Evaluation of an accelerated 3D modulated flip-angle technique in refocused imaging with an extended echo-train sequence with compressed sensing for imaging of the knee: comparison with routine 2D MRI sequences

AIM

To accelerate the acquisition of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using the three-dimensional (3D) matrix sequence with compressed sensing and to compare it with conventional two-dimensional (2D) proton-density (PD) and fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3D matrix, 2D FSE, and PD sequences were acquired from 68 participants using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two radiologists scored image quality independently on a four-point scale. The structural similarity index (SSIM), and signal- (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of different anatomical structures of the knee were assessed and compared between sequences using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Cohen's kappa.

RESULTS

The median acquisition time reduction was 44.5%. There was a substantial to perfect agreement for the rating between the 3D matrix FSE and 2D FSE or PD sequences when evaluating cartilage, subchondral bone, and ligaments (κ=0.783-872, p>0.05). The mean SSIM values between the 3D matrix FSE and 2D FSE, and between the 3D matrix PD and 2D PD sequences was 0.994 and 0.971, respectively, which are acceptable. No significant differences were found in SNR between the 3D matrix FSE and 2D FSE, and between the 3D matrix PD and 2D PD sequences, even though the SNR appeared to be higher on routine 2D sequences. The CNR of subchondral bone-meniscus, subchondral bone-joint fluid, and meniscus-joint fluid did not differentiate significantly between the 3D matrix sequence and routine 2D sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

3D matrix reduced the acquisition time in routine clinical knee MRI without the loss in image quality, SNR, and CNR.

[Establishment of a nucleic acid assay for detection of Echinococcus granulosus based on recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a nucleic acid assay for detection of Echinococcus granulosus based on recombinase-aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay.

METHODS

The 12S rRNA gene of E. granulosus was selected as the target gene, and the specific primers and fluorescent probes for RAA assay were designed, screened and synthesized to establish a fluorescent RAA assay for detection of E. granulosus. The sensitivity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated using different copy numbers of target gene sequence-contained recombinant plasmids and various concentrations of E. granulosus genomic DNA as templates, and the specificity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated using the genomic DNA from E. granulosus, E. multilocularis, Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni, Ancylostoma duodenale, Clonorchis sinensis, Taenia saginata, Spirometra mansoni and Taenia solium as templates.

RESULTS

A fluorescent RAA assay was successfully established for detection of E. granulosus, which achieved specific amplification of E. granulosus genomic DNA within 20 min at 39 ℃. The lowest detection limit of the fluorescent RAA assay was 10 copies/μL of recombinant plasmids and 0.1 ng/μL E. granulosus genomic DNA, which exhibited a high sensitivity, and the fluorescent RAA assay was all negative for the genomic DNA from E. multilocularis, S. japonicum, S. mansoni, A. duodenale, C. sinensis, T. saginata, Spirometra mansoni and T. solium, which exhibited a high specificity. In addition, this fluorescent RAA assay successfully detected genomic DNA from E. granulosus cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid, sensitive and specific fluorescent RAA assay is successfully established for nucleic acid detection of E. granulosus.

[Establishment of a recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay for nucleic acid detection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a recombinase-aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for the nucleic acid detection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

METHODS

The internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS1) gene sequence of A. cantonensis was used as the detection target sequence, and the specific primers and probes were designed and synthesized, followed by screening of the primers and probes with the highest specificity, to establish the basic and fluorescent RAA assay for nucleic acid detection of A. cantonensis. The sensitivity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated by using the target gene fragment sequence-contained recombinant plasmids at various copy numbers and the genomic DNA from A. cantonensis as the template DNA samples, and the specificity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated by using the genomic DNA from A. cantonensis, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Clonorchis sinensis, Echinococcus granulosus and Ancylostoma duodenale, as well as Pomacea canaliculata and Biomphalaria straminea snail tissues as the template DNA samples.

RESULTS

A fluorescent RAA assay was successfully established for nucleic acid detection of A. cantonensis, which achieved real-time amplification of the specific DNA fragment of A. cantonensis within 20 min at 37 ℃. By using the target gene fragment sequence-contained recombinant plasmids at various copy numbers and the genomic DNA from A. cantonensis as the DNA templates, the lowest detection limits of the fluorescent RAA assay were 10 copies/μL of recombinant plasmids and 100 pg/μL of genomic DNA, respectively. The fluorescent RAA assay was negative for detection of the genomic DNA from A. cantonensis, S. mansoni, A. lumbricoides, C. sinensis, E. granulosus, A. duodenale, and P. canaliculata and B. straminea snail tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple, rapid fluorescent RAA assay has been successfully established, which has a high sensitivity and specificity for the nucleic acid detection of A. cantonensis.

[Polarization of human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived macprophages induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis proteins in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the polarization of human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells-derived macrophages induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis proteins in vitro, so as to provide insights into the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying host immune responses to hookworm infections.

METHODS

The in-vitro culture of N. brasiliensis was established and maintained in the laboratory, and the third- (L3) and fifth-stage larvae (L5) were collected under a sterile condition for preparation of L3 and L5 proteins. The in-vitro culture of THP-1 cells was established, stimulated with 500 ng/mL PMA to yield M0 macrophages that were adherent to the plate wall. The LPS + IFN-γ group, IL-4 + IL-13 group, L3 protein group and L5 protein group were given stimulation with 500 ng/mL LPS plus 100 ng/mL IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 (both 100 ng/mL), L3 protein (5 mg/mL) and L5 protein (5 mg/mL), respectively, while the negative control group was given no stimulation. The cell morphology was observed using microscopy, the mRNA expression of M1/M2 macrophages-specific genes was quantified using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the surface markers of M1/M2 macrophages were detected using flow cytometry, while the levels of cytokines secreted by M1/M2 macrophages were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following stimulations, so as to examine the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages induced by N. brasiliensis proteins in vitro.

RESULTS

Following stimulation with PMA, THP-1 cells appeared wall-adherent M0 macrophages, and polarized to typical M1 macrophages following stimulation with LPS + IFN-γ, and typical M2 macrophages following stimulation with IL-4 + IL-13, IL-3 protein or L5 protein. There was a significant difference in the proportion of M1 macrophages among the negative control group, the LPS + IFN-γ group, the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (χ² = 3 721.00, P < 0.001), with the highest proportion detected in the LPS + IFN-γ group, and there was also a significant difference in the proportion of M2 macrophages among groups (χ² = 105.43, P < 0.001). There were significant differences among groups in terms of the mRNA expression of CCL2 (F = 191.95, P < 0.001), TNF-α (F = 129.95, P < 0.001), IL-12b (F = 82.89, P < 0.001), PPARγ (F = 11.30, P < 0.001), IL-10 (F = 9.51, P < 0.001) and Mrc1 genes (F = 12.35, P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in the proportion of positive CD86 and CD206 expression among groups (χ² = 24 004.33 and 832.50, P < 0.001). Higher IL-1β and TNF-α levels were measured in the LPS + IFN-γ group than in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group (P < 0.001), and greater TGF-β1 and IL-10 levels were seen in the IL-4 + IL-13 group, the L3 protein group and the L5 protein group than in the negative control group and the LPS + IFN-γ group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both L3 and L5 proteins of N. brasiliensis may induce the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages to M2 type in vitro.

[The effects and immunologic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori infection on AOM/DSS induced colitis-associated cancer in mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection on azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sulphate (DSS) induced colitis-associated cancer (CAC) in mice. Methods: A total of 60 specific pathogen free C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (control group, n=9), H. pylori-infected group (Hp group, n=9), AOM/DSS-treated group (AOM/DSS group,n=21) and AOM/DSS-treated with H.pylori infection group (Hp+AOM/DSS group, n=21). Mice were sacrificed on day19, 45 or 85 after AOM/DSS challenge. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine T helper cells 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in colonic lamina propria. The expression levels of Th17-and Treg-associated cytokines and transcription factors [interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17A, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)] were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: There were no histopathological changes in colonic tissues of mice in control group and Hp group. H.pylori colonization reduced the histopathological scores at the stages of colitis (day 19) and dysplasia (day 45), and also decreased tumor load (day 85) in mice treated with AOM/DSS (all P<0.05). Compared with AOM/DSS group, the percentages of CD3(+)CD4(+)IL-17A(+)Th17 and CD3(+)CD4(+)IL-17A(+)Foxp3(+)Treg cells (1.88±0.17 vs 2.07±0.89, 1.06±0.13 vs 1.89±0.23) and the expression levels of RORγt and IL-17A (1.08±0.59 vs 2.35±1.35, 2.96±0.92 vs 7.78±4.57) were decreased in colonic tissues of Hp+AOM/DSS group (all P<0.05). The percentages of CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)Treg and CD3(+)CD4(+)IL-10(+)Foxp3(+)Treg cells (20.60±3.39 vs 15.63±2.71, 2.94±0.52 vs 2.14±0.47) and the expression levels of Foxp3 and IL-10 [17.59(13.77,24.87) vs 6.27(4.41,13.36), 3.52(1.59,5.99) vs 1.17(1.15,2.75)] in colonic tissues were higher (all P<0.05) in mice of Hp+AOM/DSS group compared with AOM/DSS group on day 85. Conclusion: H.pylori infection slows the progress from inflammation to tumor in a AOM/DSS induced CAC modal, accompanied with the downregulation of Th17 response and upregulation of Treg response.

MiR-431 suppresses proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer via down-regulating DDX5

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to detect the role and function of microRNA-431 (miR-431) in lung cancer, and to investigate the underlying mechanism in regulating the development of lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to measure the relative expression level of miR-431 in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were employed to measure the proliferative ability of lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, transwell assay was recruited to detect the invasive and migratory abilities of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was designed to verify the target gene of miR-431. Western blot assay was used to gauge the protein level of DDX5 (DEAD box polypeptide 5).

RESULTS

MiR-431 expression was significantly lower in 122 lung cancer tissue samples or cell lines compared to the adjacent normal tissues or lung bronchial epithelial cell line, respectively. Over-expression of miR-431 significantly inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of A549 cells. Down-regulation of miR-431 accelerated cell growth and metastasis of H1650 cells. DDX5 was proved to be a direct target for miR-431 in lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-431 expression decreased in lung cancer tissues and cells. MiR-431 suppressed proliferation, invasion and migration of lung cancer cells via inhibiting the expression of DDX5. Our study might provide a novel target for the biological therapy of lung cancer.

[Epidemic trend and control progress of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province]

Soil-transmitted nematodiasis was once widely prevalent in Jiangsu Province, which seriously threatened human health and hindered socioeconomic development. The control efforts over decades resulted in a remarkable decline in the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode human infections in Jiangsu Province, with a reduction from 59.32% in 1989 to 0.12% in 2019, and the human prevalence remains at < 0.5% since 2013. Since 1987, an integrated strategy has been adopted for the control of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province; however, the core interventions varies at different stages, which mainly include deworming, water and sanitation service improvement, health education, and monitoring and assessment. The criteria of effective soil-transmitted nematodiasis control had been achieved in all epidemic counties (districts) of Jiangsu Province by 2019. Further actions to strengthen health education and monitoring and implement precision control measures are required to consolidate the achievements of soil-transmitted nematodiasis control and eliminate the harm of soil-transmitted nematodiasis to humans. This review summarizes the epidemiology, control progress and evolution of control strategy of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province.

[Clinical analysis of 150 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus infection in Nanyang City, Henan Province]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of the patients with 2019-nCoV infection in Nanyang City, so as to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The epidemiology, clinical symptoms, atory and radiologic data of 150 patients with 2019-nCoV infection admitted to the designated hospitals in Nanyang City from January 24,2020 to February 16, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The 150 patients with 2019 nCov infection consisted of 67 men and 83 women, and the median age was (45±16) years; 69 of them were the first generation case,60 of them were the second generation case, 6 of them were the third generation case,the median incubation period of the first generation case was (5.4±2.2) days, and the second generation case was (6.7±3.1) days, and the first-generation cases are the majority in severe patients (69%) . The most common basic disease was hypertension (13 cases, 9%), diabetes (9 cases, 6%), and the most common symptom is fever(142 cases, 95%, 63% showed moderate fever) , cough and sputum(108 cases,72%), fatigue(23 cases,15%), anorexia(20 cases, 13%), headache, diarrhea, muscle soreness, sore throat as the first symptoms. The average time from onset of symptoms to consultation was (4.2±2.2) days for all patients. The changes in peripheral blood cells were mainly lymphonpenia (83 cases, 55%) and eosinophilia (95 cases, 63%), The lymphocyte count of the severe and critically ill patients was more significantly reduced, and some patients had increased myocardial enzymes, mainly LDH (47 cases, 31%), and a few patients had liver function damage, mainly manifested in ALT and AST. High, very few patients have renal impairment. Among the inflammation-related indicators, the main manifestations are increased CRP (66 cases, 43%) and ESR (86 cases, 57%), elevated D-Dimer in 29% of patients. 144 cases have different degrees of infective lesions in chest CT examination, with 30 cases (21%) on one side and 144 cases (79%) on both sides. Morphologically, most of the lesions were patchy ground glass lesions, which could be accompanied by air bronchus signs and some consolidation and paving stone signs. Of the cases showing "white lung", 87% were sever ill or critically ill. After active treatment, 45% of patients were discharged according to discharge standards. 33% of sever and critically ill patients were discharged, 49% of them were degraded hospitalization.The average length of hospitalization was (12±4) days. Conclusion: A history of epidemiological exposure, fever, chest CT with signs of pneumonia, normal or decreased WBC, and lymphocytopenia, eosinophilia are the clinical basis for the diagnosis of this disease, and most of the sever patients were the first generation cases. The degree of lymphocytopenia is related to the severity of the disease.

[Investigation on the risk of of Anisakis infection among high - risk populations along the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk of Anisakis infections among high-risk populations along the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province, so as to develop the strategy for the prevention and control of anisakiasis in the province.

METHODS

Three counties along the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province were selected as the study sites in 2018, including Rudong County in Nantong City, Haizhou District in Lianyungang City and Dongtai City in Yancheng City. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of anisakiasis prevention and control, and the prevalence of serum specific IgG antibody against Anisakis were investigated among high-risk populations among these three study sites, including fishermen, fish seller and people who liked eating fresh and live marine fish. Factors affecting the prevalence of the specific IgG antibody against Anisakis were identified using a multiple logistic regression model. In addition, Anisakis larvae infections were detected in fresh and live marine fish samples collected from local markets, and the prevalence and intensity of Anisakis infections were estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 625 high-risk populations were investigated, including 349 men (55.8%). Only 13.0% of the subjects heard about anisakiasis, and a low awareness rate of anisakiasis prevention and control knowledge was seen among these three types of high-risk populations. There were 21.6% of the subjects eating raw or half-cooked marine fish, 5.8% eating undercooked marine fish, 3.2% presenting vomiting, nausea and diarrhea after eating marine fish, 5.1% developing systemic allergic symptoms, and 65.6% using the same chopping board for raw and cooked food. The sero-prevalence of the anti-Anisakis IgG antibody was 7.0% among the study subjects. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified education level [OR = 0.687, 95% CI (0.478, 0.987)] and development of systemic allergic symptoms [OR = 4.641, 95% CI(1.411, 15.268)]as factors affecting the positive anti-Anisakis IgG antibody among the study subjects. Among 494 fresh and live marine fish detected, the prevalence and intensity of Anisakis larvae infection was 64.0% and 8.1 larvae per fish, with high prevalence seen in Trichiurus haumela and Pneumatophorus japonicas.

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness of anisakiasis prevention and control knowledge is low among the high-risk populations living along the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province, and there are high-risk behaviors, such as eating raw or half-cooked food, using the same chopping board for raw and cooked food. In addition, the prevalence of Anisakis infections is high in the marine fish in these areas. Therefore, the health education and health promotion for anisakiasis prevention and control should be intensified.

[A multicenter survey of the accessibility of essential medicines for children in China]

Objective: To investigate the availability, prices and affordability of essential medicines in pediatric population across China, in the hope of improving rational use of medicines. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional survey of medicine prices, availability and affordability was conducted in 17 provinces, municipalities and autonomous region across east, south-central part, west and north of China. Data on 42 medicines used in pediatric population, both original and generic, were collected in 55 public hospitals from May 26 to June 2, 2017. Availability was expressed as the percentage of hospitals with stock of the target medicine on the day of data collection,and median price ratio (MPR) was the ratio of price upon investigation to international reference. Based on national minimum daily wage, affordability represents the number of working days needed to earn the expense which covers a standard course using the target medicine. Statistical software SPSS 13.0 was applied for descriptive analysis of availability, MPR and affordability. Results: Mean Availability of original and generic medicine was 33% and 32%, with median MPR being 5.43 and 1.55. Among the 19 medicines with price information for both original and generic product, the median MPR was 7.73 and 2.04 respectively. Regarding the five medicines used to treat four common pediatric diseases (pneumonia,peptic ulcer, congenital hypothyroidism, refractory nephrotic syndrome), the affordability was 0.63 (0.16-6.17) d for generic medicine, and 1.03 (0.16-11.53) d for its original counterpart. Conclusions: The availability to both original and generic products of the 42 medicines used in pediatric population was low in China. The prices of generic medicines seem to be lower and affordability higher than those of original medicines. There is an urgent need to improve the availability and affordability of pediatric medicines.

Transcriptomic changes in the nasal epithelium associated with diesel engine exhaust exposure

BACKGROUND

Diesel engine exhaust (DEE) exposure causes lung cancer, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To assess transcriptomic alterations in nasal epithelium of DEE-exposed factory workers to better understand the cellular and molecular effects of DEE.

METHODS

Nasal epithelial brushings were obtained from 41 diesel engine factory workers exposed to relatively high levels of DEE (17.2-105.4 μg/m3), and 38 unexposed workers from factories without DEE exposure. mRNA was profiled for gene expression using Affymetrix microarrays. Linear modeling was used to identify differentially expressed genes associated with DEE exposure and interaction effects with current smoking status. Pathway enrichment among differentially expressed genes was assessed using EnrichR. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to compare gene expression patterns between datasets.

RESULTS

225 genes had expression associated with DEE exposure after adjusting for smoking status (FDR q < 0.25) and were enriched for genes in pathways related to oxidative stress response, cell cycle pathways such as MAPK/ERK, protein modification, and transmembrane transport. Genes up-regulated in DEE-exposed individuals were enriched among the genes most up-regulated by cigarette smoking in a previously reported bronchial airway smoking dataset. We also found that the DEE signature was enriched among the genes most altered in two previous studies of the effects of acute DEE on PBMC gene expression. An exposure-response relationship was demonstrated between air levels of elemental carbon and the first principal component of the DEE signature.

CONCLUSIONS

A gene expression signature was identified for workers occupationally exposed to DEE that was altered in an exposure-dependent manner and had some overlap with the effects of smoking and the effects of acute DEE exposure. This is the first study of gene expression in nasal epithelial cells of workers heavily exposed to DEE and provides new insights into the molecular alterations that occur with DEE exposure.

[Establishment and evaluation of a novel DNA detection method based on recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay for Giardia lamblia]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a novel nucleic acid assay for detection of Giardia lamblia based on the recombinase-aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay, and evaluate its sensitivity and specificity for detection of G. lamblia.

METHODS

The specific primer sequences and florescent probes were designed and synthesized based on the G. lamblia β-giardin gene as the target gene, and a fluorescent RAA assay was established. The recombinant plasmids at various copies (containing the β-giardin gene target sequence) and the genomic DNA of G. lamblia at various concentrations were used as templates for the fluorescent RAA assay to assess the sensitivity, and the genomic DNA from G. lamblia, Schistosoma japonicum, Clonorchis sinensis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Salmonella and Shigella was used as templates to assess the specificity of the fluorescent RAA assay.

RESULTS

A novel fluorescent RAA assay was successfully established for detection of G. lamblia, which allowed the rapid and specific amplification of the target gene fragments at 39 ℃ within 20 min. The sensitivities of the fluorescent RAA assay were 102 copies/μL and 1 pg/μL for detection of the recombinant plasmid and G. lamblia genomic DNA, respectively, and the fluorescent RAA assay was negative for detection of the genomic DNA from S. japonicum, C. sinensis, C. parvum, A. lumbricoides, Salmonella and Shigella, which showed a high specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

A fluorescent RAA assay, which is simple, sensitive and specific, is successfully established for nucleic acid detection of G. lamblia.

Reconstruction and analysis of the aberrant lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

A new perspective of determining the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development is required. The current study explores the aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA. The study further constructs and analyses the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network to elucidate their gene regulation roles in SLE.

METHOD

We extracted mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA from the whole venous blood of 20 SLE patients and 20 normal control (NC) healthy individuals. A lncRNA-mRNA-miRNA network in SLE was constructed using a bioinformatics approach. Subsequently, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed using the Cytoscape plug-in BinGo, the DAVID database and Cytoscape software to explore the function of mRNAs in this network.

RESULT

A total of 855 mRNA, 7311 lncRNA and 134 miRNA with differentially expressed profiles were identified. Meanwhile, we established a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) subnetwork composed of 52 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), seven differentially expressed miRNAs and 10 differentially expressed mRNAs. We extracted the subnetwork from the ceRNA network and found that three novel miRNAs were key: hsa-miR-145, hsa-miR-17 and hsa-miR-143. We also deduced that the DElncRNAs MIAT and NEAT1 might play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of SLE. The results were verified by bioinformatics analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a novel perspective for studying lncRNA-related and miRNA-related ceRNA networks in SLE.

[Analysis of mortality relative factors in patients with ventricular septal rupture complicating myocardial infarction]

Objective: To examine the mortality rate and relative factors associate with ventricular septal rupture in myocardial infarction patients. Methods: A total of 51 patients who suffered from myocardial infarction complicating with ventricular septal rupture received operative procedures between January 2005 and December 2018 in Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. There were 34 males and 17 females, with an age of (63±8) years (range: 44 to 82 years). The time between ventricular septal rupture and surgical procedure was (44±39) days (range: 3 to 187 days). The t test and χ(2) test were used for univariate analysis, Logistics regression model was used for multivariate analysis of in-hospital mortality relative factors. Results: There were 8 patients dead in hospital, 43 patients survived, the overall mortality rate was 15.7% in hospital. The post-operation mortality rate was 2/3 of who suffered ventricular septal rupture and underwent operation within 1 week, but it's markedly decreased to 6.5% if the time over 4 weeks. Univariate analysis showed that renal failure before operation, creatinine before operation, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac function (New York Heart Association) grade Ⅳ, severe tricuspid regurgitation, dialysis post-operation, creatinine of the first day of post-operation, the time between and operation more than 4 weeks were in-hospital mortality relative factors. Multivariate analysis reflected that advanced age (OR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.05 to 1.75, P=0.033), cardiac function grade Ⅳ (OR=2.25, 95%CI: 1.62 to 2.82, P=0.003), severe tricuspid regurgitation (OR= 1.82, 95%CI: 1.31 to 2.43, P=0.001), renal failure before operation (OR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.26 to 2.32, P=0.015), the time between ventricular septal rupture and operation less than 1 week (OR=2.50, 95%CI: 1.52 to 2.98, P=0.012), were independent in-hospital mortality relative factors. Conclusions: The surgery operation is an effective way to deal with ventricular septal rupture combined with myocardial infarction. The independent relative factors of in-hospital mortality are advanced age, cardiac function grade Ⅳ, renal failure before operation, severe tricuspid regurgitation, the time between ventricular septal rupture and operation less than 1 week.

Second-generation Src/Abl inhibitor bosutinib effectively induces apoptosis in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells via inhibiting Src/Abl signaling

Esophageal cancer is a prevalent type of cancer worldwide and is ranked sixth among cancer-associated mortalities. Aberrant activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src and c-Abl contribute to the progression of ESCC. Thus, targeting these kinases to treat ESCC is a promising strategy. In this paper, we report that the potent dual Src/Abl inhibitor bosutinib exerts anti-tumor effects on ESCC. Bosutinib inhibits ESCC cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, bosutinib suppresses the colony formation ability of ESCC cells. Mechanistically, bosutinib effectively inhibits c-Abl and Src and its downstream signaling pathways, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT3. In addition, bosutinib enhances the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on ESCC cells. In summary, our results reveal that Src and Abl are potential therapeutic targets in ESCC and that the novel Src/Abl inhibitor bosutinib alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents may be a viable option for treating ESCC patients.

[Progress of research on host immune responses induced by hookworm infection and its potential therapeutic values]

Hookworm infection remains a global health concern, which threatens human health. Hookworm infection is widely prevalent across the world, notably in tropical and subtropical areas. Recently, with the in-depth study of the immunity of parasitic infections, the"bidirectional effect"of host immune responses induced by helminth infections (including hookworm infections) has become increasingly prominent. On one hand, an immune response is induced in the host to kill the infected worms; on the other hand, the host produces a series of immunological changes that are conducive to the maintenance of parasite survival. The immune state of the host is regulated by various complicated mechanisms, and this may lead to the reduction in the incidence of allergic and autoimmune diseases or alleviation of the disease symptoms, which provide new insights into the management of these allergic and autoimmune diseases. The present article reviewed the advances of host immune responses induced by hook-worm infection and its potential values in the treatment of allergic asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

[Establishment and preliminary evaluation of recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for specific nucleic acid detection of Clonorchis sinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for detection of Clonorchis sinensis.

METHODS

The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) sequence of C. sinensis was used as the target sequence, and specific primers and probes were designed, synthesized and screened to establish a rapid fluorescent RAA assay for the detection of C. sinensis. Then, the sensitivity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated using the recombinant plasmids containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments and C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations, and the specificity of the fluorescent RAA as say was evaluated using the genomic DNA of Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus granulosus, Schistosoma japonicum, Ancylostoma duodenale and S. mansoni as templates. DNA samples were extracted from the feces containing C. sinensis eggs and freshwater fish containing metacercaria for the fluorescent RAA assay, and the performance for detection of C. sinensis-infected samples was preliminarily assessed in the field.

RESULTS

A fluorescent RAA assay for detection of C. sinensis was successfully established, which was feasible for specific amplification of C. sinensis genomic DNA at 39 °C within 20 min. The lowest detection limit was 10 copies/μL if the recombinant plasmid containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments was used as a template, and the lowest detection limit was 3 pg/μL if the C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations served as a template. All detections were negative if the genomic DNA of A. lumbricoides, E. granulosus, S. japonicum, A. duodenale, and S. mansoni was used as templates. In addition, the fluorescent RAA assay showed a high performance for the detection of C. sinensis-infected samples in the field, which successfully detected C. sinensis-infected human and rat fecal samples and Pseudorasbora parva samples.

CONCLUSIONS

A fluorescent RAA assay is successfully established, which is simple, rapid, sensitivity and specific for detection of C. sinensis.

Local dermal application of a compound lidocaine cream in pain management of cancer wounds

The aim of this study was to explore the analgesic effect of local application of compound lidocaine/prilocaine cream on cancer wounds during wound care in order to reduce the amount of morphine intake or completely replace the systemic morphine administration and optimize the protocol for cancer wound pain management. All patients were enrolled with a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score ≥4. Before wound care, 60 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 each: morphine group (10 mg tablet); topical 5% compound lidocaine cream group (0.2 g/cm²). VAS scores, heart rate, and Kolcaba comfort level were recorded for the two groups 10 min before and 10, 15, 20, and 25 min after wound care and data were analyzed statistically. The means for the pain score and heart rate of the topical lidocaine/prilocaine cream group were lower than those of the morphine group (P<0.01) and the Kolcaba comfort level was higher (P<0.01). Local dermal application of the compound lidocaine cream can be used as an alternative to the systemic morphine administration in cancer wound care for its safety and effectiveness. In addition, it can improve the patients' comfort and quality of life.

Wheat-associated microbiota and their correlation with stripe rust reaction

AIMS

This study was aimed at revealing the composition of microbiota in leaves, roots and rhizosphere soil of wheat plants that are resistant or susceptible to stripe rust, one of the most widely destructive leaf diseases in wheat production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 36 wheat plants that showed resistant or susceptible reactions to stripe rust were sampled. Three compartments of each plant including leaves, roots and rhizosphere soil were used for whole-genomic DNA extraction and the DNA samples were subjected to high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 2885 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were revealed from the sequencing, and they mainly distributed in the phylum of Proteobacteria. Twenty-nine OTUs formed the core microbiota of wheat plants. The differences between above- and below-ground environments could explain most of the dissimilarity of wheat-associated microbial communities. Therefore, those microbes that were able to adapt to the above-ground (leaf) environment might be more important resources for biocontrol agents against stripe rust, and they could be from genera Hymenobacter, Flavobacterium, Chitinophage, Flavisolibacter, Niastella, Mucilaginibacter, Pedobacter, Aquincola, Massilia, Citrobacter, Cronobacter, Ewingella, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. No matter the microbial taxa were significantly selected by the resistant or susceptible wheat plants, they contained the members with plant growth promoting (PGP) features and could be used as potential biocontrol agents to reduce stripe rust damage.

CONCLUSIONS

The core microbiota associated with wheat plants and microbial taxa that were significantly correlated with reactions to stripe rust were identified in this study.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Few studies had been done on the microbiota associated with wheat so far. Our study will not only provide fundamental knowledge about the composition of wheat-associated microbiota but also reveal the microbial taxa that have the potential to be integrated into the strategy of stripe rust management.

PCNA and GSK3β interact with each other to regulate H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cells apoptosis

Glycogen synthase kinase beta (GSK3β) is considered as a promising target for lung cancer treatment and its inhibitor lithium chloride (LiCl) is widely regarded as having potent anti-proliferative and apoptosis-modulating activities. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), as an auxiliary protein for DNA polymerase delta, which regulates DNA replication and repair, has been reported to play an important role in regulating apoptosis. Here, we showed that GSK3β interacted with PCNA in H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cells using GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. We discovered that their interaction can be enhanced within the first 3 h after UVC irradiation and decreased gradually with time. Overexpression of PCNA protein decreased GSK3β Ser9 phosphorylation, whereas knockdown of PCNA using small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased Ser9 phosphorylated GSK3β, which was attenuated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 after UVC irradiation, indicating the involvement of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Functional analyses suggested that downregulation of PCNA sensitized H1299 cells to LiCl-induced apoptosis. Thus, our results unraveled a novel regulatory of GSK3β by PCNA and provided a promising direction for treatment of lung cancer.

[Genetic characteristics and clinical outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with NUP98-NSD1 fusion gene]

Objective: To investigate the genetic characteristics and clinical outcomes of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients with NUP98-NSD1 fusion gene. Methods: A total of 80 pediatric AML patients were enrolled in this study, and bone marrow specimens were collected at initial diagnosis and relapse. NUP98-NSD1 was screened by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PCR. Other laboratory test results and clinical outcomes were further analyzed for the NUP98-NSD1 positive cases. Results: A total of eight patients (10.0%) were positive for NUP98-NSD1, which were all fusions of NUP98 exon12 and NSD1 exon 6. There were two M2, three M4, and three M5 cases according to the French-American-British classification. Seven patients had karyotype results at the time of initial diagnosis, and none of them had complicated karyotype abnormalities. Among these patients, two cases had normal karyotype, three cases had trisomy 8, one case had trisomy 6, and two cases had anomalies involving 9q13 or 9q21. Additional karyotypic abnormalities and clonal evolutions were observed during disease progression or relapse, five cases had 9q13 or 9q32 abnormalities. Five cases (62.5%) were positive with FLT3-ITD mutation. Patients were treated with DAE/NAE/HAE/IA chemotherapy. Three cases did not achieve remission after several courses of chemotherapy, and five cases achieved remission but relapsed in 1 to 19 months. Five cases underwent salvage allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Among whom, four died in 40 days to 4 months after transplantation, and one survived 8.5 months till the last follow-up. Conclusions: NUP98-NSD1 is a recurrent genetic abnormality with significant clinical prognostic significance, and this group of disease has unique clinical and genetic characteristics. NUP98-NSD1 should be screened by FISH or PCR for children with AML who are newly diagnosed or refractory and relapsed to identify the high-risk genetic marker.

P3422Contrasting the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events among individuals with lower extremity peripheral artery disease, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease

Background

Having more vascular conditions, including coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease and lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), may increase the risk for atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. Specific vascular conditions may increase the ASCVD event rate more than others.

Purpose

To compare the risk for future ASCVD events associated with the number and type of vascular conditions among adults with a history of CHD, cerebrovascular disease and/or LEAD.

Methods

We analyzed data from US adults ≥19 years of age with commercial or Medicare health insurance who had a history of CHD, cerebrovascular disease and/or LEAD as of December 31, 2014 (N=901,391). Individuals were followed through December 31, 2016 (median follow-up: 2 years) for ASCVD events, including myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, carotid revascularization and lower extremity amputation or revascularization.

Results

Among individuals included in the current analysis (mean age 63 years, 45% female), 70%, 23% and 7% had 1, 2 and 3 vascular conditions, respectively. After adjustment for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratio for ASCVD among individuals with 2 and 3 versus 1 vascular conditions was 1.88 (1.85, 1.92) and 2.93 (2.86, 3.00), respectively. Among individuals with 1 vascular condition, the rate of ASCVD events per 1,000 person-years was 46.5 (95% CI 44.1, 49.0), 29.6 (95% CI 29.0, 30.1) and 19.9 (95% CI 19.2, 20.8) for those with LEAD, CHD and cerebrovascular disease, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for ASCVD events comparing individuals with LEAD only and CHD only versus those with cerebrovascular disease only was 1.84 (1.77, 1.92) and 1.12 (1.08, 1.16), respectively. Among individuals with 2 vascular conditions, the ASCVD event rate per 1,000 person-years was higher in those with LEAD and CHD (122.0, 95% CI 112.5, 132.2) and with LEAD and cerebrovascular disease (92.4, 95% CI 79.9, 106.4), versus those with CHD and cerebrovascular disease (59.1, 95% CI 54.8, 63.6). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) comparing individuals with LEAD and CHD and those with LEAD and cerebrovascular disease versus those with CHD and cerebrovascular disease was 1.48 (1.44, 1.53) and 1.49 (1.41, 1.58), respectively.

Conclusion

Among adults with vascular disease, having LEAD confers a higher risk for future ASCVD events than CHD or cerebrovascular disease and this group may benefit from more intensive risk reduction treatment.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Amgen Inc.

P652Lower use of statins among patients with peripheral artery disease compared with those with coronary heart disease

Background

Adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are recommended to take a statin to reduce their risk for future cardiovascular events. Prior studies suggest that statins are being taken by most adults with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, there are few data on the use of statins among adults with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Purpose

To compare the use of statins among US adults with a history of PAD versus those with a history of CHD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among US adults ≥19 years of age with commercial or government health insurance who had a history of CHD or PAD as of December 31, 2014 (n=1,006,451, mean age 63 years, 47% male). We used pharmacy claims between January 1 and December 31, 2014 to identify use of any statin and of a high-intensity statin (i.e., atorvastatin 40–80 mg, rosuvastatin 20–40 mg, simvastatin 80 mg). Patients with a history of CHD without PAD (CHD only), both CHD and PAD, and PAD without CHD (PAD only) were analysed. Prevalence ratios for use of any statin and a high-intensity statin among those taking a statin were calculated after multivariable adjustment for sociodemographics and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Overall, 69.1% of patients included in the current analysis had CHD only, 21.4% had both CHD and PAD, and 9.5% had PAD only. Overall, 66.0%, 68.2% and 47.5% of patients with CHD only, CHD and PAD, and PAD only were taking a statin. After multivariable adjustment and compared to patients with CHD only, the prevalence ratio for statin use was 1.02 (95% CI 1.01, 1.02) for those with both CHD and PAD and 0.82 (95% CI 0.82, 0.83) for those with PAD only. Among patients taking a statin, 29.4% of those with CHD only, 28.6% of those with both CHD and PAD, and 17.3% of those with PAD only were taking a high-intensity dosage. Compared to patients with CHD only, the multivariable adjusted prevalence ratio for taking a high-intensity dosage was 1.05 (95% CI 1.04, 1.06) for those with both CHD and PAD and 0.71 (95% CI 0.70, 0.73) for those with PAD only.

Conclusion

Adults with PAD receive less intensive statin therapy compared with their counterparts who have CHD. Interventions aimed to increase statin use among patients with PAD are warranted.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was supported through a research grant from Amgen, Inc. (Thousand Oaks, CA, USA).

Gut microbiota composition and bone mineral loss-epidemiologic evidence from individuals in Wuhan, China

We explored the association between gut microbiota composition and bone mineral loss in Chinese elderly people by high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Compared with controls, a smaller number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), several taxa with altered abundance, and specific functional pathways were found in individuals with low-bone mineral density (BMD).

INTRODUCTION

Gut microbiota plays important roles in human health and associates with a number of diseases. However, few studies explored its association with bone mineral loss in human.

METHODS

We collected 102 fecal samples from each eligible individual belonging to low-BMD and control groups for high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

The low-BMD individuals had a smaller number of OTUs and bacterial taxa at each level. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes were more abundant in the low-BMD group; Firmicutes were enriched in the control group; Firmicutes and Actinobacteria positively correlated and Bacteroidetes negatively correlated with the BMD and T-score in all subjects. At the family level, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae in low-BMD individuals reduced and positively correlated with BMD and T-score; meanwhile, BMD increased with increasing Bifidobacteriaceae. At the genus level, low-BMD individuals had decreased proportions of Roseburia compared with control ones (P < 0.05). Roseburia, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus positively correlated with BMD and T-score. Furthermore, BMD increased with rising abundance of Bifidobacterium. Functional prediction revealed that 93 metabolic pathways significantly differed between the two groups (FDR-corrected P < 0.05). Most pathways, especially pathways related to LPS biosynthesis, were more abundant in low-BMD individuals than in control ones.

CONCLUSIONS

Several taxa with altered abundance and specific functional pathways were discovered in low-BMD individuals. Our findings provide novel epidemiologic evidence to elucidate the underlying microbiota-relevant mechanism in bone mineral loss and osteoporosis.

[The effect of air test and methylene blue perfusion test on detecting the quality of anastomosis during laparoscopic rectal cancer excision (Dixon)]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of air test (AT) and methylene blue perfusion test (MBPT) to detect the quality of the anastomosis in laparoscopic rectal cancer excision (Dixon), and compare the two approaches. Methods: AT is performed by filling the pelvis with saline solution and insufflating the rectum with air through a size 22 G balloon catheter (Foley). MBPT is carried out by surrounding clean sponges around anastomosis and injecting methylene blue solution into the rectum as like as AT. The balloon catheter connected manometer,ensuring the pressure in rectum can reach 40 cmH(2)O during AT and MBPT. The presence of air bubbles and overt blue-stained spillage indicated anastomotic leaks which are were resolved during surgery. All 28 patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal excision received both AT and MBPT intraoperatively in a randomized fashion. The integrity of the anastomosis, postoperative vital signs, blood examination, drainage and postoperative imaging were analyzed. Results: All 28 patients received both tests successfully with no adverse event. MBPT Level 1 was detected in 15 cases, level 2 in 8 cases, level 3 in 5 cases. No MBPT level 4 was observed. AT level 1 was detected in 22 cases, level 2 in 5 cases, level 3 in 1 cases. No AT level 4 was founded. Three cases were diagnosed with postoperative anastomotic leakage (3/28, 10.71%), of which 2 cases were Grade B [definition and grading proposed by the international study group of rectal cancer (ISREC) in 2010]. One case was Grade C. The positive rate of MBPT was superior to AT (the McNemar testing, P<0.01). Conclusions: The two intraoperative tests are both technically feasible and safe. Compared to AT, MBPT has the advantage of localizing the leak site with a higher positive accuracy, and represents a promising standardized approach for intraoperative test of the anastomosis quality. Intraoperative repair is absolutely helpful for the level 3 and 4 intraoperative tests.

Simplified colonic dialysis with hemodialysis solutions delays the progression of chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

The colon plays a vital role in the disposal of nitrogenous waste products. Therefore, the colon may provide a therapeutic target for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of a simplified model of colonic dialysis with hemodialysis solutions (SCD) to delay the progression of stages 3-5 CKD.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 178 stages 3-5 CKD patients who did or did not receive SCD (SCD group, n = 88; control group, n = 90). The follow-up was 36 months. The outcome of CKD progression was defined as a decrease in 50% or more in estimated glomerular filtration rate, starting hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or undergoing transplantation. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare CKD progression between SCD and control groups as well as between subgroups at different CKD stages. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for patients' characteristics were used to examine the association between SCD and the outcome.

RESULTS

For all patients, the outcome was significantly better in SCD group compared to control group (P < 0.05). The results were similar in the subgroups of patients at stage 4 (P = 0.001) and stage 5 (P = 0.000), but not in the subgroup of patients at stage 3 (P = 0.121). For all patients, SCD was associated with a lower risk of CKD progression after adjusted for patients' characteristics (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.373; 95% confidence interval, 0.201-0.694; P 0.002).

CONCLUSION

SCD is an effective supplementary therapy to delay the progression of stages 4-5 CKD.

[Real-world research on cervical cancer screening program and effect evaluation for Chinese population]

Objective: To evaluate the actual efficacy of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions screening approaches in real-world regions with different economic levels in China. Methods: The demonstrative application and effect evaluation of cervical cancer screening program were conducted in 21 hospitals nationwide from 2015 to 2018. Multi-stage sampling method was adopted to divide the country into 7 large areas according to geographical location. Two to four screening sites of two types of cancer (cervical cancer and breast cancer) were selected in each area, and the grassroots screening sites were implemented under the guidance of superior hospitals. In rural areas, women were initially screened using cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and visual inspection. The women with positive cytology or visual inspection were referred for colposcopy, and the women with positive HPV infection were randomly referred for reflex cytology or visual inspection, or direct colposcopy examination. In urban areas, women were primarily randomized into cytology or HPV testing groups. The women with abnormal cytology or positive HPV 16/18 infection were directly referred for colposcopy examination, whereas the women with positive infection of the other 12 high-risk subtypes of HPV were referred for reflex cytology or colposcopy. All of recruited women would be follow-up and screened by the baseline screening techniques in the third year while the positive women underwent colposcopy examination. The positive rates, referral rates, the detection rates of grade 2 and above of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2+ ) were compared. Results: A total of 63 931 women were recruited at the baseline. Among them, 11 rural sites included 33 823 women: 15 577, 11 157 and 7 089 women were screened by HPV testing, visual inspection via acetic acid or Lugol's iodine (VIA/VILI) and cytology, respectively. Additionally, 30 108 women were from 10 urban sites: 9 907 and 20 201 women were screened by cytology and HPV subtyping, respectively. The HPV positive rate for urban women was 9.34%, whereas that for rural women was 12.53%. The abnormal rate of cytology for urban women was 5.63%, and that for rural women was 4.24%. The positive rate of VIA/VILI in the rural women was 12.25% Furthermore, the detection rate of CIN2+ at the baseline was 0.56%, and that was statistically higher in HPV-positive group than cytology-positive group (P<0.05). Conclusions: All of screening sites completed the baseline screening tasks as expected. The prevalence of HPV infection is higher in rural women than urban women. The performance of HPV testing is better than cytology for detecting CIN2+ cases. This real-world demonstration study provides evidences for cervical cancer prevention and control in different regions.

Genomewide analysis of 6-methyladenine DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of systemic lupus erythematosus

Aim

The aim of this paper is to explore the expression of 6-methyladenine (6mA) DNA and to elucidate its gene regulation role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Twenty SLE patients and 20 normal control healthy individuals (HCs) were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and subsequently underwent 6mA-immunoprecipitation-sequencing (6mA-IP-Seq) after DNA quality control and 6mA precipitation. Bioinformation analysis was applied to the raw data comparing 6mA levels between SLE patients and HCs.

Results

We identified 5462 hypermethylation and 431 hypomethylation genes in PBMCs of individuals with SLE, which indicated that a high level of 6mA participates in the pathogenesis of SLE. Gene ontology analysis revealed that hypermethylation genes might regulate the inflammatory process, which has been well documented in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Conclusion

6mA may be involved in the initial development of SLE, which may lead to its potential use as an early diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.

Differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs and the prognostic potential in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence, especially in developed countries. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are new research hotspots for their vital roles in regulating gene expression. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of lncRNAs in CRC patients. A total of 21 cancer-related lncRNAs were detected by PCR array to reveal their expression changes in CRC tissue. A 120-week-long follow-up was performed in 30 CRC patients to analyze the relationship between lncRNA levels and CRC prognosis. Most of the 21 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in CRC tissue compared to the adjacent normal tissue, among which seven lncRNAs were significantly changed: AFAP1-AS1, BCAR4, H19, HOXA-AS2, MALAT1 and PVT1 were up-regulated, and ADAMTS9-AS2 was down-regulated in CRC tissue samples. No obvious correlation was found between lncRNA levels and the age, gender, tumor size or TNM stage of these patients. Log-rank test indicated that higher levels of AFAP1-AS1, BCAR4, H19, HOXA-AS2, MALAT1 or PVT1 and lower level of ADAMTS9-AS2 might predict the poor prognosis of CRC patients. This study suggests the potential value of the seven lncRNAs in the prognosis of CRC, providing reference information for future research on CRC prognostic and treatment strategy.

[The function-structure impairment pattern of optic nerves in primary open-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of impairment of the visual field (VF) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the differences of progression pattern of early, middle and late stages of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) , and to analyze the correspondence of structure and function. Methods: Cross-sectional study. POAG patients, NTG patients and healthy volunteers who were enrolled from February 2008 to May 2017 at Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, underwent basic ophthalmic examination, Humphrey central 24-2 threshold test and optical coherence tomography. Patients were divided into early, middle and late stages according to the mean defect (MD) index of the VF test. According to the RNFL distributional characteristics, the pattern deviation map and RNFL were divided into 6 sectors. The differences of each sector's MD and RNFL thickness in the healthy group and groups of patients at 3 stages were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the correlation of MD and RNFL thickness of each sector was analyzed using the Pearson coefficient. Results: In the POAG group, there were 84 cases (84 eyes) including 35 eyes of early stage, 20 eyes of middle stage and 29 eyes of late stage, with a male/female ratio of 43∶41, aged (45±15) years. In the NTG group, 69 cases (69 eyes) included 30 eyes of early stage, 20 eyes of middle stage and 19 eyes of late stage, with a male/female ratio of 33∶36, aged (49±13) years. The control group had 23 cases (23 eyes), with a male/female ratio of 16∶17 and an age of (44±10) years. There was no significant difference in male/female ratio, age or best corrected visual acuity among the three groups. (1) In the middle stage of POAG, the VF defects of inferior hemi-fields were more severe than the superior (t=21.62, P=0.000), which was opposite to the late stage of POAG (t=-3.28, P=0.003). In each stage of NTG, there was no significant difference between two hemi-fields. In the control group, the MD values(antilog) of VF in the superior peripheral arch (PEA), superior paracentral arch (PAA), inferior PEA and PAA, temporal and central regions were 0.87 (0.63-1.11)/L, 0.74 (0.61-0.83)/L, 0.72 (0.55-0.97)/L, 0.65 (0.51-0.87)/L, 0.69 (0.57-0.97)/L, and 0.82 (0.54-0.93)/L, respectively. The sectoral MD values in the VF sectors of POAG were significant compared with the control group (P<0.05): superior PAA for early stage [0.61 (0.18-0.92)/L, H=21.58], superior PEA and PAA for middle stage [0.61 (0.15-0.87)/L, 0.21 (0.00-0.78)/L, H=25.99, 34.91], superior PEA and PAA, inferior PEA and PAA for late stage [0.01 (0.00-1.13)/L, 0.00 (0.00-0.76)/L, 0.41 (0.00-1.07)/L, 0.21 (0.00-0.95)/L, H=46.27, 54.19, 25.64, 28.10]. With the aggravation of POAG, superior PAA had the largest reduction percentage of sectoral MD. The sectoral MD values in the VF sectors of NTG were significant compared with the control group (P<0.05): superior PAA for early stage [0.54 (0.19-0.80)/L, H=20.93], superior PAA for middle stage [0.60 (0.02-1.01)/L, H=22.13], superior PEA and PAA, inferior PEA and PAA for late stage [0.33 (0.00-0.90)/L, 0.05 (0.00-0.92)/L, 0.16 (0.01-0.87)/L, 0.64 (0.02-1.10)/L, H=37.66, 42.78, 35.15, 37.15]. With the aggravation of NTG, the largest reduction percentage of sectoral MD was found in superior PAA at the beginning but in inferior PAA at last. (2) The RNFL thickness of the control group in Region 1NI, 2TI, 3NS, 4TS, 5N, and 6T was 112.76 (63.54-150.99) μm, 134.89 (89.44-198.55) μm, 96.52 (57.32-158.79) μm, 120.96 (69.25-148.48) μm, 71.85 (65.03-95.47) μm, and 66.24 (55.44-90.97) μm, respectively. The sectoral thickness in the RNFL sectors of POAG were significant compared with the control group (P<0.05): 2TI for early stage [109.17 (43.77-173.86) μm, H=31.50], 1NI, 2TI and 4TS for middle stage [71.54 (49.92-94.98) μm, 62.92 (42.33-102.73) μm, 84.20 (45.98-120.13) μm, H=38.91, 49.89, 30.60], 1NI, 2TI, 3NS, 4TS, 5N and 6T for late stage [61.76 (39.32-97.99) μm, 59.59 (42.80-108.69) μm, 67.28 (42.56-117.96) μm, 65.16 (41.96-138.02) μm, 59.45 (21.04-78.48) μm, 53.74 (27.88-92.71) μm, H=52.76, 55.06, 35.76, 41.72, 41.32, 29.93]. With the aggravation of POAG, at the beginning 2TI had the largest reduction percentage of RNFL thickness but 4TS had it at last. The sectoral thickness in the RNFL sectors of NTG were significantly different from the control group (P<0.05): 2TI for early stage [78.97 (47.77-131.45) μm, H=28.86], 1NI, 2TI, 3NS and 4TS for middle stage [61.46 (49.69-97.38) μm, 74.51 (40.25-135.16) μm, 86.36 (42.70-105.06) μm, 83.60 (54.75-117.35) μm, H=38.76, 35.64, 22.47, 24.14], 1NI, 2TI, 3NS, 4TS and 6T for late stage [61.45 (49.09-92.64) μm, 54.35 (37.40-102.62) μm, 63.72 (28.68-105.55) μm, 61.00 (44.92-108.49) μm, 50.33 (35.62-82.09) μm, H=42.56, 51.50, 36.11, 47.44, 25.50]. With the aggravation of NTG, the sector with the largest reduction percentage of thickness changed from 2TI to NI and 4TS. (3) The VF superior PAA-RNFL 2TI had the highest Pearson correlation coefficient in POAG (r=0.630, P<0.001), while it was the inferior PAA-4TS in NTG (r=0.645, P<0.001). Conclusions: The impairment patterns of VF and RNFL in each stage of POAG and NTG are distinctly different from certain rules of aggravation. The sector with the strongest correlation of function-structure is the VF superior PAA-RNFL inferior temporal sector in POAG and inferior PAA-superior temporal sector in NTG. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 811-819).

[Comparative analysis of anatomic and non-anatomic hepatectomy for single small hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of anatomic hepatectomy and non-anatomic hepatectomy in the treatment of single small Hepatocellular carcinoma with MVI. Methods: The clinical data of 84 patients with single small Hepatocellular carcinoma with MVI in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital between January 2008 and December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients undergoing anatomical hepatectomy were enrolled in the AR group, and the patients undergoing non-anatomic hepatectomy were enrolled in the NR group. The efficacy and survival rate of the two groups were compared. Results: (1) Operation time, numbers of patients with volume of intraoperative blood loss ≥300 ml and number of patients with blood transfusion were (170±41)minutes, 8, 7 in the AR group and (148±35)minutes, 19, 18 in the NR group, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (P<0.05). (2) The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year overall survival rate were 85.7%, 68.6%, 57.1% in the AR group and 79.6%, 53.1%, 42.9% in the NR group, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year progression-free survival rate were 80.0%, 62.9%, 51.4% in the AR group and 71.4%, 49.0%, 38.8%, in the NR group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the 2 groups both in the overall survival rate and the progression-free survival rate (P<0.05). (3) Prognostic factors analysis of HCC patients with MVI: result of univariate analysis showed that maximum diameter of tumor and surgical procedures were relative factors affecting overall survival and progression-free survival of HCC patients with MVI, AFP level was relative factors affecting progression-free survival of HCC patients with MVI, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Result of multivariate analysis showed that maximum diameter of tumor between 3.0 and 5.0 cm and non-anatomic liver resection were independent factors affecting poor overall survival and progression-free survival of HCC patients with MVI, and AFP≥20 μg/L and total bilirubin ≥20 μmol/L were independent factors affecting poor progression-free survival of HCC patients with MVI, with a statistically significant differences (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Anatomic hepatectomy for patients with single small hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion has better clinical efficacy and safety.