Systematic review with meta-analysis: meat consumption and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The association between meat consumption and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still inconclusive.

AIM

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the relationship between meat intake and the risk of HCC.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE databases for relevant studies published before July 2013. The summary relative risks were pooled using the fixed-effects model when no substantial heterogeneity was detected, otherwise, the random-effects model was used. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also analysed.

RESULTS

Finally, seven cohort studies and 10 case-control studies were included. The pooled relative risks (RRs) of HCC for the highest vs. lowest consumption levels were 1.10 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.85-1.42) for red meat, 1.01 (95% CI: 0.79-1.28) for processed meat and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.85-1.11) for total meat. Moreover, white meat and fish consumption were found to be inversely associated with HCC risk, the summary RRs were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.58-0.81) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67-0.90) respectively, and the results remained quite stable after stratification by the confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis indicates that a high level of white meat or fish consumption can reduce the risk of HCC significantly, while intake of red meat, processed meat or total meat is not associated with HCC risk. Our findings suggest that dietary intervention may be a promising approach for prevention of HCC, which still need to be confirmed by further well-designed prospective studies and experimental research.

Beam-energy dependence of the directed flow of protons, antiprotons, and pions in Au+Au collisions

Rapidity-odd directed flow (v1) measurements for charged pions, protons, and antiprotons near midrapidity (y=0) are reported in sNN=7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39, 62.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions as recorded by the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At intermediate impact parameters, the proton and net-proton slope parameter dv1/dy|y=0 shows a minimum between 11.5 and 19.6 GeV. In addition, the net-proton dv1/dy|y=0 changes sign twice between 7.7 and 39 GeV. The proton and net-proton results qualitatively resemble predictions of a hydrodynamic model with a first-order phase transition from hadronic matter to deconfined matter, and differ from hadronic transport calculations.

Clinical significance of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase-5 (GalNAc-T5) expression in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The family of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferases is responsible for the altered O-linked glycosylation occurring during the development of various cancers and their progression via altering O-glycan biosynthesis. Our studies were designed to investigate the expression and prognostic values of GalNAc-T5 and improve the risk stratification in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Tissue samples from a training set and a validation set of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma from China were used for analyses. GalNAc-T5 expression was retrospectively analysed by immunohistochemistry. Results were assessed for association with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival by using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Prognostic values of GalNAc-T5 expression and clinical outcomes were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. A molecular prognostic stratification scheme incorporating GalNAc-T5 expression was determined by using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

GalNAc-T5 expression was markedly reduced in gastric cancer tissues compared with non-malignant gastric mucosa. Low intratumoral GalNAc-T5 density, which was associated with tumour cell differentiation, T classification, N classification, and TNM stage in the two independent sets, was an independent prognosticator for poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Applying the prognostic value of intratumoral GalNAc-T5 density to the conventional clinicopathologic TNM stage system showed a better prognostic value in patients with gastric cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Intratumoral GalNAc-T5 expression was recognised as an independent prognostic marker for the overall survival of gastric cancer patients. Detection of GalNAc-T5 expression in gastric cancer tissues might add some prognostic information for patients with this disease and lead to a more accurate classification under the TNM stage system.

Jet-hadron correlations in √[s(NN)]=200 GeV p+p and central Au+Au collisions

Azimuthal angular correlations of charged hadrons with respect to the axis of a reconstructed (trigger) jet in Au+Au and p+p collisions at √[s(NN)]=200  GeV in STAR are presented. The trigger jet population in Au+Au collisions is biased toward jets that have not interacted with the medium, allowing easier matching of jet energies between Au+Au and p+p collisions while enhancing medium effects on the recoil jet. The associated hadron yield of the recoil jet is significantly suppressed at high transverse momentum (pTassoc) and enhanced at low pTassoc in 0%-20% central Au+Au collisions compared to p+p collisions, which is indicative of medium-induced parton energy loss in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.

Increased levels of IL-21 responses are associated with the severity of liver injury in patients with chronic active hepatitis B

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) participates in tissue damage in various immune-mediated diseases. Its role in the pathogenesis of chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) has not been clarified. The frequency of circulating IL-21(+) T cells and the levels of serum and intrahepatic IL-21 have been characterized in 70 CAHB patients, 32 inactive carrier (IC), 18 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 20 healthy controls (HC). Their potential association with liver injury was analysed. The percentages of IL-21(+) CD3(+) CD8(-) and IL-21(+) CD3(+) CD8(+) T cells and the levels of serum IL-21 in CAHB patients were significantly higher than that in the IC, CHC patients and HC (P < 0.001) and were correlated positively with the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT, r = 0.424, P < 0.001; r = 0.392, P = 0.001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, r = 0.388, P = 0.001; r = 0.329, P = 0.005) in CAHB patients, respectively. The levels of IL-21 expression in the liver tissues were associated significantly with increased degrees of inflammation and fibrosis in CAHB patients (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that aberrant IL-21 responses may be associated with the progression of CHB.

Energy dependence of moments of net-proton multiplicity distributions at RHIC

We report the beam energy (sqrt[sNN]=7.7-200  GeV) and collision centrality dependence of the mean (M), standard deviation (σ), skewness (S), and kurtosis (κ) of the net-proton multiplicity distributions in Au+Au collisions. The measurements are carried out by the STAR experiment at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) and within the transverse momentum range 0.4<pT<0.8  GeV/c in the first phase of the Beam Energy Scan program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. These measurements are important for understanding the quantum chromodynamic phase diagram. The products of the moments, Sσ and κσ2, are sensitive to the correlation length of the hot and dense medium created in the collisions and are related to the ratios of baryon number susceptibilities of corresponding orders. The products of moments are found to have values significantly below the Skellam expectation and close to expectations based on independent proton and antiproton production. The measurements are compared to a transport model calculation to understand the effect of acceptance and baryon number conservation and also to a hadron resonance gas model.

Poled-fiber source of broadband polarization-entangled photon pairs

We demonstrate broadband polarization-entangled photon pair generation in a poled fiber phase matched for Type II downconversion in the 1.5 μm telecom band. Even with signal-idler separation greater than 100 nm, we observe fringe visibilities greater than 97% and tangle greater than 0.8. A Hong-Ou-Mandel interference experiment is also used to experimentally confirm the broadband nature of the entanglement.

Genetic deficiency of β2-containing nicotinic receptors attenuates brain injury in ischemic stroke

One of the major consequences of stroke is brain injury caused by glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. Glutamate-mediated excitatory activities are partially driven by β2-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2-nAChRs). In examining the role of β2-nAChRs in cerebral ischemic injury, excitotoxicity and stroke outcome, we found that deficiency of β2-nAChRs attenuated brain infarction and neurological deficit at 24 and 72 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Genetic deletion of β2-nAChRs associated with reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL(+)) and cleaved caspase-3(+) cells after MCAO, together with a reduction of extracellular glutamate and oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced increase of excitatory inputs in cortical neurons. Pharmacologic pretreatment with a selective β2-nAChRs antagonist reduced brain infarction, neurological deficit, and MCAO-induced glutamate release. These findings suggest that deficiency of β2-nAChRs, also achievable by pharmacological blockade, can decrease brain infarction and improve the neurological status in ischemic stroke. The improved outcome is associated with reduced extracellular glutamate level and lower excitatory inputs into ischemic neurons, suggesting a reduction of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in the mechanisms of neuroprotection.

Tuning interlayer exchange coupling of co-doped TiO2/VO2 multilayers via metal-insulator transition

Reversibly switching interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) of magnetic semiconductor multilayers between ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) modes is a difficult but key issue for fabricating semiconductor giant magnetoresistance devices. Here, we show that such tunable IEC is achievable around room temperature in Co-doped TiO2/VO2 diluted magnetic semiconductor multilayers. On the basis of first-principles calculations of electronic structure and fermiology, it is clarified that, associated with the metal-insulator transition (MIT) of nanosized VO2 spacers, exotic short-range magnetic orders are developed in the multilayers so that the IEC can be tuned reversibly from FM mode to AFM mode by varying temperature crossing the MIT (∼340  K).

Measurement of J/ψ azimuthal anisotropy in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV

The measurement of J/ψ azimuthal anisotropy is presented as a function of transverse momentum for different centralities in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The measured J/ψ elliptic flow is consistent with zero within errors for transverse momentum between 2 and 10 GeV/c. Our measurement suggests that J/ψ particles with relatively large transverse momenta are not dominantly produced by coalescence from thermalized charm quarks, when comparing to model calculations.

Peptide decorated nano-hydroxyapatite with enhanced bioactivity and osteogenic differentiation via polydopamine coating

To be better used as implant materials in bone graft substitutes, bioactivity and osteogenesis of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) need to be further enhanced. Inspired by adhesive proteins in mussels, here we developed a novel bone forming peptide decorated nano-HA material. In this study, nano-HA was coated by one-step pH-induced polymerization of dopamine, and then the peptide was grafted onto polydopamine (pDA) coated nano-HA (HA-pDA) through catechol chemistry. Our results demonstrated that the peptide-conjugated nano-HA crystals could induce the adhesion and proliferation of MG-63 cells. Moreover, the highly alkaline phosphatase activity of the functionalized nano-HA indicated that the grafted peptide could maintain its biological activity after immobilization onto the surface of HA-pDA, especially at the concentration of 100μg/mL. These modified nano-HA crystals with better bioactivity and osteogenic differentiation hold great potential to be applied as bioactive materials in bone repairing, bone regeneration and bio-implant coating applications.

Proliferation and osteo/odontoblastic differentiation of stem cells from dental apical papilla in mineralization-inducing medium containing additional KH(2)PO(4)

OBJECTIVES

Stem cells from the dental apical papilla (SCAPs) can be induced to differentiate along both osteoblast and odontoblast lineages. However, little knowledge is available concerning their differentiation efficiency in osteogenic media containing additional KH2 PO4 .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stem cells from the dental apical papilla were isolated from apical papillae of immature third molars and treated with two kinds of mineralization-inducing media, MM1 and MM2, differing in KH2 PO4 concentration. Proliferation and osteo/odontogenic differentiation capacity of MM1/MM2-treated SCAPs were investigated and compared both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Cell counting and flow cytometry demonstrated that MM2 containing 1.8 mm additional KH2 PO4 significantly enhanced proliferative potential of SCAPs, compared to MM1. Osteo/odontogenic capacity of SCAPs was much better in MM2 medium than in MM1, as indicated by elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, increased calcium deposition and upregulated expression of osteo/odontoblast-specific genes/proteins (for example, runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, osteocalcin, dentin sialoprotein, and dentin sialophosphoprotein). In vivo transplantation findings proved that SCAPs in MM2 group generated more mineralized tissues, and presented higher expression of osteo/odontoblast-specific proteins (osteocalcin and dentin sialoprotein) than those in the MM1 group.

CONCLUSION

Mineralization-inducing media supplemented with 1.8 mm additional KH2 PO4 significantly enhanced cell proliferation and improved differentiation capacity of SCAPs along osteo/odontogenic cell lineages, compared to counterparts lacking additional KH2 PO4 .

Novel EDA p.Ile260Ser mutation linked to non-syndromic hypodontia

Hypodontia, a tooth developmental disease, can affect chewing and pronunciation. Mutations in the ectodysplasin-A (EDA) gene can lead to both X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) and non-syndromic hypodontia (NSH). However, the mechanism by which these 2 related but different disorders are caused by the distinct mutations in EDA is unknown. In this study, we identified a novel missense mutation (c.779 T>G) in a Chinese family with NSH via a direct sequencing approach. This mutation results in an Ile260Ser substitution in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) homology domain. Homology modeling suggests that this alteration may induce a conformational change in the hydrophobic center of the TNF homology domain. Furthermore, by exploring systematic 3D conformation analysis and calculation of residue relative solvent accessibility (RSA) for all the reported mutated amino acid sites on EDA's TNF homology domain, we found that the site mutations at the interior may be linked to XLHED, while those at the surface are more likely to be associated with NSH. These findings may aid in the discovery of unidentified functionally significant mutation sites in the EDA gene and provide a new way to clarify the mechanisms by which the XLHED and NSH phenotypes arise from mutations in the same gene.

Radiofrequency ablation for liver metastasis from gastric cancer

AIMS

Several studies have reported the benefit of hepatic resection for metastatic tumor from gastric cancer. However, the value of treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

Between Jan 2002 and Dec 2007, 21 patients with primary gastric cancer were diagnosed with synchronous or metachronous liver metastases. All patients were treated with RFA, and the complication, survival, and recurrence rates were assessed.

RESULTS

The postoperative complication rate was 5% (1/21), with no mortality. The median actuarial survival time was 14 months. The 1-yr, 2-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr survival rates after RFA were 70%, 11%, 5%, and 3%, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 19 months, local recurrence at the RFA site was 19% (4/21). Solitary metastasis had significantly longer survival than multiple lesions after RFA (22 vs 10 months, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

RFA provides a minimally invasive and safe modality of treatment patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer. Patients with solitary liver lesion were considered appropriate candidates for RFA.

Radiofrequency ablation for liver metastasis from gastric cancer

AIMS

Several studies have reported the benefit of hepatic resection for metastatic tumor from gastric cancer. However, the value of treatment with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has not been clearly defined.

METHODS

Between Jan 2002 and Dec 2007, 21 patients with primary gastric cancer were diagnosed with synchronous or metachronous liver metastases. All patients were treated with RFA, and the complication, survival, and recurrence rates were assessed.

RESULTS

The postoperative complication rate was 5% (1/21), with no mortality. The median actuarial survival time was 14 months. The 1-yr, 2-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr survival rates after RFA were 70%, 11%, 5%, and 3%, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 19 months, local recurrence at the RFA site was 19% (4/21). Solitary metastasis had significantly longer survival than multiple lesions after RFA (22 vs 10 months, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

RFA provides a minimally invasive and safe modality of treatment patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer. Patients with solitary liver lesion were considered appropriate candidates for RFA.

Observation of an energy-dependent difference in elliptic flow between particles and antiparticles in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Elliptic flow (v(2)) values for identified particles at midrapidity in Au + Au collisions, measured by the STAR experiment in the beam energy scan at RHIC at sqrt[s(NN)] = 7.7-62.4 GeV, are presented. A beam-energy-dependent difference of the values of v(2) between particles and corresponding antiparticles was observed. The difference increases with decreasing beam energy and is larger for baryons compared to mesons. This implies that, at lower energies, particles and antiparticles are not consistent with the universal number-of-constituent-quark scaling of v(2) that was observed at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV.

Bifidobacterium infantis-mediated HSV-TK/GCV suicide gene therapy induces both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis in a rat model of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the most common cancer in the urological tract. Here, we investigated the molecular pathways involved in the apoptosis of rodent bladder cancer, which was treated with Bifidobacterium infantis (BI)-mediated herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) suicide gene therapy. We engineered the BI-TK system, which consists of BI with the recombinant plasmid PGEX-1λT carrying HSV-TK (that is, TK) gene. Tumor-bearing rats were randomly divided into three groups and tail vein injected with normal saline (group A), BI/PGEX-1λT (group B) or BI-TK (group C), followed by intraperitoneal injection of GCV. The BI-TK/GCV system (group C) was shown to inhibit tumor growth and caused the apoptosis of tumor cells as assessed by in situ terminal transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay. While varied extents of apoptosis were detected in tumor cells from all groups, tumor cells treated with BI-TK/GCV system (group C) exhibited the highest level of apoptosis (P < 0.05), consistent with our previous studies. Furthermore, we found that the expression levels of Fas, FasL, Cyt-C and caspase-9 in tumor tissues derived from group C were significantly higher than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Therefore, our results have demonstrated that the BI-TK/GCV therapy system exhibits a sustainable antitumor growth activity in the rodent model of bladder cancer. Mechanistically, both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways are involved in the BI-TK/GCV antitumor functionality.