Retracted: Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Targets MicroRNA-329-3p to Regulate Expression of the SMAD2 Gene in Human Cervical Cancer Tissue and Cell Lines.

The Editors of Medical Science Monitor wish to inform you that the above manuscript has been retracted from publication due to concerns with the credibility and originality of the study, the manuscript content, and the Figure images. Reference: Mei Mei Guan, Qun Xian Rao, Miao Ling Huang, Li Juan Wang, Shao Dan Lin, Qing Chen, Chang Hao Liu. Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Targets MicroRNA-329-3p to Regulate Expression of the SMAD2 Gene in Human Cervical Cancer Tissue and Cell Lines. Med Sci Monit, 2019; 25: 8131-8141. DOI: 10.12659/MSM.916292.

Long Noncoding RNA TP73-AS1 Targets MicroRNA-329-3p to Regulate Expression of the SMAD2 Gene in Human Cervical Cancer Tissue and Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND Worldwide, mortality from cervical cancer in women remains high. This study aimed to investigate the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TP73-AS1, microRNA-329-3p (miRNA-329-3p), and the SMAD2 gene and their regulatory relationships in human cervical cancer tissue and cervical cancer cell lines. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cervical cancer tissue samples (n=30) and normal control cervical tissues were studied. Cell proliferation and migration were investigated in HeLa and SiHa human cervical cancer cells using the MTT assay, crystal violet staining, wound healing assay, and the transwell assay. Expression of lncRNA TP73-AS1 and the SMAD2 gene were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Enrichment of miR-329-3p was measured using the RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIPA). Targeting relationships between TP73-AS1, miR-329-3p, and SMAD2 were identified using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. A subcutaneous xenograft model was established, tumor size was measured, and SMAD2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS LncRNA TP73-AS1 was overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells and was associated with reduced expression of miR-329-3p. Down-regulation of lncRNA TP73-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and increased miR-329-3p expression. Expression of SMAD2 down-regulated miR-329-3p and was associated with increased expression of TP73-AS1. LncRNA TP73-AS1 knockdown resulted in miR-329-3p silencing. In tumor xenografts, expression of TP73-AS1 reduced the tumor volume and down-regulated the expression levels of the SMAD2 gene. CONCLUSIONS LncRNA TP73-AS1 promoted proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines by targeting miR-329-3p to regulate the expression of the SMAD2 gene. A regulatory network was formed between lncRNA TP73-AS1, miR-329-3p, and SMAD2.

Conductance Measurement of Pyrazine Molecular Junction with Cu and Ag Electrodes.

We have measured the conductance of pyrazine molecular junction contacting with Cu and Ag electrodes by using an electrochemical jump-to-contact based scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (ECSTM-BJ). While conductance values of 10-2.8 and 10-3.7 G0 are measured for pyrazineCu electrode, 10-2.1 and 10-3.3 G0 are found for pyrazine-Ag contact. The result shows that the conductance of pyrazine with Ag electrode is larger than that with Cu electrode, which can contribute to the different efficiency of electron transport along the molecular junction between Ag and Cu electrodes. The current work shows the important role for the electrode material in electron transport.

Detecting Electron Transport of Amino Acids by Using Conductance Measurement.

The single molecular conductance of amino acids was measured by a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) break junction. Conductance measurement of alanine gives out two conductance values at 10-1.85 G0 (1095 nS) and 10-3.7 G0 (15.5 nS), while similar conductance values are also observed for aspartic acid and glutamic acid, which have one more carboxylic acid group compared with alanine. This may show that the backbone of NH2-C-COOH is the primary means of electron transport in the molecular junction of aspartic acid and glutamic acid. However, NH2-C-COOH is not the primary means of electron transport in the methionine junction, which may be caused by the strong interaction of the Au-SMe (methyl sulfide) bond for the methionine junction. The current work reveals the important role of the anchoring group in the electron transport in different amino acids junctions.

Association Between HIF-1 Alpha Gene Polymorphisms and Response in Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to assess whether HIF-1α polymorphisms have an effect on the response to chemotherapy of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study in 162 LACC patients. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α C1772T and G1790A genetic polymorphisms were ascertained using direct sequencing methods. RESULTS The C1772T polymorphism was significantly related to response to chemotherapy (P=0.002), and there was an increased chance of treatment response in patients with the C/C genotype (OR=4.7; 95% CI: 1.67-13.49; P=0.004). The C1772T polymorphism was also associated with poor tumor grade (adjusted OR, 2.98; 95% CI: 1.08-8.13; P=0.037). However, The G1790A polymorphism was not associated with response (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The C1772T polymorphism was significantly related to response to chemotherapy and poor tumor grade. Our results may help to better manage individual patients and to improve clinical decision making regarding use of NACT.

Recent advances in luminescence and aptamer sensors based analytical determination, adsorptive removal, degradation of the tetracycline antibiotics, an overview and outlook.

Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs), one of the important antibiotic groups, have been widely used in human and veterinary medicines. Their residues in foodstuff, soil and sewage have caused serious threats to food safety, ecological environment and human health. Here, we reviewed the potential harms of TCs residues to foodstuff, environment and human beings, discussed the luminescence and aptamer sensors based analytical determination, adsorptive removal, and degradation strategies of TCs residues from a recent 5-year period. The advantages and intrinsic limitations of these strategies have been compared and discussed, the potential challenges and opportunities in TCs residues degradation have also been deliberated and explored.

4,4'-Bipyridine-4-(p-toluene-sulfonamido)-benzoic acid (1/2).

In the title compound, C(14)H(13)NO(4)S·0.5C(10)H(8)N(2), the two benzene rings are nearly perpendicular to each other [dihedral angle = 83.21 (10)°]. The bipyridine mol-ecule is centrosymmetric, the mid-point of the C-C bond linking the pyridine rings being located on an inversion center. Inter-molecular N-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds and weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present in the crystal structure.

4-(4-Methylbenzenesulfonamido)benzoic acid N,N-dimethyl-formamide mono-solvate.

In the title compound, C(14)H(13)NO(4)S·C(3)H(7)NO, the C-S-N-C torsion angle of -64.55 (17)° defines the folded conformation of the mol-ecule. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 83.367 (6)°. In a crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a chain along a axis through inter-molecular N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. There is also an intra-molecular C-H⋯π inter-action.

Bis(4-amino-benzoato)-κO,O';κO-(2,2'-bipyridine-κN,N')zinc.

In the title complex, [Zn(C(7)H(6)NO(2))(2)(C(10)H(8)N(2))], the Zn(II) cation is coordinated by two amino-benzoate anions and one 2,2'-bipyridine ligand in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. The carboxyl-ate group of one aminobenzoate anion coordinates to the Zn(II) cation in a monodentate manner, whereas the carboxyl-ate group of the other amino-benzoate anion chelates the Zn cation with different Zn-O bond lengths. Inter-molecular N-H⋯N and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal structure.

Aqua-{N-[(4-methyl-phen-yl)sulfon-yl]glycinato(2-)-κN,O}(1,10-phenan-throline)copper(II).

In the title complex, [Cu(C(9)H(9)NO(4)S)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)], the Cu(II) ion is coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry by the two N atoms from a 1,10-phenanthroline ligand, one N atom from the deprotonated amino group of an N-tosyl-glycinate ligand, one O atom from the carboxyl-ate part of the N-tosyl-glycinate ligand and a water O atom. Inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the water H atoms link neighboring mol-ecules into supra-molecular chains along [010]. Weak π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances of 3.456 (1) and 3.691 (1) Å] between the benzene rings of 1,10-phenanthroline ligands of adjacent mol-ecules extend the chains into a layer structure parallel to (001).

(2,2'-Bipyridine-κN,N')hydroxido[N-(4-tolyl-sulfonyl)-alaninato-κN,O]copper(II) hemihydrate.

In the title complex, [Cu(C(10)H(12)NO(4)S)(OH)(C(10)H(8)N(2))]·0.5H(2)O, the Cu(II) ion shows a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry with two N atoms from the 2,2'-bipyridine ligand and one N and one O atom from the N-tosyl-α-alaninato ligand forming the basis of the coordination polyhedron and another O atom of the hydroxo group acting as the apex of the pyramid. The solvent water mol-ecule is statistically disordered over two positions.

Bis(4-aminobenzenesulfonato)tri-aqua-bis(1,10-phenanthroline)neodymium(III) nitrate tetrahydrate.

The title complex, [Nd(C(6)H(6)NO(3)S)(2)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(3)]NO(3)·4H(2)O, comprises a mononuclear cation, an NO(3) (-) anion and two uncoordinated water mol-ecules; the Nd(III) cation, one coordinated water mol-ecule, and the NO(3) (-) anion each lie on a twofold axis of symmetry. The Nd(III) ion exhibits an NdN(4)O(5) coordination environment comprising two O atoms of two monodentate 4-amino-benzene-sulfonato ligands, four N atoms of the bidentate 1,10-phenanthroline ligands, and three water-O atoms. The coordination geometry is based on a tricapped triangular-prismatic arrangement. The components are consolidated into a three-dimensional network via O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N and N-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

Bis{µ-1,3-bis-[2-(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzyl-idene-amino)ethyl]-2-(5-bromo-2-oxido-phenyl)-1,3-imidazolidine}dineo-dymium(III) N,N-dimethyl-formamide hexa-solvate.

In the title centrosymmetric dinuclear complex, [Nd(2)(C(27)H(24)Br(3)N(4)O(3))(2)]·6C(3)H(7)NO, the Nd(III) ion is coordinated in a slightly distorted square-anti-prismatic geometry by four N atoms and four O atoms from two centrosymmetrically-related 1,3-bis-[2-(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzyl-amino)eth-yl]-2-(5-bromo-2-oxidophen-yl)-1,3-imidazolidine ligands. The Nd⋯Nd separation is 4.5012 (12) Å.

{4,4'-Dibromo-2,2'-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methyl-idyne)]diphenolato}copper(II).

In the title compound, [Cu(C(16)H(12)Br(2)N(2)O(2))], the Cu(II) atom is coordinated in a slightly distorted square-planar geometry by two O and two N atoms of the tetra-dentate dianionic 4,4'-dibromo-2,2'-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methyl-idyne)]diphen-olate Schiff base ligand.

catena-Poly[{di-µ-isonicotinato-bis[di-aqua-isonicotinatoeuropium(III)]}-µ-isonicotinato-[diisonicotinatocopper(II)]-µ-isonicotinato].

The title compound, [CuEu(2)(C(6)H(4)NO(2))(8)(H(2)O)(4)](n), displays a one-dimensional chain structure. The four-coordinate Cu(II) ion (site symmetry ) adopts a trans-CuN(2)O(2) geometry and is bridged by two carboxyl-ate groups from two isonicotinate ligands. The Eu(III) ion adopts a distorted square-anti-prismatic geometry, being coordinated by four O atoms from bridging carboxyl-ate groups of four isonicotinate ligands, two O atoms from chelating carboxyl-ate groups of one isonicotinate ligand and two O atoms from coordinated water mol-ecules; adjacent Eu(III) ions in the chain are related by inversion. The water mol-ecules interact with the ligands via O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds [O⋯O = 2.782 (3)-2.881 (3) Å], which link the chains into a three-dimensional structure.

catena-Poly[[(2,2'-bipyridine)copper(II)]-µ-5-tert-butyl-isophthalato].

In the crystal structure of the title polymeric compound, [Cu(C(12)H(12)O(4))(C(10)H(8)N(2))](n), the asymmetric unit consists of one Cu(II) ion, one 5-tert-butyl-isophthalate (tbip) and one 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) ligand. The copper(II) ion is four-coordin-ated by two N atoms from bipy and two O atoms from two tbip ligands, leading to a distorted tetrahedral coordination. Each tbip ligand adopts a bis-monodentate coordination mode to connect two symmetry-related copper(II) ions, so forming a zigzag polymer chain parallel to [001]. The tert-butyl methyl groups are disordered over two positions with occupancies of 0.506 (6)/0.494 (6).

A dinuclear copper complex: bis-(µ-4-amino-benzoato)bis-[aqua(1,10-phenanthroline)copper(II)] dichloride bis(4-amino-benzoic acid) dihydrate.

The title complex, [Cu(2)(C(7)H(6)NO(2))(2)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·2C(7)H(7)NO(2)·2H(2)O, consists of a dinuclear [Cu(2)(C(7)H(6)NO(2))(2)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) cation, two Cl(-) anions, two 4-amino-benzoic acid mol-ecules and two disordered water mol-ecules (site occupancy factors 0.5). The Cu(II) ion adopts a distorted square-pyramidal geometry formed by two N atoms from the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and two O atoms of the two 4-amino-benzoic acid ligands and one water O atom. The Cu⋯Cu separation is 3.109 (2) Å. A twofold axis passes through the mid-point of the Cu⋯Cu vector.

Side-Group Effect on Electron Transport of Single Molecular Junctions.

In this article, we have investigated the influence of the nitro side-group on the single molecular conductance of pyridine-based molecules by scanning tunneling microscopy break junction. Single molecular conductance of 4,4'-bipyridine (BPY), 3-nitro-4-(pyridin-4-yl)pyridine (BPY-N), and 3-nitro-4-(3-nitropyridin-4-yl)pyridine (BPY-2N) were measured by contact with Au electrodes. For the BPY molecular junction, two sets of conductance were found with values around 10-3.1 G0 (high G) and 10-3.7 G0 (low G). The addition of nitro side-group(s) onto the pyridine ring resulted in lower conductance of 10-3.8 G0 for BPY-N and 10-3.9 G0 for BPY-2N, respectively, which can be attributed to the twist angle of two pyridine rings. Moreover, the steric hindrance of nitro group(s) also affects the contacting configuration of electrode-molecule-electrode. As a consequence, only one set of conductance value was observed for BPY-N and BPY-2N. Our work clearly shows the important role of side-groups on the electron transport of single-molecule junctions.

Prognostic Impact of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Overexpression in Patients with Cervical Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Clinical trials have provided conflicting results regarding whether epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression predicts poor survival in cervical cancer patients. In this study, we perform a meta-analysis of the association between EGFR expression and survival in cervical cancer patients. We searched clinical studies in the Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A total of 22 studies with 2,505 patients were included, and pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each study. Heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins I2 to select a Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects model (I2 ≤50%) or a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model (I2 ≥50%). High EGFR levels predicted poor overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.10-1.78) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.51-2.24). Stratified analyses showed that EGFR overexpression was significantly related to poor DFS in patients treated with chemoradiation or surgery. Moreover, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) revealed associations between EGFR expression and clinicopathological features, such as lymph node metastasis (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.23-2.40) and tumor size ≥4 cm (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20-2.23). This meta-analysis demonstrates that EGFR overexpression is closely associated with reduced survival in patients with cervical cancer. These results may facilitate the individualized management of clinical decisions for anti-EGFR therapies in cervical cancer patients.