and suicide ideation; (2) meaning in life plays a significant mediating role between exercise adherence and suicidal ideation; internet addiction plays a significant mediating role between exercise adherence and suicidal ideation; meaning in life and internet addiction play a chain mediating role between exercise adherence and suicide ideation.

Conclusion

Exercise adherence can not only directly predict college students' suicidal ideation, but also indirectly predict college students' suicidal ideation through the independent mediation and chain mediation of meaning in life and internet addiction.

Research on the relationship between physical activity, sleep quality, psychological resilience, and social adaptation among Chinese college students: A cross-sectional study

Background

Sleep quality has become a frequent and prominent public health problem in Chinese universities, which seriously hinders the healthy development of college students and the improvement of the quality of higher education.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality among Chinese college students, and the mechanism of psychological resilience and social adaptation, and provide suggestions for improving the sleep quality among Chinese college students.

Methods

From August to September 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by using the convenience sampling method in Guangdong Province. 1,622 college students were investigated with Physical Activity Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PSQI), Psychological Resilience Scale, and Social Adaptation Diagnostic Scale, of which 893 were male and 729 were female. Use SPSS 23.0 and PROCESS plug-ins to analyze data.

Results

(1) There was a significant negative correlation between physical activity and sleep quality (r = -0.237), and the direct path of physical activity to sleep quality was significant (β = -0.236, t = -9.888, p < 0.01); (2) physical activity can positively predict psychological resilience (β = 0.215, t = 8.823, p < 0.01) and social adaptation (β = 0.164, t = 7.773, p < 0.01); psychological resilience can negatively predict sleep quality (β = -0.337, t = -15.711, p < 0.01), positive prediction of social adaptation (β = 0.504, t = 23.961, p < 0.01); social adaptation can negatively predict sleep quality (β = -0.405, t = -18.558, p < 0.01); (3) psychological resilience and social adaptation play a significant mediating role between physical activity and sleep quality. The mediation effect consists of three paths: physical activity → psychological resilience → sleep quality (mediation effect value is -0.0723), physical activity → social adaptation → sleep quality (mediation effect value is -0.0662), and physical activity → psychological resilience → social adaptation → sleep quality (mediation effect value is -0.0438). (4) There is no gender difference in chain mediated effect.

Conclusion

(1) Physical activity can significantly positively predict college students' psychological resilience and social adaptation, and negatively predict sleep quality, which means that physical activity may help improve college students' psychological resilience and social adaptation, and reduce sleep quality problems; (2) physical activity can not only directly affect the quality of sleep, but also indirectly affect the quality of sleep through the independent intermediary role of psychological resilience and social adaptation and the chain intermediary role of both. This further explains the reason why physical activity plays a role in college students' sleep quality, which will help to provide some inspiration for colleges and universities to reduce college students' sleep quality problems and formulate intervention plans.

Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics in Geriatric Patients with Constipation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Probiotics may be an effective alternative to traditional drug therapy for constipation in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of probiotics in managing constipation among the elderly.

METHODS

Eight databases were queried for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating probiotics' efficacy in addressing constipation among the elderly until January 2023. The meta-analysis was conducted employing R software version 4.2.2. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized to evaluate the risk of bias, and the GRADE approach was employed to assess the credibility of the evidence concerning the efficacy of probiotics in treating constipation in older individuals.

RESULTS

A total of six RCTs involving 444 patients were included. Two studies were rated as low risk of bias. The meta-analysis findings revealed that probiotics, when compared to a placebo, led to an increase in stool frequency (MD = 1.02,95% CI [0.21, 2.07], p<0.05, very low quality), the probiotic group exhibited a notable impact on ameliorating symptoms associated with constipation (OR = 11.28, 95%CI [7.21, 17.64], p < 0.05, very low quality), no significant disparities were observed in terms of efforts to evacuate, manual maneuvers, and the incidence of adverse events (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The available evidence indicates a degree of uncertainty, ranging from low-to-very low, suggesting the efficacy of probiotics in augmenting bowel frequency and ameliorating constipation-related symptoms among elderly patients with constipation. Nevertheless, given the quality of the studies included, it is advisable to conduct further well-designed investigations with substantial sample sizes to substantiate the findings of this study.

Effect of physical exercise on social adaptability of college students: Chain intermediary effect of social-emotional competency and self-esteem

Objective

To explore the relationship between physical exercise and college students' social adaptability, as well as the mediating role of social-emotional competency and self-esteem.

Methods

One thousand two hundred thirty college students were investigated by physical exercise questionnaire, social-emotional competency scale, self-esteem scale, and social adaptability scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation model test and deviation-corrected percentile Bootstrap method.

Results

(1) Physical exercise was positively correlated with social adaptability (r = 0.397, p < 0.01), and the direct path of physical exercise on social adaptability was significant (β = 0.397, t = 15.174, p < 0.01). (2) Physical exercise positively predicted social-emotional competency (β = 0.399, t = 15.235, p < 0.01) and self-esteem (β = 0.305, t = 10.570, p < 0.01). Social-emotional competency positively predicted self-esteem (β = 0.130, t = 4.507, p < 0.01) and social adaptability (β = 0.169, t = 6.104, p < 0.01). Self-esteem positively predicted social adaptability (β = 0.189, t = 6.957, p < 0.01). (3) Social-emotional competency and self-esteem play a significant mediating role between physical exercise and social adaptability. The mediating effect includes three paths: physical exercise→social-emotional competency→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.068); physical exercise→self-esteem→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.059). Physical exercise→social-emotional competency→self-esteem→social adaptability (the mediating effect value: 0.010).

Conclusion

Physical exercise can not only directly affect social adaptability of college students, but also indirectly affect social adaptability through the independent intermediary role of social-emotional competency and self-esteem. Furthermore, physical exercise also affect social adaptability through the chain mediation of social-emotional competency and self-esteem.

Programmed Death of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: Autophagy, Ferroptosis, and Pyroptosis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the damage of cell plays an important role in AD. Cell death is a critical phenomenon for physiological functions, which promotes AD pathogenesis. Programmed cell death, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis, have been discovered that have unique biological functions and pathophysiological characteristics. Here, we review the available evidence detailing the mechanisms of programmed microglial death, including pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. We also highlight the role of programmed death of microglia during the process of AD and focus on the connection between the disease and cell death.

Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo formula alleviates pulmonary vascular injury and downregulates HIF-1α in bleomycin-induced systemic sclerosis mouse model

Background

Vascular damage, autoimmune abnormalities, and fibrosis are the three pathological features of systemic sclerosis (SSc).However, pulmonary vascular damage is the main factor affecting the progression and prognosis of SSc. The main purpose of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula in alleviating pulmonary vascular injury in bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model.

Methods

Masson staining and H&E staining were used to analyze the degree of pulmonary vascular fibrosis and the infiltration of leukocyte cells in lung tissue ofbleomycin-induced SSc mouse models treated with saline (BLM group), Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula (WYHZTL group) and HIF-1α inhibitor KC7F2 (KC7F2 group). Blood vessel exudation was determined by analyzing the cell number and albumin concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using a cell counter and ELISA assay, respectively. The degree of vascular injury was assessed by measuring the expression levels of vWF, E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, VE-cadherin and claudin-5 in serum and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells using ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. Finally, the effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula on the expression of HIF-1α was detected using immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula and KC7F2 significantly inhibited bleomycin-induced pulmonary vascular fibrosis and the level of perivascular inflammatory cell infiltration. The number of cells and the concentration of albumin were significantly reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the WYHZTL group and KC7F2 group compared with the BLM group. In addition, treatment with Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula and KC7F2 significantly downregulated the expression levels of vWF, E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and HIF-1α, but upregulated the expression of VE-cadherin and claudin-5 in serum and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, compared with treatment with saline.

Conclusions

This study reveals that Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula plays a new role in the treatment of SSc by alleviating pulmonary vascular damage. Furthermore, we found that Wenyang Huazhuo Tongluo Formula alleviates pulmonary vascular injury and inhibits HIF-1α expression.

The Relationship Between Physical Exercise and Prosocial Behavior of Junior Middle School Students in Post-Epidemic Period: The Chain Mediating Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Sports Learning Motivation and Gender Differences

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between physical exercise (PE) and prosocial behavior (PSB) and constructed a chain mediation model through the mediating effect of physical education learning motivation (PELM) and emotional intelligence (EI).

Methods

Through the stratified random sampling, 1053 students (average age = 14 years, SD = 0.96 years) that complied with the requirements were surveyed from Henan Province in China. PE, EI, PELM, and PSB were assessed using standard scales. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, structural equation model test, and bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method were carried out in turn.

Results

(1) There was a significant positive correlation between PE and PSB (r = 0.137), and the direct path between PE and PSB was significant (β = 0.09, t = 4.73, p < 0.01); (2) PE can positively predict EI (β= 0.08, t = 5.27, p < 0.01) and PELM (β= 0.04, t = 2.07, p < 0.05), EI can significantly and positively PSB (β= 0.67, t = 22.12, p < 0.01), PELM can significantly and positively predict PSB (β= 0.05, t =2.20, p<0.05); (3) EI and physical learning motivation play a significant intermediary role between PE and PSB. The mediating effect consists of three indirect effects: PE → EI → PSB (the mediating effect value is 0.055), PE → PELM → PSB (the mediating effect value is 0.002), PE → EI → PELM → PSB (the mediating effect value is 0.002); (4) The chain mediation effect is significant in girls, but not in boys.

Conclusion

(1) PE can positively predict PSB. (2) EI and PELM had significant mediating effects between PE and PSB, including single mediating effects of EI and PELM and chain mediating effects of EI-PELM; (3) There are gender differences in the chain mediation effect.

Effect of physical exercise on sleep quality of college students: Chain intermediary effect of mindfulness and ruminative thinking

The Physical Exercise Rating Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Ruminative Thinking Scale (RRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) are used to conduct the questionnaire among a sample of 1,006 college students (average age = 19.95 years, SD = 1.86 years) to figure out whether there is any correlation between physical exercise and sleep quality in college students as well as how the mechanism of mindfulness and ruminative thinking plays a role in them. For data analysis, the Harman single-factor test was used; for the common method deviation test, Pearson's correlation analysis, and the mediating effect tested by using the bootstrap method were carried out. Results: (1) Overall, 34% (PSQI ≥ 8) of college students' sleep quality is poor. (2) The PSQI is positively correlated with ruminative thinking, while both are negatively correlated with the level of physical exercise and mindfulness; the level of physical exercise is positively correlated with the level of mindfulness. (3) Physical exercise can significantly negatively predict sleep quality (β = -0.08, P < 0.05), significantly positively predict mindfulness (β = 0.12, P < 0.001), and significantly negatively predict ruminative thinking (β = -0.07, P < 0.05). When participate in physical exercise, mindfulness, and ruminative thinking enter the regression equation at the same time, only mindfulness and ruminative thinking can predict sleep quality(β = -0.15, P < 0.001) significantly negatively predicted sleep quality and ruminative thinking (β = 0.22, P < 0.001) significantly positively predicted sleep quality, while physical exercise (β = -0.04, P > 0.05) had no significant predictive effect on sleep quality. (4) After controlling for age and gender, physical exercise appears to have an impact on sleep quality of college students through the independent intermediary role of mindfulness and ruminative thinking and the chain intermediary role of mindfulness and ruminative thinking, with a total mediating effect value of -0.007. This study reveals the relationship between physical exercise and sleep quality, as well as its mechanism, thus guiding college students to actively participate in physical exercise. It also provides corresponding suggestions to improve sleep quality as well as physical and mental health in college students.

Identification of key genes and pathways related to cancer-associated fibroblasts in chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells based on GEO and TCGA databases

Background

Studies have revealed the implications of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Here, in silico analyses were performed to reveal the key genes and pathways by which CAFs affected chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.

Methods

Candidate genes were obtained from the intersected differentially expressed genes in ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer chemoresistance, and ovarian CAF-related microarrays and chemoresistance-related genes from GeneCards databases. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were employed to identify the pathways engaged in ovarian cancer chemoresistance and ovarian CAF-related pathways. The top genes with high Degree in the protein-protein interaction network were intersected with the top genes enriched in the key pathways, followed by correlation analyses between key genes and chemotherapeutic response. The expression profiles of key genes were obtained from Human Protein Atlas database and TCGA-ovarian cancer data.

Results

p53, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK pathways were the key pathways related to the implication of CAFs in ovarian cancer chemoresistance. 276 candidate genes differentially expressed in CAFs were associated with ovarian cancer chemoresistance. MYC, IGF1, HRAS, CCND1, AKT1, RAC1, KDR, FGF2, FAS, and EGFR were enriched in the key chemoresistance-related ways. Furthermore, MYC, EGFR, CCND1 exhibited close association with chemotherapeutic response to platinum and showed a high expression in ovarian cancer tissues and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusion

The study suggests the key genes (MYC, EGFR, and CCND1) and pathways (p53, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK) responsible for the effect of CAFs on ovarian cancer chemoresistance.

The Relationship Between Empowering Motivational Climate in Physical Education and Social Adaptation of Senior High School Students: An Analysis of Chain Mediating Effect

This study aims to contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying the association between empowering motivational climate in physical education and social adaptation among senior high school students, and has important implications for interventions that aim at improving social adaptation among senior high school students. Through the quota sampling, 1,526 students (average age = 17 years, SD = 0.714 years) who came from Anhui Province and met the requirements participated and completed the Empowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire in Physical Education (EMCQ-PE), the Physical Education Engagement Scale (PEES-S), the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) (Chinese version), and the Adolescent Social Adaptation Assessment Questionnaire (ASAAQ). For data analysis, Pearson’s correlation analysis, structural equation model test, and bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap method were carried out in turn. The results showed that empowering motivational climate in physical education positively predicted social adaptation (β = 0.282, p < 0.01), empowering motivational climate in physical education positively predicted physical education engagement and emotional intelligence (β = 0.169, p < 0.01; β = 0.690, p < 0.01), physical education engagement positively predicted emotional intelligence and social adaptation (β = 0.591, p < 0.01; β = 0.058, p < 0.05), and emotional intelligence positively predicted social adaptation (β = 0.365, p < 0.01). Physical education engagement and emotional intelligence played a mediating role in empowering motivational climate in physical education and social adaptation, with a total mediating effect value of 0.251. This study shows that empowering motivational climate in physical education not only directly predicts social adaptation but also indirectly predicts social adaptation through the chain mediating effect of physical education engagement and emotional intelligence.

Th17 cell-derived miR-155-5p modulates interleukin-17 and suppressor of cytokines signaling 1 expression during the progression of systemic sclerosis

Background

miR‐155‐5p is associated with autoimmune diseases. T helper 17 (Th17) cells, interleukin (IL)‐17, and suppressor of cytokines signaling 1 (SOCS1) have important roles in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study was to explore the role of miR‐155‐5p in the regulation of IL‐17 and SOCS1 expression in Th17 cells and the subsequent effect on SSc disease progression.

Methods

Th17 cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SSc patients and healthy controls (HCs). RT‐qPCR and western blotting were used to examine the expression patterns of miR‐155‐5p, IL‐17, and SOCS1. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm SOCS1 as a target of miR‐155‐5p. RNA pull‐down assays were performed to detect the interaction of IL‐17 and SOCS1 with miR‐155‐5p. In situ hybridization was performed to analyze the co‐expression pattern of miR‐155‐5p and IL17A in Th17 cells.

Results

The levels of Th17 cell‐derived miR‐155‐5p were significantly up‐regulated in SSc patients compared with HCs, and its levels were negatively correlated with SOCS1 levels. Meanwhile, miR‐155‐5p positively regulated IL‐17 expression levels in Th17 cells isolated from SSc patients as the disease progressed. Using pmirGLO vectors, SOCS1 was confirmed as a target of miR‐155‐5p. The binding status of IL‐17 and SOCS1 to miR‐155‐5p was related to SSc progression. An increase in the co‐localization of miR‐155‐5p and IL‐17 was associated with greater SSc progression.

Conclusions

IL‐17 and SOCS1 expression modulated by Th17 cell‐derived miR‐155‐5p are critical for SSc progression, which may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of SSc.

A new approach for contralateral C7 nerve transfer via retrospinal route

Anterior and posterior approaches exist for the treatment of spinal pathologies. Anatomically, the 7th cervical spinal nerve(C7)crosses the C6-C7 intervertebral foramen bilaterally, allowing contralateral prevertebral or posterior C7 nerve transfer to be used. The advantage of the posterior rather than the anterior spinal approach is that it does not require retraction of important blood vessels, nerves, or other structures. In this paper, we describe transfer of the contralateral C7 nerve using a posterior approach.

Male urethral diverticulum squamous cell carcinoma containing a calculus: a rare entity

Male urethral diverticula with calculi have a low incidence. It is extremely rare when the diverticulum accompanied with carcinoma. We report a case of diverticulum of the male urethra containing giant calculi which developed into squamous cell carcinoma. The patient initially presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and a hard, painless perineal mass. We believe that the process of diagnosis and treatment is of great significance in clinical practice.

[Efficacy and safety of paclitaxel liposomes compared to paclitaxel combined with platinum in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for unresectable cervical carcinoma: a Meta-analysis]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel liposomes compared to paclitaxel with platinum in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for unresectable cervical carcinoma. Methods: SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang MED ONLINE, VIP, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to collect the papers or clinical studies of paclitaxel liposomes and paclitaxel combined with platinum in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for unresectable cervical carcinoma from the inception to January 15th 2021 in Chinese and English. Two independent reviewers screened the literatures, extracted the data and assessed the bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and R software. Results: Totally 9 papers involving 666 patients with unresectable cervical carcinoma were included. The results of meta-analysis indicated that compared to paclitaxel combined with platinum in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for unresectable cervical carcinoma, paclitaxel liposomes combined with platinum exhibited superiority in near-term efficacy (complete response + partial response) [81.4%(272/334) vs 68.7%(228/332), RR=1.19; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.29, P=0.000 1]; substantially decreased the incidence rates of blood system disorders [myelosuppressio, 50.3%(168/334)vs 65.1%(216/332)], gastrointestinal disorders [34.4%(115/334) vs 55.1%(183/332)], alopecia [42.2%(94/223)vs 63.3%(140/221)], allergic reaction [11.6% (23/198)vs 27.6%(54/196), P≤0.000 1], peripheral neuritis [43.0%(52/121) vs 54.9%(67/122)], or joint and muscle pain [20.3%(16/79) vs 34.6%(28/81), P<0.050 0]. Conclusion: Compared to paclitaxel combined with platinum in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for unresectable cervical carcinoma, paclitaxel liposomes is superior in near-term efficacy, and exhibits better safety.

Mutation Analysis of Pre-mRNA Splicing Genes PRPF31, PRPF8, and SNRNP200 in Chinese Families with Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa

BACKGROUND

To screen variants in pre-mRNA Splicing genes in 95 Chinese autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) families.

METHODS

Clinical examination and pedigree analysis were performed. Targeted exome sequencing (TES) and / or Sanger sequencing were performed to detect the variants in genes of Splicing factors and conduct intra-familiar segregation analysis with DNA available. In silico analysis was performed to predict pathogenicity of variants in protein level and in vitro splicing assays were performed to compare splicing variants with their corresponding wildtype about their splicing effect.

RESULTS

In this study, total nine different variants were identified in PRPF31, SNRNP200, and PRPF8 respectively, including six PRPF31 variants [five novel variants 322+1G>A, c.527+2T>G, c.590T>C(p.Leu197Pro), c.1035_1036insGC (p.Pro346Argfs X18), and c.1224dupG (p.Gln409AlafsX66) plus one reported variant c.1060C>T (p.Arg354X)], a recurrent PRPF8 variant c.6930G>T (p.Arg2310Ser), two SNRNP200 variants [one heterozygous and homozygous SNRNP200 recurrent variant c.3260G>A (p.Ser1087Leu), and a reported heterozygous c.2042G>A(p.Arg681His)]. In family 20009, incomplete penetrance was observed. A novel PRPF31 missense variant c.590T>C (p.Leu197Pro) was predicted to be pathogenic in protein level via in silico analysis and in vitro splicing assay demonstrated that two novel splicing PRPF31 variants c.322+1G>A and c.527+2T>G affect splicing compared with the wildtype.

CONCLUSIONS

In our studies, RP-causing variants of pre-mRNA Splicing genes (PRPF31, PRPF8 and SNRNP200) were identified in nine of the ninety-five adRP families respectively, which extend the spectra of RP variant and phenotype. And we provide the first example that SNRNP200-related RP can be caused by both heterozygous and homozygous variants of this gene.

Toll-like receptors and inflammation in metabolic neuropathy; a role in early versus late disease?

Neuropathy is a common, morbid complication of the metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and diabetes. Recent studies have indicated a potential role for the immune system in the development of neuropathy. In particular, toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 have been linked to metabolic dysfunction, and blocking TLR4 is proposed as a treatment for neuropathic pain. In the current study, we investigated the role of the immune system, particularly TLRs 2 and 4, in the pathogenesis and progression of neuropathy. Sural or sciatic nerve gene expression arrays from humans and murine neuropathy models of prediabetes and diabetes were first analyzed to identify differentially expressed TLR2- and TLR4-associated genes within the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database. We observed that genes associated with TLRs 2 and 4, particularly lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LPB) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit beta (PIK3CB), were dysregulated across species and across multiple murine models of prediabetic and diabetic neuropathy. To further understand the role of these pathways in vivo, TLR 2 and 4 global knockout mice placed on a 60% high fat diet (HFD-TLR2/4^-/-) were compared with wild type (WT) mice on a high fat diet (HFD-WT) and WT controls on a standard diet (CON). Mice then underwent metabolic, neuropathic, and immunological phenotyping at two time points to assess the impact of TLR signaling on neuropathy and immunity during metabolic dysfunction over time. We found that HFD-TLR2/4^-/- and HFD-WT mice weighed more than CON mice but did not have increased fasting blood glucose levels. Despite normal blood glucose levels, HFD-TLR2/4^-/- mice eventually developed neuropathy at the later time point (28 wks of age) but were somewhat protected from neuropathy at the early time point (16 wks of age) as measured by shorter hind paw withdraw latencies. This is in contrast to HFD-WT mice which developed neuropathy within 11 wks of being placed on a high fat diet and were neuropathic by all measures at both the early and late time points. Finally, we immunophenotyped all three mouse groups at the later time point and found differences in the number of peripheral blood Ly6C-myeloid cells as well as F4/80+ expression. These results indicate that TLR signaling influences early development of neuropathy in sensory neurons, potentially via immune modulation and recruitment.

Knockdown of Tripartite Motif Containing 28 suppresses the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian carcinoma cells through down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28) is a transcriptional corepressor of Kruppel-associated box zinc finger protein, which has been reported to participate in carcinogenesis. Nonetheless, whether TRIM28 plays a role in the metastasis of ovarian carcinoma (OC) is unclear and requires further investigation. In this study, two OC cell lines (A2780 and OVCAR-3) with stable low expression of TRIM28 were established via RNA interference. We found that the migratory and invasive ability of TRIM28-silenced OC cells significantly decreased. The expression and activity of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in these OC cells were inhibited. The TRIM28 shRNA also suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OC cells as evidenced by the up-regulated E-cadherin and the downregulated Vimentin and N-cadherin. Additionally, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was suppressed in TRIM28-silenced OC cells: the activity of β-catenin was inhibited, the expression of total and nuclear β-catenin, Axin 2, T-cell factor 1 (TCF1) and lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1) were decreased, whereas the phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser33/37 was enhanced. Further, re-expression of active β-catenin in TRIM28-silenced OC cells partly restored their metastasis in vitro. Taken together, our study demonstrates a contributory role of TRIM28 in OC metastasis in vitro, suggesting TRIM28 as a novel therapeutic target for this malignant tumor.

Abnormal RNA stability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) share key features, including accumulation of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43. TDP-43 regulates RNA homeostasis, but it remains unclear whether RNA stability is affected in these disorders. We use Bru-seq and BruChase-seq to assess genome-wide RNA stability in ALS patient-derived cells, demonstrating profound destabilization of ribosomal and mitochondrial transcripts. This pattern is recapitulated by TDP-43 overexpression, suggesting a primary role for TDP-43 in RNA destabilization, and in postmortem samples from ALS and FTD patients. Proteomics and functional studies illustrate corresponding reductions in mitochondrial components and compensatory increases in protein synthesis. Collectively, these observations suggest that TDP-43 deposition leads to targeted RNA instability in ALS and FTD, and may ultimately cause cell death by disrupting energy production and protein synthesis pathways.

Reassortant H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Bearing PB2 Gene From a 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Exhibits Increased Pathogenicity in Mice

Reassortment is a key driving force of the evolution and host adaptation of the influenza virus. A(H1N1)pdm2009 (pdm09), a novel H1N1 influenza viral subtype, caused a pandemic in 2009. The strain was established in pig herds and cocirculated with the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. The coexistence of pdm09 with H5N1 raises concerns that reassortment may cause the development of novel viral strains with unpredictable virulence. Given that the viral polymerase subunit PB2 is a determinant of host range and pathogenicity, and that the substantial amino acid differences in PB2 between pdm09 and H5N1, including positions 590/591 and 271, which are shown to play key roles in enhanced polymerase activity in mammalian host cells, we generated a reassortant virus containing PB2 derived from a pdm09 (A/Liaoning/1/2009, LN/09) to investigate if pdm09-derived PB2 can function in a heterologous avian virus isolate as an adaptive strategy, with H5N1 (A/duck/Hubei/hangmei01/2006, HM/06) as the backbone. We assessed the biological characteristics, including pathogenicity, replication, and polymerase activity, of the reassortant. Compared with HM/06 and LN/09, H5N1 hybrid virus containing PB2 from LN/09 exhibited significantly increased pathogenicity in mice and proliferation activity in mammalian cell lines, as well as markedly enhanced polymerase activity. Our results indicate that the coexistence of H5N1 and pdm09 may pose a great threat to public health through reassortment. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of monitoring the emergence of H5N1 reassortants containing pdm09-derived PB2.

Negative Regulation of Interferon-β Production by Alternative Splicing of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Factor 3 in Ducks

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3), an intracellular signal transducer, is identified as an important component of Toll-like receptors and RIG-I-like receptors induced type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathways. Previous studies have clarified TRAF3 function in mammals, but little is known about the role of TRAF3 in ducks. Here, we cloned and characterized the full-length duck TRAF3 (duTRAF3) gene and an alternatively spliced isoform of duTRAF3 (duTRAF3-S) lacking the fragment encoding amino acids 217–319, from duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs). We found that duTRAF3 and duTRAF3-S played different roles in regulating IFN-β production in DEFs. duTRAF3 through its TRAF domain interacted with duMAVS or duTRIF, leading to the production of IFN-β. However, duTRAF3-S, containing the TRAF domain, was unable to bind duMAVS or duTRIF due to the intramolecular binding between the N- and C-terminal of duTRAF3-S that blocked the function of its TRAF domain. Further analysis identified that duTRAF3-S competed with duTRAF3 itself for binding to duTRAF3, perturbing duTRAF3 self-association, which impaired the assembly of duTRAF3-duMAVS/duTRIF complex, ultimately resulted in a reduced production of IFN-β. These findings suggest that duTRAF3 is an important regulator of duck innate immune signaling and reveal a novel mechanism for the negative regulation of IFN-β production via changing the formation of the homo-oligomerization of wild molecules, implying a novel regulatory role of truncated proteins.

Endotoxin Removal from Albumin and Saline Solutions

Microporous membranes have been developed which can remove endotoxins selectively from electrolyte and albumin solutions by regioselective adsorption in the membrane matrix and outside surface of the membrane. The membranes were prepared in the form of hollow fibre membranes in a continuous process. By varying the membrane preparation parameters, different pore sizes and adsorption capacities could be realized, thus broadening applications for biological purification. Dynamic adsorption capacities for endotoxin from albumin and saline solution were determined and were found to be in the range of 0.2 and 0.1 μg endotoxin/g membrane, respectively, suggesting different adsorption mechanisms. (Int J Artif Organs 2007; 30: 589–93)

Duck interferon regulatory factor 1 acts as a positive regulator in duck innate antiviral response

In mammals, IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 1 can activates cellular genes and promotes viral resistance against some DNA and RNA viruses. Most IRFs have been identified as critical regulators in the IFN responses in both mammals and fish. In ducks, however, the functional role of IRF1 remains unknown. Here, we identified duck IRF1 (duIRF1) is essential to counteract viral invasion. duIRF1 is most abundant in duck spleen, and virus infection or poly(I:C) stimulation significantly induced duIRF1 expression in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of duRF1 induces the expression of type I IFN-β, type III IFN-λ, and interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs), initiating cells resistant to avian viruses infection. More importantly, we found duIRF1 interacts with duck myeloid differentiation factor 88 (duMyD88) to activate duck IFN-β, different from IRF3 and IRF7, which involve in IFN expression through the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor pathway in mammals. Together, these results indicate that duIRF1 effectively inhibits viral replication through the induction of IFN and antiviral ISGs. This will help with understanding the role of duIRF1 mediated antiviral responses by innate immune mechanisms.

[Analysis of contrast echocardiography for detecting right to left shunt in adults with patent foramen ovale]

Objective: To analyze the contrast echocardiography for detecting right to left shunt in adults with patent foramen ovale(PFO), and study the relationship between PFO and cryptogenic stroke. Methods: Clinical data of forty-six adults patients with PFO diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)from March, 2012 to March, 2017 were retrospectively collected, and the patients were divided to 3 groups according to the direction and brightness of the color Doppler shunts: obvious left-to-right shunt (OLRS, group A), weak left-to-right shunt(WLRS, group B), bi-directional shunt(BDS, group C). A right-to-left shunt (RLS) scale was calculated using the method of 10 ml hand-operated saline for contrast echocardiography. Results: There were seventeen cases in group A, four cases (23.5%) showed RLS at level 1, and thirteen cases (76.5%) showed no RLS; there were twenty cases in group B, and all cases (100%) showed RLS, with five cases (25%) at level 1 and fifteen cases (75%) at level 2-3; there were nine cases in group C, and all cases (100%) showed RLS, with two cases (22.2%) at level 1 and seven cases (77.8%) at level 2-3. Anteroposterior diameter of left atrium of patients with no RLS (4.8 cm±0.6 cm) was significantly larger than that of patients with RLS in contrast echocardiography (3.6 cm±0.5 cm)(P=0.000). Conclusions: OLRS of adults with patent foramen ovale and with larger left atrium have less RLS than WLRS and DLRS with normal left atrium in contrast echocardiography.The possibility of paradoxical embolism in WLRS and DLRS is higher than that in OLRS, which should be taken seriously in clinical practice.

The C-Terminal Effector Domain of Non-Structural Protein 1 of Influenza A Virus Blocks IFN-β Production by Targeting TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3

Influenza A virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antagonizes interferon response through diverse strategies, particularly by inhibiting the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and IFN-β transcription. However, the underlying mechanisms used by the NS1 C-terminal effector domain (ED) to inhibit the activation of IFN-β pathway are not well understood. In this study, we used influenza virus subtype of H5N1 to demonstrate that the NS1 C-terminal ED but not the N-terminal RNA-binding domain, binds TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3). This results in an attenuation of the type I IFN signaling pathway. We found that the NS1 C-terminal ED (named NS1/126-225) inhibits the active caspase activation and recruitment domain-containing form of RIG-I [RIG-I(N)]-induced IFN-β reporter activity, the phosphorylation of IRF3, and the induction of IFN-β. Further analysis showed that NS1/126-225 binds to TRAF3 through the TRAF domain, subsequently decreasing TRAF3 K63-linked ubiquitination. NS1/126-225 binding also disrupted the formation of the mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS)–TRAF3 complex, increasing the recruitment of IKKε to MAVS; ultimately shutting down the RIG-I(N)-mediated signal transduction and cellular antiviral responses. This attenuation of cellular antiviral responses leads to evasion of the innate immune response. Taken together, our findings offer an important insight into the interplay between the influenza virus and host innate immunity.

Proteome Response of Chicken Embryo Fibroblast Cells to Recombinant H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses with Different Neuraminidase Stalk Lengths

The variation on neuraminidase (NA) stalk region of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus results in virulence change in animals. In our previous studies, the special NA stalk-motif of H5N1 viruses has been demonstrated to play a significant role in the high virulence and pathogenicity in chickens. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity of viruses with different NA stalk remain poorly understood. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of the proteome response of chicken cells to recombinant H5N1 virus with stalk-short NA (rNA-wt) and the stalkless NA mutant virus (rSD20). 208 proteins with differential abundance profiles were identified differentially expressed (DE), and these proteins were mainly related to stress response, transcription regulation, transport, metabolic process, cellular component and cytoskeleton. Through Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA), the significant biological functions of DE proteins represented included Post-Translational Modification, Protein Folding, DNA Replication, Recombination and Repair. It was interesting to find that most DE proteins were involved in the TGF-β mediated functional network. Moreover, the specific DE proteins may play important roles in the innate immune responses and H5N1 virus replication. Our data provide important information regarding the comparable host response to H5N1 influenza virus infection with different NA stalk lengths.

Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on expression of 5-HT1AR and neurotransmitters in rats with vascular dementia

5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (5-HT1AR) is closely associated with cognitive functions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can protect individuals from brain damage following ischemia/hypoxia. To investigate the function of SSRIs in vascular dementia (VD), we established a rat model of VD, and observed the effect of SSRIs on the expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA and neurotransmitters. Male SD rats (6 months) were randomly assigned into sham, model, and SSRI groups (N = 30). VD was achieved by permanent ligation of the bilateral common carotid artery. Escitalopram, a highly selective 5-HT reabsorption inhibitor, was ip injected into the rats for three consecutive weeks. The Morris water-maze was used to test learning and memory. H&E staining for neuronal injury was conducted on cortical and hippocampal tissues. HPLC was used to determine the levels of dopamine (DA), 5-HT, and norepinephrine (NE). RT-PCR was used to determine expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA. As compared to control rats, model animals demonstrated elongated escape latency, lower platform crossing times, and significant injuries to hippocampal CA1 neurons. This was accompanied by reductions in DA, 5-HT, and NE levels in hippocampal tissues, as well as reduced cortical 5-HT and decreased 5-HT1AR mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Escitalopram treatments reduced escape latency, elevated platform crossing times, improved CA1 neuronal damage, increased DA and 5-HT levels in hippocampal and cortical neurons, as well as elevated expression of 5-HT1AR mRNA (P < 0.05). Therefore, SSRIs may improve cognitive dysfunction of VD rats, possibly by stimulating expression of neurotransmitters and protecting neurons.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus infection exacerbates NSCLC cell metastasis by up-regulating TLR4/MyD88 pathway

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is a major public health problem worldwide, which brings to a more great threat for cancer patients. It's necessary to give attentions to lung cancer combined with MRSA. This study mainly focuses on the influences of MRSA on lung cancer cells (A549). We first found that MRSA infection can enhance metastasis ability of A549 cell and increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2 and MMP9) expressions in MRSA-infected A549 cell. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been reported to play an important role in tumor cell initiation and migration, and regulate the expression of MMPs in tumors. Our further research indicates that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/molecules myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) signaling was up-regulated in MRSA-infected A549 cell. After silencing TLR4 or MyD88 gene, the enhanced metastasis ability of A549 cell by MRSA was decreased significantly; Also, MMP2 and MMP9 expression increase was reversed. In conclusion, MRSA infection can enhance NSCLC cell metastasis by up-regulating TLR4/MyD88 signaling.

Flavonoids intake and risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies

The aim of the study was to assess the association between total flavonoids/flavonoid subclasses intake and prostate cancer risk. Several databases were searched to select eligible studies with predefined criteria. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the effect size. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were performed. A total of five studies including four prospective cohort studies and one case-control study were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled result demonstrated a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer with higher intake of total flavonoids (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23, P = 0.013). However, sensitivity analysis indicated that there lacked a significant association after removing the study of Wang et al. (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.94-1.46). Subgroup analysis stratified by flavonoids subclasses found that higher intake of anthocyanidins and flavan-3-ols were significantly associated with increased prostate cancer risk (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.21, P = 0.011; RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10-1.32, P < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis also indicated that after removing Wang's study, no significant association between anthocyanidins intake and prostate cancer risk was detected (RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.97-1.54). In conclusion, higher intake of flavonoids may not be associated with prostate cancer risk.

Benzylation of heterocyclic N-oxides via direct oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling with toluene derivatives

A novel cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of heterocyclic N-oxides with toluene derivatives has been disclosed.

Influence of suppression of CapG gene expression by siRNA on the growth and metastasis of human prostate cancer cells

This study investigated CapG gene expression in prostate cancer cell lines; in addition, we explored the effects of CapG suppression on DU145 cell growth, and the underlying mechanism with which CapG affects DU145 cell growth and invasiveness. The expression of CapG and 18 related genes in DU145 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), CCK8 assay, western blot, and the trans-well assay. DU145 cells were transfected with designed small interfering RNA (siRNA). CapG expression was quantified by qPCR and western blot. DU145 cell proliferation and invasiveness was analyzed using the CCK8, flow cytometric, and trans-well assays. CapG, TMPRSS1, EGFR, ETS-1, ERBB2, AKT, Cyclin D1, P21, Bcl-2, and Bak1 gene and Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, and CapG protein expressions were significantly lower in the siRNA group compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05). The proliferation of CapG siRNA DU145 cells was lower than that of the two control groups, 48 h after transfection. The cell inhibition rate was 24.5, 35.4, and 16,5% at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The growth curve indicated that CapG siRNA DU145 cells showed a significantly slower proliferation rate (P < 0.05). The trans-well assay showed a significant decrease in the migratory and invasive capacities of DU145 cells in the siRNA group (P < 0.05). The suppression of CapG expression caused a significant decrease in the proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis of DU145 cells. The mechanism with which CapG, with other oncogenes, influences cancer cell cycle remains to be elucidated.

Dual-faced SH3BGRL: oncogenic in mice, tumor suppressive in humans

Despite abundant data supporting c-Src as a metastasis-promoting oncogene, activating mutations of c-Src are rare. This suggests that trans-interacting proteins may have a critical role in regulating c-Src activation. Here, we first report the discovery of Src homology 3 (SH3) domain-binding glutamic acid-rich-like protein (SH3BGRL), a novel c-Src activator in mice. Ectopic expression of murine SH3BGRL (mSH3BGRL) strongly promoted both tumor cell invasion and lung metastasis. Molecularly, mSH3BGRL specifically bound the inactive form of c-Src phosphorylated at Tyr527, promoting Tyr416 phosphorylation of c-Src and subsequent FAK-mediated activation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways. Targeting endogenous c-Src alone was sufficient to abolish mSH3BGRL-induced cancer metastasis in vivo. Unexpectedly, human SH3BGRL (hSH3BGRL) in turn suppressed tumorigenesis and metastasis in nature. We attempted site-specific reversion of hSH3BGRL amino-acid sequence to mSH3BGRL and found V108A substitution sufficient to restore SH3BGRL function as a c-Src activator and metastasis promoter. Notably, the somatic mutation R76C of hSH3BGRL can similarly act as hSH3BGRL-V108A and mSH3BGRL in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Our results uncover an evolutionarily controversial role of SH3BGRL in driving tumor metastasis through c-Src activation, and suggests that hSH3BGRL mutation status could be relevant to cancer diagnosis and therapy.