Comparative studies of mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses to 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in mice

The nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALTs), embedded in the submucosa of murine upper respiratory tract, represents an important site of induction for local mucosal immune responses to airborne pathogens and intranasal vaccines. Here, we systematically investigated the mucosal humoral and cellular immune responses of NALTs in mice infected with A/Beijing/501/2009 (BJ501) and A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) viruses. Compared with PR8 infection, BJ501 induced a more rapid increase of virus-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in the nasal lavage fluid and a higher ratio of IgG1/IgG2a, indicating a stronger Th2 response to BJ501 in mucosal immunity. In addition, using virus-specific enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot assay), we observed higher and earlier responses of virus-specific IgA and IgG antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) and IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine-secreting cells (CSCs) in NALTs of mice intranasally infected with BJ501 virus. In particular, the frequency of BJ501-specific IFN-γ-CSCs significantly correlated with the kinetics of BJ501 virus load in NALTs, suggesting an important role of IFN-γ-CSCs-associated mucosal cellular immune responses in BJ501 virus clearance. Collectively, BJ501 induced a more comprehensive and rapid mucosal immune responses in NALTs of mice, providing further understanding of the immune responses elicited by 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus in upper respiratory tract. Keywords: nasal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALTs); influenza virus; mucosal immune response; Th1/Th2 response.

Clinical analysis of Chinese anti-low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-associated protein 4 antibodies in patients with myasthenia gravis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-associated protein 4 (LRP4) autoantibodies have recently been detected in myasthenia gravis (MG), but little is known about the clinical characteristics associated with this serological type. In this study, the clinical features of Chinese patients with anti-LRP4 antibody-positive MG were characterized.

METHODS

A total of 2172 MG serum samples were collected from patients in various parts of China. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody and titin antibody, and cell-based assays were used to detect muscle-specific kinase antibody and LRP4 antibody. Clinical data for patients with MG were collected from different provinces in China.

RESULTS

In total, 16 (0.8%) patients with LRP4-MG were found amongst 2172 total patients, including three patients with AChR/LRP4-MG. Additionally, 13 (2.9%) patients with LRP4-MG were found amongst 455 patients with double seronegative MG. The ratio of males to females for these 13 patients was 1:1.6, and 53.8% patients were children. A total of 91.7% of cases exhibited initial ocular involvement, and 58.3% of cases exhibited simple eye muscle involvement. Responses to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and prednisone were observed.

CONCLUSION

The expanded sample confirmed that the positive rate of LRP4 antibodies in China is lower than that in western countries. Our results highlighted the differences between LRP4-MG and other antibody groups. Children and female patients with LRP4-MG have a higher prevalence, often involving the ocular muscles and limb muscles. The clinical symptoms are mild, and satisfactory responses to treatment are often achieved.

Boettcherisca peregrina (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): A flesh fly species of medical and forensic importance

Boettcherisca peregrine, as a fly with the necrophagous habits found on human corpses and a vector of disease or parasitic, myiasis-producing agent, is a significant flesh fly species in forensic entomology and medical context. This study reviewed the various aspects of this fly species, including morphology, bionomics, molecular analysis, medical and forensic entomology involvement, such as morphological characteristics of larva, puparia and adult, developmental rate of larvae, the effects of heavy metal (such as Cd and Cu) on the growth and developmentin of larvae, and the impact of some specific stimulis on the labellar chemosensory hair of B. peregrina. Species identification, gene and functions, myiasis and forensic case of this species were also outlined. Therefore, the paper has an important implication for improving the role of B. peregrina in medicine and forensic science.

Abstract P4-02-14: Digitalizing immunohistochemistry analysis (IHC) with quantitative dot blot analysis (QDB) by absolute quantification of biomarkers in FFPE specimens

Purpose: The feasibility of Quantitative Dot Blot (QDB) method for absolute quantification of diagnostic biomarkers was investigated here using diagnostic antibodies for biomarkers in breast cancer tissues, including 4B5 and EP3 for Her2, MIB1 for Ki67. SP2 for Estrogen Receptor and SP1 for progesterone receptor (PR) in more than 300 FFPE specimens. The specificity and accuracy of this method, and the inter-relationship among biomarkers were explored by the absolute expression levels of these biomarkers.

Methods: FFPE specimens of 332 breast cancer patients were provided by local hospital, tissue slices of 2X15 um was de-paraffined and total protein was extracted for QDB analysis, with each sample measured in triplicate in three indepedent experiments. Purified protein standards were included to convert the measurement into absolute levels. IHC and FISH results from local hospital were used to validate the sensitivity and specificity of QDB method.

Results: The results show high consistency with intra-cv less than 7% and inter-cv less than 14%. With Her2, 99.5% concordance was achieved with IHC method, and 92 to 94% concordance with FISH analysis. Both Her2 level and Ki67 levels were significantly increased in patients at grade III based on Nottingham histologic scores.

Conclusion: The QDB method was used here to achieve digitalization of biomarkersl in breast cancer tissue with existing diagnostic antibodies for IHC analysis. The method is simple, objective, consistent, comprehensive and suitable for high throughput analysis. We expect this method to be extended to other diagnostic IHCs with existing diagnostic antibodies, and the easy adoption of this method in clinical practice should have instant impact on pathological practice.

Citation Format: Zhang J, Zhang W, Yu G, Tang F, Lv J. Digitalizing immunohistochemistry analysis (IHC) with quantitative dot blot analysis (QDB) by absolute quantification of biomarkers in FFPE specimens [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-14.

Tea consumption and bone health in Chinese adults: a population-based study

Tea is a worldwide drink with controversial effect on bone health. The sex-specific associations are unrevealed among general population. This study showed that prolonged moderate tea consumption benefited bone health in women, while no additional benefit with stronger tea. However, tea consumption was not associated with bone health in men.

INTRODUCTION

Tea consumption has been shown a potentially beneficial effect on bone health in postmenopausal women. However, little is known about such association in men, and whether stronger tea instead harms bone health due to elevated urinary excretion of calcium associated with caffeine in the tea. The aim of this study was to examine the association between various metrics of tea consumption and bone health.

METHODS

The present study included 20,643 participants from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), who have finished both baseline survey (2004-2008) and a re-survey (2013-2014). They were aged 38-86 years at re-survey. Tea consumption was self-reported at both baseline and re-survey. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using calcaneal quantitative ultrasound once at re-survey.

RESULTS

Compared with non-consumers, prolonged weekly tea consumers in women was associated with higher calcaneus BMD measures, with β (95% CI) of 0.98 (0.22, 1.74) for BUA, 4.68 (1.74, 7.61) for SOS, and 1.95 (0.81, 3.10) for SI. Among prolonged weekly tea consumers, no linear increase in BMD measures with the amount of tea leaves added was observed. The SOS and SI were higher in consumers with tea leaves 3.0-5.9 g/day than in those with < 3.0 g/day, but were reduced to non-significant for those with ≥ 6.0 g/day. Tea consumption was not associated with calcaneus BMD measures in men.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged moderate tea consumption benefited bone health in women but not in men. For stronger tea consumption with more tea leaves added, neither benefit nor harm to bone health was observed.

Effect of the acrosome reaction on the efficiency of sperm-mediated DNA transfer

Sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) is based on the ability of spermatozoa to bind exoge- nous DNA and transfer it into oocytes by fertilization. However, SMGT is still undergoing opti- mization to improve its efficiency to produce transgenic animals. The acrosome reaction is neces- sary for spermatozoa to carry the exogenous DNA into oocytes. In this study, the effect of the acrosome reaction on the efficiency of spermatozoa carrying exogenous DNA was evalua- ted. The results showed that the efficiency of the acrosome reaction was significantly higher (p⟨0.05) after incubation with 50 μmol/L progesterone compared to incubation without proges- terone. It was significantly higher (p⟨0.05) in the 20, 40, and 60 min of progesterone treatment groups than in the 0 min treatment group. The spermatozoa were further incubated with cyanine dye Cy5 labeled DNA (Cy5-DNA) for 30 min at 37°C, and positive fluorescence signals were detected after the acrosome reaction was induced by progesterone at concentrations of 0 and 50 μmol/L for 40 min. The percentage of positive Cy5-DNA signals in spermatozoa was 96.61±2.06% and 97.51±2.03% following exposure to 0 and 50 μmol/L progesterone, respective- ly. The percentage of partial spermatozoa heads observed following combination with Cy5-DNA was 39.73±3.03% and 56.88±3.12% following exposure to 0 and 50 μmol/L progesterone, respec- tively. The ratio of positively stained spermatozoa combined with exogenous DNA showed no reduction after the acrosome reaction. These results suggest that the acrosome reaction might not be the key factor affecting the efficiency of SMGT.

Vitamin D deficiency in patients with stages 1 and 2 chronic kidney disease in Southern China

AIM

We aim to investigate the incidence and associated factors of vitamin D deficiency, a seldom reported factor, in patients with stages 1 and 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) in southern China.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center observational study. Hospitalized patients over 14 years old, who were diagnosed with stages 1 and 2 CKD and had their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] measured, were included. Patients were divided into vitamin D deficient and non-deficient groups depending on the cutoff serum 25 (OH) D value of 37 nmol/L. Clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated for associated factors of vitamin D deficiency by logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients were included, of which 62 (52.5%) were vitamin D insufficient and 47 (39.8%) were vitamin D deficient. Using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, high serum level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (OR = 5.163; 95%CI, 1.105-24.130; P = 0.037), dyslipidemia (OR = 3.083; 95%CI, 1.029-9.243; P = 0.044), 24-hour urinary protein excretion (UPE) ≥3.5 g/24 hrs (OR = 5.010; 95%CI, 1.316-19.074; P = 0.018), and treatment with glucocorticoids (OR = 2.973; 95%CI, 1.093-8.084; P = 0.033) were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency. In addition, among different types of nephropathy, minimal change disease (MCD) had the highest incidence (85.7%) of vitamin D deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Poor vitamin D status is common in patients with stages 1 and 2 CKD in southern China. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is 39.8%. High serum GGT level, dyslipidemia, 24-hour UPE ≥3.5 g/24 hrs, and treatment with glucocorticoids are independent associated factors of vitamin D deficiency.

CYP3A4 gene polymorphism is correlated with individual consumption of sufentanil

BACKGROUND

Pain is one of the major adverse clinical outcomes of cesarean section (CS). In the past few years, researchers and physicians have been optimizing post-operative analgesic modalities, but the results are still undesirable for the parturient. The cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4) gene has been reported to contribute significantly to human liver microsomal oxidation of sufentanil and alfentanil.

METHODS

We detected the frequency of CYP3A4 mutant allele, which is associated with the metabolism of diverse drugs, including opioids used for anesthesia. We then investigated the correlation between sufentanil (an opioid analgesic) consumption and CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism.

RESULTS

We found the frequency of the CYP3A4∗1G (the mutant form of CYP3A) variant allele to be 0.279 in 71 parturients undergoing cesarean section and 137 age-matched parturients with vaginal delivery. Interestingly, the parturients with homozygous CYP3A4∗1G showed less sufentanil consumption compared with those having the wild-type genotype.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we found a correlation between CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism and sufentanil consumption. This might be helpful for optimizing the anesthesia strategies and reducing their side effects.

IL-37 inhibits IL-4/IL-13-induced CCL11 production and lung eosinophilia in murine allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

IL-37 is emerging as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, particularly in innate inflammation. However, the role of IL-37 in Th2-mediated allergic lung inflammation remains uncertain. We sought to determine the role and the underlying mechanisms of IL-37 in the development of house dust mites (HDM)-induced murine asthma model.

METHODS

We examined the effect of IL-37 administration during the sensitization or challenge phase on Th2-mediated allergic asthma induced by inhaled HDM. Cellular source of CCL11 and distribution of IL-37 receptors, IL-18Rα and IL-1R8, were determined in HDM-exposed lungs. Finally, we examined the effect of IL-37 on CCL11 production and STAT6 activation in different primary lung structural cell types upon IL-4/IL-13 stimulation.

RESULTS

IL-37 had no effect on HDM sensitization, but when administrated during the challenge phase, significantly attenuated pulmonary eosinophilia, CCL11 production, and airway hyper-reactivity (AHR). Interestingly, IL-37 treatment had no significant effects on lung infiltrating T cells and Th2 cytokine production. Intranasal co-administration of CCL11 reversed the inhibiting effect of IL-37 on HDM-induced pulmonary eosinophilia and AHR. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCL11 was primarily expressed by fibroblasts and airway smooth muscle cells (AMSC), while IL-37 receptors by tracheobronchial epithelial cells (TEC). In vitro study showed that IL-37 inhibited IL-4/IL-13-induced STAT6 activation and CCL11 production by fibroblasts and AMSC, which was dependent on its direct action on TEC. Moreover, cell contact was required for the inhibitory effect of IL-37-treated TEC.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-37 attenuates HDM-induced asthma, possibly by inhibiting IL-4/IL-13-induced CCL11 production by fibroblasts and AMSC via its direct act on TEC.

[Correlation between blood pressure and DNA methylation in adult twins]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the DNA methylation sites correlated with blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure) in adult twin population.

METHODS

A total of 476 twins from the Chinese National Twin Registry were selected as the research population. Questionnaires were used to collect demographic characteristics, lifestyle, disease status and other information, and blood pressure, height, weight and other anthropometric indicators were measured. The genome-wide DNA methylation of whole blood samples was detected by using Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. The DNA methylation sites correlated with blood pressure were analyzed by constructing mixed effect model with adjusting potential confounding factors, and the significant level was false discovery rate <0.05.

RESULTS

After data quality control, 465 twins (122 pairs of monozygotic twins, 104 pairs of dizygotic twins, 13 individuals from 13 pairs of twins) aged (44.8±13.2) years were finally enrolled. There were more males and more monozygotic twins, and the current smokers and current regular drinkers both accounted for more than 30%. No significant CpG site was found after multiple testing in the correlation study between genome-wide DNA methylation and blood pressure by using the collected twins. However, the cg07761116 located on chromosome 10 had low P value in the correlation analysis of 3 blood pressure indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure), suggesting that this site might be correlated with blood pressure. The other 7 sites had low P value in the correlation analysis of the two blood pressure indices, respectively, which pointed to genes involved in neurological development, protein homeostasis, inflammatory reaction and other pathways.

CONCLUSION

There is no sufficient evidence to support any DNA methylation site correlated with blood pressure, which may be caused by insufficient sample size and other reasons. This study could provide a reference for subsequent similar twin studies, and subsequent studies can focus on the cg07761116 located on chromosome 10 and other sites with low P values.

Clinical efficacy of sequential therapy with voriconazole on COPD patients in acute phase with pulmonary aspergillosis and effects on cytokines and pulmonary functions

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical efficacy of sequential therapy with voriconazole on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in acute phase with pulmonary aspergillosis and its effects on cytokines and pulmonary functions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 110 COPD patients in acute phase with pulmonary aspergillosis who were admitted to the hospital between February 2015 and November 2016 were enrolled. We divided them randomly into two groups, i.e., the control group (n = 55) and the treatment group (n = 55). Patients in the control group took itraconazole capsules orally (200 mg/time, twice per day for three days followed by once per day). Patients in treatment group underwent sequential treatment with voriconazole through intravenous infusion at a dose of 5 mg/kg/time twice a day for 3 days followed by a dose of 4 mg/kg/time, twice a day for 8 days. Then, patients took voriconazole orally at a dose of 150 mL/time, twice a day for 6 days. Patients in two groups received the treatment for a total of 14 days. After treatment, we evaluated the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-8. The total lung capacity (TLC), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco), and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), were measured as well.

RESULTS

The total effectiveness rates of the treatment group and the control group were 83.63% and 61.82%. The differences had statistical significance (p < 0.01). After treatment, the incidence of chest pain, cough, sputum-coughing, hemoptysis, cyanosis, and dyspnea in the treatment group was significantly fewer than that in the control group (p < 0.05). TCL, DLco, and SaO2 in the two groups were significantly ameliorated by treatment (p < 0.05). The amelioration in the treatment group was more prominent than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-6 in the two groups were decreased dramatically by the treatments. The decrease in the treatment group was significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Occurrence of adverse reactions in treatment group and control group were 8.33% and 6.25%, respectively; (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sequential therapy with voriconazole exhibits promising clinical efficacy in COPD patients in acute phase with pulmonary aspergillosis. The treatment ameliorated the clinical symptoms and vital signs of patients significantly. It also improved the pulmonary functions and inhibited the inflammatory responses of patients with evident clinical efficacy.

A method for tracing exogenous DNA uptake in live spermatozoa and embryos

Sperm-mediated gene transfer(SMGT) is a simple method for producing transgenic animals. Due to the lack of repeatability in spermatozoa binding and internalization of exogenous DNA, the efficiency of SMGT is still low. Considering this point, the present work aims to develop a method for evaluating the spermatozoa capacity of binding exogenous DNA after co-incubation with DNA. The main approach is using a Cy5-labelled DNA to trace the exogenous DNA and assess the ability of spermatozoa to take up exogenous DNA. Using this technique, we found that the percentage of spermatozoa that are binding and uptaking DNA is higher at concentration of 10 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL than 5 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL and 0 μg/mL after incubation with Cy5-DNA for 30min at 37oC. After fertilization, the DNA fluorescence signal was also detected in zygotes in groups where spermatozoa were incubated with 10 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL of Cy5-DNA. These results showed a simple and convenient method to trace the exogenous DNA in spermatozoa and zygote when compared to conventional methods of labeling DNA during fertilization, resulting in a real-time observation of the exogenous DNA in spermatozoa and zygote.

A novel three-dimensional printed guiding device for electrode implantation of sacral neuromodulation

AIM

The aim was to test the feasibility of a novel three-dimensional (3D) printed guiding device for electrode implantation of sacral neuromodulation (SNM).

METHOD

A 3D printed guiding device for electrode implantation was customized to patients' anatomy of the sacral region. Liquid photopolymer was selected as the printing material. The details of the device designation and prototype building are described. The guiding device was used in two patients who underwent SNM for intractable constipation. Details of the procedure and the outcomes are given.

RESULTS

With the help of the device, the test needle for stimulation was placed in the target sacral foramen successfully at the first attempt of puncture in both patients. The time to implant a tined SNM electrode was less than 20 min and no complications were observed. At the end of the screening phase, symptoms of constipation were relieved by more than 50% in both patients and permanent stimulation was established.

CONCLUSION

The customized 3D printed guiding device for implantation of SNM is a promising instrument that facilitates a precise and quick implantation of the electrode into the target sacral foramen.

Heme oxygenase-1 directly binds STAT3 to control the generation of pathogenic Th17 cells during neutrophilic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

Specific JAK/STAT pathways play a critical role in the functional differentiation of distinct Th subsets. Previously, we showed that HO-1, a stress-inducible protein, inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and alleviates neutrophilic airway inflammation, but the responsible molecular basis remains unclear.

METHODS

We employed Th17-skewing differentiation and NEA mouse models to study the role of HO-1 in regulating IL-6-STAT3-RORγt/SOCS3 signaling pathway to control Th17 cell-mediated neutrophilic airway inflammation. The levels of cytokines and expressions of relative signaling molecules were measured by ELISA, western blot, and qPCR, respectively. Frequency of CD4⁺ IL-17A⁺ , CD4⁺ IL-6R⁺ , and CD4⁺ IL-23R⁺ cells was analyzed by FCM. The interaction between HO-1 and signaling pathway-related proteins was determined by co-immunoprecipitation and western blot.

RESULTS

Here, we show that hemin-induced HO-1 overexpression is required to mediate this process. Specifically, HO-1 decreased STAT3 phosphorylation but not IL-6R/IL-23R expression or JAK1/JAK2 activation in CD4⁺ T cells. The effect was accompanied by co-inhibition of SOCS3, a negative feedback factor of STAT3 activation. HO-1 bound to three domains on STAT3 (DNA-binding, linker, and transactivation domains) to directly regulate STAT3 activation. Conversely, either forced expression of a constitutively active STAT3 mutant or application of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) for HO-1 reversed these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that HO-1 exerts its inhibitory effect on Th17 cell differentiation by directly associating and blocking STAT3 phosphorylation. We speculate that hemin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of other types of immune and pulmonary inflammatory-related diseases.

Risk factors for predicting central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (CN0): a study of 273 resections

OBJECTIVE

The role of routine central lymph node dissection (CLND) for clinically central lymph node negative (CN0) papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remains uncertain. We aim to determine the predictive factors for central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 273 patients diagnosed with clinically central lymph node negative PTMC from 2014 to 2016 were included. The predictive risk factors for CLNM were analyzed with respect to age, sex, tumor size, tumor multifocal, lymphadenectasis of lateral neck, capsular invasion, extra capsular spread (ECS), coexistence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis, HT) and nodular goiter (NG), BRAFV600E mutation and subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for CLNM.

RESULTS

Among the 273 patients, the CLNM occurred in 80 patients (29.3%). By univariate and multivariate analyses, tumor size (OR 2.07; p<0.001), multifocal (OR 2.67; p<0.004), lymphadenectasis of lateral neck (OR 9.28; p<0.001), tumor extent (OR 42.01; p<0.001) were independently correlated with CLNM. In further study, dorsal part of solitary lesion (OR: 16.312, 95%CI: 3.349-79.455, p=0.001), capsular invasion (OR: 42.012, 95% CI: 5.209-338.861, p<0.001), 6<D≤9 (OR: 8.400, 95% CI: 1.866-37.807, p=0.006) and D=1 (OR: 11.455, 95% CI: 2.500-52.480, p=0.002) were more tended to have CLNM.

CONCLUSIONS

A prophylactic central lymph node dissection should be considered particularly to PTMC patients with each of tumor size > 6 mm, dorsal part of solitary lesion, multifocal, lymphadenectasis of lateral neck and capsular invasion.

Birthweight and cardiometabolic risk patterns in multiracial children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Prenatal growth, which is widely marked by birthweight, may have a pivotal role in affecting the lifelong risk of cardiometabolic disorders; however, comprehensive evaluation of its relations with childhood cardiometabolic risk patterns and the ethnic and gender disparities in national representative populations is still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between birthweight and comprehensive patterns of cardiometabolic risk in a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Prospective analyses were performed using data from 28 153 children 0 to 15 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 through 2014. We defined childhood cardiometabolic disorders using standard definitions for obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

Five birthweight categories <2.5, 2.5-3.0, 3.0-3.5, 3.5-4.2 and ⩾4.2 kg accounted for 8.2%, 17.9%, 35.7%, 27.9% and 10.4% of the population, respectively. In all children, with increasing birthweight, we observed significantly increasing trends of the risk of general and central obesity (P for trend <0.01) and significantly decreasing trends of the risk of high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high HbA1c and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P for trend <0.05). The associations were independent of current body mass index (BMI). In addition, we found that the relations of birthweight with high waist circumference in Black children showed U-shape, as well as high SBP in Mexican and Hispanic children. Moreover, we found that the associations of low birthweight with high SBP and low HDL-C appeared to more prominent significant in boys, whereas the inverse association with high HbA1c was more evident in girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that birthweight is significantly related to childhood cardiometabolic risk, independent of current BMI, and the associations exhibit race and gender-specific patterns.

Discovery of a novel HLA-B*07 variant, HLA-B*07:294, in a Chinese individual

The novel HLA-B*07:294 allele differs from the closest matching allele, HLA-B*07:02:01 by 1 nucleotide substitution.

Etoposide and cisplatin versus paclitaxel and carboplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter randomized phase III trial

Background

The optimal chemotherapy regimen administered currently with radiation in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. A multicenter phase III trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of concurrent thoracic radiation therapy with either etoposide/cisplatin (EP) or carboplatin/paclitaxel (PC) in patients with stage III NSCLC.

Patients and methods

Patients were randomly received 60-66 Gy of thoracic radiation therapy concurrent with either etoposide 50 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 4 weeks for two cycles (EP arm), or paclitaxel 45 mg/m2 and carboplatin (AUC 2) on day 1 weekly (PC arm). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). The study was designed with 80% power to detect a 17% superiority in 3-year OS with a type I error rate of 0.05.

Results

A total of 200 patients were randomized and 191 patients were treated (95 in the EP arm and 96 in the PC arm). With a median follow-up time of 73 months, the 3-year OS was significantly higher in the EP arm than that of the PC arm. The estimated difference was 15.0% (95% CI 2.0%-28.0%) and P value of 0.024. Median survival times were 23.3 months in the EP arm and 20.7 months in the PC arm (log-rank test P = 0.095, HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.55-1.05). The incidence of Grade ≥2 radiation pneumonitis was higher in the PC arm (33.3% versus 18.9%, P = 0.036), while the incidence of Grade ≥3 esophagitis was higher in the EP arm (20.0% versus 6.3%, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

EP might be superior to weekly PC in terms of OS in the setting of concurrent chemoradiation for unresectable stage III NSCLC.

Trial registration ID

NCT01494558.

Low copy numbers of FCGR3A and FCGR3B associated with Chinese patients with SLE and AASV

Low-affinity Fcγ receptors (FcγR) act as key mediators of the pathogenic effects of autoantibodies. In this study, we aimed to determine whether copy number variations (CNVs) in FCGR3A and FCGR3B were associated with systemic lupus nephritis (SLE) and ANCA-associated systemic vasculitis (AASV) in Chinese individuals. A total of 1118 individuals were enrolled, including 415 SLE patients, 139 AASV patients, and 564 healthy controls. FCGR3A and FCGR3B copy numbers (CNs) were determined by both a paralogue ratio test and TaqMan quantitative PCR assay. In the susceptibility associations, a low FCGR3B CN was significantly associated with SLE ( p = 5.01 × 10^-3; odds ratio (OR) 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-2.48) and AASV ( p = 0.04; OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.02-2.88). A low FCGR3A CN was also significantly associated with SLE ( p = 6.02 × 10^-3; OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.30-5.71) and AASV ( p = 0.042; OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.00-6.93). Further subphenotype analysis revealed that low CNs of FCGR3A and FCGR3B were significantly associated with clinical manifestations in SLE and AASV patients. Therefore, in this case-control study, we identified low CNs of FCGR2A and FCGR3B to be common risk factors for SLE and AASV.

Abstract P3-03-14: ERα propelled drug-resistance-facilitating global DNA hypermethylation by promoting the DNMT1 gene expression

This abstract was not presented at the symposium.

Inhibitory effects of miR-101 overexpression on cervical cancer SiHa cells

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

microRNAs (miRNAs), which can regulate cell biological behaviors such as proliferation and apoptosis as oncogenes or anti-oncogenes, are closely associated with cancer onset and progression. The aim of this study was to detect the expres- sion changes of miR-101 in cervical cancer tissues and the effects on the biological functions of cervical cancer SiHa cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Through transient transfection of SiHa cells with mature miR-101 sequences, the effects on apoptosis, proliferation, and cell cycle were evaluated by real-time PCR, CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Significantly less miR-101 was expressed in cervical cancer tissues than that in normal cervical tissues. miR-101 was overexpressed in SiHa cells through transient transfection of miR-101 mimics. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry showed that miR-101 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, pro- moted apoptosis, and arrested them in the G(l)/S phase. Real-time PCR exhibited that Mcl-i and c-Fos mRNA expressions significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION

miR-101 significantly reduced the viability of SiHa cells as a potential anti-oncogene.

[Analysis of the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Pittsburgh sleep quality index among medical college students]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) among the medical students.

METHODS

A total of 603 undergraduate students were selected from a medical school in Beijing using a stratified-cluster random-sampling strategy, who were assessed by using the Chinese version of PSQI. Then 171 subjects were randomly selected to retest about 1 month later, using a variety of psychometric properties to evaluate reliability and validity of the scale.

RESULTS

The average of global PSQI scores was 5.38±2.34, the overall Cronbach's α coefficient of all the scale items was 0.734, the half-split reliability coefficient was 0.655; the test-retest correlation coefficient was 0.530 for global PSQI score, and there was no statistically significant difference before and after (P>0.05). As for the construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the two factor model (containing sleep efficiency factor and sleep quality factor) was the optimal model (goodness-of-fit index 0.949, root of the mean square residual 0.083, comparative fit index 0.699), and the factor loading for "hypnotic drug use" was the lowest. Using subjective sleep quality of the students as the criteria, the global PSQI score was statistically different between the criteria-based groups (P<0.001). And the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve which was plotted using the global score of PSQI was 0.908 (95%CI: 0.880-0.936).

CONCLUSION

The Chinese version of PSQI has been verified, having good reliability and validity among the medical students, and is an effective tool to investigate and screen the sleep quality of medical students in China.

[Major depressive disorder in relation with coronary heart disease and stroke in Chinese adults aged 30-79 years]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations of major depressive disorder with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in Chinese adults aged 30-79 years.

METHODS

In 2004-2008, China Kadoorie Biobank was conducted in 10 geographically defined regions (5 urban and 5 rural) of China. A total number of 512 891 participants aged 30-79 years were recruited in the baseline survey. A laptop-based electronic questionnaire was administrated face-to-face by trained health workers, collecting the general demographic and socio-economic status, dietary and other lifestyle behaviours (e.g. smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity), medical history and family history of common chronic diseases. Major depressive episodes (MDE) in the past 12 months were assessed with the World Health Organization composite international diagnostic interview-short form (CIDI-SF). The physical measurements included the heights and weights, which were used to calculate the body mass indexes (BMI).Chi squared and t test were used to compare the differences in participants characteristics according to their major depressive disorder. Logistic models were employed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI of their major depressive disorder with prevalent coronary heart disease and stroke.

RESULTS

Among the 512 891 participants, 3 281 (0.6%) showed an MDE in the preceding 12 months, 15 472 (3.0%) reported prevalent CHD, and 8 884 (1.7%) reported prevalent stroke. Major depressive disorder was significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD and risk of stroke. Age- and gender-adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 1.80 (1.53-2.12) for CHD and 2.53 (2.09-3.05) for stroke. The associations were significant after further adjustment for potential confounders, such as other socio-demographic status, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, and BMI, prevalent hypertension, diabetes as well as family history of cardiovascular diseases (OR=1.83, 95% CI=1.54-2.18 for CHD; OR=2.19, 95% CI=1.79-2.69 for stroke). Moreover, gender significantly interacted with MDE on prevalent stroke (P for multiplicative interaction=0.013). The men with an MDE in the past 12 months had the highest risk of stroke in the joint analyses of gender and depression disorder (OR=5.02, 95% CI=3.70-6.82).

CONCLUSION

The findings from this large cross-sectional study suggest that the presence of MDE is a risk factor for both CHD and stroke in Chinese adults aged 30-79 years, but further prospective studies are warranted to validate the results.

The emerging role of Toll-like receptor 4 in myocardial inflammation

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors involved in cardiovascular diseases. Notably, numerous studies have demonstrated that TLR4 activates the expression of several of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes that play pivotal roles in myocardial inflammation, particularly myocarditis, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure. In addition, TLR4 is an emerging target for anti-inflammatory therapies. Given the significance of TLR4, it would be useful to summarize the current literature on the molecular mechanisms and roles of TLR4 in myocardial inflammation. Thus, in this review, we first introduce the basic knowledge of the TLR4 gene and describe the activation and signaling pathways of TLR4 in myocardial inflammation. Moreover, we highlight the recent progress of research on the involvement of TLR4 in myocardial inflammation. The information reviewed here may be useful to further experimental research and to increase the potential of TLR4 as a therapeutic target.

Improvement of high-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridisation mapping on chromosomes of Brassica oleracea var. capitata

The low resolution of chromosome-based Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) mapping is primarily due to the structure of the plant cell wall and cytoplasm and the compactness of regular chromosomes, which represent a significant obstacle to FISH. In order to improve spatial resolution and signal detection sensitivity, we provide a reproducible method to generate high-quality extended chromosomes that are ~13 times as long as their pachytene counterparts. We demonstrate that proteinase K used in this procedure is crucial for stretching pachytene chromosomes of Brassica oleracea in the context of a modified Carnoy's II fixative (6:1:3, ethanol:chloroform:acetic acid). The quality of super-stretched chromosomes was assessed in several FISH experiments. FISH signals from both repetitive 5S rDNA and single-copy ARC1 on super-stretched chromosomes are brighter than those on other different types of chromosome due to enhanced accessibility to targets on stretched pachytene chromosomes. In conclusion, the resulting extended chromosomes are suitable for FISH mapping for repetitive DNA sequences and the localisation of a single-copy locus, and FISH performed on super-stretched chromosomes can achieve significantly higher sensitivity and spatial resolution than other chromosome-based FISH mapping techniques.