AB0490 CIRCULATING REGULATORY T CELLS WERE ABSOLUTELY DECREASED IN TAKAYASU’S ARTERITIS PATIENTS

Background:

Takayasu arteritis (TA) refers to chronic progressive non-specific inflammation that involves the aorta and its main branches, causing stenosis and occlusion of arteries in different parts, and ischemic manifestations in the corresponding parts. A variety of immune dysfunctions are involved in the occurrence and development of TA(1)Recent studies have shown that Th17/Treg imbalance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Takayasu’s arteritis, in which T help 17 cells (Th17) cells are up-regulated in TA patients(2). Th17 cells are closely related to Treg cells during differentiation. There are few studies on the expression level of CD4+CD25+FOX3+T lymphocyte (Treg) cells. This study aims to study the clinical significance of Treg cell expression in peripheral blood of patients with Takayasu’s arteritis.

Objectives:

To analyze the levels of circulating lymphocyte subsets and serum cytokines in patients with takayasu arteritis (TA), and explore the relationship between their changes and TA disease activity.

Methods:

A total of 46 TA patients and 43 gender-age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. According to the NIH standard, 30 patients were in active disease. Flow cytometry was used to detect the absolute numbers and ratios of Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of all subjects. Magnetic bead-based multiplex immunoassay was used to detect cytokines and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

Compared with the healthy controls, the absolute number and proportion of peripheral Treg cells of TA patients significantly decreased while those of Th17 cells increased significantly, leading to the increased ratio of Th17 / Treg. Compared with the inactive group, the TA active group had significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α, and there was no significant difference in the expression of Th17 cells and Treg cells.

Conclusion:

In peripheral blood of TA patients, Treg cells decreased, while Th17 cells increased as compared with healthay controls, leading to an imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were related to disease activity.

References:

[1]Russo, R.A.G. and M.M. Katsicas, Takayasu Arteritis. Front Pediatr, 2018. 6: p. 265.

[2]Misra, D.P., S. Chaurasia, and R. Misra. Increased Circulating Th17 Cells, Serum IL-17A, and IL-23 in Takayasu Arteritis. Autoimmune Dis, 2016. 2016: p. 7841718.

Figure 1.

Characteristics of the absolute numbers and proportions of Th1cells,Th2cells,Th17 cells and CD4Treg cells in the PB of patients with TA.(A-C)The levels of Th17 cells and the ratio of Th1/Treg,Th2/Treg,Th17/Treg in PB were significantly increased in patients with TA (n=46). The absolute number and the proportion of CD4Treg cells were significantly decreased in TA(n=46). (D-F) The absolute number of Th2 cells and ratio of Th2/Treg in PB were significantly decreased in active patients with TA (n=30).Neither the absolute number nor proporation of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells was altered significantly between active TA patients(n=30) and inactive TA patients(n=16).*P<0.05; **P<0.001. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.TA,takayasu arteritis;PB peripheral blood;Tregs, regulatory Tcells.

Figure 2.

Characteristics of serum concentrations of cytokine (including IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and TNF-α) between active TA patients(n=30) and inactive TA patients(n=16).(A,D)In terms of cytokines, the concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly up-regulated,(B,C)but no significant changes in IL-10, and IL-17 were found.*P<0.05; **P<0.001. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

1190 Engaging Patients And Family Members To Understand What Matters Most Living With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

As a common but modifiable chronic condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified as the top secondary cause of many other diseases including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Diagnosing and managing OSA provides neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, however real-world studies indicate disconnections between evidence and outcomes. Using an engagement approach and qualitative design, this project aims to better understand care and research gaps in OSA in a community healthcare setting.

Methods: Methods

Patient and family representatives were identified and recruited through OSA support meetings hosted by MultiCare Sleep Medicine Centers, to form a board of 12, with three key patient advocates. Six meetings, each facilitated by one or two members of the board, were held to encourage focus group discussion and accommodate interactive conversations on the topic. Discussions were audio recorded and edited to exclude patients’ identifiable information, then transcribed. Manual open coding was completed by two coders for each transcription to develop a codebook, followed by auto-coding and inductive content analysis using Nvivo 11.

Results

All enrolled patients had diagnosed moderate-to-severe OSA and were prescribed with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Two participants were African American and one was multiethnic. Patients’ age ranged from early 30s to 80s. Seven main themes were identified: OSA diagnostic issues; treatment experiences and options; comorbidities; patient community and support needs; long-term management challenges beyond “compliance”; knowledge of OSA, CPAP and care; and patient-driven research. The first few weeks after CPAP initiation appeared to be a critical time window that impacted patients’ adaptation and use.

Conclusion

Our study revealed barriers and facilitators in OSA diagnosis and treatment. Results showed highly prevalent chronic co-morbidities and the needs to care for patients in the comorbid scenario. It was highlighted that a paradigm of patient-centered care and research is lacking and warranted. Participants also called for better coordination between sleep medicine, primary care, other specialists, durable device suppliers and insurance. Key research efforts are expected to focus on the first 30-day post CPAP dispense to improve compliance.

Support

Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) (Contract #: 7717241)

0718 Hypoxemia and Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Concomitant Restrictive Ventilatory Defect and Sleep Apnea: The Overlap Syndrome

Introduction

Patients with severe restrictive ventilatory defect (RVD) have hypoxemia and a high risk of pulmonary hypertension (PHTN). Sleep apnea (SA) aggravates the severity of nocturnal desaturation significantly. The aim of this study was to investigate the severity of hypoxemia and prevalence of PHTN in patient with the overlap syndrome (OS) of RVD and SA.

Methods

Patients referred for both sleep test and spirometry for suspected SA and RVD or obstructive ventilatory defect (OVD) were recruited prospectively from January-December, 2018. SA was determined by an apnea-hypopnea index ≥5/h; mean nocturnal oxygen saturation (meanSaO2), minimum oxygen saturation (minSaO2), saturation lower than 90% (T90) were calculated automatically. RVD was diagnosed in the presence of forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FVC) &gt;0.7 and FVC&lt;80% predicted value. PHTN was defined by systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) ≥ 50mmHg, documented by noninvasive transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with PHTN secondary to extrapulmonary factors were excluded.

Results

Of 65 patients who completed the investigation, 16 (24.6%) subjects were diagnosed with isolated SA (without RVD or OVD), and 28 (43.1%) subjects were verified to have RVD, in which 22 (78.6%) were diagnosed with OS and 6 (21.4%) presented as isolated RVD. Patients with OS vs. those with isolated RVD had lower minSaO2 (78.3% vs. 88.7%, p=0.003) and meanSaO2 (91.5% vs. 95.8%, p=0.007) but higher T90 (37.2% vs. 0.3%, p=0.009). Patients with OS vs. those with isolated RVD or with isolated SA had higher SPAP (62.6 mmHg vs. 45.3 mmHg or 35.9 mmHg, p=0.334 or p=0.016 respectively). Higher proportion of patients with OS were diagnosed with PHTN than those with isolated RVD or isolated SA (8 [36.4%] vs. 1 [16%] or 1 [6.25%], p=0.360 or p=0.031, respectively). T90 was the only polysomnographic data associated with the prevalence of PHTN after adjusting for age and sex (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.23-25.56, p=0.023).

Conclusion

Patients with the OS of RVD and SA had high odds of PHTN, which is probably associated with severe hypoxemia. Further investigation is needed to discern whether therapeutic strategies toward OS might eliminate PHTN in this cohort.

Support

 

1035 Sleep Duration and Metabolic Syndrome: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

To systematically examine the association between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome (Mets) risk in cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies.

Methods

Data were collected from 36 cross-sectional and 9 longitudinal studies with a total of 164799 MetS subjects and 430895 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) for MetS in cross-sectional studies and risk ratios (RRs) for incident MetS were calculated through meta-analyses of adjusted data from individual studies. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the association between MetS and the duration of short-and-long sleep.

Results

Short sleep duration was significantly associated with increased prevalent MetS (OR= 1.11, 95% CI =1.05-1.18) and incident MetS (RR= 1.28, 95% CI =1.07-1.53,) in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, respectively. Furthermore, long sleep duration was significantly associated with increased prevalent MetS in cross-sectional studies (OR= 1.14, 95% CI =1.05-1.23), rather than incident MetS (RR= 1.16, 95% CI =0.95-1.41) in longitudinal studies. Interestingly, the association between long sleep and prevalent MetS was found in sleep duration defined by 24-hour sleep (including naps) rather than nighttime sleep. In cross-sectional studies, pooled odds for MetS were 1.36 (95% CI=1.04-1.78, I2=83.3%) in ≤ 5 hours, 1.09 (95% CI=1.02-1.16, I2=67.8%) in ≤6 hours, 1.01 (95% CI=0.93-1.10, I2=24.9%) in &lt;7 hours, 1.11 (95% CI=1.02-1.21, I2=67.0%) in ≥9 hours and 1.31 (95% CI=1.22-1.40, I2=0%) in ≥10 hours, respectively. The association of short sleep and MetS was stronger in young and middle age adults, but lost in adults age &gt;60 years.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest 1) a “U-shape” relationship between sleep duration and MetS in cross-sectional studies and 2) association between short sleep duration, but not long sleep duration with incident MetS. Future studies should shed light on the underlying mechanisms related to the association between sleep duration and MetS and examine if normalizing sleep duration reduces MetS risk in the general population.

Support

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81600068 & 81970087), the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST (No. YESS20160072), Medical Science Foundation of Guangdong Provence (A2018296) and Grant for Key Disciplinary Project of Clinical Medicine under the Guangdong High-level University Development Program.

Breed difference and regulatory role of CRTC3 in porcine intramuscular adipocyte

The cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3) is a member of the CRTC protein family and plays an important role in energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine if the expression of porcine CRTC3 is related to intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition and meat quality in Heigai pigs (a local fatty breed in China) and Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs (a lean crossbred pig widely cultured in China). In addition, the effect of ectopic expression of CRTC3 on gene expression in porcine IMF adipocytes was also examined. Our results showed that Heigai pigs had lower lean percentage, thicker back fat thickness and smaller loin muscle area than DLY pigs. Compared with DLY pigs, Heigai pigs had higher marbling scores, better meat color and higher IMF contents and triglyceride concentrations. Higher levels of oxidative metabolic enzyme and expression of the slow oxidative muscle fiber-related genes were observed in longissimus dorsi muscle and psoas major muscle (P < 0.05) from Heigai pigs. Notably, CRTC3 and adipocyte-specific marker genes were highly expressed in muscle tissues of Heigai pigs. The expression of lipolysis-related genes ATGL and HSL were lower in Heigai muscles. Moreover, forced expression of CRTC3 promoted lipid accumulation and increased the expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, leptin and FABP4 (P < 0.05), whereas it decreased the expression of ATGL and HSL in IMF adipocytes. These results suggest that CRTC3 expression is associated with lipid accumulation and IMF deposition in pigs.

Trichostatin A exerts anti-inflammation functions in LPS-induced acute lung injury model through inhibiting TNF-α and upregulating micorRNA-146a expression

OBJECTIVE

Acute lung disease is characterized by inflammation. This research aimed to investigate effect of trichostatin A (TSA) on microRNA-146a (miR-146a) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alveolar macrophage injury model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat alveolar macrophage, NR8383, was cultured and induced using LPS to establish acute lung injury model in vitro level. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine cell viability of NR8383 cells. TSA was administrated to LPS-induced NR8383 cells. Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was utilized to evaluate TNF-α and miR-146a mRNA expression in LPS and/or TSA treated NR8383 cells. Enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine TNF-α levels.

RESULTS

This study selected 1 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml TSA as the optimal concentrations for treating NR8383 cells. LPS-induced acute lung injury model was successfully established. TSA administration significantly enhanced accounts of LPS-stimulated NR8383 cells. LPS induction significantly increased miR-146a mRNA expression in NR8383 cells compared to NR8383 cells (p<0.05). TSA administration significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α in LPS-induced NR8383 cells compared to those in LPS-induced NR8383 cells (p<0.05). TSA administration significantly enhanced miR-146a expression in LPS-induced NR8383 cells compared to that in LPS-induced NR8383 cells (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TSA administration exerted anti-inflammation functions in LPS-induced acute lung injury model in vitro, which might be triggered by inhibiting TNF-α molecule and upregulating miR-146a expression. The present data hint that TSA could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for treating acute lung injury.

[Interpretation of the guidelines for multidisciplinary treatment of epistaxis of the British Academy of Rhinology]

SummaryEpistaxis is a common condition that can be associated with significant morbidity, and it places a considerable burden on our healthcare system. In China, a draft guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of epistaxis was released in 2015. In UK, a national audit of management for epistaxis was promulgated in 2016, followed by multidisciplinary consensus recommendations on the hospital management of epistaxis in 2017. Here, we compared the management of diagnosis and treatment for epistaxis between China and UK in five clinical aspects, including initial assessment, cautery, intranasal agents, antithrombotic therapy and hematological factors, as well as surgery and radiological intervention. The results demonstrate that the management recommendations in UK combined a wide-ranging review of the relevant literature with established and rigorous methods of guideline generation, while the guidelines in China is more specific on the procedures of diagnosis and treatment for epistaxis. The current discussion provides perspectives to improve the guidelines for epistaxis in China.

[Analysis of the prevalence and influencing factors of occupational musculoskeletal disorders among rural migrant workers in Tianjin]

Objective: To explore the prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (OMD) and its influencing factors among rural migrant workers in Tianjin, with the aim of developing strategies to improve the health condition of this specific population. Methods: Questionnaire survey was conducted among 415 rural migrant workers working in Tianjin about their fundamental state and occupational musculoskeletal disorders (OMD) during January 2015 to January 2016. Statistical methods were utilized to analyze the influencing factor. Results: A total of 415 rural migrant workers were investigated, in which young Young adults and low education level were in the majority of rural migrant workers. The prevalence of OMD for whole population, male and female were 28.92% (120/415), 33.06% (81/245) and 22.94% (39/170), respectively. Prevalence showed significant differences njin and workplace hygiene. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risks of OMD increased with age group, and decreased with higher education level. The risk of OMD among rural migrant workers with monthly income between 3000 to 5000 yuan was 2.26 times (95%CI: 1.37-3.75) higher than that of low-income workers (<3000 yuan per month). Workers engaged in housekeeping service had 2.28 times higher risk of OMD than those in manufacturing industry (95%CI: 1.06-4.89) . Conclusion: Prevalence of OMD among rural migrant workers is higher than that of general people. Age, education, monthly income, occupation are the independent influencing factors for OMD among rural migrant workers.

Study on the epigenetic methylation modification of bipolar disorder major genes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to study changes and possible roles of epigenetic modification of candidate genes in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder, and provide the basis for clinical diagnosis and analysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients with bipolar disorder were enrolled in this study from January 2014 to June 2015; also, 50 healthy subjects were enrolled as control group. The patients were followed up for 18 months and followed up once every 3 months to review the methylation status. The methylation status was examined before and after treatment, and the patients were followed up every 3 months after treatment, and the follow-up period was 18 months.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy control group, there were 2075 CpG island aberrant methylation points in patients with bipolar disorder, which can be divided into 24 categories. Log-Ratio > 0.5 was used as the positive criteria, and COMT and PPIEL were identified as the genes associated with bipolar disorder. Compared with the control group, the levels of COMT and PPIEL gene methylation in the observation group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the methylation level of COMT and PPIEL gene between the two groups (p > 0.05) after 12 months of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The methylation level of COMT and PPIEL gene is closely related to bipolar disorder.

The relationship between number and function of EPCs and concentration of VEGF165 and SDF-1 in coronary artery spasm

OBJECTIVE

We aimed at investigating the functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the pathophysiology of coronary artery spasm (CAS) and coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as to evaluate the correlation of these diseases with the number and function of EPCs, the plasma concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Participants were recruited into three groups, CAS, CAD and the control. The number and functions of early EPCs and outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) were determined in peripheral blood samples, and the endothelial function was evaluated by measuring endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD).

RESULTS

No differences of baseline characteristics were found among CAS, CAD, and the control groups. The OECs isolated from CAS and CAD exhibited significant decrease in the percentage of CD34+/CD45- population, OEC colony formation, OEC proliferation and OEC tubulogenesis, nitric oxide (NO) production, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, and the phosphorylation level at Ser1177 of eNOS, compared with OECs isolated from control participants. Meanwhile, FMD was significantly reduced in CAS and CAD (CAS, 4.1% ± 1.9%; CAD, 4.3% ± 1.8%; control, 11.2% ± 3.5%). FMD was positively correlated to OEC functions including NO production, eNOS phosphorylation, colony formation, and proliferation. No differences of plasma VEGF165 and SDF-1 concentrations were recorded among these three groups. Similarly, there was no correlation between plasma VEGF165 (and SDF-1) concentration and EPC number and function.

CONCLUSIONS

EPCs show the potential of repairing damaged endothelium in CAS and CAD.

[Analysis of factors related to human soil-transmitted nematode infections in Chongqing City]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the related factors of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Chongqing City, so as to provide the basis for scientific prevention and treatment of the infections.

METHODS

From 2011 to 2015, the stool samples of residents of the surveillance sites in Chongqing City were collected every year, and the soil-transmitted nematode eggs were examined by the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method (three smears for a single stool sample). The respondents were surveyed by questionnaires, and the factors affecting soil-transmitted nematode infections were identified.

RESULTS

The prevalence of human soil-transmitted nematode infections were 6.44%, 7.30%, 6.85%, 6.93% and 5.56% in Chongqing City from 2011 to 2015, respectively. The more unclean drinking water and the lower frequency of washing hands after using the toilet were the risk factors for Ascaris lumbricoides infection. The more harmless toilets, the higher level of fertilizer application, the lower frequency of drinking raw water, and the lower frequency of food without washing were the protective factors for A. lumbricoides infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The local soil-transmitted nematode infections are at a low epidemic level in Chongqing City, and it is necessary to ad-here to the classified guidance, comprehensive prevention and further monitoring on the basis of health education, water and toilet improvement, and environmental sanitation improvement in order to consolidate the prevention and control achievements.

A C-type lectin with a single carbohydrate-recognition domain involved in the innate immune response of Tribolium castaneum

C-type lectins are one of the pattern-recognition proteins involved in innate immunity in invertebrates. Although there are 16 C-type lectin genes that have been identified in the genome of Tribolium castaneum, their functions and mechanisms in innate immunity remain unknown. Here, we identified one C-type lectin orthologue, TcCTL6 (TC003708), by sequencing random clones from the cDNA library of the coleopteran beetle, T. castaneum. TcCTL6 contains a 654 bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 217 amino acids that includes a single carbohydrate-recognition domain. The expression of TcCTL6 was significantly induced by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and stimulation with carbohydrates, including lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. A binding assay suggested that the recombinant TcCTL6 not only bound to lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan but also bound to Gram-positive (S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thuringiensis) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in the presence of calcium ions. Furthermore, when TcCTL6 was knocked down by RNA interference, four antimicrobial peptides (attacin1, attacin2, coleoptericin1 and coleoptericin2) were significantly decreased. These results demonstrate that TcCTL6 plays a vital role in the immune response towards pathogen infection by influencing the expression of antimicrobial peptides and the agglutination of bacteria in the presence of calcium ions in T. castaneum.

Cerebral blood flow abnormalities in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics, imaging changes and early diagnostic methods of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).

METHODS

Thirty-five SLE patients, of which 16 had overt neuropsychiatric symptoms, underwent examination for multiple autoantibodies, including anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, anti-nucleosome antibody, anti-cardiac-phospholipid antibody (aCL)-IgG, aCL-IgM, anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibody and anti-ribosomal P antibody, and the SLEDAI score of every patient was recorded. All patients further received neuropsychological tests, including the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Imaging examination using 3D arterial spin labeling was performed on 3.0 T MRI scanners. After processing the 3D arterial spin labeling image, the cerebral blood flow map was obtained and the cerebral blood flow value was calculated.

RESULTS

The values of anti-dsDNA, anti-nucleosome antibody, aCL-IgG and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies were significantly higher in the NPSLE group than those in the SLE group. The SLEDAI scores of the NPSLE group were significantly higher than those of the SLE group. There were no significant differences between the NPSLE group and the SLE group in the directional ability, memory, attention, numeracy, recall ability or language ability scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination scale. Furthermore, there were no symptoms of anxiety or depression in any of the patients, according to the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. In the 35 patients with SLE, decreases in blood perfusion were seen in some areas, and were unilateral and asymmetrically distributed. There was obvious asymmetry between sides in areas including the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe and occipital lobe. The incidence of perfusion decreases in frontal lobe in the NPSLE group was significantly higher than in the SLE group.

CONCLUSION

Neurological lesions in SLE patients can be detected by arterial spin labeling. Cerebral blood flow abnormalities may be helpful for the early diagnosis of neurological lesions in NPSLE.

Knockdown of CERB expression inhibits proliferation and migration of glioma cells line U251

BACKGROUND

Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and accounts for almost 30 % of all brain and central nervous system tumors and 80 % of all malignant brain tumors. In this study, we investigate the role of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the progression of glioma.

METHODS

Tissue samples from glioma patients were collected and examined for expression of CREB and its correlation with tumor grades. CREB was then knocked down via siRNA to see if reduced expression of CREB affects cell proliferation and migration. Factors involved in cell cycles, adhesion and apoptosis were examined as well. Moreover, CRESP/CAS9 mediated knockout of CREB was conducted and athymic Nude mice model was used to investigate CREB's role in vivo.

RESULTS

The evaluated expression level of CREB in glioma patients was correlated with tumor grades. Knockdown of CREB via siRNA in glioma cell line U251 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Moreover, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 expression were reduced, as well as phosphorylation of IRK1/2 and AKT. Additionally, knockout of CREB via CRESP/CAS9 inhibited tumor formation of U251 cells in athymic Nude mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our data suggest that over expression of CREB may contribute to progression of glioma and knockdown of CREB expression may serve as a novel target for therapy (Tab. 1, Fig. 6, Ref. 25).

[Experience of revision cochlear implantation]

Objective:To analyse the characteristics of the revision cochlear implantation （RCI）patients，the cause of the cochlear malfunction，and the choice of RCI operative approach. Method:A total of 39 patients with RCI were enrolled in this study. The cochlear use time, cause of failure and reoperation procedure are recorded and analyzed retrospectively. Result:There were 39 patients accepted cochlear reoperation，the ages ranges from 1 to 28，average age was 7.8 years, median age was 5 years old. The cochlear use time ranges from 1 month to 7 years，average was 2.2 years, median time was 1 year. Thirty-seven patients underwent RCI,30 cases right side and 7 cases left side. The reason of RCI contains device failure (28 cases)，infection (5 cases)，incorrect electrode implantation (3 cases)，facial nerve stimulation (2 cases)，and electrode prolapse (1 case).The choice of RCI procedure was dependent on the first operation procedure,contains facial nerve recess approach (35 cases) and mastoid approach (2 cases).Contralateral implantation was performed in 5 cases, the rest were ipsilateral. Conclusion:RCI has a variety causes and the common reason is trauma and device failure，the RCI should be completed as early as possible to avoid the ossified cochlear and hearing or speech stagnation，the electrode implantation through previous approach is the best method.

[Clinical characteristics and T-lymphocyte subsets in 48 acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with cytomegalovirus infections]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and T lymphocytes subsets in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Methods: A total of 48 hospitalized patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1/AIDS and CMV infections were recruited at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Jan 2010 to Aug 2017. Their clinical features and immune function were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with only HIV/AIDS in previous study were recruited as controls. Results: All 48 patients were at C3 stage, including 36 men and 12 women. Five of them were younger than 30 years old, 33 cases within 31-50 years old, and 10 cases older than 50 years old. Thirty-five patients had CD(4)(+)T lymphocytes ≤ 50 cells/μl, 7 cases with CD(4)(+)T cells 51-100/μl, 3 cases with 101-200 cells/μl, and 3 cases over 200 cells/μl. As to CMV infections, there were 31 cases of CMV viremia, 1 case of CMV encephalitis, 1 case of CMV enteritis, 5 cases of CMV pneumonia, and 9 cases of CMV retinitis. Other opportunistic infections were also common including 16 cases of pneumocystis pneumonia, 9 cases of tuberculosis, 5 cases of syphilis, 18 cases of digestive tract fungal infections, 8 cases of pulmonary fungal infections, 2 cases of EB virus infections, 2 cases of HIV encephalopathy/progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), 3 cases of cryptococcal meningitis, 1 case of toxoplasma infection. In group of both CMV and HIV/AIDS infections, 100% patients had inverted CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) ratio. The immune activation marker CD(8)(+)CD(38)(+)/CD(8)(+) was higher (61.6%-98.8%) with a median value of 91.2% in 40 patients. HLA-DR(+)CD(8)(+)/CD(8)(+), another marker for T cell activation, was 25.5%-98.0% in 44 patients with a median value of 60.3%. Thirty-six patients had both immune activation markers positive. There was no significant difference in counts of B cells, natural killer cells, CD(4)(+) T cells, CD(8)(+) T cells and immune activation subsets stratified by gender and age (P>0.05). Meanwhile, neither serum HIV viral load nor serum CMV viral load was correlated with HLA-DR(+)CD(8)(+)/CD(8)(+), CD(8)(+)CD(38)(+)/CD(8)(+), CD(4)(+)T cell counts, and CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) ratio in the CMV and HIV/AIDS co-infection group (all P>0.05), while HIV viral load in HIV/AIDS only group was significantly correlated with HLA-DR(+)CD(8)(+)T/CD(8)(+), CD(38)(+)CD(8)(+)/CD(8)(+), CD(4)(+) T cell counts, CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) ratio (r=0.473, 0.575, -0.767 and -0.678, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: CMV infections develop in HIV patients with advanced stage. CMV infection can cause life-threatening multiple organ lesions, especially in those with CD(4)(+) T cells less than 100 cells/μl. It is of great importance to screen CMV-IgM, pp65 antigen, CMV DNA to make early diagnosis and treatment.

Self-management and Related Psychosocial Variables Among Renal Transplant Patients

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influential factors of kidney transplant patients' self-management, especially psychosocial variables.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Questionnaires were administered to patients with the assistance of our team members to gather sociodemographic information, medical characteristics, self-management, social support, depression, and flourishing.

RESULTS

The study included 483 patients, 64.4% of whom were male. The score index of the total self-management scale was 81.95% and the "social psychology" dimension had the lowest index, at 75.63%. Higher scores for flourishing, shorter length of post-renal transplantation, more social support, lower body mass index, being female, and being employed were proved to be determinants of better self-management, and flourishing was identified as having the greatest influence. Some other indicators were also related to patients' self-management, particularly age, residence, income, hypertension, renal function, and depression.

CONCLUSION

The overall self-management of KT patients was middling, and the status of psychology management was not optimistic. This emphasized the importance of psychological intervention. For further exploration, flourishing was identified as contributing to better self-management, which implied that strengthening this factor could be another method of improving self-management, except that involves enhancing of social support and reducing depression. Age was also found to have differing degrees of influence on KT patients' self-management, which implies that younger patients should receive more support in self-management.

[Cellular damage of low-dose combined exposure to mercury, lead and cadmium on hippocampal neurons in rats]

Objective: To observe the cellular damage of low-dose combined exposure to Hg, Pb and Cd on hippocampal neurons in rat. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were randomly divided into 8 groups by 2×2×2 factorial design: control group, Pb exposure group, Hg exposure group, Pb+Hg exposure group, Pb+Cd exposure group, Hg+Cd exposure group and Pb+Cd+Hg exposure group. And the cell viabilities were measured. On this basis, an animal model was established. Twenty eight-week-old SD pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups by random number table, and five in each group: the control group(distilled water), 1-fold metal mixture exposure group (1×MM, poisoning solution containing mercury chloride 0.15 mg/L, lead acetate trihydrate 25 mg/L, cadmium chloride 7.5 mg/L), 5-fold metal mixture exposure group (5×MM, poisoning solution containing mercury chloride 0.75 mg/L, lead acetate trihydrate 125.00 mg/L, cadmium chloride 37.50 mg/L), 10-fold metal mixture exposure group (10×MM, poisoning solution containing mercury chloride 1.50 mg/L, lead acetate trihydrate 250.00 mg/L, cadmium chloride 75.00 mg/L). Pregnant rats drank water until delivery. Twenty male pups were selected and exposed to these metals through breast milk until weaned. The heavy metals dose of poisoning water was adjusted, and then the weaned rats were exposed to heavy metals via drinking poisoning water until adulthood (postnatal day 83). The blood samples and brain hippocampus samples were collected to observe the ultrastructural changes of hippocampus, and to determine the levels of Hg, Pb and Cd in blood. In addition, apoptosis rate and fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in hippocampal neurons were measured. Results: Cellular factorial design analysis showed that Hg+Pb+Cd (at no observed adverse effect level, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.1 μmol/L, respectively)had a interaction on cell viability after 48 or 72 hours of combined exposure (P<0.05). The results of ultrastructure showed that mitochondria decreased, ridges and matrixes gradually dissolved in rat hippocampal neurons of 5×MM group; nuclear chromatin aggregated, more ridges and matrixes dissolved and the mitochondria also decreased in rat hippocampal neurons of 10×MM group. The concentration of Hg, Pb and Cd in the blood of 1×MM group, 5×MM group and 10×MM group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in apoptosis rate between the 1×MM group and the control group. The apoptosis rate of 5×MM group and 10×MM group was higher than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in hippocampal neurons of the 1×MM group and the control group. The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in the 5×MM group and the 10×MM group was higher than that in the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the fluorescence intensity of [Ca(2+)](i) between the 1×MM group and the control group. The fluorescence intensity values of [Ca(2+)](i) in the 5×MM group and the 10×MM group were higher than the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: Low-level combined exposure to Hg, Pb, and Cd caused synergistic neurotoxic damage, and the process may be related to the changes of neuronal apoptosis, reactive oxide species, and [Ca(2+)](i) levels.

Vitamin D-supplemented yogurt drink reduces Candida infections in a paediatric intensive care unit: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Candida infections in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) has dramatically increased as a result of resistance to conventional anti-fungal treatments. Because vitamin D has been shown to exhibit fungicidal activity against Candida infection in an in vitro antimicrobial screening, we aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D on Candida infections in the PICU.

METHODS

Four hundred sixteen eligible children aged between 12 months to 5 years old admitted to the PICU, who were on broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two study groups, receiving a plain yogurt drink (placebo group) or supplemented with 300 IU day^-1 vitamin D (VD group). Primary outcome was defined as the incidences of Candida colonisation (Candida isolated from rectal swab) 14 days after enrollment. Secondary outcome measures were Candida growth in blood (candidaemia) and urine (candiduria).

RESULTS

The prevalence of candiduria as well as candidaemia was significantly lower in the VD-treated group (26 cases) than in the placebo group (62 cases). The mean (SD) length of PICU stay was obviously lowered in the VD group [11.8 (1.2) days] compared to the placebo group [15.2 (2.3 days)], whereas cases of patient death were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of vitamin D effectively reduces infections of Candida in children who were critically ill and on broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.

The effect of neonatal maternal separation on short-chain fatty acids and airway inflammation in adult asthma mice

BACKGROUND

To investigate neonatal maternal separation (NMS) effects on airway inflammation of asthma and potential mechanism using a mouse model.

METHODS

80 Balb/c neonatal male mice were randomly assigned to NMS and non-NMS groups. Feces were collected on PND21, 28, 35 and 42 to analyze microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Non-NMS group were then divided into control (group A) and asthma groups (group B), while NMS group was assigned to NMS+asthma (group C) and NMS+SCFAs+asthma groups (group D). Inflammatory cells and eosinophils (EOS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed. Pathological changes and cytokines in lung tissue were observed. Protein expression of Occludin and E-cadherin in airway epithelial was examined.

RESULTS

The number of S', diversity index H' and dominance index D', as well as content butyric acid in NMS group C were significantly lower than non-NMS group B (p<0.05). Mice in group C had a higher level of inflammatory cells and EOS compared with group A, B and D. EOS moderate infiltration was found in mice of group B, C and D. Mice in group C had significantly higher levels of cytokines and showed slightly increased bronchial epithelium goblet cells and a small amount of visceral secretions. Occludin and E-cadherin expression in lung in B, C and D groups was depressed, and protein level in group C was significantly lower than group B and D.

CONCLUSIONS

NMS is associated with exacerbated inflammation of adult asthma by changing intestinal microflora resulting in butanoic acid decline and airway epithelial barrier damage.

[Sub-health status of middle school teachers and its correlation analysis with occupational stress]

Objective: To study the distribution of sub-health and occupational stress as well as their correlation among middle school teachers in Tianjin, then provide evidences for prevention and control of the status of sub-health. Methods: A total of 3 522 middle school teachers from six districts of Tianjin were recruited with stratified cluster sampling strategy for the investigation of Sub-Health Measurement Scale version 1.0 (SHMS V1.0) and Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised Edition (OSI-R) . Results: Detection rate of sub-health status among Tianjin middle school teachers was 58.55%. Men had significantly lower sub-health detection rate (55.19%) than women (59.71%) . Sub-health detection rate increased with age (P<0.05) , the sub-health detection rate among middle school teachers more than 50 years old was the highest (66.84%) . The mean score of OSI-R was 403.18±41.80 with the scores of 176.00±21.05, 103.17±17.53, and 124.02±20.28 for ORQ, PSQ, PRQ, respectively, which showed significantly difference compared with the occupational stress norm of China (P<0.001) . The mean scores of OSI-R, ORQ, PSQ, PRQ in different health status were significantly different (P<0.001) . The partial correlation analysis between the scores of sub-health and occupational stress of middle school teachers showed that the scores of occupational role and personal strain were negatively correlated with the scores of sub-health state (P< 0.001) , while, there was significantly positive correlation between the scores of personal resource and the scores of sub-health state (P<0.001) . Conclusion: Sub-health detection rate of middle school teachers in Tianjin is higher. Effective measures should be taken to appropriately mitigate the occupational stress level of middle school teachers, increase personal resources, and scientific and effective health guidance and education should be strengthened.

[Effects of stromal interaction molecule 1 RNA interference on the cell proliferation and apoptosis in human laryngeal cancer]

Objective:To study the effects of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) RNA interference on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration ability in vitro in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2. Method:Lentivirus transfection was used to realize the STIM1 RNA interference in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2. STIM1 RNA interference was verified by real-time PCR and western blotting. The cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 method, Transwell chamber and wound scratch assay were used to detect cell invasion and migration ability, respectively. The cell apoptosis rate was evaluated by flow cytometry. The apoptotic proteins expression levels of caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, VEGF and MMP9 were detected by western blotting. Result:The gene expression levels of STIM1 mRNA and protein in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2 were significantly decreased after interference lentivirus transfection. After the interference of STIM1, the cell proliferation, invasion and migratory ability of Hep-2 cells in vitro declined (P<0.05). The cell apoptosis rate significantly increased after STIM1 RNA interference, along with the caspase-3 and Bax protein expression levels up-regulation, and the Bcl-2 expression levels down-regulation. The decrease of cell invasion and migratory ability was related with the down-regulation of VEGF and MMP9 protein expression. Conclusion:RNA interference of STIM1 in human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2 inhibits the cell proliferation, invasion and migration ability in vitro, and enhances the cell apoptosis rate of Hep-2 cells.

Sleep Quality and Related Psychosocial Variables Among Renal Transplant Patients

BACKGROUND

Several studies have examined sleep quality in the post renal transplant population of China, but few studies have actually confirmed the related psychosocial variables of sleep quality in renal transplant recipients with home care.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates sleep quality and its related psychosocial variables among renal transplant patients.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling approach. Self-report questionnaires were applied to 485 renal transplant patients. All participants completed the General Data Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Three-Dimensional Inventory of Character Strengths, and the Flourishing Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 438 valid questionnaires were included in the analysis. The global PSQI score was 5.86 (SD, 3.20), significantly lower than the norm; 128 (29.2%) recipients were classified as having poor sleep quality (global PSQI > 7). In the component score of PSQI, sleep onset latency was the highest; the others from high to low are sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction, subjective sleep quality, sleep efficiency, sleep duration, and use of hypnotic medication. A total of 19.6% reported sleeping fewer than 6 hours a night, 64.8% reported that they had to get up to use the bathroom, and 50.0% woke up in the middle of the night or early morning at least 1 night per week in the past month. Significant differences in the PSQI scores were observed in renal transplant patients of different sex, age, residence, career, length of post-renal transplant period, comorbidity, kidney function, and depressive symptoms (P < .05). The PSQI scores were positively correlated with depression (Self-Rating Depression Scale) (P < .01) but negatively correlated with inquisitiveness (Three-Dimensional Inventory of Character Strengths-inquisitiveness) and psychological well-being (Flourishing Scale) (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

The sleep quality of renal transplant patients was lower than that of the general population. Character strengths and well-being can increase the level of sleep quality in renal transplant patients. Psychosocial intervention is necessary for improving the sleep quality of renal transplant recipients in China.

Relationship between enteric pathogens and acute gastroenteritis disease severity: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between individual bacterial and viral pathogens and disease severity.

METHODS

Children <18 years with three or more episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhoea were enrolled in two Canadian paediatric emergency departments between December 2014 and August 2016. Specimens were analysed employing molecular panels, and outcome data were collected 14 days after enrolment. The primary outcome was severe disease over the entire illness (symptom onset until 14-day follow-up), quantified employing the Modified Vesikari Scale (MVS) score. The score was additionally analysed in two other time periods: index (symptom onset until enrolment) and follow-up (enrolment until 14-day follow-up).

RESULTS

Median participant age was 20.7 (IQR: 11.3, 44.2) months; 47.4% (518/1093) and 73.4% (802/1093) of participants had index and total MVS scores ≥11, respectively. The most commonly identified pathogens were rotavirus (289/1093; 26.4%) and norovirus (258/1093; 23.6%). In multivariable analysis, severe disease over the entire illness was associated with rotavirus (OR = 9.60; 95%CI: 5.69, 16.19), Salmonella (OR = 6.61; 95%CI: 1.50, 29.17), adenovirus (OR = 2.53; 95%CI: 1.62, 3.97), and norovirus (OR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.01, 2.01). Pathogens associated with severe disease at the index visit were: rotavirus only (OR = 6.13; 95%CI: 4.29, 8.75), Salmonella (OR = 4.59; 95%CI: 1.71, 12.29), adenovirus only (OR = 2.06; 95%CI: 1.41, 3.00), rotavirus plus adenovirus (OR = 3.15; 95%CI: 1.35, 7.37), and norovirus (OR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.49, 0.94). During the follow-up period, rotavirus (OR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.50, 3.25) and adenovirus (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.39, 3.18) were associated with severe disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In children presenting for emergency department care with acute gastroenteritis, pathogens identified were predominantly viruses, and several of which were associated with severe disease. Salmonella was the sole bacterium independently associated with severe disease.

Rapid visual detection of cyprinid herpesvirus 2 by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick

Herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis (HVHN), caused by cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2), causes significant losses in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) aquaculture. Rapid and convenient DNA assay detection of CyHV-2 is useful for field diagnosis. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a novel isothermal DNA amplification and detection technology that can amplify DNA within 30 min at ~37°C by simulating in vivo DNA recombination. Herein, a rapid and convenient detection assay based on RPA with a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) was developed for detecting CyHV-2. The highly conserved ORF72 of CyHV-2 was targeted by specific and sensitive primers and probes. The optimized assay takes only 15 min at 38°C using a water bath, with analysis of products by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis within 30 min. A simple lateral flow strip based on the unique probe in reaction buffer was developed for visualization. The entire RPA-LFD assay takes 50 min less than the routine PCR method, is 100 times more sensitive and displays no cross-reaction with other aquatic viruses. The combined isothermal RPA and lateral flow assay (RPA-LFD) provides a simple, rapid, reliable method that could improve field diagnosis of CyHV-2 when resources are limited.

[Diagnostic value of serum chitinase-3-like protein 1 in chronic liver disease of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis]

Objective: To study the correlation between the level of serum Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and the significant liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis in patients with chronic liver disease, and to evaluate its diagnostic value. Methods: 165 patients with chronic liver disease were selected, liver histopathological examination was performed to detect serum CHI3L1 concentration. Four indexes of hepatic fibrosis (type III procollagen, collagen IV, laminin, hyaluronic acid), aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) and FIB-4 (fibrosis- 4) scores were based on the pathological findings of liver biopsy and compared the advantages and disadvantages of serum CHI3L1 with other methods for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. A multivariate regression analysis model was created, and receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed. Results: The level of serum CHI3L1 increased with increase of fibrosis stage and was highest in liver cirrhosis stage. In the period of S0 to 1, the levels of S2 to 3 and S4 were 62.82 (41.40 ~ 87.20), 70.94 (48.47 to 122.60) and 141.06 (78.18 ~ 197.40), and there were statistically significant differences between the groups (P < 0.001). The area under the curve for the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis was 0.68 (0.60 to 0.77), and 0.74 (0.65 to 0.83) for cirrhosis in CHI3L1. Multivariate regression analysis showed that CHI3L1 was an independent predictor of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. The combined diagnostic model based on CHI3L1, collagen IV and FIB-4 scores further improved the diagnostic value. The area under the curve for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.79 (0.72 to 0.86) and 0.80 (0.73 to 0.87), respectively. Conclusion: CHI3L1 has a good diagnostic value in patients with chronic liver disease with significant fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. The diagnostic model in combination with other markers like Collagen IV and FIB-4 scores could further improve the diagnostic value and is worthy of further study.

Detection of porcine circovirus-like virus P1 in Hebei, China

Porcine circovirus-like virus P1 is a novel unclassified circovirus that was first detected in China and may be associated with post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and congenital tremor. In this study, we detected P1 infection in pigs in Hebei Province, China, in 2017. One hundred and forty of 500 (28.0%) serum samples from 25 pig farms with different PMWS status in seven cities were P1 positive on PCR. Twelve P1 strains were sequenced, and the complete genomes of 11 P1 strains were 648 nucleotides (nt) in length, whereas that of strain ZJK02 was 647 nt, with a G deletion at position of 183 in its genome. The complete genomic and capsid protein sequences of the 12 P1 strains analysed in this study shared 98.8%-100.0% and 86.5%-100.0% identity, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genomic and capsid sequences of 26 P1 strains showed that the 12 P1 sequences from Hebei Province clustered on two small branches. Further studies of the evolution and pathogenesis of P1 are required.

[Study on the current status of smoking, intention of tobacco concession and related risk factors among 18-65-year olds patients with chronic diseases in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the status, attitude and related risk factors on smoking among 18-65 years old patients with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma in Beijing. Methods: Data was gathered from the 2014 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Program. Multiple classified cluster sampling method was used and 19 815 participants aged 18-65 were sampled from 16 districts in Beijing. Results: Among all the 18 405 participants, male hypertensive patients showed a higher rate on current smoking than the other groups (χ(2)=17.695, P<0.001). Male patients with dyslipidemia had higher current smoking rate than the other groups (χ(2)=39.292, P<0.001). However, female patients with COPD or with asthma showed higher rate on current smoking than the other groups (χ(2)=6.276, P=0.012), (χ(2)=8.245, P=0.004). Among the smokers, hypertensive patients presented lower rate (χ(2)=20.487, P<0.001) on intention of smoking concession, than the other groups. Patients with COPD showed greater intention in quitting smoking (χ(2)=6.085, P=0.048), than the other groups. Male patients with diabetes (χ(2)=9.219, P=0.010) or dyslipidemia (χ(2)=13.513, P=0.001) who had stopped smoking tobacco appeared having higher rates in keeping the current status. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that smoking was the risk factor for hypertension (OR=1.17), dyslipidemia (OR=1.25), COPD (OR=1.78), and asthma (OR=1.57). Conclusions: Patients with certain kinds of chronic diseases showed higher rate of current smoking and lower rate of quitting. Cigarette consumption appeared an important risk factor for patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, COPD, or asthma in Beijing.

MiR-221 inhibits proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells via down regulation of SOCS3

OBJECTIVE

The over-activation of Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway induced by cytokines are closely correlated with tumorigenesis. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) serves as a negative regulator for JAK-STAT, and its down-regulation is involved in the oncogenesis of pancreatic cancer. We aimed at investigating the effect of miR-221 on the expression and proliferation, cycle and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells and determine the related mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to analyze the regulation between miR-221 and SOCS3. The expressions of miR-221, SOCS3, p-JAK and p-STAT3 in normal human pancreatic epithelial cell HPDE6-C7 and pancreatic cancer cell PANC-1 were quantified by qPCR and Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to identify cell cycle and proliferation. In vitro cultured PANC-1 cells were transfected with miR-221 inhibitor or pIRES2-SOCS3. The expressions of miR-221, SOCS3, p-JAK and p-STAT3, along with the cell proliferation or apoptosis, were compared.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis showed the existence of binding site between miR-221 and 3'-UTR of SOCS3 mRNA. Dual luciferase gene reporter assay confirmed the targeted regulation between miR-221 and SOCS3. Compared to HPDE6-C7 cells, higher levels of miR-221, p-JAK and p-STAT3 expression, and lower expression of SOCS3, were found in PANC-1 cells, along with the increase of cell proliferation. Transfection of miR-221 inhibitor or pIRES2-SOCS3 remarkably enhanced SOCS3 expression, inhibited the levels of p-JAK and p-STAT3 expression, and impeded the proliferation of PANC-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-221 decreases proliferation potency of PANC-1 cells and affects JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway via inhibiting SOCS3.

Structure and formation of highly luminescent protein-stabilized gold clusters

Highly luminescent gold clusters simultaneously synthesized and stabilized by protein molecules represent a remarkable category of nanoscale materials with promising applications in bionanotechnology as sensors. Nevertheless, the atomic structure and luminescence mechanism of these gold clusters are still unknown after several years of developments. Herein, we report findings on the structure, luminescence and biomolecular self-assembly of gold clusters stabilized by the large globular protein, bovine serum albumin. We highlight the surprising identification of interlocked gold-thiolate rings as the main gold structural unit. Importantly, such gold clusters are in a rigidified state within the protein scaffold, offering an explanation for their highly luminescent character. Combined free-standing cluster synthesis (without protecting protein scaffold) with rigidifying and un-rigidifying experiments, were designed to further verify the luminescence mechanism and gold atomic structure within the protein. Finally, the biomolecular self-assembly process of the protein-stabilized gold clusters was elucidated by time-dependent X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements and density functional theory calculations.