Multifunctional Polymolybdate-Based Metal-Organic Framework as an Efficient Catalyst for the CO2 Cycloaddition and as the Anode of a Lithium-Ion Battery.

A three-dimensional polymolybdate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF) consisting of Zn-ε-Keggin unit and organic linker, {[PMo8VMo4VIO37(OH)3Zn4][BPE]2}·[BPE] (1), was successfully obtained by the hydrothermal method. Compound 1 is composed of Zn-ε-Keggin units and BPE ligands, featuring a fascinating 5-fold interpenetrating framework with dia topology. The catalytic performance of compound 1 was investigated, and experiments showed that 1 could effectively facilitate the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with epoxides as Lewis acid heterogeneous catalyst. Moreover, compound 1 also was studied as LIBs anode material, and it showed reversible capacity of 546 mA h g-1 at 100th cycle.

1.6 µm dissipative soliton fiber laser mode-locked by cesium lead halide perovskite quantum dots.

We demonstrate a stable, picosecond fiber laser mode-locked by cesium lead halide perovskite quantum dots (CsPbBr3-QDs). The saturable absorber is produced by depositing the CsPbBr3-QDs nanocrystals onto the endface of a fiber ferrule through light pressure. A balanced two-detector measurement shows that it has a modulation depth of 2.5% and a saturation power of 17.29 MW/cm2. After incorporating the fabricated device into an Er3+-doped fiber ring cavity with a net normal dispersion of 0.238 ps2, we obtain stable dissipative soliton with a pulse duration of 14.4 ps and a center wavelength at 1600 nm together with an edge-to-dege bandwidth of 4.5 nm. The linear chirped phase can be compensated by 25 m single mode fiber, resulting into a compressed pulse duration of 1.046 ps. This experimental works proves that such CsPbBr3-QDs materials are effective choice for ultrafast laser operating with devious mode-locking states.

Decreased PGF may contribute to trophoblast dysfunction in fetal growth restriction.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) threatens perinatal health and is correlated with increased incidence of fetal original adult diseases. Most cases of FGR were idiopathic, which were supposed to be associated with placental abnormality. Decreased circulating placental growth factor (PGF) was recognized as an indication of placental deficiency in FGR. In this study, the epigenetic regulation of PGF in FGR placentas and the involvement of PGF in modulation of trophoblast activity were investigated. The expression level of PGF in placental tissues was determined by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. DNA methylation profile of PGF gene was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing. Trophoblastic cell lines were treated with ZM-306416, an inhibitor of PGF receptor FLT1, to observe the effect of PGF/FLT1 signaling on cell proliferation and migration. We demonstrated that PGF was downregulated in placentas from FGR pregnancies compared with normal controls. The villous expression of PGF was positively correlated with placental and fetal weight. The CpG island inside PGF promoter was hypomethylated without obvious difference in both normal and FGR placentas. However, the higher DNA methylation at another CpG island downstream exon 7 of PGF was demonstrated in FGR placentas. Additionally, we found FLT1 was expressed in trophoblast cells. Inhibition of PGF/FLT1 signaling by a selective inhibitor impaired trophoblast proliferation and migration. In conclusion, our data suggested that the PGF expression was dysregulated, and disrupted PGF/FLT1 signaling in trophoblast might contribute to placenta dysfunction in FGR. Thus, our results support the significant role of PGF in the pathogenesis of FGR.

Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters in Refined Edible Oils: A Review on Formation, Occurrence, Analysis, and Elimination Methods.

Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs), one of the main contaminants in processed oils, are mainly formed during the deodorization step in the refining process of edible oils and therefore occur in almost all refined edible oils. GEs are potential carcinogens, due to the fact that they readily hydrolyze into the free form glycidol in the gastrointestinal tract, which has been found to induce tumors in various rat tissues. Furthermore, glycidol has already been identified as a "possible human carcinogen'' (group 2A) by the Intl. Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Therefore, significant effort has been devoted to inhibit and eliminate the formation of GEs. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary on the following topics: (i) GE occurrence data for different edible oils and oil-based food products, (ii) precursors of GEs, (iii) factors influencing the formation of GEs, (iv) potential reaction mechanisms involving the leaving group and reaction intermediates, and (v) analytical methods, including the indirect and direct methods. More importantly, the various elimination methods for GEs in refined edible oils are being reviewed with focus on 3 aspects: (i) inhibition and removal of reactants, (ii) modification of reactive conditions, and (iii) elimination of GE products.

Liver receptor homologue-1 and steroidogenic factor-1 expression in cultured granulosa cells from patients with endometriosis: A preliminary study.

AIM: The expression of aromatase (via CYP19 and the CYP19 PII promoter) and the orphan nuclear receptor family members, liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) in cultured luteinized granulosa cells from women with endometriosis were investigated. METHODS: Luteinized granulosa cells from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (16 patients with endometriosis and 28 controls) were examined for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of CYP19, CYP19 PII, LRH-1 and SF-1, determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Student's t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The number of high quality embryos in the endometriosis group was significantly lower than in the control group. The mRNA expression levels of CYP19, CYP19 PII, LRH-1 and SF-1 in granulosa-lutein cells were decreased in women with endometriosis compared to the control group. The simultaneous down-regulation expression of LRH-1, SF-1 and CYP19 PII in endometriotic granulosa cells indicated their positive correlation. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate aberrant expressions of SF-1 and LRH-1 in endometriotic granulosa-lutein cells. This finding may be helpful in understanding infertility associated with endometriosis and reduced P450 aromatase activity in endometriotic granulosa cells.

A twofold interpenetrated two-dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer for the highly sensitive detection of nitrofurantoin in aqueous medium.

A novel ZnII coordination polymer, namely, poly[{µ2-bis[4-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]methanone-κ2N3:N3'}(µ2-5-bromobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ2O1:O3)zinc(II)], [Zn(C8H3BrO4)(C21H18N4O)]n or [Zn(Br-BDC)(MIPMO)]n, (I), has been synthesized by the solvothermal method using 5-bromoisophthalic acid (Br-H2BDC), bis[4-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]methanone (MIPMO) and Zn(NO3)2·6H2O. Structure analysis showed that compound (I) displays twofold parallel interwoven sql nets. Fluorescence experiments confirmed that the compound can sensitively and selectively detect nitrofurantoin (NFT) in aqueous medium. In addition, the possible fluorescence quenching mechanisms of compound (I) toward NFT are investigated.

[Effects of Continuous Annual Crop Rotation and Fallow on Soil Aggregate Stability and Organic Carbon].

In order to explore the effects of continuous annual crop rotation and fallow on aggregate stability and organic carbon content in red soil, the red soil in sloping farmland was taken as the research object, and the water-stable aggregates and organic carbon content were determined using the wet sieve method and potassium dichromate-concentrated sulfuric acid external heating method, respectively. The changes in soil aggregate stability and organic carbon content under the four treatments of maize-vetch-maize rotation (M-V-M), maize-pea-maize rotation (M-P-M), maize-fallow-maize (M-F-M), and annual fallow (F-F-F) from 2020 to 2022 and the relationships between them were analyzed. The results showed that in 2021 and 2022, the contents of > 2 mm aggregates treated with F-F-F, M-V-M, and M-P-M were significantly increased by 67.01%-100.92%, 29.71%-33.67%, and 29.68%-38.07%, respectively, compared with that treated with M-F-M. In 2021 and 2022, the stability parameters of F-F-F and M-V-M were significantly higher than those of M-F-M (P < 0.05). The content of > 2 mm aggregates, geometric mean diameter (GMD), and mean weight diameter (MWD) under the M-V-M treatment and R0.25 (> 0.25 mm aggregate contents), MWD and > 2 mm aggregate contents under the F-F-F treatment increased with the increase in fallow years, whereas the content of 1-2 mm and < 0.25 mm under the F-F-F treatment decreased with the increase in fallow years. Both green manure rotation and fallow treatment could increase the SOC content, and the SOC content of F-F-F and M-V-M treatment increased with the extension in age. Correlation analysis showed that SOC content was significantly positively correlated with R0.25 and GMD under all treatments. R0.25 and GMD under the F-F-F treatment and GMD and MWD under M-V-M were significantly positively correlated with SOC content. The results showed that continuous annual crop rotation and fallow was beneficial to improve the content of soil macro-aggregates, aggregate stability, and SOC content, which could provide theoretical basis for the implementation of reasonable continuous annual crop rotation and fallow patterns and soil erosion control in red soil areas of sloping farmland in southern China.

[Clinical value of hCG ratio of blood in peritoneal cavity versus venous blood in diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of hCG ratio of blood in peritoneal cavity versus venous blood (RPhCG/VhCG) in diagnosis of early ectopic pregnancy (EP). METHODS: From Mar. 2009 to Oct. 2012, 268 cases with EP (EP group) and 53 women with intrauterine pregnancy with haemoperitoneum (hIUP) (hIUP group) from International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 6th People Hospital and Shanghai Jiangwan Hospital were enrolled in this prospective study. The HCG of all subjective were measured in blood in peritonea cavity and venous blood, then calculate the ratio of RPhCG/VhCG. Scatter point analysis and ROC were used to differentiate EP, determine threshold of hIUP and evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in diagnosis EP preoperatively. RESULTS: The mean RPhCG/VhCG of EP group was 4.35, which was significantly higher than 0.81 in hIUP group (P < 0.01). Scatter point analysis showed that the threshold value of RPhCG/VhCG between ectopic pregnancy and hIUP was 1.0. The overall sensitivity of RPhCG/VhCG in the diagnosis of EP was 98%, the specificity was 100%, the positive predictive value was 100% and the negtive predictive value was 93%. CONCLUSION: RPhCG/VhCG > 1.0 could be used to diagnose and differentiate EP from hIUP accurately.

Ti3C2Tx MXene Liquid Crystal: Access to Create Background-Free and Easy-Made Alignment Medium.

The formation of lyotropic liquid crystals (LCs) in two-dimensional (2D) colloidal dispersions enables the production of mesoscopic/macroscopic ordered materials from nanoscale building blocks. In contrast to graphene oxide (GO) LCs, the practical applications of MXene LCs are less exploited. This study bridges the gap by utilizing a simple and versatile fabrication method to prepare Ti3C2Tx MXene LC that can be applied as a background-free alignment medium for the residual dipolar coupling (RDC) measurement of organic molecules. Ti3C2Tx LC displays the size- and concentration-dependent alignment degree. Ti3C2Tx nanoflakes with an average size of around 600 nm can provide the quadrupolar 2H splitting of 71 Hz at a concentration of 50 mg/mL and show excellent fluidity at such a high concentration. Compared with other alignment media, Ti3C2Tx LC exhibits the features of no-background and narrow line broadening, which actualizes the acquirement of clean and high-quality NMR spectra for the accurate RDC extraction. Notably, the alignment of LCs is determined to be maintainable in the redispersed solution after freeze-drying, providing the great convenience for the preparation of alignment Ti3C2Tx media, long-term sample preservation, and quantitative evaluation of alignment degree. Meanwhile, the alignment LC media for RDC measurement can be established in other MXenes such as Ti2CTx and Ti3CNTx. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the potential of creating various alignment media from the fascinating MXene family.

[Selective ERß action of dehydroepiandrosterone for osteoblast cell line].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the selective mechanism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for osteoblast via ERß. METHODS: High expression of ERß in hMG63-ERß group (infected with pWPT-ERß), gene silencing of ERß in hMG63-shERß group (infected with pLVTHM-GFP/ERß-shRNA) and hMG63 group (control) were cultured and treated with 1×10(-7) mol/L DHEA, with or without U0126 and etoposide. The proliferation and apoptosis of hMG63 were evaluated by flow cytometry. The mRNA level of estrogen receptor subtype was detected by reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS: The expression of ERß in hMG63-ERß group and hMG63-shERß group were increased 7.39 times and decreased 17% compared with that in hMG63 group (control). DHEA could increase ERß expression in hMG63 in each group, however, it did not influence the expression of ERα mRNA. When the level of ERß was high, DHEA could accelerate the proliferation [proliferation index were (81.6 ± 7.6)% in hMG63-ERß, (75.0 ± 5.3)% in hMG63, P < 0.05] and inhibit the apoptosis [apoptosis rate were (12.2 ± 1.6)% in hMG63-ERß, (14.6 ± 1.5)% in hMG63, P < 0.01], which was blocked by U0126 [proliferation index were (33.2 ± 2.0)% in hMG63-ERß, (41.2 ± 2.4)% in hMG63, apoptosis rate were (40.5 ± 4.3)% in hMG63-ERß, (43.3 ± 4.1)% in hMG63, all P < 0.05]. When the expression of ERß was silenced, DHEA could not inhibit the apoptosis of hMG63 anymore. CONCLUSION: DHEA selectively act on osteoblasts via the dominant expression of ERß.

A novel three-dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer based on 3,3'-{[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(oxy)}dibenzoic acid and 1,4-bis(pyridin-4-yl)benzene: synthesis, crystal structure and photocatalytic properties.

A novel three-dimensional (3D) ZnII coordination polymer, namely, poly[[[1,4-bis(pyridin-4-yl)benzene](µ3-3,3'-{[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(oxy)}dibenzoato)zinc(II)] 1,4-bis(pyridin-4-yl)benzene], {[Zn(C22H16O6)(C16H12N2)]·C16H12N2}n or {[Zn(PMBD)(DPB)]·DPB}n, 1, where H2PMBD is 3,3'-{[1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(oxy)}dibenzoic acid and DPB is 1,4-bis(pyridin-4-yl)benzene, has been synthesized by self-assembly using zinc nitrate, a semi-rigid dicarboxylic acid and a nitrogen-containing ligand. The single-crystal X-ray structure determination indicates that 1 possesses an intriguing 3D architecture with a 4-connected uninodal cds topology, which is constructed from dinuclear {Zn2} clusters and V-shaped PMBD2- linkers. Compound 1 exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity on the degradation of the organic dyes Rhodamine B (RhB), Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) and Methyl Red (MR).

Bioinformatics Analysis and RNA-Sequencing of SCAMP3 Expression and Correlated Gene Regulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Secretory Carrier Membrane Proteins 3 (SCAMP3) is a transmembrane protein that affects intracellular trafficking, protein sorting and vesicle formation. Overexpression of SCAMP3 correlates with poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the expression and corresponding gene regulation of SCAMP3 in HCC remain unclear. METHODS: Bioinformatics analyses of clinical parameters and survival data were conducted to predict the prognostic value of SCAMP3 in HCC. RNA sequencing and real-time PCR were conducted to confirm the SCAMP3 expression in HCC tissue. Expression was analyzed using OncomineTM and UALCAN, while SCAMP3 alterations and survival analysis were identified by cBioPortal. Differential gene expression with SCAMP3 was analyzed by LinkedOmics and GEPIA. The target networks of enzymes and co-transcriptional factors were identified using Gene enrichment analysis. Expression of SCAMP3 in HCC tissue was detected by RNA-sequencing and Western-blotting. RESULTS: Based on bioinformatics analysis and detection of mRNA expression, SCAMP3 was over-expressed in numerous tumors, especially in HCC. SCAMP3 level was positively correlated with disease stages and tumor grades and negatively correlated with patient survival. Furthermore, functional network analysis indicated that SCAMP3 regulated metabolic process and DNA replication through oxidative phosphorylation and chromatin remodeling or Ribosome. SCAMP3 regulated a number of gene expressions including PPAP2B, SNRK, ARID4A, PRCC, VPS72 via protein binding and proteasome, which may affect cell adhesion, proliferation, transcription, cell cycle and metabolism. Further, Real-time PCR and Western-blotting showed that the SCAMP3 level was increased in HCC tissue. CONCLUSION: The present data analysis efficiently reveals information about SCAMP3 expression and correlated function in HCC, laying a foundation for further study of SCAMP3 in the tumor.

Two new isolated Zn-ε-Keggin clusters modified by conjugated organic ligands with decent electrocatalytic and third-order NLO properties.

Two new bifunctional isolated hybrid compounds, [ε-PMoV8MoVI4O37(OH)3Zn4][iql]4·6H2O (1) and [ε-PMoV8MoVI4O38(OH)2Zn4][bipy]3[(CH3COO)(bipy)2Zn]·2H2O (2) (where iql = isoquinoline and bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), based on Zn-ε-Keggin were successfully synthesized by self-assembly under hydrothermal conditions. It is interesting to note that acetate in 2 acted as a linker connecting the ε-Keggin anion with the one Zn atom (Zn5) and enabled the ε-Keggin anion to coordinate with more bipy ligands, culminating with a larger isolated system, which is the first reported isolated cluster of Zn5PMo12. Meanwhile, compounds 1-2 show great electrochemical behaviors and excellent electrocatalytic activity for the degradation of NaNO2. In addition, compound 2 displays better third-order NLO performance than 1 due to the presence of more conjugated rings, with a TPA cross section (σ) of 1819 GM, which suggests that compound 2 has the potential to function as a bifunctional material with tremendous prospects.

[Identification and characterization of ovarian cancer stem-like cells from primary tumor.].

OBJECTIVE: To study whether the primary ovarian cancer cells containing cancer stem cells and its characterization in serum-free culture condition. METHODS: The primary cancer cells were isolated from one stage III, grade 2 serous adenocarcinoma tissue. Cells were cultured in serum-free culture system supplemented with epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor and insulin, or standard serum-containing system. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, quantitative PCR analysis, flow-cytometric analysis and xenograft experiments in vivo were performed. RESULTS: The primary cancer cells could maintain and form cell sphere in serum-free culture system. These cells had the properties of self-renewal, overexpression of stem cell marker genes Nanog, Oct-4, Sox-2, nestin, ABCG2, CD(133) and CD(117). By contrast with the differentiated cells under standard serum-containing culture conditions, these sphere-forming cells were more resistant to cisplatin and paclitaxel after treated 48 and 72 hours (61% vs. 31%, 73% vs. 29%, P < 0.05). With Hoechst 33342 exclusion assay, only 21.83% of sphere-forming cells were positive with the dye, compared with 83.04% positive cells in differentiated cells (P < 0.01). Only 500 sphere-forming cells resulted subcutaneous xenograft tumors. All of these xenografts were categorized as serous adenocarcinomas, overexpression of CA(125) and cytokeratin-7 which were original tumor phenotype of ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: The sphere-forming cells isolated from primary ovarian cancer tissues have the characterization of cancer stem cell and may be a more reliable model system for understanding the biology of primary human tumors.

Two Lanthanide Metal⁻Organic Frameworks Based on Semi-Rigid T-Shaped Tricarboxylate Ligand: Syntheses, Structures, and Properties.

By using a semi-rigid tripodal ligand 5-(4-carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalic acid (H3L) and lanthanide metal ions (Nd3+, Tb3+), two novel lanthanide metal-organic frameworks, namely, {[Nd2L2(DMF)4] DMF}n (1), and {TbL(DMF)(H2O)}n (2), were synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, in which L3- ligands linked dinuclear lanthanide metal-carboxylate units to form non-interpenetrated 3D network with (3,6)-connected topology. Luminescent investigations reveal that compound 1 displays the near-infrared emission at room temperature, and compound 2 can be employed as selective probe for Cr2O72- anion in aqueous solution based on luminescence quenching. Moreover, compound 2 exhibits catalytic activity for cyclo-addition of CO2 and epoxides under relatively mild conditions.

[Analysis of risk factors for uteroplacental apoplexy complicating placental abruption].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical characteristics, the outcome of pregnancy and the risk factors of uteroplacental apoplexy complicating severe placental abruption. METHODS: A retrospectively study of the 52 cases of placental abruption who had delivered in our hospital from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2006 was conducted. These cases were divided into 2 groups: 17 cases of uteroplacental apoplexy complicating placental abruption as observation group, the others with no uteroplacental apoplexy as control group. The risk factors of disease, clinical characteristics and the outcome of pregnancy between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: (1) The incidence of placental abruption was 0.15% (52/35 049) among the total deliveries patients with uteroplacental apoplexy complicating placental abruption took up 0.05% (17/35 049) of all deliveries and 33% (17/52) of all abruption cases. (2) General information and delivery: There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) regarding their mean age and BMI in two groups. All women in observation group had C-section delivery, which were 21 in control group. 14 women had vaginal delivery. The incidence of premature labour was 88% (15/17) in observation group, and 49% (17/35) women in control group delivered after 37 weeks. Significant differences were observed regarding delivery methods and gestational weeks (P < 0.01). (3) RISK FACTORS: the incidence of preeclampsia, 71% (12/17), and the duration of disease, 6.4 hours, in observation group were more than those in control group, 20% (7/35) and 4.2 hours (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between two groups in premature rupture, polyhydroamnions (P > 0.05). (4) Clinical characteristics in two groups: bloody amniotic fluid, fetal distress, hematometra and postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 82% (14/17) vs 26% (9/35), 65% (11/17) vs 29% (10/35), 35% (6/17) vs 6% (2/35), and 59% (10/17) vs 11% (4/35), with a significant difference (P < 0.01), but no statistical difference existed between indices such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and abdominal tension (P > 0.05). (5) Placenta sites and abruption areas: placenta sites were distributed from anterior or posterior of uterine body 5/17 vs 24/35, the fundus or cornu of uterus 12/17 vs 11/35 (P < 0.01). All cases in observation group presented abruption areas > 1/3, and 9 cases >or= 2/3, 27 cases abruption areas < 1/3 and 8 cases abruption areas 1/3 - 2/3 in control group (P < 0.01). (6) Other complications and outcome: Hemorrhagic shock 3 vs 0, DIC 3 vs 0, hysterectomy 1 vs 0, intrauterine fetal death 3 vs 2, neonatal asphyxia 8 vs 5 and neonatal death 1 vs 0. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preeclampsia, long duration of disease and fundal or cornual placenta a risk factors for uteroplacental apoplexy complicating placental abruption, which may lead to a poor maternal-fetal prognosis.

[Effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase gene knockout on cell proliferation of embryonic fibroblasts in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene knockout on the proliferation of embryonic fibroblasts in mice (MEFs). METHODS: The expression of p38 in MEFs p38+/+ and p38(-/-) cells were detected by Western blotting. The growth curves of p38+/+ and p38(-/-) cells were plotted with the results of methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay, and the ratios of different cell phases of p38+/+ and p38(-/-) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The growth curves showed that the growth rate was notably retarded and cell double time elongated in p38(-/-) cells, and there was 15.5% decrease of the number of p38(-/-) cells in comparison with that of p38+/+ cells in 96-hour culture. G2/M transition was inhibited in p38(-/-) cells. Meanwhile, G1/S transition was also inhibited in p38(-/-) cells, as shown by the results of flow cytometry. The ratios of G0/G1, G2/M, and S phases of p38+/+ cells were 34.47%, 10.81%, and 54.72%, respectively; while those of p38(-/-) cells were 48.49%, 4.06%, and 47.44%, respectively. There were 40.7% increase and 13.3% decrease in the cell numbers of G1 and S phases of p38(-/-) cells in comparison with those of p38+/+ cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: p38 gene knockout in MEFs leads to cell cycle arrest and decreased cell proliferation.

Identification of microRNA signature in the progression of gestational trophoblastic disease.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) encompasses a range of trophoblast-derived disorders. The most common type of GTD is hydatidiform mole (HM). Some of HMs can further develop into malignant gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Aberrant expression of microRNA (miRNA) is widely reported to be involved in the initiation and progression of cancers. MiRNA expression profile also has been proved to be the useful signature for diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and response to chemotherapy. Till now, the profile of miRNA in the progression of GTD has not been determined. In this study, a total of 34 GTN and 60 complete HMs (CHM) trophoblastic tissues were collected. By miRNA array screening and qRT-PCR validating, six miRNAs, including miR-370-3p, -371a-5p, -518a-3p, -519d-3p, -520a-3p, and -934, were identified to be differentially expressed in GTN vs. CHM. Functional analyses further proved that miR-371a-5p and miR-518a-3p promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of choriocarcinoma cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR-371a-5p was negatively related to protein levels of its predictive target genes BCCIP, SOX2, and BNIP3L, while miR-518a-3p was negatively related to MST1 and EFNA4. For the first time, we proved that miR-371a-5p and miR-518a-3p directly targeted to 3'-UTR regions of BCCIP and MST1, respectively. Additionally, we found that miR-371a-5p and miR-518a-3p regulated diverse pathways related to tumorigenesis and metastasis in choriocarcinoma cells. The results presented here may offer new clues to the progression of GTD and may provide diagnostic biomarkers for GTN.

Twist induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cervical carcinogenesis by regulating the TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with the metastasis and poor prognosis of cervical cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. In the present study, we investigated whether Twist plays a direct role in human cervical cancer using immunohistochemical and western blot analyses. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Twist is highly expressed in cervical cancer, which correlates with poor tumor pathological differentiation or lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Depletion of Twist by stable shRNA-mediated knockdown decreased the migratory ability of cancer cell lines in vitro. Suppression or overexpression of Twist also resulted in an altered expression of the molecular mediators of EMT. Furthermore, exogenous TGF-ß promoted EMT by upregulating the expression of Twist through the TGF-ß/Smad3 pathway, and this effect was eliminated by Twist depletion in cancer cells as demonstrated in the in vitro study. The use of in vivo models revealed a decreased tumor proliferation potential in Twist-depleted cancer cells. The results suggested a novel function for Twist in the promotion of EMT via TGF-ß/Smad3 signaling pathway. Thus, Twist constitutes a potential therapeutic target in human cervical cancer.