Cancer Evolution-Development: experience of hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Here, we present the basic concept and theoretical framework of a scientific hypothesis called Cancer Evolution-Development ("Cancer Evo-Dev"), based on our recent studies of the molecular mechanisms by which chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus induces hepatocarcinogenesis, together with related advances in that field. Several aspects central to our hypothesis are presented: ■ Immune imbalance-caused by the interaction of genetic predispositions and environmental exposures such as viral infection-is responsible for the maintenance of chronic non-resolving inflammation. Non-resolving inflammation promotes the occurrence and progression of cancers, characterized by an evolutionary process of "mutation-selection-adaptation" for both viruses and host cells.■ Under a microenvironment of non-resolving inflammation, proinflammatory factors promote mutations in viral or host genomes by transactivation of the expression of cytidine deaminases and their analogues. Most cells with genomic mutations and mutated viruses are eliminated in the competition for survival in the inflammatory microenvironment. Only a small percentage of the mutated cells that alter their survival signal pathways and exhibit the characteristics of "stem-ness" can survive and function as cancer-initiating cells.■ Cancers generally develop with properties of "backward evolution" and "retro-differentiation," indicating the indispensability of stem-like signal pathways in the evolution and development of cancers. The hypothesis of Cancer Evo-Dev not only lays the theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms by which inflammation promotes the development of cancers, but also plays an important role in specific prophylaxis, prediction, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment of cancers.

FOXE1 polymorphisms and non-syndromic orofacial cleft susceptibility in a Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVE

FOXE1 plays an important role in craniofacial development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between genetic variants of FOXE1 and risk of non-syndromic orofacial clefts in a Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three potentially functional SNPs of FOXE1 (rs3758250 and rs907577 in the 5' upstream and rs7043516 in the 3'-UTR) were selected and their associations with non-syndromic orofacial cleft susceptibility were investigated in a case-control study from a Chinese population (602 cases and 605 controls). Genotyping was performed with double ligation and multiplex fluorescence PCR. Associations between the SNPs and risk of non-syndromic orofacial clefts and its subgroups were estimated from unconditional logistic regression analysis. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to assess SNP function.

RESULTS

Overall, we did not find any of the individual SNP or haplotype was associated with NSOC susceptibility. Nevertheless, in stratified analysis, we found rs7043516, locating in the 3'-UTR of FOXE1, was associated with risk of cleft lip only. Further in vitro luciferase assay indicated that this SNP could contribute to differential binding ability with miRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, this study showed that rs7043516 may be considered as a potentially susceptible marker of cleft lip only among Chinese Han populations.

The Establishment and Function of Schistosomiasis Surveillance System Towards Elimination in The People's Republic of China

Schistosoma japonicum is the main schistosome species in The People's Republic of China, causing intestinal schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease of public health importance. The People's Republic of China used to be heavily endemic with schistosomiasis, but great progress has been made through the vigorous efforts of the national control programmes in the last six decades. Presently, efforts are geared towards eliminating schistosomiasis from The People's Republic of China by the end of 2025 through effective schistosomiasis surveillance, an important component in the drive towards schistosomiasis elimination. Therefore, this article explicitly outlines the development and progress made in schistosomiasis surveillance since 1990 with a special focus on the new surveillance system in use. Although the surveillance system has steadily improved over the years, it is faced with many challenges. Hence, more efforts are needed to establish an effective and sensitive evaluation system for the national schistosomiasis elimination programme in The People's Republic of China.

Luminosity determination in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] = 8 TeV using the ATLAS detector at the LHC

The luminosity determination for the ATLAS detector at the LHC during pp collisions at [Formula: see text] 8 TeV in 2012 is presented. The evaluation of the luminosity scale is performed using several luminometers, and comparisons between these luminosity detectors are made to assess the accuracy, consistency and long-term stability of the results. A luminosity uncertainty of [Formula: see text] is obtained for the [Formula: see text] of pp collision data delivered to ATLAS at [Formula: see text] 8 TeV in 2012.

Denis RD, Stabile A, Staerz S, Stahlman J, Stamen R, Stamm S, Stanecka E, Stanescu C, Stanescu-Bellu M, Stanitzki MM, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark J, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Staszewski R, Steinberg P, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stewart GA, Stillings JA, Stockton MC, Stoebe M, Stoicea G, Stolte P, Stonjek S, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Stramaglia ME, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strandlie A, Strauss E, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Stroynowski R, Strubig A, Stucci SA, Stugu B, Styles NA, Su D, Su J, Subramaniam R, Succurro A, Suchek S, Sugaya Y, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun S, Sun X, Sundermann JE, Suruliz K, Susinno G, Sutton MR, Suzuki S, Svatos M, Swiatlowski M, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Taccini C, Tackmann K, Taenzer J, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takai H, Takashima R, Takeda H, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev AA, Tam JYC, Tan KG, Tanaka J, Tanaka R, Tanaka S, Tannenwald BB, Araya ST, Tapprogge S, Tarem S, Tarrade F, Tartarelli GF, Tas P, Tasevsky M, Tashiro T, Tassi E, Tavares Delgado A, Tayalati Y, Taylor AC, Taylor FE, Taylor GN, Taylor PTE, Taylor W, Teischinger FA, Teixeira Dias Castanheira M, Teixeira-Dias P, Temming KK, Temple D, Kate HT, Teng PK, Teoh JJ, Tepel F, Terada S, Terashi K, Terron J, Terzo S, Testa M, Teuscher RJ, Theveneaux-Pelzer T, Thomas JP, Thomas-Wilsker J, Thompson EN, Thompson PD, Thompson RJ, Thompson AS, Thomsen LA, Thomson E, Thomson M, Thun RP, Tibbetts MJ, Torres RET, Tikhomirov VO, Tikhonov YA, Timoshenko S, Tiouchichine E, Tipton P, Tisserant S, Todome K, Todorov T, Todorova-Nova S, Tojo J, Tokár S, Tokushuku K, Tollefson K, Tolley E, Tomlinson L, Tomoto M, Tompkins L, Toms K, Torrence E, Torres H, Torró Pastor E, Toth J, Touchard F, Tovey DR, Trefzger T, Tremblet L, Tricoli A, Trigger IM, Trincaz-Duvoid S, Tripiana MF, Trischuk W, Trocmé B, Troncon C, Trottier-McDonald M, Trovatelli M, Truong L, Trzebinski M, Trzupek A, Tsarouchas C, Tseng JCL, Tsiareshka PV, Tsionou D, Tsipolitis G, Tsirintanis N, Tsiskaridze S, Tsiskaridze V, Tskhadadze EG, Tsui KM, Tsukerman II, Tsulaia V, Tsuno S, Tsybychev D, Tudorache A, Tudorache V, Tuna AN, Tupputi SA, Turchikhin S, Turecek D, Turra R, Turvey AJ, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ughetto M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Ungaro FC, Unno Y, Unverdorben C, Urban J, Urquijo P, Urrejola P, Usai G, Usanova A, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Valderanis C, Valencic N, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valery L, Valkar S, Vallecorsa S, Valls Ferrer JA, Van Den Wollenberg W, Van Der Deijl PC, van der Geer R, van der Graaf H, van Eldik N, van Gemmeren P, Van Nieuwkoop J, van Vulpen I, van Woerden MC, Vanadia M, Vandelli W, Vanguri R, Vaniachine A, Vannucci F, Vardanyan G, Vari R, Varnes EW, Varol T, Varouchas D, Vartapetian A, Varvell KE, Vazeille F, Vazquez Schroeder T, Veatch J, Veloce LM, Veloso F, Velz T, Veneziano S, Ventura A, Ventura D, Venturi M, Venturi N, Venturini A, Vercesi V, Verducci M, Verkerke W, Vermeulen JC, Vest A, Vetterli MC, Viazlo O, Vichou I, Vickey T, Vickey Boeriu OE, Viehhauser GHA, Viel S, Vigne R, Villa M, Villaplana Perez M, Vilucchi E, Vincter MG, Vinogradov VB, Vivarelli I, Vlachos S, Vladoiu D, Vlasak M, Vogel M, Vokac P, Volpi G, Volpi M, von der Schmitt H, von Radziewski H, von Toerne E, Vorobel V, Vorobev K, Vos M, Voss R, Vossebeld JH, Vranjes N, Milosavljevic MV, Vrba V, Vreeswijk M, Vuillermet R, Vukotic I, Vykydal Z, Wagner P, Wagner W, Wahlberg H, Wahrmund S, Wakabayashi J, Walder J, Walker R, Walkowiak W, Wang C, Wang F, Wang H, Wang H, Wang J, Wang J, Wang K, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Wang T, Wang X, Wanotayaroj C, Warburton A, Ward CP, Wardrope DR, Washbrook A, Wasicki C, Watkins PM, Watson AT, Watson IJ, Watson MF, Watts G, Watts S, Waugh BM, Webb S, Weber MS, Weber SW, Webster JS, Weidberg AR, Weinert B, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Weits H, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Wessels M, Wetter J, Whalen K, Wharton AM, White A, White MJ, White R, White S, Whiteson D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wildauer A, Wilkens HG, Williams HH, Williams S, Willis C, Willocq S, Wilson A, Wilson JA, Wingerter-Seez I, Winklmeier F, Winter BT, Wittgen M, Wittkowski J, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wu M, Wu M, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wyatt TR, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xu D, Xu L, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yakabe R, Yamada M, Yamaguchi D, Yamaguchi Y, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto S, Yamanaka T, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang Y, Yao WM, Yap YC, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Yau Wong KH, Ye J, Ye S, Yeletskikh I, Yen AL, Yildirim E, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJS, Youssef S, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu JM, Yu J, Yuan L, Yuen SPY, Yurkewicz A, Yusuff I, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zalieckas J, Zaman A, Zambito S, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zeng JC, Zeng Q, Zengel K, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zhang D, Zhang F, Zhang G, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zhang R, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou C, Zhou L, Zhou L, Zhou M, Zhou N, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhukov K, Zibell A, Zieminska D, Zimine NI, Zimmermann C, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Zinser M, Ziolkowski M, Živković L, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, Nedden MZ, Zurzolo G, Zwalinski L. Measurements of top-quark pair differential cross-sections in the lepton+jets channel in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] using the ATLAS detector

Measurements of normalized differential cross-sections of top-quark pair production are presented as a function of the top-quark, [Formula: see text] system and event-level kinematic observables in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text]. The observables have been chosen to emphasize the [Formula: see text] production process and to be sensitive to effects of initial- and final-state radiation, to the different parton distribution functions, and to non-resonant processes and higher-order corrections. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb[Formula: see text], recorded in 2012 with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Events are selected in the lepton+jets channel, requiring exactly one charged lepton and at least four jets with at least two of the jets tagged as originating from a b-quark. The measured spectra are corrected for detector effects and are compared to several Monte Carlo simulations. The results are in fair agreement with the predictions over a wide kinematic range. Nevertheless, most generators predict a harder top-quark transverse momentum distribution at high values than what is observed in the data. Predictions beyond NLO accuracy improve the agreement with data at high top-quark transverse momenta. Using the current settings and parton distribution functions, the rapidity distributions are not well modelled by any generator under consideration. However, the level of agreement is improved when more recent sets of parton distribution functions are used.

Denis RD, Stabile A, Staerz S, Stahlman J, Stamen R, Stamm S, Stanecka E, Stanek RW, Stanescu C, Stanescu-Bellu M, Stanitzki MM, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark J, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Staszewski R, Steinberg P, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stewart GA, Stillings JA, Stockton MC, Stoebe M, Stoicea G, Stolte P, Stonjek S, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Stramaglia ME, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strandlie A, Strauss E, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Stroynowski R, Strubig A, Stucci SA, Stugu B, Styles NA, Su D, Su J, Subramaniam R, Succurro A, Suchek S, Sugaya Y, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun S, Sun X, Sundermann JE, Suruliz K, Susinno G, Sutton MR, Suzuki S, Svatos M, Swiatlowski M, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Taccini C, Tackmann K, Taenzer J, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takai H, Takashima R, Takeda H, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev AA, Tam JYC, Tan KG, Tanaka J, Tanaka R, Tanaka S, Tannenwald BB, Tapia Araya S, Tapprogge S, Tarem S, Tarrade F, Tartarelli GF, Tas P, Tasevsky M, Tashiro T, Tassi E, Tavares Delgado A, Tayalati Y, Taylor AC, Taylor FE, Taylor GN, Taylor PTE, Taylor W, Teischinger FA, Teixeira-Dias P, Temming KK, Temple D, Ten Kate H, Teng PK, Teoh JJ, Tepel F, Terada S, Terashi K, Terron J, Terzo S, Testa M, Teuscher RJ, Theveneaux-Pelzer T, Thomas JP, Thomas-Wilsker J, Thompson EN, Thompson PD, Thompson RJ, Thompson AS, Thomsen LA, Thomson E, Thomson M, Thun RP, Tibbetts MJ, Ticse Torres RE, Tikhomirov VO, Tikhonov YA, Timoshenko S, Tiouchichine E, Tipton P, Tisserant S, Todome K, Todorov T, Todorova-Nova S, Tojo J, Tokár S, Tokushuku K, Tollefson K, Tolley E, Tomlinson L, Tomoto M, Tompkins L, Toms K, Torrence E, Torres H, Torró Pastor E, Toth J, Touchard F, Tovey DR, Trefzger T, Tremblet L, Tricoli A, Trigger IM, Trincaz-Duvoid S, Tripiana MF, Trischuk W, Trocmé B, Troncon C, Trottier-McDonald M, Trovatelli M, Truong L, Trzebinski M, Trzupek A, Tsarouchas C, Tseng JCL, Tsiareshka PV, Tsionou D, Tsipolitis G, Tsirintanis N, Tsiskaridze S, Tsiskaridze V, Tskhadadze EG, Tsui KM, Tsukerman II, Tsulaia V, Tsuno S, Tsybychev D, Tudorache A, Tudorache V, Tuna AN, Tupputi SA, Turchikhin S, Turecek D, Turra R, Turvey AJ, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ughetto M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Ungaro FC, Unno Y, Unverdorben C, Urban J, Urquijo P, Urrejola P, Usai G, Usanova A, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Valderanis C, Valencic N, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valery L, Valkar S, Vallecorsa S, Valls Ferrer JA, Van Den Wollenberg W, Van Der Deijl PC, van der Geer R, van der Graaf H, van Eldik N, van Gemmeren P, Van Nieuwkoop J, van Vulpen I, van Woerden MC, Vanadia M, Vandelli W, Vanguri R, Vaniachine A, Vannucci F, Vardanyan G, Vari R, Varnes EW, Varol T, Varouchas D, Vartapetian A, Varvell KE, Vazeille F, Vazquez Schroeder T, Veatch J, Veloce LM, Veloso F, Velz T, Veneziano S, Ventura A, Ventura D, Venturi M, Venturi N, Venturini A, Vercesi V, Verducci M, Verkerke W, Vermeulen JC, Vest A, Vetterli MC, Viazlo O, Vichou I, Vickey T, Vickey Boeriu OE, Viehhauser GHA, Viel S, Vigne R, Villa M, Villaplana Perez M, Vilucchi E, Vincter MG, Vinogradov VB, Vivarelli I, Vlachos S, Vladoiu D, Vlasak M, Vogel M, Vokac P, Volpi G, Volpi M, von der Schmitt H, von Radziewski H, von Toerne E, Vorobel V, Vorobev K, Vos M, Voss R, Vossebeld JH, Vranjes N, Vranjes Milosavljevic M, Vrba V, Vreeswijk M, Vuillermet R, Vukotic I, Vykydal Z, Wagner P, Wagner W, Wahlberg H, Wahrmund S, Wakabayashi J, Walder J, Walker R, Walkowiak W, Wang C, Wang F, Wang H, Wang H, Wang J, Wang J, Wang K, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Wang T, Wang X, Wanotayaroj C, Warburton A, Ward CP, Wardrope DR, Washbrook A, Wasicki C, Watkins PM, Watson AT, Watson IJ, Watson MF, Watts G, Watts S, Waugh BM, Webb S, Weber MS, Weber SW, Webster JS, Weidberg AR, Weinert B, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Weits H, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Wessels M, Wetter J, Whalen K, Wharton AM, White A, White MJ, White R, White S, Whiteson D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wildauer A, Wilkens HG, Williams HH, Williams S, Willis C, Willocq S, Wilson A, Wilson JA, Wingerter-Seez I, Winklmeier F, Winter BT, Wittgen M, Wittkowski J, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wu M, Wu M, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wyatt TR, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xu D, Xu L, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yakabe R, Yamada M, Yamaguchi D, Yamaguchi Y, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto S, Yamanaka T, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang Y, Yao WM, Yap YC, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Yau Wong KH, Ye J, Ye S, Yeletskikh I, Yen AL, Yildirim E, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJS, Youssef S, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu JM, Yu J, Yuan L, Yuen SPY, Yurkewicz A, Yusuff I, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zalieckas J, Zaman A, Zambito S, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zeng JC, Zeng Q, Zengel K, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zhang D, Zhang F, Zhang G, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zhang R, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou C, Zhou L, Zhou L, Zhou M, Zhou N, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhukov K, Zibell A, Zieminska D, Zimine NI, Zimmermann C, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Zinser M, Ziolkowski M, Živković L, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zurzolo G, Zwalinski L. Reconstruction of hadronic decay products of tau leptons with the ATLAS experiment

This paper presents a new method of reconstructing the individual charged and neutral hadrons in tau decays with the ATLAS detector. The reconstructed hadrons are used to classify the decay mode and to calculate the visible four-momentum of reconstructed tau candidates, significantly improving the resolution with respect to the calibration in the existing tau reconstruction. The performance of the reconstruction algorithm is optimised and evaluated using simulation and validated using samples of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]+jets events selected from proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy [Formula: see text], corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5 [Formula: see text].

Long noncoding RNAs in lung cancer: what we know in 2015

Lung cancer ranks as the first most common cancer and the first leading cause of cancer-related death in China and worldwide. Due to the difficulty in early diagnosis and the onset of cancer metastasis, the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer remains extremely low. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which lacking protein-coding ability, have recently emerged as pivotal participants in biological processes, often dysregulated in a range of cancers, including lung cancer. In this review, we highlight the recent findings of lncRNAs in lung cancer pathogenesis. While our understanding of lncRNAs in the onset and progression of lung cancer is still in its infancy, there is no doubt that understanding the activities of lncRNAs will certainly secure strong biomarkers and improve treatment options for lung cancer patients.

Probenecid protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting lysosomal and inflammatory damage in rats

Probenecid has been used for decades to treat gout, and recent studies have revealed it is also a specific inhibitor of the pannexin-1 channel. It has been reported that the pannexin-1 channel is involved in ischemic injury. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effect and the possible mechanisms of action of probenecid in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Twenty minutes of transient global cerebral I/R injury was induced using the four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) method in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Different doses of probenecid were administered intravenously, intraperitoneally, or by gavage before or after reperfusion. Probenecid via all three routes protected against CA1 neuronal death when given before reperfusion. This protective effect continued when probenecid was given at 2h after reperfusion, but not at 6h. Interestingly, the protective effect regained if probenecid was given continuously for 7days after reperfusion. The release of cathepsin B and overexpression of calpain-1 after reperfusion were inhibited, while the upregulation of Hsp70 was strengthened by probenecid pre-treatment. Furthermore, the activation and proliferation of microglia and astrocytes after I/R injury were suppressed by continuous given for 7days, but only partly by a single dose at 6h of reperfusion. Thus, our data indicate that probenecid protects against transient global cerebral I/R injury probably by inhibiting calpain-cathepsin pathway and the inflammatory reaction.

Expression of G protein αq Subunit is Decreased in Lymphocytes from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and is Correlated with Disease Activity

Gαq, the alpha subunit of Gq, a member of the Gq/11 sub-family, was reported to inhibit phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K) activation and prevent the activation of Akt. Previous studies demonstrated that mice losing Gαq in their immune system could spontaneously develop inflammatory arthritis. In this study, we showed that the Gαq expressions at mRNA and protein levels in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were significantly decreased in comparison of which in healthy individuals. The expression levels of Gαq mRNA in PBLs from patients with RA were correlated with RA disease activity (DAS28), anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor. We also demonstrated that Gαq controlled the apoptosis of RA PBLs through regulating the activity of Mcl-1 and caspase-3. These data suggested that Gαq might be involved in the pathogenesis of RA by regulating PBLs apoptosis.

EGFR signaling upregulates surface expression of the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor and contributes to long-term potentiation in the hippocampus

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have been known to be regulated by various receptor tyrosine kinases. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) specifically increases NMDAR-mediated currents and enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. However, the mechanism through which EGFR regulates NMDARs remains to be elucidated. In this study we found that EGFR was highly expressed in the hippocampus and mainly localized in the non-synaptic region including the soma and neurites of cultured hippocampal neurons. EGFR activation led to an increase in ifenprodil-sensitive NMDAR currents. Consistent with this, we also observed that surface expression of GluN2B-containing NMDAR was upregulated. Our biochemical data from hippocampal slices and hippocampal cultured neurons demonstrated that EGF treatment in vitro significantly increased phosphorylation of the GluN2B subunit at Y1472 with a coincidental activation of Src family kinases (SFKs). EGFR blockade with a specific antagonist BIBX-1382 attenuated an increase of GluN2B in the postsynaptic density during high-frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced LTP. Moreover, BIBX blockade significantly impaired HFS-induced LTP. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EGFR signaling upregulates NMDARs through modification of the GluN2B subunit, and is required for HFS-induced LTP in the hippocampus.

Usefulness of normal saline for sealing the needle track after CT-guided lung biopsy

AIM

To determine whether the use of normal saline for sealing the needle track can reduce the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, randomised, controlled trial enrolling 322 patients was conducted. All patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: those in whom the needle track was not sealed with normal saline (n=161, Group A) and those who did receive normal saline (n=161, Group B). CT-guided biopsy was performed with coaxial technique. Normal saline, which ranged from 1-3 ml, was injected while the trocar needle was being withdrawn. Patient characteristics, lesion, and procedure variables were analysed as potential risk variables for occurrence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement.

RESULTS

The incidence of pneumothorax was 26.1% in Group A and 6.2% in Group B (p<0.001). Nine patients in Group A and one patient in Group B required chest tube placement (p=0.010). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, smaller lesion size, greater needle-pleural angle, longer lesion-pleural distance, presence of emphysema, and no sealing the needle track with normal saline were significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax, and that the latter three factors were also associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement.

CONLUSION

Normal saline for sealing the needle track significantly reduces the incidence of pneumothorax and prevents subsequent chest tube placement after CT-guided lung biopsy.

Cervical intramedullary immature teratoma with metastatic recurrence in an adult

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

OBJECTIVES

We present for the first time an adult patient with cervical intramedullary immature teratoma with metastatic recurrence.

SETTING

Peking university Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.

METHODS

A 30-year-old woman presented with rapidly progressive quadriplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intramedullary tumor occupying C1-C2 of the upper spinal cord. An urgent operation, consisting of decompression by laminectomy and tumor gross resection, was performed under a preoperative diagnosis of spinal glioma. The histological diagnosis was immature teratoma. The patient received local radiotherapy after gross total resection. The serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels were normal postoperatively, until these were evaluated on the 10th month with neurological deterioration. Metastatic recurrences were demonstrated on MRI with lesions located at the levels of C5-C6 and T11-12. Removal of the second tumors was performed and the pathological examination identified a malignant germ cell tumor (yolk sac tumor). The patient was then referred to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

No tumor regrowth was encountered and the patient remained stable for 6 months after adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSION

Immature teratoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of holocord tumors in the adult with rapidly progressing symptoms and if found should be radically excised if possible. Adjuvant therapy should be the salvage therapy for this recurrent tumor.

Upregulated expression of NKG2D and its ligands give potential therapeutic targets for patients with thymoma

The activating receptor NKG2D (natural killer group 2, member D) of natural killer (NK) cells promotes tumor immune surveillance by targeting ligands selectively induced on cancer cells, and thus having an important role in antitumor immune response. Because these ligands are not widely expressed on healthy adult tissue, NKG2D ligands may present as useful target for immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer. In this study, to elucidate the role of NKG2D-NKG2D ligand interaction in thymoma tissues and to evaluate the potential role of NKG2D ligands as therapeutic target for thymoma, we examined the expression of NKG2D and its specific ligands: MICA (major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A), MICB (major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein B) and ULBP (UL16-binding protein) in 36 thymomas (6 subtype A, 6 subtype AB, 8 subtype B1, 5 subtype B2, 6 subtype B3 and 5 subtype C), 15 thymic atrophy and 8 thymic hyperplasia by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-real-time-PCR methods. We demonstrated that both mRNA and protein levels of NKG2D, MICA, MICB and ULBP were upregulated in six types of thymomas compared with those in atrophic thymus or proliferating thymus. Furthermore, the NKG2D ligands were found to be frequently coexpressed on thymoma cells. Furthermore, the expression of MICA, MICB and ULBP in subtype C was higher compared with those in subtype A, AB, B1, B2 and B3. Thus, we concluded that high expressions of NKG2D, MICA, MICB and ULBP1 were shown in patients with thymoma, and this may enhance the recognition function of NK cells to eliminate tumor cells. MICA, MICB and ULBP presented an attractive target for thymoma therapy. The abnormal expression of NKG2D, MICA, MICB and ULBP1 can provide us with evidence of the occurrence of thymoma and could also be used as a target in the treatment of thymoma.

Electronic and magnetic properties of epitaxial perovskite SrCrO₃(0 0 1)

We have investigated the intrinsic properties of SrCrO3 epitaxial thin films synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy. We find compelling evidence that SrCrO3 is a correlated metal. X-ray photoemission valence band and O K-edge x-ray absorption spectra indicate a strongly hybridized Cr3d-O2p state crossing the Fermi level, leading to metallic behavior. Comparison between valence band spectra near the Fermi level and the densities of states calculated using density functional theory (DFT) suggests the presence of coherent and incoherent states and points to strong electron correlation effects. The magnetic susceptibility can be described by Pauli paramagnetism at temperatures above 100 K, but reveals antiferromagnetic behavior at lower temperatures, possibly resulting from orbital ordering.

Efficacy of an opposite position aspiration on resolution of pneumothorax following CT-guided lung biopsy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of aspiration in an opposite position to deal with pneumothorax after CT-guided lung biopsy.

METHODS

A retrospective study was developed involving 210 patients with pneumothorax who had undergone CT-guided percutaneous core biopsies from January 2012 to March 2014 for various pulmonary lesions. Asymptomatic patients with minimal pneumothorax were treated conservatively. Simple manual aspiration was performed for symptomatic patients with minimal pneumothorax and for all patients with moderate to large pneumothorax. An opposite position aspiration was performed when simple manual aspiration failed. The efficacy of simple manual aspiration and the opposite position aspiration was observed.

RESULTS

Among 210 patients with pneumothorax, 128 (61.0%) asymptomatic patients with minimal pneumothorax were treated conservatively. The remaining 82 were treated with attempted simple manual aspiration. Out of these 82 patients, simple manual aspiration was successful in 58 (70.7%, 58/82) cases. The complete and partial regression rates were 17.2% (10/58) and 82.8% (48/58), respectively. In the other 24 patients (29.3%, 24/82), simple aspiration technique was ineffective. An opposite position (from prone to supine or vice versa) was applied, and a new biopsy puncture site was chosen for reaspiration. This procedure was successful in 22 patients but not in 2 patients who had to have a chest tube insertion. The complete and partial regression rates were 25.0% (6/24) and 66.7% (16/24), respectively. Applying the new method, the total effective rate of aspiration improved significantly from 70.7% (58/82) to 97.6% (80/82).

CONCLUSION

The opposite position aspiration can be safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment for CT-guided lung biopsy-induced pneumothorax thus reducing the use of chest tube significantly.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

(1) Opposite position aspiration can elevate the success rate of aspiration significantly (from 70.7% to 97.6% in our study); (2) this procedure is a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment for pneumothorax caused by biopsy; and (3) opposite position aspiration is a useful technique to reduce the use of chest tube, which has clinical significance.