Comparison of dysregulated long noncoding RNAs in lung adenocarcinoma and spinal metastasis: A genome-wide analysis

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play crucial roles in cancer metastasis, yet the lncRNAs landscape of lung adenocarcinoma has not been completely characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the expression profile and potential function of lncRNA in lung adenocarcinoma and in spinal metastasis (SM). A genome-wide microarray analysis was conducted on lung adenocarcinoma and SM tissue from ten Chinese patients. A total of 3,345 differentially expressed lncRNAs were detected. Of those, 761 lncRNAs were upregulated and 2,584 were downregulated (fold-change >2.0, p<0.05). These differentially expressed lncRNAs were not evenly distributed among the chromosomes of human genome. Volcano plots of these differentially expressed lncRNAs revealed large variability in lncRNAs expression among 12 patients, indicating that certain lncRNAs may play a positive role in SM of lung adenocarcinoma. Gene Ontology enrichment and pathway analysis identified several remarkably dysregulated biological pathways that affect cell adhesion and the interaction of cytokines and cytokine receptors. Co-expression network analysis showed that 9,458 lncRNAs had verified cis- and trans- target genes. All 2,317 cis targeted genes were confirmed to be differentially expressed and influenced by dysregulated lncRNAs in SM of lung adenocarcinoma. Top ten markedly dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs were verified from the co-expression network. In conclusion, this study was a genome-wide survey of dysregulated lncRNAs and corresponding mRNAs that comprise co-regulation networks for SM and lung adenocarcinoma tissues. These dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNA networks could be used as therapeutic gene targets to prevent SM of lung adenocarcinoma and to predictively evaluate treatment efficacy.

MiR-223-3p inhibits proliferation and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SHOX2

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of microRNA-233-3p (miR-233-3p) in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of miR-233-3p in OSCC tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The target of miR-233-3p was detected and evaluated by L-test and Western blot assays, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of miR-233-3p on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were discussed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch-wound and flow cytometry test.

RESULTS

MiR-233-3p was lowly expressed in OSCC tissues and cells. Short stature homeobox 2 (SHOX2) was predicted and verified as the downstream target gene of miR-233-3p. Inhibiting the expression of SHOX2 could significantly reduce the malignant behaviors of OSCC cells. The proliferation, migration and anti-apoptotic abilities of miR-233-3p overexpressed cells were obviously limited. However, the recovery of SHOX2 counteracted the beneficial effect of miR-233-3p.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-223-3p acted as a tumor suppressor gene in OSCC by targeting SHOX2. Our findings revealed that miR-223-3p/SHOX2 axis could be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

[Three patients with large area burns complicated by acute acalculous cholecystitis]

From April 2017 to April 2018, three male patients aged 46-71 years with large area burns were treated in our hospital. Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) symptoms of the patients began to appear 15-81 days after injury. AAC was diagnosed 24-81 days after injury. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy was performed 26-82 days after injury. The symptoms subsided in 2 patients, and cholecystectomy was performed in 1 patient with gallbladder perforation 94 days after injury. The patients were cured and discharged 41-118 days after injury. No recurrence of cholecystitis occurred during 8-9 months of follow-up after discharge.

[A study on the association between the infant anemia and the utilization of maternal and child health services in ethnic minorities gathering in poverty-stricken rural areas of two provinces in Western China]

In this study, 1 065 infants and young children aged 24 months below in ethnic minorities gathering in poor rural areas in poor rural areas of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province and Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province were investigated for their anemia status from October to November 2014, and the association between anemia and the utilization of maternal and child health services was analyzed. The prevalence of anemia in this area was 52.68%(561/1 065). After the adjustment of socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and infants, compared with infants aged 2-5 months, Han ethnic group, and infants whose mother was not anemic, the OR(95%CI) values of infant anemia for infants aged 6-12 months, 13-8 months, 19-24 months, ethnic minorities group, and infants whose mother was anemic were 11.65 (7.09-19.14), 9.91 (5.99-16.38), 5.87 (3.39-10.16), 1.55 (1.10-2.18) and 1.52 (1.14-2.04), respectively; Compared with infants whose child examination times not up to standard, and who were not only non-hospital delivered but also received inadequate number of inoculation, the OR (95%CI) values of infant anemia for infants whose child examination times up to standard, and who were not only hospital delivered but also received adequate number of inoculation were 0.60 (0.38-0.94) and 0.71 (0.52-0.98), respectively. The infants anemia is associated with the utilization of maternal and child health services.

Citizen science to enhance evaluation of local wastewater treatment - a case study from Oslo

The paper discusses how citizen science within an ecosystem services (ESS) framework may enhance evaluation of de-centralized water solutions. In a demonstration case in Oslo, citizens were engaged in long-term monitoring and evaluation of two solutions for treatment of combined sewer overflows. The citizens participated in the design of the study, systematic observations, and final evaluation, via interviews and workshops. A wealth of real-time information was collected, supplementing simulation data and water sampling results. The concept of ESS drew attention to benefits that tend to be ignored in standard evaluations. It is, however, most elaborate for ecological services, and less developed for social aspects. Involving the citizens complemented the framework in these areas, while providing new insights into the contextual interactions influencing ESS and benefits of local treatment. Both solutions, a cross-flow lamella settler and a high-rate filtration system, were quite efficient in removing suspended solids, with a strong impact on visual appearance. A range of wider benefits were identified. These were difficult to monetize, but the citizens' evaluation provided an alternative measure. The study highlights the benefits of citizen science in local water management and suggests the need for more research on beneficiaries in ESS evaluation.

Mid-infrared laser heterodyne radiometer (LHR) based on a 3.53 μm room-temperature interband cascade laser

The performance of an interband cascade laser based laser heterodyne radiometer (LHR) is demonstrated in ground-based solar occultation mode. High-resolution (0.0033 cm^-1) transmission spectra near 3.53 μm were obtained for simultaneous atmospheric observations of H₂O and CH₄. Combined with the preprocessed measurement data (acquired at Hefei, China, on June 21th 2016), an optimal estimation method based retrieval algorithm is developed for data retrieval and error analysis. By considering the corrected atmospheric parameters, vertical profiles of H₂O and CH₄ are retrieved. Finally, the measured total column abundance and XCH4 were calculated to be 1.87 ± 0.02 ppm and 1.88 ± 0.02 ppm, respectively. The interband cascade laser-based laser heterodyne radiometer that is demonstrated in this manuscript has high potential for use in the development of compact, robust, and unattended LHR for spacecraft, airborne or ground-based atmospheric sensing.

Germline mutations in Protection of Telomeres 1 in two families with Hodgkin lymphoma

In a previous whole exome sequencing of patients from 41 families with Hodgkin lymphoma, we identified two families with distinct heterozygous rare coding variants in POT1 (D224N and Y36H), both in a highly conserved region of the gene. POT1 D224N mutant did not bind to a single-stranded telomere oligonucleotide in vitro suggesting the mutation perturbs POT1's ability to bind to the telomeric G-rich overhang. Human HT1080 cells expressing POT1 D224N and lymphoblastoid cells carrying Y36H both showed increased telomere length and fragility in comparison to wild type cells. This strongly suggests that mutant POT1 causes chromosome instability and may play a role in lymphomagenesis in these families.

The macroH2A1.2 histone variant links ATRX loss to alternative telomere lengthening

The growth of telomerase-deficient cancers depends on the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), a homology-directed telomere-maintenance pathway. ALT telomeres exhibit a unique chromatin environment and generally lack the nucleosome remodeler ATRX, pointing to an epigenetic basis for ALT. Recently, we identified a protective role for the ATRX-interacting macroH2A1.2 histone variant during homologous recombination and replication stress (RS). Consistent with an inherent susceptibility to RS, we show that human ALT telomeres are highly enriched for macroH2A1.2. However, in contrast to ATRX-proficient cells, ALT telomeres transiently lose macroH2A1.2 during acute RS to facilitate DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation, a process that is almost completely prevented by ectopic ATRX expression. Telomeric macroH2A1.2 is re-deposited in a DNA damage response (DDR)-dependent manner to promote homologous recombination-associated ALT pathways. Our findings thus identify the dynamic exchange of macroH2A1.2 on chromatin as an epigenetic link among ATRX loss, RS-induced DDR initiation and telomere maintenance via homologous recombination.

High rate filtration for local treatment of combined sewer overflow

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) pollute receiving waters and have a negative impact on ecosystem services. In urban areas rehabilitation of the sewer system to avoid CSOs is associated with high investment costs. Furthermore, not all CSOs can be closed due to the need for hydraulic reliability of the system. Local treatment of CSO with high rate filtration offers an alternative to rehabilitation of the sewer system that is flexible with respect to design and has lower investment cost than separating sewage and storm water runoff. Results from DESSIN, a 4-year EU demonstration project, are presented. The results showed on average 50% removal of particulate matter during CSO events, with higher removal (80%) in the initial first flush period. Other constituents, for example heavy metals, were removed through their association with particles. Potential impacts on ecosystem services in the catchment and the sustainability of the solution were assessed.

Irradiation-Dependent Helium Gas Bubble Superlattice in Tungsten

The implantation of noble gas atoms into metals at high gas concentrations can lead to the self-organization of nanobubbles into superlattices with symmetry similar to the metal host matrix. Here, we examine the influence of implantation parameters on the formation and structure of helium gas bubble superlattices within a tungsten host matrix to uncover mechanistic insight into the formation process. The determination of the size and symmetry of the gas bubbles was performed using a combination of small angle x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The former was demonstrated to be particularly useful in determining size and structure of the gas bubble superlattice as a function of irradiation conditions. Prior to the formation of a superlattice, we observe a persistent substructure characterized by inter-bubble spacings similar to those observable when the gas bubble superlattice has formed with very large ordering parameters. As the implantation fluence increases, the inter-bubble ordering parameter decreases, indicating improved ordering, until a superlattice is formed. Multiple implantation-specific differences were observed, including a temperature-dependent superlattice parameter that increases with increasing temperature and a flux-dependent superlattice parameter that decreases with increasing flux. The trends quantified here are in excellent agreement with our recent theoretical predictions for gas bubble superlattice formation and highlight that superlattice formation is strongly dependent on the diffusion of vacancy and implanted He atoms.

Abstract P5-07-15: Adipose-derived peptides from breast cancer patients promote the malignancy of breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Adipose stromal/stem cells (ADSCs) could regulate malignancy behaviors of breast cancer, which was due to adipose-derived cytokines in part, such as leptin and resistin. Recently, peptides have been demonstrated to be potential targets for cancer therapy. It's valuable to analyze the characters of adipose-secreted peptides systematically. In this study, we isolated primary adipocytes from adipose tissue adjacent to breast tumor and breast benign lesions respectively, and then co-cultured breast cancer cells MCF-7 with tumor adjacent adipocytes (TAAs)/breast benign adipocytes (BBAs) separately. Compared to BBAs, TAAs could promote proliferation and migration ability of MCF-7. Then we extracted and purified peptides from supernatant of TAAs and BBAs using ultrafiltration, and the effects of TAAs-derived peptides compound on breast cancer cells appeared accordance with the adipose cells. 100 peptides, which were derived from 90 protein precursors, were found to be differentially secreted between TAAs and BBAs by LC-MS/MS (p &lt; 0.05). Gene Ontology (GO) and Pathway analyses appeared that these altered peptides were mainly contributed to cell adhesion, and regulation of Ras-protein signal transduction. These results showed that these differentially secreted peptides could regulate breast cancer cell malignancy, which indicated that they could be potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic bio-marker for breast cancer.

Citation Format: Fu Z, Li W, Wu H, Huang X, Li J, Sun C, Tang J, Yin Y. Adipose-derived peptides from breast cancer patients promote the malignancy of breast cancer MCF-7 cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-15.

Abstract P3-10-29: tRNA-derived fragments as novel predictive biomarkers for trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer

Background: Resistance to trastuzumab remains a common challenge to HER-2 positive breast cancer. Up until now, the underlying mechanism of trastuzumab resistance is still unclear. tRNA-derived small non-coding RNAs, a new class of small non-coding RNA (sncRNAs), have been observed to play an important role in cancer progression. However, the relationship between tRNA-derived fragments and trastuzumab resistance is still unknown.

Methods:We detected the levels of tRNA-derived fragments expression in normal breast epithelial cell lines, trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant breast cancer cell linesusing high-throughput sequencing.qRT-PCR was conducted to validate the differentially expressed fragments in serums from trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant patients. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the power of specific tRNA-derived fragments.Progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed using Cox-regression.

Results:Our sequence results showed that tRNA-derived fragments were differentially expressed in the HBL-100, SKBR3, and JIMT-1 cell lines. tRF-30-JZOYJE22RR33 and tRF-27-ZDXPHO53KSN were found significantly upregulated in trastuzumab-resistant patients compared to sensitive individuals, and the ROC analysis showed that tRF-30-JZOYJE22RR33 and tRF-27-ZDXPHO53KSN were correlated with trastuzumab resistance. In a multivariate analysis, higher levels of tRF-30-JZOYJE22RR33 and tRF-27-ZDXPHO53KSN expression were associated with significantly shorter PFS in patients with metastatic HER-2 positive breast cancer.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that tRF-30-JZOYJE22RR33 and tRF-27-ZDXPHO53KSN play important roles in trastuzumab resistance. Patients with high levels of tRF-30-JZOYJE22RR33 and tRF-27-ZDXPHO53KSN expression benefitted less from trastuzumab-based therapy than those that express lower-levels of these molecules. tRF-30-JZOYJE22RR33 and tRF-27-ZDXPHO53KSN may be potential biomarkers and intervention targets in the clinical treatment of trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer.

Citation Format: Sun C, Li W, Wu H, Huang X, Li J, Fu Z, Tang J, Yin Y. tRNA-derived fragments as novel predictive biomarkers for trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-10-29.

Abstract P5-03-12: Signature-guided biomarker discovery and therapy for trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer

Background/Objective:

Breast carcinomas with HER2 receptor amplification and overexpression account for approximately 20% of all breast cancers, which also confer more aggressive phenotypes and are associated with poor prognosis. Up to 23% of patients with early-stage HER2-positivie (HER2+) breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab experience disease recurrence within 10 years, highlighting the importance of identifying which HER2+ patients respond to this treatment and those that do not. Efforts to identify biomarkers predictive of response in the initial breast tumor biopsy to trastuzumab have been complicated by the clinical and biological heterogeneity of HER2+ tumors. Therefore, we aim to develop a trastuzumab-resistant (TRR) signature which could faithfully predict patients' response to this treatment using transcriptome profiles in engineered cell line models. We further investigated the possible mechanisms mediating TRR by bioinformatics and biochemical approaches in order to reveal promising new therapeutic targets TRR HER2+ patients.

Methods:

Publically available transcriptome profile (GSE15043) of genetically engineered isogenic models of TRR cell lineages in mammary HER2+ BT474 cells (initially trastuzumab sensitive, TRS) are used to generate the TRR signature using Bioconductor in R. Performance of this gene signature was tested on independent in vitro and in vivo transcriptome datasets using Receiving Operation Curve (ROC). Signature scores were determined by calculating the correlations between medium centered gene expression levels within the signature and gene expression levels for that gene within a given sample, following quantile normalization. Three pairs of TRR vs. TRS cell lines were used for accessing their profiles of proliferation, migration, genomic stability and signature scores. Genes of interest in the signature were further perturbed in TRR cells for drug sensitivity assay.

Results and Conclusion:

TRR cell lines have significant more malignant phenotypes in comparison to TRS cell lines, indicated by their shorter doubling time, faster migration and more innate double strain breaks. 43 differentially regulated genes between BT474R (engineered TRR cell line) and BT474 are identified and the area under the curve (AUC) of ROCs are 0.75, 0.88, and 0.84 for microarray data of CCLE, RNA sequencing data of CCLE and patient dataset GSE62327, respectively. In addition, TRR signature is significantly enriched in non-responding cell lines, TRR patients and patients relapsed within 3 years after treatment. TRR cell lines – BT474-C5, T47D and HCC1954 exhibit significant higher TRR signature scores in comparison to TRS cell lines by the 43-gene PCR array. Interestingly, overexpression of one of gene candidates, S100A8, which is also a key cytokine in regulating antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC), conferred trastuzumab resistance in TRR cell lines. This finding could assist in clinicians' diagnosis and selection of treatments for HER2+ breast cancer with a more accurate risk evaluation and offering promising alternatives such as immunotherapy.

Citation Format: Yin J, Sand A, Sun C, Piacsek M, Beres A, Tjoe JA. Signature-guided biomarker discovery and therapy for trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-03-12.

Genome-wide association study identifies variants in the CAPN9 gene associated with umbilical hernia in pigs

Pig umbilical hernia (UH) affects pig welfare and brings considerable economic loss to the pig industry. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying pig UH are still poorly understood. To identify potential loci for susceptibility to this disease, we performed a genome-wide association study in an Erhualian × Shaziling F₂ intercross population. A total of 45 animals were genotyped using Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChips. We observed a SNP (rs80993347) located in the calpain-9 (CAPN9) gene on Sus scrofa chromosome 14 that was significantly associated with UH (P = 1.97 × 10^-10 ). Then, we identified a synonymous mutation rs321865883 (g.20164T>C) in exon 10 of the CAPN9 gene that distinguished two affected individuals (CC) from their normal full-sibs (TC). Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was explored to investigate the mRNA expression profile of the CAPN9 gene in 12 tissues in Yorkshire pigs at different developmental stages (3, 90 and 180 days). CAPN9 showed high expression levels in the gastrointestinal tract at these three growth stages. The results of this study indicate that the CAPN9 gene might be implicated in UH. Further studies are required to establish a role of CAPN9 in pig UH.

ATR activated by EB virus facilitates chemotherapy resistance to cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Purpose

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is closely associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and increases the chemotherapy resistance of tumor cells. Although the mechanism by which EBV manipulates ataxia telangiectasia mutation (ATM)-mediated DNA damage response in NPC has been extensively studied, the relationship between ATR (ATM and Rad-3 related) and EBV infection is largely unexplored, and also the role of ATR in chemotherapy resistance in EBV-positive NPC has not been specifically reported.

Materials and methods

Levels of γ-H2AX, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), and EBV-encoded RNA in clinical NPC and nasopharyngeal inflammation (NPI) specimens were examined using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The effects of EBV infection, chemotherapy drugs cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment, and ATR silencing were assessed in NPC cells in vitro using immunofluorescence, Western blot, and flow cytometry.

Results

A notable increase of γ-H2AX expression was examined in the EBV-positive NPC clinical specimens. Additionally, we observed that the phosphorylation of ATR/checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) pathway protein was gradually activated along with the duration of EBV exposure in NPC cell lines, which was obviously inhibited after ATR depletion. Moreover, EBV infection promoted the resistance of NPC cells to CDDP and 5-FU, whereas the chemosensitivity of cells was significantly enhanced following ATR knockdown. Furthermore, ATR depletion caused both S-phase cell arrest and apoptosis, enhanced p53 phosphorylation, and impaired the formation of Rad51.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that EBV activation of ATR-mediated DNA damage response might result in chemotherapy resistance to CDDP and 5-FU in NPC. Accordingly, ATR knockdown may serve as an effective treatment strategy for chemotherapy-resistant, EBV-positive NPC.

Transcriptomic analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma reveals molecular features of disease progression and tumor immune biology

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in the context of chronic inflammatory liver disease and has an extremely poor prognosis. An immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment may contribute to therapeutic failure in metastatic HCC. Here, we identified unique molecular signatures pertaining to HCC disease progression and tumor immunity by analyzing genome-wide RNA-Seq data derived from HCC patient tumors and non-tumor cirrhotic tissues. Unsupervised clustering of gene expression data revealed a gradual suppression of local tumor immunity that coincided with disease progression, indicating an increasingly immunosuppressive tumor environment during HCC disease advancement. IHC examination of the spatial distribution of CD8+ T cells in tumors revealed distinct intra- and peri-tumoral subsets. Differential gene expression analysis revealed an 85-gene signature that was significantly upregulated in the peri-tumoral CD8+ T cell-excluded tumors. Notably, this signature was highly enriched with components of underlying extracellular matrix, fibrosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further analysis condensed this signature to a core set of 23 genes that are associated with CD8+ T cell localization, and were prospectively validated in an independent cohort of HCC specimens. These findings suggest a potential association between elevated fibrosis, possibly modulated by TGF-β, PDGFR, SHH or Notch pathway, and the T cell-excluded immune phenotype. Indeed, targeting fibrosis using a TGF-β neutralizing antibody in the STAM™ model of murine HCC, we found that ameliorating the fibrotic environment could facilitate redistribution of CD8+ lymphocytes into tumors. Our results provide a strong rationale for utilizing immunotherapies in HCC earlier during treatment, potentially in combination with anti-fibrotic therapies.

Abstract 3059: SOX2 is a novel biomarker for poor long-term outcomes in oral cancer

Purpose: Sex determining region Y-BOX2 (SOX2), a key regulator of the self-renewal ability of stem cells, plays a role in the initiation and development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the association between SOX2 expression and the outcomes of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been investigated. Thus, in this study, we investigated the possibility of predicting the survival outcomes of patients with OSCC by evaluating SOX2 expression.

Experiment design: First, we analyzed SOX2 expression in patients with OSCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset by a bioinformatics approach. In addition, samples of 219 patients with OSCC from two independent Chinese centers were collected. The median follow-up time and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the cohorts were 36 (25.06, 46.93) months and SOX2 expression in these samples was determined by immunostaining using tissue microarray. The Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to determine univariate and multivariate analyses, and hazard ratios for overall survival (OS), respectively.

Results: In TCGA database, amplification of SOX2 was negatively correlated with the OS rate for patients who survived more than 300 days after the first diagnosis. Moreover, 39.7% of the samples from the cohorts showed high SOX2 expression. We found a significant difference in the survival rate between patients with high and low SOX2 expression ranging from 13 to 126 months.

Conclusion: High SOX2 expression can predict poor long-term, but not short-term, survival outcomes in patients with OSCC. Our findings not only indicated that SOX2 may be a novel biomarker for the long-term prognosis of OSCC but also strongly supported the cancer stem cell theory that dysregulation of the self-renewal ability of stem cells may contribute to the development of OSCC.

Citation Format: Xuefeng Zhang, Hao Xu, Chongkui Sun, Xinhua Liang, Peng Deng, Xin Zeng, Qianming Chen. SOX2 is a novel biomarker for poor long-term outcomes in oral cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3059.

[The role of preoperative (18)F-FDG PET-CT in lymphatic metastasis diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma on extremities and trunk]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of preoperative (18)F-Fludeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG PET-CT) in lymphatic metastasis diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma on extremities and trunk. Methods: 112 patients with cutaneous melanoma pathologically of extremities and trunk from January 2006 to December 2016, who received (18)F-FDG PET-CT examination preoperatively, were retrospectively reviewed. The correlations between the maximal diameters of lymph nodes, the maximal standard uptake value (SUV) and the diagnostic impression grades of PET-CT examination, and the final pathological diagnosis were analyzed. The correlations between Breslow thickness of primary lesions and the diagnostic impression of PET-CT examination were also analyzed. All the above were analyzed with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve to get the cut-off value. Based on the final results of pathological diagnosis of lymph nodes as the golden standard, the statistically significant indicators of ROC curve analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic effect, as well as to calculate the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. With gender, age, maximal diameter of lymph nodes, maximal SUV, diagnosis impressions, and Breslow thickness as the independent variables and pathological diagnosis results of lymph nodes as the dependent variable, two-class stepwise Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independence of diagnostic indicators. ROC curve analysis and log rank test were used to analyze the relationship between Breslow thickness and patient survival. Results: To evaluate melanoma patients' lymph node status, the results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of lymph node maximal diameter, maximal SUV, diagnosis impression of PET-CT examinations were 0.789, 0.786 and 0.816, respectively (all P<0.05). The cut-off values were 0.85 cm, 1.45 and 2.5, respectively. The sensitivity of the cut-off values to determine the status of lymph nodes in melanoma patients were 71.4%, 64.9% and 72.1% respectively, and the specificities were 85.2%, 88.7% and 87.0% respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PET-CT diagnosis impressions had independent diagnostic significance for the lymph node status of melanoma patients (OR=11.296, 95%CI: 2.550~50.033). The area under the curve of Breslow thickness evaluating PET-CT diagnostic impression is 0.664 (P=0.042) and the cut-off value was 4.25 mm. The survival rate of the patients with Breslow thickness ≥ 4.25 mm was lower than that in the group <4.25 mm (P=0.006). Conclusions: (18)F-FDG PET-CT can help to evaluate metastases and make treatment decisions for cutaneous melanoma of extremities and trunk, especially for patients whose primary lesion's Breslow thickness has reached more than 4.25 mm. For the patients whose maximal SUV of regional lymph node is higher than 1.45 and short diameter of the largest lymph node is larger than 0.85cm, the possibility of metastases should be considered.

Placental inflammation in pre-eclampsia by Nod-like receptor protein (NLRP)3 inflammasome activation in trophoblasts

Pre-eclampsia is associated with increased levels of cholesterol and uric acid and an inflamed placenta expressing danger-sensing pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Crystalline cholesterol and uric acid activate the PRR Nod-like receptor protein (NLRP)3 inflammasome to release interleukin (IL)-1β and result in vigorous inflammation. We aimed to characterize crystal-induced NLRP3 activation in placental inflammation and examine its role in pre-eclampsia. We confirmed that serum total cholesterol and uric acid were elevated in pre-eclamptic compared to healthy pregnancies and correlated positively to high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the pre-eclampsia marker soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). The NLRP3 inflammasome pathway components (NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β) and priming factors [complement component 5a (C5a) and terminal complement complex (TCC)] were co-expressed by the syncytiotrophoblast layer which covers the placental surface and interacts with maternal blood. The expression of IL-1β and TCC was increased significantly and C5a-positive regions in the syncytiotrophoblast layer appeared more frequent in pre-eclamptic compared to normal pregnancies. In-vitro activation of placental explants and trophoblasts confirmed NLRP3 inflammasome pathway functionality by complement-primed crystal-induced release of IL-1β. This study confirms crystal-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation located at the syncytiotrophoblast layer as a mechanism of placental inflammation and suggests contribution of enhanced NLRP3 activation to the harmful placental inflammation in pre-eclampsia.

A75 ROLE OF LRRK2 IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Background

Variants of the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are associated with an increased susceptibility to Parkinson disease but also Crohn’s disease (CD).

Aims

The present research is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of LRRK2 in immune system modulation, and how dysfunction of this pathway may lead to the development of CD.

Methods

WT and LRRK2-deficient neutrophil were infected with Gram-positive Bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes-LM) in a gentamicin protection assays and colony-forming unit assessment will determine the competence of LRRK2 deficient cells for bacterial phagocytosis as well as killing capacity). To examine how LRRK2 is involved in the generation of ROS during the respiratory burst, we will first examine if neutrophil from LRRK2-KO mice have altered ROS generation upon infection with LM and addition of PMA. We evaluate in vitro the ability of neutrophils from LRRK2-KO versus WT mice to transmigrate in vitro in a transwell assay using fMLP as a chemattractant. Also, we investigate the peritoneal cells (by FACS analysis) after injection of different microbial stimuli including FK105 (NOD1 ligand), MDP (NOD2 ligand) and LPS (TLR4 ligand) and anti-cd3 model of ielitis.

Results

We found that LRRK2 KO mice have a defect in migration of neutrophils to the peritoneal cavity after injection of different microbial stimuli including FK10565 (NOD1 ligand), MDP (NOD2 ligand) and LPS (TLR4 ligand). Neutrophils from LRRK2 mice were compromised in their ability to transmigrate in vitro in a transwell assay using fMLP as a chemoattractant. Chemotaxis was also compromised. In parallel, we designed experiments to examine reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in response to infection of myeloid cells with bacteria. Neutrophils from LRRK2 KO mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes were less able to restrict bacteria growth compared to WT cells. Consistent with these findings, cells from LRRK2 KO mice produced lower levels of ROS following bacterial infection. In order to determine whether myeloid cell migration is compromised in vivo during inflammation, we performed experiments in WT and KO mice looking at different models of ileitis/colitis.

Conclusions

With this work we will further characterize the role of LRRK2 in intestinal homeostasis and mucosal barrier maintenance, including how its deficiency may predispose an individual to developing CD.

Funding Agencies

CAG, CIHR

Toward the use of precision medicine for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Precision medicine is a new strategy that aims at preventing and treating human diseases by focusing on individual variations in people's genes, environment and lifestyle. Precision medicine has been used for cancer diagnosis and treatment and shows evident clinical efficacy. Rapid developments in molecular biology, genetics and sequencing technologies, as well as computational technology, has enabled the establishment of "big data", such as the Human Genome Project, which provides a basis for precision medicine. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer with a high incidence rate and low survival rate. Current therapies are often aggressive and carry considerable side effects. Much research now indicates that precision medicine can be used for HNSCC and may achieve improved results. From this perspective, we present an overview of the current status, potential strategies, and challenges of precision medicine in HNSCC. We focus on targeted therapy based on cell the surface signaling receptors epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), and on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT3 and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK cellular signaling pathways. Gene therapy for the treatment of HNSCC is also discussed.

Fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5) alters the synthesis of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in goat mammary epithelial cells

Increased production of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (LCUFA) can have a positive effect on the nutritional value of ruminant milk for human consumption. In nonruminant species, fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5) is a key enzyme for endogenous synthesis of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. However, whether ELOVL5 protein plays a role (if any) in ruminant mammary tissue remains unclear. In the present study, we assessed the mRNA abundance of ELOVL5 at 3 stages of lactation in goat mammary tissue. Results revealed that ELOVL5 had the lowest expression at peak lactation compared with the nonlactating and late-lactating periods. The ELOVL5 was overexpressed or knocked down to assess its role in goat mammary epithelial cells. Results revealed that ELOVL5 overexpression increased the expression of perilipin2 (PLIN2) and decreased diacylglycerolacyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) mRNA, but had no effect on the expression of DGAT1, FADS1, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1). Overexpression of ELOVL5 decreased the concentration of C16:1n-7, whereas no significant change in C18:1n-7 and C18:1n-9 was observed. Knockdown of ELOVL5 decreased the expression of PLIN2 but had no effect on DGAT1, DGAT2, FADS1, FADS2, and SCD1 mRNA expression. Knockdown of ELOVL5 increased the concentration of C16:1n-7 and decreased that of C18:1n-7. The alterations of expression of genes related to lipid metabolism after overexpression or knockdown of ELOVL5 suggested a negative feedback regulation by the products of ELOVL5 activation. However, the content of triacylglycerol was not altered by knockdown or overexpression of ELOVL5 in goat mammary epithelial cells, which might have been due to the insufficient availability of substrate in vitro. Collectively, these are the first in vitro results highlighting an important role of ELOVL5 in the elongation of 16-carbon to 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids in ruminant mammary cells.

MALDI imaging reveals NCOA7 as a potential biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma arising from oral submucous fibrosis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks among the most common cancer worldwide, and is associated with severe morbidity and high mortality. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), characterized by fibrosis of the mucosa of the upper digestive tract, is a pre-malignant lesion, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this malignant transformation remains to be elucidated. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS)-based proteomic strategy was employed to profile the differentially expressed peptides/proteins between OSCC tissues and the corresponding adjacent non-cancerous OSF tissues. Sixty-five unique peptide peaks and nine proteins were identified with altered expression levels. Of them, expression of NCOA7 was found to be up-regulated in OSCC tissues by immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting, and correlated with a pan of clinicopathologic parameters, including lesion site, tumor differentiation status and lymph node metastasis. Further, we show that overexpression of NCOA7 promotes OSCC cell proliferation in either in vitro or in vivo models. Mechanistic study demonstrates that NCOA7 induces OSCC cell proliferation probably by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The present study suggests that NCOA7 is a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of OSF malignant transformation, and leads to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for OSCC development.

Identical genotypes of community-associated MRSA (ST59) and livestock-associated MRSA (ST9) in humans and pigs in rural China

This study investigated the prevalence of MRSA in samples taken in households, with and without backyard pigs in villages in a rural area of Shandong Province, China. Community-associated MRSA and livestock-associated MRSA, belonging to ST59 and ST9, respectively, were identified in both humans and pigs. The genotypic and phenotypic comparison of isolates indicates that bidirectional transmission of MRSA has occurred between humans and pigs in the villages.

[Role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with CTLA4Ig and CD40LIg gene modification in rejection reaction after liver transplantation]

Objective: To investigate the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with CTLA4Ig and CD40LIg gene modification in rejection reaction after liver transplantation in rats and possible mechanisms. Methods: The modified Kamada's two-cuff technique was used to establish a Lewis-BN rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation, and a total of 75 rats were randomly divided into groups A, B, C, D, and E, with 15 rats in each group. The rats in group A (control group) were given infusion of isotonic saline via the portal vein during liver transplantation, those in group B (BMSC group) were given infusion of BMSCs via the portal vein during liver transplantation, those in group C (BMSCs with CTLA4Ig gene modification) were given infusion of BMSCs carrying the CTLA4Ig gene via the portal vein during liver transplantation, those in group D (BMSCs with CD40LIg gene modification) were given infusion of BMSCs carrying the CD40LIg gene via the portal vein during liver transplantation, and those in group E (BMSCs with CTLA4Ig and CD40LIg gene modification) were given infusion of BMSCs carrying CTLA4Ig and CD40LIg gene modification via the portal vein during liver transplantation. Postoperative survival and change in liver function were observed. HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphological changes of the graft liver, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in peripheral blood. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of means of multiple samples, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used for comparison of survival rates between multiple groups. Results: Group E had a significantly longer survival time after surgery than groups A, B, C, and D (P < 0.05), groups C and D had a significantly longer survival time than groups A and B (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between groups C and D (P > 0.05). On day 10 after surgery, group A had significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin than the other four groups (P < 0.05). HE staining showed severe rejection reaction in group A, moderate rejection reaction in group B, and mild rejection reaction in groups C and D; pathological examination showed no marked rejection reaction in group E. Group A had significant increases in the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and significant reductions in the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 after surgery compared with the other four groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Infusion of BMSCs with modification of both CTLA4Ig and CD40LIg genes can significantly inhibit acute rejection reaction after liver transplantation in rats and effectively prolong the survival time of the graft liver, with a better effect than infusion of BMSCs alone or BMSCs with modification of CTLA4Ig or CD40LIg gene.

Clinical Complications of Combined Phacoemulsification and Vitrectomy for Eyes with Coexisting Cataract and Vitreoretinal Diseases

Purpose

To discuss the intraoperative and postoperative complications of combining phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with significant cataract and coexisting vitreoretinal diseases.

Methods

This retrospective study consisted of 186 eyes of 149 patients with various vitreoretinal abnormalities and visually significant cataracts. Vitreoretinal surgery was combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation. Main outcome measures were the intraoperative and postoperative complications at from 6 to 56 months.

Results

The most common intraoperative complication was iatrogenic retinal hole (5.3%), transient corneal edema (3.2%), and posterior capsule break (2.1%). The most common postoperative complication was posterior capsule opacification (21.5%) and elevated intraocular pressure (9.7%), macular edema (8.1%), fibrinous reaction (6.9%), vitreous hemorrhage (3.7%), posterior synechiae (3.7%), and recurrent retinal detachment (3.2%). Postoperatively, in 162 eyes (87.1%), visual acuity improved by 3 lines or more on the Snellen chart. In 14 eyes (7.5%), vision remained within 3 lines of preoperative levels and in 10 eyes (5.3%), vision had decreased at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

Postoperative complications did not increase significantly in the combined phacoemulsification and vitreoretinal surgery. Combined vitreoretinal surgery and phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation is safe and effective in treating vitreoretinal abnormalities coexisting with cataract. Based on extensive experience with the combined procedure, the authors suggest that combined surgery is recommended in select patients having simultaneous vitreoretinal pathologic changes and cataract.

[Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells regulate adaptive immune tolerance in the liver]

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are a major group of nonparenchymal cells in the liver and are involved in immunological surveillance of the liver through the expression of various scavenger receptors and pattern recognition receptors. However, in case of several physiological states, viral infections, and tumor environment, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells maintain immune tolerance in the liver through various mechanisms and cause persistent viral infection and tumor metastasis. This article reviews the mechanisms of immune tolerance of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells in the liver induced by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells.

Iron deficiency stress can induce MxNAS1 protein expression to facilitate iron redistribution in Malus xiaojinensis

Iron (Fe) is a vital trace element in plants, and deficiency of this element in apple trees can reduce fruit quality. Nicotianamine (NA) is known to play an important role in Fe transport and endogenous hormone balance. In the present study, we investigated the role of a nicotianamine synthase 1 gene (MxNas1) in an apple species, Malus xiaojinensis, that has a more Fe-efficient genotype than other apple species and ecotypes. To characterise the response of M. xiaojinensis to Fe deficiency, we used quantitative Q-PCR to determine the level of expression of MxNas1 and Western blot to measure protein levels. Immunohistochemical staining and GFP fluorescence localisation of the MxNAS1 protein were also carried out. HPLC and polarised absorption spectrophotometry were performed to investigate the effects of overexpression of MxNas1 in order to elucidate the role of MxNAS1 in the cellular uptake of active Fe in tobacco suspension cells. We found that MxNas1 expression and protein levels were higher under Fe deficiency stress than under Fe sufficiency. Immunohistochemical staining showed that MxNAS1 was localised mainly in the epidermal and vascular tissues of the roots, vascular tissues of the stem and palisade cells of mature leaves, and in parenchyma cells of young leaves. MxNAS1 was mainly localised in the plasma membranes and vesicles of protoplasts. In addition, overexpression of MxNas1 in stable transgenic tobacco cells increased NA and active Fe content under Fe sufficiency. The results suggest that MxNas1 expression in M. xiaojinensis is induced in response to Fe deficiency stress, resulting in higher levels of the protein. MxNAS1 may be involved in the redistribution of Fe in M. xiaojinensis under Fe deficiency.

[Analysis of the effect of mesial implant position on surrounding bone stress of mandibular edentulous jaw under dynamic loads]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different placement of mesial implants in edentulous jaws on the stress of the implant and the surrounding bone tissue by three-dimensional (3D)finite element analysis. Methods: Cone-beam CT data of mandibular edentulous patients was transferred into Mimics 17.0 and UG NX8.5 software, and three groups of 3D solid model were established: two mesial implants were implanted in the anterior region of the mandible (bilateral central incisor, lateral incisor, canine), and two distal oblique implant with 30° were implanted in the mandibular second premolar area(5 mm near the mental foramen). Set mandible 3D model with 4 implant by using UG NX8.5 software, produced 3 groups (mandible Ⅰ-Ⅲ). We took dynamic loading on models with help of software Abaqus 6.12, working side posterior teeth loading was set to 150 N and the simulation cycle was 0.875 s. The first stage: 0.000 s to 0.130 s, the lower jaw moves outward (moving toward the side of the work), with no contact between the upper and lower teeth; the second stage: 0.130 s to 0.150 s, mandibular upward, the same tooth tip of the working side were relative, the loading position were the posterior buccal tip, tongue tip; the third stage: 0.150 s to 0.260 s, the buccal slopes of buccal tips of mandibular posterior teeth glide along the lingual slopes of buccal tips of maxillary posterior teeth, the loading force was from the buccal side to the lingual side, the long axis of the tooth was 45°, loaded on the buccal slopes of buccal tips of posterior teeth; the fourth stage: 0.260 s to 0.300 s, the lingual slopes of buccal tips of mandibular posterior teeth glide along the buccal slopes of the tongue tips of maxillary posterior teeth, separate from the tip of the tooth at half the length, the loading force was from the lingual side to the buccal side, the long axis of the tooth was 45°, loaded on the lingual slopes of buccal tips of posterior teeth; the fifth stage: 0.300 s to 0.875 s, at the unloading stage, mandibular posterior teeth were separated from the maxillary teeth and returned to the intercuspal position. The loading position varied according to the mastication cycle. The stress distribution of implant and surrounding bone tissue at different stages of each model were observed. Results: From the early stage to chew occlusal contact to the end of the mastication cycle, three groups of models were displayed: the stress of distal implants was greater than that of mesial implants and the neck stress reached the maximum and gradually decreased to the root tip. The stress of distal implant bone was greater than that of mesial implant bone and the stress of distal bone of distal implant was greater than that of mesial bone of distal implant. All the stress peak showed a gradual increase, and the stress reach the maximum at the fourth stage. In the 3 models, the bone stress around the distal implant of model of the anterior implant located in the lateral incisor region was the lowest. The peak stress of cortical bone of the distal position of implant was 58.7 MPa. The bone stress around the distal implant of model of the anterior implant located in the canine region reached the maximum, and the peak stress of cortical bone of the distal position of implant was 135.6 MPa. Conclusions: When mesial implants of edentulous jaws located in the lateral incisor region, it is good for stress dispersion.

[Efficiency of FibroScan and FibroTouch in liver stiffness measurement and fat quantification: a comparative analysis]

Objective: To investigate the efficiency of FibroScan(FS)and FibroTouch(FT)in liver stiffness measurement(LSM)and fat quantification through a comparative analysis. Methods: The outpatients or hospitalized patients who underwent LSM and fat quantification using FS and FT were enrolled. The differences in success rate and detecting parameters between FS and FT were analyzed, as well as the correlation between FS and FT values. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and a one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between multiple groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. Results: A total of 1621 patients were enrolled. The success rates of FT and FS were 100% and 94.96%, respectively, and the success rate of FS was influenced by sex, age, body mass index, and biochemical markers of liver function. FT has a significantly shorter duration of single detection and a significantly lower number of times of single detection than FS(duration of single detection: 190.21±38.78 s vs 220.89±68.36 s, P < 0.01; number of single detection times: 10.31±1.32 vs 11.81±3.76, P < 0.01), as well as a significantly lower ratio of interquartile range to median of fat quantification in the same patient(5.39%±4.81% vs 17.18%±14.07%, P < 0.01). The LSM and fat quantification of FS were significantly correlated with those of FT(r = 0.645 and 0.620, both Based on the duration and number of times of single detection, success rate, and stability of fat quantification, FT seems to have a better detection efficiency than FS. The detection values of FT and FS can be calculated with regression equations < 0.01). The equations of linear regression were LSM(FT)= 4.435+0.477×LSM(FS); CAP(FT)= 134.71+0.456×CAP(FS). Conclusion: Based on the duration and number of times of single detection, success rate, and stability of fat quantification, FT seems to have a better detection efficiency than FS. The detection values of FT and FS can be calculated with regression equations.

The Prognostic Significance of Soluble Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression in Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The differential expression of soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) has been found in some cancers; however, the correlation between sPD-L1 expression and prognosis value in tumour is still unclear. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to assess the prognostic value of sPD-L1 in patients with cancer. Eligible studies were searched for in the databases including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Wiley Online Library database. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated to assess the prognostic significance of sPD-L1 in human cancer. Eight studies and 1102 patients with cancer were included in the final analysis, and the combined analysis indicated that a higher level of sPD-L1 was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.21-1.99). Furthermore, statistical significance was also observed in subgroup analysis stratified by the cancer type (haematological neoplasms or non-haematological neoplasms), sample size (more or less than 100), cut-off value of sPD-L1 (more or less than 6.51 ng/ml) and ethnicity (Asian or European). The meta-analysis indicates that circulating sPD-L1 changes may serve as a useful biomarker for cancer prognosis, and higher level of sPD-L1 may also be associated with poor outcomes in patients with cancer.

LRP6 is identified as a potential prognostic marker for oral squamous cell carcinoma via MALDI-IMS

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with 500 000 new cases each year. However, the mechanisms underlying OSCC development are relatively unknown. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS)-based proteomic strategy was used to profile the differentially expressed peptides/proteins between OSCC tissues and their adjacent noncancerous tissues. Sixty-seven unique peptide peaks and five distinct proteins were identified with changed expression levels. Among them, LRP6 expression was found to be upregulated in OSCC tissues, and correlated with a cluster of clinicopathologic parameters, including smoking, drinking, tumor differentiation status, lymph node metastasis and survival time. Notably, knockdown of LRP6 inhibited the proliferation ability of OSCC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the expression of LRP6 in OSCC cells is positively correlated with its downstream oncogene, FGF8. The present study suggests that LRP6 could be a potential biomarker for OSCC patients, and might further assist in the therapeutic decisions in OSCC treatment.

Clinical research on correction of ankle arthritis-related factor levels via urea

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the reliability of urea as the internal reference of ankle irrigating fluid in correction of synovial fluid and related factor concentration dilution times, and to further determine the factor expression level in synovial fluid.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 91 patients, including 20 cases of non-posterior median foot lesions and 71 cases of unilateral ankle osteoarthritis, were enrolled in this study. AOFAS score, Takakura staging and visual analogue pain scale were given; the venous blood was collected and the ankle fluid and irrigating fluid were obtained from the affected side via puncture. The urea in serum, synovial fluid and irrigating fluid was quantified using an AU5800 biochemical instrument (Beckman Coulter). Statistical analysis was performed for the correlation between urea in serum and synovial fluid; the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IGF-1 and HELIX-II in irrigating fluid quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were further corrected.

RESULTS

There was a good linear relationship between urea contents in synovial fluid and serum (R2=0.89), and the regression slope was 0.927. The levels and ratio of urea in serum and synovial fluid were independent of Takakura staging or pain degree. The expressions of IL-1β (p=0.000), IGF-1 (p=0.000) and HELIX-II (p=0.010) were significantly increased in synovial fluid in patients with ankle osteoarthritis. There was no significant difference in expression of IL-1β (p=0.514), and TNF-α was not detected in synovial fluid.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the dynamic stability of urea in the ankle fluid, and it is not affected by the progression of arthritis, age and other factors, which is the standard internal reference of correcting ankle irrigating fluid dilution times. The occurrence mechanism of ankle osteoarthritis may be different from that of other osteoarthritis, and IL-6 and IGF-1 are associated with the progression of the disease. Increased HELIX-II is an independent factor of predicting cartilage injury.

Nickel(II)-assisted enantiomeric differentiation and quantitation of tadalafil by direct electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A facile method based on electrospray mass spectrometry was established and validated for the differentiation of enantiomeric tadalafil isomers without using chiral chromatographic separation. The enantiomers were coupled with a chiral selector to form diastereomeric complex ions. Nickel-tadalafil complexes, [Ni^II (tadalafil)(l-Trp)-H]⁺ , produced a characteristic fragment ion at m/z 524 by loss of 1-methyl-1,6-dihydropyrazine-2,5-dione via collision-induced dissociation. The relative abundance of this fragment ion to the precursor contributed to differentiate tadalafil enantiomers, and energy-resolved product-ion spectra were applied to determine the molar composition of tadalafil in the mixture (R,R and S,S) as well. In addition, the other two forms of stereomeric isomers of tadalafil (R,S and S,R) could be also distinguished and analyzed by this method. The method was validated in different types of mass spectrometers (AB quadrupole time-of-flight and Bruker ion trap) and also verified by a chiral high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight. The chiral determination of tadalafil using MS method proved to be rapid (1-min run time for each sample) and to have the same accuracy and precision comparable to chiral liquid chromatography mass spectrometry methods. This method provides an alternative to commonly used chromatographic technique for chiral determination and is particularly useful in rapid screening in enantioselective synthesis and enantiomeric impurity detection in pharmaceutical industry. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.