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.

Prevalence and associations of presenting near-vision impairment in the Australian National Eye Health Survey

PurposeTo describe the prevalence and associations of presenting near vision impairment (NVI) in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.MethodsA sample of 3098 non-Indigenous Australians (aged 50-98 years) and 1738 Indigenous Australians (aged 40-92 years) living in 30 randomly selected Australian sites were examined as part of the population-based National Eye Health Survey (NEHS). Binocular presenting NVI was defined as near vision worse than N8 (20/50).ResultsIn total, 4817 participants (99.6% of the total sample, comprising 3084 non-Indigenous Australians and 1733 Indigenous Australians) had complete data on near visual acuity. The overall weighted prevalence of presenting NVI was 21.6% (95% CI: 19.6, 23.8) in non-Indigenous Australians and 34.7% (95% CI: 29.2, 40.8) among Indigenous Australians. In the non-Indigenous population, higher odds of presenting NVI were associated with older age (OR=1.68 per 10 years, P<0.001), fewer years of education (OR=0.95 per year, P<0.001) and residing in Remote geographical areas (OR=1.71, P=0.003) after multivariate adjustments. Among Indigenous Australians, older age (OR=1.69 per 10 years, P<0.001), fewer years of education (OR=0.91 per year, P=0.003) and residing in Inner Regional (OR=2.01, P=0.008), Outer Regional (OR=2.17, P=<0.001) and Remote geographical areas (OR=1.72, P=0.03) were associated with greater odds of presenting NVI.ConclusionsNVI represents a notable public health concern in Australia, affecting approximately 20% of non-Indigenous Australian and one-third of Indigenous Australian adults.

[Opportunistic infection in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: the disease spectrum and the characteristics of peripheral lymphocyte subsets]

Objective: To investigate the common opportunistic infections and the characteristics of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: From December 2013 to December 2016, peripheral lymphocyte subsets were consecutively detected by flow cytometry in treated SLE patients with or without opportunistic infections (OIs) . The lymphocyte subsets in healthy donors were used as normal control group. Results: A total of 145 treated SLE patients were enrolled including 108 with OIs and 37 without OIs. The common OIs were cytomegalovirus (CMV) diseases (66/108), Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP, 16/108), other fungal infections (16/108), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, 15/108) and tuberculosis (14/108). Compared with treated SLE without OIs, total lymphocyte, CD(4+) T, and CD(8+) T lymphocyte counts were significantly reduced in SLE with OIs [1 260 (780, 1 810) cells/μl vs. 565 (399, 1 043) cells/μl, P<0.001; 485 (280, 811) cells/μl vs. 173 (95, 327) cells/μl, P<0.001; 464 (339, 764) cells/μl vs. 265 (158, 424) cells/μl, P=0.003, respectively]. Conclusions: The common OIs in treated SLE patients were CMV diseases, PJP, other fungi, EBV and tuberculosis. OIs are prone to develop in SLE patients with severe lymphocytopenia, especially CD(4+) T cell depletion.

Convergent synthesis and properties of photoactivable NADPH mimics targeting nitric oxide synthases

A new series of photoactivable NADPH mimics bearing one or two O-carboxymethyl groups on the adenosine moiety have been readily synthesized using click chemistry. These compounds display interesting one- or two-photon absorption properties. Their fluorescence emission wavelength and quantum yields (Φ) are dependent on the solvent polarity, with a red-shift in a more polar environment (λ_max,em = 460-467 nm, Φ > 0.53 in DMSO, and λ_max,em = 475-491 nm, Φ < 0.17 in Tris). These compounds show good binding affinity towards the constitutive nNOS and eNOS, confirming for the first time that the carboxymethyl group can be used as a surrogate of phosphate. Two-photon fluorescence imaging of nanotriggers in living cells showed that the presence of one carboxymethyl group (especially on the 3' position of the ribose) strongly favors the addressing of nanotriggers to eNOS in the cell context.

[Middle ear teratoma in infant: report of three cases and review of the literatures]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics and therapeutic experiences of the middle ear teratoma in infants. Methods: Three cases of middle ear teratoma, from 2012-2015 in Beijing Friendship Hospital were analyzed. Results: The three cases all developed slowly and presented unilateral otorrhea and hearing loss. Otoscopy showed the granulation tissue in the external ear canal. Audiological changes varied according to the degree of severity. Imaging features showed the pocket-like occupancy lesions in the Eustachian tube area. The temporal bone CT showed mass with soft tissue density usually involved in the mastoid and tympanic cavity. MRI showed mixed signal intense on both T1 and T2 weighted imaging. All the three cases received neoplasm resection of the middle ear. Only one case received tympanoplasty surgery at the same time. And all the pathology results displayed mature teratoma. The follow-up time was 17 to 54 months. MRI showed complete removal of the tumor. Conclusions: Teratoma are rare in the head and neck neoplasm. When the infants suffer from the unilateral otorrhea, hearing loss, and granulation tissue formed in the external ear canal, it should be vigilant for teratoma. The differential diagnosis is middle ear cholesteatoma, congenital first branchial cyst or fistula, and middle ear carcinoma. Temporal bone CT combined with MRI could improve the accuracy of diagnosis. It should be totally resection as soon as possible if there is no contraindication. Postoperative follow-up and imaging examination are necessary to eliminate tumor recurrence.

CoO microspheres and metallic Co evolved from hexagonal α-Co(OH)2 plates in a hydrothermal process for lithium storage and magnetic applications

CoO microspheres and metallic Co could be successfully synthesized by simply reacting cobalt acetate with a mixture solvent of ethylene glycol and deionized water in a hydrothermal process for different times. As the reaction proceeded, α-Co(OH)₂, CoO and metallic Co were produced. To understand the phase evolution processes from α-Co(OH)₂ to CoO and then metallic Co, a range of time-dependent experiments were carried out, and the intermediate products obtained at different reaction times were investigated in detail. The investigation revealed that CoO microspheres were actually evolved from α-Co(OH)₂ as a precursor. Just elongating the reaction time, CoO microspheres could be further reduced to metallic Co. With a pure ethylene glycol medium for the same reaction, only α-Co(OH)₂ could be generated, indicating an important role of water. When the obtained CoO microspheres were used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, they delivered a specific capacity of 803 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 with a retention of 453 mA h g^-1 after 70 cycles. Meanwhile, the magnetic properties of the obtained CoO microspheres and metallic Co were investigated, with the CoO microspheres showing an antiferromagnetic behavior and the metallic Co exhibiting ferromagnetic characteristics. This study suggested a novel method for synthesizing CoO with a uniform microsphere morphology and bulk metallic Co easily.

Bimetallic gold(i) complexes of photoswitchable phosphines: synthesis and uses in cooperative catalysis

The first photoswitchable bimetallic gold catalysts based on an azobenzene backbone have been synthesized and their catalytic properties have been investigated.

Multiple boluses of intravenous tranexamic acid to reduce hidden blood loss and the inflammatory response following enhanced-recovery primary total hip arthroplasty: a randomised clinical trial

AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of multiple boluses of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) on the hidden blood loss (HBL) and inflammatory response following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 150 patients were allocated randomly to receive a single bolus of 20 mg/kg IV TXA before the incision (group A), a single bolus followed by a second bolus of 1 g IV-TXA three hours later (group B) or a single bolus followed by two boluses of 1 g IV-TXA three and six hours later (group C). All patients were treated using a standard peri-operative enhanced recovery protocol. Primary outcomes were HBL and the level of haemoglobin (Hb) as well as the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers of inflammation. Secondary outcomes included the length of stay in hospital and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

RESULTS

The mean HBL was significantly lower in group C (402.13 ml standard deviation (sd) 225.97) than group A (679.28 ml sd 277.16, p < 0.001) or B (560.62 ml sd 295.22, p = 0.010). The decrease in the level of Hb between the pre-operative baseline and the level on the third post-operative day was 30.82 g/L (sd 6.31 g/L) in group A, 27.16 g/L (sd 6.83) in group B and 21.98 g/L (sd 3.72) in group C. This decrease differed significantly among the three groups (p < 0.01). The mean level of CRP was significantly lower in group C than in the other two groups on the second (p ≤ 0.034) and third post-operative days (p ≤ 0.014). The levels of IL-6 were significantly lower in group C than group A on the first three post-operative days (p = 0.023). The mean length of stay was significantly lower in group C than group A (p = 0.023). No VTE or other adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Multiple boluses of IV-TXA can effectively reduce HBL following primary THA. A regime of three boluses leads to a smaller decrease in the level of Hb, less post-operative inflammation and a shorter length of stay in hospital than a single bolus. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1442-9.

[Revisional radical mastoidectomy surgeries--25 cases'experience]

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of failure to dry ear after radical mastoidectomy and discuss key points in revisonal surgery. Methods: Clinical data of 25 patients(32 ears) with revisonal mastoidectomy were analyzed. The preoperative temporal bone CT findings, intra-operative findings, surgical procedures, postoperative operating cavities and aural abilities were recorded and analyzed. Results: All patients received preoperative temporal bone CT followed by revisonal radical mastoidectomy under microscope and general anesthesia. Among the revisonal surgeries, 19 ears(59.4%) presented cholesteatoma and 13 ears(40.6%) had no cholesteatoma. In addition, the inadequate opening for mastoid cavity and incompleted removal of the pathological tissues accounted for 90.6%(29/32), the insufficient drainage of surgical cavity for 90.6%(29/32), the lesions in tympanic ostium of eustachian tube for 31.2%(10/32), the improper operation procedures and selection of incision for 15.6%(5/32). As for the re-operation of the modified canal wall down mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty(Ⅱ) plus plastic repairing of cavity of concha were performed in 14 ears(43.8%), the modified canal wall down mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty(Ⅱ) plus reconstruction posterior bony wall of ear canal in 2 ears(6.2%); the modified canal wall down mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty(Ⅲ) plus plastic repairing of cavity of concha in 10 eras(31.3%), the modified canal wall down mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty(Ⅲ) plus reconstruction posterior boney wall of ear canal in 1 ear(3.1%); the radical mastoidectomy plus plastic repairing of cavity of concha in 5 ears(15.6%). Lodoform gauzes were packed in surgical cavity for 2 weeks and the antibiotic was used for 3 days after surgery. All patients had dressing of ears and their ears were dropped with ofloxacin regularly. The dry ear time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks, the average point was the 5th week. During a period of 6-18 months for follow-up, all patients got dried ears. The epithelialization of the operating cavity was well and the tympanic membranes were integrity. There was not pus in surgical cavities. Neither granulation tissue nor cholesteatoma was found to reoccur. Both pure tone air hearing thresholds and air-bone gap decreased in 27 ears after the revisional surgeries, with statistically significant different in comparison to those before the operation (P<0.05). Conclusions: There are many factors leading to the failure of radical mastoidectomy, including not fully opening of the surgical cavity , incomplete removal of the lesion tissue, poor drainage of surgical cavity, the lesions in the tympanic ostium of eustachian tube, and the improper operation procedures. Treatment strategies were taken according to above factors to obtain dry ear in revisional surgeries.

[Effect of interferon-γ on airway inflammation following respiratory syncytial virus reinfection in mice]

Objective: To identify the role of interferon (IFN)-γ during respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) re-infection in mice. Method: Female wild type C57BL/6 mice and IFN-γ knockout mice (IFN-γ(-/-) mice) at the age of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: control group and RSV group, according to random number table.Each group was further divided into primary infection group and re-infection group.There were 8 groups.Mice were sacrificed on days 5, 7, 14 to collect samples.There were 5-8 mice in each group at each time point.And experiment was repeated twice. Leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted, left lung tissues were stained with HE and histopathological scoring (HPS) was performed.The concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-13 were determined with ELISA.T test or single factor analysis of variance was used to compare between groups. Result: (1) Mice infected or reinfected with RSV showed pale hair, weight loss, decreased activity and anorexia.(2) IFN-γ levels significantly increased on days 5 and 7 following RSV primary infection and reinfection as compared to control groups in wild type mice ((192±44) vs.(36±8) and (531±161) vs.(23±4) pg/ml on day 5, (100±23) vs.(36±8) and (862±186) vs.(23±4) pg/ml on day 7, t=2.654, 2.513, 2.654, 3.968, all P<0.05). (3) Compared to the RSV-reinfected IFN-γ(-/-) mice, RSV-reinfected wild type mice had less body weight loss ((13.6±2.6)% vs.(22.7±2.9)% on day 5, (18.0±3.1)% vs.(26.5±1.8)% on day 7, t=2.314, 2.308, both P<0.05), lower lung tissue histopathological score ((1.50±0.09) vs.(2.07±0.11) on day 5, (1.53±0.11) vs.(2.08±0.09) on day 7, (1.10±0.06) vs.(1.59±0.08) on day 14, t=3.916, 3.890, 4.837, all P<0.01), less BALF inflammatory cells count ((11.6±2.0) vs.(44.2±10.6)×10(5)/ml on day 5, (18.2±3.9) vs.(38.3±2.2)×10(5)/ml on day 7, t=2.818, 4.786, both P<0.05), and lower levels of IL-5 and IL-13 ((24±3) vs.(148±23), (23±4) vs.(169±26) pg/ml on day 5, (30±8) vs.(233±44), (20±5) vs.(182±19) pg/ml on day 7, (91±6) vs.(129±19), (62±8) vs.(132±5) pg/ml on day 14, t=5.252, 5.445, 4.517, 7.326, 3.816, 7.577, all P<0.01). Conclusion: IFN-γ can alleviate airway inflammation following RSV reinfection in mice.

Downregulation of SASH1 correlates with poor prognosis in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the association of SASH1 expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients suffering cervical cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expressions of SASH1 mRNA and protein in cervical cancer tissues and matched normal cervical tissues were detected by Real-time PCR and Immunohistochemistry. Based on the above findings, the association among SASH1 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The variables were used in univariate and multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that both SASH1 mRNA and proteins were downregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared with those in matched normal tissues (both p < 0.05). Also, decreased SASH1 expression in cervical cancer was found to be significantly associated with high FIGO Stage (p = 0.001), lymph nodes metastasis (p = 0.003) and differentiation (p = 0.018). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that low SASH1 expression level was associated with poorer overall survival (p < 0.01). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that status of SASH1 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that SASH1 can be useful as a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target in cervical cancer patients.

Size-dependent electrical transport properties in Co nanocluster-assembled granular films

A series of Co nanocluster-assembled films with cluster sizes ranging from 4.5 nm to 14.7 nm were prepared by the plasma-gas-condensation method. The size-dependent electrical transport properties were systematically investigated. Both of the longitudinal resistivity (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xx}$$\end{document}ρxx) and saturated anomalous Hall resistivity (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xy}^{A}$$\end{document}ρxyA) continuously increased with the decrease of the cluster sizes (d). The \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xx}$$\end{document}ρxx firstly increased and then decreased with increasing the temperature for all samples, which could be well described by involving the thermally fluctuation-induced tunneling (FIT) process and scattering. The tunneling effect was verified to result in the invalidation of classical anomalous Hall effect (AHE) scaling relation. After deducting the contribution from tunneling effect to \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xx}$$\end{document}ρxx, the AHE scaling relation between \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xy}^{A}$$\end{document}ρxyA and the scattering resistivity (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{S}$$\end{document}ρS) by varying the temperature was reconstructed. The value of scaling exponent γ increased with increasing Co cluster sizes. The size dependence of γ might be qualitatively interpreted by the interface and surface-induced spin flip scattering. We also determined the scaling relation between \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{xy}^{A}$$\end{document}ρxyA and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\rho }_{S}$$\end{document}ρS at 5 K by changing the Co cluster sizes, and a large value of γ = 3.6 was obtained which might be ascribed to the surface and interfacial scattering.

[Clinical observation on the treatment of intractable otomastoiditis with reconstruction of external auditory canal wall]

Objective:To observe the clinical effect on the treatment of intractable tympanitis with reconstruction of external auditory canal wall.Method:Five cases underwent radical removel of residual lesion and reconsruction of external auditory posterior canal wall using hydroxyapatite ceramic wall with transferred pedicle temporalis fascia covering on it were analyzed. The implement of ossicular chain reconstruction depends on the probing for tympanic cavity intraoperatively. Periodic review were conducted in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th month after surgery.Result:All 5 cases gained dryears within 3 months after surgery, in which hearing of 3 cases improved and ABG were within 20 dB. 1 cases showed no improvement compared to preoperation, and 1 case gained a worse audiology result. Central part of the transplant of 1 case was naked, while peripheral part had been epithelization and external auditory canal gained no accessible to mastoid cavity, the patient were also found recurrence of cholesteatom inside the mastoid cavity when received CT examination during outpatient follow-up one year postoperatively, and underwent correction surgery. 1 case underwent revision operation for a fistula between the reconstructed wall and the skin of the outer auditory canal. No surgical complications like infection or facial paralysis occurred, all patients were satisfied with surgery effect.Conclusion:HA with transferred vascularized temporalis fascia pedicle for the reconstructon of the external auditory canal wall is an effective method for the treatment of intractable tympanitis, and worth promoting.

Study on the relationship between the RASSF10 gene and the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between Ras association domain family gene 10 (RASSF10 gene) and the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HCC cell lines were generated with stable overexpression or low expression of RASSF10 protein. A cell line transfected with an empty vector was treated as control. At 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, the cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay, the invasion ability was determined by Transwell chambers, and the scratch assay was used to assess the migration ability. Additionally, cell lines were injected subcutaneously in the axillary fossa of nude mice aged 5-6 weeks. Tumors were measured weekly for 6 consecutive weeks to observe tumor volume, tumor growth rate, weight, and tumor metastasis in nude mice of the different groups.

RESULTS

In both the control group and low expression group, cell proliferation rates, cell invasion, and migration abilities, increased over time but decreased over time in the overexpression group. At each time point, data in the overexpression group were markedly lower than those in the control group, and highest in the low expression group. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). In both control group and low expression group, tumor volume, tumor growth rate, weight, and tumor metastasis number were increased in nude mice over time, while they decreased in the overexpression group (except for tumor metastasis number). At each time point, data in the overexpression group were markedly lower than in the control group, and highest in the low expression group. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Like a tumor suppressor gene, RASSF10 can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly nedaplatin versus radiotherapy alone in elderly patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

We conduct this study to compare the efficacy and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) concurrent weekly nedaplatin (NDP) versus IMRT alone in the stage III/IV non-surgical elderly patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

117 patients were enrolled into our study. The patients were assigned into two different groups: radiotherapy (RT) group and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) group. Patients in RT group were treated with IMRT at a single daily dose of 2 Gy for 5 days per week, totally 52-66 Gy. The CRT group, IMRT concurrent weekly NDP at a dose of 25 mg/m².

RESULTS

In CRT group, the median survival was 11.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.894-13.106 months) and in RT group, it was 7.0 months (95% CI 5.771-8.229 months). The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, survival rates in the combined treatment arm were higher than the radiation therapy arm (46.8 vs 25.9%, 25.1 vs 11.8%, 14.7 vs 8.0%; p < 0.001). The Cox's multiple regression analysis showed that CRT had significantly better overall survival than RT (HR 0.523; 95.0% CI 0.338-0.807; p = 0.003). The objective response rate provided that 73.3% treated with CRT compared with 51.1% (p = 0.018) received RT alone. Of the hematologic toxicities, leukocytes (35.0 vs 0%; p < 0.001), neutrophils (33.3 vs 0%; p < 0.001) were significantly more common in the CRT group than the RT group.

CONCLUSIONS

We first discovered that NDP concurrent IMRT for treating stage III/IV non-surgical elderly patients with NSCLC was good curative effect of better objective response rate and well-tolerated. However, within the low number of patients, only stage IV gained a survival benefit.

[Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and influence factors in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and related risk factors in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of hypercholesterolemia. Methods: The data were collected from Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Survey and stratified cluster sampling method was used to select study subjects, and questionnaire investigation, physical measurement and laboratory examination were conducted to collect information. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and borderline hypercholesterolemia was 6.26% and 21.34% respectively in 17 662 residents surveyed, the average total cholesterol level was (4.69±0.95) mmol/L. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 6.33% in men and 6.20% in women, the difference was not significant (Z=1.64, P=0.10). The prevalence was higher inurban area than in suburb (6.73% vs. 5.59%; Z=-7.27, P<0.01). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia increased with age (trend χ(2)=308.85, P<0.01). The trend was observed in men (trend χ(2)=81.65, P<0.01), in women (trend χ(2)=318.04, P<0.01), in urban area (trend χ(2)=201.77, P<0.01) and in suburb (trend χ(2)=114.65, P<0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed age, being female (OR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.04-1.45), overweight (OR=1.56, 95%CI: 1.34-1.81), obesity (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.54-2.16), smoking (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.03-1.50), alcohol use (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.12-1.75), beef and mutton intake >1 time per week (OR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.02-1.39) were risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Beijing was lower than national level, and age, gender, location, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, beef and mutton intake were main influencing factors.

Nuclear localization of Beclin 1 promotes radiation-induced DNA damage repair independent of autophagy

Beclin 1 is a well-established core mammalian autophagy protein that is embryonically indispensable and has been presumed to suppress oncogenesis via an autophagy-mediated mechanism. Here, we show that Beclin 1 is a prenatal primary cytoplasmic protein but rapidly relocated into the nucleus during postnatal development in mice. Surprisingly, deletion of beclin1 in in vitro human cells did not block an autophagy response, but attenuated the expression of several DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair proteins and formation of repair complexes, and reduced an ability to repair DNA in the cells exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Overexpressing Beclin 1 improved the repair of IR-induced DSB, but did not restore an autophagy response in cells lacking autophagy gene Atg7, suggesting that Beclin 1 may regulate DSB repair independent of autophagy in the cells exposed to IR. Indeed, we found that Beclin 1 could directly interact with DNA topoisomerase IIβ and was recruited to the DSB sites by the interaction. These findings reveal a novel function of Beclin 1 in regulation of DNA damage repair independent of its role in autophagy particularly when the cells are under radiation insult.

Autophagy Promotes the Repair of Radiation-Induced DNA Damage in Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Cells via Enhanced STAT3 Signaling

Autophagy protects hematopoietic cells from radiation damage in part by promoting DNA damage repair. However, the molecular mechanisms by which autophagy regulates DNA damage repair remain largely elusive. Here, we report that this radioprotective effect of autophagy depends on STAT3 signaling in murine bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs). Specifically, we found that STAT3 activation and nuclear translocation in BM-MNCs were increased by activation of autophagy with an mTOR inhibitor and decreased by knockout of the autophagy gene Atg7. The autophagic regulation of STAT3 activation is likely mediated by induction of KAP1 degradation, because we showed that KAP1 directly interacted with STAT3 in the cytoplasm and knockdown of KAP1 increased the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3. Subsequently, activated STAT3 transcriptionally upregulated the expression of BRCA1, which increased the ability of BM-MNCs to repair radiation-induced DNA damage. This novel finding that activation of autophagy can promote DNA damage repair in BM-MNCs via the ATG-KAP1-STAT3-BRCA1 pathway suggests that autophagy plays an important role in maintaining genomic integrity of BM-MNCs and its activation may confer protection of BM-MNCs against radiation-induced genotoxic stress.

Abstract P4-22-19: Time on treatment of everolimus versus endocrine monotherapy or chemotherapy for early-line treatment of HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer: A retrospective chart review study in the US

Background:

Among postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) whose disease progressed on a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI), everolimus-based therapy (EVE), different endocrine monotherapies (ET mono), and chemotherapies (CT) are commonly used. Time on treatment is an outcome primarily determined by a therapy's combined efficacy and safety profile. This study assessed the real-world time on treatment (TOT) among patients receiving these treatments in early-line (i.e., 1st and 2nd) settings.

Methods:

A nationwide sample of postmenopausal HR+/HER2- mBC patients treated by community oncologists in the US was included in this retrospective chart review. Eligible patients for this study were required to fail NSAI and then receive EVE, ET mono or CT (index therapy) as an early-line therapy for mBC between July 1, 2012 and April 15, 2013. TOT was measured from index therapy initiation to physician-reported treatment discontinuation and compared among treatment groups using Kaplan-Meier analyses with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for the line of therapy and baseline characteristics including recurrent or de novo disease status, age, race, insurance type, Charlson comorbidity index, sites of metastases (e.g., bone, any other visceral site), ECOG performance status, previous CT treatment in the mBC setting, and duration from the initiation of the last adjuvant ET to mBC diagnosis.

Results:

A total of 145 patients treated with EVE, 217 patients treated with ET mono, and 102 patients treated with CT were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics among the three treatment groups were similar, although EVE-treated patients had higher burden of metastases relative to ET mono-treated patients, but lower burden relative to CT-treated patients. TOT was longer among EVE-treated patients than ET mono- and CT- treated patients (log-rank tests: p=0.01 and p&lt;0.01). For patients who completed their index treatment, the median TOT among EVE, ET mono, and CT treatment groups were 8.9, 5.7, and 6.1 months, respectively. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, EVE was associated with significantly longer TOT compared with ET mono [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45 – 0.85] and with CT (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.22 – 0.46).

Conclusions:

This real-world US chart review study of postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- mBC showed that patients receiving EVE in line 1 or 2 experienced significantly longer TOT than those receiving ET mono or CT.

Citation Format: Li N, Ohashi E, Koo V, Xie J, Hao Y, Tang DH. Time on treatment of everolimus versus endocrine monotherapy or chemotherapy for early-line treatment of HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer: A retrospective chart review study in the US [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-22-19.

Reducing Cardiac Fibrosis: Na/K-ATPase Signaling Complex as a Novel Target

Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological process in cardiac disease and may lead to heart failure. It can also cause sudden death even in those without cardiac symptoms. Tissue fibrosis can be categorized into two categories: replacement fibrosis (also called reparative fibrosis) and reactive fibrosis. In replacement fibrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells and accumulation of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) proteins are the initial steps in forming scarlike fibrotic tissue after acute cardiac injury and cardiac cell necrosis. Reactive fibrosis can be formed in response to hormonal change and pressure or volume overload. Experimental studies in animals have identified important pathways such as the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and the endothelin pathway that contribute to fibrosis formation. Despite the fact that clinical trials using RAAS inhibitors as therapies for reducing cardiac fibrosis and improving cardiac function have been promising, heart failure is still the leading cause of deaths in the United States. Intensive efforts have been made to find novel targets and to develop new treatments for cardiac fibrosis and heart failure in the past few decades. The Na/K-ATPase, a canonical ion transporter, has been shown to also function as a signal transducer and prolonged activation of Na/K-ATPase signaling has been found to promote the formation of cardiac fibrosis. Novel tools that block the activation of Na/K-ATPase signaling have been developed and have shown promise in reducing cardiac fibrosis. This review will discuss the recent development of novel molecular targets, focusing on the Na/K-ATPase signaling complex as a therapeutic target in treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

[An analysis of immunophenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes in adult patients with infectious mononucleosis and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the immunophenotypic features of peripheral lymphocytes in adult patients with Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)-associated infectious mononucleosis(IM) and chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV).

METHODS

Eighteen IM patients, 12 CAEBV patients and 18 healthy donors were included. Lymphocyte subsets including CD3(-)CD19(+) B cells, CD3(-)CD16/56(+) NK cells, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of activation markers (HLA-DR and CD38) on CD8(+) T cells and CD28 expression on T cells were also determined. Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare variables among groups.

RESULTS

IM patients had dramatically increased CD8(+) T cell counts than healthy donors (5.22×10(9)/L vs 0.54×10(9)/L, P<0.001). B cell counts moderately reduced in patients with IM than in healthy donors. No difference was found in absolute CD4(+) T cell and NK cell counts between IM and healthy donors. The levels of HLA-DR and CD38 on CD8(+) T cells significantly increased in IM patients compared with those in healthy controls. The intensity of CD28 on CD8(+) T cells significantly decreased, which was not seen on CD4(+) T cells. The median cell counts of B, NK, CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T subsets in CAEBV patients were 0.02×10(9)/L, 0.06×10(9)/L, 0.26×10(9)/L and 0.21×10(9)/L respectively, which were significantly lower than those in healthy donors (0.22×10(9)/L, 0.38×10(9)/L, 0.78×10(9)/L, 0.54×10(9)/L)and IM patients (0.12×10(9)/L, 0.40×10(9)/L, 0.91×10(9)/L, 5.22×10(9)/L). The positive rates of HLA-DR and CD38 on CD8(+) T cells in CAEBV patients were higher than those in healthy controls, but lower than those in IM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The immunophenotypic pattern in adult patients with IM is characterized by a dramatic increase of extensively activated CD8(+) T cells, a moderate reduction of CD19(+) B cells and no significant change of CD4(+) T cells and CD16/56(+) NK cells. CAEBV is featured by an immunosuppression status as demonstrated by significantly decreased B, NK, CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T subsets.

Selectivity of a QCM gas sensor modified by ZnSn(OH)6via analysis of adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics

In this paper, a novel analysis approach was employed to achieve the selectivity of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor.