MicroRNA-17-92 significantly enhances radioresistance in human mantle cell lymphoma cells

The microRNA-17-92 (miRNA-17-92) cluster, at chromosome 13q31-q32, also known as oncomir-1, consists of seven miRNAs that are transcribed as a polycistronic unit. Over-expression of miRNA-17-92 has been observed in lymphomas and other solid tumors. Whether miRNA-17-92 expression affects the response of tumor cells to radiotherapy is not addressed so far. In the present study, we studied the effects of miRNA-17-92 on the radiosensitivity of human mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells Z138c. Over-expression of miRNA-17-92 significantly increased survival cell number, cell proliferation and decreased cell death of human MCL cells after different doses of radiation. Immunoblot analysis showed that phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) and PHLPP2 was down-modulated and pAkt activity was enhanced in MCL cells after over-expressing miRNA-17-92 after irradiation. These findings are the first direct evidence that over-expression of miRNA-17-92 cluster significantly increases the radioresistance of human MCL cells, which offers a novel target molecule for improving the radiotherapy of MCL in clinic.

The long noncoding RNA CRAL reverses cisplatin resistance via the miR-505/CYLD/AKT axis in human gastric cancer cells

Emerging evidence has suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in the tumorigenesis of multiple types of cancer including gastric cancer (GC). However, the potential biological roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA in response to cisplatin, which may be involved in cisplatin resistance, have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA, cisplatin resistance-associated lncRNA (CRAL), that was downregulated in cisplatin-resistant GC cells, impaired cisplatin-induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis and thus contributed to cisplatin resistance in GC cells. Furthermore, the results indicated that CRAL mainly resided in the cytoplasm and could sponge endogenous miR-505 to upregulate cylindromatosis (CYLD) expression, which further suppressed AKT activation and led to an increase in the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to cisplatin in vitro and in preclinical models. Moreover, a specific small molecule inhibitor of AKT activation, MK2206, effectively reversed the cisplatin resistance in GC caused by CRAL deficiency. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that a novel lncRNA, CRAL, could function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to reverse GC cisplatin resistance via the miR-505/CYLD/AKT axis, which suggests that CRAL could be considered a potential predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer.

CT-guided iodine-125 seed permanent implantation for recurrent head and neck cancers

BACKGROUND

To investigate the feasibility, and safety of 125I seed permanent implantation for recurrent head and neck carcinoma under CT-guidance.

RESULTS

A retrospective study on 14 patients with recurrent head and neck cancers undergone 125I seed implantation with different seed activities. The post-plan showed that the actuarial D90 of 125I seeds ranged from 90 to 218 Gy (median, 157.5 Gy). The follow-up was 3 to 60 months (median, 13 months). The median local control was 18 months (95% CI, 6.1-29.9 months), and the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5- year local controls were 52%, 39%, 39%, and 39%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5- survival rates were 65%, 39%, 39% and 39%, respectively, with a median survival time of 20 months (95% CI, 8.7-31.3 months). Of all patients, 28.6% (4/14) died of local recurrence, 7.1% (1/14) died of metastases, one patient died of hepatocirrhosis, and 8 patients are still alive to the date of data analysis.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided 125I seed implantation is feasible and safe as a salvage or palliative treatment for patients with recurrent head and neck cancers.

Role of IFN-γ, IL-13, and IL-17 on mucociliary differentiation of nasal epithelial cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Mucociliary dysfunction is a prominent pathophysiological feature of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP); however, the precise mechanisms underlying mucociliary dysfunction are still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of IFN-γ, IL-13, and IL-17 on human nasal mucociliary differentiation and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in patients with CRSwNP.

METHODS

Human nasal epithelial cells from tissue of patients with CRSwNP and control subjects were established as air-liquid interface (ALI) primary cultures. Confluent cultures were incubated with10 ng/mL each of IFN-γ, IL-13, or IL-17 for 14 days and assessed for expression of specific morphological markers and factors associated with mucociliary differentiation, the percentage of ciliated and goblet cells, and CBF.

RESULTS

In comparison with control subjects, percentage of ciliated cells and CBF were decreased; while percentage of goblet cells, FOXJ1, and MUC5AC mRNA expression were increased in nasal polyp-derived epithelial cultures. Treatment with IFN-γ and IL-13 significantly decreased the expression of β-tubulin IV (specific cilia marker), ciliated cell number, and expression of FOXJ1 and DNAI2, in epithelial cultures derived from both CRSwNP patients and control subjects. Furthermore, while both IFN-γ and IL-13 treatment significantly decreased the CBF of cells from both CRSwNP patients and control subjects, IL-13 additionally significantly increased goblet cell number and the expression of MUC5AC and CLCA1, in these cultures. IL-17 treatment did not significantly affect ciliated or goblet cell differentiation, CBF, nor MUC5AC and CLCA1 expression, but increased both MUC5B mRNA and protein expression in these cultures.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The demonstration that IFN-γ and IL-13 both significantly reduce ciliated cell differentiation and CBF in CRSwNP patients, and IL-13 additionally induces significant goblet cell hyperplasia and MUC5AC mucin expression, as well as IL-17 significantly increases MUC5B mucin expression, suggests that these inflammatory cytokines may be potential therapeutic targets in the management of CRSwNP.

Kelp-derived N-doped biochar activated peroxymonosulfate for ofloxacin degradation

N-doped carbon materials have been proven to be effective catalysts for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Marine algae biomass is rich in nitrogenous substances , which can reduce the cost of N-doping process and can obtain excellent N-doped catalysts cheaply and easily. In this study, kelp biomass was selected to prepare N-doped kelp biochar (KB) materials. The high defect degree, high specific surface area, and participation of graphite N make KB have excellent catalytic degradation ability. The KB degraded 40 mg/L ofloxacin (OFL) close to 100% within 60 min, applied with PMS. Through quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, the degradation process dominated by non-radical pathways was determined. At the same time, O2·- and 1O2 were closely related, and a significant impact of quenching O2·- on the reaction was observed. The non-radical approach made the system excellent performance over a wide pH range and in the presence of multiple anions. The experiments of reusability confirmed the stability of the material. Its catalytic performance was restored after low-temperature pyrolysis. This research supports the use of endogenous nitrogen in biomass. It provides more options for advanced oxidation process application and marine resource development.

Percutaneous computed tomography/ultrasonography-guided permanent iodine-125 implantation as salvage therapy for recurrent squamous cell cancers of head and neck

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility, efficacy, and morbidity of permanent percutaneous 125I seed implantation under computed tomography (CT)/ultrasonography guidance for recurrent squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients underwent 125I seed implantation under CT or ultrasonography guidance. Postoperative dosimetry was routinely performed for all the patients. The actuarial D90 of the implanted 125I seeds ranged from 90 Gy to 160 Gy (median: 130 Gy). The activity of 125I seed ranged from 0.35 mCi to 0.8 mCi (median: 0.6 mCi). The total number of seeds implanted ranged from 3 to 61 (median: 22). The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 40 months (median: 8 months).

RESULTS

The median local disease-free progression was 12 months (95% CI, 4.8-19.2), and the 1- and 2-year local tumor control rates were 48.7% and 39.9%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 42.5% and 28.3%, respectively (median: 11 months) (95% CI, 8.2-13.8). Of the 25 patients, 6 (24%) died of local recurrence and 5 (20%) died of metastases; 2 patients showed recurrences at 3 and 8 months after seed implantation and subsequently died of pneumonia. One patient died of heart disease. One developed ulceration with tumor progression. Blood vessel damage and neuropathy were not observed.

CONCLUSION

The high local tumor control rates, minimal invasion, and low morbidity suggest that percutaneous 125I seed implantation is a feasible and safe salvage for patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

The Role of Radiotherapy and Surgery in the Management of Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma: A Retrospective Study of 20 Patients

Background

Vertebral hemangioma is usually a benign and asymptomatic tumor of blood vessels, but can be aggressive (symptomatic) with expansion, pain, and spinal cord compression. The aim of this study was to review the effects of radiotherapy, surgery, and other treatment approaches in patients with aggressive vertebral hemangioma.

Material/Methods

Retrospective clinical review included 20 patients who underwent radiotherapy as their first-line treatment for aggressive vertebral hemangioma with mild or slowly developing neurological deficit. External radiation was divided into 20–25 fractions with a total dose of 40–50 Gy. Minimum clinical follow-up after treatment was 20 months.

Results

The 20 patients included eight men and 12 women (mean age, 46.6 years), with aggressive vertebral hemangioma located in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae in four, 14, and two patients, respectively. Following radiotherapy treatment, 65.0% of patients (13/20) were symptom-free, without recurrence or malignant transformation at the time of last clinical follow-up (average, 75.2 months). Due to minor post-radiation vertebral re-ossification, two of the 13 patients who were initially symptom-free after radiotherapy requested percutaneous vertebroplasty. A further seven patients required surgery after radiotherapy, due to increasing neurological deficit in three patients, and persistent neurological deficit in four patients. At the last follow-up (average, 63.6 months), six patients were symptom-free, and one patient still had slight residual symptoms.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy was a safe and effective treatment choice for aggressive vertebral hemangioma, but in case with severe spinal cord compression and neurological deficit, surgical intervention was required.

CT-guidance interstitial (125)Iodine seed brachytherapy as a salvage therapy for recurrent spinal primary tumors

Background

Management of spinal neoplasms has relied on open surgery and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Although primary spinal tumors are rare, their treatment remains a pervasive problem. This analysis sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CT-guided ¹²⁵I seed brachytherapy for recurrent paraspinous and vertebral primary tumors.

Methods

From November 2002 to June 2014, 17 patients who met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed. 14 (82.4%) had previously undergone surgery, 15 (88.2%) had received conventional EBRT and 3 (17.6%) had chosen chemotherapy. The number of ¹²⁵I seeds implanted ranged from 7 to 122 (median 79) with specific activity of 0.5-0.8 mCi (median 0.7 mCi). The post-plan showed that the actuarial D₉₀ of ¹²⁵I seeds were 90–183 Gy (median 137 Gy). The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 69 months (median 19 months). The local control rate was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

For 5 Chondrosarcomas, the 1-, 2-, 3-year local control rates were 75%, 37.5%, and 37.5%, respectively, with a median of 34 months (range, 4–39 months). For 4 chordomas, the local control rate was 50% with a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 3–17 months). For 3 fibromatosis, all of them were survival without local recurrence at the end of follow-up. During the follow-up period, 35.3% (6/17) died from metastases, 17.6% (3/17) developed local recurrence by 8, 14 and 34 months while 64.7% (11/17) remained alive. 100% experienced pain relief and normal or improved ambulation, without more than Frankel grade 3 radiation myelopathy.

Conclusions

Percutaneous ¹²⁵I seed implantation can be an alternative or retreatment for recurrent spinal primary tumors.

Multi-bioinspired and Multistructural Integrated Patterned Nanofibrous Surface for Spontaneous and Efficient Fog Collection

Harvesting water from untapped fog is a potential and sustainable solution to freshwater shortages. However, designing high-efficiency fog collectors is still a critical and challenging task. Herein, learning from the unique microstructures and functionalities of the Namib desert beetle, honeycomb, and pitcher plant, we present a multi-bioinspired patterned fog collector with hydrophilic nanofibrous bumps and a hydrophobic slippery substrate for spontaneous and efficient fog collection. Interestingly, hydrophilic nanofibrous bumps display a honeycomb-like cellular grid structure self-assembled from electrospun nanofibers. Notably, the patterned nanofibrous fog collector exhibits superior water-collecting efficiency of 1111 mg cm^-2 h^-1. The hydrophilic nanofibrous bumps increase the effective fog-collecting area, and the hydrophobic slippery substrate promotes quick transport of collected water in the desired direction reducing the secondary water evaporation, finally achieving rapid directional transport of tiny droplets and high-efficiency water collection. This work opens a new avenue to collect water efficiently and provides clues to research on the multi-bioinspired synergistical optimization strategy.

Interstitial 125I Seed Implantation for Cervical Lymph Node Recurrence after Multimodal Treatment of Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This study aimed to analysis outcome and prognosis of interstitial 125I seed implantation in patients with cervical lymph node recurrence after multimodal treatment of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We conducted a retrospective review of 19 patients with 32 cervical lymph nodes recurrences after multimodal treatment (lymphadenectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and various combinations of these treatments) of thoracic ESCC, who underwent 125I seed implantation in our department from 2003 to 2011. All the patients were followed up until expiration and the median duration of follow up was 7 months (range, 3-44 months). Syndromes significantly improved after implantation. The local control rates after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 84.2%, 63.2%, 32.0%, and 26.0%, respectively, with a median of 10 months. The median overall survival time was 7 months (95% CI, 5.6-8.4), and 1- and 2-year survival rates were 31.6% and 10.5%, respectively. Among these patients, there were 11 died of progression of disease (PD) 3-44 months after implantation. One patient presented grade IV skin toxic effect and repaired by free flap transplantation. No fatal complications such as massive bleeding happened. In univariate analysis, N stage, number of recurrent nodes, recurrence interval time, and D90 were prognostic factors of the tumor local control and survival ( p = 0.131 vs. 0.029, 0.129 vs. 0.071, 0.042 vs. 0.042, and 0.056 vs. 0.065, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that N stage, number of recurrent nodes, and recurrence interval time were independent prognostic factors of the tumor local control ( p = 0.022, 0.019, and <0.001, respectively), and recurrence interval time was prognostic factor of the survival ( p < 0.001). Interstitial 125I seed implantation is a safe and effective salvage treatment for cervical lymph node recurrence after multimodal treatment. The N stage, number of recurrent nodes and recurrence interval time are factors influencing tumor local control, and the recurrence interval time is independent factor influencing survival after percutaneous 125I seed implantation in ESCC with cervical lymph node recurrence.

RECK, a novel matrix metalloproteinase regulator

Extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules are important for creating the cellular environments required during development and morphogenesis of tissues. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of Zn-dependent endopeptidases that collectively are capable of cleaving virtually all ECM substrates, and play an important role in some physiological and pathological processes. MMP activity can be inhibited by some natural and artificial inhibitors. A newly found membrane-anchored regulator of MMPs, the reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK), is downregulated when the cells undergo a process of malignant transformation, and is currently the subject of considerable research activity because of its specific structure and function. In this review, we have chosen to concentrate our efforts on the structure, function, regulation, and future prospect of RECK in order to provide a new target for prevention and treatment of tumours.

Intraoperative vertebroplasty during surgical decompression and instrumentation for aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: a retrospective study of 39 patients and review of the literature

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Aggressive (Enneking stage 3, S3) vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are rare, which might require surgery. However, the choice of surgery for S3 VHs remains controversial because of the rarity of these lesions.

PURPOSE

We reported our experience of treating S3 VHs, and evaluated the effectiveness and safety of intraoperative vertebroplasty during decompression surgery for S3 VHs.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Thirty-nine patients with a definitive pathologic diagnosis of aggressive VHs who underwent primary decompression surgery in our department were included in this study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Basic data such as surgical procedure, surgical duration, estimated blood loss during surgery, and pathology were collected. The modified Frankel grade was used to evaluate neurologic function. Enneking staging was based on radiological findings.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined aggressive VHs with neurologic deficits. Surgery was indicated if the neurologic deficit was severe or developed quickly or if radiotherapy was ineffective. Decompression surgery was performed. Intraoperative vertebroplasty during posterior decompression has been used since 2009. If contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a residual lesion, we recommended adjuvant radiotherapy with 40-50 Gy to prevent recurrence. Patients' basic and surgical information was collected. The minimum follow-up duration was 18 months. This study was partially funded by Peking University Third Hospital, Grant no. Y71508-01.

RESULTS

Average age of the 39 patients with S3 VHs who underwent primary decompression surgery was 46.2 (range, 10-69) years. All patients had neurologic deficits caused by aggressive VHs. Aggressive VH lesions were located in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine in 2, 32, and 5 patients, respectively. The decompression-alone group had 17 patients, and the decompression plus intraoperative vertebroplasty group had 22. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in preoperative information (p>.05). The average estimated blood losses were 1,764.7 mL (range, 500-4,000 mL) and 1,068.2 mL (range, 300-3,000 mL) in the decompression-alone group and decompression plus vertebroplasty group, respectively (p=.017). One patient who underwent primary decompression alone without adjuvant radiotherapy experienced recurrence after the first decompression. The average follow-up was 50.2 (range, 18-134) months, and no cases of recurrence were observed at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that posterior decompression effectively provides symptom relief in patients with aggressive (S3) VHs with severe spinal cord compression. Intraoperative vertebroplasty is a safe and effective method for minimizing blood loss during surgery, whereas adjuvant radiotherapy or vertebroplasty helps in minimizing recurrence after decompression.

Immunohistochemical characterisation of extracellular matrix components of salivary gland tumours

Proteoglycans (PGs) were localised immunohistochemically in 52 salivary gland tumours including pleomorphic adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, oncocytoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, clear cell tumour and Warthin tumour, using antibodies raised against large PG, small PG, chondroitin 4-sulphate PG, chondroitin 6-sulphate PG, heparan sulphate PG and keratan sulphate PG. Large PGs were mainly observed in mucinous materials of extracellular matrix (ECM) and interstitial fibrous element of tumour tissues, while small PGs were located only in hyaline matrix and surrounding fibrous (capsular) connective tissues. Chondroitin 6-sulphate PG was detected in the ECM of pleomorphic adenomas and clear cell carcinomas and in pseudocystic spaces of adenoid cystic carcinomas, but only in vessel walls in non-neoplastic tissues. Keratan sulphate PG was observed to locate in mucinous material of pleomorphic adenomas, acinic cell carcinomas and clear cell carcinomas, but not in the adenoid cystic carcinomas examined, and it was also unobservable in non-neoplastic salivary gland tissues. Heparan sulphate PG was observed on the inner surfaces of true ductal spaces of adenoid cystic carcinomas and on cell surfaces of oncocytoma cells. By HPLC analysis, individual glycosaminoglycans contained in tumour tissues were compared. Chondroitin 6-sulphate PG was very rich in ECM of pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas. Pleomorphic adenomas contained relatively more low-sulphated chondroitin sulphate than adenoid cystic carcinomas and other tumours.

The association between patient-reported readiness for hospital discharge and outcomes in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders: A prospective and observational study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) has been an important topic for nurses. RHD can be measured by the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS), including 4 subscales: personal status, knowledge, coping ability and expected support. There are few studies that focus on RHD in patients diagnosed with mental disorders. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Improving patient-reported RHD can decrease the risks of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits, readmission and poor quality of life (QOL) in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported personal status can decrease the risk of poor QOL in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported knowledge can decrease the risks of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits and readmission in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported expected support can decrease the risk of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving the methods of discharge teaching and anxiety severity can enhance RHD in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurses could enhance patient-reported RHD to reduce unscheduled post-discharge medical resource utilization or improve QOL by facilitating knowledge acquisition and skill development and improving social support systems. Nurse managers could add RHD assessment to patients' discharge process and train nurses in the methods of discharge education. Nurses could advance their methods of discharge education, such as listening to and answering patients' questions, choosing a convenient time and engaging in online education. ABSTRACT: Introduction The association between readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) and post-discharge outcomes remains unclear in individuals with anxiety disorders. Aim To explore the factors of RHD and the effect of patient-reported RHD on post-discharge outcomes. Method In the observational study, 373 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders completed the self-administered Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) on discharge. After 30 days, phone interviews were conducted to collect data on post-discharge outcomes, including self-reported unscheduled medical service utilization, symptom severity and quality of life (QOL). Multiple logistic regression models were built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, the RHDS and its subscales, and post-discharge outcomes. Results The unscheduled clinic visits were significantly associated with low RHD, knowledge and expected support. Readmission was significantly associated with low RHD and knowledge. Poor QOL was significantly associated with low RHD and personal status. Delivery, received content and anxiety severity were the predictors of RHD. Discussion Improved RHD is associated with fewer unscheduled clinic visits and readmissions and better QOL. Enhancing discharge education can improve RHD. Implications for practice Nurses should enhance patient-reported RHD to improve post-discharge outcomes by advancing the quality of discharge education in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.