Norepinephrine may promote the progression of Fusobacterium nucleatum related colorectal cancer via quorum sensing signalling.

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is closely correlated with tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to investigate the effects of host norepinephrine on the carcinogenicity of F. nucleatum in CRC and reveal the underlying mechanism. The results revealed that both norepinephrine and bacterial quorum sensing (QS) molecule auto-inducer-2 (AI-2) were positively associated with the progression of F. nucleatum related CRC (p < 0.01). In vitro studies, norepinephrine induced upregulation of QS-associated genes and promoted the virulence and proliferation of F. nucleatum. Moreover, chronic stress significantly increased the colon tumour burden of ApcMin/+ mice infected with F. nucleatum (p < 0.01), which was decreased by a catecholamine inhibitor (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that stress-induced norepinephrine may promote the progression of F. nucleatum related CRC via bacterial QS signalling. These preliminary data provide a novel strategy for the management of pathogenic bacteria by targeting host hormones-bacterial QS inter-kingdom signalling.

Improving anaerobic digestion performance after severe acidification: Unveiling the impacts of Fe3O4-bentonite composites in co-digestion of waste activated sludge and food waste.

Acidification recovery in anaerobic digestion of food waste is challenging. This study explored its in-situ recovery using a co-substrate of food waste and waste activated sludge. Fe3O4 and bentonite were used as conductor and carrier, respectively, to enhance AD performance under severe acidification. The application of Fe3O4-bentonite resulted in a 152% increase in cumulative methane in the Fe3O4-bentonite 10 digester, demonstrating its effectiveness in restoring the acidified AD system. In acidified systems, bentonite enhanced the diversity and richness of microbial communities due to its buffering capacity. The excessive non-conductive polysaccharides excreted by bacteria in extracellular polymeric substances reduced the possibility of electron transfer by Fe3O4. However, in the synergistic application of Fe3O4 and bentonite, this resistance was alleviated, increasing the possibility of direct interspecies electron transfer, and accelerating the consumption of volatile fatty acids. This approach of integrating carrier and conductive materials is significant for in-situ restoration of acidified systems.

Improved microalgae growth and lipid production in anaerobic digestate with ultraviolet radiation pretreatment.

Inappropriate sterilization strategies inhibit microalgal growth when culturing microalgae with anaerobic digestate. This study aimed to scientifically select a low-cost disinfection pretreatment of anaerobic digestate for large-scale microalgae cultivations. In this work, three different methods, including autoclaving, ultraviolet or NaClO treatments, were employed to sterilize the municipal anaerobic digestate. Scenedesmus quadricauda was then cultured in diluted liquid digestate for the simultaneous lipid production and nutrient removal. The results indicated that the growth of S. quadricauda was inhibited after NaClO treatment due to the residual free chlorine. The 15-min ultraviolet effectively mitigated microbial contamination and increasing nutrient availability, enhancing the electron transport of microalgal photosynthesis. After 6-days cultivation, the microalgal biomass concentration of the ultraviolet group was 1.09 g/L, comparable to that of the autoclaving group (1.15 g/L). High nutrient removal efficiency was observed: COD (93.30 %), NH4+-N (92.56 %), TN (85.82 %) and TP (95.12 %). Moreover, S. quadricauda outcompeted the indigenous microorganisms, contributing to its dominance in the culture system of ultraviolet group. The facultative anaerobe Comamonadaceae and aerobes Moraxellaceae, rather than strict anaerobe Paludibacteraceae and Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17, played vital roles in synergistic removal of contaminants by bacteria and algae. The potential competition for nitrogen and phosphorus by bacteria contributed to the ultraviolet group having the greatest lipid content (48.19 %). Therefore, this work suggested using 15-min ultraviolet treatment for anaerobic digestate in large-scale microalgae cultivation.

Enhancement of sewer sediment control and disruption of adhesive gelatinous sediment structure using low-dose calcium peroxide.

Large quantities of sediments in urban sewer systems pose significant risk of pipe clogging and corrosion. Owing to their gel-like structure, sewer sediments have strong resistance to hydraulic shear stress. This study proposed a novel approach to weaken the erosion resistance of sewer sediments by destroying viscous gel-like biopolymers in sediments with low doses of calcium peroxide (CaO2). After treatment with 10-50 mg g-1 TS of CaO2, the critical erosion shear stress was significantly reduced by 25.7%-59.9%. The sediment aggregates gradually disintegrated into small diameter particles with increasing CaO2 dosage. Further analysis showed that the strong oxidizing and alkaline environment induced by CaO2 treatment led to cell lysis and changes in the composition and property of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). After CaO2 treatment, aromatic proteins and humic acid-like substances associated with adhesion translocated from the inner EPS layers to outer layers while being disintegrated into small organic molecules. Concomitantly, CaO2 treatment disrupted the main functional groups (-OH, COO-, C-N, CO, and CN) in inner EPS layers, thus weakening EPS adhesion. Analysis of protein secondary structure and zeta potential reflected the reduced aggregation capacity of sediment microorganisms and loosening of sediment structure after CaO2 treatment. Thus, CaO2 treatment facilitated fragmentation and disaggregation of the gelatinous structure of sewer sediments. Such green strategy decreased the cost of sewer sediment disposal by 42.10-68.95% when compared to water flushing, and it would improve the self-cleaning capacity of sewer system and efficiency of dredging equipment.

Dynamic Gut Microbiota of Apolygus lucorum Across Different Life Stages Reveals Potential Pathogenic Bacteria for Facilitating the Pest Management.

Insect's gut microbiota has diverse effects on their fitness, and a comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota functions requires analyzing its diversity. Apolygus lucorum is a highly destructive pest that threatens many economically important crops in China. This study investigated the gut microbiota of A. lucorum across its life cycle using both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. A total of 87 gut bacterial isolates were identified, belonging to 4 phyla, 27 families, and 45 genera, while Miseq sequencing detected 91 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) assigned to 5 phyla, 28 families, and 39 genera. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla, with Staphylococcus and Serratia as the major genera. There were significant differences in the relative abundance of these genera between the nymph and adult stages. Staphylococcus was significantly more abundant in nymphs than it in adults, while Serratia was significantly more abundant in sexually mature adults than in other developmental stages. Notably, Serratia is a common opportunistic pathogen in many insects. Injecting the gut-dominant isolate Serratia marcescens verified its high pathogenicity. Additionally, immune indicators of the bug at different developmental stages supported the hypothesis that Serratia is a pathogen of A. lucorum. This study provides a foundation for understanding the role of gut bacteria in the life history of A. lucorum and developing new pest control strategies based on microbes.

A novel biomineralization-inspired flocculation approach for harvesting high quality microalgal biomass: Dual action of cationic polyelectrolytes and nanosilica.

This study posed a novel biomimetic flocculation approach, aiming to efficiently harvest high-quality biomass of Scenedesmus quadricauda cultured with anaerobic digestate. Here, that poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) could serve as mimetic silicified proteins to spontaneously incorporate nanosilica onto microalgal cells, imparting diatom-like characteristics to S. quadricauda. Compared to the exponential growth phase (day 3), the highest harvesting efficiency (93.49%) was obtained at a lower dosage of PDADMAC (5 mg/g) in the stationary phase (day 6), which was attributed to changes in properties and composition of microalgal LB-EPS. On day 6, the hydrophobic functional groups in LB-EPS provided more binding sites during the flocculation process and formed a network structure of microalgal cells-flocculants-nanosilica. The resulting larger and more stable biomimetic silica shell promoted microalgal flocculation and sedimentation. Compared to conventional harvesting methods (centrifugation, polyacrylamide, alkaline flocculation), this method had the minimal negative impact on harvested biomass, with 9.95% of cell membranes damaged.

Red imported fire ant nesting affects the structure of soil microbial community.

The red imported fire ants (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta) have become a well-known invasive species that poses significant ecological and economic threats globally. As of recent times, the geographic scope of its invasion in China is rapidly expanding, thereby aggravating the extent and severity of its detrimental effects. The importance of soil microorganisms for maintaining soil health and ecosystem function has been widely acknowledged. However, the negative impact of RIFAs on soil microbial communities and their functions has not yet been fully understood. In this study, we sequenced the V3-V4 variable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in soil samples collected from three types of RIFA nests to investigate the impact of RIFA invasion on soil microbial diversity and composition. The results of alpha diversity analysis showed that the normal soil without nests of RIFAs exhibited the highest level of diversity, followed by the soil samples from RIFA-invaded nests and abandoned nests. Taxonomy and biological function annotation analyses revealed significant differences in microbial community structure and function among the different samples. Our findings demonstrate that RIFA invasion can significantly alter soil microbial community composition, which could ultimately affect ecosystem function. Therefore, effective management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate the negative impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.

Neglected methane production and toxicity risk in low-frequency ultrasound for controlling harmful algal blooms.

Algal blooms are regarded as a significant source of CH4 emissions. Ultrasound has been gradually employed as a fast and efficient algae removal technology in recent years. However, the changes in water environment and potential ecological effects caused by ultrasonic algae removal are not fully clear. Here, a 40-day microcosm study was performed to simulate the collapse of Microcystis aeruginosa blooms after ultrasonic treatment. The results showed that low-frequency ultrasound at 29.4 kHz for 15 min removed 33.49% of M. aeruginosa and contributed to the destruction of cell structure, but it intensified the leakage of intracellular algal organic matter and microcystins. The accelerated collapse of M. aeruginosa blooms after ultrasonication promoted the rapid formation of anaerobic and reductive methanogenesis conditions, and elevated dissolved organic carbon content. Moreover, the release of labile organics, including tyrosine, tryptophan, protein-like compositions, and aromatic proteins, was facilitated by the collapse of M. aeruginosa blooms after ultrasonic treatment, and they supported the growth of anaerobic fermentation bacteria and hydrogenotrophic Methanobacteriales. This was also demonstrated by the increase in methyl-coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) genes in sonicated algae added treatments at the end of incubation. Finally, the CH4 production in sonicated algae added treatments was 1.43-fold higher than that in non-sonicated algae added treatments. These observations suggested that ultrasound for algal bloom control potentially increased the toxicity of treated water and its greenhouse gas emissions. This study can provide new insights and guidance to evaluate environmental effects of ultrasonic algae removal.

Loss-of-function mutations in IQCN cause male infertility in humans and mice owing to total fertilization failure.

Fertilization failure is a significant manifestation of unexplained male infertility. Previous work has suggested a genetic origin. In this study, we report on a man with unexplained infertility from a large consanguineous marriage family. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified a homozygous frameshift variation of the IQ motif containing N (IQCN; GenBank: NM_001145304.1; c.1061_1062delAT; p.Y354Sfs*13) in the proband and one of his two brothers, who also remained infertile. Analyses of spermatozoa by quantitative RT-PCR indicated that the level of IQCN mRNA was significantly reduced compared to fertile men and the protein could not be detected by western blotting and immunofluorescent staining in the proband. Immunofluorescent staining of spermatozoa from fertile men showed that IQCN was located in the acrosomal region and translocated to the equatorial segment after the acrosome reaction. The proband spermatozoa had abnormal morphology and function. Finally, the proband couple underwent IVF with donor sperm and a healthy baby was born. Furthermore, we developed an Iqcn-KO mouse model using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Sperm quality, except for sperm motility, and the fertility of male Iqcn-/- mice were consistent with those of the proband. In conclusion, the findings in humans and mice demonstrate that the homozygous frameshift variant of IQCN causes male infertility owing to autosomal-recessive fertilization failure.

Enhanced growth and auto-flocculation of Scenedesmus quadricauda in anaerobic digestate using high light intensity and nanosilica: A biomineralization-inspired strategy.

Coupling municipal anaerobic digestate (MAD) treatments with microalgal cultivation can concomitantly achieve nutrient removal and microalgal bioenergy production. However, the high cost caused by dilution water and microalgal harvesting is a great challenge. In this study, Scenedesmus quadricauda was screened as the most appropriate algae strain due to its potential for growth and auto-flocculation, and the MAD diluted 5-fold with WWTP effluent was demonstrated as an ideal medium for S. quadricauda growth. Moreover, inspired by naturally generated silica shells of diatoms, a low-cost and biomimetic auto-flocculation strategy that combined high light intensity induction and microalgal silicification was proposed to accelerate the auto-flocculation process. Compared with low light intensity groups, this strategy imparted diatom-like features to S. quadricauda cells, and contributed to 3.07-fold higher auto-flocculation efficiency within 30 min. It was attributed to the fact that the high light intensity of 150 µmol·m - 2·s - 1 stimulated the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secretion and induced the variation in property and composition of EPS, especially the protein secondary structures, which allowed silica nanoparticles to spontaneously attach onto S. quadricauda cells in the presence of viscous EPS. Furthermore, this strategy significantly increased microalgal biomass yield to a dry weight of 1.37 g·L - 1, accompanied by 93.78%, 96.39% and 91.36% removals of NH4+-N, TP, and COD, respectively. The productivity of valuable by-products, including lipid, carbohydrate, protein, and pigment, reached 56.30, 101.35, 30.39 and 11.28 mg·L - 1·d - 1, respectively. Overall, this study supplies a novel approach for low-cost microalgal bioenergy production from MAD and energy-efficient microalgae harvest by auto-flocculation.

[Detection of pathogenic variants in four patients with globozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for 4 patients with globozoospermia. METHODS: Semen and blood samples were collected from the patients for the determination of sperm concentration, viability, survival rate, morphology and acrosome antigen CD46. Meanwhile, DNA was extracted for whole exome sequencing (WES), and candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: All of the four patients were found to harbor variants of the DPY19L2 gene. Patients 1 ~ 3 had homozygous deletions of the DPY19L2 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the DPY19L2 gene in patient 3 was disrupted at a recombination breakpoint area BP2, resulting in nonallelic homologous recombination and complete deletion of the DPY19L2 gene. Patients 2 and 3 respectively harbored novel homozygous deletions of exons 2 ~ 22 and exons 14 ~ 15. Patient 4 harbored heterozygous deletion of the DPY19L2 gene, in addition with a rare homozygous deletion of the 3' UTR region. CONCLUSION: DPY19L2 gene variants probably underlay the globozoospermia in the four patients, which has fit an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance and the characteristics of genomic diseases.

Alterations of the Gut Microbiome and Fecal Metabolome in Colorectal Cancer: Implication of Intestinal Metabolism for Tumorigenesis.

Objective: The gut microbiota and its metabolites are important for host physiological homeostasis, while dysbiosis is related to diseases including the development of cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we characterized the relationship of an altered gut microbiome with the fecal metabolome in CRC patients in comparison with volunteers having a normal colorectal mucous membrane (NC). Methods: The richness and composition of the microbiota in fecal samples of 30 CRC patients and 36 NC controls were analyzed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the metabolome was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Spearman correlation analysis was to determine the correlation between the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome in CRC patients. Results: There were significant alterations in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome in CRC patients compared with NC controls. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria dominated the gut microbial communities at the phylum level in both groups. Compared with NC controls, CRC patients had a lower frequency of Blautia and Lachnospiracaea but a higher abundance of Bacteroides fragilis and Prevotella. Regarding the fecal metabolome, twenty-nine metabolites were identified as having significantly changed, showing increased levels of adrenic acid, decanoic acid, arachidonic acid, and tryptophan but a reduction in various monosaccharides in the fecal samples of CRC patients. Moreover, increased abundance of Bacteroides fragilis was strongly associated with decreased levels of monosaccharides, while Blautia was positively associated with the production of monosaccharides in the fecal samples. Conclusion: These results highlight alterations of gut microbiota in association with certain metabolites in CRC progression, implying potential diagnostic and intervention potential for CRC.

Low Abundance of Lactococcus lactis in Human Colorectal Cancer Is Associated with Decreased Natural Killer Cells.

A limited number of studies have demonstrated the role of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) in human colorectal cancers (CRCs). The association of L. lactis abundance with the density of natural killer (NK) cells has not been investigated before. In this study, the L. lactis abundance in 60 CRC specimens, 20 adenoma (AD) specimens, and 29 normal colorectal tissues (NCs) specimens was investigated using the fluorescence in situ hybridization of 16S ribosomal RNA. The density of NK cells was detected using immunofluorescence in 28 CRC specimens, 12 AD specimens, and 22 NC specimens. The presence of L. lactis in NCs (48.28%) was detected significantly higher than that in the AD (20.00%, P = .044) and CRC (23.33%, P = .018) specimens. The abundance of L. lactis in NCs (32.73 ± 7.24) was also found to be significantly higher than that in AD (8.91 ± 5.89, P = .029) and CRC (5.63 ± 1.67, P = .003) specimens. In addition, the density of NKp30+ NK cells in NCs (51.14 ± 4.84) was significantly higher than that in the AD (6.10 ± 1.31) and CRC (1.72 ± 0.40) specimens (P < .001). Moreover, a positive association of L. lactis abundance with NKp30+ NK cells density in the colorectal samples (P < .001) was observed. The low abundance of L. lactis in the CRC tissues was associated with the decreased NK cells, which suggested that this might contribute to the progression of CRC by decreasing the number of NK cells.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1944649.

Near-focus mode for accurate operation during endoscopic submucosal tunneling procedure.

INTRODUCTION: When using the endoscopic submucosal tunnel technique (ESTT), the working space in the submucosal tunnel is limited, and the visual field is obscured during close inspection or hemostasis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of near-focus mode technique for accurate operation during the submucosal tunneling endoscopic procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective two-center study was designed. A total of 51 patients undergoing ESTT procedures with near-focus mode (n = 29) or traditional mode (n = 22) between February 2016 and May 2019 were included in this study. RESULTS: When using the near-focus mode during the ESTT procedure, it is convenient to ensure a clear image and accurate operation. Adverse events occurred more frequently in the traditional group than in the near-focus group (45.5% vs 17.2%, p = .036). The near-focus group exhibited a lower rate of bleeding compared to the traditional group (0 vs 18.2%, p = .029). Furthermore, the mean hospital stay after the procedure was shorter in the near-focus group than in the traditional group (5.7 days vs 6.7 days, p = .013). CONCLUSIONS: The visual field is more clearly exposed during submucosal tunneling when using the near-focus mode than when using traditional procedures. This technique appears to be more efficient and secure than the traditional ESTT procedure.

The carbon components in indoor and outdoor PM2.5 in winter of Tianjin.

To study the carbon components in indoor and outdoor PM2.5, the samples of PM2.5 were collected from Nankai University in December 2015. The contents of eight carbon components were analyzed to use the thermo-optical reflection method. The results indicated that organic carbon (OC) mass concentration was 17.01, 19.48 and 18.92 µg/m3 in outdoor, dormitory and laboratory; elemental carbon (EC) mass concentration was 7.97, 3.56 and 3.53 µg/m3 in outdoor, dormitory and laboratory; and the total carbon aerosol was the proportion of more than 23% of PM2.5 samples. Lower wind speed and higher relative humidity were helpful to the accumulation of PM2.5. The ratio of OC/EC was > 2, and the SOC/OC ratio was > 30%, indicating that SOC was a crucial component indoors and outdoors. About 72% and 85% of the outdoor OC entering dormitory and laboratory environment, and about 59% and 71% of the outdoor EC entering dormitory and laboratory environment. Factor analysis of the eight carbon fractions indicated that the sources of OC and EC in outdoor, dormitory and laboratory is different.

Addressing algal blooms by bio-pumps to reduce greenhouse gas production and emissions with multi-path.

The collapse of dense algal blooms is identified as a significant source of methane (CH4) emissions. When flocculation is used for algae removal, algal carbon is often turned into CH4 and carbon dioxide (CO2). Here, we established a "bio-pump" to control algal blooms and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the introduction of submerged macrophytes to the aquatic ecosystem and combination of flocculation and capping. The results suggested that this strategy contributed to an approximately 98% algae removal and sustainably improved dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water and sediment after the 40-day incubation. The aerobic condition at the sediment-water interface and deeper oxygen penetration in the sediment inhibited the abundance of microorganisms related to anaerobic CH4 production, then changed the metabolic pathway and fate of algal carbon. After the 40-day incubation, compared with flocculation-capping treatments, the bio-pump reduced 69.07% CH4 and 77.57% CO2 emissions, which was jointly contributed by the inhibition of anaerobic CH4 production, aerobic oxidation of CH4 and carbon sequestration of submerged macrophytes. This was also demonstrated from the finding of a decrease in methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene, an increase in particulate methane monooxygenase (pmoA) gene and the absorption of 13C-labeled from algae biomass by submerged macrophytes at the end of incubation. Therefore, the bio-pump established in the present study can improve DO in algal blooms water and turn algal-derived organic matter into the plant biomass, which supplied a sustainable method for algae removal and GHG reduction.

Association of Helicobacter bilis Infection with the Development of Colorectal Cancer.

The role of Helicobacter_bilis (H.bilis) in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated carcinogenesis (CAC) has seldom been investigated. We examined the abundance of H.bilis in 58 colorectal cancers (CRCs), 20 IBDs, 40 cases of normal colorectal mucosa (NCs), and 20 adenomas (ADs) by 16S rRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Number of CD4+CD45RB+T cell and expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α in these tissues was determined by immunofluorescence. The abundance of H.bilis was significantly higher in CRCs than that in IBDs (P = 0.006), ADs (P < 0.001) and NCs (P < 0.0001). The abundance of H.bilis in IBDs was significantly higher than that in ADs (P = 0.013). Moreover, the average number of CD4+CD45RB+T cell was significantly higher in CRCs than that in IBDs (P = 0.017) and NCs (P = 0.009). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the H.bilis abundance and density of CD4+CD45RB+T cells in 30 colorectal tissues (P < 0.0001). The frequency of co-staining for CD4+CD45RB+T cells and IFN-γ was significantly higher in H.bilis positive group than that in H.bilis negative group (P = 0.002). H.bilis may play a role in the initiation of IBD and CAC, possibly through promoting the transformation of T cells into CD4+CD45RB+T cells and increasing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ.

Underestimated methane production triggered by phytoplankton succession in river-reservoir systems: Evidence from a microcosm study.

The impoundment of dammed rivers accelerates phytoplankton succession from river-dominated to lake-dominated species. Little is known about the role of phytoplankton succession in methane (CH4) production. In this study, we performed a 61-day microcosm investigation to simulate the collapse processes of Cyclotella meneghiniana (river-dominated algae) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Microcystis aeruginosa (lake-dominated algae). The results suggested that different methanogenic conditions were induced by the collapse of river-and lake-dominated algae. The rapid settlement of C. meneghiniana induced aerobic conditions in the water that inhibited anaerobic CH4 production and intensified CH4 oxidation as a result of an increase in pmoA. However, the decomposition of C. pyrenoidosa and M. aeruginosa depleted dissolved oxygen and provided abundant labile organic matter, which jointly elevated mcrA and the mcrA/pmoA ratio. Under this condition, anaerobic CH4 production was the dominant pathway for the mineralization of algae-derived carbon. Finally, the CH4 produced per unit of particulate total carbon (identified as the carbon content of the algal biomass) by C. pyrenoidosa and M. aeruginosa was 16.29-fold and 8.56-fold higher, respectively, than that produced by C. meneghiniana. These observations provided evidence that lake-dominated algae played a more vital role in CH4 production than river-dominated algae when algal succession occurred. This discovery might be a new and vital, yet largely underestimated CH4 emission pathway in river-reservoir systems, that should be considered when evaluating the effect of hydraulic projects on greenhouse gas emissions.

LRG­1 enhances the migration of thyroid carcinoma cells through promotion of the epithelial­mesenchymal transition by activating MAPK/p38 signaling.

Leucine­rich­alpha­2­glycoprotein 1 (LRG­1) has been reported to be associated with multiple malignancies. However, its participation in thyroid carcinoma progression remains unclear. In the present study, the biological function and underlying molecular mechanisms of LRG­1 in thyroid carcinoma were investigated. It was found that LRG­1 was overexpressed in thyroid carcinoma tissues, and high LRG­1 expression predicted poor patient survival and late tumor stage. As shown in the mouse xenograft study, knockdown of LRG­1 significantly attenuated thyroid cancer growth in vivo. Based on wound healing, Transwell, proliferation and apoptosis assays, it was found that the knockdown of LRG­1, using shLRG­1, inhibited cell migration and invasion, but did not affect proliferation and apoptosis in thyroid cancer cells. Furthermore, LRG­1 also induced epithelial­mesenchymal transition (EMT) in thyroid carcinoma cells. Western blot analysis revealed that this tumor­promoting bioactivity of LRG­1 was attributed to its selective activation of MAPK/p38 signaling. All of these findings indicate that LRG­1 plays a deleterious role in the progression of thyroid carcinoma. LRG­1 may serve as a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis in thyroid carcinoma patients, and LRG­1­based therapy may be developed into a novel strategy for the treatment of thyroid carcinoma.