HIF-2α as a prognostic marker for breast cancer progression and patient survival

Malignant cells show increased invasion potency in vitro and in vivo. This process is considered to be mediated by matrix-metalloproteases (MMPs). Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) may upregulate MMP-2 expression; however, little is known about the correlation between HIF-2α and MMP-2 expressions in breast cancer. The current study investigated this correlation immunohistochemically according to various clinical and pathological features in 102 paraffin-embedded archival tissue block specimens from patients with breast cancer. HIF-2α and MMP-2 expression was detected in 60.8% (62/102) and 65.7% (67/102) of tumor samples, respectively. HIF-2α expression was significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.019), lymph node involvement (P = 0.035), and metastasis (P = 0.035). MMP-2 expression was significantly associated with lymph node involvement (P = 0.043) and metastasis (P = 0.003). Univariate analyses revealed that HIF-2α (P = 0.001) and MMP-2 (P = 0.000) expressions were significantly associated with a poorer survival rate, as well as tumor size, lymph node invasion, and distant metastasis. Multivariate analysis revealed that HIF-2α (P = 0.003) and the T-stage (P = 0.000) were independent prognostic factors of overall survival. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that HIF-2α and MMP-2 expressions were significantly correlated (r = 0.990; P = 0.041). These results suggest that high HIF- 2α expression is associated with poor overall survival in patients with breast cancer, indicating that HIF-2α could be a valuable marker of breast cancer progression.

Associations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels with the prevalence of asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory biomarker, has been demonstrated to contribute to the process of atherosclerosis and artery stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hs-CRP level is associated with asymptomatic intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS).

METHODS

A random sample of 5440 participants aged 40 years or older (40.1% women) were enrolled in the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study in 2010-2011. Information on the potential risk factors for ICAS was collected and the presence of ICAS was assessed by transcranial Doppler in 5309 participants. Participants were stratified into three groups according to hs-CRP levels. A multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between hs-CRP levels and asymptomatic ICAS.

RESULTS

The prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS was 13.2% in this cohort. The median of hs-CRP levels was positively associated with the increasing numbers of ICASs. After adjusting for possible risk factors, hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/l remained significantly associated with asymptomatic ICAS (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.61).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large community-based study, subjects with higher hs-CRP levels showed a mild increase in the prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS, independent of traditional vascular risk factors. hs-CRP is an independent predictor of asymptomatic ICAS and intracranial atherosclerotic burden.

Observation of a charged (DD*)± mass peak in e+ e- → πDD* at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We report on a study of the process e+ e- → π± (DD*)∓ at sqrt[s] = 4.26  GeV using a 525 pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. A distinct charged structure is observed in the (DD*)∓ invariant mass distribution. When fitted to a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, the pole mass and width are determined to be Mpole = (3883.9±1.5(stat)±4.2(syst))  MeV/c2 and Γpole = (24.8±3.3(stat)±11.0(syst))  MeV. The mass and width of the structure, which we refer to as Zc(3885), are 2σ and 1σ, respectively, below those of the Zc(3900) → π± J/ψ peak observed by BESIII and Belle in π+ π- J/ψ final states produced at the same center-of-mass energy. The angular distribution of the πZc(3885) system favors a JP = 1+ quantum number assignment for the structure and disfavors 1- or 0-. The Born cross section times the DD* branching fraction of the Zc(3885) is measured to be σ(e+ e- → π± Zc(3885)∓)×B(Zc(3885)∓ → (DD*)∓) = (83.5±6.6(stat)±22.0(syst))   pb. Assuming the Zc(3885) → DD* signal reported here and the Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ signal are from the same source, the partial width ratio (Γ(Zc(3885) → DD*)/Γ(Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ)) = 6.2±1.1(stat)±2.7(syst) is determined.

Increased apoptosis induction in CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells contributes to enhanced disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis through IL-10 regulation

BACKGROUND

Abnormality in the number and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been linked to initiation and progression in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

AIM

This study aims to demonstrate the apoptosis status of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and its correlation with clinical activity of RA patients and the effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on Tregs apoptosis in RA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Apoptosis rates and its related molecules including Fas, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 were examined using flow cytometry. The correlation between the apoptosis level of Tregs and clinical activity parameters including ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CPR (C reactive protein), RF (Rheumatoid Factor) and DAS28 (Disease activity score 28) was analysed. PBMCs isolated from RA patients were cultured with IL-10 or anti-IL-10, and the apoptosis frequency of Tregs was then analyzed.

RESULTS

The frequency of Tregs in active RA patients was decreased, and Fas, Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 expression on Tregs was much higher compared with the healthy subjects. The expression of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 on Tregs did not display significant changes between active RA patients and healthy subjects. There was a significantly positive correlation between the levels of apoptosis rates and Caspase-3 expression in Tregs and DAS28 of active RA patients. The apoptosis rates of Tregs in RA patients decreased or increased, respectively, following treatment with IL-10 or anti-IL-10 antibody in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Apoptosis pathways are defective in Treg cells from RA patients with active disease. IL-10 treatment can modulate apoptosis in Tregs via extrinsic (type I) pathway, which may lead to restoration of the Tregs towards that of controlling autoimmune reaction in RA patients.

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease continues to rise after 80 years of age: a cross-sectional study of Chinese veterans

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to rise after 80 years of age.

METHODS

This is a two-stage, multi-center, cross-sectional study using a stratified cluster sampling approach was employed. Subjects included veterans at ≥ 60 years of age living in veterans' communities for at least one month in 18 major cities across China. In the first step, possible PD was screened using a PD screening scale. Demographic and relevant information were collected. In the second step, PD diagnosis was established using the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank (UKPDSBB) diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The study was conducted during the period from December 2009 to December 2012. The study included 277 veterans' communities. Among the approached 11,593 subjects, 9676 subjects, (9096 men, 580 women) responded. The response rate was 83.46%.The age was ≥ 80 years in 6722 (69.47%) subjects. A diagnosis of PD was established in 228 subjects (2.36%) in the entire sample. The rate of PD was 2.65% in those with an age of ≥ 80 years. The rate of PD increased with increasing age (0%, 1.84%, 2.60% and 3.68% in the subjects at < 70, 70-79, 80-89 and ≥ 90 years of age, respectively; χ2 = 10.891, p = 0.001 in chi-square test). The rate of PD was higher in men (2.44%) than in women (1.46%) on the surface. However, no significant difference was detected (p = 0.241).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of PD continues to increase beyond the age of 80 years. The prevalence of PD in Chinese veterans is not lower than that in other countries and regions.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis contributes to decreased intestinal mucosal barrier function and increased bacterial translocation

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of colistin-induced intestinal dysbacteriosis on intestinal mucosal barrier function and bacterial translocation in a mouse model. Colistin or saline was administered orally for 7 days, and populations of viable organisms from the caecal mucosa and its content, the ileal segments, the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and the internal organs were prepared for examination. In the intestinal dysbacteriosis model, intestinal barrier dysfunction was observed and associated with increased bacterial translocation to extraintestinal sites. The extent of bacterial translocation to the MLNs and internal organs in the colistin group was significantly higher than in the saline group. Colistin-induced intestinal dysbacteriosis was shown to injure the intestinal mucosa barrier function and increase bacterial dislocation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Colistin has been reported to be effective in selective digestive decontamination (SDD), which is an infection prevention measure used in the treatment of certain patients in intensive care. We are the first to report that colistin-induced intestinal dysbacteriosis can injure intestinal mucosal barrier function and increase bacterial translocation, whereas a high dose of colistin does not damage the intestinal mucosal barrier in germ-free (GF) mice raised in a GF environment. These results may indicate that prolonged use of a high dose of a SDD medication should be carefully considered.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure Zc(4020) and search for the Zc(3900) in e+e-→π+π-hc

We study e+e-→π+π-hc at center-of-mass energies from 3.90 to 4.42 GeV by using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections are measured at 13 energies and are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e+e-→π+π-J/ψ but with a different line shape. In the π±hc mass spectrum, a distinct structure, referred to as Zc(4020), is observed at 4.02  GeV/c2. The Zc(4020) carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π±hc invariant mass spectrum, neglecting possible interferences, results in a mass of (4022.9±0.8±2.7)  MeV/c2 and a width of (7.9±2.7±2.6)  MeV for the Zc(4020), where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. The difference between the parameters of this structure and the Zc(4025) observed in the D*D[over ¯]* final state is within 1.5σ, but whether they are the same state needs further investigation. No significant Zc(3900) signal is observed, and upper limits on the Zc(3900) production cross sections in π±hc at center-of-mass energies of 4.23 and 4.26 GeV are set.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of FANCF suppresses cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance potential of breast cancer cells

Fanconi anemia complementation group F protein (FANCF) is a key factor, which maintains the function of FA/BRCA, a DNA damage response pathway. However, the functional role of FANCF in breast cancer has not been elucidated. We performed a specific FANCF-shRNA knockdown of endogenous FANCF in vitro. Cell viability was measured with a CCK-8 assay. DNA damage was assessed with an alkaline comet assay. Apoptosis, cell cycle, and drug accumulation were measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of protein were determined by Western blot using specific antibodies. Based on these results, we used cell migration and invasion assays to demonstrate a crucial role for FANCF in those processes. FANCF shRNA effectively inhibited expression of FANCF. We found that proliferation of FANCF knockdown breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435S) was significantly inhibited, with cell cycle arrest in the S phase, induction of apoptosis, and DNA fragmentation. Inhibition of FANCF also resulted in decreased cell migration and invasion. In addition, FANCF knockdown enhanced sensitivity to doxorubicin in breast cancer cells. These results suggest that FANCF may be a potential target for molecular, therapeutic intervention in breast cancer.

Pedobarography - a novel screening tool for diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

AIM

To investigate the diagnostic significance of foot plantar pressure distribution abnormalities in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 107 patients were divided into normal control (28 participants, 56 feet), non-DPN (56 patients, 112 feet), and DPN groups (23 patients, 46 feet). Foot plantar pressure was measured while patients walked at a constant speed over a flat floor using F-Scan pressure insoles. Recordings of six middle strides were averaged to evaluate the characteristics of foot plantar pressure distribution.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal group, the time of contact (TOC) was longer in non-DPN (p < 0.05) and DPN groups (p < 0.01). The foot to floor force-time integral (FTI) was increased in DPN group (p < 0.01). The forefoot plantar force ratio increased in non-DPN and DPN patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, in DPN patients, the ratio of lateral foot plantar force increased (p < 0.05). The examination of the correlations between biomechanical parameters of the foot plantar and electrophysiological parameters of the lower limbs showed foot plantar biomechanical abnormalities correlated with abnormal sensory conduction of the sural nerve and motor conduction of the common peroneal nerve. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area under FTI curve was 0.714 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The plantar pressure was shifted towards the side of the forefoot in DPN patients. The foot plantar biomechanical changes were closely correlated with lower limb paresthesia and contraction abnormalities of lower-limb extensor muscles. Foot plantar pressure measurement might be used as a screening tool for early diagnosis of DPN.

Effect of surface mechanical attrition treatment on biodegradable Mg-1Ca alloy

Surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) is considered to be an effective approach to obtain a nanostructured layer in the treated surface of metals. In this study, we evaluated the effect of SMAT on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion properties of biodegradable Mg-1Ca alloy, with pure Mg as control. Grain refinement layers with grain size at the nanometer scale in the topmost surface were successfully prepared on Mg-1Ca alloy using SMAT technique, similar to pure Mg. The SMAT not only refined the surface layer of Mg-1Ca alloy, but also promoted the re-dissolution of the Mg2Ca phase into the matrix. As a result, the microhardness of the SMATed samples in the near-surface region was considerably enhanced, and the surface roughness and wettability of the SMATed samples were increased. However, the SMAT led to high density of crystalline defects such as grain boundaries (subgrain boundaries) and dislocations, which severely weakened the corrosion resistance of Mg-1Ca alloy, same as pure Mg.

Melatonin and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine), a principal product of the pineal gland, is produced mainly during the dark phase of the circadian cycle. This hormone plays a crucial role in the regulation of circadian and seasonal changes in various aspects of physiology and neuroendocrine functions. In mammals, melatonin can influence sexual maturation and reproductive functions via activation of its receptors and binding sites in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This review summarizes current knowledge of melatonin on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. We also review recent progress in clinical applications of melatonin or potentials of using melatonin, as a reducer of oxidative stress, to improve reproductive functions for the diseases such as women infertility.

Lack of Epstein-Barr virus infection in Chinese myasthenia gravis patients

OBJECTIVE

There are three recent contradictory reports on the incidence of Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis, with all studies carried out in Caucasian patients. The current study evaluated whether Epstein-Barr virus infection had a role in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis in a cohort of 30 Chinese patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serial paraffin sections of thymic hyperplasia obtained from myasthenia gravis patients were analyzed for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA -1 and Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Epstein-Barr virus(+) cervical lymph nodes from lymphoma patients and Epstein-Barr virus(-) thymus specimens obtained during cardiac surgery served as the positive and negative control groups, respectively.

RESULTS

All the 30 myasthenia gravis specimens were negative for both Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA -1 and Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 tests. However, we obtained well-characterized membrane and cytoplasmic immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization staining for both Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA -1, respectively, in the positive control samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results therefore do not support a role of thymic Epstein-Barr virus infection in myasthenia gravis pathogenesis and calls for an integration of methodological and interpretation issues in detecting Epstein-Barr virus incidence in myasthenia gravis patients.

Single crystalline nanostructures of topological crystalline insulator SnTe with distinct facets and morphologies

Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) are a new class of topological materials that possess unique metallic surface states protected by crystalline mirror symmetry. Their topological surface properties are expected to strongly depend on the surface orientation. By combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations and synthesis experiments, we demonstrate the controlled growth of single crystalline nanostructures of the prototypical TCI SnTe with distinct facets and morphologies. Our calculations suggest that the excess energy of the {111} surfaces can be either higher or lower than that of the {100} surfaces, depending on the stoichiometry, while the {110} is always higher than the {100}. In our synthesis experiment, we qualitatively controlled the stoichiometry by tailoring the growth temperature and obtained two types of single crystalline nanowires: smooth nanowires dominated by {100} facets at high temperatures and zigzag nanowires composed of both {100} and {111} surfaces at low temperatures. Notably, there is no {110} facet in our nanostructures, strongly supporting the DFT calculations. Our device fabrication and electrical characterizations suggest that both types of nanowires are suitable for transport studies of topological surface states.

Blood pressure lowering and major cardiovascular events in people with and without chronic kidney disease: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To define the cardiovascular effects of lowering blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease.

DESIGN

Collaborative prospective meta-analysis of randomised trials.

DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY

Participating randomised trials of drugs to lower blood pressure compared with placebo or each other or that compare different blood pressure targets, with at least 1000 patient years of follow-up per arm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Major cardiovascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, or cardiovascular death) in composite and individually and all cause death.

PARTICIPANTS

26 trials (152,290 participants), including 30,295 individuals with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2).

DATA EXTRACTION

Individual participant data were available for 23 trials, with summary data from another three. Meta-analysis according to baseline kidney function was performed. Pooled hazard ratios per 5 mm Hg lower blood pressure were estimated with a random effects model.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, blood pressure lowering regimens reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by about a sixth per 5 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure in individuals with (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.76 to 0.90) and without reduced eGFR (0.83, 0.79 to 0.88), with no evidence for any difference in effect (P=1.00 for homogeneity). The results were similar irrespective of whether blood pressure was reduced by regimens based on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium antagonists, or diuretics/β blockers. There was no evidence that the effects of different drug classes on major cardiovascular events varied between patients with different eGFR (all P>0.60 for homogeneity).

CONCLUSIONS

Blood pressure lowering is an effective strategy for preventing cardiovascular events among people with moderately reduced eGFR. There is little evidence from these overviews to support the preferential choice of particular drug classes for the prevention of cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease.

The lysine gingipain adhesin domains from Porphyromonas gingivalis interact with erythrocytes and albumin: Structures correlate to function

The crystal structure of the K1 domain, an adhesin module of the lysine gingipain (Kgp) expressed on the cell surface by the periodontopathic anaerobic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis W83, is compared to the previously determined structures of homologues K2 and K3, all three being representative members of the cleaved adhesin domain family. In the structure of K1, the conformation of the most extensive surface loop is unexpectedly perturbed, perhaps by crystal packing, and is displaced from a previously reported arginine-anchored position observed in K2 and K3. This displacement allows the loop to become free to interact with other proteins; the alternate flipped-out loop conformation is a novel mechanism for interacting with target host proteins, other bacteria, or other gingipain protein domains. Further, the K1 adhesin module, like others, is found to be haemolytic in vitro, and so, functions in erythrocyte recognition thereby contributing to the haemolytic function of Kgp. K1 was also observed to selectively bind to haem-albumin with high affinity, suggesting this domain may be involved in gingipain-mediated haem acquisition from haem-albumin. Therefore, it is most likely that all cleaved adhesin domains of Kgp contribute to the pathogenicity of P. gingivalis in more complex ways than simply mediating bacterial adherence.

Diagnostic value of glypican-3 in alpha fetoprotein negative hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is generally very poor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 15% since most of them are diagnosed clinically at their late stage. However, the differential diagnosis between alpha fetoprotein(AFP) negative HCC and cirrhotic nodules is still difficult.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic value of glypican-3(GPC3) in patients with AFP negative hepatitis B related HCC.

METHODS

The liver tissue GPC3 (GPC3L) expression was tested from 426 for surgery and 179 of needle biopsies of hepatitis B related HCC patients using immunohistochemistry staining. Serum GPC3 (GPC3S) and AFP were also measured.

RESULTS

Among surgical HCC samples, 80.0% of GPC3L expression was positive, however, in paracarcinomatous and cirrhotic nodules were negative. In needle biopsy tissues, GPC3L positively expression was in 74.9%. The sensitivity of AFP>400 µg/L was 25.4%. The GPC3S >3.5 µg/L was determined as a positive. The area of ROC curve of GPC3S was 0.68(95% CI 0.56-0.79,P<0.05) in all HCC patients,0.81 (95% CI 0.62 -0. 98, P<0.05) in AFP greater or equal to 400 µg/L and 0.64 (95% CI 0.51-0.77, P=0.051) in AFP negative patients. The GPC3S was positive in 48.8% of patients with AFP negative. No difference was observed between GPC3L/GPC3S and serum AFP.

CONCLUSIONS

GPC3 may be helpful in improving diagnosis of HCC and in differentiating diagnosis between AFP negative HCC and cirrhotic nodules.

Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution study of paclitaxel liposome in Sprague-Dawley rats and Beagle dogs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Lipusu is the first paclitaxel liposome preparation approved in the world and has been widely used in China for the treatment of ovary, breast and non-small cell lung cancer. In present study we evaluated the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution characteristics of paclitaxel liposome in Sprague-Dawley rats and Beagle dogs. A rapid and simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed for the determination of paclitaxel in plasma and tissues. The plasma concentrations of paclitaxel in both rats and dogs initially declined steeply, followed by slow elimination after intravenous administration of Lipusu at 5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters calculated by a non-compartmental method in rats and dogs were as follows: AUC0-24: 3 566.5±1 366.1 and 443.2±165.7 μg · h/L, CL: 1.5±0.5 and 2.1±0.6 L/h/kg, Vd: 20.0±7.8 and 38.4±12.5 L/kg, t1/2: 9.3±2.9 and 14.1±6.9 h, respectively. Biodistribution results in rats showed that except for brain and testis, liposomal paclitaxel was extensively distributed into various tissues, especially highly in liver and spleen.