[Study on the correlation between prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis B under interferon treatment and polymorphism of both calcitonin gene related peptide and receptor activity modifying protein 1]

Objective: To analyze the association of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) [Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) rs155209 and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) rs3754701] and the prognosis of chronic hepatitis B patients who were under interferon therapy. Methods: A total of 317 patients and their anticoagulant blood samples were collected in this study. The SNPs in the CGRP and region RAMP1 were genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Logistic regression method was used to assess the results from different phenotypic outcomes between cases and controls, after adjusted for sex and age in co-dominant, dominant and recessive genetic models. Results: Data from this study clearly demonstrated the relevance of CGRP rs155209 and RAMP1 rs3754701 with DNA response and ALT response. RAMP1 rs3754701T was strongly associated with both DNA response and ALT response (OR=2.277, 95%CI: 1.386-3.741, P=0.001; OR=1.694, 95%CI: 1.073-2.675, P=0.024). However, CGRP rs155209C was less prone to DNA response and ALT response (OR=0.150, 95%CI: 0.083-0.271, P<0.001; OR=0.583, 95%CI: 0.367-0.925, P=0.022). Conclusions: Results from our study suggested that both RAMP1 rs3754701 and CGRP rs155209 were associated with the prognosis of patients under interferon therapy in Han population, from the northern parts of China while RAMP1 rs3754701T was a protective factor for both ALT response and DNA response, but CGRP rs155209C carriers were less prone to DNA and ALT responses.

CXCL10 an important chemokine associated with cytokine storm in COVID-19 infected patients

OBJECTIVE

The specific mechanism of cytokine storm in COVID-19 infected patients is not clear. This study aims to identify the key genes that cause cytokine storm in COVID-19 infected patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a difference analysis on the GSE147507 data set. The analysis results are combined with immune genes to obtain immune-related genes among the differential genes. Finally, GO enrichment analysis, PPI analysis, core gene identification, and ssGSEA enrichment analysis were performed on the new gene set.

RESULTS

A total of 232 differential genes were screened out. After merging with immune genes, a total of 29 immune-related genes were obtained. Further analysis revealed that the genes were enriched in 16 pathways, and the protein interaction network had a total of 29 nodes and 139 edges. After screening, the core gene was CXCL10. The ssGSEA results of CXCL10 showed that CD4 and CD8 immune-related signature were significantly enriched in high CXCL10 expression, and the samples with low CXCL10 expression were significantly enriched with monocytes and DC immune-related signature.

CONCLUSIONS

CXCL10 may be a key gene related to the cytokine storm of COVID-19 infection, and it is expected to become the therapeutic target.

MiR-100 up-regulation enhanced cell autophagy and apoptosis induced by cisplatin in osteosarcoma by targeting mTOR

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "MiR-100 up-regulation enhanced cell autophagy and apoptosis induced by cisplatin in osteosarcoma by targeting mTOR, by Z. Yu, N. Li, K. Jiang, N. Zhang, L.-L. Yao, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (18): 5867-5873-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201809_15913 -PMID: 30280766" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/15913.

[Differential protein expressions in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with or without Hashimoto's thyroiditis]

Objective: To explore the differential protein expressions in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with or without Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Methods: Tissue microarray was prepared and the protein expression levels of v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclinD1, mesothelial cell (MC) , CD56 and Galectin3 in the PTC tissues with or without HT were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The positive expression rates of BRAF protein in the PTC tissues with or without HT groups were 55.4% (36/65) and 63.6% (42/66), respectively, without significant difference (P=0.336). The positive expression rates of VEGF protein in the PTC tissues with or without HT groups were 25.7% (19/74) and 25.8%(17/66), respectively, without significant difference (P=0.991). The positive expression rates of cyclin D1 protein in the PTC tissues with or without HT groups were 93.4% (71/76) and 97.6% (80/82), without significant difference (P=0.206). The positive expression rates of MC protein in the PTC tissues with or without HT groups were 86.1% (62/72) and 83.5%(71/85), without significant difference (P=0.654). The positive expression rates of Galectin3 protein in the PTC tissues with or without HT groups were 98.7% (76/77) and 97.5% (78/80), without significant difference (P=0.583). The positive expression rates of CD56 in the PTC tissues and adjacent thyroid follicular epithelial cells were 27.4% (32/117) and 65.0% (76/117), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). The positive expression rates of CD56 in PTC tissues with or without HT were 35.5% (24/68) and 16.5% (13/79), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.009). Conclusions: There are no significant differences in the expressions of BRAF, VEGF, CyclinD1, MC and Galectin3 between the PTC tissues with or without HT. However, the significantly differential expression of CD56 between the two group suggests that CD56 may be related to the pathogenesis of PTC with HT. CD56 may be used as a potential molecular marker in PTC diagnosis.

[Analysis of prognostic factors of low-frequency type of sudden sensorineural hearing loss]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors of patients with low-frequency type of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: From February 2017 to February 2019, adult patients with unilateral low-frequency type of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in Department of Otological Medicine, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University were selected. All patients were examined by audiology, vestibular function evaluation, imaging examination and serum thyroid function test; the same treatment program was given, the curative effect was recorded and followed up for more than 3 months. SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze concomitant symptoms (tinnitus, ear tightness, echo, rotatory vertigo), degree of deafness, inducement of deafness, basic disease, vestibular function (caloric test), electrocochleogram, inner ear gadolinium enhanced MRI radiography and thyroid function on prognosis of patients. Results: Among the 155 patients, 76 cases were cured (49.0%), 1 case was markedly effective (0.6%), 19 cases were effective (12.3%), and 59 cases were ineffective (38.1%). The total effective rate was 61.9%. Among them, 24 cases (15.5%) had hearing fluctuations during follow-up, and 1 case (0.6%) developed Meniere's disease. Univariate analysis showed that vestibular function, electrocochleogram and inner ear MRI were correlated with prognosis. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that ear tightness, vestibular function, electrocochleogram and inner ear MRI were correlated with the prognosis of the patients. The two analyses showed that tinnitus, echo, rotational vertigo, degree of deafness, predisposing factors and underlying diseases were not significantly correlated with the prognosis of the patients (all P>0.05). Rotational vertigo was closely related to gender, and women had a high incidence. There was a significant correlation between the degree of deafness and prognosis in patients with course of less than 1 week (P<0.05). The abnormal rate of vestibular function in patients with course of disease ≤ 1 week was significantly different from that>1-≤2 and>2-≤4 weeks (P<0.05). The rate of abnormal thyroid function was significantly higher than that of normal people (P<0.05), but there was no significant correlation between thyroid dysfunction and hearing prognosis (χ(2)=0.009, P=0.923) . Conclusions: The prognosis of low-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss is not related to clinical symptoms, inducements, underlying diseases and serological abnormalities of thyroid function, but the degree of deafness is positively related to the prognosis within 1 week from onset. Abnormal thyroid function is one of the risk factors of happening with low-frequency descending sudden deafness. Abnormal vestibular caloric test, electrocochleogram and endolymph hydrops are the factors of poor prognosis.

Resveratrol affects in vitro rumen fermentation, methane production and prokaryotic community composition in a time- and diet-specific manner

This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on methane production, rumen fermentation and microbial composition under high-concentrate (HC) and high-forage (HF) diets using the in vitro fermentation system. A total of 25 mg of resveratrol was supplemented into 300 mg of either HC or HF diet. Methane production, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, molar proportion of VFA, metabolites of resveratrol and prokaryotic community composition were measured after 12 and 24 h of in vitro fermentation. Resveratrol reduced methane production (ml per mg of dry matter degraded) by 41% and 60% under both HC and HF diets (P < 0.001), respectively, and this result could be associated with the lower abundance of Methanobrevibacter (P < 0.001) in response to resveratrol. The molar proportion of propionate was significantly higher in the resveratrol group only under the HC diet (P = 0.045). The relative abundance of 10 bacterial genera was affected by the three-way interaction of treatment, diet and time (P < 0.05). Resveratrol was partly converted to dihydroresveratrol after 24 h of fermentation, and its degradation could be associated with microbes belonging to the order Coriobacteriales. Our results suggest that multiple factors (e.g. diet and time) should be considered in animal experiments to test the effect of polyphenol or other plant extracts on rumen fermentation, methane emission and microbial composition.

Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of synchronous and metachronous multiple primary colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Multiple primary colorectal cancers (MPCCs) are different from solitary colorectal cancers in many aspects, which are not well studied. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MPCCs.

METHODS

The data of 64 patients with MPCCs out of 2300 patients with colorectal cancers (CRCs) from January 2009 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Stratified analysis was conducted based on subtypes and microsatellite status.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of MPCC was 2.8% and the median follow-up duration was 51.5 (range 1-120) months. Metachronous CRCs (MCRCs) are more likely to appear in the right colon (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences regarding age, sex, BMI, tumor size, smoking/drinking history, TNM stage, family history of cancer, and 5-year survival rate were observed between synchronous CRC (SCRC) and MCRC. Advanced TNM stage (III) and the presence of polyps were found to be independent poor prognostic factors for MPCCs. The prevalence of mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) in MPCCs was 28.1%. Deficient MMR is more likely to appear in younger, lighter MPCC patients with polyps (p < 0.05). Of four mismatch repair proteins, MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6, and PMS-2 were negative in nine, nine, five, and nine patients, respectively. The 5-year survival rate did not differ significantly between MMR-proficient (pMMR) and dMMR groups (p = 0.752).

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous CRC (SCRC) and MCRC might represent similar disease entities with different courses. Deficient MMR is more likely to appear in younger, lighter MPCC patients with polyps and it is an essential indicator for screening Lynch syndrome.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia shows robust T helper 1 and Janus kinase 3 skewing

BACKGROUND

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia with unclear pathogenesis and a progressive course. The disease has a major impact on patients' quality of life and there is a lack of effective treatment to halt disease progression.

METHODS

We profiled lesional and nonlesional scalp biopsies collected in 2017 from patients with FFA (n = 12) compared with scalp biopsies from patients with alopecia areata (AA) (n = 8) and controls (n = 8) to evaluate gene and protein expression, including the primary outcome (CXCL9). We determined significant differences between biomarkers using a two-sided Student's t-test adjusting P-values by false discovery rate.

RESULTS

Significant increases were seen in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD11c+ dendritic cells, CD103+ and CD69+ tissue-resident memory T cells in FFA and AA vs. control scalp (P < 0·05), with corresponding significantly upregulated granzyme B mRNA, particularly in FFA (P < 0·01). In AA, cellular infiltrates were primarily concentrated at the bulb, while in FFA these were mainly localized at the bulge. FFA demonstrated significant upregulation of T helper 1/intereferon (IFN) (IFN-γ, CXCL9/CXCL10), the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway (STAT1, JAK3) and fibrosis-related products (vimentin, fibronectin; P < 0·05), with no concomitant downregulation of hair keratins and the T-regulatory marker, forkhead box P3, which were decreased in AA. The stem cell markers CD200 and K15 demonstrated significantly reduced expression only in FFA (P < 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that follicular damage and loss of stem cells in FFA may be mediated through immune attack in the bulge region, with secondary fibrosis and reduced but still detectable stem cells. JAK/STAT-targeting treatments may be able to prevent permanent follicular destruction and fibrosis in early disease stages.

AB1139 DIAGNOSTICIS AND PROGNOSTICIS SIGNIFICANCE OF CHEST CT EVALUATION OF SMALL PULMONARY VESSELS IN CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES WITH PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Background:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal complication of connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Chest CT has been increasingly used in the evaluation of patients with suspected PH noninvasively but there is a paucity of studies.

Objectives:

Our study was aimed to investigate the cross-sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels on chest CT for the diagnosis and prognosis of CTD-PAH.

Methods:

This retrospective study analyzed the data of thirty-four patients with CTD-PAH who were diagnosed by right heart catheterization (RHC) and underwent chest CT between March 2011 and October 2019. We measured the percentage of total CSA of vessels<5 mm2and 5-10 mm2as a percentage of total lung area (%CSA<5and %CSA5-10) on Chest CT. Furthermore, the association of %CSA with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was also investigated. Besides, these patients were followed up until October 2019, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for the evaluation of prognosis.

Results:

Patients with CTD-PAH had significantly higher %CSA5-10than CTD-nPAH (p=0.001), %CSA5-10in CTD-S-PAH and IPAH was significantly higher than CTD-LM-PAH and COPD-PH (p<0.01). There was a positive correlation between %CSA5-10and mPAP in CTD-PAH (r=0.447, p=0.008). Considering %CSA5-10above 0.38 as a threshold level, the sensitivity and specificity were found to be 0.824 and 0.706, respectively. Patients with %CSA5-10≥0.38 had a lower survival rate than those with %CSA5-10<0.38 (p=0.049).

Conclusion:

Quantitative parameter, %CSA5-10on Chest CT might serve a crucial differential diagnostic tool for different types of PH. %CSA5-10≥0.38 is a prognostic indicator for evaluation of CTD-PAH.

References:

[1]Galie N, Humbert M, Vachiery JL, et al. 2015 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension. Rev Esp Cardiol (Engl Ed). 2016;69(2):177.

[2]Siddiqui I, Rajagopal S, Brucker A, et al. Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictors of Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension. Am J Cardiol. 2018;122(5):872-878.

[3]Coste F, Dournes G, Dromer C, et al. CT evaluation of small pulmonary vessels area in patients with COPD with severe pulmonary hypertension. Thorax. 2016;71(9):830-837.

[4]Freed BH, Collins JD, Francois CJ, et al. MR and CT Imaging for the Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2016;9(6):715-732.

[5]Pietra GG, Capron F, Stewart S, et al. Pathologic assessment of vasculopathies in pulmonary hypertension. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004;43(12 Suppl S):25S-32S.

[6]Zanatta E, Polito P, Famoso G, et al. Pulmonary arterial hypertension in connective tissue disorders: Pathophysiology and treatment. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2019;244(2):120-131.

[7]Rabinovitch M, Guignabert C, Humbert M, Nicolls MR. Inflammation and immunity in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Circ Res. 2014;115(1):165-175.

[8]Thenappan T, Ormiston ML, Ryan JJ, Archer SL. Pulmonary arterial hypertension: pathogenesis and clinical management. BMJ. 2018;360:j5492.

[9]Thompson AAR, Lawrie A. Targeting Vascular Remodeling to Treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Trends Mol Med. 2017;23(1):31-45.

[10]Shimoda LA, Laurie SS. Vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension. J Mol Med (Berl). 2013;91(3):297-309.

[11]Rabinovitch M. Molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Clin Invest. 2012;122(12):4306-4313.

[12]Seeger W, Adir Y, Barbera JA, et al. Pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung diseases. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;62(25 Suppl):D109-116.

Acknowledgments:

Thanks to all patients involved in this retrospective study. Thanks go to every participant who participated in this study for their enduring efforts in working with participants to complete the study. Thanks to Liangmin Wei for helping us with statistics analysis.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Substantial differences occur between canopy and ambient climate: Quantification of interactions in a greenhouse-canopy system

Organ temperature and variation therein plays a key role in plant functioning and its responses to e.g. climate change. There is a strong feedback between organ, especially leaf, temperature and the climate within the canopy (canopy climate), which in turn interacts with the climate outside the canopy (ambient climate). For greenhouses, the determinants of this interplay and how they drive differences between canopy and ambient climate are poorly understood. Yet, as many experiments on both regular greenhouse crops and field crops are done in greenhouses, this is crucial to know. Therefore, we designed an experiment to quantify the differences between ambient and canopy climate and leaf temperature. A path analysis was performed to quantify the interactions between components of the greenhouse canopy-climate system. We found that with high radiation the canopy climate can be up to 5°C cooler than the ambient climate, while for cloudy days this was only 2°C. Canopy relative humidity (RH) was up to 25% higher compared to ambient RH. We showed that radiation is very important for these climate differences, but that this effect could be partly counteracted by turning off supplementary light (i.e. due to its indirect effects e.g. changing light distribution). Leaf temperature was substantially different, both higher and lower, from the canopy air temperature. This difference was determined by leaf area index (LAI), temperature of the heating pipe and the use of supplementary light, which all strongly influence radiation, either shortwave or thermal radiation. The difference between leaf and ambient air temperature could be decreased by decreasing the LAI or increasing the temperature of the heating pipe.

1170 Trends in Sleep Apnea Testing Among Veterans Participating in a Rural Health-Focused Telesleep Medicine Program

Introduction

The Department of Veterans Affairs has pioneered the use of home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) across many of its medical centers over the past 15 years. Here we report trends regarding diagnostic sleep apnea testing in rural and urban Veterans served by the TeleSleep Program, a VA telehealth initiative focused on increasing access to sleep care for rural Veterans. Rurality is a risk factor for use of polysomnography and is associated with longer wait times for testing and initiation of PAP therapy.

Methods

We used a VA administrative database search of patients enrolled in sleep medicine clinics from fiscal years (FY) 2016-2019 at 7 TeleSleep Hubs: San Francisco, Portland, Phoenix, Boise, Philadelphia, Spokane, and Pittsburgh. Individual encounters were coded locally and transmitted to VA’s corporate data warehouse. HSAT codes included 95800, 95801, 95806, G0398, G0399, and G0400. Polysomnography codes included 95807, 95808, 95810, and 95811.

Results

Total number of unique Veterans served increased between FY16 and FY19 from 28,941 to 43,044 (149%); rural Veterans served during this time increased from 9,386 to 14,329 (153%). The total number of annual sleep medicine encounters for all Veterans served increased from 89,870 to 138,127 (154%); rural Veteran visits increased from 29,825 to 50,342 (169%). Unique urban Veterans tested by HSAT increased from 2,158 in FY16 to 4,398 in FY19 (203%) while polysomnography decreased from 5,011 to 3,253 (35%). Unique rural Veterans tested by HSAT increased from 1,102 to 2,768 (251%) and polysomnography decreased by 42% (1,565 to 909 Veterans) during this same time.

Conclusion

Among VA sleep medicine programs with TeleSleep funding, HSAT became the most common approach to diagnostic sleep apnea testing, particularly in rural Veterans. Although polysomnography was widely used at the beginning of the TeleSleep Initiative, use declined as HSAT became more widely implemented.

Support

VA Office of Rural Health

Generation of low-symmetry perovskite structures forab initiocomputation

Ion displacements are the fundamental cause of ferroelectricity in perovskites. By properly shifting ions,ab initiocomputations have been extensively used to investigate the properties of perovskites in various structural phases. In addition to the relatively simple ion displacements, perovskites have another type of structural distortion known as antiferrodistortion or oxygen octahedron tilting. The interplay between these two types of distortions have generated abundant structural phases that can be tedious to prepare forab initiocomputation, especially for large supercells. Here, we design and implement a computer program to facilitate the generation of distorted perovskite structures, which can be readily used forab initiocomputation to gain further insight into the perovskite of a given structural phase.

[The derivation and vulidafion of a prediction rule for hypoxemia in infants with Pierre Robin sequence after weaning]

Objective: To set up a prediction scoring system for the hypoxemia in infants with Pierre Robin sequence after weaning and evaluate its clinical value. Methods: Data of consecutive patients from November 2016 to June 2019, who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, were retrospectively analyzed (n=148). All the cases were divided into two groups according to the appearance of hypoxemia after weaning. They were randomly divided into the derivation cohorc (2/3,n=100) and the validation cohort (1/3,n=48). Single factor and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to select the independent risk factors related to hypoxemia and establish a prediction model. A prediction scoring system was developed in accordance with assigning of the value of each variable β in the model. Internal verification of scoring system by validation population. Data of consecutive patients from July 2019 to November 2019, who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis, were prospectively analyzed (n=26). The diagnostic accuracy were conducted to evaluate the clinical value of the scoring system. Results: The logistic regression demonstrated that age at operation, pulmonary infection and the length of distraction less than 5 mm at weaning were the independent risk factors for hypoxemia. The P value of logistic regression model in Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test was 0.848, and a prediction scoring system was established accordingly. The area under the ROC curve of the scoring system was 0.890, and the optimum critical value was 53. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of the model were 78.6%(11/14),86.1%(74/86), 85.0%(85/100) respectively. The predictive effectiveness of the scoring system in the retrospective validation population was similar to that in the modeling population. 26 patients were included in the prospective analysis. The area under ROC curve of the scoring system was 0.870. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 80.0%(5/6),95.0%(20/21), 96.1%(25/26) respectively. Conclusion: The prediction scoring system established in the study are efficacious for the hypoxemia in infants with Pierre Robin sequence after weaning.

A novel frameshift truncation mutation in the V2 tail domain of KRT1 causes mild ichthyosis hystrix of Curth-Macklin

Ichthyosis hystrix, Curth-Macklin type (IHCM) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant dermatosis caused by mutations in the keratin genes, KRT1 or KRT10, which often manifests as extensive, dark, spiky or verrucous plaques and severe palmoplantar keratoderma. We report a novel frameshift truncation mutation, c.1596_1597insAT (p.Gly533Metfs*82) in exon 7 (V2 tail domain) of KRT1, which, by replacing the glycine-serine-rich tail of KRT1 with a series of 75 alanine-rich amino acids, produces a mild IHCM phenotype. The patient with the mutation presented with localized ichthyosis and progressive hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles with no history of blistering.

Transcriptional regulation of heat shock protein 70 genes by class I histone deacetylases in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

The regulatory function of histone acetylation in the expression of genes encoding heat shock proteins (Hsps) has been documented in Drosophila melanogaster; however, knowledge of the role of acetylation in modulating Hsps in other insect pests is limited. In this study, two full-length cDNAs encoding inducible Hsp70 (designated TcHsp70) and heat shock cognate 70 (TcHsc70) were isolated and characterized in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. TcHsp70 and TcHsc70 cDNAs were 2256 and 2132 bp and encoded 1941- and 1893-bp open reading frames, respectively. The deduced TcHsp70 and TcHsc70 proteins contained 646 and 630 amino acids, respectively, and contained sequences typical of the Hsp70 family, including the EEVD motif for cytoplasmic localization. Expression patterns after heat shock indicated that TcHsp70 was strongly heat-inducible, whereas the expression level of TcHsc70 remained unchanged under heat shock. RNA interference-mediated knock-down of three genes encoding class I histone deacetylases differentially influenced both basal and heat shock inducible expression of TcHsp70 and TcHsc70, suggesting the involvement of histone acetylation in epigenetic regulation of Hsp70 transcription in T. castaneum.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone promotes therapeutic effects of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells in ischemic repair

PURPOSE

In peripheral artery disease, blockage of the blood supply to the limbs leads to blood flow attenuation and tissue ischemia. We investigated whether growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) could enhance the biological functions and therapeutic effects of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from adult human peripheral blood (PB).

METHODS

EPCs were isolated from human PB (PB-EPCs) and cord blood and expanded in vitro. PB-EPCs incubated with or without GHRH were evaluated for proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis capacity and apoptosis rates under oxidative stress conditions. Activation of STAT3 and Akt pathways was evaluated using Western blot. A hind-limb ischemia (HLI) mouse model was used to study the efficacy of GHRH in improving EPC therapy in vivo.

RESULTS

GHRH enhanced the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis capacity of PB-EPCs and reduced apoptosis under H₂O₂ stimulation. These beneficial effects were GHRH receptor-dependent and were paralleled by increased phosphorylation of STAT3 and Akt. Transplantation of GHRH-preconditioned EPCs into HLI model mice enhanced blood flow recovery by increasing vascular formation density and enhanced tissue regeneration at the lesion site.

CONCLUSION

Our studies demonstrate a novel role for GHRH in dramatically improving therapeutic angiogenesis in HLI by enhancing the biological functions of EPCs. These findings support additional studies to explore the full potential of GHRH in augmenting cell therapy for the management of ischemia.

[Alveolar soft part sarcoma in children: a clinicopathological study of 13 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological manifestations, molecular genetic, diagnostic histology and differential diagnosis of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) in children. Methods: A total of 13 cases of ASPS diagnosed at Beijing Children's Hospital from August 2009 to November 2018 were collected. HE staining, histochemical staining for PAS and D-PAS, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for TFE3, INI1 and CD68 and florescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for TFE3 gene translocation were performed. Results: There were four males and nine females, age ranged from 1 year and 2 months to 13 years and 8 months (mean 7.8 years); and four patients were under 5 years old. Histologically, the tumors showed a distinctive and characteristic nested or organoid growth pattern (11 cases) or solid, diffuse growth (2 cases). The tumor cells possessed abundant eosinophilic, or glycogen-rich and clear to vacuolated cytoplasm. The chromatin was relatively dispersed, with prominent and pleomorphic nucleoli; mitotic figures were rare. Vascular invasion was frequently seen. IHC staining showed specific nuclear TFE3 staining. The tumor cells were also positive for INI1,CD68 and vimentin; but were negative for MyoD1, Myogenin, CK and S-100 protein. Seven cases showed PAS and D-PAS staining, with fuchsia acicular or rod-shaped crystals in tumor cytoplasm. Nine cases showed TFE3 break-apart signals by FISH. Conclusions: ASPS is a rare soft tissue sarcoma in children. Compared with ASPA in adults, it has both similarities and unique clinicopathologic characteristics. The diagnosis needs to be confirmed by combining clinical, pathologic, IHC and genetic testing.

Imaging characteristics of the mandible and upper airway in children with Robin sequence and relationship to the treatment strategy

Some patients with Robin sequence (RS) may respond to conservative therapy, while others require surgery; however, there are currently no objective anatomical criteria to gauge surgical indication. The purpose of this study was to explore the imaging characteristics of the mandible and upper respiratory tract in children with RS and examine how individual morphometric parameters influence the treatment strategy. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained from 57 children with RS. Twenty parameters were measured as potential surgical indicators. The children were divided into two groups according to surgical requirement: a non-surgical group (26 children) and a surgical group (31 children who underwent mandibular osteodistraction). Differences in the imaging parameters were compared between the groups. The mandibular ramus was shorter bilaterally (left, P = 0.047; right, P = 0.027) and the mandibular body was longer bilaterally (left, P = 0.030; right, P = 0.025) in the surgical group when compared to the non-surgical group. In addition, the mandibular angle bilaterally (left, P = 0.023; right, P = 0.003) and the cross-sectional area at the epiglottis tip (P = 0.010) were smaller in the surgical group. Compared to RS patients receiving conservative treatment, children requiring surgery have specific anatomical features of the mandible and upper airway that can be used as surgical indications.

Effects of different doses of propofol on the growth and expression of PCNA, CD34 and pAKT proteins in xenografted tumor of BALB/C mice with liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of different doses of propofol on the growth of transplanted liver tumor in BALB/C mice and check the expression of PCNA, CD34 and pAKT proteins to clarify the mechanism on molecule level.

METHOD

Human primary liver cancer cells SMMC-7721 were subcutaneously cultured in BALB/C mice, and the transplanted tumor model of BALB/C mice was constructed. Forty mice successfully modeled were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8): the blank control group (group C), low-fat milk group (group I), low-dose (50 mg/kg) propofol group (P1), middle-dose (100 mg/kg) propofol group (P2) and high dose (150 mg/kg) propofol group (P3). Tumor volume changes were observed at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7) before and after administration of the drug, and tumor growth curves were plotted. After 19 days of administration, all mice were killed for tumor collection, tumor weight was measured, and the tumor inhibition rate of propofol was calculated. The protein expression of cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) in transplanted tumor was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and phospho-Akt (pAKT) was detected by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared with group C, there was no significant difference in tumor volume in group I. At T2 ~ 7, the tumor volume of group P1, P2 and P3 decreased successively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the inhibitory rate of tumor in group I, and the inhibitory rate of tumor in group P1, P2 and P3 increased successively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in PCNA, CD34, and pAKT protein expression in group I, while PCNA, CD34, and pAKT protein content in P1, P2, P3 groups were successively decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Propofol had a dose-dependent effect on the growth of liver cancer xenografts in mice, inhibiting the expression of PCNA, CD34 and pAKT proteins, and the effect was most obvious in the 150 mg/kg propofol group.

[A sequential conditional mean model for assessing total effects of exposure in longitudinal data]

In prospective cohort study, multi follow up is often necessary for study subjects, and the observed values are correlated with each other, usually resulting in time-dependent confounding. In this case, the data generally do not meet the application conditions of traditional multivariate regression analysis. Sequential conditional mean model (SCMM) is a new approach that can deal with time-dependent confounding. This paper mainly summarizes the basic theory, steps and characteristics of SCMM.

FACT caught in the act of manipulating the nucleosome

The organization of genomic DNA into nucleosomes profoundly affects all DNA-related processes in eukaryotes. The histone chaperone known as 'facilitates chromatin transcription' (FACT¹) (consisting of subunits SPT16 and SSRP1) promotes both disassembly and reassembly of nucleosomes during gene transcription, DNA replication and DNA repair². However, the mechanism by which FACT causes these opposing outcomes is unknown. Here we report two cryo-electron-microscopic structures of human FACT in complex with partially assembled subnucleosomes, with supporting biochemical and hydrogen-deuterium exchange data. We find that FACT is engaged in extensive interactions with nucleosomal DNA and all histone variants. The large DNA-binding surface on FACT appears to be protected by the carboxy-terminal domains of both of its subunits, and this inhibition is released by interaction with H2A-H2B, allowing FACT-H2A-H2B to dock onto a complex containing DNA and histones H3 and H4 (ref. ³). SPT16 binds nucleosomal DNA and tethers H2A-H2B through its carboxy-terminal domain by acting as a placeholder for DNA. SSRP1 also contributes to DNA binding, and can assume two conformations, depending on whether a second H2A-H2B dimer is present. Our data suggest a compelling mechanism for how FACT maintains chromatin integrity during polymerase passage, by facilitating removal of the H2A-H2B dimer, stabilizing intermediate subnucleosomal states and promoting nucleosome reassembly. Our findings reconcile discrepancies regarding the many roles of FACT and underscore the dynamic interactions between histone chaperones and nucleosomes.

[Related factors of sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly patients with coronary heart disease]

Objective: To explore the incidence and clinical characteristics of sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly patients with coronary heart disease and search for the related factors. Methods: This study was a single-center observational study. According to the inclusion criteria, elderly patients hospitalized with coronary heart disease from Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 2017 and December 2018 were enrolled. The patients were divided into sarcopenic group and non-sarcopenic group according to the diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Activities of daily living of the patients were assessed (including ADL and IADL) . Comorbidity of the patients was evaluated by the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Long-term medication use of the patients was recorded to assesse whether there was polypharmacy. The nutritional status of the patients was examined by the mini nutritional assessment-short form (MNA-SF). The full tandem stance time of the patients was evaluated. The history of falls over the previous year, urinary incontinence, and living conditions of the patients were also recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors for sarcopenia of elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Results: A total of 364 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were aged 65-96 (74.6±6.5) years and there were 218 (59.9%) male patients. There were 264 cases of stable coronary heart disease and 100 cases of acute coronary syndrome. The median number of long-term used medication was 7. One hundred and fifty-two (41.8%) patients were complicated with type 2 diabetes, 38 (10.4%) patients were complicated with anxiety/depression, and 98 (26.9%) patients had the history of falls over the previous year. Eighty-two (22.5%) patients were complicated with urinary incontinence, 12 patients (3.3%) were complicated with malnutrition and 33 patients (9.2%) were living alone. There were 81 (22.3%) sarcopenic patients and 283 (77.7%) non-sarcopenic patients among all the hospitalized elderly patients with coronary heart disease. The sarcopenic patients were more older, with lower body mass index(BMI)(both P<0.001), higher CCI and more long-term used medication (both P<0.05), higher proportions of malnutrition, urinary incontinence, history of falls, and living alone (all P<0.05) compared to non-sarcopenic patients. ADL and IADL scores of sarcopenic patients were significantly lower than those of non-sarcopenic patients (both P<0.001). There was also a higher proportion of unable to accomplish full tandem stance among sarcopenic patients compared to non-sarcopenic patients (P<0.001). Moreover, higher hs-CRP level (P=0.047) , lower albumin level (P=0.004) and significantly lower prealbumin level (P<0.001) were observed in sarcopenic patients compared to non-sarcopenic patients. Stepwise multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that male (OR=5.036, 95%CI 1.782-14.230, P=0.002), low BMI (OR=0.883, 95%CI 0.796-0.980, P=0.019), as well as low prealbumin level (OR=0.990, 95%CI 0.980-1.000, P=0.045) were related factors for sarcopenia among elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Conclusions: Sarcopenia is a geriatric condition commonly seen in hospitalized elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Male, low BMI, and low prealbumin level were the factors related to sarcopenia for older adults with coronary heart disease.

Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in patients with Hashimoto's disease combined with thyroid cancer before and after surgery and their relationship with prognosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate expressions and clinical significance of IL-17 and TNF-α after surgery in patients with Hashimoto's disease (HD) combined with thyroid cancer (TC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 2010 to October 2012, 38 patients with HD combined with TC admitted to the oncology department of Tongji Hospital were selected as an experimental group, including three males and 35 females, aged 24-78 years. Forty adults undergoing physical examination during the same period were selected as a control group. All patients in the experimental group were given total endoscopic TC resection. Real-time fluorescence quantification (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of serum IL-17 and TNF-α before and 14 days after surgery. Patients with HD combined with TC were divided into high and low expression groups according to the median values of preoperative IL-17 mRNA and TNF-α mRNA. The relationship between IL-17, TNF-α, and prognosis of patients was analyzed through K-M survival curve.

RESULTS

The concentrations of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum were also higher than those in control group 14 days after surgery (p < 0.05). qRT-PCT showed that the relative expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum 14 days after surgery were higher than those in control group (p < 0.05). According to the relative expression median of mRNA in IL-17 and TNF-α before surgery, they were divided into high and low expression groups. It was found that the survival rate of high expression groups of IL-17 and TNF-α was lower than that of low expression groups (IL-17, p = 0.028; TNF-α, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

The protein and mRNA of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum of HD patients with TC are higher than those of healthy control group. Expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α can be reduced by surgical resection of focal tissue. IL-17 and TNF-α may be used as potential prognostic indicators of HD patients with TC.

A study of damage control theory in the treatment of multiple trauma mainly represented by emergency abdominal trauma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the measures of damage control theory (DCT) in the treatment of multiple trauma mainly represented by emergency abdominal trauma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 76 patients with severe multiple trauma in the Yiwu Central Hospital were selected. Among them, 37 patients with severe multiple trauma were treated with DCT (DCT group), and 39 patients were treated with traditional methods (control group). The prothrombin time (PT), the inflammation index, the duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and the incidence of sepsis were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 60 cases (78.95%) were cured and discharged, and 4 cases (10.81%) died in the DCT group, while 12 cases (30.77%) died in the control group. There were 6 cases (16.22%) of sepsis in the DCT group and 15 cases (38.46%) of sepsis in the control group. This indicates that the mortality and the incidence of sepsis in the DCT group were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05 in all comparisons). The PT activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), the length of stay in the ICU, and mechanical ventilation in the DCT group were notably shorter than those in the control group. The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and IL-10 went up remarkably in both groups (p<0.05), but the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the DCT group were lower than those in the control group, while the IL-10 level in the former was significantly higher than that in the latter (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to apply DCT to rescue patients with multiple trauma, which can effectively reduce the mortality and complications, and shorten the length of stay in the ICU.

[Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Chinese communities]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients under community management programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on T2DM patients in eight communities in Wuhan and Changshu cities. Data would included questionnaire, body measurement, blood testing and clinical examination. The criterion of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was under the combination of symptoms with five physical examinations. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influential factors. Results: The overall prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 71.2% among the diabetic patients who were managed in primary care health services in the two cities. The binary logistic regression method identified older age (≥60 years, OR=2.39, 95%CI:1.95-2.94), longer diabetic duration (≥10 years, OR=1.25, 95%CI: 1.02-1.54), and worse postprandial glucose control (2 h postprandial plasma glucose >10.0 mmol/L: OR=1.65, 95%CI:1.33-2.04) (all P<0.05) as risk factors for the presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, while higher education level was protective factor (compared to patients with education levels of primary school or below, OR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.41-0.66; OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.44-0.79; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.44-0.94 for those with education levels of junior high school, senior high school, and college, respectively). Conclusions: High rates of diabetic peripheral neuropathy among T2DM patients suggested the urgent need for early screening and standardized management at the community levels. It is necessary to promote appropriate screening techniques and methods to identify the peripheral neuropathy, in the primary health service institutions.

MiR-100 up-regulation enhanced cell autophagy and apoptosis induced by cisplatin in osteosarcoma by targeting mTOR

OBJECTIVE

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) can negatively regulate cell autophagy, while its expression and activity are associated with the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. MicroRNA 100 (MiR-100) down-regulation is associated with the pathogenesis and chemo-sensitivity of osteosarcoma. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the targeted relationship between miR-100 and the 3'-UTR of mTOR. We investigate the role of miR-100 in affecting mTOR expression, osteosarcoma cell autophagy, and sensitivity to cisplatin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MiR-100, mTOR, and Beclin-1 expressions in osteosarcoma tissue and normal control were compared. The relationship between miR-100 and mTOR was verified by dual luciferase assay. MiR-100, mTOR, and Beclin-1 levels in MG-63 cells and MG-63/DDP cells were tested. Cell apoptosis was determined by using flow cytometry. Cell malignancy was evaluated by colony formation assay.

RESULTS

MiR-100 and Beclin-1 significantly declined, while mTOR significantly increased in osteosarcoma tissue compared with that of normal tissue (p<0.05). MiR-100 targeting significantly inhibited mTOR expression compared to that of untreated (p<0.05). MiR-100 expression was down-regulated and mTOR level was elevated in MG-63/DDP cells compared with MG-63 cells (p<0.05). MG-63/DDP cells exhibited reduced cell autophagy and apoptosis, and enhanced colony formation induced by DDP. MiR-100 mimic and/or small interfere mTOR (si-mTOR) significantly promoted Beclin-1 expression, cell autophagy, and cell apoptosis, while attenuated colony formation.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-100 declined, while mTOR up-regulated in osteosarcoma tissue. MiR-100 up-regulation enhanced cell autophagy and apoptosis induced by cisplatin via targeted inhibiting of mTOR.

Gut microbiota differences during metamorphosis in sick and healthy giant spiny frogs (Paa spinosa) tadpoles

Gut microbiota plays important roles in host nutrition, immunity, development and health; therefore, disruption of the gut microbiota is closely associated with development of diseases in the host. In amphibians, metamorphosis is associated not only with extensive changes in the gut microbiota, but also with high mortality. Therefore, we hypothesized that unsuccessful restructuring of the gut microbiota during metamorphosis was an important factor that caused the fatalities. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the gut microbiota of apparently sick and healthy giant spiny frog tadpoles during metamorphosis, using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Our results showed that most dominant phyla differed significantly among developmental stages of sick and healthy Paa spinosa tadpoles. The differences in the dominant genera in sick and healthy tadpoles were the highest at the stage of degeneration of cloacal tube (TDCT). After the metamorphosis, the composition of the gut microbiota was more alike between healthy and sick tadpoles at the stage of forelimb emergence than at TDCT. These results imply that failed restructuring of the gut microbiota during metamorphosis caused the death of P. spinosa tadpoles. These results provided an important reference to prevent the high actual of P. spinosa tadpoles during metamorphosis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: We investigated the gut microbiota of apparently sick and healthy giant spiny frog (Paa spinosa) tadpoles during metamorphosis, using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Our results showed that the differences in the dominant genera in sick and healthy tadpoles were the highest at the stage of degeneration of cloacal tube. After the metamorphosis, the composition of the gut microbiota was alike between healthy and sick tadpoles. These results imply that failed restructuring of the gut microbiota during metamorphosis caused the death of P. spinosa tadpoles.

Partial duplication of the jaw: case reports and review of relevant publications

Craniofacial duplication is a rare congenital malformation with a wide phenotypic range. The signs and symptoms range from partial craniofacial duplication to bicephalus. We describe two cases of partial duplication of jaw: a girl with a duplication of the maxilla, and a boy with duplication of the mandible. We review the relevant publications and discuss the pathogenesis.

[Primary Sjogren's syndrome associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: 20 new cases]

Objective: To describe baseline characteristics of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) with right heart catheterization (RHC)-confirmed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients hospitalized with pSS-PAH from Jan.2013 to June.2019 in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital. All patients fulfilled the 2002 revised criteria for pSS proposed by the American-European Consensus Group. PAH was defined according to RHC-based European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines. Associated variables were described and analyzed. Predictive factors for achieving treatment goals were explored. Sub-groups(based on Anti-SSB antibody positive/negative) were analyzed. Results: Twenty patients with RHC-confirmed pSS-PAH were included (median age at onset, 54.5 years; median PAH duration, 12 months).PAH was the initial manifestation of pSS in 5 patients(26.3%), and shortness of breath was the most common symptom (17/20,85%). Mean pulmonary arterialpressure (mPAP) was 48(38, 55.75)mmHg, pulmonary vascularresistance (PVR) was 11.23 (6.17,14.69)IU, and mean cardiac index was 2.59(2.04,2.98)L·min(-1)·m(-2) in this group. In addition, right ventricular diameter≤40 mm[P=0.009, HR=5.92, 95%CI(1.55, 22.59)] was predictive factor for achieving the treatment goal. Furthermore, compared with Anti-SSB antibody negative patients, patients with Anti-SSB antibody positive had a higher PVR(IU) [14.1(11.23, 22.63)vs 6.4(6.15, 12.36),P=0.025], a higher mPAP(mmHg)[5(48.5,59)vs 39(32.5,50.75),P=0.013], and a lower cardiac index (L·min(-1)·m(-2)) [2.1(1.6,2.5)vs 2.9(2.56,3.41),P=0.002]. Conclusions: pSS-PAH patients are mainly middle-aged women with the most common symptom shortness of breath. And PAH can be the first manifestation of pSS. More attention should be paid to patients with Anti-La/SSB antibody positive and right ventricular diameter ≤40 mm because of higher mPAP, PVR, worse cardiac function and prognosis.

Vibration treatment modulates macrophage polarisation and enhances early inflammatory response in oestrogen-deficient osteoporotic-fracture healing

Fracture healing is a well-orchestrated and coordinated process and begins with the inflammatory stage involving the infiltration of immune cells and the release of cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) stimulation is effective in promoting fracture healing. The study hypothesis was that the innate immune response was impaired in osteoporotic fracture and LMHFV could positively modulate it. 9-month-old ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporotic rats were randomised into sham (SHAM), OVX control (OVX), OVX-vibration (OVX-VT) or OVX vibration plus administration of COX-2 specific non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (OVX-VT-NSAID). LMHFV (35 Hz, 0.3 g) was given 20 min/d and 5 d/week to the treatment groups. Healing and innate immune response were evaluated by weekly radiographs, endpoint micro-computed tomography (µCT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and histomorphometry at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 post-treatment. Results showed that OVX slightly elevated systemic inflammation but impaired the innate immune response locally at the fracture site, with significantly lower expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 but higher IL-10 expression during the early stage of healing. LMHFV was effective in accelerating the delayed fracture healing in OVX bones by partly restoring the impaired innate immune response at the fracture site, accompanied by promoted progression of macrophage polarisation from M1 (pro-inflammatory) to M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype. In conclusion, vibration treatment could positively modulate the impaired innate immune response and promote macrophage polarisation in osteoporotic-fracture healing.

[Study on the related factors of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions in rural residents aged 40-69 years in Shandong Province]

Objective: To analyze the related factors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions among residents aged 40-69 years old in rural areas of Shandong Province. Methods: In October 2018, 300 villages in 13 counties of the Shandong upper gastrointestinal cancerearly diagnosis and treatment projectin 2017 were selected as research areas, and 30 400 residents aged 40-69 were recruited in this study. The demographic characteristics, health status and lifestyle information were collected through the questionnaire survey, and endoscope iodine staining and indicative biopsy methods were used for cancer screening among eligible people.The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions. Results: The subjects in this study were (56.42±7.24) years old, including 13 193 males (43.40%).There were 936 cases of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions (3.08%), including 521 males and 415 females.Compared with women, 40-49 years old, high level education, drinking tap water, regular intake of meat, eggs and milk, and family average annual income more than 30 000 RMB, men (OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.65-2.19), 60-69 years old (OR=5.28, 95%CI: 4.11-7.30), primary school education or below (OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.20-1.89), drinking groundwater (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.38-2.13), never eating meat, eggs and milk (OR=1.48, 95%CI: 1.22-1.80), and family average annual income less than 30 000 RMB (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.16-1.70) would increase the risk of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions. Conclusion: The gender, age, educational level, annual household income, drinking water source, the frequency of eating meat, egg and milk were related to the occurrence of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions among 40-69 years old residents in rural areas of Shandong Province.

Low-expression of lncRNA FER1L4 might be a prognostic marker in osteosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential role of Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FER1L4 in the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of osteosarcoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

LncRNA FER1L4 expression in osteosarcoma samples was detected by real-time PCR. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relationship between lncRNA FER1L4 expression and the survival time of patients.

RESULTS

LncRNA FER1L4 expression was decreased in osteosarcoma samples. LncRNA FER1L4 was not related to the gender and age of patients, but was significantly associated with disease stage, metastasis, and tumor differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-expression of lncRNA FER1L4 might be a prognostic marker in osteosarcoma.

MiR-204 promotes fracture healing via enhancing cell viability of osteoblasts

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and related mechanisms of miR-204 on fracture healing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 was used in our experiment. Three groups were established to investigate the potential function between miR-204 and osteoblastic cells: miR-NC group (negative control), miR-204 mimics group (MC3T3-E1 cells transfected with miR-204 mimics) and miR-204 mimics + inhibitor group (MC3T3-E1 cells transfected with miR-204 mimics and inhibitor). After incubation, cell viability, activity of caspase-3, and migration ability of MC3T3-E1 cells, were measured. Further, the expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and Osterix (OSX) were detected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with miR-NC group, the cell viability and migration ability of MC3T3-E1 cells were enhanced while the activity of caspase-3 was respectively mitigated. Besides, the expression level of RUNX2 and OSX was increased by treatment of miR-204 mimics. However, these variations of the indicators were reversed by the intervention using miR-204 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed the promotion effect of miR-204 on fracture healing, indicating that miR-204 could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of a fracture.

Fabricating fiber probes for optical tweezers by an improved tube etching method

An improved tube etching method to fabricate high-quality fiber probes for optical tweezers by reserving a certain length of bare fiber to form a T-type composite structure was proposed and implemented. This method can overcome the impact of fiber types on the quality of probes in the conventional tube etching effectively. Based on the influence of gravity and diffusion on the motion of reactants, the analysis of formation mechanism was proposed for this method. This procedure retained the advantage of smooth surface in traditional tube etching but shortened the etching time. Our results also demonstrated that light transmittance of the probe fabricated by this method was improved by 6.8 times, resulting in a greater force in cells trapping. This work provided a way of designing and fabricating optical fiber tweezers with a high trapping efficiency.

[Clinical characteristics of 46 pediatric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and treatment outcome]

Objective: To summarize the clinical data of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in children and to evaluate the efficacy of Beijing Children's Hospital B cell lymphoma protocol in the treatment of pediatric DLBCL. Methods: The data (clinical, pathology, lab and image data) of 46 pediatric DLBCL admitted to the treatment group of Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2005 to June 2017 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. According to the risk factors of staging, existence of poor prognosis genes and giant tumors, stratified treatment was carried out according to the international standard modified LMB89 regimen with high dose and short course. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the event free survival (EFS) and the overall survival (OS). Results: (1) Among the 46 cases, there were 33 males and 13 females. The median age was 8.0 years. The time from the initial symptom onset to the diagnosis was more than 15 days in 45 children. Fourteen cases had B group symptoms (fever, night sweat, and weight lost), 25 cases had extranodal disease, 39 cases were stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ, 12 cases had bone marrow involvement, 3 cases had jawbone involvement. Thirty cases were group B and 16 cases were group C in the treatment group. (2) Initial symptoms: 6 cases had cervical mass, 20 cases had abdominal mass, 10 had abdominal pain with acute abdomen, 8 cases had fever, 2 cases had snore or upper respiratory tract obstruction. (3) Pathology result: 40 cases were germinal center B cell DLBCL, 6 cases were non germinal center B cell DLBCL, no case had the MYC gene rupture, double hit lymphoma and triple hit lymphoma. (4) Complication and evaluation: the tumor lysis syndrome was seen in 3 cases initially, severe infection and delayed treatment was seen in 1 case, no treatment related death. The first evaluation showed all cases were sensitive to chemotherapy (shrink>25%), the second evaluation showed 1 case had residual disease, the others were complete remission. (5) Treatment and outcome: the 5 year-EFS was the same with 5 year-OS, both were (97.8±2.2) %. Two cases relapsed after treatment off, early relapse was seen in 1 case, and died because of abandoning treatment. Late relapse was seen in 1 case and got a complete remission after Rituximab+group C protocol treatment. Conclusions: Pediatric DLBCL was common in school aged boys, most cases were at middle and late stage at the time of diagnosis. DLBCL had a good prognosis after the treatment with Beijing Children's Hospital's B cell lymphoma protocol, but late relapse could be seen.

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: MR Black-Blood Thrombus Imaging with Enhanced Blood Signal Suppression

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The residual blood flow artifact is a critical confounder for MR black-blood thrombus imaging of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. This study aimed to conduct a validation of a new MR black-blood thrombus imaging technique with enhanced blood signal suppression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six participants (13 volunteers and 13 patients) underwent conventional imaging methods followed by 2 randomized black-blood thrombus imaging scans, with a preoptimized delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation (DANTE) preparation switched on and off, respectively. The signal intensity of residual blood, thrombus, brain parenchyma, normal lumen, and noise on black-blood thrombus images were measured. The thrombus volume, SNR of residual blood, and contrast-to-noise ratio for residual blood versus normal lumen, thrombus versus residual blood, and brain parenchyma versus normal lumen were compared between the 2 black-blood thrombus imaging techniques. Segmental diagnosis of venous sinus thrombosis was evaluated for each black-blood thrombus imaging technique using a combination of conventional imaging techniques as a reference.

RESULTS

In the volunteer group, the SNR of residual blood (11.3 ± 2.9 versus 54.0 ± 23.4, P < .001) and residual blood-to-normal lumen contrast-to-noise ratio (7.5 ± 3.4 versus 49.2 ± 23.3, P < .001) were significantly reduced using the DANTE preparation. In the patient group, the SNR of residual blood (16.4 ± 8.0 versus 75.0 ± 35.1, P = .002) and residual blood-to-normal lumen contrast-to-noise ratio (12.4 ± 7.8 versus 68.8 ± 35.4, P = .002) were also significantly lower on DANTE-prepared black-blood thrombus imaging. The new black-blood thrombus imaging technique provided higher thrombus-to-residual blood contrast-to-noise ratio, significantly lower thrombus volume, and substantially improved diagnostic specificity and agreement with conventional imaging methods.

CONCLUSIONS

DANTE-prepared black-blood thrombus imaging is a reliable MR imaging technique for diagnosing cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Greatly enhanced performance of AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes by introducing a polarization modulated electron blocking layer

Carrier transport in AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet (DUV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) with the wavelength of 273 nm has been investigated by introducing polarization modulated electron blocking layer (EBL) that adopts an Al composition and thickness graded multiple quantum barriers (MQB) structure. The experimental result shows that the maximum light output power and external quantum efficiency for the proposed structure at the current of 250 mA are 9.6 mW and 1.03% respectively, severally increasing by 405% and 249% compared to traditional one, meanwhile, the efficiency droop at 250 mA is also dramatically reduced from 42.2% to 16.6%. Further simulation analysis indicates that this graded MQB-EBL enhances the potential barrier height for electrons and meanwhile reduces that for holes, hence effectively suppresses the electron leakage, and at the same time significantly improves the hole injection efficiency. As a result, the whole performance of the LED with the proposed MQB-EBL is dramatically improved.