Smad4 regulates TGF-ß1-mediated hedgehog activation to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing Gli1 activity.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive and metastatic gastrointestinal tumor with a poor prognosis. Persistent activation of the TGF-ß/Smad signaling induces PC cell (PCC) invasion and infiltration via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Hedgehog signaling is a crucial pathway for the development of PC via the transcription factors Gli1/2/3. This study aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of action of hedgehog activation in TGF-ß1-triggered EMT in PCCs (PANC-1 and BxPc-3). In addition, overexpression and shRNA techniques were used to evaluate the role of Smad4 in TGF-ß1-treated PCCs. Our data showed that TGF-ß1 promoted PCC invasion and infiltration via Smad2/3-dependent EMT. Hedgehog-Gli signaling axis in PCCs was activated upon TGF-ß1 stimulation. Inhibition of hedgehog with cyclopamine effectively antagonized TGF-ß1-induced EMT, thereby suggesting that the hedgehog signaling may act as a downstream cascade signaling of TGF-ß1. As a key protein that assists the nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, Smad4 was highly expressed in PANC-1 cells, but not in BxPc-3 cells. Conversely, Gli1 expression was low in PANC-1 cells, but high in BxPc-3 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Smad4 in PANC-1 cells by shRNA inhibited TGF-ß1-mediated EMT and collagen deposition. Overexpression of Smad4 did not affect TGF-ß1-mediated EMT due to the lack of significant increase in nuclear expression of Smad4. Importantly, Gli1 activity was upregulated by Smad4 knockdown in PANC-1 cells and downregulated by Smad4 overexpression in BxPc-3 cells, indicating that Gli1 may be a negative target protein downstream of Smad4. Thus, Smad4 regulates TGF-ß1-mediated hedgehog activation to promote EMT in PCCs by suppressing Gli1 activity.

Flavonoid Biosynthesis Pathway May Indirectly Affect Outcrossing Rate of Cytoplasmic Male-Sterile Lines of Soybean.

(1) Background: Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is important for exploiting heterosis. Soybean (Glycine max L.) has a low outcrossing rate that is detrimental for breeding sterile lines and producing hybrid seeds. Therefore, the molecular mechanism controlling the outcrossing rate should be elucidated to increase the outcrossing rate of soybean CMS lines; (2) Methods: The male-sterile soybean lines JLCMS313A (with a high outcrossing rate; HL) and JLCMS226A (with a low outcrossing rate; LL) were used for a combined analysis of the transcriptome (RNA-seq) and the targeted phenol metabolome; (3) Results: The comparison between HL and LL detected 5946 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 81 phenolic metabolites. The analysis of the DEGs and differentially abundant phenolic metabolites identified only one common KEGG pathway related to flavonoid biosynthesis. The qRT-PCR expression for eight DEGs was almost consistent with the transcriptome data. The comparison of the cloned coding sequence (CDS) regions of the SUS, FLS, UGT, and F3H genes between HL and LL revealed seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) only in the F3H CDS. Moreover, five significant differentially abundant phenolic metabolites between HL and LL were associated with flavonoid metabolic pathways. Finally, on the basis of the SNPs in the F3H CDS, one derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) marker was developed to distinguish between HL and LL soybean lines; (4) Conclusions: The flavonoid biosynthesis pathway may indirectly affect the outcrossing rate of CMS sterile lines in soybean.

Natural variation of MS2 confers male fertility and drives hybrid breeding in soybean.

A complete and genetically stable male sterile line with high outcrossing rate is a prerequisite for the development of commercial hybrid soybean. It was reported in the last century that the soybean male sterile ms2 mutant has the highest record with seed set. Here we report the cloning and characterization of the MS2 gene in soybean, which encodes a protein that is specifically expressed in the anther. MS2 functions in the tapetum and microspore by directly regulating genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the lipid metabolism, which is essential for the formation of microspore cell wall. Through comparison of the field performance with the widely used male sterile mutants in the same genetic background, we demonstrated that the ms2 mutant conducts the best in outcrossing rate and makes it an ideal tool in building a cost-effective hybrid system for soybean.

Association Between Low Muscle Mass and Gastric Hyperplastic and Inflammatory Polyps in Chinese Asymptomatic Adult Males.

Background: Gastric polyp is an abnormally proliferative or neoplastic growth of the gastric mucosa, with a degree of tendency to transform into gastric cancer. Lack of physical activity that is significantly related to low muscle mass (LMM) and muscle strength has been identified to be associated with gastric polyps. In this study, we examine the association of LMM and different histological types of gastric polyps among Chinese asymptomatic adult males. Methods: In total, 1,742 male adults undergoing bioelectrical impedance analysis and upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the effect of LMM on the risk of gastric polyps and different histological types. Results: By univariate and multivariate analyses, LMM (OR: 1.689, 95%CI: 1.046-2.726, p = 0.032) kept independent effect on risk of gastric polyps. When ratio of appendicular skeletal muscle mass to body mass index(ASM/BMI) was brought into the analyses, it was identified to be negatively correlated with occurrence of gastric polyps (OR: 0.744, 95%CI: 0.566-0.977, p = 0.033). For different pathological types, LMM showed different effect on occurrence of gastric polyps. LMM was an independent indicator for hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps (OR: 2.378, 95%CI: 1.288-4.389, p = 0.006), rather than fundic gland polyps (OR: 1.013, 95%CI: 0.473-2.173, p = 0.973). Conclusion: In general, LMM was an independent indicator for hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps occurrence in Chinese asymptomatic adult males.

Identification of a Candidate restorer-of-fertility Gene Rf3 Encoding a Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein for the Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Soybean.

The cytoplasmic male sterility/restorer-of-fertility (CMS/Rf) system plays a vital role in high-efficiency hybrid seed production in crops, including soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). The markers linked to fertility restoration and the restorer-of-fertility (Rf) genes are essential because they can facilitate the breeding of new CMS lines and production of commercial hybrid soybean seeds. To date, several soybean Rf genes have been mapped to various genetic loci in diverse genetic populations. However, the mapping range of restorer genes remains narrow, with relatively limited practical applicability. Therefore, in the present study, F2 and F3 segregating populations derived from the CMS line JLCMS5A crossed with the restorer line JLR2 were developed and used for Rf3 gene fine mapping. Genetic investigation indicated that the restorer line JLR2 was controlled by a single dominant gene, Rf3. By integrating bulk-segregant analysis and next-generation sequencing, a 4 Mb region on chromosome 9 was identified, which was most likely the target region harboring the candidate gene responsible for fertility restoration. This region was further narrowed down to 86.44 Kb via fine mapping in F2 and F3 populations using SSR, InDel, and dCAPS markers. This region contained 10 putative genes (Glyma.09G171100-Glyma.09G172000). Finally, Glyma.09G171200, which encodes a mitochondria-targeted pentatricopeptide repeat protein, was proposed as the potential candidate for Rf3 using sequence alignment and expression analysis in restorer and CMS lines. Based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms in Glyma.09G171200, a CAPS marker co-segregated with Rf3 named CAPS1712 was developed. Our results will be fundamental in the assisted selection and creation of potent lines for the production and rapid selection of novel restorer lines.

MALE STERILITY 3 encodes a plant homeodomain-finger protein for male fertility in soybean.

Male-sterile plants are used in hybrid breeding to improve yield in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Developing the capability to alter fertility under different environmental conditions could broaden germplasm resources and simplify hybrid production. However, molecular mechanisms potentially underlying such a system in soybean were unclear. Here, using positional cloning, we identified a gene, MALE STERILITY 3 (MS3), which encodes a nuclear-localized protein containing a plant homeodomain (PHD)-finger domain. A spontaneous mutation in ms3 causing premature termination of MS3 translation and partial loss of the PHD-finger. Transgenetic analysis indicated that MS3 knockout resulted in nonfunctional pollen and no self-pollinated pods, and RNA-seq analysis revealed that MS3 affects the expression of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism. Strikingly, the fertility of mutant ms3 can restore under long-d conditions. The mutant could thus be used to create a new, more stable photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterility line for two-line hybrid seed production, with significant impact on hybrid breeding and production.

Radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer and radiation-induced gut damages are regulated by gasdermin E.

Although radiotherapy is an important clinical option available for colorectal cancer (CRC), its use is restricted due to low radiosensitivity of CRC and high toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism by which CRC is not sensitive to radiation and radiation causes toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. Here we found that GSDME was silenced in CRC but markedly expressed in their surrounding normal tissues. GSDME determines radiation-induced pyroptosis in CRC cells and normal epithelial cells through the caspase-3-dependent pathway. GSDME expression sensitizes radioresistant CRC cells to radiation. In the homograft model, after radiation treatment, the tumor volume and weight were significantly decreased in GSDME-expressed homograft tumors compared to GSDME-knockout homograft tumors. On the mechanism, radiation induced GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in CRC cells, which recruited and activated NK cells to enhance antitumor immunity. In addition, GSDME-knockout mice were protected from radiation-induced weight loss and tissue damages in the intestine, stomach, liver and pancreas compared to wild-type control littermates. In summary, we show that GSDME determines CRC radiosensitivity and radiation-related toxicity to surrounding normal tissues through caspase-3-dependent pyroptosis. Our finding reveals a previously unrecognized link between radiation and pyroptosis.

Silencing lncRNA NEAT1 reduces nonalcoholic fatty liver fat deposition by regulating the miR-139-5p/c-Jun/SREBP-1c pathway.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) starts with the abnormal accumulation of lipids in the liver. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) was reported to modulate hepatic metabolic homeostasis in NAFLD. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To establish a NAFLD cellular model, HepG2 cells and LO2 cells were treated with 1 mM free fatty acids (FFAs) for 24 h. NEAT1, miRNA (miR)-139-5p, c-Jun and sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) were evaluated using qPCR. The protein levels of c-Jun, SREBP1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) were determined using western blotting. Moreover, Oil Red O staining was employed to assess lipid accumulation. In addition, a kit assay was performed to evaluate TG levels. Finally, the interactions among NEAT1, miR-139-5p, c-Jun and SREBP1c were identified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS: NEAT1, c-Jun and SREBP1c expression was markedly elevated, while miR-139-5p expression was reduced in the NAFLD cellular model. NEAT1 knockdown restrained lipid accumulation in the NAFLD cellular model by directly targeting miR-139-5p. Moreover, miR-139-5p overexpression suppressed lipid accumulation by directly suppressing c-Jun expression. In addition, c-Jun silencing suppressed lipid accumulation by directly targeting SREBP1c. Finally, miR-139-5p inhibition mitigated the inhibitory effect of sh-NEAT1 on lipid accumulation. CONCLUSION: NEAT1 aggravated FFA-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by regulating the c-Jun/SREBP1c axis by sponging miR-139-5p, indicating the potential of NEAT1 as a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD.

MS1 is essential for male fertility by regulating the microsporocyte cell plate expansion in soybean.

Male sterility is an essential trait in hybrid seed production, especially for monoclinous and autogamous food crops. Soybean male-sterile ms1 mutant has been known for more than 50 years and could be instrumental in making hybrid seeds. However, the gene responsible for the male-sterile phenotype has remained unknown. Here, we report the map-based cloning and characterization of the MS1 gene in soybean. MS1 encodes a kinesin protein and localizes to the nucleus, where it is required for the male meiotic cytokinesis after telophase II. We further substantiated that MS1 colocalizes with microtubules and is essential for cell plate formation in soybean male gametogenesis through immunostaining. Both ms1 and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout mutants show complete male sterility but are otherwise phenotypically normal, making them perfect tools for producing hybrid seeds. The identification of MS1 has the practical potential for assembling the sterility system and speeding up hybrid soybean breeding.

MicroRNAs Involved in Regulatory Cytoplasmic Male Sterility by Analysis RNA-seq and Small RNA-seq in Soybean.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is an important plant characteristic for exploiting heterosis to enhance crop traits during breeding. However, the CMS regulatory network remains unclear in plants, even though researchers have attempted to isolate genes associated with CMS. In this study, we performed high-throughput sequencing and degradome analyses to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets in a soybean CMS line (JLCMS9A) and its maintainer line (JLCMS9B). Additionally, the differentially expressed genes during reproductive development were identified using RNA-seq data. A total of 280 miRNAs matched soybean miRNA sequences in miRBase, including mature miRNAs and pre-miRNAs. Of the 280 miRNAs, 30, 23, and 21 belonged to the miR166, miR156, and miR171 families, respectively. Moreover, 410 novel low-abundant miRNAs were identified in the JLCMS9A and JLCMS9B flower buds. Furthermore, 303 and 462 target genes unique to JLCMS9A and JLCMS9B, respectively, as well as 782 common targets were predicted based on the degradome analysis. Target genes differentially expressed between the CMS line and the maintainer line were revealed by an RNA-seq analysis. Moreover, all target genes were annotated with diverse functions related to biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions, including transcriptional regulation, the nucleus, meristem maintenance, meristem initiation, cell differentiation, auxin-activated signaling, plant ovule development, and anther development. Finally, a network was built based on the interactions. Analyses of the miRNA, degradome, and transcriptome datasets generated in this study provided a comprehensive overview of the reproductive development of a CMS soybean line. The data presented herein represent useful information for soybean hybrid breeding. Furthermore, the study results indicate that miRNAs might contribute to the soybean CMS regulatory network by modulating the expression of CMS-related genes. These findings lay the foundation for future studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying soybean CMS.

Notch3 and its CADASIL mutants differentially regulate cellular phenotypes.

Notch3 is a member of the Notch family and its mutations are known to cause a hereditary human disorder called cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). However, the specific function and signaling cascade initiated by CADASIL mutants remain unknown. To gain further insight into mechanism of action of CADASIL mutants, the present study conducted several experiments on the effects of Notch3 mutants in multiple cell lines. The protein levels of Notch3, fibronectin, collagen, inducible nitric oxide synthase and DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) were determined by western blotting. The mRNA levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α were measured by reverse transcription semi-quantitative PCR and DNMT1 mRNA levels were determined by quantitative PCR. Trypan blue staining was used for proliferation analysis and wound healing assays were performed to determine cell migration capability. The present study reported that R90C and R169C Notch3 mutants, and wild-type Notch3 had different effects on several cell lines. In T/GHA-VSMC cells, following the transfection of the two mutants, collagen and fibronectin expression increased, whereas expression decreased in IMR-90 cells. In BV2 cells, the two mutants resulted in decreased nitric oxide and iNOS production. In HeLa cells, proliferation and migration increased significantly following the transfection of the two mutants, whereas in the MCF-7 and HCC1937 cell lines, cell proliferation and migration decreased. In addition, the two mutants suppressed the expression of DNMT1 in HeLa and IMR-90 cells. Overall, the present study provided novel insights that further explored the underlying mechanisms of CADASIL.

Degradation Mechanism Study and Safety Hazard Analysis of Overdischarge on Commercialized Lithium-ion Batteries.

With the continuous improvement of the energy density of traction batteries for electric vehicles, the safety of batteries over their entire lifecycle has become the most critical issue in the development of electric vehicles. Abuse of electricity encountered in the application of batteries has a great impact on the safety of traction batteries. In this study, focused on the overdischarge phenomenon that is most likely to be encountered in the practical use of electric vehicles and grid storage, the impact of overdischarge on battery performance degradation is analyzed by neutron imaging technology and its safety hazards is systematically explored, combined with multimethods including electrochemical analysis and structural characterization. Results reveal the deterioration of the internal structure of traction batteries due to the overdischarge behavior and play a guiding role in the testing and evaluation of the safety of traction batteries.

Helicobacter pylori infection with atrophic gastritis: An independent risk factor for colorectal adenomas.

BACKGROUND: The significance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and atrophic gastritis (AG) in the prevalence of colorectal adenomas has been examined in a limited number of studies. However, these studies reported disputed conclusions. AIM: To investigate whether H. pylori infection, AG, and H. pylori-related AG increase the risk of colorectal adenomas. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 6018 health-check individuals. The relevant data for physical examination, laboratory testing, 13C-urea breath testing, gastroscopy, colonoscopy and histopathological examination of gastric and colorectal biopsies were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between H. pylori-related AG and colorectal adenomas. RESULTS: Overall, 1012 subjects (16.8%) were diagnosed with colorectal adenomas, of whom 143 (2.4%) had advanced adenomas. Among the enrolled patients, the prevalence of H. pylori infection and AG was observed as 49.5% (2981/6018) and 10.0% (602/6018), respectively. Subjects with H. pylori infection had an elevated risk of colorectal adenomas (adjusted odds ratio [OR] of 1.220, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.053-1.413, P = 0.008) but no increased risk of advance adenomas (adjusted OR = 1.303, 95%CI: 0.922-1.842, P = 0.134). AG was significantly correlated to an increased risk of colorectal adenomas (unadjusted OR = 1.668, 95%CI: 1.352-2.059, P < 0.001; adjusted OR = 1.237, 95%CI: 0.988-1.549, P = 0.064). H. pylori infection accompanied by AG was significantly associated with an increased risk of adenomas (adjusted OR = 1.491, 95%CI: 1.103-2.015, P = 0.009) and advanced adenomas (adjusted OR = 1.910, 95%CI: 1.022-3.572, P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: H. pylori-related AG was associated with a high risk of colorectal adenomas and advanced adenomas in Chinese individuals.

Cytoplasm Types Affect DNA Methylation among Different Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Lines and Their Maintainer Line in Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) lines and their maintainer line have the same nucleus but different cytoplasm types. We used three soybean (Glycine max L.) CMS lines, JLCMS9A, JLCMSZ9A, and JLCMSPI9A, and their maintainer line, JLCMS9B, to explore whether methylation levels differed in their nuclei. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of these four lines was performed. The results show that the cytosine methylation level in the maintainer line was lower than in the CMS lines. Compared with JLCMS9B, the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DMR (differentially methylated region, DMR)-related genes of JLCMS9A revealed that their different 5-methylcytosine backgrounds were enriched in molecular function, whereas JLCMSZ9A and JLCMSPI9A were enriched in biological process and cellular component. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analysis of DMR-related genes and different methylated promoter regions in different cytosine contexts, hypomethylation or hypermethylation, showed that the numbers of DMR-related genes and promoter regions were clearly different. According to the DNA methylation and genetic distances separately, JLCMS9A clustered with JLCMS9B, and JLCMSPI9A with JLCMSZ9A. Thus, the effects of different cytoplasm types on DNA methylation were significantly different. This may be related to their genetic distances revealed by re-sequencing these lines. The detected DMR-related genes and pathways that are probably associated with CMS are also discussed.

Association between Hemoglobin Glycation Index and NAFLD in Chinese Nondiabetic Individuals.

Purpose: Limited studies have preliminarily identified a positive association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hemoglobin glycation index (HGI). However, this association has not been fully established. We aim to investigate the association between NAFLD and HGI in Chinese nondiabetic individuals and to construct a risk score based on HGI to predict a person's risk of NAFLD. Methods: After strict exclusion criteria, 5,903 individuals were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. We randomly selected 1,967 subjects in the enrollment to obtain an equation of linear regression, which was used to calculate predicted HbA1c and drive HGI. The other subjects were classified into four categories according to HGI level (≤-0.22, -0.21∼0.02, 0.03∼0.28, and ≥0.29). All subjects retrospectively reviewed the baseline characteristics, laboratory examinations, and abdominal ultrasonography. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD in this population was 20.7%, which increases along with the growth of HGI levels (P < 0.001). Adjusted to multiple factors, this trend still remained significant (OR: 1.172 (95% CI, 1.074-1.279)). The combined NAFLD risk score based on HGI resulted in an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.85 provided sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and a negative predictive value for NAFLD of 84.4%, 71.3%, 65.0%, and 88.0%, respectively. Conclusions: NAFLD is independently associated with HGI levels in Chinese nondiabetic individuals. And, NAFLD risk score may be used as one of the risk predictors of NAFLD in nondiabetic population.

Photocatalytic oxidation of nitrogen oxides over {001}TiO2: the influence of F- ions.

A series of anatase TiO2 nanosheets with different percentage of {001} facets ({001}TiO2) were synthesized through a hydrothermal route using tetrabutyltitanate as a titanium precursor and HF as a shape controlling agent. The amount of HF exhibits an obvious influence on the structures and activities of TiO2 samples. The adsorbed surface F- ions on the {001} facets of the anatase TiO2 were removed by washing them with NaOH solution. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunner-Emmet-Teller measurements, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy techniques, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The results indicated that all the as-prepared catalysts showed an anatase crystalline and nanosheet structure, as well as a strong ultraviolet light absorbance. With the increase of HF content, the crystallite size and the percentage of {001} facets increased first and later decreased, state the opposite change observed in BET. When the content of HF was 4.4 mL, the percentage of {001} facets reached the maximum up to 61.62%. After all samples were treated with 0.1 M NaOH solution, the percentage of {001} facets increased to a maximum of 64.46%. All the samples washed by NaOH solution exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for NOx oxidation under UV light irradiation than P25, {101}TiO2, and {001}TiO2 without NaOH washing, suggesting that the surface F- ions inhibited the photocatalytic NOx oxidation. Moreover, the results showed that the NaOH-washed {001}TiO2 has a high humidity tolerance.

Sedated gastroscopy improves detection of gastric polyps.

The detection rate of gastric polyps (GPs) is low, improving the detection rate would be good. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of sedated gastroscopy in GP detection. The data of patients who underwent gastroscopic examination from January 2014 to December 2016 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China) were retrospectively reviewed. Endoscopic records of 6,195 patients diagnosed with GPs were analyzed. The GP detection rate was 3.12 and 5.11% in the unsedated and sedated gastroscopy group, respectively (P<0.05). Also after stratification by sex, the GP detection rate was significantly higher in the sedated gastroscopy group (P<0.05). In addition, patients aged ≥20 years in the sedated gastroscopy group had a higher GP detection rate than those in the unsedated gastroscopy group (P<0.05). The incidence of cardiac, gastric fundus, gastric body and multiple-site GPs was significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). GPs ≤0.5 and >0.5 cm were more common in the sedated gastroscopy group than in the unsedated gastroscopy group (P<0.05). The common pathologic types of GPs were gastric fundus gland (52.27%) and hyperplastic polyps (34.74%). In conclusion, the GP detection rate may be improved by inhibition of gastric muscle cramping with sedation.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of flower heterosis in two soybean F1 hybrids by RNA-seq.

Heterosis has been widely exploited as an approach to enhance crop traits during breeding. However, its underlying molecular genetic mechanisms remain unclear. Recent advances in RNA sequencing technology (RNA-seq) have provided an opportunity to conduct transcriptome profiling for heterosis studies. We used RNA-seq to analyze the flower transcriptomes of two F1 hybrid soybeans (HYBSOY-1 and HYBSOY-5) and their parents. More than 385 million high-quality reads were generated and aligned against the soybean reference genome. A total of 681 and 899 genes were identified as being differentially expressed between HYBSOY-1 and HYBSOY-5 and their parents, respectively. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were categorized into four major expression categories with 12 expression patterns. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) term analysis showed that the DEGs were enriched in the categories metabolic process and catalytic activity, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis found that metabolic pathway and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were enriched in the two F1 hybrids. Comparing the DEGs of the two F1 hybrids by GO term and KEGG pathway analyses identified 26 common DEGs that showed transgressive up-regulation, and which could be considered potential candidate genes for heterosis in soybean F1 hybrids. This identification of an extensive transcriptome dataset gives a comprehensive overview of the flower transcriptomes in two F1 hybrids, and provides useful information for soybean hybrid breeding. These findings lay the foundation for future studies on molecular mechanisms underlying soybean heterosis.

Helicobacter pylori infection with intestinal metaplasia: An independent risk factor for colorectal adenomas.

AIM: To explore the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status, intestinal metaplasia (IM), and colorectal adenomas. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1641 individuals aged ≥ 40 years who underwent physical examination, laboratory testing, 13C-urea breath testing, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and an interview to ascertain baseline characteristics and general state of health. Histopathological results were obtained by gastric and colorectal biopsies. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori infection and adenomas was 51.5% (845/1641) and 18.1% (297/1641), respectively. H. pylori infection was significantly correlated with an increased risk of colorectal adenomas (crude OR = 1.535, 95%CI: 1.044-1.753, P = 0.022; adjusted OR = 1.359, 95%CI: 1.035-1.785, P = 0.028). Individuals with IM had an elevated risk of colorectal adenomas (crude OR = 1.664, 95%CI: 1.216-2.277, P = 0.001; adjusted OR = 1.381, 95%CI: 0.998-1.929, P = 0.059). Stratification based on H. pylori infection stage and IM revealed that IM accompanied by H. pylori infection was significantly associated with an increased risk of adenomas (crude OR = 2.109, 95%CI: 1.383-3.216, P = 0.001; adjusted OR = 1.765, 95%CI: 1.130-2.757, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: H. pylori-related IM is associated with a high risk of colorectal adenomas in Chinese individuals.

Melatonin Induces Cell Apoptosis in AGS Cells Through the Activation of JNK and P38 MAPK and the Suppression of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B: a Novel Therapeutic Implication for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Melatonin, synthesized by the pineal gland and released into the blood, appears to have antitumour properties; however, the mechanisms of its anti-cancer effects are largely unknown, especially in stomach cancer. Here, we explore the antitumour activity of melatonin in a gastric cancer cell line (AGS) and analyse its molecular mechanisms. METHODS: AGS cells were treated with melatonin, and cell viability was assessed using a CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate apoptosis, and protein expression was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Melatonin significantly inhibited cell viability, clone formation, and cell migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in AGS cells. Moreover, MAPK pathways (p38, JNK and ERK) were activated by melatonin treatment, which also significantly increased caspase-3 cleavage and Bax protein expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression in a time-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that p38 and JNK inhibitors (SB203580 and SP600125, respectively) prevented melatonin-induced apoptosis; thus, the propensity of p38 MAPK and JNK to promote apoptosis could be at least partly due to the inhibition of NF-x03BA;B p65 activation by p38 and JNK. Finally, melatonin was able to strengthen cisplatin-mediated antitumour effects in human gastric carcinoma cells by up-regulating the expression of Bax, down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and activating the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSION: Melatonin induced apoptosis in AGS cells by activating the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway and by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-x03BA;B p65, two processes that are regulated by p38 and JNK. Furthermore, melatonin significantly enhanced the anti-tumour effects of cisplatin, with low systemic toxicity. These new findings suggest that melatonin may act as a potent anti-tumour agent and may have great potential as an adjuvant therapy in the future.