Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience

Anisman, H., Doubad, D., Asokumar, A. & Matheson, K. Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV, XXXX. Immigration occurs between countries either to obtain employment, for family reunification or to escape violence and other life-threatening conditions. Refugees and asylum seekers are often obligated to overcome a uniquely challenging set of circumstances prior to and during migration. Settlement following immigration may pose yet another set of stressors related to acculturation to the host country, as well as financial insecurity, discrimination, language barriers, and social isolation. Here we discuss the multiple consequences of immigration experiences, focusing on the health disturbances that frequently develop in adults and children. Aside from the psychosocial influences, immigration-related challenges may cause hormonal, inflammatory immune, and microbiota changes that favor psychological and physical illnesses. Some biological alterations are subject to modification by epigenetic changes, which have implications for intergenerational trauma transmission, as might disruptions in parenting behaviors and family dysfunction. Despite the hardships experienced, many immigrants and their families exhibit positive psychological adjustment after resettlement. We provide information to diminish the impacts associated with immigration and offer strength-based approaches that may foster resilience.

FTO-mediated RNA m6A methylation regulates synovial aggression and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) plays an important role in synovial inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As the most abundant mRNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the development of various diseases; however, its role in RA remains to be defined. In this study, we reported the elevated expression of the m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in FLS and synovium from RA patients. Functionally, FTO knockdown or treatment with FB23-2, an inhibitor of the mRNA m6A demethylase FTO, inhibited the migration, invasion and inflammatory response of RA FLS, however, FTO-overexpressed RA FLS exhibited increased migration, invasion and inflammatory response. We further demonstrated that FTO promoted ADAMTS15 mRNA stability in an m6A-IGF2BP1 dependent manner. Notably, the severity of arthritis was significantly reduced in CIA mice with FB23-2 administration or CIA rats with intra-articular injection of FTO shRNA. Our results illustrate the contribution of FTO-mediated m6A modification to joint damage and inflammation in RA and suggest that FTO might be a potential therapeutic target in RA.

Blockage of the NLRP3 inflammasome by MCC950 inhibits migration and invasion in adenomyosis

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome have an effect in adenomyosis?

DESIGN

Fresh-frozen endometrial tissues and paraffin specimens were obtained from endometrial tissues from patients with adenomyosis and controls. Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were applied to assess expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome components. Primary eutopic endometrial stromal cells were isolated from the uteri of patients with adenomyosis. After NLRP3 was knocked down using small interfering RNA, proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated using EdU, CCK8, transwell assays and western blot. Importantly, a mouse model of adenomyosis was established to evaluate the effects of the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 on the formation of adenomyosis.

RESULTS

Expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome components was elevated in the ectopic or eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis. NLRP3 knockdown inhibited migration, invasion and EMT in endometrial cells and primary endometrial cells (P < 0.0001). MCC950, which blocks the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduced migration and invasion of endometrial cells (P < 0.01) and primary endometrial cells (P < 0.0001) considerably. Importantly, in the mouse model of adenomyosis, MCC950 had a mitigating effect on the severity of adenomyosis (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

NLRP3 was found to enhance migration, invasion and EMT of human endometrial cells in adenomyosis. Notably, the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 reduced migration and invasion of endometrial cells effectively. Furthermore, in the mouse model of adenomyosis, MCC950 exhibited a therapeutic effect by alleviating the severity of adenomyosis.

Art-based interventions and art therapy to promote health of migrant populations - a systematic literature review of current research

BACKGROUND

This review aims to identify and analyse studies on art-based interventions and art therapy that are intended to promote better physical, mental and social health outcomes in culturally and linguistically diverse migrant populations.

METHOD

A systematic literature review was used to address the following questions: 1) What published studies over the past five years examined health outcomes? 2) What are the identifying characteristics of the studies? 3) What kinds of effect did these studies describe? 4) What implications do the findings have for future research in this field?

RESULTS

Art-based interventions and art therapy can significantly reduce traumatic stress symptoms and anxiety, enhance well-being by giving people greater life satisfaction and hope, and improve the social behaviour of children and adolescents.

CONCLUSION

In order to address humanitarian concerns in this field, researchers may apply innovative approaches to engage people from a refugee background in meaningful reflections on their lives.

MicroRNA-145 enhances lung cancer cell progression after exposure to lyophilized fertile hydatid cyst fluid of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto

There is increasing evidence that the secretory/excretory antigens of the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus can induce both anticancer and oncogenic effects between parasite-derived metabolites and various cancer cells. The dual role of miR-145 as either a tumor suppressor or oncogene has already been reported in cancer. However, the mechanism by which miR-145 induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells treated with hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) remains unclear. The fertile HCF was obtained from sheep, purified and lyophilized. H1299 human lung cancer cells were then cultured into two groups: HCF-treated H1299 lung cancer cells and untreated H1299 cancer cells as control cells. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay to evaluate the effects of HCF on the H1299 cells. Caspase-3 activity was assessed by fluorometric assay. In addition, mRNA expression levels of VGEF, vimentin, caspase-3, miRNA-145, Bax and Bcl-2 genes were quantified by real-time PCR. A scratch test was also performed to assess the effects of HCF on cell migration. The MTT assay revealed that the growth of H1299 cells increased when treated with 60 μg/mL of fertile HCF for 24 h. The fold change of caspase-3, miRNA-145, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activity was lower in HCF-treated H1299 cells compared to the control cell. The fold change in VGEF and vimentin gene expression was higher in the HCF-treated H1299 cells than in the control cell. The scratch test results showed that H1299 cell mobility increased 24 and 48 h after exposure to HCF. Our results suggest that the downregulation of miR-145 in HCF-treated H1299 cells may play a role as a possible oncogenic regulator of lung cancer growth. To confirm this assumption, further studies are required to evaluate the microRNA profile and effective oncogenes in vivo.

Tuberculosis Disease Among Nonimmigrant Visa Holders Reported to US Quarantine Stations, January 2011-June 2016

US-bound immigrants and refugees undergo a mandatory overseas medical examination that includes tuberculosis screening; this exam is not routinely required for temporary visitors applying for non-immigrant visas (NIV) to visit, work, or study in the United States. US health departments and foreign ministries of health report tuberculosis cases in travelers to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Quarantine Stations. We reviewed cases reported to this passive surveillance system from January 2011 to June 2016. Of 1252 cases of tuberculosis in travelers reported to CDC, 114 occurred in travelers with a long-term NIV. Of these, 83 (73%) were infectious; 18 (16%) with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and one with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB). We found evidence that NIV holders are diagnosed with tuberculosis disease in the United States. Given that long-term NIV holders were over-represented in this data set, despite the small proportion (4%) of overall non-immigrant admissions they represent, expanding the US overseas migration health screening program to this population might be an efficient intervention to further reduce tuberculosis in the United States.

Migration of naphthalene in a biochar-amended bioretention facility based on HYDRUS-1D analysis

Biochar has been proved as a promising and efficient filler in bioretention facilities for enhancing the stormwater pollutants removal. However, the migration behaviors of stormwater pollutants in biochar filled bioretention facilities is unclear. In this study, as one of the most typical stormwater pollutants, naphthalene was selected as an example and a HYDRUS-1D model was first used to understand the migration behavior of naphthalene in a bioretention facility. In comparison with the conventional bioretention soil media (sandy loam), the amended biochar filled bioretention cell showed that the naphthalene removal rate was enhanced by up to 10.1%. Meanwhile, the experimental data was well-fitted by the "two-site sorption model" in HYDRUS-1D model. Another, the effect of rainfall intensity on the naphthalene migration in both bioretention columns was further investigated. The HYDRUS-1D model fitting indicated that the increase in rainfall intensity promoted naphthalene migration by increasing hydraulic conductivity and water flux. In addition, static batch experiments revealed that the biochar filled fillers achieved about 50% higher adsorption capacity than sandy loam. The sensitivity analysis from the HYDRUS-1D model data verified adsorption coefficient Kd and longitudinal dispersivity λ are the main factors affecting naphthalene migration. Finally, the model simulation displays that the proportion of naphthalene retained by the fillers was highest during high rainfall intensities, indicating that the fillers remain the most important fate for naphthalene. This study presents research on the behavior and mechanisms of stormwater pollutant transport through improved bioretention facilities.

B7-H3 promotes the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via regulating the actin cytoskeleton and RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Aberrant expression of B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3) has been detected in various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC) and implicated in modulating multiple biological functions of CRC cells. However, its role in CRC metastasis has not yet been determined. This study aims to explore and unravel the underlying mechanisms through which B7-H3 contributes to migration, invasion and actin cytoskeleton in CRC.

METHODS

The expression of B7-H3 and LIMK1 in CRC tumor samples was determined by IHC staining. Transwell and F-actin immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to explore the role of B7-H3 in migration, invasion and actin filament accumulating of CRC cells. RNA-seq and Western blot assays were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

B7-H3 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and positively associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients by immunohistochemistry. Migration and invasion assays showed that B7-H3 knockdown significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of CRC cells. B7-H3 overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, we determined that B7-H3 could regulate actin cytoskeleton and the RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 pathway by F-actin immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Importantly, the BDP5290, an inhibitor of the RhoA/ROCK1/(LIM domain kinase 1) LIMK1 axis, reversed the effects of B7-H3 overexpression on actin filament accumulating, migration, and invasion of CRC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study concluded that B7-H3 facilitated CRC cell actin filament accumulating, migration, and invasion through the RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 axis.

Identifying Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets for Infantile Hemangioma Using WGCNA and Machine Learning Algorithms

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumor during infancy and childhood and is characterized by abnormal vascular development. It is the most common vascular tumor and its related mechanisms and treatments remain a problem. IH-related biomarkers have been identified using transcriptome analysis and can be used to predict clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify the key target genes for IH treatment and explore their possible roles in the IH pathophysiology. Gene records were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Utilizing integrated weighted gene co-expression network examination, gene clusters were determined. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was performed to gauge immune infiltration. Essential genes were identified via Random Forest and Least Absolute Selection and Shrinkage Operator analyses. Ultimately, a set of five pivotal genes associated with the ailment was identified (NETO2, IDO1, KDR, MEG3, and TMSB15A). A nomogram for predicting IH diagnosis was constructed based on hub genes. The calibration curve showed valid agreement between the prediction and conclusion that the key genes in the model were clinically significant. Neuropilin and Tolloid-like 2 (NETO2) are closely associated with tumor development. The role value of NETO2 expression levels increased in hemangioma-derived endothelial cells (HemECs). After silencing NETO2, the growth and migration of cancer cells were significantly restrained. This study revealed the critical role of NETO2 in IH development, suggesting that targeting NETO2 may be effective in improving the therapeutic outcome of IH.

Fisheries shocks provide an opportunity to reveal multiple recruitment sources of sardine in the Sea of Japan

The abrupt decline in sardine catches in the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea (SJ-ECS) in 2014 and 2019 and the recovery in the following years call into question the current assumption that sardines in the SJ-ECS form a self-recruiting subpopulation. To test this hypothesis, we analysed otolith stable oxygen and carbon isotope profiles (δ18O, δ13C) of age-0 and age-1 sardines from 2010 and 2013-2015 year-classes captured in the SJ-ECS, as geographic markers for nursery areas. Age-0 sardines generally showed a significant ontogenetic decrease in otolith δ18O from larval to juvenile stages. However, the majority of age-1 captured in spring 2011, 2015 and 2016 showed non-decreasing otolith δ18O profiles, suggesting that the age-0 off the Japanese coast were not the main source of recruitment. Different migration groups were thus indicated: the "locals" growing up off the Japanese coast and the migrating "nonlocals". The isotope profiles of the "nonlocals" overlapped with those of age-0 captured in the subarctic North Pacific, suggesting that they may be migrants from the Pacific, or perhaps an unobserved northward migration group in the SJ-ECS. Our results highlight the considerable uncertainty in the population structure assumed in current stock assessment models for Japanese sardine.

Plexin D1 negatively regulates macrophage-derived foam cell migration via the focal adhesion kinase/Paxillin pathway

BACKGROUND

Macrophage-derived foam cell formation is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and is retained during plaque formation. Strategies to inhibit the accumulation of these cells hold promise as viable options for treating atherosclerosis. Plexin D1 (PLXND1), a member of the Plexin family, has elevated expression in atherosclerotic plaques and correlates with cell migration; however, its role in macrophages remains unclear. We hypothesize that the guidance receptor PLXND1 negatively regulating macrophage mobility to promote the progression of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

We utilized a mouse model of atherosclerosis based on a high-fat diet and an ox-LDL- induced foam cell model to assess PLXND1 levels and their impact on cell migration. Through western blotting, Transwell assays, and immunofluorescence staining, we explored the potential mechanism by which PLXND1 mediates foam cell motility in atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

Our study identifies a critical role for PLXND1 in atherosclerosis plaques and in a low-migration capacity foam cell model induced by ox-LDL. In the aortic sinus plaques of ApoE-/- mice, immunofluorescence staining revealed significant upregulation of PLXND1 and Sema3E, with colocalization in macrophages. In macrophages treated with ox-LDL, increased expression of PLXND1 led to reduced pseudopodia formation and decreased migratory capacity. PLXND1 is involved in regulating macrophage migration by modulating the phosphorylation levels of FAK/Paxillin and downstream CDC42/PAK. Additionally, FAK inhibitors counteract the ox-LDL-induced migration suppression by modulating the phosphorylation states of FAK, Paxillin and their downstream effectors CDC42 and PAK.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that PLXND1 plays a role in regulating macrophage migration by modulating the phosphorylation levels of FAK/Paxillin and downstream CDC42/PAK to promoting atherosclerosis.

Inhibition of CIRBP represses the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via inhibiting Rheb/mTORC1 axis

The excessive migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a vital role in vascular intimal hyperplasia. CIRBP is involved in the proliferation of various cancer cells. This study was aimed to explore the role of CIRBP in the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Adenovirus was used to interfere with cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) expression, while lentivirus was used to overexpress Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb). Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the expression of CIRBP, Rheb, and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity. The cell proliferation was determined by Ki67 immunofluorescence staining and CCK-8 assay. The wound healing assay was performed to assess cell migration. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was conducted to explore the role of CIRBP in intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. We found that silencing CIRBP inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, decreased the expression of Rheb and mTORC1 activity. Restoration of mTORC1 activity via insulin or overexpression of Rheb via lentiviral transfection both attenuated the inhibitory effects of silencing CIRBP on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Moreover, Rheb overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of silencing CIRBP on mTORC1 activity in VSMCs. CIRBP was upregulated in the injured carotid artery. Silencing CIRBP ameliorated intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. In the summary, silencing CIRBP attenuates mTORC1 activity via reducing Rheb expression, thereby supressing the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury.

Amplified centrosomes-more than just a threat

Centrosomes are major organizing components of the tubulin-based cytoskeleton. In recent years, we have gained extensive knowledge about their structure, biogenesis, and function from single cells, cell-cell interactions to tissue homeostasis, including their role in human diseases. Centrosome abnormalities are linked to, among others primary microcephaly, birth defects, ciliopathies, and tumorigenesis. Centrosome amplification, a state where two or more centrosomes are present in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, correlates in cancer with karyotype alterations, clinical aggressiveness, and lymph node metastasis. However, amplified centrosomes also appear in healthy tissues and, independent of their established role, in multi-ciliation. One example is the liver where hepatocytes carry amplified centrosomes owing to whole-genome duplication events during organogenesis. More recently, amplified centrosomes have been found in neuronal progenitors and several cell types of hematopoietic origin in which they enhance cellular effector functions. These findings suggest that extra centrosomes do not necessarily pose a risk for genome integrity and are harnessed for physiological processes. Here, we compare established and emerging 'non-canonical functions' of amplified centrosomes in cancerous and somatic cells and discuss their role in cellular physiology.

Establishment of XRD fourier fingerprint identification method of realgar decoction pieces and its anti-tumor activity in tumor-in-situ transplanted mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Realgar, a traditional mineral Chinese medicine, has been used in China for more than 2000 years. It has been recorded in many ancient and modern works that it has anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects. Of course, colon cancer is also within the scope of its treatment. Realgar needs to be processed into realgar decoction pieces by water grinding before being used for medicine. To ensure the consistency of efficacy and quality of realgar decoction pieces, modern methods need to be used for further quality control.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The research of traditional mineral Chinese medicine is relatively difficult, and the related research is less. The purpose of this study is to control the quality of realgar decoction pieces by modern analytical technology and analyze its components. On this basis, its anti-colon cancer activity was discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Several batches of realgar decoction pieces were analyzed by XRD, and the components of realgar decoction pieces were obtained. The quality control fingerprints of realgar decoction pieces were established by processing XRD spectra and similarity evaluation. Then, the effects of realgar decoction pieces on apoptosis of CT26 and HTC-116 cells were observed in vitro by Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry, measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential and Western blot; In vivo, the mouse model of tumor-in-situ transplantation of colon cancer was established, and the related indexes were observed.

RESULT

The explorations showed that the XRD Fourier fingerprints of realgar decoction pieces samples that had the same phase revealed 10 common peaks, respectively. The similarity evaluation of the established XRD Fourier fingerprint was greater than 0.900. We also demonstrated that realgar decoction pieces can promote apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer cells, its activating effect on p53 protein, and its safety when used within reasonable limits.

CONCLUSION

The quality control of realgar decoction pieces by XRD is scientific and has the inhibitory effect on colon cancer, which has the development potential.

Long non-coding RNA LNC-POTEM-4 promotes HCC progression via the LNC-POTEM-4/miR-149-5p/Wnt4 signaling axis

Information on the potential role of the long non-coding RNA LNC-POTEM-4 in cancer progression is limited. Our preliminary study found that LNC-POTEM-4 was overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, which led us to further investigate the biological function and molecular mechanism of LNC-POTEM-4 in HCC development. LNC-POTEM-4 expression in HCC tissues was examined using transcriptome sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The relationships between LNC-POTEM-4 and the stage and prognosis of HCC in patient data from the TCGA database were analyzed. The effects of LNC-POTEM-4 on proliferation, invasion/migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression in HCC cells were evaluated in vitro using gain- and loss-of-function assays, while its effects on tumor growth and metastasis were explored through animal experiments. A LNC-POTEM-4/microRNA (miR)-149-5p/Wnt4 regulatory signaling axis was identified using bioinformatics analysis, and dual luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays. Co-transfection of LNC-POTEM-4 and Wnt4 expression plasmids was employed to confirm the new signaling pathway. We found that LNC-POTEM-4 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and was linked to poor staging and prognosis. LNC-POTEM-4 promoted proliferation, invasion, migration, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells in vitro. Silencing of LNC-POTEM-4 inhibited HCC growth and distant metastasis in vivo. Mechanically, LNC-POTEM-4 was found to function as a competitive endogenous RNA, upregulating Wnt4 by sponging miR-149-5p to promote HCC progression. Wnt4 overexpression may have counteracted the tumor-inhibition effect of LNC-POTEM-4 silencing. In conclusion, LNC-POTEM-4 upregulated Wnt4 to activate the Wnt signaling pathway and stimulate the malignancy tendency of HCC by sponging miR-149-5p, providing a prospective target for the detection and therapy of HCC. However, the effects of LNC-POTEM-4 on the miR-149-5p/Wnt4 signaling axis should be further studied in animal experiments.

Adsorption-desorption mechanisms and migration behavior of fluchlordiniliprole in four different soils under varied conditions

Utilizing infrared spectroscopy coupled with batch equilibrium methods, the adsorption and desorption characteristics of the novel Insecticide fluchlordiniliprole were assessed in four different soil types. It was found that fluchlordiniliprole's adsorption and desorption in these soils were consistent with the Freundlich isotherm, exhibiting adsorption capacities (KF-ads) ranging from 8.436 to 36.269. Temperature fluctuations, encompassing both high and low extremes, impaired the ability of soil to adsorb fluchlordiniliprole. In addition, adsorption dynamics were modulated by several other factors, including soil pH, ionic strength, amendments (e.g., biochar and humic substances), and the presence of various surfactants and microplastics. Although capable of leaching, fluchlordiniliprole exhibited weak mobility in most soils. Therefore, it appears that fluchlordiniliprole seems to pose a threat to surface soil and aquatic biota, but a minimal threat to groundwater. SYNOPSIS STATEMENT: This research examines the dynamics of fluchlordiniliprole in soil, an will aid in maintaining ecological safety and managing agricultural pesticides. The study's comprehensive analysis of adsorption, desorption, and soil migration patterns significantly contributes to our understanding of pesticide interactions with diverse soil types. The results of this study will enable the development of environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Depside and depsidone-rich hydroalcoholic extract, resourced from the lichen Parmelinella wallichiana (Taylor) Elix & Hale selectively restricts Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by modulating p53, FOXO1 and PALLADIN genes

The non-specificity of contemporary cancer therapeutics has enticed us to develop safer, anticancer alternatives from natural resources. Lichens are unique natural entities which have long been neglected for explorations in cancer therapy, despite their vast potential. Our present study aims to investigate the anti-cancer potential of a wild lichen Parmelinella wallichiana. The anti-proliferative efficacy of the lichen extracts were screened through MTT assay against a panel of cell lines and the potent hydroalcoholic extract was selected for further evaluation against the most sensitive lung-cancer cell line A549 by implementing a wide range of microscopic and flow cytometric applications. The observations suggest that the extract could selectively induce apoptosis by augmenting ROS and disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potentiality. It was also found that the lichen-induced apoptosis was regulated by two crucial tumor suppressor genes, FOXO1, and p53, along with cell cycle inhibitor p21 which ultimately resulted in robust apoptosis through the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic BAX expression. Moreover, the extract also restricted the cancer progression by down-regulating the PALLADIN expression. Further, an LC-MS-based metabolomic profile highlighted a number of depsides, depsidones and dibenzofurans, which included atranorin, physodalic acid, salazinic acid, constictic acid and usnic acid. Then, an in silico docking with these lichen-derived metabolites against the PI3Kα receptor predicted these compounds has a binding affinity close to a standard PI3Kα inhibitor copanlisib. The study concludes that the extract restricts lung cancer possibly through the PI3Kα/FOXO1 axis and thus Parmelinella wallichiana represents a potential resource for anti-lung cancer drug development in future.

Recruiting people with selected citizenships for the health interview survey GEDA Fokus throughout Germany: evaluation of recruitment efforts and recommendations for future research

BACKGROUND

Germany is the second most common country of immigration after the US. However, people with own or familial history of migration are not represented proportionately to the population within public health monitoring and reporting. To bridge this data gap and enable differentiated analyses on migration and health, we conducted the health interview survey GEDA Fokus among adults with Croatian, Italian, Polish, Syrian, or Turkish citizenship living throughout Germany. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of recruitment efforts regarding participation and sample composition.

METHODS

Data collection for this cross-sectional and multilingual survey took place between 11/2021 and 5/2022 utilizing a sequential mixed-mode design, including self-administered web- and paper-based questionnaires as well as face-to-face and telephone interviews. The gross sample (n = 33436; age range 18-79 years) was randomly drawn from the residents' registers in 120 primary sampling units based on citizenship. Outcome rates according to the American Association for Public Opinion Research, the sample composition throughout the multistage recruitment process, utilization of survey modes, and questionnaire languages are presented.

RESULTS

Overall, 6038 persons participated, which corresponded to a response rate of 18.4% (range: 13.8% for Turkish citizenship to 23.9% for Syrian citizenship). Home visits accounted for the largest single increase in response. During recruitment, more female, older, as well as participants with lower levels of education and income took part in the survey. People with physical health problems and less favourable health behaviour more often took part in the survey at a later stage, while participants with symptoms of depression or anxiety more often participated early. Utilization of survey modes and questionnaire languages differed by sociodemographic and migration-related characteristics, e.g. participants aged 50 years and above more often used paper- than web-based questionnaires and those with a shorter duration of residence more often used a translated questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

Multiple contact attempts, including home visits and different survey languages, as well as offering different modes of survey administration, increased response rates and most likely reduced non-response bias. In order to adequately represent and include the diversifying population in public health monitoring, national public health institutes should tailor survey designs to meet the needs of different population groups considered hard to survey to enable their survey participation.

Alpha lipoic acid diminishes migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through an AMPK-p53 axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with viral or metabolic liver diseases is a growing cancer without effective therapy. AMPK is downregulated in HCC and its activation diminishes tumor growth. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an indirect AMPK activator that inhibits hepatic steatosis, shows antitumor effects in different cancers. We aimed to study its putative action in liver-cancer derived cell lines through AMPK signaling. We performed cytometric studies for apoptosis and cell cycle, and 2D and 3D migration analysis in HepG2/C3A and Hep3B cells. ALA led to significant inhibition of cell migration/invasion only in HepG2/C3A cells. We showed that these effects depended on AMPK, and ALA also increased the levels and nuclear compartmentalization of the AMPK target p53. The anti-invasive effect of ALA was abrogated in stable-silenced (shTP53) versus isogenic-TP53 HepG2/C3A cells. Furthermore, ALA inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in control HepG2/C3A but not in shTP53 nor in Hep3B cells. Besides, we spotted that in patients from the HCC-TCGA dataset some EMT genes showed different expression patterns or survival depending on TP53. ALA emerges as a potent activator of AMPK-p53 axis in HCC cells, and it decreases migration/invasion by reducing EMT which could mitigate the disease in wild-type TP53 patients.

Modulation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression: the impact of CCR7 on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Existing studies have already revealed the involvement of C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) in diverse human cancers, including esophageal cell squamous carcinoma (ESCA). Our current study, aims to explore the relevant mechanisms implicated.

METHODS

ESCA cell lines were collected for CCR7 expression quantification using western blot. Following the transfection, the viability, migration and invasion of ESCA cells were evaluated via cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays. The specific molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CCR7 in ESCA cells were explored via calculating the expressions of proteins related to metastasis and Janus kinase 2/signal transduction and transcription activation 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway via western blot. The correlation between CCR7 and metastasis-related proteins was explored via Pearson's correlation test.

RESULTS

CCR7 was high-expressed in ESCA cells and CCR7 knockdown repressed the viability, migration and invasion of ESCA cells, concurrent with the increased expression of E-cadherin (E-cad, which was also known as CDH1 and lowly expressed in ESCA cells) and the decreased expressions of vimentin (Vim, which was highly expressed in ESCA cells) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, which was also highly expressed in ESCA cells). Meanwhile, CCR7 was positively correlated with Vim and MMP-9 yet negatively correlated with E-cad in ESCA cells, which indicated that CCR7 has a role in promoting tumor progression in ESCA cells. Besides, the phosphorylation of STAT3 and JAK2 in ESCA cells was elevated, which was diminished following CCR7 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

This study proves the modulation of CCR7 on ESCA in vitro, which was achieved via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our discovery will provide new therapeutic basis and insights for ESCA.

Expression of cancer susceptibility candidate 11 in ovarian cancer tissues and its role in doxorubicin resistance

We aimed to investigate the expression of cancer susceptibility candidate 11 (CASC11) in ovarian cancer (OC) tissues and its role in doxorubicin (Dox) resistance. A total of 98 patients were included as subjects. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the expressions of CASC11 in OC and para-OC tissues, and in OC cells (A2780, SKOV3, OVCAR3 and A547) and human normal ovarian epithelial cells (IOSE-80) from these patients. OC SKOV3/R cell line with Dox resistance was established and transfected with small interfering (si)-CASC11 to down-regulate CASC11 expression. Based on the constructed nude mouse model of orthotopic transplanted tumor, the growth curves were plotted, and the changes in tumor volume and apoptosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. OC tissues had a significantly higher mRNA expression of CASC11 than that of para-OC tissues (P < 0.05). A547, OVCAR3, A2780 and SKOV3 cells had significantly higher mRNA expressions of CASC11 than that of IOSE-80 cells (P < 0.05). The transplanted tumor was significantly smaller in volume in the si-CASC11 group than that in the si-normal control (NC) group from the 8th days after transplanted tumor inoculation (P < 0.05). The tumor growth inhibition rate significantly rose in the si-CASC11 group in comparison with that in the si-NC group (P < 0.05). CASC11 has high expression in OC tissues. Knockout of CASC11 weakens the proliferative, invasive and migratory potentials and enhances the apoptotic potential of Dox-resistant OC cells, thereby reversing their Dox resistance.

Migration background and use of preventive healthcare services: Findings of the German Ageing Survey

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between migration background and the utilization of preventive healthcare services.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from wave 5 in the year 2014, with a sample size of 7,684 individuals, were extracted from the nationally representative German Ageing Survey. The survey included community-dwelling individuals aged 40 years and above, with migration background serving as the primary independent variable. The outcomes measured included participation in cancer screenings, flu vaccinations, and routine health check-ups. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the association between migration background and preventive healthcare services.

RESULTS

Regressions showed that the presence of a migration background with personal migration experience (compared with not having a migration background) was associated with a lower likelihood of using preventive healthcare services. More precisely, compared to individuals not having a migration background, individuals with a migration background and personal migration experience had a lower likelihood of routine health check-ups (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.95), flu vaccinations (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.95) and cancer screenings (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.89). In contrast, there was no significant association between the presence of a migration background without personal migration experience (compared with not having a migration background) and the use of preventive healthcare services.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, results showed differences between individuals without migration background and individuals with migration background (and with personal migration experience) in terms of using preventive healthcare services. It may be helpful to specifically address individuals with migration background (and with migration experience) in terms of using preventive healthcare services.

Paclitaxel hyperthermia suppresses gastric cancer migration through MiR-183-5p/PPP2CA/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin axis

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC), a prevalent malignant tumor which is a leading cause of death from malignancy around the world. Peritoneal metastasis accounts for the major cause of mortality in patients with GC. Despite hyperthermia intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves the therapeutic effect of GC, it's equivocal about the mechanism under HIPEC.

METHODS

MiR-183-5p expression was sifted from miRNA chip and detected in both GC patients and cell lines by qRT-PCR. Gene interference and rescue experiments were performed to identified biological function in vitro and vivo. Next, we affirmed PPP2CA as targeted of miR-183-5p by dual luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the potential relationship between HIPEC and miR-183-5p was explored.

RESULTS

MiR-183-5p is up-regulated in GC and associated with advanced stage and poor prognosis. MiR-183-5p accelerate GC migration in vitro which is influenced by miR-183-5p/PPP2CA/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin Axis. HIPEC exerts migration inhibition via attenuating miR-183-5p expression.

CONCLUSION

MiR-183-5p can be used as a potential HIPEC biomarker in patients with CC.

Evaluation of new safety decontamination approaches at lab scale for recycled highdensity polyethylene (rHDPE) intended for food contact

BACKGROUND

The increasing use of plastic packaging materials generates concerns related to the environmental problem generated by their waste. As a result, the search for new recycling methodologies to extend the lifecycle of plastic packaging is becoming more important, without forgetting to ensure the safety of these materials. Currently, the use of recycled polyolefins as food contact materials is not widespread yet. This is because the decontamination processes currently available are insufficient to produce clean, safe materials suitable for such applications. This work is focused on the evaluation of the safety of recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE), and the search for strategies to achieve its decontamination.

RESULTS

To this end, three batches of flakes and three batches of pellets of rHDPE coming from the mechanical recycling of post-consumer milk bottles were analyzed. The analysis of the volatile and semi-volatile compounds present in the samples was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), finding a total of 67 compounds. The strategy to achieve the decontamination of flakes and pellets of this material has been based on the application of high temperature and vacuum at lab scale, obtaining a clear decrease in volatile compounds, below 50% of the initial value in most cases when applying 120 °C during 5 h. The migration test performed in the samples (treated and untreated) to different food simulants (10 % ethanol and 3 % acetic acid, 95 % ethanol) revealed also a clear decrease of concentrations of volatiles.

SIGNIFICANCE

The findings are highly encouraging, demonstrating substantial progress toward the safe and effective use of rHDPE in specific food packaging applications. This indicates a significant step forward in the potential uses of rHDPE. Nevertheless, the lack of toxicity data for many migrants necessitates additional toxicological testing to obtain a more precise risk assessment.

C1GALT1-mediated O-glycan T antigen increase enhances the migration and invasion ability of gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal diseases in the world. Cancer metastasis is the mainly leading cause of death in GC patients. Aberrant Protein O-glycosylation is closely associated with tumor occurrence and metastasis. However, the effect of aberrant O-glycosylation on the progress of GC is not completely clear. This study aimed to investigate the biological function and its underlying effects mechanism of core 1 β 1, 3-galactosyltransferase 1 (C1GALT1) C1GALT1-mediated O-glycan T antigen on GC progress. We conducted data mining analysis that C1GALT1 was obviously up-regulated in GC tissues than in para-carcinoma tissues. Elevated expression of C1GALT1 was closely associated with advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, histological grade, and poor overall survival. In addition, C1GALT1 overexpression could promote GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which was due to C1GALT1 overexpression-mediated O-glycan T antigen increase. Moreover, MUC1 was predicted to be a new downstream target of C1GALT1, which may be abnormally O-glycosylated by C1GALT1 thereby activating the cell adhesion signaling pathway. In conclusion, our studies proved that C1GALT1-mediated O-glycosylation increase could promote the metastasis of gastric cancer cells. These discoveries hint that C1GALT1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for GC treatment.