[Effect analysis on Deanxit combined with Shuganjieyu capsule in the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Objective: To investigate the curative effect of Deanxit combined with Shuganjieyu capsule on the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods: A total of 125 patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease who had failed in standard lansolazole capsule treatment in the Department of Gastroenterology, First People's Hospital of Neijiang were selected. According to the symptom scores and mood scores of gastroesophageal reflux disease, patients were randomly and double-blindly divided into five groups. Group A(Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate + Deanxit), B(Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate + Shuganjieyu capsule), C(Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate+ Deanxit + Shuganjieyu capsule) and D(Deanxit) groups are study groups, the other was control group (Lansoprazole Capsules + Mosapride Citrate). The scores of symptoms and mood were compared after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment. Results: The clinical symptoms score, HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly lower in the all study groups in comparison to the control group after 4 weeks and 8 weeks therapy. The clinical symptoms score, HAMA and HAMD scores in group C were significantly lower than those in group A and B (P<0.05), while the difference between group A and B was not statistically significant(P>0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores of group D were significantly higher than those of group A, B, C and control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The total effective rate of study groups were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The total effective rate of group C was significantly higher than that of group A and B (χ(2)=6.47, P<0.05). The total effective rate of group A at the end of the 8th week was significantly higher than that of group B (χ(2)=6.52, P<0.05). The total effective rate of group D at the end of the 4th and 8th week was significantly lower than those of the group A, B, C and control group, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=5.85, P<0.05). Conclusions: Deanxit combined with Shuganjieyu capsule is significantly effective in treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can effectively improve the total treatment efficiency, reduce the symptom scores and mood scores of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients.

Analysis of specialized nursing on respiratory functions in thoracotomy patients

To analyze the nursing effect on the respiratory function of thoracotomy patients, sixty thoracotomy hospitalized patients were studied. The subjects were divided into a normal group (A) and an observation group (B). The patients in group A received routine nursing only, while those in group B received chest physiotherapy as well as routine nursing. Afterwards, the respiratory function indicators of the two groups were compared and a data analysis was performed. The results showed that the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) value of the patients in group B was greater than that of the patients in group A while the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) value in group B was smaller than that in group A, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p less than 0.05). The vital capacity under normal circumstances and forced breathing of group B were greater than that of group A and the difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). The incidence of complications (atelectasis, respiratory infections, pleural effusion) was statistically significant between the two groups (p less than 0.05). The degree of autonomic respiratory dysfunction in group B was lower than that in group A, and there was a significant difference (p less than 0.05), suggesting that the respiratory function in patients receiving chest physiotherapy improved significantly.

[Prevalence of hearing disorders in China: a population-based survey in four provinces of China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, severity of hearing disorders and demographics of people with hearing disorders based on the whole population in Jilin, Guangdong, Shannxi and Gansu provinces in China. Methods: According to " WHO Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol" , 144 clusters were chosen with probability proportional sampling(PPS) method from the four provinces covering 194, 688, 061 residents. Audiological test, otological examination and questionnaire surveying were conducted for all samples from August, 2014 to September, 2015. The hearing disorders were classified according to WHO criteria and classification. Results: Among 47 511 targeted residents, 45, 052 individuals (94.82% response rate) participated in the survey. The standardized prevalence rates of hearing disorders and disabling hearing disorders were 15.84 % and 5.17 % respectively. Almost 50% of people with hearing disorders had no awareness of it or its starting time. There was significant difference in the prevalence among people of different ages, genders, occupations, provinces, marital status and education levels. The prevalence of hearing disorders increased significantly as age grew. People above 60 years old occupied 55.31% of the total hearing disorders. The prevalence of hearing disorders among male, people of low education and those who lost husband or wife, as well as workers and farmers was relatively higher. Conclusions: The prevalence of hearing disorders is high, and hearing disorders are " invisible" . Demographics and socioeconomic factors significantly influence the prevalence of hearing disorders.

Disruption of the Accidental Dirac Semimetal State in ZrTe_{5} under Hydrostatic Pressure

We study the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the magnetotransport properties of zirconium pentatelluride. The magnitude of resistivity anomaly gets enhanced with increasing pressure, but the transition temperature T^{*} is insensitive to it up to 2.5 GPa. In the case of H∥b, the quasilinear magnetoresistance decreases drastically from 3300% (9 T) at ambient pressure to 230% (9 T) at 2.5 GPa. Besides, the change of the quantum oscillation phase from topological nontrivial to trivial is revealed around 2 GPa. Both demonstrate that the pressure breaks the accidental Dirac node in ZrTe_{5}. For H∥c, in contrast, subtle changes can be seen in the magnetoresistance and quantum oscillations. In the presence of pressure, ZrTe_{5} evolves from a highly anisotropic to a nearly isotropic electronic system, which accompanies the disruption of the accidental Dirac semimetal state. It supports the assumption that ZrTe_{5} is a semi-3D Dirac system with linear dispersion along two directions and a quadratic one along the third.

Hemodynamic effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitor and β-blocker combination therapy vs. β-blocker monotherapy for portal hypertension in cirrhosis: A meta-analysis

β-blockers are commonly used for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding in cirrhosis. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone antagonists (angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and aldosterone antagonists) are potential therapies for portal hypertension. Several studies have compared the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor and β-blocker combination therapy vs. β-blocker monotherapy, with inconsistent results. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of the RAAS inhibitor and β-blocker combination therapy vs. β-blocker monotherapy for hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) reduction in cirrhosis. Studies were obtained using PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library databases up to July 2015, and the weighted mean difference (WMD) in HVPG reduction was used as a measure of treatment efficacy. In total, three studies (91 patients) were included. When compared to the β-blocker monotherapy, the RAAS inhibitor and β-blocker combination therapy resulted in a significant HVPG reduction [WMD 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52-2.88]. However, there was no significant difference in the heart rate reduction between the monotherapy and combination therapy groups (WMD -0.11; 95% CI: -3.51-3.29). In addition, no significant difference in the hemodynamic response was observed between the two groups (WMD 1.46; 95% CI: 0.93-2.30). In conclusion, the RAAS inhibitor and β-blocker combination therapy reduces portal hypertension significantly and to a greater extent than β-blocker monotherapy. Both therapies reduced the heart rate to similar levels; however, the RAAS inhibitor and β-blocker combination therapy reduced the mean arterial pressure to a greater extent. Due to the limited number of studies included, the data available do not allow a satisfactory comparison of adverse events. Moreover, further larger-scale trials are required in order to strengthen the results of the present study.

[Acute effect of ambient air pollution on small airway lung functions among school children in Shanghai]

Objective: To study the acute effects of compound ambient air pollution on small airway lung functions among school children in Shanghai. Method: A longitudinal survey on lung functions was conducted among 233 school-children from three schools (A, B and C, located in innerring, mid-ring and outer-ring areas). Lung function test was performed once a week for 3 times respectively, among children in school A and B in Dec. 2013 and in school C in Dec. 2014. The fourth lung function test was tested in Jun. 2014 and May 2015 in the respective schools. Results: from the lung function would include items as: forced mid-expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (MEF(25%)), mid-expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (MEF(50%)), mid-expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity (MEF(75%)) and mid-expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of the forced vital capacity (FEF(25%-75%)). Data regarding the daily air quality real-time of PM(2.5), PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) in Dec. 2013, Dec. 2014, Jun. 2014 and May. 2015 from the three environmental monitoring spots and meteorological data from the Shanghai Meteorological Service system which were physically close to the three schools, were collected simultaneously. Linear mixed effect model was used to examine the levels of correlation between lung function indicators and ambient air pollutants. Results When confounding factors on meteorology and individuals were controlled, the lag effects and accumulated lag effects were found to have existed between the internal quarter rang (IQR) concentration of PM(2.5) and PM(10) in lag2 day and lag02 days, IQR concentration of SO(2) in lag02 day and IQR concentration of NO(2) lag0 day, when small airway lung functions like MEF(25%), MEF(50%), MEF(75%) and FEF(25%-75%)(P<0.05) were inspected. Results from the two air pollutants model analysis showed that SO(2) and NO(2) presenting interactive effects with PM(2.5), PM(10) and lag effects more significant than the individual SO(2) and NO(2), respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Contents on the ambient air pollutants as PM(2.5), PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) were negatively associated with the lung functions in the small airways of children, in Shanghai.

Possible association between Helicobacter pylori infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Possible association between Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been proposed by several studies with inconsistent conclusions. Here, we studied the association between HPI and NAFLD at 3 levels: (i) genetic level; (ii) small molecular level; and (iii) clinical level. Relation data between diseases, genes, and small molecules were acquired from Pathway Studio ResNet Mammalian database. Clinical data were acquired from 2263 elderly South Chinese subjects, including 603 NAFLD patients and 1660 subjects without NAFLD. Results showed that HPI and NAFLD present significantly shared genetic bases (95 genes, p value = 2.5E-72), demonstrating multiple common genetic pathways (enrichment p value ≤ 4.38E-20 for the top 10 pathways). Genetic network analysis suggested that mutual regulation may exist between HPI and NAFLD through 21 out of 95 genes. Furthermore, 85 out of the 95 genes manifested strong interaction with 12 small molecules/drugs that demonstrate effectiveness in treating both diseases. Clinical results showed that HPI rate in the NAFLD group was significantly higher than that in the group without NAFLD (51.9% vs. 43.6%; p value = 4.9E-4). Multivariate logistic regression results supported the observations and suggested that HPI served as a risk factor for NAFLD in the experiment data studied (odds ratio: 1.387, p value = 0.018). Results from this study support the hypothesis that complex biological association may exist between HPI and NAFLD, which partially explains the significant clinical co-incidence in the elderly population of south China.

Alendronate for steroid-induced osteopenia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: results of a pilot study

Background/objectives. Osteopenia is a significant morbidity in children undergoing therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). We conducted a pilot study to assess the impact of alendronate on whole body bone mineral content (WB-BMC), lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD), biochemical measures of bone mineral metabolism, as well as gross motor function and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children undergoing therapy for ALL or NHL.

Methods. Ten children (nine boys) between the ages of 3.6 and 14.6 years, on identical maintenance chemotherapy for ALL or NHL were treated with oral alendronate once weekly, and daily calcium supplementation, for a period of six months. Outcome measures were WB-BMC and LSBMD; biochemical measures of bone mineral metabolism including plasma osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx), serum calcium, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OHD), and parathyroid hormone (PTH); as well as assessments of motor function and HRQL.

Results. A gain in Z score was observed in 7/9 evaluable patients for WB-BMC (mean increase of 0.49) and LS-BMD (0.51). Plasma osteocalcin and CTx showed a change in bone turnover favouring formation over resorption. Serum calcium and 25- OHD remained normal throughout treatment. After an initial spike, serum PTH returned to baseline values at week 4. Measures of motor function showed some improvement and there were modest gains in HRQL.

Conclusions. Alendronate therapy was tolerated well. Further study in a larger sample of children with ALL or NHL is warranted, in the context of a randomized clinical trial.

[Expression analysis of a transformer gene in Daphnia pulex after RNAi]

In order to explore the importance of the transformer (tra) gene in reproductive mode switching in Daphnia pulex, we studied the effect of silencing of this gene using RNA interference (RNAi). We obtained Dptra dsRNA by constructing and using a dsRNA expression vector and transcription method in vitro. D. pulex individuals in different reproductive modes were treated by soaking in a solution of Dptra dsRNA. We then assayed the expression of the endogenous Dptra mRNA after RNAi treatment using RT-PCR and obtained the suppression ratio. Expression of the tra gene in the RNAi groups was down-regulated compared with the controls after 16 h (p < 0.05). We also analyzed the effect of RNAi on the expression of the TRA protein using Western blot, which showed that the expression level of the TRA protein was reduced after RNAi treatment. Our experimental results showed that soaking of D. pulex adults in tra-specific dsRNA transcribed in vitro can specifically reduce the level of tra mRNA and also reduce the expression of the TRA protein, demonstrating effective in vivo silencing of the tra gene.

Crossover from a heavy fermion to intermediate valence state in noncentrosymmetric Yb2Ni12(P,As)7

We report measurements of the physical properties and electronic structure of the hexagonal compounds Yb₂Ni₁₂Pn₇ (Pn = P, As) by measuring the electrical resistivity, magnetization, specific heat and partial fluorescence yield x-ray absorption spectroscopy (PFY-XAS). These demonstrate a crossover upon reducing the unit cell volume, from an intermediate valence state in Yb₂Ni₁₂As₇ to a heavy-fermion paramagnetic state in Yb₂Ni₁₂P₇, where the Yb is nearly trivalent. Application of pressure to Yb₂Ni₁₂P₇ suppresses T_FL, the temperature below which Fermi liquid behavior is recovered, suggesting the presence of a quantum critical point (QCP) under pressure. However, while there is little change in the Yb valence of Yb₂Ni₁₂P₇ up to 30 GPa, there is a strong increase for Yb₂Ni₁₂As₇ under pressure, before a near constant value is reached. These results indicate that any magnetic QCP in this system is well separated from strong valence fluctuations. The pressure dependence of the valence and lattice parameters of Yb₂Ni₁₂As₇ are compared and at 1 GPa, there is an anomaly in the unit cell volume as well as a change in the slope of the Yb valence, indicating a correlation between structural and electronic changes.

Reemergent superconductivity and avoided quantum criticality in Cd-doped CeIrIn(5) under pressure

We investigated the electrical resistivity and heat capacity of 1% Cd-doped CeIrIn_{5} under hydrostatic pressure up to 2.7 GPa, near where long-range antiferromagnetic order is suppressed and bulk superconductivity suddenly reemerges. The pressure-induced T_{c} is close to that of pristine CeIrIn_{5} at 2.7 GPa, and no signatures of a quantum critical point under pressure support a local origin of the antiferromagnetic moments in Cd-CeIrIn_{5} at ambient pressure. Similarities between superconductors CeIrIn_{5} and CeCoIn_{5} in response to Cd substitutions suggest a common magnetic mechanism.

Microwave-assisted Extraction of Alantolactone and Isoalantolactone from Inula helenium

Microwave-assisted extraction was used for the extraction of alantolactone and isoalantolactone from Inula helenium. Effects of various experimental factors including ethanol concentration, particle size, microwave radiation time, the ratio of material to liquid and extraction temperature on yield of alantolactone and isoalantolactone were evaluated. The optimal extracting process of the alantolactone and isoalantolactone from the root of the Inula helenium was 1 g plant sample (sifted through 140 mesh) mixed with 15 ml of 80% ethanol solution, microwave radiation 120 s at 50°. Under these optimal conditions, the yield of alantolactone and isoalantolactone was 31.83±2.08 mg/g and 21.25±1.37 mg/g, respectively. Compared with heat reflux extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction was more efficient and timesaving for the extraction of alantolactone and isoalantolactone from Inula helenium.

Establishment of a new cell line from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), and its application in toxicology and virus susceptibility

A new marine fish cell line, derived from the heart of giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch), was established and characterized. The cell line was designated as ELGH and subcultured with more than 60 passages. The ELGH cells were mainly composed of fibroblast-like cells and multiplied well in Leibovitz's L-15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at 28 °C. Chromosome analysis indicated that the modal chromosome number was 48. The fluorescent signals were detected in ELGH when transfected with green fluorescent protein reporter plasmids. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50 ) of the extracellular products (ECPs) from Streptococcus iniae and Vibrio alginolyticus E333 on ELGH cells was 60.02 and 12.49 μg mL(-1), respectively. Moreover, the ELGH cells showed susceptibility to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), but not to soft-shelled turtle iridovirus (STIV), red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) and spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), which was demonstrated by the presence of a severe cytopathic effect (CPE) and increased viral titres. In addition, electron microscopy observation showed that abundant virus particles were present in the infected cells. Taken together, our data above provided the potential utility of ELGH cells for transgenic and genetic manipulation, as well as cytotoxicity testing and virus pathogenesis.

Superconductivity and structural distortion in BaPt2As2

We report the synthesis of BaPt2As2 single crystals and the discovery of superconductivity and a structural phase transition in this compound by measuring the electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat as well as the x-ray diffraction at low temperatures. BaPt2As2 crystallizes in the CaBe2Ge2-type tetragonal structure (P4/nmm) at room temperature and undergoes a first-order structural transition at TS ≃ 275 K, which is likely to be associated with a charge-density-wave (CDW) instability. BCS-like superconductivity with two subsequent transitions Tc1 ≃ 1.67 K and Tc2 ≃ 1.33 K is observed. Our results demonstrate that BaPt2As2 may serve as a new system for studying the interplay of superconductivity and the CDW order.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of probiotics in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

AIM: To evaluate the role of probiotics in the standard triple Helicobacter pylori therapy.

METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we investigated the efficacy of probiotics in a standard triple H. pylori therapy in adults. Searches were mainly conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Fourteen studies met our criteria, and the quality of these studies was assessed using the Jadad scale. We used STATA version 12.0 to extract data and to calculate the odds ratios (ORs), which are presented with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The data are presented as forest plots.

RESULTS: The pooled ORs for the eradication rates calculated by intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analysis in the probiotic group vs the control group were 1.67 (95%CI: 1.38-2.02) and 1.68 (95%CI: 1.35-2.08), respectively, using the fixed-effects model. The sensitivity of the Asian studies was greater than that of the Caucasian studies (Asian: OR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.40-2.26; Caucasian: OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.06-2.05). The pooled OR for the incidence of total adverse effects was significantly lower in the probiotic group (OR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.26-0.94), using the random effects model, with significant heterogeneity (I² = 85.7%). The incidence of diarrhea was significantly reduced in the probiotic group (OR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.06-0.74), whereas the incidence of taste disorders, metallic taste, vomiting, nausea, and epigastric pain did not differ significantly between the probiotic group and the control group.

CONCLUSION: Supplementary probiotic preparations during standard triple H. pylori therapy may improve the eradication rate, particularly in Asian patients, and the incidence of total adverse effects.

Association of STAT4 gene rs7574865G > T polymorphism with ulcerative colitis risk: evidence from 1532 cases and 3786 controls

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have reported the relationship between the STAT4 rs7574865G > T polymorphism as a susceptibility factor to ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the results have been controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to obtain the most reliable estimate of the association.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched. Crude odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted and pooled to assess the strength of the association between the STAT4 rs7574865G > T polymorphism and risk of UC. A total of five eligible studies including 1532 cases and 3786 controls based on the search criteria were involved in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We observed that the STAT4 rs7574865G > T polymorphism was significantly correlated with UC risk when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (the allele contrast model: OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02-1.25; the heterozygote codominant model: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04-1.43; the dominant model: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07-1.45). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significant associations were observed in Spanish for the allele contrast model (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.04-1.39), for the homozygote codominant model (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.07-2.31), for the dominant model (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.01-1.43), and for the recessive model (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.03-2.19).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that the STAT4 rs7574865G > T polymorphism is a low-penetrant risk factor for UC, especially in Spanish.

Nested polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing analysis of the light-chain and heavy-chain variable regions in the influenza A H1N1 virus hemagglutinin monoclonal antibody gene

The nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used for the amplification of the influenza A H1N1 virus hemagglutinin monoclonal antibody light-chain and heavy-chain genes. Sequence analysis of the obtained genes was then used to identify common cloning methods of the mouse immunoglobulin-kappa (Igκ) light-chain and heavy-chain variable gene regions. Twenty-two pairs of amplification primers for the mouse Igκ light-chain and heavy-chain variable gene regions were designed, and 6 mouse anti-human H1N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin monoclonal antibody light-chain and heavy-chain variable gene regions were cloned and sequenced. Comparative analysis was conducted between our results and the mouse Ig sequences published in the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The nested PCR method effectively avoided cloning the pseudogenes of the monoclonal antibody, and the amino acid sequence obtained was consistent with the characteristics of the mouse Ig variable region. A general method of cloning the mouse Ig light-chain and heavy-chain variable gene regions was established, which provides a basis for further cloning of mouse monoclonal antibody variable gene regions. This study also provides data for further studies of H1N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin antibody binding sites.

Ethyl pyruvate inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulation of the HMGB1-RAGE and AKT pathways

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) was recently identified as a stable lipophilic derivative of pyruvic acid with significant antineoplastic activities. The high mobility group box-B1 (HMGB1)-receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and the protein kinase B (Akt) pathways play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development of many malignant tumors. We tried to observe the effects of ethyl pyruvate on liver cancer growth and explored its effects in hepatocellular carcinoma model. In this study, three hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were treated with ethyl pyruvate. An MTT colorimetric assay was used to assess the effects of EP on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were used to analyze apoptosis. Real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence demonstrated ethyl pyruvate reduced the HMGB1-RAGE and AKT pathways. The results of hepatoma orthotopic tumor model verified the antitumor effects of ethyl pyruvate in vivo. EP could induce apoptosis and slow the growth of liver cancer. Moreover, EP decreased the expression of HMGB1, RAGE, p-AKT and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP9) and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ethyl pyruvate induces apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in G phase in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, plays a critical role in the treatment of cancer.

Epidemiology and prevention of hepatitis A in travelers

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis A is the second most common vaccine-preventable travel-associated infectious disease and hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis. The incidence of infection is closely related to sanitary conditions and the level of economic development.

METHODS

We evaluated HAV incidence, infection-related risk factors, and HAV vaccination rates in international travelers through retrospective analyses using major databases, such as CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the current literature describing epidemiological data for HAV infection in recent years.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We found that the incidence of HAV infection in developed countries is very low. As international travel increases, the incidence of hepatitis A among travelers remains high and likely leads to regional outbreaks. Travelers should visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or Infectious Disease Prevention Center of their countries to learn about the incidence of infectious diseases associated with their destination before going abroad to determine if they should be vaccinated.

Identification and assessment of differentially expressed genes involved in growth regulation in Apostichopus japonicus

Rapid and efficient growth is a major consideration and challenge for global mariculture. The differential growth rate of the sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, has significantly hampered the total production of the industry. In the present study, forward and reverse suppression subtractive hybridization libraries were constructed and sequenced from a fast-growth group and a slow-growth group of the sea cucumber. A total of 142 differentially expressed sequence tags (ESTs) with insertions longer than 150 bp were identified and further analyzed. Fifty-seven of these ESTs (approximately 40%) were functionally annotated for cell structure, energy metabolism, immunity response, and growth factor categories. Six candidate genes, arginine kinase, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, HSP70, β-actin, ferritin, and the ADP-ribosylation factor, were further validated by quantitative PCR. Significant differences were found between the fast- and slow-growth groups (P < 0.05) for the expression levels of arginine kinase, cytochrome c oxidase, HSP70, the ADP-ribosylation factor, and β-actin. However, no significant difference was observed for ferritin. Our results provide promising candidate gene markers for practical size screening, and also further promote marker-assisted selective breeding of this species.

Effects of multiple-target anti-microRNA antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides on proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUNDS

To investigate the inhibiting effects of multi-target anti-microRNA antisense oligonucleotide (MTg-AMOs) on proliferation and migration of human gastric cancer cells.

METHODS

Single anti-microRNA antisense oligonucleotides (AMOs) and MTg-AMOs for miR-221, 21, and 106a were designed and transfected into SGC7901, a gastric cancer cell line, to target the activity of these miRNAs. Their expression was analyzed using stem-loop RT-PCR and effects of MTg-AMOs on human gastric cancer cells were determined using the following two assay methods: CCK8 for cell proliferation and transwells for migration.

RESULTS

In the CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, 0.6 μmol/L was selected as the preferred concentration of MTg-AMOs and incubation time was 72 hours. Under these experimental conditions, MTg-AMOs demonstrated better suppression of the expression of miR-221, miR-106a, miR-21 in gastric cancer cells than that of single AMOs (P = 0.014, 0.024; 0.038, respectively). Migration activity was also clearly decreased as compared to those in randomized and blank control groups (28 ± 4 Vs 54 ± 3, P <0.01; 28 ± 4 Vs 59 ± 4, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

MTg-AMOs can specifically inhibit the expression of multiple miRNAs, and effectively antagonize proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells promoted by oncomirs.

The miR-146a rs2910164 G > C polymorphism and susceptibility to digestive cancer in Chinese

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported the role of the miR-146a rs2910164 G > C polymorphism as a susceptibility factor for several digestive cancers. However, the results have been controversial. Therefore, we conducted the present meta-analysis to obtain the most reliable estimate of the association.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and pooled to assess the strength of the association between miR-146a rs2910164 G > C polymorphism and digestive cancer risk. A total of four eligible studies including 3,447 cases and 5,041 controls based on the search criteria were included.

RESULTS

We observed that miR-146a rs2910164 G > C polymorphism was not significantly correlated with digestive cancer risks when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis. While we found that miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism was not associated with gastric cancer, it was significantly linked with hepatocellular cancer risk (the homozygote codominant model: OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.04-1.87). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significant associations were observed in Chinese population for the allele contrast model (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.12-1.38), for the homozygote codominant model (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.28-2.04), and for the recessive model (OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.16-1.64). However, studies with Asian groups presented no significant association for all genetic models.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that the miR-146a rs2910164 G > C polymorphism is a low-penetrant risk factor for digestive cancers in Chinese.

Salinomycin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

The anti-tumor antibiotic salinomycin (Sal) was recently identified as a selective inhibitor of breast cancer stem cells; however, the effect of Sal on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. This study aimed to determine the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanism of Sal on HCC. HCC cell lines (HepG2, SMMC-7721, and BEL-7402) were treated with Sal. Cell doubling time was determinated by drawing growth curve, cell viability was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit 8. The fraction of CD133(+) cell subpopulations was assessed by flow cytometry. We found that Sal inhibits proliferation and decreases PCNA levels as well as the proportion of HCC CD133(+)cell subpopulations in HCC cells. Cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry and showed that Sal caused cell cycle arrest of the various HCC cell lines in different phases. Cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining. Sal induced apoptosis as characterized by an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Several signaling pathways were selected for further mechanistic analyses using real time-PCR and Western blot assays. Compared to control, β-catenin expression is significantly down-regulated upon Sal addition. The Ca(2+) concentration in HCC cells was examined by flow cytometry and higher Ca(2+) concentrations were observed in Sal treatment groups. The anti-tumor effect of Sal was further verified in vivo using the hepatoma orthotopic tumor model and the data obtained showed that the size of liver tumors in Sal-treated groups decreased compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining also demonstrated that Sal inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in vivo. Finally, the role of Sal on in vivo Wnt/β-catenin signaling was evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. This study demonstrates Sal inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo and one potential mechanism is inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling via increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels.

Mechanism of action of salinomycin on growth and migration in pancreatic cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers worldwide and there are few effective treatments. Recently, salinomycin (Sal) was reported to alter proliferation and apoptosis in various tumors. This prompted us to investigate the effect of Sal on pancreatic cancer cells and to explore the possible molecular mechanism in vitro.

METHODS

After treatment with Sal, pancreatic cancer cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells were assayed by a Transwell migration assay. Flow cytometry was also used to assessed the fraction of CD133(+) cell subpopulations. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2, E-cadherin, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related proteins were detected by RT-PCR and western blot.

RESULTS

Sal inhibited the growth and migration of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We found that the proportion of CD133(+) cell subpopulations decreased after treatment with Sal in pancreatic cancer cell lines at the same time. The percentage of apoptotic cells was increased after Sal treatment. Compared with control groups, Bax and E-cadherin were significantly upregulated, and Bcl-2 and PCNA were significantly downregulated in Sal-treated cells. The expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related proteins (β-catenin and p-GSK-3β) was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that Sal could influence the cell growth and migration in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, which may occur by inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.