Characterisation of the complete mitochondrial genome, genetic diversity and maternal origin of Huainan Partridge chicken.

1. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the complete mitochondrial genome, genetic diversity and maternal origin of Huainan Partridge chicken (HPC).2. One complete mitochondrial genome and 37 complete D-loop regions of HPC were sequenced. Moreover, 400 mitochondrial genome D-loop sequences of Chinese native chicken were downloaded from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database.3. The complete HPC genome was 16,785 bp in size, including 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and one non-coding control region. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of HPC were 0.964, and 0.00615, respectively. Twenty-three variable sites defining 22 haplotypes were identified, and the 22 haplotypes were distributed into three haplogroups (A, B, and C).4. In conclusion, HPC has a typical vertebrate mitochondrial genome, relatively high haplotype diversity, relatively low nucleotide diversity, and potentially three maternal lineages. HPC showed considerable genetic information exchange with Southwest Chinese chicken populations and had not admixed with European commercial breeds in the course of domestication.

Positive-Parity Linear-Chain Molecular Band in

An inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiment ^{2}H(^{16}C,^{4}He+^{12}Be or ^{6}He+^{10}Be)^{2}H was carried out to investigate the linear-chain clustering structure in neutron-rich ^{16}C. For the first time, decay paths from the ^{16}C resonances to various states of the final nuclei were determined, thanks to the well-resolved Q-value spectra obtained from the threefold coincident measurement. The close-threshold resonance at 16.5 MeV is assigned as the J^{π}=0^{+} band head of the predicted positive-parity linear-chain molecular band with (3/2_{π}^{-})^{2}(1/2_{σ}^{-})^{2} configuration, according to the associated angular correlation and decay analysis. Other members of this band were found at 17.3, 19.4, and 21.6 MeV based on their selective decay properties, being consistent with the theoretical predictions. Another intriguing high-lying state was observed at 27.2 MeV which decays almost exclusively to ^{6}He+^{10}Be(∼6 MeV) final channel, corresponding well to another predicted linear-chain structure with the pure σ-bond configuration.

Large Isospin Asymmetry in

ß-delayed one-proton emissions of ^{22}Si, the lightest nucleus with an isospin projection T_{z}=-3, are studied with a silicon array surrounded by high-purity germanium detectors. Properties of ß-decay branches and the reduced transition probabilities for the transitions to the low-lying states of ^{22}Al are determined. Compared to the mirror ß decay of ^{22}O, the largest value of mirror asymmetry in low-lying states by far, with δ=209(96), is found in the transition to the first 1^{+} excited state. Shell-model calculation with isospin-nonconserving forces, including the T=1, J=2, 3 interaction related to the s_{1/2} orbit that introduces explicitly the isospin-symmetry breaking force and describes the loosely bound nature of the wave functions of the s_{1/2} orbit, can reproduce the observed data well and consistently explain the observation that a large δ value occurs for the first but not for the second 1^{+} excited state of ^{22}Al. Our results, while supporting the proton-halo structure in ^{22}Al, might provide another means to identify halo nuclei.

Assessment of sexual activity and menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women using the Menopause Rating Scale.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess sexual activity and menopausal symptoms in middle-aged Chinese women and to correlate this with their vaginal maturation status (VMS). Methods: 120 women aged 45-60 years were assigned to four groups: premenopause (Pre-M), perimenopause (Peri-M), early postmenopause (Post-EM), and late postmenopause (Post-LM). The menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale. VMS was determined using the vaginal maturation index (VMI) and pH value. Sexual activity including sexual frequency and distress was measured using self-administered questionnaires. Results: A high proportion (48.2%) of Post-LM women reported low sexual frequency, and a high proportion (24.2%) of Peri-M women reported sexual distress. Physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems were the most prevalent symptoms, followed by sleeping problems and hot flushes/sweating rated as severe or very severe. Physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems became more frequent as menopausal stages progressed (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Hot flushes/sweating was more prominent in women in the Peri-M and Post-EM groups. The Post-LM group exhibited lower VMI and higher pH values than the Pre-M and Peri-M groups (p < 0.017 and p < 0.001, respectively), and pH was positively correlated with sexual problems (r = 0.298, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Advancing menopausal status is associated with prevalent physical/mental exhaustion and sexual problems in middle-aged Chinese women. Hot flushes/sweating is among the most frequent menopausal symptoms rated as severe or very severe. In addition, urogenital symptoms are correlated with pH in these women.

The recovery effect of proanthocyanidin on microtensile bond strength to sodium hypochlorite-treated dentine.

AIM: To evaluate the recovery effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-treated dentine. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-five freshly extracted third molars with intact dental crowns, no caries or restorations were sectioned to expose a sound middle layer of dentine and were randomly divided into 11 groups. In the blank control group, dentine surfaces were immersed in deionized water for 20 min. In the negative control group, dental surfaces were immersed in 5.25% NaOCl for 20 min. In the other nine experimental groups, after immersion for 20 min in 5.25% NaOCl, followed by PA (5%, 10%, or 15%) treatment for 1, 5 min or 10 min. The NaOCl solution was renewed every 5 min. Then dentine surfaces were bonded using SE bond. Bonded samples were sectioned into dentine-resin sticks (n = 45) for microtensile bond strength testing (MPa). Failure modes were observed and classified into three types with a stereomicroscope. Microtensile bond strength data were analysed using one-way anova. The confidence interval test was performed to analyse the recovery effect of PA on bond strength to NaOCl-treated dentine. The chi-squared test was used to analyse failure mode distribution. RESULTS: After use of 5.25% NaOCl for 20 min, microtensile bond strength in the negative control group decreased significantly compared with that of the untreated group (P < 0.05). After a recovery treatment of 10% PA for 10 min or 15% PA for more than 5 min, the bond strength was restored to at least 90% of baseline (P < 0.05). No recovery effect on bond strength was detected after the application of 5% PA for 1 min (P > 0.05). Adhesive fracture was found to be the most common failure mode in the NaOCl-treated group. After the recovery application of PA, the proportion of mixed failures increased significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Microtensile bond strength to NaOCl-treated dentine recovered after the application of either 5% PA for more than 5 min or 10% or 15% PA for more than 1 min. The application of PA before an adhesive procedure may immediately restore the compromised bond strength of NaOCl-treated dentine.

[Expression and significance of STOX1 in villi and placenta at different stages of normal gestation].

Objective: To investigate the expression and significance of STOX1 in different stages of gestation villi and placenta. Methods: Totally 137 cases of normal villi and placenta of pregnant women were collected from the Department of Obstetrics of Shanghai Pudong Hospital from October 1(st) 2015 to February 28(th) 2018, including 64 cases of early pregnancy (early pregnancy group) which consists of 32 cases of 5-7(+6) weeks gestation (early pregnancy group A) and 32 cases of 8-11(+3) weeks gestation (early pregnancy group B), 28 cases of 14-26 weeks gestation(middle pregnancy group) and 45 cases of 37-41 weeks gestation (late pregnancy group). The expression and localization of STOX1 mRNA and protein in placenta were evaluated by RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: (1)STOX1 was positively expressed in the cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts as well as interstitial and vascular endothelial cells of all groups. (2)STOX1 mRNA expression in each group was significantly different (P<0.05), the lowest was in the early pregnancy group A(0.007 8±0.000 4), which increased along with the progression of gestational age(P<0.05),and reached the highest level in the third trimester(0.064 4±0.001 3). (3)The protein level of STOX1 in different stages of normal pregnancy was 0.53±0.20 in early pregnancy group A;0.62±0.37 in early pregnancy group B;0.70±0.03 in middle pregnancy group and 0.81±0.04 in late pregnancy group respectively; which was positively related with the progression of gestational age (P<0.05). Conclusion: The expressions of STOX1 is gradually increasing along with the normal pregnancy progression, suggesting that it might be involved in proliferation, differentiation and infiltration and (or) apoptosis of trophoblast cells and the development of the placenta.

[Cleaning efficacy of different solvents on sealer-contaminated dentin surface].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of an epoxy resin-based sealer on the bond strength of adhesive resins to dentin and the cleaning efficacy of different solvents in removing sealer residues. METHODS: The occlusal enamel of 25 freshly extracted human third molars without caries were removed to expose flat surfaces of dentin. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups according to the treatment received: For negative control group, the dentin surfaces were not contaminated with AH-Plus; For the other 4 experimental groups, the samples were contaminated with AH-Plus for 5 min and different measures were taken: For positive control group, the sealer were wiped with dry cotton pellets; For solvents experimental groups: cotton pellets saturated with 95% (volume fraction) ethanol, 99.5% (volume fraction) acetone or 99% (volume fraction) amyl acetate were used to wipe the sealer until the surface appeared clean when viewed through a stereomicroscope under ×10 magnification, then rinsed with de-ionized water for 3 s. After sealer removal, a self-etching adhesive system was applied on the surfaces with resin composite. The samples were sectioned into 1.0 mm×1.0 mm stick specimens (n=45) for microtensile test. Failure modes at the dentin-resin interface were observed using a stereomicroscope. The samples were sectioned into 1.0 mm piece specimens (n=4) for scanning electron microscope observation. The microtensile bond strength data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Chi-square test were used to analyse the failure modes between the groups. RESULTS: There was significant difference among the five groups (P<0.001). For dry cotton pellet group (38.69±8.60) MPa and the ethanol group (37.14±12.01) MPa, the microtensile bond strength significantly declined when compared with negative control group (43.86±7.99) MPa (P<0.05). No significant difference of bond strength was found between the dry cotton pellet group and the ethanol group (P=0.426). There was no statistical significant difference among acetone group, amyl acetate group and negative control group (P>0.05). The bond strength of acetone group and amyl acetate group were (45.94±10.37) MPa and (43.99±7.01) MPa, respectively. The ethanol group exhibited lower bond strength than that of acetone group and amyl acetate group (P<0.05). Scanning electronic microscope observation revealed that in dry cotton pellet group and ethanol group, the resin tags were short and loose. Moreover, sealer residues were identified in the interface in the ethanol group samples, while the resin tags in the acetone and amyl acetate group were as dense and uniform as in negative control group. The distribution of failure modes showed no significant difference in the five groups (P=0.086). CONCLUSION: The microtensile bond strength of dentin to composite resin was lower after exposure to sealer. Compared with ethanol and dry cotton pellets, the cleaning effect of acetone and amyl acetate on sealer-contaminated dentin surface were better.

A novel de novo mutation in LAMB3 causes localized hypoplastic enamel in the molar region.

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a collection of diseases characterized by hereditary enamel defects and is heterogeneous in genetic etiology and clinical phenotype. In this study, we recruited a nuclear AI family with a proband having unique irregular hypoplastic pits and grooves in all surfaces of the deciduous molar teeth but not in the deciduous anterior teeth. Based on the candidate gene approach, we screened the laminin subunit beta 3 (LAMB3) gene and identified a novel de novo mutation in the proband. The mutation was a frameshift mutation caused by a heterozygous 7-bp deletion in the last exon (c.3452_3458delAGAAGCG, p.Glu1151Valfs*57). This study not only expands the mutational spectrum of the LAMB3 gene causing isolated AI but also broadens the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations.

[Different posterior decompression for patients with spinal canal stenosis in the upper thoracic and cervical spine].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively investigate the clinical manifestation of patients with spinal stenosis in the upper thoracic and cervical spine by posterior decompression in different ways. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2015, 18 patients of that complicated phenomenon were studied in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University.Ten patients received one-stage combined decompression (group A); while the other 8 received multi-stage posterior decompression(group B). The Visual analogue scale (JOA), thoracic Cobb and range of motion(ROM) were compared. RESULT: No statistically significant inter-group difference existed in preoperative JOA score[(9.1±2.6)vs (9.1±2.2)]and postoperative JOA score[(15.4±1.2)vs(13.8±4.5)], but the mean recovery rate of nerve function of group A(79%±15%)is better than that of group B(69%±34%). CONCLUSION: All the approaches are effective for the treatment of patients with spinal stenosis in the upper thoracic and cervical spine, while one-staged combined decompression was better than double-staged operation.

Is vertebroplasty a risk factor for subsequent vertebral fracture, meta-analysis of published evidence?

UNLABELLED: In our paper, we systemically retrieved the eligible study evaluating whether increased incidence of subsequent vertebral fracture is associated with vertebroplasty. Main effect sizes were vertebral fracture rates reported in terms of hazard ratio (HR) for time-to-event data or relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcome. Our results do not support the hypothesis that vertebroplasty contributes to increased risk of subsequent vertebral fracture, neither adjacent nor total vertebral fracture. INTRODUCTION: Vertebroplasty has been implicated in significant changes in vertebral strength, vertebral shape, and consequently increased risk for subsequent vertebral fracture, especially the adjacent level. Here, we further tested the hypothesis whether new-onset vertebral fracture is a natural result of osteoporosis or consequence of cement augmentation. METHODS: Relevant literatures were retrieved using PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), supplemented by a hand-search of the reference lists of selected articles. Eligible studies assessed whether increased morbidity of subsequent vertebral fracture is associated with vertebroplasty. Main effect sizes were vertebral fracture rates reported in terms of hazard ratio (HR) for time-to-event data or relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcome. Random-effects model was used to account for clinical or methodological heterogeneity across studies. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with a number of 2,551 individuals (1,631 in vertebroplasty group and 920 in control group) were suitable for this meta-analysis. In trials that reported adjacent vertebral fracture as time-to-event data (two trials, n = 328), we found a similar incidence of vertebral fracture in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) group compared to conservative therapy (HR 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 1.26; P = 0.18). In trials that reported overall vertebral fracture as time-to-event data (three trials, n = 704), vertebroplasty was associated with a slightly increased but non-significant risk for vertebral fracture (HR 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 2.00; P = 0.65). The outcome was further confirmed in the secondary meta-analysis of studies that reported vertebral fracture as dichotomous data. Subgroup analysis according to study design revealed no difference either. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support the hypothesis that vertebroplasty contributes to increased risk of subsequent vertebral fracture, neither adjacent nor total vertebral fracture. However, adequately designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the present findings.

Tim-3 expression on peripheral monocytes and CD3+CD16/CD56+natural killer-like T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of chronic liver inflammation. Tim-3 acts as a negative regulatory molecule and plays a critical role in immune tolerance. In the current study, we investigated Tim-3 expression on peripheral monocytes and CD3+CD16/CD56+ natural killer like T (NKT-like) cells in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 52 CHB patients and 60 healthy controls. Tim-3+CD14+ cells and Tim-3+CD3+CD16/CD56+ cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results showed that expression of Tim-3 was significantly increased on both the monocytes and NKT-like cells in CHB patients than in controls (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Tim-3 levels on monocytes and NKT-like cells were further upregulated in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). In addition, we assessed the correlation of Tim-3 expression with levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Data revealed that Tim-3 expression on both monocytes and NKT-like cells was positively correlated with level of ALT (r = 0.59, P < 0.001, and r = 0.60, P < 0.001, respectively), whereas Tim-3 expression on NKT-like cells was negatively correlated with serum level of TNF-α (r = -0.54, P < 0.001) in CHB patients. Our results suggest that Tim-3 may play important roles in the pathogenesis of CHB.

Comparative proteomic analysis of rice seedlings in response to inoculation with Bacillus cereus.

UNLABELLED: Reports suggest that Bacillus spp. can be used to increase plant growth and resistance to disease, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between Bacillus spp. and plant is not completely understood. In the present study, to clarify these underlying mechanisms, the interaction between Bacillus cereus and rice was investigated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Through comparative analysis, a total of 31 differentially expressed proteins were obtained upon B. cereus NMSL88 treatment, including 22 proteins that were up-regulated and nine that were down-regulated. These data indicated that certain proteins involved in plant growth and development were up-regulated, such as xyloglucan endotransglycosylase. Interestingly, proteins involved in defence were also up-regulated, including peroxidases, glutathione S-transferases and kinases. Thus, proteins associated with disease resistance characteristics were induced in the plants after exposure to B. cereus NMSL88. In addition, several proteins involved in protein and lipid metabolism showed significant changes in expression. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present study is the first report to reveal the molecular mechanisms involved in rice seedlings in response to inoculation with Bacillus cereus at the level of proteome. The results demonstrated that B. cereus NMSL88 can up-regulate the expression of proteins related to plant growth and defence, and lead to enhanced plant growth and disease resistance.

Low-dose hormone therapy in postmenopausal women in China.

OBJECTIVE: To review the experience of menopausal symptoms and low-dose hormone therapy (HT) in postmenopausal women in China. DESIGN: Literature review and critical summaries of available prospective, clinical trials (randomized, controlled trials, RCTs). RESULTS: Chinese women experience menopausal symptoms less frequently compared with women in developed countries, and the prevalence of menopausal symptoms is less in women of southern China than in women of northern China. The majority of postmenopausal Chinese women lack knowledge about HT, and the usage rate of HT is low in these women compared to that in women of developed countries. Some RCTs investigated the efficacy and safety of low- or ultra-low-dose HT, including conjugated equine estrogen, estradiol valerate, transdermal estradiol, nylestriol alone or in combination with progesterone, and tibolone in postmenopausal Chinese women. These RCTs reported that low- or ultra-low-dose HT relieved menopausal symptoms and prevented bone loss as well as standard-dose HT and was less likely to induce side-effects, including irregular vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness; there may be dose-dependent effects of HT. No study evaluated the effects of low-dose HT on cardiovascular events or breast mammographic density/risk of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: More RCTs are required to confirm efficacy and to assess the safety of low- or ultra-low-dose HT for a long-term period in a large group of postmenopausal women.

Long-chain non-coding RNA Linc00888 promotes the proliferation and migration of esophageal cancer cells by downregulating miR-34a expression.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role and potential mechanism of long-chain non-coding RNA 00888 in esophageal cancer (EC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression level of Linc00888 in esophageal cancer tissues and adjacent ones, as well as corresponding cell lines, was measured by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Survival prognosis information of patients was collected, and KM survival analysis was performed to determine the prognostic value of Linc00888. To better understand the effect of Linc00888 on the proliferative and migration ability of EC cells, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), clone formation, and transwell assays were performed after Linc00888 was knocked down in EC cell lines. Furthermore, bioinformatics prediction website was used to discover the potential target of Linc00888. Then, Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the binding relationship between Linc00888 and the downstream gene miR-34a. Then, the expression relationship between the two was measured both in cell lines and tissues. Finally, to clarify the regulation between Linc00888 and miR-34a, a recovery experiment was performed using co-transfection technology. RESULTS: Linc00888 was aberrantly upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues. The survival analysis showed that the higher expression of Linc00888 was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival. Cell functional experiment results suggested that Linc00888 played a role in promoting tumor proliferative and migration ability in EC cells. Besides, Dual-Luciferase reporter genes assay indicated that miR-34a and Linc00888 had binding sites. Meanwhile, we confirmed that there was a negative correlation between the expression levels of miR-34a and Linc00888 in cells and tissues. Cellular functional recovery experiments revealed that Linc00888 could modulate the progression of EC by miR-34a. CONCLUSIONS: Linc00888 promotes the proliferative and migration ability of EC through miR-34a.

LncRNA HAGLR exacerbates hepatocellular carcinoma through negatively regulating miR-6785-5p.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HAGLR in exacerbating the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by targeting microRNA-6785-5p (miR-6785-5p). PATIENTS AND METHODS: HAGLR levels in 46 HCC tissues and paracancerous tissues were detected. The relationship between HAGLR level and clinical features of HCC patients was analyzed. After knockdown of HAGLR, proliferative, and metastatic potential changes in Bel-7402 and Hub7 cells were assessed. Thereafter, the interaction between HAGLR and miR-6785-5p, as well as the involvement of miR-6785-5p in HAGLR-regulated HCC phenotypes were finally determined. RESULTS: It was found that HAGLR level was higher in HCC tissues than paracancerous ones and correlated with rates of lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis but not with age, gender, and tumor staging in HCC patients. Survival analysis uncovered that HAGLR level was negatively linked to overall survival in HCC. After knockdown of HAGLR, proliferative, and metastatic potentials in Bel-7402 and Hub7 cells were attenuated. MiR-6785-5p was proven as the target gene binding to HAGLR. It was lowly expressed in HCC species, and negatively correlated with HAGLR level. Moreover, rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-6785-5p was responsible for HAGLR-regulated HCC phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA HAGLR stimulates proliferative and metastatic potentials in HCC via negatively regulating miR-6785-5p level, thus exacerbating the development of HCC.

LncRNA FAM83A-AS1 aggravates the malignant development of esophageal cancer by binding to miR-495-3p.

OBJECTIVE: It is of significance to screen out differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can be utilized as tumor biomarkers in esophageal cancer. This study aims to uncover the effect of lncRNA FAM83A-AS1 on regulating migratory potential in esophageal cancer and the underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tumor tissues and adjacent normal ones were collected from 62 esophageal cancer patients for detecting FAM83A-AS1 levels. Correlations of FAM83A-AS1 with clinical indexes and overall survival of esophageal cancer patients were analyzed. Thereafter, regulatory effects of FAM83A-AS1 on migratory potential in OE19 and OE33 cells were examined by transwell and wound healing assay. Then, the target genes of FAM83A-AS1 were predicted and functionally analyzed, and a protein interaction network was constructed. Finally, the mechanism of FAM83A-AS1 in regulating the downstream gene miR-495-3p was analyzed through Luciferase assay and rescue experiments. RESULTS: It was found that FAM83A-AS1 was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cell lines. Higher rates of lymphatic and distant metastasis and worse survival were observed in esophageal cancer patients expressing higher level of FAM83A-AS1. Besides, the knockdown of FAM83A-AS1 suppressed migratory potential in OE19 cells, while the overexpression of FAM83A-AS1 yielded the opposite trend in OE33 cells. Moreover, miR-495-3p was indicated to be the target gene binding FAM83A-AS1, and it was lowly expressed in esophageal cancer and negatively regulated by FAM83A-AS1. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-495-3p partially abolished the regulatory effect of FAM83A-AS1 on migratory potential in esophageal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: FAM83A-AS1 is upregulated in esophageal cancer, and it stimulates migratory potential in esophageal cancer by negatively regulating miR-495-3p.

The function and molecular mechanism of CEP55 in anaplastic thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of centrosomal protein of 55 kDa (CEP55) in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and to further explore the mechanism, which might provide a new molecular marker for treatment of ATC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression level of CEP55 in clinical cases was tested by fluorescence quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Also, qRT-PCR assay was performed in different TC cell lines. The relationship between CEP55 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was statistically analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox's proportional hazards regression model were performed in survival analysis. Further, Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein expression changes in PI3K/Akt pathway. RESULTS: The expression level of CEP55 in TC tissues showed a noticeable upgrade, especially in ATC. In vitro, CEP55 expression was also increased in four kinds of TC cells, in which, the highest expression was found in ATC (TA-K) cells. The clinicopathological features, including lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and prognostic index were found to be correlated with the expression level of CEP55. Besides, the ATC patients with higher expression of CEP55 had a statistically worse overall survival (OS) time. In univariate analyses and multivariate analyses, the CEP55 level was an independent prognosis index of patients with ATC. In vitro study, CEP55 protein expression level was significantly reduced in si-CEP55-transfected TA-K cells. Notably, the downregulation of CEP55 could suppress the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that CEP55 could promote ATC progression, and PI3K/AKT pathway might be the downstream target of its action. These results provided a new therapeutic direction for the treatment of ATC.

Inhibition of α-enolase affects the biological activity of breast cancer cells by attenuating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at exploring the role of α-enolase (ENO1) in proliferation, invasion, and cell apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer human cells, to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (Control group), negative control group (negative control virus, NC group), and shENO1 (sh1, sh2, and sh3) group, respectively. The expressions of ENO1 mRNA and protein were measured by Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation, cell invasion ability, and cell apoptosis rate were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, transwell invasion assay, and flow cytometer, respectively. The expressions of the proteins correlated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: In MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, the gene and protein expressions of ENO1 in the three sh groups in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were significantly lower than those in control group and NC group. In MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, the gene and protein expressions of ENO1 in the three sh groups were significantly lower than those in control group and NC group. Compared with NC group, the proliferation activity, invasion ability, and apoptosis rate of shENO1 group were significantly decreased (p < 0.01). PI3K and Akt protein levels in shENO1 group were significantly downregulated (p < 0.01). Bcl-2 protein expression was markedly upregulated (p < 0.01), meanwhile Bax protein revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that silencing ENO1 reduced proliferation activity, invasion ability, and apoptosis rate of breast cancer cells by decreasing the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt pathway. Our results suggested that ENO1 may be a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

[The role of Smad signaling pathway in the repair of mucosal epithelium in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps and without nasal polyps].

Objective:To evaluate the differences in CRS and normal subjects between chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polys (CRSsNP) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polys (CRSwNP) in the role of TGF-ß-Smad pathways in the repair of mucosal epithelium.Method:Ethmoidal mucosal samples collected from CRS and healthy control patients were analyzed for TGF-ß1, TGF-ß receptorⅠ,TGF-ß receptor Ⅱ, Smad3, phospho-Smad3, Smad7, and Smad anchor for receptor activation by Western blot. The proliferation of sinonasal epithelial cells at baseline after TGF-ß1 and/or EGF stimulation was evaluated by the MTT assay.Result:In CRSsNP,TGF-ß1,TGF-ß receptorⅠ,TGF-ß receptor Ⅱ and Smad3 protein levels were significantly higher than controls. In CRSwNP, TGF-ß1, Smad3 and pSmad3 protein levels were significantly lower than controls. Smad7 protein was significantly higher in CRS than controls. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the baseline proliferation levels of sinonasal epithelial cells were lower in CRS than controls.Conclusion:CRSwNP is characterized by a lower level of TGF-signaling compared with the control. In CRSsNP, although the upstream signaling of TGF-ß was enhanced, over expression of Smad7 protein may restrain the downstream signaling components (e.g., pSmad3) and the TGF-ß antiproliferative effect on sinonasal epithelium. The difference in the local tissue concentration of TGF-ß1 between CRSsNP and CRSwNP patients did not show significant differences in epithelial proliferation.