Triazine-Carbazole-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks as Efficient Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for the Oxidation of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted growing interests as new material platform for a range of applications. In this study, a triazine-carbazole-based covalent organic framework (COF-TCZ) was designed as highly porous material with conjugated donor-acceptor networks, and  feasibley synthesized by the Schiff condensation of 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)trianiline (TAPB) and 9-(4-formylphenyl)-9H-carbazole-3,6-dicarbaldehyde (CZTA) under the solvothermal condition. Considering the effect of linkage, the imine-linked COF-TCZ was further oxidized to obtain an amide-linked covalent organic framework (COF-TCZ-O). The as-synthesized COFs show high crystallinity, good thermal and chemical stability, and excellent photoactive properties. Two π-conjugated triazine-carbazole-based COFs with tunable linkages are benefical for light-harvesting capacity and charge separation efficiency, which are empolyed as photocatalysts for the oxidation reaction of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinoline. The COFs catalyst systems exhibit the outstanding photocatalytic performance with high conversion, photostability and recyclability. Photoelectrochemical tests were employed to examine the behavior of photogenerated charge carriers in photo-illumination system. The control experiments provide further insights into the nature of photocatalysis. In addition, the current research also provided a valuable approach for developing photofunctional COFs to meet challenge in achieving the great potential of COFs materials in organic conversion.

'There is always good fortune in misfortune to encourage us in coping with difficulties'-The lived experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia during the COVID-19 outbreak in China: A phenomenological study.

AIM: To describe the lived experiences of family caregivers of individuals with dementia during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China. DESIGN: This study used a descriptive phenomenological research method. METHODS: Between May and September 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 family caregivers of people with dementia. Colaizzi's method was used for manual analysis. RESULTS: Qualitative data revealed an overarching experience of finding 'There is always good fortune in misfortune to encourage us in coping with difficulties'. Three themes emerged: family reactions to the COVID-19 outbreak, feeling supported by multiple resources performing respective functions and resilient adaptation to new situations. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 outbreak, family caregivers of people living with dementia in China looked for positive aspects among difficulties and experienced corresponding reactions, social support resources and resilient adapted coping styles. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Nurses in China and other countries facing similar pandemic characteristics, cultures or economic development levels, can guide family caregivers to look at family hardships from a positive perspective, develop interventions to rapidly respond to families' reactions after a disaster and help them identify social support resources and form adapted coping styles. IMPACT: We identified the resilience and the positive experiences of Chinese family caregivers of individuals with dementia during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results can inform countries with similar cultures and economic levels, offering measures to support their adaptation to pandemics. REPORTING METHOD: This study followed the COREQ guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Family caregivers of people with dementia who met the inclusion criteria and who were interested in sharing their understanding of their experiences, participated in the study.

Impact of lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy on the development of the foetal immune response to hepatitis B virus: a meta-analysis in R with the metafor package.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health burden, especially in Asia and Africa. Concerns were raised that foetal exposure to HBV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) might suppress the innate immune response and reduce the production of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) in foetuses and infants. We therefore conducted the current study to evaluate the impact of ART on the development of the immune response to HBV in foetuses and infants. METHODS: We selected lamivudine instead of telbivudine or tenofovir as the intervention measurement because it was the oldest and most widely used ART during pregnancy and its safety data have been sufficiently documented. A comprehensive search was conducted in eight electronic databases, including four Chinese and four English databases. Studies that met the following eligibility criteria were included: human randomized controlled trials (RCTs); participants in the treatment group were exclusively exposed to lamivudine; participants in the control group were exposed to placebo, no treatment or hepatitis B immunoglobulin; all participants were HBV-positive pregnant women with a high viral load and the main outcome of interest was neonatal HBsAb seropositivity. Data were tabulated and analysed using R software. RESULTS: Nine RCTs were included and analysed. Compared with controls, lamivudine significantly decreased HBsAb seronegativity in the newborn within 24 h after birth (indicating the foetal immune response to HBV). Similar results were noted in infants within 6-7 months after birth and infants within 12 months (indicating the neonatal immune response to HBV vaccine). CONCLUSIONS: Lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy boosted the foetal immune response to HBV in utero and enhanced the neonatal immune response to hepatitis B vaccine after birth.

Cytotoxic 4-phenylcoumarins from the flowering buds of Mesua ferrea.

Eleven 4-phenylcoumarins including three new 4-phenylcoumarins, mesuaferols A-C (1-3), together with eight known 4-phenylcoumarins (4-11) have been isolated from the flowering buds of Mesua ferrea. Their structures were elucidated via UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectral data. Compound 9 showed moderate cytotoxic activity toward MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HepG2 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values of 13.68 ± 1.36 µM, 9.27 ± 1.84 µM, 21.06 ± 1.95 µM, and 7.26 ± 1.68 µM, respectively, and other compounds showed weak cytotoxicity.

High expression of CFTR in cumulus cells from mature oocytes is associated with high-quality of oocyte and subsequent embryonic development.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the association of expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in cumulus cells (CCs) from mature oocytes with oocyte quality and embryonic development. METHODS: A total of 338 infertile women who underwent ovarian stimulation cycle of oocyte retrieval in Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The relative mRNA expression levels of CFTR, bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) in CCs were detected by qPCR technology. ROC curve was applied for the diagnosis of oocyte maturation. The serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), E2, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and androstenedione were measured. Oocyte maturation rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo formation rate, and implantation rate after embryo transfer were also determined. RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of CFTR in CCs were significantly increased in metaphase II (MII) oocytes compared to that in metaphase I (MI) or germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. The ROC curve analysis illustrated that CFTR mRNA expression could efficiently discriminate MII oocytes from MI or GV oocytes (AUC = 0.954), and revealed that 0.695 RQU is the optimal cut-off value for diagnosis. So the cut-off value of 2-ΔΔCT = 0.70 was used to divide the patients into two groups: low- (n = 114) and high-CFTR group (n = 224). The mRNA expression of CFTR in CCs was positively correlated with the antral follicular count (AFC), number of oocytes retrieved, number of MII oocytes, serum E2 level on hCG day, and BMP15 and GDF9 expression in CCs. Under continuous stimulation with the same dose of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH), the number of follicles, average recovered oocytes, recovered oocytes, MII oocytes, as well as the oocyte recovery rate, fertilization rate, oocyte cleavage rate, high-quality embryo formation rate, and implantation rate were decreased in patients with lower CFTR. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that CFTR expression in CCs is associated with the developmental potential of human oocytes.

Follicle stimulating hormone promotes production of renin through its receptor in juxtaglomerular cells of kidney.

BACKGROUND: Post-menopausal hypertension has been attributed solely to declining estrogen levels. The purpose of the research is to elucidate the mechanism by which follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) increases renin production involved in the regulation of blood pressure. METHODS: The expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptors (FSHRs) in renal juxtaglomerular cells and a As4.1 juxtaglomerular mouse cell line was evaluated. We established a mouse model by ovariectomy (OVX). Ovariectomized mice were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) (OVX + GnRHa). Ovariectomized mice initially received physiological doses of estrogen and were then injected with recombinant FSH (OVX + E + FSH). RESULTS: We found that FSHR was expressed in mouse renal juxtaglomerular cells labeled by renin antibody and in As4.1 cells. FSH promoted renin synthesis via Gsα-coupled FSHRs that activated protein kinase A, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) response element-binding protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk1/2), Protein kinase B(AKT), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathways in As4.1 cells. We found increased serum FSH levels in the ovariectomized mouse with concurrent increases in renin, angiotensin II, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). Additionally, increases in serum renin, angiotensin II, HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP were reduced by the additional injection of GnRHa. Exogenous FSH administration completely reversed decreases in renin, angiotensin II, HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP even in mice that received physiological doses of estrogen to maintain normal estradiol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated FSH stimulates renin production involving a mechanism that may be relevant to the expression of FSH receptors in renal juxtaglomerular cells.

High Maternal Serum Estradiol in First Trimester of Multiple Pregnancy Contributes to Small for Gestational Age via DNMT1-Mediated CDKN1C Upregulation.

High maternal serum estradiol (E2) levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with a high incidence of low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). This study aimed to investigate the effect of first-trimester high maternal serum E2 levels on fetal growth and the underlying mechanisms in multiple pregnancies. Maternal serum E2 levels of women at 8 weeks of gestation were measured. The expression levels of imprinted genes and DNMT1 were determined by RT-qPCR, and KvDMR1 methylation in embryo tissue, placenta, and newborn cord blood samples was examined by bisulfite sequencing PCR. The effect of E2 on CDKN1C expression was investigated in HTR8 cells. The incidence of SGA was significantly higher in multiple pregnancies reduced to singleton than that in primary singleton pregnancies (11.4% vs. 2.9%) (P < 0.01) and multiple pregnancies reduced to twins than primary twins (38.5% vs. 27.3%) (P < 0.01). The maternal serum E2 level at 8 weeks of gestation increased with the number of fetuses and was negatively correlated with offspring birth weight. CDKN1C and DNMT1 expression was significantly upregulated in embryo tissue, placenta, and cord blood from multiple pregnancies. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between CDKN1C mRNA expression and KvDMR1 methylation levels. In HTR8 cells, DNMT1 mediated the estrogen-induced upregulation of CDKN1C, which might contribute to SGA. To minimize the risks of LBW and SGA, our findings suggest that abnormally high maternal serum E2 levels should be avoided during the first trimester of multiple pregnancies from assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Optimal Dose of Pituitrin in Laparoscopic Uterine Myomectomy: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal effective dose of pituitrin in laparoscopic myomectomy for uterine leiomyoma. DESIGN: Double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary women's hospital in China. PATIENTS: Total of 118 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomly received 0, 2, 4, or 6 units of pituitrin injected into the myometrium surrounding the myoma. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Rate of satisfactory surgical condition, hemodynamic changes, total surgical time, and blood loss were recorded. The rates of satisfactory surgical conditions were 6.7%, 72.4%, 89.7%, and 93.3% in groups 0U, 2U, 4U, and 6U, respectively; they were higher in groups 2U, 4U, and 6U than those in group 0U, but there were no significant differences among the groups 2U, 4U, and 6U. The blood loss was higher in group 0U than that in groups 2U, 4U, and 6U (p < .01). Pituitrin was associated with a transient decrease in blood pressures and an increase in heart rate in a dose-dependent fashion, with more pronounced changes in groups 4U and 6U, and these groups also required a higher amount of vasoactive drug to correct hemodynamic changes (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Two units of pituitrin could provide a satisfactory surgical field with minimal hemodynamic changes for laparoscopic uterine myomectomy.

AQP7 mediates post-menopausal lipogenesis in adipocytes through FSH-induced transcriptional crosstalk with AP-1 sites.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Fat accumulation is present in most post-menopausal women, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Aquaporin 7 (AQP7) is the most important glycerol channel facilitating glycerol efflux in adipocytes. High circulating FSH in post-menopausal women may play an independent role in regulation of the lipogenic effect of AQP7 in adipocytes. This study explored the role of AQP7 in the pathophysiology of post-menopausal lipogenesis mediated by high concentrations of circulating FSH. DESIGN: Primary adipocytes from post-menopausal and childbearing women were analysed. An in-vivo post-menopausal animal model was established. AQP7 expression, lipid accumulation and glycerol concentration in adipocytes were measured. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to identify transcriptional crosstalk in AQP7 promoter. RESULTS: It was found that FSH down-regulated AQP7 expression and glycerol efflux function in mature adipocytes of post-menopausal women and ovariectomized (OVX) mice. In vitro, FSH inhibited lipid accumulation in primary cultured mature adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner and the mechanism was down-regulating AQP7 expression via a FSH receptor pathway. The effect of FSH on AQP7 in adipocytes was through activation of cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein, which could bind to activator protein-1 (AP-1) sites in the AQP7 promoter, and therefore inhibited the transcriptional activation elicited by c-Jun. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of AQP7 by FSH mediated post-menopausal lipogenesis, and the role of FSH was based on binding competition for AP-1 sites between CREB and c-Jun.

The combined application of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and bioceramic materials in the regeneration of dental pulp-like tissues.

This study aims to observe the effects of the combined application of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and a bioceramic material on pulp-like tissue formation. Rat incisor root fragments without pulp tissues were prepared and filled with a collagen scaffold seeded with rBMSCs, while one side of the root segment was covered by a bioceramic material (iRoot BP). After they were cultured for 12 hours, the root fragments were implanted subcutaneously for 3 months. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe the biocompatibility and the formation of pulp-like tissues. The incisor root fragments were divided into three parts (BP1/3, M1/3, and D1/3) to analyze the areas and the number of new vessels. Immunohistochemical staining of the neuroendocrine marker PGP9.5, the dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was applied to observe the formation of the pulp-like tissues. Root fragments filled with only the collagen scaffold were used as a control. Three months after the implantation, the root fragments were collected, and they were surrounded by a transparent tissue membrane with a good blood supply. The root fragment cavity was filled with pink vascularized pulp-like tissue. According to the HE results, iRoot BP had good biocompatibility with the new pulp-like tissues and a few infiltrating inflammatory cells. Increases in the number and area of the new blood vessels were observed in BP1/3 compared with the other two parts. The PGP9.5 and DSPP expressions showed that the newly formed tissues were similar to normal pulp tissues. iRoot BP has good biocompatibility and increases the number and area of new blood vessels. The combined application of stem cells and bioceramic materials may be a better method for pulp revascularization.

Total hysterectomy versus uterine evacuation for preventing post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in patients who are at least 40 years old: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical value of total hysterectomy for patients with hydatidiform mole (HM) being at least 40 years old remains highly controversial. Since the practice of hysterectomy has been applied globally for decades, there is an urgent need to perform a systematic review to assess its risks and benefits. METHODS: Six electronic databases, including four English databases and one Chinese database, were searched from the inception of each database till October 6th 2017. Studies were included if they: 1) were human studies, 2) explicitly indicated exposure to hysterectomy, 3) explicitly indicated control to uterine evacuation, 4) explicitly indicated the participants were older patients with HM being at least 40 years in age, 5) compared the outcome of interest as the incidence of post-molar GTN. Two authors independently conducted the literature search, study selection, data extraction. Pooled odds ratios were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: The overall pooled effect size of total hysterectomy had a significant advantage in preventing post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia over uterine evacuation with an OR of 0.19 (95% CI, 0.08-0.48; P = 0.0004) and a low heterogeneity (I2 = 21%, P = 0.28). Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis also showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Total hysterectomy, as compared to uterine evacuation, is a better therapeutic method for patients with HM being at least 40 years old unless fertility is still desired.

Impact of Galectin-1 on Trophoblast Stem Cell Differentiation and Invasion in In Vitro Implantation Model.

Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) differentiate in an orderly manner, which plays an important role in the process of embryo implantation, placentation, and early pregnancy maintenance. At the maternal-fetal interface, the dialogue is crucial between trophoblast cells and endometrial epithelial cells. Previous studies suggested that galectin-1 (Gal-1) may play an important role in placental development. In this study, we used Ishikawa (IK) cells-TSC coculture model to simulate the maternal-fetal interface and induce the differentiation of TSCs by differentiation media. The messenger RNA level of each cell type markers, fusion markers, and Gal-1 was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction during the differentiation of TSCs. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays were used to detect the migration and invasion ability in each group. We found that coculture with IK cells or conditioned media from IK cells could promote the differentiation and invasion of TSCs and increase Gal-1 expression in TSCs. Furthermore, recombinant Gal-1 could also promote the differentiation and invasion of TSCs, suggesting that some of IK cells secretion increase the expression of Gal-1 in TSCs during implantation, which then induced trophoblast differentiation and invasion in vitro. These findings provide significant insights into the biology of embryo-maternal interactions with the importance of Gal-1 in TSCs for the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.

Detailed Componential Characterization of Extractable Species with Organic Solvents from Wheat Straw.

Componential analysis of extractives is important for better understanding the structure and utilization of biomass. In this investigation, wheat straw (WS) was extracted with petroleum ether (PE) and carbon disulfide (CS2) sequentially, to afford extractable fractions EFPE and EFCS2, respectively. Detailed componential analyses of EFPE and EFCS2 were carried out with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Total extractives were quantified 4.96% by weight compared to the initial WS sample. FTIR and GC/MS analyses results showed that PE was effective for the extraction of ketones and waxes derived compounds; meanwhile CS2 preferred ketones and other species with higher degrees of unsaturation. Steroids were enriched into EFPE and EFCS2 with considerable high relative contents, namely, 64.52% and 79.58%, respectively. XPS analysis showed that most of the C atoms in extractives were contained in the structures of C-C, C-COOR, and C-O. TEM-EDS and EPMA analyses were used to detect trace amount elements, such as Al, Si, P, S, Cl, and Ca atoms. Detailed characterization of extractable species from WS can provide more information on elucidation of extractives in biomass.

Downregulating forkhead box M1 inhibits proliferation by inhibiting autophagy in the sw480 cell line.

Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) is one of the most important oncogenes, and overexpression of FoxM1 has been reported in many cancers, including colon cancer. In the present study, the authors attempted to reveal the mechanism underlying its effects on proliferation through autophagy in the sw480 cell line. FoxM1 is knocked down through short hairpin (sh)RNA in the sw480 cell line. A series of experiments were conducted to examine it function on proliferation and LC3 and P62 were used to measure level of autophagy. Autophagy in the shFoxM1 cell was demonstrated as significantly inhibited compared with the negative control. Additional auto-fluex was also tested, downregulation of FoxM1 served the same role as BA1 in autophagy. Furthermore, downregulating FoxM1 inhibited cell proliferation in the sw480 cell line.

Analytical Strategies Involved in the Detailed Componential Characterization of Biooil Produced from Lignocellulosic Biomass.

Elucidation of chemical composition of biooil is essentially important to evaluate the process of lignocellulosic biomass (LCBM) conversion and its upgrading and suggest proper value-added utilization like producing fuel and feedstock for fine chemicals. Although the main components of LCBM are cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin, the chemicals derived from LCBM differ significantly due to the various feedstock and methods used for the decomposition. Biooil, produced from pyrolysis of LCBM, contains hundreds of organic chemicals with various classes. This review covers the methodologies used for the componential analysis of biooil, including pretreatments and instrumental analysis techniques. The use of chromatographic and spectrometric methods was highlighted, covering the conventional techniques such as gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. The combination of preseparation methods and instrumental technologies is a robust pathway for the detailed componential characterization of biooil. The organic species in biooils can be classified into alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, benzene-ring containing hydrocarbons, ethers, alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, carboxylic acids, and other heteroatomic organic compounds. The recent development of high resolution mass spectrometry and multidimensional hyphenated chromatographic and spectrometric techniques has considerably elucidated the composition of biooils.

Genetic Association Between CDKN1B rs2066827 Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Cancer.

Much attention has been directed to the association between cancer risk and rs2066827 polymorphism of the CDKN1B gene. However, the results are indefinitive and inconclusive. This study was devised to evaluate the hypothesis that rs2066827 polymorphism is associated with the risk of cancer.Computer-based databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and CNKI) were used to seek all case-control studies evaluating rs2066827 polymorphism and susceptibility to cancer. The genetic risk was assessed by calculating pooled odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Fixed-effects pooled ORs were calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method (Ph > 0.05), and random-effects pooled ORs were estimated by the DerSimonian-Laird method (Ph < 0.05).Data on rs2066827 polymorphism and cancer risk were available for 9038 cancer cases and 11,596 controls participating in 17 studies. Carriage of a TG genotype was associated with a minor but significant decrease in the risk of cancer (pooled OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.99; model, TG vs. TT). We observed a moderately decreased risk of ovarian cancer based on 1829 cases and 2868 controls (pooled OR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.97; model, TG vs. TT). A slightly deceased risk of cancer was also indicated in Caucasians consisting of 6707 cases and 8279 controls (pooled OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85-0.98; model, TG vs. TT).These data suggest that carriage of a TG genotype at rs2066827 polymorphism may be associated with decreased susceptibility to cancer, ovarian cancer in particular.

Binding of FGF2 to FGFR2 in an autocrine mode in trophectoderm cells is indispensable for mouse blastocyst formation through PKC-p38 pathway.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF1, FGF2 and FGF4) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) have been reported to be expressed in preimplantation embryos and be required for their development. However, the functions of these molecules in trophectoderm cells (TEs) that lead to the formation of the blastocyst as well as the underlying mechanism have not been elucidated. The present study has demonstrated for the first time that endogenous FGF2 secreted by TEs can regulate protein expression and distribution in TEs via the FGFR2-mediated activation of PKC and p38, which are important for the development of expanded blastocysts. This finding provides the first explanation for the long-observed phenomenon that only high concentrations of exogenous FGFs have effects on embryonic development, but in vivo the amount of endogenous FGFs are trace. Besides, the present results suggest that FGF2/FGFR2 may act in an autocrine fashion and activate the downstream PKC/p38 pathway in TEs during expanded blastocyst formation.

The role of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase polymorphisms in colorectal cancer susceptibility: a meta analysis.

OBJECTIVE: O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyl-transferase gene (MGMT) is a central DNA repair mechanism with a significant role in removing DNA damage caused by alkylating agents and inhibiting human oncogenesis. Two single polymorphisms in the MGMT gene, Leu84Phe and Ile143Val, have been reported to affect DNA repair capability and enzymic activity, thereby leading to formation of different cancers. In this work, we quantitatively assess the associations between MGMT polymorphisms and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), as previous studies has implicated inconsistencies in their results. METHODS: Analysis was performed on all usable data collected from the eligible studies that were searched in multiple bibliographical databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase). RESULTS: We obtained studies on Leu84Phe and Ile143Val, providing 6,154 and 7,371 samples, respectively. In the analysis on Leu84Phe, the SNP presented no global association with CRC at both the genotypic and the allelic level, but a trend towards an increased or decreased risk was shown in the models examined. Stratification by ethnicity revealed a significant increase in risk of CRC related to the Phe/Phe genotype in Caucasian samples (homozygote genetic model: OR=1.70, 95% CI=1.06-2.72; recessive genetic model: OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.12-2.87). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the statistical data, our meta-analysis indicates that Leu84Phe polymorphism in the MGMT gene may predispose Caucasians to CRC.

FSH regulates fat accumulation and redistribution in aging through the Gαi/Ca(2+)/CREB pathway.

Increased fat mass and fat redistribution are commonly observed in aging populations worldwide. Although decreased circulating levels of sex hormones, androgens and oestrogens have been observed, the exact mechanism of fat accumulation and redistribution during aging remains obscure. In this study, the receptor of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a gonadotropin that increases sharply and persistently with aging in both males and females, is functionally expressed in human and mouse fat tissues and adipocytes. Follicle-stimulating hormone was found to promote lipid biosynthesis and lipid droplet formation; FSH could also alter the secretion of leptin and adiponectin, but not hyperplasia, in vitro and in vivo. The effects of FSH are mediated by FSH receptors coupled to the Gαi protein; as a result, Ca(2+) influx is stimulated, cAMP-response-element-binding protein is phosphorylated, and an array of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis is activated. The present findings depict the potential of FSH receptor-mediated lipodystrophy of adipose tissues in aging. Our results also reveal the mechanism of fat accumulation and redistribution during aging of males and females.

Imaging of anal fistulas: comparison of computed tomographic fistulography and magnetic resonance imaging.

The primary importance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating anal fistulas lies in its ability to demonstrate hidden areas of sepsis and secondary extensions in patients with fistula in ano. MR imaging is relatively expensive, so there are many healthcare systems worldwide where access to MR imaging remains restricted. Until recently, computed tomography (CT) has played a limited role in imaging fistula in ano, largely owing to its poor resolution of soft tissue. In this article, the different imaging features of the CT and MRI are compared to demonstrate the relative accuracy of CT fistulography for the preoperative assessment of fistula in ano. CT fistulography and MR imaging have their own advantages for preoperative evaluation of perianal fistula, and can be applied to complement one another when necessary.