[The correlation between the hearing frequency and staging of Meniere's disease]

Objective: To study the relationship between the average hearing of different frequencies and the audiometry staging in patients with Meniere's disease. Methods: A total of 259 patients from 1996 to 2016 were collected .All patients underwent pure tone audiometry, of which 93 patients underwent 3 000 Hz audiometry. The patients were divided into five groups according to the frequencies of hearing(Ⅰ: 500, 1 000, 2 000, 3 000 Hz; Ⅱ: 250, 500, 1 000, 2 000, 3 000 Hz; Ⅲ: 250, 500, 1 000, 2 000; Ⅳ: 500, 1 000, 2 000, 4 000 Hz; Ⅴ: 500, 1 000, 2 000 Hz), then calculated the average audiometry and made the hearing staging. The obtained data were analyzed by chi-square test and Bonferroni correction was performed among the groups, P<0.05 was defined as a statistically significant criterion. Result: There were no significant difference between the five groups(P=0.441>0.05). Conclusions: The choice of different pure tone audiometry frequency has no significant effect on the hearing staging. It would be more likely upstaging when plus 250 Hz. There is no statistically significant difference in staging between the latest guidelines and the 1995 guidelines.500, 1 000 and 2 000 Hz are recommended when 3 000 Hz examine is not available.

Robotic renal cyst decortication with calyceal diverticulectomy in a toddler - technical practicalities: a case report

Background

Incidence of simultaneous renal cyst with calyceal diverticula in contralateral kidney is rare in children. A minimally invasive procedure in different sittings is often recommended.

Case presentation

A Chinese 15-month-old boy presented to the Urology department of a tertiary care center with right flank pain. He was subjected to magnetic resonance urography and was diagnosed as having right renal cyst and contralateral calyceal diverticula. He underwent robotic cyst decortication and calyceal diverticulectomy using da Vinci robot. His postoperative period was uneventful. He was discharged on fifth postoperative day. Histopathology was consistent with simple renal cyst.

Conclusions

Robotic combined cyst decortication and contralateral diverticulectomy is feasible in selected small children. However, it demands adequate technical skill and experience.

[Outcomes of micro-TESE combined with ICSI for non-obstructive azoospermia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinicaleffects of micro-dissection of testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and its combination with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the treatment of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 130 NOA patients treated between December 2015 and December 2017, including36 cases of idiopathic NOA, 22 cases of idiopathic NOA with small testis, 18 cases of Klinefelter syndrome, 46 cases of surgically treated cryptorchidism and 8 cases of AZFc microdeletion.All the patients underwent micro-TESE and 29 of them with sperm received micro-TESE + ICSI. We observed the changes in the postoperative serum T level, analyzed the influences of different types of NOA and testicular pathology on the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) and the outcomes of ICSI.

RESULTS

All the micro-TESE operations were successfully completed. The SRR was significantly higher in those surgically treated for cryptorchidism (60.9%) than in the other NOA groups (P<0.05), withstatistically significant differencesnot among the latter groups (P>0.05) but among differenttypes of testicular pathology (P<0.05), the highest in the hypospermatogenesis group (100%), very low in those with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (11.8%), and the lowest in the cases of spermatogenesis arrest (0). The serum T level was remarkably decreased at 1 and 6 months after operation (P<0.01), but markedly higher at 6 than at 1 month (P<0.01). Of the 52 patients with sperm retrieved at micro-TESE, 29 of their spouses received ICSI, resulting in 17 pregnancies, 6 live births, and 6 spontaneous abortions.

CONCLUSIONS

Micro-TESE is an effective method for the treatment of NOA, and its combination with ICSI can help the NOA patients obtain their genetic offspring.

[Screening of the SETX gene in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients of Chinese origin]

Objective: To investigate all coding regions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related gene Senataxin (SETX) in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients of Chinese origin. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2014, the peripheral venous blood samples and clinical data were collected from 311 patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) and 311 healthy controls who were of Chinese ancestry from the Department of Neurology, Chinese PLA General Hospital.Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood of all participants using standard methods. The coding regions of SETX were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and screened for mutations using next-generation sequencing technology. The online software SIFT and PolyPhen-2 were used to analyze the conservation of an altered amino acid and predict the potential pathogenicity of identified mutations. The SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the clinical feature of all participants. Results: Tenkinds of rare and one novel nonsynonymous mutations were identified and were absent in 311 controls. Twelve (3.86%) patients carried one SETX gene mutation. Five (1.61%) out of above-mentioned 12 patients carried highly pathogenic mutations including p. Pro1868Leu (c.5603G>A), p. Pro1331Leu (c.3992G>A), p. Glu756Val (c.2267T>A), p. Leu564Val (c.1690A>C), and p. Asn144Ser (c.431T>C). Patients carried SETX mutations were not different from other patients in onset age. Conclusion: Mutations in SETX are likely to be a pathogenesis for Chinese sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

[Proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells regulated by gultaredoxin 3]

Objective: To investigate the effects of inhibiting glutaredoxin 3(GLRX3) expression on proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells. Methods: Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of GLRX3 protein in human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC5 and lung cancer cells, including A427, A549, PC9 and H1299. GLRX3-targeted siRNA (experimental group) and negative siRNA (negative group) were transfected into A549 cells, and the cells without special treatment were blank group. The protein expression levels of GLRX3, cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3(cleaved caspase-3), signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3) in each group at 48 hours after transfection were measured by Western blotting. The proliferation ability of differently treated cells at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours after transfection were detected by CCK-8 array. The cell apoptosis at 48 hours after transfection was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: The protein expression levels of GLRX3 in MRC5, A427, A549, PC9 and H1299 were 0.094±0.010, 0.282±0.021, 0.551±0.045, 0.423±0.039 and 0.454±0.036, respectively. The protein expressions of GLRX3 in tested lung cancer cells were significantly higher than that of MRC5 cells (all P<0.01). The GLRX3 protein expressions in blank group, negative control group and experimental group at 48 hours after transfection were 0.311±0.029, 0.328±0.032 and 0.103±0.012, respectively. GLRX3 protein expression level of experimental group in A549 cells was significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.01), whilewithout statistical difference between the negative group and blank group (P>0.05). A values of experimental group at 24, 48 and 72 hours after transfection in A549 cells were significantly different from those of blank group (all P<0.01). Percent of apoptotic cells in the experimental group was (9.52±0.56)%, which was significantly higher than that of blank group [(1.65±0.22)%] and negative control group [(1.42±0.26)%, all P<0.01]. Consistently, compared with blank group, the cleaved caspase-3 markedly increased in the experimental group (P<0.01). The protein expression of p-STAT3 in the experimental group was significantly lower than the blank group (P<0.01), while no significant difference of STAT3 protein expression was observed among all the groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Inhibition of GLRX3 gene expression can inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells and induce cell apoptosis through up-regulating cleaved caspase-3 expression and down-regulating STAT3 signaling pathway.

The dendritic spine morphogenic effects of repeated cocaine use occur through the regulation of serum response factor signaling

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a primary brain reward region composed predominantly of medium spiny neurons (MSNs). In response to early withdrawal from repeated cocaine administration, de novo dendritic spine formation occurs in NAc MSNs. Much evidence indicates that this new spine formation facilitates the rewarding properties of cocaine. Early withdrawal from repeated cocaine also produces dramatic alterations in the transcriptome of NAc MSNs, but how such alterations influence cocaine's effects on dendritic spine formation remain unclear. Studies in non-neuronal cells indicate that actin cytoskeletal regulatory pathways in nuclei have a direct role in the regulation of gene transcription in part by controlling the access of co-activators to their transcription factor partners. In particular, actin state dictates the interaction between the serum response factor (SRF) transcription factor and one of its principal co-activators, MAL. Here we show that cocaine induces alterations in nuclear F-actin signaling pathways in the NAc with associated changes in the nuclear subcellular localization of SRF and MAL. Using in vivo optogenetics, the brain region-specific inputs to the NAc that mediate these nuclear changes are investigated. Finally, we demonstrate that regulated SRF expression, in turn, is critical for the effects of cocaine on dendritic spine formation and for cocaine-mediated behavioral sensitization. Collectively, these findings reveal a mechanism by which nuclear-based changes influence the structure of NAc MSNs in response to cocaine.

[Effect of dexmedetomidine alone for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Objective: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine alone for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Forty patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in First Hospital of Ninghai County, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) gradeⅠor Ⅱ, were randomly divided into dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n=20) and fentanyl group (Group F, n=20). The patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps were used after the operation. In the group D, the intravenous PCA protocol was dexmedetomidine 0.2 μg·kg(-1)·h(-1) diluted to 100 ml in 0.9% saline. In the group F, the PCA protocol was fentanyl 20 μg /kg diluted to 100 ml in 0.9% saline. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at the following time points: before induction of anaesthesia, end of operation and 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 hours after the operation. The pain score on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Ramsay sedation score were recorded at 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 hours after the operation. The incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), respiratory depression, dizziness, time to recovery of gastrointestinal function (time to first passage of flatus) and satisfaction with pain control were also recorded. Results: There were no significant difference in the general data of patients, duration of surgery, total dose of intraoperative propofol, fentanyl and sevoflurane, and total fluids during the operation (P>0.05). No patients received rescue analgesic. The MAP and HR values at different time points showed no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). Similarly, the VAS scores and Ramsay sedation scale at 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 hours after the operation were not significantly different between the groups (P>0.05). The incidence of PONV was significantly reduced in group D, rating as 5%, comparing with 40% in Group F (P<0.05). Patients of Group D experienced a faster gastrointestinal function recovery, and the time to the first passage of flatus were (41.3±10.1) h in Group D and (55.6±11.4) h in Group F (t=-4.195, P<0.05), respectively. The pain treatment satisfactory score (PTSS) in Group D was (8.1±1.3) points, higher than that in Group F (6.1±1.5) points (t=4.426, P<0.05). Meanwhile, there was no statistic difference in the incidence of respiratory depression and dizziness in both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine alone at 0.2 μg·kg(-1)·h(-1) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy not only reduces postoperative pain, but also enhances satisfaction with pain control and improves the recovery of gastrointestinal function.

[Influence of gender, age and season on thyroid hormone reference interval]

Objective: Using clinical "big data" , to investigate the factors that affect the levels of thyroid hormones, and to explore the partitioning criteria for reference intervals (RI) of these hormones. Methods: An observation study was conducted. Information of 107 107 individuals undergoing routine physical examination in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 1(st,) 2013 to August 31(st,) 2016 was collected, thyroid hormone of these subjects were detected. To explore the test results distribution and differences of TSH, FT4 and FT3 by gender and age; according to the seasonal division standard of China Meteorological Administration, the study period was divided into four seasons, and the seasonal fluctuation on TSH was analyzed.To define the appropriate partition by gender, age and season according to significant difference analysis. Results: In male and female, the distributions of TSH were 1.779(0.578-4.758), 2.023(0.420-5.343)mU/L, respectively, and the level of TSH in female was higher than in male (Z=-37.600, P<0.001). The distributions of FT4 were 0.127(0.098-0.162), 0.117(0.091-0.151) μg/L, the distributions of FT3 were 3.33(2.47-3.74), 3.01(2.35-3.57)ng/L. And the level of FT4, FT3 in female were significantly lower than in male (Z=-94.000, -154.600, all P<0.001). Furthermore, males were divided into two groups by 65 years old and female were divided by 50 years old, respectively, and the distributions of TSH in male and female of older group were 1.818(0.528-5.240), 2.111(0.348-5.735)mU/L, in younger group were 1.778(0.582-4.696), 1.991(0.427-5.316)mU/L. The level of TSH in older group was significantly higher than in younger group (Z=-2.269, -10.400, all P<0.05), and the distribution of TSH in older group was much wider than in younger. The distribution of whole in spring, summer and autumn was 1.869( 0.510-5.042)mU/L, in winter was 1.978(0.527-5.250) mU/L, and the difference between them had statistical significance (Z=-15.000, P<0.001). Conclusions: Gender and age significantly affect the serum levels of TSH, FT4, and FT3, the distribution of TSH in female and elder group are wider than in male, and that of FT4, FT3 are lower.Seasons significantly affect the serum TSH level, the peak value is observed in winter. There are obviously differences between "rough" RIs and manufacture recommended RIs. Each laboratory should establish reference intervals for thyroid hormones on the premise of appropriate grouping.

Targeting AXL overcomes resistance to docetaxel therapy in advanced prostate cancer

Resistance to docetaxel is a major clinical problem in advanced prostate cancer. The overexpression of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) has been correlated with chemotherapeutic drug resistance. However, the role of AXL expression in docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer is yet unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that AXL is overexpressed and activated independent of Gas6 in docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells (PC3-DR and DU145-DR). Moreover, we show that forced overexpression of AXL in PC3 and DU145 cells is sufficient to induce resistance to docetaxel in these cell lines. Notably, genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of AXL in the resistant models suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, and these effects were significantly augmented when AXL inhibition was combined with docetaxel treatment. Mechanistically, we found that AXL inhibition led to reversion of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and decreased the expression of ATP-binding cassette B1 (ABCB1). Overall, our results identify AXL as an important mediator of docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer. We propose that AXL-targeted therapy, in combination with docetaxel, has the potential to improve the response to docetaxel therapy and reduce resistance induced by prolonged docetaxel therapy in prostate cancer.

Multivariate model for predicting semen cryopreservation outcomes in a human sperm bank

Semen cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, but it reduces sperm quality dramatically. The aim of this study was to develop a model using basal semen quality to predict the outcome of postthaw semen parameters and improve the efficiency of cryopreservation in a human sperm bank. Basal semen parameters of 180 samples were evaluated in the first stage, and a multiple logistic regression analysis involving a backward elimination selection procedure was applied to select independent predictors. After a comprehensive analysis of all results, we developed a new model to assess the freezability of sperm. Progressive motility (PR), straight-line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) were included in our model. A greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained in our model when compared with other indicators. In the second stage of our study, samples that satisfied the new model were selected to undergo freeze–thawing. Compared with the first stage, the rate of good freezability was increased significantly (94% vs 67%, P = 0.003). By determining basal semen quality, we have developed a new model to improve the efficiency of cryopreservation in a human sperm bank.

[Clinical application of the disposable vasographic interventional therapy kit in vasoseminal vesiculography]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the success rate and safety of percutaneous vasoseminal vesiculography with the disposable vasographic interventional therapy kit (VITK).

METHODS

This study included ninety-six 19－65 (mean 43) years old male patients with infertility, hematospermia, seminal vesicle cyst, ejaculatory duct cyst, ejaculatory dysfunction, or vas deferens injury, with disease courses varying from 1 month to 7 years. With an open, multi-centered, single-group, self-controlled design and using the disposable VITK, we treated the patients by percutaneous vasoseminal vesiculography via injection of contrast medium into the vas deferens cavity under local anesthesia.

RESULTS

Percutaneous vasoseminal vesiculography was successfully performed in 92 (97.87%) of the patients, which revealed abnormal seminal ducts in 51 cases (54.3%). Among the 28 infertile patients, 3 were found with bilateral and 5 with unilateral vas deferens obstruction. Vesiculitis was detected in 36 (81.8%) of the 44 hematospermia patients and bilateral vas deferens abnormality in 5 (38.5%) of the 13 patients with ejaculatory dysfunction. Transectional damage was observed in 2 patients with vas deferens injury induced by bilateral inguinal hernia repair. Three cases of seminal vesicle cyst and 4 cases of ejaculatory cyst were definitely diagnosed by vasoseminal vesiculography.

CONCLUSIONS

The disposable vasographic interventional therapy kit, with the advantages of simple operation and high safety, deserves a wide clinical application in vasoseminal vesiculography.

[Clinical observation on the evolution process of macular ganglion cell complex and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer of neuritis patients]

Objective: To discuss the dynamic changes and correlation of macular ganglion cell (mGCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) of neuritis patients through optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: A retrospective case series study. Eleven eyes from 11 patients who have been diagnosed with neuritis and received regular follow-up during June 2013 through June 2015 were included. The dynamic characteristic changes of mGCC and pRNFL over the course of disease, as well as their correlations between best visual acuity and visual field have been analyzed based on OCT measurements. Results: According to the observation on the 11 eyes of the 11 patients, patients showed symptoms of decreased vision, abnormal visual field, swollen mGCC and pRNFL with normal or increased thickness during the subnormal period. During the advance-separation period (around 3 weeks), the thickness of mGCC decreased resulting from atrophy while pRNFL was still swollen. Druing the late period (usually 6-8 weeks after onset of the disease), both mGCC and pRNFL were getting thinner due to atrophy. Vision acuity and visual field of the patients improved after treatment, however, they were still not comparable with the normal level before the disease. Conclusions: The thickness changes of mGCC and pRNFL differs in neuritis patients over time. OCT can help us in detecting these changes, thus provide a foundation for us to further explore the treatment and anatomical changes of neuritis patients. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 62-68).

Development of a data-processing method based on Bayesian k-means clustering to discriminate aneugens and clastogens in a high-content micronucleus assay

Genotoxicants can be identified as aneugens and clastogens through a micronucleus (MN) assay. The current high-content screening-based MN assays usually discriminate an aneugen from a clastogen based on only one parameter, such as the MN size, intensity, or morphology, which yields low accuracies (70-84%) because each of these parameters may contribute to the results. Therefore, the development of an algorithm that can synthesize high-dimensionality data to attain comparative results is important. To improve the automation and accuracy of detection using the current parameter-based mode of action (MoA), the MN MoA signatures of 20 chemicals were systematically recruited in this study to develop an algorithm. The results of the algorithm showed very good agreement (93.58%) between the prediction and reality, indicating that the proposed algorithm is a validated analytical platform for the rapid and objective acquisition of genotoxic MoA messages.

Insulin-like growth factor-I induces chemoresistence to docetaxel by inhibiting miR-143 in human prostate cancer

Elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are associated with carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms by which IGF-I promotes prostate cancer development remain to be elucidated. Docetaxel chemotherapy is an important therapeutic strategy in many types of human cancers including prostate cancer. In this study, we showed that IGF-I rendered PC-3 and DU145 cells more resistant to docetaxel treatment. IGF-I treatment decreased miR-143 expression, but increased the expression levels of IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), direct targets of miR-143. Overexpression of miR-143 abolished IGF-I-induced chemoresistance to docetaxel treatment, decreased expression levels of IGF-I, IRS1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in prostate cancer cell lines. Furthermore, docetaxel treatment significantly inhibited VEGF transcriptional activation, whereas IGF-I treatment induced VEGF transcriptional activation in a dose-dependent manner. Forced expression of IGF-IR and IRS1 cDNAs without the 3’ UTR regions restored miR-143-inhibited VEGF transcriptional activation. Finally, miR-143 inhibited tumor growth and made cells more sensitive to docetaxel treatment for decreasing tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, our data demonstrates that IGF-I induces docetaxel resistance and upregulates IGF-IR and IRS1 expression through miR-143 downregulation, whereas miR-143 acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting its targets IGF-IR and IRS1.

A feature fusion system for basal cell carcinoma detection through data-driven feature learning and patient profile

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, which is highly damaging in its advanced stages. Computer-aided techniques provide a feasible option for early detection of BCC. However, automated BCC detection techniques immensely rely on handcrafting high-level precise features. Such features are not only computationally complex to design but can also represent a very limited aspect of the lesion characteristics. This paper proposes an automated BCC detection technique that directly learns the features from image data, eliminating the need for handcrafted feature design.

METHODS

The proposed method is composed of 2 parts. First, an unsupervised feature learning framework is proposed which attempts to learn hidden characteristics of the data including vascular patterns directly from the images. This is done through the design of a sparse autoencoder (SAE). After the unsupervised learning, we treat each of the learned kernel weights of the SAE as a filter. Convolving each filter with the lesion image yields a feature map. Feature maps are condensed to reduce the dimensionality and are further integrated with patient profile information. The overall features are then fed into a softmax classifier for BCC classification.

RESULTS

On a set of 1199 BCC images, the proposed framework achieved an area under the curve of 91.1%, while the visualization of learned features confirmed meaningful clinical interpretation of the features.

CONCLUSION

The proposed framework provides a non-invasive fast BCC detection tool that incorporates both dermoscopic lesional features and clinical patient information, without the need for complex handcrafted feature extraction.

[The efficacy and safety of insulin degludec versus insulin glargine in insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes: results of a Chinese cohort from a multinational randomized controlled trial]

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of insulin degludec (IDeg) with those of insulin glargine (IGlar) in insulin-naive subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods: This was a 26-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, treat-to-target trial in 560 Chinese subjects with T2DM (men/women: 274/263, mean age 56 years, mean diabetes duration 7 years) inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs). Subjects were randomized 2∶1 to once-daily IDeg (373 subjects) or IGlar(187 subjects), both in combination with metformin. The primary endpoint was changes from baseline in glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) after 26 weeks. Results: Mean HbA1c decreased from 8.2% in both groups to 6.9% in IDeg and 7.0% in IGlar, respectively. Estimated treatment difference (ETD) of IDeg-IGlar in change from baseline was -0.10% points (95%CI-0.25-0.05). The proportion of subjects achieving HbA1c<7.0% was 56.3%and 49.7% with IDeg and IGlar, respectively [estimated odds ratio of IDeg/IGlar: 1.26(95%CI 0.88-1.82)]. Numerically lower rateof overall confirmed hypoglycaemia and statistically significantly lower nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemia were associated with IDeg compared with IGlar, respectively [estimated rateratio of IDeg/IGlar 0.69(95%CI 0.46-1.03), and 0.43(95%CI 0.19-0.97)]. No differences in other safety parameters were found between the two groups. Conclusions: IDeg was non-inferior to IGlar in terms of glycaemic control, and was associated with a statistically significantly lower rate of nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemia. IDeg is considered to be suitable for initiating insulin therapy in Chinese T2DM patients on OADs requiring intensified treatment. Clinical trail registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01849289.

An Up-to-date Meta-analysis of Coffee Consumption and Risk of Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

Results of the association between coffee consumption (CC) and the risk of prostate cancer (PC) are still controversy. Based on published relevant studies, we conducted an up-to-date meta-analysis to investigatethis issue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protocol used in this article is in accordance with the PRISMA checklist. Eligible studies were screened and retrieved by using PUBMED and EMBASE as well as manual review of references up to July 2016. We calculated the pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) with random effect models. The dose-response relationship was assessed by generalized least-squares trend estimation analysis.

RESULTS

Totally, we included twenty-eight studies (14 case-control and 14 cohort studies) on CC with 42399 PC patients for the final meta-analysis. No significant association of PC was found for high versus non/lowestCC, with RR = 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96-1.18). In subgroup meta-analysis by study design, there were no significant positive associations between CC and PC in case-control studies (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.35) or in the cohort studies (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.84-1.12). Additionally, RR with different quality of studies were respectively 1.15 (95% CI: 0.99-1.34) and 1.28 (95% CI: 1.03-1.58) for high and low quality in the case-control studies; while were respectively 1.02 (95% CI: 0.88-1.20) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.57-1.14) in the cohort studies. When analyzed by geographic area, we found no association between CC and PC, with RR = 1.06 (95% CI: 0.86-1.30) for 10 studies from Europe, 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94-1.20) for 13 studies conducted in America; 1.12 (95% CI: 0.70-1.79) for 4 studiesfrom Asia. However, in subgroup analysis by subtype of the disease, there was a significant negative (beneficial) association in the localized PC (RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.97), but not for the advanced PC (RR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.70-1.16). Additionally, RR = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99) for an increment of one cup per day of coffee intake shows significant association with the localized PC.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that CC has no harmful effect on PC. On the contrary, it has an effect on reducing the localized PC risk. Further prospective cohort studies of high quality are required to clarify this relationship.

[Determination of cytomegalovirus IgG synthesis by the albumin correction in the aqueous humor of posner-schlossmann syndrome]

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of albumin correction in determination of cytomegalovirus IgG in the aqueous humor of Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) patients. Methods: Cases series studies. Forty-two patients (26 men and 16 women) who were diagnosed as PSS were enrolled from Oct. 2009 to Oct. 2015 at the Eye and ENT Hospital. During the same period, 20 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 30 patients with bacterial endophthalmitis or retinal necrosis were enrolled as negative control group and inflammatory disease control group, respectively. Aqueous humor and serum samples were assayed to detect CMV IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and albumin by scattering immunonephelometry. CMV DNA in aqueous humor was assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The ratio which was calculated as the (aqueous humor CMV IgG/serum CMV IgG)/(aqueous humor concentration of albumin/serum albumin concentration) over 0.6 was considered as intraocular antibody formation. Performance of differentiating control eyes from eyes with CMV-positive PSS was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. The ANOVA test, Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square test were performed to compare the differences among groups. Results: The detectable rate of CMV IgG antibody in the aqueous humor was 76.2%, 100.0% and 10.0% in PSS, inflammatory disease control and POAG groups, respectively. The levels of CMV IgG antibody in the PSS groups were significantly higher than that of POAG groups (Z=4.23, P<0.001).The positive rate corrected by the albumin was 71.4%, 3.3% and 0.0%.The corrected positive rate in PSS groups was significantly higher than that of the inflammatory disease control and POAG groups (χ(2)=30.38, P<0.01; χ(2)= 24.89, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 98.0%. The area under the curve for calibrated ratio was 0.942 (95%CI: 0.859 to 0.984) which was higher than that of CMV IgG (Z=6.19, P<0.001).The corrected positive rate of CMV IgG antibody (71.4%) was higher than that of CMV DNA (47.6%, χ(2)=4.003, P=0.045). Conclusions: CMV IgG antibody ratio which was corrected by aqueous humor and serum albumin could effectively improve aqueous antibody specificity in PSS patients. Furthermore, CMV IgG antibody ratio combined with PCR could improve the sensitivity of CMV detection. All of which help clarify the CMV infection in PSS in CMV DNA negative eyes. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 104-108).

[Expression of AXL enhances docetaxel-resistance of prostate cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of the AXL expression on the chemosensitivity of prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells to docetaxel and possible mechanisms.

METHODS

Using Western blot, we examined the expressions of the AXL protein, p-AXL and Gas6 in the docetaxel-resistant PC-3 (PC-3-DR) and DU145 (DU145-DR) cells stimulated with gradually increased concentrations of docetaxel. We transfected the PC-3 and DU145 cells with negative NC ShRNA and AXL-ShRNA, respectively, which were confirmed to be effective, detected the proliferation, apoptosis and cycle distribution of the cells by CCK8, MTT and flow cytometry after treated with the AXL-inhibitor MP470 and/or docetaxel, and determined the expression of the ABCB1 protein in the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells after intervention with the AXL-inhibitor R428 and/or docetaxel.

RESULTS

The expression of the AXL protein in the PC-3 and DU145 cells was significantly increased after docetaxel treatment (P <0.05). The expressions AXL and p-AXL were remarkably higher (P <0.05) while that of Gas6 markedly lower (P <0.05) in the PC-3 and DU145 than in the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells. The inhibitory effect of docetaxel on the proliferation and its enhancing effect on the apoptosis of the PC-3 and DU145 cells were significantly decreased at 48 hours after AXL transfection (P <0.05). MP470 obviously suppressed the growth and promoted the apoptosis of the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells, with a higher percentage of the cells in the G2/M phase when combined with docetaxel than used alone (P <0.05). R428 markedly reduced the expression of ABCB1 in the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells, even more significantly in combination with docetaxel than used alone (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated expression of AXL enhances the docetaxel-resistance of PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells and AXL intervention improves their chemosensitivity to docetaxel, which may be associated with the increased cell apoptosis in the G2/M phase and decreased expression of ABCB1.

[Influence of hypothyroidism on pregnancy outcome and fetus during pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of hypothyroidism on pregnancy outcome and fetus in pregnant women.

METHODS

A total of 4 286 pregnant women, who received prenatal examination in our hospital from January 2013 to October 2015, were selected as study subjects. The incidence of hypothyroidism and the influence on pregnancy outcomes and fetus were investigated.

RESULTS

In 4 286 pregnant women surveyed, 209 hypothyroidism cases were detected(4.9%), including 85 clinical hypothyroidism cases and 124 subclinical hypothyroidism cases. In health group, the premature delivery rate was 1.0%, significantly lower than that in clinical hypothyroidism group(10.6%)and in subclinical hypothyroidism group(6.5%), the differences were significant(χ(2)= 38.884, P<0.001; χ(2)=17.722, P<0.001). In healthy group, the incidence of anemia was 3.8%, significantly lower than that in clinical hypothyroidism group(18.8%)and in subclinical hypothyroidism group(9.7%), the differences were significant(χ(2)=30.949, P<0.001; χ(2)=23.275, P<0.001). In health group, the incidence of low birth weight was 1.1%, significantly lower than that in clinical hypothyroidism group(14.1%)and in subclinical hypothyroidism group(4.8%), the differences were significant(χ(2)=50.593, P<0.001; χ(2)=15.637, P<0.001). In health group, the fetal distress incidence was 1.9%, significantly lower than that in clinical hypothyroidism group(10.6%)and in subclinical hypothyroidism group(5.6%), the differences were significant(χ(2)=19.257, P< 0.001; χ(2)=12.357, P<0.001). In health group, the fetal Apgar score(9.69 ± 0.32)was significantly higher than those in clinical hypothyroidism group(9.25 ± 0.45)and in subclinical hypothyroidism group(9.28 ± 0.44), the differences were significant(t=8.823, P<0.001; t=15.175, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy has adverse influences on pregnancy outcome and fetus, and it is necessary to strengthen the hypothyroidism detection in pregnant women for the early treatment.

Upgrade of the tangentially viewing vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) telescope system for 2D fluctuation measurement in the large helical device

A high-speed tangentially viewing vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) telescope system, using an inverse Schwarzschild-type optic system was developed to study fluctuations in the Large Helical Device (LHD). However, for the original system, the sampling rate was restricted to below 2000 Hz due to the low signal to noise (S/N) ratio in the experiment. In order to improve the S/N ratio, upgrade of the system was made. With this upgraded optical system, the maximum framing rate is improved to 6000 fps with a similar spatial resolution. Rotation of the m = 2 structure caused by the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instability is measured by the upgraded system. The spatial structure of the image is consistent with the synthetic image assuming the interchange mode type displacement of the flux surfaces.