RPL35A drives ovarian cancer progression by promoting the binding of YY1 to CTCF promoter.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological malignancies with poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. The improvement of the situation of ovarian cancer urgently requires the exploration of its molecular mechanism to develop more effective molecular targeted drugs. In this study, the role of human ribosomal protein l35a (RPL35A) in ovarian cancer was explored in vitro and in vivo. Our data identified that RPL35A expression was abnormally elevated in ovarian cancer. Clinically, high expression of RPL35A predicted short survival and poor TNM staging in patients with ovarian cancer. Functionally, RPL35A knock down inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration, enhanced apoptosis, while overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanically, RPL35A promoted the direct binding of transcription factor YY1 to CTCF in ovarian cancer cells. Consistently, RPL35A regulated ovarian cancer progression depending on CTCF in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RPL35A affected the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells through PPAR signalling pathway. In conclusion, RPL35A drove ovarian cancer progression by promoting the binding of YY1 and CTCF promoter, and inhibiting this process may be an effective strategy for targeted therapy of this disease.

Dual CoxSy-Modified Tungsten Disulfide Double-Heterojunction Electrocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution in All-pH Media.

The rational design and preparation of a heterogeneous electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has become a research hotspot, while applicable and pH-universal tungsten disulfide (WS2)-based hybrid composites are rarely reported. Herein, we propose a novel hybrid catalyst (WS2/Co9S8/Co4S3) comprising two heterojunctions of WS2/Co4S3 and WS2/Co9S8, which grow on the porous skeleton of Co, N-codoped carbon (Co/NC) flexibly applicable to all-pH electrolytes. The effect of double heterogeneous coupling on HER activity is explored as the highly flexible heterojunction is conducive to tune the activity of the catalyst, and the synergistic interaction of the double heterojunctions is maximized by adjusting the proportion of heterojunction components. Theoretical calculations show that both WS2/Co9S8 and WS2/Co4S3 heterojunctions have a Gibbs free energy of H reaction (|ΔGH*|) close to 0.0 eV and a facile decomposition water barrier. As collective synergy of dual CoxSy-modified WS2 double heterojunction, WS2/Co9S8/Co4S3 greatly enhances HER activity compared to bare Co9S8/Co4S3 or single heterojunction (WS2/Co9S8) in all-pH media. Besides, we have elucidated the unique HER mechanism of the double heterojunction to decompose H2O and confirm its excellent activity under alkaline and neutral conditions. Thus, this work provides new insights into WS2-based hybrid materials potentially applied to sustainable energy.

Few-Layered WS2 Anchored on Co, N-Doped Carbon Hollow Polyhedron for Oxygen Evolution and Hydrogen Evolution.

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) is well known to have great potential as an electrocatalyst, but the practical application is hampered by its intrinsic inert plane and semiconductor properties. In this work, owing to a Co-based zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-67) that effectively inhibited WS2 growth, few-layered WS2 was confined to the surface of Co, N-doped carbon polyhedron (WS2@Co9S8), with more marginal active sites and higher conductivity, which promoted efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). For the first time, WS2@Co9S8 was prepared by mixing in one pot of a liquid phase and calcination, and WS2 realized uniform distribution on the polyhedron surface by electrostatic adsorption in the liquid phase. The obtained hybrid catalyst exhibited excellent OER and HER catalytic activity, and the OER potential was only 15 mV at 10 mA cm-2 higher than that of noble metal oxide (RuO2). The improvement of catalytic activity can be attributed to the enhanced exposure of sulfur edge sites by WS2, the unique synergistic effect between WS2 and Co9S8 on the metal-organic framework (MOF) surface, and the effective shortening of the diffusion path by the hollow multi-channel structure. Therefore, the robust catalyst (WS2@Co9S8) prepared by a simple and efficient synthesis method in this work will serve as a highly promising bifunctional catalyst for OER and HER.

LBL deposition of chitosan and silk fibroin on nanofibers for improving physical and biological performance of patches.

Pelvic floor dysfunction diseases (PFD) become more prevalent with the increase of elderly population, and complications of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery (e.g. infection and exposure of mesh) have been troubling to patients and gynecologists. In this study, the nanofibrous mats were prepared by alternately depositing chitosan (CS) and silk fibroin (SF) on Nylon6 (N6) nanofibrous mats via layer-by-layer (LBL) technique. The as-prepared mats were characterized. The results showed that CS and SF molecules were successfully assembled on the nanofibers. Additionally, after LBL modification, the hydrophilicity of the nanofibrous mats was reduced and the mechanical properties were improved. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the LBL-structured mats reached >95% inhibiting Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The in vitro cell co-culture experiments indicated that LBL-structured mats had smaller toxic effects and more excellent biocompatibility to L929 fibroblasts, especially the mats with 15 bilayers coated films. Hence, the LBL-structured mats are promising materials for pelvic floor reconstruction to reduce postoperative pelvic complication rates.

[A Classification Algorithm for Epileptic Electroencephalogram Based on Wavelet Multiscale Analysis and Extreme Learning Machine].

The automatic classification of epileptic electroencephalogram(EEG)is significant in the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy.A classification algorithm for epileptic EEG based on wavelet multiscale analysis and extreme learning machine(ELM)is proposed in this paper.Firstly,wavelet multiscale analysis is applied to the original EEG to extract its sub-bands.Then,two nonlinear methods,i.e.Hurst exponent(Hurst)and sample entropy(SamEn)are used to the feature extraction of EEG and its sub-bands.Finally,ELM algorithm is employed in epileptic EEG classification with the nonlinear features.The proposed method in this paper achieved 99.5% classification accuracy for the discrimination between epileptic ictal and interictal EEG.The result implies that this method has good prospects in the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy.

How does hypoxia inducible factor-1α participate in enhancing the glycolysis activity in cervical cancer?

The objective of this study is to explore the role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in glycolysis activity and its relationship with malignant biologic behaviors of cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the protein expression and distribution of HIF-1α and glucose transport protein 1 (GLUT1) in cervical tissue of 158 cases, including 28 with normal cervical epithelium, 32 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and 98 with invasive cervical cancer. Cobalt(II) chloride was used to induce hypoxia in Hela and Siha cells; the biologic behaviors of cells cultured in normal or hypoxic environments were monitored by colorimetric, Transwell, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to observe gene and protein expression of HIF-1α, GLUT1, and hexokinase II in cell lines during normoxia and hypoxia. The expression of HIF-1α and GLUT1 gradually increased from normal cervical tissue to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, then to cervical cancer. There were significant differences among these groups (P < .05). HIF-1α was strongly associated with pathologic differentiation, clinic stage, magnitude of lesions, and patient age, whereas GLUT1 was associated with lymphatic metastasis (P < .05). HIF-1α was strongly associated with expression of GLUT1 (P < .05). In hypoxia, proliferation, invasion, resistance to apoptosis, and glycolysis of both Hela and Siha were enhanced compared with cells in normoxia (P < .05). Both gene and protein expressions of GLUT1 and hexokinase II were strengthened, whereas only the protein expression of HIF-1α was stronger in hypoxia than that in normoxia (P < .05). The results of Hela in normoxia and in hypoxia were similar to those of Siha (P > .05). HIF-1α plays a key role in cervical cancer both in vivo and in vitro. The role of HIF-1α can be implemented mainly by up-regulating its downstream gene, such as GLUT1, and the main mechanism may enhance glycolytic ability. Strong up-regulation and the role of HIF-1α suggest that HIF-1α could be an important factor in the onset and progression of cervical cancer and could be an attractive therapeutic molecular target for that type of cancer.

Significant association between CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism and cervical neoplasia risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recently, many studies have been published to evaluate the correlation between the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) T3801C polymorphism and cervical neoplasia risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. To clarify this possible association, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Data were collected from the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Ovid, ISI Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, and Chinese Biomedical Database databases. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were used to assess the strength of this association. The pooled ORs were performed for the allele model (C vs. T), the homozygote model (CC vs. TT), the dominant model (CC/CT vs. TT), and the recessive model (CC vs. TT/CT), respectively. Finally, a total of 12 independent studies including a total of 3,724 subjects (1,912 cases/1,812 controls) were eligible for meta-analysis. Overall, there was a significant association between the CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism and cervical neoplasia susceptibility (C vs. T, OR 1.32, 95 % CI 1.04-1.68, P = 0.02; CC vs. TT, OR 1.99, 95 % CI 1.19-3.35, P = 0.01; CC/CT vs. TT, OR 1.36, 95 % CI 1.02-1.81, P = 0.02; CC vs. TT/CT, OR 1.57, 95 % CI 1.23-2.02, P < 0.01). Meta-analysis of the ten studies on cervical cancer suggested a significant association between the CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism and cervical cancer risk (C vs. T, OR 1.38, 95 % CI 1.05-1.82, P = 0.02; CC vs. TT, OR 2.06, 95 % CI 1.15-3.70, P = 0.02; CC/CT vs. TT, OR 1.45, 95 % CI 1.03-2.02, P = 0.03; CC vs. TT/CT, OR 1.56, 95 % CI 1.20-2.03, P < 0.01). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significant associations were also detected in some genetic models. This meta-analysis demonstrates a significant association between the CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism and cervical neoplasia susceptibility.

The mechanism of lipid raft mediating chemoresistance of cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of lipid raft mediating chemotherapy resistance in cervical cancer. METHODS: This experiment was carried out in the Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China from June 2010 to February 2011. Hela cells were divided into 6 groups: control group (Ctrl), cisplatin group (Cis), lipid raft interference agent group (MCD), NADPH oxidase inhibitor group (Apo), lipid raft interference agent combined with cisplatin group (MCD+Cis), and NADPH oxidase inhibitor combined with cisplatin group (Apo+Cis). After the cervical cancer cells were treated with a correspondent agent for 24 hours, the number of surviving cells were measured utilizing cell counting kits-8 (CCK-8), and the hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) levels were detected by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured indirectly by detection of dichlorodihydrofluorescein fluorescence activity. RESULTS: The cell growth of MCD slowed down (survival cells was 62% compared with the Ctrl group), with the Apo group showing a similar effect (65% in the control group), and 49% for the Cis group, MCD+Cis was 21%, and Apo+Cis was 23%. While the level of HIF-1alpha protein and ROS of the MCD group, Apo group, Cis group, MCD+Cis group and Apo+Cis group were decreased significantly compared to the control group. The level of HIF-1alpha of MCD group decreased by 69.9%, Apo group by 60.2%, Cis group was 55.5%, MCD+Cis group by 21.1% and Apo+Cis group by 25.4%, while the level of ROS also decreased in the MCD group by 38.6%, Apo group by 35.3%, Cis group by 24%, MCD+Cis group by 12.3% and Apo+Cis group by 12.8%. CONCLUSION: Lipid raft may up-regulate ROS level and HIF-1alpha expression through activating NADPH oxidase, and thus promote chemotherapy resistance in cervical cancer.

A new effective method in the treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a recognized complication of ovulation induction, occurring in 1-10% of IVF and embryo transfer cycles. While mild OHSS is of no clinical relevance, severe OHSS is a life threatening complication. However, the efficacy of prevalent treatments appeared to be limited. We developed a continuous autotransfusion system with an ultrafiltration instrument for reinfusion the protein of concentrated ascites for the treatment of severe OHSS. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of using a continuous autotransfusion system for the treatment of severe OHSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 69 patients with severe OHSS who were treated with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation due to infertility from February 2002 to August 2010 in our reproductive center were divided into two groups. One group treated with continuous autotransfusion system with an ultrafiltration instrument which infused the protein of concentrated ascites, called ultrafiltration group, another group were treated with simple-albumin supplement, called albumin group. Several examinational results and adverse effect were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The volume of urine output after 72h in ultrafiltration group was more than that in albumin group, the waist circumference and body weight in ultrafiltration group were lower than those in albumin group after 72h. The serum creatinine levels after 72h in ultrafiltration group was still significantly lower than that in albumin group (p<0.05). The ultrafiltration group rarely showed adverse effect compared with albumin group. CONCLUSION: Autotransfusion of protein in concentrated ascites for the treatment of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was effective and safe.

Measurement of the gamma-ray sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of a new scattered-electron detector.

A new detector suitable for measuring high intensity pulsed gamma-ray sources and based upon scattered-electron method is proposed. The detector has a relatively flat energy response in the range of 0.4-5 MeV and works in current mode. The performances of the detector under several conditions were studied by Monte Carlo simulation using the MCNP code. A comparison between calculations and measurements performed using the 1.25 MeV line of Co-60 is also addressed. The experimental signal produced by the detector was thus studied and decomposed into its main components in order to establish the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The latter is compared to SNR calculated for other type of detectors.

Reproductive outcome of septate uterus after hysteroscopic treatment with neodymium:YAG laser.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess fertility outcome and obstetrical prognosis of 46 patients after hysteroscopic section of uterine septa with neodysmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. BACKGROUND DATA: Approximately 15-25% of spontaneous miscarriages are related to Müllerian fusion defects, most of which are associated with uterine septa. Operative hysteroscopy is a safe and effective treatment for uterine septa. METHODS: Forty-six sterile patients with septate uterus received hysteroscopic metroplasty with Nd:YAG laser. Forty-one patients with incomplete septate uterus were under the guidance of B-ultrasonography, while the other 5 patients with complete septate uterus were treated by laparoscopy. RESULTS: The metroplasty was successfully conducted in 45 patients, with a success rate of 98% (45 /46). Postoperative follow-up examinations of 28 patients revealed pregnancy within 12 months in 20 patients, 16 of whom acquired term delivery. The pregnancy rate within 1 year was 71%. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic treatment of septate uterus with Nd:YAG laser is effective. The cervix may not be excessively dilated, the intraoperative bleeding can be thoroughly controlled, and the procedure under local anesthesia is relatively safe.

[Preliminary studies on pathogenic factors of human cytomegalovirus infection].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathogenic factors of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections. METHODS: Totally 36 serum samples were obtained from early pregnant woman and examined with ELISA for anti-HCMV antibody IgG and IgM. After artificial abortion,chorionic villus and decidua were also examined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HCMV-DNA. When the results of PCR were positive, pathological changes of these chorionic villus and decidua were analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that only 10 samples were PCR positive while IgG and/or IgM antibody to HCMV was positive. After infection with HCMV, different changes occurred in chorionic villus and decidual trophoblastic cells placental villus were hyperplasic and decidua cells degenerated and necrotized followed by lymphocytes infiltration. CONCLUSION: These pathological changes may be one of pathogenic factors of HCMV.