Li(Cd,Mn)P: a new cadmium based diluted ferromagnetic semiconductor with independent spin & charge doping

We report a new diluted ferromagnetic semiconductor Li_1+y(Cd,Mn)P, wherein carrier is doped via excess Li while spin is doped by isovalence substitution of Mn²⁺ into Cd²⁺. The extended Cd 4d-orbitals lead to more itinerant characters of Li_1+y(Cd,Mn)P than that of analogous Li_1+y(Zn,Mn)P. A higher Curie temperature of 45 K than that for Li_1+y(Zn,Mn)P is obtained in Li_1+y(Cd,Mn)P polycrystalline samples by Arrott plot technique. The p-type carriers are determined by Hall effect measurements. The first principle calculations and X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that occupation of excess Li is at Cd sites rather than the interstitial site. Consequently holes are doped by excess Li substitution. More interestingly Li_1+y(Cd,Mn)P shows a very low coercive field (<100 Oe) and giant negative magnetoresistance (~80%) in ferromagnetic state that will benefit potential spintronics applications.

CAFs secreted exosomes promote metastasis and chemotherapy resistance by enhancing cell stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stroma cells that play dominant roles in tumor progression. However, the CAFs-derived molecular determinants that regulate colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and chemoresistance have not been fully characterized.

METHODS

CAFs and NFs were obtained from fresh CRC and adjacent normal tissues. Exosomes were isolated from conditioned medium and serum of CRC patients using ultracentrifugation method and ExoQuick Exosome Precipitation Solution kit, and characterized by transmission electronic microscopy, nanosight and western blot. MicroRNA microarray was employed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in exosomes secreted by CAFs or NFs. The internalization of exosomes, transfer of miR-92a-3p was observed by immunofluorescence. Boyden chamber migration and invasion, cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, plate colony formation, sphere formation assays, tail vein injection and primary colon cancer liver metastasis assays were employed to explore the effect of NFs, CAFs and exosomes secreted by them on epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of CRC. Luciferase report assay, real-time qPCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to explore the regulation of CRC metastasis and chemotherapy resistance by miR-92a-3p, FBXW7 and MOAP1.

RESULTS

CAFs promote the stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of CRC cells. Importantly, CAFs exert their roles by directly transferring exosomes to CRC cells, leading to a significant increase of miR-92a-3p level in CRC cells. Mechanically, increased expression of miR-92a-3p activates Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis by directly inhibiting FBXW7 and MOAP1, contributing to cell stemness, EMT, metastasis and 5-FU/L-OHP resistance in CRC. Clinically, miR-92a-3p expression is significantly increased in CRC tissues and negatively correlated with the levels of FBXW7 and MOAP1 in CRC specimens, and high expression of exosomal miR-92a-3p in serum was highly linked with metastasis and chemotherapy resistance in CRC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CAFs secreted exosomes promote metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of CRC. Inhibiting exosomal miR-92a-3p provides an alternative modality for the prediction and treatment of metastasis and chemotherapy resistance in CRC.

[Children's non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of heavy metals exposure to residential indoor dust around an e-waste dismantling area in South China]

Objective: To evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risk of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) in residential indoor dust for young children around an e-waste dismantling area in South China. Methods: A village around an e-waste dismantling area in South China was selected as a research site in October 2016. Convenience sampling method was used to select 36 houses in the village and 36 dust samples were collected by vacuum cleaner. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) in each sample were determined and expressed by the average value. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment was conducted using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Risk Assessment (HRA) model, the American Toxicology and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Target-organ Toxicity Dose (TTD) approach and the ATSDR Binary Weight-of-Evidence (BINWOE) model. Results: The mean ± SD of concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn were (48.90±33.91), (5.95±3.89), (173.57±580.37), (412.71±1 190.00), (612.82±540.70), (297.41±293.22) and (1 052.81±1 156.48) mg/kg, respectively. The HI value of TTD (2.670) and BINWOE (2.933) were higher than the safety threshold of EPA recommended non-carcinogenic health risk. The HI value of TTD and BINWOE were 1.93 and 2.12 times higher than the HI value of HRA (1.386). Conclusion: There was non-carcinogenic health risk of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) via residential indoor dust around the e-waste dismantling area for local children.

[Analysis of changes in serological factors in the dose-increasing phase of allergic rhinitis rush immunotherapy]

Objective:To observe the changes of serological factors in the dose-increasing phase of allergic rhinitis and to explore the mechanism of short-term rush immunotherapy.Method:The clinical data of 110 patients with allergic rhinitis diagnosed by rush immunotherapy in our hospital were analyzed. According to the results of allergen test（sIgE）, they were divided into simple dust mite allergy group and multiple allergen allergy groups. The serum of the patients were taken before the start of rush immunotherapy and the first day after the end of the dose-increasing phase.Serum total IgE and IgG before and after rush immunotherapy were detected by Beekman specific protein detector. The serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-12,IL-10,IgG1 and IgG4 were measured by ELISA before and after rush immunotherapy. The changes of them were compared and analyzed.Result:①Serum total IgE and IgG were increased after rush immunotherapy, and the change of serum IgG concentration in the simple dust mite allergy group was statistically significant（P<0.05).②The levels of serum IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-10 increased after rush immunotherapy. The changes of IL-12 and IFN-γ in multiple allergen allergy groups were not significant before and after treatment, while the changes in other groups were statistically significant（P<0.05).③Serum total IgG1 and IgG4 were increased after rush immunotherapy. The changes of serum IgG4 in the simple dust mite allergy group were statistically significant(P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in serum IgG1.Conclusion:The dose-increasing phase of rush immunotherapy can stimulate the production of IgG antibodies and the changes of related serological factors in a short period of time, especially in patients with simple dust mite allergy group. It indicates that dose-increasing phase of rush immunotherapy may play a role by regulating immunoglobulin and adjusting the dynamic balance of Th1/Th2 factors.

[Research on immune regulation mechanism of immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis]

Immunotherapy, among all the treatments of allergic rhinitis, is the only one which aims directly at etiological factor.Even though, subcutaneous immunotherapy is a widely used and effective therapeutic method in clinical practice, there is no definite answer in the current research about how it regulates the immune mechanism of allergic rhinitis, that is, how to predict the curative effect according to its objective indicators. In order to have an insight into its clinical role in the immune mechanism of allergic rhinitis,this article will have an overview about it, on the basis of the pertinent medical literature.

[Research on the effect of RNA interference on mast cells in respiratory allergic diseases]

Respiratory allergic disease has become a major health problem in the 21st century.Mast cells are key effector cells of the respiratory anaphylaxis, and can form a variety of features of allergic inflammation by producting large numbers of inflammatory mediators.RNAi can affect the disease process by silencing gene expression, and has made significant process in the study of many diseases, but the research of targeting mast cells for the treatment of respiratory allergic diseases is rare.This review focuses on recent advances of the application of RNA interference on mast cell in respiratory allergic diseases, aming to further understand its application in the respiratory allergic diseases and research status, and broaden new ideas of treating respiratory allergies.

[Persistent hypertension for two months in a preterm infant]

A boy aged 2 months (born at 36 weeks of gestation) was admitted due to cough and dyspnea. After admission, he was found to have persistent hypertension, proteinuria, and persistent convulsion, and imaging examination showed extensive calcification of the aorta and major branches and stenosis of local lumens of the abdominal aorta and the right renal artery with increased blood flow velocity. The boy was admitted during the neonatal period due to wet lung and pulmonary arterial hypertension and was found to have hypertension and proteinuria. High-throughput whole-exome sequencing was performed and found two compound heterozygous mutations in the ENPP1 gene from his parents, c.130C>T (p.Q44X) and c.1112A>T (p.Y371F). c.130C>T was a nonsense mutation, which could cause partial deletion of protein from 44 amino acids, and was defined as a primary pathogenic mutation. c.1112A>T was a missense mutation which had been reported as a pathogenic mutation associated with idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC). Therefore, he was diagnosed with IIAC. He was given phosphonate drugs, antihypertensive drugs, anticonvulsion treatment, and respiratory support. Blood pressure was maintained at the upper limit of normal value. There was no deterioration of arterial calcification. It is concluded that IIAC should be considered for infants with persistent hypertension and extensive vascular calcification, and imaging and genetic examinations should be performed as early as possible to make a confirmed diagnosis.

[Persistent hypertension for two months in a preterm infant]

A boy aged 2 months (born at 36 weeks of gestation) was admitted due to cough and dyspnea. After admission, he was found to have persistent hypertension, proteinuria, and persistent convulsion, and imaging examination showed extensive calcification of the aorta and major branches and stenosis of local lumens of the abdominal aorta and the right renal artery with increased blood flow velocity. The boy was admitted during the neonatal period due to wet lung and pulmonary arterial hypertension and was found to have hypertension and proteinuria. High-throughput whole-exome sequencing was performed and found two compound heterozygous mutations in the ENPP1 gene from his parents, c.130C>T (p.Q44X) and c.1112A>T (p.Y371F). c.130C>T was a nonsense mutation, which could cause partial deletion of protein from 44 amino acids, and was defined as a primary pathogenic mutation. c.1112A>T was a missense mutation which had been reported as a pathogenic mutation associated with idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC). Therefore, he was diagnosed with IIAC. He was given phosphonate drugs, antihypertensive drugs, anticonvulsion treatment, and respiratory support. Blood pressure was maintained at the upper limit of normal value. There was no deterioration of arterial calcification. It is concluded that IIAC should be considered for infants with persistent hypertension and extensive vascular calcification, and imaging and genetic examinations should be performed as early as possible to make a confirmed diagnosis.

Association of body mass index and age with incident diabetes in Chinese adults: a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing in young adults, and greater adiposity is considered a major risk factor. However, whether there is an association between obesity and diabetes and how this might be impacted by age is not clear. Therefore, we investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and diabetes across a wide range of age groups (20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70 and ≥70 years old).

DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study using healthy screening programme data.

SETTING

A total of 211 833 adult Chinese persons >20 years old across 32 sites and 11 cities in China (Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Changzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hefei, Wuhan, Nantong) were selected for the study; these persons were free of diabetes at baseline.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Fasting plasma glucose levels were measured and information regarding the history of diabetes was collected at each visit. Diabetes was diagnosed as fasting plasma glucose ≥7.00 mmol/L and/or self-reported diabetes. Patients were censored at the date of diagnosis or the final visit, whichever came first.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 3.1 years, 4174 of the 211 833 participants developed diabetes, with an age-adjusted incidence rate of 7.35 per 1000 persons. The risk of incident diabetes increased proportionally with increasing baseline BMI values, with a 23% increased risk of incident diabetes with each kg/m2 increase in BMI (95% CI 1.22 to 1.24). Across all age groups, there was a linear association between BMI and the risk of incident diabetes, although there was a stronger association between BMI and incident diabetes in the younger age groups (age×BMI interaction, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

An increased BMI is also independently associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes in young adults and the effects of BMI on incident diabetes were accentuated in younger adults.

Effect of combined use of a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on glycemic control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial

Background

The combined effect of a low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LCHP) diet and omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not known.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an LCHP diet combined with ω-3 (LCHP+ω-3) on glycemic control in patients with T2D.

Design

In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial, 122 newly diagnosed participants with T2D were randomly assigned to receive a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet with low ω-3 PUFAs [control (CON)], an LCHP, ω-3, or LCHP+ω-3 diet for 12 wk. The ratio of carbohydrate to protein was 42:28 in the LCHP and LCHP+ω-3 diet and 54:17 in the CON and ω-3 diet. The participants were given 6 g fish oil/d (containing 3.65 g docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid/d) in the ω-3 and LCHP+ω-3 diet groups or 6 g corn oil/d (placebo) in the CON and LCHP diet groups.

Results

Compared with the CON diet group, greater decreases in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose were observed in all of the other 3 diet groups at 12 wk. Of note, HbA1c reduction in the LCHP+ω-3 diet group (-0.51%; 95% CI: -0.64%, -0.37%) was greater than that in the LCHP (P = 0.03) and ω-3 (P = 0.01) diet groups at 12 wk. In terms of fasting glucose, only the LCHP+ω-3 diet group showed a significant decrease at 4 wk (P = 0.03 compared with CON). Moreover, the reduction in fasting glucose in the LCHP+ω-3 diet group (-1.32 mmol/L; 95% CI: -1.72, -0.93 mmol/L) was greater than that in the LCHP (P = 0.04) and ω-3 (P = 0.03) diet groups at 12 wk.

Conclusions

The LCHP+ω-3 diet provided greater effects on HbA1c and fasting glucose and faster effects on fasting glucose than both the LCHP and ω-3 diets, indicating the potential necessity of combining an LCHP diet with ω-3 PUFAs in T2D control. This trial was registered at chictr.org.cn/ as ChiCTR-TRC-14004704.

Flexible MRI Compatible Brain Probes

The exact localization of signal recording probes or deep stimulation probes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significant importance in studying and understanding how the brain functions. But the magnetic susceptibility of the probes itself distorts the MRI image and creates error in position measurement. In this paper we propose an MRI compatible flexible probe with magnetic susceptibility that is well matched with the brain tissue. The well-matched magnetic susceptibility of the probe enables high resolution structural and functional MRI even at ultra-high Bfield strengths. The MRI images shows almost zero artifacts around the implanted probe in the phantom tissue.

[The roles of holothurian glycosaminoglycan combined with cisplatin on proliferation and chemotherapeutic response in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of Holothurian Glycosaminoglycan (hGAG) alone in combination with cisplatin (DDP) on apoptosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell A549. Methods: A549 cells were separately treated with blank, hGAG, DDP and hGAG combined with DDP (hGAG + DDP). The cell morphology in 4 groups was observed using light microscope. CCK8 assay was used to determine the cell viability. Flow cytometry by Hoechst 33258 and AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. Western blot was then used to detect the protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, survivin and caspase-3. Results: After treatment for 24 h, the inhibitory rates of A549 cells in control, hGAG, DDP and hGAG + DDP groups were 0, (19.74±5.39)%, (42.01±2.57)% and (53.89±4.58)%, respectively. Moreover, after treatment for 48 h and 72 h, the inhibitory rates in each group were 0, (23.17±4.78)% and (29.17±4.21 )%, (54.00±7.64)% and (59.35±7.31)%, as well as (77.58±4.26)% and (79.94±4.58)%, respectively. The cell viability was significantly lower in drug treatment groups compared with those in control group at the same time point (P<0.05). Hochest 33258 staining showed that no obvious apoptotic cells were detected in the control group, while apoptotic cells were visible in hGAG, cisplatin and combination groups. Flow cytometry showed that cell apoptotic rates were (2.38±0.59)%, (12.59±4.22)%, (16.36±3.63)% and (44.60±5.45)% in the control, hGAG, DDP and hGAG + DDP groups, respectively. The cell apoptosis was significantly lower in drug treatment groups compared with those in control group at the same time point (P<0.05). Furthermore, western blot results showed that the expression of Bax and caspase-3 protein was increased (P<0.05), whereas Bcl-2 and survivin was decreased (P<0.05) in the hGAG+ DDP group compared with cisplatin alone (P<0.05). Conclusions: HGAG can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Meanwhile, it can strengthen the chemosensitivity of A549 cells to DDP via up-regulation of Bax, caspase-3 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and survivin.

[A preliminary evaluation of mental status and an investigation of occupational health knowledge demand in operating and maintenance personnel in wind power plants]

Objective: To investigate the mental status, level of occupational health knowledge, health behaviors, and occupational health knowledge demand in operating and maintenance personnel in wind power plants, and to provide a basis for formulating protective measures of occupational health for operating and maintenance personnel in wind power plants. Methods: A cluster sampling was performed in regionally representative wind power plants in the wind power industry from May 2014 to June 2015, and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and a self-made evaluation questionnaire were used to investigate the general status, mental health, and occupational health knowledge demand in 160 operating and maintenance workers. Results: Of all respondents, 26.9% had mental health issues. The awareness rate of infectious disease knowledge and preventive measures was 11.9%. Of all workers, 96.5% wanted to know the occupational hazard factors in the workplace, and 96.3% wanted to get the knowledge of the prevention of related diseases. Conclusion: Mental health issues in operating and maintenance personnel in wind power plants cannot be neglected and there is a high demand for occupational health services and related knowledge. Comprehensive intervention measures for health promotion in the workplace should be adopted to improve working environment, enhance individual mental health education, increase the level of occupational health management, and protect the health of workers.

[Pharyngeal space carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma：a case report]

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is an epithelial malignant tumor of pleomorphic adenoma. This may be due to the accumulation of genetic instability caused by long-term pleomorphic adenomas. There are few reports of parapharyngeal space carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in the literature study both at home and abroad. This article retrospectively summarized the clinical data of 1 case of pharyngeal space carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and reviewed the literature. We strengthened the understanding of parapharyngeal space carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Aluminum and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Tea Leaves: An Interplay of Environmental and Plant Factors and an Assessment of Exposure Risks to Consumers

Environmental and plant factors (soil condition, variety, season, and maturity) and exposure risks of aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) in tea leaves were investigated. The concentrations of these metals in tea leaves could not be predicted by their total concentrations in the soil. During any one season, there were differences in Al, Mn, and Cd levels between tea varieties. Seasonally, autumn tea and/or summer tea had far higher levels of Al, Mn, Pb, and Cd than did spring tea. Tea leaf maturity positively correlated with the concentrations of Al, Mn, Pb, and Cd, but negatively with Cu. The calculated average daily intake doses (mg/ [kg•d]) for these metal elements were 0.14 (Al), 0.11 (Mn), 2.70 × 10^-3 (Cu), 2.80 × 10^-4 (Pb), and 2.88 × 10^-6 (Cd). The hazard quotient values of each metal were all significantly lower than risk level (=1), suggesting that, for the general population, consumption of tea does not result in the intake of excessive amounts of Al, Mn, Pb, Cd, or Cu. This study identified the factors that can be monitored in the field to decrease consumer exposure to Al and Mn through tea consumption.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Environmental and plant factors influence aluminum and heavy metal accumulation in tea leaves. Consumers of tea are not ingesting excessive Al, Mn, Pb, Cd, or Cu. Trackable factors were identified to manage exposure levels.

[Effect of CCR3 gene knockout on eosinophils in mice]

Objective:To investigate the effect of CCR3 gene knockout on the proliferation, maturation and apoptosis of eosinophils (EOS) in mice. Method:Bone marrow cells from CCR3 gene knockout mice (experimental group) and wild-type mice (control group) were cultured in vitro and induced differentiation into mature EOS. EOS proliferation was observed by cell counting.Expression of degranulation protein mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR. EOS apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method. Result:①The number of cells on the 0-14 day of EOS cultured in vitro showed that the number of cells in the experimental group was less than that in the control group at tenth, twelfth, fourteenth days, and the proliferation was slower, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). ②The test results of EOS cells apoptosis showed that, under the condition of containing 10 ng/ml IL-5 or no IL-5, the apoptosis rate of EOS cells in experimental group was higher than that in normal control group, the difference between both groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). ③The expression results of ECP, EPO, MBP mRNA in EOS showed that the expression levels of ECP, EPO, MBP mRNA in the experimental group compared with the normal control group were reduced in varying degrees, the difference between both groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion:Knockout CCR3 gene can inhibit the proliferation and maturation of EOS and promote its apoptosis, which provides a theoretical basis for CCR3 as a target gene to treat allergic rhinitis.

FMNL2 destabilises COMMD10 to activate NF-κB pathway in invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Diaphanous-related formins (DRFs), actin necleator, have been known to participate in the progression of cancer cells. We previously reported that FMNL2 (Formin-like2), a member of DRFs, was a positive regulator in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis, yet proteins and pathways required for the function of this pro-invasive DRFs remain to be identified.

METHODS

The relationship between FMNL2 and COMMD10 was examined using Co-IP, GST pull-down, immunofluorescence and in vitro ubiquitination assay. The in vitro and in vivo function of COMMD10 in CRC was evaluated using CCK-8 proliferation assay, plate colony formation, cell cycle, apoptosis and animal models. The inhibition of NF-κB signalling by COMMD10 was detected using dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blotting. Co-IP, GST pull-down and nuclear protein extraction assay were performed to evaluate the effect on p65 by COMMD10. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to detect expressions of FMNL2, COMMD10 and p65 in paired tissues.

RESULTS

FMNL2 targets COMMD10 for ubiquitin-mediated proteasome degradation in CRC cells. COMMD10 targets p65 NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) subunit and reduces its nuclear translocation, thereby leading to the inactivation of NF-κB pathway and suppression of CRC invasion and metastasis. Inhibition of NF-κB signalling by COMMD10 is necessary for FMNL2-mediated CRC cell behaviours. Downregulation of COMMD10 predicts poor prognosis of CRC patients. The expressions of FMNL2, COMMD10 and p65 are highly linked in CRC tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that the FMNL2/COMMD10/p65 axis acts as a critical regulator in the maintenance of metastatic phenotypes and is strongly associated with negative clinical outcomes.

Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Induces Vascular Inflammation by Activating the NLRP3 Inflammasome Through the SIRT3-SOD2-mtROS Signaling Pathway

Background

Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) has recently been identified as a novel and independent risk factor for promoting atherosclerosis through inducing vascular inflammation. However, the exact mechanism is currently unclear. Studies have established a central role of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain–like receptor family pyrin domain–containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation. Here, we examined the potential role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in TMAO‐induced vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Experiments using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, Western blot, and fluorescent probes showed that TMAO‐induced inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and aortas from ApoE^−/− mice. Moreover, TMAO promoted NLRP3 and activated caspase‐1 p20 expression and caspase‐1 activity in vitro and in vivo. Notably, a caspase‐1 inhibitor (YVAD), an NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950), as well as NLRP3 short interfering RNA attenuated TMAO‐induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, subsequently leading to suppression of inflammation in HUVECs. TMAO additionally stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, in particular, mitochondrial ROS, while inhibiting manganese superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) activation and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression in HUVECs and aortas from ApoE^−/− mice. TMAO‐induced endothelial NLRP3 inflammasome activation was ameliorated by the mitochondrial ROS scavenger Mito‐TEMPO, or SIRT3 overexpression in HUVECs. Conversely, TMAO failed to further inhibit magnesium SOD2 and activate the NLRP3 inflammasome or induce inflammation in SIRT3 short interfering RNA–treated HUVECs and aortas from SIRT3^−/− mice.

Conclusions

TMAO promoted vascular inflammation by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in part was mediated through inhibition of the SIRT3‐SOD2–mitochondrial ROS signaling pathway.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Methods: Clinical data of 56 patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 2006 to June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and followed up. Results: Of the 56 patients, there were 24 male and 32 female. The median age was 65 years old. At diagnosis, 10 patients have different degrees of breathing difficulty; 8 patients have varying degrees of dysphagia, and 12 patients have hoarseness. Distant metastases were found in 23 patients at presentation. Patient staging was performed in accordance with the tumor-node-metastasis system as follows: stage ⅣA (n=19), stage ⅣB (n=14) and stage ⅣC (n=23). The median survival time of 56 patients was 4.5 months.The overall 1-year survival rate was 5.4%. Univariate analysis showed that radiotherapy and multimodality therapy were prognostic factors for 1-year overall survival (both of P<0.05). The overall 1-year survival rate of the patients who received precision radiotherapy was 16.7%, which was higher than who received the other radiation therapy (4.0%, P=0.040). Furthermore, the overall 1-year survival rate of the patients who received surgery combined with radiotherapy was 12.5%, which was higher than who received the other treatments(4.2%, P=0.040). Multivariate analysis indicated that radiotherapy was independently associated with improved survival (P=0.020). Conclusions: Patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer should receive multimodality therapies combining surgery with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is independently associated with improved overall survival. Notably, the precision radiotherapy that based on image guidance has a significantly beneficial impact on the prognosis of patients.

[Outcome analysis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for 41 patients with severe aplastic anemia]

目的

评价异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）治疗重型再生障碍性贫血（SAA）患者的疗效。

方法

回顾性分析2001年10月至2015年5月接受allo-HSCT治疗的41例SAA患者的临床资料。其中男27例，女14例，中位年龄为17(2~43）岁。其中同胞相合移植24例，无关供者移植17例。

结果

38例患者移植后获得造血重建，造血重建率为92.68%。可评估患者的中性粒细胞和血小板的中位植入时间分别为16(10~57) d和20(9~83) d。13例发生急性移植物抗宿主病（aGVHD），8例发生慢性移植物抗宿主病，5例发生移植物排斥反应。中位随访27(3~154）个月，预期3年总生存（OS）率为（75.1±8.3）%。10例患者死亡，移植相关死亡率为24.39%。多因素分析结果显示：移植后发生Ⅱ~Ⅳ度aGVHD[P=0.018，OR=27.481(95% CI 2.377~392.636）]和侵袭性真菌病[P=0.021，OR=21.364(95% CI 1.732~354.185）]为影响SAA患者allo-HSCT后OS的独立危险因素。

结论

同胞相合供者和HLA匹配的无关供者allo-HSCT是治疗SAA患者的有效手段，Ⅱ~Ⅳ度aGVHD和侵袭性真菌病与移植后OS率较低有关。

Down-regulation of DAB2IP promotes colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis by translocating hnRNPK into nucleus to enhance the transcription of MMP2

DOC-2/DAB2 interacting protein (DAB2IP) is a RasGAP protein that shows a suppressive effect on cancer progression. Our previous study showed the involvement of transcription regulation of DAB2IP in metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanisms of DAB2IP in regulating the progression of CRC need to be further explored. Here, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) as vital downstream targets of DAB2IP in CRC cells by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis and cDNA microassay, respectively. Mechanistically, down-regulation of DAB2IP increased the level of hnRNPK through MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Subsequently, translocation of hnRNPK into nucleus enhanced the transcription activity of MMP2, and therefore promoted invasion and metastasis of CRC. Down-regulation of DAB2IP correlated negatively with hnRNPK and MMP2 expressions in CRC tissues. In conclusion, our study elucidates a novel mechanism of the DAB2IP/hnRNPK/MMP2 axis in the regulation of CRC invasion and metastasis, which may be a potential therapeutic target.

Cryobiological Characteristics of L-proline in Mammalian Oocyte Cryopreservation

Background:

L-proline is a natural, nontoxic cryoprotectant that helps cells and tissues to tolerate freezing in a variety of plants and animals. The use of L-proline in mammalian oocyte cryopreservation is rare. In this study, we explored the cryobiological characteristics of L-proline and evaluated its protective effect in mouse oocyte cryopreservation.

Methods:

The freezing property of L-proline was detected by Raman spectroscopy and osmometer. Mature oocytes obtained from 8-week-old B6D2F1 mice were vitrified in a solution consisting various concentration of L-proline with a reduced proportion of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG), comparing with the control group (15% DMSO and 15% EG without L-proline). The survival rate, 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) expression, fertilization rate, two-cell rate, and blastocyst rate in vitro were assessed by immunofluorescence and in vitro fertilization. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test.

Results:

L-proline can penetrate the oocyte membrane within 1 min. The osmotic pressure of 2.00 mol/L L-proline mixture is similar to that of the control group. The survival rate of the postthawed oocyte in 2.00 mol/L L-proline combining 7.5% DMSO and 10% EG is significantly higher than that of the control group. There is no difference of 5-mC expression between the L-proline combination groups and control. The fertilization rate, two-cell rate, and blastocyst rate in vitro from oocyte vitrified in 2.00 mol/L L-proline combining 7.5% DMSO and 10% EG solution are similar to that of control.

Conclusions:

It indicated that an appropriate concentration of L-proline can improve the cryopreservation efficiency of mouse oocytes with low concentrations of DMSO and EG, which may be applicable to human oocyte vitrification.

[A comparative study of unrelated donor and matched-sibling donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents with acquired severe aplastic anemia]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of unrelated donor allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(URD allo-HSCT) for children and adolescents with severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Methods: Clinical data of 34 SAA children and adolescents undergoing allo-HSCT were retrospectively analyzed from October 2001 to October 2015. According to the source of donor, the patients were divided into matched sibling donor allo-HSCT group (MSD group) and unrelated donor group (URD group). The clinical outcome of SAA children and adolescents receiving URD allo-HSCT was assessed, and patients in MSD allo-HSCT group were enrolled as control at the same period. Results: The rate of hematopoietic reconstitution, the time of neutrophil and platelet engraftment, incidence of chimerism and graft rejection between two groups were not statistically different.The incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in URD group was significantly higher than that in MSD group [42.9%(6/14) vs 10.5%(2/19), P=0.047]. The incidence of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ acute GVHD and chronic GVHD in URD were higher than those in MSD group [21.4%(3/14) vs 5.3%(1/19), P=0.288; 35.7%(5/14) vs 5.3%(1/19), P=0.062, respectively], yet without significant difference between two groups. Other transplant-related complications including pulmonary complications, hemorrhagic cystitis, incidence of EBV and CMV reactivation and venous occlusive disease were comparable with two regimens. Estimated 5-years overall survival (OS) rate and disease free survival (DFS) rate were not statistically significant between URD group and MSD group [(84.4±6.6)% vs (89.4±7.1)%, (82.5±5.4)% vs (82.1±4.3)%; P=0.766, P=0.884, respectively]. Conclusions: By multivariate analysis, the outcome of URD allo-HSCT in SAA children and adolescent is similar to MSD allo-HSCT. It could be an alternative option as the first-line treatment for SAA children and adolescents without HLA matched sibling donors.

FBX8 is a metastasis suppressor downstream of miR-223 and targeting mTOR for degradation in colorectal carcinoma

F-box proteins are critical components of the SKP1-CUL1-F-box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligases and involved in the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway. Dysregulation of F-box protein-mediated proteolysis often leads to human malignancies. F-box only protein 8 (FBX8), a novel component of F-box proteins, is down-regulated in several tumors and closely correlates with tumor progression. However, little is known about its function, regulatory mechanisms and substrates in the progression of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Combining microRNA (miRNA) assay, functional characterization, mechanistic studies with clinical validation, we identify FBX8 as a CRC metastasis suppressor downstream of miR-223, a metastasis promoting miRNA that is transcriptionally regulated by Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF2A). mTOR is a substrate of FBX8 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation and is required for FBX8 induced cell proliferation and invasion in CRC cells. FBX8 is down-regulated in human CRC tissues and correlates with MEF2A, miR-223 and mTOR expression levels. Notably, low FBX8 expression status in CRC tissues was a significant prognostic factor for poor overall survival of patients. These findings illustrate FBX8 as a metastasis suppressor that functions through mTOR signaling pathway and has significant prognostic power.

The FOXD3/miR-214/MED19 axis suppresses tumour growth and metastasis in human colorectal cancer

Background:

MiR-214 is aberrantly regulated in several tumours, but its underlying mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remain largely unknown. This study aimed to demonstrate the function and potential mechanism of miR-214 in regulating invasion and metastasis of CRC.

Methods:

The transcription factor and targets of miR-214 were predicted by bioinformatics and validated using ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assay. DNA methylation status was explored using bisulphite sequencing PCR. The in vitro and in vivo function of miR-214 in CRC was evaluated using MTT, plate colony formation, Matrigel invasion and animal models. Real-time PCR or western blotting was performed to detect FOXD3, miR-214 and MED19 expressions in CRC cells and clinical specimens.

Results:

MiR-214 was downregulated in CRC and was significantly correlated with lymphatic metastasis. Downregulation of miR-214 might due to promoter hypermethylation in CRC. FOXD3 was validated as a transcription factor of miR-214 by ChIP assay. Dual-luciferase assay identified MED19 as a target of miR-214 in CRC. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-214 mediated the inhibiting effect of FOXD3 on proliferation, invasion and metastasis by targeting MED19. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between FOXD3 and miR-214, and negative correlations between FOXD3 and MED19, miR-214 and MED19 in CRC cells and clinical specimens.

Conclusions:

FOXD3/miR-214/MED19 axis is important for the regulation of growth, invasion and metastasis of CRC. Targeting the miR-214-mediated axis might be helpful for the treatment of CRC.