ASIC1a contributes to the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of breast cancer by activating the Ca2+ /ß-catenin pathway.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world, with metastasis being one of the leading causes of death among patients. The acidic environment of breast cancer tissue promotes tumor cell invasion and migration by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in tumor cells, but the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the expression of acid-sensitive ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) in breast cancer tissue samples and explored the mechanisms by which ASIC1a mediates the promotion of EMT in breast cancer cells in an acidic microenvironment through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that first, the expression of ASIC1a was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissue and was correlated with the TNM (tumor node metastasis) staging of breast cancer. Furthermore, ASIC1a expression was higher in tumors with lymph node metastasis than in those without. Second, the acidic microenvironment promoted [Ca2+ ]i influx via ASIC1a activation and regulated the expression of ß-catenin, Vimentin, and E-cadherin, thus promoting EMT in breast cancer cells. Inhibition of ASIC1a activation with PcTx-1 could suppress EMT in breast cancer cells. Finally, in vivo studies also showed that inhibition of ASIC1a could reduce breast cancer metastasis, invasion, and EMT. This study suggests that ASIC1a expression is associated with breast cancer staging and metastasis. Therefore, ASIC1a may become a new breast cancer biomarker, and the elucidation of the mechanism by which ASIC1a promotes EMT in breast cancer under acidic microenvironments provides evidence for the use of ASIC1a as a molecular target for breast cancer treatment.

Effects of calcitonin on lumbar spinal stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: There is some controversy about the effects of calcitonin (CT) on lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). This systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the strength of the evidence supporting the use of CT in the treatment of patients with LSS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed an electronic search depicting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through 4 databases from the date of database creation to January 2023. 3 different researchers conducted independent literature screening, data extractions, and quality assessments. The outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS), walking distance, and oswestry disability index (ODI). Meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis (TSA) were carried out using RevMan 5.4, Stata 16.0, and TSA 0.9. GRADE 3.6 was used to evaluate the evidence quality. RESULTS: We accepted 9 studies with 496 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that CT offered no significant improvement in VAS, walking distance, or ODI in patients with LSS. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that CT has a benefit in patients with LSS, either alone or in combination with other treatments, or depending on the route of administration, according to the systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant RCTs.

Multivariate response surface methodology assisted modified QuEChERS method for the rapid determination of 39 pesticides and metabolites in medlar.

A modified QuEChERS method coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was established for residue analysis of 39 pollutants (34 commonly used multi-class pesticides and 5 metabolites) in medlar matrices (fresh, dried, and medlar juice). Samples were extracted using water with 0.1 % formic acid: acetonitrile (5: 10, v/v). The phase-out salts and five different cleanup sorbents (including N-propyl ethylenediamine (PSA), octadecyl silane bonded silica gel (C18), graphitized carbon black (GCB), Carbon nanofiber (C-Fiber) and MWCNTs) were investigated to improve the purification efficiency. The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) study was employed for an optimal solution of the volume of extraction solvent, phase-out salt, and the purification sorbents for the analytical method. The average recoveries of the target analytes in the three medlar matrices ranged from 70 % to 119 % with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.0 %-19.9 %. Screening of market samples (fresh and dried medlars) collected from the major producing regions in China showed that 15 pesticides and metabolites were detected in the samples at concentrations of 0.01-2.22 mg/kg, and none of which exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set in China. The results showed that the risk of food safety by consumption of medlar products caused by the use of pesticides was low. The validated method could be used for rapid and accurate screening of multi-class multi-pesticide residues in Medlar for food safety.

[Evaluation methods of clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine].

Clinical efficacy is the basis for the development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and the evaluation of clinical efficacy of TCM has always been the focus of attention. The technical and methodological difficulties in the evaluation process often restrict the generation of high-level evidence. Therefore, methodological research should be deepened and innovative practice should be carried out to study the application of scientific research methods in the evaluation of the advantages of TCM. After more than ten years of development, the clinical efficacy evaluation of TCM, on the basis of the initially classic placebo randomized controlled trials, has successively carried out a series of meaningful attempts and explorations in N-of-1 trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, real world studies, narrative medicine studies, systematic evaluation, and other aspects, laying the foundation for the transformation of TCM from "experience" to "evidence". This paper focused on the clinical efficacy evaluation of TCM, summarized the main connotation and development status of efficacy evaluation indicators, standards, and methods, and put forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions for the problems of indicator selection, standard formulation, and methodology optimization in the research process. It is clear that scientific and objective evaluation of the efficacy of TCM is an urgent problem to be solved at present.

[Problems and thoughts in clinical safety evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine].

Amid the modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), the safety of TCM has attracted much attention. At the moment, the government, scientific research teams, and pharmaceutical enterprises have made great efforts to explore methods and techniques for clinical safety evaluation of TCM. Although considerable achievements have been made, there are still many problems, such as the non-standard terms of adverse reactions of TCM, unclear evaluation indicators, unreasonable judgment methods, lack of evaluation models, out-of-date evaluation standards, and unsound reporting systems. Therefore, it is urgent to further deepen the research mode and method of clinical safety evaluation of TCM. Based on the current national requirements for the life-cycle management of drugs, this study focused on the problems in the five dimensions of clinical safety evaluation of TCM, including normative terms, evaluation modes, judgment methods, evaluation standards, and reporting systems, and proposed suggestions on the development of a life-cycle clinical safety evaluation method that conformed to the characteristics of TCM, hoping to provide a reference for future research.

Effects of Pymetrozine and Tebuconazole with Foliar Fertilizer Through Mixed Application on Plant Growth and Pesticide Residues in Cucumber.

The mixed application of pesticides and foliar fertilizer has been widely used in the production of cucumber, however, their effects on plant growth and pesticide dissipation are still unclear. In this study, the effects of mixed application of pymetrozine, tebuconazole and foliar fertilizer on the cucumber plant growth and pesticide dissipation were investigated simultaneously. The results show that the mixed use of pymetrozine, tebuconazole, especially adding foliar fertilizer, improved the physiological indexes (i.e., area, nitrogen content and chlorophyll content of the leaves, and root growth) of cucumber plants compared to those with the application of single pesticide. Meanwhile, it can significantly affect the dissipation of pymetrozine even in the slower growth matrices (lower leaves, stems, and plants). The residue of tebuconazole in cucumber plants was affected by the combination of formulation type and foliar fertilizer. This study can provide data for scientifically guiding the mixed application of pesticide and fertilizer.

Method Development and Validation of Seven Pyrethroid Insecticides in Tea and Vegetable by Modified QuEChERS and HPLC-MS/MS.

This study developed a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) procedure for determining seven pyrethroid pesticide residues in tea, cucumber, and tomato via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The overall average recoveries of the seven pyrethroids were 72%-104% (relative standard deviation (RSD); 2.0%-16.1%, 89%-109% (RSD; 0.7%-17.3%), 82%-110% (RSD; 1.6%-17.1%) for tea, cucumber and tomato, respectively. The determination coefficient (R2), the limit of detection (LOD), and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were ≥ 0.99, 0.007-1.875 µg kg-1, and 0.025-6.250 µg kg-1, respectively. The method was successfully used to monitor the pyrethroid pesticide residues in market samples. HPLC-MS/MS rapidly, sensitively, and accurately determined the pyrethroid pesticide residues.

Nanocomposite coating of albumin/Li-containing bioactive glass nanospheres promotes osteogenic activity of PEEK.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is an important material applied in orthopedic applications, as it posses favorable properties for orthopedic implants, e.g., radiolucency and suitable elastic modulus. However, PEEK exhibits insufficient osteogenesis and osteointegration that limits its clinical applications. In this study, we aimed to enhance the osteogenisis of PEEK by using a surface coating approach. Nanocomposite coating composed of albumin/lithium containing bioactive glass nanospheres was fabricated on PEEK through dip-coating method. The presence of nanocomposite coating on PEEK was confirmed by SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques. Nanocomposite coatings significantly enhanced hydrophilicity and roughness of PEEK. The nanocomposite coatings also enhanced adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells due to the presence of bioactive glass nanospheres and the BSA substrate film. The results indicate the great potential of the nanocomposite coating in enhancing osteogenesis and osteointegration of PEEK implants.

LINC00657 activates PD-L1 to promote osteosarcoma metastasis via miR-106a.

Osteosarcoma (OS) cells are one of the primary cancer-related causes of death around the world. Long noncoding RNAs are key for OS progression; however, the detailed molecular mechanism remains unknown. LINC00657, miR-106a, and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) genes expression were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot approaches. Invasion and lymphangiogenesis were studied using transwell invasion assay and lymphatic vessel formation assay, respectively. We used bioinformatic analyses to identify putative targets of LINC00657 and miR-106a. Luciferase activity was measured by dual-luciferase reporter assay. PD-L1 protein levels were examined by flow cytometry experiments. LINC00657 knockdown attenuates cell invasion and tumor growth of MG63 and lymphatic vessel formation. miR-106a directly binds LINC00657 and they regulate each other. Furthermore, miR-106a inhibitor strikingly enhanced lymphatic vessel formation and invasion of shLINC00657 MG63 cells. miR-106a mimic directly targeted and downregulated PD-L1. PD-L1 overexpression largely rescued miR-106a mimic-modulated OS cell metastasis. LINC00657 and PD-L1 were upregulated in clinical OS tumors compared to normal tissues. Lower expression levels of LINC00657 and PD-L1 were closely associated with higher overall survival of patients with OS. Here, we suggest a novel mechanism for LINC00657-regulated metastasis of OS cells by regulating the miR-106a/PD-L1 axis. Our conclusions facilitate the development of therapeutical approaches by targeting LINC00657.

RIPK1 suppresses apoptosis mediated by TNF and caspase-3 in intervertebral discs.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain has become a serious social and economic burden and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Among a variety of pathophysiological triggers, intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration plays a primary underlying role in causing such pain. Specifically, multiple independent endplate changes have been implicated in the initiation and progression of IVD degeneration. METHODS: In this study, we built a signaling network comprising both well-characterized IVD pathology-associated proteins as well as some potentially correlated proteins that have been associated with one or more of the currently known pathology-associated proteins. We then screened for the potential IVD degeneration-associated proteins using patients' normal and degenerative endplate specimens. Short hairpin RNAs for receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) were constructed to examine the effects of RIPK1 knockdown in primary chondrocyte cells and in animal models of caudal vertebra intervertebral disc degeneration in vivo. RESULTS: RIPK1 was identified as a potential IVD degeneration-associated protein based on IVD pathology-associated signaling networks and the patients' degenerated endplate specimens. Construction of the short hairpin RNAs was successful, with short-term RIPK1 knockdown triggering inflammation in the primary chondrocytes, while long-term knockdown triggered apoptosis through cleavage of the caspase 3 pathway, down-regulated NF-κB and mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK)s cascades, and decreased cell survival and inflammation. Animal models of caudal vertebra intervertebral disc degeneration further demonstrated that apoptosis was induced by up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) accompanied by down-regulation of NF-κB and MAPKs cascades that are dependent on caspase and RIPK1. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide proof-of-concept for developing novel therapies to combat IVD degeneration through interfering with RIPK1-mediated apoptosis signaling pathways especially in patients with RIPK1 abnormality.

Long Noncoding RNA SNHG16 Promotes Cell Proliferation by Sponging MicroRNA-205 and Upregulating ZEB1 Expression in Osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been a research hotspot, as they play important roles in tumor development. However, their expression pattern and biological function in osteosarcoma have not yet been clarified. METHODS: Differentially expressed lncRNAs in osteosarcoma and paracarcinoma tissues were identified by screening an lncRNA microarray, and candidate lncRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). A series of bioinformatics and molecular biological methods were adopted to investigate the interaction among lncRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and miRNA target genes during the development and occurrence of osteosarcoma. Cell viability was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. RESULTS: Chip microarray screening combined with the validation of differentially expressed candidate lncRNAs showed that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) had the largest fold change. SNHG16 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines, and its downregulation led to the suppressed proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. Further investigations revealed that SNHG16 could upregulate zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) expression by acting as an endogenous sponge of miR-205. Moreover, rescue assays proved that the effects of SNHG16 on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells were dependent on miR-205. CONCLUSION: SNHG16 can significantly enhance the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. In addition, SNHG16, miR-205, and ZEB1 interact in a common pathway during the development and occurrence of osteosarcoma, providing novel targets for intervention in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

High-risk behaviour and HIV infection risk among non-local men who have sex with men with less than a single year's residence in urban centres: a multicentre cross-sectional study from China.

OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, subjects' migration status has usually been defined on the basis of their registered residency status. We attempted to redefine migration based on the duration of residency in their cities of migration and to explore more precisely the impact of migration on HIV infection risk in men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: A multisite cross-sectional study was conducted during 2012-2013 in seven Chinese cities. Questionnaire surveys were conducted and blood was drawn to test for antibodies to HIV, syphilis and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). MSM who were unregistered local residents and had resided in their cities of migration for ≤1 or >1 year were defined as migrant MSM, or transitional MSM, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with transitional MSM and local MSM, migrant MSM had poorer HIV knowledge and higher rates of high-risk behaviour, including earlier sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, participation in commercial sex and recreational drug use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HIV prevalence among migrant MSM was higher than local MSM (p<0.05). This relationship, however, did not hold for transitional MSM and local MSM (p>0.05). Male sex work, recreational drug use, syphilis infection and HSV-2 infection were independently associated with HIV infection among migrant MSM. CONCLUSIONS: Non-local MSM with shorter residence were at greater risk of HIV acquisition. More focus should be placed on HIV behavioural interventions targeting non-local MSM with temporary residence.

MicroRNA-524 promotes cell proliferation by down-regulating PTEN expression in osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of studies have examined the correlation between specific miRNAs and tumours to enable their diagnosis and treatment. However, there are few reports regarding the concrete role and mechanism of miRNA in osteosarcoma. METHODS: The expression of miR-524 in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines was examined by qRT-PCR. The cell proliferation was examined using CCK-8 in vitro. A series of bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques were adopted to investigate the regulatory relationship between miR-524 and target genes in osteosarcoma. RESULTS: The results showed that the miRNA with the most significant differential expression in osteosarcoma was miR-524, which was significantly up-regulated in both osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. MiR-524 knockdown inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells, while overexpression of miR-524 induced their proliferation. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay confirmed that PTEN was a direct target gene of miR-524 and that miR-524 induced proliferation of osteosarcoma cells through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway via inhibition of PTEN. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-524 induces the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway via inhibition of the target gene PTEN, which provides a theoretical basis for selecting a new therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Involvement of miR-143 in cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer cells via targeting IGF1R and BCL2.

We investigated the possible role of miR-143 in the development of cisplatin resistance in human gastric cancer cell line. miR-143 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cisplatin resistance changes of cells was tested via MTT assay. Target genes of miR-143 were verified by dual-luciferase activity assay. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, cell proliferation, and clonogenic and apoptosis assay were used to elucidate the mechanism of miR-143 in cisplatin resistance formation. miR-143 was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. It was also downregulated in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/cisplatin (DDP), which was concurrent with the upregulation of IGF1R and BCL2, compared with the parental SGC7901 cell line, respectively. Overexpressed miR-143 sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to cisplatin. The luciferase activity suggested that IGF1R and BCL2 were both target genes of miR-143. Enforced miR-143 reduced its target proteins, inhibited SGC7901/DDP cells proliferation, and sensitized SGC7901/DDP cells to DDP-induced apoptosis. Our findings suggested that hsa-miR-143 could modulate cisplatin resistance of human gastric cancer cell line at least in part by targeting IGF1R and BCL2.

The long non-coding RNA H19-derived miR-675 modulates human gastric cancer cell proliferation by targeting tumor suppressor RUNX1.

The lncRNA H19 has been recently shown to be upregulated and play important roles in gastric cancer tumorigenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanism of H19 and its mature product miR-675 in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we found that miR-675 was positively expressed with H19 and was a pivotal mediator in H19-induced gastric cancer cell growth promotion. Subsequently, the tumor suppressor Runt Domain Transcription Factor1 (RUNX1) was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-675 using a luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting analyses. A series of rescue assays indicated that RUNX1 mediated H19/miR-67-induced gastric cancer cell phenotypic changes. Moreover, the inverse relationship between the expression of RUNX1 and H19/miR-675 was also revealed in gastric cancer tissues and gastric cancer cell lines. Taken together, our study demonstrated that the novel pathway H19/miR-675/RUNX1 regulates gastric cancer development and may serve as a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.

Recreational drug use and risks of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among Chinese men who have sex with men: Mediation through multiple sexual partnerships.

BACKGROUND: Recreational drug use (RDU) may result in sexual disinhibition and higher risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. We assessed whether RDU was associated with HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) within the context of multiple sexual partnerships and unprotected sex. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among sexually-active MSM in six Chinese cities (Kunming, Jinan, Changsha, Zhengzhou, Nanjing, and Shanghai) in 2012-2013. We interviewed participants regarding RDU and sexual activity and drew blood for HIV, syphilis, and HSV-2. We fit multiple logistic regression models to assess associations of drug use and HIV, syphilis and HSV-2 infections, controlling for number of sexual partners and unprotected sex. RESULTS: Of 3830 participants, 28% reported ever using ≥1 of these drugs in the past 6 months: popper (alkyl nitrites), ecstasy, ice (methamphetamine), amphetamine, tramadol, and ketamine. In the past six months, 62% of MSM reported ≥2 sexual partners and 76% did not use condoms at last sexual encounter. HIV, syphilis and HSV-2 prevalences were 9.2%, 12.2%, and 10.3%, respectively.RDU was associated with HIV infection (aOR = 1.67; 95% CI, 1.31-2.13). Men with RDU were more likely to report multiple sexual partners (OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.44-1.98) and unprotected sex (aOR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05-1.49). The RDU-HIV association persisted (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.23-2.02) after adjusting for numbers of partners. CONCLUSIONS: RDU was associated with multiple sexual partnerships, unprotected sex, and HIV among Chinese MSM. It is plausible that RDU is a driver of increased sexual/HIV risk and/or may be an associated behavior with sexually risky lifestyles. Community engagement is needed.

An antihypertensive drug-AT1 inhibitor attenuated BRCA development promoted by chronic psychological stress via Ang II/PARP1/FN1 pathway.

Chronic psychological stress contributes to the occurrence of cancer and activates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However, the mechanisms by which RAS promotes the progression of breast cancer (BRCA) under chronic psychological stress are remain unknown. In this study, we observed elevated levels of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in both serum and BRCA tissue under chronic stress, leading to accelerated BRCA growth in a mouse model. An antihypertensive drug, candesartan (an AT1 inhibitor), effectively attenuated Ang II-induced cell proliferation and metastasis. Utilizing mass spectrometry and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified fibronectin 1 (FN1) as the hub protein involved in chronic stress-Ang II/AT1 axis. Focal adhesion pathway was identified as a downstream signaling pathway activated during the progression of chronic stress. Depletion of FN1 significantly attenuated Ang II-induced proliferation and metastasis of BRCA cells. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) was found to bind to the DNA promoter of FN1, leading to the transcription of FN1. Ang II upregulated PARP1 expression, resulting in increased FN1 levels. Recombinant FN1 partially restored the progress of BRCA malignancy induced by the Ang II/PARP1 pathway. In vivo, candesartan reversed the progressive effect of chronic psychological stress on BRCA. In clinical samples, Ang II levels in both serum and tumor tissues are higher in stressed patients compared to control patients. Serum Ang II levels were positively correlated with chronic stress indicators. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that chronic psychological stress accelerates the malignancy of BRCA, and the AT1 inhibitor candesartan counteracts these effects by suppressing the Ang II-AT1 axis and the downstream PARP1/FN1/focal adhesion pathway.

Insights into growth stages and genotypes in airborne Pb accumulation in Oryza sativa L. grains: Utilizing isotope fingerprinting alongside a model study.

Atmospheric exposure is an important pathway of accumulation of lead (Pb) in Oryza sativa L. grains. In this study, source contributions of soil, early atmospheric exposure, and late atmospheric exposure, along with their bioaccumulation ratios were examined both in the pot and field experiments using stable Pb isotope fingerprinting technology combined with a three-compartment accumulation model. Furthermore, genotype differences in airborne Pb accumulation among four field-grown rice cultivars were investigated using the partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) linking rice Pb accumulation to agronomic traits. The findings revealed that during the late growth period, the air-foliar-grain transfer of Pb was crucial for rice Pb accumulation. Approximately 69-82% of the Pb found in polished rice was contributed by atmospheric source, with more than 80% accumulating during the late growth stage. The air accumulation ratios of rice grains were genotype-specific and estimated to be 0.364-1.062 m3/g during the late growth. Notably, grain size exhibited the highest standardized total effects on the airborne Pb concentrations in the polished rice, followed by leaf Pb and the upward translocation efficiency of Pb. The present study indicates that mitigating the health risks associated with Pb in rice can be achieved by controlling atmospheric Pb levels during the late growth stage and choosing Japonica inbred varieties characterized by large grain size.

Overexpression of LSD1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: a latent target for the diagnosis and therapy of hepatoma.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of LSD1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and HCC samples. In this study, we examined LSD1 expression in 60 paired liver cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues by Western blot. In addition, we analyzed LSD1 expression in 198 HCC samples by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between LSD1 expression and clinicopathological features was investigated. The HCC cell line SMMC-7721 was transfected with LSD1 siRNA expressing plasmids. We subsequently examined in vitro cell growth using the MTT assay and anchorage-independent growth through a soft-agar colony-formation assay. In addition, the expression levels of Bcl-2 and c-Myc were also examined. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting consistently confirmed LSD1 overexpression in HCC tissues compared with adjacent non-neoplastic tissues (P < 0.01). Additionally, immunostaining showed more LSD1-positive cells in the higher tumor stage (T3-4) and tumor grade (G3) than in the lower tumor stage (T1-2, P < 0.001) and tumor grade (G1-2, P < 0.001). Knockdown of LSD1 expression in HCC cells led to decreased cell proliferation. The expression of Bcl-2 and c-Myc were down-regulated after transfection of LSD1 siRNA into HCC cell line SMMC-7721. In conclusion, because LSD1 was overexpressed in HCC and has an important role in the development of HCC, LSD1 could be a latent target in the diagnosis and therapy of HCC.

Efficient degradation of clothianidin and thiamethoxam in contaminated soil by peroxymonosulfate process.

The widespread use of neonicotinoids has led to their frequent detection in the environment and potential environmental risk in recent years. Clothianidin (CLO) and thiamethoxam (TMX), as the second generation of neonicotinoid insecticides, are usually used as seed agents with a high risk of residue in the soil. Efficient degradation of CLO and TMX in soil using peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process was investigated in the present study. The degradation efficiencies of CLO and TMX reached 91.4% and 98.6% in 60 min with the addition of 20 mM PMS at pH 5.5 and 25℃. High degradation efficiencies of CLO were achieved with a high PMS dosage and temperature or a low CLO concentration and initial pH. The degradation of CLO was reduced in the presence of high concentration of inorganic anions (Cl-, HCO3-). Soil organic matter might be one critical factor in the degradation of CLO and TMX. Radical scavenger experiments confirmed SO4•- and 1O2 were the dominant reactive species on the CLO and TMX degradation. Based on the detected degradation intermediates, the degradation pathways of CLO and TMX include dichlorination, hydroxylation, cleavage of C-N or C-C bond and further oxidation in the PMS-based soil. Overall, the PMS process is one effective and economical method for the remediation of the neonicotinoid contaminated soil.