[Effect of RBP2 gene silencing on proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian epithelial cancer SKOV3/DDP cells and its mechanism].

Objective: To explore the effect of down-regulation of retinol binding protein 2 (RBP2) expression on the biological characteristics of ovarian cancer cells and its mechanism. Methods: Knockdown of RBP2 and cisplatin (DDP)-resistant ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i was established, the negative control group and blank control group were also set. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the cell proliferation ability, flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, scratch test and Transwell invasion test were used to detect cell migration and invasion ability, real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the expressions of molecular markers related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The effect of RBP2 on the growth of ovarian cancer was verified through experiment of transplanted tumors in nude mice, and the relationships between RBP2 expression and tumor metastasis and patient prognosis were analyzed using the clinical data of ovarian cancer in TCGA database. Results: After down-regulating the expression of RBP2, the proliferation ability of SKOV3/DDP cell was significantly reduced. On the fifth day, the proliferation activities of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group, negative control group and blank control group were (56.67±4.16)%, (84.67±3.51) and (87.00±4.00)% respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The apoptosis rate of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was (14.19±1.50)%, higher than (8.77±0.75)% of the negative control group and (7.48±0.52)% of the blank control group (P<0.001). The number of invasive cells of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was (55.20±2.39), lower than (82.60±5.18) and (80.80±7.26) of the negative control group and the blank control group, respectively (P<0.001). The scratch healing rate of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was (28.47±2.72)%, lower than (50.58±4.06)% and (48.92±4.63)% of the negative control group and the blank control group, respectively (P<0.001). The mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin in the SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group were higher than those in the negative control group (P=0.015, P<0.001) and the blank control group (P=0.006, P<0.001). The mRNA and protein expression of N-cadherin in SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group were lower than those in the negative control group (P=0.012, P<0.001) and the blank control group (P=0.005, P<0.001). The mRNA and protein expressions of vimentin in SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group were also lower than those in the negative control group (P=0.016, P=0.001) and the blank control group (P=0.011, P=0.001). Five weeks after the cells inoculated into the nude mice, the tumor volume of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group, negative control group and blank control group were statistically significant different. The tumor volume of SKOV3/DDP-RBP2i group was smaller than those of negative control group and blank control group (P=0.001). Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of RBP2 in patients with metastatic ovarian cancer was higher than that without metastasis (P=0.043), and the median overall survival of ovarian cancer patients with high RBP2 expression was 41 months, shorter than 69 months of low RBP2 expression patients (P<0.001). Conclusion: Downregulation of the expression of RBP2 in SKOV3/DDP cells can inhibit cell migration and invasion, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EMT.

Design of Langmuir probe diagnostic system for the upgraded lower tungsten divertor in EAST tokamak.

In order to achieve long-pulse H-mode plasma scenario over 400 s with high heating power in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) device, the lower graphite divertor will be upgraded into a tungsten (W) divertor with active water cooling, which consists of the W/Cu monoblock units and the W flat-tile units as the divertor plasma facing components. As a fundamental diagnostic tool, the divertor Langmuir probe (Div-LP) diagnostic system will be upgraded accordingly. This paper presents the design of two kinds of new Div-LP systems, which are planned to be utilized on the W/Cu monoblock units and the W flat-tile units for the upgraded lower tungsten divertor, respectively, including their structures and preliminary poloidal and toroidal layouts. The Div-LP diagnostic system can measure the plasma parameters with the schemes of triple-probe, double-probe, and single-probe, to obtain the spatial and temporal distribution of plasma behavior on the divertor targets, which is useful for the discharge control and operation in EAST. In addition, the thermal analysis of the two kinds of probe assemblies is also carried out by using the three-dimensional finite element code ANSYS, which is aimed to get the optimal designs to withstand the long-pulse and high-power operation in EAST future experiments.

Low miR-34c expression is associated with poor outcome in de novo acute myeloid leukemia.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNA-34c (miR-34c) has been found to play important roles in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about miR-34c expression and the impact on prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to analyze the status of miR-34c expression in 122 patients with de novo AML and 62 normal controls. RESULTS: MiR-34c expression in AML was significantly downregulated compared to controls (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) indicated the distinguishing value of miR-34c for discriminating whole-cohort AML, non-M3 AML, and cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML) patients from healthy controls. No significant differences were found between low miR-34c-expressing and high miR-34c-expressing patients in age, sex, hemoglobin, platelet count, percentage of blasts in bone marrow (BM), WHO classifications, karyotypes, and eight gene mutations, but low miR-34c cases had higher white blood cells (WBC) than high miR-34c cases (P = 0.035). MiR-34c low-expressed patients had similar rates of complete remission (CR) as miR-34c high-expressed patients in whole-cohort AML, non-M3 AML, and CN-AML patients (P = 0.347, 0.314 and 0.167, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with low miR-34c level had markedly shorter overall survival (OS) time in whole-cohort AML, non-M3 AML, and CN-AML patients (P = 0.033, 0.024 and 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed that low miR-34c expression was an independent risk factor not only in whole-cohort AML (P = 0.040) but also in non-M3 AML (P = 0.015) and CN-AML patients (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that low miR-34c level is a novel promising biomarker in predicting prognosis in patients with de novo AML.

Upgrade of Langmuir probe diagnostic in ITER-like tungsten mono-block divertor on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak.

In order to withstand rapid increase in particle and power impact onto the divertor and demonstrate the feasibility of the ITER design under long pulse operation, the upper divertor of the EAST tokamak has been upgraded to actively water-cooled, ITER-like tungsten mono-block structure since the 2014 campaign, which is the first attempt for ITER on the tokamak devices. Therefore, a new divertor Langmuir probe diagnostic system (DivLP) was designed and successfully upgraded on the tungsten divertor to obtain the plasma parameters in the divertor region such as electron temperature, electron density, particle and heat fluxes. More specifically, two identical triple probe arrays have been installed at two ports of different toroidal positions (112.5-deg separated toroidally), which can provide fundamental data to study the toroidal asymmetry of divertor power deposition and related 3-dimension (3D) physics, as induced by resonant magnetic perturbations, lower hybrid wave, and so on. The shape of graphite tip and fixed structure of the probe are designed according to the structure of the upper tungsten divertor. The ceramic support, small graphite tip, and proper connector installed make it possible to be successfully installed in the very narrow interval between the cassette body and tungsten mono-block, i.e., 13.5 mm. It was demonstrated during the 2014 and 2015 commissioning campaigns that the newly upgraded divertor Langmuir probe diagnostic system is successful. Representative experimental data are given and discussed for the DivLP measurements, then proving its availability and reliability.

[Understanding the risk factors for infectious diseases, their prevention, and control, among residents of Zhejiang Province].

Objective: To investigate the understanding of infectious diseases, their prevention, and control, and the factors influencing this literacy among urban and rural residents of Zhejiang Province. Methods: In November- December 2014, a multistage stratified cluster sampling questionnaire was administered at study sites in eight districts of Zhejiang province: Hangzhou city Gongshu district, Hangzhou city Chun'an county, Wenzhou city Cangnan county, Dongyang city, Jiaxing city Jiashan county, Zhoushan city Putuo district, Linhai city, Lishui city Jinyun county. The inclusion criteria were: 15-60 years old, living locally for more than six continuous months, and no mental illness. The exclusion criteria were: foreigner residing locally, resident of Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, or unable to communicate through speech or writing. In this study, 4 091 questionnaires were distributed, and 4 020 valid questionnaires were returned(98.26%). Health literacy regarding infectious diseases was measured at five levels: knowledge, skills, behaviors, access to information, and understanding of the prevention of infectious diseases. A total score was calculated for each questionnaire, and a total score of ≥80 was deemed to indicate an understanding of the prevention of infectious diseases. A χ2 test was used to compare the levels of health literacy in different populations with single-factor analyses, and a multivariate unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting infectious diseases prevention and treatment literacy levels. Results: Of the 4 020 respondents(aged(43.84 ± 10.28)years), 1 964 were male(48.86%)and 2 056 were female(51.14%). In the total surveyed population, 15.17%(n=610)understood the prevention of infectious diseases, 294 were male(14.97%)and 316 were female(15.37%)(χ2=2.48, P=0.115). When the participants in the different age groups were analyzed, 23.11%, 20.29%, 13.27%, and 11.04% of those aged 18- 29(n=116), 30- 39(n= 166), 40- 49(n=178), and ≥50 years(n=150), respectively, understood infectious disease prevention(χ2= 63.16, P<0.001). When the participants were analyzed according to education, 46.01%, 24.86%, 12.03%, 5.27%, or 2.39% of those educated at university(n=167), at high school/vocational school/college(n=175), at middle school(n=215), at elementary school(n=46), or who were illiterate/slightly literate(n=7), respectively, understood infectious disease prevention(χ2=436.67, P<0.001). Among the urban(n=336)and rural participants(n=274), 18.98% and 12.18% understood infectious disease prevention, respectively(χ2= 35.57, P<0.001), so the urban residents had better health literacy than rural residents(OR=1.28, 95% CI= 1.06- 1.54), and those aged 18- 29 or 30- 39 years had even better health literacy than the rural residents(OR=1.39, 95%CI=1.01-1.91). When the health literacy levels of migrant workers were compared with those of agency/institutional personnel, business people, unemployed, and retirees, the OR(95% CI)values were 2.52(1.82-3.49), 1.69(1.24-2.30), 2.99(1.65-5.39), and 2.43(1.59-3.72), respectively. When the illiterate/slightly literate were compared with those educated at university, high school/vocational school/secondary school, and junior high school, the OR(95%CI)values were 35.11(15.73-78.36), 13.31(6.11-28.99), and 5.37(2.48-11.62), respectively. Conclusion: Limited levels of health literacy are common among the residents of Zhejiang Province. Lower education level, older age, and rural residence were predictors of low health literacy in this study.

Highly efficient electro-generation of hydrogen peroxide using NCNT/NF/CNT air diffusion electrode for electro-Fenton degradation of p-nitrophenol.

To promote the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in electro-Fenton system, a new air diffusion electrode (ADE) was put forward in the present work using N-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NCNT) as the catalyst layer, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) as the diffusion layer, and nickel foam (NF) as the supporting material, respectively. The catalyst layer in ADE was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then the performances of H2O2 accumulation and p-nitrophenol (p-NP) degradation with the electrode (NCNT/NF/CNT ADE) were investigated. The experimental results showed that H2O2 accumulation on the NCNT/NF/CNT ADE was greatly improved by the presence of N doping, and H2O2 accumulation concentration could reach 307 mg L(-1) after 120 min at the current intensity of 100 mA. Moreover, the NCNT/NF/CNT ADE presented more effective performance on p-NP degradation than the CNT/NF/CNT ADE or the NF ADE. p-NP of initial 50 mg L(-1) could be almost completely removed after 30 min, and the total organic carbon removal efficiency reached 62.61% after 120 min when 0.4 mM Fe(2+) was added into the system. The repeatability test suggested that the stability of the NCNT/NF/CNT ADE was very good.

[The selective anterior neck dissection for treating children's recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts].

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of selective anterior neck dissection on the treatment of children's recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts. Method: The clinical data of 28 patients with recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts were retrospectively analyzed. In accordance with the embryologic and anatomic features of thyroglossal duct cysts, different types of selective neck dissection were applied. Enbloc resection principles were applied to extirpate thyroglossal duct cysts,scarrings and inflammatory granuloma during the operation. Result:All the wounds of 28 patients healed primarily without significant complications including dysphagia, paragammacism, injury of hypoglossal nerve and superior laryngeal nerve. No recurrences were found in all 28 cases with a follow-up period of 24 to 72 months(average 46 months). Conclusion:Selective anterior neck dissection is a safe and effective surgical procedure for the radical treatment of children's recurrent thyroglossal duct cysts.

Expression patterns of specific promyelocytic/retinoic acid receptor-alpha transcripts in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Several additional promyelocytic/retinoic acid receptor-alpha (PML/RARalpha) transcripts besides bcr1, bcr2, and bcr3 have been identified in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the expression levels of these specific isoforms and their clinical relevance have not been studied to date. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was established to detect each specific isoform of PML/RARalpha transcripts (bcr1/2, P46R3, P4R3, bcr3, and P2R3) in 46 APL patients. Whereas P46R3 and P4R3 isoforms were concurrently expressed in both bcr1- and bcr2-positive patients, P2R3 isoform was expressed only in bcr3-positive patients. A total of 13 patients had lower expression of bcr1/2 (median 11.60%, 0.86-108.51%) than that of P46R3 (median 14.26%, 6.03-222.91%; P = 0.001). The expression level of P4R3 (median 19.10%, 0.71-266.19%) was lower than the sum of bcr1/2 and P46R3 (median 37.94%, 9.62-403.51%) in all cases (P < 0.001). All 16 cases with bcr3 had concurrent low expression of P2R3 (P < 0.001). Structural analysis revealed that both P4R3 and P2R3 splicing resulting in the generation of a premature termination codon, which was recognized by nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). We suggest that alternative splicing of PML/RARalpha transcripts might be involved in NMD and each isoform should be quantified to further understand the pathogenesis of APL, stratify the risk of relapse, and monitor minimal residual disease.

Methylation of DAPK1 promoter: frequent but not an adverse prognostic factor in myelodysplastic syndrome.

Promoter hypermethylation plays an important role in the inactivation of cancer-related genes. This abnormality occurs early in leukemogenesis and seems to be associated with poor prognosis in myelodsplastic syndrome (MDS). The identification of more inactivated tumor suppressor genes contributing to the development of MDS may lead to further elucidation of the biology of this disease and help to identify novel targets for therapy. In this study, the methylation status of death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) gene promoter was analyzed by using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow (BM) samples from 59 patients with different stages of MDS. The abnormal methylation of the DAPK1 gene was found in 37 of 59 (62.7%) MDS cases. The correlation was significant between the sex and the methylation status of DAPK1 promoter in MDS patients (R=0.332, P=0.010). Furthermore, methylation status of DAPK1 promoter was associated with the percentage of BM blasts (R=0.346, P=0.010) and International Prognosis Scoring System (IPSS) groups (R=0.278, P=0.034). The estimated 50% survival time of the methylated DAPK1 group and unmethylated group was 20 and 33 months, respectively. There was no significant difference between these two groups (chi2=0.652, P=0.419). Multivariate analysis identified the age older than 50 years, the Int-2/high-risk categories of IPSS and the advanced stage MDS (RAEB-1/RAEB-2) in WHO classification as negative prognostic factors (P<0.05). Aberrant methylation of DAPK1 gene promoter had no influence on the prognosis of MDS despite of its increasing occurrence during disease progression.