Association of CD14 gene -260C>T and -561C>T polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Two polymorphisms, -260C>T (rs2569190) and -561C>T (rs5744455), in the CD14 gene have been implicated in susceptibility to cancer. However, the results remain inconclusive. The current meta-analysis was carried out aiming to confirm the function of these two polymorphisms on the susceptibility of cancer. METHODS: We collected eligible studies from databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP (Weipu). We used logistic regression calculation to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: After strict selection, 24 studies with 5854 cases and 10339 controls for -260C>T and seven studies with 1809 cases and 7289 controls for -561C>T were finally enlisted into our analysis reference material. Pool results revealed that neither -260C>T, nor -561C>T was found to have any association with overall cancer susceptibility. Nevertheless, when stratified by cancer type, we detected a decreased risk associated with other cancers in a heterozygous model (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51-0.93, p = 0.014) and a dominant model (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53-0.93, p = 0.012) for -561C>T. An increased risk was found in other cancers under an allele model (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03-1.62, p = 0.026), in laryngeal cancer under a dominant model (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.11-1.71, p = 0.003) and for a score ≤ 9 under a recessive model (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.09-1.91, p = 0.009) for -561C>T. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we conclude that the CD14 -260C>T and -561C>T polymorphisms might not be associated with overall cancer risk. Further studies are encouraged to confirm this conclusion.

Role of Frailty and Comorbidity Status in Predicting Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Acute Mesenteric Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the association of frailty and comorbidity status with postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with AMI between April 2006 and September 2019 were enrolled in this study. Frailty was evaluated by sarcopenia which was diagnosed by third lumbar vertebra psoas muscle area (PMA). Comorbidity status was evaluated by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluating the risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality were performed. RESULTS: Of the 174 patients, 86 were managed conservatively and 88 underwent surgery. In surgically managed patients, 39.8% developed complications within 30 days of surgery. Ten patients died within 30 days of the operation. In the univariate analyses, white blood cell >10 g/L, low PMA, CCI score ≥2, and bowel resection were associated with postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that low PMA, CCI score ≥2, and bowel resection were independent predictors of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that low PMA, CCI score ≥2, and bowel resection were independent risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with AMI. Preoperative assessment of frailty using PMA and the evaluation of comorbidity status using CCI may serve as helpful tools in preoperative risk assessment and should be integrated into scoring systems for surgically treated AMI.

Effect of GnRHR polymorphisms on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

We investigated the relationship between gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) gene polymorphisms and outcome of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). PCOS patients undergoing IVF-ET were selected, and infertile patients due to dysfunctional oviducts served as controls. GnRHR gene polymorphisms were detected using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Gene-gene interaction and linkage disequilibrium tests were performed using the SHEsis software. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors affecting outcome of patients undergoing IVF-ET. The PCOS group showed more patients with CC+CT genotypes rs12644822, rs3756159 and rs13138607 than the control group, and CC+CT genotypes and C alleles from three positions enhanced risk of PCOS. Patients with CC+CT genotypes from three positions exhibited increased serum luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and follicles than those with TT genotypes. The haplotype analysis indicated that CCC, CCT and TCC haplotypes increased the risk of PCOS, while TCT, TTC and TTT haplotypes lowered the risk. After IVF-ET treatment, patients with CC+CT genotypes of three positions in the GnRHR gene had a lower pregnancy rate than patients with TT genotypes. Logistic regression analysis indicated that CC+CT genotypes rs12644822, rs3756159 and rs13138607 were risk factor for patients undergoing IVF-ET. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that CC+CT genotypes rs12644822C>T, rs3756159C>T and rs13138607C>T in the GnRHR gene may contribute to a decreased pregnancy rate for PCOS patients after IVF-ET.

Annular focusing lens based on transformation optics.

We propose and design a kind of annular focusing lens based on transformation optics. Based on the method of eigen-mode expansions, closed-form expressions are derived to analyze the proposed annular lens rigorously. We show that the annular lens has excellent focusing property. Even when a barrier (such as a conducting cylinder) exists in the center of the lens, the analytical results demonstrate that the waves are still guided to propagate smoothly and focused on a spot.

Design and rigorous analysis of transformation-optics scaling devices.

Scaling devices that can shrink or enlarge an object are designed using transformation optics. The electromagnetic scattering properties of such scaling devices with anisotropic parameters are rigorously analyzed using the eigenmode expansion method. If the radius of the virtual object is smaller than that of the real object, it is a shrinking device with positive material parameters; if the radius of the virtual object is larger than the real one, it is an enlarging device with positive or negative material parameters. Hence, a scaling device can make a dielectric or metallic object look smaller or larger. The rigorous analysis shows that the scattering coefficients of the scaling devices are the same as those of the equivalent virtual objects. When the radius of the virtual object approaches zero, the scaling device will be an invisibility cloak. In such a case, the scattering effect of the scaling device will be sensitive to material parameters of the device.

Oxidation 1-methyl naphthalene based on the synergy of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and PAHs in particulate matter (PM) surface.

Studies of the environmental fate through the interactions of particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are presented. The formation of PAHs and EPFRs typically occurs side by side during combustion-processes. The laboratory simulation studies of the model PAH molecule 1-Methylnaphthalene (1-MN) interaction with model EPFRs indicate a transformational synergy between these two pollutants due to mutual and matrix interactions. EPFRs, thorough its redox cycle result in the oxidation of PAHs into oxy-/hydroxy-PAHs. EPFRs have been shown before to produce OH radical during its redox cycle in aqueous media and this study has shown that produced OH radical can transform other PM constituents resulting in alteration of PM chemistry. In model PM, EPFRs driven oxidation process of 1-MN produced 1,4-naphthoquinone, 1-naphthaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-4-methylnaphthalen-1-one, and various isomers of (hydroxymethyl) naphthalene. Differences were observed in oxidation product yields, depending on whether EPFRs and PAHs were cohabiting the same PM or present on separate PM. This effect is attributed to the OH radical concentration gradient as a factor in the oxidation process, further strengthening the hypothesis of EPFRs' role in the PAH oxidation process. This finding is revealing new environmental role of EPFRs in a natural degradation process of PAHs. Additionally, it points to implications of such PM surface chemistry in the changing mobility of PAHs into an aqueous medium, thus increasing their bioavailability.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Shexiang Baoxin Pill Combined with Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Shexiang Baoxin Pill combined with exercise in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS: Sixty patients with HFpEF were randomly divided into group A (n=20), receiving Shexiang Baoxin Pill combined with home-based exercise training based on conventional drugs for 12 weeks; group B (n=20), receiving conventional drugs combined with home-based exercise training for 12 weeks; and group C (n=20), receiving conventional drug treatment only. Peak oxygen uptake (peakVO2), anaerobic threshold (AT), 6-min walking test (6MWT), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and SF-36 questionnaire (SF-36) results before and after treatment were compared among groups. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, patients in group C showed significant declines in peakVO2, AT, 6MWT, PSQI, and SF-36 compared with pre-treatment (P<0.01), while groups A and B both showed significant improvements in peakVO2, AT, 6MWT, PSQI, and SF-36 results compared with pre-treatment (P<0.01). Compared with group C, patients in groups A and B showed significant improvements in peakVO2, AT, 6MWT, PSQI, and SF-36 (P<0.01). In addition, patients in group A showed more significant improvements in physical function, role-physical, vitality, and mental health scores on the SF-36 questionnaire, and PSQI scores than those in group B (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training improved exercise tolerance, sleep quality and quality of life (QoL) in patients with HFpEF. Notably, Shexiang Baoxin Pill played an active role in sleep quality and QoL of patients with HFpEF. (The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2100054322)).

Development of a Serum-Free Culture Method for Endothelial Cells of the Stria Vascularis and Their Pro-Inflammatory Secretome Changes Induced by Oxidative Stress.

OBJECTIVES: Reactive oxygen species in the stria vascularis (SV) of the cochlea may be involved in the pathogenesis of sensorineural hearing loss. However, the effects of oxidative stress on SV endothelial cells (SV-ECs) remain largely unknown, and no feasible in vitro cell culture model exists for the functional study of SV-ECs. METHODS: We isolated primary SV-ECs from the SV of neonatal mice. The apoptosis-reducing effects of fibronectin in SV-ECs cultured with serum-free medium were determined using ß-galactosidase staining and flow cytometry. SV-ECs incubated in serum-free medium were treated with various H2O2 concentrations to evaluate the effects of H2O2 on their viability. The secretome of SV-ECs treated with or without H2O2 (100 µM or 500 µM) was analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The function of the SV-EC secretome was evaluated by a macrophage assay. RESULTS: We successfully isolated and characterized the SV-ECs. Treatment with H2O2 at concentrations up to 500 µM for 2 hours and further incubation with serum-free medium in plates precoated with fibronectin showed no significant effect on apoptosis. Compared to the control SV-ECs, the amount of differential proteins in the secretome of SV-ECs stimulated with 500 µM H2O2 was much higher than in those treated with 100 µM H2O2. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses suggested that the proteins differentially expressed in SV-ECs treated with 500 µM H2O2 were involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways and cellular processes. The secretome of H2O2-stimulated SV-ECs exhibited significant pro-inflammatory effects on macrophages. CONCLUSION: We successfully established an in vitro serum-free culture method, identified the differential proteins released by oxidative stress-induced ECs and their functions, and revealed the pro-inflammatory effects of the secretome of H2O2-stimulated SV-ECs. Therefore, SV-ECs might elicit immunoregulatory effects on bystander cells in the microenvironment of oxidative stress-induced cochlea, especially cochlear macrophages.

Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation with multiangle light scattering detection for characterization of cellulose nanocrystals.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were analyzed by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with multiangle light scattering (MALS) detection. Small fractions were collected from the output of the AF4 apparatus for investigation by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of CNC injection amount, the number of passes through a high-pressure homogenizer, and different CNC sources on the elution behavior and particle size distribution was investigated. The AF4-MALS results on crystal length were compared with those from TEM. Peak distortion and variation in elution profiles with the increase in sample load were observed. Good resolution was obtained when the injection mass varied from 20 to 40 µg, corresponding to injections of 4-8 µL at a starting concentration of ~5 µg/µL; concentrations during the separation process and at the detector were significantly lower. As the number of homogenization treatments increased, the peak shape became narrower and more symmetrical. This indicates a narrowed crystal length distribution, but regardless of source or homogenization treatment, no CNC preparation was as uniform as tobacco mosaic virus, a well-known rigid rod model structure, whose length was found by AF4-MALS to be in agreement with literature values. CNCs derived from cotton contained longer crystals than those derived from microcrystalline cellulose, as shown by both AF4-MALS and TEM techniques. An advantage of AF4-MALS compared to TEM is the ability to sample large numbers of rodlike particles, which is challenging and time-consuming for TEM image analysis, especially without the presorting afforded by AF4. The good TMV results suggest a high degree of accuracy will pertain to the CNC size distribution measurements.

Baicalein Induces Apoptosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts through Inactivation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway.

Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) shows abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). Baicalein (BAI), extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, is used as an anticancer drug through inducing cancer cells apoptosis. However, the mechanism of BAI in RA progression still remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that BAI inhibited FLS proliferation and migration, whereas it enhanced apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in vitro. Methods: Cell viability and colony formation were analyzed by MTT and plate colony formation assays in SW982 cells, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), MMP family proteins (MMP2/9), and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were detected by western blot. Cell migration was detected by scratch healing assay under BAI treatment in SW982 cells. Results: BAI dose-dependently inhibited cell viability and colony forming in SW982 cells. BAI upregulated apoptotic proteins and downregulated EMT-related proteins, resulting in enhanced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell migration in SW982 cells. BAI also dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. Conclusions: These results indicated that BAI inhibited FLSs proliferation and EMT, whereas induced cell apoptosis through blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, supporting clinical application for RA progression.

SEM study on filum terminale with tethered cord syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the understanding in pathology and provide steady proof for diagnosis and treatment of tethered cord syndrome (TCS), the ultrastructure of filum terminale (FT) with TCS will be researched, respectively. METHODS: Thirty-one fila were sectioned and divided into two groups according to diameter. Twenty-two fila thicker than 2 mm were placed into group 1; nine no thicker than 2 mm were placed into group 2. Their transverse and longitudinal sections were respectively submitted for scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: For the FTs with TCS, ultrastructural analysis confirmed the presence of abundant collagen bundles and adipocytes, sparse or invisible elastic and reticular fibers inside the FT, but the latter two fibers were still visible in the relative normal areas of FT; some abnormalities, such as thickening, distortion, adhesion or fusion to piece, relatively dense and disorderly arrangement at a different degree, were quite common for collagen fiber. Some areas looked blurry, and some crystallization appeared occasionally on their surface. For the FTs with TFTS, those changes as mentioned above were still exhibited, but slightly relatively. All the changes mentioned inside all the FTs may exist alone or concomitantly, rarely simultaneously. Moreover, they can be often seen focally or diffusely occasionally. CONCLUSIONS: Low elasticity resulting from the destruction of the three-dimensional structure of FT is involved in TCS. Early FT severing is a treatment of choice no matter whether its appearance looks normal.

Removal of tracheobronchial foreign bodies via suspension laryngoscope and Hopkins telescope in infants.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a life-threatening accident in infants, and is still a formidable clinical emergency to both otorhinolaryngologists and anesthesiologists. In this study, we attempted to assess the safety and ease of tracheobronchial foreign body removal in infants via suspension laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. METHODS: The retrospective clinical study from 2006 to 2010 included 50 infants with foreign body aspiration, of whom 35 underwent suspension laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy and the other 15 underwent rigid bronchoscopy. All of the procedures were under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: All of the patients underwent temporary extubation. The foreign body was successfully removed in 46 cases and was not found in the other 4 cases. The mean operation time in the rigid bronchoscopy group was 13.20+/-9.01 minutes, and that in the Hopkins telescopy group was 5.79+/-3.54 minutes. The oxygen saturation level was below 90% in 17 cases, of which 7 were in the rigid bronchoscopy group and 10 were in the Hopkins telescopy group. The vital signs, including the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in expiratory gas and the heart rate, were stable in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign body removal in infants via suspension laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation should be promoted, since it is relatively safe and easy for both anesthesiologists and otorhinolaryngologists to perform and has a remarkable success rate.

ß-Benzene hexachloride induces apoptosis of rat Sertoli cells through generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of JNKs and FasL.

ß-benzene hexachloride (ß-BHC), the major metabolite of benzene-hexachloride (BHC), is a weak estrogen-like chemical. It is a known persistent organic pollutant and male reproductive toxicant. However, the mechanism by which ß-BHC exposure causes male reproductive toxicity remains unknown. In the present study, rat Sertoli cells were used to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in ß-BHC-induced toxicity in male reproductive system. The results indicated that ß-BHC exposure at over 30 µM showed the induction of apoptotic cell death. ß-BHC could induce elevation in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, increase in the leakage rate of LDH and MDA level, and decrease in SOD activity. In addition, there was an increase in the cellular levels of phospho-JNKs and FasL in the ß-BHC-induced apoptosis; and a significant reduction of procaspase-3 and -8 was observed over 30-µM ß-BHC treatment. The translocation of NF-κB enhanced with the increase of concentration of ß-BHC. Furthermore, NAC administration, a scavenger of ROS, reversed ß-BHC-induced apoptosis effects via inhibition of JNKs activation, FasL expression, and NF-κB translocation. These results lead us to speculate that ROS generation may play a critical role in the initiation of ß-BHC-induced apoptosis by activation of the JNKs, translocation of NF-κB, expression of FasL, and further activation of caspase cascade.

Developmental Hazard of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals and Protective Effect of TEMPOL in Zebrafish Model.

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) can be detected in ambient PM2.5, cigarette smoke, and soils and are formed through combustion and thermal processing of organic materials. The hazards of EPFRs are largely unknown. In this study, we assess the developmental toxicity of EPFRs and the ability of TEMPOL (4-Hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl) to protect against such hazards using zebrafish embryos. Particles containing EPFRs were acquired by dosing dichlorobenzene (DCB) vapor on the Cab-o-sil/5% CuO particles at 230 °C in vacuo (referred to as DCB-230). The particles were suspended in ultrapure water to make 1 mg/mL of stock solution from which series dilution was undertaken to obtain 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100 µg/mL final test solutions, which were then placed in individual wells with a 4 h postfertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryo. Plates were run in duplicate to obtain a sample size of 24 animals per concentration; 12 embryos were exposed per concentration per plate. Statistical analysis of the morphology endpoints was performed. We investigated overt toxicity responses to DCB-230 in a 22-endpoint battery that included developing zebrafish from 24-120 hpf. Exposure to concentrations greater than 60 µg/mL of DCB-230 induced high mortality in the developmental zebrafish model. Exposure to EPFRs induced developmental hazards that were closely related to the concentrations of free radicals and EPFRs. The potential protective effects of TEMPOL against EPFRs' toxicity in zebrafish were investigated. Exposure to EPFRs plus TEMPOL shifted the concentration to an induced 50% adverse effect (EC50), from 23.6 to 30.8 µg/mL, which verifies TEMPOL's protective effect against EPFRs in the early phase of zebrafish development.

Damage of nasal mucociliary movement after intensity-modulated radiation therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Radiation usually results in paranasal sinusitis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which influences patients' quality of life. This study aimed to determine the relationships between dose distribution in the nasal cavity and nasal mucous injury in patients with NPC treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and to find the tolerable radiation dose for the nasal mucous. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with NPC treated by IMRT between October 2006 and November 2008 were enrolled. The irradiation dose in the nasal cavity was determined by the computer with the IMRT work platform. Mucociliary transport rate (MTR) was detected by modified saccharine test before IMRT, at the end of IMRT, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after IMRT. RESULTS: The data were available for 129 nasal cavities. The cavities receiving a mean dose below or equal to 37 Gy showed substantial preservation of nasal mucous after IMRT. The MRT decreased to (62.82 ± 38.59)%, (56.78 ± 37.79)%, (64.05 ± 39.37)%, and (71.13 ± 39.55)% of pre-IMRT value at 4 time points after IMRT, with significant differences among the data (P < 0.05). In contrast, when the cavities received a mean dose higher than 37 Gy, no significant differences in MTR among the time points were observed. At 3 months after IMRT, the MTR was the lowest (38.27% of pre-RT value). CONCLUSIONS: A mean radiation dose of ≤ 37 Gy for the nasal cavity is an optimal dose to protect the nasal cavity function.

Rapid preparation of surface-enhanced Raman substrate in microfluidic channel for trace detection of amoxicillin.

A high sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on the Ag dendrite in a T-type microfluidic device was constructed by a simple and rapid strategy. According to the simulated results by COMSOL Multiphysics, the microfluidic-SERS sensor was fabricated by simultaneously introducing into 40 mmol·L-1 silver nitrate solution and 0.2 mol·L-1 sodium nitrate solution for about 15 min with the flow velocity at 20 µL·min-1 at room temperature, respectively. The analytical performance of this sensor was investigated with different concentrations of amoxicillin aqueous solution, and the detection limit was up to 1.0 ng·mL-1. And the semi-quantitation was obtained from the relationship between the Raman intensity and the logarithm of the amoxicillin concentration. This method can be employed to fabricate high sensitive microfluidic-SERS sensors as well as realize many lab-on-a-chip applications with the integration of other microfluidic networks.

The differential magnetic relaxation behaviours of slightly distorted triangular dodecahedral dysprosium analogues in a type of cyano-bridged 3d-4f zig-zag chain compounds.

A class of cyano-bridged 3d-4f zig-zag chain compounds, {RE[TM(CN)6] (PNO)2(H2O)4}·(H2O) {RE = YIII, TM = [FeIII]LS (1); RE = DyIII, TM = [FeIII]LS (2), CoIII (3)}, have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The rare earth ions in these compounds are situated in a slightly distorted triangular dodecahedral (D2d) coordination environment. The magnetic properties of compounds 1-3 have been comparatively studied in detail. Under a zero dc field, the temperature dependence of ac susceptibility measurements for YFe (1) indicates the absence of magnetic relaxation stemming from the single anisotropic [FeIII]LS ion. The dysprosium analogue DyFe (2) shows only magnetic relaxation behavior with a prominent QTM effect, while DyCo (3) exhibits SIM properties not completely covered by QTM, with an extracted energy barrier of 73 K under a zero dc field. The ab initio calculations indicate that both compounds 2 and 3 are SMMs with well-behaved magnetic relaxation properties primarily from the individual DyIII ion. Therefore, the different magnetic behaviors exhibited by compound 2 compared to 3 may be ascribed to the stronger QTM effect caused by the extra weak interaction of [FeIII]LS ions in 2 as a fluctuating transverse field around the DyIII ion. The QTM effect for both 2 and 3 is suppressed under an applied dc field with an effective energy barrier of 134 and 150 K, respectively. Compared with compound 2, the higher extracted Ueff/kB and χ''(T) peak temperature for 3 should be further attributed to its slightly higher single-ion axiality as calculated and the elimination of the transverse field from the [FeIII]LS ion.

Correction to: Promoter hypomethylation mediated upregulation of MicroRNA-10b-3p targets FOXO3 to promote the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

In the original publication of this manuscript [1], Fig. 6 contains a repeated image in error (the left image of 'Migration' and the left image of 'Invasion').

p,p'-DDE induces apoptosis of rat Sertoli cells via a FasL-dependent pathway.

One,1-dichloro-2,2 bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p'-DDE), the major metabolite of 2,2-bis(4-Chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), is a known persistent organic pollutant and male reproductive toxicant. It has antiandrogenic effect. However, the mechanism by which p,p'-DDE exposure causes male reproductive toxicity remains unknown. In the present study, rat Sertoli cells were used to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in p,p'-DDE-induced toxicity in male reproductive system. The results indicated that p,p'-DDE exposure at over 30 muM showed the induction of apoptotic cell death. p,p'-DDE could induce increases in FasL mRNA and protein, which could be blocked by an antioxidant agent, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). In addition, caspase-3 and -8 were activated by p,p'-DDE treatment in these cells. The activation of NF-kappaB was enhanced with the increase of p,p'-DDE dose. Taken together, these results suggested that exposure to p,p'-DDE might induce apoptosis of rat Sertoli cells through a FasL-dependent pathway.

[Effect of bromoxynil on membrane potential and respiratory control rate in isolated mitochondria from mice liver and intervention effect of NAC].

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effect of bromoxynil on membrane potential and respiratory control rate (RCR) in isolate mitochondria from mice liver tissue in vitro and the intervention of NAC. METHODS: The mitochondrial was randomized to control group, bromoxynil-poisoned group and NAC-protected group. S3, S4 and RCR of the mitochondria in each sample was detected by the method of oxygen electrode. Each sample was stained by JC-1 and the changes of membrane potential of mitochondria were observed under fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: The S3 [(0.031 +/- 0.008) nano atoms oxygen x mg(-1) x min(-1)], RCR (1.820 +/- 0.181) of bromoxynil-poisoned group and RCR (4.253 +/- 0.210) of NAC-protected group were significantly lower than those of control group (P<0.01); the S4 [(0.017 +/- 0.004) nano atoms oxygen x mg(-1) x min(-1)] of NAC-protected group was significantly higher than control group (P<0.01). The S3 [(0.046 +/- 0.005) nano atoms oxygen x mg(-1) x min(-1)] and RCR of NAC-protected group were significantly higher than group B (P<0.01), S4 [(0.011 +/- 0.001) nano atoms oxygen x mg(-1) x min(-1)] of NAC-protected group was significantly lower than bromoxynil-poisoned group (P< 0.01). Observation under fluorescence microscope: the red fluorescence of mitochondria was dim or disappeared in bromoxynil-poisoned group while brightened in NAC-protected group but still dimmer than control group. CONCLUSION: In vitro, the mitochondrial RCR and the mitochondrial membrane potential are decreased after the mitochondria is incubated with bromoxynil, and NAC could improve it.