Bibliometric Analyses of the Research Trends of Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The study was aimed at systematically analyzing the research status and trends of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using bibliometrics. METHODS: We retrieved documents published between 1975 and 2022 from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database, and manually selected them for bibliometric analyses of country, institution, journal, highly locally cited documents and research trends based on co-citation clustering and keywords using the R Bibliometricx package and CiteSpace software. RESULTS: A total of 5,703 publications were included. Although the number of annual publications on POP increased, the trend of annual publication reached an obvious plateau in the first half of the 2010s. The USA, China, the UK, the University of Michigan, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Sydney were the top three countries and institutions with the most publications respectively. International Urogynecology Journal, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology were the journals with the most extensive academic influence on the field of POP research. The international cooperation was lacking and the highly cited documents focused on high-level, evidence-based studies. Epidemiological studies and surgical treatment have achieved a plateau or decline. Recent studies have focused on conservative treatment, physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgery. In addition to evidence-based medicine studies, tissue engineering is the future direction of POP. CONCLUSIONS: This study used bibliometric analyses to provide insights into the status and potential research directions of POP. More high-quality, evidence-based medicine studies and in-depth tissue engineering research should be propelled forward.

LncRNA TRPM2-AS promotes endometrial carcinoma progression and angiogenesis via targeting miR-497-5p/SPP1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Anti-angiogenic therapy has become one of the effective treatment methods for tumors. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in EC. However, the underlying mechanisms of lncRNA TRPM2-AS in EC are still not clear. METHODS: We screened the differently expressed lncRNAs that were highly associated with poor prognosis and angiogenesis of EC by bioinformatics analysis, and constructed a ceRNA network based on the prognostic lncRNAs. The subcellular localization of TRPM2-AS was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and nuclear cytoplasmic fractionation assay. CCK-8, EdU, transwell, western blot, qRT-PCR and endothelial tube formation assay were used to evaluate the effects of TRPM2-AS on the proliferation, invasion, migration of EC cells and angiogenesis. The targeted microRNA (miRNA) of TRPM2-AS was predicted by bioinformatic methods. The interaction between TRPM2-AS and miR497-5p, miR497-5p and SPP1 were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assay. A subcutaneous tumor model was used to explore TRPM2-AS's function in vivo. CIBERSORT was used to analyze the correlation between TRPM2-AS and immune cell immersion in EC. RESULTS: We found that the expression of TRPM2-AS and SPP1 was aberrantly upregulated, while miR-497-5p expression was significantly downregulated in EC tissues and cells. TRPM2-AS was closely correlated with the angiogenesis and poor prognosis in EC patients. Mechanistically, TRPM2-AS could sponge miR-497-5p to release SPP1, thus promoting the proliferation, invasion and migration of EC cells and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Knockdown of TRPM2-AS in xenograft mouse model inhibited tumor proliferation and angiogenesis in vivo. In addition, TRPM2-AS plays a vital role in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment of EC, overexpression of TRPM2-AS in EC cells stimulated the polarization of M2 macrophages and angiogenesis through secreting SPP1 enriched exosomes. CONCLUSION: The depletion of TRPM2-AS inhibits the oncogenicity of EC by targeting the miR-497-5p/SPP1 axis. This study offers a better understanding of TRPM2-AS's role in regulating angiogenesis and provides a novel target for EC treatment.

Extracellular vesicle-mediated delivery of miR-127-3p inhibits the proliferation and invasion of choriocarcinoma cells by targeting ITGA6.

BACKGROUND: Choriocarcinoma (CC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor that mostly occurs in women of childbearing age. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for CC, but it has side effects and causes drug resistance, which can lead to treatment failure. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) that deliver microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a novel and promising therapeutic tool for inhibiting tumor progression and metastasis. This research aimed to study the effects of miR-127-3p-enriched EVs (EV-miR-127-3p) on CC and underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were performed to determine the miR-127-3p and integrin subunit alpha-6 (ITGA6) expression levels. The interaction between miR-127-3p and ITGA6 was confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) were identified using flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation. Uptake of labeled EVs was demonstrated using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry assays. EV-miR-127-3p were isolated from the culture medium of hUCMSCs and co-cultured with JEG-3 or JAR cells to evaluate their effects on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, using the cell counting kit-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1/Smad pathway were investigated using qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: The expression of miR-127-3p was downregulated, while that of ITGA6 was upregulated in CC cell lines. ITGA6 was identified as a target gene of miR-127-3p. EV-miR-127-3p could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration, and promote the apoptosis of CC cells. We observed that EV-miR-127-3p suppressed EMT of CC cells by targeting ITGA6. In addition, the knockdown of ITGA6 inhibited the TGF-ß1/Smad pathway and reversed the EMT-promoting effect. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that EV-miR-127-3p from hUCMSCs exhibits anti-tumor effects by targeting ITGA6, which may be used as a novel therapeutic strategy for CC treatment.

Six-year follow-up outcomes of the P(LLA-CL)/Fg bio-patch for anterior vaginal wall prolapse treatment.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There were few data about the long-term outcomes of bio-compatible patches for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The efficacy of poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) blended with fibrinogen [P(LLA-CL)/Fg] bio-patches were investigated for anterior vaginal wall prolapse treatment in a 6-year follow-up. METHODS: The P(LLA-CL)/Fg bio-patch was fabricated through electrospinning. Nineteen patients with symptomatic anterior prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POP-Q] stage ≥ 2) were treated with anterior pelvic reconstruction surgery using a P(LLA-CL)/Fg bio-patch and were followed up at 1, 2, 3, 6 months, and 6 years. The primary outcome was objective anatomical cure (anterior POP-Q stage ≤ 1). Secondary outcomes included complications, MRI evaluation, and scores of the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7) and the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20). RESULTS: The micro-morphology of the bio-patch resembled the extracellular matrix, which was suitable for the growth of fibroblasts. Sixteen (84.2%) patients were finally assessed, with a mean follow-up of 6.08 ± 0.18 years. The cure rate without anterior prolapse recurrence was 93.8% at 6 years. Compared with baseline, the POP-Q measurements of Aa, Ba, and C points and scores of PFIQ-7 and PFDI-20 manifested significant differences at all times (all p < 0.05). One (5.26%) case of bio-patch-related infection, 1 (5.26%) case of urinary retention, and no exposures and erosion occurred. MRI evaluation showed that the bio-patch gradually degraded to fragments at 1 month and was completely absorbed at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Among long-term follow-ups, anterior pelvic reconstruction surgery with a P(LLA-CL)/Fg bio-patch demonstrated significant improvements in anatomical correction of anterior pelvic prolapse and pelvic function without severe morbidity.

Bioinformatically deciphering immune cell infiltration and signature genes in pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The study is aimed at bioinformatically deciphering immune cell infiltration, signature genes, and their correlations in POP. METHODS: Three microarray datasets were included. Matrixes representing the uterosacral ligament were merged as a test matrix and the others representing vaginal tissues were merged as a validation matrix. The single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was performed to evaluate immune cell infiltration. Correlations among differential immune cells were revealed by Spearman's rank correlation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by both "Batch correction" and "RobustRankAggreg" methods. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were conducted for functional analysis. Hub genes were identified through cytoHubba of Cytoscape, and further validated by a validation matrix and clinical samples as signature genes. Correlations of differential immune cells with signature genes were analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Five differential immune cells (macrophages, monocytes, regulatory T cell [Treg], type 1 T cell [Th1], and natural killer T cells [NKT]) were identified and eight pairs of immune cells had significant correlations. Screened 230 DEGs were extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune related. Eleven hub genes were initially identified and five of them (LOX, IL-6, SDC1, ICAM1, and CD38) were validated as signature genes. Significant correlations of differential immune cells with signature genes were shown in twelve pairs, especially Th1-IL6, NKT-IL6, Th1-ICAM1, macrophage-IL6, and macrophage-LOX pairs. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic organ prolapse could be considered immune related. Significantly infiltrated immune cells may contribute to the development of POP through close involvement with ECM- and immune-related signature genes.

Efficacy and safety of olaparib in advanced ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of olaparib for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. All studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of olaparib in advanced ovarian cancer were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from their inception to 20 September 2022. The analysis included six studies and 2016 patients. Olaparib could significantly prolong the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients compared to that of the control group (HR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.36 - 0.68). However, no statistically significant differences were detected in overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR) between the olaparib and control groups. Olaparib treatment increased the number of grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer compared with that in the control group. Olaparib significantly prolonged PFS in patients with advanced ovarian cancer; however, no statistically significant differences were detected in OS and ORR. In terms of safety, olaparib has manageable adverse effects.

Effect of prolonged second stage of labor on pelvic floor function: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the effect of the second stage of labor (SSL) lasting > 2 h on pelvic floor function. METHODS: This single-center prospective cohort study included primiparous women with SSL > 2 h treated at Tongji Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 (case group). A matched group of women with similar newborn weight and SSL < 2 h were recruited simultaneously (control group). Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) characteristics were measured at 6 weeks, 6 months, and finally 1 year postpartum. RESULTS: A total of 63 pairs of primiparous women completed 1-year follow-up. The incidence of SUI in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 6 weeks postpartum (P = 0.020); however, the differences were not significant at 1 year postpartum (P=1.00). PFM endurance was significantly lower in the case group at 6 weeks (P = 0.000), 6 months (P = 0.000), and 1 year (P = 0.011) after childbirth. There was no difference in PFM strength between the two groups. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of PFM was significantly lower in the case group at 6 weeks postpartum (P = 0.007), but the differences were not significant at 1 year postpartum (P = 0.197). PFM endurance and MVC were higher at 1 year than at 6 weeks postpartum in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The SSL > 2 h increased the incidence of SUI at 6 weeks postpartum and decreased PFM endurance for 1 year.

Comparative evaluation of enema alone and in combination with oral polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the value of using an enema alone for mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction (TPFR) in patients ≥65 years old. In total, 190 patients were included [81 in the enema group vs. 109 in the enema + polyethylene glycol (PEG) group]. The levels of serum potassium (p = .004) and calcium (p = .005) were higher in the enema group after surgery. The decrease in serum calcium was more significant in the enema + PEG group (p = .027). More patients in the enema + PEG group developed hypokalaemia (p = .035) or hypocalcaemia (p = .008) after surgery. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar and earlier bowel movement was evident in the enema group (p = .000). Overall, the enema group used more laxatives (p = .026). Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbances with no increase in surgical complications in elderly patients.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? TPFR is an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in elderly women. Bowel preparation performed before gynecological surgery can reduce surgical site infection, but increase discomfort and electrolyte disturbance.What do the results of this study add? The levels of serum potassium and calcium were lower in the enema + PEG group than in the enema group after surgery and more patients developed hypokalaemia or hypocalcaemia in the enema + PEG group. The incidence of thrombus and surgical site infection was similar between the two groups. Bowel movement was earlier in the enema group.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? Using enema alone before TPFR reduces the incidence of electrolyte disturbance and does not increase surgical complications. This conclusion needs to be confirmed by random controlled trial studies in the future.

Phase flicker minimisation for crosstalk suppression in optical switches based on digital liquid crystal on silicon devices.

The phase flicker in digital liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device introduces temporal phase noise to the phase pattern displayed on the device. Such temporal phase noise could elevate the power of unwanted diffraction orders and ultimately cause crosstalk in optical switches based on the LCOS technology. Building on our previous work, this paper demonstrated an automated phase flicker optimisation process by using the genetic algorithm. The method developed in this work further shortened the optimisation process by 10x. It was also demonstrated that the optimised digital driving waveform set was able to reduce the crosstalk level in the optical switches by at least 3 dB.

TPPP3 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of endometrial carcinoma targeted with miR-1827.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Database screening indicated that tubulin polymerization-promoting protein 3 (TPPP3) was involved in pathogenesis of multiple cancer types. miR-1827 has a potential role in a variety of human cancers. However, the role of TPPP3 and its underlying molecular mechanism in endometrial cancer (EC) has not been investigated. Herein, we aimed to reveal the role of TPPP3/miR-1827 in EC progression. METHODS: Tumour tissue and whole blood samples were collected for the detection of TPPP3 expression. TPPP3 shRNAs and pcDNA-TPPP3 were applied to knockdown or upregulate the TPPP3 expression, and miR-1827 mimic was used to upregulate miR-1827 level. CCK-8 and colony assays were applied to estimate the cell proliferation. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to assess the cell migration and invasion abilities. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to validate the putative binding site between TPPP3 and miR-1827. Expression of TPPP3, miR-1827 and related proteins in cell lines, tissue and whole blood sample were detected using western blot, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: TPPP3 was observed markedly elevated in EC patients and cells. TPPP3 knockdown displayed evident suppression in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we identified TPPP3 as a direct and functional target gene of miR-1827 in EC cells. The miR-1827 induced regulatory effects on EC cells were partially reversed by TPPP3. Additionally, in vivo study confirmed the findings discovered in vitro. CONCLUSION: TPPP3 exerted oncogenic roles in EC progression by sponging miR-1827. This finding might provide potential targets for EC therapy.

Association between Peripheral CD19+ B Cells and Reproductive Outcome in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the roles of T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells in pregnancy outcome of women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 196 patients with RIF. Peripheral lymphocyte subsets were measured before and during pregnancy. The relationship between pregnancy outcome and level of lymphocytes was analyzed. RESULTS: Peripheral CD19+ B cells in women who experienced miscarriage were significantly lower than those who subsequently had live birth. After adjusting for potential confounders in the multiple logistic regression models, each 1% increment in the peripheral CD19+ B cells before pregnancy [odds ratio (OR): 0.93] and during early pregnancy (OR: 0.83) was associated with a significantly decreased risk of miscarriage (p < 0.05). The risk of mis-carriage in patients with ≥ 15% CD19+ B cells before and during pregnancy was 39% and 21% lower, respectively, than in their counterparts with < 15% CD19+ B cells. The association between CD19+ B cells and the risk of miscarriage was nonlinear. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of peripheral CD19+ subsets may help predict the pregnancy outcome in women with RIF.

Effectiveness and Adverse Events of Early Laparoscopic Therapy versus Conservative Treatment for Tubo-Ovarian or Pelvic Abscess: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to assess the value of early laparoscopic therapy in management of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) or pelvic abscess. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all consecutive patients who were initially diagnosed with TOA or pelvic abscess at the local hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. The risks of operation and recurrence were analyzed using logistic analyses. RESULTS: The durations of body temperature > 38.0°C (p = 0.001) and hospitalization (p < 0.001) were longer in the conventional group versus the early laparoscopy group. In the conventional group, 15 (50%) patients finally underwent laparoscopic exploration. The abscess size in the late laparoscopic group was significantly larger than the successful antibiotic treatment group (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 4.9 ± 1.2 cm, p = 0.010). Abscess > 5.5 cm was independently associated with antibiotic failure (OR 4.571; 95% CI 1.612-12.962). Compared with late laparoscopy, early laparoscopy was associated with a shorter operation time (p = 0.037), less blood loss (p = 0.035), and shorter durations of body temperature > 38.0°C (p < 0.001) and hospitalization (p < 0.001). The cost was the lowest in the patients successfully treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Early laparoscopic treatment is associated with shorter time of fever resolution, shorter hospitalization, and less blood loss compared with conventional treatment for TOA or pelvic abscess.

Targeted chimera delivery to ovarian cancer cells by heterogeneous gold magnetic nanoparticle.

Efficient delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the targeted cells has remained a significant challenge in clinical applications. In the present study, we developed a novel aptamer-siRNA chimera delivery system mediated by cationic Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The chimera constructed by VEGF RNA aptamer and Notch3 siRNA was bonded with heterogeneous Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles by electrostatic interaction. The obtained complex exhibited much higher silencing efficiency against Notch3 gene compared with chimera alone and lipofectamine-siRNA complex, and improved the antitumor effects of the loaded chimera. Moreover, the efficient delivery of the chimera by Au-Fe3O4 NPs could reverse multi-drug resistance (MDR) of ovarian cancer cells against the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin, indicating its potential capability for future targeted cancer therapy while overcoming MDR.

Nitrate adsorption from aqueous solutions by calcined ternary Mg-Al-Fe hydrotalcite.

Calcined ternary hydrotalcite like compounds had been synthesized by co-precipitation and calcined at 450 °C for 6 h. It had been applied into the nitrate removal from aqueous solutions. Various factors during adsorption process, such as chemical composition of adsorbents, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of nitrate, initial pH and co-existing anions on nitrate adsorption had been investigated. It was found that 1.5 g/L CHTlcs (Mg/Al/Fe molar ratio = 3:0.1:0.9) could achieve ideal adsorption efficiency at an initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/L. The value of pH had little effect on nitrate adsorption. The co-existing anions had the inhibitory effect on nitrate adsorption, which was in the order of PO43- > SO42- > Cl- > ClO4-. The batch adsorption studies showed that experimental data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum isotherm adsorption capacity was 123.305 mg/g. The adsorption of nitrate was a spontaneous exothermic process with the reduction of entropy. The proposed adsorption mechanism obtained from characterization was that CHTlcs uptake nitrate through reconstruction effect and adsorption on external surface.

Meta-analysis of the correlation between IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

AIM: The correlation between interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been reported, but the conclusions are controversial. The present study was aimed to evaluate the association between IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism and susceptibility of PCOS by meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search on Medline, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP databases containing Chinese and English studies was conducted electronically using specific eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.2 software after Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test. Effect sizes of odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and combined appropriately. To verify the reliability of the results, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Four selected studies containing 351 cases and 464 control participants were included. The pooled odds ratio between IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism and susceptibility of PCOS under allele (C/G), dominant (CC+GC/GG) and recessive (CC/GG+GC) models were 0.63 (95%CI, 0.41-0.96), 0.53 (95%CI, 0.26-1.08) and 0.67 (95%CI, 0.39-1.16), respectively. The result under allele model was unstable in sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that the correlation between IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism and susceptibility of PCOS was not statistically significant in the studies that conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. CONCLUSION: IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism may be not related to susceptibility of PCOS. Nevertheless, further studies with large samples and studies considering other single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the IL-6 gene are needed to confirm our findings.

[Direct interactions between human mesenchymal stem cells and ovarian cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To employ a co-culture system of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and ovarian cancer cells to elucidate the cellular interactions among ovarian tumor microenvironment. METHODS: MSC and ovarian cancer cells of SK-OV-3, NIH:OVCAR-3 and SCCOHT-1 were transfected with third-generation lentiviral self-inactivating (SIN) vector containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or mCherry gene. The interactions between MSC and ovarian cancer cells were examined by fluorescence microscopy with appropriate monochrome fluorescence filters and a FITC/TRIC dual band fluorescence filter. Flow cytometry of both cells revealed a differential expression of cell surface markers during co-culturing. Moreover, microarray was used for further analyses of gene variation during co-culturing of both MSC and ovarian cancer cells. RESULTS: MSCs were successfully isolated from umbilical cords. After 5-6 days co-culturing of lentivirus eGFP-transduced human MSC with mCherry-labeled ovarian cancer cells, there was a growth stimulation of cancer cells by MSC accompanied by an induction of CD90, partial CD73 and CD105 in cancer cells and CD326 in MSC. Microarray data also showed various significant gene variations during co-culturing. CONCLUSION: Human MSCs highly stimulate the growth and expression of CD90, partial CD73 and CD105 in ovarian cancer cells during co-culturing. And mutual cellular protein exchanges result in CD326 expression and gene alteration in MSC.

Hypoxia-dependent mRNA expression pattern of splicing factor YT521 and its impact on oncological important target gene expression.

The ubiquitously expressed splicing factor YT521 (YTHDC1) is characterized by alternatively spliced isoforms with regulatory impact on cancer-associated gene expression. Our recent findings account for the prognostic significance of YT521 in endometrial cancer. In this study, we investigated the hypoxia-dependency of YT521 expression as well as its differential isoform activities on oncological important target genes. YT521's potential regulatory influence on splicing was investigated by a minigene assay for the specific target gene CD44. Functional splicing analysis was performed by YT521 knock-down or overexpression, respectively. In addition, YT521 expression was determined under hypoxia. The two protein-generating YT521 mRNA isoforms 1 and 2 caused a comparable, specific induction of CD44v alternative splicing (P < 0.01). In a number of oncological target genes, YT521 upregulation significantly altered BRCA2 expression pattern, while YT521 knock-down created a significant regulatory impact on PGR expression, respectively. Hypoxia induced a specific switch towards the processing of two non-protein-coding mRNA variants, of which one is described for the first time in this study. The presented study underlines the comparable regulatory potential of both YT521 isoforms 1 and 2, on the investigated target genes in vivo and in vitro. Hypoxia induces a specific switch in YT521 expression pattern towards the two non-protein coding mRNA variants, the already characterized isoform 3 and the newly discovered exon 8-skipping isoform. The altered YT521 alternative splicing is functionally coupled with nonsense-mediated decay and can be interpreted as regulated unproductive splicing and transcription with consecutive impact on the processing of specific cancer-associated genes, such as BRCA2 and PGR.

Pre- and postoperative evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function in POP patients using surface electromyography and digital palpation.

AIMS: The study aims to evaluate the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) pre- and postoperatively using digital palpation and surface electromyography. METHODS: In this non-randomized prospective study, two groups of patients were recruited for assessment. The surgical group included 74 POP patients receiving the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery and the control group consisted of 30 non-POP patients. One physiotherapist conducted the digital palpation and SEMG evaluation. The scale of PFM strength, the duration and voltage of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) as well as numbers and voltage of short, fast contractions (SFC) by SEMG were documented and compared in both groups. For statistical analysis, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test were used with a significant level 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 68 POP patients finished the two follow-ups. Sixty-four patients were objectively cured with a 94.1% cure rate. Mesh erosions happened in three patients (4.8%). By digital palpation, the PFM strength increased significantly in POP patients after surgery but still lower than non-POP patients (P<0.001). By SEMG, the electrical activity of PFM increased significantly in the surgical group postoperatively (P 0.001). CONCLUSION: The PFM function was improved 3 months after the modified pelvic reconstructive surgery in POP patients based on digital palpation and SEMG. The evaluation of PFM function should be included in the overall assessment of pelvic reconstructive surgeries.

Variation and prognostic value of serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 before and after chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to explore variation and prognostic significance of serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) before the first cycle of chemotherapy and after the sixth cycle of chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients who had undergone cytoreductive surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the serum PAI-1 level of EOC patients and healthy controls and investigated the correlation between both serum PAI-1 levels of EOC patients we detected and clinicopathological characteristics. Survival rates were analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier technique and Cox regression model. RESULTS: Serum PAI-1 levels of EOC patients before the first cycle of chemotherapy and after the sixth cycle of chemotherapy were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (both P < 0.05). The results of Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that both serum PAI-1 levels of EOC patients were associated with progression-free survival and overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed the PAI-1 level before the first cycle of chemotherapy was an independent prognostic marker of progression-free survival (28.4 vs 49.6 months; P = 0.013) and overall survival (41.8 vs 53.8 months; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Both serum PAI-1 levels of EOC patients we detected were associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, residual tumor size and lymph node metastasis. The serum PAI-1 level before the first cycle of chemotherapy is an independent predictor for EOC patients.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and human transformer-2-beta1 (hTra2-beta1)-regulated estrogen receptor-alpha improves prognosis of endometrial cancer.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family possesses decreasing effect towards endometrial cancer (EC) and human transformer-2-betal (hTra2-betal) performs an intimate relationship with EC, either. Recent study shows that hnRNPs and hTra2-betal regulate the genetic expression, which is concerned with estrogen receptor (ER). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was designed to investigate the link between ER and hnRNPs or hTra2-betal in the prognosis of EC patients by Real-time PCR and immunohistochemisty (IHC). RESULTS: Results showed that ER protein expression presented a significant change in the recurrence and outcome of EC patients, and the nucleus hTra2-betal protein expression was also increased in the recurrent patients, indicating that the three might be important in ER expression in the prognosis therapy of EC patients. CONCLUSION: The present findings provide an insight of pharmaceutical targeting therapy and prognosis of EC.