Does the "Belt and Road Initiative" benefit the environment? Insight from analysis of intra-industry trade in environment goods.

The expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has raised a wide range of concerns about its environmental impact. Therefore, from the perspective of environmental impacts, this study used the two-way fixed effect staggered differences in differences (TWFE Staggered DID) method to examine the impact of the BRI on the Environment Goods (EGs) intra-industry trade (IIT) between China and other Belt and Road (B&R) countries, including a sample of 191 countries, covering the period from 2010 to 2019 for eliminating the impact of COVID-19 and the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009. Because only 135 countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding between 2010 and 2019, this study treated these B&R countries as the study group, and the other 73 countries (non-B&R countries) as the control group. This study described EGs using the 54 6-digit code Environment Goods in Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System listed in the "APEC LIST OF ENVIRONMENT GOODS" published by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2012, and used the intra-industry trade index proposed by Grubel and Lloyd in 1971 to measuring dependent variable. The research results indicated that the BRI has significantly promoted bilateral EGs IIT. The mechanism test implied that, in addition to direct impacts, the BRI also has indirect impacts by boosting the energy restructuring of B&R countries. These results prove that the BRI has positive impacts on the environment. The heterogeneity test showed that there is a heterogeneous impact depending on the type of IIT, product categorization, B&R countries' income levels, and geographic environment. This study not only gives theoretical and empirical evidence of the positive environmental impacts of the BRI, but also provides practical guidance for the development of EGS IIT between China and B&R countries, thereby contributing to global carbon emissions reduction and environmental governance to some degree.

The microRNA miR482 regulates NBS-LRR genes in response to ALT1 infection in apple.

Plants are frequently attacked by a variety of pathogens and thus have evolved a series of defense mechanisms, one important mechanism is resistance gene (R gene)-mediated disease resistance, but its expression is tightly regulated. NBS-LRR genes are the largest gene family of R genes. microRNAs (miRNAs) target to a number of NBS-LRR genes and trigger the production of phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) from these transcripts. phasiRNAs cis or trans regulate NBS-LRR genes, which can result in the repression of R gene expression. In this study, we screened for upregulated miR482 in the susceptible apple cultivar 'Golden Delicious' (GD) after inoculation with the fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata f. sp. mali (ALT1). Additionally, through combined degradome sequencing, we identified a gene targeted by miR482, named MdTNL1, a gene encoding a TIR-NBS-LRR (Toll/interleukin1 receptor-nucleotide binding site-leucine-rich repeat) protein. This gene exhibited a significant down-regulation post ALT1 inoculation, suggesting an impact on gene expression mediated by miRNA regulation. miR482 could cleave MdTNL1 and generate phasiRNAs at the cleavage site. We found that overexpression of miR482 inhibited the expression of MdTNL1 and thus reduced the disease resistance of GD, while silencing of miR482 increased the expression of MdTNL1 and thus improved the disease resistance of GD. This work elucidates key mechanisms underlying the immune response to Alternaria infection in apple. Identification of the resistance genes involved will enable molecular breeding for prevention and control of Alternaria leaf spot disease in this important fruit crop.

One-step synthesis of a core-shell structured biochar using algae (Chlorella) powder and ferric sulfate for immobilizing Hg(II).

Mercury (Hg) pollution poses a significant environmental challenge. One promising method for its removal is the sorption of mercuric ions using biochar. FeS-doped biochar (FBC) exhibits effective mercury adsorption, however may release excess iron into the surrounding water. To address this issue, a novel magnetic pyrrhotite/magnetite-doped biochar with a core-shell structure was synthesized for the adsorption of 2-valent mercury (Hg(II)). The proposed synthesis process involved the use of algae powder and ferric sulfate in a one-step method. By varying the ratio of ferric sulfate and alga powder (within the range of 0.18 - 2.5) had a notable impact on the composition of FBC. As the ferric sulfate content increased, the FBC exhibited a higher concentration of oxygen-containing groups. To assess the adsorption capacity, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to the experimental data. The most effective adsorption was achieved with FBC-4, reaching a maximum capacity (Qm) of 95.51 mg/g. In particular, at low Hg(II) concentrations, FBC-5 demonstrated the ability to reduce Hg(II) concentrations to less than 0.05 mg/L within 30 min. Additionally, the stability of FBC was confirmed within the pH range of 3.8 - 7.2. The study also introduced a model to analyze the adsorption preference for different Hg(II) species. Calomel was identified in the mercury saturated FBC, whereas the core-shell structure exhibited excellent conductivity, which most likely contributed to the minimal release of iron. In summary, this research presents a novel and promising method for synthesizing core-shell structured biochar and provides a novel approach to explore the adsorption contribution of different metal species.

Propofol-induced LINC01133 inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer via miR-186-5p/NR3C2 axis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable threat to human well-being, characterized by a largely enigmatic occurrence and progression mechanism. A growing body of literature has underscored the potential influence of propofol, a frequently administered anesthetic, on clinical outcomes in malignant tumor patients. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of propofol on the progression of CRC have yet to be fully elucidated. This study reveals a notable upregulation of LINC01133 expression in CRC cells subsequent to propofol treatment, which is mediated by FOXO1. Subsequently, a series of experiments were conducted to elucidate the role and mechanisms underlying propofol-induced LINC01133 in CRC development. Our study uncovers that the upregulation of LINC01133 exerts a substantial inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. Further investigation revealed that LINC01133 can attenuate the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cell lines through the miR-186-5p/NR3C2 axis. Results from in vivo experiments unequivocally demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth rate of subcutaneous implant tumors upon LINC01133 overexpression in CRC cells. These findings posit that propofol induces LINC01133 expression, leading to the inhibition of CRC progression. This revelation offers a novel perspective on propofol's antitumor properties and underscores the potential of LINC01133 as a promising therapeutic target for CRC.

Mechanism of norfloxacin transformation by horseradish peroxidase and various redox mediated by humic acid and microplastics.

The catalysis of HRP coupling with redox mediator was a feasible technology for the transformation of antibiotics. This work screened three effective redox mediators syringaldehyde (SYR), acetosyringone (AS) and p-coumaric acid (PCA) for the norfloxacin (NOR) transformation in HRP/redox mediator system. Then, compared their transformation characteristics under varying conditions. The molecular docking results indicated HRP catalytic mediator was spontaneous, and the absolute value order of free energy between three redox mediators and HRP was consistent with the order of NOR removal in experiment. The presence of humic acid (HA) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics could block the removal of NOR, and the inhibition effect was proportional to the level of HA and PS particles. Seven and six possible intermediate products were identified by using SYR/AS and PCA as redox mediators, respectively, and potential NOR transformation pathways were proposed. SYR and AS treatment had the same transformation products and pathways due to their similar structure, including defluorination, oxidation, cross-coupled with mediator, demethylation and dehydrogenation. While for the PCA group, NOR not only performed the above action (except defluorination), but also underwent decarbonylation. These findings may expand our knowledge of the conversion and fate of fluoroquinolones through HRP coupled with redox mediator in the environment.

Thoracic perfusion of lobaplatin combined with endostar for treating malignant pleural effusions: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Lobaplatin is a new platinum-based cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. Endostar is an endogenous angiogenic inhibitor with implicated anti-tumor activity. This study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of thoracic perfusion of lobaplatin combined with endostar in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions (MPE). METHODS: We searched the databases of Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, WanFang Data, and CNKI to select the studies regarding the efficacy and safety of lobaplatin combined with endostar to treat MPE. A total of 10[3-12] randomized controlled trials with 651 patients were included. RESULTS: The objective response rate (P < .001, odds ratio = 4.08) and disease control rate (P < .001, odds ratio = 3.69) of lobaplatin combined with endostar were significantly higher than lobaplatin alone. In addition, lobaplatin combined with endostar remarkably promoted the quality of life of patients (P < .001, odds ratio = 3.93) compared with lobaplatin alone. Lobaplatin combined with endostar also promoted the quality of life of patients (P < .05, odds ratio = 2.56) compared with cisplatin combined with endostar. At the same time, the leukopenia rate (P < .05, odds ratio = .40) and the incidence of nausea and vomiting (P < .05, odds ratio = .38) of lobaplatin combined with endostar were significantly lower than that of cisplatin combined with endostar. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of lobaplatin combined with endostar was superior to lobaplatin alone. The safety was higher than cisplatin combined with endostar through thoracic perfusion in treating MPE, which indicated that lobaplatin combined with endostar could be the effective agent for controlling MPE.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Verify the Mechanism of Qinshi Simiao San in Treating Chronic Prostatitis in the Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Using network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study aimed to explore the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and molecular mechanism of Qinshi Simiao San (QSSMS) in the treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) and verify our findings in the rat model. METHODS: The APIs of QSSMS and the common targets of QSSMS and CP were screened from the TCMSP database. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to construct the network graph. The enriched GO and KEGG pathways were displayed by David software and R software. Molecular docking was performed to visualize key components and target genes. In addition, the rats model of CP was established to verify the molecular mechanism of QSSMS. RESULTS: Network pharmacology showed that the APIs of QSSMS mainly included quercetin, kaempferol, formononetin, isorhamnetin, and calycosin. QSSMS alleviated CP mainly through the negative regulation of the apoptotic process, oxidation-reduction process, inflammatory response, and immune response. Molecular docking showed that the APIs could bind to the corresponding targets. QSSMS repaired the pathological damage of prostate tissue, upregulated the expression of oxidative stress scavenging enzymes CAT and SOD, and downregulated the peroxidative product MDA, inflammatory factors IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, PGE2, and NGF, and immune factors IgG and SIgA. CONCLUSION: The APIs in QSSMS may inhibit inflammation in the rat CP model by regulating immune and oxidative stress.

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery vs. sternotomy for thymectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Surgeons have widely regarded sternotomy (ST) as the standard surgical method for thymectomy. Minimally invasive methods for thymectomy, including video-assisted and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), have been explored. There are some studies have researched and compared the outcomes of patients after robotic and sternotomy procedure. Methods: We searched the databases of Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, Embase and selected the studies on the efficacy and safety of RATS or ST for thymectomy. Meta-analysis was performed for operation time, operation blood loss, postoperative drainage time, operative complications and hospitalization time. Results: A total of 16 cohort studies with 1,089 patients were included. Compared to ST, RATS is an appropriate alternative for thymectomy which reduced operation blood loss [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.82, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): (-2.64, -0.99), p = 0.000], postoperative drainage time [SMD = -2.47, 95% Cl: (-3.45, -1.48), p = 0.000], operative complications [odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% Cl: (0.18, 0.51), p = 0.000] and hospitalization time [SMD = -1.62, 95% Cl: (-2.16, -1.07), p = 0.000]. Conclusions: This meta-analysis based on cohort studies shows that RATS has more advantages over ST. Therefore, RATS is a more advanced and suitable surgical method for thymectomy.

Gastrodia remodels intestinal microflora to suppress inflammation in mice with early atherosclerosis.

Atherosclsis is a critical actuator causing cardiac-cerebral vascular disease with a complicated pathogeneon, refered to the disorders of intestinal flora and persistent inflammation. Gastrodin (4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl-ß-D- Glucopyranoside) is the most abundant glucoside extracted from the Gastrodiaelata, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for cardiac-cerebral vascular disease, yet its mechanisms remain little known. In the present study, the gastrodia extract and gastrodin attenuate the lipid deposition and foam cells on the inner membrane of the inner membrane of the thoracic aorta in the early atherosclerosis mice. Blood lipid detection tips that TC and LDL-C were reduced in peripheral blood after treatment with the gastrodia extract and gastrodin. Furthermore, unordered gut microbes are remodeled in terms of bacterial diversity and abundance at family and genus level. Also, the intestinal mucosa damage and permeability were reversed, accompaniedwith the reducing of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings revealed that the functions of gastrodia extract and gastrodin in cardiac-cerebral vascular disease involved to rescued gut microbes and anti-inflammation may be the mechanismof remission lipid accumulation.

Induction of autophagy via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway by astragaloside â £ contributes to the amelioration of inflammation in RAW264.7 cells.

Cigarette smoking-related lung injury is one of the most common and fatal etiologies of many respiratory diseases, for which no effective interventions are available. Astragaloside Ⅳ (ASⅣ) is an active component extracted from Astragalus membranaceus. It is prescribed as a treatment for upper respiratory tract infections. Here, we report the potential anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of ASⅣ on cigarette smoking extract- (CSE)-exposed RAW264.7 cells. Murine macrophages were exposed to CSE, followed by administration of ASⅣ at 25-100 µg/mL for 24 h. ASⅣ significantly rescued CSE-induced cell death by inhibition of release pro-inflammatory cytokines. We measured autophagy as an intracellular scavenger by analyzing autophagic flux using tandem mRFP-GFP-LC3 fluorescence microscopy. Following administration with ASⅣ in CSE-exposed RAW264.7 cells, there was a notable increase in autophagosomes and a range of autophagic vacuoles were generated, as seen with transmission electron microscopy. Loss of autophagy following transfection siRNA aggravated inflammatory injury and release of inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, ASⅣ-triggered autophagy is mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammation. Taken together, our findings suggest that ASⅣ acts stimulates autophagy, and that ASⅣ induces autophagy by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, contributing to alleviation of inflammation.

Detecting Ferric Iron by Microalgal Residue-Derived Fluorescent Nanosensor with an Advanced Kinetic Model.

Biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are attractive to serve as fluorescent nanosensors owing to their superior environmental compatibility and biocompatibility. However, the detection range has been limited, only in partial agreement with the experimental data. Thus, an advanced kinetic model for quantifying the fluorescence quenching over a wide range is on demand. Here, we describe a nanosensor for Fe(Ⅲ) detection in real waters, which is developed via microalgal residue-derived CQDs with an advanced kinetic model. The multiple-order kinetic model is established to resolve the incoherence of previous models and unveil the entire quenching kinetics. The results show that the detection range of Fe(Ⅲ) can reach up to 10 mM in the high detection end. The newly obtained kinetic model exhibits satisfactory fittings, clearly elucidating a dynamic quenching mechanism. This work provides a new insight into CQDs-based detection of heavy metals in real water samples by establishing an innovative multiple-order kinetic model.

Recovery of cognitive function after sedation with propofol for outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Most endoscopies performed in the United States utilize sedation. Anesthesia provides patient comfort and improved procedural quality but adds to the complexity of scheduling routine outpatient procedures. We aimed to assess the return of cognitive function after propofol administration in patients undergoing outpatient endoscopies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cognitive recovery for patients undergoing endoscopy under monitored anesthesia care was evaluated using EncephalApp. Patients were tested before and after procedure and healthy controls were tested twice, 30 min apart. Results were tabulated in on state (on time) and off state (off time) and total time (on time + off time). The time difference between pre- and post-tests, "delta," was calculated for on, off, and total times. Wilcoxon rank test was used to check the difference in mean delta of all three test times between cases and controls and to check for statistical significance. RESULTS: The difference in mean time between cases and controls was significant for off (P < 0.0001) and total (P = 0.0002) times. No statistically significant difference was noted in mean time for on time (P = 0.013) between cases and controls. Cognitive flexibility, a measure of on time, returned to baseline after procedural sedation even though psychomotor speed, a measure of off time and total time, had not. CONCLUSION: Cognitive flexibility returns to baseline within 30-45 min after propofol sedation despite delayed return of psychomotor speed and reaction time.

Matched-pair comparisons of minimally invasive esophagectomy versus open esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Open esophagectomy (OE) with radical lymphadenectomy is known as one of the most invasive digestive surgeries with the high rate of complications. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has developed very rapidly and has formed several available technical approaches. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aiming at how beneficial, and to what extent MIE resection really will be. METHODS: A systematic literature search will be performed through May 31, 2018 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in any language. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and propensity score matched comparative studies will be included. If data are sufficient, subgroup analyses will be conducted in different surgical procedures of MIE. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: This will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis using data of randomized controlled, prospective, and propensity score matched comparative studies to compare the outcomes between MIE and OE updating to May 31, 2018.

S-1-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world, and non-small cell lung cancer accounts for > 75% of all lung cancer cases. Cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy has become the standard treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Third-generation chemotherapy agents plus cisplatin have been most commonly used in concurrent chemoradiotherapy, which is also associated with more adverse effects and acute toxicities. S-1 as an oral chemotherapeutic agent exhibits higher antitumor activity, less adverse effects, and better biological availability. Recently, studies illustrated S-1-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy also had excellent effects in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC. METHODS: A systematic literature search will be performed through February 2018 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in any language. Randomized controlled trials and prospective comparative studies will be included. All meta-analyses will be performed using Review Manager software. The quality of the studies will be evaluated using the guidelines listed in the Cochrane Handbook. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statements will be followed until the findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis are reported. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: Our study will draw an objective conclusion of the efficacy and safety of S-1-based chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced unresectable NSCLC and provides level I evidence for clinical decision makings.

Src Promotes Metastasis of Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells through Fn14-Mediated NF-κB Signaling.

BACKGROUND Src and Fn14 are implicated in the aggressiveness of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, yet the molecular mechanism is not fully understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS The proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC827 cells with Src knockdown were examined in vitro. The expression of Fn14 and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in Src-silenced HCC827 cells were detected by western blot. The role of Fn14 in Src-regulated cell migration/invasion and activation of NF-κB signaling was investigated by overexpressing Fn14 in Src knockdown NSCLC cells. Furthermore, the pro-metastatic role of Src was validated in a NSCLC metastasis mouse model. RESULTS Knockdown of Src inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC827 cells, which was associated with reduced levels of Fn14, p-IκBα, p-IKKß, and nuclear NF-κB p65. Overexpression of Fn14 restored the potential of migration and invasion as well as the activation of NF-κB signaling in Src-silenced NSCLC cells. In addition, silencing of Src suppressed lung metastasis of HCC827 cells in mice, and inhibited the expression of Fn14 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrated that the Src/Fn14/NF-κB axis plays a critical role in NSCLC metastasis.

Effects of S-1 combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is one of the worst malignant digestive neoplasms with poor treatment outcomes. Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has become the standard nonsurgical treatment option for locally advanced esophageal cancer. The chemotherapeutic drugs 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin have been most commonly used in CRT of esophageal cancer. However, radiotherapy combined with 5-FU/cisplatin often delivers severe toxicity to patients. S-1 as an oral chemotherapeutic drug exhibits higher anti-tumor activity, less adverse effects, and better biological availability. S-1 also has excellent effects as a CRT regimen for esophageal cancer. METHODS: A systematic literature search will be performed through January 2018 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in any language. Randomized controlled trials, prospective comparative studies will be included. All meta-analyses will be performed using Review Manager software. The quality of the studies will be evaluated using the guidelines listed in the Cochrane Handbook. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statements will be followed until the findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis are reported. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: Our study will draw an objective conclusion of the effects of S-1 combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of unresectable esophageal cancer and provide level I evidence for clinical decision makings.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs for esophagectomy protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is one of the worst malignant digestive neoplasms with poor treatment outcomes. Esophagectomy plays an important role and offers a potential curable chance to these patients. However, esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy is known as one of the most invasive digestive surgeries which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a patient-centered, surgeon-led system combining anesthesia, nursing, nutrition, and psychology, which is designed for reducing complications, promoting recovery, and improving treatment outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aiming at how beneficial, and to what extent ERAS really will be. METHODS: A systematic literature search will be performed through January 2018 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in any language. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and propensity-matched comparative studies will be included. All meta-analyses will be performed using Review Manager software. The quality of the studies will be evaluated using the guidelines listed in the Cochrane Handbook. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statements will be followed until the findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis are reported. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: Our study will draw an objective conclusion of the comparisons between ERAS and conventional care in aspects of perioperative outcomes and provide level I evidences for clinical decision makings.

Glutathione S-transferase A1 mediates nicotine-induced lung cancer cell metastasis by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of glutathione S-transferase A1 (GSTA1) on lung cancer cell viability, invasion and adhesion in the presence of nicotine in vitro. Furthermore, the effect of GSTA1 on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process strongly associated with lung cancer metastasis, was examined. Human lung carcinoma A549 cells were treated with various concentrations of nicotine (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 µM) and levels of GSTA1 mRNA and protein were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. To knock down GSTA1 expression, GSTA1-small interfering RNA was transfected into A549 cells. Cell viability, invasion and adhesion abilities were determined by MTT, Transwell-Matrigel invasion and cell adhesion assays, respectively. The expression of the epithelial cell markers E-cadherin and keratin, and the mesenchymal cell markers vimentin and N-cadherin in A549 cells were examined by western blot analysis. The current study indicated that the expression of GSTA1 was increased in A549 cells following nicotine treatment. GSTA1 suppression inhibited the viability, invasion and adhesion of lung cancer cells. In addition, the increase in lung cancer cell viability, invasion and adhesion by nicotine was suppressed following GSTA1 knockdown. Furthermore, GSTA1 affected the expression of EMT markers in nicotine-treated or untreated lung cancer cells. Thus the present study demonstrates that GSTA1 promotes lung cancer cell invasion and adhesion and mediates the effect of nicotine on lung cancer cell metastasis in vitro. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that GSTA1 exerts its effect on lung cancer cell metastasis by promoting the EMT.

[Determination of tiopronin in rat plasma by HPLC following fluorescent derivatization].

A sensitive, rapid method for determining reduced tiopronin concentration in rat plasma has been developed by using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique in conjunction with the derivatizing agent N-(1-pyrenyl) maleimide (NPM). The analytes were separated on a Kromasil C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) using 0.2% glacial acetic acid aqueous solution including 0.015 mol x L(-1) KH2PO4 and acetonitrile (56:44) as a mobile phase at a flow-rate of 0.8 mL x min(-1), and fluorescence detection wavelength were set at lamda(e x) = 340 nm and lamda(e m) = 375 nm, the column temperature was 30 degrees C. The calibration curve was found to be linear over a range of 0.1 - 10.0 microg x mL(-1), the limit of quantitation was 0. 1 mg x L(-1). The coefficients of the variation for the within-run and between-run precisions ranged from 5.3% to 10.8% and 7.0% to 10.8%, respectively. The percentage of absolute recovery ranged from 73.7% to 79.7%. The method was used to determine the concentration of tiopronin in rat plasma after a single intragastric administration of 25 mg x kg(-1) tiopronin to 6 healthy male Wistar rats. The pharmacokinetic process was fitted to a two-compartment model. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of tiopronin in rat plasma.