Feature Masking on Non-Overlapping Regions for Detecting Dense Cells in Blood Smear Image.

Detecting cells in blood smear images is of great significance for automatic diagnosis of blood diseases. However, this task is rather challenging, mainly because there are dense cells that are often overlapping, making some of the occluded boundary parts invisible. In this paper, we propose a generic and effective detection framework that exploits non-overlapping regions (NOR) for providing discriminative and confident information to compensate the intensity deficiency.

MTHFD2 facilitates breast cancer cell proliferation via the AKT signaling pathway.

MTHFD2 is a folate-coupled mitochondrial metabolic enzyme which has been extensively studied in breast cancer; however, its molecular functions in this cancer remain unclear. The current study aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism of breast cancer. MTHFD2 expression status and prognostic value were determined using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database.

PTPRA facilitates cancer growth and migration via the TNF-α-mediated PTPRA-NF-κB pathway in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type A (PTPRA), one of the classic protein tyrosine phosphatases, is crucial for modulating tumorigenesis and metastasis in breast cancer; however, its functional mechanism has not fully elucidated. The present study assessed PTPRA expression and estimated its clinical impact on survival using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database (GEPIA). Growth curves, colony formations and Transwell assays were utilized to examine cell proliferation and migration.

Zoledronic acid suppresses metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells through upregulating the tight junction protein occludin.

We have previously demonstrated the radio-sensitizing effect of zoledronic acid (ZOL), a third generation bisphosphonate, on human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. Here we show that ZOL suppresses metastatic progression of ESCC cells mainly through up-regulating the tight junction protein occludin. Exposure to ZOL at lower concentrations dramatically reduced migration and invasion of ESCC cells.

ECRG4 acts as a tumor suppressor and as a determinant of chemotherapy resistance in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant type of cancer with an increasing incidence. As yet, however, molecular biomarkers with a strong diagnostic impact and a major therapeutic promise have remained elusive. Here, we identified the esophageal carcinoma related gene 4 (ECRG4) as a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene and a promising therapeutic target for NPC.

Promoter hypermethylation contributes to the frequent suppression of the CDK10 gene in human nasopharyngeal carcinomas.

Background: Previous studies have shown a down-regulation of the gene encoding cyclin-dependent kinase 10 (CDK10) in hepatocellular carcinomas. Here we provide evidence that down-regulation of the CDK10 gene is mediated by promoter hypermethylation in primary human nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) and NPC-derived cell lines.

Methods: RT-PCR, Western blotting, methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing were performed to assess the expression and methylation status of the CDK10 gene in primary NPC samples, NPC-derived cell lines and patient-derived peripheral blood samples.

XRCC1 codon 399Gln polymorphism is associated with radiotherapy-induced acute dermatitis and mucositis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

Background: To evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the 194 and 399 codons of XRCC1, and the risk of severe acute skin and oral mucosa reactions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in China.

Methods: 114 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were sequentially recruited in this study. Heparinized peripheral blood samples were taken for SNPs analysis before the start of radiation treatment.