Non-coding RNAS and colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

More than 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) deaths are attributed to metastasis, and the liver is the most common distant metastatic site of CRC. The molecular mechanisms underlying CRC liver metastasis are very complicated and remain largely unknown. Accumulated evidence has shown that non-coding RNAs (NcRNAs) play critical roles in tumor development and progression. Here we reviewed the roles and underlying mechanisms of NcRNAs in CRC liver metastasis.

[Heavy metals in the surface sediment of the dumping ground outside Jiaozhou Bay and their potential ecological risk].

Based on the monitoring data of heavy metals (Cr, Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu) in the surface sediment of the dumping ground outside Jiaozhou Bay from 2003 to 2008, the distribution patterns, factors controlling the distribution, and the potential ecological risks of heavy metals were studied with the data in 2007-08, and the fluctuation trends of heavy metals in the surface sediment over the 6 years were also discussed. The average concentrations of heavy metals Cr, Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu in the surface sediment were 29.47, 0.065, 0.105, 1.145, 9.63, 3.355 microg/g, respectively. Except for Cr, the concentration of heavy metals was high in the central dumping area while low outside the dumping ground, suggesting that the dredged material dumped was the main source of heavy metals. Organic carbon content in the surface sediment had a significant positive correlation with heavy metals except for Cr. Based on the results of ecological risk assessment, Hg had a medium potential ecological risk, while the other heavy metals had low potential ecological risk. The overall risk index (RI) of the heavy metals was 100.50, which was considered as a level of low potential ecological risk. The average concentration of heavy metals showed a decreasing trend over the 6 years, except Hg. In conclusion, the quality of surface sediment in term of heavy metals in the dumping ground outside Jiaozhou Bay is relatively good.

[Marine inorganic carbon system responses to macro-DIN supply coupled with Ulva pertusa in simulated experiments].

Effects of macronutrient (NO3(-) -N and NH4(+) -N) on inorganic carbon system of water with Ulva pertusa existed were studied in laboratory simulation experiments. The results demonstrated that nutrient enrichment induced DIC, HCO3- and p(CO2) decreased while pH and CO3(2-) increased. The seawater changed from carbon source to carbon sink. During the experiments, the concentration of DIC, HCO3- and p(CO2) decreased with increasing concentration of nutrient when the NO3(-) -N and N4(+) -N were less than critical concentration. The concentration of DIC changed most at the NO3(-3) and NH4(-)3 groups, which decreased 151 micromol x L(-1) and 232 micromol x L(-1) compared with the control groups in the end of experiment. The increased dry weight of Ulva pertusa (deltam) of nutrient addition groups showed a significant negative correlation with deltaDIC (r = - 0.91, p < 0.0001, n = 11). The main controlling factor to inorganic carbon variation is the adaptation of Ulva pertusa to different DIN. When the concentration of DIN facilitates the growth of Ulva pertusa, the concentration of DIC decreased and dry weight of Ulva pertusa increased. NH(4) -N has more influence on inorganic carbon system than NO(3-) -N.