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In this work, the influence of Si concentration on the microstructure and growth of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings on two types of Al–Si–Mg aluminum alloys were investigated. we utilized a multiscale correlative methodology to analyze the microstructure and micro-defect characteristics of the PEO coatings formed on A357 and 6082 aluminum alloys. The results demonstrate that both coatings exhibit a porous structure and are primarily composed of alumina and amorphous phases. Notably, the PEO coating formed on A357 alloy exhibits lower thickness, higher porosity, and more non-uniform barrier layer compared to that on 6082 alloy due to a higher concentration of Si in the substrate. Advanced X-ray computed tomography effectively characterizes micro-defects with different morphologies within the two coatings. Through microstructural observation and micro-defect characterization, we elucidate the influence of Si on the coating growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alloyed ferritic-pearlitic steel is studied after micro-shot peening with balls from a high-speed steel. The morphology and the roughness of the surface of the specimens are determined. Specimens with smooth and notched surfaces are subjected to multi-cycle fatigue tests. The fatigue resistance of the specimens with a smooth surface and with a notched surface increases by 22 and 27%, respectively, after the shot-peening. Observation of crack growth in specimens with small holes shows that micro-shot peening hinders crack propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of shear-affected zone (SAZ), with a stress-concentration source induced by the punching process, on tensile properties was investigated. Tests using honed specimens (which have the same shapes and stress-concentration without any SAZ) and smooth specimens were conducted to compare the effect with that of the punched specimens. Dual-phase steel, which has a high work-hardening ability and low yield strength, and precipitation-hardened steel, which has a low work-hardening ability and high yield strength, were used in the tests. Materials with two tensile strength grades were prepared from both types of steel. Only the precipitation-hardened steel with higher strength grade punched specimen showed a brittle fracture with extremely short fracture-elongation, whereas the other specimens showed a ductile fracture. The fracture surface analysis revealed that cracks initiated in the maximum shear stress plane of the SAZ under tensile loading at first. We call the crack “shear crack.” The steel which showed brittle fracture used in this study easily exhibited plastic-strain localization compared with the other steels. If the shear crack is sharp, then the transition from ductile to brittle failure tends to occur. Furthermore, the strength characteristics of the punched specimen depend on the crack length dependency of the strength resistance and the failure phenomenon of the original material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, mutations in BMPR1A, SMAD4 and PTEN are responsible for juvenile polyposis syndrome, juvenile intestinal polyposis and Cowden disease, respectively. The development of polyposis is a common feature of these diseases, suggesting that there is an association between BMP and PTEN pathways. The mechanistic link between BMP and PTEN pathways and the related etiology of juvenile polyposis is unresolved. Here we show that conditional inactivation of Bmpr1a in mice disturbs homeostasis of intestinal epithelial regeneration with an expansion of the stem and progenitor cell populations, eventually leading to intestinal polyposis resembling human juvenile polyposis syndrome. We show that BMP signaling suppresses Wnt signaling to ensure a balanced control of stem cell self-renewal. Mechanistically, PTEN, through phosphatidylinosital-3 kinase-Akt, mediates the convergence of the BMP and Wnt pathways on control ofß-catenin. Thus, BMP signaling may control the duplication of intestinal stem cells, thereby preventing crypt fission and the subsequent increase in crypt number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The developmental status of the male and female spike determines grain number (GN) per ear and yield. A better understanding of the effect of N on male and female spike differentiation and GN formation could help to gain insight into the mechanism of N regulation on yield. Methods: A field experiment was conducted with four nitrogen rates: 0 (N0), 129 (N1), 185 (N2), and 300 kg N ha−1 (N3) with a single summer maize hybrid to determine tassel and ear development and the resulting GN. Results: The expression of key proteins and genes related to fatty acid metabolism of N0 were down-regulated and the tapetum was abnormally degraded. This inhibited the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in the tassel and ear. Both pollen and silk development at the mononucleate stage were abnormal and presented as misshapen pollen, uneven silk tube, reduced silk, and poor pollination. Finally, anthesis-silking interval (ASI) was increased and the length of male and female spikes, fertilized florets, floret fertility percentage, and grain set rate were reduced in N0 treatment resulting in reduced GN. N application promoted fatty acid metabolism but N application greater than 185 kg N ha−1 did not increase LCFA of either male or female spike traits. Conclusions: A nitrogen rate of 185 kg N ha−1 was sufficient to promote lipid metabolism, and increase the content of LCFAs. This resulted in normal pollen and silk development, shortened ASI and led to an increase in the number of fertile florets, fertilization percentage, and GN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Splice modulators have been assessed clinically in treating haematologic malignancies exhibiting splice factor mutations and acute myeloid leukaemia. However, the mechanisms by which such modulators repress leukaemia remain to be elucidated.Objectives: The primary goal of this assessment was to assess the molecular mechanism by which the natural splice modulator GEX1A kills leukaemic cells in vitro and within in vivo mouse models.Methods: Using human leukaemic cell lines, we assessed the overall sensitivity these cells have to GEX1A via EC50 analysis. We subsequently analysed its effects using in vivo xenograft mouse models and examined whether cell sensitivities were correlated to genetic characteristics or protein expression levels. We also utilised RT-PCR and RNAseq analyses to determine splice change and RNA expression level differences between sensitive and resistant leukaemic cell lines.Results: We found that, in vitro, GEX1A induced an MCL-1 isoform shift to pro-apoptotic MCL-1S in all leukaemic cell types, though sensitivity to GEX1A-induced apoptosis was negatively associated with BCL-xL expression. In BCL-2-expressing leukaemic cells, GEX1A induced BCL-2-dependent apoptosis by converting pro-survival BCL-2 into a cell killer. Thus, GEX1A + selective BCL-xL inhibition induced synergism in killing leukaemic cells, while GEX1A + BCL-2 inhibition showed antagonism in BCL-2-expressing leukaemic cells. In addition, GEX1A sensitised FLT3-ITD+ leukaemic cells to apoptosis by inducing aberrant splicing and repressing the expression of FLT3-ITD. Consistently, in in vivo xenografts, GEX1A killed the bulk of leukaemic cells via apoptosis when combined with BCL-xL inhibition. Furthermore, GEX1A repressed leukaemia development by targeting leukaemia stem cells through inhibiting FASTK mitochondrial isoform expression across sensitive and non-sensitive leukaemia types.Conclusion: Our study suggests that GEX1A is a potent anti-leukaemic agent in combination with BCL-xL inhibitors, which targets leukaemic blasts and leukaemia stem cells through distinct mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of MM genomics has expanded rapidly in the past 5–10 years as a consequence of cytogenetic analyses obtained in routine clinical practice as well as the ability to perform whole-exome/genome sequencing and gene expression profiling on large patient data sets. This knowledge has offered new insights into disease biology and is increasingly defining high-risk genomic patterns. In this manuscript, we present a thorough review of our current knowledge of MM genomics. The epidemiology and biology of chromosomal abnormalities including both copy number abnormalities and chromosomal translocation are described in full with a focus on those most clinically impactful such as 1q amplification and del(17p) as well as certain chromosome 14 translocations. A review of our ever-expanding knowledge of genetic mutations derived from recent whole-genome/exome data sets is then reviewed including those that drive disease pathogenesis from precursor states as well as those that may impact clinical outcomes. We then transition and attempt to elucidate how both chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations are evolving our understanding of disease risk. We conclude by offering our perspectives moving forward as to how we might apply whole-genome/exome-level data in addition to routine cytogenetic analyses to improve patient outcomes as well as further knowledge gaps that must be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ten–eleven translocation (TET) family of dioxygenases consists of three members, TET1, TET2, and TET3. All three TET enzymes have Fe+2 and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent dioxygenase activities, catalyzing the 1st step of DNA demethylation by converting 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), and further oxidize 5hmC to 5-formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). Gene knockout studies demonstrated that all three TET proteins are involved in the regulation of fetal organ generation during embryonic development and normal tissue generation postnatally. TET proteins play such roles by regulating the expression of key differentiation and fate-determining genes via (1) enzymatic activity-dependent DNA methylation of the promoters and enhancers of target genes; and (2) enzymatic activity-independent regulation of histone modification. Interacting partner proteins and post-translational regulatory mechanisms regulate the activities of TET proteins. Mutations and dysregulation of TET proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases, specifically cancers. Here, we summarize the research on the interaction partners and post-translational modifications of TET proteins. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms by which these partner proteins and modifications regulate TET functioning and target gene expression. Such information will help in the design of medications useful for targeted therapy of TET-mutant-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev transportation has provided a new development direction for high-speed and ultra-high-speed rail transit. In order to promote the development of HTS materials in this area, the dynamic response of the vehicle superconductor under an alternating magnetic field with high frequency is well-worth studying. However, limited by some experimental conditions and other factors, the effective modelling method becomes an indispensable and cost-effective tool to predict the electromagnetic properties of the superconductors. In this paper, based on the single-peaked permanent magnet guideway (PMG)-HTS bulks maglev configuration, the modelling using three different E-J relationships include the power law model (PLM), the flux flow and creep model (FFCM), and the flux flow model (FFM) are compared. Results indicate that the PLM has the highest computational efficiency and good reliability. Then, using the PLM, we further study the dynamic response of the HTS bulks over a Halbach-typed PMG under higher vibration frequencies. The effect of the magnet failure in the middle of the PMG on the levitation system is also discussed. A finite element method is applied with the H formulation. The moving mesh is used to realize the relative displacement between the PMG and HTS bulks. To investigate the temperature rise and the AC loss inside the HTS bulks, the Heat Transfer module is coupled. Results show that the temperature inside the HTS bulks will decay exponentially with time if the magnitude and frequency of the external magnetic field do not continue to increase. This work can provide some references for the future practical applications of the high-speed HTS maglev. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To realize the so-called "Second Green Revolution", it is imperative to study the roots of crop plants, and identify those traits that improve the efficiency of nitrogen (N) acquisition. We aimed to evaluate how the N acquisition efficiency of six hybrid maize lines commonly grown in northern China depends on their root anatomy. Methods: Maize hybrids classified as having high nitrogen uptake efficiency (HNUE) and low nitrogen uptake efficiency (LNUE) were grown under high-N and low-N conditions in the greenhouse and the field. Results: Under N stress in the field and the greenhouse, HNUE increased shoot dry weight, root length density, N content and nitrogen use efficiency compared to LNUE. Low N availability increased the percentage of root cortical aerenchyma and the size of cortical cells. Root anatomy, with greater formation of root cortical aerenchyma and larger cortical cell size, was associated with increased specific nitrogen absorption efficiency (SNAE) and shoot biomass under N stress. Under low N availability, the percentage of aerenchyma and their total area had significant positive correlations with the shoot dry weight, total N uptake, SNAE. Conclusions: The results suggest that plants in limited N availability form more root cortical aerenchyma and have larger cortical cells, which is of benefit to root growth, soil exploration, N acquisition, and shoot biomass. These observations support the hypothesis that root anatomical phenotypes that affect the metabolic and construction costs of producing root length merit consideration as selection criteria for breeding to improve N acquisition in hybrid maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As with most organ systems that undergo continuous generation and maturation during the transition from fetal to adult life, the hematopoietic and immune systems also experience dynamic changes. Such changes lead to many unique features in blood cell function and immune responses in early childhood. The blood cells and immune cells in neonates are a mixture of fetal and adult origin due to the co-existence of both fetal and adult types of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and progenitor cells (HPCs). Fetal blood and immune cells gradually diminish during maturation of the infant and are almost completely replaced by adult types of cells by 3 to 4 weeks after birth in mice. Such features in early childhood are associated with unique features of hematopoietic and immune diseases, such as leukemia, at these developmental stages. Therefore, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which hematopoietic and immune changes occur throughout ontogeny will provide useful information for the study and treatment of pediatric blood and immune diseases. In this review, we summarize the most recent studies on hematopoietic initiation during early embryonic development, the expansion of both fetal and adult types of HSCs and HPCs in the fetal liver and fetal bone marrow stages, and the shift from fetal to adult hematopoiesis/immunity during neonatal/infant development. We also discuss the contributions of fetal types of HSCs/HPCs to childhood leukemias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RIPK3 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 3) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase. As a key component of necrosomes, RIPK3 is an essential mediator of inflammatory factors (such as TNFα-tumor necrosis factor α) and infection-induced necroptosis, a programmed necrosis. In addition, RIPK3 signaling is also involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cytokine/chemokine production, mitochondrial metabolism, autophagy, and cell proliferation by interacting with and/or phosphorylating the critical regulators of the corresponding signaling pathways. Similar to apoptosis, RIPK3-signaling-mediated necroptosis is inactivated in most types of cancers, suggesting RIPK3 might play a critical suppressive role in the pathogenesis of cancers. However, in some inflammatory types of cancers, such as pancreatic cancers and colorectal cancers, RIPK3 signaling might promote cancer development by stimulating proliferation signaling in tumor cells and inducing an immunosuppressive response in the tumor environment. In this review, we summarize recent research progress in the regulators of RIPK3 signaling, and discuss the function of this pathway in the regulation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL)-mediated necroptosis and MLKL-independent cellular behaviors. In addition, we deliberate the potential roles of RIPK3 signaling in the pathogenesis of different types of cancers and discuss the potential strategies for targeting this pathway in cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarification of influencing factors (cultivar planted, cultivation management, climatic conditions) affecting yields of summer maize ( Zea mays L.) would provide valuable information for increasing yields further under variable climatic conditions. Here, we report actual maize yields in the Huanghuaihai region over the past 50 years (1957-2007), simulated yields of major varieties in different years (Baimaya in the 1950s, Zhengdan-2 in the 1970s, Yedan-13 in the 1990s, and Zhengdan-958 in the 2000s), and factors that influence yield. The results show that, although each variety change has played a critical role in increasing maize yields, the contribution of variety to yield increase has decreased steadily over the past 50 years (42.6%-44.3% from the 1950s to the 1970s, 34.4%-47.2% from the 1970s to the 1990s, and 21.0%-37.6% from the 1990s to the 2000s). The impact of climatic conditions on maize yield has exhibited an increasing trend (0.67%-22.5% from the 1950s to the 1970s, 2.6%-27.0% from the 1970s to the 1990s, and 9.1%-51.1% from the 1990s to the 2000s); however, interannual differences can be large, especially if there were large changes in temperature and rainfall. Among climatic factors, rainfall had a greater positive influence than light and temperature on yield increase. Cultivation measures could change the contribution rates of variety and climatic conditions. Overall, unless there is a major breakthrough in variety, improving cultivation measures will remain important for increasing future summer maize yields in the Huanghuaihai region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved the utilization of fertilizer while maintaining the increased of grain yield was the focus of Chinese researchers. Nutrient uptake, distribution, and remobilization are important factors affecting the fertilizer utilization and grain yield of maize. This study aimed to provide a theoretical and practical basis for science-based, high-yielding, and high-efficiency cultivation practices by examining differences in biomass and nutrient uptake, distribution, and remobilization characteristics under three cultivation patterns. We set 12 treatments as follows: super high-yielding cultivation pattern (SH), optimized nutrient management cultivation pattern (ONM), local farmer's practice cultivation pattern (FP), and a series of nutrient omission plots, which excluded nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or potassium (K) from the three patterns. The results demonstrated that SH and ONM increased the yield and actual harvested ears by 35.4, 20.7 and by 20.2, 17.6%, respectively. Compared with the FP, SH and ONM increased biomass, N, P, and K accumulation at silking (R1 stage) by 24.4, 31.2, 39.4, and 34.8%, and by 21.7, 22.2, 31.7, and 34.8%, respectively. SH and ONM significantly increased biomass and nutrient distribution to the grains. ONM significantly increased N use efficiency. P and K use efficiency under the ONM pattern was significantly higher than under SH, but was lower than under the FP pattern over two years. This research demonstrates that ONM may significantly reduce fertilizer rates, effectively improve the nutrient remobilization efficiency and uptake at post-silking without negatively affecting grain yield, thereby increasing N use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of maximum grain yield farmers in the North China Plain usually apply excessive N fertilizer, resulting in wasted resources and environmental pollution. To assess the economic and environmental performances of different nitrogen rates will be conductive to sustain cleaner crop production. An 8-year field experiment was carried out with four treatments, N0 (0 kg ha−1 for winter wheat and summer maize), N1 (168 kg ha−1 for winter wheat and 129 kg ha−1 for summer maize), N2 (240 kg ha−1 for winter wheat and 185 kg ha−1 for summer maize) and N3 (300 kg ha−1 for winter wheat and summer maize), on the double cropping at Dawenkou research field (36°11'N, 117°06'E), Shandong Province, China. The crop production, soil physical-chemical parameters, and greenhouse gas emission are measured and the economic and environmental performances are assessed. The optimal nitrogen rate obtained the highest grain yield of summer maize in 4 of 8 year and was equivalent to conventional N rate in the other years. The nitrogen partial factor productivity and agronomic efficiency of optimal nitrogen rate was 63% and 58% higher than that of conventional nitrogen rate. The optimal nitrogen rate effectively decreased soil bulk density and increased weight percentage of water-stable aggregate and activities of urease and invertase compared to conventional nitrogen rate, which improved soil productivity. The fertilizer nitrogen loss and global warming potential of optimal nitrogen rate reduced by 76% and 35% compared to conventional nitrogen rate. The annual greenhouse gas intensity of optimal nitrogen rate decreased by 14–35% compared to others. The net ecosystem economic budget under optimal nitrogen rate is 252–604 $ ha−1 yr.−1 higher than other addition levels. The optimal nitrogen rate produces more grains and obtains higher economic and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low light is a type of abiotic stress that seriously affects plant growth and production efficiency. We investigated the response mechanisms of summer maize to low light by measuring the changes in endogenous hormones in the grains and during grain filling in summer maize at different light intensities to provide a theoretical basis for the production and management of summer maize under light stress. We applied different light treatments in a field experiment as follows: S, shading from tassel stage (VT) to maturity stage (R6); CK, natural lighting in the field; and L, increasing light from VT to R6. The shading level was 60%, and the maximum illumination intensity of the increasing light treatment on cloudy days was 1600-1800 μmol m−2 s−1. Compared with the control, shading significantly increased the grain abscisic acid (ABA) content at 5-20 days after pollination and decreased the indole acetic acid (IAA), zeatin riboside (ZR), and gibberellin (GA) contents (P < 0.05). The grain-filling rate decreased under shading conditions. Meanwhile, the grain volume, grain weight, and yield all decreased; the yields in 2013 and 2014 decreased by 61 and 60%, respectively. The grain IAA, ZR, and GA contents were increased by increasing light. The grain ABA content at 5-20 days after pollination did not significantly differ from that of CK (P < 0.05). After 20 days after pollination, the ABA content decreased, the grain-filling rate and the filling duration increased, and the yield increased. However, shading after anthesis increased the grain ABA content and reduced the IAA, ZR, and GA contents. Grain growth and development were inhibited, and the yield decreased. The grain ABA content decreased; the IAA, ZR, and GA contents increased; and the yield increased after increasing light. The results indicate that different light intensities regulated the levels of grains endogenous hormones, which influenced the grain-filling rate and duration, and consequently, regulated grain weight and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3 Root anatomy parameter of different NUE maize varieties at 40 days in the greenhouse under high-N and low-N conditions. A, RXSA, root cross-section area; B, TCA, total cortex cross-section area; C, TSA, total stele cross-section area; D, AA, total aerenchyma area; E, CCA, cortical cell area; F, MXVA, total metaxylem vessel area; G, CCS, median cortical cell size; H, MXA, median single metaxylem vessel area; I, AAP, percentage of aerenchyma area in the cortex; J, CFN, number of cortical cell files; K, MXN, number of metaxylem vessels; L, MXP, percentage of total metaxylem vessel area in the stele The gray bar and pink bar represent the HNUE and LNUE group, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of shading on tassel and ear development and yield formation of three summer maize hybrids Zhenjie 2 (ZJ2), Denghai 605 (DH605), and Zhengdan 958 (ZD958). The ambient sunlight treatment was used as control (CK) and shading treatments (40 % of ambient sunlight) were applied at different growth stages from silking stage (R1) to physiological maturity stage (R6) (treatment S1), from the sixth extended leaf stage (V6) to R1 (treatment S2) and from seeding to R6 (treatment S3). Shading had no significant effect on the time from seeding to shoot emergence (VE); however, subsequent growth and development were delayed with shading beyond this point. The differentiation time of both tassel and ear delayed, and female spike (tassel) floret differentiation, sexual organ formation time, and anthesis-silking interval (ASI) were lengthened. After shading, the total number of floret, silk, and fertilization floret reduced significantly; the number of abortive seeds increased, and the total setting percentage among different treatments showed that CK>S2>S1>S3; and the total setting percentages in S1, S2, and S3 of ZD958 were 44, 72, and 15 % respectively. The total floret number of tassel primordium differentiation, fertility rate, and seed setting rate of florets in S3 treatment was the minimum; kernels per ear decreased seriously and single ear setting percentage was only 16 %; although floret degeneration number of S2 during ear differentiation stages increased and floret fertility rate reduced than that of CK, fertilization flower seed production increased and abortive seed decreased after canceling shading. Aborted kernel of S1 increased and kernel dry weight reduced, resulting in a significant decrease of kernel number per ear and kernel weight, and the grain abortive rate of 40-62 %. In conclusion, shading changed the growth and development process and caused infertility of tassel and ear; tassel branches decreased, reducing pollen vitality and silks differentiation cut down; and grain dry matter accumulation and setting percentage decreased, causing yield reduction. Grain yield and biomass reduced 66, 36, and 93 % compared to the control by shading treatments of S1, S2, and S3, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major underground pest that damages many agricultural crops in China and other countries. A diet-incorporation-based bioassay was conducted to evaluate the sublethal effects of the novel anthranilic diamide chlorantraniliprole on the nutritional physiology, enzymatic properties and population parameters of this cutworm. Chlorantraniliprole exhibited signs of active toxicity against third instar larvae of A. ipsilon, and the LC50 was 0.187 μg.g−1 of artificial diet after treatment for 72 h. The development time of the larval, pupal and adult stages was significantly affected after chlorantraniliprole exposure, compared to the control treatment. Relative to the control treatment, chlorantraniliprole decreased pupal and adult emergence rates, fecundity and fertility and increased the proportions of developmental deformities, the adult preoviposition period (APOP) and the total preoviposition period (TPOP). Furthermore, compared to those treated with the control, A. ipsilon larvae treated with low doses of chlorantraniliprole decreased food utilization and nutrient content (protein, lipid, carbohydrate, trehalose), showed lower pupal weights and growth rates. Compared with the control treatment, chlorantraniliprole significantly reduced digestive enzyme activities and observably increased detoxifying and protective enzyme activities and hormone titers. Importantly, these chlorantraniliprole-induced changes affected life table parameters of the cutworm. These results suggest that chlorantraniliprole at low concentrations can impair A. ipsilon development duration, normal food consumption and digestion process, enzymatic properties, hormone levels, fecundity and population levels. Chlorantraniliprole exhibit the potential to be exploited as a control strategy for this cutworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various literatures have demonstrated that overexpression of Metadherin (MTDH) is correlated with tumor metastasis and it can predict poor survival outcomes in female reproduction malignancies. In order to enhance the statistical power and reach a recognized conclusion, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to thoroughly investigate the association of MTDH expression with tumor metastasis and survival outcomes following PRISMA guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were used to demonstrate the impact of MTDH on tumor metastasis and prognosis respectively. Data were pooled with appropriate effects model on STATA12.0. Our results indicated that high MTDH expression is significantly correlated with higher mortality for breast, ovarian and cervical cancer. High immunohistochemical expression of MTDH is remarkably associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) in breast cancer but not in ovarian cancer. The pooled results suggested that high level of MTDH significantly predicted distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. Strong associations were observed between MTDH expression and lymph node metastasis in ovarian and cervical cancer. In conclusion, MTDH might be a novel biomarker which can effectively reflect metastasis status and prognosis of breast cancer. However, its application in clinical practice needs more prospective studies with large samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]