LGE-cMRI assessment of volume controlled reperfusion method in primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction

Objectives

We create a procedure based on postconditioning and gradual reperfusion, “Volume Controlled Reperfusion Revascularization” method (VCR)in primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of this experimental study is to assess feasibility and effect of VCR and if this method will attenuate reperfusion injury in microvascular obstruction.

Methods

VCR method, Basically, contemporaneous forward blood flow balloon inflation blocking at the occlusion site and prolonged distal reperfusion via aspiration catheter. Active NC balloon inflation at occlusion site, while keeping NC balloon inflation, aspiration catheter was positioned 10–15mm advanced of NC balloon, intra-aspiration catheter infusion of mixture solution (artery blood 10ml+ heparin NS 10ml), 20ml/min for 10mins, adjust volume and speed according to blood pressure and heart rate variation. Stent or DCB as usual. After several successful operation on RCA, 10 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)with angiography confirmed proximal complete occlusion on dominant blood vessel were non-randomly enrolled (symptom to angiography <12h). 5 cases in VCR group with volume-controlled reperfusion revascularization method, 5 cases in control group with conventional PCI method. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) has been calculated by late gadolinium-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-cMRI). Base line information, angiographic features before and after procedure, in-hospital status and MVO were compared.

Results

Successful PCI procedure, safe in-hospital treatment and LGE-cMRI assessment for MVO. Group difference were found in age group and PCI to MRI interval (53.8±7.6 vs 70.2±4.44, P=0.0031; 7.4±2.3 vs 10.4±1.67, P=0.046) between VCR and control group, respectively. There was no statistic difference in other base line information, peak myocardial enzyme, and BNP. MVO and MVO mass ratio was significantly lower in VCR group (0.78±0.96 vs 2.80±1.37, P=0.0317; 0.00585±0.00080 vs 0.02493±0.01501, P=0.0372). TIMI III blood flow found in VCR group. Re-myocardial infraction nor target vessel revascularization was documented in-hospital or 30-days follow up.

Conclusion

Among the selected small sample cases, volume-controlled reperfusion method procedure was clinical safe and feasible without additional side effect. TIMI III blood flow and less MVO were documented.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. LGE-cMRI results in VCR and controlCase illustration of VCR procedure

Circulating proteomic biomarkers related to the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Background

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), known as a complication of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), can be attributed to both persistent organized thrombi and small-vessel disease. It has been reported that patients with acute PE are more likely to develop CTEPH or have a worse prognosis in follow-up if they have pulmonary hypertension (PH) or right ventricular dysfunction in their acute phase; in acute PE, increased pulmonary arterial pressure can be induced by a combination of mechanical obstruction and pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, it remains unknown whether contributors to the increase pulmonary arterial pressure in acute phase would persistently influence the pulmonary vasculature, which could further lead to the development and progression of CTEPH.

Purpose

To investigate underlying contributors related to pulmonary hypertension in acute PE that would persistently influence the pulmonary vasculature in the development of CTEPH, and to explore potential biomarkers predictive of CTEPH in acute PE.

Methods

Plasma from patients with acute PE were collected and classified into Group 1 (with PH) and Group 2 (without PH) according to the presence of PH, which was defined by echocardiographic estimated “high probability” of PH as recommended in the 2015 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PH. In addition, plasma from patients with acute PE who had not developed PH both in their acute and follow-up phase but had persistent thrombi (Group 3) were also studied and compared to that of CTEPH patients (Group 4). Differential expression proteins (DEPs) between 4 groups were identified in terms of data-independent acquisition-based quantitative proteomic analysis.

Results

Twenty-two DEPs were identified between Group1 and Group 2, and 105 DEPs were identified between Group 3 and Group 4. Among two groups of DEPs, 8 proteins were in common: antithrombin-III, osteopontin, properdin, desmoplakin, C1QA (complement C1q subcomponent subunit A), LDHA (L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain), IGKV1D-33 (immunoglobulin kappa variable 1D-33) and PEPD (Xaa-Pro dipeptidase). The level of LDHA, antithrombin-III, osteopontin and properdin were decreased both in acute PE patients with PH and CTEPH patients, while the level of desmoplakin, C1QA and IGKV1D-33 were increased in the above two groups. Regarding PEPD, its level was lower in acute patients with PH but was higher in CTEPH. Based on underlying pathogenic mechanism and the percentage of missing value, osteopontin, properdin, desmoplakin, C1QA, LDHA and PEPD were further validated as potential biomarkers predictive of CTEPH in acute PE.

Conclusions

Contributors to the increase pulmonary arterial pressure in acute PE can be further involved in the development of CTEPH, and these proteins can be potential biomarkers to help guide the management and follow-up strategy in acute PE.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS; No. 2017-12M-1-009); National Key Research and Development Program of China (No: 2016YFC1304400) Differential expression proteinsRelative intensity of proteins

Cell-free DNA from bile outperformed plasma as a potential alternative to tissue biopsy in biliary tract cancer

BACKGROUND

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare and highly heterogenous malignant neoplasms. Because obtaining BTC tissues is challenging, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential roles of bile as a liquid biopsy medium in patients with BTC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with suspected BTC were prospectively enrolled in this study. Capture-based targeted sequencing was performed on tumor tissues, whole blood cells, plasma, and bile samples using a large panel consisting of 520 cancer-related genes.

RESULTS

Of the 28 patients enrolled in this cohort, tumor tissues were available in eight patients, and plasma and bile were available in 28 patients. Somatic mutations were detected in 100% (8/8), 71.4% (20/28), and 53.6% (15/28) of samples comprising tumor tissue DNA, bile cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and plasma cfDNA, respectively. Bile cfDNA showed a significantly higher maximum allele frequency than plasma cfDNA (P = 0.0032). There were 56.2% of somatic single-nucleotide variant (SNVs)/insertions and deletions (indels) shared between bile and plasma cfDNA. When considering the genetic profiles of tumor tissues as the gold standard, the by-variant sensitivity and positive predictive value for SNVs/indels in bile cfDNA positive for somatic mutations were both 95.5%. The overall concordance for SNVs/indels in bile was significantly higher than that in plasma (99.1% versus 78.3%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the sensitivity of CA 19-9 combined with bile cfDNA achieved 96.4% in BTC diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that bile cfDNA was superior to plasma cfDNA in the detection of tumor-related genomic alterations. Bile cfDNA as a minimally invasive liquid biopsy medium might be a supplemental approach to confirm BTC diagnosis.

Branching Fraction Measurements of the Rare B_{s}^{0}→ϕμ^{+}μ^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→f_{2}^{'}(1525)μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

The branching fraction of the rare B_{s}^{0}→ϕμ^{+}μ^{-} decay is measured using data collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1, 2, and 6  fb^{-1}, respectively. The branching fraction is reported in intervals of q^{2}, the square of the dimuon invariant mass. In the q^{2} region between 1.1 and 6.0  GeV^{2}/c^{4}, the measurement is found to lie 3.6 standard deviations below a standard model prediction based on a combination of light cone sum rule and lattice QCD calculations. In addition, the first observation of the rare B_{s}^{0}→f_{2}^{'}(1525)μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is reported with a statistical significance of 9 standard deviations and its branching fraction is determined.

[Clinical features and perinatal outcomes of 48 cases of pregnancy complicated with placental cystic lesions]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy with placental cystic lesions. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 48 pregnant women diagnosed as pregnancy complicated with placental cystic lesions from January 2000 to January 2020 at the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The clinical features, pathological diagnosis and perinatal outcome were analyzed. Results: The age of 48 cases was (30±5) years, and the diagnostic gestational week of ultrasound was (24±8) weeks. Twenty-five cases in which showed a cystic mass at the fetal surface were diagnosed as placental cyst. The live birth rate was 100% (25/25) and the premature birth rate was 20% (5/25). Twenty-three cases showed "honeycomb like" cystic echo. Cystic lesions of 10 cases were located in the uterine cavity connected with the margin of the normal placenta, and finally diagnosed as hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus (HMCF). Six cases of HMCF terminated pregnancy, and the live birth rate was 4/10, the premature delivery rate was 2/4. Cystic lesions of 13 cases were located in the placenta substance, and finally diagnosed as 4 cases of placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) and 9 cases of focal chorionic edema; the live birth rate was 6/13 and the premature delivery rate was 4/6. The median hCG was lower in focal chorionic edema group [80 kU/L (60-110 kU/L)] than in the groups of HMCF [240 kU/L (180-430 kU/L)] and PMD [360 kU/L (210-700 kU/L)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Conclusions: For pregnancy complicated with placental cystic lesions, prenatal ultrasound should be performed to evaluate the shape, location and blood flow of the lesions. Maternal serological examination and invasive prenatal diagnosis are helpful for prenatal diagnosis and treatment. Due to the difference of perinatal outcomes, maternal and fetal complications, individualized pregnancy management should be carried out.

[Expert consensus on graded management of antineoplastic drugs]

The standardized diagnosis and treatment of tumor and the rational use of antineoplastic drugs are not only the central issue of the government and society, but also the difficulty of medical quality control. In order to implement "the Administrative Measures for the Clinical Application of Antineoplastic Drugs (Trial)" issued by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, on the basis of extensive investigation and through Delphi method and several rounds of expert discussion, an expert consensus on the guiding road map and management points of drug classification was formed. Suggestions are provided to guide other medical institutions to do the related work in the graded management of antineoplastic drugs.

Revascularisation versus apexification for treatment of immature teeth based on periapical healing and root development: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Immature necrotic teeth are frequent findings in adolescents that may lead to thin root walls and open apexes. The absence of an apical stop becomes a challenge for endodontic treatment because it is difficult or impossible to seal the immature root canal with conventional endodontic techniques. Revascularisation therapy (RET) may be more suitable for the treatment of immature necrotic teeth. However, clinicians are still more inclined to choose apexification (AP) when considering the predictability of treatment results.

METHODS

The literature was searched via PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, Web of Science data from June, 2001 to September, 2020 and randomised clinical trials were selected that compared RET with AP for the treatment of immature necrotic teeth assessing clinical and radiographic results.

RESULTS

A total of 556 articles were retrieved, though only five studies were included. There were no differences in the periapical healing rate, overall effective rate/invalid rate, or apical closure rate between RET and AP. The root length was significantly increased in the RET group compared with the AP group quantitatively (pooled difference in means=1.28, 95% CI: [1.08, 1.48], Z=12.69, P<0.00001) and qualitatively (pooled RR=4.12, 95% CI: [2.44, 6.97]), Z=5.28, P<0.00001). The effective rate of root thickness was significantly increased in the RET group compared with the AP group (pooled RR=22.63, 95% CI: [6.08, 84.26]), Z=4.65, P<0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both RET and AP were effective options regarding the healing of periapical periodontitis or the closure of open apices. Pulp revascularisation is more effective for root elongation and thickening without higher risk of overall invalid treatment.

Observation of the Mass Difference between Neutral Charm-Meson Eigenstates

A measurement of mixing and CP violation in neutral charm mesons is performed using data reconstructed in proton-proton collisions collected by the LHCb experiment from 2016 to 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}. A total of 30.6 million D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decays are analyzed using a method optimized for the measurement of the mass difference between neutral charm-meson eigenstates. Allowing for CP violation in mixing and in the interference between mixing and decay, the mass and decay-width differences are measured to be x_{CP}=[3.97±0.46(stat)±0.29(syst)]×10^{-3} and y_{CP}=[4.59±1.20(stat)±0.85(syst)]×10^{-3}, respectively. The CP-violating parameters are measured as Δx=[-0.27±0.18(stat)±0.01(syst)]×10^{-3} and Δy=[0.20±0.36(stat)±0.13(syst)]×10^{-3}. This is the first observation of a nonzero mass difference in the D^{0} meson system, with a significance exceeding seven standard deviations. The data are consistent with CP symmetry and improve existing constraints on the associated parameters.

Large ultrafast-modulated Voigt effect in noncollinear antiferromagnet Mn3Sn

The time-resolved magneto-optical (MO) Voigt effect can be utilized to study the Néel order dynamics in antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials, but it has been limited for collinear AFM spin configuration. Here, we have demonstrated that in Mn₃Sn with an inverse triangular spin structure, the quench of AFM order by ultrafast laser pulses can result in a large Voigt effect modulation. The modulated Voigt angle is significantly larger than the polarization rotation due to the crystal-structure related linear dichroism effect and the modulated MO Kerr angle arising from the ferroic ordering of cluster magnetic octupole. The AFM order quench time shows negligible change with increasing temperature approaching the Néel temperature (T_N), in markedly contrast with the pronounced slowing-down demagnetization typically observed in conventional magnetic materials. This atypical behavior can be explained by the influence of weakened Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction rather than the smaller exchange splitting on the diminished AFM order near T_N. The temperature-insensitive ultrafast spin manipulation can pave the way for high-speed spintronic devices either working at a wide range of temperature or demanding spin switching near T_N.

Mn3Sn is an anti-ferromagnetic material which displays a large magneto-optical Kerr effect, despite lacking a ferromagnetic moment. Here, the authors show that likewise, Mn3Sn, also presents a particularly large magneto-optical Voigt signal, with a negligible change in the quench time over a wide temperature range.

[Establishment and validation of a new predictive equation with multiple risk factors for the development of cardiorenal syndrome type 1 in patients with acute myocardial infarction]

Objective: To investigate the independent risk factors of cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS1) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to build a predictive equation for the development of CRS1 in these patients. Method: Consecutive inpatients with AMI, who hospitalized from January 2017 to December 2018 in the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, were enrolled in this case-control study. Patients were divided into CRS1 group and non-CRS1 group according to the presence or absence of CRS1.The clinical data were collected through the electronic medical record system of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital. The matching process was conducted with a minimum-distance scoring method and a 1∶1 match between the CRS1 group and the no-CRS1 group, the propensity score was calculated through the logistic regression model. Factors with statistically significant differences in univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors of AMI patients with CRS1, then the independent risk factors were used to establish a predicting equation for CRS1 by logistic regression function for model building. Area under the curve (AUC) value and the best cut-off value of the combined predictors was determined according to the ROC curve. Python 3.8 software was used to perform 10-fold cross-validation on modeling samples. Results: A total of 942 patients were included, there were 113 cases in CRS1 group and 829 cases in non-CRS1 group. Ultimately, 99 CRS1 patients were successfully matched to 99 non-CRS1 patient using 1∶1 matching. After propensity score matching, the baseline age and sex along with heart rate, mean arterial pressure, percentage of people with a history of diabetes, hypertension, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia time, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers use, and β receptor blocker use were similar between the two groups(all P>0.05). The contrast agent dosage was also similar between the two groups (P=0.266). The peak cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), white blood cell count, base estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin and hemoglobin levels were statistically significant between the two groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that decreased baseline eGFR, increased NT-proBNP, peak cTnI concentrations and white blood cell count were independent risk factors of CRS1 in AMI patients (all P<0.01).The predicting equation of the combined predictor was established by transforming the logistic model equation, L=0.031×cTnI+0.000 2×NT-proBNP-0.024×eGFR+0.254×white blood cell count, where L represented the combined predictor. ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC of the peak cTnI, NT-proBNP, baseline eGFR, white blood cell count, and combined predictor were 0.76, 0.85, 0.79, 0.81, and 0.92 respectively (all P<0.05), and the cutoff value of combined predictor was 2.6. The AUC of ROC curve after the model's ten-fold cross validation was 0.89. Conclusions: Decreased baseline eGFR, increased NT-proBNP, peak cTnI concentrations and white blood cell count are the independent risk factors for CRS1 in AMI patients. The combined predictor equation based on the above 4 biomarkers presents a good predictive value for CRS1 in AMI patients.

Observation of New Resonances Decaying to J/ψK^{+} and J/ψϕ

The first observation of exotic states with a new quark content cc[over ¯]us[over ¯] decaying to the J/ψK^{+} final state is reported with high significance from an amplitude analysis of the B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} decay. The analysis is carried out using proton-proton collision data corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The most significant state, Z_{cs}(4000)^{+}, has a mass of 4003±6_{-14}^{+4}  MeV, a width of 131±15±26  MeV, and spin parity J^{P}=1^{+}, where the quoted uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. A new 1^{+}  X(4685) state decaying to the J/ψϕ final state is also observed with high significance. In addition, the four previously reported J/ψϕ states are confirmed and two more exotic states, Z_{cs}(4220)^{+} and X(4630), are observed with significance exceeding 5 standard deviations.

[MicroRNA-424 inhibits autophagy and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting ATG14]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether miR-424 affects cancer cell proliferation and autophagy through ATG14 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

METHODS

We detected miR-424-5p and ATG14 expression levels in surgical specimens of HCC and adjacent tissues and in different HCC cell lines (HepG2, SMMC-7721, Huh-7, MHCC97H, and HCCLM3) and normal human hepatocyte LO2 cells using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. In the cell transfection experiments, we observed the effects of miR-424-5p knockdown in Huh-7 cells and the effects of overexpression miR-424-5p and ATG14 in HCCLM3 cells on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and expression levels of autophagy-related proteins (LC3, Beclin1 and p62). Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the possible interaction between miR-424-5p and ATG14.

RESULTS

In HCC tissues and cells, ATG14 was highly expressed and miR-424-5p expression was downregulated. In HCC cells, overexpression of miR-424-5p obviously suppressed cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis (P < 0.05), while inhibiting miR-424-5p or overexpressing ATG14 significantly promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). Dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-424-5p inhibits HCC cells by targeting ATG14. In addition, inhibition of miR-424-5p and overexpression of ATG14 both enhanced the expressions of LC3-ΙΙ/LC3-Ι and Beclin1 and decreased p62 expression (P < 0.05), but miR-424-5p overexpression reduced the expressions of LC3-ΙΙ/LC3-Ι and Beclin1 and increased p62 expression (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MiR-424 inhibits HCC cell autophagy and proliferation through regulating ATG14.

[Design, screening and antibacterial activity evaluation of the novel antibacterial peptide KR-1]

OBJECTIVE

To design novel antimicrobial peptides with high activity and low toxicity and evaluate their effect against Streptococcus mutans and other oral bacteria for prevention and treatment of dental caries.

OBJECTIVE

We synthesized two antimicrobial peptides (KR-1 and KR-2) using Dhvar4 (a histatins5 mimic) as the template. The antimicrobial peptides with high activity and low toxicity were screened using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, hemolysis test, and CCK-8 assay. Streptococcus mutans biofilms cultured in 96-well plates were divided into experimental group (KR-1) and positive control group (CHX) and treated with concentration gradients (0.6×, 0.8×, 1× and 2× MICs) of KR-1 and CHX, respectively. Crystal violet staining was used for quantitative analysis of the changes of the biofilms after the treatments. The structural changes of the biofilms were observed with laser confocal microscopy after KR-1 treatment at 10 × MIC. The antimicrobial activity of KR-1 against oral Streptococcus was analyzed based on the time required for sterilization after KR-1 treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The MIC of KR-1 and KR-2 for S. mutans was 3.2 μmol/L and 12.8 μmol/L, respectively. Under the effective concentration, KR-1 and KR-2 resulted in hemolysis rates of 0.35% and 48.8% in rabbit red blood cells and lowered the survival rates of gingival fibroblasts to 88.7% and 21.94%, respectively. KR-1 treatment significantly reduced biofilm formation with a minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC₅₀) lower than 1.92 μmol/L, and showed an even stronger antimicrobial than CHX at the concentration of 2.56 μmol/L (P=0.001). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the biofilm structure became loosened after KR-1 treatment, which was capable of killing about 90% of the bacteria within 5 min.

OBJECTIVE

The antimicrobial peptide KR-1 has a stronger antibacterial activity and a low toxicity with a good inhibitory effect against S. mutans biofilm.

[Clinical application and curative effect observation of follicular unit extraction and transplantation in the treatment of cicatricial alopecia]

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of treatment with follicular unit extraction (FUE) and transplantation in treating cicatricial alopecia. Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted. From January 2012 to January 2018, 56 patients (36 males and 20 females, aged (25±9) years, 1% to 30% alopecia area of the whole scalp area) who met the inclusion criteria visited the outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University. They were treated with FUE transplantation. The procedure of treatment was performed through the preoperative planning, follicular extraction, follicular preparation, punching recipient site and hair transplantation. The survival rate of hair and density of survived hair were calculated, hair growth and complication were observed. The evaluation was conducted through questionnaire survey by 4 levels: very satisfied, satisfied, not satisfied, and not at all satisfied with effects. Results: After a follow-up of 9 to 24 months, the survival rate of hair in 56 patients was (70±9)%, and the density of survived hair was (35±8) roots/cm². In the evaluation of the curative effect after the first stage surgery, 34 cases (60.7%) were very satisfied, 16 cases (28.6%) were satisfied, and 6 cases (10.7%)thought the treatment was effective but not satisfied. Six unsatisfactory patients and 16 satisfactory patients underwent the second-stage transplantation, with 19 (86.4%) of them being very satisfied and 3 cases (13.6%) satisfied after the second-stage operation. None of the patients underwent the third-stage surgery. The transplanted hairs grew naturally, and there were no serious complications in all cases. Conclusions: FUE transplantation can effectively treat and improve cicatricial alopecia with less trauma, fewer complication, no scar in the donor site and rapid post-operative recovery, so it is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Controversy on the age of initiation in colorectal cancer screening]

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health issue all over the world. Screening has been shown effective in improving the survival rate and decreasing the deaths of colorectal cancer. Several organizations have released guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. However, detailed recommendations like the age to begin remain controversial. This paper summarizes the recommended different age groups in initiating the colorectal cancer screening program from a few guidelines and analyzes the reasons for the inconsistency, thus facilitating the drafting of colorectal cancer screening guidelines in China.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the inhibition of reproduction in rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, after silencing the gene of MagR (IscA1)

MagR (IscA1) is a member of the iron-sulphur cluster assembly proteins, which plays vital roles in many physiological processes, such as energy metabolism, electron transfer, iron homeostasis, heme biosynthesis and physiologically magnetic response. Its deletion leads to the loss of mitochondrial DNA, inactivation of iron-sulphur proteins and abnormal embryonic development in organisms. However, the physiological roles of MagR in insects are unclear. This study characterized the effects and molecular regulatory mechanism of MagR gene silencing on the reproduction of brachypterous female adults of Nilaparvata lugens. After silencing the MagR gene using RNAi approach, the duration of reproductive period was shortened and the fecundity and hatchability reduced significantly. A total of 479 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for female adults after 2 days of dsRNA injection through RNA-sequencing technology, including 352 significantly upregulated DEGs and 127 significantly downregulated DEGs, among which 44 DEGs were considered the key genes involved in the effects of NlMagR silencing on the reproduction, revealing the regulatory mechanism of MagR at RNA transcription level and providing a new strategy for the control of N. lugens.

[Role of interleukin-6 in human umbilical vein endothelial cell to mesenchymal cell transformation]

Objective: To observe the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the phenotype and function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the role of IL-6 in the process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Methods: The experimental research method was used. Fresh umbilical cord discarded after normal maternal delivery was collected. On the second day of the primary cell isolation and cultivation, the cell morphology was observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. HUVECs of the 4th passage were identified by immunofluorescence method, and 2 batches of HUVECs ofthe 3rd to 5th passages were used for the subsequent experiments. The first batch of cells were divided into 6 groups according to the random number table (the same below): blank control group, 5 ng/mL IL-6 group, 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, 50 ng/mL IL-6 group, and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group. The second batch of cells were divided into 4 groups: blank control group, 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, 25 ng/mL IL-6 group,and 50 ng/mL IL-6 group; the cells in blank control group was cultured with complete culture medium only, while the cells in the other groups were added with IL-6 of the corresponding final mass concentrations.Cells from the 1st batch were cultured for 72 hours after grouping, the morphology of HUVECS in the 6 groups was observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. At 72 h after grouping culture, the positive expressions of coagulation factor Ⅷ and α vascular smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in HUVECs in the 6 groups were detected by immunofluorescence method, and the ratio of the number of double positive cells to the number of coagulation factor Ⅷ positive cells (the ratio of double positive cells for short) was calculated, with 6 samples per group; mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin and α-SMA of HUVECs in 6 groups were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, with 3 samples per group.Cells from the 2nd batch were cultured 72 hours after grouping, the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin, α-SMA, and type Ⅰ collagen in the 4 groups were detected by Western blotting, with 3 samples per group. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni correction. Results: On the 2nd day after isolation and cultivation, the primary cells were in short spindle shape or polygon, cells of the 4th passage were identified as HUVECs by immunofluorescence method. At 72 hours of culture after grouping, the cells from the 1st batch in the 6 groups changed to long spindle shape morphologically along with the increase of IL-6 concentration, the intercellular connections decreased or disappeared with the gap between cells becoming larger. At 72 h after grouping culture, compared with that inblank control group, the ratio of double positive cells in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, 50 ng/mL IL-6 group, and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly increased (P<0.01); compared with that in 5 ng/mL IL-6 group, the ratio of double positive cells in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, 50 ng/mL IL-6 group, and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly increased (P<0.01); compared with that in 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, the ratio of double positive cells in 50 ng/mL IL-6 group and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly increased (P<0.01); the ratio of double positive cells in 100 ng/mL IL-6 group was significantly increased compared with those in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group and 50 ng/mL IL-6 group (P<0.01). At 72 h after grouping culture, compared with that in blank control group, the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin of cells in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, 50 ng/mL IL-6 group, and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05); compared with that in 5 ng/mL IL-6 group, the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin of cells in 50 ng/mL IL-6 group and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly decreased (P<0.01); compared with that in 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin of cells in 50 ng/mL IL-6 group and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly decreased (P<0.01); compared with that in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial cadherin of cells in 50 ng/mL IL-6 group and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). At 72 h after grouping culture, compared with that in blank control group, the mRNA expression levels of α-SMA of cells in 5 ng/mL IL-6 group, 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, 50 ng/mL IL-6, group, and 100 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Cells from the 2nd batch were cultured for 72 hours after grouping. Compared with 1.391±0.026 in blank control group, the protein expressions of vascular endothelial cadherin of cells in 10 ng/mL IL-6 group (1.185±0.063), in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group (0.717±0.078), and in 50 ng/mL IL-6 group (0.239±0.064) were significantly decreased (P<0.05); compared with that in 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, the protein expressions of vascular endothelial cadherin of cells in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group and 50 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly decreased (P<0.01); compared with that in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, the protein expression of vascular endothelial cadherin of cells in 50 ng/mL IL-6 group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). At 72 h after grouping culture, compared with that in blank control group, the protein expression levels of α-SMA of cells in 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, 25 ng/mL IL-6 group, and 50 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly increased (P<0.01); compared with that in 10 ng/mL IL-6 group, the protein expression levels of α-SMA of cells in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group and 50 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly increased (P<0.01). At 72 h after grouping culture, compared with that in blank control group, the protein expressions of type Ⅰ collagen of cells in 25 ng/mL IL-6 group and 50 ng/mL IL-6 group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions: After IL-6 treatment, the phenotype and function of HUVECS showed the characteristics of mesenchymal cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The inflammatory factor can promote the process of EndMT, and become one of the important factors regulating the mechanism of tissue fibrosis.

[Analysis of low-dose computed tomography compliance and related factors among high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer screening program in urban China]

Objective: To analyze the compliance and related factors of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening among the high-risk population of lung cancer in three provinces participating in the cancer early diagnosis and early treatment program in urban areas of China. Methods: From October 2017 to October 2018, 17 983 people aged between 40 and 74 years old at high risk of lung cancer were recruited from Zhejiang, Anhui and Liaoning provinces. The basic demographic characteristics, living habits, history of the disease and family history of cancer were collected by using a cancer risk assessment questionnaire, and the data of participants examined by LDCT were obtained from the hospitals participating in the program. The screening compliance was quantified by the screening participation rate, and it was calculated as the proportion of participants completing LDCT scan among high-risk population. The related factors of LDCT screening compliance were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: The age of 17 983 participants was (56.52±8.22) years old. Males accounted for 51.9% (N=9 332), and 69.5% (N=12 495) had ever smoked, including former smokers and current smokers. A total of 6 269 participants were screened by LDCT, and the screening participation rate was 34.86%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age group of 50 to 69 years old, female, passive smokers, alcohol consumption, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory diseases were more likely to be screened by LDCT, while the compliance of LDCT screening in current smokers was low. Conclusions: The LDCT screening compliance of the high-risk population of lung cancer in urban areas of China still needs to be improved. Age, sex, smoking, drinking, family history of lung cancer and history of chronic respiratory disease are associated with screening compliance.

IP3R1/GRP75/VDAC1 complex mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress-mitochondrial oxidative stress in diabetic atrial remodeling

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China

Background

Mitochondrial oxidative stress is an important mechanism of atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation (AF) in the setting of diabetes. Currently, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is regarded as the key link from homeostasis to dysfunction, and is a central feature of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes have not been fully elucidated.

Objective

To explore the potential role of ER stress-mitochondrial oxidative stress in atrial remodeling and AF induction in diabetes.

Methods

 Mouse atrial cardiomyocytes (HL-1 cells) , type 2 diabetic rats and GRP75 conditional knockout mice were used as models systems. These findings were correlated with biomarker findings in human diabetic patients with confirmed atrial fibrillation.

Results

 In the diabetic rat atria, significant ER stress was observed. Treatment with tunicamycin (TM), an ER stress agonist, mass spectrometry (MS) demonstrated many known ER stress and calmodulin proteins, including Heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member (Hspa) 5 (GRP78) and Hspa9 (GRP75) and in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) indicated that TM led to increased protein expression of the IP3R1 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors 1)/GRP75 (glucose-regulated protein 75)/VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1) complex in HL-1 cells. Silencing of GRP75 using siRNA in HL-1 cells and GRP75 conditional knockout in our mouse model led to impaired calcium transport from the ER to mitochondria, and alleviated mitochondrial oxidative stress and calcium overload. Moreover, GRP75 deficiency attenuates atrial remodeling and AF progression in Myh6-Cre+/Hspa9flox/flox + TM mice.

Conclusions

 The IP3R1/GRP75/VDAC1 complex mediates endoplasmic reticulum stress-mitochondrial oxidative stress plays an important role in diabetic atrial remodeling. Abstract Figure

AB0831 FREQUENCY OF RENAL CRISIS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: NEW DATA FROM A CHINESE COHORT AND A SYSTEMIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS

Background:

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a rare but life-threatening complication in SSc, which defined as malignant hypertension and progressive renal failure [1]. Previous reports of the prevalence for scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) show variable outcomes.

Objectives:

We aim to find out the prevalence for SRC in Chinese, and conduct a meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of SRC in worldwide and investigate possible factors of variability.

Methods:

We evaluated the prevalence for SRC and compared the clinical characteristics in SSc patients with or without SRC. A systematic review on the prevalence of SRC was carried out in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane. Meta-analysis was performed using available data on the prevalence for SRC.

Results:

302 patients were enrolled in PKUPH-SSc cohort and the prevalence of SRC was 4.97%. In our cohort, SRC was found in 3.60% limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and 7.75% diffused cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients. Twenty-nine studies including a total population of 22686 SSc patients were analyzed in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of SRC was 4.0%, but heterogeneity among the studies was substantial (I2=86.1%, P <0.00001). Meta-regression revealed that subtype of SSc and geographic factors partially explained this heterogeneity. Sub-group analyses demonstrated that the prevalence of SRC in dcSSc and lcSSc were 9.0% and 2.0%. The SRC prevalence in SSc was 3.0% in Asia, 5.0% in Europe, and 3.0% in North America, respectively.

Conclusion:

Data on our new cohort showed the prevalence of SRC was around 5% in China, and meta-analysis confirmed that the prevalence of SRC varies among centers. The marked heterogeneity of SRC prevalence was partially explained by subtype of SSc and geographic origin of patients.

References:

[1]Woodworth TG, Suliman YA, Li W, Furst DE, Clements P (2016) Scleroderma renal crisis and renal involvement in systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Nephrol 12 (11):678-91.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Identification of peroxiredoxin 6 as a potential lung-adenocarcinoma biomarker for predicting chemotherapy response by proteomic analysis

The prognosis of lung cancer remains poor due to the limited biomarker selection for treating patients with optimal chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to discover and identify new biomarkers with the value of predicting chemotherapy responses in a lung adenocarcinoma (AD) specimen. In this study, six pairs of pre-treatment fresh primary lung AD-cancer tumors with varied chemotherapy responses were used to discover new biomarkers by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE). Among the matched protein spots, 19 were up-regulated and 18 were down-regulated in chemo-sensitive tumors versus chemo-resistant tissues. These differentially expressed proteins could be divided into five classes: redox regulation protein, the cytoskeletal protein, cell metabolism enzymes or proteins, apoptosis, signal transduction mediated molecules, and other functional proteins. Proteins of interest, including PRDX2, PRDX6, and Gelsolin, were differentially expressed in chemo-sensitive tumors versus chemo-resistant tissues and these observations were validated by immunohistochemistry in 92 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. Our results demonstrated that PRDX6 protein expression was closely related to tumor response (cc2 = 5.57, P < 0.05), whereas no relationship of PRDX2 and Gelsolin were obtained with tumor response (cc2 = 0.51 P > 0.05, cc2 = 0.41 P > 0.05). This tissue proteomics study provides evidence that PRDX6 may be regarded as a predictive biomarker for poor chemotherapy response, which can be helpful in guiding pretreatment protocols.

Oral paclitaxel with encequidar compared to intravenous paclitaxel in patients with advanced cancer: A randomised crossover pharmacokinetic study

AIMS

Paclitaxel is a widely used anti-neoplastic agent but has low oral bioavailability due to gut extrusion by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Oral paclitaxel could be more convenient, less resource intensive, and more tolerable than intravenous administration. Encequidar (HM30181A) is a novel, minimally absorbed gut-specific P-gp inhibitor. We tested whether administration of oral paclitaxel with encequidar (oPac+E) achieved comparable AUC to intravenous paclitaxel (IVP) 80 mg/m² .

METHODS

We conducted a multi-centre randomised crossover study with two treatment periods. Patients (pts) with advanced cancer received either oral paclitaxel 615 mg/m² divided over 3 days and encequidar 15 mg orally 1 hour prior, followed by IVP 80 mg/m² , or the reverse sequence. PK blood samples were taken up to Day 9 for oPac+E and Day 5 for IVP.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were enrolled; 35 completed both treatment periods. AUC_0-∞ was 5033.5 ± 1401.1 ng.h/mL for oPac+E and 5595.9 ± 1264.1 ng.h/mL with IVP. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) for AUC was 89.50% (90% CI 83.89-95.50). Mean absolute bioavailability of oPac+E was 12% (CV% = 23%). PK parameters did not change meaningfully after 4 weeks administration of oPac+E in an extension study. G3 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in seven (18%) pts with oPac+E and two (5%) with IVP. Seventy-five per cent of patients preferred oPac+E over IVP.

CONCLUSIONS

GMR for AUC was within the predefined acceptable range of 80-125% for demonstrating equivalence. oPac+E is tolerable and there is no evidence of P-gp induction with repeat administration. With further study, oPac+E could be an alternative to IVP.

[China guideline for the screening and early detection of female breast cancer(2021, Beijing)]

Breast cancer is the commonest malignant tumor among Chinese females, ranking first in terms of incidence of female cancers. Commissioned by the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, the National Cancer Center formulated the Guideline for Screening and Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Female Breast Cancer in China according to WHO Handbook for Guideline Development. The methods on Cochrane China were referred to for the formulation of the system evaluation procedures. The GRADE methods for assessment, formulation and evaluation were adopted for the classification of evidence quality and recommendation strength, and the items were reported according to Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare. Based on the results of evaluation, the guideline gives evidence-based recommendations for the appropriate population and technical procedures for breast cancer screening and early diagnosis and treatment after comprehensive consideration of China's national conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of the evidence, the quality of the evidence, the economic cost of screening, the feedback of multidisciplinary clinical research respondents, and in-person expert consensus. It is aimed at regulating the practices of female breast cancer screening and early diagnosis and treatment and enhancing the effectiveness of the prevention and control of female breast cancer in China.

Angular Analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

We present an angular analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}(→K_{S}^{0}π^{+})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay using 9  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the full set of CP-averaged angular observables is measured in intervals of the dimuon invariant mass squared. Local deviations from standard model predictions are observed, similar to those in previous LHCb analyses of the isospin-partner B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay. The global tension is dependent on which effective couplings are considered and on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

MiR-129-2 weakens proliferation and promotes apoptosis of liver cancer cells by suppressing the Wnt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of micro ribonucleic acid-129-2 (miR-129-2) on proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells and its possible mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of miR-129-2 was measured in liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues from patients with liver cancer. Its level in liver cancer HepG2 cells and normal liver cells L-02 was also detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). MiR-192-2 overexpression model was established in the HepG2 cell line. The proliferation and apoptosis levels of cells were determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing assay was performed to detect the migration ability of cells. The expressions level of genes in the Wnt signaling pathway were measured through Western blotting. Xenograft tumor model was conducted in nude mice for exploring the in vivo effects of miR-129-2 on liver cancer growth.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-129-2 was significantly lower in liver cancer tissues than that in adjacent tissues (p<0.01), and it was overtly lower in HepG2 cells than that in L-02 cells (p<0.01). Overexpression of miR-129-2 weakened proliferation and migration abilities of liver cancer cells (p<0.01), and evidently increased apoptosis level (p<0.01). Sex-determining region Y-related HMG-box 4 (Sox4) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were downregulated, while phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK3β) was upregulated in liver cancer cells overexpressing miR-129-2. Besides, the weight and volume of tumors in nude mice bearing liver cancer were significantly smaller after overexpression of miR-129-2.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-129-2 weakens proliferation and migration and stimulates apoptosis in liver cancer cells mainly by downregulating Sox4 and inactivating the Wnt signaling pathway.

Observation of a New Excited D_{s}^{+} Meson in B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} Decays

Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, the B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} decay is studied. A new excited D_{s}^{+} meson is observed decaying into the D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} final state with large statistical significance. The pole mass and width, and the spin parity of the new state are measured with an amplitude analysis to be m_{R}=2591±6±7  MeV, Γ_{R}=89±16±12  MeV, and J^{P}=0^{-}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Fit fractions for all components in the amplitude analysis are also reported. The new resonance, denoted as D_{s0}(2590)^{+}, is a strong candidate to be the D_{s}(2^{1}S_{0})^{+} state, the radial excitation of the pseudoscalar ground-state D_{s}^{+} meson.

[Bladder cancer incidence, mortality and temporal trends in China]

Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of bladder cancer in 2015 and temporal trends in China. Methods: From 501 cancer registries in China, we collected data of cancer new cases, deaths and populations in 2015. After qualified, sex-specific, area-specific, age-specific and overall incidence/mortality rates (including age-standardized rates by Chinese standard population and by world standard population) and estimated cases of bladder cancer were calculated. Annual Percent Change (APC)/Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) fitted from Log-line model was applied to evaluate the temporal trends of bladder cancer incidence/mortality rates from 1998 to 2015. Results: Bladder cancer is the 13(th) most common cancer in China. The crude, age-standardized by China standard population and by world standard population rates were 5.80/10(5), 3.60/10(5) and 3.57/10(5) for incidence, and 2.37/10(5), 1.31/10(5) and 1.32/10(5) for mortality, respectively. The incidence of bladder cancer ranked 7(th) in male. The incidence and mortality of male were 3.8 and 4.0 times as high as those of female. Bladder cancer incidence in urban area was 1.4 times as high as that in rural area. Incidence in western areas and middle areas of China were similar, which were lower than that in eastern areas. Geographical distribution characteristics of mortality was along with incidence.Both incidence and mortality remained low before 45 and 55 years old, then they increased rapidly and peaked at 80-84 and over 85 years old age group. Temporal trend analysis suggested that bladder cancer incidence in China increased in 1998-2007 (APC=2.58, P<0.001), while decreased from 2007 to 2015 (APC=-3.82, P<0.001). Bladder cancer mortality declined gradually, with APCs for 1998-2003 and 2003-2015 of 3.65% (P=0.002) and 1.42% (P<0.001). Conclusions: Bladder cancer is one of the main cancers in China. Its epidemiological distributions varies among different sex, area and age group. Both incidence and mortality of bladder cancer decline. More efforts on tobacco control should be made, and awareness of early diagnosis and early treatment could be enhanced for the middle-aged and elderly.

[China guideline for the screening and early detection of lung cancer(2021, Beijing)]

In China, the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and motality is lung cancer (LC). As screening and early detection and treatment are effective in reducing LC mortality, formulating a guideline in line with China's national conditions for the screening and early detection and treatment of LC will greatly promote the homogeneity and accuracy of LC screening, and result in an improvement of the effectiveness of LC screening. Commissioned and directed by the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, the guidline was initiated by the National Cancer Center of China and formulated with joint effort by experts from different disciplines. Following the principles and methods in WHO Handbook for Guideline Development, the guidline integrates the latest development in LC screening and early diagnosis and treatment worldwide while fully considering China's national conditions and practical experience in LC screening. It provides detailed evidence-based recommendations for different aspects of LC screening, such as the targeted population, the technologies and the procedures, to regulate the practices of LC screening and early diagnosis and treatment and enhance the effectiveness of the prevention and control of LC in China.

Hsp60 expression and localization in different tissues and testis development of male cattle (cattle-yak and yak)

BACKGROUND

Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) play important roles in protecting testicular development and production of sperms. This study was conducted to investigate Hsp60 gene expression and localization in testicular development to ascertain its influence on infertility and in different tissues of the male cattle-yak and yak. A total of 54 cattle (24 cattle-yak and 30 yak) were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hsp60 mRNA of cattle-yak was cloned first and amino acid variations were found leading to differences at protein spatial structure compare with the yak. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that Hsp60 mRNAs expression were different in cattle-yak and yak.

RESULTS

The results showed disparity in Hsp60 expression among different tissues and in different developmental stages of the testis. High Hsp60 expression was observed in juvenile and adult testicles. Moreover, Hsp60 expression in cattle-yak was significantly higher than yak (p < 0.01). The location of Hsp60 in tissue and testis was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). The results demonstrated that Hsp60 proteins located in epithelial cells, spermatocytes, sperm cells and mesenchymal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hsp60 proteins are expressed in different tissues, and the highest expression level was observed in the testis of the cattle-yak, which suggests that infertility of cattle-yak have some correlation with up-regulation of Hsp60.

[Quality assessment of global colorectal cancer screening guidelines and consensus]

Objective: To systematically evaluate the methodology and reporting quality of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines/consensus and provide lights for drafting CRC screening guidelines in China. Methods: The literature retrieval for all the Chinese and English guidelines published before September 1^st, 2020 was conducted by using Chinese/English databases, such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Guideline International Network, and supplement with the official website of multiple regions, such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society. We utilized The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ) and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) approaches to assess the quality of CRC screening guidelines/consensus comprehensively. Results: After quality control, a total of 19 guidelines/consensus released by the United States, China, Australia, Canada, Britain, South Korea, and International organizations are successfully included, and strikingly, most of those belong to the United State(7). The results of the AGREE Ⅱ quality evaluation show that the average scores of scope and purpose (87.5%) and clarity of presentation (89.6%) are high. In contrast, there are deficient in stakeholder involvement (47.0%), the rigor of development (42.3%), applicability (47.5%), and editorial independence (50.2%). Among all the guidelines, there are 12 with an overall score of 50 or more, 13 with a recommendation level of "A", 2 with a rating of "B" and 4 with a rating of "C". Additionally, the RIGHT evaluation revealed that the average report rate in each field is necessary information (76.3%), background (77.0%), evidence (55.8%), recommendations (59.4%), review and quality assurance (26.3%), funding and declaration and management of interests (43.4%), other information (49.1%). Among all the guidelines, six have good reporting quality, whereas the additional 13 have general or weak evidence. Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicates that the quality of guidelines in developed countries is superior to that of China. Conclusion: The number of CRC screening guidelines/consensus is increasing gradually, and the overall quality of those is high, but the normative nature is warranted to be strengthened.

[Quality assessment of global lung cancer screening guidelines and consensus]

Objective: To understand the research progress and quality of lung cancer screening guidelines and consensus in China and abroad, and to provide reference for the formulation of high-quality lung cancer screening guidelines in China. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, VIP and Wanfang Data were searched, websites and important references were also searched by hand retrieval. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ) and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) were used to assess the quality of newly published or updated guidelines and consensus. Results: A total of 9 guidelines and consensus published between 2015 and 2020 were included in this study, with countries including the United States, China, Canada, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The field of scope and purpose and clarity of presentation scored relatively high but the rigor of development and applicability scored low. Five guidelines were judged to be A-level, all of which were published abroad, and the remaining four were B-level, including three guidelines and consensus issued by China and 1 guideline issued by South Africa. The report rate of RIGHT were higher in basic information and background, lower in review and quality assurance, funding and declaration and management of interests. There were 5 guidelines with a good level and 4 guidelines and consensus with a moderate level. The best overall quality guidelines were those published by the American College of Chest Physicians in 2018 and by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care in 2016. Conclusions: The number of countries and institutions that issue lung cancer screening guidelines and consensus had been increasing gradually, but the quality in China remained low. It is necessary to develop high-quality lung cancer screening guidelines suitable for China's national conditions in combination with evidence-based methods to guide practice.

[Research progress of quality assessment of cancer screening guidelines and consensus]

Cancer screening is one of approaches to reduce cancer mortality. Standardized cancer screening technology guidelines are the main way to improve scientific standardization and internationalization. With the development of development methodology on guideline making, the number of local and international cancer screening guidelines increases, but the quality is still uneven. This article summarizes the progress of the quality of cancer screening guidelines. It promotes the opportunities and challenges of cancer screening guidelines to reference high-quality cancer screening services in the future in China.