Characteristics of brain connectivity during verbal fluency test: Convolutional neural network for functional near-infrared spectroscopy analysis

Human connectome describes the complicated connection matrix of nervous system among human brain. It also possesses high potential of assisting doctors to monitor the brain injuries and recoveries in patients. In order to unravel the enigma of neuron connections and functions, previous research has strived to dig out the relations between neurons and brain regions. Verbal fluency test (VFT) is a general neuropsychological test, which has been used in functional connectivity investigations. In this study, we employed convolutional neural network (CNN) on a brain hemoglobin concentration changes (ΔHB) map obtained during VFT to investigate the connections of activated brain areas and different mental status. Our results show that feature of functional connectivity can be identified accurately with the employment of CNN on ΔHB mapping, which is beneficial to improve the understanding of brain functional connections.

[Epidemiological characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases in Tianjin]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of imported COVID-19 cases in Tianjin, and provide references for risk assessment and control of imported COVID-19 cases. Methods: The information of imported COVID-19 cases were obtained from National Notifiable Disease Report System of China CDC. The data of imported COVID-19 cases reported from Tianjin airport and epidemiological surveys by CDCs at all levels from March 15, 2020 to August 31, 2021 were collected and analyzed by using software Excel 2010, SPSS 25.0 and R. Results: From March 15, 2020 to August 31, 2021, a total of 606 imported cases of COVID-19 were reported in Tianjin, in which 552 cases were finally included in the analysis. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1.8∶1, the age of the cases ranged from 3 to 77 years, and the cases were mainly reported in age group 20-39 years (59.8%). The areas where the imported case sojourned within 14 days included Europe (242 cases, 43.8%), Africa (139 cases, 25.2%), Americas (85 cases, 15.4%) and Asia (86 cases, 15.6%). The proportion of confirmed cases in autumn and winter was relatively high. During the study period, the proportion of infected persons found in custom entry quarantine decreased, and the proportion of persons with personal health declaration and under medical isolation observation increased. The interval between entry and diagnosis of infected persons tended to increase. Conclusion: The proportion of imported COVID-19 cases detected on the first day of entry at Tianjin airport decreased, and the interval to detect the infected persons trended to increase, to which close attention must be paid.

Glutaredoxins regulate maize inflorescence meristem development via redox control of TGA transcriptional activity

Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small oxidoreductases that can modify target protein activities through control of the redox (reduction/oxidation) state by reducing or glutathionylating disulfide bridges. Although CC-type GRXs are plant specific and play important roles in many processes, the mechanisms by which they modulate the activity of target proteins in vivo are unknown. In this study, we show that a maize CC-type GRX, MALE STERILE CONVERTED ANTHER1 (MSCA1), acts redundantly with two paralogues, ZmGRX2 and ZmGRX5, to modify the redox state and the activity of its putative target, the TGA transcription factor FASCIATED EAR4 (FEA4) that acts as a negative regulator of inflorescence meristem development. We used CRISPR-Cas9 to create a GRX triple knockout, resulting in severe suppression of meristem, ear and tassel growth and reduced plant height. We further show that GRXs regulate the redox state, DNA accessibility and transcriptional activities of FEA4, which acts downstream of MSCA1 and its paralogues to control inflorescence development. Our findings reveal the function of GRXs in meristem development, and also provide direct evidence for GRX-mediated redox modification of target proteins in plants.

Research Note: Effect of dietary cottonseed meal and soybean oil concentration on digesta passage time and amino acids digestibility in roosters

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of dietary cottonseed meal (CM) and soybean oil (SO) on passage time of digesta and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA). The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement evaluating the levels of CM (20 or 40 %) and SO (0 or 10 %). Experiment 1 estimated the effect of CM and SO on the passage time of digesta. Twenty-five Chinese yellow-feathered roosters (BW = 2.61 ± 0.08 kg; 26-wk-old) were individually weighed and allocated to 5 diets in 5 randomized complete blocks by initial BW. Experimental diet 1 contained 20% CM and 0 SO, diet 2 contained 20% CM and 10% SO, diet 3 contained 40% CM and 0% SO, diet 4 contained 40% CM and 10% SO, and a nitrogen-free diet was also fed. Passage time through the total digestive tract was determined by time-relative cumulation of dry excreta. Experiment 2 estimated the effect of CM and SO on SID of AA in CM. Thirty Chinese yellow-feathered roosters (BW = 2.91 ± 0.05 kg; 26-wk-old) were allocated to the 5 experimental diets in 6 randomized complete blocks by initial BW to determine the SID of AA. Increasing CM concentration significantly reduced the time for 50% relative cumulation of dry excreta (P < 0.05). Adding 10% SO tended to increase the time for 50% relative cumulation of dry excreta (0.05 < P < 0.10) relative to diets without SO. Dietary CM and SO did not affect the SID of indispensable AA or dispensable AA of CM significantly, but increasing dietary CM tended to reduce the SID of Lys (0.05 < P < 0.10). Increasing SO tended to reduce the SID of Met (0.05 < P < 0.10). There were no significant interactive effects of SO and CM (P > 0.10). These results suggest passage time is increased with dietary SO, and reduced with dietary CM, but digestibility of AA in CM was not significantly affected by dietary CM and SO.

[Investigation of epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors on dust-exposed working age of pneumoconiosis cases in a city]

Objective: To investigate epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors on dust-exposed working years of pneumoconiosis cases in Yantai. Methods: In January 2020, By Cluster sampling way, Using descriptive statistics to analyze dust-exposed working years of the reported 3307 new cases of pneumoconiosis from 2009 to 2019 in Yantai. Analyzing the variation trends by the chi-square trend test. Analyzing single fator by chi-square test. Using multiple classification Logistic Regression analysis to analyze multiple influencing factors. Results: The dust-exposed working age of pneumoconiosis cases decreased by years (P<0.05) . The starting age of dust exposure of cases increased year by year, while positively correlated with the dust-exposed working age (r=-0.217, P<0.05) . The years of dust exposure, starting age of dust exposure, industry, type of economy and scale of enterprise were main influence factors on the dust-exposed working age of pneumoconiosis cases. Conclusion: We should strengthen the management on prevention and control condition of pneumoconiosis in metal smelting and processing industry and privately-owned, small and micro enterprises, and pay attention to workers starting exposed to dust in the age of ≥28 years old.

Deletion of prominin-1 in mice results in disrupted photoreceptor outer segment protein homeostasis

AIM

To illustrate the underlying mechanism how prominin-1 (also known as Prom1) mutation contribute to progressive photoreceptor degeneration.

METHODS

A CRISPR-mediated Prom1 knockout (Prom1-KO) mice model in the C57BL/6 was generated and the photoreceptor degeneration phenotypes by means of structural and functional tests were demonstrated. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis were performed to reveal the localization and quantity of related outer segment (OS) proteins.

RESULTS

The Prom1-KO mice developed the photoreceptor degeneration phenotype including the decreased outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and compromised electroretinogram amplitude. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed impaired trafficking of photoreceptor OS proteins. Immunoblot data demonstrated decreased photoreceptor OS proteins.

CONCLUSION

Prom1 deprivation causes progressive photoreceptor degeneration. Prom1 is essential for maintaining normal trafficking and normal quantity of photoreceptor OS proteins. The new light is shed on the pathogenic mechanism underlying photoreceptor degeneration caused by Prom1 mutation.

[Analysis on the proportion of men who have sex with men and related factors among male over 15 years old in Kunming]

Objectives: To investigate the proportion of MSM among males over 15 years old and analyze its related factors to provide a reference for estimation of MSM size. Methods: Using cross-sectional survey design, multi-stage sampling method, and street interception survey method, a survey was conducted on males over 15 years old in Kunming from October to December 2019, with an estimated sample size of 9 908. Results: Totally, 10 707 males were recruited from 30 sites in 5 counties, and 10 283 were effectively surveyed with a response rate of 96.0%. Respondents aged 16 to 40 accounted for 75.3% (7 748), senior high school or above 71.1% (7 312), and unmarried 49.8% (5 121). The proportion of homosexual behavior in the past half-year was 1.06% (95%CI: 0.86%-1.26%), and the age-adjusted rate was 0.97% (95%CI: 0.78%-1.16%). And multivariate logistic regression showed the associated factors for homosexual behavior as following: proportion of main urban area was 2.217 times (95%CI:1.004-4.895) that of the outer suburbs, registered residence outside Kunming was 0.421 times (95%CI:0.260-0.682) that of in Kunming, having been in Kunming ≤6 months was 2.282 times (95%CI:1.262-4.126) that of >6 months, senior middle school or above was 0.336 times (95%CI:0.228-0.495) that of junior middle school and below, and being married was 0.462 times (95%CI:0.303-0.705) that of unmarried. Conclusions: The proportion of over 15-year-old males who have recently practiced male-male behavior was close to 1.00% in Kunming. The relevant factors included survey areas with a permanent residency of Kumming, short-time residency, education level, and marital status. This study obtained the data and related factors, which provided a reference for estimating MSM size in Yunnan province.

Store-operated Calcium Entry-associated Regulatory Factor Regulates Airway Inflammation and Airway Remodeling in Asthma Mice Models

BACKGROUND

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is involved in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. Store-operated calcium entry-associated regulatory factor (SARAF) can down-regulate SOCE.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the role of SARAF in the regulation of airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma mice models, as well as in the functional regulation of human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs).

METHODS

Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin to establish the asthma mice models. Mice were transfected with lentivirus, which expressed the SARAF gene + GFP or the negative control gene + GFP. Airway resistance was measured with the animal pulmonary function system. Airway inflammation and remodeling were evaluated via histological staining. In vitro cultured hASMCs were transfected with scrambled small interfering RNA(siRNA) or SARAF-specific siRNA respecitvely. The proliferation, migration rate, hypertrophy and SOCE activity of hASMCs were examined with cell counting kit 8, wound healing test, bright field imaging and Ca²⁺ fluorescence imaging, respectively. SARAF expression was measured by quantitative real-time-PCR.

RESULTS

Asthma mice models showed decreased SARAF mRNA expression in the lungs. SARAF overexpression attenuated airway inflammation, resistance and also remodeling. Downregulation of SARAF expression with siRNA promoted the proliferation, migration, hypertrophy and SOCE activity in hASMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

SARAF plays a protective role against airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma mice models by blunting SOCE; SARAF may also be a functional regulating factor of hASMCs.

Application of random sample consensus method for parameter estimation of reflectometry density profile in toroidal plasma

Microwave reflectometry diagnostics have been widely used to measure density profiles in fusion plasma. However, the high sensitivity of the diagnostics to plasma turbulence often results in large radial deviations in the edge density profile and causes difficulty in profile evaluation. To improve the performance of profile evaluation, a modified RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC) method has been applied to fit the density profiles measured by reflectometry on the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak. Compared with the traditional least-squares method, the modified RANSAC method is much more efficient and robust in fitting the experimental profiles. Furthermore, a combination of RANSAC and a genetic algorithm (GA-RANSAC) is used to further optimize the profile evaluation procedure. The results show that this GA-RANSAC method yields better performance and stabler convergence than the modified RANSAC alone.

Rhizospheric pore-water content predicts the biochar-attenuated accumulation, translocation, and toxicity of cadmium to lettuce

Metal bioavailability controls its behaviors in soil-plant system, especially involved in biochar amendment. This study compared a rhizospheric pore-water extraction against a BCR sequential extraction method to understand cadmium (Cd) bioavailability in two typical Chinese soils. Soils were spiked with five levels of Cd (CdCl2) and remediated with 3% corn-straw derived biochar. After 60 days of lettuce growth, Cd accumulation and enzyme activities in tissues were analyzed. Results showed that biochar increased soil properties (pH, CEC and SOM) compared to un-amended soils, but decreased contents of bioavailable Cd in soil pore-water (Cdpore-water) and BCR extracted Cd (CdFi+Fii). Contents of Cdpore-water were lower in yellow-brown soils than that in red soils. Pearson analysis showed that bioavailable Cd is negatively correlated with soil pH and CEC (p < 0.05). Cd accumulation in lettuce roots and leaves both were decreased by biochar addition, and the established linear equations proved that soil Cdpore-water is the best predictor for Cd accumulation in lettuce roots (r2 = 0.964) and in leaves (r2 = 0.953), followed by CdFi+Fii. Transfer factor (TF) values of Cd from roots to leaves were lower than 1, and slightly better correlated with soil Cdpore-water (r = -0.674, p < 0.01) than CdFi+Fii (r = -0.615, p < 0.01). Aggregated boosted tree (ABT) analyses indicated that soil properties together with Cdpore-water contribute more than 50% to root enzyme activities. Collectively, soil Cdpore-water is a promising predictor of Cd bioavailability, accumulation and toxicity in soil-plant system with biochar addition.

[Analysis on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats loci polymorphism of Yersinia pestis and its area distribution in Gansu province]

Objective: To study the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) loci polymorphism of Yersinia pestis and its area distribution in Gansu province. Methods: A total of 203 strains of Yersinia pestis isolated from 1962 to 2014 were selected for the culture and extraction of DNA. Three pairs of CRISPR primers were used to amplify the strain DNA by PCR, and the PCR products were sequenced. The groups and genotypes of strains were determined according to the spacer and spacer arrangement of CRISPR loci in the strain. Cluster analysis was done by using the software BioNumerics 5.10. Results: A total of 16 spacers, including 9 species of YPa loci, 4 species of YPb loci and 3 species of YPc loci, were found in the 203 strains of Yersinia pestis. A new spacer of a1' was found. The 203 strains were divided into 5 CRISPR genotypes and classified into 5 CRISPR clusters (Cb2, Ca7, Ca7', CaΔ5' and Ca35'). Each cluster showed significant area-specific characteristics, Cb2 was mainly distributed in Huining country and Pingchuan district, Ca7 was mainly found in Aksai Kazak autonomous country, Ca7' was mainly found in Xiahe country, Ca35' was mainly found in Subei Mongolia autonomous county and Yumen city and CaΔ5' was mainly distributed in Sunan Yugur autonomous county. Conclusions: The strains from different plague foci in Gansu were distinguished by CRISPR, all kinds of clusters showed the obvious area specific characteristics. It is important to study the evolution of Yersinia pestis in Gansu and trace the molecular biology origin of human plague.

[Nutritional risk screening and related factors of cancer patients in community of Shanghai, 2018-2019]

Objective: To study the risk of malnutrition and related factors of cancer patients in community of Shanghai. Methods: From October 2018 to January 2019, four communities, Pengpu New Village Street, Pengpu Town, Jiangning Road Street, and Caojiadu Street, from 14 communities in Jing 'an District, Shanghai City, were selected by using a random cluster sampling method based on the Shanghai Cancer Registration and reporting system. All cases of malignant tumors and benign tumors of the central nervous system were included. A total of 4 396 questionnaires were distributed. After the exclusion of 9 invalid questionnaires, 3 310 valid questionnaires were included with a rate of 99.73%. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data including basic demographic characteristics, history of malignant, physical and psychological pain, nutritional demands and cognitive status. Malnutrition Universal Screening Tools (MUST) was used to analyze the nutritional risk of cancer patients in the community. Multivariate logistic regression model was applied to analyze potential factors. Results: Among the 3 310 cancer patients who completed the survey, the average age of study participants was (64.05±13.02), and 1 467 cases (44.32%) were males. The incidence rate of nutritional risk was 12.84% (425/3 310). The result of logistic regression analysis showed that compared with male, other cancer patients and no physical pain, the risk factors of the occurrence of nutritional included: female (OR=1.53,95%CI:1.23-1.92), head and neck malignant tumors (OR=1.42,95%CI:1.07-1.90), bronchus/lung malignant tumors (OR=1.93,95%CI:1.43-2.61), liver, biliary/pancreatic malignant tumors (OR=2.11,95%CI:1.21-3.65) and upper gastrointestinal malignant tumors (OR=6.04,95%CI:4.31-8.46), patients with physical pain (OR=1.39,95%CI:1.02-1.89). Conclusion: Nutritional risk of cancer patients is higher in community of Shanghai. Gender, location of tumors and physical pain are associated with the occurrence of nutritional risk.

[The Clinical Value of PNI in Assessing the Prognosis of Small Cell Lung Cancer]

Objective

To evaluate the clinical value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in assessing the prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients.

Methods

The clinical data of SCLC patients who were initial diagnosed by pathology and conformed to the conditions of this study from January 2017 to January 2018 were retrospectively collected. The PNI values were calculated and divided into high PNI and low PNI groups according to the median value. The potential prognostic factors for SCLC patients were analyzed.

Results

One hundred and five patients were divided into high-PNI and low-PNI groups according to the PNI median (48.68). The median survival time was 25.1 months and 14.2 months respectively. The one-year survival rates were 82.5% and 65.3% respectively and the two-year survival rates were 49.7% and 28.4% respectively, the differences were all statistically significant ( P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that gender, ECOG PS score, clinical stage and PNI were correlated with overall survival (OS) ( P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that PNI (odds ratio ( OR)=0.331，95% confidence interval: 0.189-0.580) and gender ( OR=1.897，95% confidence interval: 1.051-3.423) were independent prognostic factors for SCLC patients.

Conclusion

Low PNI patients generally symbolize poor prognosis, PNI calculation is simple and easy to obtain, worthy of clinical promotion.

LncRNA MALAT1 Promotes Survival of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells by Downregulating miR-145-5p

Purpose

This paper was aimed at investigating the regulatory mechanism of long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Materials and Methods

MALAT1 and miR-145-5p expression in the tissues, serum, and EOC cell lines (TOV-112D, TOV-21G) of patients with EOC were detected. The two genes were transfected into the cells via upregulating or downregulating their expression. Levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2) were analyzed. Mechanisms of cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were studied.

Results

MALAT1 was high expressed in EOC tissues, while miR-145-5p was poorly expressed in them. The areas under the curves (AUCs) of the two genes for diagnosing EOC were greater than 0.850, and the two had a significantly negative correlation. According to multivariate Cox regression analysis, high MALAT1 expression, tumor size, degree of differentiation, case staging, and lymph node metastasis were the independent risk factors affecting prognosis. The 5-year overall survival rate (OSR) of patients with low MALAT1 expression was remarkably higher than that of those with high expression. Overexpressing miR-145-5p and silencing MALAT1 could inhibit EOC cells from proliferating and invading, increase their apoptotic rate, and improve levels of the apoptosis-related proteins. After co-transfection with MALAT1-inhibitor + miR-145-5p-inhibitor, the proliferation and invasion of TOV-112D and TOV-21G cells were inhibited and the apoptotic rate rose more obviously. Inhibiting MALAT1 could increase miR-145-5p expression, thus inhibiting EOC cells from proliferating and invading and thereby increasing their apoptotic rate.

Conclusion

MALAT1 promotes EOC cells’ survival by downregulating miR-145-5p so it may become a new direction for EOC diagnosis and gene therapy.

[Analysis of the clinicopathologic features as well as diagnosis and treatment of 59 patients with Castleman disease]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features, treatment, and prognosis in patients with Castleman disease (CD) . Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic data of 59 patients for whom a diagnosis of Castleman disease was confirmed using pathological examination from October 2011 to October 2019 at the Henan Cancer Hospital. The patients were divided into the following two groups as per the following clinical classifications: unicentric CD (UCD, n=47) and multicentric CD (MCD, n=12) . Data on clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in the median age and the ratio of male to female between the UCD and MCD. UCD was characterized by asymptomatic enlargement of the single lymph node. The main pathological type was hyaline vascular histopathology (83.0%) . Of these, 44 patients chose surgical resection, and their prognosis was good. Treatment. MCD was characterized by multiple enlarged superficial and/or deep lymph nodes with B symptoms, weakness, and hepatosplenomegaly. Anemia, hypoproteinemia, and globulin level were increased on laboratory examinations. Plasmacyte histopathology was the main pathological type and was present in about 50.0% of the subjects. Only chemotherapy was performed for these MCD patients, followed by chemotherapy or chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, and the efficient was 58.3% (7/12) . Conclusions: UCD, characterized by asymptomatic enlargement of the single lymph node, shows good postoperative prognosis. MCD has relatively complex clinical manifestations and poor prognosis, and optimal treatment is yet to be established.

Changing trends of clinicopathologic features and survival duration after surgery for gastric cancer in Northeast China

BACKGROUND

Through analyzing the data from a single institution in Northeast China, this study revealed the possible clinicopathologic characteristics that influence the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC).

AIM

To evaluate the changing trends of clinicopathologic features and survival duration after surgery in patients with GC in Northeast China, which is a high-prevalence area of GC.

METHODS

The study analyzed the difference in clinicopathologic features and survival duration after surgery of 5887 patients who were histologically diagnosed with GC at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital. The study mainly analyzed the data in three periods, 2000 to 2004 (Phase 1), 2005 to 2009 (Phase 2), and 2010 to 2014 (Phase 3).

RESULTS

Over time, the postoperative survival rate significantly increased from 2000 to 2014. In the past 15 years, compared with Phases 1 and 2, the tumor size was smaller in Phase 3 (P < 0.001), but the proportion of high-medium differentiated tumors increased (P < 0.001). The proportion of early GC gradually increased from 3.9% to 14.4% (P < 0.001). A surprising improvement was observed in the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes, ranging from 11.4 to 27.5 (P < 0.001). The overall 5-year survival rate increased from 24% in Phase 1 to 43.8% in Phase 3. Through multivariate analysis, it was found that age, tumor size, histologic type, tumor-node-metastasis stage, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, surgical approach, local infiltration, radical extent, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and age group were independent risk factors that influenced the prognosis of patients with GC.

CONCLUSION

The clinical features of GC in Northeast China changed during the observation period. The increasing detection of early GC and more standardized surgical treatment effectively prolonged lifetimes.

Optimization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy using near-infrared spectroscopy to assess changes in peripheral circulation: A pilot study

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been proposed as a noninvasive modality for detecting complications in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and it can simultaneously reveal the global circulatory status of these patients. We optimized ECMO therapy on the basis of real-time peripheral NIRS probing. Three patients underwent venoarterial (VA) ECMO and one patient underwent venovenous (VV) ECMO. All patients received peripheral ECMO cannulation with routine distal perfusion catheter placement. We designed an experimental protocol to adjust ECMO blood flow over 1 hour. Hemodynamic responses were measured using NIRS devices attached to the calf at approximately 60% of the distance from the ankle to the knee. HbO₂ levels change substantially with adjustments in ECMO flow, and they are more sensitive than HHb levels and the tissue saturation index (TSI) are. NIRS for optimizing ECMO therapy may be reliable for monitoring global circulatory status.

Prognostic significance of Borrmann type combined with vessel invasion status in advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Borrmann classification (types I-IV) for the detection of advanced gastric cancer has been accepted worldwide, and lymphatic and/or blood vessel invasion (LBVI) status is related to the poor prognosis after gastric cancer.

AIM

To evaluate the significance of Borrmann type combined with LBVI status in predicting the prognosis of advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied the clinicopathological characteristics and long-term survival data of 2604 patients who were diagnosed with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2009 to December 2013. Categorical variables were evaluated by the Pearson’s χ² test, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to identify differences in cumulative survival rates, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2604 patients were included in this study. The presence of LVBI [LBVI (+)] and Borrmann type (P = 0.001), tumor location (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), histological type (P < 0.001), tumor invasion depth (P < 0.001), number of metastatic lymph nodes (P < 0.001), and surgical method (P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with survival. When analyzing the combination of the Borrmann classification and LBVI status, we found that patients with Borrmann type III disease and LBVI (+) had a similar 5-year survival rate to those with Borrmann IV + LBVI (-) (16.4% vs 13.1%, P = 0.065) and those with Borrmann IV + LBVI (+) (16.4% vs 11.2%, P = 0.112). Subgroup analysis showed that the above results were true for any pT stage and any tumor location. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Borrmann classification (P = 0.023), vascular infiltration (P < 0.001), tumor size (P = 0.012), pT stage (P < 0.001), pN stage (P < 0.001), and extent of radical surgery (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for survival.

CONCLUSION

Since patients with Borrmann III disease and LBVI (+) have the same poor prognosis as those with Borrmann IV disease, more attention should be paid to patients with Borrmann III disease and LBVI (+) during diagnosis and treatment, regardless of the pT stage and tumor location, to obtain better survival results.

[Epidemiology of syphilis in Zhejiang province, 2010-2019]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in Zhejiang province and to provide scientific basis for the development of syphilis prevention and control strategies. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of syphilis in Zhejiang from 2010 to 2019. Results: During the period, the incidence rate of syphilis decreased from 94.90/100 000 in 2010 to 53.53/100 000 in 2019 with an average decreasing rate of 6.16%. The annual decreases of the incidences of congenital syphilis, primary syphilis and secondary syphilis were all obvious, which were 43.47%, 21.38% and 14.19% respectively. The proportion of latent syphilis cases increased with year. Except for Lishui, the incidences of syphilis in the remaining 10 prefectures showed declining trends. The incidence rates in both men and women showed declining trends with the average rates of 4.80% and 6.45% respectively. The incidence peaks occurred in old men aged ≥60 years and in sexually active women aged 20-34 years, and the syphilis cases in age group ≥60 years increased significantly. The cases were mainly farmers, accounting for 43.00%. Conclusion: The incidence of syphilis in Zhejiang showed a decreasing trend, but the situation remains serious, indicating that the intensity and quality of the comprehensive prevention and control needs to be further strengthened.

MiR-424 Inhibits neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction through regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

It has been reported that micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-424 is an important molecule in cerebral ischemia. However, the precise mechanism of action and biological effects of miR-424 remain to be further explored. miR-424 mimic and miR-424 inhibitor were injected via the caudal vein in rats, and the effect of miR-424 expression on brain tissue damage induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was detected. The miR-424 mimic-induced changes in genomic levels were detected via the gene chip assay, and the signaling pathways regulated by miR-424 and its potential targets were explored combined with target prediction. Then the effect of miR-424 mimic on apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was determined using Annexin V/PI assay. Finally, drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein 7 (Smad7) was overexpressed to further verify the mechanism of action of miR-424 mimic. Compared with that in the sham group, the expression of miR-424 in brain tissues significantly declined in the model group. The results of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay revealed that the miR-424 mimic obviously reduced the cerebral infarction area and apoptosis level of brain tissues, while the miR-424 inhibitor obviously increased the cerebral infarction area and apoptosis level of brain tissues. It was found, using bioinformatics and KEGG enrichment analysis, that differentially expressed genes induced by miR-424 were significantly enriched in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. According to the results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting, the miR-424 mimic could evidently lower the expression of Smad7, thus activating the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Overexpression of Smad7 could weaken the protective effect of miR-424 mimic on ischemic-hypoxic cells. Increasing the expression of miR-424 can inhibit Smad7 to activate the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect against the brain tissue damage induced by MCAO.

[Establishment of clinical features and prognostic scoring model in early-stage hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics and establish a corresponding prognostic scoring model in patients with early-stage clinical features of hepatitis B-induced acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). Methods: Clinical characteristics of 725 cases with hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic hepatic dysfunction (HBV-ACHD) were retrospectively analyzed using Chinese group on the study of severe hepatitis B (COSSH). The independent risk factors associated with 90-day prognosis to establish a prognostic scoring model was analyzed by multivariate Cox regression, and was validated by 500 internal and 390 external HBV-ACHD patients. Results: Among 725 cases with HBV-ACHD, 76.8% were male, 96.8% had cirrhosis base,66.5% had complications of ascites, 4.1% had coagulation failure in respect to organ failure, and 9.2% had 90-day mortality rate. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that TBil, WBC and ALP were the best predictors of 90-day mortality rate in HBV-ACHD patients. The established scoring model was COSS-HACHADs = 0.75 × ln(WBC) + 0.57 × ln(TBil)-0.94 × ln(ALP) +10. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of subjects was significantly higher than MELD, MELD-Na, CTP and CLIF-C ADs(P < 0.05). An analysis of 500 and 390 cases of internal random selection group and external group had similar verified results. Conclusion: HBV-ACHD patients are a group of people with decompensated cirrhosis combined with small number of organ failure, and the 90-day mortality rate is 9.2%. COSSH-ACHDs have a higher predictive effect on HBV-ACHD patients' 90-day prognosis, and thus provide evidence-based medicine for early clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[Analysis of clinical efficacy, safety and prognosis of anlotinib hydrochloride in the treatment of advanced primary liver cancer]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy, safety and the main factors affecting the prognosis of anlotinib hydrochloride in the treatment of advanced primary liver cancer. Methods: Fifty-five cases with advanced primary liver cancer who received anlotinib hydrochloride were enrolled. The baseline data of the patients, such as prothrombin time, total bilirubin, albumin, Child-Pugh score, procalcitonin, alpha fetoprotein, extrahepatic metastasis, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, whether or not combined surgery, pathological staging, etc before treatment were recorded. Hematological and imaging results of the patients were reviewed. Adverse events that appeared in patients at any time until the end of follow-up or loss- to- follow-up or death were recorded. The survival curve was plotted by Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference of survival time between groups was examined by log-rank test. Cox regression model of single and multiple factor were used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis. Results: As of the last follow-up, 2 patients were lost-to-follow-up, 30 died, and 23 survived. The median survival time was 6.5 months (196 days). Grade 3 or higher adverse events included hypertension (12.73%), leukopenia (3.64%), absolute neutropenia (1.82%), thrombocytopenia (9.09%), fatigue (3.64%), anemia (1.82%), and diarrhea (1.82%). Adverse events were effectively controlled. One case had fatal ruptured esophageal varices, which were not medically related. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that total bilirubin (HR = 0.247, P = 0.003), albumin (HR = 0.279, P = 0.003) and procalcitonin (HR = 0.105, P = 0.012) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of advanced HCC. Conclusion: Anlotinib hydrochloride therapy is safe, effective and well tolerated in patients with advanced liver cancer, and total bilirubin, albumin, and procalcitonin are independent factors that affect the prognosis of patients with advanced liver cancer.

Soil microbiome-induced changes in the priming effects of 13C-labelled substrates from rice residues

Knowledge gap exists to understand the soil CO₂ emission and microbial group response to substrates of whole plant residues and derived biochar. We used ¹³C-labelled substrates (rice straw, roots and biochar) to track influences of their decomposition on soil priming effect (PE) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition during one-year incubation. Organic substrates at 1% (w/w) level increased soil pH, available nitrogen (AN) and available phosphorus (AP), especially during the first 45 days of incubation. After incubation, 44% of the added straw was mineralized to ¹³CO₂, followed by roots (~35%) and biochar (~5%). Straw and roots amendment caused positive PE during 4-360 day of the incubation, where a lowest value of 41.9 mg C kg^-1 was observed. Biochar amendment caused negative PE during 56-150 day of the incubation, where a largest value of -99.0 mg C kg^-1 was observed. Analysis of ¹³C-labelled PLFA enabled the differentiation of microbial groups during substrates utilization. Gram positive bacteria (G⁺) and general bacteria groups were dominated in co-metabolizing both the native soil organic carbon (SOC) and substrates after straw and roots amendment. Gram negative bacteria (G^-), especially identified by PLFA biomarkers cy17:0 and cy19:0, preferentially utilizes the ¹³C-labelled biochar but not promoting soil priming effect. Soil pH, SOC, AN and AP all explained changes of total and ¹³C-labelled PLFA contents (>75%, p < .05). Evidences showed that biochar is best in sequestering soil C pool, followed by straw and roots, and soil microbial groups in utilization of organic substances mediated SOC mineralization.

[Potential antiviral therapeutics for 2019 Novel Coronavirus]

The recent outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, China is caused by a novel coronavirus, named 2019-nCoV, which is genetically close to a bat-derived coronavirus. 2019-nCoV is categorized as beta genus coronavirus, same as the two other strains-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Antiviral drugs commonly used in clinical practice, including neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, paramivir, zanamivir, etc.), ganciclovir, acyclovir and ribavirin, are invalid for 2019-nCoV and not recommended. Drugs are possibly effective for 2019-nCoV include: remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir combined with interferon-β, convalescent plasma, and monoclonal antibodies. But the efficacy and safety of these drugs for 2019-nCoV pneumonia patients need to be assessed by further clinical trials.

[Short-term efficacy evaluation of laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilus lymphadenectomy and left epigastrium mesogastric excision for advanced proximal gastric cancer based on mesangial anatomy]

Objective: To investigate short-term efficacy of laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilus lymphadenectomy and left epigastrium mesogastric excision for advanced proximal gastric cancer based on mesangial anatomy. Methods: A case series study was carried out. Case inclusion criteria: (1) patient was confirmed as gastric adenocarcinoma by gastroscopic biopsy before operation; (2) locally advanced gastric cancer was confirmed by abdominal CT before operation; (3) no distant metastases such as liver, lung, and posterior peritoneal lymph nodes, and no tumor directly invading the pancreas, spleen, liver, and colon were verified by superficial lymph node ultrasound, chest and abdominal CT before operation;(4) total gastrectomy or proximal gastrectomy plus D2 lymphadenectomy were performed, and R0 resection was confirmed by postoperative pathology. Exclusion criteria: (1) intraperitoneal dissemination or distant metastasis was found during laparoscopic exploration; (2) No.10 lymph nodes were significantly enlarged or fused into clusters; (3) pathological diagnostic data were incomplete. According to above criteria, the clinicopathological data of 36 patients who underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving No.10 lymphadenectomy and left epigastrium mesogastric excision based on interspace anatomy for advanced proximal gastric cancer in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2017 to March 2018 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The intraoperative conditions, postoperative recovery and complications of patients were analyzed. Results: In 36 patients, the mean age was (59.8±8.0) years, the mean BMI was (23.9±3.5) kg/m(2), and 8 cases (22.2%) received preoperative chemotherapy. All the patients underwent successfully the laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilus lymphadenectomy and left epigastrium mesogastric excision. In the examination of postoperative resected specimens, it was found that the mesangial boundary of the upper and posterior part of the stomach was smooth, indicating the efficiency of complete mesangial resection. No case was converted to open operation. The mean time of lymph node dissection and mesangial resection was (34.2±11.4) minutes. The mean blood loss during operation was (44.8±21.3) ml. The mean number of lymph node dissection per patient was 45.6±17.6. The mean number of No. 11p+11d lymph node dissection was 3.1± 2.8 per patient, and 7 patients were pathologically positive with metastasis rate of 19.4% (7/36). The mean number of No.10 lymph node dissection was 2.9±2.5 per patient, and 2 patients were pathologically positive with metastasis rate of 5.6% (2/36). The time to postoperative flatus was (3.8±0.6) days, time to removal of nasogastric was (1.9±0.7) days, time to the first intake of fluid was (3.0±0.4) days, time to removal of drainage tube was (6.0±1.2) days. Postoperative mean hospital stay was (12.8±4.0) days. One case (2.7%) developed pulmonary embolism and 1 case (2.7%) developed gastroplegia after operation. The morbidity of postoperative complication was 5.6% (2/36). No operative site infection, postoperative bleeding and death within postoperative 30-day were observed. All the 36 patients were followed up and the median follow-up was 18 months (12-28 months). Seven patients died of tumor relapse and metastasis (3 cases died within postoperative 1 year) and another 1 case developed colonic cancer 17 months after operation. Conclusion: Laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilus lymphadenectomy and left epigastrium mesogastric excision for advanced proximal gastric cancer based on mesangial anatomy is safe and feasible.

[Potential antiviral therapeutics for 2019 Novel Coronavirus]

The recent outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, China is caused by a novel coronavirus, named 2019-nCoV, which is genetically close to a bat-derived coronavirus. 2019-nCoV is categorized as beta genus coronavirus, same as the two other strains - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Antiviral drugs commonly used in clinical practice, including neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, paramivir, zanamivir, etc.), ganciclovir, acyclovir and ribavirin, are invalid for 2019-nCoV and not recommended. Drugs are possibly effective for 2019-nCoV include: remdesivir, lopinavir / ritonavir, lopinavir / ritonavir combined with interferon-β, convalescent plasma, and monoclonal antibodies. But the efficacy and safety of these drugs for 2019-nCoV pneumonia patients need to be assessed by further clinical trials.

Effect of amendments on soil Cd sorption and trophic transfer of Cd and mineral nutrition along the food chain

Phytotoxicity of cadmium (Cd) and its trophic transfer along a terrestrial food chain have been extensively investigated. However, few studies focused on the role of amendments on the trophic transfer of Cd and related mineral nutrients. In a 60-day pot experiment, soil Cd availability, accumulation of Cd, mineral nutrients (Ca and Si) in lettuce, and subsequent trophic transfer along the lettuce-snail system were investigated with or without 3% (w/w) soil amendment (biochar or micro-hydroxyapatite, μHAP). Soil CaCl2 extractable Cd (CdCaCl2) contents decreased by both amendments. μHAP amended soil increased the Freundlich sorption capacity of Cd2+ to a greater extent (15.9 mmol/kg) than biochar (12.6 mmol/kg). Cd, Ca and Si accumulation in lettuce tissues (roots and shoots) varied with amendment species and soil Cd levels. Linear regression analysis showed that root Cd contents are negatively correlated with root Ca and Si contents (r2 = 0.96, p < 0.05). But no significant correlation between shoot Cd and lettuce Ca and Si contents was found (p > 0.05). After 15 days snail feeding, nearly 90% content of Cd was found in snail viscera, while nearly 95% content of Ca was found in snail shells. Contents of Si distributed equally in snail tissues. Biomagnification of Cd, Ca and Si (TF > 1) was found in lettuce shoot - snail viscera system. Opposite tendency of TF variation between Cd and nutrient elements (Ca and Si) from shoots to snail tissues indicated that μHAP, rather than biochar, amendment is applicable to remediate soil Cd contamination in our study.

[Analysis of clinical, pathological features and therapeutic treatments in predicting prognosis of elderly glioblastomas]

Objective: This study was designed to investigate prognostic factors and the potential relationship between the expression of Ki67 and IDH of glioblastoma in the elderly (≥ 65 years old) and the clinical factors such as gender, the KPS score and treatments including surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and the prognosis of such patients. Methods: Fifty-four elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) with glioblastoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2013 to 2018 were enrolled in this study. The expression of Ki67 was detected by immunohistochemical SP method and the mutation of IDH was detected by Sanger sequencing. Finally, statistical analysis was performed to determine whether Ki67, the mutation of IDH, gender, the KPS score and the extent of resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were associated with the clinical prognosis of the patients. Results: Of the 54 elderly patients with glioblastoma, none was detected with IDH mutation. Univariate analysis showed that Ki67(P=0.033), the KPS score (P=0.008), the extent of resection (P<0.001) were factors influencing the prognosis of elderly patients with glioblastoma. Patients receiving postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (P=0.002) and chemotherapy (P=0.034) had longer survival time. There was no significant correlation between gender (P=0.467) and prognosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that radiotherapy (OR 2.446, P=0.009) and the extent of resection (OR 6.976, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: No IDH mutation was detected in all the patients in this study, indicating that IDH mutation is indeed rare in elderly glioblastoma, which suggests that geriatric population often harbor a molecular phenotype with poor prognosis. Ki67, KPS score, the extent of resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were the factors influencing the prognosis of patients.

[Clinicopathological features of stratified mucin-producing neoplastic lesions of the cervix]

Objective: To investigatethe clinicopathological features of stratified mucin-producing intraepithelial lesion (SMILE) and invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma (ISMC) of the cervix with review of the literature. Methods: Sixteen patients with SMILE/ISMC components of the cervix were collected from files in the Department of Pathology at Xijing Hospital from January 2007 to March 2019. Clinicopathological data included age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, histological type, depth of invasion measurement, the status of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and lymph node metastasis, FIGO staging and follow-up. Histochemistry AB and PAS-D staining and immunostaining for cytokeratin (CK) 7, p16, p63, p40, PAX8, MUC6, p53 were performed simultaneously. In addition, twelve cases with invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma were evaluated using three-tiered pattern-based system (also called Pattern Classification). Results: The average age at diagnosis for patients was 49.7 years (range, 33 to 65 years), and vaginal bleeding occurred in the majority of cases (13/16). The characteristic morphology of SMILE and ISMC was present as non-invasive and invasive stratified epithelium that the full-thickness cells contained different amount of cytoplasmic mucin, respectively. Five cases of SMILE coexisted with adenocarcinoma in situ (1 case), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (1 case), and invasive adenocarcinoma (3 cases). Thirteen cases with ISMC components included pure ISMC (3 cases), mixed with usual-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (8 cases) or squamous cell carcinoma (2 cases). All pure ISMC had lymph vascular space invasion and depth of invasion exceeded 10 mm. All eleven cases of invasive adenocarcinoma with ISMC components belonged to Pattern C tumors, which typically showed diffusely destructive stromal invasion, solid or poorly differentiated components. The results of histochemical staining confirmed that SMILE/ISMC cells were rich in acidic and neutral mucin. The immunohistochemical staining for CK7 and p16 was diffusely strong positive in SMILE (4/4) and ISMC (8/8) components. The positive expressions of p63 and p40 was located in peripheral cells of stratified epithelial nests or merely in a few cells of SMILE (1/3) and ISMC (2/8) components. In ISMC tissues, there were partial expression of MUC6 (5/7), focal expression of PAX8 (2/8), and wild-type expression pattern (4/10) or completely negative expression (6/10) of p53 protein. All thirteen patients with follow-up data were alive (mean 50.5 months, range 4 to 140). Conclusions: As new tumor entities, SMILE is a rare and unique endocervical intraepithelial lesion, while ISMC belongs to an invasive leison. Given that the tumors with ISMC components may have aggressive behavior, it is important for clinicians and pathologists to fully understand the clinicopathological features of SMILE and ISMC.

Different effects of acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor TOFA on airway inflammation and airway resistance in a mice model of asthma

Background and objective

Acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) regulates the differentiation of Th1, Th2, Th17 cells and Treg cells, which play a critical role in airway inflammation of asthma. Here we investigated the role of ACC in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Methods

Chicken Ovalbumin-sensitized and -challenged mice were divided into three groups, PBS group, DMSO (solvent of TOFA) group and ACC inhibitor 5-tetradecyloxy-2-furoic acid (TOFA) + DMSO group. Airway inflammation was assessed with histology, percentages of CD4⁺T cell subsets in lung and spleen was assessed with flow cytometry, and airway responsiveness was assessed with FinePointe RC system. The expression of characteristic transcription factors of CD4⁺T cell subsets was evaluated with real-time PCR. Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum was determined with ELISA.

Results

In asthma mice, the expression of ACC increased, while the expression of phosphorylated ACC (pACC) decreased. TOFA had no significant effect on pACC expression. TOFA reduced serum IgE, airway inflammatory cells infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia, but dramatically increased airway responsiveness. TOFA significantly reduced the percentages of Th1, Th2, Th17 cells in lung and spleen, the expression of GATA3 and RORγt in lung, and IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17A levels in BALF and serum. TOFA had no significant effect on the percentage of Treg cells, IL-10 level and the expression of T-bet and Foxp3.

Conclusion

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor TOFA might have a distinct effect on asthmatic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Current Perspectives on Ligand-Binding Assay Practices in the Quantification of Circulating Therapeutic Proteins for Biosimilar Biological Product Development

Bioanalysis in biosimilar biological product development (BPD) plays a critical role in demonstrating pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity across products. The 2018 FDA Bioanalytical Method Validation guidance for industry provides general principles in the development, validation, and conduct of bioanalytical assays. Given that the PK similarity assessment in BPD programs involves two or more non-identical products, there are additional considerations for bioanalytical methods. Here in, we provide our perspectives on the definition of (1) a single bioanalytical method in the context of BPD in supporting a PK similarity study, (2) bioanalytical method comparability during accuracy and precision experiments to determine the potential bias difference prior to assessing other validation parameters, and (3) bioanalytical method validations that support PK similarity assessments.

Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) protects against airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice

Background

β₂ receptor agonists induce airway smooth muscle relaxation by increasing intracellular cAMP production. PKA is the traditional downstream signaling pathway of cAMP. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) was identified as another important signaling molecule of cAMP recently. The role of Epac in asthmatic airway inflammation and airway remodeling is unclear.

Methods

We established OVA-sensitized and -challenged acute and chronic asthma mice models to explore the expression of Epac at first. Then, airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in acute asthma mice model and airway remodeling in chronic asthma mice model were observed respectively after treatment with Epac-selective cAMP analogue 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP (8pCPT) and Epac inhibitor ESI-09. Next, the effects of 8pCPT and ESI-09 on the proliferation and apoptosis of in vitro cultured mouse airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were detected with CCK-8 assays and Annexin-V staining. Lastly, the effects of 8pCPT and ESI-09 on store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) of ASMCs were examined by confocal Ca²⁺ fluorescence measurement.

Results

We found that in lung tissues of acute and chronic asthma mice models, both mRNA and protein expression of Epac1 and Epac2, two isoforms of Epac, were lower than that of control mice. In acute asthma mice model, the airway inflammatory cell infiltration, Th2 cytokines secretion and airway hyperresponsiveness were significantly attenuated by 8pCPT and aggravated by ESI-09. In chronic asthma mice model, 8pCPT decreased airway inflammatory cell infiltration and airway remodeling indexes such as collagen deposition and airway smooth muscle cell proliferation, while ESI-09 increased airway inflammation and airway remodeling. In vitro cultured mice ASMCs, 8pCPT dose-dependently inhibited, whereas ESI-09 promoted ASMCs proliferation. Interestingly, 8pCPT promoted the apoptosis of ASMCs, whereas ESI-09 had no effect on ASMCs apoptosis. Lastly, confocal Ca²⁺ fluorescence examination found that 8pCPT could inhibit SOCE in ASMCs at 100 μM, and ESI-09 promoted SOCE of ASMCs at 10 μM and 100 μM. In addition, the promoting effect of ESI-09 on ASMCs proliferation was inhibited by store-operated Ca²⁺ channel blocker, SKF-96365.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Epac has a protecting effect on asthmatic airway inflammation and airway remodeling, and Epac reduces ASMCs proliferation by inhibiting SOCE in part.

Plasma methotrexate as determined by liquid chromatography, enzyme-inhibition assay, and radioimmunoassay after high-dose infusion

Three techniques for measuring methotrexate show various cross reactivities with methotrexate-related compounds: “high-pressure” liquid chromatography, by principle, is virtually specific for methotrexate; the enzyme-inhibition assay quantitates methotrexate, methotrexate diglutamate, and methotrexate triglutamate equally well, but has a 10% cross reactivity with 4-amino-4-deoxy-N10-methylpteroic acid and 1% with 7-hydroxymethotrexate; radioimmunoassay shows an equal cross reactivity with methotrexate, 4-amino-4-deoxy-N10-methylpteroic acid, methotrexate diglutamate and triglutamate, and a 5 to 10% cross reactivity with 7-hydroxymethotrexate. Radioimmunoassay almost always yielded the highest values for methotrexate, followed by enzyme-inhibition assay then liquid chromatography. The presence of two methotrexate-related compounds, 7-hydroxymethotrexate and 4-amino-4-deoxy-N10-methylpteroic acid, was confirmed in human urine samples and quantitated in patients’ plasma by liquid chromatography, the respective maximum plasma concentrations being 250 and 16 mumol/L. Materials cross reacting with methotrexate in radioimmunoassay of chromatographic fractions from plasma were also noted in fractions corresponding to methotrexate diglutamate and triglutamate peaks, in quantities estimated to be 47 and 30 nmol/L methotrexate equivalents, respectively. 7-Hydroxymethotrexate is eliminated more slowly than methotrexate and its production increases with dosages of methotrexate.

Study on strontium doped tricalcium silicate synthesized through sol-gel process

We successfully synthesized a strontium-doped tricalcium silicate (Sr_xCa_3-xSiO₅, Sr = 0 to 2 mol%) bone cement using the sol-gel process. The material properties including crystallinity, setting time, mechanical strength, and hydration products were characterized. Release of ions and pH values of simulated body fluid soaked with the bone cement were measured. In vitro biocompatibility of different concentrations of the material was evaluated by the viability of L929 cells. The setting times of as-prepared slurries were all <70 min. Doping with 0.5 mol% Sr reduced the final setting time by 20 min. After 14 days curing, 0.25 mol% Sr-doped Sr_xCa_3-xSiO₅ possessed the highest compressive strength of 45 MPa among all the Sr-doped groups with no statistical difference to Ca₃SiO₅. The bioactivity of the materials was confirmed with the formation of an apatite layer on the surface of the materials after immersion in simulated body fluid. In addition, the proliferation of L929 cells exposed to 1 mol% Sr was significantly promoted as compared to no Sr doping. Sr_xCa_3-xSiO₅ is a novel and advanced material that has the potential to serve as a bone cement in bone restoration with appropriate mechanical strength and favorable biocompatibility.

Temperature and excitation wavelength dependence of circular and linear photogalvanic effect in a three dimensional topological insulator Bi2Se3

The circular (CPGE) and linear photogalvanic effect (LPGE) of a three-dimensional topological insulator Bi₂Se₃ thin film of seven quintuple layers excited by near-infrared (1064 nm) and mid-infrared (10.6 [Formula: see text]m) radiations have been investigated. The comparison of the CPGE current measured parallel and perpendicular to the incident plane, together with the comparison of the CPGE current under front and back illuminations, indicates that the CPGE under front illumination of 1064 nm light is dominated by the top surface states of the Bi₂Se₃ thin film. The CPGE current excited by 10.6 [Formula: see text]m light is about one order larger than that excited by 1064 nm light, which may be attributed to the smaller cancelation effect of the CPGE generated in the two-dimensional electron gas when excited by 10.6 [Formula: see text]m light. Under the excitation of 1064 nm light, the LPGE current is dominated by the component which shows an even parity of incident angles, while the LPGE current excited by 10.6 [Formula: see text]m light is mainly contributed by the component which is an odd parity of incident angles. Both of the CPGE and LPGE currents excited by 1064 nm decrease with increasing temperature, which may be owing to the decrease of the momentum relaxation time and the stronger electron-electron scattering with increasing temperature, respectively.

[Relationship between body mass index and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer patients]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Methods: The clinical data of 788 patients with advanced gastric cancer were retrospectively analyzed. According to WHO weight standard, BMI<18.5 kg/m(2) was the low weight group, BMI 18.5~< 25.0 kg/m(2) was the normal weight group, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m(2) was the overweight group. The low weight group included 127 cases, the normal weight group included 540 cases and the overweight group included 121 cases. The relationship between different BMI groups and clinicopathological characteristics of patients was analyzed. Cox multivariate regression model was used to analyze the independent factor of the prognosis of patients. Results: The average BMI of 788 patients was 21.70 kg/m(2). The patients' BMI was significantly correlated with depth of invasion, maximum diameter of tumors, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (all P<0.05). BMI was marginally correlated with gender, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and histological type (all P>0.05). Furthermore, BMI was significantly correlated with prealbumin, prognostic nutritional index, total protein, albumin and hemoglobin levels (all P<0.05). BMI was also significantly correlated with intraoperative bleeding volume, operation time, number of lymph node resection, number of lymph node metastasis and lymph node metastatic ratio (all P<0.05). The median survival time of the entire group was 35.3 months. The median survival time of patients in low weight group, normal weight group, and overweight group was 21.0 months, 26.3 months, and 31.2 months, respectively, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). Cox multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, PLR and BMI were independent risk factors of the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (all P<0.05). Conclusions: BMI is associated with the nutritional status, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and lymph node metastatic ratio of patients with gastric cancer. BMI is an independent risk factor of the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. The overall survival time of patients with low body weight is shorter than those of normal weight and overweight patients.

Retrospective Analysis of Bioanalytical Method Validation Approaches in Biosimilar Biological Product Development

Development and validation of a bioanalytical method for biosimilar biological product development (BPD) can be challenging. It requires the development of a bioanalytical method that reliably and accurately measures both proposed biosimilar and reference products in a biological matrix. This survey summarizes the current state of bioanalysis in BPD. Bioanalytical data from 28 biosimilar biologic license applications submitted to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) up to December 2018 were analyzed. The aim of the analysis was to provide (i) a summary of the bioanalytical landscape for BPD, (ii) a cumulative review of bioanalytical method validation approaches to aid in understanding how a specific method was selected, and (iii) a summary of data regarding bioanalytical bias differences between products. Results show diversity of the bioanalytical approaches used, as well as the observed differences in bioanalytical bias. Our findings highlight the need for understanding the critical aspects of BPD bioanalysis and clarifying BPD bioanalytical best practices, which could help ensure consistent method validation approaches in the BPD community.

Determination of the Content of 4-FMA in Rat Plasma Samples by HPLC-MS/MS Method

Objective To develop a high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （HPLC-MS/MS） method for the determination of the content of 4-fluoromethamphetamine （4-FMA） in rat plasma, and to provide a methodological basis for the study of the toxicokinetics of 4-FMA in rats. Methods Rat plasma samples were added into internal standard methamphetamine （MA）. Its proteins were precipitated with methanol and then separated with Poroshell 120 EC-C18 chromatographic column. A 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and a 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution were used as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Electrospray ionization source was used for detection in the multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） mode. Results The linear relationship was good when the mass concentration of 4-FMA in plasma samples was in the range of 5-1 000 ng/mL （r>0.999）. The limit of detection （LOD） was 3 ng/mL and the limit of quantification （LOQ） was 5 ng/mL. The accuracy was expressed as relative error （RE）, and in the range of ±5%, the intra-day precision and inter-day precision （relative standard deviation, RSD） less than 9%, and the extraction recovery rate was more than 90%. The analysis and detection of plasma samples were completed within 2.5 min. Conclusion This study developed a HPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of 4-FMA in rat plasma samples. This method is accurate, rapid, simple and sensitive and can be applied to the study of toxicokinetics of 4-FMA.

[Combining relative alpha variability and electroencephalogram reactivity to predict the prognosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in adult patients]

Objective: To evaluate the role of combining relative alpha variability and electroencephalogram (EEG) reactivity to predict the prognosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE) in adult patients. Methods: A total of 28 adult patients with HIE admitted to general intensive care unit at Xiangya Hospital in Central South University were enrolled in this observational study from January2016 to April 2017. These patients with body temperature over 35℃ after 72-hour admission could be continuously monitored at least 12 hours byEEG.At the same time,each patient was assessed for EEG reactivity.Then we analyzed the correlation between EEG reactivity, relative alpha variability and clinical prognosis. Results: EEG reactivity was elicited in 15/28 patients, among whom 12 patients had a good outcome. While in the other 13 patients, EEG reactivity was not elicited, among whom only 3 patients had a good outcome. As to the results ofrelative alpha variability,11/13 patients with degree 3-4were of good prognosis; while only 3/15 patients with degree 1-2 were of good prognosis. Glasgow coma scale(GCS), EEG reactivity, and relative alpha variability were correlated with clinical outcome(χ(2)=5.073,9.073,-3.626, respectively,all P<0.05). The sensitivity of GCS, EEG reactivity, and relative alpha variability to predict the poor prognosis were 69.2%, 76.9%, 84.6%, respectively. The specificity were 73.3%, 80.0%, 73.3%, respectively. The consistency rates were 71.4%, 78.6%, 78.6%, respectively. The positive predictive values were 69.2%, 76.9%, 73.3%, respectively. The negative predictive values were 73.3%, 80.0%, 84.6%, respectively. More importantly, the accuracy of the relative alpha variability combined with EEG reactivity for the prediction of poor prognosis was much higher with the positive predictive value of 90.0%,the specificity of 93.3%, the sensitivity of 69.2%, the consistency rate of 82.1%,and the negative predictive values of 77.8%. Conclusions: The combination of relative alpha variability and EEG reactivityis reliable to predict clinical outcome of patients with HIE.

[Induction of specific CD8(+) T cells against hepatocellular carcinoma-associated neoantigens]

Objective: To predict the tumor neoantigen peptides in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and examine their specific immune effects against the tumor cells without injury to normal cells. Methods: The data of whole-genome sequencing and exome sequencing of HCC tumor and matched non-tumor liver tissues were analyzed to confirm the HCC-associated somatic mutations. Based on the HLA phenotype of the patients, we used NetMHC software to predict the neoantigen epitopes with high binding affinity to their MHC-I molecules. The predicted peptides with mutation sites included were synthesized. GPL10687 platform was applied to examine the gene expression difference between tumor and normal tissues of the selected genes in GSE25097, one of the GEO databases. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm the expressions in tumors and normal tissues of the selected genes. By using the predicted peptides, we induced the generation of antigen-specific CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and examined their specific effects against tumor cells. Results: The mutation frequency of TP53 (tumor protein p53) was 40%, and LAMA3 (Laminin Subunit Alpha 3) was 8% in the analyzed HCC tissues. In GSE25097 database, TP53 and LAMA3 mRNA levels in tumors were 1.57±0.02 and 1.37±0.10, which were significantly increased than those in matched no-tumor tissue (0.54±0.01 and 0.36±0.01, P<0.05). The differences of expression levels of TP53 and LAMA3 in tumor and no-tumor tissues were validated by using qRT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry in 10 HCC tissues. The mRNA levels of TP53 and LAMA3 in tumors were 0.24±0.03 and 0.13±0.06, which were significantly elevated than those in matched no-tumor tissue (0.11±0.01 and 0.01±0.01, P<0.05). Among the Chinese population, HLA-A2 and HLA-A11 and HLA-A24 accounted for 70%, representing the major MHC-I molecules. The CTLs induced by predicted peptides showed cytotoxicity to the targets pulsed with mutated peptide, with no effect on the target pulsed with normal peptide and on normal cells. Conclusions: TP53 and LAMA3 existed relative higher mutation frequency in HCC, and expressed higher in tumor tissues. The induced CTLs by predicted peptides derived from mutation-associated protein could specific kill the target cells without injury to normal cells.

Salivary Electrochemical Cortisol Biosensor Based on Tin Disulfide Nanoflakes

Cortisol, a steroid hormone, is secreted by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. It is a well-known biomarker of psychological stress and is hence known as the "stress hormone." If cortisol overexpression is prolonged and repeated, dysfunction in the regulation of cortisol eventually occurs. Therefore, a rapid point-of-care assay to detect cortisol is needed. Salivary cortisol electrochemical analysis is a non-invasive method that is potentially useful in enabling rapid measurement of cortisol levels. In this study, multilayer films containing two-dimensional tin disulfide nanoflakes, cortisol antibody (C-M_ab), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were prepared on glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) as BSA/C-M_ab/SnS₂/GCE, and characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical responses of the biosensor as a function of cortisol concentrations were determined using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. This cortisol biosensor exhibited a detection range from 100 pM to 100 μM, a detection limit of 100 pM, and a sensitivity of 0.0103 mA/Mcm² (R² = 0.9979). Finally, cortisol concentrations in authentic saliva samples obtained using the developed electrochemical system correlated well with results obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. This biosensor was successfully prepared and used for the electrochemical detection of salivary cortisol over physiological ranges, based on the specificity of antibody-antigen interactions.

Effect of hydroxyselenomethionine on lactation performance, blood profiles, and transfer efficiency in early-lactating dairy cows

The current study investigated the effects of hydroxyselenomethionine (HMBSe), a novel organic selenium (Se) additive, on lactation performance, blood profiles, antioxidative status, and transfer efficiency of Se in early-lactation dairy cows. Sixty multiparous early-lactating dairy cows with similar days in milk (57 d; standard deviation = 9.9) and milk yield (36.5 kg/d; standard deviation = 1.42) were fed a basal diet containing 0.04 mg of Se/kg (dry matter basis). These cows were assigned to 1 of 4 groups following a randomized complete block design as follows: control (basal diet) or HMBSe addition (0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 mg of Se/kg of dry matter). The experiment lasted for 13 wk, with the first week as adaptation. The results showed that milk yields (raw, protein, and lactose) and feed efficiency were improved in a quadratic manner following increased dietary HMBSe addition, whereas energy-corrected milk, 4% fat-corrected milk, and total solid yields tended to be enhanced quadratically. In terms of whole-blood variables, red blood cell and white blood cell levels were increased quadratically, whereas hemoglobin concentration increased linearly with increased HMBSe addition. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations tended to increase linearly along with HMBSe addition. Plasma superoxide dismutase activity increased quadratically with increased HMBSe addition. The total antioxidant capacity in plasma tended to improve quadratically when cows were fed more HMBSe. Moreover, plasma malondialdehyde concentrations of dairy cows tended to decrease in a quadratic manner when dietary HMBSe increased. The Se concentrations in milk, plasma, and milk/plasma ratio increased linearly following increased HMBSe addition. In conclusion, HMBSe improved lactation performance, health status, and milk Se concentrations in early-lactating dairy cows.

Validation of in vitro digestion using simulated small intestinal fluid with specific digestive activity to predict the metabolizable energy of feed ingredients for duck

Two experiments were conducted to validate a method to prepare simulated small intestinal fluid (SSIF) for in vitro digestion in ducks. Experiment 1 compared the in vitro digestible energy (IVDE) of SSIF to endogenous small intestinal fluid (ESIF) on four feeds. The ESIF 1 or 2 obtained from two groups of jejunal cannulated ducks offered diet 1 (3,050 kcal/kg of ME and 19.95% of CP) or 2 (2,801 kcal/kg of ME and 14.90% of CP) was purified into raw enzyme power (REP) 1 or 2. SSIF 1 to 3 or 4 to 6 were prepared to mimic ESIF 1 or 2, respectively. The enzyme sources were REP 1 for SSIF 1 and 4, REP 2 for SSIF 2 and 5 or reagent enzymes for SSIF 3 and 6, respectively. The IVDE of each feed was determined with SSIF or ESIF. Experiment 2 was to validate whether REP 1 was more effective than only reagent enzymes to prepare SSIF. Ten feeds were determined with pepsin following SSIF 1 or 3 for IVDE 1 or 2, respectively. The accuracy of prediction model of true metabolizable energy (TME) from IVDE 1 or 2 was evaluated to validate the efficacy of SSIF. In experiment 1, higher activities of amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin were observed in ESIF 1 than ESIF 2 (P < 0.05). The IVDE determined with SSIF 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 were more comparable to that of ESIF 1 or 2 than determinations with SSIF 3 or 6. In experiment 2, the mean IVDE 1 or 2 was 97.22% or 96.23% relative to TME, respectively, and both were highly correlated with TME (P < 0.01; R2 ≥ 0.98). However, the residual SD of TME prediction model with IVDE 1 was less than that generated with IVDE 2 (55 vs. 71 kcal/kg). In conclusion, the IVDE determined with in vitro digestion of pepsin following SSIF prepared with REP can predict accurately TME of feed for ducks.

[Analysis of vaccination situation of orial live attenuated rotavirus vaccine (LLR strain) among children in 6 provinces of China]

Objective: To analyze vaccination situation of oral live attenuated rotavirus vaccine (LLR strain) among children from six provinces in China. Methods: In 2014, we selected 12 counties in Guangdong, Jiangsu, Chongqing, Jiangxi, Heilongjiang and Gansu provinces by using stratified cluster random sampling method and extract information of children born from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012 from Children's Immunization Information System. We investigated ten children of each birth cohort in each county by checking the vaccination certification, and a total of 606 children were investigated. A survey was conducted to check the information of the children's vaccination certification with the data of Children's Immunization Information System by questionnaire including the basic information (province, county, name, gender, birth date, etc) and the rotavirus vaccination (vaccination date, dose, etc) to analyze the rotavirus vaccination situation. Results: 340 of 606 children were male. There were 121, 124, 122, 119 and 120 children born in 2008-2012, respectively. The proportions of the first and the second dose of rotavirus vaccination were 32.8% (199) and 9.7% (59). The proportion of the third dose of rotavirus vaccination among children born between 2008 and 2010 was 3.5% (13) since children born in 2011 and 2012 did not reach the age of third dose vaccination. The proportion of the first dose of rotavirus vaccination in high, middle and low per capita disposable income areas was 45.0% (91), 37.7% (77) and 15.5% (31) respectively (χ(2)= 43.15, P<0.001). Among 199 children vaccinated with the first dose of vaccine, the vaccination age mainly concentrated in 2 to 21 months, of which the peak was 5 to 13 months (66.8%, 133). The intervals between 2 doses of vaccination were mainly from 12 to 13 months (42.4%, 25) among the 59 children who received at least 2 doses of vaccine. In the 13 children vaccinated with 3 doses, the intervals between the second and the third dose were 12 months (5). Of the 271 doses of rotavirus vaccine vaccinated during 2008-2014, 34.7% (94 doses) were vaccinated in June-August, 88 were vaccinated simultaneously with 18 other vaccines, accounting for 32.5% of the total. Of the 18 other vaccines, inactivated vaccines such as diphtheria vaccine (30 doses), Hib vaccine (14 doses), group A meningitis vaccine (10 doses) were predominant. Conclusion: The proportion of rotavirus vaccination was low and the vaccination age was relatively late. The vaccination mode was different from the recommendation of WHO. It is recommended that routine immunization of rotavirus vaccines should be carried out in early-months of children.

Effects of soil amendments on cadmium transfer along the lettuce-snail food chain: Influence of chemical speciation

Cadmium (Cd) trophic transfer along the soil-lettuce-snail food chain was investigated using the root bags-based pot experiments. Two amendments (corn straw biochar and micro-hydroxyapatite (μHAP)) were investigated on Cd (0, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg soil) availability in soils, chemical distribution in plant cells and accumulation in snails. After 60 days, both the CaCl2 extractable Cd in rhizosphere soil (CdCaCl2,rhizo) and Cd accumulation in lettuce decreased with amendments addition. Biochar had a great capacity to reduce both Cd contents and toxicity-sensitive associated Cd (CdFi+Fii) percentages in lettuce roots at 2.5 mg/kg Cd contaminated soil; while μHAP generates a higher reduction in both Cd contents and chain transfer associated Cd (CdFi+Fii+Fiii) percentages in lettuce shoots at 5 mg/kg Cd contaminated soil. Linear regression showed that both contents of root CdFi+Fii and shoot CdFi+Fii+Fiii are better correlated with the CdCaCl2,rhizo (R2 > 0.70, p < 0.01). After 15 days feeding, almost 90% content of Cd accumulated in snail viscera. μHAP had a higher reduction in snail soft tissues Cd accumulation than biochar. Distributions of Cd in snail tissues are significantly correlated with CdFi+Fii+Fiii in shoots (viscera R2 = 0.835; soft tissue R2 = 0.771). Established quantitative relationships could be used to predict the bioavailability and transfer of Cd in terrestrial food chain in the presence of amendments.