Overexpression of SLC12A5 is associated with tumor progression and poor survival in ovarian carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The solute carrier family 12 member 5 (SLC12A5) gene is playing a putative oncogenic role in colorectal carcinoma. However, the status of SLC12A5 amplification and expression in ovarian carcinoma and its potential clinical and/or prognostic significance has not yet been investigated. METHODS: In the present study, semi-quantitative staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to investigate SLC12A5 protein expression and gene amplification levels. Samples were obtained from archival, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pathological specimens consisting of 30 normal ovaries, 30 ovarian cystadenomas, 30 borderline ovarian tumors, and 147 invasive ovarian carcinomas. SLC12A5 immunohistochemical staining results, pathological parameters, and patient prognosis were then evaluated using various statistical models. Patient survival rate was also assessed using receiver-operator curve analysis. RESULTS: Our results revealed no SLC12A5 protein overexpression in normal ovaries. However, 7% of cystadenomas had SLC12A5 protein overexpression along with 17% of borderline tumors and 37% of ovarian carcinomas (P<0.01). Amplification of SLC12A5 was detected in 10.3% of ovarian carcinomas. Further correlational analyses showed that SLC12A5 protein overexpression in ovarian carcinomas was significantly associated with ascending histological grade, pT/pN/pM status, as well as FIGO stage (P<0.05). A subsequent univariate survival analysis of our ovarian carcinoma cohorts resulted in a significant association between SLC12A5 protein overexpression and decreased patient survival (44.3 and 85.9 months for high and low SLC12A5 protein expression, respectively; P<0.001). Importantly, additional multivariate analysis revealed that SLC12A5 protein expression was a significant, independent prognostic factor for overall survival in ovarian carcinoma patients (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these findings support the conclusion that SLC12A5 protein overexpression could indicate an invasive and/or aggressive phenotype of ovarian carcinoma. Future work will need to investigate whether SLC12A5 protein can serve as an independent prognostic molecular marker in patients with ovarian carcinoma.

[Effects of fungi fraction on growth and anti-oxidative activity of Eleutherococcus senticosus].

The present study was conducted to explore the effect of endophytic fungi fraction on growth and anti-oxidative activity of Eleutherococcus senticosus. The growth,yield,contents of MDA,and antioxidant activities were assessed in E. senticosus under five fungi fractions,namely BZ,MH,DT,JS,and XFZ. The results showed that fungi fractions and component significantly affected the growth,low concentration of DT fungi fraction significantly increased the biomass of E. senticosus,reduced the MDA content in cells,and the antioxidant activities of the aqueous extracts were superior to the others. The results indicated that low concentration of DT fungi fraction was the optimum fraction to achieve high yield and quality of E. senticosus.

CPE overexpression is correlated with pelvic lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

PURPOSE: Elevated carboxypeptidase E (CPE) levels play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. This study investigated the expression and clinicopathological significance of CPE in early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS: Elevated carboxypeptidase E expression was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in normal cervical tissue, cervical cancer cell lines, and in cervical cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANTs) from the same patient. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine CPE expression in tissue samples from 112 patients with early-stage cervical cancer (FIGO stages Ia2-IIa2), 60 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and 19 patients with normal cervical tissues (NCTs). Associations between CPE expression and prognostic and diagnostic factors were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: CPE expression was significantly higher in cervical cancer cell lines and tissues than in normal tissues and ANTs. Semi-quantitative analysis of IHC indicated that CPE gradually increased from CIN I to cervical cancer, but was absent in NCTs. CPE expression was seen in 40.2 % (45/112) of the cervical cancer samples. CPE expression was significantly associated with FIGO stage (P = 0.003), tumor size (P = 0.012), stromal invasion (P < 0.001), lymphovascular space invasion (P = 0.016), parametrial infiltration (P = 0.027), vaginal involvement (P = 0.007), postoperative adjuvant therapy (P = 0.024), recurrence (P < 0.001), survival (P < 0.001), and pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) (P < 0.001), and it was significantly higher in tissues from patients with PLNM than without PLNM. Logistic regression analysis identified high-level CPE expression as an independent risk factor for PLNM (P = 0.001). Patients with higher CPE expression had shorter overall survival duration than patients with lower CPE expression. Univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analyses suggested that high-level CPE expression is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in early-stage cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: High-level CPE expression was associated with a poor prognosis in early-stage cervical cancer. CPE may serve as a biomarker for predicting PLNM and survival in these patients.

Three new species of Neohelicomyces (Tubeufiales, Tubeufiaceae) from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in China.

Neohelicomyces species are a group of helicosporous hyphomycetes with the potential to produce secondary metabolites. During our investigation of helicosporous fungi, six collections were isolated from both terrestrial and freshwater habitats in Guizhou Province, China. Based on multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS, LSU, tef1α and rpb2), coupled with morphological data, three new Neohelicomyces species, viz. N.guizhouensis, N.helicosporus and N.hydei were established. A list of accepted Neohelicomyces species with molecular data was provided. The strain of Neohelicomycespallidus (UAMH 10535) was synonymised under N.denticulatus based on molecular data.

Diversity of Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporaceae) taxa on submerged decaying wood from the Red River in Yunnan, China.

The Red River Basin is located in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and is rich in lignicolous freshwater fungi, but no systematic research has been conducted. A systematic study on the species diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the basin is ongoing. Seven distoseptispora-like specimens were collected from the Red River Basin in Yunnan. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 genes and combined morphological data indicate that there are six distinct species of Distoseptispora, including two new species and four known species. Two new species were named D.suae and D.xinpingensis, and the four known species were D.bambusae, D.euseptata, D.obpyriformis and D.pachyconidia. This study provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of these six species and an updated phylogenetic backbone tree of Distoseptispora.

Morphology and multi-gene phylogeny reveal a novel Torula (Pleosporales, Torulaceae) species from the plateau lakes in Yunnan, China.

Background: During an investigation into lignicolous freshwater fungi from the plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, two fresh collections of Torula taxa were collected and examined morpholgically. New information: Torulaluguhuensis is characterised by: conidiophores which are semi-macronematous mononematous, erect, septate, smooth, slightly flexuous and pale brown; conidiogenous cells which are holoblastic, mono- to polyblastic, integrated, terminal, terminal or intercalary in conidial chains, doliiform and pale brown; conidia which are branched chains, acrogenous, straight or slightly curved, dark brown to blackish, pale brown or subhyaline at apex, 1-3 septate, strongly constricted at the septa, verruculose or finely echinulate and rounded at both ends. A new species was introduced, based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TEF sequence data. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided, with an updated phylogenetic tree depicting intergeneric relationships within the Torulaceae.

Two novel species and three new records of Torulaceae from Yunnan Province, China.

While investigating the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, six fresh collections of Torulaceae were collected and identified based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data. Two new species, viz. Neopodoconisyunnanensis and Torulasuae, and three new records, viz. T.canangae (new freshwater habitat record), T.masonii (new host record), and T.sundara (new freshwater habitat record) are reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of these species are provided.

Lignicolous Freshwater Fungi from Plateau Lakes in China (I): Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Eight Species of Lentitheciaceae, Including New Genus, New Species and New Records.

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, eight Lentitheciaceae species were collected from five lakes viz. Luguhu, Qiluhu, Xingyunhu, Cibihu, and Xihu lake. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, and tef 1-α sequence data, a new genus Paralentithecium, two new species (Paralentithecium suae, and Setoseptoria suae), three new records (Halobyssothecium phragmitis, H. unicellulare, and Lentithecium yunnanensis) and three known species viz. Halobyssothecium aquifusiforme, Lentithecium pseudoclioninum, and Setoseptoria bambusae are reported.

Geastrumsuae sp. nov. (Geastraceae, Basidiomycota) a new species from Yunnan Province, China.

Background: Geastrum is the largest genus of Geastraceae and is widely distributed all over the world. Four specimens which belong to Geastrum were collected during our scientific expedition to Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan, China. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, a new species was introduced. New information: Geastrumsuae is characterised by its large basidiomata (height 35-70 mm, diameter 18-37 mm) with long stipe (height 10-45 mm), smooth pink exoperidium and sessile globose endoperidial body. Phylogenetic analysis has been carried out, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (nrLSU) sequence data. The illustration and description for the new taxa are provided.

FOXM1 promotes tumor cell invasion and correlates with poor prognosis in early-stage cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor plays crucial roles in regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and transformation of cells. Overexpression of FOXM1 is associated with a variety of aggressive solid carcinomas, including cervical cancer. However, the precise role and molecular mechanism responsible for the aggressive action of FOXM1 in cervical cancer remain unclear. This study investigated the cellular and molecular aggressive function of FOXM1 in cervical cancer. METHODS: The FOXM1 gene and protein expression profiles were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining, and other cellular and molecular approaches including gene transfection, short hairpin RNA interference (RNAi), and wound-healing, migration, and invasion assays. RESULTS: FOXM1 expression was significantly up-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels in early-stage cervical cancer, compared to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and normal cervical tissues. High levels of FOXM1 expression were significantly associated with aggression in cervical cancer, and were an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in early-stage cervical cancer patients. Moreover, enforced expression of FOXM1 increased migration and invasion of cancer cells, whereas RNAi-mediated knockdown of FOXM1 had the opposite effect. In addition, up-regulation of FOXM1 increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in vitro and in vivo, and activated the Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3ß/Snail pathway, resulting in the promotion of migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that FOXM1 up-regulation is associated with poor prognosis in early-stage cervical cancer, and therefore it may act as a prognostic marker and a new potential target for cervical cancer treatment.

Successful management of mucinous ovarian cancer by conservative surgery in week 6 of pregnancy: case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: The management of ovarian cancer during pregnancy is still a big challenge, mostly due to the reciprocal impacts between cancer and pregnancy. The objective of this article is to present a rare case of maternal ovarian adenocarcinoma and review published similar cases about this clinical condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here we report a rare case of maternal ovarian adenocarcinoma detected during gestational week 6, with good pregnancy outcome treated with conservative surgery. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A case of maternal ovarian adenocarcinoma (stage I) was detected in week 6 of pregnancy receiving conservative surgery without chemotherapy. In week 39 of pregnancy, due to relapse of the cancer, the patient underwent excision of the isolated tumor, and gave birth to a healthy baby through cesarian section. After that, the patient received cytoreductive surgery associated with six chemotherapy. The patient was finally diagnosed as epithelial ovarian cancer stage IIIC, and had survived more than 5 years without relapse. The successful experience from this case suggested that pregnancy complicated with early ovarian cancer receiving conservative surgery could continue to pregnancy and the effect of cesarian section followed with cytoreductive surgery associated with six chemotherapy at full term was still satisfied.

Lignicolous freshwater fungi in Yunnan Province, China: an overview.

Yunnan Province is one of the rich biodiversity hotspots with abundant resources of lignicolous freshwater fungi. A total of 281 species of lignicolous freshwater fungi from 1986 to the present in Yunnan Province. They are mostly distributed in the classes Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes, a few species in the Eurotiomycetes and Leotiomycetes, and rarely reported in Orbiliomycetes and Pezizomycetes. Lignicolous freshwater fungi can decompose lignocellulose substrates and release energy and nutrients, and thus playing an important role in freshwater environment. This study briefly reviewed the biodiversity and taxonomic status of lignicolous freshwater fungi in Yunnan, the ecological functions of lignicolous freshwater fungi, factors affecting community distribution, application status, and research difficulties.

Neomonodictysaquatica sp. nov. (Pleurotheciaceae) from a plateau lake in Yunnan Province, China.

BACKGROUND: In this study, a new species Neomonodictysaquatica was collected from submerged decaying wood in Erhai Lake, Yunnan Province, China. NEW INFORMATION: Neomonodictysaquatica is characterised by acrogenous, solitary, oval, dictyospores (most are transverse septum, occasionally vertical septum, in immaturity the septum is clear, but when mature, the conidia becomes darker so the septum is not clear), smooth-walled conidia. The immature conidia are usually hyaline to olivaceous and mature conidia are usually darkened to black, sometimes with one pale basal cell. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequence data showed that the new collection is distinct from other Neomonodictys species. Description and illustration are provided as well.

Maelstrom promotes tumor metastasis through regulation of FGFR4 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence has indicated that Maelstrom (MAEL) plays an oncogenic role in various human carcinomas. However, the exact function and mechanisms by which MAEL acts in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remain unclear. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that MAEL was frequently overexpressed in EOC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of MAEL was positively correlated with the histological grade of tumors, FIGO stage, and pT/pN/pM status (p < 0.05), and it also acted as an independent predictor of poor patient survival (p < 0.001). Ectopic overexpression of MAEL substantially promoted invasiveness/metastasis and induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas silencing MAEL by short hairpin RNA effectively inhibited its oncogenic function and attenuated EMT. Further study demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) was a critical downstream target of MAEL in EOC, and the expression levels of FGFR4 were significantly associated with MAEL. (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that overexpression of MAEL plays a crucial oncogenic role in the development and progression of EOC through the upregulation of FGFR4 and subsequent induction of EMT, and also provide new insights on its potential as a therapeutic target for EOC.

The plethora of Tubeufiaceae in lakes of the northwestern Yunnan plateau, China.

The diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi in northwestern Yunnan, China, has been studied for several years in the College of Agriculture and Biological Science, at Dali University. Over the last 5 years, we published two new genera and nine new species of Tubeufiaceae from northwestern Yunnan. This study focused on introducing tubeufia-like hyphomycetous fungi found in freshwater lakes in the northwestern Yunnan plateau. Eleven fresh collections of tubeufiaceous taxa were gathered and identified. Among them, a new genus, Neomanoharachariella, is introduced to accommodate Neomanoharachariella aquatica, which is characterized by a light brown to dark brown color, dictyoseptate, and broadly oval to ellipsoid and well-developed conidiophores. Two new species, viz., Neohelicosporium suae and Parahelicomyces suae, one new record, Helicoma rufum, and three new collections, namely, H. rugosum, P. hyalosporus, and Tubeufia cylindrothecia are introduced based on morphological evidence and molecular phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, tef 1-α, and RPB2 sequence data. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of these species are provided, and a morphological comparison with similar taxa is discussed.

Endophytic Pestalotiopsis species associated with Rhododendron in Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan Province, China.

Rhododendron is an essential ornamental plant that is abundant in Yunnan province. In Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan, China, 61 species of Rhododendron have been reported. Endophytic fungi are internal plant tissue inhabitants that do not harm the host. It has emerged as an exciting research topic as they have the potential to provide numerous secondary metabolites. This study is focused on taxonomic novelties and new host records of endophytic fungi associated with Rhododendron plants collected from Cangshan Mountain in Yunnan Province, China. Pestalotiopsis fungi are associated with a vast array of plant species worldwide. In this study, fresh leaves of Rhododendron cyanocarpum, Rhododendron decorum, and Rhododendron delavayi were collected from Cangshan Mountain, Yunnan Province, China. Endophytic Pestalotiopsis fungi associated with Rhododendron were characterized based on phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, TEF1-α, and TUB genes along with morphological characteristics. Six new species (Pestalotiopsis appendiculata, Pestalotiopsis cangshanensis, Pestalotiopsis daliensis, Pestalotiopsis fusoidea, Pestalotiopsis rosarioides, and Pestalotiopsis suae) and a new host record (Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola) are described. Detailed descriptions and color photo plates of these species are provided. It is the first time that the endophytic fungi of Rhododendron plants in Cangshan Mountain have been studied.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Electroacupuncture Regulating the Molecular Network in Hippocampus of Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Objective: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture stimulation of the hand-taiyin meridian in regulating the molecular network of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury based on transcriptomics. Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, and electroacupuncture (EA) group. Middle cerebral artery embolization/reperfusion injury (MCAO/R) was used to establish the model group and EA group. The sham operation group only performed sham operation without modeling and any intervention, and the model group was bound daily. The EA group received electroacupuncture to stimulate the acupoints of hand-taiyin meridian for 14 days. Then, neurological scores, pathomorphological observations, and Tunel staining were performed. Finally, the affected hippocampus of the rat was used for transcriptome sequencing and RT-PCR detection. Results: After electroacupuncture intervention in rats, neurological function scores were improved, and neuronal apoptosis was reduced. The results of transcriptomics showed that a total of 1097 differentially expressed genes were obtained, of which 422 were upregulated and 675 were downregulated. The bioinformatics analysis showed that those differentially expressed genes were related to axon development, neuron projection development, neuron projection morphogenesis, plasma membrane cell projection morphogenesis, cell part morphogenesis, notch signaling pathway, long-term potentiation, MAPK signaling pathway, Hedgehog signaling pathway, and so on. The results of RT-PCR showed that Caspase 9 mRNA increased and BDNF, Grin2a, and PlexinD1 mRNA decreased after electroacupuncture intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Electroacupuncture intervention on hand-taiyin meridian may reduce neurological function scores, inhibit neuron apoptosis, and enhance neuronal repair neuroreparation in MCAO/R rats, which may be related to the regulation of genes such as Caspase 9, BDNF, Grin2a, and PlexinD1.

Two novel species and two new records of Distoseptispora from freshwater habitats in China and Thailand.

During investigations into freshwater fungi from the Great Mekong Subregion, four Distoseptispora taxa were collected from China and Thailand. Based on morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS, SSU, TEF1-α, and RPB2 sequence data, two new species Distoseptisporabangkokensis and D.lancangjiangensis are introduced, and two known species D.clematidis and D.thysanolaenae were first reported in freshwater habitat. Illustrations and descriptions of these taxa are provided, along with comparisons with extant taxa in the genus.

Two new species of Cladosporium from leaf spots of Parispolyphylla in north-western Yunnan Province, China.

BACKGROUND: During the survey of pathogenic fungi on medicinal plant leaves in Yunnan Province, China, two Cladosporium-like taxa were isolated from leaf spots of Parispolyphylla. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, TEF1-α and ACT genes, two new species were discovered. NEW INFORMATION: Two new species Cladosporiumyunnanensis and C.paris are introduced, the detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided. Morphology of the two new species is compared with other related Cladosporium species. This study widens the host diversity of the genus Cladosporium.

CircRNA Microarray Profiling Reveals hsa_circ_0058493 as a Novel Biomarker for Imatinib-Resistant CML.

Background: CircRNA has appeared as a critical molecular in the development of various cancers. However, the cellular function of circRNAs and exosomal circRNAs has not been well explored in Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Methods: Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by a human circRNA microarray analysis. The expression of hsa_circ_0058493 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and exosomes was verified using quantitative real-time PCR. Short hairpin RNAs against hsa_circ_0058493 were constructed to silence the expression of circ_0058493. CCK8, flow cytometry and EdU assay were performed to investigate the biological functions of circ_0058493. Results: Hsa_circ_0058493 was significantly overexpressed in the PBMCs of CML patients and high level of circ_0058493 was associated with the poor clinical efficacy of imatinib. Silencing the expression of circ_0058493 significantly inhibited the development of imatinib-resistant CML cells. miR-548b-3p was overexpressed in circ_0058493-downregulated CML cells. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that circ_0058493 might exert its regulatory function acting as a "sponge" of miR-548b-3p. Moreover, hsa_circ_0058493 was significantly enriched in the exosomes derived from imatinib-resistant CML cells. Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0058493 in PBMCs could be a promising prognostic biomarker and might provide a therapeutic target for CML treatment.