[Allergic rhinitis management:environment control and patient education]

Objective:To observe the auxiliary curative effect of combined clostridium and bifidobacterium capsules, live (also called Changlekang) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis by comparing IL-10, transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), the quality of life score and symptom score before and after oral Changlekang.Method:Twenty qualified patients in the study group and 20 qualified patients in the control group were enrolled.The study group was given changlekang, desloratadine citrate disodium tablets and mometasone furoate nasal spray for treatment. After 2 weeks of treatment, Changlekang was still given for maintenance therapy for 6 weeks, and no other two kinds of drugs. The control group was given the desloratadine citrate disodium tablets and mometasone furoate nasal spray for 2 weeks and then quited the clinical trials. The changes of symptom score, quality of life score, serum IL-10, serum TGF-β1 would be statistically analyzed during the treatment.Result:①Before treatment, serum TGF-β1 and IL-10 of normal group was significantly different from the study group and the control group (P< 0.001), and the study group and the control group's were significantly lower than the normal group.②With the increase of treatment time, serum IL-10, TGF-β1 levels of patients in the study group increased gradually. Four point method ocular symptoms score, VAS ocular symptoms score and total score of RQLQ decreased gradually; ③patients in the control group after 2 weeks'treatment, serum IL-10, TGF-β1 was higher than that before treatment (P< 0.001), at the same time all symptom scores, total score of RQLQ were lower than those before treatment (P< 0.001). ④After 2 weeks' treatment, patients in the study group, the serum IL-10 is higher than that of control group (P< 0.001); ⑤Before treatment serum IL-10, TGF-β1 of AR patients might have little correlation with symptom scores, total score of RQLQ on linear (P> 0.05).Conclusion:①serum IL-10, TGF-β1 levels of AR patients may be lower thannormal, and IL-10, TGF-β1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AR. ②Changlekang may increase the production of serum IL-10, TGF-β1 in AR patients. ③AR patients with desloratadine citrate and mometasone furoate nasal spray treatment combined with Canglekang may promote higher serum IL-10 production than conventional two combination therapy, but there is no more significant improvement in symptoms score and quality of life score. ④Changlekang may improve ocular symptoms and the quality of life in AR patients. ⑤Before treatment serum IL-10, TGF-β1 of AR patients may have little correlation with symptom scores, total score of RQLQ, as a result the level of serum IL-10 and TGF-β1 can not be used to evaluate the severity of AR for the time being.

Vessel Wall MRI for Targeting Biopsies of Intracranial Vasculitis

Central nervous system vasculitides are elusive diseases that are challenging to diagnose because brain biopsies have high false-negative rates. We sought to test the ability of contrast-enhanced, high-resolution 3D vessel wall MR imaging to identify vascular inflammation and direct open biopsies of intracranial target vessels and adjacent brain parenchyma. Eight of 9 specimens revealed vascular inflammation. We conclude that vessel wall MR imaging can identify inflamed intracranial vessels, enabling precise localization of biopsy targets.

Variations of blood glucose in cancer patients during chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the blood glucose (BG) variations in cancer patients during chemotherapy according to tumor types and chemotherapeutic regimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were examined from the Department of Medical Oncology of Cancer Hospital and Institute, Chinese Academy Medical Sciences from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients' ages, genders, body mass index, associated disease history, and corresponding BG values were recorded.

RESULTS

Among these 2029 patients, 331 (16.3%) patients encountered high BG during chemotherapy except diabetic patients. Of these patients, 208 (62.8%) were males, and 123 (37.2%) were females, with age ranged from 17 to 84 years. The 331 cases included 23 tumor types and 77 regimens. Totally, BG values increased up to 7.4 ± 1.3 mmol/L during chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

No previous studies in the literature have examined systematically so numerous cases of hyperglycemia during chemotherapy. This study has pointed out possible high-risk chemotherapeutic regimens and tumor types, which should be paid attention to prevent the occurrence of hyperglycemia.

IL6 derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes chemoresistance via CXCR7 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Various factors and cellular components in the tumor microenvironment are key drivers associated with drug resistance in many cancers. Here, we analyzed the factors and molecular mechanisms involved in chemoresistance in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We found that interleukin 6 (IL6) derived mainly from cancer-associated fibroblasts played the most important role in chemoresistance by upregulating C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) expression through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/nuclear factor-κB pathway. CXCR7 knockdown resulted in the inhibition of IL6-induced proliferation and chemoresistance. In addition, CXCR7 silencing significantly decreased gene expression associated with stemness, chemoresistance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and suppressed the proliferation ability of ESCC cells in three-dimensional culture systems and angiogenesis assay. In clinical samples, ESCC patients with high expression of CXCR7 and IL6 presented a significantly worse overall survival and progression-free survival upon receiving cisplatin after operation. These results suggest that the IL6-CXCR7 axis may provide a promising target for the treatment of ESCC.

Carotid Artery Wall Imaging: Perspective and Guidelines from the ASNR Vessel Wall Imaging Study Group and Expert Consensus Recommendations of the American Society of Neuroradiology

Identification of carotid artery atherosclerosis is conventionally based on measurements of luminal stenosis and surface irregularities using in vivo imaging techniques including sonography, CT and MR angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. However, histopathologic studies demonstrate considerable differences between plaques with identical degrees of stenosis and indicate that certain plaque features are associated with increased risk for ischemic events. The ability to look beyond the lumen using highly developed vessel wall imaging methods to identify plaque vulnerable to disruption has prompted an active debate as to whether a paradigm shift is needed to move away from relying on measurements of luminal stenosis for gauging the risk of ischemic injury. Further evaluation in randomized clinical trials will help to better define the exact role of plaque imaging in clinical decision-making. However, current carotid vessel wall imaging techniques can be informative. The goal of this article is to present the perspective of the ASNR Vessel Wall Imaging Study Group as it relates to the current status of arterial wall imaging in carotid artery disease.

Long noncoding RNA HULC modulates the phosphorylation of YB-1 through serving as a scaffold of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and YB-1 to enhance hepatocarcinogenesis

Dysregulated expression of long noncoding RNAs has been reported in many types of cancers, indicating that it may play a critical role in tumorigenesis. The long noncoding RNA highly up-regulated in liver cancer (HULC) was first characterized in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the detailed mechanisms of HULC remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which long noncoding RNA plays oncogenic roles through modulating the phosphorylation status of its interaction protein. First, we validated the markedly increased expression levels of HULC in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared to their adjacent noncancerous tissues. Furthermore, up-regulation of HULC was correlated with grading and overall survival. Meanwhile, HULC could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and inhibit cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Moreover, we show that HULC specifically binds to Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) protein both in vitro and in vivo. YB-1 is a major component of translationally inactive messenger ribonucleoprotein particles which keeps mRNA in a silent state. Our study further demonstrated that HULC could promote the phosphorylation of YB-1 protein, which leads to the release of YB-1 from its bound mRNA. As a consequence, translation of silenced oncogenic mRNAs would be activated, including cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and matrix metalloproteinase 3. In addition, we found that HULC promotes the phosphorylation of YB-1 protein mainly through extracellular signal-regulated kinase.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that HULC promotes the phosphorylation of YB-1 through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, in turn regulates the interaction of YB-1 with certain oncogenic mRNAs, and consequently accelerates the translation of these mRNAs in the process of tumorigenesis. (Hepatology 2017;65:1612-1627).

Leptin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus inversely correlate with regulatory T cell frequency

Leptin levels are increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but little is known on how this correlates with several disease characteristics including the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we compared serum leptin levels with frequency of circulating Tregs in 47 lupus patients vs. 25 healthy matched controls. Correlations with lupus disease activity were also analyzed, as well as Treg proliferation potential. It was found that leptin was remarkably increased in SLE patients as compared to controls, particularly in SLE patients with moderate and severe active SLE, and the increase correlated with disease activity. Importantly, increased leptin in lupus patients inversely correlated with the frequency of Tregs but not in controls, and leptin neutralization resulted in the expansion of Tregs ex vivo. Thus, hyperleptinemia in lupus patients correlates directly with disease activity and inversely with Treg frequency. The finding that leptin inhibition expands Tregs in SLE suggests possible inhibition of this molecule for an enhanced Treg function in the disease.

Low genetic diversity and strong population structure shaped by anthropogenic habitat fragmentation in a critically endangered primate, Trachypithecus leucocephalus

Habitat fragmentation may strongly impact population genetic structure and reduce the genetic diversity and viability of small and isolated populations. The white-headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) is a critically endangered primate species living in a highly fragmented and human-modified habitat in southern China. We examined the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the species and investigated the environmental and anthropogenic factors that may have shaped its population structure. We used 214 unique multi-locus genotypes from 41 social groups across the main distribution area of T. leucocephalus, and found strong genetic structure and significant genetic differentiation among local populations. Our landscape genetic analyses using a causal modelling framework suggest that a large habitat gap and geographical distance represent the primary landscape elements shaping genetic structure, yet high levels of genetic differentiation also exist between patches separated by a small habitat gap or road. This is the first comprehensive study that has evaluated the population genetic structure and diversity of T. leucocephalus using nuclear markers. Our results indicate strong negative impacts of anthropogenic land modifications and habitat fragmentation on primate genetic connectivity between forest patches. Our analyses suggest that two management units of the species could be defined, and indicate that habitat continuity should be enforced and restored to reduce genetic isolation and enhance population viability.

Understanding the Regulatory Roles of Natural Killer T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis: T Helper Cell Differentiation Dependent or Independent?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic systemic autoimmune disease. This disease is thought to be caused by pathogenic T cells. Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of RA. These Th cells differentiate from CD4+ T cells primarily due to the effects of cytokines. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct subset of lymphocytes that can rapidly secrete massive amount of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ. Numerous studies showed that NKT cells can influence the differentiation of CD4+ T cells via cytokines in vitro. These findings suggest that NKT cells play an important role in RA by polarizing Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells. In view of the complexity of RA, we discussed whether NKT cells really influence the development of RA through regulating the differentiation of Th cells.

[Epidemiological study of hypertension in Dongxiang population of Dongxiang county in Gansu province]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension among Dongxiang population of Dongxiang county in Gansu province, and analyze risk factors of hypertension in this population. Methods: A total of 1 879 Dongxiang residents of Dongxiang county in Gansu province aged 18 years and over were selected in one town and eight villages by random cluster method from April to June in 2014. All subjects were interviewed and physical examination including blood pressure measurement was performed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of hypertension. Results: Prevalence of hypertension in this population was 21.4%(402/1 879). Prevalence of hypertension increased with aging and was 7.9%(35/441) in 18-39 years old people, and 20.2%(151/749)in 40-59 years old people, and 31.3%(216/689)in ≥60 years old people (P<0.01). There were no gender (male vs. female) difference in prevalence of hypertension in 18-39 years old group (8.0%(20/249)vs. 7.8%(15/192), P>0.05) and 40-59 years old group (19.8%(78/393) vs. 20.5%(73/356), P>0.05), while the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in male than in female(34.2%(123/360) vs. 28.3%(93/329), P<0.01)in ≥60 years old group. Prevalence of hypertension was also significantly higher in rural area residents than in county town residents (23.4%(255/1 090) vs.18.6%(147/789), P<0.01). The rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in this population were 24.4%(98/402), 14.7%(59/402) and 5.0%(20/402), respectively. Rates of awareness (22.7%(58/255)vs. 27.2%(40/147), P<0.01), treatment(13.3%(34/255)vs. 17.0%(25/147), P<0.05) and control(3.9%(10/255)vs. 6.8%(10/147), P<0.05) were significantly lower in rural area residents than in county residents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, family history of hypertension, high body mass index, less physical activity and more static state were risk factors of hypertension in this population(P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension is high and awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension are low in adult residents of Dongxiang county in Gansu province. Hypertension prevention focusing on risk factors control and treatment strategies should be enhanced in this population.

[Advances in the mechanism of probiotics on allergic diseases]

In recent years some studies show that probiotics can regulate the body's immune response and in addition to study most of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, Clostridium butyricum also has its unique immune regulatory role. These probiotics are expected to be used in the treatment of allergic diseases, but its mechanism of action is not clear, and the current of probiotics on allergic disease mechanisms research conclusion still exist some contradictions, besides whether the clinical symptoms of the allergic disease can be improve is unclear, so the probiotics have not been recommended to routine treatment of allergic diseases. This review will help us further understand the probiotics on allergic disease mechanism and the unique role of Clostridium butyricum.

Intracranial Vessel Wall MRI: Principles and Expert Consensus Recommendations of the American Society of Neuroradiology

Intracranial vessel wall MR imaging is an adjunct to conventional angiographic imaging with CTA, MRA, or DSA. The technique has multiple potential uses in the context of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage. There remain gaps in our understanding of intracranial vessel wall MR imaging findings and research is ongoing, but the technique is already used on a clinical basis at many centers. This article, on behalf of the Vessel Wall Imaging Study Group of the American Society of Neuroradiology, provides expert consensus recommendations for current clinical practice.

Effects of miR-26a on the expression of Beclin 1 in retinoblastoma cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of miR-26a on Beclin 1 expression in retinoblastoma (RB) cell lines (Y79 and WERi-RB-1). RB cells were transfected with miR-26a mimic, antagomir-26a, or control mimic. The Beclin 1 mRNA and protein levels were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. The activity of Beclin 1 3ꞌ-UTR reporter gene was detected with the luciferase assay. After transfection with miR-26a mimic, Beclin 1 mRNA and protein levels as well as the activity of the 3'-UTR reporter gene decreased. However, all were increased upon inhibition of miR-26a with antagomir-26a. Beclin 1 is the target of miR-26a in human RB cell lines Y79 and WERi-RB-1, and miR-26a inhibits the expression of Beclin 1 by reducing its mRNA and protein levels.

Trends in health care utilization and costs attributable to hepatocellular carcinoma, 2002-2009: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) and the complexity of its diagnosis and treatment are increasing. We estimated trends in net health care utilization, costs of care attributable to hcc in Ontario, and rate ratios of resource use at various stages of care.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective cohort study identified hcc patients and non-cancer control subjects, and health care resource utilization between 2002 and 2009. Generalized estimating equations were then used to estimate net health care utilization (hcc patients vs. the matched control subjects) and net costs of care attributable to hcc. Generalized linear models were used to analyze rate ratios of resource use.

RESULTS

We identified 2832 hcc patients and 2808 matched control subjects. In comparison with the control subjects, hcc patients generally used a greater number of health care services. Overall, the mean net cost of care per 30 patient-days (2013 Canadian dollars) attributable to outpatient visits and hospitalizations was highest in the pre-diagnosis (1 year before diagnosis), initial (1st year after diagnosis), and end-of-life (last 6 months before death, short-term survivors) phases. Mean net homecare costs were highest in the end-of-life phase (long-term survivors). In the end-of-life phase (short-term survivors), mean net costs attributable to outpatient visits and total services significantly increased to $14,220 from $1,547 and to $33,121 from $14,450 (2008-2009 and 2002-2003 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In hcc, our study found increasing resource use and net costs of care, particularly in the end-of-life phase among short-term survivors. Our findings offer a basis for resource allocation decisions in the area of cancer prevention and control.

Interactions of acylated methylglucoside derivatives with CO2: simulation and calculations

Carbohydrates have drawn considerable interest from researchers recently due to their affinity for CO2. However, most of the research in this field has focused on peracetylated derivatives. Compared with acetylated carbohydrates, which have already been studied in depth, methyl D-glucopyranoside derivatives are more stable and could have additional applications. Thus, in the present work, ab initio calculations were performed to elucidate the characteristics of the interactions of methylglucoside derivatives with CO2, and to investigate how the binding energy (ΔE) is affected by isomerization or the introduction of various acyl groups. Four methyl D-glucopyranosides (each with two anomers) bearing acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, and isobutyryl moieties, respectively, were designed as substrates, and the 1:1 complexes of a CO2 molecule with each of these sugar substrates were modeled. The results indicate that ΔE is mainly influenced by interaction distance and the number of negatively charged donors or interacting pairs in the complex; the structure of the acyl group present in the substrate is a secondary influence. Except in the case of methyl 2-O-acetyl-D-glucopyranose, the ΔE values of the α- and β-anomers of each methylglucoside were found to be almost the same. Therefore, we would expect the CO2 affinities of the four derivatives studied here to be as strong as or even stronger than that of peracetylated D-glucopyranose. Graphical Abstract The binding energy between methyl D-glucopyranoside derivatives with various substituted acyl groups and CO2 are evaluated by ab initio calculations. The strong interaction between these methyl dglucopyranoside derivatives and CO2 showed the potential of their application for CO2 capture.

Birth weight and childhood obesity: a 12-country study

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated the association between the full range of birth weight and the risk of childhood obesity in high-, middle- and low-income countries. The aim of the present study is to assess the association between different levels of birth weight and the risk of obesity among children aged 9-11 years in 12 countries.

METHODS

A multinational, cross-sectional study of 5141 children aged 9-11 years was conducted in 12 countries. Height and weight were obtained using standardized methods. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary and sleeping were objectively measured using 24-h, waist-worn accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X+) monitored for 7 days. Birth weight and other factors (regions, parental education, maternal history of gestational diabetes, children age, gender, breast feeding, gestational age, unhealthy diet scores and healthy diet scores) were collected by parental and children's questionnaires. Multilevel modeling was used to account for the nested nature of the data.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of obesity (BMI z-score>+2 s.d.) was 15.4% for boys and 10.0% for girls. There was a positive association between birth weight and BMI z-scores. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of childhood obesity were significantly higher among children whose birth weights were 3500-3999 g (OR 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-1.92), and >4000 g (OR 2.08; 95% CI: 1.47-2.93), compared with the reference group (2500-2999 g). The positive association between birth weight and the odds of childhood obesity was seen in girls, whereas a U-shaped association appeared in boys.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of birth weight, defined as birth weight ⩾3500 g, were associated with increased odds of obesity among 9-11-year-old children in 12 countries. However, sex differences in the association between birth weight and the risk of obesity need to be considered when planning interventions to reduce childhood obesity.

Endostatin exerts radiosensitizing effect in non-small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting VEGFR2 expression

BACKGROUND

To determine the effects of endostatin on vascular growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the mechanisms underlying its radiosensitizing effect.

METHODS

VEGFR2 mRNA levels were determined in different NSCLC cell lines using qRT-PCR. RT-PCR and Western blot assays were used to assess the expression of mRNA and proteins. The radiosensitivity of the cells was determined by colony-formation assays; and cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

VEGFR2 mRNA levels differed among the five NSCLC cell lines (P < 0.01), with the highest expression in Calu-1 cells and lowest in A549 cells. Endostatin significantly inhibited the growth of Calu-1 cells (P < 0.01) (IC20 = 296.5 μg/ml), and the expression of VEGFR2 and HIF-1α (P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 were significantly lower in endostatin-treated cells than control (P < 0.05). Endostatin enhanced the radiosensitivity of Calu-1 cells to SER = 1.38 and induced apoptosis (P < 0.01) and G2/M blockage (P < 0.01). However, endostatin had limited effects on A549 cells. Compared with Calu-1 cells, there was not significantly effects on cell radiosensitivity (SER = 1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Endostatin induces apoptosis and enhances radiosensitivity of the VEGFR2 high-expressing cell line Calu-1, but it has a limited effect on the VEGFR2 low-expressing cell line A549.