Research on transformer fault diagnosis based on active learning with imbalanced data of dissolved gas in oil

The power transformer is the core equipment of the power system, a sudden failure of which will seriously endanger the safety of the power system. In recent years, artificial intelligence techniques have been applied to the dissolved gas analysis evaluation of power transformers to improve the accuracy and efficiency of power transformer fault diagnosis. However, most of the artificial intelligence techniques are data-driven algorithms whose performance decreases when the data are limited or significantly imbalanced. In this paper, we propose an active learning framework for power transformer dissolved gas analysis, in which the model can be dynamically trained based on the characteristics of the data and the training process. In addition, this paper also improves the original active learning spatial search strategy and uses the product of sample feature differences instead of the original sum of differences as a measure of sample difference. Compared to passive learning algorithms, the novel approach could significantly reduce the data labeling effort while improving prediction accuracy.

Serous surface papillary borderline ovarian tumors: correlation of sonographic features with clinic pathological findings

Serous surface papillary borderline ovarian tumor (SSPBOT) is a distinct subtype of serous borderline ovarian tumor characterized by solid tissue deposition confined to the ovarian surface. Because SSPBOT is rare, there are few published reports on the ultrasonographic features of this condition. In this retrospective study, we investigated 12 cases of SSPBOT. Ultrasound imaging of SSPBOT showed grossly normal ovaries that were encased partially or wholly by tumor deposits that were confined to the surface, with clear demarcation between normal ovarian tissue and surrounding tumors. Color Doppler imaging demonstrated the 'fireworks sign' in all cases of SSPBOT, corresponding to an intratumoral vascular bundle originating from the ovarian vessels and supplying hierarchical branching blood flow to the surrounding tumor. No patient with ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma showed these morphological and Doppler features. In our series, the fireworks sign appeared to be a characteristic feature of SSPBOT that could facilitate correct identification of this tumor. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Native proteomics by capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometry

Native proteomics aims to measure endogenous proteoforms and protein complexes under a near physiological condition using native mass spectrometry (nMS) coupled with liquid-phase separation techniques. Native proteomics should provide the most accurate bird's-eye view of proteome dynamics within cells, which is fundamental for understanding almost all biological processes. nMS has been widely employed to characterize well-purified protein complexes. However, there are only very few trials of utilizing nMS to measure proteoforms and protein complexes in a complex sample (i.e., a whole cell lysate), and those studies are either too time and labor-consuming or only able to detect small proteoforms or protein complexes. Here, we pioneer the native proteomics measurement of large proteoforms or protein complexes up to 400 kDa from a complex proteome via online coupling of native capillary zone electrophoresis (nCZE) to an ultra-high mass range Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHMR). The nCZE-MS technique enabled the measurement of a 115-kDa standard protein complex while consuming only about 100 pg of protein material, indicating the extremely high sensitivity of the technique. nCZE-MS analysis of an E . coli cell lysate detected 76 and 21 proteoforms or protein complexes in a mass range of 30-400 kDa and over 110 kDa, respectively, in a single run while consuming only 50-ng protein material. The mass distribution of detected proteoforms or protein complexes agreed well with that from mass photometry measurement. This work represents a technical breakthrough of native proteomics for measuring complex proteomes, suggesting that nCZE-MS might be developed as a central technique for native proteomics.

Fatty acid degradation driven by heat during ripening contributes to the formation of the "Keemun aroma"

Ripening refers to the process of chemical change during the refinement of Keemun black tea (KBT) and is crucial in the formation of Keemun Congou black tea's quality. In this study, the aroma composition of KBT during the ripening was analyzed. Sensomics indicated that ripening strengthened the coconut and fatty aroma of KBT and contributed to the decrease of green aroma substances, resulting in a shift of the overall aroma type of KBT to an integrated aroma profile, which was consistent with sensory evaluation. Changes in fatty acid content and the results of in vitro addition simulation tests confirmed that heat causes highly degradation of fatty acids into fatty aroma volatiles, which is a key driver of the formation of "Keemun aroma" quality. This study revealed the mechanism behind the formation of KBT's integrated "Keemun aroma" quality and the mode of thermal degradation of major fatty acids.

Structural Basis for the Interaction of Redβ Single-Strand Annealing Protein with Escherichia coli Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein

Redβ is a protein from bacteriophage λ that binds to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to promote the annealing of complementary strands. Together with λ-exonuclease (λ-exo), Redβ is part of a two-component DNA recombination system involved in multiple aspects of genome maintenance. The proteins have been exploited in powerful methods for bacterial genome engineering in which Redβ can anneal an electroporated oligonucleotide to a complementary target site at the lagging strand of a replication fork. Successful annealing in vivo requires the interaction of Redβ with E. coli single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB), which coats the ssDNA at the lagging strand to coordinate access of numerous replication proteins. Previous mutational analysis revealed that the interaction between Redβ and SSB involves the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Redβ and the C-terminal tail of SSB (SSB-Ct), the site for binding of numerous host proteins. Here, we have determined the x-ray crystal structure of Redβ CTD in complex with a peptide corresponding to the last nine residues of SSB (MDFDDDIPF). Formation of the complex is predominantly mediated by hydrophobic interactions between two phenylalanine side chains of SSB (Phe-171 and Phe-177) and an apolar groove on the CTD, combined with electrostatic interactions between the C-terminal carboxylate of SSB and Lys-214 of the CTD. Mutation of any of these residues to alanine significantly disrupts the interaction of full-length Redβ and SSB proteins. Structural knowledge of this interaction will help to expand the utility of Redβ-mediated recombination to a wider range of bacterial hosts for applications in synthetic biology.

A fast direct solver for surface-based whole-head modeling of transcranial magnetic stimulation

When modeling transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the brain, a fast and accurate electric field solver can support interactive neuronavigation tasks as well as comprehensive biophysical modeling. We formulate, test, and disseminate a direct (i.e., non-iterative) TMS solver that can accurately determine global TMS fields for any coil type everywhere in a high-resolution MRI-based surface model with ~ 200,000 or more arbitrarily selected observation points within approximately 5 s, with the solution time itself of 3 s. The solver is based on the boundary element fast multipole method (BEM-FMM), which incorporates the latest mathematical advancement in the theory of fast multipole methods-an FMM-based LU decomposition. This decomposition is specific to the head model and needs to be computed only once per subject. Moreover, the solver offers unlimited spatial numerical resolution. Despite the fast execution times, the present direct solution is numerically accurate for the default model resolution. In contrast, the widely used brain modeling software SimNIBS employs a first-order finite element method that necessitates additional mesh refinement, resulting in increased computational cost. However, excellent agreement between the two methods is observed for various practical test cases following mesh refinement, including a biophysical modeling task. The method can be readily applied to a wide range of TMS analyses involving multiple coil positions and orientations, including image-guided neuronavigation. It can even accommodate continuous variations in coil geometry, such as flexible H-type TMS coils. The FMM-LU direct solver is freely available to academic users.

A fast direct solver for surface-based whole-head modeling of transcranial magnetic stimulation

Background

When modeling transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the brain, a fast and accurate electric field solver can support interactive neuronavigation tasks as well as comprehensive biophysical modeling.

Objective

We formulate, test, and disseminate a direct (i.e., non-iterative) TMS solver that can accurately determine global TMS fields for any coil type everywhere in a high-resolution MRI-based surface model with ~200,000 or more arbitrarily selected observation points within approximately 5 sec, with the solution time itself of 3 sec.

Method

The solver is based on the boundary element fast multipole method (BEM-FMM), which incorporates the latest mathematical advancement in the theory of fast multipole methods - an FMM-based LU decomposition. This decomposition is specific to the head model and needs to be computed only once per subject. Moreover, the solver offers unlimited spatial numerical resolution.

Results

Despite the fast execution times, the present direct solution is numerically accurate for the default model resolution. In contrast, the widely used brain modeling software SimNIBS employs a first-order finite element method that necessitates additional mesh refinement, resulting in increased computational cost. However, excellent agreement between the two methods is observed for various practical test cases following mesh refinement, including a biophysical modeling task.

Conclusion

The method can be readily applied to a wide range of TMS analyses involving multiple coil positions and orientations, including image-guided neuronavigation. It can even accommodate continuous variations in coil geometry, such as flexible H-type TMS coils. The FMM-LU direct solver is freely available to academic users.

[Quantitative evaluation of radiotherapy plan in precise external beam radiotherapy process management for cervical cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the problems in clinical radiotherapy planning for cervical cancer through quantitative evaluation of the radiotherapy plans to improve the quality of the plans and the radiotherapy process.

METHODS

We selected the clinically approved and administered radiotherapy plans for 227 cervical cancer patients undergoing external radiotherapy at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from May, 2019 to January, 2022. These plans were transferred from the treatment planning system to the Plan IQ^TM workstation. The plan quality metrics were determined based on the guidelines of ICRU83 report, the GEC-ESTRO Working Group, and the clinical requirements of our center and were approved by a senior clinician. The problems in the radiotherapy plans were summarized and documented, and those with low scores were re-planned and the differences were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified several problems in the 277 plans by quantitative evaluation. Inappropriate target volume selection (with scores < 60) in terms of GTV, PGTV (CI) and PGTV (V_{66 Gy}) was found in 10.6%, 65.2%, and 1% of the plans, respectively; and the PGTV (CI), GTV, and PCTV (D_98%, HI) had a score of 0 in 0.4%, 10.1%, 0.4%, 0.4% of the plans, respectively. The problems in the organs at risk (OARs) involved mainly the intestines (the rectum, small intestine, and colon), found in 20.7% of the plans, and in occasional cases, the rectum, small intestine, colon, kidney, and the femoral head had a score of 0. Senior planners showed significantly better performance than junior planners in PGTV (V_{60 Gy}, D_98%), PCTV (CI), and CTV (D_98%) (P≤0.046) especially in terms of spinal cord and small intestine protection (P≤0.034). The bowel (the rectum, small intestine and colon) dose was significantly lower in the prone plans than supine plans (P < 0.05), and targets coverage all met clinical requirements. Twenty radiotherapy plans with low scores were selected for re-planning. The re-planned plans had significantly higher GTV (D_min) and PTV (V_{45 Gy}, D_98%) (P < 0.05) with significantly reduced doses of the small intestines (V_{40 Gy} vs V_{30 Gy}), the colon (V_{40 Gy} vs V_{30 Gy}), and the bladder (D_35%) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative evaluation of the radiotherapy plans can not only improve the quality of radiotherapy plan, but also facilitate risk management of the radiotherapy process.

[Aloin inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration by suppressing the STAT3/HMGB1 signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of aloin on the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells.

METHODS

Human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells treated with 100, 200 and 300 μg/mL aloin were examined for changes in cell viability, proliferation and migration abilities using CCK-8, EdU and Transwell assays. HMGB1 mRNA level in the cells was detected with RT-qPCR, and the protein expressions of HMGB1, cyclin B1, cyclin E1, E-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-STAT3 were determined using Western blotting. JASPAR database was used to predict the binding of STAT3 to HMGB1 promoter. In a BALB/c-Nu mouse model bearing subcutaneous MGC-803 cell xenograft, the effect of intraperitoneal injection of aloin (50 mg/kg) on tumor growth was observed. The protein expressions of HMGB1, cyclin B1, cyclin E1, E-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-STAT3 in the tumor tissue was examined using Western blotting, and tumor metastasis in the liver and lung tissues was detected using HE staining.

RESULTS

Treatment with aloin concentration-dependently inhibited the viability of MGC-803 cells (P < 0.05), significantly reduced the number of EdU-positive cells (P < 0.01), and attenuated the migration ability of the cells (P < 0.01). Aloin treatment dose-dependently down-regulated HMGB1 mRNA expression (P < 0.01), lowered the protein expressions of HMGB1, cyclin B1, cyclin E1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-STAT3, and up-regulated E-cadherin expression in MGC-803 cells. Prediction based on JASPAR database suggested that STAT3 could bind to the promoter region of HMGB1. In the tumor-bearing mice, aloin treatment significantly reduced the tumor size and weight (P < 0.01), lowered the protein expressions of cyclin B1, cyclin E1, MMP-2, MMP-9, HMGB1 and p-STAT3 and increased the expression of E-cadherin in the tumor tissue (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Aloin attenuates the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the STAT3/HMGB1 signaling pathway.

[Eriocitrin suppresses proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells by promoting ROS production and activating the MAPK pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of the ROS/MAPK signaling axis in mediating the inhibitory effect of eriocitrin on proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells.

METHODS

SMMC-7721 cells were treated with different concentrations of eriocitrin for 24 h, and the changes in cell viability were detected with CCK-8 assay. The migration and invasion abilities of the treated cells were evaluated using Transwell and scratch healing assays, the cell proliferation was assessed with colony-forming assay, and changes in nuclear morphology were observed with DAPI staining. Western blotting was performed to examine the changes in the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9, PARP, Pro-caspase 3, pJNK, p-P38, and p-ERK. The effect of eriocitrin on PARP cleavage in SMMC-7721 cells pretreated with ERK, JNK and P38 inhibitors (U0126, SB203580 and SP600125, respectively) was detected using Western blotting. The effect of treatment with Nacetyl-cysteine (NAC, 30 μmol/L) and eriocitrin (100, 200, and 300 μg/mL), alone or in combination, on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the cells was examined using a DCFH-DA fluorescent probe.

RESULTS

Eriocitrin below 50 μg/mL did not produce significant effect on the viability of SMMC-7721 cells (P>0.05). Treatment with eriocitrin significantly inhibited scratch healing, migration, and colony formation of the cells (P < 0.01), reduced the protein expressions of N-cadherin, MMP-2, and MMP-9 (P < 0.01), and up-regulated E-cadherin protein expression (P < 0.05). Eriocitrin-treated SMMC-7721 cells showed obvious apoptotic morphologies with decreased Procaspase 3 expression and increased PARP cleavage (P < 0.01) and phosphorylation levels of JNK, P38, and ERK (P < 0.01); Eriocitrin-induced PAPR cleavage was obviously enhanced by U0126 and SB203580 but attenuated by SP600125. Treatment with 300 μg/mL eriocitrin for 30 min significantly increased ROS level in the cells, and this effect was obviously suppressed by NAC.

CONCLUSION

Eriocitrin can suppress the proliferation and migration and promote apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells by promoting ROS production and activating the MAPKs signaling pathway.

Hormonal and immunological responses of Holstein dairy cows from late lactation to the dry period and from the dry period to early lactation

Parturition and dry-off are challenging events for dairy cows partially due to changes in endocrine responses. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate blood concentrations of cortisol and prolactin and their effects on proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with or without stimulation by common immune cell mitogens (lipopolysaccharide [LPS], and concanavalin A [ConA]) of multiparous dairy cows from late lactation to the dry period and from the dry period to early lactation. Two groups of cows were enrolled: cows from late lactation to the dry period enrolled at 8 d before dry-off (LTD, n = 6, days in milk at dry-off = 332 ± 41 d) and cows from the dry period to early lactation enrolled at 7 d before expected calving date (DTL, n = 7). Blood was collected on d -8, 3, 7, and 15 relatives to dry-off for LTD cows, and on d -7, 3, 7, and 21 relatives to calving for DTL cows to analyze circulating stress hormones and to isolate PBMC. The PBMC were stimulated in vitro with prolactin (PRL), hydrocortisone (HDC), LPS, ConA, PRL + LPS, PRL + ConA, HDC+LPS, and HDC + ConA to assess proliferative responses. Plasma cortisol and PRL concentrations of LTD and DTL cows were not affected by time. Regardless of time, addition of HDC reduced PBMC proliferation stimulated by LPS, but PRL had no effect. No time effect was observed for proliferation of PBMC collected from LTD cows, but PBMC collected at 21 d after calving had higher proliferative responses to LPS and ConA than those from late dry period or early lactation. In conclusion, results from this experiment confirmed the lower PBMC proliferation during the transition period from the final week of gestation to early lactation and suggested that cows transitioning from late lactation to dry period maintained unchanged cell-mediated immune function.

Assessment of stromal SCD-induced drug resistance of PDAC using 3D-printed zPDX model chips

Lipid metabolism is extensively reprogrammed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) is a critical lipid regulator that was unexplored in PDAC. Here, we characterized the existence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with high SCD expression, and revealed them as an unfavorable prognostic factor. Therefore, primary CAFs and pancreatic cancer cells were harvested and genetically labeled. The mixture of CAFs and cancer cells were co-injected into scd^-/-; prkdc^-/-, or hIGF1/INS-expressing zebrafish to generate patient-derived xenograft models (zPDX). The models were aligned in 3D-printed chips for semi-automatic drug administration and high-throughput scanning. The results showed that chaperoning of the SCD-high CAFs significantly improved the drug resistance of pancreatic cancer cells against gemcitabine and cisplatin, while the administration of SCD inhibitors neutralized the protective effect. Our studies revealed the prognostic and therapeutic value of stromal SCD in PDAC, and proposed the application of zPDX model chips for drug testing.

Protection of Toll-Like Receptor 9 Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress of Pulmonary Epithelial Cells via MyD88-Mediated Pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a common, severe clinical syndrome. Injury caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in vascular endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells is a vital process in the pathogenesis of ALI. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is highly expressed in LPS-induced ALI rats. In this study, Beas-2B human pulmonary epithelial cells and A549 alveolar epithelial cells were stimulated by LPS, resulting in the upregulation of TLR9 in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TLR9 overexpression and interference vectors were transfected before LPS administration to explore the role of TLR9 in LPS-induced ALI in vitro. The findings revealed that inhibition of TLR9 reduced inflammation and oxidative stress while suppressing apoptosis of LPS-induced Beas-2B and A549 cells, whereas TLR9 overexpression aggravated these conditions. Moreover, TLR9 inhibition resulted in downregulated protein expression of myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88) and activator activator protein 1 (AP-1), as well as phosphorylation of nuclear factor-B (NF-B), c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1/2 was upregulated compared to that of cells subjected to only LPS administration, and this was reversed by TLR9 overexpression. These results indicate that inhibition of TLR9 plays a protective role against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in Beas-2B and A549 cells, possibly via the MyD88/NF-B and MyD88/MAPKs/AP-1 pathways.

[The effect of red blood cell folate on the prognosis of high-risk human papillomavirus infection: a community-based cohort study]

Objective: To investigate the effect of red blood cell folate on the prognosis of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Methods: A total of 564 participants with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINⅠ) were selected from the community-based married women cohort established in 2014. The general baseline information and factors related to HPV infection were collected. Meanwhile, HPV genotyping and levels of folate were measured. The subjects were divided into different levels of exposure group according to the folate levels and followed up for 24 months to observe the changes of HR-HPV infection status. There were four changes, including persistent infection, infection turned negative, from negative to positive and constant negative by comparing HR-HPV infection status at baseline and follow-up to 24 months. Results: 483 participators completed 24 months of follow-up observation, with a follow-up rate of 85.64% (483/564). The rates of persistent infection, infection turned negative, from negative to positive, and the constant negative were 52.45% (75/143), 47.55% (68/143), 19.71% (67/340), 80.29% (273/340), respectively. Our results demonstrated that the risk of persistent infection (aRR=2.50, 95%CI: 1.55-4.02) and from negative to positive (aRR=4.55, 95%CI: 2.52-8.23) in the low level of folate were significantly higher than that in the high level of folate, especially the risk of homotype persistent infection (aRR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.51-4.90). The risk of persistent infection (trend χ²=20.62, P<0.001), from negative to positive (trend χ²=31.76, P<0.001), persistent homotypic infection (trend χ²=20.09, P<0.001) increased with the decrease of red blood cell folate level. On the contrary, no similar results were found in persistent heterotypic infection. Conclusions: A low level of red blood cell folate could increase the risk of HR-HPV persistent infection and from negative to positive. In women with HR-HPV infection, the risk of persistent homotypic infection is higher.

[Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure on prognosis of high risk human papillomavirus infection: a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To investigate the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure on the prognosis of high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Methods: In this prospective study, 564 patients with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia confirmed by pathology were selected from the natural cohort population established by our research group in Shanxi province in 2014. Based on the baseline data of demographic characteristics and factors related to HPV infection, the concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine samples of the patients were determined by high performance liquid chromatography to define the exposure level of PAHs. At baseline survey and follow-up after 24 months, flow-through hybridization was used to detect HPV infection types, and to evaluate the prognosis of HR-HPV (persistent infection, negative conversion, positive conversion and persistent negative status). Results: Of the 564 subjects, 483 completed the follow-up, with a follow-up rate of 85.6% (483/564). Among them, the persistent infection rate was 52.4% (75/143), the persistent homotype infection rate was 35.7% (51/143), the negative conversion rate was 47.6% (68/143), the positive conversion rate was 19.7% (67/340), and the persistent negative rate was 80.3% (273/340). The follow-up results showed that the persistent infection rate (aRR=3.22, 95%CI: 1.85-5.62) and positive conversion rate (aRR=2.84, 95%CI: 1.64-4.94) of HR-HPV in high PAHs exposure group were higher than those in low PAHs exposure group, while the persistent negative rate (aRR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.43-0.70) of HR-HPV in high PAHs exposure group were lower than those in low PAHs exposure group. Based on restrictive cubic spline analysis, the results showed that the effects of PAHs exposure on persistent HR-HPV infection and persistent homotype infection showed an ascending linear dose-response relationship, while on HR-HPV positive conversion and persistent negative status showed an ascending and declining nonlinear dose-response relationship respectively (P<0.01). Conclusions: High PAHs exposure could promote persistent HR-HPV infection and persistent homotypic infection. Reducing PAHs exposure might conducive to HR-HPV continuous negative maintenance. Active prevention and control of PAHs exposure is of great significance to prevent HR-HPV infection and persistent infection.

[Mechanism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway for mediating anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of chrysin: a protein microarray-based study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway for mediating the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of chrysin.

METHODS

RAW264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of chrysin for 24 h, and the changes in cell viability were detected using CCK-8 method. The cells with or without chrysin pretreatment for 2 h were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for different lengths of time, and the related signal molecules were screened using protein chip technique. In cells pretreated with chrysin for 2 h followed by LPS stimulation for 18 h, the release of IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α by the cells was detected with ELISA, and NO production was examined using Griess method, and ROS level was determined using DCFH-DA. The effects of chrysin, LPS, and their combination on the mRNA expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were detected using RT-PCR; Western blotting was performed to examine the changes in cellular expressions of p-AKT, p-PRAS40, p-mTOR, mTOR, p-P70S6k, p-S6RP and S6RP following the treatments with LPS, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine, and chrysin, alone or in combinations.

RESULTS

Chrysin below 60 μg/mL did not significantly affect the viability of RAW264.7 cells (P>0.05). Chrysin treatment significantly reduced the release of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α and the level of NO (P < 0.01), and inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and COX-2 (P < 0.01) in the cells. The results of protein chip screening suggested that LPS could activate the AKT/mTOR pathway, which was significantly inhibited by chrysin pretreatment, and the results were verified by Western blotting (P < 0.01). Chrysin treatment significantly reduced the generation of endogenous ROS, and treatment with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine to eliminate intracellular ROS obviously reduced the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 (P < 0.05) and blocked the AKT/mTOR pathway (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chrysin can inhibit the synthesis of the upstream signaling molecule ROS to inhibit the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, regulate the translation process of ribosomes, down-regulate the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators, and thus produce anti-inflammatory effects.

FBP1 regulates proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance by participating in C-MYC/STAT3 signaling axis in ovarian cancer

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis and an important tumor suppressor in human malignancies. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression profile of FBP1 in ovarian cancer, the molecular mechanisms that regulate FBP1 expression and to examine how the FBP1 regulatory axis contributes to tumorigenesis and progression in ovarian cancer. We showed that FBP1 expression was significantly decreased in ovarian cancer tissues compared with normal ovarian tissues, and low-FBP1 expression predicted poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. The enhanced expression of FBP1 in ovarian cancer cell lines suppressed proliferation and 2-D/3-D invasion, reduced aerobic glycolysis, and sensitized cancer cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Moreover, DNA methylation and C-MYC binding at the promoter inhibited FBP1 expression. Furthermore, through physical interactions with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), FBP1 suppressed nuclear translocation of STAT3 and exerted its non-metabolic enzymatic activity to induce the dysfunction of STAT3. Thus, our study suggests that FBP1 may be a valuable prognostic predictor for ovarian cancer. C-MYC-dependent downregulation of FBP1 acted as a tumor suppressor via modulating STAT3, and the C-MYC/FBP1/STAT3 axis could be a therapeutic target.

[Relationship between serum folate and CIN1 prognosis and its interaction with HR-HPV infection]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between serum folate and the prognosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I (CIN1) and the interaction between folate and high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Methods: From a community-based married women cohort established in Jiexiu and Yangqu County of Shanxi Province from June to December 2014, a total of 564 eligible women with CIN1 by pathologically diagnosed were recruited. The pathological examination was performed again 12 months later. According to the prognosis of CIN1, participants were divided into CIN1 regression group, persistence and progression group, respectively. Nested case-control study was used to explore the relationship between serum folate and CIN1 prognosis, and additive model was used to analyze the interaction between serum folate and HR-HPV infection. Results: Among 564 CIN1 patients, 479 cases underwent pathological examination again, 331 were divided in CIN1 regression group and other 148 in persistence and progression group. The levels of serum folate in CIN1 regression group and persistence and progression group were (18.890±8.360) and (15.640±5.550) nmol/L, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=-6.937, P<0.001). HPV infection was detected in 154 patients, including 148 cases of HR-HPV infection and 6 cases of low risk human papillomavirus (LR-HPV) infection. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the age, passive smoking, frequency of pudendal cleaning, frequency of cleaning after sex, frequency of changing underwear, serum folate and HR-HPV infection between regression group and persistence and progression group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the frequency of pudendal cleaning (OR=0.422, 95%CI: 0.238-0.750), frequency of changing underwear (OR=0.574, 95%CI: 0.355-0.928), serum folate (13.06-16.78nmol/L: OR=4.806, 95%CI: 2.355-9.810; ≤13.05nmol/L: OR=8.378, 95%CI: 4.024-17.445), HR-HPV infection (OR=1.852, 95%CI: 1.170-2.933) were the independent influencing factors of CIN1 prognosis. Interaction analysis showed that the relative excess risk of low serum folate level and HR-HPV infection for the CIN1 persistence and progression was 4.992 (95%CI: 0.189-9.796), attributable proportion due to interaction was 0.552 (95%CI: 0.279-0.824), synergy index was 2.632 (95%CI: 1.239-5.588), aOR of serum folate≤16.78 nmol/L and HR-HPV infection positive was 9.055 (95%CI: 4.878-16.807). Conclusion: Low serum folate level could increase the risk of CIN1 persistence and progression, and might enhance the risk when combined with HR-HPV infection.

[Effect of dietary water-soluble vitamins on the poor prognosis of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To explore the effect of dietary water-soluble vitamins on the poor prognosis of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CINⅠ). Methods: A total of 564 participants with CINⅠ were selected from a community-based married women cohort established in 2014. The general baseline information was collected, and HPV genotyping was detected. A food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate dietary water-soluble vitamins' consumption and determine their exposure levels. The follow-up program was carried out for 12 months, and the regression, persistence, and progression of CINⅠ was determined according to histopathological results at 12-month. Results: The low-levels of dietary water-soluble vitamins could promote CINⅠ's persistence and progression, showing the increasing tendency of CINⅠ poor prognosis with the decrease of water-soluble vitamin levels. Especially folate, VB1, VB2, VB6, niacin, biotin, and VC (RR values were 15.22, 1.86, 1.92, 2.11, 2.98, 2.14, 2.19, respectively) played an important role. Considering the status of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, our results showed that the low levels of folate, niacin, biotin could promote the poor prognosis of CINⅠ. Conclusions: The low-level of dietary water-soluble vitamins could facilitate the poor prognosis of CINⅠ. In addition, folate, niacin, biotin were more effective on HR-HPV positive women.

[The optimal model of diagnosis to low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by combined detecting vaginal micro-environmental factors, based on the high-risk HPV infection]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of different vaginal micro-environmental factors in low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN Ⅰ) and determine the optimal model in high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Methods: A total of 926 women, including 623 with normal cervical (NC) condition and 303 CINⅠ patients, had undergone pathological examinations, and were enrolled in the study. All the women were from a community previously established cohort. Vaginal cleanliness, pH, H₂O₂, β-glucuronidase, coagulase, sialidase, and leukocyte esterase (LE) were detected by the combined detection method aerobic vaginitis/bacterial vaginosis in vaginal secretions. HPV genotyping was performed by using the flow-through hybridization technology. The data were analyzed by SAS 9.2 and SPSS 23.0. Results: The vaginal cleanliness, pH, sialidase, and LE were determined as the representative vaginal micro-environment factors by principal component analysis. Based on logistic regression theory to analyze the ROC curve, the results showed that the highest sensitivity was with pH value (76.2%), and the highest specificity was with sialidase (90.9%). The area under ROC curve were higher in combination detection modes of sialidase+LE (0.714), pH+sialidase+LE (0.719), vaginal cleanness+sialidase+LE (0.713) and pH+vaginal cleanness+sialidase+LE (0.709). According to HR-HPV infection status, the TOPSIS method was used to analyze the combined detection optimal model. Specifically, we found that the best diagnostic model was pH+sialidase +LE (C_i=0.585) in the HR-HPV positive group and vaginal cleanness+sialidase+LE (C_i=0.641) in the negative group. Conclusions: The combined detection of vaginal microenvironment factors could be used for auxiliary diagnosis for CINⅠ. It would be more effective when detecting pH, sialidase, and LE in HR-HPV positive women while vaginal cleanness, sialidase, and LE in HR-HPV negative women at the same time.

[Prognosis of high-risk HPV infection and its influences by vaginal micro-environmental factors]

Objective: To describe the characteristics of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and its influences by vaginal micro-environmental factors. Methods: A total of 421 women with HR-HPV infection and normal cervix diagnosed by pathology were selected from a community cohort established earlier by our research group for a 24-month follow-up. The baseline data were collected at enrollment. The vaginal micro-environmental factors were detected by using the combined detection kit of aerobic vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. And the HPV was detected by using the flow-through hybridization technology. According to the HR-HPV infection status in baseline and 24 months of follow-up, with the prognosis characteristics of HR-HPV infection described, the impact of vaginal micro-environmental factors on the prognosis of HR-HPV infection was explored as well. Results: Among 390 HR-HPV infected women who completed 24 months of follow-up, the top five types of persistent HR-HPV infection rate appeared as HPV16 (24.1%), HPV58 (22.2%), HPV53 (21.7%), HPV52 (20.0%), and HPV39 (11.8%), respectively. The results showed that women with abnormal vaginal pH (aOR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.08-2.80), abnormal neuraminidase (aOR=2.70, 95%CI: 1.52-4.83), or abnormal leucocyte esterase (aOR=3.41, 95%CI: 2.13-5.44), the risk of HR-HPV persistent infection increased. The abnormalities of neuraminidase and leukocyte esterase could increase the risk of persistent infection of homotype and heterotypic HR-HPV. Conclusions: HPV16 was prone to persistent infection. Abnormalities of vaginal pH, neuraminidase, and leukocyte esterase might increase the risk of HR-HPV persistent infection. Both the abnormalities of neuraminidase and leukocyte esterase play an essential role in the HR-HPV persistent infection.

Programmed death ligand-1 regulates angiogenesis and metastasis by participating in the c-JUN/VEGFR2 signaling axis in ovarian cancer

Background

Although programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) plays a well‐known function in immune checkpoint response by interacting with programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1), the cell‐intrinsic role of PD‐L1 in tumors is still unclear. Here, we explored the molecular regulatory mechanism of PD‐L1 in the progression and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry of benign tissues and ovarian cancer samples was performed, followed by migration, invasion, and angiogenesis assays in PD‐L1‐knockdown ovarian cancer cells. Immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were conducted along with zebrafish and mouse experiments to explore the specific functions and mechanisms of PD‐L1 in ovarian cancer.

Results

Our results showed that PD‐L1 induced angiogenesis, which further promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo of ovarian cancer. Mechanistically, PD‐L1 was identified to directly interact with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2) and then activated the FAK/AKT pathway, which further induced angiogenesis and tumor progression, leading to poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Meanwhile, PD‐L1 was found to be regulated by the oncogenic transcription factor c‐JUN at the transcriptional level, which enhanced the expression of PD‐L1 in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PD‐L1 inhibitor durvalumab, combined with the antiangiogenic drug, apatinib, could enhance the effect of anti‐angiogenesis and the inhibition of cell migration and invasion.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that PD‐L1 promoted the angiogenesis and metastasis of ovarian cancer by participating in the c‐JUN/VEGFR2 signaling axis, suggesting that the combination of PD‐L1 inhibitor and antiangiogenic drugs may be considered as a potential therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer patients.

[Effects of hnRNP E1 on expression of early genes E2, E6 of HPV16 and biological function in cervical cancer cells]

Objective: To explore the effects of hnRNP E1 on the expression of early genes E2, E6 of HPV16 and the biological function in cervical cancer SiHa cell lines. Methods: The cell experiments in vitro were carried out in cervical cancer cell lines SiHa. The expression levels of E2, E6 mRNA and protein of HPV16 were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively, before and after up-regulating hnRNP E1. Meanwhile, the cell proliferation, cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 and Graphpad Prism 7.0 software. Results: Compared with the blank and the blank plasmid group, the cells activity and proliferation decreased at 24, 48 and 72 h after up-regulating hnRNP E1 (P<0.05), while the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase increased and the percentage in S and G2/M phase and proliferation index decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, the late apoptotic rate and the total apoptotic rate increased (P<0.05). The expression levels of E6 mRNA and protein of HPV16 in hnRNP E1 up-regulated group were significantly lower than that in both blank group and blank plasmid group, the differences were significant (P<0.05), showing the tendency of cells proliferation index decrease and total apoptotic rate increase with decreased HPV16 E6 expression. There were no significant differences in the expression of E2 mRNA of HPV16 among the three groups (P=0.427), and no E2 protein of HPV16 was detected. Conclusions: hnRNP E1 could inhibit the transcription and translation of E6 oncogene of HPV16 and further inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, suggesting that hnRNP E1 might be a potential target marker to prevent cervical lesions. But no association between hnRNP E1 and HPV16 E2 was found in SiHa cells.

Short-form RON (sf-RON) enhances glucose metabolism to promote cell proliferation via activating β-catenin/SIX1 signaling pathway in gastric cancer

Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) has been implicated in cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance of various human malignancies. The short-form RON (sf-RON) encoded by RON transcripts was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, but its regulatory functions remain illustrated. Here, we found that sf-RON promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation by enhancing glucose metabolism. Furthermore, sf-RON was proved to induce the β-catenin expression level through the AKT1/GSK3β signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the binding sites of β-catenin were identified in the promoter region of SIX1 and it was also demonstrated that β-catenin positively regulated SIX1 expression. SIX1 enhanced the promoter activity of key proteins in glucose metabolism, such as GLUT1 and LDHA. Results indicated that sf-RON regulated the cell proliferation and glucose metabolism of gastric cancer by participating in a sf-RON/β-catenin/SIX1 signaling axis and had significant implications for choosing the therapeutic target of gastric cancer.

Betulin attenuates pneumolysin-induced cell injury and DNA damage

AIMS

Pneumolysin, a pore-forming toxin, is an important virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae with multiple biological activity, such as cell lysis and DNA damage. Thus, targeting this toxin is alternative strategy for the treatment of S. pneumoniae infection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Haemolysin assay was performed to identify the potential PLY inhibitor. The mechanism by which betulin, a natural compound from birch bark, against PLY was determined via MICs determination, western blot analysis and oligomerization analysis. Cytotoxicity and Immunofluorescence assays were further used to evaluate the protection of betulin against PLY-induced cell injury and DNA damage. Here, betulin, a natural compound from birch bark, was indentified as an effective inhibitor of PLY. Importantly, at the concentrations required for such inhibition, betulin has no influence on S. pneumoniae viability or PLY production. The interaction of betulin with PLY restrict the olgomerizaiton of this toxin and, thus, directly neutralizing the activity of PLY. Additionally, betulin treatment alleviate PLY induced cells injury and DNA damage in the co-culture system of PLY and A549 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Betulin could be used as a promising leading compound against S. pneumoniae virulence by directly targeting PLY without antibacterial activity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results presented in this work provided a novel strategy and candidate for S. pneumoniae infection.

THU0544 MULTIMODAL PHOTOACOUSTIC/ULTRASONIC IMAGING SYSTEM: A NEW IMAGING METHOD FOR EVALUATING RA

Background:

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI), a new imaging technique which can be integrating with ultrasound (US) imaging, has shown potential in visualizing small joints. We have developed a multimodal photoacoustic/ultrasound (PA/US) imaging system, equipped with a handheld probe, which can provide dual-wavelength PA/US imaging to identify the micro-vessels of the inflamed articular regions and measure the oxygenation level of human inflamed synovium.

Objectives:

To validate the potential value for RA of the imaging system.

Methods:

A total of 32 RA patients received PA/US examination on seven small joints (MCP2, MCP3, PIP2, PIP3, MTP2, MTP5, and wrist of the clinically dominant side). The 0-3 score was used to semi-quantify the PA and PD signals of the inflammatory articular lesions, and the sums of PA and PD scores (PA-sum and PD-sum) were utilized. The relative oxygen saturation (SO2) values of the inflamed regions were measured by calculating the ratio of PA signals at the wavelength of 750nm and 830nm. All the patients were classified to 3 PA+SO2 patterns (Pattern 1: no or minimal PA signals; Pattern 2: evident PA signals and hyperoxia; Pattern 3: evident PA signals and hypoxia). The correlations between imaging scores and laboratory data, as well as clinical scoring systems were assessed.

Results:

A total of 32 patients of RA were recruited aged from 25-71 years-old were examined. PD-sum had moderate correlation with the clinical scores (r=0.529, 0.546, 0.490, 0.493 for DAS28ESR, DAS28CRP, SDAI, CDAI), moderate correlations with TJC (r=0.575) and SJC (r=0.491), fair correlation with VAS (r=0.239), poor correlation with PGA (r=0.153), and moderate correlation with EGA (r=0.457). The PA-sum had substantial correlations with the clinical scores (r= 0.699, 0.746, 0.723, 0.736 for DAS28ESR, DAS28CRP, SDAI, CDAI), substantial correlations with TJC (r=0.787) and SJC (r=0.694), moderate correlations with VAS (r=0.544) and PGA (r=0.529), and substantial correlation with EGA (r=0.708).

Ten patients were classified as Pattern 1, 12 as Pattern 2, 9 as Pattern 3. The PA+ SO2 patterns presented substantial correlations with the clinical scores (DAS28ESR r=0.690, DAS28CRP r=0.782, SDAI r=0.805, CDAI r=0.799, SJC r=647, TJC r=0.676, respectively), substantial correlation with VAS (r=0.714), and moderate correlation with PGA (r=0.476) and EGA (r=0.502). Significant differences between those who were classified as hypoxia and hyperoxia with evident PA signals, were detected in VAS (p=0.020) and PGA (p=0.026).

Conclusion:

The PA-sum scores and the PA+SO2 patterns can be utilized as objective imaging parameters reflecting the disease activity of RA. PAI may serve as a supplement to conventional US examinations for RA patients.

References:

[1]Backhaus, M., et al., Evaluation of a novel 7-joint ultrasound score in daily rheumatologic practice: a pilot project. Arthritis Rheum, 2009. 61(9): p. 1194-201.

[2]Colebatch, A.N., et al., EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging of the joints in the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis, 2013. 72(6): p. 804-14.

Figure 1.

the photo of the multimodal PA/US imaging system

Figure 2.

an example of the PA/US imaging

Disclosure of Interests:

Chenyang Zhao: None declared, Qian Wang: None declared, Xixi Tao: None declared, Chen Yu: None declared, Sirui Liu: None declared, Mengtao Li: None declared, Xinping Tian: None declared, Zhenhong Qi: None declared, Jianchu Li: None declared, Fang Yang: None declared, Lei Zhu: None declared, Xiaofeng Zeng Consultant of: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Meng Yang: None declared, Yuxin Jiang: None declared

Macrophage Depletion Improves Chronic Rejection in Rats With Allograft Heart Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Macrophages may be important in chronic rejection after organ transplantation. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of depleting macrophages for a certain amount of time to alleviate chronic rejection in a heart transplant model of Fischer to Lewis rats.

METHODS

Clodronate liposome was injected abdominally to deplete macrophages for 2 time frames. The expression levels of ectodysplasin 1, arginase 1 (Arg1), chitinase-like lectin (Ym1), interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were detected.

RESULTS

1. The expression levels of α-SMA, interferon gamma, TNF-α, and MCP-1 and the transformation of peripheral T cells were lower after macrophage depletion for 2 or 4 weeks. 2. The expression levels of α-SMA, TNF-α, and MCP-1 and the transformation of peripheral T cells were even lower after 4 weeks compared with 2 weeks, except for interferon gamma. 3. A higher level of expression of Arg1 and Ym1 after macrophage depletion for 2 weeks was observed. 4. A higher level of expression of IL-10 after macrophage depletion for 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks, was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Macrophage clearance after heart transplantation alleviated chronic rejection probably via M2 polarization of regenerated macrophages, reduced T-lymphocyte proliferation, and changed the expression levels of interferon gamma, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-10.

Anti-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR) antibody in necrotizing myopathy: treatment outcomes, cancer risk, and role of autoantibody level

Objective: To evaluate clinical associations of anti-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR) antibody (Ab) and statin exposure in necrotizing myopathy (NM) patients. Methods: NM without a known myositis-specific autoantibody (MSA) was ascertained from a large single-centre myositis database between 1985 and 2012. A comparison NM cohort included 32 anti-SRP⁺ autoantibody patients, and other control groups included 74 non-NM myositis patients and 21 non-myositis controls. Sera from all cases and controls were tested using a validated anti-HMGCR enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical features including statin use and anti-HMGCR Ab status were compared between cases and controls. Results: Of the 256 NM muscle biopsies reviewed, only 48 subjects with available sera were identified as traditional MSA-negative NM. Anti-HMGCR positivity was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with MSA-negative NM [48% (23/48)] compared to all of the myositis and non-myositis controls [5% (6/127)]. Most anti-HMGCR Ab-positive NM patients had high titres of anti-HMGCR (83%) and a history of statin exposure (78%), along with severe muscle weakness, high creatine kinase (CK) levels (90% ≥ 5000 IU/L), a paucity of other organ manifestations, and the need for immunosuppression with prednisone and methotrexate, but generally favourable outcomes. Anti-HMGCR serum levels were associated with baseline CK levels but not muscle weakness. Conclusion: HMGCR Ab-positive NM patients are associated with statin exposure, have severe muscle weakness and high CK at presentation, lack other organ manifestations, and generally have favourable outcomes from immunosuppression. Anti-HMGCR Abs should be assessed in MSA-negative NM patients, particularly those with a history of statin exposure.

Apatinib inhibits glycolysis by suppressing the VEGFR2/AKT1/SOX5/GLUT4 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Apatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), and has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in various malignant tumors. As yet, however, the role of apatinib in ovarian cancer has remained unknown. Here, we sought to elucidate the role of apatinib in the in vitro and in vivo viability and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, as well as in glucose metabolism in these cells.

METHODS

The effects of apatinib on ovarian cancer cell viability and proliferation were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays, respectively. The expression of VEGFR2/AKT1/SOX5/GLUT4 pathway proteins was assessed using Western blotting, and glucose uptake and lactate production assays were used to detect glycolysis in ovarian cancer cells. SOX5 was exogenously over-expressed and silenced in ovarian cancer cells using expression vector and shRNA-based methods, respectively. RNA expression analyses were performed using RNA-seq and gene-chip-based methods. GLUT4 promoter activity was assessed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of p-VEGFR2 (Tyr1175), p-AKT1 (Ser473), p-GSK3β (Ser9), SOX5 and GLUT4 in xenograft tissues was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

We found that apatinib inhibited the in vitro and in vivo viability and proliferation in Hey and OVCA433 ovarian cancer cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. We also found that apatinib effectively suppressed glucose uptake and lactate production by blocking the expression of GLUT4 in these cells. In addition, we found that SOX5 predominantly rescued the inhibitory effect of apatinib on GLUT4 expression by activating its promoter. Finally, we found that apatinib regulated the expression of SOX5 by suppressing the VEGFR2/AKT1/GSK3β signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

From our results, we conclude that apatinib suppresses the in vitro and in vivo viability and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, as well as glycolysis by inhibiting the VEGFR2/AKT1/GSK3β/SOX5/GLUT4 signaling pathway. Apatinib may serve as a promising drug for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Understanding the Fertilizer Management Impacts on Water and Nitrogen Dynamics for a Corn Silage Tile-Drained System in Canada

Effective management of dairy manure is important to minimize N losses from cropping systems, maximize profitability, and enhance environmental sustainability. The objectives of this study were (i) to calibrate and validate the DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model using measurements of silage corn ( L.) biomass, N uptake, soil temperature, tile drain flow, NO leaching, NO emissions, and soil mineral N in eastern Canada, and (ii) to investigate the long-term impacts of manure management under climate variability. The treatments investigated included a zero-fertilizer control, inorganic fertilizer, and dairy manure amendments (raw and digested). The DNDC model overall demonstrated statistically "good" performance when simulating silage corn yield and N uptake based on normalized RMSE (nRMSE) < 10%, index of agreement () > 0.9, and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) > 0.5. In addition, DNDC, with its inclusion of a tile drainage mechanism, demonstrated "good" predictions for cumulative drainage (nRMSE < 20%, > 0.8, and NSE > 0.5). The model did, however, underestimate daily drainage flux during spring thaw for both organic and inorganic amendments. This was attributed to an underestimation of soil temperature and soil water under frequent soil freezing and thawing during the 2013-2014 overwinter period. Long-term simulations under climate variability indicated that spring applied manure resulted in less NO leaching and NO emissions than fall application when manure rates were managed based on crop N requirements. Overall, this study helped highlight the challenges in discerning the short-term climate interactions on fertilizer-induced N losses compared with the long-term dynamics under climate variability.

MicroRNA-30b inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell growth by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor

Lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Both microRNAs and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are important factors in NSCLC. In our study, the expression of miR-30b in 47 tumor tissues and paired normal tissues of NSCLC were detected by RT-PCR, and we found that miR-30b was down-regulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and was associated with TNM stage, differentiation, and lymph node metastases. Then we investigated the ability of miR-30b to regulate EGFR in several NSCLC cell lines, and found that miR-30b inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, induced apoptosis and enhanced sensitivity of the NSCLC cells to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) by targeting EGFR and repressing EGFR signaling pathways. Overall, these results indicate that miR-30b may be a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC patients.

Retinoic Acid-Related Orphan Receptor C Regulates Proliferation, Glycolysis, and Chemoresistance via the PD-L1/ITGB6/STAT3 Signaling Axis in Bladder Cancer

Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor C (RORC) is a member of the nuclear orphan receptor family and performs critical regulatory functions in cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance in various types of malignant tumors. Here we showed that expression of RORC is lost in tumor tissues of bladder cancer patients. Enhanced expression of RORC suppressed cell proliferation and glucose metabolism and increased cisplatin-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. RORC bound the promoter region of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and negatively regulated PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 directly interacted with integrin β6 (ITGB6) and activated the ITGB6/FAK signaling pathway. RORC prevented the nuclear translocation of STAT3 via suppression of the PD-L1/ITGB6 signaling pathway, which further inhibited bladder cell proliferation and glucose metabolism and increased cisplatin-induced apoptosis. These findings reveal that RORC regulates bladder cancer cell proliferation, glucose metabolism, and chemoresistance by participating in the PD-L1/ITGB6/STAT3 signaling axis. Moreover, this new understanding of PD-L1 signaling may guide the selection of therapeutic targets to prevent tumor recurrence. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that RORC-mediated regulation of a PD-L1/ITGB6/FAK/STAT3 signaling axis in bladder cancer provides several potential therapeutic targets to prevent tumor progression.

Interaction between p53 and Ras signaling controls cisplatin resistance via HDAC4- and HIF-1α-mediated regulation of apoptosis and autophagy

The interplay between p53 and RAS signaling regulates cancer chemoresistance, but the detailed mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated the interactive effects of p53 and RAS on ovarian cancer cisplatin resistance to explore the potential therapeutic targets. Methods: An inducible p53 and RAS mutants active in either MAPK/ERK (S35 and E38) or PI3K/AKT (C40) or both (V12) were sequentially introduced into a p53-null ovarian cancer cell line-SKOV3. Comparative microarray analysis was performed using Gene Chip Prime View Human Gene Expression arrays (Affymetrix). In vitro assays of autophagy and apoptosis and in vivo animal experiments were performed by p53 induction and/or cisplatin treatment using the established cell lines. The correlation between HDAC4 and HIF-1α or CREBZF and the association of HDAC4, HIF-1α, CREBZF, ERK, AKT, and p53 mRNA levels with patient survival in 523 serous ovarian cancer cases from TCGA was assessed. Results: We show that p53 and RAS mutants differentially control cellular apoptosis and autophagy to inhibit or to promote chemoresistance through dysregulation of Bax, Bcl2, ATG3, and ATG12. ERK and AKT active RAS mutants are mutually suppressive to confer or to deprive cisplatin resistance. Further studies demonstrate that p53 induces HIF-1α degradation and HDAC4 cytoplasmic translocation and phosphorylation. S35, E38, and V12 but not C40 promote HDAC4 phosphorylation and its cytoplasmic translocation along with HIF-1α. Wild-type p53 expression in RAS mutant cells enhances HIF-1α turnover in ovarian and lung cancer cells. Autophagy and anti-apoptotic processes can be promoted by the overexpression and cytoplasmic translocation of HDAC4 and HIF1-α. Moreover, the phosphorylation and cytoplasmic translocation of HDAC4 activate the transcription factor CREBZF to promote ATG3 transcription. High HDAC4 or CREBZF expression predicted poor overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) in ovarian cancer patients, whereas high HIF-1α expression was statistically correlated with poor or good OS depending on p53 status. Conclusion: HIF-1α and HDAC4 may mediate the interaction between p53 and RAS signaling to actively control ovarian cancer cisplatin resistance through dysregulation of apoptosis and autophagy. Targeting HDAC4, HIF-1α and CREBZF may be considered in treatment of ovarian cancer with p53 and RAS mutations.

[Impact factor of postoperative prognosis of esophageal cancer patients with stage pT2N0~1M0]

Objective: To investigate the postoperative prognosis and the related factors of patients with stage pT2N0-1M0 of thoracic esophageal carcinoma(EC). Methods: From 2008 to 2011, clinical data of 275 cases with stage pT2N0-1M0 of thoracic EC treated by esophagectomy were enrolled. These cases includ 180 male and 95 female. Among them, 32 cases were upper thoracic EC, 186 cases were middle thoracic EC and 57 cases were lower thoracic EC. Alternatively, 205 cases were stage pN0, 70 cases were stage pN1. 155 cases received esophagectomy alone and 120 cases received esophagectomy and postoperative adjuvant therapy. Results: The end of follow-up time was on September 30th, 2014. The 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 91.6%, 70.2% and 63.7%, respectively. The 1- 3-, 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 83.9%, 64.0% and 60.0%, respectively. The result of univariate analysis showed that the depth of tumor invasion, pathological type, pN stage and number of metastatic lymph nodes were significantly associated with OS (all of P<0.05). Moreover, the gender, the depth of tumor invasion, pathological type, pN stage and number of metastatic lymph nodes were significantly associated with PFS (all of P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that the location of primary tumor and pN stage were the independent factors of OS (both P<0.05). The gender, pN stage and postoperative adjuvant therapy were the independent factors of PFS (all of P<0.05). Conclusion: Among the patients with pT2N0~1M0 stage of thoracic EC, patients with upper thoracic EC or pN1 stage have poorer postoperative prognosis compared with others, and postoperative adjuvant treatment is recommended for these patients.

Stanniocalcin‑1 promotes cell proliferation, chemoresistance and metastasis in hypoxic gastric cancer cells via Bcl‑2

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most lethal diseases worldwide, but the mechanism of GC development remains elusive. In the present study, the roles of stanniocalcin‑1 (STC1) in GC were investigated. It was demonstrated that overexpression of STC1 mRNA and protein were associated with poor survival of patients with GC. The expression of STC1 was enhanced in hypoxic GC cells and overexpression of STC1 facilitated cell proliferation in hypoxia but not in normoxia. Furthermore, STC1 promoted chemoresistance, migration and invasion in hypoxia. Upregulating the expression of STC1 enhanced the expression of B cell lymphoma (Bcl)‑2, neural‑cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase‑2, whereas it reduced the levels of cytochrome c, cleaved‑caspase‑9, cleaved‑caspase‑3 and epithelial‑cadherin. However, downregulation of STC1 altered the expression of these proteins in the opposite direction. Furthermore, disturbing the expression of Bcl‑2 partly reversed the changes to these proteins and also the pro‑proliferation, anti‑apoptosis and pro‑invasion potential of STC1. In vivo experiments indicated that enhanced expression of STC1 promoted tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Collectively, the results indicated that STC1 may serve an oncogenic role in hypoxic GC via dysregulating Bcl‑2, indicating that STC1 may be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of GC.

Cryptotanshinone suppresses cell proliferation and glucose metabolism via STAT3/SIRT3 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is the most malignant gynecologic cancer among women worldwide. Cryptotanshinone (CT), isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent in treating several malignant tumors, but the molecular mechanism of CT in ovarian cancer still remains illustrated. Here, we sought to elucidate the regulatory function of CT on cell glucose metabolism in ovarian cancer. The treatment of CT on ovarian cancer cells effectively inhibited glucose uptake and lactate production in ovarian cancer cells. The expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, such as GLUT1, LDHA, and HK2, were decreased by the treatment of CT detected by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. Mechanistically, CT exerted its anti-tumor effect by targeting STAT3/SIRT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, which could be rescued by the introduction of SIRT3 shRNA in ovarian cancer cells. The clinical data showed that the expression level of STAT3 in ovarian cancer patients' sera and tissues was positively correlated with those of GLUT1, LDHA, HK2 and HIF-1α, but negatively with that of SIRT3These findings provide evidence that CT inhibited cellular glycolysis-induced cell growth and proliferation through repression of STAT3/SIRT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway, indicating that CT may be developed as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat ovarian cancer.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN NECK CIRCUMFERENCE AND UMBILICAL ARTERY BLOOD FLOW IN PHYSIOLOGIC PREGNANCIES

Objective

To study the correlation between neck circumference(NC) and umbilical artery blood flow in physiologic pregnancies.

Methods

One hundred and one healthy pregnant woman in the third trimester were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and ultrasonic testing were done.

Results

The women with NC ≥34.7cm had a more elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index(PI) and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) than the women with NC <34.7cm (P<0.01). NC were positively correlated with PI(r=0.224,P=0.024) and S/D ratio(r=0.415,P=0.0001). In multivariate analysis, NC was independently associated with PI (β=0.026, P=0.016) and S/D ratio (β=0.132, P=0.0001).

Conclusions

Obesity has an adverse impact on feto-placetal vessels, and NC was superior to body mass index.