Acceptability and feasibility of a social entrepreneurship testing model to promote HIV self-testing and linkage to care among men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVES

HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers an opportunity to increase HIV testing among people not reached by facility-based services. However, the promotion of HIVST is limited as a consequence of insufficient community engagement. We built a social entrepreneurship testing (SET) model to promote HIVST linkage to care among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou.

METHODS

The SET model includes a few key steps. Each participant first completed an online survey, and paid a US$23 (refundable) deposit to receive an HIVST kit and a syphilis self-testing (SST) kit. After the testing, the results were sent to the platform by the participants and interpreted by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff. Meanwhile, the deposit was returned to each participant. Finally, the Community based organizations (CBO) contacted the participants to provide counselling services, confirmation testing and linkage to care.

RESULTS

During April-June 2015, a total of 198 MSM completed a preliminary survey and purchased self-testing kits. The majority were aged < 34 years (84.4%) and met partners online (93.1%). In addition, 68.9% of participants had ever been tested for HIV, and 19.5% had ever performed HIVST. Overall, feedback was received from 192 participants (97.0%). Of these participants, 14 people did not use the kits; among those who did use the kits, the HIV and syphilis prevalences were 4.5% (eight of 178) and 3.7% (six of 178), respectively. All of the screened HIV-positive individuals sought further confirmation testing and were linked to care.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an online SET model to promote HIV and syphilis self-testing among Chinese MSM is acceptable and feasible, and this model adds a new testing platform to the current testing service system.

Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on osmoregulatory response and apoptosis in GIFT tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

In the present study, GIFT tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for 7, 14, and 21 days. Over the duration of the exposure, genotoxicity and the activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) and Ca⁺/Mg⁺-ATPase (CMA) were measured in the gill, kidney, and intestine, to evaluate changes in osmoregulatory response in O. niloticus. Our results showed significant decreases in organic NKA (except in gill tissues after 0.5 mg/L PCB-exposure) and CMA activity. The results of the genotoxicity assay showed significant increases in atp1a1a, nkcc2 (only in gill tissue), and fxyd7 (except after 21 days of 5 mg/L PCB exposure). We found significant increases in caspase proteins in the liver in the 5-mg/L PCB exposure group, and the transcripts showed dose-dependent increases between treatment groups over the exposure duration. This study presents evidence that chronic exposure to PCB could result in organic osmoregulatory response and hepatic apoptosis in GIFT tilapia.

Processable PMR Poly(Pyrrolone-Imide)s Matrix Resins and their Short Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Processable poly(pyrrolone-imide)s (PPI) were prepared via PMR process from diethyl ester of 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic acid (6FDE), 3,3′, 4,4′-tetraaminodiphenyl ether (TADPE), p-phenylenediamine ( p-PDA) and monoethyl ester of cis-5-norbornene- endo-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (NE) using methyl alcohol as solvent. The homogenous PPI matrix resin solutions with 32 wt.% solid content had the low absolute viscosities in the range of 80-90 mPa s at 25 °C. The matrix resin solutions were stable for a period of > 2 months at the refrigerator temperature (4 °C) and showed good adhesion on carbon fibers. The matrix resin solutions could be thermally converted to B-stage end-capped prepolymer, which was then thermally processed to yield the fully-cured PPI. Experimental results demonstrated that the fully-cured PPI exhibited good thermal stability with glass transition temperatures of >400 °C and the thermal decomposition temperature of 525-537 °C. The onset temperatures of the DMA storage modulus curve for PPI-20 was as high as 395 °C and the storage modulus retention was 71% at 370 °C. The short carbon fiber-reinforced PPI composites (CF/PPI) were also fabricated. The CF/PPI composites showed excellent thermal stabilities and good mechanical properties, with glass transition temperature in the range of 413-421 °C and the storage modulus retention of 76-87% at 370 °C.

The four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) regulates ovarian granulosa cell tumor progression via controlling AKT1 transcription

The four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) has been shown to play important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, motility and signal transduction in a cell type and tissue-dependent manner. However, the function of FHL2 in ovarian physiology and pathology is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role and functional mechanism of FHL2 in the progression of ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that FHL2 was overexpressed in GCT tissues. Cellular localization of FHL2 in GCT cells was cell cycle dependent. Knockdown of FHL2 suppressed GCT cell growth, reduced cell viability and inhibited cell migration. Consistently, ectopic expression of FHL2 in GCT cells with very low endogenous FHL2 promoted cell growth, improved cell viability and enhance cell migration. Importantly, overexpression of FHL2 promoted GCT progression in vivo. Mechanistic studies indicated that FHL2 regulates AKT1 gene expression in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of FHL2 or AKT1 in GCT cell lines induced very similar phenotypes. Ectopic expression of constitutively active AKT1 rescued FHL2 knockdown-induced arrest of GCT cell growth and reduction of GCT cell viability, suggesting that FHL2 regulates GCT cell growth and viability through controlling AKT1 expression. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses indicated that FHL2 functions as a co-activator of NFκB and AP-1 to regulate AKT1 gene transcription. In conclusion, results from the present study indicate that FHL2 exerts its oncogenic action in GCT cells via controlling AKT1 gene expression. FHL2 is a promising target for the development of novel drugs against ovarian granulosa cell tumor.

Risk factors for hospitalisation and associated costs among patients with hepatitis A associated with imported pomegranate arils, United States, 2013

OBJECTIVES

To assess hospitalisation risk factors and economic effects associated with a multistate hepatitis A outbreak in 2013.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Eligible outbreak-related cases confirmed by September 1, 2013, were defined as acute hepatitis symptoms and positive IgM anti-hepatitis A during March 15-August 12 among patients who consumed the food vehicle or had the outbreak genotype. We reviewed medical records, comparing demographic and clinical characteristics among hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients; we used logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with hospitalization. We interviewed patients regarding symptom duration and healthcare usage and estimated per-patient and total costs. Health departments reported outbreak-related personnel hours.

RESULTS

Medical records were reviewed for 147/159 (92%) eligible patients; median age was 48 (range: 1-84) years, and 64 (44%) patients were hospitalized. Having any chronic medical condition was independently associated with hospitalisation (odds ratio, 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-8.62). Interviews were completed for 114 (72%) eligible patients; estimated per-patient cost of healthcare and productivity loss was $13,467 for hospitalized and $2138 for non-hospitalized patients and $1,304,648 for all 165 outbreak-related cases. State and local public health personnel expenditures included 82 h and $3221/outbreak-related case.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalisations in this outbreak were associated with chronic medical conditions and resulted in substantial healthcare usage and lost productivity. These data can be used to inform future evaluation of expansion of hepatitis A vaccination recommendations to include adults with chronic medical conditions.

[Indications and pregnancy outcomes of intrapartum cesarean section after the new partogram applied]

OBJECTIVE

To study the changes of intrapartum cesarean rate, cesarean indications and pregnancy outcomes after the new partogram applied.

METHODS

Totally 3 290 pregnant women trying to vaginal delivery which were managed according to the new partogram in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University from August to October in 2014(new partogram group)were involved; 2 987 pregnancy women trying to vaginal delivery from May to July in 2014 which were managed according to the old partogram(old partogram group)were involved as control. The intrapartum cesarean rate, cesarean indications and the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery was 8.50%(254/2 987)in old partogram group, and was significantly higher than that in new partogram group(6.2%, 204/3 290; P<0.01). Cesarean indications in old partogram group included 18 labor protraction(7.1%, 18/254), 82 labor arrest(32.3%, 82/254), 44 relative cephalopelvic disproportion(17.3%, 44/254), 80 fetal distress(31.5%, 80/254), 23 intrauterine infection(9.1%, 23/254)and 7 cesarean delivery on maternal request(CDMR; 2.8%, 7/254). Cesarean indications in new partogram group included 33 labor arrest(16.2%, 33/204), 71 relative cephalopelvic disproportion(34.8%, 71/204), 73 fetal distress(35.8%, 73/204)and 22 intrauterine infection(10.8%, 22/204), 5 CDMR(2.5%, 5/204). There were no significant differences in incidence of asphyxia neonatorum and puerperal morbidity(P> 0.05), but the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in new partogram group was higher than the old partogram group[6.9%(14/204)versus 1.6%(4/254), P<0.05].

CONCLUSION

After the new partogram applied, the rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery is significantly decreased, but the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is increased.

Spectroscopic Investigation of Plasma-Fluorinated Monolayer Graphene and Application for Gas Sensing

Large-area monolayer fluorinated graphene (FG) is synthesized by a controllable SF6 plasma treatment. The functional groups of FG are elucidated by various spectroscopies, including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Raman results suggest that the defects are introduced into the monolayer graphene during the fluorination process. The fluorine content can be varied by the plasma treatment and can reach the maximum (∼24.6 atom % F) under 20 s of plasma treatment as examined by XPS measurement. The angle-dependent NEXAFS results reveal that the fluorine atoms interact with the graphene matrix to form covalent C-F bonds, which are perpendicular to the basal plane of FG. FG is applied as a gas-sensing material and owns much better performance for ammonia detection compared to pristine graphene. On the basis of our density functional theory simulation results, the fast response/recovery behavior and high sensitivity of the FG gas sensor are attributed to enhanced physical absorption due to the C-F covalent bonds on the surface of FG.

Obvious emphysema on computed tomography during an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease predicts a poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

Emphysematous change on computed tomography (CT) during the stable phase of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is reported to correlate with COPD prognosis. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is associated with a high risk of mortality and a poor prognosis.

AIMS

This study aims to study the relationship between prognosis and emphysematous changes on CT during an AECOPD.

METHODS

Histories were recorded, and CT acquired for 106 patients who visited the emergency department for an AECOPD. Emphysematous change was quantified by measuring the percentage of low-attenuation areas (LAA%) in the entire lung on CT images with a threshold of -950 Hounsfield units. Other factors that could influence AECOPD prognosis were also recorded on admission and analysed. At follow ups conducted in 1 year, patient survival, the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale, and performance status (PS) were evaluated, and a COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was completed.

RESULTS

The 1-year follow up was completed by 103 of 106 patients. The median LAA% was significantly higher in non-survivors (11%, n = 16) than in survivors (5.69%, n = 87) (P = 0.006) at the 1-year follow up. LAA% was significantly correlated with mMRC grade (r = 0.285, P = 0.008), PS (r = 0.397, P < 0.001) and CAT score (r = 0.27, P = 0.017) at the 3-month follow up, and with mMRC grade (r = 0.405, P < 0.001) and PS (r = 0.377, P < 0.001) at the 1-year follow up. LAA% > 7.5% was a significant predictor of 1-year mortality, higher mMRC and PS at the 3-month and 1-year follow ups, after adjustment for other prognostic predictors.

CONCLUSION

Obvious emphysematous changes on CT (LAA% > 7.5%) during an AECOPD predicts a poor prognosis independent of other known indicators.

Rapid and solvent-saving liquefaction of woody biomass using microwave-ultrasonic assisted technology

A novel process to rapidly liquefy sawdust using reduced quantities of solvent, was successfully carried out via microwave-ultrasonic assisted technology (MUAT) in a sulphuric acid/polyethylene glycol 400-glycerol catalytic system. The influences of some key parameters on the liquefaction yield were investigated. The results showed that compared with traditional liquefaction, the introduction of MUAT allowed the solvent dosage to be halved and shortened the liquefaction time from 60 to 20 min. The liquefaction yield reached 91% under the optimal conditions. However, the influence on the yield of some parameters such as catalyst concentration, was similar to that of traditional liquefaction, indicating that the application of MUAT possibly only intensified heat and mass transfer rather than altering either the degradation mechanism or pathway. The introduction of MUAT as a process intensification technology has good industrial application potential for woody biomass liquefaction.

Delivery modes and pregnancy outcomes of low birth weight infants in China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate and analyze the perinatal outcomes of low birth weight (LBW) infants, thereby selecting the appropriate mode and suitable time of delivery to improve the adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of 112,441 deliveries (from 39 hospitals of different levels in 14 provinces and autonomous regions in China throughout 2011) were performed in this study to further evaluate the modes of delivery and pregnancy outcomes of LBW infants.

RESULTS

The rate of cesarean section, stillbirth, neonatal asphyxia and mortality of LBW were significantly higher than those of normal birth weight (NBW) infants (odds ratio, 1.24, 56.56, 57.27 and 10.40 times higher, respectively). Stratified analysis showed that adverse events were reduced with the increase in gestational weeks, especially at 34 to 36(+6) weeks. However, LBW infants still had higher risks of adverse events as compared with NBW infants. In particular, full-term LBW babies had a 23.81- and 26.06-fold higher risk of stillbirth and neonatal death as compared with term babies with NBW. In addition, the cesarean delivery rate was 1.24-fold higher for LBW babies than for NBW babies. With an increase in gestational age in LBW infants, the rate of cesarean section was also increased. The rates of stillbirth and neonatal mortality of full-term LBW infants who were delivered via cesarean section (0.5% and 1.0%, respectively) were significantly lower than in the vaginal-delivery group (5.2% and 6.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

LBW is one of the causes of perinatal death and other adverse pregnancy outcomes and increases the rate of cesarean section. Individualized analysis according to gestational age and intrauterine fetal condition should be performed to extend the gestational age to at least 34 weeks before delivery, cesarean section is a relatively safe mode of delivery, but cannot completely eliminate complications. The key to improving mother and child outcomes is to strengthen pregnancy care and reduce low birth weight infants and premature birth. LBW is one of the causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes in both premature and full-term infants and increases the rate of cesarean section. Individualized analysis of the mode of delivery should be performed to extend the gestational age to 34 weeks and so improve the survival rate.

High MALAT1 expression predicts a poor prognosis of cervical cancer and promotes cancer cell growth and invasion

OBJECTIVE

Although the oncogenic role of long non-coding RNA, MALAT1 in cervical cancer is gradually recognized, the clinical and prognostic significance of this lncRNA in cervical cancer has not been reported yet. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and biological functions of MALAT1 in cervical cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MALAT1 expression in 104 cervical cancer tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues, as well as in 50 HPV negative healthy cervical tissues were quantified using qRT-PCR. Its association with overall survival of the cancer patients was analyzed using the Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test and the Cox proportional hazards model. In addition, the effect of MALAT1 on cell proliferation and invasion was further studied in Hela and CaSki cells.

RESULTS

MALAT1 expression is significantly increased in cervical cancer than in normal tissues. Its expression in the cancerous tissues is also significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissues. MALAT1 expression is correlated with tumor size, FIGO stage, vascular invasion and lymph nodes metastasis and is an independent predictor for overall survival of cervical cancer. When endogenous MALAT1 was knocked down, the cancer cells had significantly reduced proliferation and invasion and increased apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

MALAT1 might be an important marker of prognosis and a potential therapeutic target of cervical cancer.

Evolving concepts of chondrogenic differentiation: history, state-of-the-art and future perspectives

As a cell source, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for chondrogenic differentiation and subsequent cartilage regeneration. From previous literature, it is known that chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs inevitably leads to hypertrophy and subsequent endochondral ossification. In this review, we examine the history of currently established protocols of chondrogenic differentiation and elaborate on the roles of individual components of chondrogenic differentiation medium. We also summarise the effects of physical, chemical and biological factors involved, and propose potential strategies to differentiate MSCs into articular chondrocytes with homogenous mature phenotypes through spatial-temporal incorporation of cell differentiation and chondrogenesis.

miR-216a rescues dexamethasone suppression of osteogenesis, promotes osteoblast differentiation and enhances bone formation, by regulating c-Cbl-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway

Osteoporosis is a disease marked by reduced bone mass, leading to an increased risk of fractures or broken bones. Bone formation is mediated by recruiting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate MSC differentiation into osteoblasts is of great importance for the development of anabolic therapies for osteoporosis and other bone metabolism-related diseases. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to have crucial roles in bone development, osteogenic differentiation and osteoporosis pathophysiology. However, to date, only a few miRNAs have been reported to enhance osteogenesis and regulate the suppressive effect of glucocorticoids on osteogenic differentiation. In this study, we discovered that miR-216a, a pancreatic-specific miRNA, was significantly upregulated during osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived MSCs (hAMSCs). The expression of miR-216a was positively correlated with the expression of bone formation marker genes in clinical osteoporosis samples. Functional analysis demonstrated that miR-216a can markedly promote osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs, rescue the suppressive effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on osteogenic differentiation in vitro and enhance bone formation in vivo. c-Cbl, a gene that encodes a RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase, was identified as a direct target of miR-216a. Downregulation of c-Cbl by short hairpin RNAs can mimic the promotion effects of miR-216a and significantly rescue the suppressive effects of DEX on osteogenesis. Pathway analysis indicated that miR-216a regulation of osteogenic differentiation occurs via the c-Cbl-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. The recovery effects of miR-216a on the inhibition of osteogenesis by DEX were attenuated after blocking the PI3K pathway. Thus, our findings suggest that miR-216a may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and other bone metabolism-related diseases.

Removal of arsenic from simulation wastewater using nano-iron/oyster shell composites

In this paper, a nano-iron/oyster shell composite (NI/OS) was firstly prepared by an in-situ synthesis method to explore an efficient treatment technology for arsenic (As) contaminated wastewater. The micromorphologies and composition of the composite were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of the preparation parameters, as well as the treatment conditions, on the removal of As(Ⅲ) were also investigated. The characterization results showed that iron nanoparticles with a diameter of 60 nm were introduced into the composite by an in-situ reduction method. The physicochemical properties of the iron nanoparticles, such as diameter and aggregation, were influenced by the iron source more than the choice of reductant and temperature in the synthesis process, and these properties were closely related to the treatment performance of the composite. Under the suitable reaction conditions of a pH value of 6.8, a temperature of 20 °C, and an initial concentration of As(Ⅲ) of 1.8 mg/L, As(Ⅲ) was almost completely removed from the simulation wastewater.

Antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from giant pandas

AIMS

The study aims to demonstrate the antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance phenotypes and genotypes of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Antimicrobial testing was performed according to the standard disk diffusion method. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of disinfectants were determined using the agar dilution method. All isolates were screened for the presence of antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance genes and further analysed for genetic relatedness by pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results showed that 46·6% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Escherichia coli isolates showed resistance to fewer antimicrobials as panda age increased. Among antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates, the antimicrobial resistance genes blaCTX-M (88·2%) and sul1 (92·3%) were most prevalent. The disinfectant resistance genes emrE, ydgE/ydgF, mdfA and sugE(c) were commonly present (68·2-98·9%), whereas qac and sugE(p) were relatively less prevalent (0-21·3%). The frequencies of resistance genes tended to be higher in E. coli isolated in December than in July, and PFGE profiles were also more diverse in isolates in December. The qacEΔ1 and sugE(p) genes were higher in adolescent pandas than in any other age groups. PFGE revealed that antimicrobial resistance correlated well with sampling time and habitat.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance was common in giant panda-derived E. coli, and the antimicrobial resistance was associated with sampling time and habitat. Escherichia coli could serve as a critical vector in spreading disinfectant and antimicrobial resistance.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study that demonstrated the phenotypic and genetic characterizations of antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance in E. coli isolates from more than 60 giant pandas. Frequent transfer of pandas to other cages may lead to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. The study highlights the need for regularly monitoring the antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance in bacteria from giant pandas.

Long-term comparisons of UV index values derived from a NILU-UV instrument, NWS, and OMI in the New York area

A comparison is presented of UV index (UVI) values obtained under different cloud conditions from a Norwegian Institute for Air Research UV (NILU-UV) instrument, the ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) onboard the Aura satellite, and the National Weather Service (NWS) model for the time period of 2010-2014. The NILU-UV irradiance meter is a ground-based, multi-channel, moderate bandwidth filter instrument. UVI values derived from measurements by a NILU-UV instrument deployed in the New York area (40.74°N, -74.03°E) to monitor the erythemal UV radiation from 2010 to present is compared to UVI values derived from OMI measurements and predicted by the NWS model. OMI overestimated the UVI values by 13.06% for all cloud conditions compared with the UVI values derived from measurements by the NILU-UV instrument. The heavier the cloud cover, the higher the overestimation. The mean relative difference between the UVI derived from the NWS model and from NILU-UV measurements was 11.54%. The UVI prediction by NWS was also overestimated under cloudy conditions. Under overcast conditions the NWS predictions of UVI values differ significantly from those derived from NILU-UV measurements, yielding a correlation of only 0.8025 and a mean relative difference of 28.25%.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in whole blood as a superior prognostic and monitoring factor than EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status was retrospectively analysed by the use of EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization (ISH) and EBV DNA analysis in whole blood with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, to assess the clinical significance for diagnosis, prognostication, and monitoring of tumour burden. Three hundred and twenty-nine patients were retrospectively enrolled, with 232 patients being available for EBER ISH analysis, 189 patients for EBV DNA analysis, and 138 patients for both analyses. EBER was positive in 24 (10.3%) patients, and EBV DNA was positive in 18 (9.5%) patients; the two analyses had 92.8% concordance. Patients with pretreatment EBER positivity had worse overall survival (OS) than those without EBER positivity (p 0.03); the same pattern was observed for EBV DNA (p < 0.01). A significant p-value was also observed for OS when EBER and EBV DNA were combined (p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, both EBV DNA (hazard ratio 3.71, 95% CI 1.78-7.74, p < 0.01) and EBER (hazard ratio 2.03, 95% CI 1.03-4.00, p 0.04) remained independent predictive factors for OS. Regarding the dynamic changes in copy number of elevated EBV DNA, the transformation from positive to negative after cycle 3 with chemotherapy may have the most capacity to distinguish a superior from an inferior outcome. These findings suggest that EBV DNA in whole blood has good concordance with EBER ISH, and that it may be a better prognostic and monitoring biomarker than EBER.

Hypoxia induces dysregulation of local renin-angiotensin system in mouse Lewis lung carcinoma cells

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) influences cancer biology and is frequently dysregulated in malignancy. However, regulation of tumor local RAS remains poorly understood. Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid tumors and affects nearly every major aspect of cancer biology. Previous studies have shown that hypoxia can regulate RAS expression in somatic tissues and cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hypoxia on local RAS expression in mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. For hypoxia treatment, LLC cells were cultured in a hypoxia incubator or treated with hypoxia-mimetic cobalt chloride. Hypoxia up-regulated angiotensin II, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), and down-regulated ACE2 and angiotensin II type 2 receptor in LLC cells. Captopril, an ACE inhibitor, and losartan, an AT1R blocker, decreased expression of ACE and AT1R, but increased expression of ACE2 and angiotensin II type 2 receptor in LLC cells under hypoxia. Captopril and losartan also suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression in LLC cells under hypoxia. These findings suggest that hypoxia induces dysregulation of local RAS in LLC cells. The pathophysiological importance of hypoxia-induced RAS dysregulation and potentially therapeutic effects of RAS inhibitors on hypoxic tumor cells should be further examined.

Inhibition of Vav3 could reverse the drug resistance of gastric cancer cells by downregulating JNK signaling pathway

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Vav3 on the multidrug resistance of gastric cancer. Fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect Vav3 and drug resistance genes in gastric cancer tissues as well as gastric cell lines such as SGC7901, SGC7901/adriamycin (ADR) and GES-1. Besides, Vav3-specific small interfering RNA (Vav3-siRNA) was applied to inhibit Vav3 in SGC7901/ADR, and SRB assay was used to determine chemosensitivity. After that, drug resistance genes and proteins in MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were detected after Vav3-siRNA transfection. The results showed that overexpressed Vav3 was found in gastric cancer tissues and SGC7901 and SGC7901/ADR cells. Activity of SGC7901/ADR cells transfected with Vav3-siRNA combined with 5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin was much lower than that of control groups, and MDR1/P-gp, GST-π and Bcl-2, Bax genes were significantly downregulated in Vav3-siRNA transfection group. AKT, ERK and p38 total protein and their phosphorylation levels showed no significant change in Vav3-siRNA-transfected SGC7901/ADR cells, whereas the ratio of C-Jun phosphorylation levels to total C-Jun protein was significantly downregulated. The results suggested that Vav3 may play a role in drug resistance of gastric cancer by inhibiting drug resistance genes MDR1/P-gp, GST-π and Bcl-2 through regulating the JNK signaling pathway.

Co-expression analysis of differentially expressed genes in hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of the current study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using the expression profiles of HCV-infected Huh7 cells at different time points. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with the Samr package in R software once the data were normalized. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis of the identified DEGs was also performed. Subsequently, MCODE in Cytoscape software was applied to conduct module analysis of the constructed co-expression networks. A total of 1,100 DEGs were identified between the HCV-infected and control samples at 12, 18, 24 and 48 h post-infection. DEGs at 24 and 48 h were involved in the same signaling pathways and biological processes, including sterol biosynthetic processes and tRNA amino-acylation. There were 22 time series genes which were clustered into 3 expression patterns, and the demarcation point of the 2 expression patterns that 401 overlapping DEGs at 24 and 48 h clustered into was 24 h post-infection. tRNA synthesis-related biological processes emerged at 24 and 48 h. Replication and assembly of HCV in HCV-infected Huh7 cells occurred mainly at 24 h post-infection. In view of this, the screened time series genes have the potential to become candidate target molecules for monitoring, diagnosing and treating HCV-induced HCC.

PRDM1 expression on the epithelial component but not on ectopic lymphoid tissues of Warthin tumour

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of PRDM1, a key molecule for modulating the immune cells, in Warthin tumour (WT) pathogenesis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Forty paraffin-embedded parotid tissues of patients (mean age: 62.08 ± 11.90) with WT were retrieved from the pathology archives of Qindu Hospital from January 2012 to December 2012. The PRDM1 expression was investigated in a cohort of WT by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

PRDM1 was expressed only on the epithelial component but not on ectopic lymphoid tissue of the tumour. Statistically, PRDM1 expression rates between WT glandular epithelial cells (40/40 cases) and the tumour-adjacent tissues (0/9 cases), and WT germinal centres (0/34 cases) and tonsil tissues (10/10 cases) were significantly different (P < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRDM1 expression appeared to play an essential role in WT pathogenesis. A better understanding of it might give options for revealing possible novel management strategies.

The economic burden of fracture patients with osteoporosis in western China

To study the cost of osteoporotic fracture in China, we performed a prospective study and compared the costs of the disease in referral patients with fractures in three of the most common sites. Our results indicated that the economic burden of osteoporotic fracture to both Chinese patients and the nation is heavy.

INTRODUCTION

This paper aims to study the cost of osteoporotic fracture in China and thus to provide essential information about the burden of this disease to individuals and society.

METHODS

This prospective observational data collection study assessed the cost related to hip, vertebral, and wrist fracture 1 year after the fracture based on a patient sample consisting of 938 men and women. Information was collected using patient records, registry sources, and patient interviews. Both direct medical, direct non-medical, and indirect non-medical costs were considered.

RESULTS

The annual total costs were highest in hip fracture patients (renminbi, RMB 27,283 or USD 4,330, with confidence interval (RMB 25715, 28851)), followed by patients with vertebral fracture (RMB 21,474 or USD 3,409, with confidence interval (RMB 20082, 22866)) and wrist fracture (RMB 8,828 or USD 1,401, with confidence interval (RMB 7829, 9827)). The direct medical care costs averaged approximately RMB 17,007 per year per patient, of which inpatient costs, drugs, and investigations accounted for the majority of the costs. Nonmedical direct costs were much less compared to direct healthcare costs and averaged approximately RMB 1,846.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the economic burden of osteoporotic fracture to both Chinese patients and China was heavy, and the proportion of the costs in China demonstrated many similar features and some significant differences compared to other countries.

Comparisons of three NILU-UV instruments deployed at the same site in the New York area

The Norwegian Institute for Air Research ultraviolet (NILU-UV) irradiance meter is a ground-based, multichannel, moderate bandwidth filter instrument that measures irradiances at ultraviolet (UV) and visible wavelengths with five channels in the UV (302, 312, 320, 340, and 380 nm) and one channel in the visible (400-700 nm) part of the spectrum. Minute-by-minute irradiances recorded in these channels are used to infer the total ozone column (TOC) amount, and a radiation modification factor (RMF) designed to have a value close to 100 under cloud-free conditions. The performance of three NILU-UV instruments deployed side-by-side in the New York area (40.74°N, -74.03°E) is assessed, and derived TOC values are compared with those derived from the ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) deployed on NASA's AURA satellite. Based on about three years of data, it was found that the three instruments yielded similar TOC values that were in close agreement with those derived from the OMI. The relative difference in TOC values derived from the three NILU-UV instruments was generally less than 2.5%. Cloud cover affects the accuracy of the inferred TOC, but reliable values can be obtained in the presence of clouds, although the accuracy deteriorates under heavy overcast conditions with RMF values smaller than 65 (low cloud transmittance).

Macrophage endocytosis of high-mobility group box 1 triggers pyroptosis

Macrophages can be activated and regulated by high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a highly conserved nuclear protein. Inflammatory functions of HMGB1 are mediated by binding to cell surface receptors, including the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, and TLR9. Pyroptosis is a caspase-1-dependent programmed cell death, which features rapid plasma membrane rupture, DNA fragmentation, and release of proinflammatory intracellular contents. Pyroptosis can be triggered by various stimuli, however, the mechanism underlying pyroptosis remains unclear. In this study, we identify a novel pathway of HMGB1-induced macrophage pyroptosis. We demonstrate that HMGB1, acting through RAGE and dynamin-dependent signaling, initiates HMGB1endocytosis, which in turn induces cell pyroptosis. The endocytosis of HMGB1 triggers a cascade of molecular events, including cathepsin B release from ruptured lysosomes followed by pyroptosome formation and caspase-1 activation. We further confirm that HMGB1-induced macrophage pyroptosis also occurs in vivo during endotoxemia, suggesting a pathophysiological significance for this form of pyroptosis in the development of inflammation. These findings shed light on the regulatory role of ligand-receptor internalization in directing cell fate, which may have an important role in the progress of inflammation following infection and injury.

Genome-wide analysis of genetic variations assisted by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to comprehensively investigate potential genetic targets associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and the third cause of cancer death worldwide. The development of HCC is a multi-pathway regulated process including a variety of genetic mutations and variations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To get an insight into the overall genetic aberration, we analyzed the gene expression profile of 9 HCC samples and 9 normal liver tissues as control. Genes located in these two regions of 4p16.3 and 14q32.1 with gain or loss proceeded to in-depth analysis based on the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Through network analysis of these genes and pathways, molecules highly correlated with HCC and might be targeted for treatments were also hunted out.

RESULTS

Through this method, we found two MicroRNAs (miR-943 and miR-571) that never been reported in HCC samples before.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has introduced an effective method for cancer research and our work will greatly promote the genetic knowledge of HCC.

Patulin induces pro-survival functions via autophagy inhibition and p62 accumulation

Patulin (PAT) is one of the most common mycotoxins found in moldy fruits. Skin contact is one of the most likely exposure routes of PAT. Investigation of dermal toxicity of PAT is clearly needed and has been highlighted by WHO. In the present study, using human keratinocyte HaCaT cells as a model, we found that treatment with PAT caused an increased autophagosome accumulation. Measurements of autophagic flux demonstrated that the accumulation of autophagosomes by PAT was not directly due to enhanced autophagosome formation but due to inhibition of autophagosome degradation. Reductions in the activities of the lysosomal enzymes cathepsin B and cathepsin D by PAT might contribute to this inhibitory effect. Consistent with this, inhibition of autophagosome degradation by PAT resulted in accumulation of p62 that functioned as a pro-survival signal. The pro-survival function of p62 was found to be attributed to reactive oxygen species-mediated cytoprotective endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. ER stress exerted cytoprotective effect via extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2-dependent B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2-associated agonist of cell death inhibitory phosphorylation. Given the critical role of autophagy and its substrate p62 in carcinogenesis, our findings may have important implications in PAT-induced skin carcinogenesis.

Preparation, characterization and optimization of nanocellulose whiskers by simultaneously ultrasonic wave and microwave assisted

Simultaneously ultrasonic wave and microwave assisted technique (SUMAT), as a method of process intensification, was first applied to the preparation of nanocellulose whiskers (NCWs) from filter paper by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The effects of temperature, sulfuric acid concentration, and mass of raw material and time on the yield of NCWs were investigated by single-factor experiments, and the preparation conditions were optimized with response surface methodology. The obtained NCWs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermal gravimetry. The results showed NCWs were facilely prepared by using SUMAT. However, some harsh reaction conditions such as high temperature, strong acidity and long time treatment easily induced the reduction of the yield of NCWs. Under the optimal conditions, the yield and the crystallinity of NCWs with the crystal form of cellulose Iα is 85.75% and 80%, respectively.

Liquefaction of sawdust in 1-octanol using acidic ionic liquids as catalyst

Acidic ionic liquids (AILs) as a novel catalyst in biomass liquefaction can accord with the demand of green chemistry and enhance the development of biomass thermal chemical conversion. A series of AILs containing HSO4- were synthesized by the imidazolium cation functionalization and applied to the Chinese fir sawdust liquefaction in 1-octanol in this paper. The experimental results showed that the liquefaction rate was gradually improved with the AILs acidity increasing, and reached 71.5% when 1-(4-sulfobutyl)-3-methylmidazolium hydrosulfate was used as catalyst with the 6:1 mass ratio of 1-octanol to sawdust at 423K after 60 min. Lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose were orderly desquamated, and then depolymerized and liquefied with the catalyst acidity increasing in the sawdust liquefaction process. The light oil was mainly composed of the octyl ether and the octyl ester compounds, suggesting that the solvent may play an important role in producing the high octane rating biofuel.

Sleeping Beauty transposon system is a reliable gene delivery tool for hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 disease gene therapy: size of the foreign gene decides the timing of stable integration into the host chromosomes

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated compensation for loss of the fumaryl-acetoacetate hydrolase gene (Fah) by gene therapy using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system (SBTS), in a hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 (HT-1) mouse model (Fah-/-).

METHODS

Twenty Fah-/- study mice, five wild-type positive controls and five Fah-/- negative controls were included. All Fah-/- mice received 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoro-methylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclo hexaedione (NTBC). Fah-/- study mice were randomly injected with one of two SBTS constructs: Fah-SBTS (containing mouse Fah gene), or forkhead box M1b (FOXM1B)-Fah-SBTS (containing mouse Fah and human FOXM1B genes). Firefly luciferase-SBTS was injected as a trace marker. NTBC treatment stopped after construct injection; Fah-/- negative controls were kept healthy with continued NTBC. Mice were weighed daily; the luciferase signal was monitored by in vivo bioluminescence, and Fah and FOXM1B gene expression were evaluated.

RESULTS

The Fah gene integrated into the mouse chromosomes within 1 week of Fah-SBTS injection (mice survived without NTBC thereafter) and within 1 month of FOXM1B-Fah-SBTS injection (mice lost weight dramatically and needed additional NTBC).

CONCLUSION

The shorter Fah gene had an advantage over the longer FOXM1B-Fah gene for stable integration into the host mouse chromosomes.

ROS1 fusions in Chinese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

To determine the prevalence and clinicopathological features of ROS1 fusions in Chinese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections from 392 patients with NSCLC were screened for ROS1 fusions by multiplex RT-PCR and all ROS1 fusions were validated by direct sequencing. The relationship between ROS1 fusions and clinicopathological features and the prognostic effect of the ROS1 fusion status on survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

In this study, 8 of 392 (2.0%) evaluable samples were found to harbor ROS1 fusions. Of the ROS1-positive patients, seven presented with adenocarcinoma, and one with adenosquamous carcinoma. The ratio of female to male and never smoker to smokers in a ROS1 fusion-positive group was 5:3. There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, smoking history, histological type and pathological stage between ROS1 fusion-positive and ROS1 fusion-negative patients. ROS1 fusion-negative patients had a significantly longer survival when compared with ROS1 fusion-positive patients (P = 0.041). Lower pathological stage, younger age and ROS1 fusion-negative status were significantly associated with better prognosis on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

ROS1 fusions occurred in ∼2.0% of Chinese patients with NSCLC and had no specific clinicopathological feature. ROS1 fusion-negative patients may have a better survival than ROS1 fusion-positive patients.