Search

The complete mitochondrial genome of Tonkinacris sinensis is 15,627 bp long and contains13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and one A + T-rich region. The gene order and orientation are identical to those of other Orthoptera species, containing the rearrangement of trnD and trnK. Intriguingly, a tRNA Ser -like gene exists on the N strand between the trnSUCN and nad1 genes. The length of this gene is 110 bp, and it has a typical clover-leaf structure, an anticodon, and a high cove score (23.49). On its clover-leaf structure, on the anticodon arm, there is a 41 bp intron with an unknown function. Here, phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on 13 PCGs of 30 species from 9 subfamilies of Acrididae to understand their phylogenetic relationships. According to the phylogenetic tree, the relationship among the 9 subfamilies within Acrididae was as follows: (Spathosterninae + (Oxyinae + (Catantopinae + (Calliptaminae + (Cyrtacanthacridinae + (Melanoplinae + (Gomphocerinae + (Oedipodinae + Acridinae)))))))). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is typically characterized by multifocal locations. It has been shown that CCR1, combined highly with RANTES, contributes to the enhanced recruitment of inflammatory cells at endometriotic sites. As an estrogen-dependent disorder, estrogen receptors are also crucial to the growth of endometriotic tissues. In this study we report the immunohistochemical analysis of RANTES, CCR1, ER-α and ER-β in 48 histological lesions prepared from women with DIE undergoing surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis of RANTES, CCR1, ER-α and ER-β was conducted at different sites of DIE lesions. RANTES was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm and CCR1 in cytomembranes of endometriotic cells. ER-α and ER-β extensively immunostained the nuclei of endometrial glandular, and stromal cells. Immunoreactivity in DIE lesions, similar to the widespread ERs, showed higher expression of RANTES and CCR1 in three types of DIE lesions. There was a significant correlation, independent of cyclic changes, between the expression of RANTES/CCR1 and DIE lesions. RANTES/CCR1 increased significantly according to the severity of dysmenorrhea. RANTES and CCR1 together may provide a potential biomarker for DIE-related pain and inflammatory response in endometriotic lesions of patients with DIE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: In obesity, anorectic responses to leptin are diminished, giving rise to the concept of “leptin resistance.” Increased expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been associated with the attenuation of leptin signaling and development of cellular leptin resistance. Here we report that hypothalamic levels of the tyrosine phosphatase TCPTP are also elevated in obesity to attenuate the leptin response. We show that mice that lack TCPTP in neuronal cells have enhanced leptin sensitivity and are resistant to high-fat-diet-induced weight gain and the development of leptin resistance. Also, intracerebroventricular administration of a TCPTP inhibitor enhances leptin signaling and responses in mice. Moreover, the combined deletion of TCPTP and PTP1B in neuronal cells has additive effects in the prevention of diet-induced obesity. Our results identify TCPTP as a critical negative regulator of hypothalamic leptin signaling and causally link elevated TCPTP to the development of cellular leptin resistance in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether nerve fibers can be detected in the endometrium and myometrium in women with painful uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.Design: A retrospective immunohistochemical study.Setting: An academic training hospital.Patient(s): Thirty-seven women with uterine fibroids and 29 women with adenomyosis.Intervention(s): Histologic sections of contiguous endometrial and myometrial tissues were stained immunohistochemically using the highly specific polyclonal rabbit antiprotein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and monoclonal mouse antineurofilament protein (NF).Main Outcome Measure(s): Results were determined through immunohistochemical staining using PGP9.5 and NF.Result(s): We detected PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of the endometrium in women with pain but not in women without pain. PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fiber density in the basal layer of the endometrium or myometrium significantly increased in women with pain, however, PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fiber density had no statistical differences between women with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids. We identified NF-immunoactive nerve fibers in the basal layer of the endometrium and myometrium in women with adenomyosis and uterine fibroids, but found no significant differences.Conclusion(s): These results suggest that PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers appearing in the endometrium and myometrium of women with painful adenomyosis and uterine fibroids may play a role in pain generation in these two disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the roles of endometrial matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and microvascular density (MVD) in the occurrence of anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). Design: A prospective analytical design. Setting: The obstetrics and gynecology department of an academic training hospital. Patient(s): Sixty women with anovulatory DUB and 20 control women. Intervention(s): Endometrial biopsies were obtained for the assessment of immunohistochemical staining of MMP-2 and -9, VEGF, and endometrial MVD using an antibody to CD34. Main Outcome Measure(s): The results were determined through the expressions of MMP-2 and -9, VEGF, and CD34. Result(s): The frequencies of MMP-2 and -9 expression in endometrial stroma and of VEGF expression in endometrial glands were all significantly higher in the endometrial hyperplasia of women with anovulatory DUB than they were in the control group. Additionally, the mean score of endometrial MVD was significantly higher in the endometrial hyperplasia of women with anovulatory DUB than it was in the control group. In women with anovulatory DUB, VEGF expression in endometrial glands was statistically correlated with MMP-2 and -9 expressions in endometrial stroma and endometrial MVD. Conclusion(s): These results suggest that enhanced expressions of MMP-2 and -9, VEGF, and increased MVD in endometrial hyperplasia may play important roles in the pathogenesis of women with anovulatory DUB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the level of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum in patients with endometriosis. Design: A prospective analytical study. Setting: University-affiliated obstetrics and gynecology academic training hospital. Patient(s): One hundred eighteen patients underwent laparoscopy for benign gynecologic diseases. Intervention(s): Peripheral blood and PF were obtained before and during surgical procedures, and the levels of IL-1ra were measured. Main Outcome Measure(s): The concentrations of IL-1ra in PF and serum were correlated with the presence of endometriosis, disease stage, and the phase of menstrual cycle. Result(s): Peritoneal fluid IL-1ra concentrations were significantly lower in patients with endometriosis than in patients without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid IL-1ra concentrations decreased with the increased severity of endometriosis and also decreased in disease-related dysmenorrhea; serum IL-1ra levels showed no significant difference between the patients with and without endometriosis. The concentrations of IL-1ra in PF and serum were not correlated with the phase of menstrual cycle. Conclusion(s): Our results suggested that decreased levels of PF IL-1ra in patients with endometriosis and disease-related dysmenorrhea may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To assess the concentrations of interleukin-15 (IL-15) in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis and fertile disease-free controls. Study design: Peritoneal fluid samples were obtained from 50 women with endometriosis and 29 fertile women having tubal ligation. Concentrations of IL-15 were measured. Results: The mean (S.D.s) concentration of IL-15 in peritoneal fluid was 11.17pg/mL (3.89) for women with endometriosis, and 12.59pg/mL (4.11) for fertile disease-free controls. The difference of peritoneal IL-15 concentrations between endometriosis and control women was not statistically significant. However, peritoneal IL-15 concentrations were significantly lower in women with moderate/severe endometriosis when compared with those in women with minimal/mild endometriosis, and in controls (P <0.05). In addition, peritoneal IL-15 concentrations did not correlate with the phase of menstrual cycle in endometriosis or control women. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the decreased peritoneal IL-15 concentrations in women with moderate/severe endometriosis imply a role of IL-15 in the pathogenesis of advanced endometriosis as compared to those with minimal/mild endometriosis and fertile disease-free controls. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the concentrations of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in peritoneal fluid and serum in patients with endometriosis in comparison with the control group.Design: A prospective analytical study.Setting: The obstetrics and gynecology department of an academic training hospital.Patient(s): Forty-four patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic diseases.Intervention(s): Specimens of peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid were obtained before and during laparoscopic procedures, and the levels of IL-18 were analyzed.Main outcome measure(s): The concentrations of IL-18 in peritoneal fluid and serum were correlated with the presence of endometriosis, disease stage, and the phase of the menstrual cycle.Result(s): Interleukin-18 was detectable in 98% of the peritoneal specimens and 84% of the serum specimens of the patients tested. Peritoneal fluid IL-18 concentrations were statistically significantly lower in patients with endometriosis than in patients without endometriosis; the difference in serum IL-18 levels showed no statistically significant difference between the patients with and without endometriosis. The concentrations of IL-18 in peritoneal fluid and serum were not correlated with the stage of endometriosis or the phase of the menstrual cycle.Conclusion(s): Our results suggest that the decreased levels of IL-18 in peritoneal fluid in patients with endometriosis as compared with the control group may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine whether nerve fibers in the functional layer endometrium are caused by an endometriosis itself or a common symptom of pain, endometrial tissues from 30 women with endometriosis, 40 women with adenomyosis, 41 women with uterine fibroids, and 47 endometriosis women with adenomyosis were stained immunohistochemically using the highly specific polyclonal rabbit antiprotein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and monoclonal mouse antineurofilament protein. We demonstrated PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of endometrium in women with pain symptoms, but not in women without pain symptoms, whether the women had endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis with adenomyosis, suggesting a role of PGP9.5-immunoactive nerve fibers in the functional layer of the endometrium playing in pain generation in these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely identification of elderly patients who are at risk of developing intraoperative hypothermia (IH) is imperative to enable appropriate interventions. This study aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting the risk of IH in elderly patients undergoing resection of craniocerebral tumor, and to validate its effectiveness. Elderly patients who underwent craniocerebral tumor resection at a large tertiary hospital in eastern China between January 2019 and December 2022 were included (n = 988). The study population was divided into a training set and a validation set by time period. Risk factors identified through the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method and logistic regression analysis were used to establish the nomogram. The model was validated internally by Bootstrap method and externally by validation set through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis. A total of 273 (27.6%) patients developed IH. Duration of anesthesia (P < 0.001), blood loss (P < 0.001), preoperative temperature (P < 0.001), tumor location (P < 0.001), age (P < 0.05), and mean arterial pressure (P < 0.05) were identified as independent risk factors for IH. A nomogram integrating these 6 factors was constructed. The area under the curve was 0.773 (95% confidence interval: 0.735–0.811) (70.5% specificity and 75.0% sensitivity), indicating good predictive performance. The decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical benefit of using the nomogram. Our model showed good performance in identifying elderly patients who are at high risk of developing IH during craniocerebral tumor resection. The nomogram can help inform timely preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Numerous studies have explored the association between pretreatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and prognosis in lung cancer (LC), but the results are still inconclusive. We systematically evaluated the prognostic value of pretreatment PNI in LC patients by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed by retrieving PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, Wan Fang and CNKI databases. We used hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the associations of PNI with overall survival (OS), disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival (DFS/RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in LC patients. Results A total of 21 studies were enrolled into this meta-analysis, with 17 about no-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 4 about on small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The results indicated that NSCLC patients with low PNI had shorter OS (HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.28–1.96, P = 0.001), DFS/RFS (HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.08–2.80, P = 0.017), and PFS (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.26–1.83, P = 0.002) than patients with high PNI. The robustness of these pooled results were verified by our stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis. Besides, a pooled analysis of 4 studies about SCLC suggested that low PNI was closely associated with worse OS in SCLC patients as well. Conclusion Low PNI predicts poor survival in LC patients. Highlights • To evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment PNI in patients with lung cancer • Low PNI predicts poor survival in patients with lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still a great challenge to improve the diffusion dynamics of Na + throughout the Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 , one of the most promising cathodes for sodium ion batteries. In this work, we present a facile doping strategy to tackle this problem by co-doping the Na + with K + and Ca 2+ . Na 3-3x K x Ca x V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C (x = 0, 0.05, 0.07 and 0.09) composites are prepared by a sol-gel method combined with freeze-drying and high-temperature calcination processes, and the composites are characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM and electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that co-substitution of K + and Ca 2+ for Na in Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 enlarges the cell volume of Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 and is beneficial for improving electrochemical performance. All co-doped Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C composites have better electrochemical performance than the pristine Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C composite. The optimal doping compositions are found to be Na 2.79 K 0.07 Ca 0.07 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C, displaying reversible capacities of 110.2, 92.7 and 83.6 mAh·g -1 at the current densities of 0.1, 1, and 10C (1180 mA·g -1 ), respectively, in the voltage range of 2.5–4.0 V. The Na 2.79 K 0.07 Ca 0.07 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C exhibits capacity retentions of 91% at 1C after 50 cycles and 83% at 10C after 150 cycles, while Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C composite displays capacity retentions of 88.5% at 1C after 50 cycles and 26.5% at 10C after 150 cycles, respectively. The improved electrochemical performance of co-doped Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C is ascribed to enhanced Na + diffusion after the co-substitution of K + and Ca 2+ for Na in Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bibliometric method and the scientific knowledge map method was introduced to analyze the co-occurrence of thematic keywords in the three document groups. • Characteristics of the trainees, safety training design, and working environment affect the safety training transfer. • Two future directions for improving the efficiency of safety training transfer: driving mechanism between influencing factors of safety transfer and multiangle systematic improvement of safety training transfer long-term mechanism. Safety training is an important means to reduce unsafe behaviors and improve safety management efficiency. However, the contradiction between "high frequency and wide coverage" and "low transfer efficiency" in safety training at this stage is prominent. To explore the factors that affect the transfer of safety training, this study selects three academic literature groups, training transfer, safety training, and safety training transfer, and introduces the bibliometric method and the mapping knowledge domain to analyze the co-occurrence of the subject keywords of each literature group, evolution process, and knowledge structure. When these results are combined with the characteristics of safety training and based on the classic training transfer theory and safety training theory, it can be seen that the characteristics of the trainees, the safety training design, and the working environment affect the safety training transfer. Based on the functions and characteristics of safety training, it is shown that the driving mechanism between the influencing factors of safety transfer and the multiangle systematic improvement of safety training transfer long-term mechanism will become two important directions for improving the efficiency of safety training transfer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The failure of the adult mammalian retina to regenerate can be partly attributed to the barrier formed by inhibitory extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell adhesion molecules, such as CD44 and neurocan, after degeneration. These molecules act to separate a sub-retinal graft from integrating into the host retina. It has been shown that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) can promote host-donor integration by degrading these molecules. In order to enhance cellular integration and promote retinal repopulation, we co-transplanted biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres that have the ability to deliver active MMP2 with retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) to the sub-retinal space of adult retinal degenerative Rho-/- mice. Following delivery, significant degradation of CD44 and neurocan at the outer surface of the degenerative retina without disruption of the host retinal architecture was observed. Coincident with this, we observed a significant increase in the number of cells migrating beyond the barrier into the degenerative retina. No changes in the differentiation characteristics of RPCs were observed. Cells in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) could express the mature photoreceptor markers recoverin, make contacts with residual protein kinase C (PKC)-positive cells and express the ribbon synapse protein bassoon. Thus, co-transplantation of MMP2-PLGA microspheres with RPCs provides controlled release of active MMP2 to the site of retinal degeneration, stimulating inhibitory barrier removal and enhancing cell integration. This suggests a practical and effective strategy for retinal repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Netrin-1 is an extracellular guidance cue of neuronal navigation, mediated through interaction with its main receptors, and is known to be crucial in the development of multiple chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the expression pattern and mechanism of netrin-1 in endometriosis are currently undefined. Here we report that netrin-1 expression peaked in peritoneal macrophages found in endometriosis. Netrin-1 induced angiogenesis in ovarian endometriomas through interaction with CD146 in vascular endothelial cells. Through another receptor, neogenin, netrin-1 promoted neurite growth and sensitization in endometriosis through the up-regulation of MAP4, TAU, and CGRP. Targeted knockdown of neogenin in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nerve cells compromised its response to netrin-1 through inhibiting phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The inhibition of netrin-1 using a neutralizing antibody reduced vascular and nerve infiltration in rat endometriotic lesions. In summary, our results suggest that netrin-1 is an important factor that promotes neuroangiogenesis in endometriosis. • Netrin-1 is overexpressed in macrophages found in endometriosis. • Netrin-1 promotes neuroangiogenesis, thereby fostering the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis. • Netrin-1 facilitates sensory nerve infiltration and sensitization via its receptor neogenin through the MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniform-sized Fe 3 O 4 hollow spheres with average diameter of 250 nm and shell thickness of ∼50 nm have been successfully synthesized through a simple hydrothermal route with the presence of di- n -propylamine (DPA) as a weak-base. The reaction time and DPA amount play important roles in the formation of the magnetite hollow spheres. The structures of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the single-crystalline Fe 3 O 4 hollow spheres are composed of well-aligned magnetite nanoparticles (NPs). The magnetic property investigation shows that these hollow spheres have a higher saturation magnetization ( M s ) than the solid spheres. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for the formation of magnetite hollow spheres is proposed based on the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the efficacy of nerve-sparing surgery for deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and the bladder and sexual dysfunction that follow this procedure. Study design: A total of 108 women with DIE underwent conventional surgery (group A, n =63) and nerve-sparing surgery (group B, n =45). Three validated interview-based questionnaires – the visual analogue scale (VAS), the international prostate score symptom (IPSS), and the female sexual function index (FSFI) – were used to evaluate the efficacy and associated complications. Results: The VAS scores significantly decreased in both groups A and B after surgery, although two patients (4.4%) in group B had no improvement in their pain symptoms. The total FSFI and each domain scores significantly increased in the two groups after surgery except for satisfaction at the 24-month follow up in group A. Nine patients (15.9%) in group A required self-catheterization postoperatively. Based on the IPSS scores, a significant alteration in voiding symptoms in group A was observed at 6 months but not at 12 months or 24 months after surgery. In group B, however, no significant difference or self-catheterization requirement was observed after surgery. Conclusions: Reduced bladder and sexual dysfunction, but with a risk of absence of pain relief, suggests that the pros and cons of nerve-sparing surgery for DIE should carefully be evaluated before operation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Apart from the abnormalities of tubal anatomy, the main concern linked to infertility is impaired tubal motility associated with hydrosalpinx, which is thought to be controlled by hormones and nerves. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus in women with and without hydrosalpinx. Histological sections of the oviduct isthmus tissue were obtained from 18 women undergoing salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx, and from 15 women undergoing hysterectomy and salpingectomy for benign gynecologic diseases. The tissues were immunohistochemically stained for protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, protein S100, neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) to reveal all nerve fibers, as well as sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers, in the oviduct isthmus. We detected the presence of PGP9.5, S100, VIP, and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus in all study subjects. However, the densities of PGP9.5, S100, VIP, and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus were all significantly decreased in women with hydrosalpinx compared with those in women without hydrosalpinx (P <0.01). Our results suggest that reduced nerve fibers in the oviduct isthmus in women with hydrosalpinx compared with women without hydrosalpinx may have an important function in the mechanism of hydrosalpinx-associated infertility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for endometriotic lesion formation and development. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potential inhibitor of angiogenesis. The objective of this study was to detect PEDF immunolocalization in endometriotic lesions and the correlation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvascular density (MVD) in a rat model of endometriosis. A subcutaneous endometriosis rat model was established by using auto-transplantation. Expression of PEDF, VEGF and MVD labeled by von Willebrand factor (v-WF) in endometriotic lesions and endometrial tissues was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining. We detected lower PEDF immunostaining and higher VEGF and MVD immunostaining in active lesions in a rat model of endometriosis than that in endometriosis endometrium or control endometrium (P <0.05), but no differences between endometriosis and control endometrium were found (P >0.05). In lesions, PEDF expression was negatively correlated with VEGF expression, MVD or sizes of cysts (P <0.01). On the contrary, both VEGF expression and MVD were positively correlated with lesion sizes (P <0.05). In addition, VEGF expression was positively correlated with MVD (P <0.01). Our results suggest that PEDF might be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and may lead to novel treatment for this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To determine whether women with endometriosis have altered expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in ovarian endometriotic lesions as compared to women without endometriosis. Study design: Ectopic and eutopic and normal endometrial tissues were sampled from 40 women with ovarian endometriosis and 20 control women, respectively. Endometrial PEDF expression and microvascular density (MVD) using an antibody to von Willebrand factor (vWF) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were evaluated by using immunohistochemical staining. Results: We detected decreased PEDF expression and increased MVD using anti-vWF and -α-SMA in ovarian endometriotic lesions in women with endometriosis compared with the control group. In women with endometriosis, the MVD using anti-vWF and -α-SMA but not PEDF expression in ovarian endometriotic lesions correlated with the size of ovarian endometriotic cysts and the severity of the disease. Moreover, the MVD using anti-vWF was negatively correlated with PEDF expression in control endometrium but not in ovarian endometriotic lesions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that decreased PEDF expression and increased MVD in ovarian endometriotic lesions might play an important role in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The precipitation microstructure and the associated hardness and electrical conductivity have been systematically studied in a 7150 alloy during the ageing treatment. The evolution of the GP zones during the one step and the two step ageing processes is discussed in details. Experimental results show that the electrical conductivity of the alloy treated in the two step ageing regime is higher than that of the alloy treated in the one step ageing regime. The two step ageing regime increases the stability of GP I zones and restrains the coarsening of precipitates. During the two step ageing treatment, GP I zones are present when the ageing temperature at the second stage is 160°C (36h), which could not be detected in the one step ageing for short times at the same temperature. Both the GP I and GP II zones disappeared after ageing for 4h at 180°C. The achievement of the high strength of the alloy is ensured by a large volume fraction of fine GP zones and η′ precipitates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine whether patients with endometriosis have altered levels of pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) in peritoneal fluid, concentrations of PEDF in peritoneal fluid collected from 42 patients with endometriosis and 30 patients without endometriosis were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We detected significantly lower levels of peritoneal fluid PEDF in patients with endometriosis compared with patients without endometriosis, suggesting that peritoneal fluid PEDF plays a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates that the crosstalk between endometrial cells and mast cells promotes the migratory ability of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and angiogenesis via CCL8/CCR1, thereby contributing to the development of endometriosis. • Endometrial cells promote the secretion of CCL8 from mast cells by their crosstalk. • CCL8 promotes the migratory ability of endometrial cells and novel angiogenesis. • CCL8 takes its effects via CCL8/CCR1. • CCR1 antagonist suppresses the development of endometriosis. The density and the activity of mast cells are associated with endometriosis. However, the role of mast cells on the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. Our study aims to investigate whether endometrial cells interact with mast cells and the involvement of their crosstalk in the development of endometriosis. The transwell assay was applied to investigate the effect of mast cells on the migratory ability of human primary endometrial cells. Mast cells were cocultured with endometrial epithelial and stromal cells respectively and total RNAs were isolated and subjected to mRNA sequencing. Next, the transwell assay, CCK-8, and tube formation were applied to study the role of CCL8 on the endometrial and endothelial cells in vitro. The mouse model was also established to confirm the role of CCL8 in the development and angiogenesis of endometriosis. CCL8 was up-regulated in mast cells when cocultured with endometrial cells. CCL8 was highly expressed in the ectopic endometrium and the serum of patients with endometriosis. CCL8 promoted the migratory ability of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and increased the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. CCR1, the receptor of CCL8, was over-expressed in the ectopic endometrium and colocalized with blood vessels in ovarian endometriomas. The inhibition of CCR1 suppressed the development and angiogenesis of endometriosis in vivo. The crosstalk between endometrial cells and mast cells in the development of endometriosis via CCL8/CCR1 was demonstrated, thereby providing a new treatment strategy for endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]