Observation and analysis of clinical efficacy of breast-conserving therapy integrated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy on Breast Cancer.

To investigate the efficaciousness of breast-conserving therapy in connection with neoadjuvant chemotherapy on breast cancer. 68 patients, who were confirmed going down with breast cancer and hospitalized from June 2015 and June 2017, were sampled and divided into two groups using the random digit table, i.e. the observation group (n=34) and the control group (n=34). Patients in the observation group experienced breast-conserving therapy integrated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but those in the control group received the radical resection of breast cancer. Patients' condition in surgery, incidence of post-surgery complications as well as patient survivals were compared and coded. In the observation group, surgical duration, intraoperative bleeding amount, length of stay in hospital and incidence rate of post-surgery complications were all lower than the patients with the similar conditions in the control group with evident distinctions in statistics (p<0.05). In the observation group, survival ratios of one-to-five-year living patients were evidently higher than those in the control group. The distinctions owned evident significance in calculations (p<0.05). In comparison of the recurrence ratio of disease and the rate of distant metastasis between the observation group (5.88% and 8.82%) and the control group (11.76% and 8.82%), differences had no statistical significance (p>0.05). Before treatment, compared with the score of life quality in the two groups, no evident distinction in statistical exists (p>0.05), however, after that, the life quality in the observation group evidently outweighs the quality in the control group, which shows the distinctions in statistics (p<0.05). Breast-conserving therapy in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy shows promising clinical value in ameliorating the life quality, decreasing the mortality rate and the incidence of adverse reaction, which is expected to be applied in clinical practices as a kind of safe and effective method.

[Apoptosis in Lungs and Liver after Crush Injury of Hindlimbs in Rat].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the process of apoptosis in lungs and liver induced by crushing hindlimbs of rat, and study the mechanism of crush injury. METHODS: The rat experimental model of hindlimbs crush injury was established. The cell apoptosis in lungs and liver was detected by TUNEL assay, and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 apoptin was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the partial muscle injury of rat's hindlimbs was more serious with more apoptosis observed in lungs and liver (P < 0.05). The expression of Bax was up-regulated and Bcl-2 was down-regulated, whereas caspase-3 expression was activated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The cell apoptosis has increased significantly in lungs and liver after crush injury of hindlimbs in rat. The correlation factor released during tissue injury may mediate apoptosis process.

Rigidity with Flexibility: Porous Triptycene Networks for Enhancing Methane Storage.

In the pursuit of advancing materials for methane storage, a critical consideration arises given the prominence of natural gas (NG) as a clean transportation fuel, which holds substantial potential for alleviating the strain on both energy resources and the environment in the forthcoming decade. In this context, a novel approach is undertaken, employing the rigid triptycene as a foundational building block. This strategy is coupled with the incorporation of dichloromethane and 1,3-dichloropropane, serving as rigid and flexible linkers, respectively. This combination not only enables cost-effective fabrication but also expedites the creation of two distinct triptycene-based hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs), identified as PTN-70 and PTN-71. Surprisingly, despite PTN-71 manifesting an inferior Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area when compared to the rigidly linked PTN-70, it showcases remarkably enhanced methane adsorption capabilities, particularly under high-pressure conditions. At a temperature of 275 K and a pressure of 95 bars, PTN-71 demonstrates an impressive methane adsorption capacity of 329 cm3 g-1. This exceptional performance is attributed to the unique flexible network structure of PTN-71, which exhibits a pronounced swelling response when subjected to elevated pressure conditions, thus elucidating its superior methane adsorption characteristics. The development of these advanced materials not only signifies a significant stride in the realm of methane storage but also underscores the importance of tailoring the structural attributes of hypercrosslinked polymers for optimized gas adsorption performance.

Comprehensive analysis of endoplasmic reticulum stress related signature in head and neck squamous carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) is a prevalent malignant disease, with the majority of patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is considered to be a process that promotes tumorigenesis and impacts the tumor microenvironment (TME) in various cancers. The study aims to investigate the predictive value of ERS in HNSC and explore the correlation between ERS-related genes and TME. A series of bioinformatics analyses were carried out based on mRNA and scRNA-seq data from the TCGA and GEO databases. We conducted RT-qPCR and western blot to validate the signature, and performed cell functional experiments to investigate the in vitro biological functions of the gene. We identified 63 ERS-related genes that were associated with outcome and stage in HNSC. A three-gene signature (ATF6, TRIB3, and UBXN6) was developed, which presents predictive value in the prognosis and immunotherapy response of HNSC patients. The high-risk group exhibited a worse prognosis but may benefit from immunotherapy. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the signature and immune infiltration. In the high-risk group, fibroblasts were more active in intercellular communication, and more T cells were observed at the end of the sequential phase. The genes in the ERS-related signature were overexpressed in HNSC cells, and the knockdown of TRIB3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration. This study established a novel ERS-related signature that has potential implications for HNSC therapy and the understanding of TME.

Risk factors of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is a common complication following thyroid surgery. However, current research findings on the risk factors for post-thyroid surgery hypoPT are not entirely consistent, and the same risk factors may have different impacts on transient and permanent hypoPT. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive study to summarize and explore the risk factors for both transient and permanent hypoPT after thyroid surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two databases (PubMed and Embase) were searched from inception to 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to rate study quality. Pooled odds ratios were used to calculate the relationship of each risk factor with transient and permanent hypoPT. Subgroup analyses were conducted for hypoPT with different definition-time (6 or 12 months). Publication bias was assessed using Begg's test and Egger's test. RESULTS: A total of 19 risk factors from the 93 studies were included in the analysis. Among them, sex and parathyroid autotransplantation were the most frequently reported risk factors. Meta-analysis demonstrated that sex (female vs. male), cN stage, central neck dissection, lateral neck dissection, extent of central neck dissection (bilateral vs. unilateral), surgery [total thyroidectomy (TT) vs. lobectomy], surgery type (TT vs. sub-TT), incidental parathyroidectomy, and pathology (cancer vs. benign) were significantly associated with transient and permanent hypoPT. Preoperative calcium and parathyroid autotransplantation were only identified as risk factors for transient hypoPT, while preoperative PTH was a protective factor. Additionally, node metastasis and parathyroid in specimen were associated with permanent hypoPT. CONCLUSION: The highest risk of hypoPT occurs in female thyroid cancer patients with lymph node metastasis undergoing TT combined with neck dissection. The key to preventing postoperative hypoPT lies in the selection of surgical approach and intraoperative protection.

Computer analysis of abnormal proliferation and transformation cells in gastric mucosa and its clinical significance.

To investigate the image computer analysis of abnormally proliferating transformed cells of gastric mucosa and its clinical significance. The pathological pictures of gastric adenomatous polyp cells, abnormally proliferating altered cells, and tubular adenocarcinoma cells in the stomach mucosa were assessed by image computer method on a total of 96 gastroscopic biopsy and ESD resection specimens. The data of cytoplasmic area, nuclear area, nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear factor and N-heterotypic index of gastric adenomatous polyps, abnormal proliferative transformation and gastric intramucosal tubular adenocarcinoma were collected, and the mean, standard deviation and variance were calculated respectively. Standard Error, Maximum, Minimum Parameters and Statistical Structure. There were substantial discrepancies between gastric mucosal gastric adenomatous polyp cells and gastric mucosal abnormally proliferating transformed cells, according to the five data in the abnormal cells in the stomach mucosal proliferation area (p < 0.01); There was no significant difference between cells (p > 0.05). Computer analysis of cell images can provide quantitative values for the pathological diagnosis of gastric adenomatous polyp cells, abnormally proliferating transformed cells and tubular adenocarcinoma cells in the gastric mucosa, especially the degree of atypical proliferation. The monitoring of abnormally proliferated and transformed cells in gastric mucosa is of great significance for clinicians to accurately treat and track cell transformation, and to control the occurrence and development of gastric adenocarcinoma.

The complete chloroplast genome of Alniaria alnifolia (Siebold and Zucc.) Rushforth, 2018.

Alniaria alnifolia (Siebold and Zucc.) Rushforth, 2018 (alternative name: Sorbus alnifolia) belongs to the genus Alniaria of the family Rosaceae and is widely distributed in northern China, Korea, and Japan. It is an essential resource used in the construction, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. It is also used to treat various diseases, such as fever, hyperglycemia, rash, asthma, bronchitis, constipation, leprosy, anemia, and other skin ailments. In this study, we sequenced a sample of A. alnifolia and determined its complete chloroplast genome. The chloroplast genome of A. alnifolia has a circular structure with a length of 159,855 bp, which includes a small single-copy region (19,409 bp), a large single-copy region (87,628 bp), and two inverted repeats (26,409 bp). The sequence had 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes, and the overall GC content was 36.6%. The genes trnK-UUU, rps16, trnG-UCC, atpF, rpoC1, trnL-UAA, trnV-UAC, petB, petD, rpl16, rpl2, ndhB, trnI-GAU, trnA-UGC, and ndhA contained one intron; genes clpP and ycf3 contained two introns. Phylogenetic results showed that A. alnifolia had the closest relationship with Sorbus folgneri (MK161058).

Highly covalent molecular cage based porous organic polymer: pore size control and pore property enhancement.

It remains a great challenge to effectively control the pore size in porous organic polymers (POPs) because of the disordered linking modes. Herein, we used organic molecular cages (OMCs), possessing the properties of fixed intrinsic cavities, high numbers of reactive sites and dissolvable processability, as building blocks to construct a molecular cage-based POP (TPP-pOMC) with high valency through covalent cross coupling reaction. In the formed TPP-pOMC, the originating blocking pore channels of TPP-OMC were "turned on" and formed fixed pore channels (5.3 Å) corresponding to the connective intrinsic cavities of cages, and intermolecular pore channels (1.34 and 2.72 nm) between cages. Therefore, TPP-pOMC showed significant enhancement in Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and CO2 adsorption capacity.

Fiber optic Fabry-Perot sensor that can amplify ultrasonic wave for an enhanced partial discharge detection.

Ultrasonic wave is a powerful tool for many applications, such as structural health monitoring, medical diagnosis and partial discharges (PDs) detection. The fiber optic extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) sensor has become an ideal candidate for detecting weak ultrasonic signals due to its inherent advantages, and each time with a performance enhancement, it can bring great application potential in broadened fields. Herein, an EFPI ultrasonic sensor for PDs detection is proposed. The sensing diaphragm uses a 5-µm-thickness and beam-supported structure to improve the responsive sensitivity of the sensor at the resonant frequency. Furthermore, the ability of the sensor to detect characteristic ultrasonic signal of PDs is further enhanced by assembling a Fresnel-zone-plate (FZP)-based ultrasonic lens with the sensing probe to amplify the ultrasonic wave before it excites the sensing diaphragm. The final testing results show that the originally developed sensor owns the sensitivity of - 19.8 dB re. 1 V/Pa at resonant frequency. While, when the FZP is assembled with the probe, the sensitivity reaches to - 12.4 dB re. 1 V/Pa, and leads to a narrower frequency band, which indicates that the proposed method has a great potential to enhance the detection ability of sensor to characteristic ultrasonic wave of PDs.

[Biomechanical study on different high-strength sutures and suture site for repairing posterior root tear of the medial meniscus].

OBJECTIVE: To compare biomechanical characteristic of different high-strength sutures and suture sites for repairing posterior root tear of the medial meniscus with modified Mason-Allen technique. METHODS: Forty-eight specimen of medial meniscus of knee joint from fresh porcine (female, aged from 5 to 9 months with an average of 7 months) were chosen and established experimental model. The samples were divided into red zone fixation group and red-white zone fixation group according to suture sites, 24 in each group; and then were randomly divided into 3 subgroups which 8 in each group, and fixed with Ethibond suture, Ultrabraid suture and FiberWire suture, respectively. Biomechanical tests were performedon universal electromagnetic and mechanical testing machine. Each specimen was underwent 1 000 cyclic tests on the first time, then pull out test until failure. The maximum failure load, yield load, stiffness and displacement were analyzed. RESULTS: All specimen were successfully completed biomechanical tests. The failure mode of Ethibond group was caused by suture fracture; 6 cases of Ultrabraid suture group was caused by suture fracture which belong to red zone fixation group, 10 cases were caused by suture pull out, which 2 cases belong to red zone fixation group, 8 cases belong to red-white zone fixation group;8 cases of FiberWire group was caused by suture pull-out. Biomechanical test showed that:(1)In terms of suture strength, comparison of the maximum failure load, yield load and stiffness showed that Ethibond suture group Ultrabraid suture group >FiberWire suture group, and had statistical differences among groups (P<0.05);the results showed the suture strength in Ethibond was the best, Ultrabraid suture took the second place, and FiberWire suture was the worst. (2)As for different suture sites, comparison of the maximum failure load, yield load and stiffness showed that red zone fixation group >red-white region fixation group, and had statistical difference between two groups(P< 0.05);comparison of cyclic displacement at 100, 500 and 1 000 cycles showed that red zone fixation group

[Case-control study on remnant-preserving strategy for preservation and reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the clinical efficacies of remnant-preserving and remnant-non-preserving, remnant-non-preserving remnant segment preserving and remnant root preserving with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: From March 2014 to December 2017, 204 patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries were treated by single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft. According to the different methods of remnant preservation, the procedures were divided into remnant segment preserving group (A), remnant root preserving group (B), and remnant-non-preserving group (C). There were 37 males and 39 femalesin group A aged from 16 to 43 years old with an average of (28.80±5.41) years old. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 11 weeks with an average of (3.68±1.04) weeks. In group B, there were 39 males and 25 females aged from 18 to 41 years old with an average of (28.42±5.60) years old. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 10 weeks with an average of (3.36±1.68) weeks. In group C, there were 37 males and 27 females aged from 18 to 43 years old with an average of (29.10±6.11) years old. The time from injury to operation ranged from 3 to 11 weeks with an average of (3.54±1.46) weeks. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee was used to assess the range of extension and flextion of the knee at pre-operation and 24 months after operation. Lysholm score and the international knee documentation committee (IKDC) score were used to assess the knee function. The differences among three procedures were judged by comparing among the three groups at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: All incisions got a one stage healing, and no complications, such as vascular injury, nerve damage and articular infect or the like, occurred. All the patients were followed up, and the follow-up duration of group A ranged from 24.00 to 45.96 months with a mean of (35.52±14.40) months;the follow up duration of group B ranged from 27.96 to 48.00 months with a mean of (37.56±10.68) month;and the follow up duration of group C ranged from 24.00 to 66.00 months with a mean of (37.08±13.44) month. There were no significant differences in follow up time among three groups (P>0.05). Six months after operation, Lysholm score 80.74±3.14 and IKDC score 79.92±3.44 in group A were higher than those in group B 80.74±3.14 and 78.21±4.63, and higher than those in group C 79.22±3.63 and 76.63±3.80 (P<0.05);12 months after operation, Lysholm score 89.84± 5.13 and IKDC score 87.90±3.93 in group A were higher than those in group B 85.74±6.04 and 83.62±5.64, and higher than those in group C 82.83±3.43 and 79.21±4.04(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with remnant-non-preserving group, the residual tissue of anterior cruciate ligament is preserved, which is conducive to promote the healing and remodeling of tendon graft and accelerate the recovery of joint function. Proper fixation of residual tissue and restoration of its tension are the key factors affecting the postoperative efficacy.

[Relationship between cathepsin L and invasion and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To clone cathepsin L (CTSL) gene and construct the eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1-CTSL and study the relationship between CTSL and invasion and metastasis in ovarian cancer cells in vitro. METHODS: The total RNA was extracted from the ovarian cancer tissue and the intact cDNA of CTSL was applied by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The product of RT-PCR was cloned to pMD18-T vector, and subcloned to pcDNA3.1 vector. It was tested by the enzymation and DNA sequencing. The eukaryotic expression plasmid of CTSL was introduced into HO8910 cells by liposome transfection reagent. RT-PCR was used to confirm the recombinant plasmid DNA integrated with the genomic DNA of HO8910 cells. Western blot was used to confirm the CTSL protein expression in positive clones cells. The cell growth curves, clonogenicity efficiency were observed. The cell cycles were measured by flow cytometer. The ability of invasion, metastasis and adhesion of ovarian cancer cells were detected by the matrigel invasion assay, transwell migration assay and adhesion assay, respectively. RESULTS: The results from restrictive enzyme analysis and sequencing showed that the CTSL gene was successfully inserted into pcDNA3.1. Result from RT-PCR and western blot showed that the ovarian cancer cells which transfected by recombinant plasmid could express CTSL gene and protein. There was no difference between HO8910-CTSL and HO8910-pcDNA3.1 cells in proliferation and adhesion ability (0.16 ± 0.04 versus 0.19 ± 0.04) of the cells (P > 0.05). There was difference between HO8910-CTSL and HO8910-pcDNA3.1 cells in matrigel invasion ability (0.34 ± 0.18 versus 0.17 ± 0.04) and metastasis ability (1.252 ± 0.114 versus 0.486 ± 0.027) of cancer (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CTSL maybe increase the ability of invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, which may be a molecular target of blocking invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

[Inhibition of Topo II alpha gene expression and reversing of drug resistance in multi-drug resistant epithelial ovarian cancer cells induced by RNA interference in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether or not multi-drug resistance could be reversed by RNA interference the expression of Topo II alpha gene in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. METHODS: (1) The best silent small interference RNA (siRNA) of Topo II alpha gene was designed and chose and cloned into psilencer4.1-CMV-neo vector. The psilencer4.1-CMV-neo-Topo II alpha was transfected into SKOV3/DDP cell, then Topo II alpha siRNA(+)SKOV3/DDP cells was incubated. (2) The Topo II alpha mRNA and protein expression of the stability-transfecting cell lines were detected by RT-PCR and western blot method, respectively. The resistance index, the cell cycle and the cellular content of cisplatin were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, the flow cytometry and high performance liquid chromatography method before and after Topo II alpha RNA interference in cells. RESULTS: (1) The Topo II alpha gene expression level in SKOV3/DDP cells could be inhibited after the plasmid DNA psilencer4.1-CMV-neo-Topo II alpha transfeced. The expression level of Topo II alpha mRNA in Topo II alpha siRNA(+)SKOV3/DDP and SKOV3/DDP cells were 0 and 0.92 +/- 0.08; the expression level of Topo II alpha protein in Topo II alpha siRNA(+)SKOV3/DDP and SKOV3/DDP cells were 0.51 +/- 0.04 and 1.95 +/- 0.09 (P < 0.01). (2) The multi-drug resistance index of Topo II alpha siRNA(+)SKOV3/DDP cell was significantly lower compared with that in SKOV3/DDP cell (3.46 vs 5.05, P < 0.05). (3) The percentage of G(0)/G(1) and G(2)/M phase cell in Topo II alpha siRNA(+)SKOV3/DDP cells were higher than that in SKOV3/DDP cells (P < 0.05). (4) The content of cisplatin in Topo II alpha siRNA(+)SKOV3/DDP cells treated with cisplatin for 24 hours was significantly higher than that in SKOV3/DDP cell (157.20 vs 63.99 ng, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the tolerance of cisplatin would be reversed by blocking the Topo II alpha gene expression in cisplatin-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer cells.

[Relationship between combined multigene detection and response to adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between combined multigene detection and response to adjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Tissue microarray was prepared from samples of 86 cases of early-stage NSCLC who received adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery. The expressions of caspase-3, Fas, bax, bcl-2, survivin, PCNA, Ki67, MGMT, p53, p63, p73, p16, p27, VEGF, nm23, P-gp, MRP, LRP, GST-pi, Topo II, c-myc, cyclin-D1, Her-2, Cox-2, Ku70, Ku80, DNA-PKcs, ERCC1, MSH2, BCRP proteins were detected using immunohistochemical two-step method. RESULTS: The positive rate of the 30 genes in lung cancer tissue were 27.9% - 91.9%, respectively. By univariate analysis, the expression of 8 genes was shown to be related with SCLC adjuvant chemotherapy. The cases with higher expression of survivin, P-gp, LRP, Ki67, p53, ERCC1 and lower expression of bax,VEGF had worse prognosis. By logistic regression analysis, the ERCC1, survivin, bax and VEGF were a marker group. Multivariate analysis showed the predict value of the response to adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage NSCLC was 96.5%. CONCLUSION: Survivin, ERCC1, bax and VEGF are an ideal marker group to predict the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage NSCLC.

The sequential structure of tripyridiniumylporphyrin pendants in water-soluble copolymers and their association behaviour with tetrasulfonatophenylporphyrin guests: UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra study.

A novel cationic tripyridiniumylporphyrin monomer, 5-[4-[2-(acryloyloxy)ethoxy]phenyl]-l0,l5,20-tris(N-methyl-4-pyridiniumyl)porphyrinate zinc(ii) (ZnTrMPyP), was synthesized, and its self-aggregation in water was studied by UV-vis absorption. The monomer was copolymerized with acrylamide in water and DMSO, respectively, to prepare the water-soluble polymers P-W and P-D. The aggregation behaviour of the copolymers in aqueous solution was investigated by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra. The polymer P-D displayed very similar absorption and emission spectra to those of ZnTrMPyP in water, indicating that the polymer chains in P-D have no significant effect on the aggregate structure of ZnTrMPyP in aqueous media. In comparison, two new absorption bands appeared in the Q band range of polymer P-W and its fluorescence spectra red shifted and the fluorescence quantum yield decreased obviously. These characteristics remained unchanged even in a good solvent for the monomer, suggesting that a new aggregation structure for the porphyrin pendants fixed by the covalent bond was formed. According to the different dispersed states of the porphyrin monomer in water and DMSO, the porphyrin pendants should distribute randomly in the P-D polymer chains while having micro-blocky sequences in polymer P-W. The association behaviour between the copolymers and tetra(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin, TSPP, bearing opposite charged substituents were studied by absorption and emission Spectra and further analyzed by the Benesi-Hildebrand and the Stern-Volmer methods. The results showed that relatively discrete porphyrin pendants in P-D formed a 1 : 1 stoichiometric complex with TSPP and both static and dynamic mechanisms were active in this quenching process, while the tightly associated porphyrin pendants in P-W interacted with TSPP as an entirety and static quenching was dominant in this process. This observation was in accordance with their sequential structure. The polymer P-W has a wider absorption range and higher absorption intensity in the long wavelength region than the porphyrin monomer, which can more efficiently absorb light to accomplish light harvesting in water.

A fluorescent calixarene-based dimeric capsule constructed via a MII-terpyridine interaction: cage structure, inclusion properties and drug release.

Two analogues of capsule-like fluorescent cages have been constructed by dimerization of terpyridine-containing calixarene derivatives utilizing a MII-terpyridine (M = Zn and Cd) interaction. 1H NMR spectral studies show that the self-assembled molecular capsules Zn4L12 and Cd4L12 have a highly symmetrical D 4h-structure. The encapsulation of the anticancer drug mercaptopurine in their cavities has been documented by NMR, ESI-TOF-MS, fluorescence switching, and molecular simulation, indicating that strong S-π and π-π interactions between drug and cage are of importance for the host-guest binding. The nanoscale cages exhibit excellent behaviors to control the release of mercaptopurine in phosphate buffered saline solution (pH = 7.4). These results further highlight the potential of self-assembled Zn4L12 cages for drug-carrier applications.

[Constitutive characteristics and change trend of gynecological malignant tumors in 8009 hospitalized patients in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the constitutive characteristics and the change trend of gynecologic malignant tumors in hospitalized patients in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region over the recent 20 years. METHODS: Clinical data of 8009 in-patients who suffered from gynecologic malignant tumors in 23 hospitals from 1985 to 2004 in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were analyzed, with respect to the tumor types and change trend. RESULTS: (1) The leading 4 types of malignant tumors were cervical cancers, ovarian cancers, endometrial cancers, and malignant trophoblastic tumors according to the constitutive ratios of the tumors. The constitutive ratio of cervical cancer patients rose year by year, from 17.48% during the 1985-1989 period to 49.25% during the 2000-2004 period (P < 0.01). While the constitutive ratio of malignant trophoblastic tumors dropped year by year. The changes of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, vulvar and vaginal carcinomas, and sarcoma of the uterus were not obvious (P > 0.05). (2) The occurring age of cervical cancers became younger obviously, from > or = 60 years old dropped to < 40 years old. (3) Cervical cancers were found mainly in urban residents in the former 10 years, the constitutive ratio being 67.1%; while in the latter 10 years it gradually shifted to rural residents, accounting for 52.6% of the total gynecological tumors. (4) Patients were usually at stages II, III, IV when they visited a doctor for their diseases. Especially for ovarian cancer, malignant trophoblastic tumors, sarcoma of the uterus, these patients were in the intermediate or advanced stage when they were diagnosed, mainly because of lack of obvious symptoms. The constitutive ratio of these advanced patients was over 60%. CONCLUSIONS: We should strengthen the screening program of cervical cancer, and pay more attention to prevention and control of other gynecological reproductive organ tumors at the same time. On the other hand, we should explore better tumor markers, new methods of diagnosis and treatment to improve early diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic malignant tumors.

[Inhibitory effects of antisense MMP-9 oligodeoxynucleotides on invasiveness and adherence of ovarian cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the inhibitory effects of antisense MMP-9 oligodeoxynucleotides on invasiveness and adhesion ability in vitro of ovarian cancer cells, and to investigate the mechanisms of action. METHODS: MMP-9 antisense oligonucleotides were transfected by lipofectinmin into ovarian cancer cell line HO-8910PM cells expressing MMP-9 induced with fibronectin. RT-PCR, Western blot and gelatin zymography were used to detected MMP-9 expression of mRNA and protein and enzymatic activity. The ability of invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells was assayed in Transwell cell culture chamber. Cell adhersion assay was carried out in a microculture well pre-coated with fibronectin. RESULTS: MMP-9 expressions of mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in the antisense-transfected cells. Comparing with the control group, the inhibition rate was 34. 8% and 42. 5% , respectively (P <0. 05). Its gelatin enzymatic activity was inhibited. Matrigel invasion assay and Transwell migration assay revealed markedly reduction in invasion and migration for the antisense group. The inhibition rates were 22. 4% and 24. 8% , respectively. The adhesion ability was also reduced. The inhibition rates were 49. 8% and 38. 3% at 60 min and 90 min, respectively. CONCLUSION: MMP-9 down-regulation can significantly inhibit the ability of invasion and attachment of ovarian cells in vitro. MMP-9 may play an important role in invasion and metastasis of ovarian cells and potentially be a molecular target of blocking invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

[Inhibitory effects of RNA interference on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene and invasiveness and adhesion in ovarian cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effects of RNA interference (RNAi) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) gene and invasiveness and adhesion of ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: Four groups of different specific target sequence in coding region of MMP-9 and one non-specific sequence were chosen, which were Site1, Site2, Site3, Site4 and Site5. Small interference RNA (siRNA) expression cassettes (SEC) were constructed by PCR and transfected into ovarian cancer HO-8910PM cells. RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of MMP-9 gene; the abilities of invasion and adhesion were detected by Matrigel invasion assay and cell adhesion assay. RESULTS: The expression of MMP-9 was inhibited and the inhibitory effects of different sequence were varied. The mRNA expression was 0.64 +/- 0.06, 0.47 +/- 0.07, 0.55 +/- 0.10 in Site1, Site2, Site3 group, and protein expression was 0.30 +/- 0.09, 0.27 +/- 0.08, 0.37 +/- 0.12, respectively. Site2 group had the most efficient inhibitory effect, followed by Site1 and Site3 groups. Cell growth curve revealed that cell growth was significantly inhibited in Site2 group. Invasiveness and adhesion were significantly reduced, the inhibitory rate on invasion in Site1, Site2, Site3 groups were 50.0%, 50.0% and 37.5%, respectively; the inhibitory rate on adhesion in Site1, Site2, Site3, Site4 groups were 43.8%, 48.8%, 33.9%, 24.2% at 60 min and 41.6%, 40.2%, 35.1%, 16.0% at 90 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RNAi exists in ovarian HO-8910PM cells. MMP-9 siRNA can specifically down-regulate MMP-9 expression and lead to the inhibition of invasiveness and adhesion in ovarian cancer cells.