FTO-Nrf2 axis regulates bisphenol F-induced leydig cell toxicity in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner

Studies have shown that Bisphenol F (BPF) as an emerging bisphenol pollutant also has caused many hazards to the reproductive systems of humans and animals. However, its specific mechanism is still unclear. The mouse TM3 Leydig cell was used to explore the mechanism of BPF-induced reproductive toxicity in this study. The results showed BPF (0, 20, 40 and 80 μM) exposure for 72 h significantly increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell viability. Correspondingly, BPF increased the expression of P53 and BAX, and decreased the expression of BCL2. Moreover, BPF significantly increased the intracellular ROS level in TM3 cells, and significantly decreased oxidative stress-related molecule Nrf2. BPF decreased the expression of FTO and YTHDF2, and increased the total cellular m6A level. ChIP results showed that AhR transcriptionally regulated FTO. Differential expression of FTO revealed that FTO reduced the apoptosis rate of BPF-exposed TM3 cells and increased the expression of Nrf2, MeRIP confirmed that overexpression of FTO reduced the m6A of Nrf2 mRNA. After differential expression of YTHDF2, it was found that YTHDF2 enhanced the stability of Nrf2, and RIP assay showed that YTHDF2 was bound to Nrf2 mRNA. Nrf2 agonist enhanced the protective effect of FTO on TM3 cells exposure to BPF. Our study is the first to demonstrate that AhR transcriptionally regulated FTO, and then FTO regulated Nrf2 in a m6A-modified manner through YTHDF2, thereby affecting apoptosis in BPF-exposed TM3 cells to induce reproductive damage. It provides new insights into the importance of FTO-YTHDF2-Nrf2 signaling axis in BPF-induced reproductive toxicity and provided a new idea for the prevention of male reproductive injury.

RNA binding protein YTHDF1 mediates bisphenol S-induced Leydig cell damage by regulating the mitochondrial pathway of BCL2 and the expression of CDK2-CyclinE1

Bisphenol S (BPS) causes reproductive adverse effects on humans and animals. However, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. This research aimed to clarify the role of RNA binding protein YTHDF1 in Leydig cell damage induced by BPS. The mouse TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to BPS of 0, 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L for 72 h. Results showed that TM3 Leydig cells apoptosis rate markedly increased in BPS exposure group. Meanwhile, the apoptosis-related molecule BCL2 protein level decreased significantly, and Caspase9, Caspase3, and BAX increased significantly. Moreover, the cell cycle was blocked in the G1/S phase, CDK2 and CyclinE1 were considerably down-regulated in BPS exposure groups, and the protein level of RNA binding protein YTHDF1 decreased sharply. Furthermore, after overexpression of YTHDF1, the cell viability significantly increased, and the apoptosis rate significantly decreased in TM3 Leydig cells. In the meantime, BCL2, CDK2, and CyclinE1 were significantly up-regulated, and BAX, Caspase9, and Caspase3 were significantly down-regulated. Conversely, interference with YTHDF1 decreased cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Importantly, overexpression of YTHDF1 alleviated the cell viability decrease induced by BPS, and interference with YTHDF1 exacerbated the situation. RIP assays showed that the binding of YTHDF1 to CDK2, CyclinE1, and BCL2 significantly increased after overexpressing YTHDF1. Collectively, our study suggested that YTHDF1 plays an essential role in BPS-induced TM3 Leydig cell damage by regulating CDK2-CyclinE1 and BCL2 mitochondrial pathway at the translational level.

IFI44L as a novel epigenetic silencing tumor suppressor promotes apoptosis through JAK/STAT1 pathway during lung carcinogenesis

Numerous evidence showed that the occurrence and development of lung cancer is closely related to environmental pollution. Therefore, new environmental response predictive markers are urgently needed for early diagnosis and screening of lung cancer. Interferon-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) has been shown to be related in a variety of tumors, but its function and mechanism during lung carcinogenesis still have remained largely unknown. In this study, gene expression and methylation status were analyzed through online tools and malignant transformation models. Differentially expressed cell models and xenograft tumor models were established and used to clarify the gene function. RT-qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to explore the mechanism. Results showed that IFI44L was dramatically downexpressed during lung carcinogenesis, and its low expression may be attributed to DNA methylation. Overexpression of IFI44L obviously inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis. After knockdown of IFI44L expression, the proliferation ability was remarkably increased and the apoptosis was significantly reduced. Functional enrichment showed that IFI44L was involved in apoptosis and JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway, and was highly correlated with downstream molecules. After overexpression of IFI44L, the expression of P-STAT1 and downstream molecules XAF1, OAS1, OAS2 and OAS3 were significantly increased. After knockdown of STAT1 expression, the pro-apoptotic effect of IFI44L was reduced. Co-IP results showed that IFI44L had protein interaction with STAT1. Results proved that IFI44L promoted STAT1 phosphorylation and activated the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway by directly binding to STAT1 protein, thereby leading to cell apoptosis. Our study revealed that IFI44L promotes cell apoptosis and exerts tumor suppressors by activating the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. It further suggests that IFI44L has clinical therapeutic potential and may be a promising biomarker during lung carcinogenesis.

TET1 involved in bisphenol A induced TM3 Leydig cell toxicity by regulating Cav3.3 hydroxymethylation

Bisphenol A (BPA), an important environmental pollutant, is known to damage reproductive development. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanism in Leydig cells during BPA exposure has not been explored in detail. In this study, TM3 Leydig cells were treated with BPA (0, 20, 40 and 80 μM) for 72 h. The differentially expressed TET1 cell model was constructed to explore the mechanism of BPA-induced cytotoxicity. Results showed that BPA exposure significantly inhibited cell viability and increased apoptosis of TM3 Leydig cells. Meanwhile, the mRNA of TET1, Cav3.2 and Cav3.3 decreased significantly with the increase of BPA exposure. Importantly, TET1 significantly promoted proliferation of TM3 Leydig cells and inhibited apoptosis. Differentially expressed TET1 significantly affected BPA-induced toxicity in TM3 Leydig cells. Notably, TET1 elevated the mRNA levels of Cav3.2 and Cav3.3. MeDIP and hMeDIP confirmed that TET1 regulated the expression of Cav3.3 through DNA hydroxymethylation. Our study firstly presented that TET1 participated in BPA-induced toxicity in TM3 Leydig cells through regulating Cav3.3 hydroxymethylation modification. These findings suggest that TET1 acts as a potential epigenetic marker for reproductive toxicity induced by BPA exposure and may provide a new direction for the research on male reproductive damage.

[Application effects of feedforward control theory in the rollover bed treatment of mass patients with burn-explosion combined injury]

Objective: To explore the application effects of feedforward control theory in the rollover bed treatment of mass patients with burn-explosion combined injury. Methods: A retrospective observational research was conducted. From June 13 to 14, 2020, 15 patients with severe burn-explosion combined injury caused by liquefied natural gas tank car explosion and conforming to the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. There were 13 males and 2 females, aged 33-92 (66±17) years. All the patients were treated with rollover bed from 48 h post admission, and the feedforward control theory was introduced, including establishing a special feedforward control management team for rollover bed, clarifying the duties of the medical staff in the rollover bed treatment of patients, implementing the cooperation strategy of multidisciplinary physician, training and examining for 80 nurses in the temporarily organized nurse team in the form of "rollover bed workshop", and formulating the checklist and valuation list of rollover bed treatment for continuous quality control. The frequency and the total number of turning over, and successful rate of one-time posture change with the rollover bed of patients within 30 days of admission were recorded, the occurrences of adverse events caused by improper operation for the rollover bed during the treatment were observed, including respiratory and cardiac arrests, treatment interruption, unplanned extubation, bed falling, and skin graft displacement. The lowest levels of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), the number of patients with oxygenation index>300 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and the occurrence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) of patients within 2 days of admission and on the 30th day of admission were recorded. Results: Within 30 days of admission, the patients were turned over with the rollover bed for 2 to 6 times each day, with a total of 1 320 turning over operations, the successful rate of one-time posture change reached 99.9% (1 319/1 320), and no adverse event occurred. Within 2 days of admission, the lowest levels of PaO2 and PaCO2 of the patients were (100±19) and (42±4) mmHg, respectively, and the number of patients with mild, moderate, and severe ARDS were 10, 2, and 3, respectively, and none of the patients had oxygenation index>300 mmHg. On the 30th day of admission, the lowest levels of PaO2 and PaCO2 of the patients were (135±28) and (37±8) mmHg, respectively, 3 patients developed moderate ARDS, 1 patient developed severe ARDS, and 11 patients had oxygenation index>300 mmHg. Conclusions: The introduction of feedforward control theory in the treatment of rollover bed of mass patients with burn-explosion combined injury can ensure safe and successful completion of turning over with the rollover bed, promote the repair of burn wound, and improve respiratory function, and therefore improve the treatment quality of patients.

TET1 mediated male reproductive toxicity induced by Bisphenol A through Catsper-Ca2+ signaling pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has many adverse effects on the reproductive system in animals and humans. Ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) is closely related to a variety of biological processes through regulating the dynamic balance of DNA demethylation and methylation. However, the role and mechanism of TET1 during BPA induced reproductive toxicity are largely unknown. In this study, mouse spermatogonia cell line GC-2 was treated with BPA in the final concentration of 0, 20, 40 and 80 μM for 72 h. The cell model of differential TET1 gene expression was established to explore the role and mechanism. We found that the growth rate of GC-2 cells, and the intracellular calcium level decreased significantly with the increase of BPA dose, while TET1 and Catsper1-4 expression level decrease with a dose-dependent relationship. Furthermore, TET1 overexpression promoted the proliferation of GC-2 cell, the increase of calcium ion concentration, and the expression level of Catsper1-4, while knockdown of TET1 leads to the opposite results. Mechanistically, TET1 expression promoted the hydroxymethylation of Catsper1-4 and reduced their methylation level. In addition, the expression level of Catsper1-4 was positively correlated with TET1 gene expression level in semen samples of the population. Our study revealed for the first time that TET1 gene regulates the expression of related molecules in the Catsper calcium signal pathway through its hydroxymethylation modification to affect the calcium level, thereby participating in the process of BPA induced damage. These results indicated that TET1 gene may be a potential biomarker of BPA induced male reproductive toxicity.

[Survival analysis of different kinds of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutated non-small cell lung cancer and leptomeningeal metastasis]

Objective: To explore the prognosis of patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) and epidermal growth factor receptor mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with different kinds of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: From January 2016 to June 2021, the clinicopathological data of 70 patients confirmed by histologically or cytologically EGFRm LM who received different types of TKIs in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively analyzed. According to treatment patterns, patients were divided into the first-and second-generation EGFR-TKIs treatment group and the third-generation EGFR-TKIs treatment group [Osimertinib 80 mg once a day], and the prognosis and prognostic factors (with Cox proportional hazards model) of patients in different treatment group were assessed. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) of paired samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma from 64 patients at the time of LM diagnosis was performed simultaneously. Results: There were 20 males and 50 females in 70 EGFRm NSCLC patients with LM. The age ranged from 35 to 69 years, with a median age of 56 years. A total of 24 patients received the first-and second-generation EGFR-TKIs treatment, and 46 received the third-generation EGFR-TKIs treatment. Twenty-four patients developed disease progression on the first-and second EGFR-TKIs treatments, followed by treatment with the third-generation EGFR-TKIs (Osimertinib) in 12 cases, chemotherapy or anti-angiogenesis therapy in 4 cases, and the optimal supportive treatment in 8 cases. Among the 70 patients, 18 had partial response (PR), 48 had stable disease (SD), and 4 had progressive disease (PD). The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 26% (18/70) and 94% (66/70), respectively. The median follow-up time was 16.5 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.3 months(95%CI: 2.8-7.8)in the first-and second-generation EGFR-TKIs and 10.8 months (95%CI: 7.9-13.6) in the third-generation EGFR-TKIs, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.019). The median overall survival (OS) was 14.9 months (95%CI: 9.7-20.0) and 15.7 months (95%CI: 13.3-18.1) in the two groups, respectively, but no statistical differences was observed (P=0.713). Univariate analysis showed that the PFS of patients with EGFRm LM were related to gender and different types of EGFR-TKIs (P˂0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that male (HR=2.30, 95%CI: 1.31-4.03, P=0.004) and the first-and second-generation EGFR-TKIs (HR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.20-3.41, P=0.008) were independent risk factors for PFS in patients with EGFRm LM. The EGFR mutation was detected in 61 (95%) CSF and in 27 (42%) plasma samples. Conclusion: In EGFRm NSCLC patients with LM, the dose of Osimertinib 80 mg (once a day) has a significant PFS benefit compared with the first-and second-generation EGFR-TKIs.

Gene expression network related to DNA methylation and miRNA regulation during the process of aflatoxin B1-induced malignant transformation of L02 cells

Aflatoxin is a secondary metabolite secreted by Aspergillus flavus, parasitic Aspergillus, and other fungi through the polyketone pathway, and it can be detected in many foods. Aflatoxin has strong toxicity and carcinogenicity, and many studies have shown that aflatoxin is highly associated with liver cancer. In the present study, malignant transformation of L02 cells was induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and the gene expression, miRNA expression, and methylation level were detected by high-throughput sequencing. The gene and miRNA expression results showed that 2547 genes and 315 miRNAs were changed in the AFB1-treated group compared with the DMSO group. Among them, RSAD2 and SCIN were significantly upregulated, whereas TRAPPC3L and UBE2L6 were significantly downregulated. Has-miR-33b-3p was significantly upregulated, whereas Has-miR-3613-5p was significantly downregulated. The methylation results showed that 2832 CpG sites were methylated on the promoter or coding DNA sequence (CDS) of the gene, whereas the expression of DNMT3a and DNMT3b was significantly upregulated. Moreover, hypermethylation occurred in TRAPPC3L, CDH13, and SPINK13. The results of GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed that significantly changed genes and miRNAs were mainly involved in tumor formation, proliferation, invasion, and migration. The results of network map analysis showed that Hsa-miR-3613-5p, Hsa-miR-615-5p, Hsa-miR-615-3p, and Hsa-miR-3158-3p were the key miRNAs for malignant transformation of L02 cells induced by AFB1. In addition, the expression of ONECUT2, RAP1GAP2, and FSTL4 was regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs. These results suggested that the gene expression network regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs may play a vital role in AFB1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma.

DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation associated with gene expression regulatory network during 3-methylcholanthrene induced lung cell malignant transformation

3-methylcholanthrene (3-MCA) is a typical representative PAH. It has strong toxicity and is a typical chemical carcinogen. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying 3-MCA-induced tumourigenesis are largely unknown. In this study, a model of the 3-MCA-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells was established successfully. The profiles of gene expression and DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation were obtained and analysed with an Illumina HiSeq 4000. A total of 707 genes were found to be significantly up-regulated, and 686 genes were found to be significantly down-regulated. Compared to control cells, 8545 mRNA-associated differentially methylated regions and 15,121 mRNA-associated differentially hydroxymethylated regions in promoters were found to be significantly altered in transformed cells. By using mRNA expression and DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation interaction analysis, 99 differentially expressed genes were identified. Among them, CA9 and EGLN3 were verified to be significantly down-regulated, and CARD6 and LCP1 were shown to be significantly up-regulated, and these genes mainly participated in cell growth, migration and invasion, indicating that these genes were key genes involved in the 3-MCA-induced malignant transformation of HBE cells. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved mainly in RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, chemical carcinogenesis, base-excision repair (BER), cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, glycerolipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, cAMP signalling pathways and other signalling pathways. Our study suggested that characteristic gene alterations associated with DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation could play important roles in environmental 3-MCA-induced lung carcinogenesis.

[Analysis on job burnout status and its influencing factors among female workers of labor-intensive enterprises]

Objective: To analyze the status and its influencing factors of job burnout among female workers of labor-intensive enterprises. Methods: A total of 750 female workers from 5 labor-intensive enterprises in Guangdong Province were selected as the study subjects by random cluster sampling method in August, 2019. 665 valid questionnaires were collected, and the effective recovery rate was 88.67%. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey was used to assess job burnout and its influencing factors were analyzed. Results: Among 665 female workers, 429 (64.51%) found to have different levels of burnout, among which 380 (57.14%) were mild to moderate burnout and 49 (7.37%) were severe burnout. The comprehensive scores of job burnout in different age, marital status, current post working age, working time per week, personal monthly income, working system and occupational stress groups were statistically significant (P<0.01) . There were significant differences in the score of emotional exhaustion in different age, marital status, current working age, working time per week, personal monthly income and occupational stress groups (P<0.05) . There were significant differences in the dimensions of depersonalization in different age, weekly work time, personal monthly income, working system and occupational stress groups (P<0.05) . There were significant differences in the dimensions of low individual achievement in different education levels, weekly work time, working system and occupational stress groups (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The female workers of labor-intensive enterprises are generally have mild to moderate job burnout. The main influencing factors of job burnout are weekly work time and occupational stress.

Epigenetic silencing of TET1 mediated hydroxymethylation of base excision repair pathway during lung carcinogenesis

The methylcytosine dioxygenase Ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) is an important regulator for the balance of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation through various pathways. Increasing evidence has suggested that TET1 probably involved in DNA methylation and demethylation dysregulation during chemical carcinogenesis. However, the role and mechanism of TET1 during lung cancer remains unclear. In this study, we found that TET1 expression was significantly down-regulated and the methylation level was significantly up-regulated in 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MCA) induced cell malignant transformation model, rat chemical carcinogenesis model, and human lung cancer tissues. Demethylation experiment further confirmed that DNA methylation negatively regulated TET1 gene expression. TET1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown of TET1 resulted in an opposite phenotype. DNA hydroxymethylation level in the promoter region of base excision repair (BER) pathway key genes XRCC1, OGG1, APEX1 significantly decreased and the degree of methylation gradually increased in malignant transformed cells. After differential expression of TET1, the level of hydroxymethylation, methylation and expression of these genes also changed significantly. Furthermore, TET1 binds to XRCC1, OGG1, and APEX1 to maintain them hydroxymethylated. Blockade of BER pathway key gene alone or in combination significantly diminished the effect of TET1. Our study demonstrated for the first time that TET1 expression is regulated by DNA methylation and TET1-mediated hydroxymethylation regulates BER pathway to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion during 3-MCA-induced lung carcinogenesis. These results suggested that TET1 gene can be a potential biomarker and therapy target for lung cancer.

[Development of the Core Occupational Stress Scale for occupational populations in China]

Objective: To develop the Core Occupational Stress Scale (COSS) for key occupational populations, and to assess the reliability and validity of COSS in China. Methods: According to the literature review, in-depth interview and expert evaluation, the item pool of COSS was established. A total of 20 981 employees (3 703 employees from 2018 and 17 178 employees from 2019) of manufacturing, medical, and traffic polices, etc. from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing, Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong and Hubei were investigated using convenient sampling of those participating in general or occupational health examination of the day. Item differential test and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to screen items from the item pool; confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test structure validity; criterion and convergent validity were tested by Pearson correlation. Cronbach's α coefficient was used to test the reliability of the scale. Results: The EFA suggested a four-factor structure for a 17-item version of COSS, which were social support, organization and reward, demand and effort, and control. It explained 62.06% of the total variance and factor loadings ranged from 0.447 to 0.918. The CFA confirmed the hypothesized four-factor model (GFI=0.904, CFI=0.912, RMSEA=0.079). The COSS scores were positively correlated with burnout, depressive symptoms, and effort-reward imbalance scores with r ranging from 0.357 to 0.567 (P<0.05). The total COSS and each dimension of Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.772-0.896. Conclusions: The COSS has good reliability and validity and can be used as an occupation stress assessment for occupational populations in China.

[Evidence summary for postoperative hypothermia rewarming in adults with severe burns]

Objective: To retrieve, evaluate, and summarize the best evidence for postoperative hypothermia rewarming in adults with severe burns. Methods: Foreign language databases including Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center Database, PubMed, Ovid-Medline, BMJ Best Practice, and Web of Science were retrieved with the search terms of " severe burn/major burn/severe degree burn" , " hypothermia/warming intervention/hypothermia/temperature/body temperature change" , and " postoperative /perioperative/peri-operative/post-operative" and Chinese databases including Chinese Journal Full-Text Database, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database were retrieved with the search terms of "//" , "/" , and "" to obtain all the publicly published evidence for postoperative hypothermia rewarming in adults with severe burns from the establishment of each database to April 2018, including systematic evaluations, guidelines, expert consensus, evidence summary, and original research closely related to the evidence. The literatures were screened and evaluated for their quality, the evidences were extracted from them, evaluated, classified in order to summarize the best evidences. Results: A total of 8 literatures were included, including one systematic evaluation, three guidelines, one expert consensus, and three evidence summaries. Finally, the best evidences in 8 aspects including the body temperature monitoring site, body temperature monitoring frequency, surface heating, in vivo heating, rewarming start, multi-strategy rewarming, equipment, and personnel training were summarized. Conclusions: Based in the evidence-based nursing method, this study retrieves and evaluates the literature, summarizes the evidence analysis and evaluation, and obtains the best evidences of postoperative hypothermia rewarming in adult patients with severe burns, which provides a strong reference for the clinical implementation of rewarming.

[Practice of nosocomial infection management in burn department based on the American hospital evaluation standard of the Joint Commission International]

Objective: To explore the role of continuous quality improvement measures based on the American hospital evaluation standard of the Joint Commission International (JCI) in prevention and control of nosocomial infection in Burn Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (hereinafter referred to as the author' s department). Methods: From 2013 to 2018, based on 11 JCI standards related to infection prevention and control and the current situation of the author' s department, more than 50 doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants from the author' s department participated in continuous improvement of the three-level management system of nosocomial infection in the author' s department, focusing on implementing of management of patient with multidrug resistant bacteria infection, optimizing the infection control management of instrument and cloth, and implementing target management on 5 indicators such as hand hygiene implementation rate, and carrying out inspection, quality management, and improvement on 11 items of prevention and control of nosocomial infection. The implementation rate of hand hygiene from 2013 to 2018 and the accuracy rate of hand hygiene from 2016 to 2018 of medical staff in the author' s department, and incidences of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) of central venous, catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) of burn intensive care unit in the author's department from 2013 to 2018 were monitored.The following 7 indicators were monitored from 2013 to 2018, including false negative rate of nosocomial infection, incidence of hyperglycemia during intensive insulin treatment for severely burned patients, the implementation rate of CRBSI preventive measures, the specification rate of surface fixation of indwelling catheter, the implementation rate of VAP preventive measures, the accuracy rate of bed temperature during the use of suspended bed, and the implementation rate of hand hygiene of standardized training medical staff in the author' s department before and after improvement. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test. Results: The implementation rate of hand hygiene of medical staff in the author' s department was 88.0%-89.5% from 2013 to 2018, the correct rate of hand hygiene of medical staff in the author' s department was 95.10%-97.35%, and both reached the target values. The incidences of CRBSI in 2015, VAP in 2017, and CAUTI in 2013, 2014, and 2017 of burn intensive care unit failed to reach the respective target value and reached the respective target value after quality improvement, and the above-mentioned 3 indicators reached the respective target value in other years. From 2013 to 2018, the false negative rate of nosocomial infection and the incidence of hyperglycemia during intensive insulin treatment of severely burned patients in the author' s department after improvement were significantly lower than those before improvement (χ(2)=24.50, 4.74, P<0.05 or P<0.01), the implementation rate of CRBSI preventive measures, the specification rate of surface fixation of indwelling catheter, the implementation rate of VAP preventive measures, and the accuracy rate of bed temperature during the use of suspended bed after improvement in the author' s department were significantly higher than those before improvement (χ(2)=13.78, 6.50, 20.37, 13.92, P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the implementation rate of hand hygiene of standardized training medical staff in the author' s department after improvement was similar to that before improvement (χ(2)=1.71, P>0.05). Conclusions: The introduction of JCI standard can improve the implementation rate and accuracy rate of hand hygiene of medical staff in burn department, reduce the incidences of CRBSI, CAUTI, and VAP, and improve the effect of prevention and control of nosocomial infection in burn department.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of the BEX family in lung adenocarcinoma

Previous studies have demonstrated that members of the brain-expressed X-linked (BEX) family participate in a wide range of biological functions in normal and tumor tissues. However, their role and clinical significance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. The present study investigated The Cancer Genome Atlas data and revealed that the BEX family was downregulated in LUAD tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Additionally, analysis of LUAD cohorts from the Oncomine database revealed similar results. Furthermore, the expression of BEX members was significantly decreased in several LUAD cell lines compared with normal lung epithelial cells in vitro. The aforementioned data mining and in vitro results suggested that the BEX family may be involved in the development of LUAD. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that BEX members exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of patients with LUAD. The low expression levels of BEX1, BEX4 and BEX5 were associated with certain pathologic features, particularly in advanced LUAD. Survival analysis demonstrated that BEX members, particularly BEX4, were involved in the prognosis of patients with LUAD at early and late clinical stages. The results obtained in the current study suggested that BEX members may serve as potential tumor biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with LUAD.

Epigenetic silencing of ALX4 regulates microcystin-LR induced hepatocellular carcinoma through the P53 pathway

Recent studies have shown that microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the principal factors that cause liver cancer. Previously we have found that Aristaless-like Homeobox 4 (ALX4) was differentially expressed in MC-LR-induced malignant transformed L02 cells. However, the expression regulation, role and molecular mechanism of ALX4 during the process of liver cancer induced by MC-LR are still unclear. The expression of ALX4 was detected by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR and Western blot in MC-LR induced malignantly transformed cell and rat models. Methylation status of ALX4 promoter region was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite genomic sequencing. The anti-tumor effects of ALX4 on MC-LR induced liver cancer were identified in vitro and in vivo. ALX4 expression was progressively down-regulated in MC-LR-induced malignantly transformed L02 cells and the MC-LR exposed rat models. ALX4 promoter regions were highly methylated in malignantly transformed cells, while treatment with demethylation agent 5-aza-dC significantly increased ALX4 expression. Functional studies showed that overexpression of ALX4 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, blocks the G1/S phase and promotes the apoptosis. Conversely, knockdown of ALX4 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanism study found that ALX4 exerts its antitumor function through the P53 pathway, C-MYC and MMP9. More importantly, ALX4 expression level showed a negative relation with serum MC-LR levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Our results suggested that ALX4 was inactivated by DNA methylation and played a tumor suppressor function through the P53 pathway in MC-LR induced liver cancer.

Epigenetic inactivation of LHX6 mediated microcystin-LR induced hepatocarcinogenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin and P53 signaling pathways

Microcystins (MCs) have been shown to be carcinogenic by animal and cellular experiments and found to be associated with the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through epidemiological studies. However, the molecular mechanism of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) induced HCC is still unclear. This study is determined to clarify the role and mechanism of LHX6 in MC-LR-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Using the previously established MC-LR-induced malignant transformation model in L02 cells, we screened out LHX6, homeobox gene that was significantly changed. We found that LHX6 was significantly down-regulated in MC-LR treated L02 cells and the liver tissue of rats treated for 35 weeks with 10 μg/kg body weight of MC-LR. Expression of LHX6 in human tumor tissue was significantly down-regulated in high MC-LR-exposure group. LHX6 was hypermethylated in MC-LR treated L02 cells and up-regulated after treatment with 10 μM of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Furthermore, overexpression of LHX6 inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of malignantly transformed L02 cells in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown of LHX6 resulted in an opposite phenotype. In addition, we found that up-regulation of P53 and Bax resulted in apoptosis, and that down-regulation of CTNNB1 and MMP7 led to migration of MC-LR treated L02 cells. Blockade of P53 and CTNNB1 by its inhibitor significantly diminished the effect of LHX6. These genes were working together during the process of MC-LR-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Our study demonstrated for the first time that LHX6 gene expression is regulated by DNA methylation and can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration through Wnt/β-catenin and P53 signaling pathways during the MC-LR-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. This result may suggest that LHX6 gene can be used as a potential target gene and a biomarker for liver cancer treatment.

Author Correction: Identification of TC2N as a novel promising suppressor of PI3K-AKT signaling in breast cancer

After publication of this article, it came to the attention of the authors that their names had been reordered. Professor. Jia Cao and Prof. Jin-yi Liu are the co-corresponding authors, and Prof. Jin-yi Liu should be the last author.

Identification of TC2N as a novel promising suppressor of PI3K-AKT signaling in breast cancer

Although TC2N has proven to be an oncogene in lung cancer, its biological function and molecular mechanisms in other cancer still remains unclear. Here, we investigate in breast cancer that TC2N expression is sharply overexpressed in breast cancer specimens compared with normal breast specimens, and the low TC2N expression was associated with advanced stage, lymphatic metastasis, larger tumors and shorter survival time. Upregulation of TC2N significantly restrains breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, TC2N blocks AKT signaling in a PI3K dependent and independent way through weakening the interaction between ALK and p55γ or inhibiting the binding of EBP1 and AKT. To sum up, these results unmask an ambivalent role of TC2N in cancer, providing a promising inhibitor for PI3K-AKT signaling.

TMEM196 hypermethylation as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung cancer

Emerging evidences have revealed tumor-specific gene methylation is considered to be a promising non-invasive biomarker for many different types of cancers. This study was determined whether TMEM196 gene hypermethylation and downregulation are considered to be promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis in lung cancer. Methylation status was detected with methylation-specific PCR. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the significance of prognosis. TMEM196 gene was hypermethylated in 68.1% (64/94) of lung cancer tissues, 52.8% (67/127) of plasma and 55.2% (79/143) of sputum samples, but unmethylated (0/50) in normal tissues. TMEM196 methylation in plasma and sputum samples was significantly correlated with that in the corresponding paired tumor tissues (r = 0.750, r = 0.880, P < 0.001). TMEM196 aberrant methylation in cancer tissues, plasma and sputum DNA was significantly associated with age and pathological type (P < 0.05). TMEM196 high methylation could robustly distinguish lung cancer patients (AUC = 0.905) from normal subjects and patients with TMEM196 high methylation have a significantly poorer survival than those with low level from The Cancer Genome Atlas (Wilcoxon P < 0.001). Multivariate models showed TMEM196 methylation is an independent prognostic marker in lung cancer. Furthermore, the overall survival of patients with low TMEM196 expression was significantly poorer than that of TMEM196-high patients (P < 0.001, log-rank test). Low TMEM196 expression in tumor tissues was found to predict poorer survival (HR = 3.007; 95%CI, 1.918-4.714). Our study provided new insights into the clinical importance and potential use of TMEM196 methylation and expression as novel early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for human lung cancers.

[Cyto-inactivation instantly induced by microwave ablation on thyroid nodules]

Objective: To explore the effect of microwave ablation on thyroid nodules cell activity by the reaction of key enzyme of cell activation. Methods: From November 2017 to February 2018, 104 patients with 120 thyroid nodules underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation at Super-minimally Invasive Medicals, Shanghai International Medical Center, aged 14-55 years, 42 males and 62 females.Twice core needle biopsy were performed before and after thermal ablation.The specimen were using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and enzyme histochemical staining with include succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d), respectively, and observe under microscope. Results: Enzyme histochemical staining showed that the positive rate of SDH and NADPH-d in the marginal region and transitional region were 100% before ablation, and were 0% immediately after ablation.The positive rate of SDH and NADPH-d histochemical staining in the same area before and immediately after ablation was statistically significant (P<0.05). Shortly after microwave ablation, the tissue structure and cell morphology showed no obvious alteration in HE stained sections, but in sections with enzyme histochemical staining, the activity of SDH and NADPH-d in ablated tissue disappeared.The accuracy rate of pathologic diagnosis was 100% after ablation. Conclusions: SDH and NADPH-d enzyme activity may be better in evaluating the short-term efficacy of microwave ablation of thyroid nodules than HE staining.

A commercial Roundup® formulation induced male germ cell apoptosis by promoting the expression of XAF1 in adult mice

Roundup® is extensively used for weed control worldwide. Residues of this compound may lead to side effects of the male reproductive system. However, the toxic effects and mechanisms of Roundup® of male germ cells remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the apoptosis-inducing effects of Roundup® on mouse male germ cells and explore the role of a novel tumor suppressor XAF1 (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis-associated factor 1) involved in this process. We demonstrated that Roundup® can impair spermatogenesis, decrease sperm motility and concentration, and increase the sperm deformity rate in mice. In addition, excessive apoptosis of germ cells accompanied by the overexpression of XAF1 occurred after Roundup® exposure both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the low expression of XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis) induced by Roundup® was inversely correlated with XAF1. Moreover, the knockdown of XAF1 attenuated germ cell apoptosis, improved XIAP expression and inhibited the activation of its downstream target proteins, caspase-3 and PARP, after Roundup® exposure. Taken together, our data indicated that XAF1 plays an important role in Roundup®-induced male germ cell apoptosis. The present study suggested that Roundup® exposure has potential negative implications on male reproductive health in mammals.

TC2N, a novel oncogene, accelerates tumor progression by suppressing p53 signaling pathway in lung cancer

The protein containing the C2 domain has been well documented for its essential roles in endocytosis, cellular metabolism and cancer. Tac2-N (TC2N) is a tandem C2 domain-containing protein, but its function, including its role in tumorigenesis, remains unknown. Here, we first identified TC2N as a novel oncogene in lung cancer. TC2N was preferentially upregulated in lung cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal lung tissues. High TC2N expression was significantly associated with poor outcome of lung cancer patients. Knockdown of TC2N markedly induces cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest with repressing proliferation in vitro, and suppresses tumorigenicity in vivo, whereas overexpression of TC2N has the opposite effects both in vitro and in vivo. Using a combination of TCGA database and bioinformatics, we demonstrate that TC2N is involved in regulation of the p53 signaling pathway. Mechanistically, TC2N attenuates p53 signaling pathway through inhibiting Cdk5-induced phosphorylation of p53 via inducing Cdk5 degradation or disrupting the interaction between Cdk5 and p53. Moreover, the blockade of p53 attenuates the function of TC2N knockdown in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, downregulated TC2N is involved in the apoptosis of lung cancer cells induced by doxorubicin, leading to p53 pathway activation. Overall, these findings uncover a role for the p53 inactivator TC2N in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells. Our present study provides novel insights into the mechanism of tumorigenesis in lung cancer.

Gene expression network regulated by DNA methylation and microRNA during microcystin-leucine arginine induced malignant transformation in human hepatocyte L02 cells

Microcystin (MC) is a cyclic heptapeptide compound which could lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the underlying epigenetic regulation mechanism is largely unknown. In this study, microcystin-LR (L: lysine, R: arginine, MC-LR) was used to induce the malignant transformation of human hepatocyte L02 cell line. The profile of gene expression, microRNA (miRNA) and DNA methylation were detected through high-throughput sequencing. Compared with control group, the expression of 826 genes and 187 miRNAs changed significantly in MC-LR treated group. DNA methylation sequencing analysis showed that 2592 CpG sites differentially methylated in promoter or the coding DNA sequence (CDS) of genes, while DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3a) and DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3b) were dramatically up-regulated. Functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that significantly changed mRNAs and microRNAs were mainly involved in the formation of cancer, proliferation, invasion, migration and metabolism. MiRNA-mRNA network and mRNA-mRNA network analysis showed that hsa-miR-320a, hsa-miR-331-3p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-196a-5p, hsa-miR-221-3p, coiled-coil domain containing 180 (CCDC180), melanoma antigen gene family member D1 (MAGED1), membrane spanning 4-domains A7 (MS4A7), hephaestin like 1 (HEPHL1), BH3 (Bcl-2 homology 3)-like motif containing, cell death inducer (BLID), matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13), guanylate binding protein 5 (GBP5), adipogenesis regulatory factor (ADIRF), formin homology 2 domain containing 1 (FHDC1), protein kinase CAMP-dependent type II regulatory subunit beta (PRKAR2B), nodium leak channel, non-selective (NALCN), myosin light chain kinase 3 (MYLK3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and zinc finger protein 704 (ZNF704) were key miRNAs and genes in the malignant transformation induced by MC-LR in L02 cells. Moreover, we found that expression of MYLK3, EGFR and ZNF704 were regulated by DNA methylation and miRNAs, and these genes affected the cell cycle and cell division. Our study suggested that characteristic gene alterations regulated by DNA methylation and miRNA could play an important role in environmental MC-LR induced hepatic carcinogenesis.

[Effect of cetylpyridinium chloride Buccal Tablets on perioperative application of OSAHS patients]

Objective:To investigate the effect of Cetylpyridinium Chloride Buccal Tablets on perioperative application of OSAHS patients.Method:Sixty patients of OSAHS were randomly divided into treatment group and control group according to the ratio of 1:1, using randomized single-blind controlled trial. The treatment group was treated with Cetylpyridinium Chloride Buccal Tablets in perioperative period and the control group was not. All patients accepted UPPP. Pharyngeal pain, pharyngeal edema, levels of IL-1, IL-8 and TNF-α in saliva were analyzed on the first day, third day and fifth day after surgery.Result:Compared with control group, the pharyngeal pain of treatment group was slighter on the third day and fifth day (P< 0.05). The levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in saliva were lower on the third day and fifth day (P< 0.05).Conclusion:Applying Cetylpyridinium Chloride Buccal Tablets during perioperative period can effectively relieve postoperative pharyngeal pain and inflammatory response in patients with OSAHS.

Placenta percreta with colon involvement in a twin pregnancy: case report and literature review

A case of a woman with twin pregnancy having placenta percreta involving the colon, showed hematochezia symptoms, experienced bleeding which caused the patient's mortality. Placenta percreta with bowel involvement is a very serious complication of pregnancy. Symptoms are very atypical and it is very difficult to diagnose.

Invasive pulmonary fungal infections in patients with connective tissue disease: a retrospective study from northern China

Invasive pulmonary fungal infection (IPFI) is a potentially fatal complication in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). The current study aimed to uncover the clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with IPFI-CTD. The files of 2186 CTD patients admitted to a single center in northern China between January 2011 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 47 CTD patients with IPFI were enrolled into this study and assigned to the CTD-IPFI group, while 47 uninfected CTD patients were assigned to the control group. Clinical manifestations were recorded, and risk factors of IPFI were calculated by stepwise logistical regression analysis. Forty-seven (2.15%) CTD patients developed IPFI. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients were responsible for the highest proportion (36.17%) of cases with IPFI. Candida albicans (72.3%) accounted for the most common fungal species. CTD-IPFI patients had significantly elevated white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and fasting glucose values compared to controls (P<0.05). Cough, sputum and blood in phlegm were the most common symptoms. Risk factors of IPFI in CTD included maximum prednisone dose ≥30 mg/day within 3 months prior to infection, anti-microbial drug therapy, and interstitial pneumonia. CTD patients who have underlying interstitial pneumonia, prior prednisone or multiple antibiotics, were more likely to develop IPFI.

Low-dose and combined effects of oral exposure to bisphenol A and diethylstilbestrol on the male reproductive system in adult Sprague-Dawley rats

Study of the joint action of xenobiotics is important to fully explore their toxicity and complete risk analysis. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-dose and combined exposure of bisphenol A (BPA) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the reproductive system in adult male rats. The results showed that the sperm motility decreased in the BPA/DES and combined groups. Sperm deformity ratios and histological lesions of the testes were significantly higher and more significant, respectively, in the combined group compared with the single treated groups. No dose-effect relationship or significant additive effect on serum hormone levels was observed after combined exposure to BPA/DES. Ultrastructural results showed lesions of the Sertoli and Leydig cells, mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in all treated groups. ER stress molecular sensor IRE1 was phosphorylated and activated after BPA and DES treatment in this study. The protein levels of ES stress molecular marker CHOP were significantly up-regulated after exposure to BPA, DES, and BPA and DES combined. These findings indicate that ER stress is important in BPA/DES-induced damage in rat testes. Low-dose and combined exposure to BPA and DES may have toxic effects on male fertility in the adult population.

Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy due to giant uterine fibroids: a case report

The laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (LSH) was given to a patient whose uterus was about seven-month pregnanacy because of fibroids. The biggest problem was the operation space and visual field was too narrow. Different from the usual procedure we do, we morcellated the uterus at the beginning to expand the space. Loop ligature of the uterine isthmus was adopted to block uterine ateries before morcellating the uterus. After the adnexa exposed totally, we started to cut off the round ligaments, proper ligaments and fallopian tubes like usual. It was the first time we did LSH for so giant uterus in our hospital, although which was usually suitable for the uterus smaller than four-month pregnancy. But if the uterine ateries can be blocked effectively at the beginning, the uterus can be morcellated and the space will be enlarged. The laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy will also be completed successfully.

Genome-wide survey and phylogenetic analysis on subunit sequences of eukaryotic DNA polymerase delta

DNA polymerase d is not only the major replicative enzyme in eukaryotic chromosomal DNA synthesis but is also the primary polymerase for most DNA repair pathways. However, the subunit composition of polymerase d varies in different organisms. While polymerase d in many eukaryotic species has all 4 subunits (POLD1, 2, 3, and 4), many other organisms do not possess POLD4. Whether POLD4 is indispensable and why these differences exist are unknown. In the present study, we identified the POLD4 protein sequences of 218 eukaryotic species and determined the POLD1, 2, and 3 protein sequences of 55 species representing various taxonomic groups. No insect and nematode species examined possessed POLD4. Approximately 80% of protozoan species did not contain POLD4. Nearly 50% of fungal species did not contain POLD4. Other animal and plant species are expected to contain POLD4. Phylogenetic analyses of POLD1, 2, 3, and 4 sequences revealed that most animal and plant species inherited DNA polymerase d from protozoa, whereas some other animal and plant species may have inherited polymerase d directly from fungi. Because a large number of protozoan and fungal species do not possess POLD4, current insect and nematode species lacking POLD4 may have evolved from ancestor protozoan species lacking POLD4; thus, other protozoan and animal species lacking POLD4 may share a similar evolutionary history. Future studies should examine the origin and indispensability of POLD4 in various organisms.

Epigenetic regulation of ANKRD18B in lung cancer

The identification of the key genetic and epigenetic changes underlying lung carcinogenesis would aid effective early diagnosis and targeted therapies for lung cancer. In this study, we screened a novel hypermethylated gene ankyrin repeat domain 18B (ANKRD18B), to determine whether it is regulated by DNA methylation and clarify its biological and clinical implications in lung cancer. Methylation status and expression level were analyzed by methylation-specific PCR, bisulfite genomic sequencing, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We detected ANKRD18B hypermethylation in 52 of 98 (53.1%) primary lung cancer tissues and in nine of 10 (90%) cell lines, whereas no methylation was seen in 10 normal lung tissue samples. ANKRD18B methylation was more frequently observed in patients with poor differentiation (P < 0.05). Notably, 62 pairs of samples from patients whose tumor tissue showed hypermethylation of ANKRD18B exhibited the same aberrant methylation in 72.7% and 69.7% of their corresponding plasma and sputum samples, respectively; whereas no hypermethylation of ANKRD18B was detected in the sputum and plasma from patients whose tumor sample lacked this alteration. In addition, ANKRD18B mRNA expression was significantly decreased or silenced in lung cancer tissues and cell lines associated with hypermethylation of the ANKRD18B region. Demethylation agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine significantly increased ANKRD18B mRNA expression in lung cancer cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of ANKRD18B suppressed lung cancer cell growth. These results suggest that the expression of ANKRD18B is regulated by CpG island hypermethylation in lung cancer. Our findings confirm the importance of the identification of new markers of epigenetic dysregulation in cancer.

Epigenetic silencing of Aristaless-like homeobox-4, a potential tumor suppressor gene associated with lung cancer

Using genome-wide methylation screening, we found Aristaless-like homeobox-4 (ALX4) preferentially methylated in lung cancer. ALX4 is a putative transcription factor that belongs to the family of paired-class homeoproteins involved in epithelial development. However, the role of ALX4 in tumorigenesis remains largely unclear. Here, we analyzed its epigenetic regulation, biological functions and related molecular mechanisms in lung cancer. CpG island methylation and expression of ALX4 were evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), bisulfite genomic sequencing, reverse-transcription PCR and Western blotting. ALX4 functions were determined by cell viability, colony formation, flow cytometry and in vivo tumorigenicity assays. ALX4 hypermethylation was detected in 55% (54/98) of primary lung cancers compared to none (0/20) of the normal lung tissue samples tested (p < 0.01). ALX4 was readily expressed in normal lung tissues with an unmethylated status, but downregulated or silenced in 90% (9/10) of lung cancer cell lines with a hypermethylation status. Demethylation experiments further confirmed that loss of ALX4 expression was regulated by CpG island hypermethylation. Re-expression of ALX4 in lung cancer cell lines suppressed cell viability, colony formation and migration, whereas it induced apoptosis and G1/S arrest and restrained the tumorigenicity in nude mice. These effects were associated with upregulation of proapoptotic proteins caspase-7, -8 and -9, and downregulation of Bcl-2. On the other hand, knockdown of ALX4 expression by siRNA increased cell viability and proliferation, whereas it inhibited apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, our results suggest that ALX4 is a novel putative tumor suppressor with epigenetic silencing in lung carcinogenesis.

Comparative study of pelvic floor biofeedback training and tolterodine for treatment of detrusor after-contraction in posturination dribbling in children

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of detrusor after-contraction (DA-C) in children with posturination dribbling, and compare the outcomes of pharmacological treatment and pelvic floor biofeedback training.

METHODS

Children with posturination dribbling underwent urodynamic studies. Patients with DA-C were randomly allocated to one of two groups: pelvic floor biofeedback training or 1 mg tolterodine, orally, twice daily. Treatment was continued for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The study included 45 children. DA-C was present in 39 patients (86.6%), 30 (76.9%) of whom also exhibited detrusor overactivity. Pelvic floor biofeedback training resulted in a significantly better response than tolterodine, in terms of reduction in the number of posturination dribbling events in the month after completion of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

DA-C is closely associated with posturination dribbling in children. Pelvic floor biofeedback training should be considered the initial treatment option in these patients.

ANKRD18A as a novel epigenetic regulation gene in lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Effective early diagnosis and targeted therapies for lung cancer to reduce incidence and mortality would benefit from a better understanding of the key molecular changes that occur from normal to malignant tumor cells during lung cancer initiation and development, but these are largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that DNA methylation, an important mechanism for the regulation of gene expression, plays a key role in lung carcinogenesis. In this study, we screened a novel methylation gene, ANKRD18A, encoding ankyrin repeat domain 18A, to determine whether it is regulated by DNA methylation in lung cancer. Methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR were used to analyze gene methylation status, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) examined mRNA levels. Promoter hypermethylation of ANKRD18A was detected in 68.4% (26/38) of lung cancer tissues but not (0/20) in normal lung tissues (P<0.01), whereas ANKRD18A mRNA expression was significantly decreased in lung cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. In addition, we found that ANKRD18A expression was significantly decreased in 9 of 10 lung cancer cell lines. This was associated with hypermethylation of the ANKRD18A promoter region. Moreover, weak expression of ANKRD18A in methylated lung cancer cell lines increased markedly after treatment with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. These results suggest that ANKRD18A hypermethylation and consequent mRNA alterations might be a vital molecular mechanism in lung cancer.

Genetic differentiation of chinese indigenous meat goats ascertained using microsatellite information

To investigate the genetic diversity of seven Chinese indigenous meat goat breeds (Tibet goat, Guizhou white goat, Shannan white goat, Yichang white goat, Matou goat, Changjiangsanjiaozhou white goat and Anhui white goat), explain their genetic relationship and assess their integrity and degree of admixture, 302 individuals from these breeds and 42 Boer goats introduced from Africa as reference samples were genotyped for 11 microsatellite markers. Results indicated that the genetic diversity of Chinese indigenous meat goats was rich. The mean heterozygosity and the mean allelic richness (AR) for the 8 goat breeds varied from 0.697 to 0.738 and 6.21 to 7.35, respectively. Structure analysis showed that Tibet goat breed was genetically distinct and was the first to separate and the other Chinese goats were then divided into two sub-clusters: Shannan white goat and Yichang white goat in one cluster; and Guizhou white goat, Matou goat, Changjiangsanjiaozhou white goat and Anhui white goat in the other cluster. This grouping pattern was further supported by clustering analysis and Principal component analysis. These results may provide a scientific basis for the characteristization, conservation and utilization of Chinese meat goats.

Predictive potential of microsatellite markers on heterosis of fecundity in crossbred sheep

Small Tail Han (STH) sheep is a famous Chinese local breed and has perfect prolificacy performance, but it is inferior to imported mutton sheep breeds on meat production. In this study, six imported male sheep populations (White Suffolk, Black Suffolk, Texel, Dorper, South African Mutton Merino and East Friesian) were crossbred with STH female sheep respectively. The heterosis values of litter size, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of crossbred sheep were analyzed for seeking the optimal cross. Meanwhile 28 microsatellite markers were used to measure the genetic distance between imported populations and STH population. Regression between the genetic distance and heterosis was analyzed for evaluating potential of microsatellite on predicting heterosis. Results showed a significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.892, P < 0.05) between heterosis of litter size and genetic distance D (A) of six crosses. This implied that these microsatellite markers had moderate potential to forecast heterosis of litter size in sheep. Results of this study also indicated that South African Mutton Merino and East Friesian sheep would be the optimal sire breeds for the litter size and might bring the greatest economic benefit in six imported populations; Suffolk sheep could be prior consideration as sire breeds when breeding objective focused on ADG. Finally these results provided valuable information for Chinese sheep industry.

Individualized Management of Hepatic Diseases in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Liver involvement in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) has not been fully characterized in China. The clinical manifestations, imaging studies, results of treatment in six patients and symptomatic liver involvement were analyzed. Patients included three women and three men with age from 35 to 62 years old. Two patients presented with shortness of breath, one patient with anemia and splenomegaly, and one with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding; the remaining two were asymptomatic. CT and CT angiography (CTA) showed arterioportal and arteriovenous shunting in liver. CTA showed at least one enlarged hepatic artery in all patients. One patient received ligation of the enlarged arteries with subsequent disappearance of symptoms at 56-month follow-up. The patient with gastrointestinal bleeding received interventional embolotherapy and resolved; interventional therapy to embolize the enlarged hepatic arteries was unsuccessful in another patient and the patient died of heart failure and liver dysfunction 38 months later. The patient with splenomegaly received a splenectomy and bandage of an enlarged hepatic artery. One of the two patients with no symptoms died of liver dysfunction 41 months after diagnosis. The other showed abnormal liver function and ascites, and traditional Chinese medicinal herb was used with no effect 21 months later. The symptoms disappeared after systemic medical treatment. Individualized and active therapy is advantageous and proper for patients with HHT.

Individualized management of hepatic diseases in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Liver involvement in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) has not been fully characterized in China. The clinical manifestations, imaging studies, results of treatment in six patients and symptomatic liver involvement were analyzed. Patients included three women and three men with age from 35 to 62 years old. Two patients presented with shortness of breath, one patient with anemia and splenomegaly, and one with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding; the remaining two were asymptomatic. CT and CT angiography (CTA) showed arterioportal and arteriovenous shunting in liver. CTA showed at least one enlarged hepatic artery in all patients. One patient received ligation of the enlarged arteries with subsequent disappearance of symptoms at 56-month follow-up. The patient with gastrointestinal bleeding received interventional embolotherapy and resolved; interventional therapy to embolize the enlarged hepatic arteries was unsuccessful in another patient and the patient died of heart failure and liver dysfunction 38 months later. The patient with splenomegaly received a splenectomy and bandage of an enlarged hepatic artery. One of the two patients with no symptoms died of liver dysfunction 41 months after diagnosis. The other showed abnormal liver function and ascites, and traditional Chinese medicinal herb was used with no effect 21 months later. The symptoms disappeared after systemic medical treatment. Individualized and active therapy is advantageous and proper for patients with HHT.

First Report of Alternaria Leaf Blight on Bupleurum chinense Caused by Alternaria alternata in China

Bupleurum chinense DC. (family Umbelliferae) is an important medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine and is cultivated as an economically important plant in China (2). From 2006 to 2009, severe foliar disease was observed on B. chinense in Haidian, Changping, and Shunyi districts, Beijing, China. Approximately 75 to 85% of fields were affected with disease incidence ranging from 65 to 90%. Distribution of the disease in affected B. chinense fields was generally associated with high soil moisture, often corresponding to poor drainage. Initial symptoms first appeared on older leaves as irregularly shaped, minute, dark brown-to-black spots, with yellow borders on the edge of the affected leaflet blade. As the disease progressed, the lesions expanded, causing the leaflets to turn brown, shrivel, and die. Isolations performed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) initially resulted in white colonies. After 7 days of incubation at 25°C, the colonies turned gray or brown. Conidia varied in size from 10 × 6 to 40 × 12 μm, appeared brown to dark brown or olive-brown, were short beaked and borne in long chains, oval and bean-shaped with one to six transverse septa and zero to three longitudinal septa. Sequences of the rDNA from the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 and the 5.8S gene were amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4, were obtained from three isolates, and comparisons with GenBank showed 100% similarity with A. alternata (Genbank Accession No. AB470912.1). For pathogenicity tests, three isolates were grown on PDA for 14 days. Inoculations were performed on detached, surface-sterilized, and healthy B. chinense leaflets following the method of Belisario (1). A 5-μl drop of conidial suspension containing 1 × 10⁵ CFU/ml was placed on each leaflet and 12 leaves per isolate were used. Leaves were incubated in a growth chamber (80 to 90% relative humidity; 50 to 60 klx/m² light intensity with a 12-h photoperiod). After 5 days, leaf spots similar to the original symptoms developed on all inoculated leaves and A. alternata was consistently reisolated from symptomatic leaf tissues on PDA. Control leaflets inoculated with sterile water remained asymptomatic. The experiment was performed three times. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata on B. chinense from China. References: (1) A. Belisario et al. Plant Dis. 83:696, 1999. (2) C. Sui et al. Plant Dis. 93:844, 2009.

DNA polymorphism of 5' flanking region of prolactin gene and its association with litter size in sheep

A single nucleotide polymorphism of 5' flanking region of the prolactin gene was investigated in both high prolificacy breeds (Small Tail Han and Hu sheep) and low prolificacy breeds (Dorset and Suffolk sheep) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The results indicated that two genotypes (AA and AB) were detected in Small Tail Han sheep (n = 239), only one genotype (AA) was detected in Hu (n = 40), Dorset (n = 50) and Suffolk sheep (n = 39). The mutant homozygous genotype (BB) was not detected in four sheep breeds. In Small Tail Han sheep (n = 239), the frequency of genotypes AA and AB was 0.91 and 0.09, the frequency of the A and B alleles was 0.95 and 0.05, respectively. The fitness tests showed that the Small Tail Han sheep population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Sequencing revealed a mutation (G-->T) at the position 63 bp of the 5' flanking region of prolactin gene in AB genotype compared with AA genotype in Small Tail Han sheep. The Small Tail Han ewes with AB genotype had 0.83 (p < 0.05) lambs more than those with AA genotype. These results preliminarily showed that the prolactin locus is either a major gene that influences the high prolificacy in Small Tail Han sheep or is in close linkage with such a gene.

Modeling of organic pollutant destruction in a stirred-tank reactor by ozonation

Destruction of organic contaminants in water by ozonation is a gas-liquid process which involves ozone mass transfer and fast irreversible chemical reactions. Ozonation reactor design and process optimizing require the modeling of the gas-liquid interactions within the reactor. In this paper a theoretical model combining the fluid dynamic and reaction kinetic parameters is proposed for predicting the destruction rates of organic pollutants in a semi-batch stirred-tank reactor by ozonation. A simple expression for the enhancement factor as our previous work has been applied to evaluate the chemical mass transfer coefficient in ozone absorption, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 2,6-DCP or their mixture are chosen as the model compounds for simulating, and the predicted DCP concentrations are compared with some measured data.

Activation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase by a glutamate- and magnesium-sensitive protein phosphatase in the islet beta-cell

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) catalyzes the formation of malonyl-CoA, a precursor in the biosynthesis of long-chain fatty acids, which have been implicated in physiological insulin secretion. The catalytic function of ACC is regulated by phosphorylation (inactive)-dephosphorylation (active). In this study we investigated whether similar regulatory mechanisms exist for ACC in the pancreatic islet beta-cell. ACC was quantitated in normal rat islets, human islets, and clonal beta-cells (HIT-15 or INS-1) using a [(14)C]bicarbonate fixation assay. In the beta-cell lysates, ACC was stimulated by magnesium in a concentration-dependent manner. Of all the dicarboxylic acids tested, only glutamate, albeit ineffective by itself, significantly potentiated magnesium-activated ACC in a concentration-dependent manner. ACC stimulation by glutamate and magnesium was maximally demonstrable in the cytosolic fraction; it was markedly reduced by okadaic acid (OKA) in concentrations (<50 nmol/l) that inhibited protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Furthermore, pretreatment of the cytosolic fraction with anti-PP2A serum attenuated the glutamate- and magnesium-mediated activation of ACC, thereby suggesting that ACC may be regulated by an OKA-sensitive PP2A-like enzyme. Streptavidin-agarose chromatography studies have indicated that glutamate- and magnesium-mediated effects on ACC are attributable to activation of ACC's dephosphorylation; this suggests that the stimulatory effects of glutamate and magnesium on ACC might involve activation of an OKA-sensitive PP2A-like enzyme that dephosphorylates and activates ACC. In our study, 5-amino-imidazolecarboxamide (AICA) riboside, a stimulator of AMP kinase, significantly inhibited glucose-mediated activation of ACC and insulin secretion from isolated beta-cells. Together, our data provide evidence for a unique regulatory mechanism for the activation of ACC in the pancreatic beta-cell, leading to the generation of physiological signals that may be relevant for physiological insulin secretion.

Hrs interacts with sorting nexin 1 and regulates degradation of epidermal growth factor receptor

Hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs) is a mammalian homologue of yeast vacuolar protein sorting (Vps) protein Vps27p; however, the role of Hrs in lysosomal trafficking is unclear. Here, we report that Hrs interacts with sorting nexin 1 (SNX1), a recently identified mammalian homologue of yeast Vps5p that recognizes the lysosomal targeting code of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and participates in lysosomal trafficking of the receptor. Biochemical analyses demonstrate that Hrs and SNX1 are ubiquitous proteins that exist in both cytosolic and membrane-associated pools, and that the association of Hrs and SNX occurs on cellular membranes but not in the cytosol. Furthermore, endogenous SNX1 and Hrs form a approximately 550-kDa complex that excludes EGFR. Immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation studies show that Hrs and SNX1 colocalize on early endosomes. By using deletion analysis, we have mapped the binding domains of Hrs and SNX1 that mediate their association. Overexpression of Hrs or its SNX1-binding domain inhibits ligand-induced degradation of EGFR, but does not affect either constitutive or ligand-induced receptor-mediated endocytosis. These results suggest that Hrs may regulate lysosomal trafficking through its interaction with SNX1.

The electrogenerated chemiluminescent behavior of hemin and its catalytic activity for the electrogenerated chemiluminescence of lucigenin

The electrogenerated chemiluminescent (ECL) behavior of hemin at a platinum electrode in the alkaline solution has been investigated in detail. Under the optimum conditions the linear response range of hemin is 1.0 x 10(-5)-1.0 x 10(-8) g ml(-1), the detection limit was 1.0 x 10(-8) g ml(-1), and the relative standard derivation for 1 x 10(-7) g ml(-1) hemin was 2.8%. It has been also found that hemin would catalyze the ECL of lucigenin at a platinum electrode in a neutral solution in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, the catalytic ECL intensity was linear with the concentration of hemin in the range of 1.0 x 10(-14)-1.0 x 10(-10) g ml(-1). IgG labeled with hemin was used to examine the ECL catalytic activity of hemin after conjugating to protein, and the results showed that hemin retained ECL catalytic activity when conjugated to protein.

Adsorptive and electrochemical behaviors of estradiol valerate at a mercury electrode

It was found that estradiol valerate could be adsorbed at a mercury electrode under open circuit. The adsorptive and electrochemical behaviors of estradiol valerate on a static mercury electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, linear scan voltammetry and chronocoulometry. Based on this, a sensitive and selective adsorptive stripping square-wave voltammetric method was developed for the determination of estradiol valerate based on the optimization of solution conditions and electrochemical parameters. It was found that in a Britton-Robinson buffer solution containing 18% alcohol (pH 9.5), estradiol valerate gave a sensitive reductive peak at potential -1.29 V (vs. SCE) and the peak current was linear with the concentration of estradiol valerate in the range 2.0 x 10(-8)-2.5 x 10(-6) mol L-1. The detection limit was 1.1 x 10(-8) mol L-1. The interference of some common steroid estrogens was examined and it was found that they did not interfere in the determination of estradiol valerate in the present system.

Characterization and cytokine stimulating activities of heteroglycans from Tremella fuciformis

Three heteroglycans, T1a, T1b, and T1c, have been isolated from the body of Tremella fuciformis Berk. They are composed of mannose (Man), xylose (Xyl), glucose (Glc), fucose (Fuc), and glucuronic acid (GlcA). According to methylation analysis and partial acidic hydrolysis the main chains of T1a, T1b, and T1c consisted of (1-->3)-linked Man, which was branched at the 2, 4, or 6 positions. The branching points were linked with nonreducing terminal GIcA-residues or (1-->6)-linked glucan-chains. Molecular weights of the three heteroglycans are 53,000, 18,000, and 12,000 D respectively, but they undergo self-aggregation in water. T1a-T1c induce human monocytes to produce interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in vitro. Acidic hydrolysate fractions of T1a (T1a-1, 2, 3, 4, 5) with molecular weight from 53,000 to 1,000 D, also induce human monocytes to produce IL-6 as efficient as T1a.

Osmoregulatory alterations in myo-inositol uptake by bovine lens epithelial cells. Part 4: Induction pattern of Na(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter mRNA under hypertonic conditions denoting an early-onset, interactive, protective mechanism against water stress

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of hypertonicity on the induction of the Na(+)-myo-inositol (Na(+)-MI) cotransporter(s) in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs).

METHODS

Na(+)-MI cotransporter 626-bp reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction product amplified from lens cell RNA and aldose reductase (AR) cDNA probes were used to measure respective mRNA content by Northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

Northern blot analysis of BLEC mRNA hybridized to Na(+)-MI cotransporter cDNA showed that Na(+)-MI cotransporter mRNA increased when secondary cultures of BLECs were exposed to physiological medium supplemented with 116 mmol/l NaCl. A time course further revealed a maximal increase in Na(+)-MI cotransporter mRNA by 8 hours. Thereafter, the level of Na(+)-MI cotransporter mRNA steadily declined for the duration of the 72-hour incubation period despite continuous exposure of BLECs to hypertonicity. AR mRNA levels maximally increased by 24 h of cell exposure to hypertonic condition. Unlike Na(+)-MI cotransporter mRNA, AR mRNA remained elevated throughout the duration of the experiment. Hypertonic exposure resulted in a steady state accumulation of myo-inositol and sorbitol for 6 days. Inhibition of sorbitol formation prompted the intracellular myo-inositol content to a higher level.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that enhanced MI transport and accumulation, as an adaptive osmoregulatory response to hypertonicity in cultured BLECs, is a primary, early-onset, protective mechanism against water stress, succeeded by, enhanced sorbitol formation and accumulation, a secondary, late-onset protective mechanism. The lens appears to respond to the preliminary stages of hyperosmotic stress by induction of Na(+)-MI cotransporter mRNA, indicating that the myo-inositol carrier protein(s) play an initial responsive role in the management of osmotic stress. Lens water stress management is interactive because myo-inositol and sorbitol levels are regulated in concert.

Osmoregulatory alterations in myo-inositol uptake by bovine lens epithelial cells. III. Effects of cycloheximide and colchicine on Na(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter activity under hypertonic conditions, inhibition of a plasma membrane osmotic stress protein

Cultured bovine lens epithelial cells adapt to hypertonic sodium stress via an increase in Na(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter activity and accumulate myo-inositol. At least 12 hr of hypertonic exposure was necessary to enhance myo-inositol accumulation; and thereafter, uptake activity continued to increase throughout the duration of a 72-hr exposure period. Switching from hypertonic to isotonic medium for 24 hr reversed the otherwise elevated accumulation activity. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, did not affect myo-inositol uptake in isotonic medium but markedly decreased myo-inositol uptake in hypertonic medium. Cells exposed to hypertonic conditions and the microtubule disrupter, colchicine, similarly showed marked impairment of the otherwise enhanced myo-inositol uptake. These studies indicated that hypertonicity-induced elevation of Na(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter activity in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells is not solely attributed to the increased sodium gradient alone, but rather involves increased de novo synthesis of the Na(+)-myo-inositol cotransporter protein(s).

Osmoregulatory alterations in myo-inositol uptake by bovine lens epithelial cells. Part 1: A hypertonicity-induced protein enhances myo-inositol transport

PURPOSE

The nature of the association between attenuated myo-inositol-concentrating capability, intracellular polyol accumulation, and hypertonicity-enhanced myo-inositol uptake was investigated in cultured bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs) exposed to high ambient galactose.

METHODS

The kinetic characteristics of myo-inositol accumulation based on the measurement of in vitro myo-[3H]inositol (3H-MI) uptake was determined with cultured BLECs incubated in either high ambient galactose or galactose-free, physiological medium under experimental conditions that included both aldose reductase inhibition and elevation of extracellular osmotonicity.

RESULTS

The uptake of 3H-MI was lowered after chronic (20 hour) preincubation of cultured BLECs in 40 mmol/l galactose (i.e., conditions that would favor galactitol synthesis) compared with control cells in galactose-free, physiological medium. Acute exposure (3 hours) of cultured BLECs to a range of 10 to 40 mmol/l galactitol or 5.5 to 44 mmol/l galactose plus the aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI), sorbinil, established by Dixon plot that galactitol, but not galactose, inhibited both the high- and the low-affinity MI transport sites. MI uptake was markedly stimulated in cultured BLECs exposed to galactose-free, hyperosmotic medium by the addition of extracellular raffinose, mannitol, or sorbitol for 20 hours. The enhanced uptake involved increase in the maximal velocity without significant change in Km of both the high- and low-affinity MI transport sites, as indicated by Lineweaver-Burk analysis. However, a similar coadministration of 150 mmol/l sorbitol to the 40 mmol/l galactose (Gal) medium significantly increased, but failed to normalize, the MI uptake relative to that observed with galactose-free, physiological medium. The combined administration of 150 mmol/l sorbitol and the ARI, zopolrestat, to Gal significantly exceeded the MI uptake observed with physiological medium. Exposure of BLECs to cycloheximide for 20 hours did not affect MI uptake in cells maintained in 40 mmol/l galactose but inhibited the otherwise enhanced MI uptake in cells maintained in Gal plus 150 mmol/l sorbitol and zopolrestat in the omission versus the inclusion of cycloheximide.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that bovine lens epithelial cells respond to hypertonic stress by elevating myo-inositol transport activity. The increase in MI uptake is due to an increase in the number (or, possibly, a change in the transporter turnover rate) of high- and low-affinity, sodium-dependent MI transporters expressed as a result of the osmotic shock stemming from exposure to hypertonic medium.