Horizontal sound localisation and speech perception in Bonebridge-implanted single-sided deafness patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the benefit of Bonebridge devices in patients with single-sided deafness.

METHOD

Five patients with single-sided deafness who were implanted with Bonebridge devices were recruited in a single-centre study. Participants' speech perception and horizontal sound localisation abilities were assessed at 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Speech intelligibility in noisy environments was measured in three different testing conditions (speech and noise presented from the front, speech and noise presented from the front and contralateral (normal ear) side separately, and speech presented from the ipsilateral (implanted Bonebridge) side and noise from the contralateral side). Sound localisation was evaluated in Bonebridge-aided and Bonebridge-unaided conditions at different stimuli levels (65, 70 and 75 dB SPL).

RESULTS

All participants showed a better capacity for speech intelligibility in quiet environments with the Bonebridge device. The speech recognition threshold with the Bonebridge device was significantly decreased at both short- and long-term follow up in the speech presented from the ipsilateral (implanted Bonebridge) side and noise from the contralateral side condition (p < 0.05). Additionally, participants maintained similar levels of sound localisation between the Bonebridge-aided and unaided conditions (p > 0.05). However, the accuracy of localisation showed some improvement at 70 dB SPL and 75 dB SPL post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

The Bonebridge device provides the benefit of improved speech perception performance in patients with single-sided deafness. Sound localisation abilities were neither improved nor worsened with Bonebridge implantation at the follow-up assessments.

Long noncoding RNA PVT1-214 enhances gastric cancer progression by upregulating TrkC expression in competitively sponging way

OBJECTIVE

Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (lncRNA PVT1) is aberrantly expressed and involved in the promotion of various cancers. However, the vital epigenetic function of PVT1-214, a transcript isoform of PVT1, in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the dysregulation and detailed mechanism underlying the involvement of lncRNA PVT1-214 in GC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of PVT1-214 in GC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR. The relationship between increased PVT1-214 levels and the advanced clinicopathological features of tumor tissues was analyzed using a Chi-square test. The influence of PVT1-214 on the survival rate of GC cell lines was evaluated by the log-rank test. Cell lines were used to explore the carcinogenic effects of PVT1-214 in vitro and in vivo, and specific tests included cell apoptosis determined by flow cytometry, cell proliferation assayed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation, and the use of these cells for mice xenograft models. Direct complementary binding was predicted by bioinformatics and verified by dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA transfection, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blotting. Spearman's correlation coefficient was adopted to evaluate the correlation between miR-128 and PVT1-214 levels.

RESULTS

PVT1-214 expression in GC tissues and cell lines is markedly elevated. In GC patients, high expression of PVT1-214 is associated with late tumor stage, increased tumor size, and poor survival. PVT1-214 silencing represses cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis of GC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, PVT1-214 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by binding to miR-128. Inhibition of miR-128 releases Tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC) from the complementary binding complex, subsequently increasing the protein level of TrkC in GC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

PVT1-214-induced miR-128 repression regulates TrkC to further the progression of GC, indicating that this process will provide a promising therapeutic target in GC.

International normalised ratio as an independent predictor of mortality in limb necrotising fasciitis with sepsis

INTRODUCTION

Necrotising fasciitis with sepsis is a life threatening disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between international normalised ratio (INR) and mortality in sepsis patients with necrotising fasciitis.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of 106 patients suffering from necrotising fasciitis with sepsis between November 2007 and December 2016. Data on comorbidities, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, causative microbiological organisms, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) score and outcomes were extracted. Logistic regression was carried out to examine the factors affecting mortality.

RESULTS

Forty patients (37.7%) died. There was no significant difference in the white blood count (WBC) for the survivor and non-survivor groups. Non-survivors had a lower mean oxygenation index (OI) (288.7mmHg vs 329.4mmHg, p=0.032) and platelet count (PC) (139.5 vs 214.8 x 10⁹/l, p=0.028), and a higher mean INR (1.9 vs 1.3, p=0.000), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (54.6 vs 44.2 seconds, p=0.005) and serum creatinine (2.3mg/dl vs 1.4mg/dl, p=0.007). Mortality in patients with INR >1.5 was significantly higher than in those with INR <1.5 when all risk factors (WBC, PC, OI, INR, APTT, creatinine) were considered (odds ratio: 4.414, 95% confidence interval: 1.263-15.428, p=0.020). Even after adjusting for age, sex, bacteraemia, diabetes and hepatic disorders, the data still exhibited elevated mortality for patients with INR >1.5 (odds ratio: 5.600, 95% confidence interval: 1.415-22.166, p=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

INR is a significant independent predictor of mortality in sepsis patients diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis.

Long noncoding RNA PVT1-214 enhances gastric cancer progression by upregulating TrkC expression in competitively sponging way

The article "Long noncoding RNA PVT1-214 enhances gastric cancer progression by upregulating TrkC expression in competitively sponging way, by S. Zhao, N.-F. Fan, X.-H. Chen, C.-H. Zhuo, C.-W. Xu, R.-B. Lin, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23(10): 4173-4184-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201905_17920-PMID: 31173288" has been withdrawn from the authors. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/17920.

MiR-663a, regulated by lncRNA GAS5, contributes to osteosarcoma development through targeting MYL9

Osteosarcoma is characterized by high malignancy and high metastasis rate, resulting in high mortality and disability. MiR-663a has been reported in a variety of tumors to promote tumorigenesis. However, miR-663a has not been reported in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. Bioinformatics analysis and experiments including real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), luciferase reporter, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry assay were applied to explore the function and mechanism of miR-663a in MG63, U2OS, Saos-2, SF-86, and hFOB1.19 cells. In this study, we found that miR-663a is highly expressed in osteosarcoma. At the same time, we discovered that miR-663a facilitates cell proliferation and migration, whereas suppresses cell apoptosis in osteosarcoma. Through a series of biological experiments, it was found that miR-663a regulates the cellular process in osteosarcoma by modulating the expression of MYL9. In addition, we also found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 serves as a molecular sponge for miR-663a and regulates the progression of osteosarcoma via the ceRNA mechanism. We uncover that miR-663a promotes osteosarcoma development through targeting MYL9, which was regulated by lncRNA GAS5.

An integration analysis based on genomic, transcriptomic and QTX information reveals credible candidate genes for fat-related traits in pigs

Meat quality improvement is of great interest to researchers in pig breeding and many researchers have identified abundant associated quantitative trait loci, genes and polymorphisms (QTXs) for fat-related traits. However, it is challenging to determine credible candidate genes from a mass of associations. The efficiency of identification of credible candidate genes in these QTXs is restricted by limited integration analyses of data from multiple omics. In this study, we constructed a 'candidate gene map' of fat-related traits in pigs based on published literature and the latest genome. In total, 6,861 QTXs, which covered 9,323 genes on the pig genome, were used. Combining the QTX hotspots and pathway analysis, we identified 180 candidate genes that may regulate the fat-related traits, and choose PNPLA2, PPARG, SREBF1, ACACA, PPARD and PPARA as credible candidate genes. In addition, we discussed the importance of incorporating transcriptome data and genomic data in causal gene identification, and the multi-omics information can effectively improve the credibility of identified candidate genes.

Clinical features and cardiovascular magnetic resonance characteristics in Danon disease

AIMS

To investigate the clinical spectrum, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) characteristics, including T1 and extracellular volume fraction, and outcomes of Danon disease to facilitate further understanding of the phenotype of patients with Danon disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised six male patients 8-23 years old recruited to the study between 2014-2019. The clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, pathology/genetic analysis, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and cCMRI characteristics were summarised.

RESULTS

Five out of six patients suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype of Danon disease, while one patient had dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) phenotype. Left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) function were impaired at strain measurement. Diffuse and focal late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were observed separately in the LV walls of three patients and right ventricular (RV) insertion points of the remaining three patients. Furthermore, values for the native T1 (mean 1313.3 ms) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV; mean 39.17%) of three patients were increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Both dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be the phenotypes of Danon disease. Comprehensive cCMRI played a unique role in the diagnosis and grading severity and risk factors of Danon disease in vivo, especially by using robust quantitative strain analysis, T1 mapping, and further ECV calculation.

[Comparison of short-term and long-term efficacy between robot-assisted and thoracoscopy-laparoscopy-assisted radical esophageal cancer surgery]

Objective: To explore the safety and short-term and long-term efficacy of robot-assisted radical esophageal cancer surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients who were preoperatively diagnosed as stage 0-IIIB esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and suitable for minimally invasive surgery in our hospital from January 1, 2014 to June 30, 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Those of age ≥75 years having received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, contradicted to anesthesia or operation due to severe complications, with history of thoracotomy or laparotomy, with concurrent malignant tumors, without complete informations or refusing to participate in this study were excluded. Participants were randomly divided into the thoracoscopy-laparoscopy group and the robot group using a random number table in ratio of 1:1. Preoperative clinicopathological data, surgical data and postoperative outcomes were recorded. The patients were followed up mainly by telephone. Follow-up endpoint was recurrence of esophageal cancer and death. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival rate. The survival difference between the two groups was analyzed using the log-rank test. Results: According to above criteria, a total of 192 esophageal cancer patients were enrolled finally, including 144 males and 48 females with mean age of (61.9±8.6) years. The robot group had 94 cases, including 72 males and 22 females with mean age of (61.3±8.2) years, and the thoracoscopy-laparoscopy group had 98 cases, including 72 males and 26 females with mean age of (62.4±9.1) years. There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). Operation was abandoned in one case in each group due to extensive pleural cavity metastasis and one case in each group was converted to thoracotomy. The success rate of operation was 97.9% (92/94) in the robot group and 98.0% (96/98) in the thoracoscopy-laparoscopy group (χ(2)=0.002, P=0.996). The number of lymph nodes dissected in the robot group was significantly higher than that in the thoracoscopy-laparoscopy group (29.2±12.5 vs. 22.8±13.3, t=3.433, P=0.001), while there were no significant differences in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, R0 resection rate, postoperative 30-day mortality, postoperative hospital stay, ICU stay, time to withdrawal of chest drainage tube, ICU readmission, and postoperative morbidity of complications between the two groups (all P>0.05). The median follow-up time was 21 (3 to 57) months. During the follow-up, 3 cases and 4 cases were lost, and 2 cases and 3 cases died of other diseases in the robot group and in the thoracoscopy-laparoscopy group respectively. Recurrence occurred in 39 cases during follow-up, including 14 recurrences in the robotic group with 1- and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of 92.4% and 87.6% respectively and the median recurrence time of 15 (9 to 42) months. There were 25 recurrences in the thoracoscopy-laparoscopy group with 1- and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of 81.7% and 67.9% respectively and the median recurrence time of 9 (3 to 42) months. There was significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the two groups (χ(2)=4.193, P=0.041). Conclusions: The robotic surgical system has good oncology effect and surgical safety in the radical operation of esophageal cancer, which deserves further research and promotion.

Discovery of selection-driven genetic differences of Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire pig breeds by EigenGWAS and Fst analyses

Pigs are one of the earliest domesticated animals and multiple breeds have been developed to meet the various demands of consumers. EigenGWAS is a novel strategy to identify candidate genes that underlying population genetic differences and to infer candidate regions under selection as well. In this study, EigenGWAS and F_st analyses were performed using the public re-sequencing data of three typical commercial pig breeds, Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire. The intersection of genome-wide significant SNPs detected by EigenGWAS and top-ranked 1% SNPs of F_st results were treated as signals under selection. Using the data of all three breeds, 3062 signals under selection were detected and the nearby genomic regions within 300 kb upstream and downstream covered 6.54% of whole genome. Pairs of breeds were analysed along with the pathway analysis. The gene function enrichment results indicated that many candidate genes located in the genomic regions of the signals under selection were associated with biological processes related to growth, metabolism, reproduction, sensory perception, etc. Among the candidate genes, the FSHB, AHR, PTHLH, KDR and FST genes were reported to be associated with reproductive performance; the KIT, KITLG, MITF, MC1R and EDNRB genes were previously identified to affect coat colour; the RETREG1, TXNIP, BMP5, PPARD and RBP4 genes were reported to be associated with lipid metabolism and growth traits. The identified genetic differences across the three commercial breeds will advance understanding of the artificial selection history of pigs and the signals under selection will suggest potential uses in pig genomic breeding programmes.

Distribution, combined pollution and risk assessment of antibiotics in typical marine aquaculture farms surrounding the Yellow Sea, North China

This study focused on the distribution, combined pollution, potential source and risk assessment of 17 antibiotics in an aquaculture ecosystem surrounding the Yellow sea, North China. Antibiotics were detected in various matrices (seawater, sediment/biofilm, organism and feed) in different aquaculture modes (greenhouse and outdoor aquaculture) during the wet and dry seasons in coastal areas of Shandong province. The innovation points of the study were as follows: (1) To the best of our knowledge, this study was one of the few to investigate the occurrence and distribution of antibiotics in mariculture environments along the Yellow Sea coast; (2) Biofilms, a focus of the study, might act as a sink for antibiotics in the aquaculture ecosystem; and (3) The correlation of heavy metals and antibiotic concentrations was proved, which could correspondingly be used as an indicator for antibiotic concentrations in the studied area. The levels of antibiotics in water were observed to be relatively low, at the ng/L level. Trimethoprim was the most prevalent antibiotic, and was detected in all water samples. Oxytetracycline was detected at high concentrations in biofilms (up to 1478.29 ng/g). Moreover, biofilms exhibited a higher antibiotic accumulation capacity compared to sediments. Concentrations of oxytetracycline and doxycycline were high in feed, while other antibiotics were almost undetected. Tetracycline was widely detected and the concentration of enrofloxacin was highest in organisms. Correlation analysis demonstrated that environmental parameters and other coexisting contaminants (e.g. heavy metals) significantly affected antibiotic concentrations. In addition, the concentration of Zn was significantly correlated with the total antibiotic concentration and was proportional to several antibiotics in water and sediment (biofilm) samples (p < 0.01). High Mn concentrations were closely related to total and individual (e.g. sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine and enrofloxacin) antibiotic levels, which may result in the combined contamination of the environment. Antibiotics in estuaries and groundwater generally originated from aquaculture wastewater and untreated/treated domestic sewage. Most of the detected antibiotics posed no risk to the environment. Ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin found in water may present high ecological and resistance risks, while the two antibiotics observed to accumulate in fish may pose a considerable risk to human health through diet consumption. All antibiotics detected in seafood were lower than the respective maximum residue limits. This study can act as a reference for the government for the determination of antibiotic discharge standards in aquaculture wastewater and the establishment of a standardized antibiotic monitoring and management system.

High-Performance Natural Rubber/Graphene Composites from a Uniquely Designed Physical and Chemical Hybrid-Network

It is well-known that strength and stiffness are commonly inversely related with toughness and ductility for organic filler filled elastomer nanocomposites. These performances are governed by the dispersion of organic fillers and interface of elastomer nanocomposites. Herein, the designed physical and chemical hybrid-network based on tannic acid (TA) as interface regulator and cross-link agent can endow graphene/elastomer nanocomposites with reinforcement as well as toughness simultaneously. The results indicate the formation of a strong and stable network structure composed of elastomer chains and graphene, contrary to traditional graphene/elastomer nanocomposites. The present composites with a physical and chemical hybrid-network effectively improve the load transfer and show excellent mechanical properties.

Detection of Mediastinal Lymph Node Metastases Using Indocyanine Green (ICG) Fluorescence Imaging in an Orthotopic Implantation Model

BACKGROUND

The method of quickly identifying metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes has become an urgent problem for lung cancer surgery. Indocyanine green (ICG) has the characteristic of being retained in or around the lymph nodes; its pharmacokinetic characteristics and optimal imaging time have not yet been elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The IVIS Lumina Imaging System was used to detect near infrared (NIR) fluorescence signals at different ICG doses, times and excitation/emission wavelengths in vitro. An artificial lymphogenous metastatic model of squamous lung carcinoma was established in 32 SCID-CB17 mice using Ma44.3 cells. An intratracheal injection of 1.25 ml/kg ICG (1.25×10^-2 mg/ml) was performed, then 780 nm Ex and 845 nm Em were used to visualize ICG at four different times. The metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes and the implanted local tumor site in the left lung were confirmed with bioluminescence and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of pathological specimens.

RESULTS

ICG had the strongest NIR fluorescence signal when using 780 nm Ex and 845 nm Em at 2 to 4 h after administrating 1.25×10^-2 mg/ml ICG in vitro. Combined with pathological H&E examination, fluorescence imaging of ICG reflected true-positive mediastinal metastasis of the mediastinum at 0.5 h and 2 h after the injection of ICG in vivo. While true-positive local tumor growth at the site of implantation in the left lung was reflected within 4 h after the injection of ICG.

CONCLUSION

ICG was able to display the metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes within 2 h after endotracheal injection in an orthotopic squamous lung carcinoma implantation model.

A giant ganglioneuroma accompanied with scoliosis

Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign neoplasm. Patients with ganglioneuroma show no symptoms. We describe a rare case of giant ganglioneuroma with scoliosis in a 35-year-old woman, who presented to our hospital for haemoptysis. We combined with neurosurgeons to remove the tumour successfully. After 16 months of follow-up, there is no evidence of tumour recurrence.

[Application value of sedation in colonoscopy]

Objective: To investigate the value of sedation in colonoscopy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of colonoscopy procedures was performed in our institution. Inclusion criteria: (1) colonoscopy procedures were performed by well-trained gastrointestinal surgeons our institution; (2) medical records were complete and colonoscopy was documented properly by notes, videos, photographs, and traceable pathological reports. Those with incomplete records or performed in other institution were excluded. According to above criteria, clinical data of 49 057 cases of clinic and hospitalization receiving diagnostic or therapeutic colonoscopyat Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, Daping Hospital from July 2007 to February 2017 were collected. Among them, there were 24 638 (50.2%) males and 24 419 females, with mean age of (50.6±14.1) (4 to 98) years. Based on the application of sedation during colonoscopy, patients were divided into the sedation group (39 412 cases, 80.3%) and the non-sedation group (9 645 cases, 19.7%). Clinical characteristics of two groups were compared. Results: The sedation rate increased from 45.6% (369/810) to 94.8% (917/967) from 2007 to 2017. As compared to non-sedation group, a higher proportion of females [51.0% (20 095/39 412) vs. 44.8% (4 324/9 645), χ(2)=117.422, P<0.001] and younger median age (50.0 years vs. 51.0 years, Z=-4.774, P<0.001) were found in the sedation group, whose differences were statistically significant. In all the 9645 cases in the non-sedation group, about 5.5% (534) of them terminated the examination because of unbearable discomfort, including 244 (4.6%) males and 290 (6.7%) females (χ(2)=20.522, P<0.001). Among all the screening population who were ≥50 years old, there was no significant difference in the polyp detection rate (PDR) between the sedation group and the non-sedation group [26.7% (4 737/17 753) vs. 27.4% (1 093/3 984), χ(2)=0.937, P=0.330]. The cecal intubation rate (CIR) in the sedation group was significantly higher than that in the non-sedation group [(85.2% (14 422/16 933) vs. 76.1% (2 803/3 682), χ(2)=180.032, P<0.001]. Five cases in the sedation group developed iatrogenic colonic perforation (ICP), with none in the non-sedation group. Conclusions: The application of sedation in colonoscopy is increasingly popular. Sedation can significantly improve CIR in colonoscopy, while it has no positive influence on PDR. Meanwhile, sedation increases the medical expense and may result in higher ICP rate.

Modeling the epidemic dynamics and control of COVID-19 outbreak in China

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading in China and more than 30 countries over last two months. COVID-19 has multiple characteristics distinct from other infectious diseases, including high infectivity during incubation, time delay between real dynamics and daily observed number of confirmed cases, and the intervention effects of implemented quarantine and control measures.

Methods

We develop a Susceptible, Un-quanrantined infected, Quarantined infected, Confirmed infected (SUQC) model to characterize the dynamics of COVID-19 and explicitly parameterize the intervention effects of control measures, which is more suitable for analysis than other existing epidemic models.

Results

The SUQC model is applied to the daily released data of the confirmed infections to analyze the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, Hubei (excluding Wuhan), China (excluding Hubei) and four first-tier cities of China. We found that, before January 30, 2020, all these regions except Beijing had a reproductive number R > 1, and after January 30, all regions had a reproductive number R < 1, indicating that the quarantine and control measures are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The confirmation rate of Wuhan estimated by our model is 0.0643, substantially lower than that of Hubei excluding Wuhan (0.1914), and that of China excluding Hubei (0.2189), but it jumps to 0.3229 after February 12 when clinical evidence was adopted in new diagnosis guidelines. The number of unquarantined infected cases in Wuhan on February 12, 2020 is estimated to be 3,509 and declines to 334 on February 21, 2020. After fitting the model with data as of February 21, 2020, we predict that the end time of COVID-19 in Wuhan and Hubei is around late March, around mid March for China excluding Hubei, and before early March 2020 for the four tier-one cities. A total of 80,511 individuals are estimated to be infected in China, among which 49,510 are from Wuhan, 17,679 from Hubei (excluding Wuhan), and the rest 13,322 from other regions of China (excluding Hubei). Note that the estimates are from a deterministic ODE model and should be interpreted with some uncertainty.

Conclusions

We suggest that rigorous quarantine and control measures should be kept before early March in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and before late March in Hubei. The model can also be useful to predict the trend of epidemic and provide quantitative guide for other countries at high risk of outbreak, such as South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran.

Supplementary Materials

The supplementary materials can be found online with this article at 10.1007/s40484-020-0199-0.

Risk assessment of mycotoxins in stored maize: case study of Shandong, China

Risk characterisation of dietary exposure of aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA) in maize from Shandong Province was conducted in this study. A total of 520 maize samples were collected after harvesting in 2014 and 2015 from 26 selected villages in Shandong Province, China. A deterministic approach was used in the current study. The dietary intake data of maize was obtained from ‘Shandong Statistical Yearbook 2018’. The risk characterisation of FBs, DON, and ZEA was evaluated in 4 population groups (2 to 6-year-old children, standard adults, city adults and village adults) based on probable intake. 2 to 6-year-old children and adults were exposed to FBs (0.42 and 0.20 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day), DON (0.04 and 0.019 μg/kg bw/day), and ZEA (0.0024 and 0.0011 μg/kg bw/day) through mean maize consumption in diets, which was lower than the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of each mycotoxin established by JECFA. Risk assessments showed a low risk for liver cancer due to consumption of aflatoxin B1 (0.027-0.21 cases per 100,000 persons per year) contaminated maize compared with China’s current liver cancer incidence of 24.6 cases per 100,000 persons per year.

α1,6-Fucosyltransferase (FUT8) regulates the cancer-promoting capacity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) by modifying EGFR core fucosylation (CF) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main cancer-promoting component in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). α1,6-Fucosyltransferase (FUT8), the key enzyme catalyzing core α1,6-fucosylation (CF), plays a promoting role in multiple malignancies. In the current study, we investigated the function of FUT8 in CAFs and elucidated the mechanism through which FUT8 regulates the cancer-promoting capacity of CAFs in NSCLC. A bioinformatics analysis was performed to reveal the relationship between FUT8 and CAFs. Resected specimens from NSCLC patients were analyzed to assess the expression of FUT8 in CAFs. Primary CAFs and normal lung fibroblasts (NLFs) were extracted from NSCLC patient specimens and were co-cultured with NSCLC cell lines in a novel 3D-printed non-contact co-culture device. An In vivo CAF/NSCLC co-injection tumorigenesis assay was performed using nude mice to study the function of FUT8/CF in TME formation. The current study revealed that FUT8-mediated CF in CAFs plays a positive role in the cancer-promoting capacity of these cells. FUT8 overexpression was observed in CAFs isolated from some lung adenocarcinoma cases. Further investigation showed that FUT8/CF in CAFs promoted the formation of an invasive and malignant TME in vivo and in vitro, and the resulting NSCLC cells exhibited faster proliferation and increased invasiveness. EGFR signaling exerts a catalytic effect on the cancer-promoting capacity of CAFs and is regulated by the CF modification of the EGFR protein.

Darwinian Positive Selection on the Pleiotropic Effects of KITLG Explain Skin Pigmentation and Winter Temperature Adaptation in Eurasians

Human skin color diversity is considered an adaptation to environmental conditions such as UV radiation. Investigations into the genetic bases of such adaptation have identified a group of pigmentation genes contributing to skin color diversity in African and non-African populations. Here, we present a population analysis of the pigmentation gene KITLG with previously reported signal of Darwinian positive selection in both European and East Asian populations. We demonstrated that there had been recurrent selective events in the upstream and the downstream regions of KITLG in Eurasian populations. More importantly, besides the expected selection on the KITLG variants favoring light skin in coping with the weak UV radiation at high latitude, we observed a KITLG variant showing adaptation to winter temperature. In particular, compared with UV radiation, winter temperature showed a much stronger correlation with the prevalence of the presumably adaptive KITLG allele in Asian populations. This observation was further supported by the in vitro functional test at low temperature. Consequently, the pleiotropic effects of KITLG, that is, pigmentation and thermogenesis were both targeted by natural selection that acted on different KITLG sequence variants, contributing to the adaptation of Eurasians to both UV radiation and winter temperature at high latitude areas.

[Progress of interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in Jiangsu Province]

Schistosomiasis was once heavily endemic in Jiangsu Province. Following the control efforts for several decades, schistosomiasis was almost eradicated in all endemic counties in Jiangsu Province in 1980, and transmission control was achieved in the province in 2011. According to the principle of "implementing the control measures with adaptation to local circumstances and guiding the control programs with classified interventions", an integrated strategy with emphasis on the management of both infectious sources and snails has been recently employed for schitsosomiasis control in Jiangsu Province. In addition, a sensitive and highly effective surveillance system has been built and the application of novel techniques and information construction has been intensified to effectively interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis in the Province. Transmission interruption of schistosomiasis was achieved in all endemic counties in Jiangsu Province. The paper summarizes the endemic situation of schistosomiasis, progress of schistosomiasis control, and major schistosomiasis control measures implemented during the stage of transmission interruption in Jiangsu Province.

Pancreatic sarcomatoid carcinoma: CT, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT features

AIM

To investigate computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and combined 2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT features of pancreatic sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hospital database was searched retrospectively for the patients with PSC confirmed at histopathology after surgery. Ten patients who underwent unenhanced and enhanced CT (n=4), unenhanced and enhanced MRI (n=2), ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT (n=2), and both enhanced CT and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT (n=2) were enrolled. Two patients underwent additional delayed PET/CT. The maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) was measured on PET/CT images.

RESULTS

Eleven lesions were detected in 10 patients. Solid and cystic components (n=6), intratumoural haemorrhage (n=1), nodular calcification (n=2), main pancreatic duct dilatation resulted from lesion obstruction (n=5) or compression (n=3), cholangiectasis (n=5), vascular and peripheral organ invasion (n=5 and 6, respectively), hepatic and lymphatic metastases (n=4 and 2, respectively) were detected. All five lesions in four patients who underwent PET/CT showed intense FDG uptake on PET/CT with SUVmax (16, range 10.9-21.1). Increase of FDG uptake (SUVmax = 18.9, 20.1, and 27.3, respectively) was revealed on the delayed scan of three lesions in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PSCs were more commonly ill-defined solid cystic masses, which caused pancreatic duct obstruction/compression without pancreatic parenchymal atrophy, and these masses on PET/CT showed high FDG uptake on both initial and delayed PET/CT.

Strong-field control of H3 + production from methanol dications: Selecting between local and extended formation mechanisms

Using the CD₃OH isotopologue of methanol, the ratio of D₂H⁺ to D₃ ⁺ formation is manipulated by changing the characteristics of the intense femtosecond laser pulse. Detection of D₂H⁺ indicates a formation process involving two hydrogen atoms from the methyl side of the molecule and a proton from the hydroxyl side, while detection of D₃ ⁺ indicates local formation involving only the methyl group. Both mechanisms are thought to involve a neutral D₂ moiety. An adaptive control strategy that employs image-based feedback to guide the learning algorithm results in an enhancement of the D₂H⁺/D₃ ⁺ ratio by a factor of approximately two. The optimized pulses have secondary structures 110-210 fs after the main pulse and result in photofragments that have different kinetic energy release distributions than those produced from near transform limited pulses. Systematic changes to the linear chirp and higher order dispersion terms of the laser pulse are compared to the results obtained with the optimized pulse shapes.

Neo-functionalization of a Teosinte branched 1 homologue mediates adaptations of upland rice

The rice orthologue of maize domestication gene Teosinte branched 1 (Tb1) affects tillering. But, unlike maize Tb1 gene, it was not selected during domestication. Here, we report that an OsTb1 duplicate gene (OsTb2) has been artificially selected during upland rice adaptation and that natural variation in OsTb2 is associated with tiller number. Interestingly, transgenic rice overexpressing this gene shows increased rather than decreased tillering, suggesting that OsTb2 gains a regulatory effect opposite to that of OsTb1 following duplication. Functional analyses suggest that the OsTb2 protein positively regulates tillering by interacting with the homologous OsTb1 protein and counteracts the inhibitory effect of OsTb1 on tillering. We further characterize two functional variations within OsTb2 that regulate protein function and gene expression, respectively. These results not only present an example of neo-functionalization that generates an opposite function following duplication but also suggest that the Tb1 homologue has been selected in upland rice.

New additional scoring formula on the Pathological Features in Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients: Impact on Survival

Background: Histological heterogeneity of lung adenocarcinoma may result in different prognosis among patients with the same TNM pathological stage. However, no objective evaluation system of lung adenocarcinoma based on pathological features has been widely accepted for assessing the prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 179 patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma after complete surgical resection. The pathological classification was according to the IASLC/ATS/ERS adenocarcinoma classifications, and the detailed abundance ratio using HE staining of primary tumor specimens was recorded. A new additional scoring formula on the pathological features (ASP) was established. The association of the ASP score with the patients' survival was examined. Results: The ASP scoring was significantly associated with smoking history (p=0.004), lymphatic vessel invasion (p<0.001), vascular invasion, differentiation (p<0.001) and Ki67 (p<0.001). The patients in the high-ASP-score group tended to have vascular invasion (odds ratio [OR]: 1.637, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.923-13.745, p=0.001) and high Ki67 expression (OR: 2.625, 95%CI: 1.328-5.190, p=0.006) by logistic regression analyses. The prognosis differed significantly in the Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and the 5-year survival rates in the low and high ASP score groups were 97.8% and 89.6%, respectively (p=0.018). Based on the univariate analysis, female (OR: 0.111, 95%CI: 0.014-0.906, p=0.040), long smoking history (OR: 7.250, 95%CI: 1.452-36.195, p=0.016), poor differentiation characteristics correlation (OR: 12.691, 95%CI: 1.557-103.453, p=0.018), and high ASP score (OR: 5.788, 95%CI: 1.138-29.423, p=0.034) were shown to be independently associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Conclusion: The ASP score can effectively screen high-risk patients for complete surgical resection of stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

[Comparison of high-risk human papillomavirus infection rate and genotype distribution between Han and Mongolian women]

Objective: To understand the infection rate and genotype distribution of high risk-human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and the detection rate of different grades of cervical lesions in Han and Mongolian women in China and provide evidence for the development of screening and vaccination strategies for the prevention and control of cervical cancer in different ethnic groups. Methods: In June 2017, a multicenter, population-based study for cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings in China was conducted in three rural areas: Xiangyuan and Yangcheng counties in Shanxi province, and Etuoke county in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. A total of 9 517 women aged 30-65 years were included in the study, and two cervical and vaginal secretion samples were collected from them for HPV and PCR-based HPV DNA tests. The positive samples in any of two tests were used for PCR-based HPV genotyping test by using Sansure-pioneered One-Step Fast Release technology. Women with positive results in any the HPV tests were referred for colposcopy and punch biopsy was given if cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesion (low-grade lesion or worse) was suspected in colposcopy evaluation. Endocervical curettage was performed if women had an unsatisfactory colposcopy exam (the squamocolumnar junction was not completely visible). Pathological detection result was used as the golden standard of diagnosis. Results: HR-HPV infection rates in Han and Mongolian women were 21.83% (1 842/8 438) and 24.93% (269/1 079), respectively. There were statistical differences in HPV infection rates between the two ethnic groups (χ(2)=5.328, P=0.021). The detection rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 in Mongolian women (2.83%) was higher than that in Han women (0.87%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=33.509, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse detection rate between the two ethnic groups [Mongolian woman: 1.04% (11/1 059), Han Woman: 0.95% (80/8 378), χ(2)=0.069, P=0.793]. Among Han and Mongolian women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, the three most common HR-HPV types were HPV16, HPV52 and HPV58. There was no significant difference for multiple infection rate between Han and Mongolian women (41.37% vs. 44.35%, χ(2)=0.764, P=0.382). Conclusions: The results show that HPV infection rate in Mongolian women was higher than that in Han women. Close attention should be paid to HPV16, 52 and 58 in the prevention and control of cervical cancer in Han and Mongolian women.

Characteristics of Chinese patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: preliminary report of a multi-centre registration study

BACKGROUND

We established a multi-centre online registry for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) in China, and compared Chinese patients with those from other countries.

METHODS

Data were from 87 rheumatology centres in 27 provinces. All 2986 patients had pSS according to the 2002 American-European Consensus Group or the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism. All centres used the same methods. Data on demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory results, disease activity and treatments were examined.

RESULTS

The female:male ratio was 22.9:1, and the mean age at onset was 46.31 years. A total of 332 (11.1%) patients had thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism (1.2%), hypothyroidism (6.0%) and subacute thyroiditis (3.9%). Dry eye had a prevalence of 68.59% in Chinese patients, 93.7-96% in European patients and 97.3% in American patients. Dry mouth had a prevalence of 86.5% in Chinese patients, 93.2-96% in European patients and 97.9% in American patients. Fewer Chinese than European patients had arthritis (6.9% vs. 15-19.3%). ANA positivity was 90.7% in Chinese, 81.3% in European and 77.6% in American patients. Anti-SSA antibody positivity was 84.6% in Chinese, 71% in European and 68.2% in American patients. The most commonly used drugs in Chinese patients were hydroxychloroquine (n = 1818; 67.5%), glucocorticoids (n = 1720; 63.9%) and total glucosides of paeony (n = 1120; 41.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided information on the phenotypes of Chinese patients with pSS, and identified several differences with patients from other geographical regions.

MicroRNA-383 suppresses pancreatic carcinoma development via inhibition of GAB1 expression

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is a serious malignancy associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Previous studies have identified various microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the development of PC; however, the role of miR-383 still remains unclear. This study investigates the role of miR-383 in the malignant transformation of PC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify miR-383 and Grb2 associated binding protein 1 (GAB1) RNA levels, and Western blot analysis was performed to measure protein expression. The ability of miR-383 to bind and regulate the expression of GAB1 was assessed using a Luciferase reporter assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiments and flow cytometry analysis were used to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively.

RESULTS

Down-regulation of miR-383 was associated with adverse clinical results and poor prognosis in PC patients. Mechanistically, miR-383 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of PANC-1 (human pancreatic cancer cell) cells. Our results show that miR-383 can act directly on GAB1 to inhibit its expression in PC. This downregulation of GAB1 limits cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of PANC-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-383 suppresses tumor development and progression through the downregulation of GAB1 expression.

[Establishment and operation of schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province]

OBJECTIVE

To construct the schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province, and to examine the role and diagnostic efficiency of the reference laboratory.

METHODS

A schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory was built in Jiangsu Province according to the requirements of the construction of the national schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in China. Inter-laboratory comparisons were conducted and the diagnostic capability of grassroots laboratories was evaluated in Jiangsu Province.

RESULTS

The organization structure, environmental conditions, administration and quality systems of the schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province all met the requirements for construction of the national schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in China, and the schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province was issued a certificate of a province-level schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory. During the 6 inter-laboratory comparisons performed by national schistosomiasis diagnostic reference centers of China, the qualitative and quantitative results of each detection item were all in agreement with the reference samples (Kappa = 1), and the diagnostic capability was identified excellent. The results of indirect hemagglutination assay of 426 serum samples from 4 grassroots laboratories were re-examined, and the mean coincidence rate was 94.13% (range, 92.08% to 96.25%) with the grassroots laboratories, with a mean Kappa value of 0.85 (range, 0.83 to 0.86) and a mean missing rate of 10.19% (range, 0 to 17.65%).

CONCLUSIONS

The schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory has been successfully established and effectively operated in Jiangsu Province, which plays an active role in improving the capability of schistosomiasis diagnostic equality in the province.

Smart identification of psoriasis by images using convolutional neural networks: a case study in China

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which holds a high incidence in China. However, professional dermatologists who can diagnose psoriasis early and correctly are insufficient in China, especially in the rural areas. A smart approach to identify psoriasis by pictures would be highly adaptable countrywide and could play a useful role in early diagnosis and regular treatment of psoriasis.

OBJECTIVES

Design and evaluation of a smart psoriasis identification system based on clinical images (without relying on a dermatoscope) that works effectively similar to a dermatologist.

METHODS

A set of deep learning models using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was explored and compared in the system for automatic identification of psoriasis. The work was carried out on a standardized dermatological dataset with 8021 clinical images of 9 common disorders including psoriasis along with full electronic medical records of patients built over the last 9 years in China. A two-stage deep neural network was designed and developed to identify psoriasis. In the first stage, a multilabel classifier was trained to learn the visual patterns for each individual skin disease. In the second stage, the output of the first stage was utilized to distinguish psoriasis from other skin diseases.

RESULTS

The area under the curve (AUC) of the two-stage model reached 0.981 ± 0.015, which outperforms a single-stage model. And, the classifier showed superior performance (missed diagnosis rate: 0.03, misdiagnosis rate: 0.04) than 25 Chinese dermatologists (missed diagnosis rate: 0.19, misdiagnosis rate: 0.10) in the diagnosis of psoriasis on 100 clinical images.

CONCLUSIONS

Using clinical images to identify psoriasis is feasible and effective based on CNNs, which also builds a solid technical base for smart care of skin diseases especially psoriasis using mobile/tablet applications for teledermatology in China.

[Spatio-temporal analysis of Oncomelania hupensis along Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River from 2015 to 2017]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the spatio-temporal characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails along the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River, so as to provide evidence for eliminating schistosomiasis and formulating precision control measures in Jiangsu Province.

METHODS

A total of 75 marshlands were randomly sampled from Nanjing, Zhenjiang and Yangzhou cities along the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River basin, and the spatio-temporal distribution and changing patterns of O. hupensis snails were investigated using the spatial autocorrelation analysis, kernel density analysis and hotspot analysis during the period from 2015 through 2017.

RESULTS

There was a spatial autocorrelation in the mean snail density along the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River basin during the period from 2015 through 2017. The number of living snails and the density of living snails showed an overall decline in Yangzhou City; however, both showed a slight increase in 2016. Kernel density analysis and hotspot analysis showed that the hotspots of living snails were located in the regions neighboring the marshlands at the Yangzhou-Zhenjiang boundary areas along the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River basin.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a spatial autocorrelation in the snail distribution with hotspots along the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River basin, and the surveillance of snails should not be neglected in the marshlands in Jiangsu Province.

[Assessing the efficiency of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province from 2005 to 2015 using data envelopment analysis (Malmquist index method)]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the total factor productivity (TFP) of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide insights into sustainable schistosomiasis control.

METHODS

The data envelopment analysis-Malmquist index method was employed to analyze the human resources and financial investments in schistosomiasis control programs from health sectors in each schistosomiasis-endemic city of Jiangsu Province from 2005 to 2015, and assess the outputs of each schistosomiasis control project.

RESULTS

The overall productive efficiency of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province showed an increasing tendency, and the mean fluctuation of annual TFP was 2.3%. The comprehensive technical efficiency, including pure efficiency and scale efficiency, appeared a steady increase with minor fluctuations, and the mean fluctuation of annual comprehensive technical efficiency was 3.8%. The growth rate of technical progress fluctuated greatly from 2005 to 2011, and showed a steady increase from 2012 to 2015, which became a major contributor to the growth of TFP. A higher growth rate of TFP was seen in Huai ' an and Changzhou cities, which showed a greater comprehensive technical efficiency, and a large fluctuation was observed in the growth rate of technical progress in Yancheng, Nanjing, Huai ' an and Yangzhou cities.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a continuous improvement in the technical level of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province, and technical application and supervision and management capacity also show a steady increase. In addition, the application of new techniques and new strategies contributes greatly to TFP growth. In the future, the investment into new techniques and new strategies should be increased to ensure the sustainable schistosomiasis control in Jiangsu Province.